Notes Archive, July - Sept 2001

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Previous Archive, Q2 2001

  • 9/29  1:21am   Rick Gordon of the National Golf Foundation, the consultant for the golf course feasibility study, is coming to Norfolk. He will meet with the Town Administrator and will tour the proposed site at 2:00 p.m. on Oct 2. Golf committee members and some of the opponents of the proposed course will accompany him. Rick Gordon will also attend the Golf Committee meeting of October 4, 8 pm.
    - BM

  • 9/29  1:06am   This is old news, but I was told in January by the former Town Administrator that the Norfolk Commons project had not proceeded because the developer had not yet found tenants. I think it is disgraceful that no information has been forthcoming on this project. The ``moonscape'' that has marred the town for so long has been increased tremendously in size, and no one is telling when, or if, this is going to change.
    - WB

  • 9/28  10:43am   Hi PS - Welcome to Norfolk! I moved here 2 years ago and also think it's a great place to live. For chimney sweeps: I've happily used Barry John Chimney Sweeps of Franklin (508-528-1777). If your chimney needs repair, I strongly recommend Larry Cellucci of Stone Setter Masonry in Hopedale (508-478-7009). He does a beautiful job and is also available for general odd jobs. Many of my co-workers have called him in for light carpentry, putting in window air conditioners, etc., in addition to laying brick paths and repairing chimneys.
    - HPK

  • 9/28  8:46am   The Conservation Commission is looking for volunteers to help plant several trees and bushes at the Marshall Street Entrance of the Lind Farm Property this Saturday, September 30, 2001. The work will start around 9:30 am. If you can, please bring a shovel. This work is being completed for the formal dedication ceremonies in October.
    - Andy Bakinowski, Conservation Commission

  • 9/27  10:18am   To JM - I have been trying to find out for over a year. One thing is for sure, the town should have a limit on time required to build something. I'll ask the board as well . . . . Does anyone know (no rumors) what is happening in Norfolk Commons? :)
    Click on this link for posts on Town Development subject matter. - NS

  • 9/26  4:16pm   I am sure I'll catch flak for asking a question which I am sure has been asked repeatedly in this forum, but I would like to know what business / development / or public works project is in the works above the MBTA upper parking lot. Honestly, I have lived here for three years and my neighbors have lived here ever longer and none of them are sure of what is going in there. I would like to fill everone on the street in on what it is / isn't!
    - JM

  • 9/25  5:24pm   Hello Norfolknet, I just moved to Norfolk in May. Great Town!! Does anyone have a chimney sweep that they could recommend? - Thanks, PS

  • 9/24  22:01pm   Autumnal Equinox; now, lets skip the rest and get to the Vernal Equinox. We just got back from a week end trip to Mt. Sugarbush in Vt. The colors are starting but far from peak, very pretty anyway. We visited an apple cider mill. It was very interesting to watch them press the apples into cider. Will I ever drink cider again? I don't know. They also had a bee colony with a glass back so you could see the ``Busy Bees.'' We lounged by the indoor heated pool and enjoyed the hot tub, back at the condo, we watched the fire crackling in the fireplace. Do you see the theme here, heat, hot, fire. Summer, come back . . .
    - JW

  • 9/24  4:55pm   The Norfolk Ski Club is offering group discount passes to Wachusett Mountain. Enrollment deadline is Oct. 25; additional details on the Bulletin Board.

  • 9/23  12:12pm   Happy Autumnal Equinox! This occasion marks the astronomical start of fall, and as of 11:05pm last night, nights are once again longer than the days.
    Days have been shortening since the Summer Solstice, and will reach their shortest on Winter Solstice in late December (Dec 21 2:22pm EST). The decrease in the amount of warmth and sunshine received will eventually lead to a cooling of temperatures to below the freezing point of water, resulting in icy, snowy conditions commonly referred to as winter. After Winter Solstice the days start lengthening again, gradually reversing the process and leading back to summer.

  • 9/23  12:24pm   We had a nice time browsing at the Book Sale and the Fall Fair. We loaded up on books, apple pie, and produce; the locally grown corn they had (Jane and Paul's), picked that morning, was absolutely delicious! (How do I like my corn on the cob? Indian style - chili powder and salt :-)

  • 9/18  12:22pm   Re: ``P.S. There is a leash law in the town of Norfolk! - LWK''
    In response to this post, yes there is a leash law. The leash law is that of either on a leash or under the control (verbal command) of owner/handler. (this is all interpereted for plain English instead of reading the law verbatim). To further make a point . . . Dogs are not supposed to be on school property during school time or after school time for obvious reasons (feces, many people and children have allergies to dogs, and potential fighting amongst dogs and or people due to incompatabillity reasons). I agree with LWK, when anyone is confronted by a stranger and it is uncomfortable or of threatening nature should report it to not only family members but to the PD, and it does sound like it should have been reported to my office as well (for the dog issue). If this poster who was in the confrontation wishes to report this to my office, they may call me at 528 3232.
    - HNP, Norfolk Animal Control Officer

  • 9/18  11:14am   The golf course feasibility study contract is available on-line in PDF format.

  • 9/18  11:03am   Regarding the letter last month from the young individual who was approached by a ``strange man with an unleashed dog'' - I certainly hope you reported this to the police, and if you did not, you should stop by the police station and report it so that this unwarranted incident is at least on record. This man has absolutely NO AUTHORITY and no right to ask you, even in a civilized tone, to leave the fields. Your family are residents and taxpayers in this town and you have the right to use these fields for recreation enjoyment. If there is a valid reason that you should not be on the fields, an authorized individual should identify themselves to you and explain why you may not play there. Hopefully, the police, who I'm sure are very familiar with this man, are tiring of his inappropriate behavior and will ask him to mind his own business and stop harassing and trying to intimidate people whom are on school property. P.S. There is a leash law in the town of Norfolk!
    - LWK

  • 9/17  2:42pm   Have you seen this? http://www.forekicks.com/index.htm - RL
    [It's the page of the 9-hole private golf course going in at Rtes. 115 and 1A. They have pictures of the site, with photos of the facilities under construction - Wm.]

  • 9/16  8:21pm   To JW . . . FUN WITH MERCURY! We used to rub the stuff on coins to make them shiny and slippery. My fingers haven't fallen off yet and I'm still here at age 58 with no diagnosable problems. Maybe it's all just a big hoax. - RP
    [Do I really have to tell people not to try this themselves? Or just hope that mercury has gotten difficult enough to find for this not to be an issue? Oh, the responsibility . . . And although it never occurred to me to lick the walls and our paint never peeled, I used to play with toy soldiers made out of lead, does that count? - Wm.]

  • 9/16  8:21pm   OK, here she goes again . . . Mercury thermometers, boy, do they bring back memories. When I was a kid, we used to break them intentionally just to play with the mercury. My brother had a custard cup filled with it and one day I was looking at it and I dropped it. There was mercury everywhere. It took me hours to pick it all up. Anyone who has ever tried to clean up a broken thermometer knows what I mean, mercury is not easy to catch. While I'm on the subject of the past, which I seem to live in more and more, my mother used to dab DDT on the back of my neck before school whenever there was an outbreak of lice, which was often. I only got lice once so it must have worked. I wonder how in the world I got to be the age I am with all the poison I played with and absorbed. I would like to hear your stories of the dangerous practices of your youth.
    - JW

  • 9/15  8:17pm   I rearranged the links in the left margin; in particular, I separated the links to Municipal Pages to make them more visible.
    The golf committee page has been updated; at the Selectmen's meeting they will be recommending a consultant for the feasibility study, and will be presenting a communications plan for keeping residents informed on news about the golf course proposal.
    And why am I following the golf committee page so closely? Well, other than awaiting the promised answers to questions - it's a bit convoluted, but here goes. In order to improve communication between the golf committee and the public, the Selectmen appointed the town administrator the liaison. He in turn created a web page for them, and asked the website committee to put it up on the web. Being part of the website committee and reasonably handy with web pages, that task has fallen to me, so I get to find out about all the updates early.

  • 9/15  11:43pm  
    Mercury Fever Thermometer Swap
    The Town of Norfolk as well as SEMASS have teamed up to offer you an excellent way to dispose of your glass mercury fever thermometer(s) (silver liquid inside).
    When? Saturday, September 22, 9AM to 12 Noon.
    Where: Transfer Station, 33 Medway Branch Bring in your glass mercury fever thermometer(s) and receive one FREE digital thermometer! There are many health risks associated with the prolonged exposure to mercury. Handle the mercury thermometer carefully, to avoid breakage. Bring it in in its plastic case, or in a sealable baggie. Keep in mind that quantities are limited, and we are offering only one thermometer per family. But you can dispose of as many glass mercury fever thermometers as you need to. You may also bring in other mercury- containing items including other thermometers, non-electronic thermostats, and mercury-column blood pressure gages.
    [...from an information sheet at the Transfer Station, 9/15/01] - RH
    [ Mercury is an extremely toxic chemical, it requires special handling, and may not be disposed of in the trash, so this collection is a quite useful service - Wm. ]

  • 9/15  1:07pm   On Monday, September 17, I will be holding the first in a series of Town Administrator's Office Hours. The Town Administrator's Office will be open from 5:00 - 7:00 P.M., and any Norfolk resident who wants to discuss a municipal problem is invited to drop in. No appointment is necessary; appointments will be handled on a first come basis.
    Town Administrator's Office Hours will be continued twice per month on Monday evenings, prior to the Board of Selectmen's meeting. Even if you do not have a problem requiring local government attention, drop in and say 'hello.'
    - Bob Markel, Town Administrator

  • 9/13  10:24pm   To GZ . . .   Describe to us at Norfolknet how we ``desire to manipulate and control,'' and secondly describe the ``expression of compassion'' that the US should undertake after someone just killed thousands. thanks - NS

  • 9/13  10:23pm   You can donate blood at the American Red Cross located on Rust Craft Road in Dedham (the road the runs behind the Dedham Cinemas and past Vinnie Testa's Restaurant). Call ahead to ask for further directions and best time to go: 781-461-2000. - MMB

  • 9/13  3:48pm   Can anyone tell me where the nearest blood donation locations are? - SH

  • 9/12  9:31pm   Wow, how to come to the realization that the problems we face day to day, ergo, to golf course or not to golf course, to pave, tear down, build up, scrape up, seize up, my neighbors (dog barks, kids yell, radio is too loud etc.) mean NOTHING in the large scheme of things. I sit transfixed, in front of the TV set, watching those terrible pictures over and over again yet unable to turn away, all the while thinking, ``What am I going todo, how is this going to affect me, my kids, my grandkids, my world?'' All of a sudden, I feel very small and very vulnerable and very thankful that I am where I am and not where ``they'' are. I am sorry for everyone in this world, it's not supposed to be like this. Everyone that is safe today, take a minute and breathe, tell people how much they mean to you, smile at all you meet, and above all, Love and Laugh together.
    - JW

  • 9/12  8:22pm   The challenge that confronts us as a result of the tragic events in New York is to move forward in our lives without fear. We will only continue the violence and destruction by succumbing to the desire to manipulate and control. The role we can individually play in this tragedy is contribute to the love in our world, and not the fear. If we hate those who hate, we become like them. We then add to the violence and destructive energy that now fills our world. The remedy for suffering is not to inflict more suffering. This is an opportunity for a massive expression of compassion, or a massive expression of revenge. Which world do you intend to live in, a world of revenge, or a world of compassion? - GZ

