Q2 2009 Norfolknet Notes, Apr-Jun 2009

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  • 6/30 11:13am To the Charlie Hewitt's [ardent fans]: Not neighborly? He doesn't live near me! Smear his reputation? I hired him and he did a poor job! I'm sorry, it's simply true! I don't wish him ill. How can his reputation be ruined by one dissenter, when he has all of you to passionately defend him?
    - AB (AB-G)

  • 6/30 10:15am Something Special is having a summer clearance sale. 50 to 75% off summer merchandise.
    - JA, Something Special

  • 6/30 10:12am KJ: For acupuncture I highly recommend Della at Metrowest Whole Health. I have received acupuncture services there several times and I have a friend who goes often. Della's philosophy is to make acupuncture accessible and affordable so she uses a sliding scale fee system. Her office is on Main St. in Medway and the phone number is 508-533-0808. You can check out their website for more information: www.metrowestwholehealth.com. Good luck.
    - MP

  • 6/30 10:02am TC and HD - I completely agree on Charlie Hewitt, extremely trustworthy and an all around great guy. He is in and out of my house all the time doing projects and I have always been very happy with his work. AB (AB-G) must have gotten up on the wrong side of the bed that morning since he/she posted more than one gripe.
    - MJD

  • 6/30 2:12am JC - If you are happy with Comcast and have the On Demand package then TV will not really be all that different. FIOS and On Demand are very similar. I have the "Extreme HD" FIOS package and the channels are very plentiful - really nothing is missing over Comcast except NCTV. Internet download speeds are overhyped, and you probably will see little to no difference in internet speed with a FIOS transition. Phone is... well... phone. I've been using FIOS for four months now and am very happy with it, but again, there really is no compelling reason to switch over from Comcast - FIOS and Comcast Triple Play (On Demand) are comparible services. To answer some of your questions - service is consistent and we haven't had an outage yet.
    - TH

  • 6/30 2:11am AB, we have been using Charlie Hewett for 25 years now and we can't say enough about him. Charlie not only does superior work, he's honest and he's the only worker I have ever left in my home alone with out us being there to do work.
    - DH

  • 6/30 2:10am We have to repair our septic system. I understand that a civil engineer has to develop an engineering plan after soil tests, etc., then an installer works from that plan and the work is inspected by a health agent.
    Has anyone had similar work done lately, and who would they recommend for an engineering firm? What was the engineering cost? Also, who would they recommend for an installation firm, and what was the installation cost?
    We are interested in getting a typical job, not necessarily innovative septic technology such as the Presby system.
    - BH

  • 6/30 2:06am For all those who wait till the last minute -- this is it... Registration for Lions Fall Soccer ends Wednesday! Lions Soccer is for boys and girls preschool (age 3 years old) to 12th grade. All games are played in Norfolk on Sunday afternoons. Registration is On-Line only.
    If your child would like to join in the fun, now is the time to go to the website - www.norfolklionssoccer.com - to register. (Financial Assitance is available - contact Craig K. at 508-520-0163 for more info)
    - HK

  • 6/30 2:04am To JC on Comcast vs. FiOS. I choose Comcast after having a very contentious conversation with the sales people at Verizon. I actually wanted to get Fios, but they refused to provide a sample bill or written quote. The conversation was very short and frankly, arrogant (on their end). I felt that if their sales people were so uncooperative, that it was a very poor indicator as to what their support would be like.
    Channel wise, they're about the same. The final package I negotiated with Comcast was very good (Verizon will not negotiate); basically, their $99 two-year deal with no activation fees, free install, $200 cash back after the 30-day sign-off period, free HBO for two years, and free HD-DVR/Set-Top-Box for six months ($15/month, thereafter).
    The sales people at Comcast were much more accommodating, pleasant and actually interested in having me as a customer. Hopefully their service will hold up. I'm told there are only 10 other Comcast customers on my street, so bandwidth sharing will hopefully not be a problem. My girlfriend in Franklin (at a 50-unit condo) gets about 20/4 Mbps (download/upload) performance from Comcast, and I know compared to what I currently get with Verizon DSL (1.5/0.1, yes. totally lame!), Comcast will more than fit the bill.
    Frankly, I am pleased to get rid of Verizon (I switched Sprint cell phone service recently and am very happy with that too), they just seem to have a real attitude.
    Ask me later today. Comcast is installing at 11.
    - MJ

  • 6/30 2:03am Can anyone recommend an acupuncturist in the local area? Also, does anyone have any success stories using acupuncture? My wife has been experiencing neck pain and we might give it a shot. Thanks in advance.
    - KJ

  • 6/30 2:02am RE: Charlie Hewitt. Great guy! Honest, hard-working, excellent work, fair prices. I would hire him in a heartbeat. AB, this is not an appropriate forum on which to air your grievances against an independent contractor. Lots of things complicate jobs, and it's overly vindictive to smear someone's reputation publicly like that. A hit below the belt, and not terribly neighborly.
    - TC

  • 6/30 1:56am We have 2 mini refrigarators with micro wave ovens attached to the top. This is a great item for a dorm room or small apartment. Will sell for $40 each. Call 508 528 6189 & can be picked up here in Norfolk.
    - TH

  • 6/29 11:42am Having trouble with the internet, I was unable to update with the last dozen posts. Will try later this afternoon.
    - Wm.

    Update 6/30 2:15am: all caught up, sorry for the delay! - Wm.

  • 6/29 12:03am I could not disagree with AB more re: Charlie Hewitt. We have had him do many things for us over the years and consider finding him one of the best strokes of luck we have had since moving here. He is a good man and has many local contacts among contractors that he utilizes. We have always been happy with his work and feel very comfortable having him around. I would recommend him without reservation.
    - AC

  • 6/29 12:01am Does anyone by chance have a wheelchair that I could borrow for a few weeks beginning the first week of July. My Mom is coming to visit, and it would be ever so helpful. Please email me at bbblackett@aol.com
    - TB

  • 6/28 11:22pm SF: I recommend Sunset Carpet Care, (508)-543-8025, for carpet cleaning. They have a truck mounted system, and do a good job.
    - CR

  • 6/28 11:21pm My son found a digital camera in the skate park at Pond St. on Friday, June 26th @1 p.m. Please contact the webmaster if you've lost a camera
    - KG

  • 6/28 11:20pm Computer repair - we have been using My Computer in Walpole for about 3 years now. All we have are laptops, and they have never charged us more than 90 to fix. I also would add that they have never taken more than 3 days to do so. Good luck,
    - NG

  • 6/28 10:57pm Hi Everyone, I am a well established child care provider in town and I currently have two openings available for September. I care for 10 children daily ranging in age from 2 months to 6 years. I have several assistants that work with me as well. I offer a developmentally appropriate curriculum for all ages with a weekly theme. Activities provide experiences in science, math, language, literacy, art, music, gross motor, fine motor, cooking and sensory play. If you would like more information, references, or to schedule a tour, please email me at mgudas99@comcast.net. Thanks so much.
    - MG

  • 6/28 10:50pm Hi, I've tried, several times, to contact the two boys who posted on Norfolknet and said that they were interested in yard work, but I never heard back from either one. Now I'm placing this ad hoping that there is some teenage boy, or girl, who could give me about 4 to 6 hrs. a week for some rather strenuous yard work. Weeding, digging, raking, mulching, planting, etc. I'm doing this myself right now and my yard seems to get bigger every week!! Anyone interested, please call me at 508/528-9725. Thanks.
    - BB

  • 6/28 10:50pm Ok. This is one that comes up periodically on this site, but can anyone offer insight as to whether Verizon FIOS is better than Comcast for the combined TV, internet and phone services? Any comments on the internet speed, TV channels, etc. is appreciated. Basically, I'm happy with Comcast, but if FIOS is better I would hate to miss out. Is the service consistent? Are there lots of outages? Verizon is offering all 3 services bundled for $119.99 for one year. Thoughts anyone?
    - JC

  • 6/28 10:49pm Why is the Superintendent's office moving to the Town Hall?
    - AC

  • 6/28 10:48pm Wednesday Night Movie, July 1st 7:00 PM, Community Room, NPL: "Mr. Smith Goes to Washington" with Jimmy Stewart, a great (11 Academy Award Nominations) 1939 movie about old time politics; plotting, scheming, and chicanery thwarted by a strange twist of fate. Sponsored by The Norfolk Democratic Town Committee. Bring some popcorn!
    - HM

  • 6/28 10:47pm SF - Repele carpet in Wrentham. They are excellent, local and are staffed by those who have an investment in the business.
    - BS

  • 6/26 10:09am LLB - Thanks for the info. I can't access the page; for some reason it's blocked on my laptop. I will check it again later today, but if you could e-mail me the details that would be great for the June 30th, or even a contact number of someone I can speak with. Thanks again, I really appreciate it. =) [Email box198@norfolknet.com]
    - SH

  • 6/26 9:25am To KG looking for someone to service the Toshiba laptop - I highly recommend PC Handyman in Franklin. His work is excellent, his prices are reasonable - and he can make house calls! info@pchman.com
    - JR

  • 6/26 9:24am Only 5 days left to register for Norfolk Lions Soccer fall season!
    - HK

  • 6/26 9:23am KG: I used Raven Computer in Franklin a few months ago to look at my laptop and was happy with their work. They're pretty busy, so I didn't get it back for several weeks, but they fixed the problem. I would use them again.
    - MP

  • 6/25 10:34pm Does anyone know how to register or find information about beginner youth cheerleading for 7-8 year olds? Also any information about girlscouts/brownies would be helpful too! Trying to plan ahead... Thanks!! - SH
    SH, I had to get this info for my girls... for Girl Scouts: A couple of years ago, I contacted Betsy S. at jnsilvestri@comcast.net to get my daughter into Girl scouts and she helped me find a troop that had room and sent me the registration form. For Cheerleading, you can check out this website: [nmmvikings.org page] and it should have all the info you need. Also, June 30, is 'paperwork' night for those starting this August. You could come and see what they can do for you. We already got sized for uniforms awhile ago. I believe this year Cheerleading starts August 1.
    - LLB

  • 6/25 10:33pm Can anyone recommend a good carpet cleaning company... someone you've had experience with? Thank you!
    - SF

  • 6/25 10:30pm Now, I know this is trivial compared to the issues at the HS, but I'm wondering if anyone else has as much trouble as I do getting the books I want! I virtually always have to resort to Taunton and New Bedford, two towns which are bigger than ours, but much poorer. I mean with all the space in that place and for all it cost to build, I remain astonished every time I try to find something, usually nonfiction, and I don't mean obscure tomes from 50 years ago. We seem to be full of these vapid works by women writers that are two steps above romance novels and can be bought on the cheap just about anywhere.
    - AB (AB-G)

  • 6/25 10:20pm Looking for recommendations for someone to look at a Toshiba laptop. Thank you.
    - KG

  • 6/25 10:14pm C Hewitt was hired to hang a new door on our porch. It never did close properly until my husband fixed it himself.
    - AB (AB-G)

  • 6/25 10:13pm JR: For your bike needs contact Alex at ajtcrank@aol.com. He lives in Medway and did a great job tuning up an old bike of my husband's.
    - MP

  • 6/25 10:12pm JR: I highly recommend Bicycles Plus, 391 E. Central Street, Franklin, (508)-520-1212, to do work on your bike. We've had great experiences with both purchases and repairs over the years, and they have a knowledgeable repair staff. They are fair, and truthful, about the condition of the bikes brought in for service. Good luck!
    - CR

  • 6/23 4:17pm Norfolk Summer Concerts on Town Hill start July 2nd! Come and enjoy terrific musical performances by local artists! Bring a blanket or chair and settle in for some great music. All concerts are 6:30-8PM. Concerts are free and brought to you by Norfolk Recreation and, in part, by a grant from the Massachusetts Cultural Council.
    Concerts will not be held if there is rain. We have to make the determination a few hours in advance of the start time depending on how far the performers have to travel. Call 508-520-1315 for updates.
    Thursday, July 2
    Southeast MA Community Band - Variety Big band Style

    Thursday, July 9
    Reminisants - Some of the best oldies

    Thursday, July 16th
    BC & Company - Swing, R &B

    Thursday, July 23rd
    Franklin School of Performing Arts Electric Youth Song and Dance

    Thursday, July 30
    Seed Racer - Classic Rock

    Thursday, August 6
    Ayla Brown - of American Idol Fame

    Tuesday, August 11
    Greg Cooney A children's concert co-sponsored with Norfolk Public Library This concert will be inside if it is raining.

    Thursday, August 13th
    Eight Misbehaven - Jazz

    - Ann Proto, Recreation Director, Town of Norfolk

  • 6/23 4:16pm MLS Camps, the official camp and clinic of Major League Soccer, will be conducting a camp in Norfolk for young soccer players. Norfolk Lions Soccer will host the camp on August 24th thru 28th. Players from all towns are welcomed!
    U4 and U5 will be held 4:00 to 5:30 PM - U6 will be held at 5:30 to 7:00 PM at the Pond Street Field.
    Cost is $75 - every participant receives a ball and t-shirt.
    Registrations are now being accepted - go to www.norfolklionssoccer.com or www.MLScamps.com or for more information email norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net
    - HK

  • 6/23 4:14pm I recently inherited a Columbia Cumberland mountain bike that requires some maintenance. Any recommendations for a place of person who does such work? Thanks.
    - JR

  • 6/23 4:10pm Does anyone know how to register or find information about beginner youth cheerleading for 7-8 year olds? Also any information about girlscouts/brownies would be helpful too! Trying to plan ahead... Thanks!!
    - SH

  • 6/23 4:09pm Babysitter available during the summer months! I will be a junior next year at King Philip High School. I have experience with children of all ages and love kids. You can contact me at nicky3213@aol.com.
    - NA

  • 6/23 4:08pm There has been all this talk about union negotiations beginning with a "wishlist" from each side and then working towards a compromise. Has no one considered that the real "wish list" for the KP School Comittee might have been across the board pay reductions. It would have helped balance the budget. Now that may seem unreasonable and was a non-startere but it is happening in many other areas through furloughs, etc. including the public sector. I am losing a weeks salary but will have to work those days.
    As many other posts have stated, by trying to make the School Committee out to be unreasonable by not being willing to budge from the "no pay raise" position, the KPTA are ignoring the cold hard facts. And their negotiating postion on technology spending or anything else is tough when the position is on cloud nine. Thanks for the help.
    - DCL

  • 6/21 1:34pm Just a reminder that registration for Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer Fall Season ends July 1st - If you haven't done so already, go to the website www.norfolklionssoccer.com to register - Also, don't miss the Major League Soccer Camp to be held in August for 3, 4, and 5 year olds - see the website for more info and to register.
    - HK

  • 6/21 1:26pm Can I vote "No Confidence in the Teachers"? Is it important if I do?
    It is the teachers who have changed from a professional organization to a union monopoly more concerned with their work rules than the children. What they do or say as a group towards management is therefore relatively unimportant during contract negotiations. How many of them are willing to work for free for a year? (Or apparently, even at approximately the same rate of pay after many years of raises). And if valid, why the vote of no confidence now -- instead of years ago, or before contract negotiations?
    I had both good and bad teachers in my academic career. It is sad that they were paid based on "years of service" rather than quality however defined.
    Oh, and by the way both my Mother and my paternal Grandfather were teachers in inner city school districts. My have times changed...
    - PCS

  • 6/21 1:24pm One addendum to my previous post. I have written over a hundred college referrals, camp referrals, job referrals, etc. over my short career. It is difficult to find the time in the fall as one of you said. It gets done after school and on weekends. No complaints. I love helping. I have also advised clubs gratis, stay after every night though I am only required to one night per week. I do this gratis. I have chaperoned scores of dances at four hours each... for free. I have visited my students in hospitals, comforted them when they were crying because they didn't make the softball team, listened to them after school when things weren't going quite right at home, and a multitude of other things, all on my own time. Most of us can say the same things and more. I will continue to do this because that is a part of what I signed on for when I began this great career. Please excuse me, but I have to say that the person who said "It's about the money, the union and their members are the priority, while the students are a distant second" hasn't a clue about who I am or what we teachers think. My spouse makes three times my salary. I don't need the increase. Personally, I don't want the increase!!
    I would rather the school committee put a hold on the extravagant technology shopping spree and bring back some of my colleagues!! As much as I care for and about your children, none of us will be able to do as much next year with over thirty children per class. The fall isn't here yet. Between now and then, e-mail your school committee members and tell them to can the technology spending for another year or two and do something with that money to bring the class sizes back to reasonable levels. If the school committee shows it really cares about the children and their education, and bargains in good faith, I'm sure there is a way out of this that everyone can live with. I hope so.
    - DF

  • 6/21 1:23pm To all the teachers in the Norfolk and KP schools, we as a family would like to thank you so much for all you have done for us this year. I have children in the Freeman, KP middle and the high school. I am very sad about the state of our schools and have been very open about that but I in no way blame the teachers... the teachers my kids have had (ok, a few were jerks) have been great! And when you say they are not here for the kids you are wrong... if it was about money they would be doing something else for work.
    - DV

  • 6/21 1:20pm To: STL & DA, First let me say that I am not on the union negotiating committee, and I am not on the union executive committee. When I list a post with my initials followed by "KPTA", I am performing a service by communicating information to the community from the KPTA. The web master wanted an individual's initials on every post and not just the initials of an organization. Therefore, in order for the KPTA to post here, an individual's initials have to accompany the post. I am providing information that the KPTA wanted communicated, and the community said they wanted to know. I never said "It is time for the members of the school committee to reassess their priorities and recognize our value and dedication to the children of the King Philip School District". That was verbiage from an official KPTA bulletin to the community in response to the "Connect-Ed" post. Those are words from a prepared statement of the KPTA. Those are not my words. If you want to attribute something to me, please look at only the postings that contain only my initials.
    I am printing the responses dealing with the negotiating process, and will forward them to the KPTA to examine and respond to. As an individual I will say this. I provided four job references at the very end of the year. I hope one of them was for your child, and I hope she gets the job (they were all girls). I had not heard of a single student that requested a college referral at the end of this year (although I'm sure I would not be aware of any except to me anyway). My experience has been that the "early action" requests begin in late September, and that the last of the requests end around December, although some late requests do come in after that. Further, I believe, although I could be mistaken, that negotiations are continuing over the summer. In fact, I believe they are meeting this coming week. If that is the case then I presume that if both parties arrive at the table and negotiate in good faith and with respect and civility toward each other, then an agreement will be forthcoming.
    Finally, speaking as a taxpayer in this community and only as that, I want to know where is the outrage that so many teachers have been given pink slips this year (2 more on Friday at the end of the day - both in the history department) when the school committee has publicly stated that their first priority is to provide a high-quality educational program for students, and their second priority is to give the highest budget priority to personnel. Their ninth priority is "provide for continued infusions and use of technology throughout the district for infrastructure, communication, and student learning."
    They are spending $640,000.00 on technology and $220,000.00 of that is an increase over last year. They will use that, in these difficult economic times, to replace three year old computers that are working just fine!! The computer I am writing this on was six years old this past Christmas and it is working fine. I would love to get another one, but it would be irresponsible for me to spend that money in these difficult economic times when this one works just fine. Most people tend to operate that way in difficult economic times. Your school committee, for some reason, doesn't get that. If you disagree with the KPTA, post your sentiments as you have been doing. I am certain they care very much about what you have to say. But also, please turn up the heat on the school committee. There is much more going on at the negotiating table than salaries and so far, the school committee has not negotiated at all, never mind in good faith.
    I hope this was helpful. I will continue to act as a conduit for communication on this site. I will always show respect for others opinions, as well as consider them carefully. I do hope I will be afforded the same courtesy.
    - DF

  • 6/21 1:17pm Happy Wet Father's Day to all the great dads of Norfolk.
    - KCC

  • 6/21 1:16pm I sit here and smile at all the talk about the high school. My husband was up in arms 4 months ago about the high school... no one even responded, unless it was to beat him up. Now because people need something "letters and such" Dr Robbat and the teachers are all jerks. What a joke! This school has been in trouble for a long time. No one cared then except a few. Someone has to take a stand! It should have been the parents! But no, it is the teachers that are doing it! Good for them!
    - DV

  • 6/20 12:11pm Teacher recommendations are a vital part of the college application process. Students asking for a recommendation now are actually doing a teacher a service by not asking last minute. As a high school teacher of juniors and seniors (not at KPHS), having to write recommendations on top of one's academic workload can be arduous, so I appreciate the advance notice. Indeed, students applying to a service academy are required to have a recommendation submitted during the summer months. That being said, I sincerely hope that the kids aren't being used as pawns in the ongoing negotiation process. I hope that both sides can reach an amicable solution that preserves staff and teacher positions during these tough economic times.
    - DA

  • 6/20 12:07pm History on The Hill - The fourth and last program in the June series is Wednesday night at 7:00 PM in the Gazebo on Town Hill. Weatherman says we should have a nice night and all this rain will be gone.
    Bring your lawn chair and sit and join us for another night of local history. The topic will be The Settlement at Stop River Falls. The authors of the study that was published by the Walpole Historical Society will be the presentors.
    Come and learn about the people , events ,and industries at the Falls from the late 1600's to World War II.
    The June programs of History on The Hill have been sponsored by the Norfolk Historical Commission.
    - BB

  • 6/20 12:05pm Heard the weather report, and I quote: "It's going to rain until Labor Day."
    - JW

  • 6/20 12:02pm DF - Please help the citizens of the KP school district reconcile your statement of: "It is time for the members of the school committee to reassess their priorities and recognize our value and dedication to the children of the King Philip School District" ... with the union demand for a 25% wage increase over three years.
    It is time to stop the charade.
    It is one thing to maintain a greedy demand for an exorbitant salary increase in the current economic environment, which while your legal right is clearly out of touch with reality, but to position it as being for the benefit of the students is downright insulting to our community. Union leadership has dug themselves a deep hole with their ill-timed and insensitive salary demands and has lost mainstream support in our three towns. Adding insult to injury, the end of the school year which is normally a time of celebration between teachers, students and parents, has witnessed celebratory events boycotted by the teachers. Where were the "dedicated" teachers at recent graduation ceremonies? Is that dedication? And who are the victims? The children. This fall, class sizes will approach 30+ as a result of the union salary demands. Again, the children are the victims. So going forward DF, spare us union propaganda about dedication and have the decency and honesty to articulate what we all know. And that is in the worst economic downturn since the great depression, during a time of mass layoffs, furloughs, salary freezes and reductions, the union and their membership believe they are entitled to a significant wage increase. Again, that is your right but that delusional action is forcing the hand of the school committee driving teacher layoffs and overcrowded classrooms for our children. It's about the money, the union and their members are the priority, while the students are a distant second.
    Thanks to you and the union for your dedication.
    - STL

    [The KPTA addressed the 25%:
    ... both sides initially arrive at the bargaining table with their wish lists, and over a span of weeks and months, they arrive at a reasonable compromise.
    - Wm.]

  • 6/20 11:37am Hi there - Could someone please ask the library to update the hours of operation on thier website? It says they are open until 4pm on Saturday. I arrived with my toddler today to find they had closed at 2pm. Try explaining this to a three year old... Thanks!
    - AT

  • 6/20 11:11am Re 6/19 6:41pm ... Some ladies just don't know how to drive. - PA
    PA - I certainly hope the "ladies" comment was meant to be tongue in cheek!
    - SF

  • 6/20 11:07am When you're down Casper ways, y'all be sure to check out the College National Finals Rodeo!
    - AR

  • 6/19 11:33pm Reading about the situation in our school system is quite disconcerting. I think it is deplorable for students to be told to wait until September for letters of recommendation. The students should not suffer in this respect, due to what is going on between the teachers and the administration.
    The union raise request is absurd, even if it is a negotiating tactic. The union should seek a new negotiator. If the post about the Superintendent is accurate, then certainly the administration has not acted in good faith either. As a parent, I sincerely hope that both sides can take a deep breath and reevaluate. Perhaps it is time for new leadership and if so, I hope that there is/are a change(s). It is also time for the teachers union to look at the current economic climate and become more realistic in their expectations.
    - CS

  • 6/19 6:52pm The multi-family yard sale on Spring Street Scheduled for Saturday June 20th [see post of 6/19 12:03pm] has been cancelled due to the weather forecast.
    - PN

  • 6/19 6:51pm KDM: I can not speak for the KPTA except when I am provided with a formal statement, or response that has been authorized by them. So, I am responding to you now as myself, and not on behalf of the KPTA.
    I can not think of many things that would be as painful as saying no to any student who asks for something that will help them advance their academic careers. For that matter, teachers also write job referrals, provide references for study abroad experiences, and many other things. At this time, teachers are telling students who might ask for a college referral to wait and ask in September because it is very early. So, no one is being told no right now, or they shouldn't be. They are being told to wait until the fall. All of us are hopeful that this situation will get resolved before the children begin asking. I hope this is helpful. If and when there is more information, I will post it.
    - DF

  • 6/19 6:50pm Union St. has the right of way. Unless that has changed since my moving here in 1966. But, just because Union St. has the right of way, doesn't mean King St. turners are going to obey it. Proceed with caution. I always say, if everyone just took their right of way, there would be a lot fewer accidents - and this means the well-meaning drivers that stop to let someone come out of a secondary road. Everyone has to wait their turn. The driver coming out of a secondary road will get a chance to go when there is a break in traffic. The other rule of the road is if 2 vehicles are coming into an intersection at the same time, the one on the right has the right of way. At a 4 way stop, you just have to look to your right; if a car is there, they have the right of way and the same applies to the driver on his right. Just try to get out of my driveway on a school day morning or afternoon or when a train comes into town. You'll learn how to wait your turn in a hurry.
    - JW

  • 6/19 6:45pm
    KPTA Response to the King Philip School Committee's public disclosure of the current negotiations of the teachers' contract

    The history of negotiations in the King Philip Regional School District is that both sides initially arrive at the bargaining table with their wish lists, and over a span of weeks and months, they arrive at a reasonable compromise. For example, over the last twenty years or so, teacher raises have averaged around 3% during both good and bad economic times. This year sensible compromise on the part of the school committee has been tough to detect. The KPTA has made major concessions from within our own contract, including stipend cuts for positions that are largely held by teachers, such as Curriculum Team Leaders, club advisors, coaches and music, the elimination of a $50,000 account for teacher course reimbursements, and the elimination of the $70,160 in-house detention position of Student Success Leader as a means to fund the contract for teachers. The school committee, however, has refused to reciprocate.

    School Committee Chairman Patrick Francomano has maintained that the school committee is currently trying to save teaching jobs with their ``frugality'', yet the currently proposed FY2010 technology budget of $684,000 includes a $220,000 increase from FY2009. We have been told that this technology budget includes funds for purchasing new equipment and making upgrades to existing state of the art technology that is merely three years old. The school committee announced at their June 8th meeting that they have already laid off eleven teachers, with the promise of more to come. These cuts have decimated the guidance department, eliminated the Health program, and bloated class sizes. In a time of economic crisis, the school committee has chosen to sacrifice teaching positions in order to fund their extravagant technology upgrades.

    According to the MA Department of Education website posting of the percentage of total budget allocated to teachers' salaries for every district in the state in 2008, the average percent for regional schools in the state was 44% of the total budget. Compare this to the DOE posted King Philip average of 39%. The King Philip FY2010 proposed budget only allocates 32% of the total budget towards teachers' salaries. The school committee claims that classroom teachers and class sizes are their highest priority, yet in comparison to state averages their spending indicates that this is not the case.

    The school committee's refusal to budge from its rigid freeze proposal, while insisting that the technology increase cannot be cut is a further indication of its contempt for district teachers. While they blame the bad economy for the freeze and talk a lot about their efforts to freeze teacher salaries in the upcoming school year, they don't talk about what we have already done. We have volunteered to take cuts in certain areas of our current contract for the benefit of the teaching staff as a whole. The King Philip teachers are not looking for a golden parachute bailout, we are just asking to actually negotiate at the bargaining table. The reality is that the school committee can afford teachers; they just don't value teachers enough to make them a priority. It is time for the members of the school committee to reassess their priorities and recognize our value and dedication to the children of the King Philip School District. It's time for the school committee to get back to basics and focus on what matters - student learning. Teachers are the core. Students are the concern.

    - DF, KPTA

  • 6/19 6:44pm Rob Abramson just finished our screened in porch and we love it. He is very professional, honest and gave us the best deal around. His number is 508-989-7913.
    - MS

  • 6/19 6:42pm Just so that everyone knows. My kids go to Freeman and H.O.D. I just wanted to let everyone know that there is an awesome program at the YMCA in Franklin, that they have before and afterschool programs. For K-8. They bring my kids to and from school and they pick them up on half days. They are also open for no school days and snow days. You can drop your kids off and they will watch them with no extra charge. So if anyone is interested please get in touch with me and I can forward you the information and contact person. heathmcc5@aol.com
    - HM

  • 6/19 6:41pm MW: You're right about people speeding. It's too bad the town can't up the fines for speeding, what a windfall that could be. It's too bad about your troubles at Union and King. Some ladies just don't know how to drive.
    - PA

  • 6/19 12:14pm Regarding the Middle school traffic - Is it just me? Or do common sense and rules of the road dictate that a car on a primary road has the right of way over a car turning off of a secondary road? I am having a continuous problem with the intersection on Union and King. Each morning when I am returning from my AM HS run, I am cut off by cars taking a left hand turn from King onto Union. It never fails. Just because I put my left hand turn signal on to turn onto King from Union does not mean that I am signalling for them to cut in front of me... especially in wet weather. If you've ever taken a left there you have probably experienced a close call. I cannot tell people enough how many times I have nearly been rear ended from cars coming around that corner. Today I was waiting for a few cars and a school bus to pass before I could safely turn. An SUV got tired of waiting and cut me off while I was waiting for the bus to complete the turn. I was positioned directly in front of this person. They really had to go out of their way to get around me. Becuase I was in front of them and was looking toward oncoming traffic, I did not see them until they ended up in front of me. This person almost caused an accident. Please folks... use your brains! I have been driving a long time, but a new driver or one unfamiliar with the shenanigans at that intersection would not be expecting to be cut off.
    I would also like to remind people that although the school year is almost over now... there are still children walking along King street to the middle school. My kids have had several close calls over the years. That road is narrow and has many turns. You cannot see the kids on the side of the road until you are right on top of them. I drive it every day and even when I am looking for the kids, I am sometimes suprised when I take a corner. I understand that people are in a hurry to get to work after dropping thier kids off at the middle school, but this is also residential neighborhood where children are considered "walkers" to the school. I am begging all Norfolk residents to please slow down on King Street!!
    - MW

  • 6/19 12:04pm Congratulations to the Marlins team - winners of the 2009 Championship Series!
    The Marlins were 23-4 the whole season, becoming the first Majors team to win the KP Cup, finish in First Place during the regular season, and win the Championship Series in the same year!
    - HK

  • 6/19 12:03pm Update 6:42pm: Yard sale rescheduled due to bad weather
    - PN

  • 6/19 12:00pm DWL, You are correct. There hasn't been a single response from the KPTA to the "Connect-Ed" post. So you have only heard one side of that. I am certain there will be one soon though.
    As regards the vote of "No Confidence," a number of citizens have been inquiring about the details since those had not been made public. So, to answer those folks who sought the details, the KPTA posted them. No one from the KPTA is trying to hide anything. No one from the KPTA has a hidden agenda. The teachers are confident that an informed public is a positive thing. They believe that in order to make informed decisions and form valid opinions, all sides of any issue need to be completely revealed and debated. As amazing as that may sound to some people, it is the truth. If you have already formed an opinion without waiting for all of the facts to emerge and for both parties to have their story told, you are doing yourself an injustice. Please think!!
    - DF, KPTA

  • 6/19 11:59am Hello Parents! MON's Internet, Video and CellPhone Deprogramming Summer Camp for Teenagers is now taking applications!
    We are a group of behavioral psychologists that deprograms your child from their mass-media hypnotic frenzy and have been endorsed by Skinnerian behaviorists worldwide! For 2 weeks your child is taught to: fear the internet, video games and cell-phones and their ability to waste time, speak clear somewhat intelligent words, actually go outside and play and socially interact!
    We start the camp sessions by locking them in a sound-proof room for 4 days, so that their screams for internet and media usage are not heard by weak parents, then a trained Skinnerian behaviorist helps them slowly boost their courage to interact with the real world by allowing them to eat and drink, provided they push the right levers! Below is an actual testimonial for your perusal.
    Dear MON,

    Thank you for your help in deprogramming our little Billy. Before all he did was play X-Box and his grades, social life and personal hygiene suffered. Now, thanks to you and your camp, Billy is actually bathing and learning to make more than a few grunts when he speaks. More importantly, he hasn't skinned anymore road-kill carcasses in quite sometime! We can't wait to next season!

    Thanks MON!
    Signed, anonymous

    It's Truly Amazing! Be the first one on your block to have Deprogrammed Kids! So call this number 800-491-00076 and speak to our Skinnerian behaviorists today!
    - MON

  • 6/19 11:58am Referencing KPTA note from DF.
    DF: Is it true that the KP High School teachers are refusing to write letter's of recommendations for students who are entering their senior year.
    I've been told by numerous parents that this is the case. Last year my daughter graduated from KP and she was able to have 2 letters written for her by teachers. I guess last year it was OK but this year it's not.
    Who does this hurt the most... our children, the teachers or the administration? Please explain your position on this.
    - KDM

  • 6/19 11:57am Dr. Robbart should make himself available and answer the charges made. That list of accusations is quite disturbing, and his silence on the matter makes it more so.
    - TC

  • 6/19 11:56am Just wanted to send another thank you along to all those who donated to the baseball food drive on movie night towards the animals and for those others who have come into the station with more food/litter/supplies!! And also KF I did receive the donations envelope. The baseball movie raised more than enough to test, vaccinate, and spay/neuter one animal! It has ensured one more animal a shot at finding a home. Thanks to all,
    - HC, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 6/18 10:13am DMG--I could take a few gallons of paint off your hands. Please e-mail me at Nancyray147@comcast.net. Thanks,
    - NR

  • 6/18 10:08am Here is a plug for Medfield Tire, owned by Norfolk's own Doug Blake. I have seen other recommendations for him here and I can see why. Today, we had a logistics issue with cars and adults needing to be in different directions. Doug picked up our car on the way to his shop at 6am, rotated its tires, fixed some other issues, and had it back in our driveway mid-day. He is an honest guy that does great work, and makes the cost and frustration of car repairs that much easier to handle because of his accommodating style.
    - AL

  • 6/18 10:07am DWL, It would be nice to hear the other side. However, the superintendent refuses to meet with the teachers, the school committee chair refused to put a discussion on the agenda (or to be more precise, did not respond to a request to be put on the agenda) and the school committee chair refused to take questions from the audience because they were not on the agenda. Can't hear two sides if only one side is making themselves available.
    - LM

  • 6/17 6:15pm Hey, Norfolk Kids! Since 1979, Skyhawks Sports has led Safe, Fun and skill-focused sports camps and programs for youth. We offer many different sports--and countless ways for your child to grow. Our purpose is to teach life skills through sports.
    [Continued; see also post of 6/3 1:32pm]
    - DM, Skyhawks

    [Update 6/18 10:15am: fixed Continued link - Wm.]

  • 6/17 6:11pm Re 6/16 10:11pm Does anyone know of a local ice cream truck that I can call to come swing by for a summer kids' party we are having. We live on Main Street so typically we do not get the traditional ring of an ice cream truck coming around the bend. Thank you - JH
    Dear JH - Try Ruby's Ice Cream & Frozen Lemonade @ 508-889-2185. They are in the process of obtaining a license from the Board of Health and should be ready to go next week.
    - BF

  • 6/17 6:10pm DF, There are two sides to every story. Why don't you print the other side or do you not want the parents to know the other side.
    - DWL

  • 6/17 6:05pm We are having a multifamily garage sale on 6/21/09 from 9am-3pm at 3 Crossbow Road (off Grove Street), rain or shine. Lots of good stuff for kids, including toys clothes and board games. Also lots of seasonal stuff and housewares. This is our first garage sale since moving in 15 years ago, so needless to say lots and lots of treasures!
    - LC

  • 6/17 6:02pm During the last six months, someone posted that they were a SAT tutor and lived locally. I cannot find the post in the archives(we've all had lots to say). Can whoever that was or if you know who that person is let me know? I want to say the person's name was Sue. Thank,
    - BMS

    [Good memory! I found it at 3/3 2:20pm - Wm.]

  • 6/17 5:57pm Pink peonies and daisies in Norfolk.
    - GAC

  • 6/17 10:17am Hey Wm. - Sweet surprise with that top photo. Thank you! Smiles all around.
    - SO

    [Thank you! Love that photo. - Wm.]

  • 6/17 10:16am Hi to all in Norfolknet land. We are looking for any Little Tykes toddler play equipment, typically used outdoors such as a slide, climber, playhouse or cottage, castle or play table for our granddaughter. If you have any of these items or know where we could locate them, used - we'd love to hear from you. You can contact me @ joyceterrio@aol.com. Many thanks.
    - JET

  • 6/17 10:15am RG, I highly recommend Rob Abramson, he is local. He has done so much work for me over the past 3 months and I couldn't be more satisfied. He is very clean and efficient. Before I use any contractor, I always get multiple quotes - his are always very competitive. He does not add on and will work with your schedule, etc...
    - DMG

    [Update: Sorry - you can reach Rob @ 508-989-7913 - DMG]

  • 6/17 10:14am SF: I recommend Mike Figuerdo at Walpole Music for guitar lessons. My son (18) has been taking guitar lessons from Mike for a year with very good results, #(508)-668-0926.
    - CR

  • 6/17 9:15am To AW: My 16 year old son would be interested. Please contact us at ralight@verizon.net. Thanks,
    - ALL

  • 6/17 9:14am RG - I think Charlie Hewitt, here in Norfolk, is terrific. He does a nice job, he comes when he says he will and his price is always fair. He does a good deal of work in my neighborhood and he just finished a job for us. We have used him multiple times and wil continue to do so. You can reach him at 508-528-5675.
    - MJD

  • 6/16 11:04pm A number of folks have inquired about the specifics of the "No Confidence" vote taken on the superintendant of schools, Dr. Robbat. The King Philip Teachers Association has posted a summary of the charges on the KPTA web site. If anyone would like to read the document, you can find it by going to this link: kpta.massteacher.org/bill.htm
    - DF, KPTA

  • 6/16 10:49pm Free DVD on how to save $42,000 in college costs, distributed to attendees of a college seminar, this Wednesday, 7 PM, Norfolk Public Library, conducted by author and college financial aid specialist, Paul Lloyd Hemphill.
    - PH, Pre College Prep

  • 6/16 10:38pm Local radKIDS summer vacation week programs - The radKIDS Personal Empowerment Safety Education Program is a comprehensive safety education, violence prevention and self-esteem building program designed for children ages 4 thru 12.
    Children learn to recognize, avoid, resist, and if necessary escape violence, abduction and harm. Through radKIDS training they become empowered- learning to replace the fear, confusion, and panic of dangerous situations with confidence. Curriculum components include many aspects of personal safety including home safety, Internet safety, school safety including bullying prevention, out and about safety, sexual assault prevention, safety planning and realistic physical resistance techniques. The program is activity based, fast moving and fun!
    Locally, Seabreeze Safety Associates will be offering three programs for children ages 5-12.
    Session 1: June 23 thru June 26 from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. (June 23 from 1:00-4:30)
    Session 2: June 29 thru July 2, from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
    Tuition is $95.00 per child/per session includes a parent program manual and an activity book for each child.
    Session 3: Jul 1 from 1:30-3:30, is a return and practice for free class for radKIDS grads!
    All classes will be held at the AMVETS on Village St. in Millis Space in each program is limited and filled on a first come first served basis.
    A 501 c 3 non-profit education organization, radKIDS, Inc. is dedicated to providing proven and effective life saving skills for children by teaching them how to Resist Aggression Defensively (the rad in radKIDS). Since the organization's inception in 1998, radKIDS, Inc. has reached over 125,000 children and has documented many successes in the prevention of violence toward children. radKIDS, Inc. is credited with saving 50 children from actual abduction attempts.
    For more information about the vacation week programs, to obtain a registration packet, or to learn how you can get involved with radKIDS, please contact Karen Nardone at 508-314-8431 or by email at karen@radkids.org.
    - Karen Nardone, M.Ed., Instructor Trainer, radKIDS

  • 6/16 10:36pm Does anyone know anything about the SAT program being taught at the Freeman this August? Any info would be great. Thanks
    - NO

  • 6/16 10:35pm JM: This is not a black/white question. Due to my professional affiliation, I can honestly state that ... although iPhone has great "glitz" and feature-allure, it is most definitely a "consumer" (personal liability) device and not largely embraced in the enterprise space. BlackBerry is by far the most widely deployed, reliable and adopted enterprise solution for enterprise email (and beyond) due to: reliability, support, security, etc. If this is for your personal use, iPhone (particularly the new 3G-S) might be fun ... But if this is for enterprise applications, go BB.
    - JK

  • 6/16 10:21pm BA - Thanks for your question. Town meeting is the legislative branch of our town government. While the issues to be decided are published in the Warrant (the agenda for the meeting) the actual Articles to be voted on can be modified or amended on the floor of Town Meeting during debate. For this reason, absentee or proxy voting are not allowed at Town Meeting, just like absentee and proxy voting are not permitted in the state Legislature or Congress. I regret that we won't see you at this Town Meeting but look forward to your joining the debate at our next assembly.
    - Dan Winslow, Town Moderator

  • 6/16 10:12pm Can anyone recommend someone to mow my lawn? Looking for someone who can do it inexpensively but is reliable.
    - AW

  • 6/16 10:11pm Does anyone know of a local ice cream truck that I can call to come swing by for a summer kids' party we are having. We live on Main Street so typically we do not get the traditional ring of an ice cream truck coming around the bend. Thank you
    - JH

  • 6/16 10:10pm Hi, Has anyone had a new deck done recently? I need to replace our old deck and am looking for some recommendations.
    - RG

  • 6/16 10:06pm Have a basketball hoop with stand. Only 2 years old, fell this winter and plexi glass backboard broke. If anyone feels they can cut a backboard out of plywood or plexi, then its in good condition. Just come over load it up and go.
    - DMG

  • 6/15 8:49am Hi everyone, I just graduated Emmanuel College with a bachelor's in Psychology. I would be interested in babysitting or as being a nanny for the summer/fall/spring etc. I love kids of all ages and I can send a resume if needed. My e-mail is waldmsa2009@alumni.emmanuel.edu. Thank you,
    - SW

  • 6/15 8:41am All of these issues will be decided by you or, if you don't attend, for you.
    Mr. Winslow, for those of us who cannot make town meeting due to work (in my case) or other commitments (my wife's case), what recourse do we have? Is there an absentee ballot provision? It appears as if the questions are known. Is it in the town by-laws to allow for absentee ballots or is it strictly an oral Yay or Nay? Thanks,
    - BA

  • 6/14 9:40pm I'm looking to upgrade my old cell phone and would like some opinions on iPhone vs. Blackberry, especially if you have used them both! Pros, cons, limitations, problems, etc. Thanks in advance!
    - JM

  • 6/14 9:38pm History on the Hill - the third program in the series is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17th at 7:00 PM in the Gazebo on Town Hill. The subject is Squire Miller Fales and the Foundry at Stop River Falls. Learn about early iron-making, the foundry and blast furnace that were once located on Campbell Street by the Stop River. The weatherman is promising a lovely night. Bring your lawn chair, sit and enjoy the latest talk on local history sponsored by the Norfolk Historical Commission.
    - BB

  • 6/14 9:18pm Hello: We are looking to start guitar lessons for our ten year old. Any suggestions on instructors would be appreciated. Thanks!
    - SM

  • 6/14 9:17pm To DMG: Stony Brook would love to take a look at the paint, and take a gallon or two to repaint our restrooms. Please email at stonybrook@massaudubon.org. Thanks so much!
    - TH, Stony Brook

  • 6/14 9:15pm College seminar on how to save $42,000 in college costs. This Wednesday, 7 PM, Norfolk Public Library, conducted by author and college financial aid specialist, (facebook) Paul Lloyd Hemphill.
    -

  • 6/14 9:13pm DMG: The transfer station will take up to 10 gallons of paint in unopened containers, but if the paint is open or old you can try this stuff [paint hardener link]. A single pouch costs about $3.00. A full can of paint may take two pouches.
    - AB

  • 6/14 9:10pm NLYS Fundraiser - See these gentle giants up close for yourself. Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer is selling whale watch tickets for $25 (tickets normally sell for $45) - tickets can be used anytime during the 2009 season. Cape Ann Whale Watch has been voted "Best Bet for Whale Watching" by Boston Magazine's New England Travel Guide. The "Hurricane II" is the largest, fastest whale watch boat north of Boston with the most experienced Captains and crew. Trips last three to four hours and whale sightings are guaranteed!
    For more information about Cape Ann Whale Watches, visit their website at www.seethewhales.com. Whale Watching is a fun family activity! And Whale Watch tickets make great gifts for Father's Day, Graduation, and teacher's gifts. To get your tickets, contact Helen K. at norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net or 508-520-0163.
    - HK

  • 6/14 9:07pm Congratulations to Terry C. of Norfolk for winning the Cow Chip Bingo game this year at Founder's Day! It was a wonderful day over in Foxboro raising money to help the animals in the shelter.
    After Founder's Day it was really great to come home to a great outpouring of support from the Norfolk Baseball movie night! I got over to the FC school at around 10 pm tonight to find the water dept's truck 1/2 full of donations! Thank you so much to Karen F. for coordinating this, and to everyone who donated. It really does make a difference in an animal's life :)
    Warmest Wishes,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 6/14 9:03pm SZ - Um, good luck with that. Did you happen to attend town meeting?
    To the person who sent the unsigned letter in the envelope with the stenciled address... first of all, your opinions are not necessarily those of the people you sent this letter to. Honestly, your letter is offensive to me not only because it was anonymous, but because you took pains to make sure there was no link to yourself in the process. No return address, stenciled address? How long did that take you, by the way?
    I was also at town meeting, and I didn't see or hear anything to make me believe the selectman are actively trying to ``pull one over'' on the residents of Norfolk. In fact, I have personally found the selectman to be very receptive to questions and I find the answers to be thorough. Believe it or not, our elected officials, in my opinion, do have the best interests of this town at heart. Many of you may think this is naive, but I guess I am just not the cynical.
    There are certain people in this town, and you are seemingly one of them, that believe that any retail growth in Norfolk could only be detrimental. I have heard comments like ``we don't want to become a Wellesley'' or ``we don't want our town center to look like Norwood''. First of all, I would love for my house value to be comparable to Wellesley, but nevertheless, our town center is never going to look like Wellesley, Norwood, or Franklin. It just isn't going to happen. If you haven't taken the time, go into Town Hall and look at the proposed drawing of Norfolk center. It really is very nice. Norfolk will not lose its status as a quiet town simply because a few stores move into town center. And I completely agree with JN... frequenting our local jewels like Jane & Paul's, Gump's, Walsh's and the few restaurants we have, we keep those people in business and they don't end up selling out to larger chains.
    I heard the questions asked about the feasibility study for the sewer plant, and I also heard the specific resident's response. I don't believe he said you had to ``go to his house'', I believe he said the information was available to anyone who wanted it. I also seriously doubt the selectman would shut the door in your face should you choose to respectfully ask questions about this situation.
    While I agree that more information is needed, I am hoping some of those questions will be answered on Tuesday night. No doubt the same people who oppose any kind of growth in Norfolk will get up and state their cases on the ``no'' microphone. Your statement, ``the retail market has changed; plenty of retail space is available in other towns'' is very telling as to your opinion. There is absolutely no reason why development of the B1 district cannot move forward. Good for other towns for having retail space, Norfolk has it also and the town desperately needs the revenue. Why on earth are we encouraging businesses to go to other towns? We need to fill the empty buildings with viable and sustainable businesses. We need businesses to build on the retail lots available. Hopefully, with the addition of Walgreen's to town center (finally!) we will start to see more interest. I am absolutely sure that the powers that be of said businesses have done studies on the traffic and expected revenue from said stores. Otherwise they would not be building here.
    Norfolk, as it stands, cannot sustain the levels of public service, education, and human resources if something isn't done to increase the revenue. Walgreen's is a good step toward that process. I for one cannot wait to not have to drive to Franklin or Walpole to get a prescription, greeting card, sunscreen, whatever. I would rather spend my money in Norfolk. Building within the town is a good thing... we want people to bring their businesses here. Our house values increase, which would certainly be a nice change.
    ``What is the real cost to Norfolk taxpayers if a sewer plant is built in related construction costs, roads, pipes, fees, new employees, etc.? What is the real cost to water rate payers to maintain and eventually upgrade a sewer plant?'' Please stand up and ask these questions at town meeting. As for me, I am ready and willing to vote however needed to move Norfolk into the 21st century.
    On a separate note, anyone know what the delay is surrounding Cafe Pesto?
    Thanks for your time.
    - SF

  • 6/14 9:00pm Hello there... re: roadwork on Marshall St./North St. intersection - does anyone know what is going on re: road work at the corner of Marshall and North Streets? I sure do hope they are not planning on widening that intersection... It looks like they are actually widening Marshall Street, but I do not for the life me of understand why!! Almost everyone... every one drives too fast in that area... either going down North or turning from or onto Marshall. That really needs to be narrowed if anything!! The residents that live on the Marshall side of North Street do not know what is going on, so... does anyone?? Thank you. (It really is dangerous for pedestrians!!)
    - PRR

  • 6/14 8:57pm To SZ and others who are dissatisfied with the road conditions: First call the DPW and the Town Hall and let them know how you feel. Then make it a priority to attend Town Meeting and express yourself. The proposed budget for the road program again this year is $1. However, there is Article 26 on the agenda that addresses funding of our newly created Road Maintenance Stabilization Fund (created the 1st night of town meeting). The money that goes into this Fund can only be used for road repair/maintenance, not engineering, not for any other town business, just roads. When we want something we need to pay for it, and this time it isn't just a want it is a need, Article 26 is for an override for $200,000. It will cost an average home assessed at $400,000, approximately $60 more on their yearly taxes. I know that this is not the best time to ask for more tax money, but we need to start soon to repair our roads. The longer we wait the more they will deteriorate and the more it will cost to fix them. You or anyone else who wants the roads to be a priority can reach me through the webmaster. See you at Town Meeting on Tuesday night June 16th.
    - MAK

  • 6/14 8:56pm Has anyone who requested a real estate abatement heard from the assessor's office yet? We've been waiting patiently and even sent an email last week asking the status and haven't heard a thing yet. I thought there were time limits? Thanks.
    - LLB

  • 6/14 8:55pm Re: 6/13 1:09am Can anyone tell me how one gets the town to repave a particular street? I live on Freedom Trail which has been in deplorable shape for years and is badly in need of repaving. Thanks! - SZ
    You might try a petition to the Selectmen, signed by all of the people who live on that street. Copies of backup photos of typical potholes might help also, plus a description and count of the potholes, etc., on that street.
    - BH

  • 6/14 8:52pm Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer to sponsor MLS Camp for U4, U5, and U6 players August 24th - 28th - House an MLS coach and receive a free scholarship for your child.
    Back at the inception of the MLS camp programs, when there were no hotels or dormitory accommodations for coaches near the camp location, some parents of children attending camp, as well as other camp affiliates, offered to house coaches for the week. Over the years, the housing program has become an enormously successful experience for both the host families and coaches. In fact, most coaches prefer family housing to hotel accommodations. The typical ages of the coaches are 21 to 35, and while many come from the U.S., the majority are from the United Kingdom.
    Summer camp coaches typically reside in family housing for no more than the week of camp (typically from Sunday to Sunday). Host families are required to meet only two basic needs: a bed and use of a shower. (While these are a coach's basic needs, host families have frequently offered much more, such as meals, use of a washer and dryer, and inclusion in family functions.) This is a exciting and successful program where great new relationships have been formed - Many families who have housed an MLS Coach in the past still keep in touch with the coaches!
    For more information contact: Lewis Lines Regional Manager, Major League Soccer Camps Exclusive Provider of Strengths-Based Coaching Mystic, CT C: (860) 938-9180 O: (860) 536-9966 ext.2282
    - HK

  • 6/14 8:50pm Lions Soccer coach Peter Lespasio working with U9 players before a game on a beautiful Sunday afternoon in Norfolk.
    - HK

  • 6/14 8:46pm Attention Voters: Norfolk Town Meeting resumes on Tuesday, June 16 at 7 p.m. at the KP Middle School. School-aged childcare (K-6) is available from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for $5/child. If you've never experienced Town Meeting, it's a great opportunity to participate in direct democracy and make a difference in our town. Please see the attached links for a Voter "How To" Guide as well as excerpts from our Bylaws regarding Town Meeting Procedure. [Voter Guide "how to"] [Bylaw Excerpts]
    The remaining issues for decision include (1) whether to raise non-tax revenue by: charging for use of town buildings; issuing parking stickers for on-street and off-street commuter parking; charging the MBTA for maintaining the commuter rail parking lots; and a fee/tax amnesty for anyone who pays monies due by July 1; (2) whether to issue local fines for public use of marijuana in Norfolk; (3) whether to fund a road maintenance stabilization reserve for road repairs; (4) whether to freeze or increase wages of certain town employees; (5) whether to fund design/engineering services for a Public Safety Building; (6) whether to prohibit new construction from clear cutting trees; (7) whether to relax restrictions on political signs; and, of course, (8) the Town budget. All of these issues will be decided by you or, if you don't attend, for you. Anyone with questions is welcome to contact me at Winslow@virtualnorfolk.org. See you at Town Meeting!
    - Dan Winslow, Town Moderator

    [Update 6/16 10:20pm: belatedly attached the PDFs - Wm.]

  • 6/14 8:45pm CE - Thanks so much for the timely post, very informative reading. The KP 'wealth tax' is particularly troubling.
    - CI

  • 6/13 1:09am Can anyone tell me how one gets the town to repave a particular street? I live on Freedom Trail which has been in deplorable shape for years and is badly in need of repaving. Thanks!
    - SZ

  • 6/12 6:21pm DMG - I would love some paint for an interior bathroom and back porch. Email me and I will come by and take a few gallons off your hands. janhealy@comcast.net
    - JLH

  • 6/12 6:17pm DMM... I can not find your original request about Mexico and/or snorkeling. But, I am interested in eavesdropping on the subject. Can one snorkel in Cozumel right from the shore? I would like to go to a place other than Bermuda where it is easy to get to see the beautiful fish. Have never gone on a boat to get to them so don't know about that. Suggestions, please. Thanks.
    - JHR

    [The question was from 5/3 1:23pm, now archived [here] - Wm.]

  • 6/12 6:16pm DMG: Try donating the paint to a theater group, I'm sure they would love to have it. Try the high school, middle school or Walpole Children's Theater.
    - DMM

  • 6/12 4:37pm This is the Advisory Committee's Letter on the proposed FY 2010 budget to be discussed at Town Meeting on June 16.
    The Advisory Committee's Budget Letter

    June 2009

    Norfolk's proposed FY2010 budget was completed on June 12. The delay in preparing the budget reflects the substantial uncertainties at the state budget level. Unfortunately, those uncertainties are not completely resolved at this time and probably will not be until after July 1st. Amidst this uncertainty, Norfolk has adopted a relatively conservative basis for its budget, with state aid assumed to be about $90,000 above the level indicated in the latest Senate budget. However, it is important to recognize that the state's final budget could further reduce aid.

    You will be asked to vote on many individual line items in the proposed budget. Rather than comment on each line item, we focus on the budget summary and budget impact summary shown here. The budget spending summary shows the proposed spending on major categories in our budget. The categories consolidate related line items in the detailed budget and have been rounded. It also shows the change, in dollar terms, from spending in last year's budget.

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

    - CE

  • 6/12 4:34pm DC, I would appreciate hearing your experience replacing your water line. HM @ 508-528-1650, Thanks!
    - HM

  • 6/12 4:33pm Have about 40-50 gallons of paint. Some never opened, all different colors. Mostly interior flat latex paint. Can someone tell me where I can dispose of the paint legally or if anyone is interested in any paint - come and get whatever you want. Just let me know and I will meet you at my home in Norfolk.
    - DMG

    [I was told at the transfer station that latex paint is not hazardous; open the cans to dry them out, then dispose of them as trash. - Wm.]

  • 6/12 4:32pm To KPTA - What are you smoking up there?
    You should all be happy that you are still employed, unlike millions of other people in this country. If continued this town will be right behind GM and the UAW.
    Perhaps the KPTA should start reading the Herald (as the Globe may not be around too much longer) and open their eyes to reality.
    - RW

  • 6/12 4:31pm Just a reminder to lock the doors on your vehicle. There were a recent rash of break-ins and what I assume were attempted break-ins of vehicles in the area of town by the old airport. Of course if someone steals something from an unlocked vehicle I guess they are not technically "breaking in" but they are no doubt low life, thieving, scum.
    - DM

  • 6/12 4:30pm Hi JK, try Parrino & Son plumbing. 1-508-668-2936.
    - PP

  • 6/12 10:05am Annual Salesman's Clothing Sample Sale, Friday, June 19th 9-4 and Saturday, June 20th 9-1. 24 Robin Rd, Norfolk.
    Sweats, tees, polos, hats, more. Shop for Fathers' Day!! Also toys, misc.
    - PS

  • 6/12 9:54am Absolutely sickening when I read the details of the King Philip Teachers Association's position. Inflation adjusted 8% annual increases over the next 3 years? These people are teaching our children?
    - SR

    [No need to be sickened, that's an imaginary number, the opening gambit. Both sides know that the final figure will be a compromise. Publishing details of the process to stir up public sentiment is also part of the negotiating strategy. - Wm.]

  • 6/12 9:53am For SCS - Folks, can anyone recommend a good trail for running in the Norfolk area? Thanks.
    You can check out Caryl Park in Dover, or the Noon Hill Reservation in Medfield. Also, I bet the one of the trails at Rocky Woods in Medfield would do, too. Check out http://www.thetrustees.org/ for a bunch of places near by. Some are more for hiking than running, but something should suffice for you.
    - BA

  • 6/12 9:51am KC - Rob emailed me today to confirm some information about the water department program that you are talking about. Unfortunately I gave him some incorrect information. Fortunately the water department gave you the correct information - there is a 2 % interest rate applied to the cost of the projects. The fees that are waived are those that are due to the Water Department, which total $150. Depending on your home's electrical system, you will likely be required to pay a fee to the Building Department. At the time this was voted, the Selectmen decided to waive the Water Department fee, but retain the General Fund fee. You can call the DPW at 508-528-4990 or the building department at 508-528-0588 to discuss the details. I'm sure Rob will call me in the morning.
    - Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator

  • 6/12 9:50am SH - Donna's Tailoring - Cottage Street, Franklin. She is the best and has done work for my family for many years. I believe she has been in business for over twenty years.
    - CJS

  • 6/12 9:49am DMM - Regarding your trip to Mexico next year, I prefer Cozemel over Cancun. The snorkeling is the best in the Carribean, and I believe you can swim with the dolphins.
    - CJS

  • 6/12 9:48am JC - I see Miles trucks in our area - Norfolk and Franklin and I am sorry they did not complete the job. "Dirt Works" does excavating and finishes the job after the septic systems are installed. Jeff Carroll is the person to call (508)868-9539.
    - CJS

  • 6/11 9:41pm Can anyone recommend a good (reasonable) plumber or handyman? I am purchasing a new dishwasher and need someone to disconnect the old then reconnect the new. Quick job from what I understand. Many thanks in advance.
    - JK

  • 6/11 9:40pm SH - Norma Vendetti @ Itches Stitches in Franklin is an excellent tailor and seamstress. 508-528-0201.
    - JK

  • 6/11 9:38pm Last night I went to the Freeman Centennial School to enjoy my child's band concert. The kids worked hard all year and I was looking forward to hearing their improvement. Unfortunately, what I will remember most is not the nice job the students did or that we are lucky to have a teacher like John Fouracre introduce our kids to the instrumental program, but the rudeness of some parents who felt is was perfectly appropriate to allow younger children to talk, run, and roam around while the concert was going on. Some of the children were also frequently banging on the rear door as they would frequently leave the room and then re-enter, causing additional distracting noise.
    Perhaps (although I don't believe this to be true) some kids cannot be expected to know that during a band concert such as this, you should sit quietly and listen. But there is no excuse for the parents that allowed their kids to run around during the concert, or for the kids and adults talking during the performance. This behavior is disrespectful to the performers, other audience members, and the band leader. If I was Mr. Fouracre, I definitely would have said something during the concert, so he must be a patient person because there is no way he did not notice all of the background noise.
    I enjoy Norfolk and value the music program we have here and at KP. Last night, I was not proud of "us." It was actually embarrassing to witness the lack of basic etiquette and parental responsibility that was displayed by a number of our neighbors. If you cannot control your kids then perhaps you should not bring them to the band concert, as I do not think it is fair to subject everyone else to the distractions. I would like to apologize to Mr. Fouracre and the student performers on behalf of the parents that allowed these disruptions.
    - SM (another SM)

  • 6/11 9:35pm To Rob Garrity: I also have been notified to fix a leak. So far I've gotten 2 estimates... $2900 and $2600. This does not include any cost to fix disruption to landscaping, walkways or sprinkler systems. The Water Department told me if I use their contractor, I can finance it over 5 years with interest. Also, both estimates include permit fees. Specifically, what fees are being waived? And is the financing with out without interest?
    - KC

  • 6/11 9:34pm Can someone tell me what planet the KPTA "leadership" is living on?
    Hmmm. Wondering that myself. However, someone once said "Trust, but verify!" so I would want to hear the other side's version of events prior to coming to a conclusion. These could be the facts, with the opinion thrown on at the end, but I am not 100% sure.
    However, DXJ's point rings true. There is no more money for the state, town, or my family! I, too, took a net pay cut this year, as there were no raises, no performance bonuses, and an increase in health care costs. But, thank the Maker, I am employed.
    On the face of it, it does not appear the KPTA's position is tenable.
    Perhaps someone will shed some light on the KPTA's side of things - besides slamming the Superintendent's reputation, I mean.
    - BA

  • 6/11 9:33pm Folks, can anyone recommend a good trail for running in the Norfolk area? Thanks.
    - SCS

  • 6/11 9:32pm To JAS: Since the Walgreens building is not close to being completed, how can you comment on the aesthetics? To me, it looks like a building under construction. Are there drawings available of what the finished building will look like that you have seen? Just curious.
    - SM (Just another SM)

  • 6/11 4:50pm HM, I had to replace my water line last fall. I would be happy to tell you about it.
    - DC

  • 6/11 4:49pm I wish I could be as excited as some are regarding the new Walgreens. Is there now going to be a "slippery slope." What is the other store sharing that space? I'll have some sugar and try to get excited and happy. Yippee!!!! Yippee!! Go Walgreens!!! I'm trying...
    - JHR

  • 6/11 4:48pm MH - sorry to hear that you are being affected by this problem as well. For the readership that may not be following this issue as closely as others, as the scope of the problem became apparent the selectmen and DPW took several actions. Among these actions were to waive some permit fees for homeowners who had to replace services, and more significantly, to allow homeowners to finance the cost of the repairs on their waterbills, allowing them to stretch out the payments over time without incurring interest. We are trying to help as best we can for people stuck in this unfortunate situation.
    - Rob Garrity, Selectman

  • 6/11 4:37pm I just received this from King Philip High's notification system, which answers a lot of my recent questions with the school committee, the KPTA (KP teachers union) and Dr Robbat: 
    KING PHILIP REGIONAL SCHOOL DISTRICT
Message sent - 6/11/2009
School Committee Negotiations Update to Parents

King Philip Regional School Committee Negotiations Update

The current contract between the King Philip Regional School District
and the King Philip Teachers Association (KPTA) expires on August 31,
2009. A request to begin negotiations was received by the King Philip
School Committee in September 2008. Formal negotiations began with an
exchange of proposals on November 12, 2008. Meetings between the two
groups have continued since that time.

