This is a compilation of recommendations on Norfolknet, beginning March 1, 2007. If you've been happy with a local business or service, let us know by email. To search through this page, use the "find" feature (often Ctrl-F) on your browser.

If you freelance or run a business in town, send us your contact information and we'll add it to our on-line Business Card Collection. If you'd like your logo, e-mail it to us. (Scan your card, or take a digital photo, and I'll see what I can do about shrinking the pic.) And if you'd like to have your business featured on the main page, contact us at wm@norfolknet.com - Wm.

TOWN ORGANIZATIONS

Norfolk Lions Youth Soccer has several openings in its U12 and U17 Divisions for the spring season - All practices (once a week) and all games, played on Sunday afternoon, are in Norfolk. Registration will reopen until the end of March for boys and girls in grades 7 and up. NLYS, which is now part of MA Youth Soccer, is a recreational league (there are no tryouts) accepting players from all towns. To register for the U12 or U17 Division, or for more information, email norfolklionssoccer@verizon.net or call 508-520-0163. - HK

D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) Summer Day Program for summer 2007 grade six entering grade seven camp will take place from June 25th - June 29th (Monday thru Friday). Our grade five entering grade six program dates are set for August 13th - August 17th. The applications will go out a week after April vacation and due back to the Wrentham Police Department by May 25th. The application will contain all the information that you will need to know for the entire week. If you have any questions please contact Officer Steve Plympton at 541-3330.

Men's (Over 30) Softball League has opening for players - The season consists of 24 games plus playoffs. This slow pitch league plays all games on weekday nights under lights. Pavilion with cold beverages and hot food. If interested in playing on the "Norfolk" team or if you have a team interested in joining the league, call Craig K. at 508-369-1948 or email kpsoftball@verizon.net. - CK

The Board Members of the Norfolk Community League (NCL) are currently accepting requests for disbursement of amounts raised through its activities this winter and upcoming spring. The monies will be distributed in May of 2007. If you are a member of an organization that would benefit from a donation, please visit NCL's website at www.norfolkcommunityleague.org for an application. The deadline for applications is May 7, 2007, and a completed application must be received by this date in order to be considered. Please contact Colleen S. at 541-3002 with any questions. - AC, NCL.

AROUND THE HOUSE

Electrician

Need an electrician, try calling Pat Hazlett 508-400-0780 - PC

Re: an electrician to do work in your bathroom. I highly recommend Dennis Caissie. He has done quite a bit of work on our house and he is very reliable and reasonable. You can reach him at 774-244-7488. - CC

Energy

We recently switched to biofuel from www.massenergy.com. They offer two blends: 1) a 10% soybean/90% low sulfur heating oil or 2) a 20% soybean/80% regular sulfur heating oil. No changes are needed to your heating system - just make the switch and the new delivery mixes with what's in your tank. Soybean oil has about the same BTU value, but higher blends require system modifications.
There are many advantages (environmental, heating system, US farmers) for using one of these blends. It's a new opportunity to truly reduce your direct emissions. The actual distributor is MassBioFuel, www.massbiofuel.com, a subsidiary of Fisher Churchill, a 150 year-old heating company in Dedham. Signing up through Mass Energy helps this consortium invest and research in other alternative energy sources. The cost per gallon is higher than you a most likely paying now, but it comes down to values.
Aside from that, the next best thing you can do is switch out as many light bulbs with compact fluorescent. Garage, basement, hallways, kids bedrooms (especially), bathrooms, and kitchen are great candidates. Some of the newer bulbs now have softer yellow glow. We saw a significant reduction this year in KWH used from the same periods last year. - RG

Gardening/Landscaping

For landscaping design and work, I would definitely recommend Mark Ahronian out of Holliston. We had him in for some landscaping suggestions, and he came back with 3 or 4 hand drawn, color layouts and sat with us one evening to share his ideas. His crew did a great job with our project. May be a bit more expensive, but for a big job done right, it's worth it. - KB

Norfolk County Lawn provides mowing, fertilizing, mulching and all other aspects of property maintenance. You can reach us at 781-603-7172 or mowing@comcast.net. Thanks - MG

My company, Landscape Solutions, specializes in designs and installations, and we're located in Norfolk. Please call me at your convenience: 508-641-8242 and ask for Cecilia. - CS

