Yoga on the Grass

For many years, there has been a free yoga class for seniors, sponsored by the town, in Battell Chapel every Tuesday and Thursday morning. The class had to go on hiatus in March when the Covid-19 lockdown went into effect, but in late May teacher Wendy Larson decided to try holding the class outdoors. Yogis […]

Canaan YMCA to Reopen August 10

New safety procedures in place to safeguard members By Chris Sinclair The Northwestern Connecticut YMCA, comprising branches in Torrington, Winsted and Canaan, has joined other businesses and nonprofits over the last several weeks in beginning their slow and gingerly march toward reopening amid the pandemic. The Canaan branch, to which many Norfolk residents belong, will […]

Hatsy Robinson Taylor, 1932-2020

Harriet “Hatsy” Robinson Taylor, 87, of East Canaan, a gardening author and columnist who chronicled the trials and triumphs of life on a hilltop farm in northwest Connecticut, died July 5 at Geer Village in Canaan. Hatsy began writing about gardening in 1982 with the debut of her column “Hilltop Harvest,” which was published for […]

Early Automobilists Find Their Way to Norfolk

By Andra Moss Just when travel seemed so modern—the Mountain Express train barreled along from Hartford to Canaan at speeds up to 37 miles per hour—something new came clanging, hissing and rattling over the hilltops. It was 1900. American automaking was still in its infancy, but change was coming fast (“fast” being a relative term; […]

100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment

This month sees the 100th anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, guaranteeing women the right to vote. The amendment was adopted after Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify it on August 18, 1920. One month later, on September 18, 1920, two hundred Norfolk women went to Town Hall and […]

National Iron Bank Rated a Top Community Bank Lender

The Independent Community Bankers of America have named National Iron Bank has one of the top 20 community bank lenders of its size (under $500 million) for 2020. National Iron Bank, with assets of $180 million, has four branches in the Northwest Corner of Connecticut: Cornwall Bridge, Norfolk, Salisbury and Washington Depot, with a loan […]

Car, Truck and Trailer Assessments—A Message From the First Selectman

By Matt Riiska I have recently received calls regarding the assessment of older cars, trucks and trailers. Motor vehicles are assessed per Connecticut General Statute 12-71d. The Office of Policy and Management (OPM) recommends the use of the National Automobile Dealers Association Guide (NADA) to establish the value of all motor vehicles. In the case […]

Walking Carefully, Being Good Neighbors and Supporting Farmers

By Matt Riiska The number of walkers and runners on the roads in Norfolk seems to have increased over the last few months, which is a good thing. I want to remind everyone that when you are out for your walk please walk facing traffic. You have a much better view of oncoming traffic, and […]

Norfolk’s June 2020 Weather

Warm and Dry By Russell Russ June was a fairly pleasant summer month. The trade-off with having beautiful weather is that it can become very dry with such little rainfall. While many other parts of the region did record decent rainfall, even impressive rainfall, Norfolk kept being missed by the larger storms. On numerous occasions […]

August, Joy & Freedom

Through the Garden Gate By Leslie Watkins “Just living is not enough,” said the butterfly, “one must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower.” —Hans Christian Andersen Butterflies bring life into our gardens. Select a few plants that they are attracted to and they will come. Like flying jewels, they flit from flower to flower seeking […]