This is the archive of previous Norfolk Notes.
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12/29 11:23am Happy New Year! Can anyone recommend a music instructor in the Norfolk area to give my 5 year old beginner guitar lessons? Thanks! - SM
12/25 10:40am I was reading the book "Norfolk Stories" and thought you might like to see this pic of the way it used to be. Imagine sledding down City Mills Hill today. I would love to see more of these pictures. [Click on picture for larger version] - JW
12/23 11:06am 
"'I don't know what to do!' cried Scrooge, laughing and crying in the same breath....'I am as light as a feather, I am as happy as an angel, I am as merry as a schoolboy. I am giddy as a drunken man. A Merry Christmas to everybody! A Happy New Year to all the world!'" (from A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens)Peace, Joy, and the very best in 2004 to every reader of this site, every contributor, and, of course, to our most gracious and fair-minded host and webmaster.- TEM
[Blush... :-) - Wm.]
12/23 4:19pm TO PLG: I recently learned the same thing, and it is indeed an outrage. One need only scratch the surface to find countless similar deals going on. There is no question that private interest is trumping public interest these days (check out changes in OSHA rules and Food and Drug Administration regulations under the current administration). It is unbelievably shocking and disturbing. These scandalous bits of legislation are being passed all the time, with not a word of coverage from the press, no doubt because the headlines about Iraq and, dare I say, Michael Jackson, are more inclined to grab ratings. Regardless on your politics or party affilation, people need to be made aware of the behind the scenes trickery that is costing average workers not only money but also risking our safety and well being. Thanks for bringing that to the attention of Norfolknet readers. - TC
12/23 11:42am Wow, everyone is pretty upset about charges and countercharges, who's in who's pocket, etc. Well, to keep to the subject about who's in who's pocket but to change the focus a little, this bit of information just came to me from Work Rights Press. For all those folks who hate to have their tax dollars misused here is a Christmas present to really get under your skin. Our Senators and Congresswomen do not pay into Social Security and, of course, they do not collect from it. You see, Social Security benefits were not suitable for persons of their rare elevation in society. They felt they should have a special plan for themselves. So, many years ago they voted their own benefit plan. In more recent years, no congressperson has felt the need to change it. After all, it is a great plan. And it works like this; When they retire, they continue to draw the same pay until they die. Except it may increase from time to time for cost of living adjustments. For example, Senator Byrd and Congressman White and their wives may expect to draw $7,800,000 (that's Seven Million, Eight-Hundred Thousand Dollars), with their wives drawing $275,000.00 during the last years of their lives. This is calculated on an average life span for each of these two dignitaries. Younger dignitaries who retire at an early age, will receive much more during the rest of their lives. The cost to them for this excellent plan is $0.00. NADA...ZILCH.. This little perk they voted for themselves is free to them. You and I pick up the tab for this plan. The funds for this fine retirement plan come directly from the general funds. OUR TAX DOLLARS AT WORK. From our own Social Security Plan, which you and I pay (or have Paid) into, every payday until we retire (which amount is matched by our employer) we can expect to get an average of about $1,000 per month after retirement. Or, in other words, we would have to collect our average $1,000 monthly benefits for 68 years and one month to equal Senator Bill Bradley's benefits. Social Security could be very good if only one small change were made. That change would be to jerk the Golden Fleece Retirement Plan from under the Senators and Congressmen. Put them into the Social Security plan with the rest of us...then sit back and watch how fast they would fix it. If enough people understood this, maybe a seed of awareness will be planted and maybe good changes will evolve. Just though folks would like something else to think about besides local issues for a few minutes. - PLG
12/23 9:12am I just dropped my outgoing mail in the new drop off boxes in front of town hall. Check it out. - JB
12/23 12:55am I am intrinsically opposed to joining anonymous discussions. Such a venue gives many a false sense of freedom. If one is going to take the bold step of casting aspersions, one should be willing to openly sign one's name to one's e-mails. Better yet, as has been suggested by Joyce & Jack, come before the Board involved and work out the issues in person. Norfolk is not some large faceless bureaucracy. It is but a small town government. I am deeply offended by some of these charges. Even so, reading the frustrations expressed I feel there are possible action items we can take to help folks like SW, RT and others who have written in. I hope you have got the facts of the interactions between the BOS and the developers involved from Jack & Joyce's postings [Selectmen Jack McFeeley and Joyce Terrio]. So, I'd like to move on to some process solutions:
- NorfolkNet is a good venting mechanism for those who wish to anonymously exercise their first amendment rights. But as I said above, if one has to be taken seriously, then the individual must be willing to divulge their identity to the Boards and government officials involved.
- If the legal responsibilities of any one Board are not clear to anyone or there is understandable annoyance as to why some things move like molasses around here, pick up the phone and call the Town Administrator or one of us. Perhaps, you may not know that the State system has been set up to ensure separation of powers and responsibilities. You can write to or go to the Board involved directly. For instance, we have a very active Conservation Commission that takes its environmental responsibilities very seriously. We have a separately elected Planning Board that ensures the zoning laws are followed to a Z.
- Let's get together (BOS & affected residents) with the appropriate Boards if you think anyone is doing anything illegal or even inappropriate or not doing anything at all. While we do not want to interfere with the process and jurisdiction of other Boards, we can certainly ensure that our residents are heard. The Selectmen currently serve as individual liaisons to various Boards, as Joyce pointed out, so we can easily work with you, one-on-one, if that is what you want.
- The Virtual Norfolk Web site [Town Hall Page] (virtualnorfolk.org) has been greatly enhanced. On the home page, there is a direct link to e-mail anyone of the BOS on any matter. I assure you we read and respond and not just respond…. We work out solutions. There are also numerous documents posted as part of the public record, so you can get your facts without having to call anyone up or go visit the Town Hall.
- If you want to know what is happening regarding the Town Center development, something that has eluded this town for the 20 years I have lived here and something that the current BOS has made its top priority, come to the monthly Round Table meetings at the Town Hall on this matter. This Board of Selectmen has made significant progress working collaboratively with the 4 major owners of property there (not just Mr. Borelli!) AND the major Town Boards involved in the decision making process. You will hear of ACTION being planned for 2004. You may even contribute your creative ideas to some of the issues, not the least of which is “trying to persuade a commercial owner of a property that it is in their interest to make a buck by finding tenants for a Town Center that is off the beaten path of any major roads, etc.”. [Town Administrator] Bob Markel will be glad to inform you when these meetings happen.