General Contractor

In response to your post for renovating your bathroom, I would highly recommend Terry J. Dexter Custom Building. Extremely professional and fair. You may reach him at 978-500-2212. Terry just completed work on our home and we are very happy with the results. Good Luck. - LR

Handyman

Thank you to all of the Norfolk residents who took the time and called me for work in and around there homes. I am a very detailed carpenter who does decks, cabinets, bathrooms, lattice, shelves, mantels with the extra finish. My prices are fair and I do my best to beat anyone's price. Thanks Again Tom at 508-517-4708. Local references as well. - TD

Handyman Carpentry does jobs big and small. From bathrooms and kitchens to trim work and painting. Our truck is all around town. We are local and have plenty of references. Give Scott a call at 508-272-1050. - MP

If anyone is looking for a reliable and honest handyman, call Scott Heine. Scott and his crew just finished up at our house and we couldn't be happier. Scott started work a day or two after I called him, finished all of our inside jobs within a day, then worked on our exterior for another day or so. His Norfolk-based business is called Handyman Carpentry and his number is 508-272-1050. -KP

Heating and Cooling Heating and cooling service: Give Kermit B Schulz & Sons a call. Their number is 508-376-5545. I think they are terrific and have used them since we moved here 9 years ago. - BS

I got bids from many companies when we installed our A/C about 7 years ago. Went with All-Temp in Milford (508-478-0088) . Found them to be prompt, knowledgeable, and professional throughout the entire process. They also impressed me with how they strategized the load on our two zone system - several companies just used square footage, these folks factored in the sun from sliders and the 'heat rises' impact on both the the 1st and 2nd floors. Good luck! - CI

Re: airconditioning: We used Lane Refrigeration in Walpole (781-762-6226) and they were fantastic.Highly recommended. - TEM

Kermit Schulz in Millis is an excellent AC company. Excellent employees, great service, etc. 508-376-5545. Good luck. - BS

Hardwood Floors

I highly recommend Hosking Hardwood at hoskinghardwood.com. When we first moved to Norfolk we used them to purchase Mirage flooring. At the time, Jeff worked out of his home just over the Norfolk/Walpole line. I did the work myself, and Jeff was extremely helpful in providing me with instruction, demo, equipment, and other personal touches that only a small local business would offer. If you want someone to install, I think he may be expensive, but he is top-notch, as he is the flooring expert on This Old House. Support the little guy! - RG

I haven't used them yet, but check out Hosking Hardwood at hoskinghardwood.com. They are an Internet flooring supplier but are out of Walpole! Their prices were very low, sometimes $2 a foot cheaper than at Flooring America for the laminate I was looking at. They also appeared on This Old House as flooring consultants. - LK

We have used Lumber Liquidators and found the quality comparable if not better than any other company we have used in the past. Due to my son's allergies and asthma we have had to put hardwood everywhere and have used a couple companies that I would not recommend. Countryside Flooring was awful - both in service, installation and pricing. I found that their prices varied from sales clerk to sales clerk (similar to purchasing a car). The installation was done wrong and awful to say the least; when trying to rectify the situation the customer service was horrific. Flooring America we never had the opportunity to use due to the fact that they never showed up to two appointments - I allowed the first for human error but the second time I felt was a serious reflection on how the company was run, so I opted to look elsewhere. I ended up at Lumber Liquidators and was completely satisfied with the quality of all the different types of wood we installed. Good Luck! - LMB

I used Tom's hardwood flooring. I called several vendors and they were by far the best priced and they did an amazing job. I know 3 other people who have used them and they all say the same thing. They can be reached at (617) 472-1291. - EB

Would like to recommend National Lumber in Mansfield (near the Depot - right side; stay right after passing depot - after you cut left off 106). They supplied me a bannister, stained it for me, carried it to the car etc. Great people.

