By: Colleen Gundlach

 

From black bears to bog turtles,

From draughts to floods,

Two thousand and seven in Norfolk

Was a year of alteration and growth.

 

Greenwoods Theatre changed hands

After much sadness and debate,

But should last for infinity

With Dan Hincks’ insight and fate.

 

The Battell Wall came down,

Norfolk Tea & Trading closed.

The Farmers Market boomed

And Carnegie Hill continued to grow.

 

Chris Hanley, West Lowe, Marie Isabelle

Spent time in Mekele Blind School

They worked and shared and devoted their talents

To help these unfortunate souls.

 

Norfolk Now became non-profit, out on its own,

And welcomed Veronica and Lindsey and Buk,

Frankie Polidoro, Adela Hubers, Heidi Dunavant

To the family of neighbors and friends.

 

Jim Harrington was named Volunteer of the Year

For all of his work and dedication,

While Scott Reeve and Geri B were the Lions Club choice

For ambulance work outstanding.

 

Our teenagers spent a long night in the cold

In cardboard boxes, I’m told.

The money they raised has helped many others

And the lesson of love has been learned

 

The Clean Energy Campaign turned the town on to green

With 10% of residents registered

Norfolk became a Clean Energy Community

And even Botelle’s going green.

 

Counting became an obsession in town

With vernal pools, natural resources and birds.

We hope all these numbers will help to improve

Not impede life in our little burg.

 

That darn traffic light continues to shine

On Ashpohtag and Route 44.

Now it’s the fish that are holding us up

Even more than the state DOT.

 

Affordable housing is getting a start

Thanks to Mark Burke, Lou Barbagallo and others

Who are working to help ensure in some part

That our children afford to stay here.

 

Carl Gundlach retired from the PZ & Wetlands

And Barbara Tracey and Kevin O’Connor likewise

Will no longer register voters in the halls of the town

We’ll miss them, no doubt about that.

 

The new Emergency Medical Services building

Caused much discussion and interest in town

Now it will house the new fire truck

Both sure to be the pride of the town.

 

A new town plan is in process that will hopefully be

A guide for a new day in town.

We need to think of each other and our rights to our land

As well as those of the earth as a whole.

 

Now we look toward a new year with hope and with pride

In a town where nothing should be allowed to divide

We need to keep looking ahead with patience and respect

As we all work together to preserve and protect.