Q4 2005 Norfolknet Notes, Oct-Dec 2005

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  • 12/31 11:05pm PC wrote... "All our spending has caught up with us... How can fixed incomes live here?" The short answer is, 'We can't'. The long answer is... We've lived in town for several decades since the time when it was truly small and rural with several working farms and when horses were still used for getting around. Earning 9-thousand dollars a year was a good salary back then. Over the years, we've helped our town grow by attending Town Meetings, voting intelligently, joining organizations, contributing to Town causes, and fighting SLUDGE (Remember that one?). By today's standards, we live in one of the smallest houses in town (less than 1000 square feet) where the land is worth much more than the dwelling sitting upon it. We're now retired and hope to be able to stay in the town we love and in the house we helped build. But it's getting more difficult to stretch our fixed income to meet the ever increasing cost of living. We do our best to monitor spending within our household and within our Town by not voting for the emotional things that are 'wanted' and, instead, voting for what's 'needed'. Unfortunately, our "NO" votes on voting day and at meetings always seem to be greatly outnumbered. Apathy and poor voting decisions by an affluent populace over several decades have brought us all to where we are today... complaining about the high tax rate here on NorfolkNet. Happy New Year to everyone here on NorfolkNet!...
    - RP

  • 12/31 8:55pm Diamond Pet Foods has recalled three brands of dog food, sold under the names Diamond, Country Value and Professional.
    Authorities say aflatoxin, a chemical byproduct from a fungal growth on corn and other crops, was found in a product made at a Diamond plant in South Carolina.
    Symptoms of aflatoxin poisoning include sluggishness or lethargy combined with a reluctance to eat, yellowish tint to the eyes or gums, and severe or bloody diarrhea.
    [ABC news]
    Not all of Diamond's dog food products are subject to the recall; details can be found on Diamond's home page at diamondpet.com, with detailed product identification [here].
    - RH

  • 12/31 8:52pm Just have to say LOVE the clock! I saw the same ones in Medfield and Westwood recently and they are pretty classy. Do we need it? I guess not, but we don't need the gazebo, beautiful stone walls and brick walks, pond street fields or new library either - however, they sure add to our growingly attractive little town! Happy New Year!
    - NS

  • 12/31 6:43pm Re: The new clock. Do we really need a clock on the Town Hall, the Federated Church and the new one at the roundabout? I think not. Time flies by fast enough without being assaulted with it. HAPPY NEW YEAR NORFOLK.
    - JW

  • 12/31 6:42pm JO: I agree with you completely about our wonderful Web Master Andras. He does a great job with our link to Norfolk. Hip Hip Hooray. Keep up the good work. A great big thank you to all the people that make Norfolknet.com what it is.
    - JW

    lighted tree, 34K

  • 12/31 4:06pm Happy New Year! It's getting dark outside, it's started to snow, and the last few grains of this year's sand are quickly slipping away. Toot! Cheers! :-)
    - Wm.

  • 12/31 4:05pm With 2005 slipping into history, I waould like to pay homage to Andras R. as one of the outstanding bulwarks of Norfolknet.com.
    It would be difficult to list the attributes that he has engendered that has allowed us to be better informed.
    Suffice it to say "Well Done" and thank you for all the help you have extended to the residents of Norfolk by your actions.
    Thanks
    - JO

  • 12/31 11:08am Does anyone know if Allied Waste Services (formerly BFI) does curbside Christmas tree pick-up/removal?
    - JC

  • 12/31 11:04am Regarding real estate taxes, refer back to the 6/25/05 8:30am posting from Jack McFeeley.
    - DLJ

  • 12/31 11:03am How about that new $20,000?? CLOCK by one of our new roundabouts in the center of town. Another "wise" decision by the powers that be to blow our money right out the window.
    - DG

  • 12/31 11:01am Remember, this is Norfolk. Your taxes went up... you have never voted against a Property Tax Bill, had an increased bill that you didn't like. You like them all. Remember, it's for the children!!!! Taxes go up and the services decrease. Who tried to go to the Transfer Station last Saturday (Christmas Eve) and find it closed. Half a day maybe, but all day?? Stop & Shop is coming, think of the tax breaks to all us residents. Ha Ha!!! If anything, our taxes will increase in order to help them build here. Trust me. I've seen it before.
    - DG

  • 12/30 9:02pm To PC-TN-EW-JP and to all that read on the net.
    I guess it is time to pay up. I just got my NEW TAX BILL today and wow, what a surprise, 1200 more per year! And please look at the Comm. Pres. [community preservation], mine went from 35.00 to 84.00. I do not know if it is per quarter or for the entire year?
    I did mention to all on the net before the last override to vote it down, but it happened, shortly, after the override, the prison mitigation money did come to us after all, and also additional education funds from the state. In my guess we did not need as much money as we thought we needed at the time of the override, that's why I said no for the vote, that money will be found, and it showed up, just in time, after the over ride. What happened? This is a very big increase for me, I can overcome the new tax as always, but what is next? Maybe we should hire a few more police officers and possibly purchase some more vehicles for the police department to follow each other around town... as to what? Just to justify their presence in Norfolk as an extended force we do not need at this time. But we did pass the override, what a joke, now we pay up for our mistakes in 2006 taxes.
    Attached to my new tax bill is a contribution form for education and I will send a few dollars because I believe in our children's future. As to this posting, I know I will get a lot of negative responses - that's OK with me, all that I have mentioned above is how I feel about our new tax increase. As requested by the Host on the Net, please keep it civil.
    - RS

  • 12/30 3:52pm All our spending has caught up with us... do the tax bills reflect both KPs and the extra $5m?
    Are you ready for the new fire station and the new school? How can fixed incomes live here?
    - PC

  • 12/30 1:14pm You can't be serious about the moonscape being "quaint." As I mentioned, even (as in defaulting to) Whole Foods or Trader Joe's would be better than S&S... but sadly, I do agree that the moonscape will likely remain the same for some time to come...
    - TN

  • 12/30 1:13pm JD - Our property tax bill increased 30%. I wish this were a case of the tax collectors messing up but I know this is a result of all the wonderfully generous initiatives that were passed in 2005. So much for a prosperous New Year...
    - EW

  • 12/30 12:21pm Happy New Year to All!
    I just received my RE Tax bill in the mail - did anyone else's in Norfolk double? We have done no new improvements. Mine did! Didn't the Treasurer/Collector's Office mess up a bunch of bills last year as well? I seem to remember a lot of discussion on Norfolknet. Please let me hear from you. Of course they mailed the bills on Thursday, with the office being closed today and Monday --- how convenient for the taxpayer with questions. . . This is supposed to be progress?
    - JD

    [The discussion I remember was about excise tax bills not arriving in the mail and people having to pay late fines, even though they were mailed out as usual - Wm.
    Update 9:12pm: I'm reminded that ``last year some people got billed twice for excise tax, some didn't get a bill or the mail was messed up,'' and that history is in the March archives (scroll down to 3/10 through 3/22) - Wm.]

  • 12/30 9:14am I don't think I'd get all that worried about the possibility of a Stop & Shop in Norfolk. S&S most likely purchased the property to prevent another grocery retailer from setting up shop in town and becoming competition. And if my guess is correct, those who fret about the moonscape ever changing and actually being developed have little to worry about. It will probably remain the quaint little moonscape it's been far into the future.
    Whole Foods? There's one in Franklin already. Trader Joes? There's one in Needham and another in Newton. There's little that one could desire that doesn't exist within a very short drive from Norfolk Center, and the demographics would simply preclude building another big box of any sort in the center of town, be it grocery, or pharmacy, or home improvement... or just about anything. It all exists within a stone's throw of town, so retailers won't spend the money. And that should be a relief to all. The moonscape shall likely remain..., untouched..., undeveloped..., and as quaint as it has ever been.....
    - TK

  • 12/30 9:10am LM- We love Mrs. Madden (the HOD music teacher) for piano lessons. You sign up through the Norfolk Rec. Dept. The lessons are weekly and my daughter enjoys them very much. She is a first grader and they seem to be just the right speed for her.
    - MJD

  • 12/29 9:57pm BTW, thanks to CF for the answer to the Tufts Vet. Hospital question... Will be pleased if a larger facility goes into Walpole as suggested. Happy New Year!
    - TMN

  • 12/29 9:56pm To CR - And did you see the sign at the new plaza in Plainville where Target is located? Future Home of Stop & Shop!! You really have to wonder about the economics of it all.
    And yes, it is unoriginal. All these homogenous businesses are boring. That's why I support the smaller businesses. They are not as expensive as everyone thinks and in the long run cheaper. Think about those large box stores who don't provide health insurance - we do.
    - BS

  • 12/29 9:55pm Although anything that goes into the moonscape will be an improvement (!), I agree with CR. Wouldn't a Whole Foods or even Trader Joe's have been more interesting to shoppers looking for a change? Oh well.
    - TN

  • 12/29 9:54pm Log on to U Mass Amherst "Winter Moths." Seems the invasion has been going on for a number of years and we aren't the only cold weather area that sees them. They are good till Jan etc.
    - JO

  • 12/29 9:53pm Any recommendations for piano teachers who are really good with young students who are a bit 'lively' and will make the lessons as fun as possible? Thanks
    - LM

  • 12/29 5:36pm Hi: Just what we need, another Stop and Shop. I just don't understand it, especially when the one in Foxboro doesn't seem to be overwhelmed with business. I also noticed another CVS going in in Medway when there's already a Walgreen's across the street, and a CVS already exists up the street in the Job Lot Plaza. This is so unoriginal and disappointing!
    - CR

  • 12/29 3:32pm Seeing moths hanging out in the cold of winter? Clinging to the side of the house. It means something is up, right? Bad news? I know there's someone out there who can shed the necessary light.
    - TEM

  • 12/29 3:31pm Do we know which building (on the moonscape) that is that now has walls?
    - MJD

    coming soon, 40K

  • 12/29 12:07pm Believe it or not, there is an official sign on the moonscape!!
    - JO

  • 12/27 6:57pm Re: 12/27 1:20pm Does anyone know what happened to Dr. Sullivan? Thanks, - CAL Dr. Sullivan is not currently listed on the website of the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Medicine, [here]
    - RH

  • 12/27 1:20pm Does anyone know what happened to Dr. Sullivan? Thanks,
    - CAL

  • 12/27 11:31am Looking for a reliable house sitter/dog sitter to stay with a very friendly, low maintenance, well behaved dog who loves human companionship in Norfolk. Does anyone have any leads or suggestions? Looking for occassional weekends and specifically 4/12-19. If interested, email me directly at box26@norfolknet.com. Thanks,
    - PB

  • 12/26 11:35am SB: What a great idea! You may want to ask the Norfolk Food Mart or Linda's if they get extra copies of the Sunday inserts that you could have
    - VR

  • 12/26 9:36am Does anyone know where to obtain multiple coupon inserts from the Sunday globe and/or Herald? I am a life long resident of Norfolk and have joined a great new hobby of couponing. My goal is to use the coupons obtained to donate all the food I procure to the Norfolk Food Bank. Been reading up on this and most of the people who share the this hobby can give in excess of 200-300 dollars a week to the food banks with little or no expense to themselves, and all it takes is time to run to the stores and then drop off the items at the food bank. Thanks,
    - SB

  • 12/26 12:11am Hey JO, I heard the noise, as you heard; I think someone was blowing out the ballast on their sub. Such a noise when you're on that sub, Chief Petty Officer, and soon to be ranked up I hope,
    - MA

  • 12/25 8:40pm Did anyone besides myself hear repeated loud noises (concussions?) starting around 10 pm Sat. night? Sounded like I was on ship again and we were blowing the boilers!!
    - JO

  • 12/25 9:41am Merry Christmas! Enjoy the day.
    - Wm.