The nature of working collaboratively is not to focus on brinkmanship, one-upmanship, ego-centric posturing or to focus unnecessary media attention on thorny issues to which solutions have eluded our Town officials for years. Your Board of Selectmen is working collaboratively on developing solutions along with other Boards. I will be glad to participate in a dialogue with anyone (in person or on the Web) who identifies himself or herself. Otherwise, it isn't honest enough for my sense of values. On a final note, a very Happy New Year and a Merry Christmas to all. Best regards, - Ramesh Advani, Selectman
12/22 11:36pm Wm - Your analogy comparing home-building to - pollution, conflict of interest, terrorism... is a clever bit of sophistry of your own. It is not a matter of wrong or right - just an owner exercising his right (to build). If you don't like it change the laws or buy the property - PC
[1:03am Sophistry, yes, but I was comparing the reaction to destructive development to our reaction to other unpleasant intrusions into our lives. That analogy is apt -- we tolerate all sort of evil as long as it happens to others, somewhere else: NIMBY.Even with the topic change (from NIMBY to owners' rights) it still has everything to do with right and wrong. Historically, owners have exercised their rights ranging well into the absurdly wrong, which is why we now have a 40-hour work week, clean air standards, child protective services, lemon laws and an end to indentured servitude. The practices that prompted the laws, however, were never right; the laws were passed to stop the abuses, not to declare them wrong. With ownership goes the responsibility of stewardship; one can't separate the two and still retain one's humanity. It's damning commentary on our society that it should take legislation to stop a petty meanness and bad neighborly manners. - Wm.]
12/22 11:32pm Regarding Mr. McFeeley's comments... You stated that on Friday afternoon Mr. Bob Borelli presented an $8,800 check to the Town to pay for inspections of the wetlands. That's wonderful, but it is too little too late. Not only were the trees cleared all day on Friday, but starting at 7 am Saturday morning (trust me, they woke me up) they started clear cutting again. The trees were cut, chipped and the wood chips were systematically carted away. Is this a clearing of the evidence of all of the trees that were destroyed? Why wasn't Mr. Borelli instructed to stop until an inspection could take place on Monday morning? Or was he instructed to stop? The trees, vernal pool environment and wetlands are very difficult if not impossible to replicate. What happens if the Wetland Consultant determins that irreparable damage has already occurred? Who will monitor future actions? Will it take angry residents calling Town Hall at all hours of the day and waiting several days for any action to take place? Who has any control over this situation? It appears to me that there are no ramifications and no methods of monitoring/enforcement in place. Is Mr. Borelli willing to pay for someone to babysit the lot? I doubt it, and I'm sure Mr. Borelli figured this out long ago. Regarding Ms. Terrio's comments... It seems as though concerned citizens have been contacting Mr. Markel. Therefore, concerns have been addressed with the appropriate Town officials. The 40B issue is not what we are currently debating with but, rather, the next phase of the Canterbury Estates project and Mr. Borelli's disregard for his Order of Conditions. - RT
12/22 9:55pm To LM: In addition to the Roche Brothers and Shaw's Supermarkets, Stop and Shop is on Rt. 140 in Foxboro and the Big Y is close by in Walpole. We are very pleased with the offerings of the Recreation Department for all of our kids, as well as programs offered at the library. Norfolk also has a commuter rail into Boston. We frequently dine in Boston or Providence, each is about 30 minutes away. Good luck with your search and move. - TS
12/22 8:28pm Hello Norfolk friends. We recently relocated back west to California from Norfolk. We moved in July and I wanted to wish you all a happy holiday. I don't miss the cold or snow or potholes. - PR
12/22 8:12pm Many people now live on what used to be farmland or forested land... Hi, I live on Sweetland Farm Rd, directly acoss Main Street from Borrelli's development and I've been concerned about it ... - wasn't that a cornfield before your house and all your neighbors' ruined such a nice rural scene. I understand Mr. Borrelli already has an option on the remaining Sweet land - yes it will be houses some day as well. This entire thread is nothing but NIMBY on steroids. - PC
[NIMBY: Perhaps, but then what isn't - pollution, conflict of interest, terrorism... But clever sophistry does not address the point - just because it happens does not mean it's right, or that it should. - Wm.]
12/22 2:28pm There are times when it is prudent to refrain from comments as the response may evoke additional misinterpretations and misperceptions. It is, at times, prudent to allow printed misinformation to die a quiet death. Contrary to popular belief, I do occasionally visit this site and have also on occasion felt a desire to respond to issues that were certainly raised and broached with a high level of "attitude". Almost an "I dare you" temperament. My long standing policy has been to decline giving any credence to that sort of demeaning commentary on this site. After all, if it really was a valid concern, issue or direct comment that needed a responsible and truthful answer - wouldn't that individual go immediately to the proper source and ask for a detailed explanation? That, in my mind is the logical and most courteous recourse. Having said that, I feel that a response at this time is most prudent. Jack beat me to the punch. He has, in a clear and concise order, given timeframes for the course of action taken with the Borrelli site. He has pointed out the appropriate Boards that must initiate action and those Boards that support those actions. I will not rehash the time table or the events. Jack gave a true accounting. I will respond to certain other aspects that have made print over this past weekend. True, there is no "I" in team, and our Board of Selectmen is a team. We work extremely and remarkably well together. We disagree, we analyze, we discuss, we bring different opinions and views to the table, we compromise at times and each of us ultimately is satisfied that a decision we make is in the best interests of the Town and its residents. We also work independently of each other - we have liaison assignments. There are times when one individual of this team is the lead on an issue and along with the other members support bring it to fruition and completion. The instances that Jack refers to indicate that he was the liaison and point person for those particular circumstances. He had the Boards backing, but he was frontline. Ramesh and I, individually, also are frontline liaisons concerning other issues in Town. There may be a point in time where either one of us will use the word "I" when referring to progress made. It does not in any way negate the work and support offered by the other members. In another comment made regarding Jack's initial response, it was questioned that comments between Mr. Borrelli and Jack were never heard in a Selectmen's meeting. Very true; the comments were made, not at a Norfolk Board of Selectmen televised meeting, but at one of our open Town Hill Roundtable discussions. The Board of Selectmen has a full meeting schedule. We do not just meet every other Monday night. We are often in attendance at Planning Board, Zoning Board of Appeals, Conservation Commission, Advisory Board, School Committee meetings, among others, throughout the month. I, as Chair, have instituted a weekly staff meeting with Dr. Robert Markel and Ms. Marian Harrington and advise the other members of upcoming issues and closed items as relate to the office. We have also been the lead in pulling together the Town Hill Roundtable discussion meetings every month over the last few months. We have made considerable progress with the developers, property owners and various other Boards and Committees. It is due to a collaborative effort by all of those boards that there is progressive movement of the development in that area. We have not been overly vocal about the progress because this is still a work in process. However, we do have progress and all