November 12, 2008: KPTA leadership proposed a wage increase of 28.24%
over three years (Year 1:5.08% cost of living plus 3%; Year 2: 5.08%
cost of living plus 5%; Year 3: 5.08% cost of living plus 5%).
Additionally, the KPTA leadership proposed language changes that would
cost an additional $300,000, cap class size at a maximum of 25 students
per class. The leadership also proposed the each teacher whose total
load exceeds one hundred and twenty students per term, will be
compensated $30.00 per additional student, per term.

February 11, 2009: School Committee countered with 0% wage increase, and
no step and lane changes for a one year contract.

March 4, 2009: KPTA leadership countered with a wage increase of 25.24%
over three years (Year 1: 5.08% cost of living increase; Year 2: 5.08%
cost of living plus 5.0%; Year 3: 5.08% cost of living increase plus
5.0%). Additionally, the KPTA leadership proposed language changes that
would cost an additional $300,000, cap class size at a maximum of 25
students per class. The leadership also proposed the each teacher whose
total load exceeds one hundred and twenty students per term, will be
compensated $30.00 per additional student, per term.

The School Committee countered the KPTA leadership's proposal with its
original proposal. 

April 15, 2009: KPTA leadership proposed a wage increase of 5% every
year for 3 years. Additionally, the KPTA leadership proposed language
changes that would cost an additional $300,000, cap class size at a
maximum of 25 students per class. The leadership also proposed the each
teacher whose total load exceeds one hundred and twenty students per
term, will be compensated $30.00 per additional student, per term.

The School Committee countered the KPTA leadership's proposal with its
original proposal. 

June 10, 2009: KPTA leadership proposed a 3% increase for one year,
along with a 50% cut to all stipend positions supporting ALL after
school programs including coaching, music, class advisors and numerous
student activities and eliminating the Student Success Leader and all
course reimbursements. The KPTA leadership proposed restoring the course
reimbursements and stipend positions after one year.

The School Committee is encouraged by the KPTA leadership's willingness
to work with a one year contract, with no language changes and the
elimination of course reimbursement for one year. Nevertheless, the
Committee cannot agree with the exchange of 3% raises for one group of
respected and valued employees for a 50% decrease for another group of
equally respected and valued employees. Additionally, the Committee is
not interested in short term funding solutions. The Committee is looking
toward more fiscally responsible solutions. Unfortunately, a one year
contract that provides for restoration of over $260,000 in costs at the
end of the contract is untenable. It remains the School Committee's
position that it continues to pursue a one year contract with no wage
increase, no step increases and no language changes.

The School Committee believes that the District's one year proposal of a
wage freeze with no step changes is in the best interest of the students
in the King Philip Regional School District. All children benefit from a
well-rounded educational experience. Co-curricular activities such as
athletics, music, and drama are essential to a successful educational
experience. 

It is the School Committee's responsibility to retain as many of our
dedicated teachers and valued programs in the King Philip Regional
School District as possible. A 3% salary increase would require the
elimination of the equivalent of 6 additional teaching positions over
and above the already anticipated 17 staff cuts bringing the total
anticipated cuts to 23 under the most recent budget projections. It is
the Committee's position that any money saved should be used to restore
teaching positions and to increase salaries.
    Can someone tell me what planet the KPTA "leadership" is living on? In the midst of the worst economic time since the great depression, let me get this straight, they are looking for an 8% increase in year 1, 10.08% in years 2 and 3, and an addition $300k tied to classroom size for a net increase over the 3 year term of the contract of over 31%. Not sure about the rest of you, but along the same time this was proposed by the "leadership" of the KPTA, I was informed by my company that they would be NO (0%) raise for 2009. In addition my insurance costs were going up over 50%. So this year my net pay has decreased from last, "read no raise". I am not complaining, as many of my peers and friends have been "downsized" out of a jobs.
    So often we hear from teachers and their union, we need to do this or that "for the children". I appears the true colors of the KPTA are they are currently "working to the contract", bulling some members of their union who are involved in extracurricular activities and looking to punish the children, in some perverse hope that this will convince parents to vote more money for the school budget. My only hope is that these tactics are not representative of the rank and file members, who my experience has shown are dedicated professional. While I sympathize with the teachers and agree they are deserving of a raise, as are many of us, the reality is that there will be no additional money budgeted this year, or probably next.
    For the KPTA to pursue this insane game of brinksmanship with the school committee and alienate their own members, parents the public and especially the students is in no ones interest.
    Come on KPTA, settle the contract for no increase this year and get on with being the professionals that we all agree you are.
    - DXJ

  • 6/11 4:33pm Yard Sale, Saturday, June 13th, 9-2 at 1 Hassler Road, Norfolk (Main St. to Short St. to Mill River Road). Household items, furniture, Ludwig drum set, day bed, lamps, pictures, etc. Rain Date: Sunday, 6/14, 9-2.
    - SS

  • 6/11 4:32pm Can anyone recommend a good tailor? I'm purchasing a dress that's a size 14 and need to get it to fit my daughter who is a size 8 in children's. (It's for a wedding and I couldn't locate her correct size and this was the only one available) Any recommendations would be very much appreciated! Thanks,
    - SH

  • 6/11 4:31pm BRC, I don't think I said anything about not wanting commercial developing in our town. My comment was around the esthetics of the Walgreens building. Perhaps you would have preferred a Walmart plopped in the center of our town (??) More revenue - right? I would love a town center that we could go to to do something - grab an ice cream, beer, some food, whatever. I just think it looks strange and not with the general landscape. I would love a Wrentham center approach, not more big box retailers.
    - JAS

  • 6/11 10:46am BH - the phone number for Vladis is (508) 528-8330.
    - BMS

  • 6/11 10:38am I too am very happy to have Walgreens coming to town. The building looks to be the same size as other suburban Walgreens (see Medway route 109 store for example), so I do not understand why people are seemingly surprised. It will be very nice to save some gas and time by doing business right in town, not to mention.
    - CS

  • 6/11 10:37am Regarding the big building, I think I remember that the new Walgreen's will be sharing the building with another store. Two storefronts makes the size more understandable.
    - DL

  • 6/11 10:36am Could someone please tell me the phone # for Vladi's (?) driving school in Norfolk. The number in the new yellow pages apparently is incorrect.
    To HM: I feel so bad for you with the water pipe situation. What part of town do you live in if you don't mind me asking. Seems like the town should offer some kind of help with that, but we know that will never happen.
    - BH

  • 6/11 10:35am CMK From an earlier post - same recommendation. Rug Cleaner: Repele - Terry O'Brien 508-384-1111 or cell 617-429-8103. He is on Rte 1A in Wrentham. Came and picked up my rugs (within a few hours of my call) and they came back beautifully clean in a week or so. I had a cat who thought the brand new dining room rug was her litter box!! I highly recommend him.
    - JLH

  • 6/11 10:33am Last chance for pre sales for Cow Chip Bingo! If you'd like a ticket please call me at work today and we can meet up. The only other way to grab one is to show up at Founder's Day in Foxboro this Saturday. ACO Thibideau and I will be there all day long preparing for the bingo game and talking about all the different things we do in our job, such as animal rescue, tree climbing, first aid for animals in different situations, etc. Stop on by and buy your spot! All proceeds are put split between Norfolk and Foxboro and placed into our gift accounts so that we may provide better care for the animals.
    - HC, Norfolk Animal Control, (508) 528 3232

  • 6/11 10:32am KM - I am with you! A. J., if you want to get my info from the webmaster too, we can put together a few families to make those meals. We would just need the details and any allergies or preferences. Happy to help.
    - MJD

  • 6/11 10:31am Re: 6/10 3:06pm Has anyone shopped around recently for a granite mailbox post?
    See www.swensongranite.com and visit the Medway location to see their gtranite products, or call for a price. See the pictures and descriptions on their website.
    - RH

  • 6/10 11:44pm A. J., I do not know of anyone local who would provide a home-cooked meal service, however, if you get my email address from the webmaster and email me personally, I would be happy to cook a home cooked meal or two for her. I have young children and would hope that someone would cook for my family if I was ill.
    - KM

  • 6/10 11:43pm That "massive" building will provide the town with a new revenue stream to offset the increasing residential tax burden homeowners face. I don't understand why people get so negative when it comes to commercial property improvements in our underdeveloped and underserved town. I look forward to the day when I can get off the train, run to Walgreens, and then head over to the Pesto Cafe for a quick dinner or drink.
    - BRC

  • 6/10 11:42pm College seminar on how to save $42,000 in college costs. Next Wednesday night, 7 PM, Norfolk Public Library.
    - PH, Pre College Prep

  • 6/10 11:41pm We were recently notified that we were one of the lucky 40 residents of Norfolk that have a leak in their water pipe between the street shutoff and our house. Repair is estimated to be $1,500 to $3,500, at our expense, naturally. The town will give the job to one of three contractors who will be doing the work. The will try to pull the pipe through with new pipe attached or have to backhoe it out the entire length. May have to jackhammer cellar floor. We have to pay separately to restore stone wall.
    Anybody have any experience/advice for this problem?
    - HM

  • 6/10 11:40pm JAS & RD - While I agree that the future Walgreen's does look large in that spot, I am so thrilled to have such a convenience finally in our town center! Twenty years ago when we moved here, the current location of Walgreen's was supposed to be an MBTA lot for town residents, or so our broker told us. The trend in town center seems to be to build large anyways. Look at the Pesto Palace! BTW, I'm thinking that Walgreen's will be open for business before the Pesto Palace.
    - EAW

  • 6/10 3:06pm Has anyone shopped around recently for a granite mailbox post? Looking for recommendations or suggestions on where to get the best deal. Thanks!
    - JT

  • 6/10 3:05pm Town Meeting resumes on Tuesday, June 16 at 7 p.m. at KP Middle School (and if needed, Wednesday, June 17) The Meeting is open to all voters in Norfolk and will focus on the upcoming budget, ideas to generate revenue and other important issues. We will have school-aged (K-6) childcare services available in the Library next to the Auditorium from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for $5/child. The COA will not be hosting its Bake Sale so I invite any enterprising community group that wants to offer food/beverages for sale as a fundraiser to contact me at Winslow@virtualnorfolk.org
    Today's Boston Herald, in a different context, offers this nugget about the importance of public participation: "In his magnificent oral history, 'American Dreams Lost and Found,' the late Studs Terkel told of riding with a cabbie who, hating his job and frustrated by his dysfunctional family, wanted only to talk about something he had heard on a talk show. 'Forfeiting their own life experience, their native intelligence, their personal pride,' Terkel noted of folks like the cabbie, 'they allow surrogates to think for them, to speak for them, to be for them. It's not what the American town meeting was all about.'" Come to Town Meeting. It's your town.
    Respectfully,
    - Dan Winslow, Town Moderator

  • 6/10 3:03pm JAS - I totally agree. That building is massive, much larger than what I anticipated too...
    - RD

  • 6/10 3:02pm Hi, I'm a 15 year old KP High School student looking to babysit this summer. You can reach me at 508-520-3001. Thank you,
    - AD

  • 6/10 3:01pm Anyone know where I can have a small (3x5) rug cleaned?
    - CMK

  • 6/10 3:00pm Norfolk Lions 1st Annual Golf Tournament. Hopkinton Country Club, July 22. Proceeds to benefit Norfolk Lions charities. 1:30 Scramble. Guest Welcome. $125 Includes Green fees, carts, hors d oeuvres, tariff. Cash bar. For reservations please contact Lou C. by 7/10 at 508 530 330 or wkproducts@comcast.net.
    - CW, Norfolk Lions

  • 6/10 9:14am This bird went missing yesterday from a home in the North St/Audobon Trail neighborhood. He is very domesticated. If anyone sees him in their yard, or catches him, please contact the ACO at 508 528 3232.
    - HC, Norfolk ACO

    [Update 3:04pm: bird's name is Napolean but answers to "Bicky Boy" - HC]

  • 6/10 9:13am SM: You are correct sir!! But like I said, it's not under control of the Conservation Commission. Perhaps you should be asking the Selectmen who should be doing the weed wacking!
    - AL

  • 6/10 9:12am KS: I have been very happy with Fernando Hair Design in Medfield. They charge $40 for wash/cut/blow dry, and the prices for highlights vary from $80-$90. Both stylists there are great. The phone no. is 508-242-3300 and they are located on Main St. behind the Subway.
    Another place I like is Noelle Day Spa in Franklin. I've never had my highlights done there but Noelle gives great haircuts.
    - MP

  • 6/9 5:42pm AL: 74 Park Street, Bush Pond (the side with weeds). You asked who controls that. Owner is listed as 1 Liberty Lane, Norfolk, MA according to public records. That would appear to be town property.
    - SM

  • 6/9 4:52pm KS, I've been very happy with Runways in Bellingham (on Rt 140, 508-966-2809). A cut is $45, partials vary depending on how 'partial' you want it - maybe $85(?). The salon is small, elegant, and everyone is very friendly. If you ask they will recommend a product; they definately do not 'push' them! Kevin cuts my hair, his brother Sean styles a friend of mine. Good luck!
    - CI

  • 6/9 4:51pm Am I confused? Are we building a Walgreens or Walmart in the center of town? Man, that is one large building. I though we directed builders to tone down their buildings to fit into our nice little New England town center. Maybe I need to wait to see the finished product, but I didn't expect something that enormous.
    - JAS

  • 6/9 4:17pm To A.J.: Sorry to hear about your friend and one of our fellow resident's illness. I would check out Roche Brothers grocery store. The web-site is www.rochebros.com. You can order prepared foods, desserts, and groceries on-line and have them delivered to your friend's home.
    To KS: I usually go into Boston for my hair, but have found a great colorist/stylist in a pinch in Wellesley at Dellaria Salon. Her name is Hind. She is excellent. Used to work at Daryl Christopher on Newbury Street. She is not cheap, but seems less expensive than what you are experiencing now. You can call and ask for pricing--781-235-0631.
    And, if you want to go into the city, Jana at Acote (132 Newbury Street) is excellent as well--617-528-1135. Plus, they have free cappuccinos. And I know that I pay less there than what you are paying at Willow. Also, they do not push products. It is easy to park at Copley Place and walk to Newbury Street. I only pay $15 to park for about 3 hrs. and many times I find a meter right on Newbury Street, especially around 10am. On Tuesdays and Fridays Copley Square has a Farmer's Market right in front of Trinity Church. So I plan my hair days so that I can stop there, it is absolutely fabulous.
    - JN

  • 6/9 3:09pm KS, I go to Philip DePalma in Franklin and if I remember correctly, partial foil + cut/blow dry is usually $100 for me. They're friendly, not snooty, so you could probably call and ask. Good luck!
    - JP

  • 6/9 2:37pm Received this email, thought it was worth posting, perhaps someone will have some good suggestions --
    Hello,

    I am from out of town, but came across your cool community website while conducting a search. I was hoping one of your readers could help me out. You see, I have a sick friend in Norfolk who has young children. I wanted to send her a good home (like)- cooked meal or two to her house - and was hoping someone could recommend a good source there in the Norfolk (or immediate surrounding area) who I could call and have them deliver it to their home? And suggestions would be greatly appreciated!

    - A. J.

    - Wm.

  • 6/9 2:35pm Anybody know a good cult my new neighbors can join? They are moving here from out West and need a good brain-washing and indoctrination into the ways of old New England. I was going to introduce them to one that tried to abduct me last summer, but I couldn't handle the conspiracy theories they laid on me about our government anymore. It was like being on the movie set of Mel Gibson's "Conspiracy". They all had some half-baked complaints about how they were being watched and had to take over the politic because only "they" had the right answer to "all problems everywhere". But I played along with them with my back to the door while the meeting-party went on for what seemed like hours and escaped unscathed - unharmed and un-culted.
    Yes, it's a sure sign of Spring when young lawyers migrate and nest in Norfolk. Then it is litigation season - year-round it seems.
    - MON

  • 6/9 2:19pm I would like to say a big thank you to the organizers of Norfolk Community Day. It seemed there were a lot more activities for the under 5 crowd and they were quite busy. It was a great day once again!!
    - BP

  • 6/9 2:18pm The movie that the Norfolk Baseball Association will be showing on Saturday night at the Freeman is Disney's "The Rookie". Come on down for a great cause and a great time! See the attached flyer for more information. [PDF flyer here]
    - DL, Norfolk Baseball Association

  • 6/9 1:52pm Could anyone recommend a local salon where I could get a partial foil for a decent price? I've been going to Willow Day Salon in Millis, and I've found them to be over-priced as well as pushy with product sales. Last time they charged me $185 for a partial foil, cut, and blow dry, which I thought was a pretty high price. I was then pressured into purchasing $60 worth of hair products that I was told "I absolutely had to have or my color wouldn't last a week." Then they expected a tip on top of it! Thanks for any ideas!
    - KS

  • 6/9 1:51pm Looking for a math tutor this summer? I am a Wellesley teacher on a leave of absence after the birth of my daughter. I have a master's degree in mathematics and 10 years teaching experience. I live on King Street and have experience with students of all ages. References available upon request. Email andraj22@yahoo.com or call 508-440-5523.
    - AC

  • 6/9 9:30am KJ - Try NStar.
    - LS

  • 6/9 8:56am TM - for your landscaping I would recommend TJ Brown at Bass Enterprises 508-380-5058. He has done similar jobs for us and he is local so you shouldn't have a problem getting him to come and give you a quote.
    - SL

  • 6/9 8:55am ToTM regarding landscapers. I was pleasantly surprised when hiring Kelly's Landscaping to see how much knowledge they have about turf. They also have all of the equipment to properly loam and seed. I have long thought of companies I see mowing as just grass cutters, but this company knows what it is doing. Give them a shout at 508-528-6505. Mike Kelly is the owner--very conscientious guy and the head of his crew is awesome. They are good about coming out to give a quote and excellent at showing up when they say they will.
    - EF

  • 6/9 12:35am Many people (in Norfolk, as well as the rest of the country), hold Fidelity or Vanguard mutual funds - either in 401(K) plans, SEP-IRAs, or as regular investments. Those investments may be furthering genocide. Both Fidelity and Vanguard have refused to adopt a "Genocide-free Investing" policy. Both companies have issued proxy statements with a "Genocide-free Investing" shareholder proposal which is opposed by management. I want to share the following information with you, so that you can consider voting your proxy to support the shareholder proposal and direct that your investments not be used to further genocide or crimes against humanity.
    [C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - DR

  • 6/9 12:33am Re: 6/8 9:14pm ... Does anyone know who I would get a hold of to secure a loose utility pole on our property?
    Examine the pole; there should be some metal letters and numbers to indicate which utility owns the pole. If the letters say Nstar, for instance, you could call them at 1-800-592-2000 (the power-outage number) and ask how to report a loose utiliity pole and give them the pole number and address.
    For Verizon, call 555-1611 (residential service), and give them the pole number and location.
    - RH

  • 6/8 9:14pm Hi everyone, Does anyone know who I would get a hold of to secure a loose utility pole on our property? Thanks in advance.
    - KJ

  • 6/8 7:49pm SM: The Conservation Commission does not own Bush Pond. First step is to see who actually controls the pond.
    - AL

  • 6/8 7:48pm AR - Top o' the mornin' and sure n' begorrah to you - that's a fine lucky charm you've got there!
    - SO

  • 6/8 7:47pm Sat. Movie Night - What's the movie?
    - SO

  • 6/8 3:42pm Vacancies on the Advisory Committee and Bylaw Committee. I am inviting written submissions of interest by persons who wish to be considered for appointment to either the Advisory Committee or Bylaw Committee. The Advisory Committee acts as the "Ways and Means" committee of Town Meeting and makes recommendations on the budget, spending and other proposals considered by our town's legislative branch. The Bylaw Committee is responsible for drafting and reviewing our town bylaws, which are similar to state statutes at the local level and affect important issues of operation of local government and quality of life. In an effort to improve the diversity of our committees' memberships, I particularly want to encourage qualified women and persons of color to apply for appointment. Please send your statements of interest to me at Winslow@virtualnorfolk.org no later than June 22 at 5 p.m.
    - Dan Winslow, Town Moderator

  • 6/8 3:41pm SM - Are you sure you are not talking about the Town Pond... sorry, my mistake, that was the other pond being choked off.
    - PC

  • 6/8 3:40pm My company (located in Boston) is organizing a summer outing and I am looking at places that would accommodate about 75 people (including children as this is a family outing). Last year we went to Kimball Farms and are looking for something different. Any suggestions?
    - MRH

  • 6/8 3:39pm My 15 year old daughter would like to take a painting class this summer. Any suggestions?
    - TSD

  • 6/8 3:38pm Hello local families, I am a male junior in college and was looking to see if any families were in need of a caregiver for your preschool or school aged children this summer. I am available to do errands, drop-off/pick up your children from camp or sports, supervise them while you work or have to do errands yourself. I have previous babysitting experience and have been a teacher's aide in the classroom the past few weeks at the H. Olive Day School and Freeman-Centennial School. I have transportation if necessary. Feel free to contact me at hags212000@yahoo.com if interested. Thank you!
    - PH

  • 6/8 3:37pm to TM: We've used Eric Romsey at Authentic Landscapes for years and have always been happy with his work. His office phone is 508-528-7114.
    - AFD

  • 6/8 8:36am I wish the Conservation Commission would do something about the weeds overtaking Bush Pond off Park Street instead of wasting all of this time with what seems to be nothing but bickering over who has power to do what. Stop bickering and conserve what a beautiful pond this once was. Saving this pond would be most appreciated by the citizens of Norfolk. I am tired of hearing all this childishness. Is anyone else?
    - SM

  • 6/8 8:35am AR - I hope you went out and played a number after you found that lucky charm!
    - MJD

  • 6/8 8:34am MKS: We have had good luck with D&S Appliance in Franklin. We've used them several times.
    - MP

  • 6/8 8:30am I was hoping someone might be able to recommend some landscapers that have done work for them (other than the ones already on the recommendations page). We are having a hard time getting quotes for a project we we would like to have done. It involves re-grading an area, getting a lot of fill and loam delivered, seeding an area for grass and planting some flower beds.
    We are looking for some reasonably priced landscapers... probably more of a small scale landscaping company but someone who has been doing this a long time because we need to take into account our septic system and be cautious around this area. Thanks!
    - TM

  • 6/8 8:25am WB, thanks for your post. I guess you continue to speak for Jay Talerman as you did at town meeting when the town tried to rezone my property. WB, according to Jay Talerman when he testified at the state ethics commission hearing, he testified to the fact that he never gave you permission to speak on his behalf - what's up with that... I have a copy of that tape from the town meeting also if you want to review it... I can also give you a copy of Jay Talerman's testimony if you would like as he indicates under oath that he never gave you permission to speak on his behalf. You and Jay better get your stories straight. WB, since when has Jay ever needed anyone to speak for him... WB, he's running for cover as he should, even [MS] is no longer covering for him per the latest news article...
    - JS

  • 6/7 1:22pm JS - You should should get your facts straight. The first section of your incomplete post is very telling, as the BOS are again meddling in the affairs of a board. At the time of the executive session in Feburary 2008, Mr. Shaw was still an appointed member, not an associate member, of the Conservation Commission - he chose not to be reappointed in June of 2008. June comes after February. So, no transgression here.
    Based on the roll call, Mr. Talerman was not voting. The issue that you and at least one member of the BOS feels is "problematic," and this is subject to differing opinions, is whether the input of technically or legally proficient people can be used. It is apparent from the minutes that Mr. Talerman was consulted on a legal issue. It is also very apparent to me that the BOS [...] has chosen to dumb down the boards, for whatever reason, by the lack of qualified and competent people they are appointing to certain boards.
    It should be noted that [a committee member] has in fact committed a transgression and should not be speaking with an applicant about an executive session, in detail, general terms or abstractly, either directly or indirectly, without approval from the board [the member] sits on.
    - WB

    [Meddling as in making a recommendation? Given that litigation involving the town is the direct responsibility of the selectmen, isn't an interest understandable and to be expected? - Wm.]

  • 6/7 11:07am We've avoided using pesticides and herbicides on our lawn since our daughter was born, and the land has been reverting to a more natural state -- many more wildflowers, a lot more abundant insect life, and several types of grass. Yes, the grass includes clover, and the other day I was lucky enough to spot this little guy in the back yard.
    - AR

  • 6/7 9:53am Could anyone recommend an appliance repair person? My Kenmore Elite dryer has stopped working!
    - MKS

  • 6/7 9:53am Hilary is right - South Street, Walpole. You can take Oak off 1A, and it ends at South. Turn right on South or take a left off Washington, onto South. Sorry for the confusion
    - LAW

  • 6/7 9:15am I'm putting together a page for my website that has follow-ups and successful adoption stories. If any of you adopters want to submit a photo and/or a blurb about your cat/dog/horse/goat/bird and gosh knows what other animal you may have adopted from here, please send it to Norfolkk9@aol.com
    - HC, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 6/7 8:54am Town of Norfolk taxpayers, after reading the posts on Norfolknet and the latest news article in the Boomerang about associate members, I again state for the record, (let the documents speak for themselves) attached is minutes from the February 13th 2008 Conservation Commission meeting. The minutes of this meeting are clear that Jason Talerman and Allan Shaw sat in on executive session. The only unknown factor is as always, are the minutes of this meeting a draft copy or one that was signed by all of the board members as an original true attested copy. I know this for the last 8 years seeking documents under the Freedom of Information Act that I have had filed with the town I have always got copies that were stamped Draft Copy. Could someone please tell me how to get a true and attested copy... please note that if this is a true copy, Talerman and Shaw participated in executive session...
    - JS

  • 6/7 8:46am SS--I have an oversize comfy chair and an ottoman I'm looking to get rid of. There is a beige slipcover for the chair, but I couldn't find one for the ottoman. If you want to come by today to take a look, email me at doylestuff@live.com.
    - KID

  • 6/7 8:44am just to help LAW: Tufts is on South Street between Washington and 1A :)
    - HC

  • 6/7 8:43am For those planning on attending Norfolk Baseball's Movie Night next Saturday evening. The Norfolk Animal Shelter is in real need of cat/kitten food (dry or can) and kitty litter. Please bring a donation for the Norfolk Animal Shelter and a non-perishable item or toiletry item for the Norfolk Food Pantry. This is the cost of admission to the evening beginning at 7:15 with a ventriloquist/magician followed by a family friendly movie. Come out and support the community and have fun!
    - KF, Norfolk Baseball Association

  • 6/6 9:28pm DN - I use Tuft's Vets, in Walpole, they are the best and fairly reasonable, too. They are on Oak (I think) just off Washington Street. They have a brand new, state of the art facility, and the folks are ever so nice.
    - LAW

    [Update 6/7 8:44am: Tufts is on South Street between Washington and 1A - HC]

  • 6/6 8:23pm We have recently switched to Medfield Vet clinic, and we find them very very expensive. Anybody have any suggestions of a good vet who is reasonable?
    - DN

  • 6/6 5:07pm Folks, this is not the time of year when teachers write recommendations. We write them in the fall when the college application process begins. There have been no discussions about recommendations yet. Sometimes a student will ask for you to write one over the summer. What we are telling them is "please see me in the fall". This is what I always tell them anyway. Any information that comes out about next school year is pure speculation. We are not there yet and those discussions have not taken place. What the teachers want now is for people to withhold judgment based on speculation and third party information. At the present time, teachers are preparing to present their case to the public. We ask that you please not form opinions until that happens. Also, as I stated in a previous post, the vote of "No Confidence" has no connection to the negotiations. The timing could be better, but it is truly a completely separate issue.
    - DF

  • 6/6 5:06pm TW: I didn't ask what JS did, I asked how you would have handled it. Never mind.
    - PA

  • 6/6 5:03pm Tangerini Farm CSA. I have a whole Main Season Share that I'm looking to split. The share begins the week of June 14 ends the last week of October. Your cost is $325.
    The Main Season Share is a 20-week share. Each week during the season, members can count on an interesting selection of familiar and unusual vegetables, fruits and herbs.
    Summer harvest: tomatoes, grape tomatoes, cherry tomatoes, heirloom tomatoes, green beans, waxed beans, Italian beans, summer squash, basil, cantaloupe, corn, broccoli, herbs, eggplant, Asian eggplant, heirloom eggplant, lettuce, sweet peppers, hot peppers, mixed greens, cucumbers, pickling cukes, lemon cukes, onions, cabbage, beans, watermelon, zucchini, carrots, beet, cousa squash.
    If interested, contact me at msbrown200@gmail.com
    - SB

  • 6/6 4:58pm Hi, Just to clarify some points. Teachers are not required to write recommendations. Essentially, they are required to be in the school providing the best services possible from 7:30 until 2:15. One day per week, they must offer "Office Hours" for thirty minutes. There are several other contract stipulations concerning being available on Parent Orientation Night, Parent/Teacher Conference Night, and to stay late for a set number of staff and department meetings each month. Everything beyond that of a pedagogical nature is simply required in order to get the job done (planning, correcting, grading, designing lessons, research,etc.) With the number of students that teachers have now, those tasks simply can't be done during the one prep period they get per day. Most, but not all, teachers perform these tasks at home in the evening, and on weekends. Some teachers come in early and work late rather than bring the work home. Some teachers stay late every night to help kids who have particular trouble with certain subjects like math or a foreign language. They are not required to do this, and they do it gratis.
    Everything else that teachers do including chaperoning, proms, class advising, club advising, graduation, fund raising, school newspaper, coaching, clubs, and all the rest, is beyond what they are required to do by contract. Even if they are being paid, they are still volunteering by definition. They can chose not to do it. Many teachers attend sports, drama, and music events because they really love and care for our kids and want to support them in their endeavors. Beyond that, some of the numbers I have seen posted I am not certain of. I don't think class sizes are averaging at 40 yet, although there may be some that are close to that. I am unsure of the $325K figure. I have heard several different numbers and have not been able to verify them yet.
    I can say this: the recent vote of "No Confidence" was completely unrelated to the contract negotiations. A growing number of teachers and staff have been pressuring the union for years to do this. Finally, it just seemed that the problem was going to go away when his retirement was announced. The news that he was coming back again is what finally got the ball rolling. This is totally and absolutely separate from the contract negotiations, and any statement to the contrary is simply fallacious, or idle speculation. I have tried to be completely factual and objective. As I become aware of more specifics, I will post them here.
    - DF

  • 6/6 8:51am MS: I know that this is not truly a "local" pediatric practice, but Weston Pediatrics on Boston Post Road in Weston is great, and they have weekend hours for sick kids (not appointments). You may want to check them out. We have been there for some 10 odd years and I will never switch to be closer to Norfolk. The MD I recommend is Dr. Monica. Young and extremely bright (Johns Hopkins and Harvard Medical School). It takes me 30 mins door to door. 781-899-4456. It is worth the trip.
    - JN

  • 6/6 8:50am MS - Pediatric Associates of Wellesley has an office in Medfield, near Shaws on 109. They are open on holidays, Saturdays and Sundays for urgent care. We have been seeing Dr. Cazacu for a few months for our newborn and we love her. Highly recommend. [paoofwellesley.com]
    - JT

  • 6/6 8:49am SM & DXJ-it is true, the teachers are protesting. Their contract only requires them to be in the school at 7:25 and they are not required to be at prom or awards night. However, they must write recommendations. The contract negotiations have been going on for quite some time and are at a stalemate. There was a request that teachers forego raises and increases for this upcoming fiscal year in order to save approx $325k. The budget deficit in the KP district is huge and as has been quoted in the Boomerang, a budget suffering from close to cardiac arrest. There have been discussions of sending the children home at 1:30 since studies will be rampant and those studies would take place in the cafeteria, auditorium, etc. The final decisions have not been made. As you know, budget numbers have been a moving target - news finally came in on stimulus funds and those were anemic, state funding has been slashed, special ed is still not fully funded with our out-of-district placements for these students at $3.7m in 2007 and there is no appetite for an override this year. I would suggest you contact the district school committee members [committe link]. You can also contact your selectmen. They can fill you in on more detail. Also, don't forget, town meeting is on June 16.
    - BMS

  • 6/6 12:46am Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer will be hosting an MLS Camp for U4, U5, & U6 Players (must be 3 years old by September 1, 2009) you do not have to live in Norfolk or play Lions Soccer to participate!
    August 24th thru August 28th, Pond Street Fields, 5:30 - 7:00 PM. Cost is $75 - includes a ball and t-shirt (House a coach and receive a free scholarship!) Visit the NLYS website at www.norfolklionssoccer.com to register today!
    - HK

  • 6/6 12:45am Does anyone know what has been going on at King Philip Middle School? The teachers remained outside the building in the morning. "exercising their contract" by not starting work until 7:25 am and a lot of them called in sick today. I assume they are protesting next year's budget cuts with rumored class sizes of 40? Is this number correct? Classrooms are not even sized for this many students. I am hoping a teacher will inform us as to what is going on with layoffs and projected class sizes and why they are protesting. We need the selectmen to get more money for KP and present a specific override to the town for KP schools. I prefer not to wait and see the loss of services of this magnitude.
    - SM

  • 6/6 12:44am Lions Youth Soccer now accepting registration for FALL 2009 - Registration will be on-line only.
    Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer is open to boys and girls age 3 years old (by September 1, 2009) to 12th grade. All games are played in Norfolk on Sunday afternoons but you do not have to live in Norfolk to join in the fun!
    Visit the website at www.norfolklionssoccer.com for more information and to register. Financial assistance is available - contact Craig K. at 508-520-0163. No registrations will be accepted after the July 1, 2009 deadline.
    - HK

  • 6/6 12:43am Has anyone else heard of the "work action" the King Philip teachers union is currently staging? From what I gather the union is not happy with being asked to give up raises this year. Members of the union are "working to the contract and nothing else". This includes not giving student recommendation letters for college, not attending the prom, and from what my son has said, at the middle school "the teachers are not teaching us any more, they are done for the year, we are all just doing projects". I just heard about this last night and just finished reading an article in the Sun Chronicle about the ongoing disagreement with the union, the superintendant and school committee. See link: [Sun Chron article]
    Before I pass judgment, I was hoping other folks will have additional info. I would think the local papers would investigate this as well. Hope I'm wrong.
    - DXJ

  • 6/6 12:42am Furniture: Does anyone have a love seat or two that they want to get rid of? I'm looking for some free/extremely cheap furniture for the basement. Thanks a lot.
    - SS

  • 6/6 12:41am Can anyone recommend a local pediatrician who is open on weekends? Thanks.
    - MS

  • 6/6 12:40am PA, When JS bought the land it was "buyer beware". He should have known there were conservation issues and should have anticipated having numerous obstacles to climb to develop the property. Also, approvals in this town take time, money, patience and concessions on the part of the applicant. My guess is JS paid the market value for land that was potentially not able to be developed and, perhaps, that is why he bought it. Just because he wants something to happen, doesn't guarantee it is doable. I agree with DA, had JS adhered to the original Order of Conditions, he would have had his project completed by now. Years later he has costs both the town and himself money. I don't think it is fair for my tax dollars to be spent for JS to whine to anyone who will listen to him in the judicial system. Many people in town, myself included, have had to abide by conditions ordered by town boards; deal with it. Just because you made a poor purchase doesn't mean the rest of us should pay for it.
    - TW

  • 6/5 11:38am Revolution Kids Soccer Clinic - due to inclement weather, today's clinic has been canceled.
    - HK

  • 6/5 11:36am Happy Friday everyone! We'll be having a big yard sale tomorrow morning at 7 Chicatabut Avenue, mostly consisting of baby & toddler clothes, shoes, equipment and toys, as well as maternity clothes. We will also have some grown-up stuff for sale, such as a 2003 Xbox and games. The sale will start at 9:00 a.m. (no early birds please), so please swing on by before Community Day. If you have any questions, please contact me at doylestuff@live.com.
    - KID

  • 6/5 11:34am Hi everyone, Come on down to the Holmes field tomorrow June 6th for the Norfolk Community Leagues 13th Annual Run/Walk. Registration begins at 8A with the race to begin at 9A. There will be a one mile kids' race that will start after the adult runners. Pre-registration is not necessary; you may register that day. All proceeds from the Run/Walk will go towards the community. Free t-shirts to the first 50 registered runners and prizes to the top finishers. So come on down, have a run, and enjoy the Community Day festivities, fun for the whole family. For further inquiries regarding the Run/Walk please email Kym at kellyandkym@comcast.net. Hope to see you tomorrow.
    - KP

  • 6/5 11:33am Due to scheduling conflicts, Norfolk Baseball Association's general meeting previously scheduled for this Sunday evening at the library has been rescheduled for Monday June 8th at 8:00 pm at the Holmes Bus Company on Myrtle Street.
    Also, tryouts/evaluations for 10-12 year olds for all of Norfolk Baseball's summer programs including Barnstormer, Sizzler and Hockomock, will be held this Saturday June 6th from 4:15 pm to 6:30 pm at the Freeman Centennial School. See here [click for page] for more information.
    - DL, Norfolk Baseball Association

  • 6/5 11:32am Norfolk Baseball is happy to host the second annual Family Movie Night Under the Stars scheduled for Saturday, June 13 at the Major League Field at the Freeman Centennial School. The night will begin with Steve Zany, ventriloquist/magician at 7:15 pm. This is a benefit for the Norfolk Food Pantry and the Norfolk Animal Shelter. Admission is a donated food/toiletry item and a donated item for a dog or cat. Bring a blanket and a snack. Hamburgers, hot dogs, drinks and popcorn will be available. All are welcome.
    - KF, Norfolk Baseball Association

  • 6/5 11:31am I have a coupon for 18 holes, including the cart, at the Cape Cod Country Club in Falmouth on the Cape. I'd like to sell it for $40, which is what I paid for it. Normally it would cost $74 for a summer weekend round. Here is the link to the course: capecodcountryclub.com
    Please e-mail me at m_t_mcguckian@comcast.net if you are interested. Thanks!
    - TM

  • 6/5 11:30am Just wanted to let folks know that today is "Free Doughnut Day" at Dunkin Donuts... just in time for swimsuit season :-)
    - CI

  • 6/5 8:22am DA, with all due respect, your facts are incorrect. You should read the documents/public records before you speak. My documents were held by the Con Com secretary/commission to slow down my approval process. I had past members of the Conservation Commission working for the neighbors that appealed the D.E.P. decisions to grant me a permit. I have been through 15 different Con Com members, most of whom have been removed by the selectmen for their actions. I had the Norfolk Conservation Commission trying to take my property by eminent domain/rezone my property because they did not want it developed. I have had a court reporter at every meeting; I will make the reports available to you if you want to read the facts... as I have said all along, let the documents speak for themselves...
    - JS

  • 6/4 10:22pm GM: Best news I've heard in a while! I will be there. I am so tired of Democrat-Lite Republicans standing by while the wheels come off one by one. Was this meeting publicized anywhere else?
    - AB (AB-G)

  • 6/4 10:20pm Hey thanks very much for all your work! This website is great as to finding out what's going on in the town, finding workers and assistance.
    Appreciate it...
    - DG

  • 6/4 10:19pm Just saw this today in my email, thought I would pass it on.
    Revolution Kids Soccer Clinic
    Kids can kick, dribble and throw with Revs (New England Revolutions) players and coaches, as they take part in various soccer drills, jump in bounce houses, and have the chance to win a family four-pack of tickets to an upcoming Revolution game. The event takes place on the Patriot Place Plaza (near the three grass squares), weather permitting. Call if in doubt. 508.203.2100 patriot-place.com 6/5/09

    Ages: 5-11 / Time: 4pm / Cost: Free

    - JN

    [Update 6/5 11:38am: Due to inclement weather, today's clinic has been canceled - HK]

  • 6/4 10:08pm TW -- As you know any time you get lawyers involved it costs money and in this case the town pays, and in my opinion JS has cost the town. I review subdivision plans and conservation filing as well as issue hundreds of permits each year. The conditions that the Conservation Committee has recommended on Mr. Scott's property or properties is not unusual, however his action in some of the meetings are. If Mr. Scott did what was asked in the first place, his projects would be started or built by now. That is fact.
    I believe and suggested that the members of the Conservation Committee be elected as they are with the Planning Board, and not chosen by the selectmen. This way you do not get the vendettas that we saw last year with appointments. I do not know either Mr. Talerman or Mr. Shaw, but however volunteering is hard as it is, and to be embarrassed as they were is shameful.
    - DA

  • 6/4 2:47pm Speaking of Community Day, Norfolknet will have a table as well; in celebration of our 10th birthday, we'll have helium balloons in addition to bubble mix and stickers. If you're there, stop by and say hi! We'd love to meet you.
    - Wm.

  • 6/4 2:46pm TW: How would you have handled JS' plight?
    - PA

  • 6/4 2:45pm I am looking for a video projector, used or rented for the first week in July. Does anyone know of a good inexpensive place to rent one or buy one used? Thank you!
    - LV

  • 6/4 1:27pm Hi everyone, A last minute decision for me, but I'm hoping to get to be at the Norfolk Community Day on Saturday. I will have a small table set up for Cow Chip Bingo Deeds for sale (Bingo is taking place on the 13th at Founders Day, Foxboro), and I will also have a listing of all of our animals that are currently looking for homes. Please stop by our booth! For those who have been looking to donate cat food/litter/cat toys/towels you may also bring them there that day as well. We'll have a bin available for drop-offs. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 6/4 11:14am JS - Speaking of costing the town money in legal fees, how much have your suits cost us to date? I am not a board member (and have not been one in the past) but I have been following your legal actions for the past few years and I am frustrated each time I hear your name, wondering how much of my hard earned tax dollars have been spent defending the town against you.
    - TW

  • 6/4 8:30am Well I see a way to save money... time to get a new Town Counsel. The reference to the "Conservation Commission Act Massachusetts General Law Chapter 40: Section 8C" seems to be a reach when it comes to a legal interpretation of what an associate member is let alone what they can do or not do. The specific cite in the letter of GL 40 Section 8 and linked here [link] does not even have the word "associate" in it let alone define the role of an "associate." The second glaring error is the cite "G.L. 40A section 12" is for Zoning, not the Conservation Commission. How much are we paying this guy?
    - WB

  • 6/4 8:27am All of King Phillip Regional Spring sports did very well and many teams made it deep in their prospective State Title tournaments!! The Girls Tennis team is playing in the finals for the South Division 1 state title against Wellesley on 6/6 at 4PM at Westwood High. [link]. Good luck, girls!!
    - LS

  • 6/3 11:36pm Congratulations to the Norfolk Marlins who won the 2009 King Philip Cup!
    - HK

  • 6/3 11:35pm DWL: What placement exams are you referring to? I have never heard of such a thing, and it concerns me very much. Can you elaborate?
    - TC

  • 6/3 11:34pm If people are having problems receiving Connect Ed messages, you should let the school know about it. In higher education, Connect Ed is a tool to share information when an unforeseen "event" is happening. Another way to view Connect Ed is as a crisis management tool for sharing information with relevant people (parents in this case). For that reason, it is very important that people resolve these issues while the messages are informational regarding non- emergencies.
    - CS

  • 6/3 11:32pm Norfolk residents, for 8 years I have been alleging that the Norfolk Conservation Commission and their agents have been acting illegally and not in good faith. Attached is a letter from Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator, indicating that the Commission has acted illegally per their own town guidelines. I suggest strongly that you contact the Board of Selectmen to let them know how you have been treated by the Commission. Jason Talerman, a practicing attorney that represent towns professionally, knew he was breaking the town bylaws but continued to sit on the Conservation Commission as an associate member. His input and recommendations were illegal and you should challenge any and all of the hearings that he participated in as an associate member. The attached document speaks for itself.
    Again, Mr. Talerman has exposed the town to substantial monetary damages as a result of his intentional actions. How much money in legal fees damages needs to be spent by the town before the taxpayers of this town speak up. The only way to get justice in the town of Norfolk is to take any and all legal action to court... let's have the taxpayers of this town continue to fund the wrongdoings of our board members and continue to sit back and pay for it... I will not at any cost...
    - JS

    [The letter is addressesed to the Conservation Commission, not Mr. Talerman or Mr. Shaw, and is regarding administrative actions of the current Commission. In particular, the letter does not say that anything Mr. Shaw or Mr. Talerman did is illegal or exposes the Town to liability. Also, the letter appears to be from the selectmen, not Mr. Hathaway. - Wm.
    Update: ``As the appointing authority of the Conservation Commission, we expect immediate compliance.'' Does an appointing authority's power extend beyond merely appointing / not reappointing a committee? Once duly appointed, how much autonomy does a committee have to conduct business and make decisions according to its own best judgement? - Wm.]

  • 6/3 6:27pm A most deserving 10 kudos.
    - JO

  • 6/3 6:26pm Thank you BMS! And to DWL, I feel the same way. There needs to be a really good calendar online available for the Freeman School. Kids aren't the greatest about getting notices home and it would cut down on all the paper waste, etc. Sometimes my son brings me home a notice after the time period or after the deadline to sign up has passed. We had a wonderful experience with the middle school regarding parent communication when my son attended several years ago. I havent had a good experience with the connect ed messages. I am getting them a day late.
    - MW

  • 6/3 6:24pm Congratulations Wm and Norfolknet!
    - SO

  • 6/3 6:23pm DWL & MW - Do you subscribe to Connect Ed? The notice regarding the last day of school was posted in the 3/17 message (I had also reconfirmed the last day when I was in school the other day). I think the school system has been doing a much better job of keeping us informed now that we have Connect Ed. I can't speak to the testing. Maybe your house is like mine; I don't always get the paper notices. I appreciate the emails and on line access. The middle school does a terrific job because as they know, none of the stuff gets home with that age group. Then of course once they get to high school, you are lucky to get a days notice about anything from your child.
    - BMS

  • 6/3 2:58pm MW, I was just asking the same question. Freeman keeps parents in the dark with everything they do. They discreetly give placement exams to children without ever informing the parents. Communication from the school to the parents is next to nothing. Hopefully that will change one day, but it has been that way for so long.
    - DWL

  • 6/3 2:57pm MW - It's Tuesday, June 23rd.
    - BMS

  • 6/3 1:32pm Hey, Norfolk Kids! Since 1979, Skyhawks Sports has led Safe, Fun and Skill-focused sports camps and programs for youth. We offer many different sports--and countless ways for your child to grow. Our purpose is to Teach Life Skills through Sports.
    Our progression of camps and programs, led by our expert staff, are geared toward youth looking for a sport introduction or those who want to refine and master their sport-specific skills.
    Click here to view camps in Norfolk or click a camp below!!
    [C o n t i n u e d . . .]
    - DM, Skyhawks

  • 6/3 12:52pm I'm glad to see the Norfolk Republican Town Committee is getting the band back together again. What a tough few days it's been for the Dems. First, we learn of the Prez' $24,000 (minimum) "date night" funded by all of us. I guess all of the restaurants and theatres in DC must have been closed that night, so he felt it necessary to fly three planes to New York City. Closer to home, we have Sal DeMasi keeping pace with his former Speakers and getting indicted. What's next, a Democratic state senator stuffing payola into her bra? Oh wait, we've already had that!!
    - PA

    [Followups to the Politics page - Wm.]

  • 6/3 12:51pm Can anyone tell me when the last day of school/6th grade graduation is? Several months ago I had a calendar come home that stated the graduation was going to be on Tues the 23rd... now I hear it's changed. I have heard... Wed and now even Thurs? I have visited the school website and found the calendar. It merely states that the last day of school would be the 28th plus any snow days. I have no idea how many snow days we've had... can anyone inform me? Thanks.
    - MW

  • 6/3 12:50pm I was wondering if anyone could share their experience with Medway Oil for their home oil company. Good, bad or other?
    - RM

  • 6/3 12:49pm I am looking for information on summer t-ball, anyone have experience with this in the Norfolk area?
    - AP

  • 6/3 12:48pm Reminder: History on the Hill Program begins tonight at 7:00 PM in the Gazebo on Town Hill.
    Opening Program: The Life and Times of Bertha Fales. Should we get rained out, we will do a double header on June 10th -- same time -- same place. Join us and enjoy an evening of local history. NHC books will be on sale.
    - BB, Norfolk Historical Commission

  • 6/3 12:47pm Hello! This is just a reminder that My Little Preschool is having an open house tomorrow from 10:00 to 11:00 and again on Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00. I offer a quality, loving, home preschool program to children 2 1/2 to 4 years old. Children do not need to be potty trained to attend. The hours are from 9:00 to 1:00 Tuesday through Friday with a nutritious snack and lunch included. I have many years experience in the preschool/child care field. I am also having open houses next week on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 to 10:30. I look forward to meeting you and your children! To see more, click on my craigslist ad. Click here: My Little Preschool Thank you,
    - Laurie Hayes, My Little Preschool

  • 6/3 12:06pm Thank God (and you, too, Wm) for the NorfolkNet! It's the only way to find out anything in this town, which explains its horde of devoted followers. Keeping it going for 10 years is no small feat. Well done!
    - AB (AB-G)

  • 6/2 Happy 10th Birthday, Norfolknet!
    It was ten years ago today that my wife and I put a small webpage online [here] for town-related news and comments. Just my thoughts initially, but it wasn't long before others sent their comments. And so it began...
    - Wm.

  • 6/3 12:08am The Norfolk Republican Town Committee is reorganizing, our first meeting is June 8th, at 7pm in the Norfolk Public Library. If you are interested please feel free to stop by, we hope to see you there.
    - GM, The Norfolk Republican Town Committee

  • 6/3 12:06am Happy happy birthday Norfolknet. We are so glad to have you!!
    - JLH

  • 6/2 8:01pm Congradulations to Norfolknet! Thank you so much Wm, for all your time and effort that you put into Norfolknet. You are truly an asset to our community! We really appreciate it!
    - LK

  • 6/2 7:57pm Hi eveyone, I just graduated Emmanuel College with a bachelor's in psychology. I would be interested in babysitting or as being a nanny for the summer/fall/spring etc. I love kids of all ages and I can send a resume if needed. My e-mail is waldmsa2009@alumni.emmanuel.edu if anyone is interested. Thank you,
    - SW

  • 6/2 3:34pm Congratulations Wm and Mrs. Wm! You are helping bring democracy and freedom of speech to an under-emphasized part of the world that needs it. The Town of Norfolk! Keep up the good work!
    There is still much, much more to discuss...
    - MON

  • 6/2 3:33pm I spent my lunch hour (okay, it only took me a few minutes) writing an Acrostic poem, in honor of this special day!
    Never a dull moment on Norfolknet!
    Opinions about dog parks and horses' plop,
    Read all about it, ant invasions to woodpeckers,
    For the love of God, can we stop talking about Mr. Matez?
    Oh, no, MON is on a rant again!
    Love finding out about camps, sports, and election results,
    Know-how dispensed at the drop of a hat,
    Now don't hold your breath waiting for Stop 'n Shop or Cafe Pesto,
    Endless discussions on library, schools and taxes
    Thanks for the info and the humor, Norfolknet!
    Happy Birthday to you!!
    - AL

  • 6/2 3:32pm Congrats, Wm! You do our community a great service, and it is very much appreciated.
    - BA

  • 6/2 3:31pm To Wm. and wife: Thank you for all you do on our behalf. You have established a great site for all of us. I look forward to viewing NorfolkNet every day. Both of you are a credit to our community.
    - WC

  • 6/2 11:28am Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! I love this website! It has become such a routine part of my day. It has been such a terrific resource to us (we moved here almost a year ago) in terms of getting to know the town. I loved the site before we moved (because it helped us get a feel for the town without actually living here) and I appreciate this site even more now that we are Norfolktonians. You provide an invaluable service to this town and really help to create a sense of community for us all. Please know that your service to Norfolk is Very, Very much appreciated. Happy Anniversary - here's to 10, 20, 50 years more of Norfolknet!!
    - LL

  • 6/2 11:27am Happy Birthday NorfolkNet and thanks to the webmaster and his wife for bringing us this tool to have our say, relate human interest stories, bicker and help when help is needed.
    - JW

  • 6/2 9:12am Happy Birthday! Can't imagine not having Norfolknet, thanks so much for all you do!!
    - CI

  • 6/2 8:56am I still have a few tadpoles left if anyone wants African Clawed Frogs. They are about 1/2 inch big now, including tails. About 4 weeks old. Very cute. See post of 5/20. I can be reached at box197@norfolknet.com
    - LJK

  • 6/2 8:50am On Wednesday May 22 my family's Italian greyhound Katie was lost from a veterinary clinic in Walpole, MA. We spent four days searching for her and unfortunately lost her early Sunday morning when she sustained injuries after being struck by a train.
    During the four days we searched for her I was overwhelmed by the generosity and goodwill shown by the residents of Norfolk and Walpole. Strangers who jumped right in and helped hang lost posters, searched streets and woods for hours or gave us a call whenever she was sighted. Provided us with information regarding local animal shelters and hospitals and prayed for the safe return of Katie. Their kindness and generosity has touched my family's heart. It brought us hope. Without this huge outreach of support we may have never known what happened to her or been given the chance to say goodbye. I want to thank everyone for their help. There are some amazing people residing here and we are grateful to all of you.
    - JC, Katie's friends and family

  • 6/2 8:42am Norfolk Soccer Club present MLS CAMP - Register now for the MLS Soccer Camp! Any child (from any town) entering grade 1 thru grade 6 in the fall is eligible for the program. The player does not have to be a current member of SC Norfolk --so spread the word to family, friends and neighbors! Registration will be open until 6/22.
    The camp has been a resounding favorite in our soccer program in the past years and is a great way to get your child ready for the fall season. The camp counselors are experienced players from Europe they run drills and scrimmages in a very fun and engaging way for the players.
    The camp runs from Monday 8/17 thru Friday 8/21 from 4-7 PM in Norfolk and the cost is $107.
    To register, go online to www.norfolksoccer.com, click on online registration and follow the instructions. Use your email address and password to login or create a new account if you don't already have one. Only online registrations are accepted and payment may be made by credit or debit card.
    SC Norfolk & Lions Club are looking for families to host MLS Counselors during the camp week 8/17-8/21. Previous host families have always enjoyed their interactions with the European Counselors. If you are interested or would like to ask questions about the camp, please contact Kendra S. by email: scnorfolk@comcast.net or phone: 508-528-5278.
    Dates: August 17th - 21st Time: 4:00PM - 7:00PM Location: Pond Street Fields
    Registration closes on June 22nd
    - CB

  • 6/1 5:31pm Lions Youth Soccer now accepting registration for FALL 2009 - Registration will be on-line only.
    Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer is open to boys and girls age 3 years old (by September 1, 2009) to 12th grade. All games are played in Norfolk on Sunday afternoons but you do NOT have to live in Norfolk to join in the fun! Visit the website at www.norfolklionssoccer.com for more information and to register.
    Financial assistance is available - contact Craig K. at 508-520-0163. NO registrations will be accepted after the July 1, 2009 deadline.
    - HK, Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer

  • 6/1 5:30pm Hi, I could not find a date for the old time day, Thanks,
    - RW

    [Update: Community Day is Saturday, June 6th.]

  • 6/1 5:28pm About the Norfolk Community Day events, the Mass Cruisers auto club will have some of its classic cars at the event as well.
    Please come to the Mass Cruisers Cruise night at Bass Pro on Thursday evenings to see the area largest cruise night. May 21st'cruise night, we had over 550 cars and 200 motorcycles. Weather permitting; this Thursday's show should be the same if not larger.
    Check out some pictures from past cruise night events on our web page. masscruisers.com
    - PT

  • 6/1 12:30pm Community Day (Saturday, June 6th) is approaching faster than a mosquito at a cookout and the Norfolk Lions Community Day team is excited about this day that celebrates what makes Norfolk a great place to live. Now, we just need Mother Nature to cooperate! Our theme this year is "Old Tyme Day".
    We are pleased to bring in some new entertainers including performances by local American Idol finalist Ayla Brown and the Ocean State Barbershop Chorus. We are also thankful to Peter Tileston and his award winning Jazz Band at KPHS for providing entertainment on a hectic weekend for seniors and school personnel with graduation on Sunday. Also, back again is Kathy Ryan's Step Above Dance Troupe who have been with us for 17 years. Last but not least, the Norfolk Cultural Council has brought Henry the Juggler back to entertain us throughout the day.
    The day of course starts off with the Norfolk Communty League's Road Race at 9am. Community Day officially begins at 11:30am and runs until 4:00pm with a number of local organizations setting up booths to provide food, fun and games. All of this takes place at the Holmes' Transportation Complex on 22 Myrtle Street in Norfolk.
    The schedule for the day is as follows---
     
    Norfolk Community League Road Race 9:00am
    King Philip Jazz Ensemble 12:00pm-1:00pm
    Kathy Ryan Dance Studio 1:00pm-1:30pm
    Kids Games (musical chairs & balloon toss) 1:30pm-2:00pm
    Ocean State Barbershop Chorus 2:00pm-2:45pm
    Ayla Brown-American Idol Finalist 3:00pm
    Foam Fun (play in foam sprayed by NFD) 3:30pm
    DJ-Mike LaValley All Day
    Moonwalk and slide All Day
    Fire Engine, Hay Wagon and Train Rides All Day

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

    [Update: Community Day is Saturday, June 6th.]

  • 6/1 9:14am JN: Norma Vendetti @ Itch's Stiches in Franklin is wonderful for tailoring women's clothes. 508-528-0201. Good luck!
    - JK

  • 6/1 9:13am Hello! I am clearing out baby and toddler clothes and would love to sell them to a Norfolk family. If you search Craigslist for Norfolk under baby & kid stuff you can see the details, but I have both boys and girl clothes from newborn all the way to 4T (the 3T and 4T stuff is all boys). I am also selling other baby-related items, so if you are a parent or grandparent or daycare that needs to stock up, please take a look. In the meantime, I hope everyone has enjoyed the beautiful weekend. For more information or to schedule a time to come look, please email doylestuff@live.com.
    - KID

  • 5/30 6:56pm Pictures of the turtle egg. I can't tell if there are more under this one. You can see how close it is to the deck, it is right next to the blue bucket.
    - TA

  • 5/30 6:51pm To the person posting about turtle eggs. Start with these articles first. If they don't address your specific need then contact MA Wildlife at their Westboro office and ask to speak with a biologist. [article 1] [article 2] What you have going on in your yard is very common in the month of June. Turtles come out of everywhere from end of May and through June.
    - HC, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 5/30 6:49pm To TA regarding turtle eggs - if you can do this, it will help protect the eggs. Put an old tire around where the turtle dug and then cover the area with some heavy mesh material and sink it into the ground if you can. If the dirt is sift, the eggs are there, but if the perimeter around the tire is hard, that will be good to sink the mesh into. When the eggs start hatching, you can help the turtles to water. This will not happen for at least several months (80-90 day incubation period).
    Are the eggs a little smaller than golf balls? If so, they are likely snapping turtle eggs. It is awesome watching all the babies come out of the nest. My brother watched from his bay window while a snapper laid eggs in one of his front garden beds. He helped the little ones to water - please don't keep wildlife, but give them a chance to survive without the stress of human intervention. Several years back I took a hit-by-car snapper from Union Street and got her medical attention. She was induced and her eggs incubated and the babies later released. It was amazing.
    - EF

  • 5/30 5:49pm A while ago someone asked if there is a place in town where you can make copies for less than the library's twenty cents. Tedeschis at Routes 1A and 115 charges ten cents please tax.
    For a carpet cleaner try Spotsmith Carpet & Rug Cleaners of Plainville, (508) 643-4012.
    - DLJ

  • 5/30 5:48pm At lunch time today, I observed a turtle close to the house digging in the dirt. I thought it was looking for a cool place to sleep or something. But, maybe 20 minutes later, it was gone. When I went out to check out where it had been, I could see an egg sticking out of the dirt. This is probably 3 feet from our deck and now I'm worried the kids are going to step on it (or them if there are more). Any suggestions??
    - TA

  • 5/30 2:25pm Our gray & white female kitty is missing. The fur on her belly is just growing back from being spayed 3 wks ago.
    Missing in the Sharon Ave - Rt 1a/115 area. Please contact us at Daszsports1@verizon.net if you have seen her.
    - MD

  • 5/30 1:20pm Just thought I'd send pictures along from a successful climb in Wrentham. Brings new meaning to "cat's in the bag". PS... if anyone likes the shirt they are for sale through the Purrfect Cat Shelter in Medway.
    Tree Climber's International, based in Atlanta, GA (the outfit that trained me for my climbing), will be doing a fun climb day at Roger Williams Park in RI on July 25th. It is a free event from what I'm being told, and open to children and adults. This will be held by the New England chapter of the ISA. Information may be found for the ISA @ [newenglandisa.org page]. I will be down at this fun event helping out Peter and Patty Jenkins, the founders of TCI. So if you're looking for something new that's both challenging and fun, come down!
    - HC

  • 5/30 1:04pm KC: I am sorry about your cat. I will keep an eye out. Our cat got out last week, but we found her in the woods about 18 hours later. Several people made suggestions intended to help her find her way back. They included putting out clothes or linens with scents that she will recognize, leaving food and water out, and sitting outside so s/he can hear your voices. We did all of it. No idea if it really helped, or if it was dumb luck that brought her back, but wanted to share just in case. Good luck!
    - TC

  • 5/30 1:01pm KC: this isn't Cheddar is it? I've had this little un neutered male for about 10 days now. He's really a love. If not, then for everyone else here: This young boy will be going in for neutering/vaccinations/testing on Tuesday and will be available for a home shortly after.
    Also included are updated pics of the kittens. They too will be going to the vets for combo tests on tuesday. Two of them have come along nicely. The other three still need more socialization time.
    - HC

  • 5/30 12:48pm Looking for some great baseball this weekend? Come on down to the KP Cup! The Norfolk Major League teams will be playing against the Wrentham and Plainville Teams at the PAL fields in Plainville all day and night on Saturday and Sunday to determine the Champ. Norfolk has won this tri-town Tourney twice in the past two years. The Norfolk AAA League will be playing at Pond Street and at Freemen-Centennial. Lots of baseball action! For more information, see the Norfolk Baseball website. Play Ball!
    - TMS

  • 5/30 12:33pm Just a reminder...Yard Sale tomorrow, 128 Boardman Street. Some furniture items (DVD racks), household items, DVD's (some Blu-Ray), CD's, books, games, kid's items, more. It's supposed to be a nice day (finally!) so we hope to see you!
    - SF

  • 5/30 12:32pm Something Special will be having a sidewalk sale Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 11-2.
    - JA, Something Special

  • 5/30 12:31pm RP--I second the recommendation of Pioneer Garage Doors. Price, installation, service and follow up all top notch.
    - KB

  • 5/30 12:29pm I apologize if you thought I was taking cheap shots. I was very careful in choosing my words as I do not want anyone to be offended. I will never attack anyone. I struggled with choosing the right words as I wanted to be certain that I was completely factual, completely objective, and hopefully thought provoking.
    My aim is to try to get people to look beneath the surface a bit when it comes to the school district. If and when more information comes to light, I hope that emotions take a back seat to objectivity, and any new information is carefully and thoughtfully considered.
    Ultimately, and honestly, my only care is for the community I call home, and especially the children that live here. Tonight is prom night!! I hope it is the best prom ever, and that all our kids have a great time, and that they return to us safely!!
    - DF

    [I was delayed in posting the above message; hope everyone had a great time - Wm.]

