What If…..

By Colleen Gundlach

As 2008 draws to a close, it is interesting to ponder how the year might have been different. What if Sandy Evans, Judy Ludwig, Beth Podhajecki and the rest of the 250th committee had not had the talent, drive and enthusiasm that they poured into Norfolk’s Semiquincentennial celebration? The events of this past summer were unrivaled in the town’s history. Never before has Station Place seen such revelry nor West Side Road such a gala parade. From Parker Hill Road to State Line, from the transfer station to Blackberry River Inn, townspeople came out to enjoy the celebration. See page ___ of this issue for more contributions the 250th committee continues to make to the town. What if Norfolk had not been chosen as the setting for “The Vicious Kind?” This screenplay was produced here in town in early March. Lee Krieger and his crew rented over a dozen private homes, secured an office in town, and generally infused some revenue into the area. It was a shot in the arm for local businesses, not to mention the excitement it generated. We are all looking forward to the release of the film, set for __________ What if Dan Hincks had not had the incredible foresight to envision the old Greenwoods Theatre restored to its former splendor? Infinity Hall has opened to rave reviews, and has very quickly become a venue of choice for a wide variety of talent . Spyro Gyra and Aztec Two Step have performed to excited crowds and Tom Chapin and also the Atlanta Rhythm Section are expected to do the same when they appear in the next few weeks. Infinty Bistro, an eatery, is expected to open in spring of this year. What if the home invasions in Norfolk over the past year never occurred? We certainly wish that were so. We all wish such things would never happen in our town. Unfortunately, these horrifying events only serve to make us realize that even Norfolk is not immune to the moral decline of the world around us. Much as we would like to think that our little icebox is safe and secure, the outside world does sneak in on occasion. What if the people of Norfolk stopped volunteering? Where would be all of the people who enjoyed the widely popular Farmers Markets all summer? How would hikers and naturalists be able to enjoy the woodlands and trails of Norfolk without the hard work of the Land Trust? Would the town have a local newspaper without the volunteer staff of Norfolk Now? Would the Norfolk Library be the same homey, welcoming haven without the Library Associates? Would any of us be safe without the dedicated, professional services of the Norfolk Ambulance or Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department? What about the members of the town boards and commissions? How would town government run without the hundreds of hours each year that these volunteers give? What if people stopped caring about the environment? We know that’s not happening in Norfolk. Norfolk Now reported this past year about the Botelle School and about Whalen Bus Company both installing solar energy. Many residents have added passive energy components to their homes. This month we are highlighting Regional 7’s entry into the environmentally-friendly world. What does the coming year hold? The people of Norfolk are looking forward to a discussion on regionalization. Can we pool our resources with other area towns and still keep our autonomy? Affordable housing is a growing issue. Can we provide living space for our children to be able to stay in Norfolk? Leila Javitch and her group (NAME?) are working to make this happen. Can we come up with a better voting machine? Our new system leaves a lot to be desired if we are able to open the ballot box and re-interpret the results. A more secure method, with better policies from the Secretary of the State’s office would eliminate any confusion in future town elections. Can we find a way to work together, whether red or blue, rich or poor, to keep Norfolk’s own special character? That’s the challenge.