  • 9/12  8:20pm   Is this town ready for a terrorist attack? More talk about that and less about the golf course. And when is North and Shear St. going to be done? I have beenlooking for it for three years - KC

  • 9/12  12:28am   What a sad day - This act of war committed against our nation will impact the lives of every American forever. Please pray for the victims of this tragedy and their families. And as the hunt begins for the ``monsters'' responsible for this cowardly act, pray for strength and justice for our great country. For all of us who feel we need to do something more - give blood, which will be desperately needed in the days and weeks ahead, generously. - HK

  • 9/11  8:05pm   The first Norfolk PAC meeting of the new school year will be on Sept. 27. Also, they will be sponsoring a fall soccer season from September 22 through October 27. For more information Call Judy McK. at 508-528-5090. - ES

  • 9/11  9:32am   To NS - There are several reasons that NCTV is unable to cover the Board of Health meetings as well as many other board meetings. The single biggest reason is the lack of volunteer producers to tape the meetings. (The interesting thing to me is that with all the hooting and hollering about what's going on in Norfolk, there are not many more folks who would love the opportunity to be a part of the action by producing these shows. I could train anyone to produce these shows in short order.) Another big reason is that many boards and committees meet in rooms at the Town Hall that are not equipped with proper audio capability. (The selectmen's meeting room is the only room in Town Hall fully equipped for broadcasting.) We've tried several times to do the Conservation Committee meetings in room 214 but the audio is so poor that until we solve that problem, it is not worth doing. Scheduling would not be a problem if we had enough volunteers to do the job. So NS, when do you want to start?
    - Paul Guertin, NCTV Station Manager

  • 9/10  10:46pm   Message for Paul Guertin, NCTV Station Manager - I noticed on the NCTV schedule that you no longer televise the Board of Health meetings. Is the main reason lack of people down at NCTV or is it a reason due to scheduling? Thanks and keep up the great work!! - NS

  • 9/10  10:44pm   The success of the Board of Selectmen depends on how little the voters of this town know. They do not like to rock the ship by taking on the tough issues publicly, so they hide their weaknesses in executive sessions. - MEH

  • 9/9  10:31pm   I tried to give the Board of Selectmen the benefit of the doubt. It was summer, activity slows down in town (unfortunately not for those of us in the real world). After watching Tuesday's meeting, their most important accomplishment was getting the meeting over with in record time. They were very pleased with themselves.
    I am not pleased. I will not cast another vote for any of this present board unless they can keep us informed about what is really going on in town. There has to be something of some substance that can be discussed each week. Some suggestions are as follows:
    1. An explanation could have been given about the work that has started on Main Street. What type of rerouting can we expect? How long will there be a disruption, etc. It would be nice to know.
    2. Do we have a Veterans' Agent? This was discussed some time ago. I have heard rumors, what are the facts?
    3. What was the resolution of the ballot error concerning the constable? The previous discussion (which I'm not so sure we would have heard about had the issue not been forced) was tabled until town counsel could be consulted. Well . . . ?
    4. Why not a discussion about the article appearing in the Chronicle regarding the recreation project. Seems like a serious issue to me. Will additional funding be required?
    5. How about a response from the B.O.S. to the recent letter from the Conservation Commission regarding Mr. Perron's accusations. I think the challenge from the con com was legitimate and should be discussed.
    6. The August 14th article in the Sun Chronicle addressing Mr. Perron's filing (on behalf of the Mass Correctional Officers Union) of a state ballot question proposal with the attorney general's office that would allow citizen petitions for recall elections to remove county sheriffs from office was very interesting. If my memory serves me correctly, Mr. Perron was absolutely against the recent recall petitions brought forth by his constituents. Sounds like a big fat case of hypocrisy to me. If I were one of his fellow board members, I'd sure like to hear an explanation. If nothing else, he certainly owes one to the residents of this town.
    7. I've never heard the details of the new town administrator's contract. I think it is important to know - the taxpayers are paying the bill.
    8. Before I vote for any future expenditure, I would like to hear a summary of all pending and possible legal problems the town is facing. I know that these situations are discussed during the very frequent ``executive sessions'' invoked by the Board, but I'm sure that the Chairman could give us an idea of the number of cases and potential impact to the town without giving away the legal strategy. I know this gets into dicey territory, but I think he can handle it.
    Unfortunately, I could go on, but it's wearing me out. Please, members of the Board, let us know what is going on. You have a great forum available to educate and inform the voters. This is the only way we can cast an intelligent vote.
    Summer is over, let's get down to business. - JMC

  • 9/9  7:07am   The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library Book and Bake Sale will be held Saturday, September 22 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., preceded on Friday evening by the ``Friday Night Friends Only'' used book sale. More details can be found on the Calendar, and in their press release.

  • 9/7  8:58am   Well it happened! Miller Street finally got paved. My car really enjoyed riding down that street this evening. One bad thing to this is that I can see cars going quite fast down it and going over the bridge. Unfortunatly, I bet there will be an accidents because some cars will be going fast.
    - PR

  • 9/6  2:17pm   The Norfolk Road Safety Committee meets at Town Hall, room 25, at 7:30 PM. Meetings remaining in 2001: September 19, October 17, November 14, December 12.
    - Jim Leonard, Norfolk Road Safety Committee

  • 9/5  8:51am   JW - that looks like the kind of spider my dad and I used to feed Japanese beetles to. The spider would pounce on the struggling beetle and wrap it up for a later dinner. If you don't need her services, you could send her over here to guard my rose of Sharon!
    - HPK

  • 9/4  8:04pm   This is the first of three or more times Main Street will be dug up. This time is for the lowering of the water pipes. One wonders why this couldn't be done once and save the people of norfolk money and inconvience. I guess someone in town hall could answer this.
    - MEH

  • 9/4  1:41pm   To JW - Maybe if you had told that spider that it would be on the ``web'' it would have responded. If you had put a video camera on her we all could have ``spied her'' from the safe comforts of home. The offer stands; if you would like to be Norfolk's wildlife chronicler, we will provide the technical assistance and equipment. I think we should call your spider Charlotte and give her her own web site - Charlotte's Web.
    - Paul Guertin NCTV Station Manager.

  • 9/3  10:27am   Senior Golf Outing [will be held] Saturday, September 29th at the Pine Acres Executive Golf Course in Bellingham, MA. Entrance fee is $18.00 which includes coffee & donuts at 8:30 AM, 9 holes of golf before lunch, lunch and prizes. Make check payable to: The Friends of the Norfolk Council on Aging. Mail to: R. Connors, 30 Everett Street, Norfolk, MA 02056, or sign up and pay at the COA office. The rain date has been changed from Oct 6th (Columbus Day Weekend) to Oct 13.
    - RC

  • 9/2  11:06pm   The Town created a web page for the Norfolk Golf Committee, accessible for the time being as www.norfolknet.com/golfcomm. Currently, the page contains a schedule, a calendar, and two requests for proposals (one for a feasibility study, the other for project development and construction management), but contains as of yet no specifics and no answers to any of the questions that have been raised.
    Apropos the golf course, we've been informed that Representative Scott Brown has filed Bill 4423 authorizing the bond for the course. To find the status of this bill, one may call (617) 722-2356 (House Clerk's office) to see if it has been passed yet. Information about Legislative Bills in general can be found on the state legislative web page.
    As to the questions about the course, we came across another written list of questions posed to the golf committee. It's similar to the questions we already had up on the page, but asks different, and often much more penetrating questions.

  • 9/2  9:51pm   A chili pepper update: the small bunch of cayenne peppers we planted in the yard is doing well. Quite well, actually; as of this morning, there were nine ripe red chilis on the plants, with several small green ones and numerous flowers. So on the face of it, I should be in spicy heaven for the indefinite future.
    But for the catch - I not only find them tasty, I'm getting used to them. I've started to eat them as food. Today, after smothering it in cheese and baking in the microwave for a minute, I ate an entire one in one sitting. My first Super Cayenne chili pepper popper, as it were. Yumm!

    Spider, 32K

  • 9/2  9:44pm   To Paul Guertin, Here's my first contribution to the NCTV wildlife segment. I don't know how wild it is but it sure looks poisonous. I tried to interview it but it totally ignored my questions. Maybe it didn't like the paparazzi invading its space. Stay tuned for my next amazing photo . . .
    - JW

    Little Snake, 15K Little Snake, 32K

  • 9/2  9:51pm   We had an unexpected visitor ourselves yesterday. I was about to close the bulkhead door to the basement when this little fellow scooted out of the door hinges and fell into the stairwell. It took a while for it to finally climb back out. - Wm.

  • 9/2  9:42pm   Anyone know what is goin on on Main Street? Is this the beginning of the project to bury the utility lines? Anyone know where we can get details? - Thanks, DAF

  • 8/30  11:10am   To JW who has ``way too much time on his/her hands'': NCTV could help you use that time in a productive way. Why not become a nature film producer highlighting the wildlife that one finds in Norfolk. I've seen deer, rabbits, raccoons, feral cats, possum, skunks, coyotes, possibly a wolf, and many other assorted creatures of the day and night including hummingbirds. Someone with time on their hands could use our equipment and training to bring these natural pleasures to the folks at home. What do you think, JW - interested?
    - Paul Guertin, NCTV Station Manager
    [Actually, this sounds kind of fun for any nature lover or photography buff - Wm.]

  • 8/29  10:30pm   I can't believe that school starts one week from today. I don't have kids in school anymore, thank heavens, but I do now and have always hated Labor Day weekend. All I see in my minds eye is turning leaves, gray days, early darkness, cold nights, cold days, the S word and getting stuck behind a school bus going my way all the way. AND all this misery happens just because kids have to start school after Labor Day weekend. - JW

    Deer in the Cemetery, 40K

  • 8/29  10:19pm   Suicidal amphibians??? Think Frogger. (I have way to much time on my hands.) - JW

  • 8/29  9:41pm   A surprise at the Cemetery last week in the middle of the day - SW

  • 8/28  10:02pm   It's horrible, driving on a rainy summer night. The rain and thunder are not a problem, visibility is ok, it's those suicidal amphibians that bounce across the road, or choose to hurl themselves under the car at the last instant. How does one live with the guilt?!

  • 8/28  12:50pm   I agree with DB about the Gazette. No more weekly police reports (some were quite funny). The Press used to publish the Norfolk Little League game results-I know my kids enjoyed seeing their names in the paper for a good play they had made. The Gazette did it for one week and that was it. Miss all the info the Press provided. I had a feeling the Gazette wouldn't be as good. O-well!
    - PR

  • 8/28  11:03am   Earlier this month I asked if anyone knew if the Norfolk Highway Department had any plans to resurface Rockwood Rd. between Boardman and Cleveland Streets, and if the voters has approved the $300K override. Unfortunately on the same day someone wrote in criticizing the Highway Dept. which started a debate on the effectiveness of our highway department. I never saw any response. If someone does know, please respond. We used to get all this information in the Norfolk weekly newspaper, but that disappeared when the Country Gazette bought them out. The news about Norfolk in that paper is sparse at best.
    - DB

  • 8/28  10:34am   To JCB regarding the downtown business area: NCTV recently interviewed new Town Administrator Dr. Robert Markel concerning that and many other subjects. That interview is presently running on both channel 8 and 22. Click on NCTV Schedule on the www.norfolknet.com home page and find out the exact times this show is running. I think some of your question will be answered in this interview. The interview covered topics such as the Pond Street Recreation area, the business area downtown, the golf committee, property taxes, sprawl etc. NCTV would also be interested in your comments regarding this program. We try to bring to the folks of Norfolk shows of local concern and interest. It is hard for us to evaluate what our viewership is and how our programs are regarded in general. Any comments, pro or con from you or anyone else is always welcomed.
    - Thank you, Paul Guertin, NCTV Station Manager.

