Getting Together at the Norfolk Hub

By Colleen Gundlach

I admit it. I was one of those people who had trouble envisioning what the Hub would be like. When I was told that it would be a place where nonprofit organizations would have desks where they could work, enabling them to have inexpensive office space, I wasn’t sold. The vision that I conjured in my head was reminiscent of the newsroom of Clark Kent’s Daily Planet—dark, smoky and deafening with shouting people and the incessant clack of typewriters. I could almost hear Perry White bellowing, “Get over to Town Hall on the double! Big story breaking there!”

The real Hub couldn’t be further from my first idea. What Dawn Whalen and the Norfolk Foundation (and many others) have created here is nothing short of spectacular. Walking into the Hub is like taking a cleansing breath. The atmosphere there is relaxed and friendly. Once you have been greeted by Casey, the Hub mascot, you are ready to relax and get down to work.

The common area in the center of the Hub has seating arrangements designed for easy conversation, or a place to curl up with your laptop and start writing, or accounting, or whatever your job requires. Hub members who need privacy are able to opt for a private office if one is available at that time—it’s first come, first served every day.

Does your nonprofit group need a place to have a board meeting or a brainstorming session? These private offices as well as a conference room at the Hub are options. If you are planning to settle in for a full day of work, don’t forget to bring your lunch to eat in the spacious eating area You could even grab a bite to go from one of our great local eateries and eat it while you work. There is free WiFi, wireless printing/copying up to 15 pages per day and general office supplies available for all to use.

Remember, though, that you don’t need to be a Hub member to stop in and chat or sit and talk with members gathered there. This is, as their website says, “A natural first stop for visitors and resident drop-ins in search of advice, local destinations/attractions and maps.”

Monday evenings feature community conversations, general discussion and collaboration. For instance, on July 9 there will be “A’Round Table,” described as an opportunity for “socializing as well as offering something to share—goods, services, or time (examples: car washing, running partner, tools, etc). And you can request something you need (examples: canning jars, haircut, ride to a doctor appointment, etc). Participants may walk away from this event with their need met, their offering accepted and a shared view that companionship and new relationships are what makes Norfolk a special place to live and work.” This is open to the public—no need to be part of a Hub member organization—but preregistration is encouraged.

The Hub is but one example of the many amazing things happening in Norfolk in recent months. In this issue of Norfolk Now, read about some other new and exciting Norfolk people and events. You canlearn about the renovation of the local gun shop into a museum of sorts, as well as a store. And don’t miss seeing some old-time, never-before-exhibited photographs of Norfolk at the Historical Museum. Then read about how living in Norfolk’s fresh air and open spaces is good for your health in Kathy Robb’s debut story for Norfolk Now.

These stories are the tip of the iceberg when it comes to reasons why Norfolkians love their town. So plan ahead and save the dates of August 3, and 5 for Norfolk’s biggest opportunity to show ‘em what we’ve got—Weekend in Norfolk. Most of the organizations and businesses in town are going all out to produce a memorable and fun weekend. Plan for your organization to sponsor an event or bring all your friends and relatives to enjoy the beauty, culture and downright down home that is Norfolk.

See weekendinnorfolk.org for more information about WIN and norfolkfoundation.net to read more about the Hub.