  • 5/30 10:48am Hi to all who reads this; on Wednesday my cat got out of the house... he is an orange and white tabby with a distinct marking on his side (it looks like a G). He is a very sweet thing, he is about 1 year old and his name is "Cheddar". We live in the Spring Street area and hope that someone has seen him. Please call me if you have seen him recently. Karen 508-520-2920; or my cell is 508-269-1056... Thank you.
    - KC

  • 5/29 3:12pm Have noticed a concerning trend. It seems more and more kids are riding bikes around town without helmets. It just makes no sense. Many of our roads are narrow, and in poor shape. I don't think the law requires helmets for people over 14? However, when you see adults who clearly bike regularly wearing helmets, it just makes sense for everyone.
    - MM

  • 5/29 8:27am DF, So nice that you are willing to pay for it. Perhaps you should include your name and address for billing purposes. Dr. Robbat is a dedicated and extremely qualified superindendent. You should really think about reading what you write before you actually send it, and then, perhaps, it will make some sort of sense.
    - DWL

  • 5/29 8:26am DF - And what is your answer? you seem to know so much, propose a solution. Cheap shots from the side lines don't solve anything.
    - DCL

  • 5/28 9:20pm What I want is a thoroughly vetted superintendent, who is highly qualified, and has a documented track record in all levels of secondary education administration. What's more, I am willing to pay for someone with those qualifications. A search committee for a new superintendent began to form months ago, but suddenly went nowhere. Search committees are the way these positions are historically filled and for good reason. This was not done when Dr. Robbat took over the job some six years ago. Therefore, the community doesn't know how many years he was a vice principal, or how many years he was a principal. It is in these positions that one gains the necessary experience. Since he was not publicly vetted, I don't know his qualifications. Since he became the superintendent six years ago, the high school alone has gone through three principals, and somewhere on the order of seven or eight vice principals and possibly more. That is eleven administrators in six years just at the high school. Why? I tell you, something appears amiss.
    - DF

  • 5/28 9:17pm Hello Norfolk... My name is Fifi Pryor and I just opened a new preschool and at-home day care (Lily Pad) just outside of town center on North Street. My school is currently licensed by the State of Massachusetts. I have been a preschool teacher and director for over nine years both here and in Florida. My hours are from 6:30am to 6:30pm M-F for ages 2+. A nutritious lunch and 2 snacks will be included with both full-time and part-time hours. I have a creative curriculum with an emphasis on providing an environment rich in developmental growth and creativity. I will always create an atmosphere filled with love, cuddles and positive nurturing. I am Infant and Child First Aid and CPR certified. My rates are extremely competitive and I hope you give me a call or just stop by. My address is 53 North Street and my phone number is 508-440-5746. My email is fifipryor@earthlink.net. I am very excited to be part of the community and offer my services as a child care provider. I have great references that are always available! I look forward to meeting all of you!
    - Fifi Pryor, Lily Pad Preschool and Home Day Care

  • 5/28 3:07pm JHL--I have to agree with you. For years I had been using another upholstery and rug cleaner. Repele from Wrentham is awesome. He removed stains that the other cleaner did not.
    - BMS

  • 5/28 11:52am Yard Sale! This Saturday, May 30th, 9 am - 1 pm..128 Boardman Street. Kid's items, household items, DVD's, books, lots of goodies. Stop by and see us!
    - SF

  • 5/28 11:51am RP - We recently had our doors replaced using Norwood Overhead Door and were very pleased. They were the middle of the estimates we received. They were on-time, very neat, and very courteous. I would highly recommend them! Good luck.
    - BA

  • 5/28 11:50am EC: My daughter is interested in babysitting for you. She just graduated from college and has a lot of experience with children. You can reach her at caitlinmperry@gmail.com.
    - MP

  • 5/28 11:49am RP--I would highly recommend Pioneer Garage. It's a local company, do the job when they say, and most importantly come right out when you have a problem(like a lightening strike). They do a terrific job. The number is 508-668-8136.
    - BMS

  • 5/28 11:48am Does anyone know of a great tailor? For lady's clothes?
    - JN

  • 5/28 11:47am SM - Rug Cleaner: Repele - Terry O'Brien 508-384-1111 or cell 617-429-8103. He is on Rte 1A in Wrentham. Came and picked up my rugs (within a few hours of my call) and they came back beautifully clean in a week or so. I had a cat who thought the brand new dining room rug was her litter box!! I highly recommend him.
    - JLH

  • 5/28 8:41am SM, I just had my dining room rug cleaned at Quality Cleaners in Millis. They send the work out and it came back fantastic.
    - CW

  • 5/28 8:40am I need a pair of black jazz shoes for my daughters recital. Size 6 1/2 or 7. Being the end of the dance year I would prefer to get her a used pair. Does anyone have any suggestions?
    - CW

  • 5/27 11:57pm My name is Laurie Hayes and I run My Little Preschool, a home preschool program for children 2 1/2 to 4 years of age. I will be having an open house on Wednesday, June 3rd and Friday, June 5th from 10:00 to 11:00am for the 2009/2010 school year enrollment. The following week I will have open house on June 9th and 11th from 9:30 to 10:30 as well. If anyone is interested in attending, or knows of anyone who may be interested, please either email me, call me, or just come on by! I am located at 21 Pondview Road in Norfolk. Come to the side entrance as this is the entrance to the classroom. I look forward to meeting you and your children! I can be reached at (508) 528-7373 or emailforlaurie@aol.com Thank you!
    - Laurie Hayes, My Little Preschool

  • 5/27 11:55pm The spring and cable on one of our garage doors (2 car garage) snapped. The doors are 20 years old (heavy) "wood" doors and, ideally, we want to replace them. Any suggestions for area businesses? We came across Walpole Doors and Norwood Overhead Doors on the internet. Also, would anyone happen to know if there is a big price difference between wood and steel doors?... are there functional advantages? (We relocated to the Northeast; had lightweight aluminum garage doors in our home on the West Coast).
    - RP

  • 5/27 11:53pm Name Withheald - Dr.Robbat is going to be working as acting superintendent for as long as he is needed. He is doing this because he was planning on retiring at the end of this year, but currently there is no one set to replace him! You wouldn't want your school system to go without a dedicated superintendent for a year, would you?
    - TVH

  • 5/27 11:52pm I am looking for an experienced babysitter for this Fri. evening, May 29th. Our son is 15 mos old. Any references?
    - EC

  • 5/27 2:55pm PFD - The Stop & Shop on Route 1 in Plainville sells some "KP wear". Also, there is a store in the cafeteria at the HS which carries some items. Good luck
    - TW

  • 5/27 2:54pm PFD--There is a school store within the high school run by the DECA students. I believe they sell school apparel. I would call the main office at 508-384-1000x0 to see if you can access the store.
    - BMS

  • 5/27 2:53pm Norfolk Town Clerk to hold another Saturday 'PASSPORT DAY' - On Saturday, June 6, 2009, the Town Clerk's Office will be open to receive passport applications on a walk-in basis between 10:00am and 6:00pm. Please make sure you have all required documents including: application, passport photos, certified (long form) birth certificate, driver's license, and two checks (there are two separate fees). All parties applying for a passport must be present, and both parents are required for children under 16 year of age (one parent is sufficient for 16 - 18 years of age).
    The government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative on June 1, 2009. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport. This is already a requirement for air travel. There are some exceptions and you can get more information at www.travel.state.gov.
    If you have any questions regarding the process, or the documentation that will be required, please call the office at 508-528-1400.
    - Gail E. Bernardo, Norfolk Town Clerk

  • 5/27 8:29am CMK, check with Village Green/Gardens to Grow on Rt. 1A-we got a large quantity from them for a significantly better price than the others and the quality was good, with free delivery. Still not cheap however..
    - LK

  • 5/27 8:28am CMK, for mulch try K&K in Franklin. We found them to be quick and reasonable. www.kandkmulchandloam.com
    - LJK

  • 5/27 8:27am Can anyone tell me where I could buy a KP high school T-shirt or sweatshirt for an ex-student? Thank you.
    - PFD

  • 5/27 8:20am I am looking for a loam delivery for a new flower bed. Any recommendations?
    - TC

  • 5/27 8:19am BC - The leasing of solar (photovoltaic) panels from third parties or PPAs (Purchased Power Agreements) and you lock into a long term lease for lower energy costs is something that you need to look at all the options closely. As far as I know there are only four operating photovoltaic systems in Norfolk. All are owned by the customer, two of them were installed by Alteris (one of those by the former Solar Works -now Alteris). There are benefits to owning them and on the flip side there are potential down sides. The three benefits that jump out right away are the federal tax credits of 30% of the total price and the property tax exemptions in Massachusetts for 20 years and being able to sell the Renewable Energy Credits RECs. As a PV system is an improvement on your house - the third party ownership it is a gray area so whether you can get the property tax exemption because you won't actually own the system. I'm not a tax expert by any means so you should do you own due diligence. As far as performance, my electric bills are about half of what they used to be in the summer. I'm at 2.5 years of operation and the normalized annual offset electricity costs are about $800.00. I sell my RECs and that makes an additional $200 +/- per year. From my perspective, the rebates available through MTC certainly help but the rebates now are a lot less for residential projects than in 2006 when I got mine. The current available rebates for a residential project cover about 40% of the total install costs. The down side is obvious -maintenance of the equipment - which is actually very little to none. A periodic inspection of the hardware on the roof is a good idea especially after strong winds.
    - AB

  • 5/27 8:18am I have two large area rugs that are in need of cleaning. Any recommendations? Would like one that picks up and delivers in our area. I don't see anyone listed in our "Recommendations List." Thanks,
    - SM

  • 5/26 3:58pm I am looking for 15 yards of mulch for my yard. Started making a few calls today, and can't believe the prices! Any recommendations? I will need it delivered.
    - CMK

  • 5/26 3:56pm Voter registration session for Special Town Meeting - Saturday, June 6, 2009 is the last day to register to vote at the Special Town Meeting to be held on June 16, 2009. Anyone who has not previously registered, is a new resident, or will become 18 years of age on or before June 16th may register by mail or in the office of the Town Clerk. Regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00am until 5:00pnm, we are closed on Friday. As required by MGL Chapter 51, section 26, the Town Clerk's Office will hold a voter registration session ten (10) days prior to the Special Town Meeting. The office will remain open on Saturday, June 6, 2009 from 9:00AM until 8:00PM to accept voter registrations. Mail in registration forms are available from the Town Clerk and must be postmarked no later than June 6th in order to qualify.
    Please note that registrations received after April 15th but on or before June 6th will allow a voter to participate in the Special Town Meeting only and will not allow participation in the adjourned sessions of the Annual Town Meeting. Both Meetings will be held at the King Philip Middle School on King Street in Norfolk on June 16, 2009 and will begin at 7:00pm or thereafter.
    - Gail E. Bernardo, Norfolk Town Clerk

  • 5/26 3:31pm Should the "Happy Labor Day" post [May 1, 2009] maybe read "Happy May Day"? Or am I missing something here? Thanks,
    - JA

    [Ahh, someone noticed :-) May 1 is Labour Day, also known as International Workers Day, what is in effect the commemoration of the emancipation of factory workers. From Wikipedia:
    International Workers' Day is the commemoration of the Haymarket Massacre in Chicago in 1886, when Chicago police fired on workers during a general strike for the eight hour day, killing a dozen demonstrators. In 1889, the first congress of the Second International ... called for international demonstrations on the 1890 anniversary of the Chicago protests. [1]

    In October 1884, a convention held by the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions unanimously set May 1, 1886, as the date by which the eight-hour work day would become standard. [2]

    - Wm.]

  • 5/26 3:23pm The State has ended the bird testing program for WNV and EEE. Each town that has mosquito sampling pools that have a positive mosquito will be notified by the state. If you find a dead bird, the suggested method of disposal is to dispose of the bird by double bagging it and placing it out with your household trash. You may still call in to the state's WNV line and report dead birds if you wish to by contacting them at 866-MASS-WNV, but they will no longer be picked up and sent in for testing. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 5/26 10:51am If anyone is looking for help with their pets this summer, we offer in-home pet visits. We'll walk, feed and care for your pet while you are away. Set up a one-time visit or an ongoing schedule. If interested, please call Leashrly Life at 781-241-2083 or visit www.leashrlylife.com.
    - AW, Leashrly Life

  • 5/26 10:50am May 31, 2009 The Prolatio Singers and Players, Dennis E. Ferguson, Conductor, will present a concert of their greatest hits, past and present. Federated Church of Norfolk, Sunday, May 31st, 4 p.m. The program will include Renaissance, Romantic, and Choral Music. Free.
    - GZ

  • 5/26 10:49am Norfolk Baseball is hosting a movie night under the stars to benefit the Norfolk Food Pantry on Saturday, June 13 at the Major League Field at the Freeman Centennial School. Admission is a non-perishable item. We are in need of an enclosed truck or trailer to store the food items a few days ahead of the event, day of event and then a trip over to the Norfolk Food Pantry the beginning of the next week. The truck will be securely parked at the school for collections. If you have a box truck/trailer that is available please contact me at 781-467-8192. Thanks very much for helping out the community.
    - Karen F., Norfolk Baseball Association

  • 5/25 10:40pm JN--Thank you for sharing.
    - BMS

  • 5/25 3:13pm For Memorial Day. This is a poem we use in hospice:
    Death is nothing;
    I've only passed to the other side of the path.
    I am I, you are you. What I was for you, I will remain.
    Use the name you've always used for me.
    Speak to me as you always have.

    Don't use a different tone,
    don't assume a solemn or sad air.
    Keep laughing at the things we laughed at together.
    Pray, smile, think of me.
    Pray for me.
    Let my name be pronounced as it always has, without any emphasis of any kind,
    without any trace of shadow.

    Life signifies all it ever has; the thread is not cut.
    Why should I be out of your thoughts since I am simply out
    of your sight?
    I am not far, just the other side of the path.

    ~Saint Augustine~

    - JN

  • 5/25 3:12pm There is a great article in the Money & Careers section of the Sunday Globe on residential solar panels. Has anyone in town recently leased solar panels from either Alteris Renewables or groSolar? If so, I would love to hear your experience and thoughts on how your system is working. Thanks!
    - BC

  • 5/25 3:11pm I'm so very sad to hear about Katie's injuries but glad to know her owner was able to see her one last time. Although it didn't end the way we'd all hoped it would, there is closure. I'm so proud of the people of Norfolk, coming together to find this beautiful baby girl. Thank you very much for the update.
    - LLB

  • 5/25 3:09pm So very sorry to hear about Katie.
    - JW

  • 5/24 7:21pm A few people have called me in regards to Katie and what happened with her, knowing that we did get her in the wee hours of this morning. I spoke with her owner today and she stated that it was ok to tell you. Katie did make it to the hospital last night with really traumatic injuries, but was alive. They were able to keep her alive until her owner could get there and say goodbye. Because there may be some children who have access to this forum, I am going to leave out how she was injured. If anyone needs to know they may email me privately @ Norfolkk9@aol.com.
    Also this cutie was picked up today. No microchip, Connecticut rabies tag.
    And last but not least... If everyone share's TB2's sentiments I anticipate there will be more cow chip bingo tickets sold very soon (hint hint hint!!). Bingo brings in a very large part of our annual fundraising efforts towards all the animals. Without it, we wouldn't have what we have. Tickets are $10 each. Please call either my work number or leave an email and I'll get them to you. For more information on Cow Chip Bingo please see www.norfolkanimalcontrol.net.
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control - 508 528 3232

    [Upate 5/25 3:10pm: dog owner found and dog returned - HC]

  • 5/24 7:19pm I am happy to hear that Katie was found, hope she has a full recovery. Good job Hilary and the police.
    - JW

  • 5/24 4:05pm Hi JN--the parade starts at 8am. I know from the past couple of years we have formed at the Federated Church, marched to the cemetary for a memorial and marched back to the Federated Church. I am certain on the time.
    Wrentham's parade starts at 10:30am and leaves KP Plaza and heads towards the cemetary.
    - BMS

  • 5/24 3:58pm To JC, Romney and Healy are millionaires many times over so they could certainly afford it. Dr. Robbat is not. [...] I think there is more to this story. Maybe I'm wrong.
    - [Name withheld]

  • 5/24 1:26pm For JN: Call the P station. I do know they always used to start at 8:30 at the cemetery at Seekonk and Main on Mon and they marched w. the KP band to the Olive Day for a party of some sort. That was about 5 years ago...
    - AB

  • 5/24 1:25pm Are there any other utility companies in the area other than NSTAR? I feel that if they are the only ones who has the contract - then what is stopping them from charging whatever they want. Just throwing it out there!
    - DN

  • 5/24 12:24pm To HC: One of the major resons many of us have "nothing but really nice things to say about Norfolk" is that our animal control officer performs an outstanding job, participation on this board included.
    People who don't own pets can't possibly appreciate all the work that you do. Those of us that do, thank you.
    - TB (TB 2)

  • 5/24 11:59am Does anyone have information about Memorial Day activities here in Norfolk tomorrow? Thanks
    - JN

  • 5/24 11:58am Katie update: At 1 am I received a call that there was a sighting of Katie. After searching on foot, we (Norfolk Police included) did find her. She is off receiving emergency care at this time. Thank you to all who helped. I had a chance to speak with the owner earlier this evening while we were setting a dog trap up and she had nothing but really nice things to say about Norfolk . She said "Everyone is so incredibly friendly here" and that people were really understanding to her situation and helping in any way they could. If I hear any more on her condition I'll update Norfolknet if I have her owner's permission.
    - HC, Norfolk ACO

  • 5/23 8:03pm Marching in the parade on Monday, there's likely to be 2 Vietnam veterans who were both in the same unit, the 25th Infantry Division. They each discovered this fact 33 years after the fact when they met each other at the funeral parade of the Iraqi casualty, Pfc Kennedy. One of the vets is Paul Hemphill of [...], Norfolk. He'll be wearing his combat fatigue shirt with plenty of medals, and the other vet will be in his officer's dress uniform. Here's what else they both share: the Bronze Star Medal.
    - PH

  • 5/23 8:02pm To Name Witheld: Plenty of people who care deeply about society have offered to work for nothing. I believe Mitt Romney and Kerry Healy both worked for nothing when they were in office; whatever you might think of their politics, you certainly can't question that they were deeply committed to the people of Massachusetts. As for Dr. Robbat, he is a wonderfully kind, caring man who has made quite a generous offer to the King Philip towns by offering to work for free as interim superintendent. I, for one, plan to write a note to thank him for this!
    - JC

  • 5/23 6:08pm The Sun Chronicle had an article about the KP superintendent signing on for another year at no pay! Now... why exactly would anyone work for a year for free?? Seriously, is there more here than meets the eye?
    - [Name withheld]

  • 5/23 6:02pm MJD, I received a call on Friday as well asking for a donation. When I told them I'd be gald to support the town but only donate when I recieve a request in writing the conversation ended rather quickly.
    For some reason I thought it seemed scammy to me...
    - BF

  • 5/23 6:01pm To Update: Today Katie was spotted behind St. Jude's and the paths out to the cemetery. I got a spot on her but she was off and running. She is still going full tilt at this point. Then she was spotted at Norwell and Needham around 4:30 pm. Since she has visited there mostly we will be setting a dog trap in this neighborhood. I'm asking that all neighbors in this area please keep your dogs and cats on leashes or inside while we are trapping so we do not catch the wrong animal. Again, if you see her she is a runner so chasing her is not going to catch her.
    TC, that is great news about your cat. Happy to hear for her safe return.
    - HC, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 5/23 6:00pm To MJ: My neightbor took that $99 deal for three services and swears up and down they added stuff on he didn't want and that they gave him a runaround. I don't know how much to believe about this last point. They rent a DVD player (??) and get HD.
    - AB (AB-G)

  • 5/23 5:59pm To MJD: My goodness, the first thing to do is call the police station, no?
    - AB (AB-G)

  • 5/23 5:58pm MJD--I received the same call and called the police station. They are indeed running a fundraiser but I too felt if was fishy. I will send them a check directly. I also wasn't sure if these were professional fundraisers.
    - BMS

  • 5/23 11:45am For JP, HC, and TC: My heart goes out to you all. It's terrible for one's animal to be to be lost. I'm astonished one of them escaped from a vet's office. I'll pray for their return. Please let us all know what happens.
    - AB (AB-G)

  • 5/23 11:44am Is the Norfolk Police Department currently sponsoring a fundraising drive? A friend of mine received a call and the caller wanted her to donate $100 to the Norfolk Police Dept. and told her tape the envelope with the check in it on her front door and they would come and collect it. That sounds fishy to me and does not sound legit. Did anyone else receive a call like that?
    - MJD

  • 5/23 11:43am Beautiful Ivers and Pond (Boston) upright piano for sale. 300$. Lovingly used. 508-528-9529
    - JC

  • 5/23 11:42am Hi, all- An update on Mom. She's at the Maples in Wrentham for a few days of rehab to get stronger. She's giving the nurses a tough time since she simply wants to come home. Better safe than sorry, I told her. Thanks to all who rang or stopped by to give your best wishes.
    If you're in the market for some plants, please do stop in at the Family Florist this weekend! My sister and I will be 'holding down the fort.' We'll be open Saturday, Sunday and Monday!
    My son and I will be making time on Monday morning to go to the Memorial Day parade. My thanks to all the servicemen and servicewomen who have served this awesome country of ours. My Dad was one of 'em. (He died in November 1999, Love and miss you, Daddy...) Have a great, safe weekend, Norfolk!
    - RB (RB4)

  • 5/23 11:41am Just found our kitty Mocha in the woods behind the woods! She is fine. Thank you so much to all who have helped us today, and especially to Hillary Cohen, for predicting this might happen... We are lucky to have such wonderful friends and neighbors!
    - TC

  • 5/22 3:54pm Calling all home gardeners! A generous member and friend of Stony Brook has donated 42 home started and raised tomatoes which have been lovingly cared for and are ready to go in 5" pots, staked, hardened off and ready for your garden and a delicious summer harvest. We have 7 different varieties of plants. All plants, seeds, and soil are organic (no GMO's) and are available at Stony Brook for pick up today until 5pm and all Memorial Day weekend. The suggested donation for these yummy plants is $5 per plant.
    Please stop by the sanctuary today before 5, or over the weekend from 10-4. We're hoping to sell them all this weekend! If you'd like more information about varieties, please call the sanctuary at 508-528-3140.
    - TH, Stony Brook Sanctuary

  • 5/22 3:53pm The Garden Club of Norfolk - Perennial Plant Sale at Town Hill - Saturday, May 30, 2009 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. Open to the public.
    - SB, Garden Club of Norfolk

  • 5/22 11:10am Missing cat in Grove Street area (Park street end). White and gray ragdoll cat, very fluffy, missing since this morning but may have gotten out last night. He's an indoor cat so he doesn't get out at all. If you think you've seen him please contact at 508-520-4710, thank you.
    - JP

    [Update 11:18am: we found my cat so he's no longer missing! - JP]

  • 5/22 11:07am How to save $42,000 in college costs is just one of the topics in this recorded seminar which you can watch on the Norfolk Cable TV all this weekend.
    - PH

  • 5/22 11:04am Here's a picture of the dog that is missing. Please keep an eye out
    - HC, Norfolk ACO

    [Update 3:47pm: to add: This little Italian greyhound is named Katie. She has been on the run through the woods for two days now (by the prisons). If you see her she is not aggressive, but timid. She is wearing a red collar . Approximately 6 years old and 10 lbs. - HC
    Update 6:40pm: Update: 2 confirmed sightings on the odd sides of Needham St. and Evans Lane. Again, if anyone sees this little girl please contact the owner at 781 526 4775 as she's out looking for her this evening. - HC]

  • 5/22 9:40am Please help us find our cat! We live on North Street, between Marshall and Diamond, and our kitty, Mocha, got out last night by accident. She is a two year old tabby, black, brown and tan. She has never been outside before, and is very vulnerable. She knows her name and answers to it. If anyone has seen her or can help us find her, please call us at 508-520-6759. Any help is greatly appreciated!
    - TC

  • 5/22 9:38am I live at 3 Main... someone was in my front yard looking for their dog. They live in Dedham but their dog was at Norfolk County Vet in Walpole and escaped. It has been seen along West Street/Main Street near my house, thus that is what brought her to my yard. The dog is a small, black greyhound. There are posters all along Main Street so if you do spot the dog, you can get her name and number off the poster. I just [around 8:30am Fri - Wm.] talked with her now so I haven't had a chance to get the info off the poster. I just wanted to get this info out there in case any spots this dog. Fingers crossed it is found soon. If I get any more info on the dog or it's owner, I'll post it later.
    - LLB

  • 5/21 10:02pm BA: Might want to brush up on your grammar before criticizing others.
    - CS

  • 5/21 9:53pm The latest issue of the MBTA newsletter is available here in plaintext format courtesy of a reader. Thank you!
    - Wm.

  • 5/20 9:41pm Verizon FiOS or Comcast Cable?
    Well, I'm finally taking the plunge into subscription TV/internet/phone service and I'm wondering how these two stack up locally here in Norfolk (I've had satellite before, and think I'll take a pass on that this time). There are lots of pros and cons on both sides and I guess I just can't seem to wade through it all with any clear choice.
    I would like to hear your opinions, whether just subjective impressions or hard measurements. Would you recommend your provider? Why or why not? By the way, I found this great bandwidth measurement website for measuring actual internet performance (speedtest.net/). (I am currently on Verizon DSL for internet and my test results are abysmal: 1.72 Mbps download, 0.14 Mbps upload, and 51 ms ping time to Manchester, NH).
    I would like to hear about actual bills vs. advertized price (assume the "$99/month" triple-play scenario), price hikes, fees, taxes, truth-in-advertizing, etc. Also, bandwidth measurements (see link above), channel lineup, local/regional channels, picture quality, dropouts (audio or video), quickness/lag when browsing between web pages or changing channels, quality of service, technical support, equipment reliability, user interface, or anything that occurs to you.
    Thanks in advance. Regards,
    - MJ

    [I'm on the standard 3mb/s DSL and regularly reach the advertised throughput of 3 Mbps down, .8 Mbps up. Actual rates are 3360mb/864kb. I switched from Comcast years ago because Comcast was very congested here, and I needed upload speeds better than 10K/sec. - Wm.]

  • 5/20 9:40pm Yesterday I saw the Mill River swans near the Miller St bridge. They were escorting 5 little fuzzies. Unfortunately I didn't have my camera.
    - ML

  • 5/20 3:40pm AB (AB-G): I read it as MON exercising his "poetic license." You can debate the soundness of the authority that granted said license all you want.
    Oh, and since you're picking nits, punctuation usually goes inside an end quote.
    - BA

  • 5/20 11:08pm What is next... the African Clawed Frog Flu?
    - ER

  • 5/20 10:56pm Lisa, Who Cares! Ship it out before anybody gets hurt.
    - PT

  • 5/20 10:55pm MON: It's "perpetuity".
    - AB (AB-G)

  • 5/20 7:03pm A reader wished to call attention to an animal handling policy at the Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro --
    In January, the Capron Park Zoo in Attleboro, Mass., conducted a reckless stunt similar to those seen at carnivals throughout the country that allowed zoo visitors to pay a fee to handle an easily stressed young lion cub named Taji who was born at the zoo. Now that Taji is too big to be handled by people, the zoo has announced its intention to send him to the Zoological Animal Reproduction Center (Zoo Arc) in Indiana. Zoo Arc is run by an animal dealer who breeds, brokers, imports, and exports wild animals throughout the world. The book Animal Underworld: Inside America's Black Market for Rare and Exotic Species has this to say about Zoo Arc: "(T)he so-called reproduction center is nothing but an animal dealer in southern Indiana whose animals sometimes end up in Missouri and Illinois auction rings, other times with a prolific animal dealer in South Florida."

    There is a serious problem with "surplus" lions and tigers in the U.S., and Capron Park Zoo is making a bad situation worse by breeding animals they know they won't have room for once they're grown. Dumping Taji with an animal dealer is shockingly irresponsible and cruel.

    You Can Help
    The zoo has announced that this Saturday and Sunday will be the last opportunity for the public to see Taji. Please call the zoo this weekend and politely ask them to cancel plans to transfer Taji to Zoo Arc and instead arrange for his lifetime care at an accredited sanctuary or zoo:

    Jean Benchimol, Director, Capron Park Zoo
    774-203-1840

    Thank you for taking action for Taji.

    Sincerely,

    Lisa Wathne
    Captive Exotic Animal Specialist
    LisaW@peta.org

    - Wm.

  • 5/20 6:56pm A big thank you, D.P.W., and my wife thanks you
    - KC

  • 5/20 6:54pm Anyone know where I can rent a rug cleaning machine? Thanks!
    - MP

  • 5/20 6:50pm POH, The Norfolk Fire Department has a drop-off for sharps, needles and lancets.
    - Betsy Fijol, Norfolk Board of Health

  • 5/20 6:48pm I am looking for homes for our many African Clawed Frog tadpoles (like in the Grow-a-Frog kits). They are quite small, only being born 2 weeks ago. They should turn into frogs over the next month.
    The tadpoles need someone committed, since African Clawed Frogs cannot be released in the wild as they are invasive and will take over the pond. And they can be very long-lived. They will need to be re-homed if you cannot keep them for some reason.
    You can keep them in a small mason-jar sized container with a cover and airholes to begin with for the first few months. I recommend taking 2 tadpoles since they are social. They are aquatic, and never leave the water, even after turning into frogs. By a year or so, they will need a 10 gal tank with a cover. The adults get quite big -- our female's body is 3.5 inches, not counting the legs. Fish in the tank are usually a no-no. The frogs will eat them!
    They are a lot of fun, and watching them change into frogs is a great experience. Here's a link to learn more: clawedfrogs.tripod.com
    Please email me if you are interested at box197@norfolknet.com.
    - LJK

  • 5/20 8:36am MON - Do you know if Norfolk has a sharps (lancets, needles, etc) collection? I didn't see anything on the town web site.
    - POH

  • 5/20 8:37am Ladies on Parade: Norfolk Beauties Photo: PRR
    - PRR

  • 5/20 8:35am Norfolk and Foxboro Animal Control are proud to announce sales for Cow Chip Bingo are now open! This will be our (ACO Thibideau and ACO Cohen) third year doing this fundraiser for the animals in need. We will be at Founder's Day in Foxboro for Cow Chip Bingo this year on June 13th. The cow will enter the bingo field at 3:30 and hopefully if you play the game - ol' Bessie will drop a bit of that "black gold" on your plot! Winner receives $500.00. Tickets are $10 a piece. All proceeds will be split between Norfolk and Foxboro Animal Control Gift Accounts to be put towards helping animals in need. If you'd like to purchase some deeds please contact ACO Cohen @ 508 528 3232 or via email at Norfolkk9@aol.com. For more information please visit the web page at www.norfolkanimalcontrol.net
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 5/19 8:02pm MON, regarding your poem, one of the problems we have is the lack of a grocery store in town to shop at! Maybe you use your powers to cast on spell on the selectman and Stop and Shop to start building. While you are at it, knock some sense into the school board.
    - BRC

  • 5/19 8:01pm History on the Hill - The Norfolk Historical Commission is sponsoring a series of talks on local history; every Wednesday night in June in the Gazebo on Town Hill at 7:00PM.
    June 3 - Life and Times of Bertha Fales
    June 10 - Fales Memorial Park Preserve
    June 17 - Squire Miller Fales and the Foundry and Blast Furnace at stop River Falls
    June 24 - Settlement at Stop River Falls
    Join us and learn about Norfolk History.
    - BB

  • 5/19 1:47pm Looking for yard help Sunday morning, someone to help us mulch for 3-4 hours. [You can reach SD through box196@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - SD

  • 5/19 1:44pm To JRT and everyone, I think it's time to stop all of the bickering and in-fighting, and it's time to heal the deep divisions we face as a community, because we are all neighbors, people who share the town, shop for groceries and cigarette lighters shaped liked handguns at the same town stores, as we pass through our lives. So I am laying down the first olive branch, with a poem I wrote, so someday we can all laugh together, instead of only some of us.
    The Sorry Poem

    I like the printed word....letters, lines and phrases....They take time to read, while the precious heartbeats slip, slip and slide away

    These words have impact, impact, and more impact....words such as Moon-calf, Swidget and Skee-Ball, some of which I Made up....

    In our daily lives, words populate the landscape like grass, bushes, trees and back to grass......

    AS we grow old and structures wax and wane, hopefully only wax, ....In perpitude I think I will smile knowing my words lured away your precious heartbeats....

    Again....and Again.....and Again

    Love to all,
    - MON

  • 5/19 1:42pm Last minute call... Anyone who is interested in helping a most wonderful cause, "Cradles to Crayons," for a couple hours tomorrow and/or Thursday, should email me for details. If you've even read my post this far, I needn't tell you how good it feels to offer your time to others - you must already know :-) "Cradles to Crayons" is non-profit that collects clothes and toys and books, shoes (and bicycles like we collected for them last year!) and bundles and sends them to children who live in poverty, in Massachusetts. (There are almost 1/2 a million and the number is sadly growing.) C2C just received several truck loads of donations and they need (us) volunteers to help unpack, sort and then bundle them for the specific children whose age, size and needs are generated from social agency partners. Come on! Do this! I am leaving my house tomorrow @ 9 sharp and anyone is welcome to follow me! Email: lisab223@verizon.net so I can let them know how many helpers from Norfolk will be coming! Graciously,
    - LB (LB(2))

  • 5/19 10:04am The town has a road maintenance backlog of 12 million dollars which was quoted by Mr. Vito in today's Country Gazette. That seems awfully high. But perhaps that includes the clear-cutting of all trees on both sides of the street aka Medway Branch (which is still not complete).
    Sorry, you get a NO vote for this override!
    - RW

  • 5/19 10:03am JRT: So do tell : What is the movement and how and why is it frail?
    - AB (A B-G)

  • 5/19 9:58am I have two round trip zone 5 tickets (4 one-way) for sell for $20. Anyone interested? E-mail me at m_t_mcguckian@comcast.net. Thanks!
    - TM

  • 5/18 6:21pm SF - The trail from the rock that indicates the entrance to the park (near the Grange) leads to the back of the Freeman Centennial baseball fields. It's a "short-cut" - nice and wooded.
    - SO

  • 5/18 6:19pm TO JRT: Yes, I am hopelessly attracted to pain and suffering, so I do read NN--you outed me. Bravo.
    The rest of your post, however, I totally disagree with. I am not suggesting one go along with the status quo. I myself have devoted many hours to this town to look for ways to improve the town and not continue the status quo. I am not really sure what you mean by the status quo anyway. Please explain.
    What I am suggesting is that just saying no to everything without any legitimate, thoughtful, logical reason and then attacking others publicly and perhaps out of spite who may have a different opinion, accomplishes nothing. What is your goal, exactly? To keep the B1 district a gravel pit? I find that not in the best interest of the town at large. And we are talking about what is best for the entire town, correct?
    I like open green space just as much as anyone else. I love the rural feel of Norfolk. That being said, there is no reason that the B1 district cannot move forward. I do, however, worry about the rural ambience of our town for other reasons. Number one, we need to better appreciate and support the farms and businesses here. Gump's Farm and Jane and Paul's are, in my humble opinion, some of the jewels we have in town. We all need to go there and support them so that they can continue to prosper and never feel the need to sell to a developer. I know I need to get there more often myself. That is "green" space that we certainly need to keep here. I mean, what is Fall without going to Jane and Paul's for pumpkins. What is Christmas without seeing all those beautiful trees and gorgeous crafts at Gump's Farm?
    I love how you go around my question about defining the "movement" you mentioned in your post. So, I answered your questions (even though I felt somewhat as though I was on the witness stand being grilled). So, now it is your turn. Please directly answer my question. What is "the movement" that you wrote about in your post? I was not aware of a "movement" here. I await your response to that direct question.
    - JN

  • 5/18 6:18pm College seminar tomorrow night at 7 pm at the Norfolk Public Library. Topic: How to pay for college in this economy, and how to be admitted with increased competition to get into state colleges. Author and speaker, Paul Lloyd Hemphill, conducts the seminar.
    - PH

  • 5/18 4:03pm MAK, What makes you think that the money from a general tax override will ever go to the road fund! We were fooled once by the town! If we vote for another road repair override we are the biggest fools in the state.
    Say no to any more overrides until the first override money goes to the roads.
    - MG

  • 5/18 4:01pm Hi everyone, I was walking with my daughter today up Boardman Street to the train station. Chilly out for May! I would like to say thank you to the woman who graciously slowed down to ask if we needed a ride, citing the cold. So nice of you!
    I have a question... walking along Rockwood I noticed the sign for Bicentennial Park, and a path to the right. Is there actually a park there? Anyone know the story of that? And another question... what's the story with the small yellow building off the corner of Rockwood and Boardman? It's been vacant since I moved here 3 years ago.
    Thanks for your help!
    - SF

  • 5/18 3:58pm To JRT - You are wrong about MON, although your right to criticize is your own. Did you read the Boomerang last week where Jason Talerman attacked the Town, its Selectmen and just about everyone involved? [...] In the time that I have known MON, I find him to be one of the most down to earth and considerate individuals I have ever met, and the town is lucky he is donating his time to help our town. When he needs to know something, he studies all sides and issues to come to an intelligent solution that makes sense. Not like the others who stopped helping Norfolk long ago. I was able to make night 2 of the town meeting and I was amazed at that corner of "no". The only item that that corner got behind was the plan to kill to proposal to cut the conservation tax by 1.5%. You guys were all over that. You did not want the rest of the town to have a chance to vote on that. You know, some people in this town that do care were unable to make the meeting to do work, family and other obligations. And when I informed them that had taken place, they were not pleased. I understand that precious open space is nice, but right now that extra $125.00 that comes out of my taxes make a difference to me and would have to lot of other residents. And who's to say that the state will continue to make matching contributions? The state finances are in shambles right now and for the foreseeable future. I think it was grossly unfair for that article to be voted down and not let the town decide.
    As for the format of the town meeting, I found that Mr. Winslow did an outstanding job. MON, you have my full support.
    - PJT

  • 5/18 3:55pm Going after MON is like trying to attack a battleship with spitballs.
    - PA

  • 5/18 3:54pm RB4 - So glad your mom is ok. : )
    DR - That's a great idea. Good luck.
    Hope everyone has a good day.
    - SF

  • 5/18 3:52pm JN: Thank you for allowing me to explain. But let me try to understand your post a bit. First, you suggest that offering reasoned civil debate on town meeting floor in opposition to the status quo is polarizing but responding to that debate with content-free attacks is not. Second, you suggest, al la Pleasantville (or other more infamous locales), that those who are not lined up behind the goals of said status quo are somehow not looking out for the best interest of the Town. Third, you are somehow repulsed by Norfolknet but nevertheless hopelessly attracted to it.
    - JRT

  • 5/18 3:50pm Does anyone have any old end tables, coffee tables, dressers, or tv stands they are trying to get rid of for cheap or free? I'm a broke college student about to move into an unfurnished apartment! If so, please email me at apetruchik@bridgew.edu
    - AP

  • 5/17 9:09pm TA, I would also like a No sign re the override. Could you post here where you got it? Thanks
    - AB

  • 5/17 9:08pm Regarding MGD's "interesting report by an independent group that analyzes budget issues in Massachusetts," I think it is advisable to look at where this organization's funding comes from while reading the report.
    - BA

  • 5/17 9:02pm DR: Sounds like an interesting idea. Good luck, I sincerely mean that!
    JRT: Would you please explain this, I quote you: "the frailty of the movement he now aligns behind" What "movement"? It seem to me that you are creating a polarizing atmosphere in this town. I could be wrong, and hope that I am, but that is my interpretation, just mine. I always thought that more gets done when we all try to work toward the same goals. We may not always have the same ideas, but I would think that we all want the same thing; a great town to live and raise our children in. I know I am naive at times and tend to see things through rose colored glasses, but as we have seen this year, life is short and happiness is at a premium. But I will allow you to explain. Thanks.
    And to CS, I had asked the Wm. for MON's post to not be posted at all, but Wm. had already posted it than retracted it instead. Not MON. I get tired of all this attacking each other all of the time. It upsets me, I will admit it. But he is a big boy and can stand up for himself and I know that he creates his own issues at times, but I still wish him the best as he is devoting many hours to reading tons of files and educating himself on town issues.
    I had never heard of NorfolkNet when I first moved to town several years ago. Now I wish I was still not aware of it. I think I was much happier then. (no offense Wm)
    - JN

  • 5/17 9:01pm BMS - thanks for the information but the school committee has not updated that website since April. That's why I asked the questions. I'll try calling the office tomorrow.
    - LM

  • 5/17 3:13pm Norfolk Public Library will hold a college seminar to address the issue of cost this Tuesday evening at 7 pm. Reservations are suggested by calling 508.520.6642
    - PH

  • 5/17 3:11pm LM--I read in the paper that there is a Plainville town meeting tomorrow night (5/18) at the Wood School not the KP SC meeting. Here is a link to the district page located on the web site [KP SC page] where you can link to the district calendar as well as find agendas. You can also click on District at the top and find the phone number and email address for Lisa Witkus the secretary for Dr. Robbat. I have found her to be very helpful in providing information.
    - BMS

  • 5/17 3:10pm MON - Re: The fact that MDs and their arrogance abounds has nothing to do with my title. Thank you.
    ar*ro*gance (noun): an attitude of superiority manifested in an overbearing manner or presumptuous claims or assumptions

    "ar*ro*gant (adjective): 1) exaggerating or disposed to exaggerate one's own worth or importance often by an overbearing manner: an arrogant official; 2) proceeding from or characterized by arrogance: an arrogant reply
    merriam-webster.com

    - SO

  • 5/17 11:50am Now I'm hearing that the KPR School Committee has changed the location of tomorrow's meeting to the Wood School. Does anyone know for sure where the meeting will be, the time and the agenda? Aren't their meetings governed by the open meeting laws? Where should this information be posted to meet the open meeting laws? I feel like I'm chasing my tail trying to get this information.
    - LM

  • 5/17 11:45am In light of the serious discussions regarding tax increases vs. spending cuts, I found an interesting report by an independent group that analyzes budget issues in Massachusetts. Their reports are pretty easy to understand and I think anyone who is interested in this issue (and I would think everyone is) should take a look at this site when considering the very important financial challenges ahead: [report]
    - MGD

  • 5/17 11:43am Does anyone have signs for No on the probable override? Webmaster please provide my email address to whomever responds. [Contact TA at box195@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - TA

  • 5/17 10:58am "... stability during LO buffeting? Is the flame bucket optimally sized ..." I would venture to say that LOL (Level Of Ludicrocity) buffeting is half the problem, and we definitely need a bigger flame bucket on Norfolknet. But I'm no rocket scientist...
    - TB (TB2)

    [Update: make that Level Of Ludicrocity - TB]

  • 5/17 10:35am Re: With respect to a web-based forum and general civility, how about creating a forum that requires using your real name? That should keep nastiness to a minimum, would let all of us know who's who, and provide for public accountability. After all, we all know who MON is now, so why not put the rest of us out in the open as well. I stand behind what I post - and so should everyone else.
    - TB (TB2)

    [Although MON chose to associate his initials with his real identity, this is something that I try to discourage. Discussion should be on the merits, not on the name recognition of the proponents. That being said, I have at times felt uncomfortable enough with some comments to be unwilling to post them anonymously, but I haven't made that a litmus test for being allowed to speak. - Wm.]

  • 5/16 6:50pm Re: 5/16 9:10am I've been trying to figure something out, but I just found out that we do have a rocket scientist who frequents this board, so I figured I'd ask. I've been trying to calculate the maximum altitude of a minimum diameter (38 mm) CF rocket with a calculated drag coefficient of 0.72. Given a propellant formulation of 20% R20LM, 20% -650 mesh Magnesium, 60% PSAN-I Blend C, Mondur MR Curing Agent, 6 grains and a c-slot configuration of each grain, that produces 50 pounds of thrust, a burn time of 3.25 seconds puts me in a 40% H motor impulse range. Reducing the size of the fins moves the CP to the forward end and reduces the total weight of the craft but by reducing the fin profile and root length of the fins my drag coefficient also decreases but by less than 10% but then the rocket goes unstable at 1.8 seconds after LO. What am I doing wrong? - AB
    Possibilities: Were fin profile and root length diminished excessively? Is the rocket configured to rotate around the +roll axis prior to, and subsequent to, LO? Is the physical rocket support stand robust enough to maintain bird stability during LO buffeting? Is the flame bucket optimally sized for your particular configuration?
    - RH

  • 5/16 6:47pm JN (With respect to a web-based forum for discussing the warrant articles and recommendations): You are right that even though Norfolknet provides a very valuable service, conversations sometimes wander off topic and on occasion can become nasty. And I agree with you that the apparent partial anonymity empowers people to say things that they wouldn't say in a public meeting. That is why, as valuable as Norfolknet is, I believe it doesn't have an appropriate structure for the type of discussion that I envision.
    I've started thinking about specifications for what I would consider an ideal web-based system for discussing the warrant articles and recommendations. My initial thought is that in order to comment in the forum, a resident would have to have a login account. In order to get a login account, a resident would have to show proof of who he really is and that he is really a resident. I'm unsure whether I'd permit comments with screennames or would require commenters to use their real names. I think that I'd initially allow comments without having to be approved by anyone else. But if comments were such that they would have been ruled out of order by the moderator, they can be deleted and that user can be set to be "moderated" so that his future comments are not visible to anyone else until they have been approved.
    These are just a few of my initial ideas. I'm still looking for a forum where anyone who is interested can work together on designing a system and drafting specifications for it.
    - DR

  • 5/16 2:10pm I have noticed that MON has often asked Wm to retract his postings. I have read a few before they were pulled and the content was "out there." MON, what is up with the retractions? In your new role in town, there are no retractions.
    - CS

  • 5/16 2:08pm Let us not begrudge MON for offering his viewpoints. Of course his boorish resort to epithets rather than cogent counterpoints offers insight into both the frailty of the movement he now aligns behind and much of his true character.
    - JRT

    [Update 6:43pm: revised wording]

  • 5/16 2:07pm Hi, Just wanted to send out a huge public Thank You to the responders of the 911 call I placed yesterday for my mother. The police officers, paramedics and firemen all treated her with respect and kindness. (And a special thank you to Fire Chief Bushnell for coming to the scene. Clearly, you were off duty when the call went out. I sincerely appreciate your stopping in to check on her.)
    Mom was kept overnight at Caritas Norwood and as of this morning, was feeling much better - still weak, but clearly improved. We have a really compassionate, professional and concerned team of police, firefighters and paramedics on duty in our town!!
    Please send out to the Universe your prayers, good vibes and best wishes that Mom comes home soon to get back to the business of... bossing me around, LOL!
    - RB (RB4)

  • 5/16 2:06pm Looking for a summer tutor? I am a teacher looking for anyone interested in tutoring for their son/daughter for the 2009 summer (primarily children in grades 2-4). If interested, please email me at norfolktutor@gmail.com. In your email please identify the age of your child along with their areas of need. Feel free to include questions you may have.
    - AV

  • 5/16 11:14am Re 5/16 9:13am [Respose by MON to JL removed on request] [The ``censored'' comment (that was posted unedited -- go figure) involved lynching, decapitation, and driving residents out of town. I thought it generous that it made even the Politics page . For some Norfolknet is a way to interact with their neighbors, for others a means to an end. - Wm.]
    Just my opinion, Wm., but since this post was removed by request I find it inappropriate for you to have commented on it at all. Further inflaming petty arguments doesn't do anyone any good.
    - SF

    [The post was removed after I had already commented on it. To those who already read it, it had been said.
    In any case, my footnote is not about the "petty argument" but rather addresses the personal comments made about me as webmaster. The post I cite is still on the page. I hope you don't find it inappropriate that I respond when talked about. - Wm.]

  • 5/16 11:11am DR: That is correct. Two warrants. Thanks. Sorry for any confusion.
    I agree with you that a dialogue is a good thing. But as we have seen on this board, many can hide behind initials and attack one another, sometimes like children. I would hate to see that type of bantering on a town run web-site. It would have to be moderated and checked daily. I am not sure we would have the manpower to do that.
    - JN

  • 5/16 9:42am I recently posted my comments regarding the recent school committee elections and at the end of that write-up I suggested that Norfolk Public Schools should, if anything, regionalize as part of the King Philip Regional system along with Plainville and Wrentham.
    Well, according to a front page article in today's The Sun Chronicle titled "State pushes for regional schools to save on cash" (Saturday, May 16, 2009) it highlights the fact that the Patrick administration is preparing legislation that would encourage, and in some cases force, small school systems to regionalize. It goes on to state that the bill could immediately affect the King Philip regional schools because it would require all distrits to be unified K-12 school systems. If passed the legislation would require the three towns to be one district with one school superintendent and one school committee for all grades. There is more to the article for those who wnat to pick up a copy to read, for example each small district would be considered on its own merits, but that did not seem to apply to the Norfolk, Plainville and Wrentham districts as I read it.
    As noted in my previous post (5/8/09), I am in support of such legislation.
    - PFJM

  • 5/16 9:33am MON: I'm with SF! I admire "do-ers", people that want to help the town. Hey, you're the sewer do-er! Good luck.
    - AL

  • 5/16 9:13am EF - You have that right! For every one of these postings I get many more comments from people wanting more! So JL - your [ramblings] are too numerous and fragmented for any one answer, but the only intelligent thing you said that concerned me was the Boardman street well-water issue - which I will look into. And the book you mention "Politician's Guide" - Did you read the chapter on "Unnerving Your Political Opponents"? I wrote that one! In the meantime, Wm posted a cartoon in the political section I think will cheer you up, shame it's not up front, but I thank our Wm and his censorship for that. It must strike close to home for him. And in the future, I will still post what I want, when I want when it comes to politics and philosophy, especially when it comes to the rights of every American.
    Viva La Norfolk!
    - MON

    [Respose by MON to JL removed on request]
    [Respose by MON to JL restored on request]
    [The ``censored'' comment (that was posted unedited -- go figure) involved lynching, decapitation, and driving residents out of town. I thought it generous that it made even the Politics page. For some Norfolknet is a way to interact with their neighbors, for others a means to an end. - Wm.]

  • 5/16 9:12am I am in need of a used refrigerator that is in good condition, willing to pay, can pick up May 23. Thank you. 508-353-0037 or sh5rob@aol.com.
    - RS

  • 5/16 9:10am I've been trying to figure something out, but I just found out that we do have a rocket scientist who frequents this board, so I figured I'd ask. I've been trying to calculate the maximum altitude of a minimum diameter (38 mm) CF rocket with a calculated drag coefficient of 0.72. Given a propellant formulation of 20% R20LM, 20% -650 mesh Magnesium, 60% PSAN-I Blend C, Mondur MR Curing Agent, 6 grains and a c-slot configuration of each grain, that produces 50 pounds of thrust, a burn time of 3.25 seconds puts me in a 40% H motor impluse range. Reducing the size of the fins moves the CP to the forward end and reduces the total weight of the craft but by reducing the fin profile and root lenght of the fins my drag coefficient also decreases but by less than 10% but then rocket goes unstable at 1.8 seconds after LO. What am I doing wrong?
    - AB

  • 5/16 1:04am Hello, I would like to invite parents in the community to attend a very compelling program about Social Host Liability titled: Be a Parent Not a Pal. This forum will take place at King Philip Regional High School on Wed. May 27 from 7:30-9:00 pm. The speaker is Attorney Dick Campbell. This powerful presentation will highlight laws and penalties, offer practical solutions for keeping students safe, and answer questions such as: Am I liable for a party my child has when I am not home? Can I serve alcohol to my own children? Isn't it better for me to provide a safe haven fro teens to drink if I take their car keys? and more. Please join us for refreshments, resource exhibits, and parent networking following the presentation. For additional information please contact Karen at 508-314-8431.
    - KN

  • 5/16 1:00am To MJ, LL and TM attendees: Thank you for your support of Article 25. The Road Maintenance Stabilization Fund will insure our roads are repaired. But to do that we need to fund it. On June 16 we will be discussing and voting whether to pass an override. We have chosen as low a dollar figure as possible. The town has a road maintenance backlog of 12 million dollars which was quoted by Mr. Vito in today's Country Gazette. No one likes paying taxes, but at least with this tax you know what the money will be spent on... our roads. Please consider assisting myself and others in communicating the need to pass Article 26 to all of Norfolk. You may contact me through the webmaster. [You can reach MAK through box194@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - MAK

  • 5/16 12:59am Thank you Dan Winslow for hosting dinner Tues night and for hosting the raffle on Wed. These are things that don't have to be done but are very nice gestures. It is very much appreciated. Job well done to the Boy Scouts. We can give the young girl who sang the title of "Norfolk has Talent" (sorry I didn't get her name). The Boston Globe was present at dinner to do a piece on what towns are doing to get voters/residents involved in their government. The reporter was very impressed with Dan's ideas and remarked that Norfolk was the most progressive of the many towns she has researched. I had such pride as she was telling me how wonderful our town is.
    - MAK

  • 5/16 12:58am In answer to the Town Moderator's questions about the new procedures at the meeting: I think the "Yes", "No", and "?" queues are a good idea. They didn't really come into play much because there were very few times that there were people in more than one queue, but I think it will make the process fairer when there are a number of people on each side of an issue all of whom want to speak.
    I'm not comfortable with the "no more than 2 times at the microphone per speaker" rule, although I haven't see any problems yet. One possible problem is that three different speakers make separate points about an article and the person with the most information might have to speak three times to respond to the three issues. An abusive use of the rule might be for one person opposed to an article to make a silly statement about it, to which the proponent would have to respond. Then the person opposed to the article could make a second silly statement about it, to which the proponent would again have to respond. Knowing that the proponent had spoken twice and couldn't speak again, another person opposed to the article could make a substantive argument against the article and the proponent would not be able to rebut that argument.
    - DR

  • 5/16 12:57am MON - Never mind the naysayers. Keep on voicing your opinions, you are entitled to them as is everyone else who posts on this board.
    - SF

  • 5/16 12:56am Does anyone know where the KP Regional School Committee posts their meeting agendas? The district website does not list meetings after April and I would like to know the discussion topics for Monday's meeting at the high school. Don't they need to post an agenda?
    - LM

  • 5/16 12:02am Dan Winslow - My two neighbors and I thought the 5 min./presentation and 2x/speaker limits worked very well, but we had trouble with the Yes/No/Neutral Question microphones. It seemed to foster opposition, rather than dialogue. Additionally, it may have deterred some unallied attendees from selecting a microphone. Spot-delivery of microphones would also assist seniors, the disabled and middle-row-seaters.
    - SO

  • 5/15 11:47am JN: I want to be sure that I understand your post of 5/15 5:30pm. You are saying that two booklets will still be printed, but only the second one (the combined warrant and Advisory Committee's recommendations) will be mailed to each household. The first one (just the warrant articles) will be available to be picked up and will be mailed to any voter who explicitly requests it. Is that correct? If so, I misunderstood and apologize for passing on my misunderstanding.
    With respect to being able to discuss the warrant articles and recommendations on the web, I think we share the same goals but reached different conclusions about how best to accomplish them. I believe that allowing people to ask questions and present information in advance will get more people interested in attending the Town Meeting and will enable the attendees to be better prepared for constructive participation in the meeting. A web-based discussion would certainly give people more time to consider other people's responses and ask followup questions than is possible at the Town Meeting. While newspapers and especially Norfolknet serve very valuable functions, many years of experienced have proved to me that a more structured forum (particularly, one designed for that specific purpose) is a much better way to present information, avoid losing track of questions, and help people organize issues and make up their minds. I'm not sure that we can create an appropriate discussion forum. I know that even if we did, not everybody would want to use it. But if we did create it, I am convinced that people who used it would find it valuable.
    - DR

    [Isn't there a two-comment rule at Town Meeting? If you can voice only two opinions (brief ones, I hear), then if you have additional points to make, you're out of luck. - Wm.]

