By Avice Meehan

Taking Aim at Knotweed, Other Invasives

Members of Norfolk’s public works crew joined colleagues from throughout Northwest Connecticut for a hands-on workshop in Winsted on July 29, to learn more about the threat of invasive plants and how to avoid spreading Japanese knotweed and other noxious weeds. “I am not very knowledgeable about this stuff and so I am trying to educate myself,” said Troy LaMere, Norfolk’s public works supervisor.
LaMere attended an earlier program with members of the Norfolk Conservation Commission (NCC) and it piqued his interest—roadside mowing can speed the spread of invasives because equipment transports fragments. In fact, Becky Eaton of the NCC reports that she has identified more than 50 knotweed infestations in Norfolk that range from small patches to well-established monocultures where nothing else can grow. Locations include sections of Route 44, Mountain Road, the transfer station and Botelle Elementary School.

Eaton said the July workshop for town crews and elected officials was the first of its kind in Connecticut and organized under the auspices of the Northwest Conservation District, with help from conservationist Tom Zetterstrom of Canaan. Look for stretches of road tagged as “no mow zones” in the coming months as the NCC engages with the town crew, the state Department of Transportation and private landowners. In the meantime, if you find knotweed on your property email NCCinvasives@gmail.com and check out the resources from Penn State: https://extension.psu.edu/japanese-knotweed.

On Norfolk’s Reading List

Ever wondered what books everyone else is reading instead of scrolling through social media or playing video games? For young readers far and wide, the top choice is “The Complete Brambly Hedge” by Jill Barkham, a collection of illustrated short stories that recounts the adventures of the mischievous Wilfred Toadflax, his family and assorted friends. Bina Thomson of the Norfolk Library reports that two very different graphic books published in 2024 are tied for second place: “The Girl Who Sang: A Holocaust Memoir of Hope and Survival” by Estelle Nadel and “The New Girl” by Cassandra Colin. Children wanting to learn how to count turned to a picture book called “We all Went on Safari” for an illustrated journey through Tanzania written by Laurie Krebs and illustrated by Julia Cairns. And lest you think he’s forgotten, a picture book about Fred Rogers entitled “You Are My Friend: The Story of Mister Rogers and His Neighborhood” is tied for third place.

Except for a memoir by restauranteur Keith McNally, Norfolk’s adult readers are looking to solve a mystery or find love, often in picturesque location. Librarian Lesie Battis reports that top titles include “The Sirens: A Novel” by Emilia Hart (a story of sisters who live a century apart) to “Problematic Summer Romance” by Ali Hazelwood (set in Sicily and including a volcanic eruption) and “I See You’ve Called in Dead: A Novel” by John Kenney (reporter publishes his own obituary). But back to McNally: after experiencing enviable success and dominating the New York restaurant scene, he suffers a stroke in London in 2016 and his life changes forever. To learn what happens next, check it out.

Summer Time Firewood Offer

Despite sizzling temperatures and soaring humidity, frugal Norfolk residents might want to sign up for free firewood delivery ahead of winter’s cold weather. Public Works Foreman Troy LaMere said interested residents should stop by the Selectman’s Office at Town Hall and fill out a form, which includes a phone number and information about how much wood they need. The public works team will then arrange for delivery.