  • 12/24 11:16pm Does anyone know what the license the town of Needham employed in Nov. for part of a church lot for public parking? Implications? Believe it was discussed on the town agenda in Nov Town Meeting. Does this violate church / state? What if it's a valid contract? Can someone find out?
    - JO

  • 12/24 11:21am To CF: Merry Christmas to you, and thanks for your concern about my dog! He's finally approaching well, after a very scary (and expensive) week of seizures, MRIs, X-Rays, blood work, a spinal tap (!!), etc. The final diagnosis was an inner ear infection, which I'm quite sure my regular vet never would have found. Angell is great - I was impressed not only with their medical knowledge, but their "customer service" was amazing as well. They always called when they said they would, gave clear next steps and thorough explanations, etc. Definitely better than what I expect from my people doctor!
    - JP

  • 12/24 12:37am Food for thought - There are are also 160 + comments from readers attached if you open the article up. [The Tech essay about ACLU stopping Barrington, RI, from plowing church parking lots]
    - JO

  • 12/24 12:21am I'm wondering if anyone has an extra Sandra Myatt ornament of Old Tyme Day (now Community Day) that they are willing to sell? It is the only ornament in the collection that I do not have. I've contacted Sandra and she does not have any more of that year - so I'm going to the source of all things Norfolk - Norfolknet. Merry Christmas to all!
    - TS

  • 12/23 6:03pm To TMN... Yes, the Tufts Veterinary Emergency Treatment and Specialties Clinic is a satellite of Tufts teaching hospitals (large and small animal) and school in North Grafton. I believe the director of that facility is a Mr. McDonough and can be contacted in North Grafton.
    Presently, Tufts is in the approval stage of a large veterinary hospital in Walpole on South Street.
    To JP... how is your canine companion feeling? If you had to travel to Angell Memorial it must have been serious... know that there are two Norfolk Golden Retrievers sending good canine karma to you and your dog.
    Merry Christmas everyone!
    - CF

  • 12/23 6:02pm You can't do better than these people. We have had two goldens, and we brought them both the Acorn. When the first dog was old and needed to be put to sleep, they came to the house to make it easier for us. I will never forget that kindness. God bless people who care!
    - RM

  • 12/23 10:47am Anyone know if Walpole Tufts Vet Clinic is related to the Tufts Veterinary School? I've heard conflicting answers. Haven't had an emergency for our dogs, but wonder if the situation ever came up and time was crucial (e.g., couldn't get to Angell quickly enough).
    - TMN

    map

  • 12/23 9:52am DM - Mirror Lake is located on the Town line with Wrentham, down behind Tom's Tavern. Most of the lake is in Wrentham, but the beach and boat ramp is in Norfolk. The lake is about 3/4 mile long and 1/4 mile wide. It's a great place for boating, kayaking, and swimming in the summer. Last winter the ice was well over 1 foot thick. If someone wants to know whether the ice is safe, I suggest they check it themselves.
    - DC

  • 12/23 9:49am Thanks to everyone who posted opinions/recommendations for different vets in the area. Unfortunately my poor pup happened to fall ill enough this week to go to Angell Memorial - which I highly, highly recommend. It's only about 35 minutes away, too. I wasn't impressed with the emergency services provided by the Walpole Tufts clinic.
    And regarding skating on ponds... there is a nice outdoor rink in Easton that's very family friendly (it's maintained as a rink, it's not a pond), pretty much guaranteed to be safe. I belive it's on 123 but I'm not positive.
    - JP

  • 12/23 9:39am Mirror Lake is on the Wrentham border. Mirror Lake Ave. is off of Union Street. As for the fire dept. etc checking the ice, the answer is no, it is not checked. That said, I won't let my kids onto the ice unless I have drilled and checked for at least four inches of ice in several locations. The lake is spring fed and usually the springs are the thinnest parts. I check over the springs especially. As with everything down here, it is at your own risk. It would be great to have the fire dept. check the ice. I think it is the Wrentham water dept. that checks the water quality for swimming. It would certainly put people's minds at ease and make this resource more accessible.
    - DN

  • 12/22 11:50pm LM-The toy store at Walpole Mall had quite a few Tamagotchis last week.
    - MJD

  • 12/22 11:48pm During a storm you in MA like to call the "Blizzard of 78" I was living in NJ. My grandmother's funeral was the day after the storm; it snowed much less in NJ but still left over 2 feet of snow. I was seven years old and I remember the town plowing out the church and my street, which was across the street from the church, so we could hold her funeral. My family still talks highly of the town and the funeral home in town for doing that over 25 years later. I think it's worth it. That's what a small town is all about. As a newbee just my 2 cents.
    - NJD

  • 12/22 11:13pm CJG, I feel the same way as you
    - MA

  • 12/22 10:30pm I remember growing up in Lynn, Ma., and the police would go to the different ponds and fire a bullet into the ice to see if was thick enough, but in this day and age of lawsuits and liabilities, etc., I doubt if anyone would even try to do something like that. We see private ponds posting "no skating" because no-one wants to be responsible for any accidents. Folks skate on the little pond at City Mills while on both sides the water flows freely. I have even seen folks skate on the bigger pond at City Mills, that scares the tar out of me, I don't think that pond is ever safe enough to be on the ice. Have fun, but I think I'll keep any skating I do at the rink. This from a person that thought "Jumping Buckies" was a great winter time sport.
    - JW

  • 12/22 8:17pm For DTB - I certainly hope not. First they waste my tax money by plowing church parking lots, and now you want the Fire Department measuring ice?! Don't you realize that could cost each of us up to a nickel a year? You may be made out of money, but not all of us are. And there should definitely be a separation of skaters and state. Maybe we could get the churches to measure the ice in return for plowing tho... :)
    - JT

  • 12/22 6:36pm Any suggestions on where to get Tamagotchis? My 7 year old wants one but I've been to a few stores and they're out. I got one of those Webkinz animals in hopes it will replace the tamagotchi.
    - LM

  • 12/22 4:48pm DN - Where is Mirror Lake?
    - DM

  • 12/22 1:24pm TMF - I have one word for you... Tamagotchi.
    - MJD

  • 12/22 11:31am TO TMF: any 8 year old girl would love: 20 questions (game that comes in a small hand-held version or larger floor version); Disney Scene It; dance mat or Twister Moves; beads/crafts; door buzzer for her room (big privacy thing going on!); maybe Aeropostale clothes (seems big with this age); and Polly Pockets or Bratz (if she likes dolls). Hope she has a Merry Christmas!
    - AL

  • 12/22 11:13am To TMF - My daughter has always loved Polly Pockets. They are these little dolls with little play houses and little stuff. I know some girls are more advanced at 8, but my 12 year old still loves Polly Pockets. I also know Bratz are in--I for one don't care for them, but depending on the child they are all the rage. I'll leave it to the rest of the Norfolk Net folks to discuss the Bratz culture.
    Another great gift are the WebKinz stuffed animals. You can get them at Something Special in the center of town. You get this animal and go on the internet and enter a code at the WebKinz website and you have your very own animal to take care of. The other thing is that they are only $15 and kids love them. There is no cost to go to the web site.
    Good luck and dare I say, Merry Christmas.
    - BS

  • 12/22 10:51am Re: Acorn Animal Hospital. I bring my dog there and have had nothing but positive experiences. They do everything... medical, grooming, boarding. One stop shopping. They are reasonably priced, and the doctors and staff are kind and knowledgeable. I board my dog there often, and every time I pick her up they tell me how much they love her... even though I secretly know she barks a lot :>) I would highly recommend them. Good luck!
    - SB

  • 12/22 9:26am DN, Just curious, does someone (i.e. Fire Dept.) come out to the lake to measure the ice thickness and give it the OK for skating? Thanks,
    - DTB

  • 12/22 9:23am In reply to Jack McFeeley, Thank you very much for your post. It's nice to see one of the town officials that voted for this service add input. I think the town workers here do a fantastic job, from plowing the streets, the sidewalks, and yes, the 3 church parking lots. The fire and police in this town also do a great job, they are generous with their time and experience. What happened, people? We live in a small town, and part of living in a small town is values. We help each other out, and do things for our neighbors. I, for one, really appreciate all that these people do with/for us. I know you can't please everyone all the time, and people are going to have differences of opinion... that's what makes us individuals, but aren't there things a little more important in life to grouse about, than a community working together?
    - CJG

  • 12/21 11:27pm OK, so I still have three days to go shopping, but I really don't know what to get my 8 year old niece. What's in and what's out this age group. I just can't keep track these days :-)
    - TMF

  • 12/21 11:17pm NS, I honestly have no concerns about the church plowing situation, as for my comments, they were purely facetious. Besides I know God doesn't have a snow plow anymore, he moves to Florida in the winter and has no need for one! lol. ttfn ns cuimd kotl
    - GDL

    [Ok, you got me, I had to look it up. Gugl r8lz! :-)
    ttfn - ta ta for now
    cuimd - see you in my dreams
    kotl - kiss on the lips
    Aww, how sweet... aren't we all being so nice to each other - Wm.]

  • 12/21 10:46pm If the plowing of the church parking lots is a safety issue, the town should FORCE the churches to plow their own lots in a timely manner, not do it for them. If I were somehow causing a safety problem, I'm sure the town would force me to rectify it. I doubt they'd just come and take care of the problem for me...
    We all know that by the letter of the law the town has no business plowing the church parking lots. That they do doesn't anger me to the extreme, but making excuses for it does. Call it what it is. Oh, and a question... If a town plow were involved in an accident while plowing out a church parking lot, what would be the town's liability there vs. the church's? Just curious.
    - DF

  • 12/21 10:42pm I haven't seen Acorn Animal Hosp recommended one way or another here. I've been bringing my pets there for 12 years, and they've always been great. But, now I'm starting to worry that others have had bad experiences!
    - LK

    [It was mentioned yesterday, 12/20 9:44am - Wm.]

  • 12/21 3:43pm
    News from Mirror Lake,
    the ice is great
    come and skate!
    - DN

  • 12/21 3:42pm Does anyone know why they are drilling an artesian well out back by the tennis courts at KP North?
    - BB

  • 12/21 2:37pm As a cat -- not a dog -- owner, I'd like to put in my vote for Main St. Veterinary Hospital on Rte. 109 in Millis. I've visited five different vets in the area, but have found Drs. DiPaola and Medcraft and their staff to be knowledgeable, compassionate, and well-organized. They've never hesitated to explore different avenues of treatment for my lovable but hopelessly neurotic feline. Can't speak for a dog's point of view, but here's my $0.02.
    - HPK

  • 12/21 2:36pm To TW: Thank you for the information!
    - SI

  • 12/21 10:37am Good morning. I am a Norfolk resident looking for land to build a single family home for my family. Please contact dcbfam@hotmail.com if interested in selling your property.
    Also, to JP: I grew up around here and am familiar with many of the local vets. I recommend Dr. Castillo of Franklin Vet Clinic. He is an experienced vet, very kind (does volunteer work), works on Saturday mornings, and makes house calls if needed. Dr. Marks is an outstanding vet but I've had to wait almost an hour in his waiting room at times. Good luck!
    - DB

  • 12/21 10:04am Had the same experience as TMN with Dr. Marks over ten years ago and we are also very happy with Whispering Pines and Dr. Pillsbury.
    - PRB

  • 12/21 8:56am I would like to comment on the church plowing issue. I am one of the two selectmen that voted to do this in 1983. The town plowed the parking lots of the churches for many years prior to 1983 but in the late 70's this practice was stopped. We reinstated the practice as a safety issue for the unique special functions that they perform. George Murray was the other selectman who voted with me on the issue. He lived on Main Street across from St. Jude's and commented about the dangerous situation that he observed when a funeral procession arrived during a snow storm. They assembled on Main Street since the parking lot was not cleared at that time. The street was now blocked to traffic and further plowing as well. As selectmen we responded to the safety issues of the town and our townspeople, not as a courtesy extended to a religious institution. These institutions also perform a service to our townspeople and as a community we need to work together cooperatively. All three churches in town are on major roads and sometimes some of their events could create hazards for our residents. For example, we provide police services when available to direct traffic after their services when large crowds are leaving the parking lots at the same time. The Police, Fire, and Highway also do this for non-secular events as well sometimes with a payment, sometimes without. Nobody complains when these public servants show up to help with a Lions Club event just as nobody complained when the Lions showed up last year to help the Highway Department clean the landscaping around Town Hall. If we lose our values and not help each other unconditionally then we will also lose our sense of community. Incidentally, after that vote in 1983 I was the subject of a negative editorial written by the Sun-Chronicle. They also disagreed with our vote to clear the parking lots. I spoke with them and several days later they wrote a retraction in their editorial column.
    - Jack McFeeley

  • 12/21 12:06am * Happy Winter Solstice! This afternoon at 1:35pm the Earth's northern hemisphere will be tilting at its farthest away from the Sun. That makes this the shortest day of the year. Like a gyroscope, the axis of Earth's revolution always remains aligned in the same direction as the Earth itself travels around the Sun. Our hemisphere will now gradually come to face more and more toward the Sun, until, six months from now, it will be tilting at its farthest toward the Sun at Summer Solstice. But first, between now and then, Winter Solstice also marks the start of winter.
    - Wm.

    [Update 8:54am: thank you for pointing out that I had Pacific Time; that's 1:35 EST - Wm.]