  • 8/28  10:31am   At the end of this week the animal control department will have up for adoption a young male cat. He is short haired, roughly 6 months old, white with smokey grey patches. He is very friendly, affectionate, and full of energy. Anyone who is interested in learning more about this cat may contact animal control at 508 528 3232 between 9am - 5pm.
    - HNP
    [9/2  10:34pm  Update: the cat has found a home, it will be picked up Tuesday, 9/4.]

  • 8/27  7:07pm   Any updates on the progress of "downtown"? I've read that one possible addition is a small market. Is there someone or some committee that is in charge of recruiting businesses for the new downtown area? If so, I would like to suggest a "Trader Joe's" market. The closest one is in Needham. I think this would be a great addition to downtown as it is a small market which carries unique products and thus would not compete with the small convenience type markets already in town. Any chance we can get an update on the progress downtown in the form of an article in the Country Gazette?
    - JCB

  • 8/27  8:09am   Ok, let's try this once more, from the top - Good morning! Warm and muggy is back for the week, temperatures forecast in the 80s, with rain and thundershowers today and tomorrow. The 56 degrees Sunday morning must have been an aberration, we'll overlook it. I ended up spending the week-end puttering; had great intentions to rebuild the computer and do chores about the house, but picked up a new murder mystery instead, so all I have to show for the past two days is a desk full of computer clutter.

  • 8/24  8:21am   I guess these are the lazy days of late summer. The days are pleasant and cooler, the ``heat bugs'' quieter (I really like that name :-), and a lot of people must be on vacation. I've been spending a lot of time scouring eBay for computer parts, since as Vijay's computer acted up I took the opportunity to look into upgrading our systems in general.
    8/24  11:20am  Update: Make that late late summer. Saw two maples in Needham with distinctly orange and red foliage. The things you find out if you bike to work... On the other hand, the bike is doing great.

  • 8/24  8:11am   A note to residents,
    A bird that was tested for West Nile virus this week had come back with a positive result for carrying the disease. I am giving this information for educational reasons, [there is no reason yet to be concerned]. To date, a bird has tested positive on the Norfolk line, and now with the newest result one in Norfolk itself, but we have not had any mosquitos in town test positive to the disease. Since the mosquito is the carrier between birds and humans and birds and horses, the transmission is still minimal. I am providing a link to the MDPH for any and all who would like to learn up on more about what is going on and what you can do to help deter the chances of WNV. This is the time of year where [insect repellent] is a GREAT idea for all when they are out between dusk and dawn. Any questions feel free to reach animal control at 508-528-3232.
    - HNP, Norfolk ACO

  • 8/21  1:28pm   The following meetings have been posted at Norfolk Town Hall as of August 20th. 
    
August 23
Conservation Commission, 7:30 p.m., Room 214

August 29
Golf Committee, 8:00 p.m., Town Hall

August 30
Website Committee, 7:30 p.m., Library

September 4
Board of Health, 7:30 p.m., Room 214

September 6
Planning Board, 7:30 p.m., Room 124
Advisory Board, 8:00 p.m.,  Town Hall

September 13
Website Committee, 7:30 p.m., Library
Planning Board, 7:30 p.m., Room 124

To Board and Committee members: please post any corrections or changes
on this site.
    - RN

  • 8/20  1:04pm   To MMB: The following is contact information for the Garden Club (508) 528-5991 - Gail McCaffrey. This is listed on page 9 of the 2000-2001 issue of The Little Green Book of Norfolk. If you need a book call Northeastern Publishing at (508) 429-5588.   :+) - NM

  • 8/19  2:06pm   I am glad to be able to report that Super Cayenne peppers, like we planted in the garden, *do* turn hotter as they ripen. The one I ate green was disappointingly mild, but last week we picked a bright red one, and I sliced an inch of the tip into my soup. The soup turned nice and spicy. Emboldened, I took a tiny bite of the chili itself, and like I said, I am really, really glad that I am still able to report :-)

  • 8/17  2:37pm   To MMB: Try asking for info. at the library; I know that the Garden Club regularly provides flower arrangements for them, and they might have contact information - VR

  • 8/17  10:48am   Still seeking Garden Club information. Anyone out there know about meeting days and times, membership in general? Thanks! - MMB

  • 8/16  11:33am   Regarding zoning districts and bylaws, call the Planning Board Administrator, Lois Boucher, at Town Hall, 508-528-2961. I have found Lois to be very knowledgeable and helpful in zoning and planning matters. Also, the Building Department may help: 508-528-5088. - RH

  • 8/16  11:04am   Does anyone know how I can find out what district of Norfolk I live in? I got a copy of the town zoning bylaws but its unclear as to what district I live in and what bylaws I need to follow. Thanks! - MF

  • 8/15  11:59pm   Wednesday soccer was fun. It was eight on eight and very fast action, sometimes more like a game of Pong than team sport. The sides must not have been well balanced, as the final score was (about) 17 to 11, including two own-goals.

  • 8/15  10:17pm   The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library are asking for donations of used books for their upcoming Book and Bake sale; read their notice for details. The sale will be on Sept. 22.

  • 8/15  9:42pm   It is ``a bit much'' to have someone from another Town participating in this debate on the Golf Course for a very simple reason: democracy. The rules of democracy are few and simple. Any citizen can participate in government. If not a citizen, you cannot. What is a citizen? It is someone who is resident within the boundaries of the governmental entity and at least 18 years of age. The government is Norfolk Town Government, and it includes the Golf Study Committee. Since GD is a resident of another Town, perhaps he can let us come to our own conclusions in our own way. Of course, as a private citizen, GD is free to develop a golf course, and promote golf, in Norfolk. Pull together investors, put together a plan, and submit it to the appropriate Town of Norfolk boards, who are amenable to commercial development, if you want golf in Norfolk. The Town Boards have worked well with the developers of the new golf and recreation business planned for 115 and Rt. 1A, so it seems. - RG
    [Substitute ``loyalties'' for ``democracy,'' then re-read the paragraph for another way of seeing the point raised. Certainly we can agree that GD is an effective and loyal supporter of the game of golf, but he has no obvious incentive to see that Norfolk money is spent frugally, saved for later, or invested in another enterprise - Wm.]

  • 8/13  9:21pm   Time to look at the lighter side of things. What's your idea of roughing it on vacation? I'm a baker, so I was prepared to go a week without my bread machine, pizza peel & stone, and muffin pans. We arrived at our cottage with the beautiful view of Golden Oak Pond and the sound of the Loons in Holdnerness, N.H, which we had scooped out last year. But the first thing I noticed was that there was no actual oven! Gone were the thoughts of making my favorite scone recipe with fresh blueberries, and enjoying it on the little screened-in porch!
    Luckily, we discovered a farm with an attached bakery and were able to get some great baked goods there. But . . . it was still tough to go a whole week without baking, especially when I watched one of our vacation neighbors indulge in her passion for shopping. Next year I will go armed with my toaster oven!
    - CR

  • 8/13  6:46pm   To GD: Thank you for responding to the various posts on this board about the golf course. I found this website with an informative article about constructing and maintaining golf courses. After reading this article I can now see where some of the budgeting numbers that the Golf Committee has been using in their various presentations came from. [S]ome, but not all, of the numbers for const ruction presented by the Golf Committee are very, very optimistic.
    However, the finances and the way this proposed golf course in Norfolk is going to be funded still raise questions for me. I reviewed this webpage that has a good discussion about financing the construction of municipal golf courses.
    This article discusses the procurement of a bond. The article states that ``under this type of financing, interest on the bonds is tax free and the taxpayer doesn't have to pay for the construction. General obligation type bonds may or may not require a public referendum. For these types of municipal bonds, a `market and financial feasibility study' is performed to determine the financial success of the proposed operation.'' If that is the case for the proposed golf course in Norfolk then what can be wrong with this plan? [D]oes a formal written market feasibility study exist?
    As I continued to read the article, a reference was made to an Enterprise Fund. The various presentations that have been made by the Golf Committee have used this term many times. Taken directly from the article above ``Many communities, which already have a course and would like to build a new one, set up an Enterprise Fund. Under this arrangement, profits from the existing course go into a special fund to help finance a new course. Another way for a community with an existing course to finance a new one is to levy a surcharge on greens fees. Instead of raising the greens fees, the course adds a 50 cent or $1 surcharge to each round. This surcharge goes back into the golf course instead of the general fund. This money is then used for the development of a new golf course. Community golfers, in effect, are financing their own facilities.'' My question: is the use of the term ``Enterprise Fund'' in this article the same as the Golf Committee is using the term or is the meaning something different? The Town does not have an existing golf course or any other revenue stream to support an Enterprise Fund.
    Any clarification to these financial questions would be appreciated. - WB

  • 8/13  8:52am   Laugh at you, I may throw something at you when I see you in that sweatshirt. I had this great reason to be lazy "OMG it's too hot" now I'm up to my elbows in those chores I put off. I was driving to the store yesterday (in a downpour) and saw that the trees are actually starting to turn color. I nearly drove into one it was so depressing. I want it to be April again with the promise of a great summer ahead of me instead of the realization that we are nearing the end of a oh so so summer again this year. This morning I have donned capris and a shirt with short sleeves, a sure sign of the approaching, "OMG it's cold" - JW

  • 8/13  8:50am   I am seeking information about the Norfolk Garden Club. When / where are meetings held? How does one join? There is no info on the town's "Organizations" page. Thanks in advance for your help! - MMB

  • 8/12  10:51pm   To all of us who wished it would cool down - we seem to have gotten our wish. Temperatures are now some thirty degrees cooler than they were last week, so much so that I put on a sweatshirt to walk around the block today.
    JW will laugh at me, but ``OMG it's too cold!''

