By Michele Taranto

Who would have thought the Friends of Norwood Center (FNC) is more than 10 years old! The late Jean Babel, John Hall, Joseph Moriarty (King McNamara Moriarty, LLP), and Carrie Shea (Norwood Bank), were instrumental in its founding, formation and growth throughout the years, but many more have volunteered their time to ensure Norwood Center progress as a vibrant business center. 

The FNC is currently running with ten members, some owners of local businesses, a town municipality member, and many local citizens who love this town and strive to continue the mission of its founding associates.

John Carbone, President, Norwood resident

Peter McFarland, Treasurer, Norwood resident

Maria Loffredo, Secretary, Proprietor, Vico

Charlotte Walsh, Past President, Proprietor, Charles River Running

Joseph Collins, Town of Norwood

Abbie Atkins, Norwood resident

Travis Farley, Director of Recreation, Town of Norwood

Marci Pastorio, Proprietor, Juice Bar

Quontay Turner, Proprietor, Emerald City Plant Shop

Michele Taranto, Realtor

The mission of the group had grown and evolved over the years to meet the challenge of changing times, however, the goal remains unchanged: connecting local 

businesses, town leadership, and residents to energize the downtown experience for everyone. Its goal is to empower the people, places, culture, and experiences unique to Norwood to support a vibrant community and a thriving local economy. We believe when we choose to live locally, we make the heart of our town a welcoming destination for everyone. 

The FNC focuses its time to promote local businesses, their activities, and promotions through social media and enhances its reach to all residents through with Norwood Community Media (NCM).

During the pandemic, an unprecedented experience for patrons and businesses, FNC was instrumental in partnering with proprietors on behalf of the town to educate and act as a resource for gran opportunities, application deadlines, and hands-on assistance.

Many may remember ‘Norwood Feeds the Frontlines,’ during the COVID-19 shutdown. It was FNC who ran the successful undertaking, in partnership with Matt Brown, to raise funds to pay Norwood restaurants to prepare and deliver meals to Norwood Frontline workers at the hospital, fire department, and local nursing facilities.

The Friends of Norwood Center also spearheads the Annual Small Business Saturday, the national movement led by American Express held each year the Saturday after Thanksgiving to promote and celebrate shopping local. 

The FNC picked up the ball for several years running the Norwood Farmer’s Market to ensure its presence on the Town Common  Residents will be happy to hear, works are in play by a small group of committed residents to restart again in early summer. 

Residents may have noticed new Shop, Dine, and Live banners throughout Norwood streets. The FNC worked with the town government to invest in these promotional materials.

The Friends of Norwood Center is a certified 501( c) 3 organization and is funded completely through charitable donations in sponsorships, an annual appeal, and fundraisers. The proceeds are designed and earmarked to bring people into Norwood Center and raise the necessary operating funds for the organization.  FNC also employs a part-time liaison eight hours per week to coordinate efforts with the volunteer board. 

“It is the hope of the invigorated board to grow FNC’s fundraising efforts to position FNC to conduct creative and fun outdoor activities and events in Norwood Center to bring more people into the Center to support local business and see and experience the unique opportunities Norwood Center has to offer,” FNC liaison Maryellen Horgan-Currier said. “We welcome participation from the Norwood community at large from residents and businesses who have ideas and time to help FNC promote and engage with Norwood Center to continue its growth as a thriving and vibrant local business district.  Please email [email protected] with interest or questions.”

The Friends of Norwood Center welcomes new members, proprietors, employees of local organizations, and Norwood residents to join their cause ensure Norwood Center as a thriving and welcoming destination for shopping and entertainment.