  • 12/20 11:01pm To: DWL - WOW! that's all I can say after a comment like yours... you have offended me deeply with your remarks - I agree that the town should not have to plow the churches' parking lots, but do you need to attack my religion too?
    - CMK

  • 12/20 9:31pm To the folks looking for a vet: Just to keep things fair in terms of disclosure, I had an unpleasant experience (phone call only, would not continue further) w/ Dr. Marks and wound up at Whispering Pines. Have had only positive experiences there, now on our 2nd dog and don't find the prices any more outrageous than competitors. If you're serious about your search (and am sure you are), I strongly suggest that you phone/interview a few doctors and not make your choice only on the opinion of others. Do wish you good luck and welcome to Norfolk!
    - TMN

  • 12/20 8:40pm Just took a ride into town center and was excited to see the clock installed at the Union St. roundabout. It looks terrific! It is a welcome addition and really adds to the flavor of Town Hill! It looked great against the lights in the trees!
    - DS

  • 12/20 6:05pm To GDL - Good Idea! but God is busy with more important matters and plus what's the big deal, the town voted at Fall Town Meeting to paint the church at the first roundabout. If this were to come up at town meeting, it would pass, God willing. :0)
    - NS

  • 12/20 12:52pm To DP and SI - The Christmas Mass schedule for St. Judes is: Christmas Eve 5pm, 7pm and 11pm. Christmas Day 7:30am, 9am and 12pm. The 5pm on Christmas Eve is the children's mass and typically is VERY crowded. Have a Merry Christmas,
    - TW

  • 12/20 9:46am Correction to Pre-K and Kindergarten Registration: For Kindergarten--children must be 5 years old by August 31, 2006. For Pre-Kindergarten--children must be 3 years old for 3-year program and 4 years old for 4 year program by August 31, 2006.
    - LR, Norfolk Public Schools

  • 12/20 9:44am To JP: First, welcome to town, I'm sure you and your dog will love it here! I recommend Acorn Animal Hospital, on Chestnut St. in Franklin (just past the Norfolk line). I don't know how they feel about a raw diet, but all the vets and the office staff there are kind and caring, plus they have an on-site boarding facility.
    - KT

  • 12/20 9:43am GDL, I agree. Why on earth do we have to pay, through our taxes, for the houses of organized religion to be plowed for free of cost to them. They should take up a so-called "Special Collection" during church, for parking lot plowing. I am sure that they would give, after all it is "The Church" and if the priest tells them to do it.... they will.
    - DWL

  • 12/19 10:42pm To DP, try the Victory Assembly of God, they have a Christmas mass on Christmas Day, www.victory-ag.org.
    Address: 1 Merchant St, Suite L02 Sharon, MA 02067.
    Phone: (781) 784-6800
    Email addresses/ Church Information: information@victory-ag.org
    - PP

  • 12/19 9:51pm I, too, am looking for the Christmas Mass schedule at St. Jude's... Anyone know?
    - SI

  • 12/19 9:46pm Another excellent vet to consider is Hedley Marks in Walpole located on Route 1A next to the Cumberland Farms plaza. 508-668-5088. He is very up-to-date on research, a highly experienced vet, office hours 6 days a week and has a second superb vet as a partner, Dr. Poor. He won't blanch at all at the raw diet. Also if you're ever looking for a boarding/grooming kennel, we love the outstanding service at Kozy Kennel in Mansfield. About a 20 minute ride but well worth it. It's spotless, well staffed, right next door to the Mansfield Animal Hospital and the only kennel our vet recommends. We've received wonderful care of our dogs there for several years. (Although I don't wish to be negative re: another vet, we had some very poor experience with Dr. Pillsbury at Whispering Pines. She orders far too many tests, her rates are excessive and she has had dogs get loose from her kennel property. She is not a fan of the raw diet.). Good Luck and welcome to Norfolk where many a happy dog can be seen walking their human companion.
    - ML

  • 12/19 6:33pm HP, I recommend Medfield Vet Clinic very highly. Dr. Crowell is the best. I am sure his associates are great also, he wouldn't have it any other way. I have been with him pretty much since he opened his practice at another location.
    - JW

  • 12/19 4:06pm To Dog Seeking Vet: My owners take my brother and me to Dr. Pillsbury at Whispering Pines in Norfolk (508.384.5904). They are located just off Route 1A about a block after The Horse & Carriage heading toward Wrentham (on Sharon Avenue). She has been terrific in handling my surgeries and other general checkups. And they have great treats too!
    - PN

  • 12/19 3:08pm Hello JP... I would recommend Medfield Veterinary Clinic (508 359-1920). The office hours include Saturdays and the office is open extended hours on three week nights.
    The "raw diet" should not be an issue, since Drs. Young, Crowell and Warner are fairly open to intergrated medicine. If you also need a supplier for "raw diet", talk with Missi Salzberg at the Village Groomer, 508 668-9516 (Route One, Walpole). Good luck and Happy Holidays!
    - CF

  • 12/19 2:17pm Hello. Can anyone recommend their dog's vet? We are new to town and want to get our dog set up with a local vet, preferably a nearby office with flexible weekend hours. This is not a prerequisite, but a vet who doesn't wince at the mention of "raw diet" would be a huge plus. Thanks!
    - JP

  • 12/19 2:16pm Registration for Kindergarten students for the 2006-07 school year will be held on Monday, February 6th from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. in the Art Room of the H. Olive Day School. Any Norfolk child who will be five years old by August 31, 2006 is eligible to enter Kindergarten. (In the event of a "snow day" registration will be held on Monday, February 13th). In April, a lottery will be used (if necessary) for full day kindergarten.
    We encourage parents who last names beginning with the letters "A" through "H" to register between 9:15 and 10:00. Parents whose last names start with letters "I" through "P" are asked to register between 10:00 and 10:45, and those last names in the "Q" through "Z" category should register from 10:45 through 11:30. It is not necessary to bring your child to registration. Please be sure to bring your child's birth certificate. If for any reason you cannot be present on February 6th, please contact the school at: 541-5475 Ext 0 to make arrangements for registration.
    At the same time, we will be conducting registration for our Integrated Pre-Kindergarten Program. For the 3 year old program, children must be 3 years old by August 31, 2006. The children registering for the 4 year old program must be 4 years old by August 31, 2006. A lottery will be used to select children for the openings. If you have any questions about this program, please contact the Special Education Office at: 541-5475.
    - LR, Norfolk Public School District
    [Update 12/20 9:46am: children must have reached age by August 31, 2006, not 05 - LR]

  • 12/19 2:14pm Let God plow the church parking lots!! This should free up the town trucks to work on town property.
    - GDL

  • 12/19 12:36pm Does anyone know the mass schedule for Christmas at St Jude's in Norfolk?
    - DP

  • 12/18 10:40pm Update #2 - 12/18/05 From the Citizen Action Team * RealTime Disaster Relief A CHANGE IN THE PLAN!!!
    Hi there! Well, after I posted the last update re: the Christmas/Holiday Coat/Sweater Drive for the Gulf, I received a phone call and... the truck is full and leaving earlier than expected! Yeah!! So, we will be sending down another truckload in January! This is good... Now we all have plenty of time to go through our closets and donate our excess sweaters/coats/blankets/sleeping bags... whatever someone needs to stay warm and have a life in a TENT in 40-50 degree weather or colder depending on how things go this winter!!
    Please, go to our web site at: Citizen Action Team and find out what you can do to help. Our organization is made up of people just like you... all volunteers... all trying to make a difference. Please email me to let me know that you are interested in taking part in our drive! We need volunteers!! There is lots you can do! Thank you. Email Rubytunes@aol.com. Gosh, I really like Norfolk!! Happy Holidays and a beautiful and peacefilled New Year to you and yours.
    - PRR

  • 12/18 6:32pm Late notice!!! Please note: If you have extra coats/sweaters and want to get them to the Gulf by Christmas, they have to be at the trucker's warehouse by 2 pm on Tuesday, 12/20!!! We have another truck that is willing to go down to the Gulf... short notice...
    You can drop off your items at: 143 North Street, Norfolk on Monday/Monday night, or email me for warehouse's location. Please email me with your telephone numbers at: Rubytunes@aol.com. Sorry for late notice... I've had a nasty cold!!!
    Coats for Katrina Holiday Drive

    Bring your extra coats/sweaters!!

    As part of the Citizen Action Team's Holiday Donations Drive we are still gathering coats and sweaters for HURRICANE victims who are still living in tents and can really use your old winter gear... the temerature gets well below 40 degrees there...

    See our website: Citizen Action Team for a full list of needs, other drop site locations, and more details.

    COME HELP! Please pass this onto your email lists... This may be our last big push for the Katrina Relief drive! Please help us!!

    News: The Citizen Action Team got a letter from the Governor the other day (hand signed!) thanking us for all of our hard work! Oh, and we can finally tell the public about our deal with Overnite Transportation. Yay! The private sector is really starting to step up to the plate to help these folks rebuild!

    Thanks from the Citizen Action Team * RealTime Disaster Relief

    - PRR

  • 12/18 12:16pm PRB - you missed the point, money has nothing to do with it. That was merely a side point.
    - AG

  • 12/18 10:56am I noticed during the last snow fall the Town was plowing the Stony Brook parking lot, hmmm.
    - BF

  • 12/18 10:55am MA- I don't think you can assume that all Norfolk residents worship here in town let alone worship at all. I attend church in Wrentham, should my .75 go to Wrentham's town budget each year?
    - MJD

  • 12/18 10:54am I need to clarify my post from yesterday (regarding drainage and potholes), I meant to say, the "South Street end of Seekonk Street." I travel this road every day and the drainage problems were quite noticeable this past Friday during and after the rain. Large puddles extend out into travel lanes in several areas (catch basins were not clogged as there are no catch basins in these areas). These areas are just past the cemetery (coming from Main Street), at the power lines and near the Fruit Street intersection. This last one is an odd one because I noticed water flowing past a catch basin about 100 feet from where the water collects.
    For TEM: The Weeber property is located off of Chicatabut Avenue.
    - WB

  • 12/18 12:43am I wonder why there was a need for a rude reply to JW. I thought JW had a good point in regards to the plowing/sand/salt costs. PRB, if annual plowing costs were as cheap as you calculated, then next year's winter plowing costs for the entire town are on me. Thankfully you are not my accountant.
    - ES

  • 12/18 12:41am Hello MK, I don't agree that people in the town should be required to remove the snow from the sidewalks in front of their own homes. I think that because the town takes your property for public use without paying/permission or compensation, they should be responsible for mowing and plowing the sidewalks that they created. Of course, when we have the chance to clear up the area, then my family does take the effort to do so, but this is not always possible considering that the snow falls when it will and we are not always home or capable of removing ice chunks with just a shovel. Maybe you should contact the town offices about your specific streets where the children are walking home from school. The side walks in my area are clean; in fact I often see the town workers using their mini plow to clean them out while I am shoveling my driveway. They work hard to keep the side walk clear on the main roads, give them a reminder that yours need some attention also. Good luck!
    - ES

  • 12/18 12:38am Sidewalks? Who has sidewalks?
    - MJD

  • 12/17 10:34pm Growing up in Connecticut, our town required homeowners to clear the snow on the sidewalks in front of their houses - Norfolk does not require the same. Children walking to/from school buses often spend the winter months in the streets because the sidewalks have too much snow. Does this bug anyone else??
    - MK

  • 12/17 10:31pm Thanks for the post of office hours in the surrounding towns - isn't it great that those offices can be open until 7pm, and we don't even have ours open at lunch time? How many times have you stopped at the post office only to find it is 12:45pm and can't buy stamps? Ugh! drives me crazy!
    - CK

    [Maybe it's part of the difference between a full and a rural post office. PO boxes rent at half the rate here than in other towns. - Wm.]