within the Town bylaws and regulations; without the threat of lawsuits and appeals. It is truly refreshing to see and be a part of. It was during one of those meetings that Jack and Mr. Borrelli discussed the "attractiveness, appeal and extent" of the 40B proposal. This meeting is not televised, but it is certainly open to the public for their listening pleasure. We are not a Board that works for the Town twice a month, where we are certainly visible. We are a Board that works for the Town most days and evenings, at times weekends, throughout the month. At times, quietly and behind the scenes, other times vocally and "in your face". It depends on the circumstances and issues. We have a collaborative effort now in force for the development of our Town Center. You will see come Spring the actions of those efforts. Yes, progress has been slow; however, we will have a development of an area that all major Boards and Committees have had a hand in. A collaborative effort with team work. It has been some time since the Town has had a 3 member Board of Selectmen all working towards the benefit of the Town and its residents. It's uplifting. We are here to serve the Town. If you have a valid concern, complaint or issue, the easiest course of action is to call us. If we are the appropriate Board to deal with your issue, we will. If another Board holds jurisdiction, we'll do our best to direct you to the appropriate parties. That is much more effectual than printing commentary that is misinformed and non-factual. With Warm Regards, - Joyce E. Terrio, Chariman, Norfolk Board of Selectmen
12/22 12:47pm 'Clear-cutting in general' is very different from clear-cutting the 4 lots that were supposed to remain untouched per Order of Conditions. [... K]eeping it in context, I referenced the 4 lots. The other areas of clear-cut, once again are objectionable, but I never said Borelli's clear cut of Canterbury is illegal. [... N]otice the 4 lot reference: "He is clear-cutting that entire property as I type this. He is clear-cutting the 4 lots that were in his order of conditions not to touch. His activity over there is illegal as usual, and there is no monitoring going on. For the millionth time, what is the Town going to do?" - SW
12/22 11:53am SW: In Defense of Jack McFeeley (really, how many times do I get to say that! -wink, wink-), Jack and Ramesh Advani were quite vocal in their displeasure with the change from age-restricted to any age development during one of the many Zoning Board hearings on the 40B project. These hearings are not televised, but are posted (they're usually the third Wednesday of the month), and open to the public. Admittedly they aren't usually as entertaining as the Selectmen's meetings, but those who want to keep abreast of things are welcome to come. With respect to the evolution of the 40B project, the Selectmen were critical to the success we have had so far in working together toward a project that much better suits the character of the town. I am very happy with the work of Mr. McFeeley with respect to this project, and I say that as someone with no compunction about voicing displeasure when I think my elected representatives are not being helpful. I repeat my usual observation: town boards do not suffer from an overabundance of volunteers. It is wonderful that so many folks on Norfolknet take such interest in the goings-on of town government. It would be as equally wonderful if they all gave up a night or three a month to make sure this thing we have works, from the inside. - RG
12/22 11:48am SW refutes my comment in my earlier posting and states that, `Havingobserved the selectmen's meetings on the television, I don't remember you telling Borelli that he "deceived" the town.' That's correct. I made the statement at a Zoning Board of Appeals Meeting where I gave testimony against Borrelli in opposition to his 40B proposal. SW also points the finger at me and adds, `There is a lot of 'I' in your posting about the 40B'. That's because it was only me that (s)he put in Borrelli's pocket. If (s)he had given me some company in that pocket I would have changed some more `I's' to `we'. SW makes a huge back pedal and asserts that, ``No one claimed that his clear cutting in general is illegal'' I beg your pardon. You did. Your first posting on Thursday which started the entire exchange said exactly that! 12/18 4:00pm ``...He is clear-cutting that entire property as I typethis. He is clear-cutting the 4 lots that were in his order of conditions not to touch. His activity over there is illegal as usual, and there is no monitoring going on. For the millionth time, what is the Town going to do?...''. - Jack McFeeley, Selectman, Norfolk
12/22 11:41am To LM: My family relocated to Norfolk from Danbury, Ct. four years ago. We love it here. The town is quiet and peaceful, and still retains the characteristics of small-town living. There are three nursey schools in the town, my youngest attended the Norfolk Co-op Preschool in the center of town, located in the Federated Church. It's best to visit them to decide which one you like best. Doctors are located within ten to fifteen minutes in the surrounding towns. There is one doctor in the center of town. We were recommended to Walpole Pediatrics for our sons, this has been a good choice. There is no pharmacy in town, they are also located ten to fifteen minutes away. There is a Roche Brothers in Millis, and a Shaw's supermarket in Franklin. Large chain shopping is about 20 to 30 minutes away. Starting with 7th grade, the school system is regional, involving three towns. A treasure located in the town is Stoney Brook Nature Conservatory, a beautiful place to take the kids for a short hike. We were used to the conveniences being closer, but have adjusted, and now are happy that we don't experience all the traffic that comes with that. Good luck with your relocation and search! - CR
12/22 9:16am Mr. Selectman, Well, I won't quote Mark Twain, but the description of your actions have been greatly exaggerated. Having observed the selectmen's meetings on the television, I don't remember you telling Borelli that he "deceived" the town. The Selectmen asked questions trying to get straight answers from Mr. Borelli when he didn't include '40B' in his presentation. There is a lot of 'I' in your posting about the 40B, yet I do not think it was only you who did not like the look of his proposed 40B. In regard to the Main Street side of the Canterbury project, he was not in compliance when he cut trees to within 20 ft of the brook. In regard to the expansion land coming at no cost to the town, I fear you would get a response to the contrary from many. It has come at a cost greater than this town can bear. The question of how to call to task a habitual offender has yet to be answered. Your remarks that report's of Borellis's illegalities 'has been greatly exaggerated' ... No one claimed that his clear cutting in general is illegal, (objectionable, yes) only his clear cutting well within buffer zones of protected wetlands. Buffer zones which haven't been determined because he never had the hay bale lines inspected. Hence, the claims of illegality. Why wasn't the inspection done earlier? Was it not made clear in his order of conditions that he was not allowed to work on those particular lots until they were inspected? So if no angry resident had called, he would have what... called and made sure those hay bale lines were OK with the Con Com? Since he has proven himself to be such an honest and law abiding developer, I guess we should trust him. Forgive my sarcasm. Now if in fact he was clearing those lots illegally, what is to be done about it. They are already decimated. Another couple of hundred dollars? I can feel his pain. How about replication instead? Perhaps an amendment to the existing order of conditions would be fair. Once again I am underwhelmed by the town's ability to really curtail this guy. Why should I be shamed? There are unknown facts coming to light, isn't that part of the point of free speech? And can a developer be banned? Doesn't sound possible but would love to know. - SW
12/22 12:07am Happy Winter Solstice! According to the Naval Observatory, 2:04am on Monday 12/22 is the time of the solstice, the point along the Earth's orbit at which the North Pole tilts farthest away from the Sun. Tonight is the longest night of the year; the amount of daylight will increase until Summer Solstice in June. - Wm.
