Bill, Jill and Monty

By Michael Cobb

How did you come to Norfolk?

We decided to flee Los Angeles in 1994. We were tired of fires, mudslides, earthquakes and crime. We wanted to be near a major city but not living in it. After six years of searching, we settled on Ridgefield, Conn., close to New York City yet very rural.

We spent 18 years there working on the house and gardens just to have the town turn into a suburb of the city. It was time to move further north.

Our search criteria for a new place to live was specific: an older house that had not been recently remodeled on an acre of property that was walking distance to an active town. That house was in Norfolk.

What do you do here?

Jill and I have been self-employed graphic designers working in a home office for over 30 years, and now we have begun tapering into retirement. Recently Jill started working part time at a garden nursery, and I work on restoring our 130-year-old house.

We both do our share of volunteer work in town. Jill is a member of the Inland Wetlands Agency, and I am a member of the Conservation Commission. My focus is on invasive plant removal. I produced the Invasive of the Month “Wanted” campaign that runs in Norfolk Now.

How is creativity important in life? Do you adhere to any particular life philosophies?

We are always creating, never idle. Regarding philosophy, it’s nothing new. If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing right.

What do you like best about living in
Norfolk?

The people and the activities, Friday Nights on the Green, library art openings, Hub talks, Robertson Plaza concerts, hiking in the woods—our calendar is always full.

What do you like least?

I wouldn’t say there is anything I dislike about Norfolk, but there are areas of concern. When we moved to Norfolk in 2017 there was a vibrant farmers market, and we went to concerts at Infinity Hall, which we knew about from watching their concerts on PBS. There has been some business contraction, but I believe with the recent real estate growth there will be demand for services again.

Favorite season?

When we lived in Los Angeles there were no real seasons, and a year would pass in a blur. The distinct seasons of New England punctuate life, and you take notice of time passing. You plan the year based on the seasons. That said, our favorite season is spring. We enjoy gardening, so watching everything come back to life is a great reward after winter.

Favorite place in Norfolk?

We live just a five-minute walk from Barbour Woods, and we go there with Monty regularly. It’s a great place to clear your head.

What are you looking forward to?

Currently, I want to get the fall leaves composting and the garden ready for winter.

Anything else you want to say?

We really feel at home in Norfolk; we’re not going anywhere.