  • 12/17 10:28pm Does anyone have any input on T. Mobile for cell phones? They have come up with a great plan - 1500 free min. at a price of 39.99 per month, I just need some feedback on reception in our area and down to CT. Thanks so much.
    As far as plowing the churches, that's ok with me, let the town help the churches as the churches help us in need - funerals, weddings, food, their doors and members are always open to the people in our town. Have we become so shallow in our thoughts as to add more police, the library, senior center, sidewalks, and I can go on forever with our overrides and whatever. As far as I'm concerned, that CLOWN in Bellingham just wanted his name in the paper as a complete clown, and he did make his mark in all towns, what a jerk to me. And I do know he is right legally, but come people in Norfolk, it is our places of worship, and what does it really take to plow after a storm? I hope the board of selectmen will say we will continue plowing, because we stick together as a great community that we have here in our little town of Norfolk; we are all in this together. Just my feelings, that's all, just read, think about it, and call the selectmen's office to cast your concerns for their next meeting.
    - MA

  • 12/17 10:27pm Community Christmas Walk starting from Saint Jude's Sunday, December 18 6:00 P.M. The annual Norfolk Community Christmas Walk is planned for tomorrow Sunday December 18 at 6:00 PM. Plan to bring your warmly-dressed family to walk in our beautiful town center and sing favorite Christmas carols.
    - DLJ

  • 12/17 10:26pm PRB - That was a nasty retort. It's ok to question how our tax dollars are spent and I think it's worth questioning why we plow the lots of churches in town. Doesn't make sense to me.
    - MJD

  • 12/17 7:23pm JW the Town would probaly save you about 75 cents on your anual tax bill if it stopped plowing the Churches. Look into moving to Bellingham.
    - PRB

  • 12/17 6:12pm Where is the Weeber Property?
    - TEM

  • 12/17 12:09pm Season's Greetings from Dover Trucking, Inc. We would like to wish all our customers safe and happy holidays. Also at this time to thank you all for spreading the good word of our waste and recycling service.
    - The Bassett Family, dovertrucking.com

  • 12/17 12:06pm GB - Good point. I have wondered about that as well. FYI, the town plows and sands all church lots using town trucks and paid contractors. Salt, sand and contractors aren't cheap. The other night at the selectmen's meeting they were concerned about the maintenance of a 2+ car parking facility at the development of the Weeber property. This parking would be for the use of Norfolk residents to have access to the proposed open space for hiking and other forms of recreation.
    Oh, one more thing, after the ACLU got involved the town of Bellingham stopped plowing the churches. It must have save the tax payers some money.
    - JW

  • 12/17 12:01pm Well since no one else has commented on recent town going-ons, I'm going to jump in.
    The purchase of the Weeber Property - For the record, I don't live near the property, I would not be affected by the construction and live nowhere near the other side - off of Cleveland. Having seen the three selectmen's meetings and what I've read in the paper I don't understand one thing, well actually a bunch of small things. This property has provided limited tax revenue to the Town for a long time since it is designated as 61A land. The purchase of this property by the Town makes sense, from a straight financial analysis. The Town would not have to provide additional services for the schools, road maintenance, police fire, etc. Based upon the most recent override, which was specifically for the Town's operating budget, I have to question the BOS supporting development that only puts more of a burden on Town, especially since they have the ability to control the expenses in this case. They have an avenue for funding from the CPA. With new development, revenues would increase, but the expenses would outpace the revenues coming in. It is well documented that residential housing puts a strain on any Town's finances. Depending on which study you read (and believe), for every dollar brought in, between $1.15 to $1.31 goes out. That's a losing proposition. While I have to believe that the BOS have done this evaluation, based upon their professional occupations, the misguided objective of getting land for free doesn't equally equate to eliminating a financial burden on the Town. The actual lost tax revenue, if the Town was to buy the entire property, is offset by the savings of not having to provide Town services. I know this may be simplistic thinking but what am I missing? (OK JM let me have it).
    The new public safety buildings and work around the Freeman School - I have to ask the obvious question, shouldn't we get the Town Center stuff done first? Yes, yes, I understand that planning is one thing, but I can't understand the timing of this. There are buildings in Town that require attention (the old Town Hall), there is roadway work that need to be done before new roads are built - have you been on South Street lately? There are areas with poor drainage and the roadway is riddled with potholes in areas. And speaking of the center of Town - Who pays for the repairs to the damaged roundabout? The island near the Federated Church has a running score of at least 3 direct hits that have caused damage.
    - WB

  • 12/17 12:57am I was wondering if anybody saw the report on the news about the town doing work for the churches in the town of Bellingham? My question is, why does our highway department always seem to be working at the church across from Dunkin Donuts, and last Friday, when I was driving home from work, I saw them plowing the church on Main St. near the cemetery? Isn't there supposed to be a separation between the churches and the state?
    - GB

  • 12/16 5:34pm Re. Post Office hours - the web is a wonderful thing...
    Post Office - Franklin 4.10 Miles

    43 Main ST, Franklin, MA 02038-9998 Phone: (800) ASK-USPS Fax: (508) 541-8682

    Business Hours
    MO 08:30-07:00PM
    TU 08:30-07:00PM
    WE 08:30-07:00PM
    TH 08:30-07:00PM
    FR 08:30-07:00PM
    SA 08:30-12:00PM

    Post Office - Walpole 4.42 Miles

    10 Common ST, Walpole, MA 02081-9998 Phone: (800) ASK-USPS Fax: (508) 660-7734

    Business Hours
    MO 08:30-07:00PM
    TU 08:30-07:00PM
    WE 08:30-07:00PM
    TH 08:30-07:00PM
    FR 08:30-07:00PM
    SA 09:00-12:00PM

    Post Office - Medway 4.99 Miles

    115 Main ST, Medway, MA 02053-9998 Phone: (800) ASK-USPS Fax: (508) 533-7076

    Business Hours
    MO 08:30-07:00PM
    TU 08:30-07:00PM
    WE 08:30-07:00PM
    TH 08:30-07:00PM
    FR 08:30-07:00PM
    SA 09:00-12:00PM

    - DM

  • 12/16 2:21pm Re: 12/15 5:39pm Hello, I would like to know if it's possible for the town post office to extend its hours of operation ... Would you please drop a note to the Postmaster, US Government Post Office, Norfolk, MA 02056, asking your questions? You might possibly get an answer such as "Why not pick up your mail in the town where you work?", or "Why not have your mail delivered to your home?" rather than ask the mountain to change the hours of service to the public.
    - BH

  • 12/15 5:39pm Hello, I would like to know if it's possible for the town post office to extend its hours of operation or to have either an early morning (7am) or late evening shift (6 or 7pm), or possibily stay open until 6pm one night a week? It's rather difficult to get there during the week to pick up my mail, as I work in another town. Thanks,
    - PS

  • 12/15 5:38pm To: AR - try Lee's Garage Doors, he is located on Union Street in Norfolk (528-9381) - he has helped me! Good luck!
    - CMK

  • 12/15 2:56pm The Norfolk Board of Selectmen support the efforts of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. The Commission is seeking nominations for Unsung Heroines. Information and nomination forms may be found at www.mass.gov/women.
    - Jack Hathaway, Town Administrator

    dial, 56K

  • 12/15 9:00am I believe "Morin's of Norfolk" (the source of local weather data for wunderground.com, Weather link on the left) reads high. This is what 6.3F looks like on my back deck.
    - Wm.

  • 12/15 12:06am AR - Pioneer Garage Doors in Walpole is awesome. They are usually out within 24 hours. 508-668-8136. Good Luck.
    - BS

  • 12/14 10:01pm AR: Try Jolicoeur Garage Doors in Bellingham. They're quick, honest and reasonable. They've been recommended by others in the past on this site. I used them a couple of months ago and was very pleased. Their phone # is 1-800-649-4522.
    - JC

  • 12/14 10:00pm AR, "Door Systems" in Framingham is a very good company to deal with. Their number is 508-875-3508.
    - BF

  • 12/14 4:19pm Anyone recommend a local company to fix my garage doors? Thank you much
    - AR

  • 12/13 8:51am [Post removed pending clarification - Wm.]

  • 12/12 9:14pm Re: 12/12 5:20pm Does anyone have any idea where I might be able to get flu shots for my family in the area? Our doctor's office has run out. Thanks for the help. - KM See: masspro.org/search That site has a list of public flu clinics by town or by zip code. The clinics appear to be few and far between, some are limited to residents.
    - RH

    [Also has a nice click-on map with flu clinics in nearby towns; [map here] - Wm.]

  • 12/12 5:20pm Does anyone have any idea where I might be able to get flu shots for my family in the area? Our doctor's office has run out. Thanks for the help.
    - KM

  • 12/12 4:25pm AFD: Lots of folks also enjoy the hill on South Street in Medfield. Take Seekonk toward Medfield and the hill is on the left just before the intersection with Route 27. Our 8 year old has been going since he was 5 years old and still likes it.
    - TN

  • 12/12 3:01pm AFD, try the old transfer station for sledding. The slope is not too big but very fun.
    - SB

  • 12/12 2:35pm We have recently reduced the price on our Norfolk home - at $389,900 it is the best priced colonial in Norfolk. Overlooking Kingsbury Pond on a private, quiet cul-de-sac - with three bedrooms and 2.5 baths, it's a perfect home for first time buyers or families. Please take a look at our website houseinnorfolk.com for more information.
    - MM

  • 12/12 12:08pm Any suggestions for places to take a 4 year old sledding in town?
    - AFD

    Lawn art, 60K

  • 12/12 12:30am To HPK... Thanks for reminding me of the "cement patios, large mirrored gazing balls and whitewall-tire planters". As a city boy, I remember seeing those and many more forms of front lawn artwork including the miniature windmill (motorized, of course) and the white painted rocks lining the driveway. One of my favorites is the "Bathtub Madonna" - an inverted bathtub sunk halfway into the ground with a statue of the Madonna inside. (See attached picture). If you drive around the immediate Boston area you'll see several examples of this truly lost art. Personally, I think the front yards of Norfolk could use a makeover. Instead of the usual grass, mulch and pachysandra, I say bring back the tire planters and bathtub Madonnas. We're always touting conservation and recycling, so here's a way to show that we truly care! I can hardly wait for Spring so I can get started!!
    - RP

  • 12/11 9:23pm It sure does look like Percy there on the end of the surfboard. And I thought he had accompanied a student to UMass after the Thanksgiving break! Evidently he is more of a free spirit than I first recognized.
    AB, I believe the flamingoes were massing in Santa Paula to protest excessive water usage in the California suburbs. They are encouraging the return of cement patios, large mirrored gazing balls and whitewall-tire planters to reduce the total square footage of thirsty lawns
    - HPK

  • 12/10 11:51pm DVD's come in two formats, full screen and wide screen. If you get the = full screen format it will fill your screen completely.
    - GM

  • 12/10 11:50pm It seems that after surfing, Percy may have hooked up with the wrong crowd. See this new story, Flamingos Menace Santa Paula.
    - AB

  • 12/10 3:02pm Has anyone heard of Webkinz? I was at Something Special last week and bought one for my daughter. She has been on the computer non stop playing with it. I am going back next week to buy some for Christmas gifts. I have heard that some stores have sold out.
    - MB

  • 12/10 12:03pm Re: 12/9 8:42pm Just curious if your street has been plowed yet. It's after 7 and I cannot get into my driveway because the street has not been plowed - RN You can provide valuable feedback to the DPW at this website: [DPW comments]. In addition, you might provide feedback to the Town Administrator at this website: [town admin].
    - BH

  • 12/10 12:01pm Don't miss out on Bay Colony Productions' "It's a Wonderful Life" live on stage at the Orpheum Theater in Foxboro. Remaining shows are December 10, 11, 16, 17, 18. Norfolk resident Jonathan Garven plays 6 different roles in the show. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for Children under 12. Tickets are available by calling the box office at 508-543-2787. The Orpheum Theater is located in the Foxboro rotary. See orpheum.org.
    - CG

  • 12/10 10:25am Many thanks to RH & JB for their suggestions and very useful advice re DVD players. The NorfolkNet comes through again!
    - TEM

    Surf's up! 30K

  • 12/9 9:49pm HPK - Perhaps Percy just doesn't like the weather. Don't worry he'll probably be back in the spring. A friend in SoCal sent me this yesterday, could it be?
    - DT

  • 12/9 8:42pm Just curious if your street has been plowed yet. It's after 7 and I cannot get into my driveway because the street has not been plowed
    - RN

  • 12/9 8:22pm The best Christmas present one may give to a senior who is wending their way through their Medicare Prescription Drug Plan, trying to select the correct plan for themselves, is to offer them assistance. In this area there are 45 plans to choose from. In selecting a plan one must determine which plan carries all their drugs, cost, and deductables. The fear is that seniors might choose the wrong plan and not cover their drugs and end up paying full price for a year until the next opportunity to change their plan. So if you know a senior that could use your help and agrees to accept your help, begin by going to medicare.gov and go from there. What a bureaurocratic mess. Although some folks can wait until May, others need to select by the end of December.
    - RC

  • 12/9 3:20pm Tonight's SACC (School Age Child Care) Christmas Ball at the Freeman has been cancelled due to the weather.
    - DL

  • 12/9 2:22pm Re: 12/9 12:20pm Not too long ago someone on this forum provided excellent advice regarding changes in the television industry. See: Welcome to the Letterbox and Wide Screen Advocacy Page [widescreen.org]. The next page, [this one], says in part:
    The widescreen or letterbox process is a method by which a movie can be seen on a TV screen the way that the movie was seen in theatres by maintaining its original aspect ratio or OAR.