12/21 11:33pm TO: Jack McFeely: Thank you so much for your lengthy, thorough, and thoughtful response. It helps us understand the behind-the-scenes machinations that are far more complex than most of us realize. I can't say my opinion of Borelli has changed, but it is helpful to learn more. I urge you and your fellow selectmen to visit Norfolknet regularly. You are right, it is not an official record of public complaints, but it is an imiportant barometer of sentiment and opinion in town. We can all learn a lot here. - TC
12/21 11:32pm We are relocating to the area due to a job transfer from Atlanta, GA and considering the Town of Norfolk. I have visited the town and found it to be lovely. Can anyone tell me where you go grocery shopping in the area, recommend nursery schools, pediatricians, etc. Thank you and happy holidays, - LM
12/21 6:57pm Mark Twain once quipped, after reading an obituary notice of his own death in a newspaper, ``Reports of my demise have been greatly exaggerated.'' The same thing can be said of Borrelli and the Selectmen. SW has made several accusations stating that the Selectmen have a `fear of Mr. Borrelli' as a result there is an `inability to take a firm stand'. In fact, SW also states that I am in `Borrelli's pocket'. RT adds, `Selectmen take note:' and `if the Selectmen continue to do nothing'. Finally, TEM posts, `I believe the recent public complaints regarding Borelli and the Board of Selectmen merit--at the very least--a response from one or more of these elected officials. We're waiting, folks.' Let me first say that these and some of the other postings are not public complaints. They are anonymous hearsay some of which border on libel. It's discouraging to see how some misinformed comments can take on a life of their own such that well meaning people start getting berated and vilified. I will provide the facts: The responsible Board in this instance is the Conservation Commission not the Board of Selectmen. The Conservation Commission issues the Order of Conditions and it is they who provide the site inspection and the oversight. The Board of Selectmen appoints the members of the Conservation Commission and we can only provide the support and the encouragement to the Con Comm. We can also provide the good efforts of our office. We have done both in this instance. Please read on and be the judge. To paraphrase Mark Twain, ``Reports of our inactivity have been greatly exaggerated.'' Last Thursday we received about four phone calls reporting alleged violations by Mr. Borrelli around the vernal pool near the Lake Street end of his property. The calls came both to our office and the Con Comm office where Marie Simpson, the Administrative Assistant, received them. At about 11 AM that morning, Marie and Bob Markel our Town Administrator went out for a site inspection to determine whether there was a violation. They received permission to enter from the property of a Lake Street resident and saw some activity on the Borrelli site in the vicinity of the vernal pool. However, they could not determine whether the activity was in compliance with the Order of Conditions. The difficulty arises from the fact that while there are only three lots that cannot be touched (Lots 15-16 and either 26 or 27) it was difficult to determine the lot lines. Clearing on the other lots is permitted. Marie contacted Mr. Bob Borrelli on his cell phone and he agreed to come to town hall that afternoon. Bob Markel contacted the Selectmen and advised us about the problem. Mr. Borrelli came to town hall about 4:00 PM that afternoon, about the same time SW made his/her first posting and Marie told him that she needed to call in the compliance monitor to check the site and he agreed. He gave her a check for $8,800 on the spot to pay for the inspection. Marti Nover of Nover Armstrong, Inc. will be onsite Monday morning. At the same time I arrived at town hall and was advised of the situation and the status. At 5:00 PM Joyce Terrio arrived at town hall and we met with Marie, Bob and Marian Harrington, our Executive Assistant, and discussed the issue and several other Con Comm issues in depth. When the meeting broke we told Marie to tell the Con Comm that they have our full support and backing in the Borrelli issue and the several other issues that were discussed in that emergency meeting. The selectmen do not fear Mr. Borrelli. All we would like to do is deal with him on a fair basis as we would with any other property holder in town. If there are violations, we will support the Con Comm. I also asked Marie about the Main Street side of Canterbury Estates, especially the pile of logs and the clear cutting at the top of the hill. Is he in compliance I asked? She responded that he is. Once again, to paraphrase Mark Twain, ``Reports of his illegalities have been greatly exaggerated.'' I asked her to put the Order of Conditions on the website so people know what is and is not allowed. Hopefully this will be done shortly. Two other comments that were dropped on us in these postings: Yes, I got Mr. Borrelli to donate free to the town of Norfolk the expansion land for the library. This was at no cost to the town. When the Commonwealth overturned the Conservation Commissions Order of Conditions to Mr. Borrelli on Phase Two of Canterbury Estates, the Conservation Commission appealed the decision. I arranged for a mediation session, which ultimately led to an acceptable compromise. The result was that the litigation was dropped and Mr. Borrelli had agreed to put a `bridge' over the wetlands. When Mr. Borrelli presented his 40B (Low Income Housing Proposal) for the center of town I told him it was ``unacceptable'' and that he had deceived the town with his initial proposal that was an age restricted proposal. I also told him in a public meeting his three building residential houses looked liked barracks and I could not accept that. We rejected the proposals. However, the proposals were accepted by the state. Normally, the Board of Selectmen is out of the loop at this point. Once the proposals were accepted by the state, the Board of Selectman really do not get involved with development issues. This is entirely Planning Board and Zoning Board domain. However, following Ramesh's election and spurred by his inducement we decided to provide the leadership to these issues. Bruce Simpson also led the way with the ZBA. Therefore, in June of this year Ramesh and I asked Jay Thalerman to come up with an alternate proposal for the Borrelli property. Joyce Terrio reviewed the proposal and we agreed and so we presented this to Mr. Borrelli as the `Board of Selectmen's Proposal'. That is, we gave Mr. Borrelli a counter proposal to his initial plan and said that this is what we would like the 40B development to look like. He agreed with our proposal and when he presented this in August to the ZBA and the Planning Board I told him he also must add back an age restricted component to take the pressure off of the schools otherwise I couldn't agree. As a result he added back that 25% would also be age restricted. Who's in whose pocket? With the guidance and leadership of Bruce Simpson and Art Spruch the ZBA and the Planning Board have now either accepted this or will be accepting it. What has been taking years has been accomplished in six months. We will now begin to see progress in the center of town. Finally, the comments about Fred Pfischner: I will be brief since it is inappropriate to comment about an individual. SW says, ``Mr. Pfischner obviously was a horrible choice.'' Not at all, Fred is a fine person. I have said previously that I served with Fred on the Board of Selectman twenty years ago. I did not agree with him on many occasions, but I found value in his point of view. I think that the current Conservation Commission needs a contrasting point of view. I still do. Fred will certainly provide that. From what I hear he has already done so. However, I must also add that one must disagree without being disagreeable. Do I agree with Fred's point of view? Usually not, and I think I made that clear the night we appointed him. However, we were asked by Alan Shaw to appoint someone who was free during the day to make inspections. We had two candidates in front of us. One was Fred who was free during the day and the other was not. Our choice was then clear. We appointed Fred. Finally, SW suggests, ``Our newest member of the Con Comm is going to make Con Comm's job incredibly difficult. Mr. Pfischner obviously was a horrible choice, but perhaps he was put there out of spite [...] or because he is going to make Borelli's destruction of pristine habitat (more land cleared = more dollars made?) even easier. [...] You have to wonder what the payoff is.'' Shame on you! We are honorable people. We only try to do the best we can. - Jack McFeeley, Selectmen, Norfolk
12/21 6:34pm Hi, I live on Sweetland Farm Rd, directly acoss Main Street from Borrelli's development and I've been concerned about it. The other day my friend and I walked down there to see the brook dammed by hay bales and flooded pretty severly. I wasn't sure if this was unlawful or not, so I called the conservation commision on Friday and left a message to see if someone could check it out. I didn't know that he just started cutting down trees, doesn't he need to check with the town? Then, on Saturday morning I woke up disturbed from the constant beeping from one of his grinders and the sound of trees being crushed. I think that a lot of these nearby neighboorhoods are confused on what is goign on and should be notified on what Borrelli can be doing and what he can't be doing. He's come within 15 feet from the brook, and I'm surprised that he hasn't taken down all of the trees. There is one strip of trees which he hasn't taken down yet which makes me wonder. My last comment is my concern over the man who used to own all the land. When he passes on his estate, is it possible that Borrelli could get hold of it and take down his House and the historical Sweetland Farm stand? The other day I took a look at what this man still owns for land and he still owns about three or four acres. Borrelli is hungry for that land, he could get four or five more lots out of it. I'm conerned about losing our neighboorhood's history! Part of the reason why I enjoy this neighborhood is because its surrounded by nice dense forest with ponds, vernal pools; also I find the history of our neighboorhood interesting as well. Now with Borrelli here it's all being ruined! - EW