  • 8/12  10:20pm   Is it really ``a bit much'' to live in a neighboring town and promote the game of golf? I will support the game not just because I'm a member of the P.G.A., but because I've seen the game literally keep people alive well beyond their years. I've seen Junior players build confidence and self esteem through golf. I've seen people completely fail at the game and become humbled by its difficulty. All the while I still respect the fact that some people just don't play and don't care to. Do you really think that if the project was in my town that I would not be willing to take the risk of the liabilities involved here? Are people not willing to take a chance on securing a possible revenue source for the future even if it takes ten or more years? I can only hope Medway comes up with some sort of revenue source when my kids have kids so they can afford to grow up in a section of the country that is second to none.
    - GD

  • 8/12  10:12pm   After reading the note from BH, I ran to check my passport. Just as I thought, I am a citizen of the U.S. Since when is it not permissible to criticize an elected official? I know in this politically correct society, we go to great lengths not to offend anyone, but let's not lose track of some very important points:
    1. We elected them. They were not anointed, crowned, etc.
    2. They make decisions that affect all of us.
    3. They spend our taxpayer dollars.
    Now maybe I'm just an uninvolved, non-volunteer without an advanced degreee, but I think perhaps I have a right to voice an opinion. If we follow through with BH's philosophy, town government would be run by a select few. There would be no need for town meeting. Just keep quiet and pay your taxes. The elite know what is best for us.
    Hopefully BH has served the town well. I have no doubt that the majority of those invoved in town affairs are there for all the right reasons. But, they should also know that not everyone will always agree with their decisions or their actions. Is it wrong to let them know when that happens? We are always encouraged to let our representatives at the state and federal level know what we think. Why should local government be any different?
    I will continue to watch what goes on from the "comfort of my home". One of the most important responsibilities of citizenship is to be informed. With knowledge comes power. The power to cast an intelligent vote. [ . . . ]
    - JMC

  • 8/10  10:39pm  
    Norfolk Friends,
    We have had another unfortunate theft and act of vandalism in our town. The sheds at the Freeman Centennial School were broken into and soccer uniforms and equipment were stolen. Not one or two shirts but 49 soccer jerseys were taken (all the same color). This would have uniformed 5 teams and will cost our soccer families hundreds of dollars. Other equipment was stolen as well and the shed was vandalized.
    I'm not sure what to do about it and it is a terrible feeling to see kids proudly wearing Lion's Soccer shirts and wondering how they got them! I guess I'm asking the person or people who stole the shirts and equipment to return them to the shed. Everyone makes mistakes and bad choices in their life, but make a good choice and return the stolen property that the hardworking people of Norfolk purchased for their children. If anyone has any information about the stolen property please e-mail me at norfolklionsoccer@hotmail.com.
    Thank you and have a great (cooler) weekend, - CS

  • 8/10  2:27pm   First, in his 7/24 golf course comments below, Mr. Dowdell's most interesting sentence was that he is a resident of Medway. It's a bit much that an out-of-towner, who will not have to bear the many liabilites associated with the golf course - no matter how successful it might one day be - is actively promoting it.
    Second, was a time line to build the golf course, a schedule of events and dead lines, due to the Selectmen on August 3? If so, what happened to it? No mention was made at the August 3 BoS meeting, nor were Golf Committee members present.
    Third, the Highway Department has got to be one of the best around.
    - RG

  • 8/9  9:28pm   To All Those Who Use Kingsbury Pond, please consider the following guidelines:
    No Parking
    (The signs that say No Parking are there for a reason. Consider using alternate forms of transportation to get to the beach area.)
    No Pets
    (Now this is a stretch, especially since on any given day there are usually more dogs in the water then people. Can you at least keep your pet on a leash? I do not care if Rover, "Is really friendly". Rover could severely injure my 2 year old if he wanted. Better safe than sorry. And how about cleaning up after Rover when he relieves himself on the tiny beach area?)
    No Bathing of Pets in the Water
    (This actually happened! A woman shampooed her dog right in the Pond! That is disgusting and disrespectful. Use some common sense.)
    No Smoking
    (Also a stretch. Can you at least not fling your used butts all over the tiny beach area? There are garbage cans at the top of the hill for a reason.)
    No Alcoholic Beverages
    (This is a simple one. But if you do, "Throw back a few", can you at least not smash your bottles all over the beach? Bare feet and broken glass don't mix.)
    No Profanity
    (Idealistic? Sure, but I try very hard not to subject my children to that language.)
    No Littering
    (When you finish that bag of Cool Ranch Doritos, how about taking it with you?)
    I'm sure I speak for all residents of Kingsbury Road and any other area where there is a small beach area for residents to use.
    Thank you - DKM

  • 8/8  9:36pm   This note is for those who criticize Town government, written by one who has served, in years past, in appointed positions and nine years on a very busy elected board. I am thankful that we have some dedicated people willing to run and serve on Town boards. In most cases the service is pro bono or for very low remuneration. I am amazed by the number of good people, especially those with advanced degrees, who take the time and effort to serve the Town, taking time away from jobs and families to do the Town's business. I would like suggest to the ``loyal watchers'' of televised meetings, who sit in the comfort of their homes, that they get involved in Town affairs if they have any skills or experience to offer. Ask to be appointed to a volunteer committee, learn the basics, study the laws that govern every action that the Town takes, and contribute. Do not expect to be elected to a top job without ``paying your dues'' in a lesser position. Perhaps after gaining some experience and credibility, you too can be elected to a Board and provide some of the excellent decision making capability that our current boards display now.
    And also to the critics, this adage:
    ``There are three types of person:
    1. One who makes things happen;
    2. One who watches things happen; and
    3. One who says: What happened?''
    We need more good people in the first category, not the second or third.
    - BH

  • 8/8  1:30pm   To NS: No, I do not have any affiliation with the highway department. I don't even know a single soul who works there.
    I totally agree with your comments on the roads. I drive King Street every day and it feels like my tires are going to fall off. However, my point was that when repairs, redesigns, etc. DO happen, I think they do a professional job. I think a lot of the projects lack funds and manpower (maybe a bit naive of me). Hopefully, the extra $300k we recently approved will get some of the worst ones in shape.
    - JP

  • 8/8  1:30pm   This may be a dumb question but does anyone know the status of the new recreation fields? It looks like they have been completed for some time yet never see the gate open. Possible waiting for grass to root itself over a 2 year time frame??? - NS

  • 8/8  1:28pm   JP, do you have any affiliation with the Highway Department? The reason I ask is that the roads in Norfolk are by far the worst compared to surrounding towns. (Strictly my opinion). Projects take forever and a day and are few and far between. It seems to me that either the highway department has an almost non-existent budget or the budget never gets spent for the highway. When is the last time you saw a new highway truck? On average they look at least 10 years old. Drive to other surrounding towns and be amazed at the modern equipment they have. I wish the highway department the best because most likely they have a miniscule budget to work with.
    - NS

  • 8/8  9:21am   Does anyone know, if the town has any plans to complete the paving of Rockwood Rd. from Tucker Rd. to Boardman St.? It's in real tough shape, and I'm concerned about damage to my auto. I know there was a Special Election to approve $300K in road repair, but I never saw the result of the voting. Thanks.
    - DB

  • 8/8  9:18am   Just wanted to compliment the highway department on the various road projects in town. They always do a very nice job. The rework done at the corner of King and Ridgefield Streets looks great with the nice stone retaining wall - very professional looking. This could have just of easily been a much less appealing concrete slab. I'm also happy to see work has re-started on the King St./Union St. intersection. The HD gets a little flak for being slow with projects, but I'd rather have slow and nice than fast and ugly.
    - JP

  • 8/6  10:57pm   Hopefully this letter will be looked at by the recreation commission. I have been living and playing baseball in Norfolk for 10 years. Just about every time my friends and I go to the fields at the Freeman Centennial School there seems to be a problem. I've been kicked off and prevented from playing for numerous reasons. Some include the grounds keepers just mowed the lawn or put down limestone on the field, we hit the ball too far, we're making too much noise, we're too old to play on the little league field (which happened when I was 11), or because the football team needed the space. Just this past Sunday I was kicked off for the worst reason yet - a strange man approached us (with an unleashed dog) and threatened me to move my car immediately. I started to get my keys out of my bag and the man threatened "move your car now!" My friends and I complied. After, I realized that I should've called the cops. After all, a strange man bothering three minors and demanding my name. Is it just me, or does it seem like kids are prevented from playing ball quite often in this town?
    - ?P

  • 8/6  9:29pm   I wish the new town administrator the best of luck. Being a loyal watcher of the BOS meetings, I have a feeling he may need it. My impression is that the board consists of one member who seems to have lost interest, one with a personal agenda and one who has a definite "power" problem. According to one newspaper article, the TA said he would like to streamline the meetings. If they are streamlined any further, they may as well not bother. It seems that there are too many issues that are discussed briefly, tabled to a later date and never heard about again. There are also too many cryptic conversations, not to mention notes written to each other, letters pointed to, etc. I say let's have open and honest town government. Too many issues do not come to the forefront until the issue is forced. This town has a very difficult future ahead of it. It is going to require strong leadership and some very level headed, common sense decision making. I would like to have confidence that this BOS is up to the challenge. At this point, I haven't been convinced.
    - JMC

  • 8/5  4:49pm   Nice, lazy Sunday afternoon, and what better way to spend it than to take a bike-ride around the neighborhood. Ok, the extended neighborhood, since I made it to Hopkinton before turning back, but still. And once I was on the road, I saw that most everyone else thought that the perfect way to spend it was to kick back next the the pool - live and learn.
    There are lots of neat back streets and rural by-ways around, but there are also lots of brand new streets that are not on my map (new subdivisions), and even a street that was on my map that did not exist in reality. It turned into two ruts in a woodsy path ending in a meadow used for dumping campers, cars and old election signs. It would have been a wasted detour, but then I found some delicious blackberries ripening in the shade, and all was forgiven. And to those who mind the potholes in our streets, I have to tell you, none of the nearby towns are any better. It seems to be a universal constant that the smaller, less-traveled streets seem to get less attention than the main roads.
    I was surprised to see how much farmland there is still left in Medway. A lot of it looks abandoned, with farm equipment left to rust out in the fields, but there are some that are still cultivated. Perhaps the loneliest sight of the trip was the beefy farmer in his straw hat leaning on a small trailer with a sign offering home-grown produce. He was looking out above the field with a far-away look in his eyes, perhaps contemplating the future of his small herd of cattle across the street.

  • 8/4  12:54pm   It is commendable that the golf study committee wants to create revenue for the town. However with 19 golf courses within the surrounding towns - are we creating our own version of the "Big Dig" that all Norfolk tax payers (golfers and non-golfers alike) will end up paying for in our taxes if it is not successful? [ 2 Sharon, 1 N. Attleboro, 1 Dedham, 1 Foxboro, 1 Franklin, 1 Millis, 1 Plainville, 3 Attleboro, 2 Norwood, 2 Bellingham, 1 Milford, 2 Walpole, 1 being built in Norton 140 past Tweeter Center - source http://www.golfcourse.com ]
    - WLS

  • 8/3  12:11pm   JM commented on another reader's response to Greg Dowdell's post about the Golf Course. I think JM missed the point. Greg's post about the Golf Course ended with the line "It's certainly better than the alternative...". That last line ruined an otherwise well written letter. It is the same veiled threat that if the Golf Course doesn't go in, there will be a development filed with a comprehensive permit. This will allow relief from zoning if below market units are built. This same comment was used about rezoning the Southwood site as well as other subdivisions. If a project stands on its own merit then the mentioning of comprehensive permits is unnecessary. The Golf Committee was told this by the Advisory Board prior to Town Meeting. As an aside . . . The Buckley Mann property is zoned commercially, so that is definitely an alternative.
    - SM

  • 8/2  12:26pm   Dear Friends: The Federated Church of Norfolk now has a webpage!!!!! It is at http://fcon.org It is updated regularly and includes the latest calendar and newsletter as well as useful information about our programs and historical background of the church. Still working out the kinks (especially if you use Netscape), so if you have any problems let me know.
    Liz Davey, webmaster: http://www.fcon.org

  • 8/2  12:23pm   The following meetings have been posted in town hall as of August 1, 2001. (Note: this is not a complete listing of all committee meetings) 
    Monday, August 6
7:30 p.m., Board of Selectmen, Room 124

Tuesday, August 7
7:30 p.m., Board of Health, Room 124

Thursday, August 9
7:45 p.m., Planning Board, Room 106
8:00 p.m., Golf Committee, Room 124

Wednesday, August 15
7:30 p.m., Zoning Board of Appeals, Room 124

Thursday, August 16
7:30 p.m., Website Committee, Library

Thursday, August 23
7:30 p.m., Conservation Commission, Room 214
7:45 p.m., Planning Board, Room 106
    To committee members, please post corrections or changes to this information. Additionally, to members of all boards, commissions and committees, please post your meeting times and agendas on this website when available. Thank you.
    - RN

