By Michele Taranto

JANUARY

It’s A Winter Trifecta: Flu, Covid, & RSV

Covid, flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) season is coming on strong. Covid has been around for two years, and it’s likely everyone knows someone who has been stricken, but you can catch it again and it can carry a punch! This year’s flu season promises to be a potent one, starting months before we see numbers on it. RSV has been with us always but is hitting children and adults particularly hard this year.

Diane Hillery, Norwood’s Public Health Nurse, said she’s seen an uptick of Covid and flu numbers for the past month and a half. When asked what the difference between the two illness is, she explained they both share symptoms of fever, cough, and runny nose, among others. If you wonder which you have, “testing will tell you.” Hillery credits the vaccinations and boosters with preventing hospitalizations. 

“People who don’t (get inoculated) could end up in the hospital,” Hillery noted. “It’s not too late if you haven’t gotten your shots yet.” 

It takes two weeks for them to protect your body, but even if you do contract the flu or Covid during this time, the symptoms will be less severe. Hillery can give these shots in the office, or go to a homebound resident. 

RSV, she explained, affects the young and the elderly. To help a child who has RSV, you can suction the mucus to clear the airways, use chest therapy, which often means holding them upright and thumping their chest, and make sure they keep up their intake of fluids. 

FEBRUARY

Community Milk Depot Opens in Norwood 

In 1986, a baby boy was born prematurely in Chicago. His mother was sent home and he remained behind in the NICU, but he was fed his mother’s expressed milk via a bottle or feeding tube. The hospital was 25 miles away, so family members retrieved the milk and made the journey with the precious ounces. On one trip, traffic and parking made a particular uncle anxious. He entered the hospital, frantic to make the delivery, but was banned from getting the elixir to the NICU. Parents only, he was told. Flustered, he blurted: “But- I’m the Milk Man!” and gained entrance. Mother’s milk is often the best option, if possible, especially for babies who had difficult deliveries, are ill, premature, or for other reasons, not ready for formula. 

With the shortage of formula, it’s more important than ever for a new mother to give breast feeding a try. But what if you can’t breast feed? Enter the Mother’s Milk Bank, which opened its doors December7, 2022, in Norwood. Mother’s Milk Bank Northeast, is a donor milk depot at Reliable Maternity, located at 1504 Boston-Providence Turnpike, Suite 7B, Norwood. The nonprofit milk bank collects milk from mothers who have more supply than their babies need. The approved donors then drop their milk off at the local depot.

Milk donor screening, modeled after blood donor screening, includes health history, physician approval, and a blood test. No one is paid for donating the milk, there is no profit in this endeavor.

In 2006, Naomi Ball Young learned all she could about the importance of milk donation, and started the first Human Milk Bank of North America. The program was accredited in 2011 and follows all the rules of safety. The milk bank is not the only way to share excess milk. It’s possible to donate privately, screened by the lactation /coach nurse she used herself. 

How perfect to have resources that can benefit families looking to feed their babies, and it all starts right here in Norwood.

MARCH

Flying Turtles at Norwood Airport

On January 24, 13 sea turtles received the benefit of Norwood’s local airport when they were boarded onto a flight bound for New Jersey and Georgia. The rescued animals were transported by volunteer pilot Bryan Wilson through the Turtles Fly Too non-profit organization. The 12 Kemp ridleys and one loggerhead came from the New England Aquarium. Four of the Kemp ridleys and the loggerhead disembarked at the Essex County Airport in New Jersey, and the remaining eight Kemp ridleys finished the flight to Dekalb-Peachtree Airport, in Georgia. The entire carefully coordinated project took five hours from Norwood to Georgia.

The animals each had their own private seat safely tucked away in banana boxes or crates, and while silent with their personal requirements, according to Wilson, all their personal needs were happily and successfully met.

Wilson has been a private pilot for 31 years and owns his plane with three partners, all retirees interested in flying compassion flights for charity. They not only volunteer their time and aircraft, but also directly pay all expenses. According to Wilson, many airports and service centers will also waive airport fees and reduce fuel prices for these charity flights. Last year, 38 turtles caught a ride with Wilson who flew them to Orlando, Florida, to Sea World. 

Wilson and his partners also volunteer for other organizations who could benefit from their generosity. For example, they have flown for Patient Airlift Services (PALS), Angel Flight, and Veterans Airlift Command.

It is estimated that more than 200 volunteer mission are flown from Norwood Memorial Airport with volunteer pilots each year. In addition to Turtles Fly Too (www.turtlesflytoo.org), organizations served but not limited to include: Above the Clouds Kids (www.abovethecloudskids.org), Pals Sky Hop (www.palsflight.org), Angel Flight (www.angleflighteast.org), Pilots N Paws (www.pilotsnpaws.org), and STEM Aviation (www.stemflights.org).

