It’s Only Natural: Target Invasives to Help Native Plants Support Native Wildlife
By Jill Chase It’s that time of year when local gardens and woodlands start to wake up after a long winter nap. Everyone begins to notice the warmth of the sun and the song of birds. Now imagine that the birdsong isn’t there. According to the Connecticut Audubon Society, North America has lost 30 percent […]
Protecting Insects in Peril
While many people are becoming more aware of the importance of supporting pollinators such ashoneybees, native bees, moths and ants, Susannah Wood of the Norfolk Conservation Commission says that insects do much more to keep ecosystems running and vibrant. Whether it’s beetles that keep usfrom being smothered in dung, blow flies that break down dead […]
In Memoriam
Margaret Riiska Margaret C. Riiska left us on March 14, 2024, after an action-packed 99-year run. On January 29, 1925, Anna (Seitz) O’Brien and Thomas O’Brien welcomed Marge into their tight-knit family as the second youngest of 12 children. She was born in Norfolk, but the family soon moved to Winsted, where Marge lived most […]
Solar Eclipse Explained
The Celestial Sphere By Matthew JohnsonDuring the month of April there are events which will capture and hold the interest and minds of bothprofessional scientists and Americans of all ages. On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse will cross North America, passing over parts of Mexico, the UnitedStates and Canada. A total solar eclipse […]
Norfolk’s February 2024 Weather
Another Nontypical Month By Russell RussLike last year, this February once again lacked many characteristics of a solidly winter-like month forNorfolk. January was above normal for temperature and snowfall and way above normal forprecipitation. While February temperatures were even more above normal, both precipitation andsnowfall were way below normal. Minimal snowfall for one of Norfolk’s […]
A Norfolk Library Card Unlocks a World of Digital Collections
Apps offer readers free access to e-content By Andra MossThe Norfolk Library may be filled with history (and books), but it is also an outstanding resource fordigital media. Thanks to several easy-to-use apps, the library provides 24/7 access to a universe of freedigital collections via the power of a library card. Tired of watching that […]
Documentary Film Ponders the Inner Lives of Animals
Filmmaker Michel Negroponte will be at the Norfolk Library on Saturday, April 13, tointroduce his documentary film “Herd” (2023). A herd of shaggy Belted Galloway cattleis delivered to a neighboring pasture in the Catskills and instantly inspires a new film.The filmmaker’s growing fascination with the cows leads him to reflect on the modernidea of animal […]
Community News
Friday Film Series: Visions of EuropeFilmmaker Diego Ongaro will introduce two under-the-radar contemporary European films on Fridays inApril, at 7 p.m.: “Keep an Eye Out” on April 5 and “Swagger” on April 12. Discussion will follow thescreenings. Registration is requested via norfolklibrary.org or calling 860-542-5075 ext. 2 Conservation Commission ProgramsThe Norfolk Conservation Commission will sponsor […]
Norfolk Then…
In the late 19th century, the arrival of every train at the depot on Station Place was widely anticipated.There were freight trains, milk trains and passenger trains unloading throngs of summer visitors. Theattractive station pictured here was built in 1898, replacing an earlier modest structure. Constructed ofnative granite, it was designed by Hill & Turner, […]
Focus on New Firehouse shifts to funding
Costs likely to rise beyond initial $5 million estimate By Joe Kelly After months of sometimes contentious public hearings, plans for a new Norfolk firehouse are nearing the end of the wetlands/zoning part of the approval process and heading into a decisive new phase: finding the money to pay for it all. The Planning & […]