  • 5/15 6:07pm Prolatio Singers & Players, conducted by Dennis E. Ferguson, consisting of nearly 30 singers and several instrumentalists, is presenting a special concert at The Federated Church of Norfolk on May 31st at 4:00pm. The four-part choral group presents a musical repertoire including early Renaissance and Baroque styles. For more information, please contact the Church office at 508-528-0262. All are welcome, please come and join us for this unique musical offering.
    - KR

  • 5/15 6:05pm MON - it appears that not only being a rocket scientist you are experienced in development of town centers, subdivisions, site plans, form "A", storm water engineering and design, septic design, soils, etc. and will ensure smooth transition of whatever a developer wants since you are not an Obstructionist but will breathe fresh air into the Town and we will all finally see the light. Love the quote "BOH has been a septic Board" - why didn't you just say "you know all those incompetent and subordinate septic slob losers that previously served on the BOH for one reason - no, not to be a septic board but to keep the seat warm until the self anointed virtual expert in most everything arrived - you know who".
    Simply put I did not see where you specifically stated what you were going to do as a BOH member - or do you have to figure out what the BOH does first. The clock has started and would recommend you read the federal, state and local regulations for starters. Or how about providing a tangible solution and contact JW and surrounding neighbors on Boardman to deal with their gasoline issue.
    Oh, and by the way, you are the first politician in Norfolk that I know of that publically picks their favorite candidates - don't know who all the candidates were but since they were your self proclaimed "unbiased" picks, there was no choice but to vote against each one due to your "unbiased" suggestion... because when one politician starts trying to choose their team of fellow politicians and not let the Town of Norfolk choose their candidate independently based on the candidates stated position, it makes one wonder... Might also want to read the Politician's Guide to Keeping Your Trap Closed and Letting Your Actions Speak For Themselves. Some day you will wake up and realize no one wants to hear from you anymore. Let the town folk just read about you and all of the good things you are doing on the BOH. Good luck.
    - JL

  • 5/15 6:03pm DBC and othrs - Thanks for your interest. Yes there will be a kids PMC this year. Unfortunately the original date we picked is not working but once I get approval from the appropriate authorities, stay tuned to school back packs, NorfolkNet and the Boomerang announcing the new date.
    - David Lutes, Norfolk Kids PMC

  • 5/15 6:02pm Hi DV, I am the neighbor that dropped off the choc. chip poundcake. I do not want nor do I expect a thank you note. You and your family have enough on your plate - coping day by day with such a devasting loss, that to spend one minute on thank you notes is crazy. People understand and feel so much empathy for you and your family. I think I speak for many when I say focus on your girls and forgot about the notes. You post hear is more than sufficient. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
    - LL

  • 5/15 6:01pm Our missing beagle Lucy has been located! I want to thank all of the folks who helped us look for her especially the DeLuca's along with Dave Smith and his crew. A lovely family on Medway St. found her this morning and called Hilary from Animal Control. Our runaway beagle, Lucy, was promptly returned to our house, where she now sleeps soundly on her bed, recovering from her escapades in the wilds of Norfolk! Thanks again to all! This kind of response would have never happened in a big city. Small towns rule!
    - KS

  • 5/15 5:36pm MON: I am sure you've been called a few things in your life. Whatever.
    As to your post, what is the difference between you telling us what's wrong with America (not sure I asked) and others telling us what might be wrong with Norfolk? Can you not handle an opposing opinion? At least they are not sitting home watching American Idol during Town Meeting. Thank God a few are willing to challenge the status quo, offer suggestions and solutions, and question the "authorities.". Wasn't it you that was the insolent, sign-protesting, foot-stomping indignant hornblower of all things wrong with Norfolk at some Town Meetings I attended? How did the Kool-Aid go down? Never did like the stuff. It's full, and I mean full, of acesulfame potassium. You should know better. Bad stuff.
    May I suggest an alternative beverage? Kingfisher - bold, refreshing, honest good beer. Perfectly delicious with my new chicken tikka massala recipe. Hope the Obstructionists serve it at their "Live from Norfolk" opening!
    - AL

  • 5/15 5:32pm For Mr. Winslow: The use of the three microphones did not really do anything for me.
    The consent calendar, to me, makes sense but I would want the discussion for "held" articles to occur on that same night the consent calendar is brought forward as warrant articles that were "held" on Tuesday but were finally discussed on Wednesday lost a few people along the way.
    The most discouraging thing was the accuracy and thorough review of the warrant. The document was filled with numerous, and in most cases insignificant typos but the few poorly worded articles, lousy editing and flawed warrant language that required reconsideration, rework on the floor or deferment reflected poorly on everyone involved.
    - AB

  • 5/15 5:31pm To CG: Many of us share your observations and, not only that, find it refreshing to read a post from someone who is able to present his/her opinions without insulting, degrading, or ridiculing others.
    - TEM

  • 5/15 5:30pm DR: The warrant will still be printed. Just the requirement to mail it to each household was changed in the bylaw. The warrant with the Advisory Board recommendations will still be mailed to homes as always, If anyone would like a copy of the warrant, they can call the selectman's office and have one mailed directly to their home. The new bylaw also states that the warrant will be available in all 4 precincts. So that means that it will be at the library, etc. Furthermore, there will be a file that you can access on the town web-site to browse or print at your leisure. This will save the town several thousand dollars. In these tough economic times, we need the money. It also helps the environment by cutting down on paper usage.
    As far as having the warrant posted with the ability to add comments, I feel strongly that Town Meeting is the best place for that. It is there that you can stand and talk about your opinions among fellow citizens. If you were allowed to post an opinion about a particular article on line, then you might be less willing to go to Town Meeting to voice those views there. And we need people to participate in person and vote on town matters. We have other forums to discuss ideas such as this forum and the town newspaper.
    As far as our Moderator's post asking for feedback, I thought that it was all good. It made for a good flow and I like the microphone idea. You did an outstanding job.
    - Janice Nelson, Bylaw Committee, Chairperson

  • 5/14 11:16pm Someone mentioned at TM to me that a post was made on the list about some baby cottontails. I just brought an injured animal I found to The New England Wildlife Center where I found it would have its best chance for survival. The head of the center is Dr. Gregory Mertz. His specialty is reptiles, but he cares for everything at the center. I left a donation to help with the care the animal I brought might need. It took less than 40 minutes for me to get to the facility, and I would not hesitate to bring another animal in. What has happened to the bunnies? I did not have time to look through all of the posts of the past 2 weeks.
    - EF

  • 5/14 11:14pm I just wanted to reach out, one month ago today my husband died in a car accident. It has been a very hard month. The thank you notes sit by my bed, I know I need to write them but I just can't. I can't begin to say thank you for all of the kindness that has been shown, or how great the Norfolk police and the schools have been. People in this town who I do not even know, or have known for only a short time, have been so great and with tears in my eyes and fingers that can hardly type, I send a huge thank you. Please do not think that I am rude that the notes are not in the mail... they are coming but the worst part is that I do not know some of your names - so to the folks who do not get a note... thank you. If you were here, it helped more than I knew at the time. This is just the worst! May God keep you safe and your family happy.
    - DV

  • 5/14 11:12pm Missing! Our senior beagle! Our old beagle, 16 years old, wondered from our porch this evening. She is deaf, but still very alert. She is wearing a red collar and her name is Lucy. Last seen on Tucker Rd, between Medway Branch and Medway St. Please email ASAP is you find her kshaffnerbrown@hotmail.com
    - KS

  • 5/14 11:08pm Currently the Town publishes one booklet that contains the Town Meeting Warrant and a second booklet that contains both the warrant articles and the Advisory Committee's recommendations. Wednesday (13-May-2009) evening's session of the Norfolk Town Meeting passed Article 67 which amends the Town's Bylaws so that instead of publishing the two booklets, the town would just publish one combined booklet. Before being passed, the article was amended to require publication on the web and to reinstate the requirement that the Advisory Committee's recommendations be available at least 7 days before the Annual Town Meeting or 14 days before a Special Town Meeting.
    During the discussion, someone asked whether it would be possible to publish the combined booklet on the web in such a way that residents could add their comments (either in support of, in opposition to, or asking questions) about any article. The Town Moderator responded that he thought that was a good suggestion and he would explore whether the Town Moderator's web page could be used to host such a discussion about the warrant articles. In a subsequent private conversation with the Town Moderator, he said that he would like to encourage active participation by town residents however he can, including discussion on the town website. But he pointed out that is constrained by the Town's website, over which he has no direct control, and which is currently a static website with some searching as its only interactive function (of which I'm aware).
    [continued ...]
    - DR

  • 5/14 11:06pm Does anyone know if there is going to be a Kids' PMC this year? Norfolk is not listed as a participating town on the PMC website.
    - BC

  • 5/14 11:04pm Musings on the Annual Town Meeting. I think its great the Road Maintenance Stabilization Fund was established (Article 25). But I am concerned about its funding. Everyone is under high financial stress these days (and I'm sorry to regurgitate, but here goes anyway): federal income tax, social security, Medicaid, ever-escalating health care costs (yes, I work in the private sector), state income tax, sales tax, excise tax, property tax, increasing utilities, imminent increases in state sales tax, gas tax, tolls, imminent decreases in state funding to Towns, child support that is out of control, increasing college tuitions, you name it (did you hear about the carbon tax?), they'll tax it. But I am taxed out and will most likely be saying 'NO' to *any* overrides, no matter how well-intentioned. I am already living paycheck to paycheck (or what's left of it) and I worry whether I'll even have a paycheck month by month. The Town needs to learn to do the same; no more non-essential spending!
    I wanted to say 'NO' to spending $295,000 to fund designs for a proposed new public safety building (Article 13). Why? Because it's inappropriate to be even *thinking* about a new public safety building when the roads are falling apart from years of neglect. I was unable to say 'NO' because they pushed Article 13 off until June. Unfortunately, I'll be out of town that day and will be unable to voice my concerns. I repeat: no more non-essential spending!
    What I propose is firstly, vote 'NO' on Article 13 (saving $295,000). Then I would move to modify Article 26 (the funding for the new Road Stabilization Fund, also pushed off until June) to replace the language "subject to a Proposition 2-1/2 override" with something to the effect that it be funded from existing Town revenues. I would even propose funding it with the $295,000 we saved (hopefully) by voting 'NO' on Article 13. The point is that we all need to learn how to stop spending on luxury items when the essential items are left wanting. This includes making do with the existing police and fire station (which is really not that old).
    Even though I wholeheartedly back Article 25, I will not fund it through an override.
    Regards,
    - MJ

  • 5/14 10:51pm TB, MM--Thanks for your response. Wm, can you send me email addresses so I can learn more about what I'm in for? Thanks,
    - KC

  • 5/14 10:50pm The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library would like to extend a public thank you to the business sponsors of the 2009 Book & Bake Sale held on April 24-25. One hundred percent of the expenses of the sale were covered by donations from twenty-two local businesses. Because of their generosity, all of the sale receipts can be used to benefit the library. 2009 donors are Dalzell Volvo, Dedham Institution for Savings, Dunkin Donuts, Jofran Sales Inc., Rodman Ford, J. Verrochi Landscape, Inc., Norfolk County Dental Associates, LLP, RJ Ross Funeral Home, Fore Kicks LP, Foxboro Federal Savings, George Cronin & Sons, Inc., Roche Bros. Supermarkets, Inc., Century 21 Commonwealth, Daley's Service Inc., Holliston Oil Service, Thomas Keefe Insurance Agency, Village Green Nurseries, Inc., Sundance Hair Studio, Hair Mania, Shaw's Supermarket, Stop & Shop Supermarket, and Main Street Hardware & Supply.
    - BV, Friends of the Norfolk Public Library

  • 5/14 10:48pm As I see it: On May 13, 2009, the rural character of Norfolk, beloved by many, was voted at Town Meeting a fatal blow by special permit. Many antibody zoning laws were compromised. The Planning Board and Economic Development Committee will administer sedatives so the rural town will be comfortable and unaware until the end.
    Love to have you prove me wrong. Time will tell.
    - CG

  • 5/14 10:41pm We were just notified that our water line has a leak. We are looking for recommendations on who to have do the work. If you've had a great experience or a bad experience, we'd appreciate hearing. Thanks.
    - AM

  • 5/14 10:40pm As a newbie who moved to Norfolk last summer, I attended my first town meeting on Tuesday. I just want to say how impressed I was with the people that I met at the meeting. You can tell that everyone cares deeply about this town. I went because I wanted to support Article 25, the fund for the roads. After getting a flat tire a few months ago on Seekonk St. (near Medfield), funding our roads felt personal. I just wanted to say thank you to the people on the various town committees who give up many, many hours of their free time to help make Norfolk a better place. You should all be commended. I kept thinking... you could be home with your families or watching the Bruins/Celtics playoffs right now, but instead you are here. Kudos to this great group of people!
    - LL

  • 5/14 10:39pm Greetings all and many thanks to voters who attended Town Meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday. The financial and budget issues of TM have been continued to another session on June 16, 2009 at 7 p.m. at the KP Middle School. I will post a description of remaining Articles/issues in a future entry. I'd like some feedback on how some of the new procedural changes at TM worked or didn't work. Was the "YES" and "NO" microphone system helpful or confusing? Did the new time limits of 5 minutes for presentations as well as time limits and no more than 2 times at the microphone per speaker make the discussion easier to follow, encourage debate or hurt voter understanding? Was the effort at a Consent Calendar worthwhile and how could it be improved? Your views, especially constructive criticism, will be helpful for future meetings and I welcome your ideas.
    - Dan Winslow, Town Moderator

  • 5/14 10:38pm To RD: Re: stonework, if you have not already found someone, I have a great recommendation: Derek Maher, from Walpole. He does everything from the low to the high end, great customer service and a great guy overall. Maher Landscaping, 508-668-7348.
    - LL

  • 5/14 10:37pm AL - I am not hung up on my title-others are. I really don't care what you call me.
    That's too bad about the outsourcing of your job and I mean it sincerely. This loss of jobs is an outcome of the fact that we, as Americans, have become too passive, too limited, and have lost a lot of drive and motivation as a nation of workers and leaders. We stopped producing valuable items and ideas the world needs to survive, and sit back and complain.
    Take for instance the Town Meeting the last two days. A small subset of our population said No! to many progressive ideas and innovations that were put forth by the do-ers in this town. The do-ers are people that stand up, take notice, do research, and put forth valuable time and ideas to help bring our town into the 21st Century.
    While the they have every right in a true democracy, its seems the same 4 or 5 males, no doubt testosterone poisoned, stand up and feed us reasons why things shouldn't be done. It's unfortunate, because they have been making families work harder to survive over all these years.
    Luckily common sense prevailed and many progressive changes are occurring in town because of the last two days and these obstructionists were defeated. In the future they should get one of those Mad-Money Jim Cramer buttons that can scream no! no! at every article. It would save them time and energy.
    - MON

  • 5/14 10:36pm MON: Yes, you certainly earned your PhD-Doctorate, and should be addressed as Dr. I have a PhD here, and I am very proud of her. I have heard her called Dr. many times. She, too, earned the title.
    - WC

  • 5/14 11:28am A big thank you to the people who attended the TM and purchased our cookies cakes and coffee. A special thanks to Norfok Dunkin Donuts who donated the coffee for both nights (if you are at DD please thank them) and to the wonderful bakers who outdid themselves in baking all those no calorie goodies. The money raised will provide coffee at the Senior Center for the next year.
    - RC

  • 5/14 11:27am BP: While you're there at Northland, pick up your share of beautiful plants. We have done very well there, from rose bushes, to mountain laurel shrubs, to 6-packs of beautiful annuals. I know they were slated to close, with the redoing of the 495 off ramp, and that is a real shame. Not sure of the status on that plan, and I hate to envision it. They have a very knowledgeable staff. If only they could come to my home and correct my wrong doings.
    - AL

  • 5/14 11:26am SS, We had great luck with electrician Robert Davis. Robert's prices were fair, work was top notch, site was clean and he was punctual. We had new lighting installed throughout entire house, replaced smoke detectors, etc. Robert Davis can be reached at 508-541-6182.
    - BHS

  • 5/14 11:25am Wow, someone got up on the wrong side of the bed! Today, I learned that my 23-year position may be outsourced to India. But I am ok, I am above ground as they say. Maybe I'll get an excellent recipe for chicken Tikka Masala out of training my replacement (and I do love Indian food!). But we've got MON hung up on his title? Whateva. Hey listen, anyone have some suggestions for getting your hydrangeas to flourish?
    - AL

  • 5/14 11:24am KC, Concerning your water main leak. Myself & many other home owners have been through this ordeal. Leaks continue to occur and require a costly fix. Sorry to say there isn't a lot of relief offered. The webmaster can supply you with my e-address should you like me to answer any questions you may have.
    - TB

  • 5/14 11:23am SS, I highly recommend Weaver Electric (Jeff Weaver) for your electrical needs. I have used Jeff for over twenty years and his workmanship is high and, he is extremely efficient with his time. Jeff can be reached at 508-528-7687. Best to you,
    - BF

  • 5/14 11:22am Are you missing an older smokey grey, female, long haired, declawed in the front cat from the Lafayette Lane neighborhood? If so please contact the ACO at 508 528 3232.
    - HC, Norfolk ACO

  • 5/14 11:21am Rock on, Doc MON!
    - PA

  • 5/14 9:19am To BP, Northland Fram & Garden Center on 1A in Wrentham is a geat place for propane refilling. I've been using them for five years. They are on the right as you head South on 1A just before the first light for the 495 Exit ramps.
    - MC

  • 5/14 9:18am KC, I guess the 75 - 100 other homeowners who have gone through this in the past couple of years are just fatigued by this mess and too tired to respond. Ask the webmaster for my email. I'd be happy to answer any questions that I can.
    - MM

  • 5/14 9:17am Come kick off Norfolk Community Day at NCL's 13th Annual Road Race/Fun Run at Holmes Field, Myrtle Street, Norfolk, MA. Runners and walkers welcome! Free T-shirts to the first 50 registrants. Proceeds go towards NCL's annual disbursements which support the community. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m., 5K race starts at 9:00 a.m. and kids' 1 Mile race starts at 10:00 a.m. Registration fees are $25 for 5K race and $10 for kids' race. Parking fee of $5 goes to the Norfolk Lions and includes admission to Norfolk Community Day! Please visit www.norfolkcommunityleague.org to download a registration form or register on race day. Thanks to our co-sponsor The Norfolk Lions. For more information please contact Melissa 508-528-6281 or Kym at 508-528-6542.
    - PMC, NCL

  • 5/14 9:16am BP: Trackside Gas in Walpole is great and reasonable.
    - JK

  • 5/14 9:15am KB: Call Norma Vendetti @ "Itches Stiches" in Franklin to make your junior bridesmaid dress. 508-528-0201. She is a seasoned professional and does excellent work. I have used her many times. Good luck.
    - JK

  • 5/14 9:14am Anyone know the status of Town Meeting? Was everything covered [Tuesday] night? Or is it being continued tonight?
    - JT

  • 5/14 9:13am Does anyone have any photos of that old tree farm off of Grove Street? I used to play in those woods as a kid. I just went through there and they knocked down most of the paths putting up a development. I'd love to have some photos if anyone has any...
    - FG

  • 5/14 9:12am Hi, I am looking for an electrician to work in my very old house. Can someone please recommend an electrician?
    - SS

  • 5/14 9:11am SO - Don't get picky with my title. The fact that MDs and their arrogance abounds has nothing to do with my title. And yes, I am addressed as Dr., so if you have a problem with it, that's too bad. I earned it.
    - MON

  • 5/13 6:10pm Hi Norfolk families! My name is Rachel and I've posted on here many times in the past. I just finished my freshman year at LSU and am officially home for the summer! My regular babysitting job doesn't start until the end of June when school gets out. That being said, I was wondering if any family was in need of a sitter for random days/nights until then! I have a lot of experience babysitting and I love kids. I have my own transportation as well. Feel free to contact me at rachelaLSU@yahoo.com if interested! Thanks so much!
    - RA

  • 5/13 6:09pm Does anyone have any baby food jars I could come pick up? I'm collecting jars to use for a craft at this summer's VBS. Contact me at wpcurtis@comcast.net. Thanks!
    - PC

  • 5/13 6:08pm BC - We've always had good luck with D&S Appliance in Franklin.
    - MP

  • 5/13 6:07pm To KB: Why, she cannot get dressed by herself? Couldn't resist. [re post of 5/12 11:36pm]
    - SM

  • 5/13 6:06pm MON - Does the "Dr." before your full name indicate a license to practice medicine or receipt of a PhD degree? I consult on projects for the Harvard Kennedy School and the Harvard School of Public Health, where faculty are generally required to have at least one PhD. Few, if any, use the title "Dr." unless they are also medical doctors.
    - SO

  • 5/13 6:05pm BC, I highly recommend Chip at Medfield Appliance. Chip can be reached at 508-359-2800. He is quick, clean and very knowledgeable. Hope that helps.
    - DS

  • 5/13 5:58pm BC: I have used Essential Appliance 781-937-9460 on several occasions. They have been great. They were recommended to me by Jarvis Appliance of Wellesley.
    - JN

  • 5/13 11:55am Can anyone personally recommend an appliance repair company that you have used in the past and would hire again? I don't wish to hire Sears to perform the repair due to poor service in the past. Thanks!
    - BC

  • 5/13 11:53am Don't worry LAW, but I did just start my foray into politics and sorry if I haven't posted earlier. Busy, busy! I just got back from Disneyland, where I celebrated my recent victory. To prepare for my future in politics I rode the flying Dumbo ride repeatedly until I blacked out, dulling my senses and in a counseled effort to "fit in".
    But there is much more to do and tonight's Town Meeting was a success on many fronts!
    Viva La Norfolk!
    - MON

  • 5/12 11:36pm Looking for someone to make a junior bridesmaid dress. Any suggestions appreciated. Thanks!
    - KB

  • 5/12 11:34pm Recently, the town informed us that there is a water leak on our property, which we are responsible for fixing. The Town says we can hire them or our own contractor. From what the water department says, it is not cheap to fix. Does anyone have any experience with this and have information to share?
    - KC

  • 5/12 11:33pm LC - Thanks very much for your post and there is nothing average about UMass or any of the other state colleges or universities in The Commonwealth. Some pretty amazing people hold degrees from our state system. Among them are Nobel and Pulitzer Prize winners, Grammy and Academy Award winners, leaders in business, law and politics along with some incredible athletes! Best of luck to your son and thanks again for posting about his KP experience.
    - MJD

  • 5/12 5:15pm Congratulations Dr. Nelson, on your appointment to our BoH. But this is really for the MON side - don't even think of stopping yanking our chains, tweaking our noses or pushing our buttons, on this page!
    - LAW

  • 5/12 5:14pm To BP: Trackside gas on West Street in Walpole.
    - PT

  • 5/12 5:13pm MON: As far as Mr. T., he once said of Jack Scott: "He's threatened this kind of litigation before, and hasn't gone through with it. Jack's a lot of talk." [article]. Yet, Mr. Scott has always vowed to fight this until the end. Jack used to be a boxer, and he won't stop fighting until the final bell sounds. At that point, it will be interesting to see for whom the bell tolls.
    - PA

  • 5/12 5:11pm MJD, my son is a Sr. at KPHS. He is the "type" of kid you are talking about. He played football for the first two years of HS for the first time ever, he never got involved in band, and involved with the Leo club and other clubs throughout his 4 years. He did OK on his SAT's but does much better as a student. This was not reflected by SAT's as he has never tested well. I assure you that he is not sitting around in study all day. He has 4 courses 2 electives and 1 study as a senior and this has been consistent throught his 4 years. There are times when study falls in "long block" that he has a lot of time off, but he makes use of this time by catching up on work or working on projects.
    I think KP has been wonderful and he received a great education from KP. He was accepted to a few colleges and got to choose where he wanted to go. I know that this year's class of 2009 has 1 kid going to Harvard, 2 to West Point and 1 going to Columbia. I am very happy for them and their families, and just as happy for my son heading to UMass next year.
    The goal is to get a great education in HS and then further your education to college and go on from there. I do believe that KPHS does a wonderful job. Thanks for asking.
    - LC

  • 5/12 5:10pm Thanks to all who worked to put together the Book Sale! I personally consider it to be one of my Top 10 favorite things about Norfolk (the others include Jane & Pauls, peace and quiet, the two ponies that I pass on my ride home from work, the proximity of the train, sidewalks where they exist, etc. etc.)
    - JP

  • 5/12 2:26pm Re Can someone tell me more about the spaghetti dinner at town meeting tonight? Can I bring the kids? What time is dinner? Thanks. - CK
    Yes, everyone can attend the supper (I am bringing my daughter) and town meeting. But only registered voters can vote at Town Meeting. The supper starts at 5:30. I believe there are two seating, 5:30 and 6:00pm.
    The Council on aging will have homemade desserts and coffee for sale. So bring money. And there is childcare during the meeting for I believe $5.00 by SACC.
    - JN

  • 5/12 2:25pm I know I've seen it before, but can't find the information now. I'm looking for a propane tank filling station. I would like one where I get to keep my own tank. Any recommendations? Thanks for your help.
    - BP

  • 5/12 2:18pm Don't forget to attend Town Meeting tonight. It is important because many of the most important decisions about the direction of the town are made there. And once the people vote, that is it. It is law. So don't just let a few decide for the many.
    I remember a year or so ago, someone was posting all about the lack of sidewalks. Well, it was voted no for the sidewalks at Town Meeting. And no one could change that after the vote. We get to set the direction for the town. Once a bylaw is passed, it stays the law until there is another town meeting to address it.
    The dinner starts at 5:30 at the Middle School. The meeting starts at 7pm.
    I never really understood the power of Town Meeting until I was more involved in town politics. When we lived in Wellesley, we had representatives that we elected to attend for the various districts. Our town is too small to do that, so individuals must attend. I would get the Warrant and toss it aside. I never even read it or took the time to understand it. But it is all there. So try to go. There will even be child care provided.
    So, if you cannot make it, and decisions are made that you do not like, remember not to bash the town leaders. They cannot go against what the town majority votes for. I think last year about 600 people attended. There are like 6,200 registered voters in town. So the majority vote, like 301 people, can decide the fate of our community for the next year and beyond. Wow. Think about that.
    - JN

  • 5/12 2:13pm Attention Norfolk Citizens! Tonight is Town Meeting so please come and vote! It's your Town! Not just Jason Talerman's. [...]
    So come and hear the straight facts and see how many people have worked hard to put Norfolk and its citizens First!
    In the meantime maybe Jason, Jay or whoever he is this week can tell us more about his role in the Pine Creek fiasco!
    - MON

  • 5/12 2:10pm April 25, 2009 was the date of the Friends of the Norfolk Library Annual Book and Bake Sale this year. Once again, we held the sale at the DPW garage on Medway Branch Road. This is our fourth year at the garage, and each year we say a big thank you to Butch Vito, Paul Vito and the DPW crew for making us feel welcomed in this fantastic space. Its large, well lit, warm on cold days and cool on hot ones, and amazingly we had just such an array of weather during the four days we inhabited the garage. For three days we set up for the sale and then for one day and one evening we hold the sale, and during that time the temps swung between 40 degrees and 90 degrees. Only in New England!
    At this years sale, we offered more than 35,000 books, and all of them were donated to us over the preceding twelve months. These books are collected in our shed at the transfer station or in the Friends closet at the library. But they need to get from the shed and the closet to the sale and to do that gigantic job we need many hands. The first step in getting ready for the sale is one that continues all year long. That job is the sorting, packing, and moving of all 35,000 books from the library to our 40 foot storage trailer, and amazingly its all done by two people, Maureen and Conrad Buck. These two energetic senior citizens have been in charge of this part of the sale for many years, and they continue to amaze all of us involved in the more mundane and less physical tasks of putting on the sale. Thank you Maureen and Conrad, we couldnt do this without your steady one-book-at-a-time philosophy. Several years ago Margaret Lange joined this dynamic duo to sort all of the childrens books, and special thanks to you too Margaret.
    The Book and Bake Sale Committee welcomed two new faces to our ranks this year. First, Cathy Elder was in charge of the actual sale days. In this position, she welcomed all volunteers, showed them what to do and how to do it, answered everybodys questions, and generally had to be in a million places at once. We expected a lot, and she delivered one thousand percent. Thanks Cathy. Also a newbie this year is Beth Vallee who took on the task of soliciting area business for donations to offset the costs of running the sale so that all money raised could go directly to the Norfolk Public Library. She too raised the bar with her dedication and thoughtfullnes by covering all of our pre-sale expenses. Welcome aboard.
    The remaining members of the 2009 Book and Bake Sale Committee were Judy Ross, Ann Hanssen, Thayer Olson, Beverly Baldoni, Pat Brylinsky, Patti McCarty, Margaret Lange, Mary Jo Gothorpe, and Maureen and Conrad Buck. Thank you all for your hard work and many laughs along the way.
    The Boy Scouts of Troop 80 lead by John Buchholz and Phil Chadwick once again joined our team. This group of boys is working on a Citizenship in the Community Badge, and must assist in the planning and execution of a large community event. They began their efforts by putting up flyers in all area towns early in the month, and continued by setting up all of the tables and moving all 35,000 books from our storage trailer at the back of the DPW garage (in the rain no less.) They then worked all of the hours of the sale assisting shoppers by carrying many boxes and bags of books to shoppers cars. They completed their requirement by boxing up the remaining books at the end of the sale. Throughout this entire process the boys were focused and helpful. The town of Norfolk should be proud of these fine young men who are involved in scouting for they exhibited true community spirit.
    Despite all of the work, much of it very physical, that it takes to stage an event this large if people dont come out to shop, all of the hard work wont pay off. But come out you did, and we are ever grateful for the support from the citizens of Norfolk. Year to year you donate the best books, you bake the best offerings, and you come out in droves to buy. Many area town libraries are struggling from budget cuts and apathy, but the citizens of Norfolk use and support the Norfolk Public Library, and the Friends of the Library and the library staff are invigorated by your continued support.
    Thank you to everyone who participated either by working, or by baking, or by shopping. And to those of you who did all three, and many did, a special thank you for helping to make this the biggest and best Book and Bake Sale ever. Thanks so much.
    - Mary Jo Gothorpe Book and Bake Sale Committee

  • 5/12 2:08pm BHS - That's happened to us before too - it's a very loud noise when one of those springs lets go. Contact Alex at ajtcrank@aol.com. He's done handyman type work for us in the past and may be able to help you.
    - MP

  • 5/12 2:05pm I have one lawn seat to the KISS Concert 2009 for May 17, 2:00 P.M., at the Comcast Center ($47.50). If you are interested please contact me through the wm. [Use box193@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - DG

  • 5/12 2:04pm Special treats for the opening night of Town Meeting. Homemade (really) cookies, cakes and goodies with Dunkin Donuts, thanks to DD, coffee, cold water, soda (tonic to those who remember). Enjoy your spaghetti dinner and then treat yourself to dessert. Brought to you in support of the Friends of The Norfolk Council On Aging.
    - RC

  • 5/12 2:02pm AP, We really like Dr. Amita Bhatt at Newton-Wellesley Eye Associates which is located at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. She is wonderful with kids.
    - JZ

  • 5/12 2:01pm Another option for a pediatric ophthalmologist is going to Children's Hospital in Waltham. I found that Dr. Ledoux was wonderful with my daughter and their staff was great too. Dr. Ledoux is very sweet and approachable for the kids too. My daughter had double eye muscle surgery and the doctor was very good too us as parents. The surgery was done out of their Lexington office which was much more reasonable than going into Boston also. I also brought my 8 year old daughter to the office for an exam and she was wonderful as just a general ophthalmologist, and we will continue to go out of our way for all future exams. (Additionally, each visit my daughters were tested twice. Once by an assistance and then again by our doctor. Dr. Ledoux reviews the initial findings of the assistance and then she will conduct her own through exam to assure the assistance and her both come up with the same findings. We've been to her office about 7 times and each time this happens.) Dr. Ledoux does not rush you out of the office and is great about asking if you have any questions too. Below is their information. Good luck!
    Dr. Danielle Ledoux, Children's Hospital Waltham, 9 Hope Avenue, Waltham, MA 02453, (781) 216-1420 - childrenshospital.org/
    - DL

  • 5/12 2:00pm BHS, We've had good luck with Jolicoeur 800-649-4522. Everyone should check their garage doors. If the springs don't have a support cable running down the center of the spring, you should get one installed. This cable prevents the "breaking spring" from going in a million directions. Good luck.
    - MM

    [Our garage door uses two torsional springs, with a metal rod running through the center. When it broke, it made a loud BANG but stayed put. - Wm.]

  • 5/12 1:59pm Can someone tell me more about the spagetti dinner at town meeting tonight? Can I bring the kids? What time is dinner? Thanks.
    - CK

  • 5/12 1:58pm To: BHS - call Lee Silver 508-528-9381 to have the springs on your garage door replaced - he is local (Union Street) and won't overcharge you - he replaces garage door openers too.
    - CK

  • 5/12 1:57pm I would highly recommend Dr. Daniel Laby for your son. My daughter has had glasses since she was 2 years old. He is located in Canton (Village Shoppes) 781-769-4797. Dr. Laby is also the eye specialist for many of the professional baseball teams (including many of the Red Sox players, you son will like that)
    - CD

  • 5/12 8:24am AP, I also recommend Dr. Strominger out of Boston. One of my kids has serious eye issues so we travel to Boston, but I believe the practice (New England Eye Center) has offices closer than that. The other doctors are great, too. Locally, I recommend Dr. Morrill in Franklin.
    - GA

  • 5/12 8:23am One of the extension springs on our garage door let lose tonight (with a loud crash!). Looking for recommendations for someone to fix/replace extension springs on our garage doors. Thank you.
    - BHS

  • 5/11 11:41pm AP asked for a recommendation for a children's eye doctor. I (as an adult) use and recommend Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston (OCB), an excellent multi-doctor practice with nine offices in Eastern Massachusetts. (See eyeboston.com for more information.) Going to their "Find a Doctor" page at [page link] and selecting the speciality "Pediatric Ophthalmology", it comes up with Dr. Mitchell B. Strominger who sees patients in OCB's Boston office. While I've never used Dr. Strominger myself, based on my experience with OCB, I have no hesitation in recommending him.
    - DR

  • 5/11 11:40pm AP - My son had something similar to "lazy eye" called strabismus and we saw a wonderful ophthalmologist in Canton at Cobbs Corner, Village Shoppes. He did surgery in both eyes and my son is doing great. The practice is called Eye Care for Kids and the doctor is Daniel Laby (rhymes with abbey). He was recommended by our pediatrician. 781 769 4794. Also check out a place to buy kids' eyeglasses in Franklin called Different Frames of Mind. They claim to have the largest selection of kid's frames south of Boston. But, more importantly, they are wonderful. With an 8-month-old wearing glasses, we were in there once a week, sometimes twice, for free adjustments. And the one time they could not fix my squashed flat offering, they replaced it for free under warranty.
    - LJK

  • 5/11 11:39pm Save $42,000 in college costs by attending a college seminar next Tuesday night at the Norfolk Public Library at 7 PM. Conducted by author and college admissions and financial aid specialist, Paul Lloyd Hemphill. Bring your high school student who doesn't listen to you, but will listen to this guy. Reservations required. Call 508.520.6642.
    - Paul Lloyd Hemphill, Pre College Prep

  • 5/11 11:38pm AP: I would suggest getting a recommendation from your child's pediatrician. I am sure they have a list of possible eye doctors and could refer you to one. Good luck!
    - MP

  • 5/11 11:36pm Kudos to the guys from Miles of Excavating who are out in my yard right now resurfacing and re-seeding the work area in my front yard which had settled some since work on my water connection was completed in the fall. Many thanks guys! Cheers
    - MC

  • 5/11 6:20pm Fellow Citizens! I thank you for your support and vote for the Board of Health, and I am committed along with our department, to assure that the health and safety of our community continues to progress.
    Since my election I have received numerous congratulations and wishes from many, including people who have come up to me on the street to express their thanks for me running and for my comments as MON, and I hope to continue on in both arenas. If you have any issues you can contact me directly at 508-541-6305 anytime and I will investigate your issue, and as I acclimate to the BOH we will no doubt keep you posted on all health and community events.
    - Dr. Mark L. Nelson, Board of Health

  • 5/11 6:18pm I need a recommendation for a children's eye doctor. I suspect my soon to be six-year-old may be in need of glasses and am not sure where to take him to get checked. Thanks!!
    - AP

  • 5/11 6:16pm JH--I have to agree with you; the lack of funding is going to be a problem at KP in the upcoming year. The district has done a terrific job of improving over the years and we may well lose ground. If I remember correctly, language arts MCAS results are in the top 15%. Math, Science and Technology are not as good but they are working to improve in this area. SAT results are 530 across the board which looks to be in the top 20% of the state. All of this they have done very frugally and creatively. If you look at the state reports, our per pupil expenditures including out of district placements is $10,215. Cost per pupil falls when you take out the 110 children for whom we spend $3,700,000 out of district. For comparison purposes, Norfolk spends $11,423 per pupil, Norfolk Aggie $18,000 and Tri-County spends $17,000.
    I too have a child in the district and the cuts this past year did take a toll. Although my child managed to fill up her schedule, it was not without work on our part as the number of electives has been reduced. Gym was one of the classes that she could not get into, as there are a limited number of honors classes and to work it all in, she hit the lottery and could not take the required gym class. There were about 15 children who fell into this category. We worked with the school to have her take health as a freshman rather than a sophomore. Hopefully she will be able to double up on gym next year. Unfortunately many freshmen were not able to fill in all of their periods and this is why the graduation standards will be reduced. Regarding all my daughter's classes, she has terrific teachers for the most part and they have been taking on challenging studies.
    The district is currently looking at a catastrophic budget. They are looking at possibly losing at least 23 teachers and you have to remember this will come from the 106 teachers in the regular education ranks. This comes on top of the 7 teachers who were lost last year and the cut in funds which occurred during the last economic downturn in 2002 thru 2004 budget years. I'm not sure if parents are aware that the library in both schools are minimally accessible due to the loss of librarians. Further cuts will surely affect the required 990 hours needed for time on learning and there is even discussion of releasing the children at 1:30pm this coming year.
    So to answer JNs question, KP was really on a good track, the studies challenging, numerous AP classes, great extra curriculars (with fees of course), good test scores but these gains may be lost. And once you lose something, it is very difficult to get it back.
    - BMS

  • 5/11 6:15pm My dog found a nest of baby rabbits in our yard. She killed 2 and brought one in our house. This one is alive still and we have it in a box. What do I do? It's little, I don't know if it can be on its own or still needs mom. The nest is in our yard and if we put the bunny back near the nest, our dogs will kill it. I've contacted Hilary Cohen and am waiting for a call back. Any suggestions?
    - KN

    [Update: Hillary came to get the baby bunny to see if it can be rehabbed. - KN]

  • 5/11 6:14pm Looking for a recommendation for a contractor to remove some of my driveway, take the rubble away, and seal coat what remains. Thanks in advance.
    - JR

  • 5/11 6:13pm To RD for a recommendation on stone work - I highly recommend Mike Cahalane: 508-520-3945. He has done several jobs for me and all were masterfully done.
    - JR

  • 5/11 6:12pm Mother's Day at the field enjoying a Lions Soccer game...
    - HK

  • 5/11 6:12pm When someone posts to this board about KP it is always to tell us about their gifted student. That student plays sports, takes AP and honors classes, plays several instruments in the band program and graduates at the top of her class. He then heads off to an Ivy League college where he is a smashing success and takes care of his parents in their declining years.
    What about the average student? I would like to hear from a KP parent about how a regular kid does at KP. Perhaps he or she is a decent student who never really enjoyed competitive athletics. He or she takes part in an activity or two but has never joined the award-winning band. Having taught High School I can testify that this describes a large number of students in each and every graduating class. Is this student the one we hear about who sits in study halls for hours a day? I have seen some really great kids emerge from KP but I have also seen a few crash and burn. Who is in the middle and how do they do at KP? Thanks.
    - MJD

  • 5/11 6:08pm Town Meeting needs you to attend. There are many issues and a busy agenda this year. There are a lot of opinions, criticism, argument and comments on this page. Why not address your issues in the town meeting forum. Some of the comments are insightful, some are frightful but we all have the right to speak. I hope you will speak in support of the Road Maintenance Stabilization Fund. Surely you would agree that the roads in this community are an asset that are in terrible condition. We all must insist on Road Work Ahead.
    - MAK

  • 5/11 12:34am The Southeastern Massachusetts Community Concert Band begins rehearsals for the summer concert season tomorrow night at the Community Church, Main Street, Medway. If you play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument and would like to join the band for the summer, please join us tomorrow night at 7:30 at the church, bringing your instrument and music stand. It is the custom of the band to welcome high school and college students from area towns to join for the summer. If you would like more information, please visit the band's website at SMCCB.com or call (508)-520-1572.
    - CR

  • 5/11 12:33am And, CH, with such great experiences, it's a shame that KP is facing huge cuts in services this year. I am saddened by the lack of commitment to maintain these great programs.
    - AT

  • 5/11 12:28am Take a look at last years' budget season letter sent from the KP School Committee and Superintendent highlighting implications of the FY08 budget.
    Although there was some last minute wrangling which saved 5 of the slated 12 teacher cuts, and narrowly skirted the time-on-learning item, how do you think we fared since this letter was written on expenses vs. revenues? There's a reason our newly elected Selectman referred to KP as having "double pneumonia" in his recent Boomerang piece.
    The investment in education has steadily eroded over the past several years. If these aren't problems worth fixing, we're operating off of different definitions of the word "problem".
    [KP pdf]
    - JH

  • 5/11 12:27am JN, I agree with CH that KP is fine! I have two children at the high school, and only one child has had a 1/4 year (1 semester study hall) as a freshman. There are plenty of classes to take if you do not want study halls. My kids have been very challenged with both Honors and AP classes, and I have every expectation they will get into very competitive colleges. The high school is what you make of it. I'm glad we saved our money and went with KP.
    - GA

  • 5/10 1:34pm AB: I have a great housekeeper named Maria. She is honest, trustworthy and does a good job. Her # is 508-879-9302.
    - YP

  • 5/10 1:32pm Hello and a very Happy Mother's Day from Family Florist! We have some gorgeous, hanging plant baskets and cut flowers. Please stop by on your way to Mom's on Sunday! We will be open at 9am. Thanks!
    - RB, Family Florist

  • 5/10 1:28pm Once again I'm at a loss for cat names for these cuties! Please send me some ideas at Norfolkk9@aol.com. There are 4 solid and 1 tuxedo pattern. These kittens are just about 4-5 weeks old and came in through a trapping effort down by Mirror Lake. They are still feral but are adjusting ok enough, and within a week's time they'll catch right on to socializing and interacting with humans. This cage is a new addition to the shelter, thanks to donations. It is made specifically for litters with its drop-down bunker type trays. This way they can all huddle together and decrease stress amongst the litter. And of course if all goes well with them they will be up for adoption in 5-7 weeks. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 5/10 1:26pm Happy Mother's Day... to all women.
    Whether we have birth children or not.... we mother.
    We are caregivers, we are friends, we are workers...
    We are creators of art, food, magic and love.
    So to all of us... a big hug and a kiss from our dear Mother Nature!
    And remember to appreciate Her and treasure her many gifts as we would a birth child...
    We are all part of the same story, the same family... the same lovely Earth.
    - PRR

  • 5/10 1:25pm JN, there is nothing that needs fixing at KP - I have a KP student who has a full schedule (35 credits, maximum allowed), no studies and all honors classes, and the next year, AP classes! It is a beautiful school with many extra-curricular activities. Many of the people who knock it seem to have no experience with the school. Also, many seniors go on to better and/or Ivy League schools, including, one this year, I believe, to Harvard! We had the choice to send our child to a private school but chose KP instead. Yea KP!! We are very lucky to have this school in our community.
    - CH

  • 5/10 1:24pm Can anyone recommend someone to do stone work? We need to replace a terribly rotting retaining wall and we would like to make it stone this time around. Thanks,
    - RD

  • 5/9 7:02pm Happy Mother's Day to all Norfolk mommies! Have a great one!
    - SF

  • 5/9 6:44pm Happy Mothers Day to Mrs. Swan who was out today with hubby and 5 new babies on Bush Pond. We couldn't see the nest but knew he kept going way into the back through the "weeds" They were out in the open water today.
    - BR (BR#1)

  • 5/9 1:28pm Just a friendly correction on horse manure as fertilizer. If you have a compost pile, and it's turned over at least once (preferably 3 times) over a 9 month period, you will have some of the best fertilizer going. The differences in cow and horse fertilizers are: most cow facilities (the functioning dairy and beef farms) scrape their barn floors and they do not use wood chip shavings. Cows aren't housed as horses are. Horses have (usually) nicely bedded stalls with either wood shavings/sawdust, straw, peat, and now they make wood pellet bedding for horses as well. When the stalls are cleaned usually the soiled bedding comes out with the manure.
    The bedding is the culprit for slowing down composting and changing the nutrient levels. So if you go with horse manure you just have to check to see how much bedding product is in the pile.
    I would normally offer my compost pile to anyone who wishes it, but I just had it removed. In the past the highway department has had horse manure compost as well, so you could check with them.
    - HC

  • 5/9 11:26am Hello, All! I did see Kyle's post regarding yardwork, but I would also like recommendations for same. I want someone who at least has a green card and is semi-fluent in English. I also need someone to clean my house,, as the woman I have been using has become feckless. I don't have a big house and only the first floor, with half-bath, needs doing. In addition to above, I would like just one woman working alone. The job takes 3-4 hours once a week. Thanks so much.
    - AB

  • 5/9 9:57am I wish to convey my graditude to those who voted for me. We all realize that all of us are expendable, and like those mentioned in Elegy Written In a Country Churchyard [*] -- quote, "The paths of glory lead but to the grave."
    So thank you; and I'm sure candidates will continue to run. Again, if I can be of service, try me.
    - John Olivieri, School Committee

  • 5/9 9:57am Everyone talks about "fixing KP". I am just curious, as I do not have a child there, what needs fixed? What exactly is wrong with KP High School? I hear lots of good things about the music program, the theater program, etc. I have met some KP students and they seem bright, articulate and thoughtful. I hear that kids go to great colleges and universities after graduation. I never hear "the problem" articulated. Could someone please clue me in on particulars? I know about the general funding issues and have heard about the increase in study hall time, but beyond that, I am not very informed. I would appreciate any real information from people who know, like parents of HS kids. Thanks.
    - JN

  • 5/9 9:53am ES - I totally agree re the current school system - way too much money being spent at the top - all those superintendants probably have assisants, who in turn all have secretaries, who in turn all have assistant secretaries... etc. etc.
    - LAW

  • 5/9 9:52am ED - I have heard that horse manure is too strong for fertilizing a garden, especially veggies. You need cow manure, or, if you hate your neighbors, pig manure.. I'm sure ACO Cohen would gladly give you horse manure, or any stable in town. If you do go with horses, you'll need to compost it for a couple of years. Happy gardening!
    - LAW

  • 5/9 9:48am ES: you certainly raise a valid argument and a valid opinion. However, to provide a counterpoint, I do not feel that regionalization of the elementary schools is an answer. I also believe that the theoretical savings, if any, would be incremental at best, when looked at in proportion to the overall budgets of the three involved municipalities. Massachusetts is unique for its fierce adherence to home rule - that is each of the 350 towns has its own identity, own town meeting, own selectmen (or mayor), own budget, and, most important, own policies and priorities. The priorities and policies are shaped over time by a variety of factors. Most relevant for this discussion, different communities have different philosophies on investment in education. Some, which have the wherewithal or the desire, do not shy away from more investment in education.
    An ideal regional compact works when the communities share a common vision, priority and commitment for education. Some good examples are Acton/Boxboro, Hamilton/Wenham, Lincoln/Sudbury, Concord/Carlsile, Dover/Sherborn. Obvioulsy, all of tehse towns are like minded in their commitment to education - a commitment that, in my opinion, has paid dividends throughout the respective communities.
    However, when towns share differing policies and priorities, a regional compact can be counterproductive and hurt both the community that wants to invest more and the community that wants to invest less. I think we are seeing that tussle now with KP, as many Norfolk parents are generally dissatisfied with the level of investment by our sister communities. Furthermore, the complexities of the regional compact and State law applying to the same make it difficult to find a middle ground that will satisfy all three towns. Having grown up in this area, I have seen the three KP towns drift away from each other with respect to their priorities and policies.
    There is a very legitimate argument that severing ties with KP may be in the long term interests of Norfolk. Other towns such as Pembroke have severed regional ties and are thriving. Of course, a de-regionalization discussion at this time may be virtually impossible given the financial posture that the Town finds itself in. Putting that issue a side, and speaking as a parent who would not shy away from higher education funding, I think that regionalization of the elementary schools would be a titanic step backward for our Town. I understand the attractiveness of such an option during this downward cycle in economy but, in my view, investments in such items as education require a much longer view.
    - JT

  • 5/9 9:46am Something Special has plants and fresh flowers for Mother's Day. We will be open Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 10-3.
    - JA, Something Special

  • 5/9 9:44am Did anyone notice the helicopters hovering around Campbell and Cleveland Street yesterday?
    - BO

  • 5/9 12:38am Hello everyone! Does anyone have a recommendation of someone who can come trim some trees? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!
    - SF

  • 5/9 12:37am I am looking for some horse manure to kick our vegetable garden this season. Anyone have any recommendations?
    - ED

  • 5/9 12:33am I cannot agree more with a simple yet probably overlooked line written by PFJM - I do not feel Norfolk should do this. (speaking on pulling Norfolk from the KP regional system.) If anything, we should regionalize the entire K-12 of the three towns.
    Growing up in a great public school system in CT, we had 2 high schools, 2 junior highs and 11 elementary schools, all run under the leadership of 1 Superintendent.
    I feel I do understand the administrative expenses that could be saved, and I am pretty certain that the additional programs such as athletics and cultural, in addition to academic, that help round our children could not be met by a single town program with a smaller school population that would not be able to support additional academic, athletic and cultural programs
    Again I could not agree more. There are three towns, each, I believe with 2 elementary schools and 1 Superintendent, plus a regional school system with 2 schools and another Superintendent. Call me crazy but four Superintendents each responsible for 2 schools seems a bit much. When the students move from elementary school to Jr. high, they came through school system, each having a different (to some degree) set of curriculum, no one being better in all areas than the others. It seems to me if we took the four school systems and combined them into one all systems would benefit. Does anyone know if this has every been looked at? I would like to stop any comments from those of us living in Norfolk who believe we are in a better system, or of higher stature, that by combining the systems would in some way reduce the quality of education. I beileve under the correct leadership, all four systems would benefit.
    - ES

  • 5/9 12:31am If I may add another item to our wish list for Animal Control: We also are in need of kitten food (wet and dry). We are just getting into kitten season and so far we have a litter of 5 coming in this weekend.
    - HC, Norfolk ACO

  • 5/9 12:20am Solving Norfolk's fiscal woes: Norfolk should buy a season ticket to all four games and play 1870 for the two daily numbers. Hey, they get some of the money back, supposedly.
    - HM

  • 5/9 12:18am PFJM - To clarify my position, it's not entirely accurate to state that I have a blanket desire to pull out of the KP regional system. What I had stated was that if KP is a model of regionalization, that's all the argument we should need not to pursue folding K-6 into KP. The funding and services problem at KP is an order of magnitude greater than it currently is in Norfolk K-6, and solving these problems requires alignment across 3 demographically diverging towns. Moreover, Norfolk currently pays a disproportionate share of KP expenses. If anyone can articulate how shaving administrative expenses out of the budget through regionalization will result in cost savings without a corresponding decrease in quality within the current state of KP and Norfolk's proportion of the funding, I'd be happy to listen, but I believe it's penny-wise, pound-foolish.
    The right way to fix this is to fund KP at appropriate levels. Then perhaps a more meaningful conversation could be had on the benefits of regionalizing K-6. If we can't fix KP, we should be open to discussing longer-term alternatives. An overall goal of mine is to shift the context of school conversations from cost savings to adding value, even where investments are required. Not doing more than the average is what keeps the average down.
    Thanks for voting, even if not for me.
    - Jonathan Hurwitz, Candidate for School Board

  • 5/8 11:06am To JS: As an alternative to boarding your dog, we offer services where we come to your home and take care of your dog while you are away. We can do twice a day visits, three times a day or whatever works for you and your dog. During the visit we'll walk, play with him and feed him. Let me know if you have any interest. Call Leashrly Life at 781-241-2083 or visit leashrlylife.com.
    - AW, Leashrly Life

  • 5/8 11:04am Re 5/4 2:57pm Hi, CW - Try to sell the recliner on Craigslist. Or, contact me... I may even want to buy it for my mother... Email me via NorfolkNet's Webmaster. Thanks and have a great day. ... - RB
    RB Please feel free to contact me at cwesalo@comcast.net concerning the recliner. We paid a lot for the chair, and it was not used very long.
    - CW

  • 5/8 8:19am Regarding the earlier messages from BRC, MJD, RLC & SF - Let me see if I understand this. You are not happy with the election results; some of your frustration is with the low turnout and the demographics; John Olivieri's age seemed to concern at least some of you; he was late or missed a recent important meeting; and, the fact that he has put in countless hours to support the local school children as an in classroom volunteer, and been asked by various town boards to be on committees, and has served as an elected school committee member means nothing to you. If I misstated anything, please accept my apologies. If you are so concerned, then maybe you should personally run for a town office or even donate your time to a committee or organization in town. Maybe you have or do, I do not know that, but what I do know is the fact that the other 85% of the registered voters were either too busy or just outright uninterested to get out and vote. Don't blame me, I voted. None of us know what the turnout might have been. We can all guess that it would have gone this way, or that way, but we will never know. But just think about it. If just you four each got three of your younger friends (those with children in the Norfolk Public Schools of course!) who did not vote, to vote, maybe things would have been different. We can only speculate.
    While one of the other contributors here stated it is none of your business as to why those that voted for John Olivieri did so, let me be bold enough to tell you why I did. However, before I do let me first admit to being any empty nester, that I did have children attend both the Norfolk Public Schools and King Philip Regional School system, and I never ran for office or volunteered on a local town committee unless of course we go back to the sludge battle! I voted for John Olivieri because his intelligence and dedication. Do I agree with everything he proposes? No, but I try to understand other opinions or approaches.
    I will also tell you why I did not vote for Jonathan Hurwitz. My main reason was his stated desire to pull out of the King Philip Regional School system. I do not feel Norfolk should do this. If anything, we should regionalize the entire K-12 of the three towns. No, I am not proposing busing elementary school level children from one end of the district to the other, but I feel I do understand the administrative expenses that could be saved, and I am pretty certain that the additional programs such as athletics and cultural, in addition to academic, that help round our children could not be met by a single town program with a smaller school population that would not be able to support additional academic, athletic and cultural programs. If in the time before the next election Mr. Hurwitz wants to present more of his case, who knows, maybe my mind will change.
    Oh, and another reason for my non support was his letter to the Boomerang several weeks before the election that clearly confused me at best. Maybe I am getting too old, but I didn't get it. Well, I suppose it is time to head to the shuffle board court or maybe one of the canasta tables so I will end here.
    - PFJM

  • 5/8 8:09am Thinking of adding a cat to your family? We have a bunch that are looking for their perfect new family. The shelter is almost full so we need to get these cats into homes so that we can help other animals in need. Popeye and Monkey are total characters and will have you in stitches with their antics. Check them out on the animal control web page at www.norfolkanimalcontrol.net. As always we are thankful for any donations or support towards the animals. Currently our wish list includes: dry and wet cat food, litter boxes, cat litter, cat toys, frontline, clean towels (hand or bath towels), and monetary donations. Physical donations may be dropped off in a bin at the police department lobby. Sincerely,
    - Hilary Cohen, Animal Control Officer

    [Update 5/9 12:31am: If I may add another item to our wish list for Animal Control: We also are in need of kitten food (wet and dry). We are just getting into kitten season and so far we have a litter of 5 coming in this weekend. - HC]

  • 5/8 8:08am To JS: I have used Kozy Kennels in Mansfield to board my dog and have been extremely happy. 508-339-0791. Indoor/outdoor runs, air conditioning, classical music at night for the doggies! It's a great place. Good Luck.
    - JK

  • 5/8 8:06am BRC - Just to let you know, it is illegal to ask people to self identify by race, class, age group, etc., prior to letting them vote. As an American, I have the right to vote regardless of race, creed, age or favorite food. Maybe we can get a major media organization to come in and do exit-polling next time. Or you could take the time to look at the voter rolls and who voted (both readily available), get to know your neighbors and focus some effort on a 'get out the vote' campaign next time. Oh by the way I basically agree with your premise on town government, sort of agree with your electoral choices and totally disagree with your "win friends and influence people" approach. Did you happen to read Jonathan Hurwitz's post yesterday? Very gracious. Live and learn.
    - DL

  • 5/7 8:57pm Where is the least expensive place in town to get photocopies made?
    The Norfolk Public Library has a nice photocopier, but it costs $0.20 per page. Does anyone know how much of the $0.20 the Library gets to keep as profit?
    - DR

  • 5/7 8:56pm Adding to our Moderator's post, there will also be a free raffle offered on the second night of Town Meeting. There will be Red Sox tickets, restaurant certificates, a certificate from Village Green Nurseries (they have gorgeous plants and flowers!), a book called "Real Democracy: The New England Town Meeting and How it Works (a good read), a bottle of my favorite red wine (donated by me and MON--it is good for your health) and a specialty cake made by a local cake decorating expert. We may have even more. You will need to be present to win.
    Also, the COA, of which I am a board member, will have a wonderful variety of baked goodies and coffee and so forth, so please stop by and support the senior center, er, active adult center and enjoy a wonderful dessert!
    Thanks,
    - JN

  • 5/7 8:55pm JS: We have boarded our dogs many times over the years we have lived here at the Red Dog Inn in Mansfield (they have a VIP suite even!) and the Acorn Animal Hospital. We have been very pleased with both. Our dogs come home happy and they are always clean.
    - JN

  • 5/7 6:46pm We've had Harley Bowden paint our house, and were very pleased. His is a family-run business, he personally came by every day, they still paint by hand with a brush, and the result is terrific. Oh, and his rates were good. We got his name from a recommendation on this page. He's in East Walpole, 508-668-0925.
    - AR

  • 5/7 6:37pm JH, I just used Lavelle & Co to paint my house and I am very happy with the results. I got quotes from several companies and they seemed to be the most professional. They were reasonably priced and took care of everything. They cleaned up every day and couldn't have been nicer. I would recommend that you give Michael a call, 508-647-1522. lavelleco.com
    - EB

  • 5/7 5:23pm The Warrant (agenda) for Town Meeting is posted on the Moderator's webpage: virtualnorfolk.org/moderator. If you haven't read it, please do and plan to attend Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 12 and Wednesday, May 13 at 7 p.m. at the KP Middle School on King Street. All registered voters are entitled to attend. There are very important issues to be decided that will affect our town finances, revenues, appearance and quality of life. I think we'll have interesting and varied debate and your vote will make a difference. As a reminder, we'll have a free Community Spaghetti Supper on May 12 with seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 6 p.m. (kids welcome) as well as school age child care service from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. for $5/child. Please come to Town Meeting; it's YOUR town!
    - Dan Winslow, Town Moderator

  • 5/7 4:21pm My point is not whether Mr. O is awesome and takes time to play chess with children but the fact that this town has a real problem injecting new blood into local politics. The younger people who have been elected have been taken under the wing of long standing "politicians". The recent losses by young energetic and pragmatic individuals such as J. Hurwitz and J. Talerman highlight the problem this town has in passing the baton to younger leaders who have just might have more of a vested interest in the town that say our "longer residing residents". Since the town does not collect voter demographics I can't prove that empty nesters voted in greater proportion than the voters that have children in our school system. I will never be convinced that having members on the School Board that don't have any skin the game, i.e. children in our schools, make desirable School Board members. I am still horrified by the results and will continue to be horrified until we see young independent free thinking citizens serving in our community. Maybe if we get a 50% turnout, I will be less inclined to vent my frustrations with the results.
    - BRC

  • 5/7 4:20pm JS - We boarded our dogs for the first time in 8 years. We had them at Camp Bow Wow in Bellingham for four nights and they did great. They have a number of coupons out that bring the cost in line with most of the places around here or for less money. The amount of people interaction made a huge difference in how well they did. I found the ability to check in via web-cam very reassuring as I was really nervous about boarding them. My dogs always get sick when I am away whether they are with my husband and kids, a dog sitter here at home or at my sister's. They came back healthy and happy but completely exhausted from all of the activity. Check them out at campbowwow.com /us/ma/bellingham/
    - LMM

  • 5/7 4:19pm I second CC's recommendation for LPC Disposal, they are local and we have had good service from them during our renovations.
    - LA

  • 5/7 2:39pm I noticed the other day that someone had the same initials as me (DMG). This is concerning in that what they were advocating was not on my behalf, but might be viewed that way. Is there any filter used prior to signing off on new postings?
    - DMG (The first DMG)

    [Interesting point. I ask that people sign with their actual initials, but there are lots of duplicates among the two-letter initials. This may be the first instance of duplicated three-letter initials. I scan all posts as I copy them to the web page, and check that the initials match the person sending the email. - Wm.]

  • 5/7 2:37pm DL - Again you twist my words around. I did not say that people who did not attend Candidates Night did not know what they were doing... I am sure many people who did not attend took the time to become informed about the candidates before voting. However, I will say again that I was disappointed in the turnout that night and also with the election itself. Alas, there is no going back, we can only move forward. In addition, I said "rude and unhelpful", not "insulting". Before you start pointing fingers at who is "talking down to people", reread your own posts.
    As for everyone else, hope you have a great day, even if it is raining!
    - SF

  • 5/7 11:20am In my opinion, Mr O. is Mr. Awesome!
    - WC

  • 5/7 11:17am ALL - I know this is not what you were asking, but I will take the opportunity to recommend avoiding Laperle Painting from Medfield. Not a great experience, and my house is completely peeling now after 2 years, as the surface was not properly prepared, and the under and top coats not properly applied. The price Laperle offered to me to fix their mistakes was unacceptable, so now I believe I will be in for complete redo after 3-4 years.
    - JH

  • 5/7 10:05am JN--I really didn't mean to respond to you although I'm glad to trade messages. I misdirected my post; it was meant for LB who you were responding to re camps. I thought you were asking for assistance.
    - BMS

  • 5/7 9:53am Seminar - Tonight, Thursday May 7th at 7pm. Thinking about selling your home? A real estate agent, an interior designer, a real estate lawyer, and a mortgage adviser plan to speak about today's home market conditions and what home owners should do to try to sell their home. Home inspections, Title 5 septic regulations, and preparing a photo of the home are among the topics. A question and answer session is expected. The presentation is schedule to take place in the multi-purpose meeting room on the ground floor of Norfolk Town Hall at One Liberty Lane. Fee is $10.
    - KL

  • 5/7 9:26am I am looking for somewhere to board my dog in June. Can anyone recommend a place?
    - JS

  • 5/7 9:22am We received an email pointing out one of the upcoming articles that will be decided at Town Meeting.
    Now that election is over, have you read your town meeting warrant yet? Perhaps you were not planning to go to town meeting because you are thinking nothing on it will affect you! Certainly nothing for the schools!

    Please consider article 33 and how it would affect Norfolk. Affordable housing could be built on .3 acre lots with all kinds of waivers of by-laws to make it happen. The article would allow houses to be built on town owned vacant lots without any concerns of Norfolk by - laws such as set backs and so forth, or anything passed last year such as fitting in the neighborhood that this construction could happen. Do we need more housing right now in Norfolk? School budget is slashed... Please get yourself a copy of the town warrant or read it on line at the virtual town hall site.

    Mary M.

    - Wm.

  • 5/7 9:18am Spring/ Summer Clean Ups! Raking, Mulching, and any other tasks that need to be completed! E-mail Kyle @ springcleanups1@yahoo.com
    - KS

  • 5/7 9:17am Has anyone had their house painted by CertaPro? They certainly seem professional, but I wanted to see if there were any recommendations out there before I give them my business. Thanks!
    - ALL

  • 5/7 9:15am I wanted to chime on the John Olivieri discussion. I voted for Mr. Olivieri and would do so again. I have known Mr. Olivieri for about 6 years. Six years ago, he was a volunteer teachers aid in my son's classroom. He was wonderful with the children. He truly cared about each child and made them feel like they were superstars! What more could you ask for from someone volunteering their time in our schools. When we see Mr. O around town, he always makes time to say hello and see how the children are doing. He cares! Mr. O also used to volunteer (maybe he still does) for a chess club after school for the children. This was a free club, he volunteered his time again. He wanted to teach the kids how to play chess and teach them different strategies that could use.
    I was also told a story years ago about Mr. O's grandson, who was a student in our schools. I don't want to post specifics of this story because it is personal to Mr. O. From what I understand a special teacher in town helped his grandson, and Mr. O was so touched by his generosity, that he decided to help our schools and community. He is truly a wonderful man, regardless of his age.
    My father was a teacher in a neighboring town for over 40 years. He truly loves children. He is now 75 years old, a substitute teacher almost every week, and has a seat on the school committee. This is his passion and I hope he continues to do these things until the day he dies. Like my Dad, Mr. Olivieri is in it for the children. I don't think I could have asked for better candidate. I suggest that those of you who do not know him, get out there and meet him. Talk to him. He really is an asset to our town.
    - LK

  • 5/7 9:14am I think it is great that people with young children up in arms over the results of this election. RLC spoke his mind and good for him! People serve this town and make all manner of sacrifice to do so. Not everyone is cut out for the job he or she wants or is elected to. I agree with RLC, I think there should be some more parents of actual living, breathing elementary school children on the Norfolk School Committee, people with some skin in the game.
    Mr. Oliveri's age is not the issue for me, I don't care if he is 24 or 94, it is his attitude that every problem has a simple answer that bothers me. For example, apparently because he is so well informed about the budgets, and the answers are so simple, he decided to skip the School Committee budget hearing, so that he could attend a non-school related meeting. At Candidates' Night, when asked how our kids could perform better on the MCAS his answer was, "...get more questions right." That kind of flippant response and his on again off again appearance at regular School Committee meetings leads me to believe that he enjoys the legend of "John Oliveri, Elder Statesman" much more than the commitments and difficult work required to develop solutions that come with elected office.
    - MJD

  • 5/7 9:13am BMS: You are so right--people should still try to get in at Franklin Country Day Camp. People do cancel and being on a wait list is a good thing. And I am in no way certain they are actually full, although it is a very popular place.
    - JN

  • 5/7 9:12am How do you know that people that did not attend Candidates Night did not know what they were doing? "Rude and insulting", your assumption is outrageous. I did not attend, yet I have taken the time to watch school committee meetings and selectmen's meeting and other things around town.
    I read the Boomerang, I read Norfolknet. I may even have agreed with about the school committe vote. I can assure that I am involved and aware of what is going on downtown. I agreed with you that turnout was low. So what are you going to do about it for next year - except to talk down to those that did not vote and those that voted on the other side. Not helpful? See you at town meeting. I assume you attend?
    - DL

  • 5/7 9:05am Thought I would share this quote for the day...
    "Slow down and enjoy life. It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast -- you also miss the sense of where you are going and why."
    Hope everyone enjoyed this beautiful spring day!
    - SF

  • 5/6 7:10pm
    5/6 2:28pm RLC, SF, et al. - Did you really mean to say that because your candidates lost the election, that your neighbors are uninformed? Did you really mean to use the words "horrified, appalled, out of touch"? Are you so self centered that you can't imagine how it is that anyone with a brain disagrees with you? Get over yourselves. Apparently you do not know what a democracy is. Although a 15% turnout is low, the majority of those people disagreed with you, nothing more. Like you, I did not vote for all the winning candidates. Unlike you, I can accept the results and I look forward to working on issues within our town that are impotant to me like our schools and our environment.
    Is it that you are so emboldened by the last presidential election that you assume all elections must be "transformative". There was nothing about this election that was remotely transfomative. It was a boring election, hence the turn out. Get over it, move on and try to be nice to your neighbors. Maybe you can convince them to vote your way next time.
    And by the way, BRC, Mayberry had some nice features. I certainly did not move to Norfolk for the fast-paced urban lifestyle. And I also think that its downtown had more going on then our does, including a theater and a three-chair barber shop. - DL
    DL - I did use the word "appalled"... I still cannot believe the low turnout for this election. Whether it was boring or not, people need to get up, get out and vote. And whether or not you agree, there were plenty of people who did vote who did not take the time to actually find out any information about any of the candidates beforehand. This is unacceptable to me. I guess I just expect better from people. Call it a character flaw.
    Your next statement, about being "so self-centered..." is simply rude and unhelpful, as are other statements in your post. Get over yourself, indeed.
    I don't expect all elections to be "transformative". I did expect, given the current problems with budgeting and frustrations in the town, for there to be some changes made. I was hoping for it. With regards to development in the town, we want people to want to build here. We need the business. Our town center will never look like Walpole or Franklin, it just isn't going to happen. But we do need to fill the empty buildings and develop our town center. With growth comes revenue, and personally I would rather not see my property values decrease even further. Talk to the selectmen... go into Town Hall and look at the proposed town center. It's beautiful. Have you seen it? I certainly hope the members of the planning board look at it often when making their decisions.
    With regards to the school committee election, did you attend Candidate's Night? I mean absolutely no disrespect to Mr. Olivieri, but the reactions from the small audience when he was speaking were quite telling. However, I wish him and the school committee the best of luck.
    - SF

  • 5/6 7:09pm To SO: Great posting. People should pick up after their dogs.
    - DMG

  • 5/6 7:08pm JN--My son has gone to FCDC for six years now. He really enjoys it and comes home with many stories. Sadly, this is his last summer. He has also attended Stony Brook which he enjoyed. It is an entirely different kind of camp experience in that it's not the same 'stuff'. It's more learning oriented interspersed with traditional tag, hide and seek, etc. It can be hot since there is no pool but if I remember correctly they had sprinklers--fun!
    Don't give up on FCDC, although registration was in early February, people cancel and depending on the age group, they may have openings.
    Good luck.
    - BMS

  • 5/6 7:07pm BRC - I have two kids in the school system. I did not vote for Mr. Olivieri. Nor did I vote for Mr. Hurwitz. I would be fascinated to have you explain to me what particularly Mr. Hurwitz has done that made him so deserving of my vote. If having kids in the system is it, maybe I should have written my own name in.
    I have some friends that are members of the Council on Aging, yet, heaven forbid, they are not seniors. Yet I think that they bring a perspective to that group that is healthy and valuable. Is there any chance that maybe Mr. Olivieri brings the same perspective?
    - DL

  • 5/6 7:06pm To DL: I liked your post. Actually, I heard we were getting a theater right after the Trader Joe's!
    - SM

  • 5/6 7:05pm RLC - Tone it down, way down. It's none of your business as to why Mr. Olivieri's supporters voted the way they did, though I would think most liked what he had to say.
    I'll offer this. Over the years, and at Candidates' Night last week, I've listened to, spoken with, and/or observed how Mr. Olivieri conducts himself while he has served this town in different capacities. To our benefit, he is a tireless worker, who seems to enjoy the challenges and possesses a good aptitude for them.
    His intelligence, integrity, fairness, and compassion is how he got my vote. I've never let age, or for that matter, gender, determine my vote.
    He's a good man. Talk with him about your concerns. He'll listen.
    - JC

  • 5/6 7:04pm Thank you Mr Olivieri for once again serving this community. I sincerely appreciate your efforts, congratulations on your victory
    - PC

  • 5/6 7:03pm Such negative posts today. Why can't everyone move on from the results? No hanging chads here, folks, it is over. If you haven't noticed, within the past two hours the clouds thinned out and the sun shone through. What will shine brightest, though, is the appearance in our Town Hall of Dr. Mark Nelson in another hour or so when he is sworn in as an elected member of our esteemed Board of Health. Fasten your seat-belts , things are about to get interesting! Good luck, doc, you're just what we needed.
    - PA

  • 5/6 7:02pm BRC writes ``...Has he sponsored bills, drafted legislation, petitioned the Commonwealth and Federal government for more aid, devised any prudent cost costing strategies that eliminate waste without burdening the school staff and the students, etc?...'' Did I miss a memo and the school committee has become a replacement for the legislature? Only the last item regarding cost-cutting strategies seems to fall into the bailiwick of the School Committee, the rest reads like bona-fides for a Senate or House candidate. Wasn't it a little while ago that someone was giving MON a hard time about allegedly wishing to expand the role of the Board of Health?
    And we wonder why we can't find people to run for office.
    Folks, the election is over and the sky is not falling, nor is it in danger of doing so any time soon. To BRC, RLC, SF and any and all other disappointed townsfolk (of which I am one!), you still have the chance to make your viewpoint known to the various board, officials, and committees, and to work for the various causes you believe in. You will meet with failures and successes, after all, no opinion is universal. However, I am willing to bet, that we will all enjoy greater success if we can restore a bit of civility to the discourse.
    Don't you make me quote Rodney King!
    - BA

  • 5/6 5:54pm LB asked: Has anyone had any experiences with Franklin County Day Camp, Stony Brook or the Hockomock Camp in Franklin?
    Just wanted to add an answer about Franklin Country Day Camp. I was the camp nurse there last summer and I must say that have never seen a better run camp. They pay attention to every detail and many of the staff are educators, including the Program Director, Tom, who is remarkable. The owner, Gail is so dedicated to the kids. I was duly impressed. My daughter had such a great experience there.
    The only sad thing to report is the camp fills up so fast, I doubt there will be any open spaces.
    - JN

  • 5/6 5:53pm BRC, I have children in both the Norfolk School System and the King Philip School System - when I have more time (lots of it) I will post more info on Mr. Oliveri.
    - CH

  • 5/6 5:52pm Hi Norfolk Friends -
    Thanks to all for the support in my candidacy for School Committee. I lost a seat by 9 votes. For someone who hasn't served in town in any capacity to date, makes controversial statements, and holds beliefs which will cost people more money - this really isn't a half bad showing once you think about it.
    I think my downfall in this election was due to the fact that I was endorsed here by both MON and JT. The universe didn't quite know what to do with this conundrum, and ultimately determined that it was safer for everyone if this common ground was not destined to exist.
    I convey my congratulations to Mr. Olivieri and Mrs. Andrews and do not envy them with the challenges and decisions they have ahead.
    Special thanks to JT, MON, MJD+crew and everyone who braved the pig flu threat to come vote yesterday.
    Thanks,
    - Jonathan Hurwitz, Candidate for School Board

  • 5/6 3:00pm TO KJM, LPC Junk Removal is a great company. I highly recommend them; we have been very happy with their services. Good luck
    - CC

  • 5/6 2:59pm CH and AR, do either of you currently have children in the Norfolk or King Phillip regional school system? CH and AR, in an effort to inform the public, what specifically has Mr. Olivieri done for the children of Norfolk that directly benefits their education? Has he sponsored bills, drafted legislation, petitioned the Commonwealth and Federal government for more aid, devised any prudent cost costing strategies that eliminate waste without burdening the school staff and the students, etc? I would appreciate specific examples as opposed to adjectives that describe the demeanor of Mr. Oliveri.
    - BRC

  • 5/6 2:58pm To RLC: "I am appalled at the choices voters made." I am also appalled and shocked that the only two reasons you can drum up for NOT voting for Olivieri is his age and the fact that he presently does not have children in the school system. You are on very shaky ground, indeed. This man's qualifications are unquestionable and his experience invaluable, putting in countless years of town service serving the school system as well as in many other areas. It was not an easy decision but, for the record, I did ultimately decide to support the same two candidates you did and not Olivieri for the school committee this time. However, your bitter post clearly reflects the "sourest" of grapes, at best, and a few other ugly predispositions, at worst.
    - TEM

  • 5/6 2:30pm Thank you Mr. Olivieri for faithfully serving the town despite any personal attacks or innuendoes directed at you. I hope that when I reach your age that I can be willing to unselfishly give back to my community. I continue to support the new direction of the School Committee.
    - PCS

  • 5/6 2:28pm RLC, SF, et al. - Did you really mean to say that because your candidates lost the election, that your neighbors are uninformed? Did you really mean to use the words "horrified, appalled, out of touch"? Are you so self centered that you can't imagine how it is that anyone with a brain disagrees with you? Get over yourselves. Apparently you do not know what a democracy is. Although a 15% turnout is low, the majority of those people disagreed with you, nothing more. Like you, I did not vote for all the winning candidates. Unlike you, I can accept the results and I look forward to working on issues within our town that are impotant to me like our schools and our environment.
    Is it that you are so emboldened by the last presidential election that you assume all elections must be "transformative". There was nothing about this election that was remotely transfomative. It was a boring election, hence the turn out. Get over it, move on and try to be nice to your neighbors. Maybe you can convince them to vote your way next time.
    And by the way, BRC, Mayberry had some nice features. I certainly did not move to Norfolk for the fast-paced urban lifestyle. And I also think that its downtown had more going on then our does, including a theater and a three-chair barber shop.
    - DL

  • 5/6 2:21pm RLC, while I may understand and even sympathize with your sentiments, I also understand that I live in a town where people vote (albeit not enough!), and the majority wins (which is another reason not to get rid of the electoral college, but that's another discussion). But I have to ask: who are you to cast aspersions in such a way on a winning candidate and the people who voted for him? Sure, you can disagree, and you are entitled to your opinion, but the "if they didn't vote my way, they are all idiots" tenor of your post rubs me raw.
    I do not believe that someone's age or lack of children in the schools precludes that person from either caring about or working for the "future of our children." You want to state facts about his record, go ahead. But to attack him solely because of his age? Shame on you, Sir or Madam. With logic such as you have displayed, who are you to call anyone out to justify their vote?
    I currently live under a Federal government that is not comprised of a single person I voted for. I live under a state government where I have the happy occasion to have a senator and rep that I did vote for, but not the governor. And, I live in a town where, of the contested races, my candidates did not win, either. But I did get out there and vote.
    The people have spoken. I may not agree with some of the choices made, but the system works. And I will work to support that system and the people who control it, regardless of whether or not I voted for them, because should they succeed, we all do.
    - BA

  • 5/6 2:10pm BP - I called the town this morning to inquire on your question regarding voter demographics. The answer is the town does not collect the information you, and I, are seeking. We should bring this issue to the town meeting next year and put it on the ballot. Norfolk, it is not 1950!!
    - BRC

    [I thought BP was asking for the vote, not voter, statistics. The full election results should be available from the Town Clerk, including total votes cast for even the uncontested seats. - Wm.]