  • 8/2  12:21pm   Does anyone know about the housing development extension in Cape Cod Estates? There seems to be quite a bit of excavation going on at the end of Barnstable Road (farthest away from the Transfer Station). With what could end up being a lot of new houses, I'm concerned about increased traffic through our otherwise quiet neighborhood. - AFD

  • 8/2  12:19pm   In reposone to WB's commentary to Greg Dowdell ("there are several alternatives [...] - recreation, housing, open space, commercial business to name a few. - WB")...housing!? are you kidding? do you think that the town might be in need of a break in terms of housing starts? recreation? there is a new playground on Rte 115 which has not even been used yet!, open space? what is a golf course? and finally, commercial business? oh I see, we want a big ugly building like the one which was prefabbed up at the corner of Rtes. 115 and 1A instead of beautiful rolling hills, lush grass and trees with a much higher revenue stream...Greg, as a resident of Norfolk, I empathize with your challenge. We are all not as myopic in our vision for the future of the town!
    - JM

  • 7/29  1:15pm   Hello to the residents of Norfolk! I am very pleased to be your new Town Administrator. This week, as I begin my tenure, I want to assure all residents that I will do my very best, working with the Board of Selectmen, various elected and appointed boards, community groups and individual citizens to preserve the quality of life and special character of this community. This is my overarching goal and principal challenge as Town Administrator.
    My schedule in the Town Administrator's office will be from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. daily, with additional hours as required. Beginning in September, I will be scheduling office hours for residents from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Mondays twice per month. Any citizen who wants to meet or bring a problem to my attention personally can call the office and schedule an appointment during the 5:00--7:00 p.m. period. Of course, the Town Administrator's office will address issues and problems that are brought to our attention through letters, phone calls or email messages during the regular business hours as well.
    My email address is: markel@virtualnorfolk.org. Unless the volume becomes overwhelming, I will respond to all email messages personally within 48 hours.
    My thanks to the Board of Selectmen for their confidence in me, and I look forward to a busy and productive tenure as your Town Administrator.
    - Bob Markel, Norfolk Town Administrator

  • 7/29  3:05am   Life on Mars? Another interesting piece of the puzzle can be glimpsed in this press release from USC, in which a neuroscientist argues that the results of the "chicken soup" experiment conducted by the Viking Mars lander can not be adequately explained by a non-organic reaction.
    The original experiment tested for the possible presence of microbial life in the soil of Mars by immersing a sample in a nutrient solution, and measuring the release of gases. The experiment worked, gas was released, but the results were not conclusive, and NASA scientists settled on an inorganic reaction of superoxides in the soil as the most likely explanation.
    Dr. Joseph Miller is an associate professor at the Keck School of Medicine of the University of Southern California, researching circadian rhythms in zero gravity. In 1999 he saw a figure in a geophysical journal of the data from the Viking lander experiment, and noticed a periodic regularity to the emissions. After contacting NASA and obtaining the original data set (with some difficulty, since the tapes could no longer be read) he could demonstrate that the emissions had a circadian rhythm of 24.66 hours, the length of the Martian day. Since more recent research on superoxides has shown that they break down quickly when exposed to water, and since the gas emissions lasted nine weeks in the water-based nutrient solution, Dr. Miller argues that it is highly unlikely that a non-organic reaction could have been the cause.

  • 7/29  2:30am   The first annual WAHMfest, a unique Work-At Home-Moms Expo, will be held Saturday, September 8, in Medway, Massachusetts. Parents who have chosen to interrupt their careers to care for their children, as well as t hose wanting to learn more about home-based employment or volunteer opportunitie s, are invited to attend the event, which will run from 10 am-4 pm. [ C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    - CG

  • 7/27  1:22pm   [This is] a question to Greg Dowdell about his post about the Golf Course. As you stated in your message ``It's certainly better than the alternative...'' could you explain what the alternative is to which you are [alluding]. What little I know about the land of the proposed golf course, there are several alternatives [...] - recreation, housing, open space, commercial business to name a few. - WB

  • 7/26  5:28pm   I see that the Board of Health tests Mirror Lake - does anyone know if they test Kingsbury Pond for E-coli or anything else? A lot of kids go swimming there and it would be nice to know. If they don't, does anyone know why? - PR

  • 7/26  5:26pm   In response to NR from Franklin. The Norfolk Golf Course is proposed to be within the existing gravel pit with the town line as a property line. When the Franklin portion of the Lorusso property was developed as a residential development, there were set aside Open Space Parcels. These abut the town line which runs through the gravel pit. The closest houses to the town line are on Meadowlark Lane, the town line being approximately at the end of it. Hope this helps.
    I read the article from the New York Times that was posted concerning an overbuilding of golf courses. It is important to highlight that the article focused on the problems in Myrtle Beach, SC. There are 118 golf courses with 5 new in the works within a 60 mile stretch. The article also pointed out that many of the courses in trouble are tied to housing developments.
    George Marderosian, president of Clubhouse Capital, is quoted in the article. It says; "The golf market, he said, has gone soft along much of the eastern seaboard with the notable exception of New York, Philadelphia and Boston. Around those cities, as golfers are all too aware, courses remain crowded." He is also quoted as saying; "If you can get permits to build a golf course within 50 miles of Manhattan, I guarantee you that you will not have trouble getting financing."
    I think it's important to get all the quotes and facts out there, not just the alarming ones.
    - PR [not the same PR as the one above - Wm.]

  • 7/26  10:38am   Animal Control is functioning again (at least on a fundamental basis until some restrictions are worked out). The new protocols for calls are to be made exclusively through the Norfolk Police Department, 508 528 3232. - HNP

  • 7/26  10:26am   Greetings! I see several msgs regarding home repairs such as remodeling and painting, so I may as well join the fray. [Has anyone] had any experiences with the local outfits who do driveway sealing? I've done it several times over the years, but this time I'd like to see if spraying it on makes any difference (other than saving my back!!) Any recommendations? Thanks . . . - RP

  • 7/25  2:24pm   JBH, I often see a 'for rent' sign at a house on Rockwood Road. I don't know the house number but I believe it's before the Grange on the right hand side (heading out of the town center) - JP

  • 7/25  1:19pm   To HQ, There is NO skateboard park in Norfolk, there is however one in Foxboro (for a fee) located behind one of their schools, and also one in Medfield. I believe helmets are the minimum requirement for safety equipment. Calling each town's recreation dept will give you more info. - SB

  • 7/25  1:18pm   Does anyone know of an apartment for rent in town? My sister is looking and loves the town of Norfolk - Thanks JBH

  • 7/25  11:13am   To WS: I have had excellent experiences with two local painters: Gene Vitrino (EVV Enterprises at 508-668-8922) and George Breton (Breton Painting at 508-478-9445). Mr. Vetrino also does carpentry work and general handyman stuff as well as painting. Good Luck - TM

  • 7/24  9:31pm   2001-2002 NORFOLK SCHOOL CALENDAR CHANGED
    In consideration of Columbus Day Weekend planning, please note the following:
    The Inter-district (King Philip, Plainville, Norfolk and Wrentham schools) shared Professional Development Day (a no school day) which was originally scheduled for before the Columbus Day Weekend on Friday, 10/5/01, has been rescheduled for AFTER the Columbus Day Weekend on Tuesday, 10/9/01. 10/5/01 will now be a regular school day and 10/9/01 will be a NO SCHOOL day.
    Roxanne L. Verdeaux
    Office of the Superintendent,
    Norfolk School District
    508.528.1225 Ext: 1910

  • 7/24  3:55pm   We received an e-mail with information related to the noise at the Southwood site, this was the relevant section:
    I'm not sure about [the noises at night, but the contractor] doing work at Southwood was starting work early (at least 3 weeks ago) at 7:00 am and working until 5:00 pm many days. [ . . . ]
    As has been observed the DOC has been demolishing their stack, coal silo and ash bin at the Power Plant in Walpole (right next to Southwood). The contractor has been using jack hammers and other heavy equipment. Their work period is usually from 7:30 am to about 3:45 pm.
    So according to this person's observations, no noises should be audible at ``night'', and if they are, I for one would be interested to know at what time and what kind of noises - Wm.

  • 7/24  3:25pm   There is a "No Swimming Advisory" in effect at Mirror Lake due to higher than normal E. Coli test results [higher than] acceptable for swimming. The Wrentham and Norfolk Boards of Health will continue to test the water and will inform the Mirror Lake residents when the E. Coli levels are acceptable for swimming. Please call the Norfolk Board of Health at 508-528-7747 with any questions.
    Betsy Fijol,
    Norfolk Board of Health Administrator/Agent

  • 7/24  9:29am   To WS, Terpstra Painting and Wallcovering is an excellent local painter. Call Tom at 508-528-5427. - P2

  • 7/24  9:28am   Before you say, "OMG it's too hot," think back to last week when you were wearing a sweatshirt in the middle of July and you had no reason not to do that chore you were going to put off blaming the heat. I for one am going to revel in this heat and high humidity. So take my lead, sit back, kick off your shoes, grab an iced coffee or a cold one and listen to the heat bugs making the most delightful sound of summer.
    - JW

  • 7/24  9:25am   My name is Greg Dowdell and I am currently a member of the Professional Golfer's Association. I am a resident of nearby Medway, I have an engineering degree, and also have a full time job as a land surveyor where we deal with many issues such as wetland regulations and parking lot design. I am also a member of the Norfolk Golf Committee. My golf course experience spans three decades at numerous facilities both public and private, in New England as well as Florida. I was elected a member by the P.G.A. by first passing a player ability test and then attending four rigorous levels of knowledge testing including business, management and teaching skills.
    I have been acting as an advisor to the Norfolk Golf Committee for two years and I think its important for everyone to know exactly how we got to this point in the project. Maybe then it will be easier to move forward and complete the process.
    [ C o n t i n u e d . . . ]
    [We have also been in contact with the Golf Committee directly, and expect to have more specific details available in a short while - Wm.]

  • 7/23  10:46pm   To NS: Yes, there is an integrated preschool at the HOD; it takes children with special needs and model children. For the model children there is a lottery held each May for the following school year. Be forewarned that it is very popular and hard to get in. For those who do it is a wonderful experience; the special needs children go four days a week and the model kids go three. My son is in as a special needs child and it has been the best thing. His teacher is just wonderful and the resources that the school has are amazing. Do try to get your child in for the lottery, but have some other options open too. The other two preschools in town are also very highly regarded.
    - AL

  • 7/23  1:12pm   I live in Franklin, but the back of my property abuts Norfolk. Our development used to be a gravel pit owned by Larusso and then developed by DiPlacido. Will the golf course be close to this area? I think in the distance I see the back of Park and Mill St (Franklin) There is a HUGE pit behind us. We were told that it was conservation land. I guess I am wondering where the golf course will begin and end. Thank you. - NR

  • 7/22  20:43pm   Someone e-mailed us an interesting article about the future of golf in the United States. Two quotes in particular caught my attention: ``There has been way too much construction activity without regard to market demand'', and ``Now, the industry is in a free fall''. Many golf courses were built as loss leaders by developers to raise real estate values, and the aging of the baby boom generation is not resulting in a corresponding increase in the number of golfers on the links. The article also mentions that the soft market has thus far spared the Boston area, but that most of the rest of the Eastern Seaboard is affected.

