Songs of World War I at the Norfolk Library

In conjunction with the Norfolk Historical Society’s exhibition Norfolk in the Great War, on Sunday, July 23, at 5 p.m., Doug Schmolze, singer and guitarist, will present a variety of songs from the 19teens, both patriotic and otherwise, in a centennial retrospective. With anecdotes and historical notes the program provides insight into the mood of the era that ushered in the “War to End all Wars”. Audiences will recognize (and sing along to) patriotic songs such as “Over There” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag” by George M. Cohan that remain popular, especially on civic occasions. But composers of the era also produced Ragtime, waltzes, and romantic songs such as “The Land Where the Good Songs Go” by Jerome Kern and, on the lighter side, “When I Had a Uniform On” by Cole Porter. Visuals and lyrics to sing-a-longs are provided by an accompanying power-point presentation. This program is free and is suitable for families. Please call the library at 860-542-5075 to reserve a seat.

Summer Reading and Spanish

The Norfolk Library’s Summer Reading Program is underway, and all children are invited to participate. With the theme Build a Better World, a series of fun and educational programs is scheduled for Monday evenings at 6:30 including mime, engineering, art play, and animal visits. Children can complete activities on our Summer Reading Bingo Card to win a prize. In addition, a special series of Fun Spanish Projects will be held on Wednesdays July 5, 12, 19, and 26 from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m.. This hands-on playful approach to learning Spanish will be led by Alejandra Brokaw and is appropriate for children ages seven and up. Children can sign up for one or more of the projects, limited to eight children each. Please call the library at 860-542-5075 for more information and to register.

How To Smoke Fish in a Cardboard Box

The Colebrook Historical Society invites you to attend a very special workshop on Saturday, July 22, at 2 p.m. at the historic Rock School. Colebrook resident Eric Rochow will share his expertise on How to Smoke Fish in a Cardboard Box and Make a Salad from Weeds in Your Backyard. Not only will you have a unique experience, you’ll have something good to eat at the end of it.

The Rock School is the only one room schoolhouse in Connecticut that hasn’t been modernized in any way. The Colebrook Historical Society has restored it with great attention to authentic detail. It’s located at the intersection of Route 183 and Sandy Brook Road in Colebrook.  For further information contact Carol Lord at carol.9508@yahoo.com or 860-738-8244.

What’s Up Doc? – Colebrook Historical Society Gathering

On Friday, July 21, at 7 p.m., the Colebrook Historical Society (CHS) will host a social gathering, featuring refreshments and lively conversation. Lynn Whelchel, M.D., C.M., will share an exciting presentation of What’s Up Doc?, discussing what’s happened to cancer, circulatory disease and brain failure in the past 17 years, and the effect that technological advances have had on these big three diseases. The gathering will be held at the home of the CHS, the historic Seymour Inn – located at the intersection of Routes 183 and 182A in the center of Colebrook. All are most welcome. For further information contact Carol Lord at carol.9508@yahoo.com or 860-738-8244.

Norfolk Land Trust to Host Program for National Moth Week July 26

Have you ever seen a pale green luna moth or a hummingbird moth? Ever wonder why they are attracted to light? Did you know that not all moths hang out at night or that some are important pollinators? Save up your questions and bring your family to Moth Night, Wednesday, July 26, at 8:30 p.m. at the Norfolk Library, sponsored by the Norfolk Land Trust. Science educator Brigette Zacharczenko, PhD, from the Children’s Museum will lead a brief program at the library and then move to the town green to attract moths by shining bright lights on a white sheet. Help us celebrate Moth Week.

Get Your Bags and Help the Fire Department

Starting over the Memorial Day holiday, Norfolk residents and visitors may have seen the newest Norfolk Fire Department fundraiser during their travels. At $5 for each, the NVFD is selling fire engine red, reusable shopping bags conveniently located at the Berkshire Country Store, Mountain Spirits Liquor and the Artisans Guild in the center of town. Proceeds from the sale of the bags are going towards the department’s general operating fund and future projects like our new Engine 90 that will be delivered in September. Buy your bag now, as supplies are limited, to support the NVFD and make your shopping easier!

Bookkeeping and QuickBooks Seminar

Whether you are an existing business or thinking about starting a business, in this seminar you will learn the importance of developing a business plan, choosing a LLC or sole proprietary formation, selection of 1099 contractors and the impact during tax preparation. Identify ways to streamline bookkeeping activities through practical examples. Learn how small and mid-sized companies can use QuickBooks to incorporate and apply accounting principles to this popular bookkeeping software. Byron Francis, instructor, holds his MBA from the University of New Haven and has taught a wide range of classes in public and private institutions. The seminar will be held on Saturday, June 10, from 9 to 11 a.m. at NCCC Founders Hall 107. Pre-Registration is required, contact Jane Williams, Entrepreneurial Center of Northwest CT 860-738-6444, jwilliams@nwcc.edu.

Don’t Miss Gala Fundraiser

EMS/ Fire Department Gala Fundraiser at Infinity Hall. July 28. Delicious food by Chef Lisa and great music by Grant Mudge, Alanna Sinclair and Soul Case. Call 860-542-5531 for tickets.

Caucuses for Town Government

Registered Democrats may attend the caucus to approve a slate to run for municipal offices in November on Thursday, July 20 at 7:30 p.m. in Town Hall. On the same evening, Norfolk’s registered Republicans will meet to approve their slate for town offices for the November election as well, at 7 p.m. in Town Hall.

NorfolkNET Ice Cream Meet and Greet

On Thursday, July 6, at 6:30 p.m., join us atBerkshire Country Store for a cool treat and conversation to learn about the efforts of Norfolk NET.  First 30 people to show up get FREE ice cream! Norfolk NET (Networking Everyone Together) has been established to match the needs of Norfolk residents with resources available in town. For more information, contact Erick Olsen, (860) 542-5721 office, (860) 303-0910 cell

Did You Get Your Dog License Yet?

If not, you are facing a $1 a month penalty, according to Animal Control Officer Lauren Foley. Altered dogs are $8 and unaltered dogs are $19. Bring your dog’s rabies vaccination paperwork into the Town Clerk to get your license and avoid the penalty.