  • 5/6 2:09pm RLC, I think you should be ashamed of yourself for putting down who won the election! I am a very informed voter who did vote for that older, intelligent, caring man who has done tons for this town! If anyone is uninformed, I would venture it is you! He will do more for the school committee than anyone, I would bet. He has a track record with this town and gets things done. Personally, I think a person who has experience and has history with getting things done for this town is a better pick than many who did (or didn't) run. The small number of people who voted made very informed votes and wouldn't go to the polls, waste their time by picking just anyone they didn't know anything about. This man cares about the children, goes to the school to speak to them on Veteran's Day, etc - thank goodness for this man -we are lucky to have him in this town!
    - CH

  • 5/6 2:07pm RLC, your ignorance of the candidates is showing. To make informed decisions, you first need to learn about the choices.
    Do not mistake age for incompetence. I personally know John Olivieri, he happens to be one of the sharpest individuals I've had the pleasure of meeting, as well as one of the most learned, active and continually involved with children's education.
    There is a difference between what parents want and what kids need. There is no-one I would trust more to make those decisions than Mr. Olivieri.
    - AR

  • 5/6 2:06pm Hi all - We live on Boardman between Old Mill and Standish and someone is walking their dogs off leash without clean-up. I believe it's a man with a yellow and a black lab - could be wrong, but I don't think so. He walks very early, so I'm hoping he'll read this rather than me setting the alarm, which I will do if need be:
    Look, I know you're probably figuring that at that hour, with no traffic, it's cool. Here's the thing - we have dogs and your dogs are marking their clean "turf". Where are you when your dogs are way up on our lawn, in the garden, on the front steps leaving calling cards? For crying out loud, why [...] do you let them run up on people's property? If they're off-leash, then they must be under voice command, so exercise it man. Trust me, you do not want to meet my tired self in a lawn chair at the bottom of the driveway at 5 am someday, so straighten up and make a change. Please.
    - SO

  • 5/6 12:40pm KJM, Try using LPC Removal, owner is a Norfolk resident, and I have been very happy with their service: 1-888-586-5742
    - TCC

  • 5/6 12:39pm My children attended the YMCA camp at the Freeman since it opened. It is a great program, and they loved it there.
    - SD

  • 5/6 12:27pm AR - I find it hard to believe that the 15% of voters that came to vote made informed decisions. For example, the school committee election. How could 594 people honestly believe that an 80-something year old man is qualified or vested in our children's futures on the school committee? He has no children in the schools and is completely out of touch with the future of our children for the next three years and beyond. That is not someone I want making decisions for my children. Where were the five hundred and ninety four people who voted for him when candidates night rolled around. If this town had actually come out and listened to the candidates, they surely would have made a better choice. As a parent whose children are starting in the public school system, I am appalled at the choices voters made. If you did decided to vote for Mr. Olivieri, please post your reasons on NN. I am sure myself, and others, would love to hear your rationale. I am betting that it is because people had no idea who they were voting for and just voted for the incumbent. Also, there is absolutely no reason why only 15% of Norfolk citizens voted. Every single person in this town should vote and care about the way our town is run. There is no excuse for not voting.
    - RLC

  • 5/6 12:24pm Thanks to all who came out yesterday to vote. I appreciate your show of support and am energized by the many thoughtful comments I've heard about town planning throughout the campaign.
    - Andrea Langhauser, Planning Board

  • 5/6 12:23pm I do not subscribe to any papers anymore, where can I get complete election results including percentages? I tried the town page but no luck. Thanks.
    - BP

  • 5/6 12:21pm LPC Removal Service rents dumpsters and the owner is a Norfolk resident. I believe they give discounts to Norfolk residents. Go to www.junkpickup.com or call 1-888-586-5742 for more info.
    - EC

  • 5/6 9:45am SF and BRC, perhaps people did come out of their caves to make informed decisions, and that's why the results.
    A 15% turnout in a town election is not unusual.
    - AR

  • 5/6 9:42am BRC / SF: I too am shocked at the voting numbers. Perhaps if the elementary schools had been open yesterday, there could've been more traffic! Yes, the kids were home, and yes, it was raining (like it always seems to on election / voting days). It is each citizens responsibility and right to vote and they should exercise it.
    - JLH

  • 5/6 9:42am JK: We stayed at an amazing B&B called "Sueno Del Mar" a few years ago. It was amazing. It sits right on Langosta Beach, which is near Tamarindo (the big surf beach) but a lot quieter. We flew into Liberia, however. It was a quick ride from there. I don't know how far Guancaste is from San Jose, 5-6hours maybe? The owners are from Vermont and gave us Red Sox highlights printed out every morning with our breakfast.
    - JP

  • 5/6 9:25am I completely agree with SC, these are the CDC numbers on influenza from the CDC website (page): How many people get sick or die from the flu every year? Each flu season is unique, but it is estimated that, on average, approximately 5% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu, and more than 200,000 persons are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. About 36,000 Americans die on average per year from the complications of flu.
    The media hype, and the subsequent public reaction is way over the top. Should the schools close down with the first case of influenza each year? Should we stop going out in public, riding trains, shopping, going to restaurants, going to work? Reality folks: every day we are exposed to all kinds of bugs and germs, and on the whole, this is fairly mild. Life goes on, either that or get yourself a whole truck load of shrink wrap and start putting the family in a bubble.
    - CJG

  • 5/6 9:25am KLB: My mistake for not making that clarification. Maybe the webmaster can add it as a subscript to my post so no one gets alarmed unduly. My intention was information, not alarm. I'm sure our local authorities will keep us informed of new confirmed cases here in Norfolk town.
    - SD

  • 5/5 11:16pm BRC - Right on. I am appalled at the low numbers that actually voted, and even more appalled at the choices made. People need to step out of their caves once in a while, get involved, and make informed decisions. Ditto to everything else you said, also!
    - SF

  • 5/5 10:49pm Just to clarify SD's post "28 positive H1N1 cases in Massachusetts, including 3 in Norfolk." ... that's 3 in Norfolk county. Just wanted to highlight that... no need to join the alarmist media! :)
    - KLB

  • 5/5 10:48pm Can anyone recommend a place to stay in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica? We will be traveling there this July. Two adults. Flying in/out of San Jose. Thanks!
    - JK

  • 5/5 10:47pm To JGP: Medway Clock Repair is excellent. Tim Flynn is owner. He recently repaired my grandfather clock with meticulous care. Good luck. 508-533-5 330.
    - JK

  • 5/5 10:46pm I am completely horrified at the election results and the 15% voter turnout. This town needs young visionary blood that breaks with the old school of thought on what Norfolk should be. People across the globe have given their lives in the name of freedom and Norfolk a community of 10,000 sends less than a 1,000 people to the polls. The nay-sayers will say stop complaining a run for office, but I am too young and too full of fresh ideas to have a voice in this town. In the end a residential tax base of 95% is unsustainable; just look at your tax bills.
    We need growth, a commercial tax base, and a business friendly environment. I known this breaks with the "rural character of Norfolk" that every candidate seems to pitch to the voters. Folks this is not 1950 and we certainly don't live in the times of Andy Taylor and Barney Fife. Norfolk please wake up!!
    - BRC

  • 5/5 10:45pm SC: Makes sense to me. Do we close the library, baseball fields, Dunkies, all frequented many times a day? Of course not. We take precautions and we move on.
    - AL

  • 5/5 10:05pm Elections results for the contested seats (per the Norfolk Police Department):
    Selectman: James Tomaszewski
    School Committee, 3 yr term: John Olivieri and Linda Andrews
    Planning Board: Andrea Langhauser
    - VR

  • 5/5 10:04pm I really don't see why everyone is in panic about the swine flu. Is it the name? There are more deaths per year from the common flu (36,000 in the US) as opposed to the swine flu. I beliveve there have been maybe 30 worldwide. Should we close down the schools if somebody has the common flu? I think everyone just needs to relax and realize that this is not a fatal disease. It is absurd to think that this community would expect the school to shut down for this. Everyone is falling into panic mode.
    Do some research, realize that this isn't a catastrophe, it isn't an epidemic...it's the flu. Keep the schools open... what else are we going to do, put our kids into daycare where they would be more suseptable to catching this virus? Silly... just plain silly.
    - SC

  • 5/5 10:03pm We are not alone with this outbreak... I've been following the Mass.gov blog website. Yesterday's entry details 28 positive H1N1 cases in Massachusetts, including 3 in Norfolk. The link in the first sentence links to an article explaining why the results just came out yesterday - [publichealth.blog.state.ma.us]
    - SD

    [Update 5/6 9:25am: 3 cases in Norfolk County, not town of - Wm.]

  • 5/5 10:02pm I love that band! I have them on 8-track!
    - JN

  • 5/5 6:50pm KJM: Check out Norfolk's transfer station they are by far the cheapest. The link is below:
    [transfer station page]
    - JS

  • 5/5 6:46pm Hey Everybody! Look at this flyer I found posted up around town! Is Pesto Palace the place at the corner of Boardman and Main St? Better get there soon, I hear parking is going to be tough.
    - DL

  • 5/5 6:41pm KJM--You can rent a dumpster through the transfer station. I think you can just call the DPW. I believe details are on the town web site. Happy dumping!.
    - BS

  • 5/5 6:32pm CM I have been away from the net for a bit but saw your post as I was catching up. If you are still looking for a carpenter/contractor to "rebuild" your home shoot me an email. My husband (carpenter) and I are doing exactly that here in town. He has been in the business for 30-plus years; I can send you some of the before and after photos so you can see the quality if you like. You can reach me at l.antonellis@yahoo.com.
    - LA

  • 5/5 6:31pm KJM: For your dumpster needs give Dover Trucking a call. They are really nice folks, very professional, honest, competitively priced and Norfolk residents. Their phone number is: 508-541-8565.
    - KF

  • 5/5 6:04pm The Olive Day student my or may not have traveled on the bus with the Freeman kids; there was also a confirmed case at the high school. We are just going to have to wait this one out. Also, where was voting today?
    Wash your hands...
    - DV

  • 5/5 6:03pm Hi All, I need to rent a dumpster for a short period of time. Any recommendations? Thanks,
    - KJM

  • 5/5 5:21pm While I appreciate respecting the patient's privacy, I'd be interested to know if the student diagnosed with H1N1 has siblings in any of the Norfolk or KP Schools? (Of course I'd also be curious as to how this person became infected... recent travel over vacation perhaps?) Have read that numbers of infected would likely increase as lab results were completed, but it's unfortunate that it's hit our little town so quickly.
    I wish the young student a safe and swift recovery - can well imagine the worry going on in that household since Wednesday... My best,
    - TN

  • 5/5 5:20pm What bothers me most about the Swine flu in the HOD is the timing. My kid's allergies are crazy right now. It's so difficult to remind them not to rub their nose and eyes each and every five minutes.
    - AC

  • 5/5 5:19pm US no longer advising schools close for swine flu - [article]
    ATLANTA U.S. health officials are no longer recommending that schools close if students come down with swine flu, the government said Tuesday. ...

    "We no longer feel that school closure is warranted," said Dr. Richard Besser, acting director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

    Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius said the swine flu virus had turned out to be milder than feared and the government decided to change its advice. So far, the virus has not proved to be more infectious or deadly than the seasonal flu.

    The CDC said parents should still make sure to keep sick children with flulike symptoms at home for seven days.

    - PB

  • 5/5 5:18pm Town Engineer? Why dont we just do what other towns are doing and hire a DPW director with an Engineering Degree? Not that complicated.
    - MW

  • 5/5 3:46pm
    HEALTH ANNOUNCEMENT

    BOARD OF HEALTH
    NORFOLK, MA
    MAY 5, 2009

    For your information, officials from the Norfolk Board of Health and Norfolk Public School System were notified this morning of a confirmed case of H1N1 influenza, more commonly referred to as Swine Flu. The person involved is a student at the H. Olive Day School. The student was last in school on Wednesday, April 29th, and has been at home recovering and is doing very well. School administrators have been monitoring the situation and report no increase in absenteeism or illness. This is true for both Norfolk Public Schools, as well as the King Philip School District.

    School building maintenance personnel have been conducting special cleaning and disinfecting within the schools for the past several days. Based on the specifics of this case, and upon collaboration with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), all Norfolk Public Schools will be open on Wednesday, following completion of town elections. School officials and local boards of health will closely monitor the situation to assess the need for additional measures. Information updates will be provided to parents via Connect-ED and to residents and businesses via Connect-CTY.

    Measures have been taking place within the Norfolk Public Schools and King Philip School District to help protect students and staff members from influenza. However, if your child is exhibiting symptoms similar to seasonal influenza, it is very important that he/she does not go to school or other places where your child might make other people sick, such as group childcare, after school programs, the mall, or sporting events. Flu- like symptoms include: fever of 100? F or greater, cough and/or sore throat. Contact your child's healthcare provider for their recommendations.

    Additional information including guidelines for testing for Swine Influenza can be found on the following websites: Center for Disease Control (www.cdc.gov/swineflu), Massachusetts Department of Public Health (www.mass.gov/dph), and the Town of Norfolk (www.virtualnorfolk.org). Information is also available at www.mass211.org/emergencyinfo.html, or by dialing 211.

    Thanks you for your cooperation.

    Norfolk Board of Health

    - Betsy Fijol, Norfolk Board of Health

  • 5/5 3:45pm I would love to keep my son home from school. He has a history of hospitalizations due to pneumonia and we have a house full of asthmatics. However, I don't see how he would begin to make up the work. I would imagine that concerned parents would have to keep their children home for quite some time until this all plays out. Considering the incubation period, there is still room for other children to have been exposed and develop the illness. It has supposedly been since last Wednesday that the student was in school. What is the incubation period ? If it's 2-7 days, it is still possible that other children have been exposed and have not yet had symptoms. From what I understand, exposure is possible a few days prior to the student showing any symptoms. I think that we have to remember that while the flu is not severe in most cases, there are people out there with immune issues. Keeping sick children home is not quite enough when they may be contagious days before they know they are ill.
    - MW

  • 5/5 3:44pm I'm completely disappointed with the school not closing down. I won't be sending my child to school for the remainder of the week. I agree with MH, how many kids need to get sick before they shut down?! Bad call...
    - SH

  • 5/5 3:28pm MW: The negotiations for the next 10 years is now in process with Comcast under the auspices of the Selectmen, and the Cable Advisory Committee with the Town Administrator as chair. For progress on the I net you should ask them.
    - RC

  • 5/5 3:27pm According to CNN schools are no longer closing due to swine flu: [article]
    - JP

  • 5/5 3:26pm My name is Thomas Norton. Please contact me regarding your renovation project. I am a remodeling contractor located in Norfolk. Give me a call at 508 517 9528
    - TN

  • 5/5 3:23pm MH and KN, I really think the school should close. If you read the CDC website it states that children under the age of five are at higher risk for complications from the H1 N1 virus. It doesn't matter if we choose to keep them home for the week or not because if another child becomes ill the exposure is still their. I think the school is dropping the ball on this one.
    - DDB

  • 5/5 2:34pm When will the school close? How many children need to be sick for the school to close?
    - MH

  • 5/5 2:02pm I just received word that the H1N1 virus is confirmed at H. Olive Day school. The school is not closing down at this time. Just wanted to see if people are going to send their children or keep them home.
    - KN

  • 5/5 2:01pm HRB - Thank you for the additional information on the phone solicitations.
    - BHS

  • 5/5 1:58pm
    NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
    Message sent - 5/5/2009
    Important Notice

    Hello,

    This is Superintendent of Schools Don LeClerc. Just this morning my office received a call from the MA Department of Public Health indicating that a case of H1N1 has been confirmed at the H. Olive Day School.

    After consultation with Dr. Alfred DeMaria (Medical Director of the Bureau of Infectious Disease Prevention), the MA Department of Public Health, and our local Board of Health, it is their recommendation not to close schools. This is a major shift from a week ago, but given the ``mild cases'' that have been confirmed throughout the state the consensus is to monitor the situation.

    Given that there is no school today allows us to focus on cleaning and disinfecting the schools, which is something that started on Monday after we received notification that there was a possible case within the district. Along with preventive measures we are taking here at school, I would ask that you remain vigilant in monitoring your child's wellness. These Questions & Answers may be helpful.

    Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our children and our schools healthy and safe for all.

    Sincerely,
    Don LeClerc

     

    Is it safe for my child to go to school?
    At this time, the federal, state and local health departments have advised us that students can continue to attend school as long as they are not sick and have flu like symptoms. See more on symptoms at www.mass.gov/dph/swineflu, as well as updates.

    What should I do if my child is sick?
    Flu spreads quickly. If you think your child is getting the flu, it is important that he/she not go to school or any other place where they might make other people sick. Please take your child to a health care provider.

    If my child is sick or symptomatic at school, what will happen?
    If your child gets sick or exhibits symptoms of flu at school, you will be called to pick up your child immediately. Please take your child to a health care provider. You will need to get a medical clearance before your child can return to school (a medical clearance is simply any official medical form or statement that says your child does not have H1N1 (Swine Flu).

    What can I do to keep my child from getting sick?
    It is important to remind your children how to reduce their risk of getting the flu and how to protect others from becoming infected - such as: washing hands for 20 seconds with soap; using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol; teaching children to cough into their sleeve/elbow - not their hands; wash hands after blowing their nose or coughing into a tissue and avoid touching their nose, mouth, or eyes.

    If we all practice good hygiene, health officials believe we can limit the spread of H1N1 (Swine) Flu in our schools and in our community.

    This e-mail has been sent to you by NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS. To maximize their communication with you, you may be receiving this e- mail in addition to a phone call with the same message. If you wish to discontinue this service, please inform NORFOLK PUBLIC SCHOOLS IN PERSON, by US MAIL, or by TELEPHONE at (508) 528-1225.

    - LK

  • 5/5 1:56pm About phone solicitations for donations - my poor mother was a sucker for them. She's a proper senior and thought it rude to say "No" and hang up. We tried everything to stiffen her resolve. Finally, my brother-in-law coached her to say, "I'm sorry, but I never conduct financial transactions over the phone. If you'd like to send me something in the mail (not email), I would be happy to look it over. Otherwise, good luck with your next call." Click. He suggested that the solicitor was rude if he or she interrupted her statement. Click. Bingo - it solved the problem.
    - SO

  • 5/5 1:55pm PC and JN: Why don't you let Mr. Mirliss respond for himself and explain his own position?
    - WB

  • 5/5 1:53pm Regarding a prior post, I also received calls from two different sources over the weekend concerning the cable service in Norfolk. One came from UMass Dartmouth, and one from an outside survey company. They asked almost the identifical questions, and when I told the survey company rep I already answered the same questions from UMD, she said the two were not related, including the question on looping the town buildings together, which I was not aware of. There were also quite a few questions on what I would like to see on public access, and if the cost of the current Comcast bills were too high. Anyone else get similar calls?
    - BD

  • 5/5 1:51pm SM: After reading your post, complete with an unsourced quote, I know now I'll vote for Greg Mirliss.
    - PA

  • 5/5 10:34am BHS and TSD, re: your experiences with solicitation to support the Norfolk Police. This is always a tough call, because we value our police officers and want to support them in every way. But here are some questions people receiving these solicitation calls should ask:
    1. If I make a donation is it tax-deductible? (The answer is, no. Your donation goes to an employee union, which is not a tax-exempt charity.)
    2. Is this a private, for-profit fund raising company using paid solicitors to make these calls? (The answer is, yes.)
    3. How much of my donation will be kept by the private, for-profit company? (The answer: 35-55 percent.)
    If you still wish to make a donation, by all means do so. But you should know what the rules of the game you are asked to play really are. Police and firefighter unions all over Massachusetts regularly sign up for these solicitations. I think it is a mistake to do so.
    - HRB

  • 5/5 10:29am PC - After reading some of your past posts I am convinced that if the title of the new employee was Teacher you would have been apoplectic in opposition to the hire. You are deliberately twisting facts in support of Greg Merliss.
    A new Engineer would absolutely cost the Town money. Development is slow; there have been no applications this year. Where is the income to offset the cost? Remember, an Engineer would not be inexpensive; he/she would quickly become one of the highest paid employees in the Town. Then there are the insurance/pension costs. Is it legal to direct development fees toward a Town employee? I don't think so. And we would still have to hire other engineers for specialized disciplines (at a minimum 50%), this would sap whatever development fees were intended for the new position of Town Engineer. So yes it could very well be a "potentially costly error". As far as the DPW director, now there's a situation. We now have a DPW Director and a DPW Superintendent - talk about excessive costs.
    Let's vote for someone who is in favor of development in the Town Center and 1A/115 as well as the old Hospital property without a giveaway to developers like you would support. Did you hear Greg Merliss's answer to the question about "How would you like to see the Town center developed and how could it be expedited?" (paraphrased). His answer, "We need a Town Engineer." Talk about a one trick pony.
    Unlike what PJT stated, some change isn't good. Vote for Andrea Langhauser.
    - SM

  • 5/5 10:28am If you attended the NCL's Meet the Candidate night it was very clear to see that Greg Mirliss is far from ready to fill the shoes of the current Planning Board Member, Andrea Langhauser. Andrea's credentials, experience, knowledge of the town as a Master Planner and her ability to speak in public are far superior. Additionally, my husband feels his commercial clients would receive similar treatment from most any other Planning Board and Norfolk's Planning Board is simply just doing the job they've been elected to do and doing it right.
    - DL

  • 5/5 10:26am Hello, Last night I recieved a phone call in which I was asked as a Comcast subscriber to complete a survey. It came to my attention that Norfolk customers are paying a service fee for an I NET loop (spelling?) that allows the town to communicate between their buildings? I don't have this months bill. Can anyone tell me if this info is correct off hand? If this I NET loop is something that benefits and is used by the town Govt. why are only Comcast customers supporting this financially? Is this true? I happen to know that another neighboring town negotiated with Comcast for a free I NET loop completely maintained by Comcast as well as free cable in all town buildings and in addition to that... at least 50k to do with as the town pleases (such as upgrading equipment etc). Can anyone tell me what Norfolk negotiated? Maybe the next time around we can strike a harder bargain? ...thoughts?
    - MW

  • 5/5 10:25am MT states:
    With regards to the topic of the conduct of our town government, I'm sure that we all agree that even though a little Monday Morning Quaterbacking, or 20/20 Hindsight, may be conversationally entertaining, it's not very productive. However, on the other hand, if any responsible person observes that a certain methodology which is being advocated by our town officials is flawed, especially when a history of repeated failures can be cited, it is literally a civic duty for that person to point out the shortcomings of any concept, or other political goal, that would ultimately place an undue burden on resident taxpayers.
    I think that it's counterproductive to discourage, or to try to stifle anyone who is "pointing fingers at past events", if that "finger pointing" has a true and valid purpose.
    Agreed, but to a point. When I talked about "finger pointing", (yes, that was my quote), I was not talking about flawed policies, I was talking about personal grudges, vendettas, personality conflicts and the like. Our town is rife with them. That is what I call finger pointing, and it is not a very constructive tool for change. Looking at the history of policies, and deciding to change course because of an objective review of the past is truly productive. Perhaps I should not have said finger pointing. Maybe I need to call it "name calling".
    - JN

  • 5/5 10:24am JC - I read your post, please call me to solve the problem, I don't want anyone to be unsatisfied. Thanks!
    PRR - I read your note on a job I completed at your house for the previous homeowner - please call me to discuss a solution.
    - Tim Konowitz, Miles of Excavating 508-384-9590

  • 5/5 10:20am Are there any charity-related rummage sales coming up? I have a few items that would get a few bucks for a local group (a king sized head board, some chairs, and some china). If not, I'll tote them to St Vincent de Paul.
    - POH

  • 5/5 10:17am The so-called Police fundraiser is very persistent. I told him I was going to call the station for verification within the next few days. While I did not have time to do that, he had time to call me again. I'm still leery since when he started talking about DARE and other programs to fund he did not even know the DARE officer's name. I will support DARE with a check to "OP".
    - TMS

  • 5/5 10:16am Hi MT - I'll help fill in some of the details from your recollection of last year's town meeting. To start, I was the man at the mic. The specific issue was the FY08 K-6 school budget. The proposed budget did not provide for level services from the prior year, and would result in increased class sizes and reduce/eliminate enrichment opportunities such as music, library, language, and physical education. I had proposed increasing the FY08 K-6 budget to allow for maintaining the then-current class sizes, services and offerings. I believe the additional funds necessary to provide level services was in the range of $200k on a $9.5 million budget, so not quite doubling, but an increase nonetheless.
    Nothing has since changed in my fundamental position, as I've recently outlined both this site and in a series of letters to the Boomerang. My beliefs can perhaps be summed as follows:
    * An MCAS-only curriculum does a disservice to our (not simply "my") kids' educational experience, and providing a well-rounded set of class offerings is key to the kids' educational and emotional development, and best prepares them to compete (be it for admission into an elite college, or the job market, or at life in general such as developing an interest in art or music). There is no shame in wanting this for my children, nor in you wanting it for yours.
    * An investment in education will pay us all dividends, be it in the form of increasing long term opportunities for our kids, or the proven correlation with increased property values.
    As I'm sure we both recall, the proposed amendment was defeated, so you should still have faith in the town meeting process and that one individual cannot force your hand on financial decisions. But, I am actively trying to work to engage community members (like-minded and otherwise) into considering the longer term impacts of school funding and services decisions, and making their voices heard as well.
    Thanks to everyone for the support in this adventure so far. And don't forget to write-in Ken Lawrence for Recreation Commissioner.
    - Jonathan Hurwitz, Candidate for School Committee

  • 5/4 11:03pm I received the following message through the Franklin line commuter rail mailing list (Franklncustomerlist@mbcr.net). I thought it might be of interest to other commuter rail riders.
    Meet with members of the Commuter Rail Management team

    Do you have comments or questions about your Commuter Rail service?

    Do you have suggestions or ideas you would like to share?

    A team of Managers from across all departments at Massachusetts Bay Commuter Railroad (see www.mbcr.net/ourmanagementteam.html) will be at the following stations, between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM to listen to what you have to say.

    May 12th, 2009 South Station
    May 14th, 2009 North Station
    May 20th, 2009 Back Bay Station

    - DR

  • 5/4 10:54pm TSD - I to received a call today from the Norfolk Police Department. After listening to the pitch asking for money and promising free tickets to a comedy show, I asked if he worked for the police department. He said "No, I'm fulfilling community service hours for my high school." That piqued my interest - especially since this fellow sounded like he was late twenties at the youngest. I asked what high school he attended. He replied "Norfolk High School." I told him we did not have a Norfolk High School. He promptly hung up. I think he realized I was a dead-end call and wanted to get onto his next prey.
    A recommendation to anyone interested in donating $$ to the Norfolk Police Department - contact NPD directly and direct funds appropriately.
    - BHS

  • 5/4 10:52pm JT of "I speak from experience" fame. Greg Mirliss is not proposing a new cost to the Town at all. Greg Mirliss has sat through meetings and worked with the Economic Development Commission to plan for this Town to go in a new direction. Greg Mirliss is committed to growing the commercial tax base. This does not populate schools but actually provides revenues for schools.
    RC - The "potentially costly error" does not exist a politicized creation of JT the Obstructionist. The proposed Town Engineer anticipates using the same development fees and channeling them towards one centralized engineering function rather than spreading them across multiple organizations, usually at a higher cost of time and money. The occasional specialized discipline will be hired as needed and paid for as it always has, privately. The repetitive review function is then centralized and streamlined, probably disappointing JT and his band of obstructionists. And by no means is it a duplication of a DPW Director even by a JT stretch.
    Finally, anyone with the sheer potential power as one member of a 5 person Planning Board who can - as JT previously posted
    - move us entirely in the wrong direction (who is us?)
    - all but ensure that our last remaining pieces of open space are developed with residential subdivisions (What ?)
    - reduce quality of life (I love specifics don't you)
    - also promise to increase our taxes (Planning Board members do that all the time)
    Then we better run and hide from this "bright and energetic kid (he's 24)", or you can take this man who's survived his entire life in Norfolk Moonscapia and Vote Greg Mirliss tomorrow.
    - PC

  • 5/4 10:50pm Hi, I am looking for some temporary day care for Monday and Tuesday mornings for the month of June just to get my three grade school aged kids up, fed breakfast and onto the bus (7am - 8:30am). I live in the Pheasant Hill area and can be reached at bdambro@comcast.net Thank you.
    - BD

  • 5/4 10:49pm Don't forget to vote daily for the Norfolk Grange for a chance to win grant money from American Express. This is the only way to legally "vote early and vote often" this election season! [Grange vote page]
    While we are a small community going up against some giants, I have faith in the power of the vote! Let's show them what Norfolk is made of!
    - TMS

  • 5/4 10:48pm Just wondering if anyone knew why 2 police and 1 fire engine were at the Freeman this morning around 7:30?
    - JGP

  • 5/4 10:41pm At our last Town Meeting (on May 13, 2008, I think), when either the question of an override or some other major expenditure came to the floor, a man stepped up to the mic to address the issue. I don't recall the specific wording of the Article or the amount of money involved, but the man at the microphone wanted to make a motion to double the amount of money--that's right, double the amount of what would become our debt. I have the figure of a million or more dollars jiggling around in my memory, but it might have been something less--in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, perhaps--I can't locate my notes quickly enough to check. Regardless, it was a lot of dough, and this person, without blinking an eye, wanted us to vote to double it for him.
    His thesis, as stated, for this was that (paraphrasing almost his exact words) he had young children going into our school system. He didn't want them going to an ordinary college. He felt that it was our responsibility to pay more so as to assure him that we would have his kids fully prepared to attend an elite college, when they were ready.
    Does anyone remember that man's name? It's important. I have the name on the tip of my tongue but might not recall it quickly enough. You see there's an image forming in my mind that he's one of the candidates running for office, tomorrow. I can only speak for myself, but in my opinion, putting a person with a frame of mind like that in any decision making position is like electing a hungry fox to guard the chicken coop... Just my opinion.
    - MT

  • 5/4 10:40pm Looking for the person who advertised spring clean-ups/ landcaping services. I need to have a flower bed dug in my backyard. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
    - TC

  • 5/4 10:30pm Norfolk's Annual Town Meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 12, and Wednesday, May 13, starting at 7 p.m. each night at the KP Middle School. On May 12, there will be a free Community Spaghetti Supper sponsored by Norfolk Community League, Senator Scott Brown, Representative Richard Ross, and Town Moderator Dan Winslow at the KP Middle School cafeteria (kids of all ages welcome) with seatings at 5:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. and featuring local musical talent. On May 13, there will be a free raffle for all attendees featuring Red Sox tickets and other prizes. On both nights, we will have school age child care available by the SACC volunteers for $5/child at the Media Center next to the Auditorium from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. as well as tasty treats, coffee and baked goods for sale by the Norfolk Council on Aging. This year's Warrant includes interesting and challenging issues that will be decided by voters who attend. Please attend and make a difference. See attached flyer for details. [PDF here]
    Remember, it's your town!
    - Dan Winslow, Town Moderator

  • 5/4 10:29pm Just wanted to chime in on the Greg Mirliss discussion. First of all, I would not call a 24 year old "a kid." That is very dismissive. Secondly, I find it hard to believe that if he were elected to the planning board, suddenly all the open space in town would disappear. That is simply ridiculous.
    What I do see is a very energetic, bright, young individual who brings new eyes and a new generation into politics in this town. That is certainly a plus in his favor. And he will get my vote. We need some new ideas and new energy here. And he should have voting rights, not sit on the sidelines so that he can "learn", as another poster pointed out.
    The problem I am really having is deciding between the other two planning board candidates. I listened to them both at candidate's night. They both seem to have the same idea; frankly, no new growth. One has had many years in town politics, the other, not really any. So that will be a tough decision.
    Anyway, just remember that "if you keep doing what you have always done, you'll keep on getting what you always got." A lot of people in this town are not happy with the direction the town takes on many issues. Here is your chance to make a change in all of that.
    - JN

    [It wasn't that long ago that growth was revenue negative -- we paid more for the increased cost of services provided than growth generated in taxes. Has that changed? - Wm.]

  • 5/4 10:28pm To JT, Actually, Mr. Mirliss's plan to hire a town engineer sounds like a good plan. Why should we be throwing money at consultants? While I am not all in favor of more sub-divisions, I am in favor of moving this one cow town forward a little. So far since I have lived hear, which is not long, 6 years.
    I have seen nothing in the way of revenue generating business friendly development. We need some fresh blood in the town government.
    The way I see it, Mr. Mirliss for Planning Board, Jonathan Hurwitz for School Committee. As for the other uncontested positions, enough said.
    New blood is always good...
    - PJT

  • 5/4 10:27pm SM - It took me a second, but "lllama" truly cracked me up.
    - SO

  • 5/4 10:23pm A few years ago, I began occasionally posting notes on various subjects here on Norfolknet. Usually, my straightforward contribution to Norfolknet was in response to topics that had already been posted. My notes ranged from lighthearted bantering with those who appeared to be like-minded participants (which is my preferred form of communication), to the more serious matter of discussing civic issues, which frequently pop up on this site. Consequentially, the type of response I received indicated, with few exceptions, that I was playing to an empty house. Therefore, about a year ago it was, easy for me to decide to stop trying to discuss logic and practicality or to otherwise make sense, on this site. It appeared that my input was about as productive as trying to discuss the String Theory with my canine companions, Emma and The Bear.
    During the period of time that I've stayed away from Norfolknet, a number of people have approached me and asked me to return to this forum and continue to express the thoughts, which they, as well as I, share. Many of them are townies who want to preserve the rich heritage of our town and not see it transposed into a Needham, W. Roxbury, Wellesley, Roslindale, or even another Franklin. I've agreed to do my part, on the condition that they jump into the discussions every now and then and that they try harder to get a handle on the mismanaged travesty that's passing for politics in our town government, by loudly voicing their opinions on Norfolknet, throughout the Town Hall, and at Town Meetings as well. ... So let's see where it goes during the next few weeks.
    My response today is to members of our population who hold to the attitude that agrees with a post that recently appeared on this site, stating in part, "As I said, I think history is a great teacher, but pointing fingers at past events is not very productive".
    First of all, history is most assuredly a great teacher; that's a fact that cannot be ignored. Not learning the lessons taught by history is very foolish and can sometimes be fatal. Albert Einstein writing on that subject said, "Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results." The same truism, phrased differently, has been stated by many others, throughout the ages. It seems to me that one of our most precious intellectual properties is the ability to thoroughly understand the absolute certainty that "If one does not heed the lessons of history, he is bound to repeat the same mistakes". I submit that there are only three types of person who disregards what the past has to teach us: First are those too intellectually challenged to grasp the reality of the lesson. The second group consists of those so sheltered by their dependence in others that they're oblivious to, or insolated from the real consequences of not heeding the results of past mistakes; in fact they may be so self-absorbed that they're not really aware of the real nature of the rest world around them. The third group is comprised of a breed that only recognizes or refers to lessons learned from the past when it suits their purpose. Otherwise, they'll deny the validity of any argument based on learning from past mistakes, interjecting their own counterarguments that past events happened yesterday and are no longer relevant today. The purpose of that type of deception can be simply a means of feeding a starving ego or as complex as providing misinformation which is deliberately intended to be misleading and planted for the sole purpose of promoting the goals of specific entities interested in gaining material enrichment, for themselves, at a substantial penalty to the rest of us, the ordinary tax paying citizen in town.
    With regards to the topic of the conduct of our town government, I'm sure that we all agree that even though a little Monday Morning Quaterbacking, or 20/20 Hindsight, may be conversationally entertaining, it's not very productive. However, on the other hand, if any responsible person observes that a certain methodology which is being advocated by our town officials is flawed, especially when a history of repeated failures can be cited, it is literally a civic duty for that person to point out the shortcomings of any concept, or other political goal, that would ultimately place an undue burden on resident taxpayers.
    I think that it's counterproductive to discourage, or to try to stifle anyone who is "pointing fingers at past events", if that "finger pointing" has a true and valid purpose.
    - MT

  • 5/4 2:59pm Re: 5/4 11:20pm I have a new lift recliner that was used briefly by my father. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I could sell it? - CW
    You might try Craigslist [craigslist.org], under Furniture. Be sure and specify the brand and price, as there is also a "Free" category which you would not want touse.
    - RH

  • 5/4 2:58pm PA/MON Did you know that there is one Associate Planning Board Membership open, to be voted on by by the Planning Board elected members and appointed by the Selectmen? In light of the the Town Engineer discussion, would it not be a good idea to have your candidate serve as an Associate so that a new candidate would not make this kind of potentially costly error. Andrea Langhauser has served her apprenticeship before becoming a full member. Just a thought.
    - RC

  • 5/4 2:57pm Hi, CW - Try to sell the recliner on CraigsList. Or, contact me... I may even want to buy it for my mother... Email me via NorfolkNet's Webmaster. Thanks and have a great day.
    P.S. - Happy 8th Birthday to my Sweet P!! You're the best son a mom could hope for!! XXOO
    - RB (RB4)

  • 5/4 2:56pm Has anyone participated in the Norfolk Summer Fun Club put on by the YMCA out of Franklin? I guess it's at the Freeman... I'm looking into summer camps, and think it sounds great, but was curious to hear others feedback. Thanks!
    - SH

  • 5/4 2:55pm For JGP- Google ...clock repair... Good luck
    - ER

  • 5/4 11:20pm I have a new lift recliner that was used briefly by my father. Does anyone have any suggestions as to where I could sell it?
    - CW

  • 5/4 11:18pm I was wondering if anyone knew of someplace local that repaired clocks. I have a wedding clock that no longer keeps time that I cannot part with.
    - JGP

  • 5/4 11:17pm DMM - Check out the Atlantis in Paradise Island - Bahamas! Amazing for children and adults. Lots for kids right at the hotel. Beautiful, clean, everything you would want in a hotel.
    In terms of Cancun, I would not even think of recommending anyone to anywhere in Mexico due to the Swine Flu. Stick with the Bahamas... shorter flight--a little over 3 hours... and much much cleaner.
    - KM

  • 5/4 11:15pm PA: Your post aptly touches on one of the major errors in Mr. Mirliss's platform. DL's prior post already addresses one of the conflicts in Mr. Mirliss's position on hiring a town engineer. There is another conflict as well. That is, and I speak from experience, when a town appoints a town engineer, the appointee is a general civil engineer who manages municipal projects. In doing so, that engineer frequently must hire other engineers with more specific expertise. Thus, the hiring of a civil engineer for the town would not eliminate all necessary engineering fees. Such a position would also be duplicative with the position held by our DPW Director who also manages municipal construction issues. And, finally, I'd suggest that while Norfolk does occasionally have call for engineering services, we are too small of a town and have too few ongoing projects to retain a civil engineer. The position would, most of the time, simply suck money from the budget - money we don't have.
    Mr. Mirliss seems like a bright and energetic kid (he's 24) and I would like to think he hasn't politicized this issue. I do, however believe he is betrayed by his youth and inexperience on this and other elements of his platform.
    - JT

  • 5/4 11:15pm TO JC - RE: A Miles Excavation Company story.... We had them here at our place 4 years ago. After they left, that is after they "said the job was completed" we had to have several truck loads of pricey new dirt brought in because whatever it was that the Miles operation put back on our lawn after the septic system was put in was such bad soil and there was so little of it, I walked on our front yard and my foot sunk about a foot and half or more deep due to the lack of soil over our septic system. There are still places where your foot could sink in if you aren't paying attention! The dirt they used must have been sub-soil from someone else's excavation job. I hear that's the thing with many of these companies. Excavation companies sometimes are known to sell the nice fertile "removed" top soil from a job and then when a septic system job is completed, they just haul in and use the sub soil from some other job instead of giving you back your top soil.
    What happened to us though, from what I heard through a reliable grapevine, was that the folks we purchased our house from gave away our top soil that had been dug up and taken off the excavation site for the new spetic system that we were supposedly paying for half of [but we really ended up paying for most of it... not the deal we agreed to... water under the dam! Sleazy move!] Our top soil went to another neighbor and the previous owner of our house told Miles to bring in new dirt... probably cheaper dirt. All I know is that we ended up with a hole filled front lawn of clay and sand instead of the nice rich, fertile dirt that was there after we signed papers, before the digging began. And we are still needing to add more top soil! Nasty!!
    Good luck to you! Hope you didn't pay them for everything yet!
    - PRR

  • 5/4 11:13pm Attention Norfolk Voters! Are you progressive and want solutions? Or do you want obstruction of progress? Do you want the best for your tax dollars and hard-working ideas, or defeatist attitudes that block democracy? Those are the choices this year in our Town. So here are my choices for this year, after careful unbiased consideration and it will help steer the course for a better Norfolk.
    Selectman - Jim Tomaszewski - The other candidate is a wild card and doesn't even bother to show at candidate's night.
    School Commitee - Jonathan Hurwitz - Dedicated to transperancy and a force for positive change.
    Planning Board - Greg Mirliss - The right one for the job with new ideas, energy and thought patterns.
    We have plenty of work to do in this town, and obstructionist and paranoid views of our future suggested by JT are getting stale and offer no tangible solutions. Some day JT may wake up and realize this town's true potential but it may be too late for him and others.
    - MON

  • 5/3 10:39pm PA - Point of clarification. In this year's budget, the Planning Board received an appropriation of $104,100, which is all the funds they receive from the taxpayer. Any outside consultants hired by the Planning Board are paid for by the project developer, not the town. These consultants conduct what is called a peer review, which is an accepted and normal part of the project review and permitting process. Developers expect this charge and if it is an efficient review process, should not have any complaints. Yes we could pull some of this work in-house but it would require us committing taxpayer dollars to the Planning Board and hope that we have enough projects to pay for it. Where else is the money going to come from?
    Mr. Mirliss either did not know this or decided that he could try to make a political issue out of this. Either way, I find it disconcerting that he makes these false statements without backup or knowledge.
    - DL

  • 5/3 8:02pm Regarding the issues cited with the KP superintendent, I do agree with BS that the full set of facts are required to draw a conclusion on the KP High incident. However we should recognise the reality that the union leadership has an agenda in their day-to-day dealings with the superintendent. I for one have a difficult time sympathising with the school union where in today's economic environment within the profit and not for profit sectors, salary reductions/salary freezes and furloughs are commonplace yet the union is insisting on a wage increase for their members. The unfortunate victims of this stand-off will be our children as staff cuts required to fund union wage increases will increase class sizes to unacceptable levels of 30+. And as previously mentioned, the superintendent has elected to not take a salary for the upcoming school year. Yes, he is collecting a pension, but let's face it, he did not have to take this unprecedented action. Suggest we wait for the fact trail to emerge from the KP High incident but I have no issue giving Dr. Robbatt the benefit of the doubt.
    - SL

  • 5/3 7:58pm To Dan Winslow, our Town Moderator: You have done a great job in the past, and I would like to have you continue. I find the Town Meeting more interesting and under control since you came on board.
    - WC

  • 5/3 7:56pm I think a recent opinion of Mr. Mirliss may have missed some facts. The profile I read on Mirliss had the following quote: Currently the town hires outside consultants, he said, and this costs the town close to $250,000. He said hiring an engineer would save the town money. Sounds like a great plan in my opinion, (which I'm sure will be deemed wrong before too long.) Furthermore, he's the only one of the three candidates who has taken the time to simply ask me for my vote, and I even encountered another PB candidate yesterday who merely reminded me the election is Tuesday, but didn't ask for my support.
    - PA

  • 5/3 7:34pm Re: 5/3 4:04pm ... Does anyone know how to get a hold of Miles Excavating so they can come back and finish the job? They cannot be reached by telephone. - JC
    Per Google: Name: Miles of Excavating, Tim Konowitz, 242 Park Street, Wrentham, ma 02093-1065 Phone: (508) 384-9590
    You might check with the Wrentham Town Clerk to see if the company is still in business, or the Norfolk Water Dept to see if they have any updates.
    - RH

  • 5/3 4:58pm As your Town Moderator, I preside over our town's legislative branch at Town Meeting. Town Meeting is direct democracy where any voter can participate and make a difference in our town. In the two years that I have served, my goal has been to increase civic participation and our shared sense of community and to make Town Meeting understandable, relevant and an effective part of local government. While I face no opposition on the ballot this year, I believe it is important to let you know why I deserve reelection and to ask for your vote.
    In the two years since I was first elected, I have successfully launched the following initiatives:
    (1) Updated the website at virtualnorfolk.org/moderator to include information about Town Meeting, with "how to" guidelines for voters to participate in debate;
    (2) Conducted "Meet the Moderator" coffees and "Town Meeting 101" training sessions on Norfolk Cable to educate voters about Town Meeting procedure;
    (3) Initiated free community Spaghetti Suppers on the first night of Town Meeting (which we will repeat this year with seatings at 5:30 pm and 6 p.m. on May 12) using private donations and music provided by the KP Jazz program;
    (4) Encouraged a celebration of democracy with a free raffle of Red Sox tickets and gifts from local merchants for voters who attend the second night of Town Meeting. Last year, attendance at Town Meeting doubled on the second night compared to previous years;
    (5) Instituted school aged daycare services at Town Meeting by using the SACC program to provide reasonably priced sitters so parents of young children can participate in Town Meeting;
    (6) Put the town back into Town Meeting by encouraging involvement by the Boy Scouts, youth singing groups, Council on Aging, Norfolk Community League, and others;
    (7) Proposed to start Town Meeting a half-hour earlier, at 7 p.m., to help accomplish more business per session and avoid late night sessions where possible;
    (8) Initiated and co-authored the new Town Meeting Procedures bylaw to allow more people a chance to participate equally in debate and to address the community's business without wasting people's time;
    (9) Introduced a Town Meeting Preview program on Norfolk Cable to give voters an advance description of issues at Town Meeting;
    (10) Created simplified forms for voters to submit proposed motions on the floor of Town Meeting to encourage different points of view;
    (11) Promoted attendance at Town Meeting by posting "It's YOUR Town" signs and flyers announcing the dates and times of Town Meeting and filming public service announcements by local students for Norfolk Cable television.
    I will work to continue these initiatives as well as to introduce more streamlined procedures at this year's Annual Town Meeting on May 12 and 13 at the King Philip Middle School, starting at 7 p.m. each evening. In the next year, I will work to encourage meaningful civic engagement and opportunity for positive change in Norfolk.
    Please vote for me, Dan Winslow, as your Moderator on May 5. I hope to see you at Town Meeting on May 12 and 13.
    - Dan Winslow, Town Moderator

  • 5/3 4:04pm Last year we had Town of Norfolk water added to our house. The excavating work was done by Miles Excavating of Norfolk/Wrentham Mass. They also did many homes on Bush Pond Road, Park Street and Maple Street. However, they did not finish the job and forgot to add some loam and grass seed. Does anyone know how to get a hold of Miles Excavating so they can come back and finish the job? They cannot be reached by telephone.
    - JC

  • 5/3 4:03pm Re: Medfield Tire & Battery, we have used Doug's business for over 10 years. He is knowledgeable, honest and hard working. Very customer-service oriented, too. We wouldn't go anywhere else for tires!
    - EC

  • 5/3 4:02pm CM, We have used Sam Zeigler, SZRestoration Carpentry, for several small projects. We recently referred him to friends of ours for a major and difficult addition. We have been very happy with his work as were our friends.
    - ML

  • 5/3 4:01pm BS - kudos to you for not jumping to conclusions; according to my understanding a few staff members knew but the faculty as a whole were not informed and lengths were taken to disguise the evacuation from both students and faculty as a firedrill. Parents were similarly not informed. No salary appears to be a generous move on Dr. Robbat's part, but it is important to remember that he is entering retirement and no longer relying on a salary. I'm worried that this move will be used to make the KP faculty look selfish in their salary negotiations. Many of the faculty are young and supporting families, unable to take a paycut. I just hope people are not faulting the faculty in light of what Robbat has offered, because their situations are very different.
    - MA

  • 5/3 1:24pm Regarding Dr. Robbat, I think we need to hear the whole story about the alleged mishandling of the bombing incident. I have to wonder about what the teachers did or didn't know given the fact that I was in the building the evening of April 8 when the threat was found on the bathroom wall. The school was swarming with police, fire officials, custodians, administrative staff and some teachers. They were looking through lockers, etc. There has been a lot of contention as the school committee and administration tries to iron out a contract with the teachers for the upcoming year. So I'm going to wait to hear what the investigation turns up. All that being said, working for $0 to help support the school system and keep 3 jobs is extremely generous and a great example of leadership.
    - BS

  • 5/3 1:23pm Hi, I'm looking for recommendation of resorts to stay at in the Bahamas and Cancun. We are not planning to travel now, but are trying to book ahead for next year. One of the things we are looking to do with our children is to swim with the dolphins so any recommendations for that are welcome also. Thanks.
    - DMM

  • 5/3 1:22pm SD - please don't think I was trying to bash Robbat. Perhaps I could have phrased my post more gently. I was just trying to point out an article that is important for residents to see. The bomb threat at the high school was handled very poorly, and in my opinion the superintendent reacted immaturely when the flaws in his handling of the crisis were pointed out. I do think that Robbat is a good person, but his behavior in the handling of this situation and others has called into question his character in the role of school superintendent. Not every good person is qualified for the position they hold. Though it seems like a great financial deal to have an interim superintendent for no salary, another year of the same leadership will do nothing to solve the power struggle at the high school. It is a positive thing if we have a new superintendent at the end of this year; it will breathe new life into the system. Robbat should act as an advisor to the interim superintendent but not fill the role himself. His moving on now will be a good thing for the school so that he can leave on a good note and not amid the conflagration now brewing.
    - MA

  • 5/3 1:13pm Hi, Regarding the rather cheeky posts regarding the Dalai Lama... I know the majority of people in our area are not Tibetan or Buddhist, but he deserves the same respect that Pope Benedict would receive. (Yes, his title is sorta silly-sounding.)
    I went to Gillette to hear him speak and it was awe inspiring. He's a warm, intelligent, and even sometimes funny man. His laugh when he made a joke was delightful. The stadium was so quiet and reverent while he spoke. It was almost surreal, sitting in a football stadium and feeling so peaceful with 10-12,000 other humans. I say 'humans' because one of the most profound points the Dalai Lama made was that there are 6 billion people and all are basically the same. All just humans. Rich, poor. Fat, thin. Black, white, brown. He told of spending time at a San Francisco homeless shelter kitchen and talking for over an hour with a homeless man. The Dalai Lama said that he told him that he, too, was homeless. For 50 years, no country.
    Sitting there, listening to him or the musicians performing, smelling the incense on the breeze, and feeling the sun on my face, I felt peaceful... and hopeful. Something I haven't felt in a very long time. Thank you, Dalai Lama.
    - RB (RB4)

  • 5/3 11:59am CM: We are just about at the end of our home addition and renovation done by Dave Smith -- lives in Norfolk - cell 508-250-3678. It was a total gut job and we couldn't be happier with the results. In fact, it is more than we had imagined it would be. Dave offered many suggestions and ideas. He has a great reputation here in town. If you would like to see his work, have Wm give you my email and we would be more than happy to show you.
    - SM

  • 5/3 11:58am Instead of always bashing people and finding what is wrong with them, how about, we try to find the right in people sometimes. Please read the article in the Boomerang dated Friday, May 1, 2009. Dr. Robat is going to work for King Philip for the 2009-2010 school year for a salary of $0.00. I, for one, am very impressed and grateful for that.
    - SD

  • 5/3 11:57am MA: I don't know - I think the article in Friday's Boomerang reveals more about retiring Superintendent Robbat's character. He has offered to serve as Interim Superintendent for the King Philip district for the 2009-10 school year. His asking price? $0. That's right, he has offered to do it for free. His action speaks volumes, particularly in light of the fact that none of our local teacher unions have elected a wage freeze for next year... yet.
    - MHC

  • 5/3 11:56am If you are missing an orange and white long haired male cat from the area of Union between Grove and Quail Run please call animal control @ 528 3232.
    - HC, Norfolk ACO

  • 5/3 11:55am The more I hear about the candidates for School Committee, the more impressed I am with Jonathan Hurwitz. He clearly understands the importance that education plays in the future of our children and the future of Norfolk. He has also demonstrated that he has the energy and commitment to thrive on a board that has increasing importance in the Town.
    As to the Planning Board candidates, Ms. Langhauser and Mr. Commendul both appear to be looking forward but, unfortunately Mr. Mirliss's stated policies would move us entirely in the wrong direction. Based on the materials he has presented, Mr. Mirliss favors policies that would all but ensure that our last remaining pieces of open space are developed with residential subdivisions. Such policies not only reduce quality of life but also promise to increase our taxes due to added school costs. Mr. Mirliss also favors the addition of new highly paid professional staff (a town engineer) at a time when we are forced to cut our existing staff. The facts he cites for this canned proposition are simply incorrect. Furthermore, addition of redundant levels of review that are already capably handled at the expense of developers would slow rather than expedite development.
    - JT

  • 5/3 11:54am I am looking for recommendations for a fence company and tree removal service. Thanks
    - MD

  • 5/3 11:54am Re 5/2 8:50pm I found this article very revealing as to the character of our superintendent
    You want to complain about the character of this man?? Come talk to me and I will tell you about how he came to the school 2 weeks ago to meet me as I had to tell my child that her father had died. you did not stand thru the 700 people at my husband's wake to wish me well. He did. So if you want to complain about him... do not attack his character!
    - DV

  • 5/3 11:47am I would highly recommend Medfield Tire & Battery, Inc. Doug Blake and family are Norfolk residents for over 15 years. Doug is an expert in his field. He is an independent dealer which means he can get whatever brand fits your needs. He works on cars, light trucks, trailers, lawn mowers, and snow blowers. He does wheel restoration, snow tires, performance tires and tire repairs. He is hard working and honest. If you haven't checked him out you are doing yourself disservice. He is located at 15 Park St. in Medfield. His phone is 508-359-6093.
    - LB, Medfield Tire and Battery

  • 5/2 8:50pm I found this article very revealing as to the character of our superintendent. [Sun Chron article]
    - MA

  • 5/2 8:23pm We now have town water but at that time our well was never involved in the gas leakage. I remember being in the apartment upstairs from the store and the odor was terrible. The tenants finally had to move. They were part owners of the store. Thank you for your concern.
    - JW

  • 5/2 10:50am For anybody who missed Candidate's Night, it can be viewed on, or recorded from, NCTV Channel 22 at the following times: today, Saturday 6:00 PM and 10:30 PM, Sunday 6:00 PM, Monday 9:30 AM, 5:00 PM, 11:30 PM or Tuesday, Election Day @ 10:00 AM.
    - ADL

  • 5/2 10:46am I am Andrea Langhauser, a present Planning Board member that is committed to another 3-year term.
    I believe there is still more I can contribute -- my professional experience as an environmental land use planner, a dedication to the town with no financial interest in the outcome, familiarity with the other land use boards, unique perspective, and commitment to implementing the vision that has been articulated in the town master plans.
    As a member of the Planning Board, I have the opportunity to guide land development so that it minimizes the impact on significant natural features and connects existing neighborhoods together. Preservation of our mature trees, wetlands, stone walls and working farms is essential for Norfolk to maintain its rural character. During my tenure, 10 Open Space subdivisions have been approved that have protected over 220 natural acres at no cost to the town.
    In 2007, residential properties bore 94% of the tax burden. As a member of the planning board, I am in a key position to shift some of that tax burden by facilitating development of commercially zoned properties. The greatest growth has occurred around the Routes 1A and 115 intersection and off Holbrook and Rockwood Roads.
    Focused communication between land use boards began in October 2008 to reduce duplicative and sometimes conflicting reviews. Results have already been achieved in the design of future storm water drainage systems and in offering a Town Meeting warrant article to update the earth removal bylaw. There is more to be done and I believe I've got the energy, experience and knowledge base to be of assistance to the Town.
    I have been active in town planning since 1993 in various capacities. Given that I am a professional environmental planner, I first chaired the Planning Board's Open Space subcommittee. With the help of a team of committed volunteers the first Open Space Plan was adopted by town meeting in 1996. This plan has served as the foundation for the 2007 Master Plan. I was appointed to an unexpired Planning Board term in 1996, and ran successfully for a 3-year term in 1997. Since 2004, I have been appointed annually as the Associate Member and as the Planning Board representative to the Community Preservation Committee, a committee that elected me its chairperson in 2008-2009. In October 2008, I was unanimously reappointed by the Board of Selectmen and Planning Board to fill the unexpired term vacated by Tom Poppey and have maintained a 100% attendance rate at all meetings since.
    If you have any questions about town planning issues, do not hesitate to contact me at reelectandrea@yahoo.com. I appreciate all voters desire to make informed decisions and, most importantly, to excercise their right to vote on Tuesday, May 5th. Thanks,
    - Andrea Langhauser, Candidate for Planning Board

  • 5/2 10:24am CM We have used Sam Ziegler (SZ Restoration) for major work as we rebuild our old farm house. I would highly recommend you contact him. His website is SZRestoration.com and you can see some of the work he is doing for us under On Going Projects (which it certainly is) Pond House (actually the H.K.W. Pond House).
    - CJLM

  • 5/2 10:15am JW, Re: the gasoline in the water on Boardman. I was wondering if you were now on town water? It is my understanding that breathing in the vapors from your water may actually be more dangerous than drinking it. Have you ever looked into cleanup or any type of compensation for this? I had no idea that this was an issue and I feel terrible hearing about what you have been dealing with!
    - MW

  • 5/2 10:14am Hi BA, I'm SF. : )
    I absolutely understand those that couldn't attend due to work or other responsibilities, it's the ones who sat at home that bother me. And those people will likely be the ones to complain the most about our choices.
    My husband travels quite a bit too, I know how taxing that can be.
    I'm with you, though... I really wish the other candidates that have not posted here and have not taken the time to write in to the Boomerang would do so, giving us the opportunity to see their opinions and concerns. There seems to be way too little information out there about this election!
    Again, have a great day!
    - SF

  • 5/1 6:18pm JL, We've been customers of Natural Lawn for about 5 years. I won't pretend to do a valuation of other services, but our lawn is much better than it used to be, and I fear not for the environment. Others in the neighborhood have chosen to follow us.
    - RM

  • 5/1 6:12pm Any recommendations for a good, reliable contractor/builder who could essentially "rebuild" a home? The structure would need to be redone from head to toe. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
    - CM

  • 5/1 5:15pm Norfolk Grange Open House Saturday May 2, anytime between 1-4 pm. Come hear about the Norfolk Grange current renovation, our future plans for events and more exciting plans for the building and landscaping.
    The Norfolk Grange open house will have an ongoing slide show, crafts for the kids, antique cars & tractors as well as visits from some crazy characters!
    Did you know the Norfolk Grange Hall was once the home of the town hall & the library? Did you know the hall will be available again for rental when our renovation is complete?
    The Norfolk Grange also has some surprises to share... there are exciting times ahead for the Norfolk Grange Hall & the town support of our historic building is greatly appreciated!
    Please join us!
    - DLJ

  • 5/1 5:13pm Moving sale tomorrow! Rain or shine! Selling furniture and yard equipment. Dining room set ($700), 2 yr young pristine 8 ft. Pool table with cues ($1700), two chaise lounge chairs ($100 each), like-new fridge, washer & dryer, and tons of smaller items. Saturday, May 2, 9 AM - 1 PM.
    Everything must go! We've got a lot of free items too! Email 8churchillmovingsale@gmail.com for pictures of any items for advance sale.
    - SY

  • 5/1 5:12pm TSD - Hi, it is my understanding that these random callers do indeed funnel some proceeds back to the Police Dept. that they claim to represent but, it may only be a small percentage. The same can be said when the calls go around to try and gain support ($$) for the "Police Associations". I learned that our Towns Depts. benefit more fully by direct, local contributions like the annual raffles and so on. The callers are sales people and are for profit - their own.
    - BF

  • 5/1 5:06pm All this talk about the Dalai Lama reminds me of a funny joke:
    What's the difference between a 1 "L" lama, a 2 "L" llama & a 3 "L" lllama?
    A 1 "L" lama is a Tibetan religious leader, a 2 "L" llama is a South American pack animal, and a 3 "L" lllama is a wicked big fire in South Boston (you have to say the last line with a true Boston accent)! Hope everyone has a great weekend!
    - SM

  • 5/1 5:05pm Does anyone know of a place around here that does repairs on clocks? My wedding clock no longer keeps the right time and I just can't get rid of it.
    - JGP

  • 5/1 11:12am Re "I would like to sincerely thank the candidates that showed up for candidate's night on Tuesday. Although I was extremely disappointed at the turnout by the citizens of Norfolk..."
    JF, I wish I could've been there, but I travel for work, and these days saying "No" to the hand that feeds me and my family isn't really an option. But I do agree with your sentiments. I think that anyone who would put themselves on the line and run for town office is a truly exemplary. I may not agree with them, but they're out there doing what I don't have the guts to do.
    Also, thanks to Mr. Hurwitz for stating his position so clearly here on Norfolk net. And to MON, er, Dr. Nelson, for doing the same. I wish that the other candidates would be so kind as to do so prior to the election. I would prefer to make intelligent choices (yes, those who know me are sure that's an oxymoron) for those who seek to run my town.
    - BA

  • 5/1 11:08am I received a call from the Norfolk Police Association to donate money for certain programs that they've sponsored in the past. Anyone else in Norfolk receive this call?
    - TSD

    [I did, but from the pause between me picking up and anyone talking, it seemed to have been auto-dialed by a machine then patched through to the sales agent. Standard telemarketing operating procedure. - Wm.]