  • 7/22  20:27pm   I'm looking for info. about the town's preschool program . . . I've heard there is some sort of a lottery system? Any idea who I would contact to get on this list, and if chosen, how much it costs? hours? etc. Thanks! - NS

  • 7/22  20:25pm   The Hockomock Area YMCA - Franklin Branch will provide Before and After School Child Care for children enrolled in the Norfolk School System. For more information you may call Greg M. or Mary V. at 508-528-8708. - MV

  • 7/22  20:22pm   My brother-in-law and family are visiting from out of town and their boy skateboards. I thought I heard that there's a skateboard park somewhere here in Norfolk. Does anyone know where it is? Thanks! - HQ

  • 7/22  20:15pm   Does anyone know the latest about Southwood Hospital proposed sale? Also, it seems that lately it is very noisy at the site. You can really hear constant noise especially at night. Does anyone know why and how we can get them to reduce the noise. Thanks - SA

  • 7/22  20:06pm   Hi, I wondered if anyone knows of a good, local person to paint our family room and a bedroom. Also, we would like to do some work on our deck screening it in and closing in underneath it for a shed. Any references would be great. Thanks! - WS

  • 7/20  2:35pm   The following meetings have been posted on the bulletin board in town hall.

    - Zoning Board of Appeals, July 18, 7:30 pm, Room 214.
    - Planning Board, July 19, 7:30 pm, Room 106 and the Board of Health meets with the Planning Board at 8:45 pm.
    - Golf Committee, July 19, 8:00 pm, Town Hall (check for room #).
    [ The above meetings were on Thu and Fri, sorry for my delay in posting - Wm.]

    - Board of Selectmen, July 23, 7 pm, Room 124.
    - Recreation Commission, July 23, 7:30 pm, Room 214.
    - Conservation Commission, July 26, 7:30 pm, Room 214.
    - Planning Board, July 26, 7:30 pm, Room 106.

    - Recreation Commission, August 6, 7:30 pm, Room 214.
    - Board of Health, August 7, 7:30 pm, Room 124.

    To the members of these boards and committees: please respond if the information above is incorrect or has been changed. Also, if you could post a brief description of the agenda, it would be appreciated.
    To the members of other committees: please post your meeting schedules on this site when available. Thank you.
    - RN

  • 7/20  11:56am   Hello, I'm back home, but have a family get-together this week-end, so I'll only have time to bring the page up-to-date Sunday evening. - Wm.

  • 7/20  11:55am   Animal Control is functioning again (at least on a fundamental basis until some restrictions are worked out . . .) The new protocols for calls are to be made exclusively through the norfolk police department, 508-528-3206. - HNP

  • 7/16  12:09am GMT   I wondered if anyone knows of a good, local person to paint our family room and a bedroom. Also, we would like to do some work on our deck including screening it in and closing in underneath it for a shed. Any references would be great. Thanks! - WS

  • 7/14  10:22pm GMT   The weather here in Barcelona is lovely, cool for July, with warm days and balmy summer nights. Outdoor cafes seem to be a way of life in the city, and half the town seems to be out until past ten o'clock. Prices are comparable to suburban Boston, which is rather low for Western Europe, so if you were looking for an affordable vacation destination, I can recommend this place - and it's on the Mediterranean coast, just a few hundred miles south of the French Riviera :-)
    I happened to blunder across the open-air market (inadvertently, probably because I like exploring the small alleys where the natives live :-), and there were more kinds of seafood than I could put names to. I did recognize the goose barnacles and the razor clams (dividends from having read the signs at the ocean-side campgrounds at which I stayed back in '86), and I counted seven different piles of shrimp at different prices, some slightly different in color but otherwise indistinguishable.
    My Spanish is getting better, it went from non-existent to negligible :-) I can't make myself understood and I mix it heavily with French, even though I don't speak French either! I diligently practice rolling ``porr fahvo'rr'' and lisping ``gra'thias'', insert gobbledygook in between, and hope for the best - and I'm thoroughly enjoying it! All things considered, not bad at all for a business trip.

  • 7/14  9:37pm GMT   Hi, We are new to Norfolk and are looking for fresh native corn. Do you have suggestions for local farm stands that have good fresh corn?
    Thanks! - EB
    [ [W]e usually get our corn, as well as great berries and tomatoes, from Jane and Paul's at the corner of Fruit and Cleveland streets. - VR ]

  • 7/14  9:44pm GMT   The roads will never be repaired to our satisfaction because the road money is almost always used by our elected leaders for other emergency underfunded projects. - EH

  • 7/11  9:21am   Good morning! Looks like the cold front of last night (that brought the thunderstorm) is being replaced by a warm front (that will bring a thunderstorm and warm temperatures). Is it me, or are we having an unusually stormy summer?
    The other comment I have is that I have to be away for a week, and may lag in updating the page. My apologies in advance - Wm.

  • 7/11  9:25am   Hello, My family and I live on Union Street near the intersection of King Street. Our home sits up on the hill and I can say without reservation that we have one of the most beautiful views in the town of Norfolk. The field across the street is loaded with wildlife! It changes its characteristics as the seasons come and go. From the sound of those first spring peepers and the first signs of green, to the regalia of lightning bugs creating a festive yuletide effect against a wall of darkness, to lazy mist hovering over the Stop River as it ebbs in-between a palette of fall colors, to the full moon glistening on the ice crystals which form on the brush . . . it is breathtaking. In our opinion, this little field is one of Norfolk's treasures! How fortunate we are to look out at it every day.
    We also look out over a portion of the field that is chewed up due to a much needed renovation of the road and intersection. This intersection has been the scene of many accidents during the 18 years we have lived here. We were very happy when the town initiated a plan to fix the intersection and for a very short time there was progress . . . what happened? Not only has there been no noticeable progress with this project, the old road has deteriorated to a point where it is truly a safety issue! Near the end of the school year, my daughter was getting into her car which was parked at the bottom of our driveway. As happens many times, someone approached the intersection way too fast (a 20mph zone). On this particular morning, my daughter almost lost her knees to a flying hub cap off a car which hit the bumps and pot holes doing about 40mph. That was frightening. The intersection is dangerous in the first place, but now with the added road deterioration, it is a tragedy waiting to happen. The incredible view out over the field is a matter of aesthetics; the roadway, on the other hand is a matter of safety! Thank you, and we would love to hear what plans are ahead to repair the roadway!
    - RV

  • 7/9  11:15pm   I collided with a specimen of native wildlife this morning. It darted at me from the side, too fast for me to dodge it - I heard a sickening ``ping'' from the back, and feared the worst. But when I looked back, I couldn't find it on the pavement. A moment later I saw it floating two feet off the ground; apparently it was only dazed and unhurt. It wobbled a bit and flew on, one very puzzled yellow-and-black butterfly that ran into my spokes and lived to tell about it.

  • 7/9  6:42pm   The new town administrator, as announced at Monday's Selectmen's meeting, will be Robert T. Markel. Welcome to town, Bob!

  • 7/8  6:42pm   The highway department has free loam, mulch, and firewood! All of it is locally produced at the transfer station, including the firewood (cut logs of 8-10" diameter wood, which is no doubt courtesy of the ice damage). Free for the taking, or loam and mulch is delivered for a flat $30 delivery charge; transfer station stickers required.

    7/8  5:08pm   Does anyone know who would want 4 baby skunks? The mother has been found dead. We heard Norfolk does not have a animal control any more. Please contact me at tomt80838@aol.com - TT

    7/8  4:42pm   Well, I wasn't paying much attention to the golf course, at least not until we started getting all these posts about it. But now, the more I hear, the curiouser the picture becomes. So I've started to collect golf-related questions on a separate page; please compare against your lists, and both more questions and especially answers are welcome!

    7/7  11:16pm   Apropos library benches, whatever happened to the benches scattered about the library that seem to have been replaced by marble stools? The old wrought-iron and wood ones were cute, pleasant to sit in and comfortable. The new ones are cold, uninviting, have no back-rest, and are funny-looking. What, more change for the sake of change? I miss the old ones every time I look around for a place to sit and find none.

    7/7  10:59pm   Good point HNP,

    I suddenly have a fox living in my back yard somewhere. I love nature, that is part of the reason I live in this area. Unfortunately, co-habiting with wild animals can be risky business.
    Late the other night I heard him in my yard when I came home. before I closed my garage door I could see him about 15 feet away. I made some noise to establish this area as off limmits, but it didn't matter. He had been walking towards me and the noise made him speed up...not run away. I grabbed my garage door clicker and shut the door with him no more than two feet from it.
    I have always heard that a wild animal that will get that close to you is usually rabid. My daughter plays in my back yard on the swing set and sometimes walks just into the woods to retrieve lost toys. I fear that she will stumble upon this fox and he will defend himself. My four year old won't stand a chance.
    I don't want to become paranoid about it, but it certinly concerns me. Over-development of any area will surely exacerbate the situation, and I don't want to put up a fence in an attempt to keep him out. So for now I keep an extra close eye on my kids outside and don't walk out there at night without turning on a light.
    Again, I enjoy nature and seeing a fox is very exciting. But, I can see a day when I look out and see a coyote in my back yard. That will be a little too much nature for my taste.
    - PD

    7/7  10:55pm   I also agree with DAF, and I would also like to thank Mr. McFeeley for answering some of the questions raised on this board. However, my assessment [of road damage is based on] a case of cause and effect. A cause of very high probability is known, and we see the effect. [...]

    In hindsight, there should have been something done years ago [...] to look at the demands on and wear and tear on the Town's roads. [Norfolk's] rapid growth should have triggered something, somewhere [...] that as a Town we better start looking at our support and infrastructure. Roadways don't fall apart in one day, [and] records are kept on what roads are repaired. Repair trends become evident and can be used as a planning tool. When roadways that until recently needed basic maintenance become a challenge to drive, something obviously has changed.
    The question that remains to be answered - what is going to be done from this point on? As I said before [...], ``The bottom line is that the tax payers in Town get saddled with the roadway repairs.''
    - Very Concerned Norfolk Resident

    7/6  1:08pm   Does anyone have any information regarding the disappearance of the handcarved sign from the front of the H. Olive Day School? It was unbolted from its wrought-iron brackets some time during the weekend of June 2nd and 3rd. We had hoped it was removed as a prank and would turn up in a week or two, but so far it hasn't. Any information would be much appreciated. Thank you!

    Toby Lyons, Supervisor of Buildings
    Norfolk Public Schools, 508 528-1266, ext 1580
    lyons@norfolk.k12.ma.us

    7/6  10:56am   Does anyone know of how the impact of clearing this land for a golf course will affect the wildlife in this town? Many of you have expressed that we have been impacted greatly from development alone and yes, it is true, when you take away a home for wildlife, they can adapt very well to living in someone's back yard. The myth that they will push out further into the woods is just that - myth. Fox, coyotee, and racoon are very adept at moving into developed property and living under sheds, drinking from pools, and of course rummaging through trash barrels for food. Not only does this ruin the natural order of wildlife, it encourages wildlife amongst humans and in turn makes children (as well as adults and domestic pets) more prone to coming in contact with wildlife over den issues and food/territory issues.

