A Dream Weaves Into Reality

By Colleen Gundlach

What started as a wish list item to many townspeople has blossomed into a project that has pulled in the expertise of many talented Norfolkians. One look at the new town Web site will reveal the extent of the commitment and abilities of its creators. Led by chairman Jon Riedeman, a committee grew from an idea of the Economic Development Commission into a full-fledged subcommittee of that group, consisting of Mary Fanette, Josh DeCerbo, Kathy Griswold, Luke Hester, Margaret O’Malley, Steve Podhajecki, Daryl Eaton, Ken Ludwig, Paul Butcher, and Lloyd Garrison. Each of these people has contributed in special ways to create a Web site of which the town can be proud.
“We started out hoping to revamp the existing Web site by hiring a professional web designer,” said Riedeman, “but we quickly found out that that would be cost prohibitive.” As the talents of the committee began to shine, they decided to build a whole new site. Mary Fanette enrolled in a course in Web site design at Northwestern Connecticut Community College, purchased some Dream Weaver software, and was soon an accomplished webmaster. “She’s incredible,” said Reideman.
The committee began “collectively chipping away” at developing the site, according to Riedeman, and soon they had a rough draft ready to present to the Board of Selectmen. “This is literally a grassroots operation,” he said, “which involved the work of every committee member.”
Once the group had the approval of the selectmen, they needed a new server to host the site. Riedeman recalls that Steve Podhajecki happened to mention that he had developed the Web site for his own business. He was soon drafted to be in charge of finding the best server and handling the switchover to the new host, and the site was officially launched in December.
The beautiful photo of Mill Pond that graces the home page of the site was taken by photographer Kathy Griswold, who also is credited with the breathtaking pictures in the photo gallery.
Margaret O’Malley is the calendar editor. Her page lists any and all activities happening in Norfolk. To list an event on the site, contact calendar@norfolkct.org.
One alluring feature of the Town of Norfolk Web site is the businesses page. Here are listed every business in Norfolk that requests to be entered. There are many on the site already, but any other businesses who wish to be listed should contact webmaster@norfolkct.org. There is no fee for listing a business.
In addition, the government page posts agendas and minutes for local committees and boards. “Not all committee minutes and agendas are on the page, but we are hoping that more will be, as the groups get used to having the service available,” said Riedeman.
The site also allows readers to find information on local organizations, churches, schools, culture, recreation, artists, history and where to stay.
“The Web site is currently a work in progress,” stresses committee member Lloyd Garrison.  Comments and suggestions can be forwarded to any committee member or by linking to the webmaster at norfolkct.org.