12/21 5:51pm JD, The answers to most of your questions would be a matter of public record and would be available at the town hall for those who are willing to make that trek and not wait for the information to appear here on this forum or any other. Just because it is public record does not mean or require that it will be posted on the web. But as a tax paying citizen of the town, you should be able to visit the various town agencies as ask to 'see' (not copy, not take with you, but see) the records concerning Mr. Borelli and his endeavors in the town. Information which is not required to made public record will likely not be available. All of this is as it should be. But don't expect to see it here. I don't believe it could be, quite frankly, by any town official. But only they can answer that question. Your best option to get whatever information you seek, is to go to the source and ask for it...the town hall. You as a citizen, as with all of us, have very limited power as to what we can do if we think necessary. And that power is pretty much limited to picking up the phone and calling the appropriate town agency, or the police, to report what you think is wrong. Other than that, you can make the effort to get involved and educated sufficiently to know and understand town bylaws, wetland protection laws, your public officials who meet and act on these issues, and perhaps even go to the various 'open' meetings held by these agencies when they deal with proposed or real projects that might be of concern to you. They are open meetings for a reason...so the taxpayer has access and can gain understanding...and even provide input when possible (as in being a legal abutter to said project). As for town bylaws having any teeth, they do only in so far as the town is willing and able to enforce them. And that willingness must also follow constitutional procedures...meaning that there has to be cause for enforcement, and the appropriate town officials are involved. The police can't simply go out and arrest Mr. Borelli unless the Conservation Commission can give them cause to get involved. Many times in wetland law violations, the police get involved when the cease and desist enforcement order is served. And that's usually for safety reasons if prior experience warrants it. It's nice to see people who have concerns putting voice to them. But the answers sought by many can only be gained by going to the horse, for the horse won't likely be speaking here. Oh, and it's a very good idea when going to public meetings to hopefully input to a discussion of town concerns, that the input be based on facts and knowledge, and not emotion. Emotion regarding Mr. Borelli obviously runs quite high in some quarters. But emotion can't sway a legally appointed or elected town official, nor should it. Decisions and concerns should be based on facts, and they'll be found at the town hall, if they're there to be legally found at all. - TK
12/21 5:49pm JD, Unfortunately, I think Borelli is allowed to work on Saturday mornings, though I know of a few residents who called and left messages on the Town Administrators line. Borelli is never there himself, it is just his minions. Believe me the police will be called if it happens on a Sunday or Holiday. You sound exactly like I feel. It makes me crazy, but at least right now awareness is being raised and if the pressure is put on Town Hall, they have to respond. Property ownership is public information, and I am not sure what else he owns. It would be a great idea to put his current order of conditions or whatever on a public website, because he relies on the public not knowing what he is and isn't allowed to do. I am certain the police don't know what exactly is going on. Even on a weekday, Borelli starts at 7:00 and the Town Hall doesn't open until 9:00. They have so many other things going on that this is not a priority until a mob of angry residents call. And believe me 2 hours is plenty of time for Borelli to completely annihilate a beautiful wooded area. If he starts on again on Monday morning, I promise I will call the police. They at least can respond and get the ball rolling, so when Town Hall opens at 9:00 they can take action. I hope a public official will respond to your questions. - SW
12/21 5:44pm I've lived in the area long enough to remember there used to be trees where I now shop at Roche Brothers in Millis. That's how it works. You cut trees, flatten it out, and build. Does anyone who's been posting live in a house in which no trees were taken down. The problem is, it's taken such a long time. I would argue the opposition to the Library's expansion is an example of how difficult the town wants to make it for any development, causing most of the delay problems. - JB
[Of course trees will be taken down to build a house in the woods, but how many? Some builders clear enough for a house, driveway, and front lawn, where Borelli clearcuts the whole block before starting the first house (like at Cress Brook). - Wm.]
12/21 5:39pm OK, this is just a residents take on things.... - SW
- In his order of conditions, Borelli was supposed to leave untouched 4 lots in particular. These four lots touch the actual lake and 2 vernal pools. He was caught putting in perc pipes within the buffer zone (which I think is 200 feet) last spring. He was supposed to pay for a monitor to inspect his hay bale lines (no hay bale lines this spring). His distance to the lake was never confirmed because you cannot trespass on his property, yet it was observed from abutting properties and he was warned to stop. Now hay bale lines have appeared and he has clear-cut those properties. Still, no monitoring, no inspections. The Con Com has taken pictures of what he is doing, but cannot file a cease and desist until someone goes out there and inspects or the town can be in trouble. So, waiting for the inspection...during which time Borelli continues to do what he does best. Clear-cut and move earth. He also has cut down trees around the vernal pool off Main Street, and wants to put in his wetland crossing before he is allowed to by the Federal Government.
- Don't have the details, will leave that to MH. It is widely accepted that Pfischner has stated that he feels that the towns Wetland bylaws do not need to be respected. [But that was the point, widely accepted in what circles, and for what reason? - Wm.]
- The selectmen have yet to take a hard line with Mr. Borelli. This is not Borelli's first development, and this is not the first time he is completely disregarding the town laws. I think that maybe the selectmen are afraid to anger Borelli because he has that moonscape in the center of town he is holding over the town's head. The selectmen need to be more supportive and more openly communicative with the various boards who are trying to protect the town from developers like Borelli who are bulldozing through regardless of laws. The selectmen are in charge of earth removal permits, though I have no idea why. Borelli has removed a ton of earth (gravel), from Cressbrook St. for example, with very little monitoring. How much exactly?... I am sure the selectmen have no idea. I would like to know what the selectmen are going to do to stop this.
- It seems that fining Mr. Borelli is the only thing the town can do. They fine him $300.00 all the time, he smiles and whips out his checkbook. Big deal. I know they can always take him to court... but Borelli has deeper pockets than the town. The damage is already done by the time any real consequences can be handed out. Maybe one of the boards can answer this question better.
- I would love to know if he could be banned from town.
12/21 9:48am To SW - Did you call anyone to report Borrelli's actions this morning? I know no one was down at town hall, but couldn't you have called the police? This guy needs to be confronted BEFORE he's through ruining the land. If I were awakened on a weekend or holiday morning at 7:00AM to the sound of chainsaws, I'd be on the phone to the cops in an instant! Of course, this brings up the question of whether or not the cops are informed as to what Borelli can and can't do to his properties, and what their options are if he's "caught in the act". Can they arrest him if he refuses to stop? And how can we, the concerned citizens, be preinformed as to any restrictions put on this chronic offender's properties so that we can "keep an eye" on him? Does anyone know what Borrelli's current inventory of land consists of, and what if any plans for such land have been presented to the Planning Board? Is such information available to the public? It certainly would be easier for the community to police this guy if we had up to date, accurate information publicly posted in a consistant and obvious place (like the town hall web site) as to what his, and other developers' intentions and restrictions are. How enforcable ARE town bylaws, anyway? Any lawers out there? CAN someone be arrested if they're a chronic offender? Can the town sue chronic offenders for more than a tiny fine? Would the town win if they did? Which are stronger in court - Private property laws or Town by-laws? There must be SOMETHING we can do! - JD
12/20 8:31pm Hi folks, this is your webmaster. The rhetoric is flying fast and furious, so perhaps it's time to pin down a few details. So far, the following have come up where I could use elaboration: - Wm.
