By Jude Mead

The holiday season has officially arrived in Norfolk, and the town now sparkles with the glow of 46 decorated Christmas trees, thanks to the dedication and teamwork of the Norfolk Community Association (NCA) and a group of hardworking volunteers. The evergreen trees are purchased from Salisbury Garden Center, a long-time supporter of Norfolk’s holiday tradition.

The ambitious project began six years ago, spearheaded by Doreen Kelly and Barry Webber, co-presidents of the NCA. “We wanted to do something that would enhance the huge Christmas tree on the village green that the town and fire department light. That’s when Barry came up the idea of scattering the little trees around town,” said Kelly.

The two started with 15 trees but soon ran into issues—for one, the wooden stakes used to hold the trees upright kept breaking. “What we were using could not withstand Norfolk’s winter weather,” recalled Kelly. “When the stakes broke, the trees leaned or fell over. We spent lots of time trying to make them stand straight.” Frustrated, but determined to make the project work, she recruited Marie and West Lowe to help.

The Lowes brainstormed ideas, switching to rebar and zip ties to fasten down the trees. That approach also had its problems. The size of the trees made it difficult to find a system that would hold them upright, especially if the ground was not frozen. “These trees range from five to eight feet tall and even driving the rebar into the ground wasn’t strong enough,” said West Lowe.

Over the years, the Lowes have refined how the trees are secured. Each tree is tethered with nylon line and earth screws, replacing the wooden stakes that often broke or pulled out. This upgrade holds the trees steady and makes installation faster and safer. Other challenges they faced included the placement of the trees and protecting the electrical cords against rain and snow. All of this took some planning. “We must consider the lengths of our extension cords and where the outlets are hidden, as well as the aesthetics before placing them,” said Lowe. “Then we spread silicone grease over the plugs to make a seal and wrap each connector with an industrial plastic wrap to keep them dry.”

Once the trees are ready, Marie Lowe coordinates another group of volunteers to add the lights, carefully unraveling and wrapping each strand around every tree. These volunteers brave near-freezing temperatures and blustery winds to illuminate Norfolk’s long winter nights. The trees then can be seen interspersed throughout town and viewed along Route 44.

Pulling this all together takes coordination and effort, agreed the Lowes. “It takes at least three full days to complete [with] at least 25 volunteers helping. It’s hard work, especially in the cold, but it is wonderful seeing the community come together. And looking at it when the trees are all lit makes it worthwhile.”

What goes up though must come down. This is done in mid-January. “It’s a big task, as well,” explained Marie Lowe. “The lights are removed and rewound for next year by Joe Marolda. Then there is stake removal, cords that need to be rolled up and, finally, trees taken down and brought to a nearby goat farm for food.” This too, she added, is done by volunteers.

Keeping traditions alive has always been a part of Norfolk and bringing people together has always been important to the NCA and its volunteers. Creating the display of trees is a reminder of that, and they hope people feel that sense of community as they enjoy the lights twinkling against the evening sky.

The NCA depends entirely upon donations, both monetary and of volunteer time, for all the town’s beautification and restoration projects. Please visit the website at nca-ct.org for more information on ways to help. n