Haunted Train Ride Distributes $6,280
Norfolk Community League and Norfolk Lions distribute $6,280 from 5th Annual Haunted Train Ride. Left to right: Tara Spellman, Scott Dittrich, Marie Chiofolo, Bob Sullivan from Santa Foundation, Norfolk D.A.R.E. Officer Stephen Plympton, Tracy Hilfrank, Joe Sebantiano, Associate Director of Norfolk Public Library Heather Pisani-Kristl, Colleen Sepich |
The 5th Annual Haunted Train Ride was held on October 14th at the Holmes Field. Record crowds came to be thrilled and scared by the scenes created by numerous Norfolk groups. The Norfolk Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts created a haunted graveyard, Norfolk Fire and Police Departments dressed as creatures from the woods, Norfolk Community League created a Witch's Banquet, Haunted House, Pirate Ghostship, and Mayan Temple Ruins, Norfolk Community League's "Scary Men" revived their Zombies, the King Philip Leos spooked riders with their coffin escapades and chainsaw man, the Hockomock YMCA Young Leaders Group dressed as scary clowns, Carol Ann Ramos created a creepy mausoleum and graveyard, Angelo and Alex Quartarone brought along their fabulous tributes to Monster Movies and their stars, and the Norfolk Lions spun a glow-in-the dark web, came out of the Lagoon and created mayhem along the ride.
New this year was the Spooky Hay Ride through Jack-O-Lantern Alley. The Norfolk Boy Scouts, Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts, as well as many members of the community, carved hundreds of pumpkins to light the way. The Adirondack Club acted as scarecrows and headless persons in search of their carved heads.
While waiting in line for their turn, visitors were entertained by DJ Sean of Pepper Productions of Franklin. Norfolk residents "Pumpkin Man" and "Pumpkin Jr". greeted riders at the beginning of the train ride. Both sat with a carved pumpkin on their shoulders for close to 4 hours. Norfolk Lions members cooked up hot dogs, hamburgers, and drinks.
Students from Ursuline Academy and Catholic Memorial High School helped man the tattoo booth, dressed as witches and played swashbuckling pirates.
Needless to say, the entire evening could not take place without the generosity of Dick Holmes and the entire Holmes family. By allowing the Norfolk Lions and NCL to transform their property for the delight of the children of Norfolk and the benefit of the community, they have helped to create a wonderful fall tradition. Their generosity goes beyond the use of their property as they assist the effort by moving props, driving the trains and helping to set up and take down the scenes. They do this quietly and with a smile on their faces. The Train Ride could not exist without them.
The 5th Annual Haunted Train Ride and Spooky Hay Ride was planned by a group of dedicated individuals. The committee is Scott Dittrich, Joe Sebastiano, Carol Greene, Tom Grant and Marie Chiofolo from the Norfolk Lions and Tracy Hilfrank, Tara Spellman and Colleen Sepich from NCL.
The Norfolk Lions has been in existence since 1958 and strives to make our community better through a number of worthwhile projects. Today the Norfolk Lions has more than 40 men and women dedicated to the motto "We serve". The Lions are the largest service organization in the world with over 1.6 million members in 143 countries. Our annual events include Community Day, the Haunted Train Ride, and the Christmas Tree Sale. Our recent projects include a combined effort (with other Lions Clubs) to build a trail for the visually impaired at Stony Brook Nature Center. The Lions meet on the fourth Tuesday of each month for a dinner meeting and prospective members are always welcome. Call Gail Bernardo at 508-528-4468 or Paul Terrio at 508-528-8198 for more information. Check out our website at geocities.com/norfolklionsclub
Norfolk Community League has been in existence for over 30 years. Their mission is to enhance the quality of life for Norfolk residents, to increase involvement in activities that better our community, and to strengthen community spirit. All fundraising efforts are distributed back into town causes and groups. For information on joining, please contact president Colleen Sepich at 508-541-3002 or visit their website at www.norfolkcommunityleague.org.
12/21/2006