    Most movies are filmed in a process where the width of the screen is between 1.85 to 2.4 times greater than the height. This means that for every inch of screen height, the visual portion of the movie is between 1.85 to 2.4 times as wide. This results in a panoramic view that when used properly can add a greater perception of the environment and mood of a movie.

    Unfortunately, modern televisions are only 1.33 times as wide as they are high, referred to as 1.33:1 or 4:3. For decades, most movies have been subjected to having about 45% of the visuals removed from the screen so that the TV screen would be full through a process called "pan and scan" which focused on only one section of the total visuals or the "frame".

    As a result, many movies lose story information and depth through the pan-and-scan process. In some cases, crucial plot information is lost. This methodology can also result in jerky movement across the frame or - worse yet - the "talking noses" syndrome where two actors on either end of the frame only have the forward part of their profiles on the screen.

    Regardless of the specific results, the overall result is that the movie is losing up to 45% of its original visuals.

    The widescreen or letterbox process takes the entire frame and reduces the size in proportion so that the entire frame fits within the width of the TV. This allows the movie to be seen in its original aspect ratio as the film makers intended the movie to be seen.

    This also results in what are incorrectly referred to as "black bars" at the top and bottom of the screen. In reality, these "black bars" are actually unused areas of the screen. The areas are black to allow for better contrast.

    Comment: One must really study the specs for any new TV purchase. In 2004 we bought a Philips 20" with a choice between regular (4:3) display with black bars when showing movies, and "expand 4:3" with no black bars, but clipped sides, on the remote. Had the store put the remote out on display, we would not have bought it; not the standard button layout and too many buttons. I have to study up on how to delete the Spanish text display; complicated instructions. Also the set has no audio output miniature jack. The next set will be in widescreen format, with HDTV and digital.
    - RH

  • 12/9 2:05pm For TEM - DVDs can be either widescreen (what you have seen) or full screen. Look for "full screen" on the cover of the DVD when you rent. Most movies offer both DVD formats, but not all of them.
    - JB

  • 12/9 12:20pm Not too long ago someone on this forum provided excellent advice regarding changes in the television industry. I wonder if that same person (or anyone knowledgeable in these things) would offer similar guidance regarding playing rented movies. We held out as long as we could with a VHS video player and recorder, finally giving in as more and more movies changed to DVD format. But after purchasing and connecting our new combination DVD/VHS player we discovered that rented movies in DVD format come over in this abbreviated, box format that only takes up two-thirds (or less) of the screen. What's going on? The clerk at the rental store only confused us more. Is it because our TV is an older one (1987)? Are we doomed to watching movies in this strange format appearing on only part of the screen? Are we doing something wrong? Would appreciate any advice or counsel that would bring us up-to-date and into this century.
    - TEM

  • 12/9 12:15pm The Recycling/Transfer Station Holiday Hours for 2005 will be:
    Friday, December 23, 2005: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Tuesday, December 27, 2005: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Wednesday, December 28, 2005: 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
    Friday, December 30, 2005: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
    Saturday, December 31, 2005: 7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
    - VR

  • 12/8 12:38pm TO KGD: I've gotten mighty sappy in this season, watching Miracle on 34th St, A Christmas Carol etc. so I really enjoyed your story about the kind man who helped you jump start your car in the cold. Hope we all receive that unexpected touch of kindness in the coming weeks. It's a Wonderful Life, after all!
    - AL

  • 12/7 12:44pm In addition to the weekly worship service at 10:00 AM each Sunday, the Federated Church of Norfolk will hold two Tuesday evening vesper services during Advent. The 7:00-7:30 pm services will offer a time for singing Advent music in December 13th and Christmas Carols on December 20th in preparation for Christmas.
    In order to acknowledge the pain and sadness many people experience at Chrismastime, there will be a special "Blue Christmas" worship service on Tuesday, December 20th at 7:30 pm. All who are grieving or feel out of synch with the "Merry Christmas" atmosphere of this season are invited to attend.
    Three Candlelight Christmas Eve services will be held at the Federated Church of Norfolk. The 6:00 pm service is family oriented. The 8:00 pm service will be a candlelight worship with the choir providing the music and the 11:00 pm candlelight service will include communion with music by the Praise & Worship group.
    - LD, Federated Church of Norfolk

  • 12/7 10:04am To CFC: We made your Apple Brownies, and they were very good and easy to make. But my girls were confused when they had no chocolate in them, and voted to call it Apple Muffin Cake. A keeper recipe, thanks!
    - LK

  • 12/7 9:17am I just wanted to post a thank-you to the gallant Notre Dame fan in the Range Rover who helped me jump-start my car after I stupidly drained my battery trying to keep the car warm while my baby napped in the Shaw's parking lot in Medfield (that's what I get for trying to save the environment by not idling my car). I never got his name, but he told me that a kind stranger once brought his wife gas when she ran out, so he wanted to do something similarly nice for someone in distress. I don't know if he will ever see this, but his kindness was very much appreciated (especially by my husband, who is also a huge Notre Dame fan).
    - KGD

  • 12/6 9:43pm Representative Brown's office hours that were scheduled for the Town Hall on Friday, December 9th, from 11AM-Noon have been changed to the Norfolk Public Library from 11AM-Noon.
    - RH

    unknown cat, 8K

  • 12/6 9:40pm Please contact Norfolk Police Department/Animal Control (508) 528 3232 if you know any of the following:
    - Do you own this cat?
    - Do you know who owns this cat?
    - Have any information regarding this cat in the neighborhood of Mirror Lake/West Cedar.
    If you have any information pertaining to this cat's injuries we strongly urge you to reply. YOUR CALL IS IMPORTANT AND ANONYMOUS TIPS WELCOME. Cat is a 1 yr old domestic, white, and female. Email Norfolkk9@aol.com is also available to report to as long as we can have a follow up number to confirm information.
    - Hilary Penlington, Norfolk Animal Control, 508-528-3232

  • 12/6 9:39pm If you've e-mailed Norfolknet recently and your message seems to have been ignored, we discovered that the virus scanner was rejecting some e-mails (we noticed when e-mails containing attachments coming from Yahoo and Hotmail were lost.) So we apologize if this affected you, we've changed the settings, and please re-send your email. Thanks,
    - Wm.

  • 12/6 12:21pm The Soccer Club of Norfolk [norfolksoccer.com] is now accepting registrations for its ten-week spring 2006 travel soccer season. Registration forms can be downloaded [pdf here] and mailed in or parents can register their childhttp://www.norfolksoccer.com/documents/pdfs/norfolk%20reg.pdf online. Children in grades two through six this fall are eligible to participate. The registration deadline is Sunday, December 11, 2005.
    - TO

  • 12/6 12:01pm Re: 12/5 2:16pm Does anyone know if you can watch Town hearings/meetings if you have DirecTV rather than cable? We do not feed either NCTV Channel 22 (Government matters) or Channel 8 (Community matters) to a DirecTV link to go onto that network. So the answer is that it is not possible to watch Town hearings/meetings other than on Comcast Cable Channel 22 or 8 within the Town of Norfolk.
    - RH

  • 12/6 8:13am To JG - Registration is going on now for spring soccer. You can print a copy of the registration form here: norfolklionssoccer.com
    - CG

  • 12/5 10:42pm If there is anyone out there who needs snow shoveling done, residential or commercial, please call us at 508-553-0943.
    - JF

  • 12/5 6:22pm For all you out there who have yet to get a flu shot this season, there will be a Flu Clinic this Thursday, December 8th from 10 to 12 at the Franklin Federated Church in Franklin. New England Nurses, Inc. will be providing the shots at a cost of $19 to anyone 18 years or older. In order to make sure there are enough shots, pre-register by calling 781-821-8500. You can call that number with any questions as well. As someone said to me, all you need is to have the flu one time, and you'll always get the flu shot!
    - AL

  • 12/5 2:16pm Does anyone know if you can watch Town hearings/meetings if you have DirecTV rather than cable? If so, what channel?
    - KGD

  • 12/5 1:52pm Does anyone know when registration for spring soccer takes place? Thanks
    - JG

  • 12/5 11:49am Congrats to the Lions and all the participants of the Santa Parade yesterday. The snow added a festive touch to the event! The KP Band was terrific to listen to and makes me proud to live in a town that supports a great music program - my elementary school aged kids can't wait to play in the band. Thanks to the Rec Dept. for the hot chocolate and the cookies a great treat after being in the cold outside! May everyone have a wonderful and festive holiday season!
    - TS

  • 12/5 8:35am RG - Actually, these are native flamingoes from the wilds of Leominster, MA, and they assured me that they didn't mind a little cold weather. Given that Percy is a young and rather rebellious flamingo, he might have done just what CI suggested and run off with the renegade turkeys of Boardman St.
    - HPK

  • 12/4 10:24pm Hi BH, thanks for backing me up to JM. And by the way, I just got an oil delivery of 150 gallons for a price of 2.009 COD - that's ok with me, not too shabby, my friend in Blackstone just paid 2.40 per gallon (that was not COD, just on automatic delivery). I bought from Oil Time located in Foxboro; I have used them for many years and never had a problem with the fuel.
    - RS

  • 12/4 11:51am HPK: Poor Percy. He must be shivering with only his little pink feathers & cute red hat to keep him warm in this snowy weather! Have you considered that he may have flown south for the winter?
    - RG

  • 12/4 11:50am HPK - There is a flock of wild turkeys on Boardman - could Percy have been lured away to join them?
    - CI

  • 12/4 11:49am HI! Does anyone know if the Santa Parade is still going to happen in light of the snow? Is there a number we could call to find out? Thanks!
    - SB

  • 12/4 11:48am Hail, Good Citizens of Norfolk,
    The Friends of the Norfolk Public Library are looking for more "Friends" to help us plan, organize and execute. Join us on the first Monday of each month at 7:00 pm in the meeting room of the library.
    Currently we're planning the membership drive and would love some new ideas and help. Our annual book sale is coming up in April, and more hands are always needed in the planning and execution of this major fund raiser. So come on this coming Monday, December 5 at 7:00 pm to see how you can help the Friends and our beautiful new library.
    - Mary Jo Gothorpe, President, Friends of the Library

  • 12/3 10:17pm HPK - Could you please clarify which of the flamingos in the photo is Percy?... I may have seen him running through my neighbor's back yard earlier today, but without further information, I can't be sure. Hopefully he'll return home soon after he logs on and reads your plea.
    - MH

    [Actually, neither - the photo is by me. I was driving by, saw a clutch of mournful-looking birds searching listlessly about, and snapped a portrait of two of them. Percy presumably belonged with the rest of the group, before going on the lam - Wm.]