  • 5/1 11:04am Someone mentioned the idea of setting up our own electric company a few months back and mentioned the Norwood light and power. I lived there a few years back the total generation and delivery cost of a kwh was .09 vs. the .21 that I pay to Nstar in Norfolk. Admittedly I have no idea what the costs or legal implications there would be to set up our own company but it would create jobs and provide additional revenue for the town. It may be something worth investigating.
    - JS

  • 5/1 10:44am I would like to sincerely thank the candidates that showed up for candidate's night on Tuesday. Although I was extremely disappointed at the turnout by the citizens of Norfolk, I for one am glad I attended and got to hear what these candidates are about.
    As a reminder, I would like to point out that just because someone is an incumbent does not necessarily make them the most qualified for the job. Our school committee needs people with a vested interest in the schools, people who are ready to take on the challenges that will be offered in the next few years. Personally, I will be voting for Jonathan Hurwitz.
    Have a great day!
    - SF

  • 5/1 10:43am PJT: "So what??" Are you kidding? Forget about Barney Frank and your opinions of him. Your guy Sholley is one dangerous sounding dude! What grown man "spanks" his 14 year old daughter? Threatens a court officer. Has a restraining order against him? The judicial system is flawed, no question, but it rarely gets it all wrong that many times. Me thinks he doth protest too much. I am sure there are other more reputable citizens of Massachusetts who could mount a challenge to Barney Frank. Putting forth a candidate with such baggage is almost an endorsement for Frank. Watch what you wish for!
    - TC

  • 5/1 10:42am The Saturday Club Playdate for tomorrow will be postponed until May 9, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. due to weather. If you are interested in finding out more about the Saturday Club, check us out www.saturdayclubplaygroups.com. In the meantime, TGIF!
    - KID

  • 5/1 10:38am My name is Jonathan Hurwitz, dad to Ethan (6), Ryan (4), and Owen (14 days and counting). I am writing to ask for your vote this May 5th for a seat on the Norfolk School Committee.
    We are at a crossroads for the present and future quality of our town's K-6 education. Since 2005, the average annual K-6 budget increased at a rate of 2.9%, which has been insufficient to support level services, or meet baseline inflation and infrastructure costs. As a result, we have allowed certain school services and curricula to erode to the point of extinction. Facing imminent and drastic state funding cuts, maintaining services will fall directly, and disproportionally, onto the shoulders of parents - the full breadth of our "public" school services will only benefit those who can pay (e.g. bus fees). Our K-6 offerings are on track to simply become MCAS-mills, which is not the experience our children deserve.
    Solving this situation is not simply a matter of increasing funding, but also an issue of community prioritization, as in this period, K-6 education funding has increased at 40% the growth rate of all other town services. By comparison to K-6's 2.9% average growth, Norfolk's street lighting budget has increased at an average rate of 8% per year. We may no longer have a school library or foreign language curriculum, but we can land a plane on Main Street.
    Above all else, we need to prioritize a safe school environment. The smoke detection situation at Freeman, and longevity of this discussion, is unconscionable. If we cannot come together to solve this problem, we will be unable to resolve other more pressing issues.
    The hurdles we face are not ones I, the School Committee or our new Superintendent can solve independently. All community members who value education, parents and non-parents alike, need to make our voices heard on May 5th, at Town Meeting, and beyond.
    I work in the software industry, with a focus on meaning-based computing, which allows machines to act upon the conceptual understanding of information.
    My academic experience includes the following studies:
    * St. Catherine's College, Oxford University (Philosophy)
    * Harvard University (Computer Science)
    * University of Rochester (Philosophy)
    * Rochester Institute of Technology (Computer Science)
    * Cleveland State University (Journalism)
    Thank you for your vote on May 5th.
    - Jonathan Hurwitz, Candidate for School Committee

  • 5/1 10:37am PJT - I posted it because I had never heard of him before last summer and I found the article enlightening.
    - MJD

  • 5/1 10:36am Happy Labor Day!

  • 4/30 10:32pm "Hello, Dalai...!!"
    - RP

  • 4/30 10:30pm PA: Funny! One of my favorite movies! [Youtube page] in case no one knows what you are talking about.
    - JN

  • 4/30 10:29pm Hey MJD, I read that story when it came out. So what??
    At least Mr. Sholley didn't help the housing bubble to burst and then lie about it. And Mr. Keller was serious about unseating Frank he would get someone to run against him. But the state GOP is not quite up to the challenge. I'd vote for combining this district with the one to the right or left of Norfolk before I vote that marbled mouth liar.
    Here are some nice ones about your friend Barney. Take your pick. [google page]
    - PJT

  • 4/30 10:27pm I have 2 Dalai Lama tickets for sale. I'm really disappointed I can't go and hope that someone else can use them. Face value is $37 per ticket, good for both sessions on Saturday. Seats are pretty good, section 126 row 22, seats 1&2. Please call to make an offer if interested: 541-4612.
    - JT

  • 4/30 10:24pm And I bet if you bought the Dali Lama a hat, he'd get a free bowl of soup with it.
    - BD

  • 4/30 10:23pm Mini Boden and Boden - 20% discount plus free shipping and free returns. Contact the Norfolk sales representative at n_cleasby@yahoo.com for more information.
    - NC

  • 4/30 2:50pm I was walking by [...] Main Street, and there was a small animal dead on the right-hand corner of the lot. I could not tell if it was a cat or a small dog, but it did have a red collar on it. If you are missing a pet, you might want to go check. I'm truly sorry if it were your pet.
    - SD

    [Animal Control went and checked, and those are the remains of a cat most likely from this winter. No tags, no id. - Wm.]

  • 4/30 2:34pm Girl Scout Troop #73619 is holding a Car Wash this Saturday, May 2, from 10 - 1 at the HOD School to raise money for the Norfolk Public School libraries. The girls, all fourth graders at Freeman Centennial, are earning their leadership badges and have organized this event themselves. Troop members include Sedona Claypoole, Cate Freedman, Corrina Gomes, Kate Healy, Kelly Porell, and Hannah Ruff.
    Please stop by, get your car washed, help the schools, and most importantly, help the girls learn an important lesson about taking action to improve their community. Lemonade and baked goodies for sale as well. Rain date Saturday, May 9, same place, same time.
    - TC

  • 4/30 2:30pm Intersting article about Mr. Sholley, PJT's choice for Congress [article]
    - MJD

    [Update 2:53pm: changed link to point to page 1 - Wm.]

  • 4/30 2:25pm So we finish 18 and he's gonna stiff me. So I say "Hey Lama! How about a little something, you know, for the effort?" He says okay, but it won't be any money. But when you die, when you're on your deathbed, you will receive total consciousness. So I got that going for me, which is nice.
    - DKL

  • 4/30 2:24pm PA, Enjoy your total consciousness.
    - KB

  • 4/30 2:22pm PA - I do wish you would take the Dalai Lama's visit more seriously. Many people are traveling here from the 4-corners of the globe to see his spiritual-ness at the Gillette Stadium "Dalai-Lama-O-Rama", and spending big money for tickets and souvenirs.
    But something is wrong with your statement, typical of many posters on this site. How can you have a 10,000 foot crevasse at the base of a glacier? It is this type of flippant analysis and statement that degrades our great society on the eve of a visit by a great spiritual leader and marketing tool.
    - MON

  • 4/30 2:21pm Leashrly Life has immediate openings for dog walking clients. We offer personalized, in-home visits and neighborhood walks for your pet at reasonable rates.
    Leashrly Life also provides one-to-one obedience training services. Teach your dog to respond appropriately to a number of commands, "come" when called and understand what is expected of him as a member of your family. Four and six week training program rates are now half off through the end of May.
    For more information visit www.leashrlylife.com or call 781-241-2083.
    - AW, Leashrly Life

  • 4/30 2:20pm Get your great family photos and help Norfolk Schools at the same time! Funds raised from this Lisa Hull photographer fundraiser go to the Norfolk TPA which provides educational programs in our schools. Early afternoon openings still available for Saturday, May 9TH. To register, e-mail Sue at longmoores@comcast.com Any Questions? Contact Sue L. @ (508) 520-9561. Thank you for supporting Norfolk Schools.
    - JS, Norfolk TPA Public Relations

  • 4/30 2:18pm The Dalai Lama ticket has found a home. Thanks.
    - JC

  • 4/30 2:16pm Re: Last spring or summer I remember there was a used bike drive and a family on North Street collected the bikes. Can I get more info on this? I have a bike in my garage I'd like to donate if possible!
    Bikes Not Bombs will be hosting a bike collection drive this Saturday May 2nd from 9am to 2pm at the Blake Middle School, 24 Pound Street, Medfield, MA. They request a $10 donation per bike, to quote from their web site: "We request a donation of $10 or more per bike, to help get your bikes into positive use again (it costs BNB an average of $35 cash plus a lot of volunteer labor to get each bicycle back into use). We will, of course, accept bikes without this donation. We can provide a signed, dated receipt for the cash donation and the value of each donated bicycle. Bikes Not Bombs is a 501(c)3 charity under the IRS code, so your donation is deductible to the extent provided by law."
    For more information about this organization go to their web site: bikesnotbombs.org; if you can't make it this Saturday they list other bike drives at [page link]
    - PH

  • 4/30 2:15pm SO, thanks for the suggestions. We have done an extensive search in the neighborhood with no luck. Additionally, what's called a Saber Alert has been issued via our Animal Control Officer. Apparently this is similar to an Amber Alert for missing children and it goes to surrounding communities. We are hoping for a miracle to bring him back home...
    - JC

  • 4/30 2:14pm JL: We have used NaturaLawn for more than 20 years in two different houses in Norfolk and have been very satisfied with their service -- the first house being an existing lawn and the second being a newly planted lawn. On the few times we have had to call between regular visits, they have been prompt in coming out and addressing our problem. In addition, they have offered suggestions over the years for our lawn (for example, suggesting a specific grass seed for overseeding last fall). Good luck!
    - CA

  • 4/30 9:12am SO: Fitzy has been put on a state-wide list for missing dogs that ACO's, vets, and shelters have privy to access. Just wanted to let everyone know that he is out there in the animal field profession's eye. I say this list is statewide, but it does encompass some Rhode Island towns as well.
    - HC, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 4/30 9:11am Here is a PSA (Public Service Announcement) from a local, friendly nurse that thinks everyone should learn how to cough and sneeze properly. This video is from the AJN (American Journal of Nursing) website--a legitimate nursing forum. The video is funny, but truly educational. (It is not a joke.) [page link]
    - JN

  • 4/30 9:10am Looking for a summer tutor? I am a teacher looking for anyone interested in tutoring for their son/daughter for the 2009 summer (primarily children in grades 2-4). If interested, please email me at norfolktutor@gmail.com. In your email please identify the age of your child along with their areas of need. Feel free to include questions you may have.
    - AV

  • 4/30 8:45am LB, I was have been both a camper and a counselor at the YMCA camp in Franklin, it is a great place where your son can experience everything that his little heart desires! They have mountain biking, archery, sports, swimming, everything a kid of seven would like!.
    - TD

  • 4/30 8:44am So the Dalai Lama's coming to Foxboro, eh? I'll never forget the time I caddied for him at a course over in the Himalayas. So, I'm on the first tee with him. I give him the driver. He hauls off and whacks one - big hitter, the Lama - long, into a ten-thousand foot crevasse, right at the base of this glacier. Do you know what the Lama says? Gunga galunga... gunga, gunga-galunga.
    - PA

  • 4/29 5:26pm Has anyone had any experiences with Franklin County Day Camp, Stony Brook or the Hockomock Camp in Franklin? I am looking for any feedback - positive or negative. My son is 7 and wants to do everything, I am just not familiar with these three camps. We have had great experience with Woodside Summer Camp as well as the Adirondack - however, he is looking to do something different. Thanks for your help!
    - LB

  • 4/29 5:25pm To all who heaped praise that Congressperson Frank came and spoke to us about of his wealth of knowledge about the housing crisis that he did not help create. Boy, he lies like a bad lawyer... oh yeah he is one.
    This is from 2005. Enjoy. [page link]
    Please support Earl Sholley for Congress in 2010 sholleyforcongress.us
    - PJT

  • 4/29 5:24pm Calling all Nature Lovers! Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary needs your help! We are very excited to have a busy spring and early summer school program lineup this year. As class sizes grow in area schools, we are finding that we need more part time teaching staff to accommodate our school groups. We offer ponding, habitat and insect programs to elementary school children from Norfolk and surrounding towns. Programs are generally Monday through Friday mornings for about two hours. If you enjoy working with kids, and love being outdoors, we'd love to have you join our spring teaching team. Please contact Marla Cohen at mcohen@massaudubon.org if you'd like more information.
    - Tara Henrichon, Education Coordinator, Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

  • 4/29 5:19pm Re 4/29 9:19am Recommendations of a good local plasterer for some work in my home will be much appreciated. Thank you in advance. Hello, Robert Beirne [...] company is R&B Plastering 508-446-6791
    - MWB

  • 4/29 5:15pm This house was purchased in 1953 by my husband's family. At the time we bought it and moved in, 1966, there were approximately 3000 people in town including the prison. Yes, there was a small package store and gas station on that site. Bridies was the name, then it got sold and was renamed Cliffs, then the underground gas tanks started to leak and that owner sold it to family from out of town. It was closed down and for years the property stood vacant and was a hazardous site where the dirt was not allowed to be moved cause it was poisoned with gasoline and I'm sure lead. People on Boardman St. could not use their wells as they were contaminated with gasoline. They couldn't even do laundry because of the gas smell.
    I know times change and towns grow but I am still not pleased to have an eating establishment next door to me. Think about it for a minute, ask yourself, would you? I bet the answer is a resounding No. What's the saying, "Sure we need (.....) but not in my backyard."
    - JW

    [I've heard several residents say that well water still smells of gasoline, even a number of houses down from the former gas station. - Wm.]

  • 4/29 5:14pm JC - Since there's been no sight of Fitzy, is it possible he's trapped in someone's garage or basement? Maybe a neighbor on vacation? Maybe a loose storm drain? It might be good to list him with other surrounding town's police departments.
    - SO

  • 4/29 5:13pm Today is the last day for Norfolk Travel Soccer Registration Fall 2009 held online only @ www.norfolksoccer.com Children entering Grade 2nd-6th are eligible. Every one makes a team. We hold evaluations on May 17th to place children on the right skill level team/right division in order to play against other towns and have competitive play. Call any board member with questions, our numbers and emails are posted on our website and welcome you to call with any questions.
    - CB

  • 4/29 5:12pm The Dalai Lama is speaking at Gillette Stadium this Saturday, May 2nd. I have an extra ticket and would love to find someone to buy it. Face value is $37 for the seat. There are two presentations, 9:30-11:30 and 2-3:45. Ticket covers both sessions. You can attend one or both with the ticket. Parking is free! For more info check the website; www.bostontibet.org Please call if interested. 508 528 0107
    - JC

    [Update 4/30 2:19pm: The Dalai Lama ticket has found a home. Thanks. - JC]

  • 4/29 9:40am Thanks to Joan Pillar and her committee from NCL for their work on Candidates' Night last night. It was very interesting and informative. It is, as always, too bad more people did not avail themselves of this forum as it was well worth the investment of time. Thanks again NCL!
    - MJD

  • 4/29 9:21am JW, were you not aware that there was a commercial property next to your home when you purchased it? Re parking, I don't know if this is true or not, but I have heard that the owner of the building also owns some vacant land across Main St. from the property, and that could/would be used as parking. Of course that begs the question of exactly how one would cross Main St safely. I remember going to the now-closed Tom's Tavern and having to park across the street, not fun! Either way, I am with JK and can't wait for this to become a reality.
    - JP

  • 4/29 9:19am Recommendations of a good local plasterer for some work in my home will be much appreciated. Thank you in advance.
    - ED

  • 4/29 9:18am AT - We also use Simply Safer Medfield and highly recommend them. They are professional and thorough and resuscitated our lawn after years of neglect. We honestly could not believe the results. They offer a plan that uses 90% less pesticides than most lawncare programs, and they also have an organic program.
    - JT

  • 4/28 8:44pm I'd love to hear more feedback on your experience with Natural Lawn of America. We have a dog and kids and I'm afraid to go with a service like Chemlawn/Trugreen, but we'd like our lawn to look nice.
    - JL

  • 4/28 8:43pm Thank you to the fellow motorcyclist who spotted my wallet on the road today and drove it back to my house.
    On another motorcycle theme - the Purrfect Cat Shelter's annual ride is going to be on May 17th (rain or shine). Ride starts at 11 am (registration at 9:30 - $20.00 for drivers and $10.00 for passengers and non-riders who want to partake in the festivity after the ride). Ride starts from AmVets Post at 404 Village Street in Millis, and it's a 50 mile ride. So come on out and support a great cause for a shelter that does great things for cats.
    For more info on the ride go to www.purrfectcatshelter.org
    - HC

  • 4/28 8:42pm Last spring or summer I remember there was a used bike drive and a family on North Street collected the bikes. Can I get more info on this? I have a bike in my garage I'd like to donate if possible! Thanks
    - JL

  • 4/28 6:44pm Tomorrow night, April 29th, at the Norfolk Library, there will be a meeting to discuss the Proposed Road Stabilization Warrant Articles. The meeting will be held in the Community Room from 6:30 - 8:00 pm. We, the residents of the town have the right to expect our roads to be safe. Please come to the meeting so we may discuss how we get that done.
    - MAK

  • 4/28 6:43pm To SM: Unfortunately, no, we have not found Fitzy. Thank you for your kind words and if I could impose on everyone in the town to kindly check your property and keep your eye out for our little guy. It would be much appreciated. (Please see prior post for [post of 4/27 8:22am] info, also he is now listed on the town Animal Control Lost and Found site.)
    - JC

  • 4/28 6:42pm JK, I agree, I can't wait for the new place to open, imagine the traffic, noise, smell, ummm, yum yum. Getting in and out of my driveway is a nightmare now, can't wait til it's worse. Wish it was opening next door to you.
    - JW

  • 4/28 6:34pm JK - I have also wondered about parking for any type or proposed business being built on the corner of Main/Boardman. I have only read (through this site) that it may be an eating establishment. Current spaces would not even support the restaurant, staff never mind customers. This is why I'm not convinced just yet that it will be an eating establishment. Maybe he was hoping the MBTA would have built the bridge there already and that somehow it would gain him parking?? I wish the owner good luck in any case.
    - LS

    [MBTA? Not the town? - Wm.]

  • 4/28 3:05pm JK - I've heard rumors late spring for the restaurant on the corner of Boardman and Main. I live in the neighborhood and plan to walk or ride my bike there. Can't wait until they open and the neighborhood has a restaurant (and hopefully a liquor license). The parking lot looks like it should hold 10 or 15 cars. Is anyone familiar with the parking rules on the nearby streets? Fingers crossed it opens soon!
    - BHS

  • 4/28 1:52pm Save the dates!! June 28th - July 2nd Vacation Bible School. The Federated Church will be transformed into Discovery Canyon where we will explore the Wonders of the Word! This exciting week will begin with a cookout on Sunday June 28th, 11:00-12:00noon, where children and parents can get acquainted with other participants. The children's VBS rotational program will follow from 12noon-3:00PM. The Monday thru Thursday schedule will be at the usual time from 9AM- 12noon. We will be rejoicing, praying, asking, telling and seeking our way through the week with our canyon critter friends. Bring a friend or two and join us for 5 fun-filled days of music, crafts, science, games, storytelling, snacks and more! This program is for all children ages 4-12. (3 yrs old may attend if parent volunteers for staff on-site). The cost will be $10 per child with a $25 maximum per family. Enrollment is limited. Please register early. Registration forms available at the church office Mon-Fri, 8:30-1:30.
    - KR, Federated Church of Norfolk

  • 4/28 1:50pm JL and APL, There is actually a Norfolk/Wrentham/Plainville Moms Club which is part of the International Moms Club. They organize playdates, meet monthly, set up outings for families, have moms nights out and offer support for families in the area. You can reach the website here to join: www.npwmoms.org or contact me with more questions. [You can use box190@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - TH

  • 4/28 1:45pm [This was an older message that didn't get posted at the time - Wm.] This is good news -- our own Norfolk Grange Hall has been highlighted as one of the 25 possible projects associated with this year's Partners in Preservation! Can you help me get out the vote? Right now, we are dead last on the list... See the links below or go to [page link]
    - BM

  • 4/28 1:45pm I am looking for a large amount (trucks loads) of free clean fill delivered. I am willing to pay a delivery fee. I can be reached at steny1@hotmail.com. If you know a contractor who needs to remove fill from a building site please pass my e-mail address along to them. Thanks.
    - JS

  • 4/28 1:43pm Hello: Can anyone advise on the status of the proposed restaurant that is under construction on the corner of Boardman and Main Streets? If this will indeed be a restaurant, where will patrons park? The lot there now seems disproportionate to the size of the building. Thanks!
    - JK

  • 4/28 9:26am To JC: Any news about Fitzy? Kept my eyes open for him as I drove through your neighborhood. Very sorry to hear this about your dear family pet. Hope he still finds his way home.
    - SM

  • 4/28 9:25am I would ask that the person or persons who are removing signs for Andrea Langhauser for Planning Board, please return them to the yards that you took them from. Those signs are personal possessions and are being taken off people's private property. Thank you.
    - SD

  • 4/28 9:24am AT: We used Acres of Green Landscape last year and also will use them this year. Very nice. Very dependable. Our yard looked great and he was reasonably priced. 508-668-9166
    - JN

  • 4/27 6:56pm AT - Re lawn services, we use Simply Safer Lawn Care (www.saferlawns.com) and thus far have been happy with them. I'm not sure how they stack up in terms of cost. I admit that we were swayed by the fact that it is an organic lawn care service which was more important to us at the time than cost. Our lawn had gone a few years without anybody really caring for it (field of dandelions, grubs, other weeds, multiple kinds of grass) and after a full season of treatment, it survived the winter and now looks quite nice. The people we have dealt with are very friendly and we have no complaints as of yet. We are still using them for a second season so that we don't ruin the nice work they did last year; but we are also extremely inept at lawn care so perhaps for other people, one year's worth of service could be sufficient to keep things in order. Good luck.
    - EG

  • 4/27 6:47pm
    • Good Afternoon, Please see that attached document [linked here] reminding all the Boards of Health of the upcoming Early Morning ULV spray program, beginning on May 26, 2009 through September 30, 2009. All this information is on our website: massnrc.org/ncmcp/

    - Elizabeth D.,
    Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project

  • 4/27 12:55pm Anyone need some help?? I'm a Junior at King Philip High school. I'm looking to care for all ages, I love children and I'm available Mon-Fri after school until whenever and on the weekends if needed. Please let all your friends know and whoever needs a babysitter that I'm available in the summer too. Thank you everyone! If you're intrested please contact me at Kelsx0o31@hotmail.com
    - KK

  • 4/27 12:54pm To AT: We have used Emerald Green Lawn eglawncare.com for the past four years. While I'll admit I used to chide my husband about the unmarked white van that would pull up and the guy who would wear his spreader around his neck and walk the lawn, they are really great. Todd does the maintainance for our lawn, and it is really customized to what we need. When we installed a pool a couple of years ago, they did all the reseeding and the lawn looks great. Todd calls the day before he comes to make sure it is okay, tells us when we should keep kids and dogs clear of the lawn for a bit (which isn't all that often), and the cost is pretty low. We prepay each year to get the 20% discount and it is less than $500. Good luck!
    - KE

  • 4/27 12:53pm Portable home phone found in the middle of Boardman St. at the corner of Laurel Path yesterday and turned in at the police station.
    - SO

  • 4/27 12:52pm JN - Great email! I had the same thoughts when I read that post. Thanks for expressing them so clearly.
    - LL

  • 4/27 10:46am Reminder! NCL's annual Candidates' Night is tomorrow - Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at the King Philip Junior High School auditorium. Candidates for town-wide office will be available to meet the public and participate in a Q&A forum. Refreshments will be served. Contact Colleen V. at 508-553-9635 or colleenvalencia@verizon.net, or Kate P. at 508-541-1204 or kapergola@comcast.net for more information.
    - PMC, NCL

  • 4/27 8:27am A Reminder: There will be a community meeting to discuss the Town Meeting Warrant Articles for the proposed Road Maintenance Stabilization Fund on Wednesday, April 29, 2009 at 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM at the NorfolkPublic Library Community Room. The discussion will include the difference between the existing Road Program and the proposed Road Maintenance Stabilization Fund, what has been done to date, the condition of all Norfolk roads and the development of a strategic plan for how to proceed. All are welcome.
    - MAK

  • 4/27 8:22am Hi Folks, we are a broken hearted family here. On Friday, 4/24/09, our little 7 lb. yorkie disappeared from our front yard on Valentine Drive. He was wearing a blue color with a red bone shaped ID tag. He is beige and gray in color and answers to "Fitzy". He is not a wanderer and I'm concerned he may have encountered some sort of wildlife, however, there was no sounds or sign of struggle. If anyone has any information, please contact 508-384-9761. The following link will bring up his picture: [photo] [As usual, click the photo on the right for a larger view - Wm.]
    - JC

  • 4/27 8:20am I am responding to two posts. One was for someone to prune and rake their yard and the other was for powerwashing. I am semi retired and doing that type of work. I have been a Norfolk resident for 35 yrs.
    - RGL

  • 4/27 8:17am AB, PD, AIL, TC, MJD, JN (and even PA): Thanks for the kind words and support. To answer PA's and Wm's questions, I have obviously chosen not to run for Selectman this year. That being said, I am always willing to volunteer my time and experience when asked to do so. This year, I was pleased to accept an invitation to join the Council on Aging where, working closely with Senior Center staff and the School Committee, I have focused on promoting a tax-break program for Seniors who are willing to donate their time to the elementary school. This program will help ease the financial crunch for Seniors while reducing operational costs for the schools.
    As to my views, which are shaped by a decade of serving as Town Counsel to about a third of the Commonwealth's municipalities, I have significant disagreement with our current administration's ill-conceived and regressive approaches to economic development, education, the environment and fiscal policy. Current policy has Norfolk moving backward in an alarming manner.
    As to the current slate of Selectman candidates, I don't know Mr. Bremilst and I have not heard how he would deliver on his goal of reducing fiscal pressures while maintaining current services. I do know Mr. Tomaszewski - he is gentleman who would bring some much needed civility to the Board of Selectmen. However, he unfortunately appears to be in general agreement with many of the same failing policies of our current Board of Selectmen.
    - Jay Talerman

  • 4/27 8:16am JN - My thoughts exactly. Well said!
    - LAW

  • 4/26 3:33pm AB: Your post bothered me, and not just because it was aimed at MON, I expected that, but because of the overall tone. I strongly believe that it is because of posts and comments such as yours, that people do not step up to take town government positions. It seems like no matter what anyone does, good or otherwise, someone is always responding negatively, with little in the way of actual facts. There are no discussions, just one sided jabs. I do not find this type of banter to be productive or useful, despite your links.
    I am not trying to defend MON, he is capable of doing that for himself. I will say that at least he is putting his money and his time where his mouth is. He is not just talking, but jumping in to actually try to make a difference.
    I sincerely hope that this does not discourage others from seeking roles in town government. Everyone complains that it is the same people running the town; well, of course it is. It is the 80/20 rule; 20% of the people do 80% of the work. They are the ones willing to invest their time and face public scrutiny. I applaud them. I also think that we can question what they do for sure, but in a way that is responsible and respectful.
    As for the posting regarding a write-in for Jay Talerman, I wish you good luck and did support you in your bid last year and my support has not wavered, although I do also admire Jim T. for all of the service he has provided to the town. He seems to know how a town works, as well. I do not know Mr... Bremilst, so I will refrain from comment there, but I do applaud him for stepping up.
    - JN

  • 4/26 3:32pm Why has our community web discussion turned into a forum for angry, hurtful comments? Make your point, but why not give up the vinegar and try some sugar instead.
    - KN

  • 4/26 3:31pm AB Wrote: "An elected official is supposed to be impartial and one needs to put your personal beliefs and wishes aside in your decision making process."
    What? Since when? Isn't that the point of elections, so that we can find a candidate who most closely represents our personal beliefs? Local officials are traditionally not affiliated with one of the major political parties, but I hope and expect that the candidates I vote for make decisions informed by the facts and their personal beliefs - because it is on the merit of those beliefs that I am granting them my vote.
    - BA

  • 4/26 3:30pm Anybody who can recommend a good lawn care service. I have used Mr. Natural and did not like it that much. I just got a quote from Natural lawn of America, pricey. Also, I heard that TLC is not a great service. I would appreciate any comments about the above mentioned services or other you may recommend. Thanks.
    - AT

  • 4/26 3:29pm Another wonderful day in Norfolk! First the Freeman-Centennial 5th / 6th grade band was perfect at Symphony Hall. I also heard the 7th and 8th grade bands did a terrific job as well! Then one of the best small town America traditions - Opening Day for Little League and Norfolk Girls Softball! The kids that were privileged to ride in the police cruisers and fire trucks blasted their way through town to lead the throngs of players and coaches. Off to the field and the opening ceremonies and a hot dog lunch. Then lots of baseball to watch! A perfect spring day! Hope you all enjoyed it as much as we did!
    - TMS

  • 4/26 3:28pm AB - I can see you are one of the ones that lost sleep on our past mental joustings based on your quest to find weaknesses in my prior posts. Looking up things I have said or written is always a good use of someone's time!
    The weather has broken AB, go out and get some fresh air and sunshine and put the keyboard down. We can talk about my general comments at Candidates' night.
    But the NTA had about a dozen member-patriots that were interested in transparency in government, and still are. The word "apathy" applies to those who don't show any such interest in their local, state or federal government
    - MON (Dr. MON)

  • 4/26 3:27pm AB and PD: Where can I get one of those Talerman signs?
    - AIL

  • 4/26 9:52am Can anyone recommend someone that will do roto-tilling to expand our vegetable garden? Thanks in advance.
    - LMM

  • 4/26 9:48am Why has our library turned into a babysitting service? Use the playground instead.
    - BH

  • 4/26 9:46am Dr. Nelson: I wish you well for the next three years on the Board of Health. I must express some concerns about your post. I will concentrate on two items in your post that I find troubling.
    "I also will work with the Board to insure that commercial development and public health issues become more streamlined and informative for the public, as well as answer questions and concerns the public may have."
    You may want to review these two links below on the Department of Public Health Regulations as they list some of roles and responsibilities of the local Board of Health (BOH). I did a quick search and found nothing in the BOH roles and responsibilities about streamlining commercial development. An elected official is supposed to be impartial and one needs to put your personal beliefs and wishes aside in your decision making process. Am I to assume that in your position you would give a nuclear waste processing plant the same level of review as a 5-story office building simply because they are both commercial development? Given your expertise, I don't think so. But I've been told that "too much expertise can be a bad thing."
    [Regulations by CMR Number]
    [Department of Public Health Regulations & Policies]
    Second item - as you wrote - "I pledge to answer all public health questions and be accountable to the people of the Town of Norfolk." In past posts I've mentioned the short lived NTA that you seemed to have had your fingers in. I searched Norfolknet for responses and goals and accomplihements when people have asked for information on the NTA meetings. Actually, I didn't find any responses of substance.
    As for voting this year, I have three choices for an unopposed seat: vote for the candidate, leave a blank or write-in.
    - AB

  • 4/26 9:40am Re 4/21 11:38am Looking for recommendations on a carpenter to redo a screen porch. - TTK Hey TTK - I've used Abramson Carpentry a couple of times around my house - Rob built a custom cabinet for our living room, did some repair work on our deck and does some other jobs as well. Recently he put in a water softening system for us and installed our new dishwasher. Price wise very reasonable and the wife and I are very satisfied with his work. If you are interested his phone # is 508-989-7913.
    - DG

  • 4/26 9:39am BA, we have had huge problems with bees and wasps at our house as well. We had several large hives of paper wasps that were nesting under our shutters last summer. I have seen some bees/wasps around this spring, but so far haven't noticed whether we have any major nests on the house yet... I am waiting to see because it always gets worse in the summer. Also a year or so ago our house was attacked by lady bugs... they were dive bombing our house. So far we haven't seen a reappearance. Good luck!!
    - TM

  • 4/25 8:25pm Thank you to our wonderful library. We spent two hours there and came home with many treasures!! Thank you for all of the hard work!
    - SD

  • 4/25 8:24pm Just curious if anyone else is seeing a marked increase in bee and wasp activity. Today, any part of my house with direct sunlight was covered in paper wasps. Thanks be to google, they appear to be the non- native European paper wasp, and evidently, they have named my house as their new Utopia. There are nests starting up behind all of my shutters, both of my front lights, and the vent for my attic.
    I swear I saw about 10 of them flying in a keg!
    First the little flies, now the wasps! If I were of a religious bent, I suppose I would be looking for slugs or locusts. Anyone else experiencing anything like this?
    Thanks,
    - BA

  • 4/25 12:35pm Oh lookie what we found, let the write-ins begin.
    - AB and PD

  • 4/25 12:11pm JL - Congrats on your son! We also just had a son and I would be interested in trying to start up a new moms group. Please see the WM for my email address if you'd like to contact me. [You can use box189@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - APL

  • 4/25 12:05pm Congratulations, MON, for coming forward to serve the townspeople of Norfolk. I applaud you! thank you in advance for what I am sure will be a productive term.
    - CMK

  • 4/25 12:04pm TM - we bought some net hoods to wear over our hats years ago for walks, and they work great. You can get them in the camping section of Walmart. The flies should be gone by the end of next month, but they are really annoying while they are here!
    - LJK

  • 4/25 12:03pm MON, as much as I may have disagreed with you in the past, I admire your willingness to serve the town. Best of luck in your "race".
    - CS

  • 4/24 6:46pm Black flies are a big problem in the spring around us. They do bite and their bite itches like crazy for a long time. They are out most of the day. We have the Mosquito Magnet and it catches bunches of them.
    - JW

  • 4/24 1:18pm TM, we have them as well, though we really only notice them early in the morning, and the seem to go away when the suns warms up. Our cars are usually covered with dead ones in the morning. From what I recall from last year, they were only around in the spring. Good luck!
    - JP

  • 4/24 12:05pm Citizens of Norfolk,
    I, MON, known by friends and colleagues as Dr. Mark L. Nelson, announce my candidacy and am running unopposed for the Board of Health this election cycle. Sure, in the past I may have ruffled a few feathers, maybe even caused a few sleepless nights for a few of you out there by wise-guy posts, maybe even made a few of you laugh from time to time, but when it comes to health, medicine and our community you can take me as serious, because nothing is more serious to me than health.
    By day I am a chemist/scientist designing new generations of antibiotics at Paratek Pharmaceuticals in Boston, where my efforts as Senior Director of Chemistry have led to potent drugs against MRSA and other Superbugs that you read about in the news press. I am also a Professor of Biochemistry at a local undergraduate and a medical institution, where I teach students to not only understand science but to learn to use it and embrace it and even begin to love it in the world around us.
    For the past 6 months I have also been a member of the Economic Development Committee in Norfolk, where we have sought to increase the potential our town of Norfolk has to offer through planning changes in infrastructure and by lobbying local and state politicians for support for projects benefiting the town.
    Once on the Board of Health, I will work for the townspeople, using our laws for the benefit of public health. In the past it may have been primarily a Board to monitor septic and drinking water issues and town development standards, and those efforts will continue. I also will work with the Board to insure that commercial development and public health issues become more streamlined and informative for the public, as well as answer questions and concerns the public may have.
    For example, several of you have posted about the mosquito control efforts that are occurring throughout the town. You can go to the website [massnrc.org page], and see what areas of Norfolk are being covered this week by Bt larvacide, a harmless bacterial spore that kills the mosquito by infesting the hatching larva. In the future we will make sure these control efforts are posted timely, as some of you may be concerned.
    In the meantime, I am asking for your Vote for the Board of Health, and I pledge to answer all public health questions and be accountable to the people of the Town of Norfolk.
    You can count on it.
    - Mark L. Nelson, Ph.D., Candidate for the Board of Health

  • 4/24 10:32am Just wondering if this is a common problem in norfolk... We have been getting swarms of black flies/gnats in our yard for the past few weeks. They seem to be out in force particularly midday when the sun is strongest. They are becoming quite a nuisance and my husband said they even bite! It's been very difficult trying to get yard work done lately and the minute I pull into the driveway they are swarming my car. Are a lot of people in the area having this issue? I have lived nearly my entire life in surrounding towns and never remember having this issue. I am not sure if they are "true" black flies (but they are really tiny and swarm in large groups). Does anyone know if they will go away soon and what I can do if anything to combat them? Is this common here in Norfolk? Thanks!
    - TM

  • 4/24 10:27am Looking for someone to finish up an adjustable basketball net. Most everything is done, just had some technical problems. So come make $75 bucks easy money if you're good with directions. About 1 hour or so work... call 508-520-0822.
    - JLH

    From the Norfolk Democratic Town Committee: photos of congressman Barney Frank at the Norfolk library - April 18th, 2009. Photos by Ms. Pamela Ruby Russell (except one by Mr. Ervin Russell, Photographer and Aide to Congressman Frank)

    - PRR

  • 4/24 10:15am First, congrats to the Freeman-Centennial Advanced Band, KP 7th grade Band, KP 8th grade Band and KP Symphony Band for winning the recent Gold Medal at MICCA. All four bands will be performing at Symphony Hall in Boston on Saturday morning (April 25th). Freeman-Centennial is performing at 9:40am, KP 7th grade at 10 and KP 8th grade 10:20am and KP Symphony Band at 3:10pm. This event is free to the public and will go on all day to showcase all Gold Medal winners from around the state. Come and watch these fabulous musicians and I think you'll agree that the band program is top notch! The link to Stars @ Symphony is www.miccamusic.org/stars.htm. From the list of performing schools, you will see that we are the only one with multiple groups! Very impressive!
    - TMS

  • 4/23 11:07pm It's here - the enormous Friends of the Norfolk Library Book & Bake Sale at the Norfolk DPW garage at 33 Medway Branch Road. 2009 Friends of the Library are welcome at the Friday Night Friends-Only Preview and Sale from 6:00-9:00 p.m, April 24. Memberships starting at $15 are available at the door beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Book and Bake Sale on Saturday, April 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. is open to the public. For more information visit our website: www.norfolkbooksale.com
    - JR

  • 4/23 9:56pm Hi, all. Before I fork out some money, I thought I'd check if anyone's children have outgrown their Tinkertoys or Lincoln Logs. My son loved playing with some at a friend's house. Budding engineer to nurture! Thanks in advance,
    - LJK

  • 4/23 6:31pm Hello everyone! The Norfolk Public Library's next session of children's programs is coming up and we still have room in all of our programs! We have sessions for babies, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children up to 3rd grade. Registration is required for some of them, so check the library's website here: [library childrens programs page] for more information. We have a lot of fun in all of our groups, so if you are interested, let us know!
    - Andrea Ingala, Norfolk Public Library

  • 4/23 6:30pm To TC, I read that article and all I can say is thank you teachers unions for ruining the schools.
    Someone still has yet to explain to me why a highly educated teacher needs a union to ensure their security and negotiate their salary.
    Didn't they learn anything in college? Or is the"everyone gets a trophy" mentality? What happened to individual responsibility even for teachers? It is not fair that the teacher who just shows up get the same rate of pay than the teacher who spends extra hours making sure their students perform. It is a shame.
    To BA, I totally agree.
    - PJT

  • 4/23 6:29pm JMM - It appeared that the helicopter was spraying for mosquitos. I was surprised to see it overhead as well, since there was no notification that I am aware of.
    - SL

  • 4/23 6:28pm TC: I think the better question to ask is what is being done with the money currently allocated for schools. How much of it is going to actual classroom instruction. And what is a typical day like in public schools? How much time is being spent on the 3 R's vs. other things? Those are questions that no one seems to know the exact answer to. It is a fine line between asking those questions and being seen as a school basher. But they are questions that need examination by the community. If we want better schools, the answer isn't always just more money; sometimes, it is looking hard at how the currently allotted money is being spent. In the meantime, we either hope for the best or send our children to private school.
    - JN

  • 4/23 6:26pm TC - Please be careful when looking at comparing the performance of American students with international students on standardized exams of the nature stated in your referenced article. The reason is that the populations measured are rarely equal. In the US, all high school students will be tested. In Europe and in Asia, only those students that are on a university track will be tested. Overseas, students are identified as either being on a trade track or a university track at a fairly young age (about 6th or 7th grade, depending on the country). They are then educated along those lines. It is only the top 30 % (give or take a few percentages, depending on the country) that follow the university track and are tested on these exams. In the US, we do not have this tracking. Enrollment into a trade school is purely optional. The trade students as well as all other high school students take the standardized exam regardless of their abilities. Our scores end up being spread over a larger score distribution field with the average being lower as a result.
    I agree with the comments regarding the effects of NCLB. This has been a huge financial and structural disaster in our school systems. Control of the schools needs to be returned to the local level. Continuing to issue unfunded mandates at the federal level will undermine the public school system. As to class sizes, the structure and curriculum of the class room thirty or forty years ago is vastly different today. Years ago, schooling consisted of a lot of rote memorization. The recitation of facts was the expected outcome with little application or higher level thinking required. Also, schools had the ability to give the boot to anyone that disrupted that environment. Today, students are required to work at a higher level of reasoning which requires a different style of teaching and assessment. This expectation is most successful in smaller sized classrooms as students require a higher level of individual interaction from the instructor. For example, in the 70's, a student in a science class might be required to dissect a frog and identify each of its individual parts. Not much higher reasoning is involved. Today, upper level science students can isolate a piece of DNA (a gene) in one organism, transfer it into the genome of a different species of organism and then test to see if the transformation was successful. From there, they need to apply the knowledge gained from this lab to demonstrate an understanding of gene therapy as a viable treatment for genetic diseases in the human population in some form of assessment other than multiple choice.
    Our current method of how to educate our children is broken. It doesn't work. Going back 30-40 years for a complete answer isn't going to work either. We need to get rid of NCLB and let communities determine what the needs of the schools and students are and how to best address and fund them should be.
    - LMM

  • 4/23 1:28pm Re: Check out this article about the financial impact of declining educational achievement in the U.S., and how we compare with other countries.
    This line caught my eye: "In the 1950s and 1960s, the U.S. dominated the world in K-12 education." Things that make you go hmmmm. Wasn't this the time over 30 or more kids in the classroom? Wasn't this the time before the teachers unions and Federal involvement in local education? Wasn't this the time when the education budget wasn't eaten up disproportionately by special education requirements?
    I find it very telling that my son, who is considered gifted, is offered nothing by the Norfolk school system at all. Nor can he expect to going onto middle and high school. But had he had an a smidgeon of a learning disability, he could qualify for all sorts of services paid for by the school system. Special Education, indeed.
    And every year we are threatened with the loss of teachers, programs, etc. But that is my particular ax to grind, and its pretty well worn down.
    TC also writes: "It's sobering, and timely, as we look at cutting our already lean local education budget. We should all be demanding that the nation recommit itself to education and budget accordingly."
    Actually, TC, I would prefer that the Nation - at least the Federal government - take less of an interest in our schools. Stop crippling us with No Child Left Behind and the like. Leave the education decisions up to us locally. Let the Nation - the people who live here, recommit itself to education at the local level. Will some school systems be better than others? I sure hope so! This is one of the reasons I moved to Norfolk. And one of the reasons why I will probably have to leave it.
    - BA

  • 4/23 12:12pm TC - As an academic and observer of the education of our nation's children past G12 for the past 20 years I do not want another dime spent on the education system we currently have in this state. The educators do their job as they should and more money would just waste it.
    It's the parents that need to be educated, as they program the child from an early age for either 12$/hour jobs, or for 40-50$ and more/hour jobs as professionals. Read the article you posted.
    I have seen a steady decline in achievement since the advent of MTV, video games and especially lax and absent parenting. But the right parenting skills can get a ghetto child into Harvard, with little or no money in its grade schools. And the parents of the future collegiate better make sure their degree gets them a technical skill or is marketable, especially with the uncertain future of many trades, businesses and industries. They will need it to survive after you are gone.
    So to say Spend, Spend, Spend on Education shows the current state of ignorance of the real problem.
    Especially in this state.
    - MON

  • 4/23 10:52am JT: I am very interested in the position you have. Many great references and I can start anytime. Wm. has my info. [You can use box188@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - JW

  • 4/23 10:51am Does anyone know what was going on around 9:00 last night at the intersection of 1a and 115/Forekicks? Several police cars, lights flashing etc. plus another PD blocking the upper end of 115.
    - RC

  • 4/23 10:50am Wm. - I don't think JH was singling out Mr. Bremilst. Since Mr. Bremilst is the only candidate that has responded to any of the questions posted here, JH's statement made sense. I think we would all welcome any information on any of the candidates should they choose to give any. I will be eager to hear the discussion during Candidate's Night.
    - SF

  • 4/23 10:49am Any anyone recommend a reputable tree trimmer? I don't want a hack job. Thanks,
    - BRC

  • 4/23 10:48am Check out this article about the financial impact of declining educational achievement in the U.S., and how we compare with other countries. It's sobering, and timely, as we look at cutting our already lean local education budget. We should all be demanding that the nation recommit itself to education and budget accordingly. It's positively absurd that we are arguing on a local level about whether to pay policemen or keep enough teachers and curriculum to ensure our kids are competitive, productive adults. [article]
    - TC

  • 4/23 10:46am JL, congratulations on your baby boy! I remember what a wonderful, crazy time that was with my son. I run a playgroup in town for working parents that meets on Saturdays, but regardless of whether you plan to return to work or become a professional mom, you are welcome to join us at our next playdate, which I think is May 2, 2009 at 10:00 a.m. at Kid's Place Playground on Boardman Street in Norfolk. You can also check out our website at www.saturdayclubplaygroups.com. I just posted a list of local pediatricians with evening and weekend hours that you may find interesting (it's on the family forum page). Congratulations again and best wishes to you and your family.
    - KID

  • 4/23 10:28am PD We had the same thing happen to us a couple of years ago and believe it or not I didn't notice the items were missing for several days. After searching my and my husbands cars for our sons "snow stuff" for daycare we got a call from a neighbor down Seekonk St that he had found a bag of mine in his bushes. I finally figured out that someone had gotten into my car stolen a gym bag and a Vera Bradley bag thinking they were making off with something good, Ipod, Cash, CC. I'm sure they were disappointed when they found size 4 snow pants and a Mommy restaurant bag full of markers and matchbox cars! I did call the police and they said it was probably some teenagers. FWIT I live on Seekonk too.
    - NJD

  • 4/23 10:27am AL, Shaws Franklin allows you to trade tank in for $18.00
    - DWL

  • 4/23 10:20am Does anyone know why once again we had low flying helicopters hovering around Barnstable road at noon today ?
    - JMM

  • 4/23 10:18am JL... there is not an official new moms group in Norfolk but the library has free programs for babies and you may also want to consider joining the Norfolk Community League. There are many young women from town who are a part of NCL and several just had new babies. Welcome to Norfolk!
    - RC

  • 4/23 10:17am To SO: Re the getaway issue: The guy, tall and agile and fast, just jumped in the car and took off immediately so my husband assumed there was someone in the driver's seat. Makes sense... Also he yelled to someone as he fled, but my he couldn't make out a name.
    - AB

  • 4/23 10:13am TTK and MS Give Scott Heine from Handyman Carpentry a call. 508-272-1050 [...] www.handymancarpentry.com I know he enclosed decks as well. He will give you a list of references and is licensed and insured. He lives here in town.
    - MCP

  • 4/22 1:35pm RE: Need to fill my new propane tank. Any recommendations for reasonably priced local vendors? Thanks in advance. Trackside Gas on West Street in Walpole. $15 for a 20# tank.
    - AL

  • 4/22 1:34pm AB - Jeez, sorry that happened to you and PD. We live in the same area. You said your husband scared "him" off, but later you said "thieves" - was there one or more than one? And, was there a "getaway" car? What time did this happen - also around 11 pm? You'd think a proper thief would wait till 3 am. I hope it wasn't drunk teenagers - not worth risking a record, college acceptance or a job, for pete's sake. Thanks for the heads up.
    - SO

  • 4/22 1:33pm Just wondering if Norfolk has a new moms group. We just brought home our first son and I would love to meet other new moms in town!
    - JL

  • 4/22 1:32pm PD, AB: I was a victim of a housebreak not long ago. The NPD had a swift and thorough response, and stayed with it for some time. They could not have done enough. As far as these recent car break-ins, it would be a shame if these miscreants were caught by the car owners and then accidently ended up under one of the cars. "Seriously your honor, it was dark out and I didn't see them when I was backing out."
    - PA

  • 4/22 11:57am To SF: Who, indeed, are AN Y of the people running? Hopefully we'll find something out at the Candidates' Night run by the NCL on 4/28 at 7 PM at the middle school.
    - AB

  • 4/22 11:56am
    Norfolk Community Television (NCTV) announces that the Board of Selectmen will be conducting a Public Hearing regarding the ongoing negotiations with with Comcast and the continuing funding of NCTV.

    This is a very important public hearing that will have a great bearing on NCTV being able to continue its position as an important assest to the community in both the municipal and public arenas.

    NCTV is requesting that all NCTV viewers and supports please attend this meeting.

    Wednesday, April 29th AT 7pm in Room 124 at Town Hall.

    Many thanks,
    - Paul Guertin, NCTV

  • 4/22 11:55am To PD: We, too, were visited, but fortunately we had just gone to bed and were still awake. My husband scared him off. The police came that night and again last night (Tues). They said they thought they had a lead. The police who came that night neglected to fingerprint the package the thieves had taken from my husband's car and thrown out the window. I didn't understand that. The fellows who came last night asked to see it.
    Well, I'm sorry for your loss. As things get worse and worse there will be more thefts. The PD said that there were several houses hit that night. I guess eveyone is staying mumm...
    - AB

  • 4/22 11:54am Only two more days until the enormous Friends of the Norfolk Library Book & Bake Sale featuring over 30,000 fiction and non-fiction books categorized and alphabetized at the Norfolk DPW garage at 33 Medway Branch Road. 2009 Friends of the Library are welcome at the Friday Night Friends-Only Preview and Sale from 6:00-9:00 p.m, April 24. Memberships starting at $15 are available at the door beginning at 5:00 p.m. The Book and Bake Sale on Saturday, April 25, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. is open to the public. For more information visit our website: www.norfolkbooksale.com
    - JR, Friends of the Norfolk Library

  • 4/22 11:53am I have a John Deere ride on mower that needs to be serviced. Can anybody recommend somebody that can come to my house and tune it up?
    - TL

  • 4/22 11:52am Need to fill my new propane tank. Any recommendations for reasonably priced local vendors? Thanks in advance.
    - JR

  • 4/22 10:07am Mr. Bremilst - It would be helpful and informative if you could articulate solutions to address current budgetary concerns.
    - JH

    [Indeed, it would be nice to have the candidates post their views. However, why single out Mr. Bremilst? Norfolknet would welcome all considered opinions. - Wm.]

  • 4/22 10:05am Thank you, thank you, thank you so much to our guests, volunteers, vendors, and all who made Earth Day at Stony Brook a fun, educational, community event. We had over 300 people come out to celebrate the day. GreenSchools, solar power companies, sustainable living companies, EPA and more were out to join us. Please also join us in helping out a local business, Michael's Deli who came out to support and offer lunch at Stony Brook today. He has yummy sandwiches and more available for sale in Wrentham (on Shears Street) - I know he had a few extras from the day and would love to sell out by tonight!
    - Tara Henrichon, Stony Brook Wildlife Sanctuary

  • 4/22 10:04am $$$ REWARD $$$ - 100 dollars to the person who reports to the Norfolk Police who stole my Tom Tom GPS and other items from my parked car in my driveway in the Seekonk Street / Boardman Street area on Saturday night, April 18th, after 11pm that night. Warning, Norfolk citizens: we have thieves roaming our neighborhoods now with the warm weather, and we must work together to put a stop to this. I usually lock my car, but didn't this night. Lock your car and report any suspicious activity to the Norfolk Police.
    - PD

  • 4/22 9:58am To ED, looking for a good local wood floor finisher - Denco Floors out of Wrentham. Cell# 774-232-0349
    - TG

  • 4/22 9:55am Brilliant! Talerman for Selectman! I'm in!
    - AIL

    [I think you should talk it over with your candidate first; as I recall, the last person to be "volunteered" to run didn't find it funny - Wm.]

  • 4/22 7:08am To: SB, Garden Club of Norfolk - Hello. Are you accepting any other artists for the Garden Club Exhibition? I am a photographer (you may have seen some of my work on this site!) and would love to share my work in conjunction with beautiful flower arrangements. It would be a pleasure to send you few of my photographs if you care to see some of my work. I can be contacted through our wonderful webmeister Wm. [Use box187@norfolknet.com - Wm.] Thank you.
    - PRR

  • 4/22 7:07am TC: How is being able to vote for a candidate not once, but twice, "missing an opportunity?" Has anyone bothered asking this prospective candidate if he's indeed interested, and for his thoughts or views on the current state of affairs?
    - PA

  • 4/22 7:06am To SB and SF: The correct spelling is Bremilst, actively serving as Norfolk town constable since 2005.
    In short, my position is simple: To maintain adequate staffing of public services with in the town and limit excessive spending that seems to have occurred during the prior years. It is during these times that there is a growing concern amongst a portion of the townspeople that they will be driven out of town by increasing tax rates, a high unemployment rate and increasing living costs. We may not be able to control every factor in the economy but we can start right here at home by addressing the town's budgetary concerns.
    - Richard K. Bremilst, candidate for Selectman

  • 4/21 10:55pm Signs around town say "Richard Bremilst", not Bremlist. Which one is correct? Who is this person?
    - SF

  • 4/21 9:19pm Is Richard Bremlist [...] What are his positions? Why should we vote for him?
    - SB

  • 4/21 9:18pm Recommendations for a good local wood floor finisher would be much appreciated. Thank you.
    - ED

  • 4/21 9:17pm Is anyone else getting phone calls about a supposed police fundraiser? Free tickets to a comedy show at the Norwood Sheraton with only a donation pledge. Having just come off of planning the NCL Auction, I am wondering how the police station can afford this venue with only donation pledges? Is this for real?
    - SF

  • 4/21 9:16pm Looking for any unused clarinet and sax reeds. They will be used in allowing people who want to try out these instruments during a church event. Donations would be appreciated, please call (508)-520-1572, thanks.
    - CR

  • 4/21 9:15pm College seminar tomorrow night at 7 pm, Norfolk Public Library: How to pay $42,000 less for college. This topic actually starts the program because there's more to see and hear. For parents of high school and college students. Students also invited to attend. Conducted by author, financial aid specialist and college admission coach, Paul Lloyd Hemphill.
    - PH

  • 4/21 5:16pm TTK - We are looking to redo our porch too - if you hear of anyone good, we can a 2- fer!
    - MS

  • 4/21 5:13pm I have 6 J. Geils tickets for the April 28th show at the House of Blues in Boston. I am only asking the face value of the tickets. $99.00 If interested, please call my cell phone. The show is sold out. Please call my cell at 617-610-1799
    - PT

  • 4/21 5:12pm I attended the Barney Frank show this past Saturday. After reading some glowing comments of the long time congressperson (I wouldn't want to offend him). All I heard was Washington double speak. Its amazing what some people will believe. He has been there too long.
    Time for him to retire - let's help him out... of Washington.
    Vote for anyone but him.
    - PJT

  • 4/21 5:07pm 2 Red Sox Tickets for Wed's game against the Twins (7.10 pm) in right field available for $50 each. We can't go (again). First come=2C first served. Please email me at kaygoree@hotmail.com if you're interested! Go Sox!!
    - KID

  • 4/21 11:38am Looking for recommendations on a carpenter to redo a screen porch.
    - TTK

  • 4/21 11:35am We were referred to this Sun Chronicle article [link] about the Norfolk school budget for additional information on the topic.
    - Wm.

  • 4/21 11:27am May 8 & 9, 2009 - The Garden Club of Norfolk invites you to ``Visual Delights - Flowers and Paintings'' to be held Friday, May 8 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM and Saturday, May 9 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at the Norfolk Public Library, Community Room. Refreshments will be served on Friday evening. Open to the public at no charge. The show will showcase the work of local artists, which may include sculpture and photography as well as paintings. Each art piece will be interpreted in a floral arrangement, arranged by a Garden Club member. Floral arrangement silent auction to be held.
    - SB, Garden Club of Norfolk

  • 4/21 11:26am JM, I am an able-bodied teen who would love to help you out unloading your things. You can reach Kyle at springcleanups1@yahoo.com. Thank You!
    - KS

  • 4/21 11:26pm MJD: You read my mind! I was thinking the exact same thing. Can we in fact write-in Jay Talerman for Selectman? I am all for it. No disrespect to current candidates, but we as a town missed a wonderful opportunity to elect someone with brains, vision, and know-how. I'm writing him in, definitely!
    - TC

  • 4/21 11:25am MON: No need for covert infiltration. The NDTC hosted the open forum with Congressman Barney Frank for the general public so that they might have personal access to him to discuss relevant issues that effect their lives. I am happy that residents from Norfolk and surrounding communities took advantage of the opportunity.
    - MHC

  • 4/20 10:25pm Our family babysitter is hoping to find a full time babysitting/nanny job for the months of May and June, before she begins her usual nanny position (the children are school age). I highly recommend her if you are looking for short term childcare. Jessie is a 20 year old college student attending Villanova. She is very responsible, wonderful with kids and has her own car. Please contact me if you would like to learn more. [Use box186@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - NS

  • 4/20 6:38pm Ye Gods! It's been a busy week here in Norfolk! First I am almost sanctioned an endangered species or a national park with "a treasure to nurture and protect" by LAW then subsequently skewered by AB who announces to the world that's its "over between us" because of my rudeness. Public breakups are always the worst and no doubt MON evokes a large range of human emotions! I'll miss you AB!
    But on to Politics because it is Politics season! I infiltrated the Barney Frank event Saturday, I put on my NPR hat with my plaid shirt, and I must say, for a bunch of Democrats they sure didn't treat him nicely. Not once did I hear "Thanks for your many years of service". But I can understand, the crowd looked lean and hungry. Although with all the paparazzi there, you'd think Paris Hilton or P. Diddy was there.
    I was unduly impressed with Mr. Frank, clearly confident, although a few questions made him wince, and I think we need to let the political science majors figure out who did what in the Mortgage Meltdown of 2009.
    Right now everyone is pleading the 5th on this. So pay attention this election cycle, you'll be glad you did.
    - MON

  • 4/20 6:32pm I'm looking for a babysitter/nanny for 5 hours a day, 3 days a week for our daughter for this summer, starting as early as next week if possible. Must have experience with newborns, excellent references, be a non-smoker and have own transportation. Please contact Wm for my email address. [Use box185@norfolknet.com - Wm.] Thanks!
    - JT

  • 4/20 6:30pm MK, I agree 100% that the loss of 8 wonderful young teachers would be tragic for our town. My son has a first year teacher who came in to cover a maternity leave and has remained as a team teacher in his classroom. She is super and has played an integral role in his first grade development. However the following comment from your post bothers me: "The spotlight is now on Ellen Horton, President and Holly Merritt, Vice President of the Norfolk Teachers Union. Listening to them at the budget hearing last week left many parents wondering if they truly care about their fellow teachers, the children and the community at large."
    My son has had the good fortune of working with Holli Merritt this year. He has gone from a quiet non-reader to an animated, vocal child who lists reading as a favorite activity. Holli's devotion and enthusiasm for his education has impressed me beyond belief. I am so thankful that he was blessed with her this year. We have been lucky with all of our teachers at HOD, but Holli is a true representation of what a caring, devoted teacher is all about. I had a conversation with another parent who's child has Holli Merritt and the family had recently moved to another part of town. Holli was so devoted to this child and his best interest, that she went to their house to ensure he made it home safely on his new bus route. I know you weren't taking aim at Holli on a personal level, but I had to state for the record how wonderful she is. Enjoy the week!
    - EHF

  • 4/20 6:27pm Plans are well underway for the 17th Annual Norfolk Community Day which is planned for Saturday, June 6 from 11:30am until 4:00pm at the Holmes' Transportation Complex at 22 Myrtle Street. This year's event resurrects the Old Tyme Theme from years past.
    Plans so far include an afternoon performance by Ayla Brown, an appearance by Henry the Juggler, the Mass. Cruisers car club, King Philip Jazz Ensemble, food, bouncy rides, hayrides, fire engine rides, the Holmes' famous train ride and much more. In addition, the day will be kicked off by the Norfolk Community League's annual road race.
    Community Day is sponsored by the Norfolk Lions as a way to give back to the community and provide a venue for all community organizations to come together to celebrate our wonderful town with good food, entertainment and fun. Space is still available and the Lions welcome your participation. Any Norfolk business, organization, neighborhood or group can participate in Community Day. Groups and organizations (including corporations) can take part in a number of ways, whether by setting up a booth or tent, sponsoring an activity or entertainment, or simply by becoming a sponsor. There is no set fee to participate, but we do ask that you provide something in return. For example, if your company wants to have a booth, then you should have something to offer that will add to the fun such as a game or activity, or provide financial support that will be used towards other expenses. You can also sponsor an event or entertainment. We are flexible just tell us what you have in mind by going to www.norfolklionscommunityday.info
    An event such as this could not be undertaken without our sponsors which currently include the following--Wagner McDonough, LLP, Foxboro Federal Savings Bank, Dedham Savings Bank, Environmental Partners Group, Elite Brands, Rodman Ford, Roche Bros. and G. Cronin & Sons, Inc.
    We look forward to seeing you all on Saturday, June 6. For more information, contact Stephen M. at sfm@wagnermcdonough.com or 508-528-4007.
    - BS

  • 4/20 6:26pm Congratulations to the King Philip Winter Percussion ensemble! They just returned from the World Percussion Competition in Dayton, OH where they came away with a bronze medal scoring 94.85 in the scholastic open finals competition. After hours of practice since November and stiff competion from across the country these kids performed amazingly.
    - BS

  • 4/20 6:25pm After reading the Boomerang last weekend, I was convinced that there was no real choice for Selectman for whom I could confidently cast my vote. This weekend I was equally disappointed by the lack of information about the Selectman candiates in the Canidates' Corner Section. Perhaps the bruising election cycles of recent years have elevated my expectations for substantive discussions of the critical issues facing our town, and I am merely disappointed that I am to cast a vote for someone whose positions have yet to be clearly articulated. Other than a few lawn signs and vague expressions of opinions, I am not at all sure of the positions and attitudes of the candidates. Last year, most would agree, we had an embarrassment of riches among our candidates, whatever your personal position. Smart, articulate people who had definite positions on school funding, budget management, property taxes, bus fees, environmental issues, smart growth development, and much more. Sadly, no such depth seems to exist this year.
    Instead of settling, I have decided to write-in one of the only candidates Norfolk has had in recent years to effectively represent himself, and in my case, reflect the values and priorities important to me as a parent, a taxpayer, and a concerned citizen. I urge others to do so too. Write in Jay Talerman for Selectman!
    - MJD

  • 4/20 6:24pm Comment from someone who attended the meeting:
    I went to the Barney Frank event on Saturday. It seemed like a very well organized event, Mr. Frank talked a lot about what the docket will be for the House Financial Services committee (which was what I was interested in). He answered every question and issue that was posed to him - there were people there with real concerns (the guy from Millis who was trying to get his mother full Medicare, the guy from Mansfield whose wife was just laid off as a teacher asking about the education portion of the stimulus funds).

