Re: What Happened?
Following on Rosanna Trestman’s piece on Norfolk’s retail struggles in last month’s “View from the Green”, I want to let the town know that I have recently made the difficult decision to put the Norfolk Corner up for sale.
As Rosanna accurately observes, it is extremely difficult, for a number of reasons, to create a sustainable business here in Norfolk, and it has become even more so in the current economy.
That being said, the Corner was successful and it can be again. Getting there in this retail environment will require rigid attention to every possible detail. And that level of attention can only be given by an owner/operator who is on-site, actively overseeing and improving the store’s operation. They will need to be creative about what’s on the shelves, to source those products cost-effectively, and to track the entire operation like a hawk, always looking for potential improvements and weaknesses.
While “absentee” ownership worked in the past, it simply does not work for this type of business in what is perhaps the most difficult retail economy our country has seen.
With the right model and commitment, I am certain the Corner can thrive again. I made a number of changes that put the store on a solid footing before the recession, and there are plenty more services and products that could be offered to further strengthen the business. In fact, Rosanna suggests a few that would work quite well in the store.
So in response to Rosanna’s opening question, “How can a town with a five star library, endless charm, Infinity Hall and flattering reviews from the press fail to keep businesses in the black for the long haul?” In my mind, the keys to running a sustainable retail business in a small town like Norfolk are giving the customer base what they want/need (as long as it makes sense for the business), doing it efficiently, and doing it all with a smile. Put that way, it sounds quite simple. It just needs the right person to make it happen.
If you are that person, or know someone who might be, please be in touch. Norfolk needs your help more than ever.
-Justin Vagliano

Carnegie Hill Clarification
We commend Rosanna Trestman for the many compelling economic insights in her February “View from the Green” column. However, we wish to clarify the status of Carnegie Hill Antiques for our many supporters and friends in the Norfolk community.
Despite the dour economy, Carnegie Hill Antiques remains a successful retail venture at its primary location in New York City. Our lease on the space at 6 Station Place in Norfolk is due to expire in the spring. For a time, we had thought of not renewing the lease but have subsequently determined to do so. The Norfolk location of Carnegie Hill Antiques will serve as a showroom for antiques – open by appointment or by chance – and the site from which we anticipate increasing Internet marketing for antique pieces.
We have been at 6 Station Place for five years and anticipate being a presence in the Norfolk community for some years to come, during which time we look forward to serving our many customers in Litchfield County and beyond with quality antiques and with restoration and maintenance services.
We have a deep attachment to Norfolk. We wish to assure the many readers of Norfolk Now of our intention to support a community and quality of life that we all highly value.
Erzsebet & Donald Black

Dear Mr. & Mrs. Black,
Please accept my apologies for the misinformation in my View From The Green. I stand corrected and regret the distress caused by my incomplete research. – Rosanna Trestman

A Villager’s Lament
Like pearls falling from the heavens, the chimes of Christ Church Congregational on the green in Norfolk have, for over a century, been marking time in charming quarter-hour increments. Since Robbins Battell installed his unique carillon (and they became the prototype for church bells on several college campuses in the northeast, in particular at Yale and Williams), Norfolk has been blessed by his generous gift.
For the past few months these historic, vernacular bells have been curiously silent which, in a subtle way not unlike the darkening of this year’s Christmas tree on the green, has diminished the iconic charm of our quintessential New England village.
When will these lovely bells again be filling the sky with their clarion call, reminding us to pause every so often to cherish these brief, universal nuggets of time we are all fortunate enough to enjoy here in Norfolk?
Michael Kelly (aka Nick Knickers)