  • 12/3 9:13am Up to date oil prices can be found at newenglandoil.com
    - DH

  • 12/2 8:40pm CFC, Thanks for the recipe. I will have to try it out. It is always nice to have an apple dessert that isn't a pie or cobbler. I'll be sure to let you know how it turns out for me. Thanks again,
    - SKG

    Missing: Percy, 47K

  • 12/2 7:58pm MISSING: pink lawn flamingo, about 16" high, answers to the name of "Percy." He was last seen in the vicinity of Boardman St. and Rockwood Rd. on Friday 11/25, wearing a red Santa hat. If you see him, please tell him that his family misses him and we won't make him wear that embarrassing tinsel collar that he hates so much. Come home, Percy!
    - HPK

  • 12/2 5:40pm To SKG - these are not muffins but they are a brownie/cake dessert, a big hit in my family and really easy to make.
    Apple Brownies
    1cup sugar
    1 stick butter
    1 egg
    2 med. apples peeled / cored

    1 1/8 cup flour
    1/2 tsp salt
    1/2 tsp baking soda
    1/2 tsp baking powder
    1/2 tsp cinnamon

    mix sugar butter and egg
    add flour mixture then apples

    I put in an 8x8 inch pan and bake for 45 min on 350 degrees.
    - CFC

  • 12/2 12:48am Thanks DLJ for your input on the new law for digital TV, 2009 seems great for me. I guess my current TV at 10 years old will not last another 4 years.
    - MA

  • 12/1 4:29pm Good for you SKG - I enjoy reading about all of it too - oil, recipes, repairmen & religion (that topic was a doozy) as well as titmice, fisher cats, deer and so on. Will stay tuned...
    - TN

  • 12/1 3:09pm JM, I can clearly see now that all involved were enjoying their back-and-forth about the oil companies and I stand corrected. Furthermore, I for one care very deeply about the tufted titmouse in my spruce! As an add-on, does anyone have any good muffin recipes???
    - SKG

  • 12/1 11:48am Did you know that the tufted titmouse builds her nest in many different types of trees other than the spruce? They include elms, maples, oaks, and pines. Not only that, once a pair of titmice get together, they mate for life. They do not split for the winter, choosing to stick it out with the rest of us for the entire, brutally cold winter. And, according to one reliable source, young titmice stick around to help the family raise the next brood (new babies). And if that wasn't enough, these adorable little creatures help grow new trees and plants by discreetly dumping their digested meals in new locations throughout our town as well as eating huge amounts of pesky insects that we can very easily do without. And you say you don't care, JM! By the way, titmice have been known to pull hair or fur from squirrel's tails, opossum's backs, and, yes, occasionally from a human's scalp, when gathering material for a nest. You might want to wear a hat, JM, the next time you saunter out to the backyard!
    - TEM

  • 12/1 9:21am The Sun-Chronicle covered the Holbrook Road incident - page B1 yesterday. The library has back issues.
    - CI

  • 12/1 8:30am Norfolk Firefighters hosting Senior Citizens for Lunch at the Federated Church at 12 noon on Dec 3, Saturday, followed by musical entertainment; arrive by 1:15 pm. Includes a barbershop chorus!! Seniors are asked to call 508-526-4430 (Senior Center) to express their intent to attend so an idea of attendance can be determined.
    - JO

    [The singing group A Classic Sound will be performing for about 45 minutes. To just see the singing group, suggest that you arrive by 1:15. - Wm.
    Update 11:07am: that's barbershop chorus, not quartet, and the musical entertainment times are still being finalized, but plan to arrive by 1:15pm - DLJ]

  • 12/1 8:24am BH: I understand the mechanics of the trade; your description would lead one to believe that the cost of hedging a good portion of an entire winter season's oil supply is inconsequential, thus if spot prices fall, the oil company can immediately revert to the lower price for their customers. This is not the case. The cost of the hedge, which would typically be initiated at the behest of panicked customers, is necessarily passed on in the form of higher oil prices for a period of time. Additionally, the oil companies are simultaneously continuing to commit to buy physical oil in the midst of all the hysteria, since they can't fill their trucks with futures contracts. I have no doubt that there are both unscrupulous oil dealers and those that have done a lousy job managing the cost of the oil they buy. But I have zero sympathy for people who bought into the madness and locked themselves into a high price, and now they want a mulligan.
    And to SKG, I subscribe to the Socratic theory that the ``unexamined life is not worth living''; do you think NorfolkNet should be muffin recipes and bird sightings? I don't care about the tufted titmouse you saw in your spruce tree, but I love the give and take on current events.
    - JM

  • 12/1 1:54am For MA regarding digital TV - The Digital TV switch should be in April 2009.
    This article is interesting, clear, and recent: [USA Today] Basically, if one uses a cable box, any TV works. An over the air digital television signal to an analog TV (such as Portable TVs, hand held units, etc.) will require a black box converter. In 2009 that box should be around $50. [Dtv.gov] also has info.
    During a C-SPAN Interview about Telecommunications Issues, Senator Ted Stevens mentioned that the government is still discussing how much assistance to give consumers and households. They also want to stop analog television from being produced in this country and stop them from being brought into the USA.
    - DLJ

  • 12/1 12:45am I heard from someone who lives on Holbrook that what happened on Monday was that a man who lives on Pond Street had called the police, threatened to kill himself with a gun and to possibly hurt others in the process. That was why the big reaction!! There were police from all over AND SWAT team members. Thankfully, the man was alone, and ultimately didn't hurt anyone, himself included. Sounds like the town reacted appropriately, especially, holding school busses at the schools for that neighborhood, so the kids were safe. Amazing, something like that can happen in our little town and not make the news!
    - EH

  • 11/30 10:31pm I am looking for information about the new laws that will affect our TV; ours is 10 years old and I guess it is not digital or whatever that the new law will require.
    Anyone in the room knows about the new broadcast system that will take effect soon and affect the TV that I have now? I heard that Congress is addressing the issue and providing funds for this new broadcast system. What's it all about?
    I heard you can purchase an adapter for old TV's for 200.00, but I did not follow this up as of last year.
    What is your input? Thanks,
    - MA

  • 11/30 10:28pm NOTE: The phone number listed in the Boomerang for the Firefighters Lunch on Saturday is incorrect; should be 508-528-4430 (not 3340).
    - JO

  • 11/30 10:26pm I don't know but I have to heat my house this and every winter. What I pay or don't pay for oil seems a little beside the point. I did use a local oil company and did pay a small fee to lock in at a cap. If oil goes up I don't pay extra, if oil goes down, the oil company gives me the new rate, I call that more that fair. I love the analogy about Star Bucks, I am guilty of paying outrageous prices for a cup of coffee so to B---- about oil or gas makes me what? Ah never mind I'm gonna B---- anyhow.
    - JW

  • 11/30 10:24pm Are all users of the Transfer Station aware that they intend to close BOTH the Saturday before Xmas and New Years!! I didnt know that the day prior was a holiday. They plan on being open Friday 8-4! I assume like me, most work all day Friday. This is a vital town "SERVICE." Personally this will leave me with 3 weeks of trash. I called the DPW on 11/30 to verify this schedule and to register a complaint. I hope more will do the same.
    - MSC

  • 11/30 5:19pm Incident on Holbrook: Does anyone know what happened on Holbrook St. Mon. afternoon? I overheard a local officer say that a man had "holed himself up" and some feared he might hurt himself. He didn't, apparently - and thankfully. From the number of cruisers (some from as far as Abington), undercover officers and unmarked cars, you'd think it was a drug bust -- on Holbrook Street! Any scoops?
    - JG

  • 11/30 3:57pm To JM - (an answer to the question you posed to RS) Local oil companies can purchase an option on a futures contracts, which give them the right but not the obligation to buy a specific quantity of oil at a specific strike price by a certain date. As such, a local company could purchase a fuel oil option contract with strike price X, but if market prices for fuel oil fall below X it can buy fuel oil in the open market at the lower price and let the option contract expire worthless -- the cost savings (less the cost of the option contract) could then be passed along to customers. So, yes, local oil companies, depending on how sophisticated they are, can gouge clients. Cheers.
    - BH

  • 11/30 3:55pm Does anyone know what was going on this past Monday on 115 by the Millis line? I saw several police cars from Norfolk and area towns, a fire engine and other trucks pulled off to the side of the road. It looked like they were looking for someone. Any information???
    - LK

  • 11/30 3:52pm MJD writes in response to my on going Pre Pay Oil Program concerns: "The local company did however lose my business which is too bad for them and probably for me as I think they provided good service and I plan to live here for a really long time. In the end, I bet we both lose. The other night we had a problem with our boiler and the new big oil company took over three hours to come out and fix it, the local company would have been here within the hour (judging from past experience) Oh well. "
    While we did not actually sign the contract and the actual contract does not state that we must buy solely from them on an automatic delivery basis, I am now beginning to realize the true significance of this home energy challenge, thanks in large part to the many positive, informative and kind remarks we have received at this site. We have conducted business solely with our local Norfolk based oil company since approx. 1985. We have also recommended the same company to others who need home heating oil and service as well as for the installation of some new systems as we are in the home renovation business. It will cause us a bit of financial pain this season but we now will settle on the fact that we entered into this agreement (whether it be vague or not) knowing the risks as well as the assumed responsibilities on both sides. We do feel however that there is a gigantic profit being made at the price of the consumer and the true profiteers are the wholesalers, and investors of energy. I believe now that our local oil company did have our best intentions in mind and does feel for us. We will ride it out this winter, bundle up and continue to remain grateful this season. Thanks for all the responses to our inquiry.
    - BF

  • 11/30 12:24pm To SKG - Debate is a good thing. This is what makes the site interesting. You have to admit it does get just a bit boring speaking about daycare, play groups and contractors... Embrace different peoples' point of view. It's a big world out there!
    - DWL

  • 11/30 9:24am I have recently begun to check in on Norfolk net every few days and I have found it to be a very useful way to find out what is going on around town. I think that it is a great way for the people of Norfolk to connect and share helpful information etc. Lately, however, I have been disturbed by the negative and sarcastic posts back and forth. A person writes with a legitimate question or comment and what follows is pages worth of matter of fact responses laced with venom. What is it that has so many people who frequent this web site chomping at the bit for a confrontation? Everyone is entitled to have and share their opinion. Think for a moment, how does that old saying go? "If you can't say something nice....."
    - SKG

  • 11/30 9:19am Thanks RS & PN for your positive input with the current issues many of us face. In response to PN's suggestion, "If you were to go out and purchase oil from another company while the rates are down... you can take advantage of the lower rate and not use the more expensive stuff from the locked rate." We realize this may be an option but would it be within the guidelines of the terms of the pre purchase contract? We assume it would not be and to be fair we would restrain from doing so. An interesting point however is that the terms of the pre pay program are extremely vague and do not mention that we must purchase only from them. I will check into that with our local oil company in an attempt to remain fair. According to Massachusetts law, a contract must be in writing and made available to the consumer and it must be signed. As far as I can tell, we never have actually received the detailed contract in writing. We initiated our participation in the program via telephone, made the payment by credit card over the phone and never actually signed anything. We have only received the initial sign up form "Pre-Payment Fixed Price Contract". The only real specifics in this form as far as the contract terms are concerned state: "If you use more than the above gallons before 5-31-06, you will be billed for the excess at the market rate at the time of delivery. If you use less than the above gallons through 5-31-06, we will send you a refund at your request."
    - BF

  • 11/30 8:11am RS: I have no idea what you just said in your last post, but you are certainly entitled to your opinions, and welcome to share them on NorfolkNet. However, you should expect a rebuttal when you type lengthy economic treatises that are based on fiction. I'll give you another chance: how, if you ran a local heating oil company, would you both lock in prices in a rising oil market AND offer lower prices when the market price falls? The correct answer is 'you can't', but in your 11/28 post at 10:04pm, I'm pretty sure you said you could do it, and then you went on to accuse heating oil dealers of profiteering. Do tell.
    - JM

    [Actually, I really liked PN's observation, which points out that they not only can, but they do, as a matter of course, all the time. Should be interesting to see how that works this year - Wm.]

  • 11/30 8:10am Bill Maher has an interesting quote in his new book "New Rules." We all have a problem with the price of gasoline (paying close to $3 gallon), however, we don't think twice about paying 3 dollars for a latte at Starbucks! (and some do it twice a day). Drink your latte then go fill your tank. You won't feel so bad filling your tank after paying so much for a latte.
    - DWL

  • 11/30 8:08am BF - I can not prove that I called within 15 days as did not write down the date that I called ( I believe it was within 15 days of receiving the notice.) The local company did however lose my business which is too bad for them and probably for me as I think they provided good service and I plan to live here for a really long time. In the end, I bet we both lose. The other night we had a problem with our boiler and the new big oil company took over three hours to come out and fix it, the local company would have been here within the hour (judging from past experience) Oh well.
    - MJD

  • 11/29 10:04pm Hi JM, I'm working on the new health care bill that is being reviewed at the state house by Gov. Romney. I think it is a good plan for all, that all residents in Mass should have health insurance according to their income. Let's say that you make 15000 per year and you have 2 in your family - that includes your wife and you only - as of now, you will not qualify for any Health Insurance at all. Or you can pay like I do 960.00 per month for Harvard group on a commercial plan for 2 people. As far as me missing the title of Mr. Greenspan, please wait and you will see the future. By the way I am not RS Oil Company and if you read my past mail to the Net I did say that I am not in the oil business at all, it was just my opinion and feelings. Please do not take my comments so hard and please do not insult me any longer with your personal comments about how I feel. Please slow down.
    - RS

  • 11/29 10:00pm Oil For Food... I mean Oil For Profit scam. Thinking outside the box for a solution to those "locked" into the prepay situation -- if I'm not mistaken, you basically purchased a futures contract on so many gallons of oil at a set price. If I remember the details correctly, any money left over as of May 31, 2006 (implying that you may not use all the oil you pre-purchase) would be refunded or applied toward upcoming balances. The operative point here is... "any money left over - from unused oil". If you were to go out and purchase oil from another company while the rates are down... you can take advantage of the lower rate and not use the more expensive stuff from the locked rate. If prices go up... well, you know what I mean. Though I ask you.... is it really worth it? Just some food for.... I mean oil for thought.
    - PN