- JO

Masonry

Re: stone wall/walkway/steps: We used E. A. Simpson here in Norfolk for our front steps and are very happy with the quality of work. The price was similar to other quotes we received. The crew was professional and very careful of our yard during the work. The job was completed in a reasonable amount of time, also. GA

Painters

Re: a painter in Norfolk: John Marland, 508-528-7681, last painted our house a few years ago, and he was very reasonably priced. The job was done competently. He doesn't usually advertise, but goes by word of mouth. I plan to use him the next time we paint. - EC

I am a painter here in Norfolk with lots of references. I would be glad to give you an estimate. chickspainting@aol.com - SD

Plumbing

Plumber - Anthony Julian - Norfolk Resident - 781-603-6169. Anthony has done a great deal of work for us. He's honest, knowledgeable and reliable.

Have used Heavey Plumbing from Walpole for the last 30 years. Reliabe Fair pricing and on time. What more can I say ? - PB

Phoenix Plumbing (from Norfolk) was here yesterday - they are wonderful! prompt, polite, reasonable-priced, I can't say enough good things about them... the last time they were at my house was eight years ago and I had all the same great things to same about them. - CMK

I recommend Heavey Plumbing also. I've used them many times and have been completely satisfied. - MP

Upholstery

I highly recommend Dave of "A Cover Up" for slipcovers. You can find the ad and phone number in the Country Gazette classifieds. He does an amazing job, his price is more than reasonable and the turnaround time is quick. He can also get you a discount on fabric. - JT

Windows/Doors/Garage Doors

I had about half the windows in my house replaced by Joe Stoller, the Door Doctor. He works out of Franklin. This is his own business which he runs on a part-time basis, which mean he works around his full-time job in construction. So he may spend an early evening or two, or both weekend days installing the windows, but he does a great job, cleans up after, and was very reasonably priced. He also did my neighbor's house and they were pleased as well. His number is 508-520-2097.

- BD

Pioneer Doors in Walpole. We did the research, checked prices and they were significantly less than anyone else with the exact garage door that many installers use. Steve has the ability to get many styles and makers, not just the typical "Home Depot" brands.

Steve Barrows

Pioneer Garage Door Co.

(508) 668-8136

pioneerdoors@comcast.net

- AB

I recommend Jolicoeur Overhead Doors. They are located on Pulaski Blvd. in Bellingham. Very nice to work with, quick, clean, honest and reasonably priced. They have been recommended on this board before. I don't think you can go wrong.

- MJD

CARS ETC.

For all Volvo repairs I would highly recommend Dalzell Brothers Inc, 508-543-4700. They are located on Route 1, Foxboro, across from the State Police at the intersection of Rt. #140 and Rt. #1 (the south end of Rt. #115). We have bought 2 "gently used" cars from them and also have a 1991 240 that they repair. They know Volvos and have Volvo trained mechanics. They are reasonably priced, quick getting the work done, and polite. This is also a great place to get very clean used cars with no car salesmanship attitude. Many of their cars are still under the factory warranty. - RC

Millis Foreign Car Repair specializes in Volvos, VW, Toyota, Jaguar, etc. It's at 943 Main St., right on the corner of Exchange St. 508-376-4277, ask for Scotty (owner). No nonsense and reasonable. - SO

PERSONAL SERVICES

Airport Transportation

We once went to Logan via the commuter line right from Norfolk. It worked great - when you get to South Station, you walk through the station to the front, get on the Silver Line (which is a bus) and off you go, directly to Logan. It stops at every terminal. Very convenient and cheap!! Not bad at all, but not like a limo, I'm sure(though I've never had that pleasure). Happy traveling.

- JHR

I don't know if this would work for you, but the cheapest way to get to Logan is the commuter rail to South Station then the Silver Line bus, which stops at all the terminals. I did this last month and it worked out great. It was very easy and the total cost was less than $10. - MP

I believe Peter Pan/Bonanza bus runs a shuttle to Logan that stops at a Foxboro plaza off of Rt. 140, close to the 95 exit. You buy your ticket at one of the convenience stores in the plaza. I'm sure it's cheaper than a car service. You can probably get more info and schedules at the Peter Pan/Bonanza website. - GA

PCI tel# 888 515 5512 in Foxboro . House pickup and back to Logan $80/couple. We have had excellent service. They do PVD also. - RC

You could give Shackley's a call--they are in Medfield, Dominic's in Franklin or Able Limo at 508-435-3903. Sorry, I don't have the other numbers at hand but you can easily Google them. Dominic's recently gave me the lowest price. None of them are what I would call cheap. Another alternative is Logan Express from either Braintree or Framingham. Happy traveling. - BS

