Libby Borden

Libby Borden has been volunteering in Norfolk since the early 2000s when she moved here full time and knew nobody. “It was a great way to get to know people without having to go to cocktail parties,” she remembers.

She says that volunteering has many rewards. “You feel that spending your time is absolutely worthwhile because if you love this town, you naturally want to make it better. You meet a lot of different people and groups, and it gives you a sense of what the town is made of.”

Borden speaks from experience. She currently co-chairs the Economic Development Commission (EDC), the Norfolk Land Trust and the Norfolk Foundation. She laughs, remembering that “I recently found a 10-year-old Norfolk Now article saying, ‘Libby Borden is stepping down from the EDC,’ and yet somehow I’m still co-chair of it.”

“I’ve been thinking a lot about the 2013 Norfolk Now forum and what we were trying to accomplish by 2023,” she says. “Quite a bit has been done in 10 years, but there are three specific things I would like to see worked on. One is to get more housing in town appropriate for young families; another is to make the school more robust/populated; and the third is to finish City Meadow.”

To move the dial on these issues is going to take fresh volunteers and their ideas, says Borden, who offers to speak with anyone about opportunities to get involved. “Reach out! There’s so much going on, and all of those activities are run by volunteers. You can work for an hour a year or 15 hours a week.” The town needs everyone’s help, Borden concludes, saying with a twinkle in her eye, “After all, I’m heading into my platinum years, and someone is needed at least to take my place.”

Ann Decerbo

Volunteering has always been a significant part of my life. My mom, through quiet steady service, was a constant force for good in our community, and my hero. My childhood was busy, filled with stuffing envelopes, making posters and preparing bake sale treats. I loved it—learning new things, spending time with interesting people and tackling issues together. I was hooked.

One of the great things about Norfolk is that volunteers can have a huge impact. Norfolk’s volunteer opportunities are rich and diverse. I have loved all my volunteer endeavors—serving on the Norfolk Library and Norfolk Now boards and as an EMT for the Norfolk ambulance are highlights from my earlier days—but I am most proud of the work I’ve done with kids and families. When our oldest daughter started school, I joined the Botelle PTO. Soon, I was swept up in the beautiful, chaotic life of class parties, rec sports and school events. Through the PTO, I served as cultural event coordinator, built family fun activities, established the annual talent show and directed Botelle’s musicals. Over time, I was elected to the Norfolk Board of Education. Being involved with the school at the policy level, examining the intricacies of issues from all sides and striving to make the best decisions for kids and the community is challenging, humbling work but it has truly been an honor.

Communities thrive on the enthusiasm of their volunteer workforce. In return, volunteering gives people a sense of place and self. For me, it has brought countless amazing, talented and devoted people into my life. It has built cherished memories and forged lifetime friendships. I am so grateful to live in Norfolk, a community enriched by volunteers.

West Lowe

It didn’t occur to me to contribute to my community before I came to Norfolk. Apparently, I wasn’t a natural. Maybe I had matured by then….or maybe Norfolk just got to me.

Doesn’t matter, but when I applied for a special permit from Planning and Zoning (P&Z) for a workshop in my back yard, I argued that the existing regulations were inadequate. I proposed amendments, P&Z listened and granted me the permit. Then they asked if I’d like to join the commission. I was flattered! Three years later they elected me chairman. I was honored! Three months later the application for the Yale Farm golf course landed on our desk. Do you know the sensation “lightheaded with fear?” The next two years were a dynamic, bureaucratic roller-coaster.

It was also a wake-up call. We on P&Z realized our regulations needed rewriting… and so did Vinton Lawrence. Vint and I went looking for our very own “pro from Dover” and found Glenn Chalder of Planimetrics. With Glenn’s skills and professionalism, we brought Norfolk’s P&Z regulations up to date. By then Michelle Sloane had been elected chair, and she managed the process masterfully.

So, once again, “Out of many comes one” or “E pluribus unum.” Once again, a group of volunteers came together for their community and made positive progress (and lasting friendships). I am very proud to have been part of that process and I’m very proud to call Norfolk home.

I have let go of the zoning show now but still enjoy the satisfaction and association of volunteering with my neighbors throughout town.

Viva la Norfolk!

Marc Tonan

My mother, Betty, joined the Norfolk ambulance in the 1970s, so it was natural for me to also join when I turned 18, in 1982. I became a driver first, then an EMT after taking a class at UConn, and ultimately chief. Volunteering has been personally rewarding, both in knowing that I have helped make a difference in people’s lives and also in getting to know numerous people from various backgrounds who have come together with a similar interest and desire to help. As ambulance volunteers, we get to work with members of the fire department, state and local police, the town and state crews and other mutual aid departments, depending on the type of situation. Having the knowledge and then the experience to deal with emergencies can create a great sense of security and comradery.

My skills actually helped me save my mother years ago when she was choking. Help was far away, but I used the Heimlich maneuver that I learned in CPR class to dislodge the piece of food. What a circular way to pay her back!

I have also benefited from the advice and experience of many people I have met through volunteering. I believe this has helped me with business and life decisions through the years. I have volunteered with Trade Secrets, Habitat for Humanity, the Norfolk Community Association and Norfolk Now. I continue to volunteer as captain on the ambulance with many great people including Bill, Paul, Hutch and Edie, who were there when I joined and remain an inspiration, along with our more recent members who are committing their time as well.