  • 11/29 6:21pm Thank goodness we all have MH to maintain all the checks and balances for us!
    We do not find MH "making sport of the idea" helpful as we opened the discussion with the idea to express our situation and not to complain about it, as others may find themselves in the same spot. Today I did speak with our local oil company, and openly admitted we knew fully our risks in participating in the pre pay program. What we find discomforting is the timing of such, as well as the unusual nature of the offer. It came in our mail unexpectedly and during the height of all the bad press of the oil/gas futures. Unfortunately, time and time again it is the consumer who feels the brunt of this type of thing. We participated in the pre pay oil program last year as well and lost on that deal as well. We did not mention one word of it to our supplier or anybody else for that matter. We absorbed the cost. This year was different and in speaking with our local oil company today as well as our local AG office, both state that there is a large amount of complaints coming in. The AG's office has requested of us some additional information as a larger-scale look may become necessary. Our complaint is the timing and the unusual nature of the program, not the actual cost we are now forced to pay. While MH may appear to have the answers to all our situations, what MH lacks is an identity. Anybody can turn anothers discomfort into their own gain with their carefully selected words, but can they offer good sound practical advice absent of sarcasm? Our question is if anybody else is wading through this type of situation and if they may be working through this with some positive results.
    A question I have for MJD. You mentioned you missed the 15 day window for the second pre pay offer as they shut that offer down early. I spoke with our local oil company today and they told me they did not stop the 15 day offer early; they ran it the full 15 days. Can you help me out with this and confirm for me what they told you? I am talking about our local Norfolk based oil company.
    In September when we called to join the pre pay program they told us they stopped the offer due to the unpredictable oil market. Today they told me they stopped the first offer in September because they sold out!
    This is my point MH the unusual nature of the program. It borders on a deceptive trade practice.
    - BF

  • 11/29 9:40am MJD - Wm was correct, the comments I referred to were ``I first mentioned our situation about our participation in our local oil companies pre-pay program because we did indeed lock in at a high rate ($2.55 per gallon x 800 gallons), but mostly because we felt pressured to do so.'' and ``Using fear and timing as a mechanism to cause a hurried sale.'' Perhaps I am reading BF's post incorrectly and misunderstanding the intention. The ideas of locking in a rate and prepaying are used interchangeably in this post. As you said, locking in at $2.55 would mean a ``cap'' that could fluctuate, but not go higher. Prepaying means you get only what you pay for. BF paid $2,040 and will receive 800 gallons of oil. I was making sport of the idea that pressure came from a post card in the mail that they responded to and are now considering legal action.
    RS - something else to consider. Much like you, that person that has this 30,000-40,000 gallon storage capacity is also paying more for the fuel that runs the trucks that are delivering the oil to your home. While they are probably getting it at a discount, if you check the current selling price of diesel fuel it is still higher than it was this time last year. If they are providing health benefits to their employees, those costs are also skyrocketing (see the reasoning for most Town of Norfolk tax hikes). All that savings gets passed right down the line - ``kind of a trickle down effect.''
    You are correct about housing sales slowing. Public records for Norfolk indicate that there have been 89 houses sold YTD (October) in 2005 (down from the 134 YTD for 2004). Median prices have also fallen - $445,000 YTD in 2005 versus $472,200 YTD in 2004. Don't forget, though, home sales are also affected by rising interest rates that make overpriced houses even more unaffordable.
    - MH

  • 11/29 9:40am RS: My condolences for being passed over to succeed Alan Greenspan. I would be fascinated to learn how your fictional RS Oil Co. would both lock-in prices in a rising oil market AND offer 'very low prices' to your customers. Oil prices have risen and fallen based on the perceived availability of refining capacity, that was threatened by the succession of hurricanes and tropical storms. At the behest of their panicked customers, many local oil companies either hedged or prepaid for oil at the top of the market, and for that portion of their supply, they and their customers are stuck with the price. If oil had continued to rise, you would be sending your oilman a Christmas fruitcake; now that they've fallen, he's the devil incarnate. Regarding new and existing home sales, interest rates, which are still barely above 40 year lows, have risen slightly, primarily due to the succession of Fed rate increases. Inflation, excluding fuel and food which are highly correlated, is still basically non-existent, and the fuel component has declined as fuel prices continue to slide. Long term rates, which are the real measure of expected inflation, have DECLINED. Home prices have fallen in Massachusetts, which is a ridiculously overinflated market, but extrapolating what's happening here is a stretch, although housing is absolutely slowing, which is exactly what you should be hoping for. Send that fruitcake to the poor S.O.B. who is trying to sell those cheesy Keeney Pond cribs. No one is going on vacation? You must have been in a tryptophan coma when the news reported record Thanksgiving travel. Fuel costs remain around 5% of disposable income nationally, and is cheaper today than it was 20 years ago on an inflation-adjusted basis. You are tilting at the wrong windmill; why don't you take a crack at healthcare reform?
    - JM

  • 11/29 9:12am Re: 11/25 7:53pm Does anyone know of any local coat drives? .... - DL
    Yes, DL, our organization, Citizen Action Team * RealTime Disaster Relief is conducting a coat drive as well as a Holiday Box Drive for the holidays, and our home in Norfolk will be one of the drop sites.
    So stay tuned, email me, go through your closets and attics and get your "extra" un-needed coats, gloves, blankets, etc. ready to donate to the Gulf Hurricane Relief Effort.
    Please, do not for one moment think that the emergency is over in the Gulf even though the Red Cross and FEMA have bailed. There are thousands of people in tent cities, with homes, no warm clothes, blankets, etc. Now is when they most need our help. It really does get cold there in the winter. I will be announcing soon exactly when we will be accepting donations at our home here in Norfolk. If anyone else is interested in helping out with this, please contact me at: Rubytunes@aol.com. Thanks again. Also, please check out our data base and website at: CitizenActionTeam.org Sincerely,
    - PRR

  • 11/28 10:08pm Hi Wm., I got your last response to my note on the Norfolk Net page; let's just go back a little on my question about the 30,000 or 40,000 capacity of storage. I am not in the business of selling home heating fuel, but if I did, with so much storage capacity I could get all the oil I need to supply my customers at a very low price and even lock in for futures knowing my customers needs and never lose a penny on my investment. Let's face it, we will pay this winter through the nose for heating fuel, and you know this as well as I do. It's not Math at all; it is taking advantage of the season, just like fuel for our vehicles for the past 4 months. And by the way, did you know why gas prices came down? because of the holidays, and no-one is going on vacation; we turn our attention to holiday shopping, and if gas prices were 3.29 per Gallon or more, most of us would not be at the mall this holiday season to support the merchants - and then what? INFLATION, in the 2nd Quarter for 2006. Please read the signs of our economy, old and new homes sales are down by 9% since October and it is all because of fuel. Kind of a trickle down effect.
    So be it, I hope the winter is mild so as to drive the cost of home heating fuel down and then we can afford our new taxes in Norfolk.
    - RS

  • 11/28 7:55pm MH - I am not sure what you are talking about but I locked in so that my rate never goes over $2.39 per gallon; if it's less, I pay less. I didn't feel duped, I was just commenting on the fact that larger oil companies buy insurance and therefore can extend their lock in programs even when times are tough in the oil market.
    - MJD

    [Some plans cap the price, but others pre-purchase at a fixed price. MH (and BF) must be referring to the fixed-price purchase plan. - Wm.]

  • 11/28 4:27pm This is a response to a message I saw posted in Norfolk Notes page. TEM wrote: 11/16 8:31am I am looking for a contractor for extensive renovation of my home and would appreciate your recommendations. Because the job is a very complex and challenging one requiring ...
    Well I may have a solution for this person. Follow this link: mjdesignandremodel.com This may come across as biased because I know and have worked for him. He is Michael Mooney. You will notice mostly cabinetries on his site. That is not all that he does. This man is a licensed carpenter in MA and can draw plans. He can do additions and or remodel from soup to nuts. Framing, finish, sheetrock, plaster. Painting, plumbing, and electricals would have to be subbed.
    If that is a problem, Michael is affiliated with a local to the area, my brother Brian A. Bigelow of Bigelow Carpentry. Brian has numerous sub-contractors that do side jobs for himself and Mike. Please bear in mind that everyone should go out and get estimates from other contractors to do comparitives.
    You may find that Mike and my brother are pricey. So I will give you a little quote that we the contractors use often: "You get what you pay for."
    - EB

  • 11/28 12:24pm If anyone is looking for snow plowing, I highly recommend Scott Morrison. He is reasonable, very reliable and located right here in Norfolk. You can reach him at 781-389-2443.
    - GB

  • 11/28 12:08pm We are looking for some help with the following:
    - house cleaning
    - light day care at our home (meaning some child care/play time with our 2 1/2 year old and/or watching our new born) (likely a few hours per day once or twice per week).
    Anyone interested or in either or both, or anyone who knows of someone who might be interested can email us at lawrence@longworth.com. We live in Norfolk. Thanks
    - JL

    [Update 4:13pm: also would like to hear if anyone knows of someone interested - JL]

  • 11/28 10:44am To those who are complaining about the oil costs -- If you feel ``duped'' by the oil companies, I think the blame should be on your shoulders. You felt pressured to lock in? Come on.
    I got a card in the mail the other day that a local rug company was going out of business and they had a huge rug sale. I really need a rug for our dining room as we are going to be redecorating soon. I thought it was a great sale, but when I took the time to look around at other stores, I realized the prices were really only barely competitive to market rates. If I had bought the rug simply because I felt pressured from getting a post card in the mail I might be a little disappointed, but it would only be in myself.
    You ``jumped at the chance'' and got caught short. If the shoes had been on the other foot and you locked in at $1.50 with the current rate being at $2.50, this would not be an issue. Comparing lock in rates and prepay rates to COD does not seem a very fair practice either. I think it common sense that the company should offer a different rate for customers willing to pay upon delivery. Keep in mind that the $2.00 per gallon paid this delivery could be $3.00 per gallon in a months time.
    Our oil company that we have used for the last couple of years has refused to offer even a lock in rate for the winter. They said that the prices are fluctuating so much right now, they did not think it fair to lock anyone in at a high rate. Much like last winter -- we will keep the heat turned down and bundle up a little more.
    - MH

  • 11/28 10:42am Don't miss out on this once-a-year opportunity to purchase a quality puppet for that special child in your life! Puppets spark a child's imagination, are interactive, educational and cuddly! These are high quality, durable puppets which make wonderful holiday gifts. You don't need to take a long trip to the mall --- shop at the Norfolk Library and help support the Friends at the same time. To preview the puppets go to this website puppetworld.net Questions? Call 508-528-3380.
    - Robin Glasser, Director Norfolk Public Library

  • 11/28 8:43am Thanks for all your great responses to my question on Christmas trees! I was away at the inlaws for Thanksgiving, so I just saw them today. I will mull the choices over with my husband and pick a tree out this weekend.
    - KGD

  • 11/27 4:28pm "Pre Pay Oil Programs", a subjects worth further consideration. I first mentioned our situation about our participation in our local oil companies pre-pay program because we did indeed lock in at a high rate ($2.55 per gallon x 800 gallons), but mostly because we felt pressured to do so. We missed the annual lock-in period as our local oil company shut down the program in early September only to re-open it in October for 15 days. We jumped at the chance given the news of the times with the foul weather in the Gulf Coast region and rising fuel costs.
    On 11/24 MJD wrote "I was within the 15 days that they had given me to make up my mind and I called. They told me that they had to cancel the program because of the potential cost increases due to the storm and other factors."
    Our grievance is born from the inconsistencies of our local oil company. They caused us to feel that we missed an opportunity in September and were then out of luck only to offer a renewed opportunity in October for 15 days. MJD writes the program was once again cut short! For us, we feel this borders a "deceptive trade practice." Using fear and timing as a mechanism to cause a hurried sale. My original question was to poll others who may be in this same situation and what some options may be other than to have installed some optional heat sources and energy saving devices. The legal aspects here may be worth exploring. Today I did write the Mass. Dept. of Consumer Affairs for some information. In the meantime, however, we realize we must abide by our educated decision to participate in the Pre Pay Oil Program.
    - BF

  • 11/27 12:25pm Hi BF, thanks for your reply to my type of spending as far as home fuel to heat our home this winter. I think it is shame the gas for cars has come down to 2.05 per gallon and home heating fuel is still at 2.30 per gallon, and even higher - what gives here? Do you know that heating oil number 2 is less to process than gas for our vehicles; why do they charge a higher price? I have the answer for you, and please read. Most oil companies in our area have a storage capacity of 40,000 gallons and more. Did you think they filled their tanks yesterday? NOT - they bought their oil last year, and this is a guess for me around 80 cents per gallon, so go figure.
    They will profit so much this winter as you know. That is why I shop around and pay COD. You can look at a local paper and find an oil burner service that will give the same backup if your oil burner has any problems.
    Please shop around for fuel prices.
    - RS

    [But doing the math, 40,000 gallons is about 200 tanks of fuel, which is a ten day supply for 200 customers in the middle of January. Looked at another way, the oil company's take on the 40,000 gallons is not enough to operate even one truck for a year. Either way, they must be selling a lot more than 40,000 gallons per year to stay in business, so they must be refilling those tanks more frequently. - Wm.]