Catering/Food/Restaurants

The Big Y in Walpole has some great cakes and they are very reasonably priced! We had an incredible pirate ship one for my son's birthday last year. I know that they also have a Thomas the Tank Engine one which is adorable. Not sure about Curious George, but they have a large book that you can look through! - MB

Custom Cakes in Medfield also makes character cakes. They made us a Curious George one last year that turned out really well. They didn't have it in their book, but I just brought in a picture and they were able to copy exactly what I wanted. - NH

Try the Pastry Box in Plainville, just past the intersection of Routes 152 and 106, at (508) 695-5094. Their cakes and pastries are delicious, and I believe they do character cakes.- VR

Roche Brothers does character cakes. Have fun. - BS

Small catering jobs available for the spring season. We will come to your house or hall. Available for parties beginning in May. E-mail us now at dtcatering@yahoo.com. Will serve the local area and further. - DH

Computers

I've used Scott, redsox59@gmail.com, for computer services. He was fantastic. He broke down my old computer and set up my new computer. He was trustworthy and efficient. I highly recommend him. - JLH

and

My son Scott (an 18 year old at KP) is very good with computers and has done work for many neighbors. He charges $20 per hour, but only if he resolves your problem, and only for full hours. He could replace a hard drive in minutes, but depending on what else you need (an OS reloaded, or files moved, etc.) it might be longer. Feel free to email him at redsox59@gmail.com or call our home at 508-528-4399. - KM

Re computer repair: There is a place in Walpole Center, right next to the Paddock restaurant, upstairs in the old building. I think its called the Computer Doctor. I took my laptop there for a keyboard replacement and it was under $100.00. And it only took 2 days. They had to order the part. - PT

Re: computer repair: have you tried calling Geek Squad? I believe they are part of Best Buy. Good Luck. - JP

Financial Services

Also anyone interested in a great financial advisor please call Chris Morgan with Investors Capital at 401.228.8944. - CC

Photography I own Hughes Photography; I have a studio in Dover center and when the flowers come back we will have beautiful grounds to photograph on right here in Norfolk. The studio # is 508-785-9814; the web site is hughesphotography.com - DV

My friend in Bellingham started a photography business about 7 years ago. She's great and cheap - in comparison to the big guys. She is *fantastic* with kids. I recommended her to an aquaintence in Dec. to do a large family shoot and I heard back from from both people that they were thrilled with the results. The best part is that you get all the negatives and then make your own copies! You don't have to pay professional printing costs and you don't have to deal with copy right issues. Give her a email to discuss rates and details. Meredithalbrightphotography.com. - LM

I am a Norfolk resident and photographer with very competitive (ie: low) rates. You can review my gallery at my website www.jingothecat.com. I can provide references and would be very happy to talk with you about your pricing and options. I specialize in family and child portraits and will work with you to meet your goal! Please feel free to contact me by email (andy@jingothecat.com) or phone (781-696-9174). I look forward to speaking with you. Website: www.JingotheCat.com - AG

Contact bryanfurey@yahoo.com with the subject line of "Portrait Photographer needed for daughter's portrait". - ES

Tailoring I have been using Dona's Tailoring on Cottage St in Franklin for the last 7 yrs. She is located across from the Rome's parking lot. She has altered everything from my business suits to casual attire. Also, she altered all of my bridesmaid's dresses and did an outstanding job for a very reasonable price. Her phone # is 528-0837. - TD

CHILDCARE/EDUCATION

To JM who is looking for a camp for her daughter, my daughter has enjoyed time in camps at the Adirondack Club in Franklin and the Hale Day camp in Westwood.