    Thank you to the Norfolk Democratic Town Committee for putting it on, I'd love to go next time you hold another.

    - Tom C.

    - Wm.

  • 4/20 11:47am I am looking for a French speaker to converse with my son maybe on a weekly basis for an hour or so to keep up his French language skills. He will be studying French in High School, but has been speaking it for couple of years and I'd like him to not lose the conversation part of the language. I am thinking about beginning this when school starts back up in September. Anyone you might know or can recommend would be appreciated. Teaching skills are not important, just speaking and correcting during regular converstion. You can contact the Wm for my email. [Use box184@norfolknet.com - Wm.] Thanks!
    - TO

  • 4/20 11:46am The Bluegrass Concert at Federated Church on Saturday night will be a good take-in. We saw the group at the Medway Library a couple of weeks ago and were most delighted!! It is a must for us! I recommend that you try to attend.
    - JHR

  • 4/20 11:45am MS - if you were at the Frank event I missed your insightful questions and any debate inspired by them. Perhaps you asked them and again, it was a matter of perspective.
    - MJD

  • 4/20 11:44am RH... The Harvard student asked a question, he did not make an accusation. Barney Frank did what all good liberal politicians do; he twisted the question to make it look like the student was attacking him without ever answering the question. Barney Frank is a disgrace to Massachusetts and the country.
    - MG

  • 4/20 11:42am MS: Regarding Barney Frank. My sentiments exactly.
    - WC

  • 4/20 8:54am Bluegrass and Gospel music fundraiser Saturday April 25th @ 7:00, Federated Church of Norfolk, 1 Union St. , Norfolk, MA 508-528-0262. Great for the kids!! Home-made goodies during intermission! Tix $10 adults/ $5 kids under 12
    - KR

  • 4/20 8:42am The statement that the Barney Frank event at the Norfolk library was "great" is a matter of perspective. Since he was preaching to his choir, so to speak, there were none to debate otherwise. For those of us who are less inclined to put a halo on Mr. Frank, it is the matter of his overall character that prevents us from doing so.
    I will brave liberal censorship by referring to the prostitution service which was once run from his Washington, DC townhouse. [article]
    And Mr. Frank's recent confrontation with the student at Harvard illustrates his talent for debate. [article]
    It is obvious that Barney Frank is capable of playing the boundaries of the law to the finest degree. This may make him an adroit Beltway politician, but many American voters are asking if this is the standard we want in our government on either side of the aisle.
    - MS

  • 4/19 10:39pm JD: For mulch delivery, try Jane & Paul's Farm 508-528-0812. Local folks, competitive prices, responsive and wonderful to deal with in every way.
    - JK

  • 4/19 8:32pm The Country Gazette newspaper reported on Friday that the Franklin Teacher's Union OK'd a one year pay freeze. "By an overwhelming majority, the teachers union voted to accept a pay freeze and forego course reimbursement next year, union head Chandler Creedon announced..." "this sacrifice will save the School Department $1 million dollars and save the jobs of 20 teachers..." "The vote was reportedly 210-43."
    The spotlight is now on Ellen Horton, President and Holly Merritt, Vice President of the Norfolk Teachers Union. Listening to them at the budget hearing last week left many parents wondering if they truly care about their fellow teachers, the children and the community at large. Foregoing pay raises is neither simple nor easy. Yes, it is a sacrifice. But the alternative is the loss of 8 young talented teachers. The leaders of the union are all veterans who have no risk of layoff.
    These are indeed extraordinary times. Our community (as have others) has lost almost 1/3 of our state aid. Our leaders have worked diligently to maintain services and have reluctantly asked unions to consider foregoing their raises. The police and fire unions, as well as, all department heads, and the superintendent and his immediate staff have all agreed to forego their pay raises. Private industry has stopped 401K contributions, eliminated pay increases, and laid off employees. Most of us are thrilled to still have jobs!!
    Many parents and adults in Norfolk contribute hundreds of hours of "free" labor to the schools through volunteering our time and dollars for fund raising.
    We're all in this together. Saving the jobs of your fellow teachers is a noble cause. I believe if the teacher's union in Norfolk agrees to the one year pay freeze they will receive a groundswell of support for the future.
    - MK

  • 4/19 7:30pm MG - The Barney Frank event was great. He answered all questions. He spent extra time afterwards answering questions for those who did not want to speak in front of the group. I thought people seemed satisfied with his talk and the Q & A session. He was not only credible but engaging, funny, informative and interesting. Every time I hear him speak I am impressed by his sharp intellect and his ability to explain complex economic issues in a brief speech. I wish you had attended. Please don't accuse me of something like screening questions in a town hall meeting forum. I was simply inviting you to interact, one on one, with your elected Congressman. I feel as though The Norfolk Democratic Town Committee offered Norfolk citizens a very informative event and I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who worked hard to make this event possible.
    - MJD

  • 4/19 6:00pm POH, I actually have been using the mosquito magnet since they first came out and they work great. I have friends that tried competing solutions and they didn't work as well. You need to make sure that you follow the instructions on where to place it in your yard because it does make a big difference. I also recommend replacing the octenol, every time you replace the propane (about every 4 weeks) but I find you don't need to replace the net every time like they recommend. I do that once a season. Nothing will get your yard completely bug free but it does make a big difference. I can't comment on how it compares against getting the yard treated, but I went with the MM because I preferred not to have the chemicals sprayed with the kids and dog around.
    - SV

  • 4/19 5:59pm MON: You must not play the victim; it doesn't become you. I was reacting to your rudeness to someone else. Get it? This is not a forum for insults and put-downs. Please don't respond; it's over between us.
    - AB

  • 4/19 5:58pm KID, I know someone already answered your question but we too take our kids to Westwood-Mansfield pediatrics and they are great.
    - SV

  • 4/19 5:57pm Wanted items for free or minimal $: Wooden sandbox to be used as a raised planting bed; Sold wood door. Thank you. Please contact me at jlt72@verizon.net
    - JT

  • 4/19 5:56pm If you're looking for something for your able bodied high school kids to do this week while on vacation, I have some yard work that will keep them busy for at least an afternoon. A very large side bed needs to be raked out, weed whacked and everything loaded into our trailer. Contact me at vhessler@yahoo.com
    - TH

  • 4/19 5:36pm Hi fellow Norfolkians, Did anybody notice the silly ruler in your last Water Department bill? They're custom-printed with the Water Department address and phone number, as if that important information needed to be handy for speedy reference on specially printed rulers when those tiresome water emergencies arise. There are also little holes on it to gauge how much water various streams will waste ("A continuous leak from a hole this size.") and helpful suggestions about taking shorter showers, etc. Duhhhaa! Oh, and then there is the unit conversion chart. wow, how did I ever get by? (I'm still trying to figure out how to hook up the holes to the hose.)
    I have to wonder why, in these extremely difficult times, it is not painfully obvious how inappropriate it is to squander our precious money on such idiotic trivia. Surely, they could have found better ways to squander our money than this! Perhaps the clock tower or the Town Hall parking lot needs a paint job? Or maybe we could avoid laying off a teaching assistant or two this fall, or even pave the roads (hello Hillary.)?
    And while I'm on it, I was also irked by those wasteful 4-color glossy pamphlets they sent out a year or two ago about the water chemistry. Perhaps they are required to issue status reports, but honestly, it could more easily and cheaply have been printed on the otherwise blank backside of the bill or on an simple 1/2-page insert, not a fancy pamphlet in a separate mailing! Another fine fiscal fiasco.
    I'm just wondering if you are as fed up with such waste and lack of oversight as I am? Yes, it's little stuff, but its the principle of the thing. It's especially troubling to see such waste now because people are really struggling to buy groceries, heating oil and gas. Many are without paychecks at all. These who have made it this far are worrying each quarter if they'll make it through the next round of layoffs. Spending Town assets on dopy plastic rulers flies in the face of prudence and is insulting to the hard-working taxpayer who is paying for them. Stop wasting my money!!
    If there are leftovers at the end of the budget year, it is not an invitation to spend it on junk so they don't lose it in next year's budget. It's actually an opportunity to give it back to the owners (us!) for more urgent needs, even if in a different department. Either way (end-of-year mad-money or not), I submit that we recover this thoughtless waste be reducing the next DPW/Water Department budget request by the cost of these rulers. Maybe a good dope-slap will wake them up.
    - MJ

  • 4/19 5:35pm College seminar: How to pay $42,000 less for college, and how to get into state schools that are getting harder to get into. For parents of high school and college students. Students also invited to attend. Conducted by author, financial aid specialist and college admission coach, Paul Lloyd Hemphill. This Wed, April 22, 7 pm, Norfolk Public Library
    - PH

  • 4/19 5:34pm Could anyone recommend a company that delivers mulch? Thanks.
    - JD

  • 4/19 5:29pm
    Hi Diane, You have an incredible group of friend in both Needham and Norfolk. I have never seen a community come together for someone like they have for you and the girls. I don't know any of them but, would like to send out a very heart felt Thank You to all of them on the family's behalf, for making a very difficult day so much easier. Not having to think about setting up and serving allowed us all to concentrate on the family and friends that came to grieve with us. It was appreciated beyond what words can explain. You know you are truly loved. Thank you to all - you know who you are.

    Don's Sister Sharon

    The above was sent to me so I thought I would share it with you. And from me, the people in this town, many of whom I have never met came to our aid in great numbers. something that will be hard to repay even if I had 10 lifetimes.
    - DV

    [ Donald E. Valente, March 16, 1964 - April 14, 2009 ]

  • 4/19 5:25pm Whale Watch Tickets - Lions Soccer will once again be offering Cape Ann Whale Watch Tickets as part of their fundraising campaign. Tickets, which normally sell for $45 each will be sold for $25.
    Cape Ann Whale Watch, Rose's Wharf, Gloucester, guarantees whale sightings. All trips, aboard the "Hurricane II" are narrated by a member of the Ocean Alliance.
    Whale Watching is a fun family activity and tickets make great "Mother's Day" and "Father's Day" gifts!
    For more information about Cape Ann Whale Watches, visit their website at www.seethewhales.com - To get your tickets email norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net or call Helen at 508-520-0163.
    - HK

  • 4/19 5:24pm I read an article in the Sun Chronicle recently about the Norfolk Grange being considered for grant money ([article]) The Grange has been identified as one of 25 historical sites around the state and it vying for money from the Partners in Preservation program. Online voting determines the winner. Please vote daily for this opportunity to preserve a Norfolk landmark. [website link] Free money is better than no money.
    - TS

  • 4/19 5:15pm We are in need of some able-bodied assistance in loading and unloading PODS in preparation/completion of a house move at the end of May. A couple hours during the middle two weekends of May and 1st weekend in June is all we'll need. $25/hr per person. Quick cash for minimal work. Thanks!
    - JM

  • 4/19 5:13pm One protester at the recent Tax Day Tea Party wrote:
    Barney Frank. Bernie Madoff. And the difference is?
    No comments about knickers, JD, if you please. Freedom of speech is for everyone.
    - MS

  • 4/19 5:12pm To MG: Re: Barney Frank in Norfolk on Sat. Congressman Frank was extremely generous with his time on Sat. He took all questions. There was no censorship. He answered all queries put to him with honest, intelligent and well informed answers! He spoke without notes about how the economic meltdown really came about... going far back into our nation's history... It was very interesting and most educationtional.
    There is plenty of blame to go around and he did not mince words! If you had been in attendance you might have learned a thing or two. It was a great opportunity and if you did miss it, I am sorry. You may not agree with all that our representatives to congress do or vote on, but not getting involved is just as bad! There is responsibilty in citizenship.
    Merriam Webster Dictionary

    cit*i*zen*ship: membership in a community b: the quality of an individual's response to membership in a community. The status of a citizen with its attendant duties, rights, and privileges.

    - PRR

  • 4/19 5:11pm Re: 4/18 10:33am MJD... Are you screening the questions for Barney Frank? - MG
    MG: I looked up, on Google, the video of the exchange between a Harvard student and Barney Frank, which exchange occurred on April 7, 2009 at Mr. Frank's alma mater, Harvard College & Harvard Law School. A URL of that WXFT-TV (Fox 25) video is: [page link]
    If you will watch that video you will see that Representative Frank clearly answered the accusatory questions from the student, who identified himself as a conservative. He wanted to blame Barney for the release of taxpayer money to benefit AIG, not realizing that the release of money was a joint effort between the Treasury Secretary at the time, Henry Paulson (former Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO) and Ben Bernanke, Chairman of the Federal Reserve.
    I recall clearly the headlines at the time; Barney complained that Paulson and Bernanke came to the Congress telling the members that Bernanke would use his power under an old law from the depression to release money to AIG. Barney said that the Congress wasn't asked, the Congress was told what was going to happen. The student could not quote dates and facts, as Mr. Frank did in answer to the accusations. The student wanted to state his accusations with no objective evidence to back them up.
    - RH

  • 4/18 9:58pm Does anyone know of someone who collects aluminium (storm doors/windows, etc.) locally? There used to be a gentleman, I think from Boardman St., who collected it. I have such pieces to dispose of, and if someone can make a few pennies from it, they are welcome to it, rather than just taking it to the transfer station.
    - LAW

  • 4/18 9:57pm To the Valente family, my thoughts and prayers are with you for this tragic loss. God bless you all.
    - CT

  • 4/18 9:45pm Now MG, before you get your knickers all in a twist, re-read what MJD wrote: "...if you have any questions ABOUT the event, you can contact me...", not "any questions FOR the event." I doubt they are screening the questions; Mr. Frank can handle what comes at him, I am sure.
    - JC

  • 4/18 9:44pm To AL: Moaners and groaners serve a purpose as well, as least they get people thinking, and the people they ignite sometimes do sign up for committees and do participate. So all can play a role, I guess.
    To DV: It saddened me to read about your devastating loss. My heart goes out to you and your children.
    Seems there has been so much loss and grief in our small town in the past year. So many deaths of otherwise healthy or young citizens. Maybe it would be good to have a community memorial service for the whole town to be able to grieve together. Maybe around Memorial Day at one of our beautiful local churches or perhaps outside so that all denominations can attend. Just because we may all have different spiritual beliefs, doesn't mean we don't all grieve. Something to think about.
    - JN

  • 4/18 10:33am MJD... Are you screening the questions for Barney Frank? God forbid if he is asked to answer any questions related to his part in the banking crisis. I think you should invite the Harvard student whose question Mr Frank would not answer at his visit to Harvard. I think in the future you should try to find a more credible guest to invite.
    - MG

  • 4/18 10:31am Home, home, home at last!! Okay this is wild!! I have just realized that I am home! My brother in NY did our genealogy and what do you think we found? Some of our family ancestors on my mom's side came here back in the 1600's... and... they settled here... right here in Norfolk. On Easter Sunday, my husband and I walked through the cemetery and I actually found one of my latter ancestors' grave stones... not as far back as I had hoped, but early 1800's at least. So I am hoping - does anyone know anything about the Farrington family history here in Norfolk? Keep in mind, Norfolk was part of Wrentham until 1870 and way back it was still called Dedham... just curious and very excited!
    All my life I have traveled around, never feeling like I had roots... born in New York City, lived in Boston, Mexico and the Caribbean as well as lots of other places. Imagine my surprise - we bought our home here exactly 4 years ago April 15th!! I had never even heard of Norfolk until a realtor showed us our new home... Our new friends/neighbors came to our home and welcomed us, with bubbly and homemade cake (thank you again... 4 years later!!) :-) ... and other neighbors had left flowers at our front door... (thank you as well dearies! You both know who you are!!)
    I should have realized then that this was at last... home!! But I do know it now...
    Are there any other cemeteries in Norfolk? I am trying to find the family plots of the John and Daniel Farringtons, etc. I have my family tree... lots of relatives lived here!! Also a woman named Azubah... what a name...! Thanks!
    Ahhh... spring and Home Sweet Home!!
    - PRR

  • 4/18 10:28am DV - My heart goes out to you and your daughters. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
    - SF

  • 4/17 5:56pm Reminder ~ Please join the Norfolk Democratic Town Committee for a town hall style meeting with Congressman Barney Frank, tomorrow, Saturday, April 18, 2009 at The Norfolk Public Library. The event will be held at 11a.m. in the Community Room and Congressman Frank will speak. We plan to take questions from the audience as time allows. If you have specific questions about the event, you can contact me through the webmaster.
    - MJD

  • 4/17 5:51pm My heartfelt condolence to you and your family. So very sorry for your loss at this time for you and your children.
    - GC

  • 4/17 11:14am King Philip Middle School students present
    Disney's Beauty and the Beast, Jr.
    Friday, May 1st at 7:30pm
    Saturday, May 2nd at 7:30pm
    Sunday, May 3rd at 3pm
    in the KPMS auditorium - 18 King Street, Norfolk, MA.
    Tickets $5.00 - For more information call 508-541-7324 ext. 126
    - RM

  • 4/17 11:12am TEM - MON is in a group of his own - he can't be classified. A Norfolk treasure we should all nurture and protect!
    - LAW

  • 4/16 11:33pm To all in Norfolk. The kindness that has been shown to my children and me in these past two days has been unbelievable. I have a lot of kind words for the Norfolk police which will be posted in the next week or two. We are very lucky to have them. When a tragic loss like this happens it is unreal, and these men were a godsend at the worst moment of my life. Thank you so very much. words can not express my gratitude.
    This really is a great town with great people. My pain is deep and my heart is broken. You have all helped.
    - DV

  • 4/16 11:26pm JN: What about the ones that moan and groan but never offer solutions or volunteer their "expertise" on a town board or committee? Otherwise, your post was spot on. So... 70's tomorrow! Enjoy everyone!
    - AL

  • 4/16 11:25pm MK Is she way back in the "weeds"? My husband walked down the other day and saw something white way back and the "male" was out in the water. He also saw 2 herons. Maybe we will have both cygnets and--what do they call baby herons? Wouldn't that be nice.
    - BR (BR #1)

  • 4/16 11:24pm PJT: If Mr. Chipman is emblematic of the type entrepreneur that you are relying to attract the "hordes," I'd like to take my case to the jury.
    - JT

  • 4/16 11:22pm To TFH - Regarding A/C installation. We used James Spearin Heating and A/C from Taunton; 508-813-7541. He was wonderful and very honest. He was one of the most thorough contractors we have ever had the pleasure of doing business with. Even though we were replacing a system, he still went through the house measuring windows and plugging in information into what is called a Manual J which is really the best way to properly size a system vs. using the square footage of the home. He was easy to work with, very informative and we would hire him again in a heartbeat if we were to move and install a system again. We knew exactly what the system was going to look like in the attic, and it was a lot different than what we had and so much more energy efficient. We had been leaking about 25% of our cooling through bad duct work into the attic, and the old system was no longer energy efficient after 22 years.
    We had 3 contractors out here to give us quotes and we immediately knew Jim was our guy. We told him where we wanted to be from a cost perspective and he called us and said he would rather walk away from the job because the system could not be done the way it should be. When we compared our quotes, we were definitely getting a higher quality installation. After our installation, we had leaking testing done to see how tight the system was. The person who did the testing said it was one of the best installations he had seen. He had just come from a new installation where nearly 1/2 of the capacity of the new system was leaking.
    - EF

  • 4/16 8:17pm TEM: I never kiss and tell.
    - JN

  • 4/16 8:07pm To JN: Without question a beautifully put together and enlightened post, but do we dare ask you which of the five groups you believe MON belongs to?
    - TEM

  • 4/16 5:03pm To NS: You are so right about other towns and web-sites. Brookline makes our blog (I cannot remember the link for Brookline) look like pre-school compared to the vitriol they mutter. And the Swellesley Report does quite a decent job as well sharing information in that town. But most towns do not have a forum to discuss issues on line. This forum makes our town unique in a way, and people should realize that it is only a few that post truly negative things about the town.
    I feel that there are basically 5 groups on this site; the ones who post about everything they hate that day but they really don't hate the town overall; the ones that post information about services and town events and answer other's posts with respect; the ones that read and snicker but would never post; the ones that like to make everyone's blood boil (seemingly, for fun), and the ones that write often but are woefully misinformed and pass on useless, untrue information. (I strive to be in the second group)
    And to dear JT: I think we already have some lovely green space in the town center with a lovely bench and a gazebo; however, I never see anyone sitting there because they are all too busy driving to other towns for groceries and and to have prescriptions filled and to meet friends for coffee. Funny how the real estate people selling houses keep telling potential buyers that there will soon be stores to lure them here; I was told a Whole Foods was coming 6 years ago when I moved here. Would it have made a difference if they had said that we were going to keep the moonscape forever and never develop anything? Probably not, but looking back is not my thing, looking forward is, so I am happy to see any progress, even if some get the better deal from it. Norfolk is not the tucked away, rural town you describe. It is a thriving, growing bedroom community, really. As for open spaces and good schools, that is a great thing to strive for and we all want that, however, I think there is no other answer to that than to raise to property taxes to fund all of that. Look no further than Sherborn for an example of this. They have no real town center and they are lucky to share schools with rich, well-run Dover, but their taxes are much higher than ours (Sherborn 16.52, Norfolk 13.87).
    Also, we have to remember that we share our Middle School and High School with cash strapped Plainville and Wrentham, so we cannot make all the decisions as far as the Middle school and High School are concerned. We already pay more from our budget than those towns do. And, BTW, I have heard only good things about our schools and I think we have one of the best music programs in the state. It is too bad that schools in Massachusetts are rated by MCAS scores instead of other things like student satisfaction and happiness and college attendance. I also think that you can go to the "highest" rated school and still be a failure. Many times, it only takes one or two teachers to really encourage our children and make them feel special and confident. There are so many stories from very famous and successful people that talk about that one special teacher or coach who changed their lives. Much more important than test scores.
    Anyway,finally to GC, we moved here 6 years ago from Wellesley, and I have to say it was a good move. I am still holding out for a small grocery store, but if it never comes, I can honestly say that I will still like it here. I am more an urban gal, so I would prefer to live closer to the city, that is not a comment on Norfolk, it just is the way I am. We didn't go that direction because you get so much more for your money here and the people are generally well-grounded and very, very nice. It is a good move and you will be happy that you did it.
    - JN

  • 4/16 5:02pm I was wondering if anyone has an old Norfolk Travel Soccer Uniform that their child is no longer using. My son is in need of one. If you have one you are willing to part with, please contact me through Wm. [Use box183@norfolknet.com - Wm.] Thank you!!
    - LK

  • 4/16 5:01pm KID, I take my kids to Westwood-Mansfield Pediatrics in the Westwood office. I know they have regular office hours on Thursday evenings and Saturdays. I am not sure about the Mansfield branch. We have been very happy with the doctors and nurses there. Good luck!
    - CAR

  • 4/16 4:59pm Multi-family Yard Sale: Sat. 4/18, 8 to 12, 11 Fleetwood Drive, Norfolk. Large quantity of good quality costume and vintage jewelry, many new necklaces suitable for gift-giving. D and B bags, mini-TV/radio/flashlight combo, barbies, kid's books, music books (clarinet, flute, and piano), music stand, good quality walker, housewares. Sale will be held rain or shine.
    - CR

  • 4/16 4:53pm To JT, A lovely green space is just what the center of a small undeveloped town needs. You know, there isn't enough open space in this town.
    Seriously, I think a small sewage treatment plant would actually encourage some open space along with properly placed commerce. If you smartly develop some parcels where maybe someone (perhaps myself) have that entrepreneurial spirit, just might do what Mr. Chipman is doing and building something the townsfolk would enjoy. I am not looking to bring in herds of people from other towns.
    The only place that I frequent is Bourque's. For two reasons. The food and service are real good and since I have moved here, I always seem to bump into someone I know. When I leave there, I feel like a part of something nice, but they close at 2:00pm and 1:00 on Saturdays. Now if the center was developed with careful thought and foresight, there might be a few more place were that very same thing can happen. I think that would bring the community much closer together.
    I understand that this was a small farming community... years ago. Well, those farms are now neighborhoods and the athletic complex does not do it for me and lot of current townsfolk as a place to be seen and talk to people from other parts of town. So JT, get off your high horse and think about the future. Change happens.
    - PJT

    [But isn't "careful thought and foresight" exactly the point of looking at whether taxpayer assistance to property developers will pay off? Sure change happens. The question is whether it is in the taxpayers' interest to pay for it. - Wm.]

  • 4/16 4:44pm LM: For your swingset assembly try Alex at ajtcrank@aol.com. He may be able to help you.
    - MP

  • 4/16 4:43pm The bluegrass musical group Southern Rail will hold a concert at the Federated Church performing gospel & contemporary music. The concert is Saturday April 25th at 7:00 p.m. The cost is adults $10 and $5 for children under 12. For more information please call the church 508-528-0262
    - DLJ

  • 4/16 2:19pm To TFH: Try Jim Lane of Lane Refrigeration (781-762-6226). Both Jim and his crew did superb work for us replacing an old system, and it was not an easy job. Best of Luck.
    - TEM

  • 4/16 2:18pm Hey all, Just wanted to stop back in after reading the responses to my inquiry. The effort, thoughtfulness and information provided has been very helpful. In trying to make one of the bigger decisions we'll have to face in our lives, your assistance has been appreciated. Thankfully,
    - GC

  • 4/16 2:17pm Can anyone recommend a pediatric practice in the area that has regular visiting hours (not just urgent care) on Saturdays or during evening hours? Many thanks in advance!
    - KID

  • 4/16 11:05am I have an existing forced air heating system and I'm interested in installing central air. Any recommendations on a good local installer?
    - TFH

  • 4/16 11:04am JSH - We've used F&W for years for both inside and out. Thanks
    - MM

  • 4/16 10:59am I recently had some work done at the house and wanted to throw out a couple of recommendations.
    First, Roger Potter is a star at tile work. While we have a small (40sq ft) bathroom, he treated it as if it were the floor of the Kennedy Library. Wonderful work and a great guy to work with. The whole house was clean despite the many trips from the garage to the bathroom with wet tile and mortar.
    Second, Chris Chartier from the new plumbing department of Victory Heating and Air Conditioning replaced all the cooper in our whole house. Side note, those of you whose houses were built in the mid 80's, check your plumbing: it may be thin walled cooper. Anyway, Chris was extremely professional and helpful throughout the entire 6 month process. From coming in at the very beginning to fix the original leak, to guiding us through all the demo work that was needed and working around all the contractors schedule, Chris could not have been anymore professional or helpful.
    Thank You,
    - BP

  • 4/16 10:57am I am home from college in about 3 weeks and I am currently looking for a summer babysitting job. I have always held long term babysitting jobs during the school year and summertime, so I can provide many references. I am 19, I am very responsible and reliable. I do not have any specific days or hours, anything can work with me, I am extremely flexible and I have my own car if transportation is needed. Please contact me if you are interested at, 774 210 0436 :)
    - LG

  • 4/16 10:41am We have been using a Mosquito Magnet for about 5 years now, the same one. We love it. I got it up and going yesterday and already there are a bunch of black flies in it. They were awful yesterday and not so bad today. If you place it in the right place it does wonders all season. It has to be cleaned and maintained like everything else. We spend a lot of time outdoors all spring through fall, and use torches as well at dusk. I think it has paid for itself many times over.
    - JW

  • 4/16 10:40am SF, we had a big old tree taken down just today. And Phil Ferris of Wrentham (from whom we have been buying firewood for many years) did a superb job, including cleaning up every bit of debris. He's a virtuoso with a chain saw. 508-384-7892.
    - HRB

  • 4/16 10:38am We are looking for Jr. high or high school kids who would like to earn hours for community service on June 7th from 3:30 - 7:00. It would be mostly working with preschool children and their families. If you would like to help out contact Gayle @ 508-528-0015.
    - GS, Norfolk Cooperative Preschool

  • 4/16 10:37am MJD - I did not accuse TC of doing any bashing. I hope it did not come across to TC that I was. However, there is definitely town bashing on this site. As you stated perfectly, "Norfolk is a great town and our schools have the same problems as those around us in these uncertain economic times. I challenge you to find a community without problems and when you find it, let us all know about it". In fact, after posting I wished I had mentioned (to GC who stated he/she was now anxious about a move to town) that if every town in MA had a web site such as ours, we would probably hear many of the same issues. My post was meant to inform GC, as well as others, that I have heard many accolades lately surrounding KPMS. It is nice to hear people so enthusiastic about the teaching staff and programs there.
    - NS

  • 4/16 10:36am PRB and others looking for yard work help, email Alex at ajtcrank@aol.com. He has done yard cleanups for me in the past, trimmed bushes, and done some tree work too. He is very professional and a nice guy too.
    - MP

  • 4/16 10:34am I live on Lawrence Street, and on my way to work this morning, I saw the "mama" swan sitting on her nest! Hooray! We need to tuck this little brood up with good thoughts, so nothing evil can invade their harmony, and the joy they bring to our community.
    - MK

  • 4/16 10:30am I am looking for someone to assemble a wooden swing set (to be purchased at BJ's) for me. I'd like to have it in my yard for my grandchildren but I need someone to assemble it at a resonable price. Thanks!
    - LM

  • 4/16 10:21am Re "profit-driven property owners" JT - what other kind of owners are there? Do you think property owners say to themselves "can't wait to loose money on this" That is absurd. Your repeated mentioning of these owners indicates that you have some deep-rooted animosity toward anybody who could stand to gain after investing their own money in town property.
    And I am glad you oppose development, after all, this is America and your voice is one of many.
    But it tells me that the efforts of the Town and its people are on the right track.
    - MON

    [I think the emphasis was not on profit-driven owners, but on the "can't wait to lose money on this." If there was profit in it, the property owners would have already undertaken development on their own dime. I remember NO-GO, I remember the NTA -- who picks up the tab? It's not the development, it's who ends up paying for it. - Wm.]

  • 4/15 4:50pm Good news! The two April 25th Book and Bake Sale signs that were taken down have been returned. Thank you! Someone in Franklin found them thrown on her lawn, along with some political signs. The Norfolk police returned the signs today.
    - PM, Friends of the Norfolk Public Library

  • 4/15 4:03pm Hello everyone... two requests. First, to the town, can someone please fix the street sign at the corner of Rockwood and Boardman? It's been turned (I would assume because of plowing) and is now incorrect. Second, does anyone have a recommendation for a company to come trim back some trees? Thanks!
    - SF

  • 4/15 3:56pm The Soccer Club of Norfolk is now accepting online registration [Word DOC, here] for its Fall 2009 travel soccer season. Register online from April 15th through April 29th by going to the Club's web site at www.norfolksoccer.com. Eligibility is open to all town children entering grades two though six. Children living in other towns are also eligible if one parent currently resides in Norfolk. The cost is $100.00
    Uniforms are also required at a cost of $60.00 if the player does not currently own a Soccer Club jersey/shorts/socks. The registration deadline is Wednesday, April 29, 2009. Registrations received after that date may subject the registrant to being placed on a waiting list, with no guarantee of placement on a team.
    Soccer Club of Norfolk promotes soccer instruction and competitive play in the BAYS league as a means to encourage individual, physical and mental development in a team environment. The importance of winning and personal achievement is recognized, but these are to be attained in association with and not at the expense of sportsmanship and equal participation for every player.
    For more information, please visit our website: www.norfolksoccer.com or call Kendra S. at 508-528-5278.
    - CB

  • 4/15 3:54pm Does anyone have any recommendations for a company to take care of some post-winter lawn repairs? Specifically, some over-seeding and bare spot repairs are in order. Thank you,
    - CS

  • 4/15 3:53pm MM, What service do you use for spraying?
    - JSH

  • 4/15 3:46pm MON: You're at sea here. The development (or non-development, as the case may be) of the Moonscape (including Stop & Shop) has nothing to do with either permits or infrastructure. The developer has both. Rather, the nondevelopment of the moonscape is about the present lack of economic viability of the type of commerce that may be envisioned. Indeed, there may never have been a sufficient base (daily vehicle trips or whatever) to support such commerce. Those of us who grew up in the area know very well that Norfolk Center is tucked away in an area that better lends itself to quaintness, sleepiness or whatever other generalization you want to throw at it. Frankly, I'm satisfied with that. I moved here precisely because of quietude and the rural heritage. I wouldn't begrudge others for wanting to Wellesley-ize or even Medfield-ize our Town Center but I'd gladly pay for the sushi if you can demonstrate that's what the majority of Norfolkians want.
    As to the moonscape, I'd suggest that Norfolkians would be happy with grass, benches, landscaping and maybe a modest cafe or something. Of course, the Selectmen have the tools to compel the landscaping of the moonscape but they have failed to implement them. Personally, I would rather see expansive green space in the center of town (and would support such a municipal investment through CPA or other funds) as I think it would contribute far more to the quality of life than a mythical Stop & Shop, but I wouldn't rail against the construction of a supermarket if such plans ever proved viable.
    Now, as to your highfalutin sewer system, I suggest that you stay away from shiny objects that catch your eye. It would cost several millions of dollars and may (and I mean may) spur the development of one or two assorted undeveloped or underdeveloped parcels, some of which are plagued by other problems such as wetlands. From a revenue perspective, and applying objective market-based reality, the initial cost and annual maintenance would put this project upside-down. The construction of a sewer, which would exhibit substantial infrastructure on the Freeman Centennial campus, would also hand-cuff us as we plan for school facility reconstruction/expansion.
    Of course, there are certain profit-driven property owners who would benefit greatly from sewer, and their support is among the shrillest (your word) of all local voices, but that's why we have town meeting.
    Finally, as to those shrill and defeatist voices you refer to, I would hesitate to call anyone who champions an investment in education or open space as shrill or defeatist. I'd call such people thoughtful and progressive.
    - JT

  • 4/15 3:42pm Norfolk's Public Access Station (NCTV) needs your help. NCTV has begun its new negoitations with Comcast, one of Norfolk's two cable providers. These negotiations will determine the amount of financial support Comcast will provide to NCTV for the next ten years. NCTV's negotiating team has asked us to form a focus group to help determine what the future of NCTV should be. Questions about types of service, amount of technology, staffing and education will be topics for the focus group. The focus group will meet on Tuesday, April 21, at 6:30pm at the NCTV studio at Freeman Centennial School (Door 15). NCTV needs as many folks as possible to attend this meeting, both for a show of support and future direction. A great showing of community support will go a long way in making sure that NCTV recieves the financial support from ComCast that it needs and deserves. Please call the studio at 508-520-2780 if you plan on attending. Thank you very much.
    - PG, Norfolk Community Television

  • 4/15 3:41pm MON, I am all for the full development of the town center. I take the train from Walpole to work every day for 2 reasons. One is that it is 1 zone cheaper and the second is if I need something, such as dinner, something at CVS or I just want to grab a beer, it is there. When I used to get off at Norfolk train stop I would have to go to Millis to go grab some groceries or go back to Walpole to get a decent Pizza (Leo's).
    This whole town should be on board with getting some civic life in the town center. I am sick of seeing emptiness. As for Southwood parcel, we should be actively shopping that place around. Possibly the Kraft's could help out with some sort of Biotech research center.
    That site could be a great place to raise revenue in the town in the near future. The whole Rt 1a and 115 needs full development. That could be a cash cow too!! This town has some great possibilities, but with closed minds and isolationists that want to keep Norfolk a small farming community we might not ever get there. But I have hope. We should also form a group of angry group of townsfolk and protest at the Stop & Shop headquarters and demand they release the land to someone who will be willing to develop that site.
    Meanwhile I have been boycotting S & S for over a year now.
    - PJT

  • 4/15 3:40pm NS - I did not hear TC bashing anyone or anything. I think there are concerns about instructional time at the high and middle schools. You can pick that info up in the local newspapers.
    More than unwarranted bashing I dislike white washing. Every community has its problems. I think when someone asks about ours, it shows strength of character when we answer honestly. It also shows that we recognize our issues and are, hopefully, making every effort to address them. Norfolk is a great town and our school have the same problems as those around us in these uncertain economic times. I challenge you to find a community without problems and when you find it, let us all know about it.
    - MJD

  • 4/15 3:39pm AB, Thanks for recommending Clavison. The only problem is he never got back to us. I am still looking for someone to do yard work Contact glass1971@aol.com.
    - PRB

  • 4/15 9:03am POH - Save your money on the magnets. Over several years I think we went through two to three models. They all worked well for the first couple of months or even first season but then always had trouble getting started after that. They were expensive and when they worked fairly effective. However the frustration grew after many failed starts. We switched to a spray service where the yard and vegetation are sprayed about four times a season. We have found this service to be very effective. I think our cost per service was about $125. No propane tanks to fill and a lot less frustration. Hope this helps.
    JW - I am continually amazed each season at the inconsiderate nature of a few dog owners in town. Bringing a dog to a crowded soccer or baseball field and letting it run free is in my opinion dangerous and wrong. Thanks for bringing up this reminder to everyone. Hopefully the few people will get the message.
    - MM

  • 4/15 9:00am TC - After reading your post I felt the need to post. I agree, Norfolk is a lovely town, and I feel lucky to be part of this strong community. Personally, I have had nothing but very positive experiences with the elementary schools, both HOD and F/C. I agree, it seems as though many people in town have less confidence in KPMS and KPHS. Interestingly, I have heard very positive feedback recently from several people in town when discussing their own personal experiences at KPMS. I'd love to hear from some of these people! I think all too often Norfolknet is used as a bashing board for this town and I'm sure it is doing a great job keeping people like GC away, which is sad.
    - NS

  • 4/15 8:58am College seminar: How to pay $42,000 less for college, and how to get into state schools that are getting harder to get into. For parents of high school and college students. Students also invited to attend. Conducted by author, financial aid specialist and college admission coach, Paul Lloyd Hemphill. Wed, April 22, 7 pm, Norfolk Public Library
    - PH

  • 4/15 8:57am Here's one to file under wasteful town spending.
    My neighbor moved out of Norfolk early last summer.
    She emailed me today to say that she just got the tax bill for her old Norfolk home for the next 6 months. She called the collector's office and the woman tells her "yes, we've been getting a lot of calls about this." Apparently the bill goes out to the old and new owner because they only update their list once a year! Are you kidding me??? How much time would it take to keep that list up to date and avoid the expense of multiple mailings?
    - PB

  • 4/15 2:03am Wm. you make my point for me. Everyone knows that Southwood is contaminated but to date no one in Norfolk has attempted to address it. I know that we, the taxpayers, can not and should not foot the bill for any cleanup but at the same time, Caritas has basically failed in their efforts to clean it up. Are we looking at any partnerships to deal with this? Caritas will not acknowledge that this is their problem, but they do own it and we are left holding the bag while they wait for a White Knight to save them. If they will accept responsibility for buying a piece of contaminated land, maybe then we can look for help. And by the way, without a strategic effort from the town to develop the entire route 1A corridor, Southwood remains an isolated parcel on the border of Walpole, and not the cornerstone to a Norfolk Commercial/Industrial zone.
    - DL

  • 4/15 2:00am The Friends of the Norfolk Library is reaching out to the Norfolknet community today, because we desperately need your help. Our Annual Book and Bake Sale is coming up in a little more than one week, and we still need many volunteers. This year the sale is at the end of school vacation week, and so many of the people who usually volunteer are not available to help out.
    The jobs that need filling aren't difficult nor are the shifts long. We're asking for help on several different days and evenings too. Let me explain for those of you who are new to town or who haven't been able to help in the past.
    We begin to set up the sale on Thursday, April 23 at 9:00 am, and we continue for the remainder of that day until 9:00 pm. We've broken the commitment down to 3 hour blocks of time - 9 to noon; noon to 3; 3 to 6; and 6 to 9, and the job is to unpack boxes of books and to arrange the books on the tables for display. That's it, not difficult and not for too many hours.
    On the day of the sale, Saturday, April 25 again we have three hour shifts, but the job now becomes being a cashier. So for the most part you're sitting and counting up the number of books being purchased and taking the cash. Again not difficult since the sums are mostly multiples of $1.00.
    Please consider joining the Friends of the Library to help us at this community event. We especially need your help this year. Believe me it's for a worthy cause - our library.
    This year each department in town is being impacted by budget cuts. As citizens, we're not able to help departments like the DPW or the Fire Department, but we can help the library by working at the Book and Bake Sale. All of the money that we raise at the sale is used directly for the library; for programs for the children all through the year, for adult programming, for things not yet anticipated, for new technology, and to pay for our ongoing commitments to the library such as museum passes, rental best sellers, completing the mural in the reading room or paying for the furnishings in the newly refurbished school house.
    Please give Beverly B. a call at 508-528-9725 to offer your time at the Friends of the Library Book and Bake Sale. Check out our web site www.norfolkbooksale.com to see pictures from last year's sale. Thank you,
    - Mary Jo Gothorpe, Chair, Friends of the Library Book and Bake Sale

  • 4/15 1:39am Thanks LL, Some people in town think raising revenue is by having a Bake sale or bugging the NCL for money. Rt 1A and Southwood properties are the focus of changes, especially this Town Meeting, as well as positive changes to the Town Center.
    Norfolk has to optimize every square foot of space, public facilities and even open space through conservation, in order to continue to give our children quality educations in the future. Right now it is less than optimal, and many in town are working diligently to change this.
    So don't let the shrill defeatist voices of the past stop progress. We have had enough. Be at Town Meeting and vote!
    - MON

  • 4/15 1:38am GC: Don't be afraid! Norfolk is a lovely town, and a great place to raise kids. Much of what we struggle with in Norfolk is endemic to towns all across the state right now: bad economy, the ever-shifting burden of paying for all services, schools primary among them, onto the property tax payers, etc. The big difference is Norfolk's size. As evidenced by this site and the "robust" discussions that take place, Norfolk residents are involved and opinionated (usually a good thing, although it doesn't somehow translate into high voter turnout). The elementary schools are very good, rank in the top 15 percent on MCAS (I know, it isn't the only measure, but it does matter), and there is a very nice small town feel to the place. Can't speak to the Junior High or High School, yet, but I have less confidence in them. Overall, it's a lovely town, with very nice people who are neighborly and friendly.
    - TC

  • 4/15 1:37am Does anyone know someone they can recommend to replace gutters on my home? I'm looking for a quality job and I like to use local businesses when I can. Does anyone have experience with these new gutter systems that keep leaves out? Do they work?
    - JM

  • 4/15 1:35am I know has been addressed many times before, but. My husband, daughter, grandson and I took our 4 small dogs to the Pond St. Recreation fields today. My grandson brought his scooter to ride. We had our 4 small dogs on leashes, there is a leash law in Norfolk. We walked around the trail, and coming back up toward the parking lot, a woman with a large Golden Retriever was in the field playing ball with her dog. No leash, just loose and free. I made mention to my daughter that the law must not have meant that her dog had to be leashed. We continued on to the playground area and my little Chihuahua started screaming in terror, I looked and there was the loose large Golden Retriever running around our dogs, happy as can be. The woman said, Oh she's friendly. I was trying to pick my dog up but he was so scared he just kept leaping around trying to keep the big dog in sight. I was finally able to pick him up and said to her. That's why there is a leash law in Norfolk. Her dog may have been the friendliest dog in the world but to my 7 lb. dog it was a monster trying to kill her.
    Why can't people understand that there is a law for a reason. Dogs are dogs, they cannot be trusted to act like a human and respect the fears of others. I know this is a rant but it really got me angry.
    - JW

  • 4/15 1:27am MON and JT: I think there must be some room for compromise here.
    I also think that many in town would like a nice town center that has a few things, like a small grocery store (yes, we all think that Stop N Shop is landbanking), a pharmacy (I am actually looking forward to Walgreen's coming--never thought I would ever say that!) and a place or two to stop and meet with friends for a cup of coffee. Having to drive so far to get a prescription filled for a child at midnight is no picnic, and there are loads of kids here. And if you are a Senior and need something, everything is so far away that it can be a hardship. So the convenience factor is something that is important to many. Not to mention aesthetics.
    I also think that it does appear that there are some towns without a "thriving town center". Dover seems to come to mind, but Dover does have more than the eye can see, a really nice grocery store with a great butcher and there are large grocery chains right over the border in many directions (Shaw's in Medfield and Roche Bros in Dover). (Plus, Dover's tax base does not even start to compare with ours--hello McMansions) So I would have to actually agree that I cannot think of any towns that have so little in the town. Barren comes to mind when I think of the town center here. And I go to a lot of towns. I will say that Sharon once had, what I thought, was a great town center, but the big plaza they built at Cobb's Corner with all of it's parking sort of ruined that. That will never happen here.
    I think that every opinion has some merit, as long as we are looking for some merit.
    - JN

    [Ironic, things we wish for after they're gone. There used to be a very nice pharmacy in town when we moved here, lost to lack of interest. And yes, Dover was one of the two towns I thought of. - Wm.]

  • 4/15 1:26am Does any one have an opinion of mosquito magnets versus having the yard treated by a company that comes out to spray every two weeks? I am wondering how effective either one is over the other. I appreciate the input!
    - POH

  • 4/15 1:25am They're back! ``Ball in the House,'' the well known a cappella group that sang the ``Do the Cooooooool Whip'' commercial on television a few years ago is coming back to Medfield! Last year they rocked the house and helped raise funds for the Relay for Life. This year, they are back and donating their time and talents to help out the 2009 Relay for Life of Medfield/Norfolk. Check them out at www.ballinthehouse.com.
    This amazing group will be holding a benefit concert on Friday, April 17th - 7pm at the Medfield High School Auditorium. Pre-concert tickets are on sale at Something Special on Main Street, Norfolk - $12 Adults / $6 Students. Only cash or checks made payable to American Cancer Society will be accepted for pre-concert sales. Tickets will also be available at the door.
    In addition to being entertained by this outstanding group, make sure you purchase some refreshments, take a look at the Relay gear and bring a few extra dollars to purchase some ``Drawing'' tickets and take a chance to win some incredible items. Here's what you could win! A private tour for four of the USS Constitution, a $100 gift certificate to Davio's Restaurant, a $100 gift certificate to Marc Harris Hair Salon on Newbury Street, a $500 teeth bleaching at Brilliant Smiles, a basket of ``Ball in the House'' merchandise, a basket full of RELAY items and there's more!
    All proceeds will go to the American Cancer Society, so please support this worthy cause and come out on Friday night! Thanks -
    - BMT

  • 4/14 3:54pm The Norfolk Community League is sponsoring its annual Candidates' Night on Tuesday, April 28, 2009, at 7:00 p.m. at the King Philip Junior High School auditorium. Candidates for town-wide office will be available to meet the public and participate in a Q&A forum. Refreshments will be served. Contact Colleen V. at 508-553-9635 or colleenvalencia@verizon.net, or Kate P. at 508-541-1204 or kapergola@comcast.net for more information.
    - PMC, NCL

  • 4/14 3:53pm Does anyone have a wooden sandbox that they are no longer using? Please advise. Thanks. lt72@verizon.net
    - JT

  • 4/14 3:50pm BD, we switched to FiOS from Comcast in December. We are very happy with the service and the price, even without the deal, is better than Comcast. We have had zero issues with phone, internet or TV.
    The one thing I will warn about is the installation. I know my way around computers and networks very well and I found that I spent a lot of time setting up the three computers in the house after the technician left. The booklet they hand out is nearly useless in my opinion. Half of what they told me I would have to do, I did not need to do. If you are getting the Security Suite setting it up on more than one system was not a breeze. In the long-run, I had to place two calls into Verizon to get everything straight with the internet and our mail accounts. That Trueswitch service they offer for forwarding your old e-mail account to your new one did not work at all. I ended up setting up rules on the Comcast server to help us out with that. Maybe me having to do all of the work afterward was a one-time issue, but I do not know. I do know that if I was not knowledgeable with computers and networks, my wife would have wanted some heads to roll at Verizon in regards to the setup.
    With that said, the overall service is great and cheaper. I think the DVR option is better. I do not have a HDTV so I cannot speak to that part. Switching stations is much faster (I did have the digital box for Comcast). The options for On Demand are less, but for us they are sufficient.
    Hope that helps a bit.
    - PFD

  • 4/14 3:49pm MON, JT & Wm - I would love to know the towns you are thinking of that don't have town centers? "I can think of two"?? Nothing close by (within 10 miles) comes to mind.
    MON - you are on the money. If we had more revenue to draw from (i.e., a few more commercial businesses) the schools could benefit from the additional funds. Why are people so afraid of creating a downtown area?? It would be wonderful to be able to shop in town, (we currently drive to Medfield/Millis for almost everything) see friends/neighbors, and feel like our beautiful town had some anchoring with a commercial center. The condos above town hall look great. I can imagine a few buildings with a similar architectural design going up over by the moonscape. The town center in my imagination is beautiful. Too bad it will probably always stay in my imagination. Wanting a town center is a pretty basic wish if you ask me.
    Ok, now I'll get ready for the responses telling me I should move from wonderful Norfolk if I want such a thing. I love the mentality that wanting a town center is considered being anti-Norfolk and unappreciative of what we have.
    - LL

  • 4/14 3:48pm Two of the April 25th Book and Bake sale signs were taken down on Easter Sunday, and the town of Norfolk said they did not take them. One sign was near the end of Cleveland St. and the other was taken from the corner of Stop River Rd and Seekonk. If you took these signs, or know someone who did, could you please return them to the library? It costs money to replace these signs, which cuts into the funds available for library use. Thanks for helping to solve this mystery!
    - PM, Friends of the Norfolk Public Library

  • 4/14 3:41pm JT - More to Wm's point, Stop and Shop really has no intention of building here. Despite MON's concern about the town dragging their feet on infrastructure, the town had the foresight to have the Town Hill condo project build septic treatment facility and will handle all of that corner of downtown developement. Stop and Shop had the capacity to build years ago.
    Let's ask a bigger question: What do we want our downtown to look like. Medfield Center? Let's see a bank on one corner (check), a gas station on one corner (check), a pizza place right there (check), a drug store down the street (future check). How about Wrentham? A church on one corner, a town common on one corner (check), a strip mall down the street (check), a dirt parking lot on one corner (no thanks).
    I think that what happening with Stop and Shop is pretty bad but at the end of the day, once the Moonscape moves forward, what more do we really want downtown? Towns like Walpole and Millis and Medfield make their money off commercial strip development on Route 109, Route 1A, Route 27. Except for trying to market a dirty old hospital site, why aren't we focused on Route 1A ?
    - DL

    ["Dirty old" site makes it sound just unseemly. Parts of that site are heavily contaminated with hazardous toxic waste. Beware of suggestions that town taxpeyers take on responsibility for these. - Wm.]

  • 4/14 3:39pm This message is for LL... [and TC] You can get intouch with me @ springcleanups1@yahoo.com! Thank you,
    - KS

  • 4/14 3:36pm The First Universalist Society in Franklin will be holding a Yard Sale on Saturday, May 2nd, 9:00a.m.-1:00 p.m, 262 Chestnut Street, Franklin. The church welcomes donations for the sale of the following items: Furniture (in good condition), books, tapes, CD's, jewelry, clothing (clean, gently used, excellent condition), toys and games w/all pieces, garden tools, household items, dishes, glassware, and pet related items. The church is unable to accept the following: Luggage, electronics (computers, printers, TV's), bedding, large exercise equipment, air conditioners, microwaves, large appliances, skis and ski boots, and hazardous materials such as paint and fertilizer, food, and cosmetics. Drop-off times are: Monday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:30, Tues, Thursday, and Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. or Friday, May 1st, 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
    - CR

  • 4/14 3:34pm Hey all, I just happened to stumble across this site, and respect that portions of it are very informative (after some careful sifting of course). We (me, the Mrs. and 3 boys) are under agreement to purchase a home in Norfolk, and have been looking excitedly for months for the right opportunity and location within the town.
    After sensing the angst surrounding the cost of busing, pre-school, taxes, and the notion being tossed around that the Public High School is considering cutting it's school day, I am now anxious.
    The question is: Where do you see the lovely town headed? Would you advise someone to move there? I'm basically looking for an insider's Point-Of-View to help round out the equation. Any input at all is appreciated.
    Thank you all for your time.
    - GC

  • 4/14 3:32pm If anyone is need of care for their pet, Leashrly Life has immediate openings for dog walking clients. We offer personalized, in-home visits and neighborhood walks for your pet at reasonable rates. Leashrly Life also provides one-to-one dog training services. Teach your dog to respond appropriately to a number of commands, "come" when called and understand what is expected of him as a member of your family. Rates are now half off through the end of April. For more information visit www.leashrlylife.com or call 781-241-2083.
    - AW, Leashrly Life

  • 4/14 1:23pm Thank you to those who have supported taking action on repairing the roads.
    There is a Town Meeting Warrant Article to establish a Road Stabilization Fund. The Road Stabilization Fund is not the Road Program. If accepted by Town Meeting it will make a difference in how the maintenance of roads is handled by the Town and improve the safety of the driving and walking public.
    It is time to address needs, time to protect one of the Town's largest assets, time to prevent further erosion of your home value due to poor Town roads, time to take action. This began as a grass roots movement of concerned citizens who decided it was time to get involved and do something for the community.
    There will be a meeting at the Library Community Room on Wed, April 29 from 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm. We will discuss the Road Stabilization Fund Town Meeting Warrants. This meeting will give you information, a historical perspective and a plan to proceed.
    I hope you will be there. Get involved... I did.
    - MAK

  • 4/14 1:22pm After reading the post regarding someone taking down a utility pole on North street, I was reminded to post regarding some dangerous looking utility poles on Union Street. Coming up from Shears street headed toward the Jr. H.S., there is a utility pole on the right that looks as if it will fall if we have a wet spring and high winds. Going past King Street, continuing on Union, there are at least 2 poles on the right side of the road that look equally as ominous. About 15 years ago (give or take), a utility pole fell in Franklin while kids were at a bus stop, luckily missing all of them. I tried last night to read the names on the poles to see whom we would call to report this. One pole said Nynex (wow - that is a name from the past). I could not see a name on the other two. I think this is something that should be addressed sooner than later. I have not noticed the severe tilt to these poles in the past.
    - EF

  • 4/14 1:20pm JT - name a thriving community that doesn't have a town center within a 10 mile radius and a sushi dinner at Zebra's is on me. See! We have to go all the way to Medfield to eat raw fish.
    - MON

    [Off the top of my head I can think of two, but I'll let you collect on your free raw fish, JT. - Wm.]

  • 4/14 12:43am There will be a student Art Show at King Philip High School on Thursday night, April 16th, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. The all student Art Show will be located in the art foyer, and the Senior Art Display will be located in the media center. Come, enjoy the art, have some treats, and see what the students have created!
    - CR

  • 4/14 12:42am Are you having trouble getting your child off to school in the morning or into bed at night? Normal daily routines are often challenging for families. In collaboration with Norfolk Cooperative Preschool, Self Help Inc. Community Partnerships for Children is offering a free workshop this Wednesday, April 15, from 6:30-8:00pm at the Norfolk Public Library. This parent workshop will show you games and activities to do with your child to help make those difficult transitions smoother. You will walk away with fun and practical strategies to try at home. To register, contact Lori Higgins, Director of Norfolk Cooperative Preschool, at 508-528-3660.
    - DC

  • 4/13 11:02pm MON: Are you seriously trying to pin the future of our children on a multi-million dollar revenue-negative sewer system that will benefit a few well connected property owners at the expense of the taxpayers as a whole? And while I can name more than one thriving community that doesn't have a developed town center but it's irrelevant. I am more concerned about a town center that's right for Norfolk. My dear and entertaining friend, I have never known you to buy a bill of goods but you've really been snookered on this one.
    - JT

  • 4/13 9:05pm Hi KS: We too would like to contact you about yard work. What's the best way?
    - TC

  • 4/13 9:04pm Hi - On Saturday night around 7:00 PM-ish, a car headed north on North St. (Rt. 115) lost control. The driver sideswiped some trees on the right side of the road just past Kilpatrick Way. It bounced over to the other side of the road, hit a telephone pole and broke it clear off! The pole - and its wires - were lying across Rt. 115 and onto the opposite side's wires. It happened just beyond my mother's mailbox. Ironically, the pole was that one that gets clipped several times a year. I have picked up pieces of side mirrors from more than a couple different vehicle makes in the last few weeks. The driver was lucky - the car (a caravan-type, I think) was on its side and was really messed up. I didn't hear that there were any injuries. I did hear that the driver reportedly had fallen asleep. (Please note, that is all second-hand hear-say.) My mom didn't get her phone back on until this morning (4/13) at about 10 AM. Never a dull moment on North Street! LOL
    - RB (RB4)

  • 4/13 8:56pm MB - the male stylist that was at J.Stuart opened his own salon called Fernando's Hair Design, its in Medfield, (508) 242-3300.
    - SRT

  • 4/13 8:52pm MRH, here's why I have a problem with the bus fee. We as citizens of Norfolk have a say on almost all matters with regards to how our money is spent by attending town meeting and voting, offering amendments and the like, and/or voting at town elections. When I hear a debate, vote and lose, I accept that I was not in the majority, (sometimes it even takes a 2/3 vote when spending money). When it comes to bus fees we have virtually no say on this matter. The school committee can just vote it in. It seems unfair to me that two children can get on the same bus and some even at the same bus stop and one pays and one doesn't. It would be as if your co-worker takes the same train as you and was reimbursed by the tax payer and you weren't. If the bus fee covered all users, I would have much less of a problem with it.
    - JAB

  • 4/13 8:51pm Dear CR, Wish I could hear you play in Attleboro Friday night but I'll be in Nantucket!
    - PW

  • 4/13 8:50pm MB: The male stylist from Jaie Stuart has his own shop in Medfield now. Call Fernando at 508-242-3300. The shop is behind the Subway on Main St. I was there last week.
    - MP

  • 4/13 8:38pm JT - How do you expect to have a progressive school system if it isn't sustainable by our tax base? Norfolkians seem to forget that things cost money, and money comes from taxes. Unfortunately the isolationists in town over history have led to less-than-optimal or minimal commercial tax base, while the newcomers stream in looking for a town that is "progressive". Hypocritical, at best if you are both.
    There are no "pet" projects here in Norfolk, they are all geared to generating the best quality of life for all of us. A town center that represents all, with hopefully thriving businesses and jobs. Yes, jobs!
    And ask yourself this, JT and the others [...]. Why would Stop and Shop want to build here? The town, in the past, has made no effort to accommodate town center businesses with a suitable infrastructure. And every town in a 10 mile radius has a developed town center. Don't take my word for it. Go for a ride some day, if you are not an isolationist.
    So you all can deny developing progress, but you are just short-changing the children of Norfolk in the future. And you just don't get the Big Picture.
    - MON

    [Why Stop & Shop won't build in Norfolk has nothing to do with whether taxpayers pick up the cost of sewerage for downtown businesses. Stop & Shop doesn't build here for the same reason they don't build elsewhere. Quoting a University of Connecticut paper that has been mentioned on this site,
    "Ahold/Stop & Shop's latest attempt to erect barriers to entry in the northeast United States involves its acquisition of shopping centers and other sites suitable for supermarkets not for the purpose of operating a supermarket, but so that a competing supermarket cannot operate on the site."
    As to whether a larger commercial tax base is ``the answer'', ask Wrentham residents how much their lives are improved now that the outlet stores are in town. - Wm.]

