Thanks for the Memories

By Bob Bumcrot
It is most generous of issue editor Shelley Harms to give me her View from the Green for this, the first month of Francesca’s and my relocation from Norfolk to Back Bay Boston. Like Dorothy and Bob Pam, now in Amherst, we hope to return for short stays with dear friends, but most likely won’t dwell here again.

In reflecting on our dozen years in Norfolk, it was Tobey Pond, the Library, clean air and water, quiet and wildlife that drew us in, but it has been the people who kept us here. Many are warm, generous, public-spirited and highly developed, often in different and interesting ways. We hope to continue to be in contact with that large population. Others are cool, conspicuously class-minded and self-segregating. It would be beneficial for that to change but, after all, this is a small New England village.

My years as a reporter for Norfolk Now, frequently following tips from Francesca, an amazingly omnivorous, curious reader, led me to cover sugaring off, fine chamber musicians and interesting businesses. I had a front row seat for many interesting developments: the formation and flourishing of the Farmers Market, the creation of Infinity Hall, the burning and rebirth of the Curling Club, the Yale Farm fiasco, the National Iron Bank embezzlement, the new EMS building.

Among the many people I’ve known and profiled, Phyllis and Ky Byrne, Sue Dyer, Ted Veling, Greg Naylor, Eddie Kelly, Hartley Mead, John and Susanne Funchion, John and Eve Thew, Sue and Bruce Frisch, Frank Dooley, Ted Briggs, Harry and Bridgette Rallo, Peter Vosburgh, and Dennis Collins are especially memorable. No doubt I’ve missed many others.

When it comes to Norfolk 2014, it’s clear that the housing market, retail activity and town infrastructure are in trouble. Norfolk lacks the curb appeal of some other towns in the Northwest Planning Collaborative. The town center has acquired an empty, uncared-for look, which isn’t to say that individual business owners aren’t doing their part despite considerable stress.

There are admirable, ongoing efforts to preserve land and other attractive aspects of the status quo, as well as to provide more affordable housing. But there has been no significant attempt to attract or retain businesses of any sort, the crucial function of an effective Economic Development Commission.

While the town is well managed, it lacks dynamic leadership. To quote a comfortable retiree, “This is a great place for me to live, but I don’t see how it’s sustainable.” Look for new leaders, folks! Try to involve the country-club part-timers who have not only financial resources but valuable business experience. Make communication between town residents and Town Hall easier through easy e-mail access. Speak up!

A full merger with the Colebrook School is not just a source of revenue. Properly handled, it could be a distinct enhancement to the education of our younger children. Merely charging tuition for out of town students would be ineffective, compared to a joint board of education, with active participation by both towns. Colebrook can contribute not only a needed increase in undersized classes but genuine educational initiatives. Work together now, before the increasingly stressed state education apparatus steps in.

We hope to see you around town, full of pride and fully engaged. Bless you all.