- What were the order of conditions on the lower Canterberry development? What was Borelli supposed to not do?
- When, and in what context, did Mr. Pfischner say that wetlands laws should not be enforced?
- Why are the Selectmen being called to task? Whose role is it within Town Hall to make sure that developers abide by the various regulations they're obliged to follow?
- What options does the town have to keep developers in line? And are sanctions automatic, or at the discretion of the boards?
- Can developers be banned from towns? I've heard of this now from serveral sources; is there any truth to it?
12/20 7:48pm We received an e-mailed recommendation that concerned residents can call the Police department and have them call the Conservation Commission to check out the activity conducted on the development site. - Wm.
12/20 7:46pm To AN - regarding your comment... If you have any verifiable objective evidence to back up your allegation, please provide it. Otherwise, please withdraw your statement as it may be libelous and actionable. I have heard of a time when a commission supposedly told a landowner that he could not do a soil test on his land, and reportedly Fred took issue with that. [...]Isn't your comment hearsay? I recognize a double standard when I see one.- ME
12/20 7:43pm I believe the recent public complaints regarding Borelli and the Board of Selectmen merit--at the very least--a response from one or more of these elected officials. We're waiting, folks. - TEM
12/20 8:39am A beautiful Saturday morning. No one is in Town Hall. Borelli is creeping down the hill towards the Vernal pool. This guy is unbelievable. He knows exactly how to time this so nothing can be done. He is working on a few of the lots he was warned (again) not to touch. He is stumping and accidently knocking a few more trees down. He keeps getting closer to the Vernal pool. I am waiting for him to construct a water slide into it. I wonder if I will see him out there on Christmas morning chainsaw in hand? - SW
12/19 8:20pm To JT - We have a wonderful pediatrician in Medfield - only about 15 min away. His name is Mark Blumenthal and he is with Pediatric Associates. They are located on Route 109. His staff is excellent and always makes time for us when we need to get in. They also have a 24 hour nurse phone line if you have questions. Hope this helps! - JHB
12/19 2:13pm Hello all, We're relocating and are looking to sell some items. We've posted pictures, descriptions and prices here: maggieb.org/sale Just email maggie@maggieb.org if you're interested. Thank! - MB
12/19 11:52am Borelli is truly destroying the character of the town. His development approach is slowly erasing the natural beauty that everyone in town loves. His wealth and power is certainly intimidating to some of the BOS. It may take a grassroots effort to make a statement. Unfortunately, I don't know what the result can be. I know developers can and are banned from certain towns, but I don't know the circumstances behind it. I often thought Lake Street was one of the more picturesque streets in town. This, I'm afraid, is going to change. Regarding the newest member of the Comcom, remember all decisions require a vote of the 7 members. I guarantee there will be a lot of 6-1 votes which will not stop the Commission from doing its job. - JS
12/19 11:17am Re: 12/18 7:43am RT and SW, I fear that this is a local instance of something we have been seeing nationally. ... But when they placed Mr. Pfischner on the Conservation Commission, a man who has said openly in public that he does not believe wetland laws should be enforced, they were sending a message. - MH To MH: I've known Fred Pfischner for almost forty years and have never known him to do anything that would be detrimental to the Town. In his service as Selectman and in other capacities he has always done a good job. He is a very well qualified and experienced Civil Engineer. I do not know of any case where he has said that "he does not believe that wetland laws should be enforced", as you state. If you have any verifiable objective evidence to back up your allegation, please provide it. Otherwise, please withdraw your statement as it may be libelous and actionable. I have heard of a time when a commission supposedly told a landowner that he could not do a soil test on his land, and reportedly Fred took issue with that. Obviously a landowner can do a test on his or her land or water or air or grass or trees or noise level or electromagnetic level, etc., as long as such test does not violate any laws, and I know of no pertinent laws that would be violated. If the test has to be a witnessed test for a specific application or condition, then the test can be repeated with a witness, but a test can be done for the landowner's own information at any time. I agree with your comments about how the Bush environmental agenda is about relaxing EPA regulations, but that Bush policy of relaxing regulations does not extend to our Town. - AN
12/19 10:53am To everyone - Another way to keep up to date on what is happening with the town center etc. is to watch cable channel 22 interviews between Paul Guertin and Town Administrator Bob Markel. These are weekly interviews that are replayed throughout the week. Go to Channel 22 for the schedule. The Monday night Selectmen's meetings are also carried live and replayed throughout the week. Regarding the Borelli tree cutting issue it is my experience that developers, in general, will violate town and state laws at will until they are forced to obey them (which is too late to replace old trees but destroyed wetlands can be replaced). This is a reason for a town to have strong laws and boards with Selectmen who support them. - JB
12/19 10:49am MH, I find it hard to respect the selectmen, they refuse to enforce town bylaws. They refuse to support our various boards when they are trying to enforce the laws and bylaws. There is one selectman in particular who is the problem. He has repeatedly demonstrated over the years that he is in Borelli's pocket. Regarding the position of selectmen, I agree it is a tough position to hold, but it is something you choose to do. Our newest member of the Con Com is going to make Con Com's job incredibly difficult. Mr. Pfischner obviously was a horrible choice, but perhaps he was put there out of spite [...] or because he is going to make Borelli's destruction of pristine habitat (more land cleared = more dollars made?) even easier. [...] You have to wonder what the payoff is. - SW
12/19 7:43am RT and SW, I fear that this is a local instance of something we have been seeing nationally. The Bush environmental agenda is all about relaxing regulations in order to make destruction easier for private industries and cronie capitalists. If you want to get hopping mad, just read about what he has been up to with the EPA (see the Chronology of Environmental Destruction). I respect the Board of Selectmen. They have a tough and often thankless job. But when they placed Mr. Pfischner on the Conservation Commission, a man who has said openly in public that he does not believe wetland laws should be enforced, they were sending a message. This is the same message that Bush sent when he appointed polluting industry lobbyists to run the EPA. Talk about the fox guarding the hen house. The general message is "I don't care about the water and air or the health of your children." The message to the people charged with protecting our environment is "I want to make your already-difficult job harder." And the message to developers and polluters is "Do as you see fit." It's all about the dollars. - MH
12/18 8:44pm Hi everybody, We moved to Norfolk about a year ago and thought it would be a great place to live and start a family, and we were right. So right, in fact, that we need some recommendations for a good Pediatrician in the area. We still have a few months to go, but it really seems like it's time to start looking. If anybody has any info, good or bad, I'd really like to hear it. Thanks, - JT
[To send personal comments to JT, mail them directly to box12@norfolknet.com, otherwise recommendations, good and bad, are always welcome on the page - Wm.]