  • 11/26 10:55pm Bay Colony Productions' "It's a Wonderful Life" will be performed live at the Orpheum Theater in Foxboro December 2-18. Norfolk resident Jonathan Garven will be playing 6 different roles in the show. Tickets are $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and $15 for Children under 12.
    Tickets are available by calling the box office at 508-543-2787. The Orpheum Theater is located in the Foxboro rotary. See orpheum.org
    - JG

  • 11/26 1:00pm Would also give Dover Trucking high marks. Remember pay for the year in advance and get one month free.
    - PRB

  • 11/26 9:22am We are looking for a responsible, caring individual who can pick our son (2 1/2) up from his day school and either take him to their house or our house and do some activities with him until we get home. The hours would be 5ish till 7ish and starts in January. We are very flexible about the days. Please call 508-541-6711 after 6 or email us at anrpatel1@yahoo.com if you are interested. Thanks!
    - AP

  • 11/26 9:21am JD - We use Dover Trucking for our curbside trash pickup. They pick up every Friday in Norfolk. They provide a large, rolling trash bin, plus two recycling bins for Mixed Household paper and Glass/Plastic on alternating weeks. The monthly rate is just under $35. The service has been great. They have more info on their web site, dovertrucking.com.
    - JM

  • 11/26 9:20am If you want someone who is very good and does a great job cleaning gutters, try Randy Corwin, right here in Norfolk. His number is in the book under House Work Haters.
    - SB

    [Update 11/26 1:01pm: from the Little Green Phone Book: Housework Haters Cleaning Service - Randy Corwin 508-520-1258 - RH]

  • 11/26 9:19am The elementary schools are now having a coat drive, with Anton's cleaners donates cleaning. Not sure when it ends - I'd suggest calling Freeman-Centennial or H. Olive Day to find out when, and if non-students can drop coats off.
    - CI

  • 11/25 7:53pm Does anyone know of any local coat drives? I vaguely remember St. Judes doing something like this in the winter, and the dry cleaner in town offering free cleaning for these coats, but I could be wrong. Either way, we have a few kids and adult coats we'd like to donate to the cause.
    - DL

  • 11/25 2:20pm We have American Gutter Cleaning, Inc. Tewksbury, Ma. 978-851-4859, we paid $95.00 the day before Thanksgiving. They have done a good job for us for several years.
    - JW

  • 11/25 8:58am Can someone recommend a reasonable and satiafactory clean of gutters? I know I saw a reference to same but can't seem to dig it out of the archives!
    - JO

  • 11/24 12:18pm RS - MJD - PHT - LS, Thanks for the reply to my post regarding our local Pre-Purchase Oil Program. While I realize the risk involved, being a long time advocate of the pre-purchase program, I wanted to post that situation, as home energy costs are now an ever increasing challenge for more and more consumers in the simple financial sense.
    What are our rights as consumers? It seems the media has created a hold on us and there are plenty of opportunists making ready to pounce on the created situations. While the inclement weather had its very real effect on the market price of energy, the unfortunate part of this is the sensationalism created by the media. It can be seen with many other issues as well. For instance 911, the Gulf War, etc. We are faced with a sense of impending doom if we allow. In the past we could rely on outside sources for a more genuine view of circumstances. Now we can assume there is more to the story than what is being told. The true profiteers in the high energy costs are the investors of such. The financial clout they have can and does control what we see, hear and feel in our everyday lives. Imagine being able to create a sense of uncertainty for the oil futures given the recent bad weather in the gulf state and having a huge financial backing. Now pay to sensationalize this situation with the media etc. Cause concern and now have your financial backing invest heavily in not only the actual energy but also alternative energy and energy saving products. It's a proven win-win for them and they are undoubtedly unbeatable due to their clout. We fall prey over and over again.
    We stand to lose out on our pre-pay oil investment. We can shoulder that but do find discomfort with this, knowing we were once again drawn in due to the media hype. Last year we lost on the pre-pay program as well, but on previous years gained slightly. We will now go COD and shop around. Unfortunately, all this creates in our local markets is a deepening sense of disloyalty. We have been with our local oil company faithfully since 1985.
    - BF

  • 11/24 11:42am Happy Thanksgiving!

  • 11/24 11:32am Hi, I am looking for an assortment of used boxes for shipping purposes. All sizes needed. If you have a basement full of boxes you don't know what to do with, please email me and I'll come take them away for you! Thanks for your help and Happy Thanksgiving! Please contact me at Tracy_O@comcast.net.
    - TO

  • 11/24 11:28am About oil prices, I do buy from other oil companies, no contracts, just COD. I never had a problem with the oil to heat my home, my last delivery was 150 gallons at a price of 1.92 per gallon. I always shop around to get the best price, and I always pay cash. And most oil companies also offer service if your burner has any problems, they do not have automatic delivery -- you have to call them for oil, and that's ok with me, instead of seeing the oil truck at my home every 2 weeks with a higher price than my last delivery. I look at all the oil companies that advertise in our local paper and call for a price; the lowest will get my business. This has always worked for me.
    I hope this info will help you for the upcoming heating season.
    - RS

  • 11/24 11:28am BF & LS: I received the same offer in the mail and then Katrina started to threaten the Gulf Coast. I was within the 15 days that they had given me to make up my mind and I called. They told me that they had to cancel the program because of the potential cost increases due to the storm and other factors. I explained I couldn' t take the risk that my oil was going to go up to a level where I couldn't afford to heat my home and I felt as though I had to take my business elsewhere. I really like to do business locally but the risk was too great, I needed to lock in. I found that the big oil companies buy insurance again major price fluctuation and the little local guys can't afford to do so. We ended up going with Devaney out of West Roxbury and so far so good. We had a problem the other night and they were here within 2 hours, not as quick as my local guy but acceptable. I liked the service I got from my local company and they were pleasant to deal with but this time, I had to go with budget security.
    - MJD

  • 11/24 11:27am Other than Callahan (we had a bad experience), are there other trash disposal services that pick up curbside in Norfolk? Thanks.
    - JD

  • 11/24 11:24am Hey BF what's the big deal! At least you didn't sign up for a 30 year commitment like a mortgage. You're just upset because you guessed wrong on the market. Let's see, at 800 gallons you are currently out just under $300 dollars based on the following postings reply of current prices. If you have a house like mine you can spread that $300 extra dollars over 3 months. Who knows, maybe the market will turn around for you and it will be the rest of us who are complaining that we didn't lock in... We haven't even hit the cold weather yet. I can tell you now though, I am filling up at the Lower Price!! Thanks for the post.
    - PHT

  • 11/23 1:58pm BF - You were not duped at all. It's the volatile market and if it's the same local oil company that came in the mail to me then I would bet my house you were not duped. I too got that same thing in the mail and I was mad at myself for missing the 15 day cutoff. I called to see I could still sign up and they said no. The rates were rising over those 15 days as well. It's the luck of the draw I'm afraid. Call them up and see if they will offer it to you at the lower rate. I bet they will. Look on the bright side, in mid January the rates may be close to $3.00 and you will rest easy. Most likely, the oil company is in the same predicament as you as he is buying his oil at the higher rate if he locked in with his suppliers back then.
    - LS

  • 11/22 7:40pm Pre-payment fixed price oil contracts - each year if we can afford to do so, we typically pre-purchase our oil from our local oil company during the summer/early fall for the following winter months. This year our local oil company stopped offering the Pre Payment Fixed Price Oil Contract in September due to the uncertainty of the oil prices with the rash of hurricanes affecting the Gulf Coast oil platforms. We missed out on the program. Or so we thought. In October, we received from our local oil company a letter stating that in the next fifteen days, we would have the opportunity to participate in the Pre Payment Fixed Price Oil Contract. We jumped at the chance given the flood of bad news with this winter's home heating costs. We locked in at $2.55 per gallon and bought 800 gallons. Today I called our local oil company and discovered the C.O.D. cost for the same oil is now $2.14 - $2.19 per gallon, and I suspect the price will continue to drop. We do not know what to do and are afraid we have been duped. Our question is, what are our options at this point besides installing alternative heat sources. Was this 15-day hurry up and lock offer within the law? Is anybody else wading through this?
    - BF

  • 11/22 10:01am We have had a couple of close calls with deer jumping out in front of our car in the past couple of weeks. A warning to everyone to be on the lookout!
    - MS

  • 11/22 10:01am Norfolk Community League's Nearly New Sale: What better time than the holidays to donate to your community? Clean out all those toys, before new gifts arrive! The Norfolk Community League is now accepting donations of gently used children's clothing, toys, equipment (high chairs, car seats, cribs, etc.), sporting goods, maternity clothes for the 2006 sale. Items may be dropped off at ANY TIME at the storage bin located a the Highway Dept. on Medway Branch (across from the Transfer Station). Volunteers will be accepting your donations on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2005 from 9 AM to 11 AM. Proceeds will be distributed as part of NCL's semi-annual disbursements which benefit many organizations in town, including the Schools, Library, Norfolk Senior Center, Police and Fire Departments, as well as many others. Tax receipts for your donations are available at the bin. For further information, please call Joan P. joanpiller@yahoo.com or Anne K. keenan.a@comcast.net.
    - LR, Norfolk Community League

  • 11/22 9:59am I also have spotted deer several times in my yard last week. We also saw a doe run across Medway the other day. The deer in our yard do not seem to be too timid of people, cars etc. However, while walking along the side of the road, a doe gracefully bounded past us followed by a black lab! I thought it was normal to spot them now due to the peak of rutting, or mating season.
    - KM

  • 11/22 9:13am SC and RD, Here is the link to the DPW transfer station brochure: [05-06 Newsletter PDF]
    A couple of things to note: You may not just dump air conditioners in with the scrap metal, and large item pickup is available.
    - AL

  • 11/22 9:08am Re: large item disposal - always ask the attendants! There is a fee charged for disposal and recycling of certain items. Please read the Transfer Station rules at: [DPW page]
    Pick-up Service: The Recycling/Transfer Station is offering a pick-up service of large items for residents

    Cost:
    Pick-up - $25.00
    Disposal - $15.00 per item
    $15.00 for items containing freon (refrigerators, air conditioners & dehumidifiers)     Do not toss them in the metals bin! [emphasis added]

    All items must be in the driveway or easily accessible
    For further information please contact us at the Recycling/Transfer Station - Tuesday through Saturday - 7:30 am - 3:00 pm

    - RH

  • 11/21 10:14pm DS: Deer are usually nocturnal, but occassionally they do move about during the daytime, especially before a storm (which I don't think we have coming), or during hunting season, as people move about in the woods. It's not regular hunting season yet, but it might be bow season. It's more likely just a fluke.
    - SC

  • 11/21 10:13pm There is no large item trash pickup in Norfolk. Mattresses can be brought to the landfill if you have a sticker, & I think air conditioners can be tossed in the metal bin. I'm not sure about TV's. If you don't have a landfill sticker, you must have a contract with a garbage collector - do they offer the service? I doubt Norfolk would schedule a large trash pickup, as people just bring that stuff to the landfill - Norfolk has never done any trash pickup in the 23 years I've lived here. If any of the items still work, you might try craigslist.com or freecycle.org.. Good luck.
    - SC

  • 11/21 4:34pm Does anyone know if Norfolk does a scheduled heavy trash pickup? If not, do you know if you can schedule one or an alternative if not? We have several items - mattresses, old TVs, air conditioners, etc. - that we need to get rid of. Thank you
    - RD

  • 11/21 2:09pm KGD, I would recommend the Norfolk Lions Christmas Tree Sales event that is held every year. We are located in the spare lot next to Dunkin Donuts. All of the trees are grown in the Northeast and primarily out of Maine which is know for high quality fresh cut trees.
    All of the proceeds that are earned from the tree sal