    I would like the golf committee to think about the impact on wildlife this has, as well as the wildlife/human issues that it will raise. How is the project going to handle a fox den, raccoon nest, or even a hawk's nest. If I remember correctly just past the prison a many years back a development was halted because of an eagle nest. This is one issue that could raise concerns for citizens of town - if the project is halted due to wildlife then monies will be spent instead of building the course on how to build the course around the "problem". Will they destroy their homes or will they "exterminate" the animals. There's very little reason to believe this area is NOT habitated by wildlife as I have gone up Lawerence St. many times to pick up fox and coyotee HBC (hit by car) as well as other types of animals that residents have questions and fears about.
    My intention is not to put a "thorn" in the golf committee's side, as my opinion of for or against the course is not relevant to this question. I am asking, as a professional in animal care, what is the proposed plan? Since trapping and relocating is illegal where and what will happen to the homes and more so the animals? The reason I am posting this is that I would like this question answered at Monday's meeting, and wish out of respect to give the golf committee the time to figure out what they "would" do in this situation if/when it does arise.
    - HNP

    7/6  8:42am   The Selectmen have scheduled a kickoff meeting with all Town Committees about the proposed golf course for Monday, July 9, 8:00 pm in Room 124. It is a communications meeting, intended to collect input from the boards and from the public, but only constructive suggestions are desired.

    It is meant to be a session where we say OK town we now have this project, what do we do next? [ . . . ] We are not meeting to discuss the efficacies of the project. We are meeting to address the inevitable comments such as ``Why wasn't I told about this? I have a brother in the business who could have told you that this was/wasn't going to work.''
    So if you or someone you know has run or worked for a golf course before, your input could be most valuable!
    In addition, the Board has someone in mind for a new Town Administrator, and chances are good that the candidate will be voted on at the meeting. The person will be present at the meeting, so `tune in' to catch a glimpse.

    7/5  4:05pm   Well, we found the bird with the broken wing that I tried to get help with yesterday. He was dead on the road. My sons and I buried him under a nice big tree. Let's hope that we can get our animal control officer back on board soon. Had we gotten help when we needed it, this bird might have lived. What's one bird? He was beautiful, black with a brilliant shade of blue on his head. May he rest in peace. - CR

    7/5  1:32pm   Completely unrelated to any of the current topics, here's an update on my bicycle. I cleaned the drive train (chainrings, crank, chain, sprockets), disassembled my wheels, cleaned the hubs, built new wheels using new rims on the old hubs, put on new tires and new innertubes - and my bike is ridable again! I still need to overhaul all bearings, replace the headset, change the bottom bracket spindle (or just replace the unit), re-wrap (and possibly replace) the handlebars, replace all cable housing, clean and recondition the saddle, and possibly re-polish the bearing races in the left pedal.

    As a test of my abilities as a wheel-builder, I biked to work today (19 miles, my longest ride in two years). By Medfield I no longer minded the hills, and by Dover, I was flying! The wheels held up well and remained true in spite of the bumps and potholes I hit in Newton, so I'm pleased about that. My next test will be of my abilities as a bike-rider, since I have another 19 miles to ride to get back home :-)

    7/5  1:12pm   It great to see so many folks express their opinion regarding what is happening or might happen to Norfolk. I'd like to make a suggestion to further the discussion. If there any persons who would like to be part of a panel to discuss "Taxes and Business" or "Taxes and no Business," then they could do it on channel 8 and 22 so that everyone in town (with cable) could hear what they have to say. I don't want to encourage a free-for-all type of discussion, but a thoughtful give an take about the serious issues that are filling the comment pages of Norfolknet.com. If you are interested, and believe that your opinion contains useful information that will help people decide what they'd like, please call me at 508-384-4448 and we'll arrange a "Discussing the Future of Norfolk" panel to be aired soon.

    Paul Guertin, Station Manager NCTV 8, 22

    7/5  1:01pm   I'd like to thank Mr. McFeeley for answering some of the questions raised on this board. Thank goodness someone in town government has posted clearing up some of these questions.

    I would like to clear up a couple of misconceptions Jack might have about the people posting questions. First, it seems pretty clear from his remarks that he believes the people voicing concerns 1) are not involved in town government and 2) do not understand the role of town government. At least my case, he is wrong on both counts. Hard to know since most of us are anonymous here.
    Also, I beg to differ (a bit) on Jack's statement that the PB's role is limited - "They do not determine that a Wendy's should or should not be put at a particular property." Maybe that is how they operate, but other towns have found that rather than allowing developer-initiated, piecemeal development, local governments can take charge of the planning process. There are only so many hours in the day and our representatives are not being compensated for their time. Nobody is saying they are doing a bad job. Just - is there some way to do better? A committee with this issue as the focus?
    It is fitting that this is all being discussed around the 4th of July. It is America, as Jack points out. Individuals do have property rights. But those rights are all of ours - not just the developers'. A recent Rutgers University study showed that sprawl costs taxpayers over 20 times what it provides in financial gain to developers.
    To quote Edward McMahon (land use planner, attorney, and director of The Conservation Fund's "American Greenways Program"):
    "Development is not the problem; it is really the solution. The real problem is the patterns of development. The key is putting quality development in the right place. Land use regulations can direct development to certain areas and protect open lands. But regulation by itself, can't remedy the problems associated with current land use patterns. Only new development and a strong comprehensive plan can do this."
    -DAF

    7/5  12:16am   To the contributors to Norfolk Net,

    First let me congratulate you on your interest in our Town government. I hope it continues and that your interest could be further manifested as a volunteer to a committee where your help is greatly needed.
    The nice thing about the bulletin board is that you could write a note without having to prove you're right. However, I said at Town Meeting, "Be careful of those who point the finger at you and say your wrong, without them being asked to prove that they're right." A couple of postings have asked for the response of the BOS and I would like to address these here. Some of the postings in the last week are just not correct.
    First, let me clear up the commentary about the former Cliff's site at the intersection of Main and Board man Streets. The hearing with the Planning Board on the 12th is just an approval for the town to straighten out the intersection and make it more safe by having Boardman Street intersect Main Street at a right angle. It involves the taking by the town of several hundred square feet of the Palryan property. Peter Chipman is the representative for Palryan and he has agreed providing it doesn't make the remainder of the lot unbuildable. It doesn't, but I'm sure this will be brought up on the 12th.
    As for whether there is a Wendy's or a Honey Dew Donuts or any other establishment on this property, this is in Peter's and Palryan's hands at this point. Likewise for the tree removal. There is absolutely nothing planned or being done by the Town. Furthermore, they have not presented anything to the town regarding a particular business on this property. The town does not dictate to the property owner what business must be put on their property. Remember, this is America. We do have zoning bylaws, which determine classes of business in each area and site building requirements, but if the property owner plans a Wendy's, it is not our call initially. It's interesting to note that on June 28, 2001, PA wrote, " On another note, I saw some maintenance people from Wendy's Restaurants at the corner of Main and Boardman doing some work, so I'd imagine that's what headed there." Imagine? [P], you know better than that.
    This is the comment that precipitated several postings deriding the Town for not doing its job. DAF wrote, the same day, "Where are the Planning Board members on this? Didn't they get appointed to their positions in order to plan. Plopping a fast food franchise into our town is not planning."
    Remember, this is not the Town's plan, just PA's 'imagination'.
    DAF apparently doesn't understand what the Planning Board is all about. First of all they are elected. Yes, they do provide a Master Plan for the Town, but their main function is to oversee that development is consistent with the existing build out plan and to manage new development. They do not determine that a Wendy's should or should not be put at a particular property. It is the property owner that does this. Peter, would you care to comment on your plans?
    In reality our bylaws are such that it would be extremely difficult to put a Wendy's on this property. There are town bylaws that may make it difficult. There are parking requirements, curb cut requirements, signage requirements, septic system requirements. There are much more restrictions than one could "imagine". For example, have you noticed that the existing Dunkin Donuts does not have a menu at its drive up window? If anything, our town bylaws tend to be overly restrictive.
    PD asks six questions regarding development. Let me answer them as 1. Yes, 2. Yes, 3. By going to Planning Board Meetings or asking the Planning Board, 4. Nothing. That's discrimination. We can't single out a business. But we can plan our zoning to make it difficult for some. 5. Come on down and talk to the Selectmen and the Planning Board. We'll be happy to hear your opinions. Call us at 528 1408. 6. We wonder too. Right now that's still in the developer's hands.
    'A Very Concerned Norfolk Resident' writes, "The bottom line is that the tax payers in Town get saddled with the roadway repairs. This situation is a continued lack of foresight on the Selectmen's part. They are the permit issuing body for earth removal permits." This is an example of pointing the finger without proving you're right. The anonymous writer infers that the nearsighted Selectmen are responsible for trucks carrying earth out of development site. This is wrong. There is an allowable amount that can be removed without a review by the Board of Selectmen. The Selectmen have limited power in controlling truck traffic in town. Earth removal is only a small part. If a developer wants to bring in earth, lumber, curbstones, asphalt, the Selectmen have little involvement. "Very concerned" just has to conjecture. We have to follow the law.
    Finally, on the subject of Public Hearings . . . Notices are published in one or more local newspapers, notices are also posted at Town Hall, and notices are sent to abutters and often abutters to abutters. We have to follow the state law.
    We are trying to establish a Town of Norfolk website as well. I sympathize with SF who states that, "The quicker the BOS acknowledge that NorfolkNet 'is' our town website". It is not. NorfolkNet performs a valuable service, but it is not a town website. However, Andras is working very diligently with three other people and the BOS to create a Town website. NorfolkNet successfully serves a very needed service as a community bulletin board, not under the control of the town. It is only useful if it remains that way.
    Thanks,
    Jack McFeeley
    Chairman, Norfolk Board of Selectmen

    7/4  9:07pm   Thank you, Hilary. Everything that you have said makes sense. I hope that all of the agreements are reached soon, it concerns me that Norfolk has been without your services for a month. Of course there needs to be a holding place for animals, etc. The bird is gone, I don't know where, but hope he survives! - CR

    7/4  9:05pm   Norfolk Observer,

    I agree with you that Norfolk centers location does not naturally attract business. It is that precise reason why we need leadership that can create a package that attracts the right businesses for the center of town. Have you been to Sharon Center recently, they have a Starbucks. Starbucks was not interested in the location in Sharon because "there was not enough traffic", the Sharon town leadership would not take no for an answer and went and sold Starbucks on the benefits of locating a store in Sharon. Starbucks changed their mind and have not regretted the decision, the store is doing quite well. Towns like Norfolk can not sit back and wait, we have to market Norfolk to the businesses we want. We should be working hand and hand with the developers of the Town Center in order to assure we are attracting the businesses the people of Norfolk need and want . . .
    - MA

    7/4  8:10pm   Dear CR:

    I'm sure its hard finding any, or even the right, venue to help with this issue. Feel free to contact my personal voice mail and I will call you back with a number that you can try for a wildlife rehabilitator in the area (if the bird is still there) or direct you in the right direction for this particular animal. You may also feel free to contact my phone if you have questions about animal control and where it is going in the town of Norfolk. As a general note (I don't want to take up all of norfolknet's page space), improvements are happening. If you go through the archives you will read why these issues have come forth and why they must be dealt with before further work can progress. the main issue is safety; for people and our four legged friends (and sometimes two legged!) the safety must be addressed and dealt with. I know it's a tedious process to get approval for equipment/supplies/shelter with municipalities. As a resident of the town, as well as the animal control officer, I get very frustrated when I think we are about to jump over the hurdle and then I find out there's another step that needs to be taken. My frustration grows from my desire to help the animals and the residents. I don't know if I've had the pleasure of meeting you in person, but if so, you know that my concerns are forefront for animal welfare and that is why I am adamant that these changes come forth. I know its hard to understand sometimes, but if this step isn't taken now, then the problems will compound in the future. I am confident and hoping that some resolution may be reached within the week coming to accomplish where I want to be -- back on the road--. I have heard agreement and confirmation from the board that the first set of needs will be met, and now it seems that its just the issue of ordering parts/supplies and getting the products installed to get rolling again. There has also been agreement and discussion about a "holding facility" for the animals so that they may be safe and comfortable while awaiting their owners or new adoptive parents. Obviously that planning will take more time and as long as there is commitment from the town to provide, I am more than willing to work through that period of planning/erection of a space for animals. Please, anyone who has questions... Feel free to contact me at 528 4101. I am more than willing to point people in the right direction or answer questions and clear up some of the confusion.
    Hilary N. Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control

    7/4  3:31pm   Does anyone know what is going on with the animal control officer in town? I have a beautiful black bird with a blue head in my back yard with a broken wing. I called an was told that the current officer is on a leave of absence, apparently there are some issues to be worked out with the selectmen in town. I was referred to Stony Brook, but there is no one there today due to the holiday.