12/18 8:01pm TR... It is a shame that the newspapers don't get hold of this information. All it would take is a little snooping on their part and they would find out how many times this particular builder has been in violation of various bylaws and orders of condition. The other part of it is that our Selectmen's fear of Mr. Borelli and their inability to take a firm stand with Mr. Borelli has given our Town the reputation of [welcoming abuse] while the various developers have at it... apparently the Boy Scout Land developers heard the new s and are jumping in on the party. - SW
12/18 4:43pm I have also noted the clear cutting activities of Mr. Borelli. Have you seen what he has done off the pond on Lake Street? The picture on NorfolkNet looks like the pond on Lake Street a week ago. If you took a picture today most of the trees in the back left corner would be gone. Apparently Mr. Borelli does not understand the word "No". He did not have approval to clear cut these lots and it was my understanding that his order of condition required site reviews of the hay bale lines and the wet land deliniation. These requirements were not met. Oops, I guess he forgot about those orders. As he has done in the past, he starts up one morning at 7am and by the time concerned residents and the town can do anything about it, acres of trees and protected vernal pool areas have been destroyed. What can be done about this? No one can restore the trees but a substantial fine and/or legal proceedings should be imposed to attempt to curtail his future activities. Mr. Borelli continues to do as he pleases because there are no or minimal consequences for his behavior. He is like a child who continues to misbehave, he will continue to do as he pleases until the punishment is so severe he is convinced to change his ways. Selectmen take note, Mr. Borelli continues to mock the rules and regulations administered by this town. Something must be done. If the selectmen continue to do nothing maybe it is time for a grassroots organization to fight this bully. When is it time to say we have had enough of Mr. Borelli's activities. Someone must protect the resources of this town. Just curious, has anyone ever seen Mr. Borelli's home? I am picturing a giant lot with no greenery in sight, just dirt that continues to erode... this is what he builds in town so it must be what he likes for his own home, right? - RT
12/18 4:00pm Sooo... All has been quiet on the Borelli front, until a few days ago. Anyone notice the stockpile of dead trees off Main St. across from one end of Sweetland Farm Rd? He is clear-cutting that entire property as I type this. He is clear-cutting the 4 lots that were in his order of conditions not to touch. His activity over there is illegal as usual, and there is no monitoring going on. For the millionth time, what is the Town going to do? Slap him with a 300.00 fine? That'll stop him for sure. What is the penalty for someone who repeatedly breaks the Town bylaws? The rape and pillage of Norfolk continues... if it bothers you, I encourage you to call the Selectmen's Office, 508-528-1408 and add your voice. - SW
12/18 10:58am The Stony Brook winter vacation program (12/29-1/2) is on the Calendar [click here]. - SP
12/17 11:31pm Fire Chief William F. Kelley requests your assistance with keeping hydrants clear from snow this winter. He is requesting that residents "Adopt-A-Hydrant" in their neighborhoods, as has been done in the past. With budget constraints and limited manpower, it is impossible to keep all hydrants cleared. [C o n t i n u e d . . .]. - Norfolk Fire Department
12/17 11:28pm TO: TP,JW, JB Re: Development of town center. I too have been hearing rumors and trying to reconcile them with what I've read. It's not working yet. I have heard a Trader Joe's grocery store is being considered, which I personally think would be great, but I know it would represent a significant change in the feeling of the town center. Attending meetings might just be the only way to get a beat on what's planned, and even that doesn't mean it will ever happen. Any new intelligence is always welcome. - TC
12/17 1:32pm Norfolk Residents: The Santa Foundation needs your help now! This organiztion is in need of shoppers, sponsors and gift wrappers to get holiday presents to families in Norfolk that need help giving gifts to their children. Please help this very worthy organization get holiday gifts to our community. Call Bob S. at the Santa Foundation 508-528-1767. Thank you for your help, - JM
12/17 11:14am To TP and JW: If you get the local paper (Sun Chronicle) or read the Globe West there are articles all the time about the town center. There is a monthly meeting with Borelli open to the public (contact town hall for dates) concerning his development of the "Moonscape". Also the Fall Town Meeting (open to all town residents) passed zoning bylaw changes requested by the library trustees so that they could proceed with a massive expansion. Anyone who has lived here for any length of time knows of the town's frustration with the "Moonscape". Previous owners raped the land and refused to develop it. Unfortunately the Town cannot force a landowner to build on his propertry. I doubt we would want the Town to have this power. Town boards have tried to get development here but the owners have always claimed that demographics prohibited the profitable development of this property. Borelli is now in the process of building affordable housing there (Chapter 40-B). He sold off part of the property to Eastern Development Corp. which is a local firm. They say they intend to put stores there. We have heard this before. - JB
12/17 11:12am DAF - so I guess it's okay for private businesses to profit at the expense of you and me - "keep in mind that taxpayers are only footing a small part of the bill". I don't want to pay for any convention Dem. or Rep.- nor do I believe public funds should be expended while taxes fees and waste is rampant in this soon to be 2 class state. Political parties are not government functions, they are private organizations. In this day and age a convention is simply a boondogle - party candidates are chosen well before these gatherings. - PC
12/17 9:12am To PA anc PC - I think your logic dictates that it is the Republican Convention that is unnecessary, as the Republican choice is clear. - SH
12/17 9:06am The Selectmen are looking for volunteers interested in serving on the Planning Board. A new member will be appointed to fill the vacancy on January 26; letters of interest should be received by January 14. [See the anouncement here] - Wm.
12/17 9:02am PR - That's swell! Go, Doug, go! PC - A study completed after San Diego hosted the Super Bowl in 1998 showed that the one-day Super Bowl generated $295 million for their local economy. The tiny 2000 U.S. Olympic Team's gymnastics trials at the Fleet Center pumped $14 million into the local economy, according to the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau. Most economists predict a modest jolt to the local economy from this summer's convention -- not Super Bowl size, but considerably larger than the balance beam and pommel horse show -- on the order of $75 million. And that doesn't factor in the free advertising Massachusetts gets around the US and world during that week -- hopefully bring more business conventions back to our commonwealth. Also, keep in mind that taxpayers are only footing a small part of the bill -- the majority is coming from private donors. I believe the DNC convention will be a net positive for the economy. I agree with our governor when he said "I want Boston to be an example of a great convention destination. I am fully supportive of the effort to bring the Democratic National Convention to Boston and will do whatever I can to make sure the convention is highly successful." Of course, that was last year, maybe he has changed his mind? - DAF
12/17 9:00am TP, I don't know if this is legitimate news about the town center or not but, I have lived here since 1965 and am still waiting for something to be developed in the center. I wouldn't hold my breath is I were you. Oh wait, I've seen them cap off Town Hill, build the new, (old) library, tear down the building where I heard rumor that Washington actually slept and make the moonscape with the Town Hall on it, a huge parking lot and a four way stop. Now that I think about it, that's progress, I guess, well maybe, well maybe not. - JW
12/16 9:07pm Does anyone have legitimate information on the plan to develop the downtown area within Norfolk? One of the main attractions to my wife and I moving here was the atmosphere of the town center, and it would be a shame if the town were to poorly develop the area. I have heard some disturbing rumors but do not want to give them too much weight unless they can be confirmed. Any information would be greatly appreciated. - TP
12/16 5:49pm To DAF, I live parallel to the airport and I believe I could have seen him landing this morning. Hope he did it. - PR
12/16 2:00pm "Deny the city of Boston the millions in income resulting from a national political convention" - I have a problem with these oft used yet ALWAYS unproven pie in the sky guesstimates to justify public troughing once again. PS: Can anyone verify if Saddam really said from his spider hole "I'll go peacefully as long as you don't send Hillary back" - PC
[I don't follow - are political party conventions publicly funded? Republican ones, too, or just the Democratic ones? - Wm.]
