Nature’s Classroom Receives a Boost

Going on a multi-day adventure to Nature’s Classroom has become a beloved rite of passage for many students across Litchfield County, including Norfolk’s upper intermediate students. This year, 10 students made the trip to Pondside in Charlton, Mass. Much of the $420 per student cost was underwritten by the Norfolk community, with bus transportation supported by the school budget and additional fundraising by parents. The PTO raised $500 through the pasta dinner and silent auction and the sale of refreshments at the musical. The Lions Club contributed $100 and former Norfolk resident Peter Coffeen gave $500. Lest anyone think those cans and bottles dropped off at the Norfolk transfer station go unredeemed, Susan Sloan and Kathy Connolly from the Swap Shop donated another $100 toward the effort.

Making (a) Room for the Founders

A group of Norfolk notables gathered on June 24 to mark the 10th anniversary of the Norfolk Hub and surprised the organization’s three founders by naming a conference room in their honor. The role played by Pete Anderson, Libby Borden and Stephen Melville in founding the Hub was highlighted by Michael Selleck, who also gave a nod to the late Vint Lawrence. The plan, which was hatched on Borden’s screened-in porch, resulted in the purchase of two buildings in the village center and a variety of initiatives focused on bringing Norfolk residents together, including Friday Nights on the Green.

“Bearly” a Dull Moment

Jimmy Powelzyk was greeted on a recent Saturday morning by an intruder at the transfer station. Instead of bringing trash and recyclables, a big black bear decided to steal a tasty morsel from one of the dumpsters. Adding to the outrage, he had the nerve to try and slip by Powelzyk without a dump sticker. As it happened, the bear climbed into the dumpster but could not make it back out. Animal lover that he is, Powelzyk jumped into action. Working with his trusty loader-back hoe, he pulled the dumpster away from the wall and opened the door for the bear to escape. After squeezing himself under the open door, the bear ran 40 feet before he stopped and looked back at Powelzyk as if to say thanks. Never a dull day at the dump! Remember—new stickers are required as of July 1 for all customers, human or otherwise.                       

        — SUSAN SLOAN

Changing of the Guard(s)

New leadership is in place for Norfolk’s Economic Development Commission and the Norfolk Historical Society & Museum. Cheryl Heller has assumed the chairmanship of the EDC with Brett Robbins remaining on the commission as a regular member. Heller, a business strategist and consultant, said Norfolk appears to be at “an inflection point” and that she is looking to engage more residents in the coming months. Over at the Historical Society, Michael Selleck has succeeded Robert Dance as board chair. Selleck said he hopes Norfolk residents will come visit the society’s newest exhibition, which provides a window into Norfolk life in the 1770s.