    What is the game plan, and who is providing coverage in the interim? Apparently, this has been going on for a month already.
    On another note, my family and I took a nice walk in Bicentennial Park today as a way to celebrate the holiday. Happy 225th birthday, USA!
    - CR

    7/4  3:28pm   Does anyone know if there are local firework displays tonight, July 4th, or later in the week? We enjoyed the Walpole fireworks but can't confirm if they will have a display this year. - ADL

    7/4  3:26pm   Whenever I've had a rough day, I dial into this site for a good laugh. Today was no exception. We're still figuring out where to educate our kids and now we're talking about the following: a cafe with music on the weekends, an art gallery, wine tastings, a book store and, the best of all . . . "tourism" in Norfolk! [ . . . ]

    This is Norfolk, folks. It's not like the town you grew up in or the one from which you've just moved. We just don't have the traffic in the center to support these types of businesses. "MA" says: "Until we have leadership that will provide a vision we will continue to debate what businesses should be located in the center of town." Leadership and vision are wonderful attributes. And, sure, we can debate and we can wish all day everyday. But until a businessman WANTS to come here, there'll be no business. Don't you think that if other businesses could make it here they'd already be here?
    - The Norfolk Observer (NO)
    [Now, that's too harsh! Educating our kids costs a lot more money than a cup of coffee with pastries. A cafe or a bakery would be great to have in town, it's just a matter of finding someone who'd be willing to start one. Although Norfolk is a smaller town than its neighbors, it's much bigger than it was ten years ago, and there is money and interest on the part of residents toward town-friendly businesses. Leadership and vision are required to distinguish, and to steer the development that is inevitable toward a future with which we will be happy - Wm.]

    Bench Theft, 64K 7/4  12:44pm   The Gazebo benches are getting worked on and will be back at the Hill soon. (PS: we're going to clean them, then possibly treat them; they weren't stolen.) - SW

    7/4  3:02pm   To: SF . . . Regarding the benches at the gazebo: They were removed so that the skate boarders could have more room to do their stunts after they tire of using the train station parking lot. Hey, kids . . . . It's the new Norfolk Skate Park! . . . RP

    7/4  12:39pm     Happy July 4th!

    7/3  10:29pm   To NS - The liquor license that belonged to Cliff's Package store was transferred - I believe - to Linda's Variety when ownership switched to the Orlando's. Prior to their ownership the store was a Dairy Mart. - JD

    7/3  4:02pm   To add to the Norfolk Center wish list . . . how about a small book store/cafe that maybe has music on the weekends. A pharmacy is a definite . . . ice cream store (like on the corner of 1A and RT27 in Walpole), one or two nice restaurants . . . ok, I'm going to stretch it here but how about a small art gallery where you could have local residents display their arts and have wine tastings (i.e Zullo in Medfield) and . . . . . ok, maybe I'm pushing it. Of course, I'd prefer all privately owned businesses. Basically, I think the town center should be a place people would like to come to and hang our instead of zipping in and out to get their biggee fries.

    - JP

    7/3  2:01pm   As long as we're dreaming . . . about the only stores I can think of would be a pharmacy (not big) and a small grocery store; the size of Colellas market in Hopkinton would be perfect. Any type of Mom & Pop store would add character to the town. I'm certainly not looking for chains and franchise types. For anything else I don't mind traveling to Franklin or Bellingham. We have a great local hardware store which I hope doesn't go out. Medway just lost their hardware store.

    A friend and I always dreamed about putting a small bakery (muffins and pastries) & sandwich shop at Main & Boardman with a farmers porch so people could sit and socialize. Unfortunately everything comes down to money these days. Maybe 'Rafferty's Home Baked Goods' will grow enough to move in.
    As for ice cream, don't forget that Borques has a walkup window (or has it closed?). I use to bike there with my daughter and drool over the tractors when Norfolk Power was next door. The only thing I remember was that the hours were short and scattered.
    P.S. Anyone know what happened with the park benches at the gazebo on the common? They have all been removed. I went and got a coffee the other day and was hoping to sit outside. Weren't those gifts to the town?
    - SF
    [Actually, a bakery in town would be most welcome. If you added bagels to your mix, you'd have me as a regular in an instant! - Wm.]

    7/3  1:57pm   We should have the planning board contract with Disney to put together a master plan for town center. I've been to the Magic Kingdom and was quite impressed by their plan for Main St. Quite frankly, it has everything we envision for the center of Norfolk: a candy store, an ice cream shop, a drug store, several restaurants, a post office and even an upscale coffee shop. In addition, just think of all of the dollars we would generate in tourism. It could be a bigger money maker then a golf course.

    My point is we do not live in Disney World and have to face the realities of what the center of town can and cannot support. Until we have leadership that will provide a vision we will continue to debate - which we have for the last 15+ years - what businesses should be located in the center of town.
    - MA

    7/3  12:18pm   As to Notices, hear the Board of Selectmen have scheduled 8 pm on July 9 as the time and date for all the committees (Planning, Conservation, etc.) in Town to discuss the golf course, as promised at Town Meeting. - RIP

    7/3  12:09pm   A suggestion for something to go at the corner of Main Street and Broadman would be a Homemade Candy/Icecream Parlor. Similar to Furlongs on Route 1 in Norwood however maybe a sit down, old town, counter style to enjoy your icecream like back in the day to keep the character of the town. We already have a sandwich shop, coffee place and a variety store. How kool would it be to walk (if you live in walking distance) to the center of town for a scoop or two or pick up some of your favorite chocolates . . .

    - JBH

    7/3  11:21am   It's true, the Dunkin Donuts is doing well in town. Does this mean we need a Honey Dew Donuts as well? Does their success indicate, for any reason, that we should pursue another fast food establishment at all. This town is not a rest stop on the Mass Pike.

    ``If you build it they will come'' . . . God I hope not. We have all made note of the trash that would be generated, the smell and don't forget those early morning donut or burger deliveries . . . enough said. How about the fancy new stop lights that we would need if and when one of these fast food moguls took up residence in the center of town. It's hard enough getting through the center of town when the train lets out without adding a full traffic light.
    Let's get some alternate suggestions for that site, even if it's just between ourselves for now. How about a pharmacy, a good sandwich shop or even a more upscale coffee house. There must be an option beyond a fast food restaurant.
    I want to see what other people think we should use the space for. While were at it, since we don't know what is going up on the hill, what do we want to see there as well.
    See you on the 12th. Lets try to keep the people in charge from making a big mistake.
    - PD
    [So, what exactly will be discussed at the meeting on the 12th? We know about the road realignment; although the boards have to post meeting times with a 48 hour advance notice, they are not obligated to make the full agenda public ahead of time - Wm.]

    7/3  11:17am   I think the public notices are posted on the bulletin board to the left of the town cleks window in the town hall. It would certainly be nice if the town could submit 'all' meeting notice to NorfolkNet where more of the 'public' has a chance to see the notice. The quicker the BOS acknowledge that NorfolkNet 'is' our town website the better. Judging by the post times for the previous notes, I think the webmaster is working harder then our town government. (Note it says AM and not PM - 12:51 am)

    And one more thinkg on the golf course . . . Are they going to use underground sprinklers? I thought the town passed an ordinance or something not allowing any more undreground sprinkler installations. How is it they can install one. Perhaps town property is exempt!
    - SF
    [Blush :-) I don't know about working harder, but I have been known to keep rather unconventional hours - Wm.]

    7/3  11:11am   To NS, that's strange, I see ``Notice of Public Hearing'' all the time, they are mailed to my house quite frequently. Seems we are abutted to a lot of stuff that HAS to have a Public Hearing. The one I posted was just one of two that made it to my mailbox in the last month. I don't know where you live, but wanna swap places?

    Anon, that's a good point you make about the water ban. I was so excited a couple of years ago when we got ``Town Water'' but it was short lived when they immediately posted a water ban sign.
    - JW

    7/3  12:53am   This town seems to have unlimited funds for fun things like recreation facilities and a golf course. And each year we're asked for a tax increase to support basic services like the schools, fire or police. I'd like to see the town pay it's bills for infrastructure first, then try getting their prop 2.5 overrides for their recreation facilities or a golf course. By the way, a golf course has to be watered. A lot. We have a water ban every summer. Our lawns and gardens shrivel up by July because we can't water, presumably because there isn't enough water under Norfolk. If there is water to keep a golf course green, we should be able to water our lawns too. If there isn't enough water, we shouldn't be considering a golf course.

    - Anon.

    7/3  12:51am   I was going through the old posts and came across this one. Where would one go to find out who the liquor license was transferred to? AE are you still lurking? Where did you hear this? - NS

    9/23 3:30pm The liquor license for Cliff's Package Store has been transferred to new owners, evidently, and they hope to re-open with a drive-through in early October. It will be a Blanchard's and will also offer delivery. - AE

    7/3  12:39am   This may be a stupid question but I have to ask - where do these ``Notice of Public Hearing'' articles get posted? I have never seen one . . . ever. - NS

    7/2  10:40am   A Wendy's in the middle of Norfolk? You've got to be kidding me! I can see it somewhere on 1A (maybe) but not in the middle of our town. What an ugly site that would be (as well as the smell as others have indicated). Someone MUST know what's going on there. First I heard a Honey Dew Donuts. From a business sense I can't believe either makes economic sense. These fast food joints need to be on major roads to survive. I hope this rumor is untrue because it would destroy the character of the town. I hope the BOS and Planning Board members visit this site because this will reflect very poorly on them if this rumor turns out to be true. Part of their job is to maintain or enhance the character of the town through proper planning. If you know differently BOS and PB, please voice your knowledge here. Thank you.

    (Can't wait to visit the post office on a beautiful Saturday morning and smell the wonderful odor of fried animal fat and french fries waifing through the air . . . yummmmmm.)
    - JP
    [ I'm not sure about the lack of economic sense - the Dunkin Donuts seems to be doing pretty good business every time I drive by - Wm. ]

    7/1  3:37pm   To JW: The posting of the public meeting has the appearance of being a road realignment. The Town is "taking some land" to "fix" the Boardman and Main Street intersection and allowing for side walks too. [. . . P]lease look at the plans carefully, but the work is a little more than [just] roadway realignment. As for the comment by Wm., the clearing of the lot in anticipation of site development violates the Town Bylaws. I can see that a portion of the area may be cleared where the road may be located. OK, but are we looking at a six lane highway? Anyway, the fact that the Planning Board has not reviewed this and a Building Permit has not been issued for this project. I know I checked with the Building Dept

    Oops, I forgot to mention that the Town does not have a Building Inspector, his last day was Wednesday . . . So who is responsible for enforcement? [. . . D]o your own checking and verify the facts on you own. See you on July 12th.
    - A very concerned Norfolk resident (and will continue be one)

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