12/16 10:49am Some recent posts to this forum seem to be suggesting that in view of a very recent event if George W. Bush does absolutely nothing further (which, sadly, could become a strategy) between now and November of 2004, he will be re-elected. There is something inadvertent and unintentionally revealing about such an observation and assumption, although my guess is that it still would be lost on those baffling people who made up the majority of voters in our beloved red states in the previous presidential election and who some apparently believe will mindlessly follow suit in the one to come. And, by the way, is it the same "red-state logic" that dictates one to deny the city of Boston the millions in income resulting from a national political convention (no matter the party)? The holder of such a stance suggests to me that he or she not only would have supported the trade of Babe Ruth, passed on Jackie Robinson, but would have also given Ted Williams his unconditional release in his rookie year. - TEM
12/16 10:47am I hate to interrupt the partisan gloating... but I wanted to mention that Norfolk should be on the lookout tomorrow for Doug Barth in his Cessna 172. He'll be attempting to land at all of the airports in Massachusetts in one day in honor of the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first flight -- including the now-defunct (and soon to be developed) Norfolk airport. (See the Globe story). - DAF
12/15 4:09pm PA - The DNC itself is a waste of time, never mind their convention - PC
12/15 12:25pm Kudos to PC for recognizing where the leadership begins with our Armed Forces. Is it possible that the City of Boston could save millions of dollars if the DNC is cancelled, for won't that be a waste of time now? - PA
12/15 11:46am PC, I think it was the US Army's 4th Infantry Division that captured Saddam Hussein. Mr. Bush was at Camp David at the time. That is, unless we were being lied to and he had actually flown into Tikrit in his little flight suit. It is a good day indeed when a tyrant is deposed -- especially one as murderous as Saddam Hussein. We should always remember what Octavio Paz wrote: "The rebel attacks the tyrant; the revolutionary attacks tyranny." - DAF
12/14 9:37pm Wheee! Today I not only got to ride the motorcycle, but after shoveling the driveway, sledded down the slope! Of course, while the driveway is sleddable, I should probably keep the bike garaged... :-) - Wm.
12/14 9:24pm Well done Mr. President... Congratulations on your capture of Saddam Hussein. I am looking forward to the last five years of your tenure. - PC
[The king is dead! Long live the king! - Wm.]
12/14 5:01pm We received an e-mail about EZ Way Cleaners, and we're quoting a section of possible general interest: I typed up a note for E-Z Way Cleaners and taped it to the inside of their door. A man renovating the inside of the shop thought there had been a sign there but it had been lost. My note simply gives the location and phone of the Milford shop. - AN- Wm.
12/12 7:43pm EZ Way Cleaners customers may want to visit the former location to read notes that were left on their door. Within the past 2 weeks they had a sign on the door explaining the situation. I believe it said that they closed their former Norfolk location, relocated the customers' clothes to Milford, and then in the future will continue business in the office to the right of the prior Norfolk location. - DLJ
12/12 7:41pm AR -- just to let you know: "Merry Christmas" is alive and well in Woonsocket, RI (could be all the French-Canadians there). Merry Christmas - HPK
12/12 11:18am Re: 12/12 6:25pm Hi, Does anyone know what happened to EZ Way cleaners? ... I checked for EZ Way Cleaners on Google, found their Norfolk listing on Norfolknet: EZ Way Cleaners 158 Main Street, Norfolk // 520-0110, called that, got a new number: 508-473-8888, looked that up on Excite reverse lookup [page here]: and got: - AN
12/12 6:25pm Hi, Does anyone know what happened to EZ Way cleaners? I went to retrieve my clothes that I left Thanksgiving week, and they are gone. I called the phone number, got a forwarding number, and that number is out of service. Has anyone else tried to retrieve clothes? Thanks, - EAS
12/11 9:41pm I always thought RG stood for Republican Guard; now you tell us you're a Libertarian... anyways, Merry Christmas to all. - PC
12/11 2:49pm Normally I'm not one to fall into PC-esque (and that's politically correct, not PC the poster) thinking, but I was watching "Santa Claus is coming to Town," the Rankin/Bass production from 1970 with Fred Astaire narrating, and became very aware of the heavy-duty religious overtones. At one time Astaire explained that Santa had to decide which day he would make his trip, and, naturally chose the holiest night of the year, Christmas Eve, etc etc. It's not that I was offended, heck, I'm Catholic. It's just that it seemed so out of place in the secular little world we've built. Kind of stunning to see how much the culture has changed in 30 years; you could never get that green-lighted today. Oh, sure, we've got religious shows on TV today (like Joan of Arcadia), but the deities involved are generally non-denominational, nonthreatening touchy-feely gods -- something a Unitarian would like (tongue planted firmly in cheek). I don't think a network today would show a show as casually and dogmatically Christian as "Santa Claus is coming to Town." Which, if you think about it, is very ironic: the most blatantly Christian show your kids will see on TV today advances the secularization of a high holiday. And, I'm sure AR will find upsetting, I do use Happy Holidays quite a bit. It's the Libertarian in me, you know. - RG
12/11 10:40am Norfolk Lions' Youth Soccer - Now accepting mail-in Spring 2004 registrations for children at least 3 years old and no older than 13 years old as of August 31, 2003. All games are played in Norfolk on Sunday afternoons. Registration forms are available in the lobby of the Norfolk Public Library or on our website norfolklionssoccer.com Registration deadline is March 1st. Contact Helen at 508-520-0163 for more information. - HK
12/11 10:39am Norfolk Highway Dept. deserves a huge thank-you for the great job they did on the roads during and after the storm this past week. THANK YOU GUYS. - JW
12/10 10:32am Must be holiday season, nobody is spending their time composing for the web. (Please overlook the irony in that self-referential statement :-) But I'm getting into the holiday spirit, in an oblique sort of way -- yesterday I committed a decidedly subversive, counter-revolutionary act. I was taking care of some paperwork, being helped by a clerk not old but no longer young, someone pleased with life and comfortable with herself, wrinkles and all. She had been very helpful, and as I was about to leave the counter, a wicked thought struck me -- I will wish her! And I did! ``Merry Christmas!'' ``Th... thank you.'' She seemed taken aback, not sure how to respond. For all I know, it's been years since she's heard that expression, though I expect it must have been quite common when she was a youth. But then her wrinkles smoothed, and a large smile lit up her face as she called out to my receding back, ``Thank you, very much!''