  • 4/13 8:37pm What store is going in across the street from Carol's cleaners? I'm hearing Stop/Shop, Walgreens, Osco... etc? Just looking for the right answer Thanks,
    - RC

  • 4/13 8:36pm MB: Crystal at David Christopher in Franklin is great - my teen son is always happy with her cuts (we gave up on barber shops looong ago). She only works Saturdays though, 508.541.0099
    David, the owner, is also very good.
    - CI

  • 4/13 8:35pm Hi - I know this has probably been a topic in the past, but could anyone give me their take on Verizon Fios vs. Comcast cable. As I'm sure many of you know the price of cable continues to rise, and Fios is offering a good deal now with rebates, which would save around $50 a month with TV, phone, and internet access. When I called Comcast, and said I may switch, they didn't seem to care, and gave the phone number to disconnect.
    I've heard some good stories and horror stories (all outside of Norfolk) from folks I work with who have switched services... Any help would be appreciated.
    - BD

  • 4/13 8:34pm Thanks AB, I will have my wife call him. Thanks again.
    - PRB

  • 4/13 8:27pm The Brittany Spaniel's owner has been located and reunited with their dog.
    - HC, Norfolk Animal Control

  • 4/13 1:20pm Hi KS, We would are interested in having you do some yard work for us. What is your contact info? An email address would be great. Thanks!
    - LL

  • 4/13 1:19pm For TM and PRB re lawns, I have used a fellow named Clavison at 508 521 4611. He is Brazilian with limited English, but easily understands what you want him to do. He has a big riding mower and will rake leaves and trim, but he doesn't have his own spot for throwing them away. I'm not sure how much other equipment he has. He cut down some low limbs for us last year. He was much more reasonable and reliable than a KP senior I tried to use last year. I never got around to asking him about his "documentation", as they euphemistically say, but I will this year.
    - AB

  • 4/13 1:17pm Does anyone have any reccomendations for a hair stylist/salon who is good with boys' hair? My boys prefer to wear their hair on the longer side and I would like them to get it cut and styled before an important family function we have coming up. I had taken them to J. Stuart in Medfield in the past, but the male stylist is no longer there.
    - MB

  • 4/13 1:15pm C'mon AB! You can do better than that... Are you mad because you pay taxes which go to the schools and you have no one attending in your family? Or because you are an Anti-MONnite, attacking innocent posters on the internet?
    Either way people call me lots of things. The Chinese call me Knee-Hen-May- Al-NINi-NAN Hui! Which loosely translated means "Big Fun-Boy"
    - MON

  • 4/13 1:14pm Thanks to all who provided comments on preschool programs! We decided to go with the HOD program.
    - JSH

  • 4/12 9:00pm Attention: Coffee House fans: Jason Rafferty, percussion/guitar, and Steven Olaska, guitar, will be making a return appearance this Friday at the Charity Coffee House, held at St. Stephens Church, 683 South Main Street, Attleboro. The entertainment starts at 7:00 p.m, and several acts will be performing. Jason and Steven, both students at King Philip Regional High School, will be doing a music and poetry act. They will be playing an original acoustic instrumental, and also an electric song, during their set. Come, support these and the other young musicians, and have an enjoyable evening out for little $$$$!
    - CR

  • 4/12 8:57pm Anyone know what happened on North Street last night? The police where blocking the road from about 9pm last night till about 5am this morning. Thanks!
    - TM

  • 4/12 1:15pm To Chief Bushnell - I knew that CO detectors were required by law, but I did not know if talking smoke/CO detectors (all in one units) were required by law (the talking part). I believe some stores still sell combo units that do not talk and wanted to know if they should be selling them if they have to have the talking function. A typical consumer might not know they did not meet code. It is nice to have the combo units and not have to have CO detectors plugged in everywhere or ceiling mounted in addition to the smokes. I wonder how many people are aware that even hard-wired smoke detectors should be replaced after 10 years and that CO detectors have a limited life also. For anyone replacing their smokes, that would be a good time to install the combo units.
    - EF

  • 4/12 1:11pm Looking for someone to rake my lawn and trim my bushes. Contact glass1971@aol.com. Thanks,
    - PRB

  • 4/12 10:43am JT - I agree with you about Jonathan Hurwitz. He is a bright guy with the best interest of our children in mind. He stikes me as insightful and motivated to serve. I have been enjoying his articles in the candidate section of the Boomerang. I hope voters will consider him on election day. We need to continue the re-invigoration of the School Committee. We were able to bring in some new ideas and energy with Marie Zullo, Beth Gilbert and Ross Gillelland and I suggest that we need to add Jonathan Hurwitz to the Committee to complete the transformation.
    - MJD

  • 4/12 10:42am Brown and white Spaniel picked up this morning in the Campbell Street area. Invisible fence collar, no identification. Please call 528 3232 if it's yours!
    - HC, Norfolk Animal Control

    [Update 4/13 8:27pm: the owner has been reunited with their dog - HC]

  • 4/12 10:41am Does anyone have any suggestions for someone who can repair a "vintage" stereo receiver (Technic, approx. 35 yrs old)? We used to take things like that to a retiree in Millis, but he no longer does it. Even if it is just someone who tinkers for a hobby--hate to throw it away if there is an option to fix it instead. Thanks!
    - LK

  • 4/12 10:40am Does anyone have a GPS system that they are looking to sell or give away? My daughter is moving to Florida this month,and has no idea where she's going. She is also looking for a T.V. Please e-mail me @ explorer45@verizon.net if you have any of these items.
    - DH

  • 4/12 10:39am JT: I have not used them myself, but I've heard lots of good reports about Roche Bros party menus. They may have info on their website that you could check out.
    - MP

  • 4/12 10:38am JL, I will make you my campaign manager.
    - DMG

  • 4/11 11:56pm Re 4/10 8:38am ... Also does anyone have any recommendations for anyone that might be interested in doing some light yard work (raking & cleanup, etc.)? Thank you!! - TM
    Spring cleanups, mulching, raking, edging, weeding... King Philip senior looking for some part time work. Great prices, excellent work... also responding to TM!
    - KS

  • 4/11 11:54pm To BS: Thank you for a well thought out, well reasoned posting.
    - ALL

  • 4/11 11:53pm JL, DV, BS, JH: Your posts on school issues hit the mark. No issue facing this town is more vital to our future and the future of our children than our schools. I'll gladly put up with a few potholes, and I can live without a pet sewer system or even a Stop & Shop, but a progressive approach to our schools is something we can't forsake. And among the three school committee candidates this year, the only candidate that appears to understand how to balance the needs and financial pressures of our schools is Mr. Hurwitz.
    - JT

  • 4/11 7:38pm BS, thank you for caring so much. People are just not listening about the schools. I do not think my high school kids will be going to KP next year. That is a shame, due to the fact one loves it there. But we cannot afford to send them to a private college, and there will be huge demand for state schools when my children are ready to go so we can't send them to a "part time" high school. My husband was on here a month or so ago trying to get people to listen and there was more talk about a messy house/ yard than the state of our high school. Do people not care or do they just not get it?
    - DV

  • 4/11 7:36pm To MON: You are so sarcastic and rude and snide, perhaps one fine day you yourself will end up as a "miscreant geezer."
    - AB

  • 4/11 7:35pm Let's make sure DMG is never on the school committee.
    - JL

  • 4/11 10:35am MRH - There is no free lunch, including school busing. It would be more accurate to state that the full cost of school busing has historically been paid for by a combination of state and local funding.
    The current situation of across-the-board cost increases for educational services, combined with the decrease in previously available funding has created a gap. Since it is a state law that transportation needs to be provided for kids outside a 2-mile radius, the bus program cannot be cut entirely. Therefore the fees are an opportunity to continue to offer the service to everyone, given the means & tools available to the School Committee.
    The perception of inequity from affected parents doesn't come from a refusal to accept the costs of raising a child, but rather that we are moving from a community-funded education system to a pay-as-you-go model - which ultimately places an undue burden on parents. Are we far off from taking a similar approach with elective curriculums, given the budget shortfalls ahead of us? We're on a slippery slope, changing the nature of a publically-funded education into a semi-private model, where those who can pay the fees will be granted the opportunities.
    There are a myriad of factors behind the budget situation. There are almost certainly savings and efficiencies to be found within the schools, and the same holds true for other town department budgets. However, the ultimate root of this problem has been the town's approach to sidestep the core budget issues by effectively mandating that individual service consumers cover the gap, and not addressing these challenges more holistically, and dare I say, equitably.
    Let's look at the last sentence of your post: "I just have a hard time with parents who grumble about what I consider the costs of raising a child." Substitute 'parents' with 'owners of an on-fire house' and 'raising a child' with 'bringing out the fire department', and we've illustrated the disconnect. Another example would be seniors/senior center. Is it unfair to ask consumers of these town services to pick up the cost of what had historically been 'free', due to a budget shortfall? Where would you propose we draw the line on community-funding of services which benefit only a segment of the population? Our budget problems would be solved instantly if each service consumer were to receive a bill for their individual portion of that service's budget gap. Ayn Rand would be proud, but it's not a good model for accountability or controls on town spending.
    You can make the argument that busing is not a core function of education, and therefore shouldn't be subject to the same standard of community funding (the MBTA example). If so, I'd be interested in hearing the justification of how this is holds true at 1.99 miles from the school, but not 2.01 miles. I know - we didn't create the laws, but we'll take what we can get.
    Back to reality - given the state of our sidewalks and crossing guards, no one should be put in the position of having their children walk to school out of financial necessity. It is not safe for any child to walk to Freeman from 2/10th's of a mile westward down Boardman, let alone 2 miles.
    - JH

  • 4/11 10:32am JT, Le Chateau in Dedham has great take away menu. They have a great party menu. I have done it twice already and it is great. They even give you the bread and cheese with all the pasta and meat dishes.
    - dwl

  • 4/11 10:30am DMG--I applaud your wanting to keep taxes down, however to say when I was young it worked for me does not factor in what we have learned over the years. The number of identified autistic spectrum cases has exploded over the past ten years. This was in the news this week. Whether or not there are truly more cases or better tools for identification the experts are not sure. Regardless of why, those children on the spectrum need to have aides in the classroom so as to achieve the goals of the No Child Left Behind Act. Over at the High School, there are several children who have visual impairments and they have aides who accompany them and take notes which are then put in a form with which they can learn. These efforts on the part of the schools are not without costs however the costs to have sent them to say, a Perkins School for the Blind, would be even greater. Every effort is made to keep the child in their local district because to send them out is astronimical. In fact, in 2007, out of district placements at King Philip were $3.7 million for 110 children.
    I also believe that music, art and gym should be part of the core curriculum. Music and art have long been part of our cultural development and it is well documented that there is a strong correlation between music and math achievement. They both use the same side of the brain. But besides the academic reasons, music and art develop the cognitive skills and fine motor skills. There are many children who get better engaged in school because of these classes. So to focus just on literacy and numeracy skills is short sighted and does not develop the whole person into well rounded out of the box, thinking person. Gym also develops the fine and gross motor skills not to mention gets our children off their rumps.
    I will tell you, when I was a kid, I too had 25 to 30 kids in the classroom but we also did not know what we know now and many of the kids who are in the class now were warehoused, institutionalized or did not go to school at all. I will also tell you that I had many more options for electives, etc and I went to a city school where there were gangs with chains and knives. We even had drivers ed, shop and home ec as core classes. All of these things have been stripped from today's classroom. Did you see the advisory board meeting the other night?? King Philip is discussing ending school at 1:30pm as there will be so many studies, why keep the kids in school. The school will not meet the mandate of 990 hours of learning. I wonder how many people will want to move to Norfolk for our entire school system. If you think the value of your home is currently diminished, wait until next year. Our kids deserve better.
    - BS

  • 4/10 11:58pm Pond weeds have definitely expanded over the years at Bush Pond. Does anyone have any old photos that would show where the water/weed line used to be? Here is a link to the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation Guide that might help identify what is growing there - [mass.gov pdf]
    - SM

  • 4/10 11:52pm EF, the carbon monoxide (CO) detection regulations were signed into Commonwealth Law in November, 2005. When the regulations originally took effect many problems were experienced statewide, and in numerous instances here in Norfolk, until retailers were able to stock the proper detectors. The regulation further stated that all one- and two-family homes were to have CO detectors installed prior to March 31, 2006. Obviously we still find many homes where such detectors have not been installed. When we run across this situation, the firefighters will offer a friendly reminder to residents. It is important the community be aware that CO is odorless, colorless and tasteless. The only way to know if it is present is through CO or multi-gas detection which our firefighters use responding to CO detector calls. You would probably be surprised to know that most of the calls to which the Department responds end up being valid. When we find a malfunctioning detector, the Department will contact the manufacturer to have the detector replaced at no cost to the resident as a public service.
    Also don't be confused about the voice activation type detectors. These are only required where someone chooses to use one detector to detect smoke and CO. If anyone has questions, please call the station 508-528-3207 and ask to speak with the on-duty shift firefighters.
    - Coleman C. Bushnell, Fire Chief, Norfolk Fire Department

  • 4/10 11:47pm Can anyone recommend a catering company for a casual party? Thanks.
    - JT

  • 4/10 11:44pm I have 1 child in Norfolk public schools and another will be on the way shortly. My goal is to keep property taxes down and can not wait for that clown Deval to make good on his campaign promise. To accomplish this, I understand there will more kids in the classroom, less educational services, less administrators, etc. I think back when I went to grammar school there was 25 to 30 kids in the class and no aides. The majority of the kids turned out fine. It is really unfortunate, but if we have to get rid of art, music or gym then it has to be done. In addition, all staffing at the town offices should be lean. In the words of Bill Belichick, "It is what it is".
    - DMG

  • 4/10 11:42pm Since we are talking of cost cutting -- what about "regionalizing" the Senior Center with a few of our neighboring towns. Perhaps Wrentham and Plainville would be interested. The other centers could be sold (if zoning allows) to a child care center interested in coming to one of the towns or perhaps we could move some of the town hall functions to the former center and move another department (police/school/other) into the Town Hall. Just a thought.
    - EMS

  • 4/10 11:40pm I am looking for a new Norfolk resident named Wanda, who was at Kid's Place Playground on Boardman Street with her family on Saturday morning. I have some important information for her and ask her to contact me at workingparentsnorfolk@hotmail.com as soon as she can. Thank you very much!
    - KID

  • 4/10 1:47pm For Chief Bushnell: Thank you for your answer regarding combo smoke/CO detectors and the fact that they must have voice activation stating either a smoke/fire or CO alarm. Is this a requirement in Norfolk or is this state code, and when did this go into effect? It will be interesting if this is MA code to find any non-speaking combo units on store shelves. I know my electrician knows about this.
    - EF

  • 4/10 1:46pm KC - There is a defibrillator at the town hall. I took a great CPR, defib certification class that was arranged by the Board of Health. I hope I never have to use the info or techniques I learned but it's important info to have. I am not sure, but I think all of our town buildings have defibs.
    - MJD

  • 4/10 1:45pm
    Agency in red, a landmark goes black

    The Zakim Bridge in Boston, went dark last night as the Massachusetts Turnpike Authority launched its most audacious effort yet to save money and stave off insolvency

    Humm could we in Norfolk learn anything by this?
    How about we apply this same practice to the security zone we have on the town common at night. The common is lit up like Guantanamo Bay at night. We could have installed half the lighting, saved a bunch of $$$, and still had plenty of lighting around the town common. I propose we run half the lights at night, and let's hope the lights are on a timer or electronically controlled with a light sensor to control when they go on and off. Now that I'm sure would be a significant energy saving for the town that is struggling to close a huge budget gap - and let's remember our priorities what is necessasary to govern the town. That is providing only the necessary services to the cash-strapped hard working tax payers of this Town. For those who are screaming that we're not funding education enough, let's not leave anything on the table as we move forward to what is shaping up for a lively town meeting.
    - DLM

  • 4/10 10:37am Recently my Verizon DSL was down. A lengthy call to Verizon only exacerbated the situation and did not solve my problem. After a brief call to the PC Handyman, my internet was up and running. I should have called him in the first place! I have used Ed's services for many years. He is very knowledgeable, his prices are fair and he makes house calls! Many times he can solve your problem over the phone. I highly recommend PC Handyman.
    - JR

  • 4/10 10:36am That's OK MRH, you are forgiven. From your post I (and collectively we) thought you might be one of those miscreant-geezers who cry about paying for schools when they have no children attending.
    - MON

  • 4/10 10:35am Do we have a defibrillator at the DPW and the town hall? And do we have people who know CPR at these places? If not, should we? Thank you.
    - KC

  • 4/10 10:34am Regarding the proposed bus fee; under the Norfolk Public Schools web site the proposed bus fee for FY '09-'10 is $90. Here is the link for other fees as well [school fees page]
    - BS

  • 4/10 9:01am Has anyone installed a geothermal heat pump or the Acadia heat pump by Hallowell? I'd be curious to hear about your experience. Thanks.
    - JS

  • 4/10 8:50am I am having trouble. The review desired is reason on-line, so headed. [page link]
    Thanks to the popular 1988 movie Stand and Deliver, many Americans know of the success that Jaime Escalante and his students enjoyed at Garfield High School in East Los Angeles. During the 1980s, that exceptional teacher at a poor public school built a calculus program rivaled by only a handful of exclusive academies.

    It is less well-known that Escalante left Garfield after problems with colleagues and administrators, and that his calculus program withered in his absence. That untold story highlights much that is wrong with public schooling in the United States and offers some valuable insights into the workings -- and failings -- of our education system.

    - JO

  • 4/10 8:48am I think this article is worth revisting. Especially since it has the benefit of hindsight. Does anyone have a copy of "Stand and Deliver"? Stand and Deliver Revisited: The untold story behind the famous rise -- and shameful fall -- of Jaime Escalante, America's master math teacher. - Reason Magazine
    I am getting a copy but the review gives one an up to date info that has not been seen before. [wiki article]
    - JO

  • 4/10 8:39am Wow--a proposed $450 bus fee per child? I have to say that this is a deal breaker. Paying out $900 is just too excessive for our family. The cars waiting to drop off and pick will surely be excessive next year. And my kids will be split between the two elementary schools.
    Rotating carpool, anyone??
    - SRA

  • 4/10 8:38am Hi, Can anyone recommend a place nearby that has good prices on mulch and topsoil (that can deliver)?
    Also does anyone have any recommendations for anyone that might be interested in doing some light yard work (raking & cleanup, etc.)?
    Thank you!!
    - TM

  • 4/10 8:25am Something Special is now open Wednesday, Thursday and Friday until 8 pm. Stop by and check out our Easter arrangements, plants and tulips. Don't forget about our great selection of candy.
    - Joan Abramson, Something Special

  • 4/10 8:20am Hello to BM and EF, just wanted to answer your questions. BM, your question regarding the Town's Insurance Service Organization (ISO) was an excellent issue for discussion, one which should have been included in past community presentations, so thanks. Norfolk was last evaluated in 2003 and was upgraded from a Class 5 to a Class 4 rating. When a fire department is evaluated by ISO, the department represents one of three areas reviewed, the others being the fire hydrant system and the dispatching. Each receives a credit weight with the fire department being worth 50% of the evaluation; fire hydrant system 40% and dispatch 10%. There is a standard deduction taken from the total score garnered through the evaluation. During 2003, the Fire Department received slightly more than 50% of the full credit; fire hydrant system nearly 90% and dispatch about 60%.
    Enhancing Norfolk's credit can be obtained through documentation of annual fire pump, hose and ladder testing. Furthermore, the credit can be advanced with the present career staffing level, which went from eight to twelve with the hiring of the firefighter/paramedics; the pre-planning of buildings being done by these members and the building inspection program started two years ago (we used a federal grant to certify the staff as fire inspectors for this purpose).
    During 2005 we began to input data into the ISO system to seek a review of our rating, in an effort to move from a Class 4 to a Class 3. Since we needed to document several years of annual fire equipment testing along with pre-planning/inspection, we are nearing the point whereby another evaluation may be performed. Also we can now present a fire engine responding to fire calls with three firefighters instead of two, which will increase the credit.
    Traditionally, ISO visits a community every 15 years, unless changes can be documented, such as the hiring of career staff.
    To move Norfolk into a Class 1 or 2 would certainly be desirable, but cost prohibitive. The major stumbling block would be to have more career/call firefighter staffing. I think we can both agree that this will not be seen perhaps in either of our lifetimes.
    BM, would enjoy furthering this discussion with you, so I hope you might stop by someday. Again, my offer is always to buy.
    EF we get many calls from the community relative to carbon monoxide (CO) detectors, so I was glad to see this question posed. Basically CO detectors are required in any home where fuel oil, natural/propane gas appliances are used or where wood is burned. One detector is needed on each level of the home, and within the basement if this is used for games, television or general socializing. Also, a CO detector is required within 10' of every sleeping area. If you use a combination smoke and CO detector, then the detector is required to be of a photo-electric type for smoke detection and have voice activation stating either the smoke or CO detector has activated.
    Detectors which detect only CO may be stand alone units, either hard wired or battery operated.
    BM and EF I hope this information answers your questions.
    - Coleman C. Bushnell, Fire Chief, Norfolk Fire Department

  • 4/10 8:14am Pictures from the Father/Daughter Dance (thank you to Nancy G. for the one with my daughter and the Ukulele). We had a blast. Great job Diana and Dennis. We will also enjoy the gift certificate to the Eagle Brook Saloon...
    - PFD

  • 4/10 8:13am I don't have an issue about paying taxes to support the school and apparently my argument is exceptionally weak and poorly stated (an extra special thank you to MON, you have no idea how much value I place in your opinion).
    What I was attempting to get at is: Is it just unfair because you are being asked to pick up (more of) the cost of something that has historically been free?
    My office recently moved into Boston which means I get to commute every morning on the train. My employer and other tax payers do not pay for my new commuting costs of $210 per month, plus parking. Can I equate my commute to a child's commute to school? It may be overly simplistic, but is it not similar?
    Please just ignore my posts if you can't be minimally constructive in this exchange; I am not looking to be degraded or have my education questioned. It is fine with me if you take issue with my post, I took original issue with CR and have fairly broad shoulders. We moved to Norfolk because the schools were very good; I just have a hard time with parents who grumble about what I consider the costs of raising a child.
    - MRH

  • 4/9 3:16pm The children in our schools today deserve every dollar invested in them. Let us not forget that they will bear the burden of the older generation's Social Security "entitlement" and the current generation's "economic stimulus."
    - BM

  • 4/9 3:15pm The Purfect Cat Shelter will be holding its annual Bake Sale tomorrow, Friday, April 10th, at the Walmart in Bellingham, from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. A variety of bars, cookies, cakes, pies, and more will be available. Come support your local animal shelter and treat yourself to something delicious. The shelter has placed over 2000 cats and kittens in homes as of the end of 2008. All proceeds of the PCS Bake Sale will directly benefit the shelter.
    - CR

  • 4/9 3:14pm Tax dollars going to the schools are "excessive", and yet they still have to cut budgets, ask teachers to forego raises, and even talk about cutting library programs. Where are our priorities? Our schools are a part of this community, and a vital part at that. I am constantly amazed at the people who offer their criticisms of where tax money goes without offering any real solutions. PC, where would you suggest they cut further monies from the schools?
    - SF

  • 4/9 3:13pm MHR: Yes, aside from the impact of our schools on our property values and the fact they the children we educate today will be our doctors, lawyers, and leaders tomorrow, they will also be paying our social security benefits in 30 years. Your comments are very short-sighted.
    And PC, public education is the single most important beneficiary of our tax dollars; it is the foundation on which a productive, capitalist, and truly democratic society operates. Seems a worthy investment to me. (Full disclosure: I have one child in the school system. I supposed I could be angry at families who have more than one, since I am paying a disproportionate tax based on that.)
    - TC

  • 4/9 3:11pm MRH: You have opened the door to the age old debate over property taxes vs. state aid to fund schools. Seems that the less the state pays, the burden then falls to the individual towns to fund schools through increased property taxes. The towns that have the "best" schools, usually seem have a high tax base from huge mcmansions (think Wellesley, Weston, Dover-Sherborn) and they do retain higher property values and become more desirable places for people to live. (Open space also is a factor--but that is a discussion for another day). So, paying more to have improved schools can mean more home value, which can equal increased revenue for the individual when he sells his home. However, since cash flow is so important to maintain quality of life now, many cannot afford to spend more on taxes each year, especially the retirees and senior citizens on a fixed budget, or anyone really, who is working hard to make ends meet. I do not think there is an good answer as far as taxes go, so that is a good reason to work as a town to look for other ways to raise revenue without increasing property taxes.
    That is one of the reasons the Bylaws committee has placed a fee bylaw on the warrant for this year's town meeting. We will be providing a Public Hearing toward the end of this month (date TBD) to discuss this bylaw and others that may help to raise revenue for our town. They may not bring in thousands of dollars, but every dollar helps. And, as my mom used to say, little drops fill buckets. So, be sure to attend this year's Town Meeting where there will be, I am sure, a very lively and interesting discussion regarding articles that address revenue enhancement for our town. Your vote matters. And you cannot vote at Town Meeting unless you attend on May 12th.
    Regards,
    - Janice Nelson, Chair, Bylaws Committee

  • 4/9 11:45am Re: Schools and taxes: I think the bigger issue is 70+ cents of every tax dollar going to schools. As a community we need to support the dilution of this excessive inequity.
    - PC

  • 4/9 9:20am Reminder to parents looking for a preschool for their 2.9 - 5 year old beginning in September. Today, Norfolk Cooperative Preschool is hosting their Spring Open House from 12 noon - 1 PM. Stop by and meet our wonderful director and teachers and see the classrooms. Children are most welcome!
    - DC

  • 4/9 9:19am MRH - I take issue with your statement. Every single taxpayer in the country pays a portion of taxes to support the education system. The students you help support now just might one day be your doctor, your lawyer, the musician you listen to on the radio, the President. The fact that you do not have children in the current school system does not mean you have no use for it... our schools in part determine our property values and are a huge part of this community.
    - SF

  • 4/9 9:18am MRH, your argument on how your property tax payment funds our schools is "unfair" is a weak argument. All homeowners in all communities pay property taxes that support our schools. As a homeowner, please realize that good schools attract new buyers which keep housing prices competitive which will ultimately lead to a pool of buyers when you sell your home. If you don't like it you can always rent.
    - BC

  • 4/9 8:36am 4/8/- To JSH - The HOD preschool program is wonderful and it is where I would send my child if I had to choose again. My children have been to 3 different preschools including the ones you have mentioned, and the HOD is by far the best I have experienced.
    - BD

  • 4/9 8:35am MRH - Don't let this question cause your head to explode. When you were a child, don't you think there were childless taxpayers paying for your schooling also?
    Or perhaps you didn't go to school. It's hard to tell.
    - MON

  • 4/8 4:52pm 2 red sox tickets for tonight's game up for grabs for $50 each. We have a sick child and are unable to use them. If anyone is interested, please email kaygoree@hotmail.com.
    - KID

  • 4/8 4:51pm I am looking for a nanny 4 days per week (approx. 40 hours) to start in July. Can anyone help with a recommendation? Thank you.
    - KS

  • 4/8 4:50pm CR - be careful what you deem as unfair, I am paying for your child to attend school. You are using a service that I have no need for and pay for regardless.
    - MRH

  • 4/8 4:49pm Wed, April 22, Norfolk Public Library: College seminar on how to pay $42,000 less for college, and how to get into state schools that are getting harder to get into. For parents of high school and college students. Students also invited to attend. Conducted by author, financial aid specialist and college admission coach, Paul Lloyd Hemphill.
    - PH

  • 4/8 4:48pm Chief Bushnell makes valid points regarding the fire protection offered by his full time staff and how it relates to the community's fire insurance rating. These ratings are used by insurance companies to determine rates for homeowner's insurance. If the protection being provided is indeed superior it will be reflected in lower insurance bills for all property owners in town. Perhaps if the chief shared Norfolk's Insurance Services Organization Public Protection Classification (PPC), it would move the discussion away from the qualitative and emotional and toward a quantitative and financial benefit. PPC's range from 1-10 with 1 being the best and 10 being unprotected. The distribution of MA ratings can be found here: [page link]. I invite the chief to share Norfolk's rating as well as the steps he is taking to improve if it is not at "1". Thanks,
    - BM

  • 4/8 4:47pm Regarding combo smoke and CO detectors: does anyone know if code now requires that these units have a "talking feature?" My neighbor was recently told that. Mine talk and tell you whether or not there is a smoke/fire issue or a CO issue and which detector it is coming from (they are programmed by location). Not all of the detectors out there have this feature apparently. If it is now code, I am that much happier that mine do.
    - EF

  • 4/8 4:46pm To SD - the pond does not apparently fall under Conservation Commission, so we would have to check with the Selectmen to see how we go about cleaning it up. The weeds have encroached so much that there will be little water left on that side of the pond soon. Very sad...
    - EF

  • 4/8 8:14am It is already unfair that some Norfolk residents have to pay for the bus service, and others don't, because of the two mile limit. If a $450.00 bus fee were to be imposed, I won't pay it. I will alter my work schedule and do drop off and pick up every day before I fork out $450.00. Thank God I only have one more child and one more year to go to worry about this issue. I feel for the families with multiple kids and many years of what looks like increasing bus fees.
    - CR

  • 4/8 8:11am The Norfolk Girl Scout Father Daughter Dance, held at the HOD on Saturday April 4, was a great success, but only because of all the great help and volunteers. The Dance Coordinators would like to extend a Great Big Thank You to:
    Lois Abramo, Sal Abramo, Vicki Abramo, Elizabeth Abramo, Patti McLaughlin, Ricky McLaughlin, Sara Carey, Sue Brooks, Stephanie Angelone, Terry Cronin, Ed Freedman, Nancy Griffin, Johnny Griffin, Staci Mendall, Jonathan Mendall, Steve Claypoole, Jane Sylvestre, Brenda Dugan, Dawn Cohen, Karen Wimer, Heather Johnston, Laura Mutch Also thank you to: HOD Maintenance: Hank and Steve
    Donations: Jane & Paul's Farm and Harkey's Package Store, Millis (They donated glasses to go with the Dad's Prize)
    Thank you to everyone who came together Friday and Saturday to help make the Father Daughter Dance such a success! It could not of been done without all of you.
    If anyone has photos, we'd love to see some of those best dressed Dad photos posted on Norfolknet !
    - Dennis Healy & Diana LaPointe, Norfolk Girl Scout Father-Daughter Dance Coordinators

  • 4/7 9:08pm Thank you, Chief Bushnell!
    - SF

  • 4/7 5:10pm It has been a while since posting on the 'Net, but given a recent comment by DLM thought it would be appropriate to offer a little factual information. Norfolk has utilized an aerial fire apparatus, ladder truck, since 1983 when the original such truck was placed into service. This ladder truck was then replaced with the present 1996 unit. The Public Safety Building was modified for the aerial ladder truck given the changes in aerial ladder design, which incidentally made such trucks much safer to operate, as the ladder and stabilizing systems were engineered to numerous changes made after countless aerial ladder failures throughout the country. In fact the apparatus design represented the industry's lowest profile and the Department's command staff (and Town leaders) were aware the apparatus bay door required modification to house the unit. Simply stated this was a plan and not an accident upon the Town taking receipt of the truck.
    The aerial ladder in Norfolk is not used for its vertical height, but more for its horizontal reach. We have addressed many community groups presenting "on scene" operations where the ladder truck has been set up to aid in extinguishment of fires. It is noteworthy that the use of an aerial ladder truck allows for one firefighter to raise the ladder instead of the three needed to safely deploy a fire department type ground ladder (remember the ground ladders used by the fire service aren't the same ones you use to paint your home or clean the gutters).
    The aerial ladder is also used to get water above a fire for quick extinguishment, where it is unsafe to commit firefighters to a building's interior. We have many photographs on the Town's website (go to Fire Department and click on photos) showing the ladder truck pouring water on a Meadow Brook Road fire. You can also see the ladder truck "in action" at many chimney fires and other residential house fires.
    Based upon these photographs, it is safe to say the truck was not designed, purchased or used for commercial structure fires, but gets deployed predominately at residential locations.
    I agree with DLM, the Town could certainly save "$$" with an all volunteer fire department. However, we would first give up our paramedic program, which documents 401 patients who were initially treated in the pre-hospital setting using advanced life support (ALS) interventions arriving at a medical facility with positive treatment outcomes. In fact the firefighter/paramedics revived 5 patients in cardiac arrest during 2008. Also during 2008 the ambulance income, derived from insurance payments, brought over $323,000 to the general fund, while the personnel cost associated with ALS amounted to just over $232,000. Next would be the selection and training associated with staffing a volunteer fire department. The Insurance Services Organization (ISO), which sets the fire insurance ratings for communities, recognizes volunteer (call staff) on a 3 to 1 basis (3 volunteer/call firefighters equal 1 career staff) when tallying firefighters responding to a fire. Therefore taking the present career force of 13 firefighters, firefighter/paramedics with the fire chief and converting it to a volunteer staff would require 39 volunteers. To train for a volunteer firefighter position, 210 hours are listed by the Department of Fire Services to complete certification at Firefighter Levels I/II. Prior to taking the training, the candidates would need to pass a firefighter's physical.
    These are the basics entailed for implementing a volunteer organization. I won't delve into response times and volunteer availability since it is anticipated the community would recognize these constraints.
    We at the Department are acutely aware of the hard choices being forced on everyone. I would like to take this opportunity to invite DLM and anyone from the community to the station for coffee on me of course, to at least show you first hand what we do and how we do it. You might agree with us or disagree, but at least if you disagree, you will have first hand emperical data to offer to any debate.
    To those on the Norfolknet, thanks for your reading time, please be safe and make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
    - Coleman C. Bushnell, Fire Chief, Norfolk Fire Department

  • 4/7 5:09pm JGP: Were you watching an old school committee meeting? I'm confused myself, but the ConnectEd message we received today, with proposed fees for 2010, [norfolk schools page reference], has the same bus fee as this year, $90. Budget options will be discussed in a public meeting next Weds, April 15. I hope those that are concerned about cuts to education will attend.
    - AL

  • 4/7 5:08pm To MB and BL, Steve Combs, a Norfolk resident, has been painting interiors and exteriors for 30 years. He is excellent, thorough, reasonable and easy to have around. 508-801-9140 is his #.
    - NW

  • 4/7 3:55pm MB, Give Scott Heine a call. He is the owner of Handyman Carpentry. He does both interior and exterior painting. He would also be able to take care of any boards that might need to be replaced. He lives here in town. You can reach him at 508-272-1050, he also has a website that is www.handymancarpentry.com Enjoy the spring painting!
    - MP

  • 4/7 3:54pm My husband and I watched the School Committee mtg on TV the other night. I wanted to get the town's take on their idea to charge $450 per child to ride the bus this year if they are under the 2 mile mark.
    I am outraged myself. I think that is way too much to put on some of the town folks to make up for budget deficiencies. I think many more people will drop off and pick up, causing havoc and safety issues at the schools.
    - JGP

  • 4/7 3:53pm I think you need to decide how much involvement you would like to have withyour child's preschool experience. I honestly think that all of the preschools in our area are very good. Norfolk Cooperative Preschool gives you the bonus of volunteering in your child's classroom each month. Because you bring your child into the school each day, you develop a relationship with the other parents. Believe me when I say that once kids are out of preschool, it becomes more difficult to get into the classrooms, and even more difficult to know all of the children in his/her class. That is what I love about NCP. The Director and teachers are A+, NCP has been part of the community for over 35 years, birthdays and holidays are celebrated, and the enrichment programs offered to all the children are exceptional. Good luck with your decision.
    - DC

  • 4/7 3:50pm DLM, It is great he did a good job in your neighborhood, as he was very sloppy at my house. I had to go around and touch up all the baseboards because of his paint drippings. He kept going to the paint store buying paint by the quart. His price did not include paint and I found that out in the end when he added the paint on to the original cost. Not a way to do business.
    - DWL

  • 4/7 3:46pm EF: I drive by Bush Pond every day and have noticed the amount of vegetation that has grown on the pond. This is the worst year that I have seen with the wild vegetation that seems to be strangling the pond area. Who would someone contact to find out more about the problem? In a couple of years there will be no water in the area that faces Park Street. I am concerned about the wildlife on and around the Bush Pond area, I'm sure in a few more years there will be no water visible in the Park St area. Any advice would be appreciated.
    - SD

  • 4/7 3:45pm To JSH: It's been awhile but two of my sons attended the Coop and one son (the youngest) went to both the HOD program and the Children's School. While I highly recommend all the schools there is no comparison between the HOD and the other schools; it is far superior. My son had Miss "G" and just loved her. While he was in the program for speech difficulties, he no longer needs to receive any services for speech, something that I attibute to the teaching he received at HOD in the preschool program. Take the spot at the HOD and you will not regret it.
    - AL

  • 4/7 3:42pm Here's what we have to forward to with Mr. Frank's visit. [article]
    The guy just can't answer a simple question. So bring many good questions.
    - PT

  • 4/7 3:41pm Wm - "Discussing the past is important to understand which parts were beneficial and which would be better not repeated."
    You are so right!
    - HMK

  • 4/7 3:40pm Barney Frank has a lot of explaining to do. However, in my opinion, for what it's worth, I think it's a complete waste of time to attend the meeting set up by the Norfolk Democratic Town Committee on April 18th. All you will hear is one excuse after another. Who needs it? The damage has been done.
    - WC

  • 4/7 3:37pm To Wm: I did not say "let's not discuss it", I simply asked what good it will do now. As I said, I think history is a great teacher, but pointing fingers at past events is not very productive.
    - JN

  • 4/7 9:58am And I am hoping the one day we can take on the task of cleaning up the pond and yanking the weeds from the water. At the rate the growth of vegetation is occurring, it seems that there will be little area of water left at all for the swans and other wildlife. I know there are machines out there to pull the vegetation. There have been several stories in the Globe in recent years (the past 2-3) about other towns that have cleaned up lakes/ponds with them without having to use chemicals. I would hate to see this property let go like this. I wonder if I am the only one who sees this happening...
    - EF

  • 4/7 9:58am Regarding the swans - I saw them on the right side of the pond coming from Franklin.
    - EF

  • 4/7 9:57am My child won a spot in the three year old preschool program at HOD, and I now need to decide whether to send him there or to the Norfolk Cooperative Preschool. Has anyone had a child/children attend both the HOD and the Coop preschool programs? How did the programs compare? If you had to choose again, where would you enroll your child? Thanks in advance for any and all advice, musings, etc.!
    - JSH

  • 4/7 9:56am To BL, Breton Painting has painted several houses in my neighborhood and comes highly recommended. The guy's name is George Breton; his phone is 508-331-3409.
    - DLM

  • 4/7 9:55am Hi, I was wondering if anyone can recommend any local exterior house painters? House is in desperate need of painting and some minor board replacement.
    - MB

  • 4/7 9:03am DLM: I never assume anything. But the sad fact is most people in this town do not participate in Town Meeting. It wasn't meant to be directed at you.
    As far as your talk about a volunteer fire department, I am not sure that that would be so great. So here are a bunch of guys at other jobs (now they are "on-call firemen) who receive a call to go to a fire. They have to leave their job, go to the fire house, get ready and then go. Precious time wasted. And they still get paid and we still have to pay to support the equipment and such. So I am not sure the few dollars saved is worth even one property or one life. And I am not sure if we could keep ALS under a volunteer scenario, which I think, speaking as an RN, is paramount. I think there are better ways to save money in the town and more ways to increase revenue and I think these are being looked at and will be reflected on this year's warrant.
    BTW, I happen to like the town library, the town green and so forth. And that is old news anyway. What good does it do now to discuss that? The thing that is important is how money is being spent now. What services will be cut? What will happen to our schools? We need to be looking forward, not backwards all of the time. Yes, history is a good teacher, but I think the focus needs to be on what we can do now. That is the real question. Pointing fingers seems to me to be a waste of time. Better for all of us to roll up our sleeves and get to work to figure this all out.
    - JN

    [I never understood the approach of "that's all past, let's not discuss it." Discussing the past is important to understand which parts were beneficial and which would be better not repeated. - Wm.]

  • 4/7 8:58am AC - I know! Isn't that sad? Adults, children and Cats all affected by the economic collapse! The horror! I think we should all attend Barney Frank's visit on April 18th at the library at 11 am and show him pictures of the devastation his actions and the actions of his colleagues as congressmen and politicians have caused. I just don't know where to begin anymore!
    I am starting by buying a locking gas-cap first thing tomorrow.
    - MON

  • 4/6 9:43pm DLM, Well said.
    - CS

  • 4/6 8:54pm I have a wonderful woman who cleans our place and is looking for new clients in Norfolk. She can do alone or with a partner, speaks English very well. Very hard working and trustworthy. You can contact me via Webmaster for her name/number. [Use box182@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - LL

  • 4/6 8:53pm EF Where did you see them?? What part of Bush Pond. Today one was sitting on the rock.
    - BR (BR#1)

  • 4/6 8:52pm MON, Of all the posts I've read here on Norfolk Net over the years, your last post must be the saddest I've ever come across.
    - AC

  • 4/6 8:50pm AB, I can highly recommend Debbie Taylor for house cleaning. She cleans our house and does a great job. She is very thorough. She advertises on the Unclassified page. Her number is: 508-643-7396
    Good luck!
    - LL

  • 4/6 8:48pm Congressman Barney Frank
    April 18
    11a.m. - 12 noon
    NPL - Community Room
    All are welcome. Sponsored by Norfolk Democratic Town Committee.
    - MJD

  • 4/6 8:38pm JN, you assume that my family doesn't participate in the annual town meeting; don't assume what you don't know. Both my wife and I attend town meeting and volunteer our time with other town events and charitable work.
    As for the budget situation Norfolk is facing, this town needs to learn to live within its means. We are in this situation because we overspent for the past 15 years. We live in a small town with approximately 9.5 thousand residences and a tax base that is 95% residential funded, but we spend like we have surplus revenues from unlimited sources. Let me give you some examples of over-spending; did this town need a sprawling town common, town hall and library, or should we have designed something less expensive and put money away for economic conditions such as we're in now? This town doesn't evaluate capital expenditures on "need," they evaluate capital expenditures on "want". Let's take for example the over-ride proposal that was put forth by our elected officials (I think for the 3rd time) last year. The big one that comes to mind is the "want" for a new public safety building that is designed as the "7th wonder of the world" in a town that has a population of under 10 thousand. There are many other towns across the nation that get by with much less and have larger populations.
    Let's talk about the fire department. Our fire chief goes out and purchases a ladder truck that didn't fit in the garage, the doors had to be modified in order to get the truck inside the building - and did this town need a ladder truck that is designed to fight commercial building fires when we don't have much of a commercial tax base? Humm. It's my opion that this town could get by on an all volunteer fire department (now that would save the town some $$$). Many other towns across the nation with larger populations are doing just fine with volunteer fire departments. The argument that the state or federal government mandates these standards doesn't hold water, that's just not the case. It does seem to me our town officials use this as a political tool to fool people into voting for their agenda or we are putting our town at risk.
    - DLM

  • 4/6 8:37pm Does anyone have any recommendations for house painters? We're looking for quotes to have the exterior of our house painted this spring/summer.
    - BL

  • 4/6 8:36pm I am looking for free clean fill. If you have any and are able to deliver for a small fee please send me an e-mail at jeff@ezhq.net
    - JS

  • 4/6 3:13pm AB - You are a scientist? Then you can appreciate how to lure wild-dumb animals into the open. I simply display several tasty morsels out in the open, and the Turkeys come running! Its Fun for All Ages!
    But we have many problems these days. The other day my dogs started barking at 3 am, and I awoke to find one of my neighbors, who has been unemployed for weeks, siphoning gas out of my car. He looked terrible, bags under his eyes, ragged clothing and he smelled of cheap booze. I turned the light on, expecting him to scatter, but my new energy-efficient bulbs were gone too! He just stood there and cried, too weak to run! So social systems are starting to degrade in our town faster than I expected.
    But there are some bright spots - Barney Frank is coming to town! He should have a full tank of gas for my neighbors to steal and he can explain his actions as Chairman of the Finance commitee to all of us. If we aren't too weak to hold our heads up in attention.
    Let's hope he brings some food also. My neighbor's kids are looking a little skinny these days and the cats in the neighborhood keep disappearing.
    - MON

  • 4/6 3:12pm Regarding the swans- I drove by on 4/4 in the late afternoon and both were out in the pond.
    - EF

  • 4/6 3:11pm I am looking for housecleaning once a week. I prefer a woman, fluent in English, who works alone. Any recommendations? Thanks,
    - AB

  • 4/6 3:10pm To DLM: I think perhaps your post is a bit off base. I, too, used to think that the Selectmen in town made all the decisions about the running of the town. Not true, I found. They help manage some day to day operations, but there are so many things that are just not in their control. So I think it is unfair of you to bash them such as you did in you recent post. They also are community volunteers who put in tremendous hours for the good of the community. Some fail to realize that. It is okay for you offer real criticism about issues and decisions made, we are never going to all agree on everything, but they do deserve our respect. I am surprised anyone would want that thankless job. Thank goodness some do.
    As far as the town budget, this town is facing a financial tsunami, as all towns in the Commonwealth are. All budgets are being slashed. People working in this town, including firemen, policemen, teachers, and municipal workers, are being asked to forgo raises. So far, the firemen and police staff have agreed. We also have not had an override in 5 years. So, we have done pretty much what we can with what we have. It is not all gloom and doom. The town is still operating all services; some towns have closed libraries and senior centers. We are actually lucky, in that regard. That would not have been possible if the selectmen were, and I quote you here, " are not disciplined enough to appropriate these funds for what they were intended for."
    As for the road stabilization fund, I believe that was placed on the Warrant by petition, from Norfolk citizens, not by the Selectmen nor a town committee. That is the great thing about open town meeting, the citizens get to help run the town and the money. If they care to participate.
    It is really ironic that we as a nation are fighting a war thousands of miles away, and our soldiers are being killed every day, to allow Iraq to have the freedom of a democracy. And here we sit with democracy at our fingertips, but many still do not participate. I know we are all busy, but are we really too busy to attend a meeting that occurs once a year and lasts a few hours? So many important decisions are made there. I hope that people who do not attend understand that they have relinquished their power to make real change into the hands of a few. So stop complaining and start participating.
    - JN

  • 4/6 12:15am [duplicate post announcing public meeting with Congressman Barney Frank removed; see the post of 4/5 4:17pm - Wm.]

  • 4/6 12:10am Mr. Fouracre ROCKS!!! Congratulations to the FC Band, as well as the KPMS band. Both 7th and 8th grade bands won the gold, and many of them played under Mr. Fouracre at Freeman. You guys were impressive this weekend!
    - AL

  • 4/6 12:09am To DLM - thank you, it's time we got the truth out to the taxpayers.
    - KC

  • 4/6 12:08am The Southeastern Massachusetts Community Concert Band invites high school and college players, and any interested adults, to join the band for the upcoming summer playing season. Rehearsals for the summer will begin on Monday, May 11th. The band rehearses every Monday night at the Community Church, Main Street, Medway, at 7:30.p.m. If you play a woodwind, brass, or percussion instrument and are interested in joining the band, please visit the band's website, www.SMCCB.com, or call Cindy at (508)-520-1572. All are welcome, but there is a particular need at this time for trumpet and percussion players.
    - CR

  • 4/5 7:15pm Congratulations to the Freeman-Centennial Advanced Band and Mr. Fouracre on their Gold Medal performance Saturday at this year's M.I.C.C.A. Festival. All gold medalists are invited to play at Symphony Hall.
    - CF

  • 4/5 6:55pm I for one Do Not!! support the stabilization fund for road repair. My reasoning behind this is the taxpayers of Norfolk already voted in an over-ride several years ago to ensure funds were available each year for road repair. Should the taxpayers of Norfolk be taxed again for this? My answer is No Way!!
    The problem we have in Norfolk is our elected officials [...] are not disciplined enough to appropriate these funds for what they were intended for; instead they chose to mis-appropriate funds and then make a case that there is no money in the budget for road repair. Our elected officials must think we're stupid and that the taxpayers will forget that we were already taxed for road repair. [The selectmen] in my opinion should resign from office tomorrow as he has demonstrated time and time again he has zero fiscal restraint. [They] seems to take the easy way out every time there is a budget crises his answer is tax, tax, tax! What good leaders do in times of crises is find ways to ease the tax burden on cash strapped families, not increase their tax burden. And does [our selectmen] understand that the nation's current unemployment rate is over 8.5% and is projected to hit double digits before we bottom out on this economic ressision? I vote no on the stabilization fund!!
    - DLM

  • 4/5 4:20pm The road warrant article is easy; we want the roads fixed or we don't. It is that simple, and I want them fixed. We give the Highway Department the money, then the BOS give it to the schools or some other dept. Let Mr. Vito do his job and not tie his hands.
    - KC

  • 4/5 4:19pm MON: Sorry to hear about your loss of MAN. I will assume, again, that you must not have been too close to your twin. That is unless the MAN events are a disconnected metaphor for the state of mankind, but I digress. Last year's archive on Norfolknet put you "hatching" the concept of the NTA at about the time of MAN's "demise." (I just crack myself up on that pun... get it?) After your post of 4/3 I continue to have this recurring visual loop from "Pinky and the Brain" in Episode 167 about a young Bill Clinton. I also keep trying to avoid a solid connection with the Canada Seal Incident and a possible nomination for a "Darwin Award" for MAN.
    I'm not a comedian, just a scientist. ; ) Sometimes "life comes at you fast"* and sometimes the jokes just keep coming faster out of left field, right MON?
    * "Life comes at you fast" is a registered trademark of Nationwide Mutual Insurance.
    - AB

  • 4/5 4:17pm Announcement: From: The Norfolk Democratic Town Committee To: The People of Norfolk, MA
    We have asked Norfolk's United States Congressman, Barney Frank, to join us here in Norfolk for a meeting and he has graciously accepted the invitation. You are cordially invited to attend this event.
    Date: Saturday, April 18, 2009
    Time: 11:00 AM - 12:00 noon,
    Where: Norfolk Public Library
    Hope to see you there. Thank you.
    - PRR

    [Update 4/6 12:14am: the correct time is 11-noon - PRR]

  • 4/5 11:36am There are 2 warrant articles for town meeting to establish a Road Stabilization Fund to be used exclusively for road repair. The articles, in my opinion, need a few amendments but this looks like the answer to ensure the roads be repaired in the years ahead. If you are lucky enough to live on a road that is in good shape I bet, in the course of a day, that you must use at least one that is not. We need to not just beautify the community but also ensurethat all roads are safe, whether driving, walking or riding a bike, etc. Would anyone be interested in a community meeting to discuss how to support this?
    - MAK

  • 4/5 11:34am KID: I do not know of anyone in town that does this, however, I have had some furniture done by "Chick's Custom Upholstry" in Dedham at 781-329-1711. He is a one man show and does excellent work
    - KM

  • 4/5 11:32am KID - Try Dave at A Cover Up. He's in Brookline but comes out to your house to measure and cut the fabric, then brings the finished product back a few weeks later. He did an incredible job for us on our sofa and I highly recommend him. (617) 738-5433
    - JT

  • 4/4 6:51pm The Norfolk Girls Softball 16U Summer Tryouts will not be held on April 5, 2009, due to field conditions. Tryouts will be re-scheduled in the near future. Please visit our website for more information - www.norfolkgirlssoftball.org
    - LC

  • 4/4 12:44pm Does anyone in town do custom slipcovers for cushions? I'd like to have covers made for the cushions on some rattan furniture that was passed down from my parents, but I'm uncertain about the cost. If you do this kind of thing, could you email me at workingparentsnorfolk@hotmail.com? Many thanks!
    - KID

  • 4/3 10:06pm RJC, I have looked everywhere for the other swan. The former nests are under water and the only place she could be is far back in the "grass & weeds". I also feel that maybe it was not a male and the swan left. The swan that died was a male and Hilary did not put the swan in from rehab. That swan arrived on its own - maybe left on its own?? I will try this weekend to see if it is way back in the weeds nesting. The cygnets arrive the second week in May, so if she is not on a nest then we won't have the pleasure of seeing any babies.
    - BR (BR #1)

  • 4/3 10:05pm Does anyone have a black-and-white striped referee shirt my son (age 15) can buy or borrow? He needs one for this weekend.
    - NT

  • 4/3 6:02pm If anybody would like a yard sign for Andrea Langhauser for Planning Board, please contact Sandy D. at 508-541-6360 or contact Andrea directly at Reelectandrea@yahoo.com for a sign or any questions that you may have for her. Thank you.
    - SD

  • 4/3 6:00pm Norfolk Girls Softball will have tryouts for our 16U Summer Softball team on Sunday, April 5 [will not; see below - Wm.] from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Freeman-Centennial. This Storm team is a competitive, travel team that plays in the Hockomock Summer League and includes teams from Plainville, Wrentham, Sharon, Norton, Walpole, etc. Eligible players will be born in the years 1992 and forward. For more information please visit our website at www.norfolkgirlssoftball.org.
    - LC

    [Update 4/4 6:51pm: the tryouts will not be held 4/5 due to field conditions. Please visit the website for rescheduling info. - LC]

  • 4/3 5:03pm Tax day is coming. Stand up and be heard taxdayteaparty.com
    - PT

  • 4/3 4:56pm FYI - Kindergarten lottery has been cancelled and school has announced that all children registered for full day kindergarten are in the program.
    - KID

  • 4/3 4:22pm AB - I get it, the happy face on your message shows you are a comedian. It just so happens the suit belonged to my twin bother, MAN, also once a rabble-rousing activist, on the West Coast. I attach a picture of him from 2 years ago, in the suit in front of a KFC, stopping the innocent slaughter of chickens. As twins having "Big Heads" we also have other big traits - Big Hearts.
    Sadly, MAN isn't with us anymore, he died in Canada a year ago last month. While dressed as a Baby Seal protester in Montreal he was accidentally clubbed to death by a drug-crazed Eskimo who thought he was seal-hunting.
    RIP - MAN

    1964 - 2008

    Sometimes jokes and life can be so cruel, right AB?
    - MON

  • 4/3 9:20am AB: This is just too hard to resist. Scrooge McDuck? Daffy Duck?
    - TEM

  • 4/3 9:03am To the BOS and Town Admin. First - there may be a problem with the town website or else I would have sent this question directly to you and not have posted it on this site.
    Where can I find an explanation on the town website (i.e. meeting minutes) which provide details for the significant increase in my property tax? The increase was shocking!!
    Why are all board meeting agendas and meeting minutes not posted or up date d?
    - KL

  • 4/3 8:45am As an effort for Earth Day it would be great if we could get people picking up some of the litter around town. Even just getting people to stop littering would be a good start. Happy Earth Day soon!
    - TL

    [ Earth Day is April 22 - Wm.]

  • 4/2 5:40pm RJC The "missing" swan may be sitting on eggs right now, and may not appear again until the end of the month, at least. We also have the lone swan where I live. Usually, where we are, we get to see mom and kids around Mother's Day. A wonderful sight, to be sure.
    - WC

  • 4/2 5:35pm CJ: I'm going to make a very broad generalization, but one must assume that MON's fiberglass duck head will not fit as it is likely to be way, way, way too big for the typical human! ; )
    - AB

  • 4/2 5:33pm Re 4/2 1:33pm Has anyone recently done a land survey for their property lines near Maple St? If so can you tell me who you used? Thanks, - JS
    It wasn't near Maple Street, but in October 2008 I had my lot surveyed, corner markers (concrete bounds) installed in the ground, and a new lot plan made, suitable for recording at the Registry of Deeds. The work was done by Dunn-McKenzie, Inc., Land Surveying and Civil Engineering, 206 Dedham Street, Rt. 1A at Rt.115, Norfolk (above Tedeschi's store). Phone 508-384-3990.
    The original lot plan was on A-size, 8 1/2 x 11 inches; the new one is on D size, 17 x 22 inches, showing deed reference and other plan references, four dimensions to the house, graphic scale, North arrow and reference, locus map, signed certifications, and the land surveyor's stamp. I took the new mylar plan to the Registry of Deeds, where it was inspected and accepted into their system with no problem. (Registry fee: $75.00) The new plan was drawn by computer, and it is a very good job. I am very happy with their work, and would recommend Dunn-McKenzie highly.
    - RH

  • 4/2 5:32pm To NJD regarding a roofer: Harry Richard, 617 698 4698 (Richard and Son - can't remember the first initials before the last name but I had posted in the fall). His company has been in business since the 1800's and does roofing exclusively. He has a crew of 5 that have been with him for a long while, including his son. Neat, professional and reasonably priced. I got him on a recommendation and still called references. Everything was so neatly done that there was nothing to pick up but a small piece of cellophane from the shingle packaging and a tiny piece of shingle in a shrub. Since the old roof literally broke into hundreds of pieces, I was surprised there was no mess.
    - EF

  • 4/2 4:58pm Is it my imagination, or is there only one swan on Bush Pond Lake again -- I sure hope that the last few times I passed by, one was just out of sight!
    - RJC

  • 4/2 4:57pm FS - Re graphic designer, I've used Brent Hale in the past and he has always done amazing work. He's a true artist. www.brentmhale.com
    - DM

  • 4/2 1:43pm CJ - No bunny suit, but I do have a duck costume with a custom fiberglass duck head.
    - MON

  • 4/2 1:42pm The Pre-K lottery is at 10:00 a.m., the Kindergarten lottery is at 9:15 a.m.
    - KID

  • 4/2 1:36pm I am looking for a babysitter/mothers helper who has their own transportation for a few hours a week evenings and or weekends. It's the perfect situation for a responsible student and involves looking after one child. Please send an email if you are interested! [Use box181@norfolknet.com - Wm.]
    - AP

  • 4/2 1:35pm Anybody know a good web designer?
    - FS

  • 4/2 1:34pm Does anybody out there own an adult size bunny suit?
    - CJ

  • 4/2 1:33pm Has anyone recently done a land survey for their property lines near Maple St? If so can you tell me who you used? Thanks,
    - JS

  • 4/2 11:42am KJ and SM: Thank you so much for the Audiomax recommendation for my car stereo problem. I just went over there and Mike fixed my problem on the spot. I told him about the positive recommendations on Norfolknet. Great customer service! Thanks again.
    - MP

  • 4/2 11:40am Dear AL, Cris Retos from Foxboro just did our house. I'm impressed!
    - PW

  • 4/2 11:36am MS, AL, NJD Check out Handyman Carpentry's website @ www.Handymancarpentry.com. He lives here in town and does all types of work, from your basic handyman tasks to putting an addition on your house. Handyman Carpentry is a fully licensed and insured company. Scott is the owner and is on every job until that job is done; all his workers are his employees not subcontractors. Scott can be reached @ 1-508-272-1050.
    - MP

  • 4/2 11:35am TMN: Yes. Late yesterday after dissecting the town's dog license list (thanks to help from the clerk's office) we did narrow down who the dog's owner was from description, called a few people, and found the owner. Just another reason why people need to do the following:
    1. Keep ID on your dog in the form of town license, rabies tag, and a name and a number.
    2. Report your dog missing when they run! Do not assume I personally know who your dog is.
    3. Microchipping in the event you know your dog is a Houdini.
    If any of these action plans had occurred dogs wouldn't have to spend time in the kennel. In a worst case scenario, if this dog had been injured seriously by being hit by a car or attacked by another animal, I would have had to have made some hard decisions not knowing who his owner was. Microchipping is such a low cost way to ensure that we can instantly find out who owns Fluffy or Fido. I carry multiple scanners in my ACO car for situations like this.
    On a last note, those who have not licensed their dogs by now need to. There is a late fee at the town clerk's office to get your license but it's better than hearing from me on top of that!
    Rabies clinic is this Saturday at the DPW between 8 am and 10 am. I believe cost is $10. You can also purchase your town license there as well.
    - HC, Norfolk ACO

  • 4/2 11:33am JP, we also have a place in NH, a 3 bedroom cozy log cabin in Conway, NH. Our web site is www.CozyCabinNH.com or e-mail me direct at ourcozycabin@gmail.com for availability. Thanks and good luck with your search.
    - LC

  • 4/2 11:29am Did anyone else's property taxes go up close to 8 percent? I just got my tax bill and was shocked considering the value of my house has done nothing but go down for the last year... Can anything be done about this?
    - JS

  • 4/1 11:55pm For A: Marland Painting; 508-528-7681. Does a great job ...
    - ER

  • 4/1 11:54pm RE: New Hampshire - JP, you can email me direct; we have a nice 3 bedroom in Conway and can fill you in on the attractions, etc. firedad863@comcast.net thanks
    - NG

  • 4/1 11:46pm JP - we have a great family spot for rent in NH, just about 1.5 hours away from Santa's Village on beautiful Newfound Lake. You can learn more about the house, including a review from another Norfolk family at: [page link]
    - JD

  • 4/1 11:45pm Calling all Preschoolers: Norfolk Cooperative Preschool will host its Spring Open House on Thursday, April 9, from 12 - 1:00 pm. If you're considering sending your 2.9 - 5 year old to preschool beginning in September, we encourage you to visit with us next Thursday. Tour our facility, meet our wonderful staff, and see for yourself why we have been established in the Norfolk community for over 35 years. We are located across from Dunkin' Donuts, adjacent to the Federated Church. For more information, contact Lori Higgins, Director, at 508-528-3660 or visit our website www.norfolkcoop.com.
    - DC

    [Update 4/2 11:34am: that's 2.9 to 5 - DC]

  • 4/1 11:44pm HC: Has anyone claimed the handsome older Lab from the Seekonk area? He looks sweet
    - TMN (Nearby neighbor)

  • 4/1 11:43pm To MS, AL, NJD, I have used Scott Heine from Handyman Carpentry for home repairs and painting and his work is great! He is neat, and his prices are extremely fair. He even custom made cubbies for my mudroom that I use all the time. I also have referred him out to my clients and they love his work as well. He is your guy!!
    - JPK

  • 4/1 11:42pm MON: I agree with your thoughts about the CPC funds. The article you linked to in the Globe sums the situation up well. In better times, I would never advocate sacrificing the CPC matching funds program. Given current economic circumstances, it seems reasonable to consider lowering the percentage until the economy improves.
    - CS

  • 4/1 11:40pm Does anyone know what time the HOD preschool lottery will be held on Monday?
    - JSH

  • 4/1 11:39pm
    VOTER REGISTRATION
    FOR ANNUAL TOWN ELECTION
    AND
    ANNUAL TOWN MEETING

    Wednesday, April 15, 2009, is the last day to register to vote at the Annual Town Election (May 5, 2009) and the Annual Town Meeting (May 12, 2009). Anyone who has not previously registered, is a new resident, or will become 18 on or before May 5th may register by mail or in the office of the Town Clerk. Regular office hours are Monday through Thursday, 9:00AM to 6:00PM. Town Hall is closed on Friday. On Wednesday, April 15th, the office will remain open until 8:00PM for Voter Registration. Mail in registration forms must be postmarked by April 15th or earlier in order to qualify.

    The polls will be open on Tuesday, May 6th from 7:00AM until 8:00PM. All precincts vote in the H. Olive Day School Auditorium (rear of building), 232 Main Street, Norfolk, MA.

    Absentee ballots for the May 5th Annual Town election will be available for voters unable to come to the polls on that day. Absentee voting may be done either in person at the Town Clerk's Office, or by mail. To receive a ballot by mail or for further information about absentee voting, contact the Town Clerk's Office at 508-528-1400.

    - Gail Bernardo, Norfolk Town Clerk

  • 4/1 11:35pm Make a difference! Join the American Cancer Society's Relay For Life of Medfield/Norfolk!
    Are you interested in learning more about Relay For Life? Participate in this community fight against cancer and help make a difference! Simply click on the link below to see a short video on You Tube! [youtube link]
    For more information on how to get involved, please call 508-897-4390 or email sarah.hanifan@cancer.org.
    I hope to hear from you soon!
    - SH, American Cancer Society

  • 4/1 11:34pm Dear NJD, My son is a roofer/builder and may be able to help. Derek; 508-528-0162
    - PW

  • 4/1 3:57pm TR - Maybe it's time we cut the tax surcharge for generating CPC funds. Other Towns are doing it and since nobody seems to move quickly, why should we continue to fund this? So you can promise us results? See [Globe article].
    The money comes from taxpayers and we can stop this as well. Then Proposition 2 1/2 needs revised or rescinded.
    This is not an April Fool's joke.
    - MON

  • 4/1 3:56pm We are looking to have our back porch screened in and French doors installed. Does anyone have a recommendation? Thanks
    - MS

  • 4/1 3:54pm AL/NJD - We have used Dave Smith (a local Norfolk resident) to do many of our jobs large and small. Painting/roofing/construction projects... his work is excellent and fair prices... 508-250-3678.
    - KM

  • 4/1 8:40am NJD, we used Essary for our roof 18 months ago. They were competitively priced, fast and very nice to deal with. I would highly recommend them.
    - POH

  • 4/1 8:35am To NJD - We recently hired Done Right Roofing out of Ashland to replace the roof of our sunroom. They replaced the shinles and skylights. He and his crew did an excellent job and kept us informed the whole day on their progress. They have a website, www.roofingdoneright.com. Good luck.
    - SG

  • 4/1 8:34am Any good recommendations for house painters? My husband is convinced that we need to paint the outside this year. Thanks!
    - AL

  • 4/1 8:24am Easter Bunny Breakfast, April 4th - Tickets still available! The Norfolk Community League's Annual Easter Bunny Breakfast will be held on Saturday, April 4, 2009, at the Freeman Centennial School MacBride Auditorium in Norfolk from 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. Award-winning magician David Hall will pull a rabbit out of his hat and wow kids and adults with his tricks. Please bring your camera to take a picture with the Easter Bunny. Also featuring coloring and crafts for the kids and refreshments for all. Please bring a donation to benefit the Norfolk Food Pantry (non-perishables or toiletries such as cereals, pasta sauce, peanut butter, canned vegetables, toothpaste, soap, etc.).
    Tickets will not be sold at the door. Please call Rachael C. at 508-737-4764 to get your last minute tickets.
    - PMC

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