Summer Programs for Everyone

By Matt Riiska

People have often told me that I should write a book when I retire from this position, and they are probably right. With all the gossip and stories about some of the characters that live in Norfolk aside, the number of requests that come up are amazing—some good and some, well, we won’t elaborate. A couple of weeks ago I had one of those emails that anyone would question. A former Norfolk resident called me and asked if the town would be receptive to a film production company shooting a movie in Norfolk. Of course, most first reactions would be “Oh sure you are” or “I will get back to you.” But knowing the individual who asked, I said sure and asked what we can do to help. This is the reaction that we all need to have with so many ideas that are suggested.

One thing that I will always be grateful for is the enthusiasm so many have that makes our community a better place to visit and, more importantly, to live. The number of cultural events and ways to display creative talent is amazing. Art, in whatever form, needs to be embraced by all, and we as a community take this on with gusto. Whether it is a film company, Yale art students who want to work on an installation as a summer project or the installation of a piece of sculpture on the green or in the meadow, these types of things only make us better. 

Sure, everything might not to be everyone’s taste, but hearing some of the other crazy questions and requests I get, it is refreshing to see individuals expressing their creativity for the rest of us to enjoy. Nothing is permanent, so give it a chance. If it does not work, then it can be changed.

This summer, take in all Norfolk has to offer. Enjoy the music on the green on Friday nights, concerts on the plaza, art at the library and all the events of WIN Weekend, including the Norfolk Artists and Friends works at the Yale Art Barn. 

I know John Funchion reads these articles because he always complains to me if they get too long. I would like to thank John and Phil Cyr for the new changing booth at Tobey Pond. A Tobey Pond regular, only during the posted hours of course, John went to the Norfolk Lions to assist in funding the changing booth. This is a fantastic addition, thanks to John and Phil. 

Slow down, relax and enjoy our summer.