Hale Day camp has a bus that goes there from Medfield. The only problem is that I am not sure you can go just 2 days/week. Most run a full week and charge that way regardless of how often you use it. But perhaps I am mistaken. Good luck in your search. - JBN

Yashah Reid Mango of Lucky Ducky Daycare on Union Street has been providing our daughters with afterschool care a few afternoons a week and we have been thrilled with their care. I know she has a couple of little ones on a part-time basis and that she has openings as one of her babies recently moved. She provides great healthy meals, fun projects, music etc. and her rates are reasonable. - NS

Re: an Algebra II tutor. Hilda Douglas (508-528-9762) has tutored my 3 children over the last seven years. She has been very helpful to us, and is an excellent resource. My second child is now a senior in high school, and was never a "math" person, yet she has found success due Hilda's help. - EC

I run a playgroup for working parents in Norfolk and Franklin called the Saturday Club. If you have any questions about working parent issues in the area, feel free to email me at workingparentsnorfolk@hotmail.com. - KD

Give Matthew Johnson a call at 508-528-4458. He tutored my daughter almost every week during sixth grade. He was awesome and gave her the confidence and tricks she needed. She has slight dyslexia and was becoming math phobic. Now she is an A student in math and loves it. I'm sure he can also tutor freshman math. He is an engineer and was also trained as a math teacher. - BS

MIND AND BODY

Medical

There is a fantastic chiropractor at Pallis Chiropractic in Norwood, MA. www.pallischiro.com - KAB

I have used Pediatric Associates (Norwood office) for nearly 15 yrs and although they go through secretaries and nurses, they are all very knowledgeable, friendly and helpful. My 14 1/2 yr. old son started out as an infant with Dr. Friedman, was switched to Dr. Braitman and I wouldn't and don't allow him or any of my boys to see anyone else. I can always get an appointment whether it be a sick visit, routine check up or time for sports physicals. I find Dr. Braitman/Pediatric Associates very knowledgeable in the recent trends in medicine and the growing needs of adolescents. He's very safety conscious as well, always asking them when it comes to head/brain safety if they are careful and protecting themselves. Pediatric associates is a wonderful practice and I wouldn't take my boys anywhere else. - RD

Re: a male doctor with Pediatric Associates - I too have known the practice for going on 20 years, and am extremely satisfied with them. My 16-year old son started out as a baby with Dr. Friedman(he's wonderful), but for the past few years has been seen by Dr. Kolodny. I think he is very thorough, thoughtful, and direct. My son is totally comfortable seeing any of the doctors, or nurses. - EC

I will second the recommendation for Dr. Chris Giuliano at Pediatric Specialists of Foxboro and Wrentham. I agonized when switching from our pediatrician in Wellesley when we moved to town and now could not be happier. The whole practice is great. (Except for the phones... you might find a busy signal quite a bit on a Monday morning.) - KE

Regarding a pediatrician... we have been very happy with Westwood Pediatrics. They are located on 109 in Westwood. They have evening and weekend hours and everyone we have worked with there has been very knowledegable, caring, and prompt! Good luck! - MO

I use Pediatric Associates - they have offices in Franklin and Norwood and have weekend hours alternating between Norwood and an office in Wrentham. My children's pediatrician is certainly not a newby, but is always on top of the latest recommendations by the AAP for immunizations, allergy restrictions, etc., and is an incredible safety freak. My kids enjoy going to the doctor (unless it's for shots!) because the get great care from a friendly staff. - JM

For pediatrician, we've been happy with Pediatric Specialists on Rt 1 in Wrentham. A few years ago I was thinking of looking for a different practice, then Dr Kim and Dr Chris Giuliano joined the practice. Both are quite knowledgable and personable. Chris is the son of one of the founders of the practice. - CI

You could give Dedham Medical Associates a call--781-329-1400 (ask for pediatrics). They have locations in Dedham and Norwood with several pediatricians and very accessible urgent care on the weekends. You always see your own ped at this practice as long as it's regular hours. Most of the docs also have an association with Children's Hosp. You can check them out on line as they have a web site. - BS

Dental

Chestnut Dental Associates in Franklin (Pond Street) are awesome. Their phone number is 508-520-6660. They are so good with the kids. My kids enjoy going. - BS

I cannot speak highly enough of Drs. Gulrich and Karasko. Although Dr. Gulrich has retired, Dr. Karasko has carried on the same kind of professional, highly skilled, and friendly care that he did. The office staff is absolutely wonderful. We have known the members of this superb practice for over 10 years. I don't think you could find any place better for orthodontics. - MP

We use Dr. Simi in Norwood (rt on 1A) for our kids orthodontics. He and his staff have been excellent.- DH