APRIL

Remembering Norwood’s Icon 

John Carroll will forever be an icon in Norwood history. For those new to the town, Carroll served as Town Manager for 39 years and retired at the age of 89. Although a resident of Dedham and Milton, Carroll’s love and devotion to the Town of Norwood was evident, not only through his long tenure, but also his principle to make this town the best it could be. 

The Norwood DPW administration building was honored in his name and there is even a whimsical lawn display in front of Town Hall. Throughout his lengthy occupancy, Carroll interacted with many town employees as well as residents and each could share countless memories of this hard working and dedicated employee. 

“John Carroll was an extremely warm and compassionate human being as well as a great administrator,” Norwood Board of Selectman Chairman William J. Plasko said. “John worked tirelessly to provide the best services possible to the residents of Norwood. He worked nights and weekends to improve the town’s social and cultural life. For example, he was a leader and heavily involved in the Concerts on the Common committee. His contributions to Norwood are truly unmatched.” 

“He told me the two things he enjoyed most about his job were working with people and ‘the grind,’” Norwood Police Chief William Brooks said.

While he obviously loved the Town of Norwood, he was ready to turn over the torch should he be asked. But this town didn’t let him go too easily. 

“He once talked to me about his age and his tenure in Norwood,” Chief Brooks said. “He said that when he turned 75, he almost expected someone from the Board of Selectmen to hint that maybe he should think about retiring. He chuckled when he said, ‘but no one said anything, so I just kept coming in.’ And he was even more surprised when he turned 80 and the same thing happened, and then when he turned 85. He loved his job and was thrilled that no one had asked him to move along.” 

MAY

Your Mailbox is not just for Mail on May 13

 On Saturday, May 13, letter carriers will be picking up non-perishable food throughout Norwood neighborhoods as part of the 31st Annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. This event is the largest one-day food drive in the country…and Norwood residents can be a part of this national campaign! 

On this day, rain or shine, when Norwood residents leave marked bags of nonperishable food by their mailbox in the morning, mail carriers will pickup the packages during their regular delivery routes and deliver them to the Norwood Ecumenical Food Pantry. All types of nonperishable food are welcome, including peanut butter, coffee, canned fruit, canned tomato sauces/paste, diced and whole tomatoes, canned meat and hash. The only requirement is that all cans and boxes must be new and in good condition.

Norwood is one of 10,000 cities and towns across America taking part in the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive. The national effort began in 1992. Since then, letter carriers, represented by the National Association of Letter Carriers, postal employees, volunteers, and sponsoring organizations, have collected tens of millions of pounds of food to help those in need. 

JUNE

Making a Difference One Can at a Time 

There is a man in Norwood, Bob Lieberman, who collects empty cans and bottles and brings them to the Walpole Redemption Center to redeem the deposits. He then donates all the money he collects to MAKE-A-WISH. So far, he has raised $2,000! The first question I had for Lieberman was: “Why MAKE-A-WISH?” He explained he had wanted to do something for years involving children. He saw a program about MAKE-A-WISH. The broadcast showed “suffering beyond belief” in children, young children, “children who have had short lives,” and thought about what he could do for them. “It means so much to the kids” to be given a free vacation from MAKE-A-WISH. 

Why cans? Lieberman has worked on golf courses and knew they would be easy to collect from the numerous trash receptacles. He intended to collect 20,000 recyclables, which translates into $1000, and he did. But now his goal has shifted to collect 100,000 cans! And he is well on his way; 40,000 is his latest count. doing so, he and his friends got things done around town. Trivial things to some, but as often is the case, it is those little, personable things that can have a significant impact on people.

It was in his later years he formed the “Why Nots.” The “Why Nots” consisted of Doug and some old friends. He would make a few calls to hold an impromptu meeting at a local donut spot, and the group would meet up to brainstorm. I recently caught up with daughter Ellen (Ross) Rano of Norwood, who recalled one Why Not idea. 

“A lot of residents had either nonexistent or too small a number on their homes,” Rano reminisced. “The Why Nots would go door to door and hand out large numbers to residents to better identify their homes.” 

Another notable Why Not was Doug’s general observation of the police cruisers. He questioned why the cruisers were not backed into their parking spots for a quick out when a call comes in.

“The police chief at the time wanted nothing to do with him,” Rano recalled. “But Chief Brooks listened, and the cruisers are still backed into their spots to this day.” 

While Doug and the Why Nots are sadly all gone now, their simple general observations and push to action really does live on. As I hit the fast forward button to 2023, I found myself asking the very same question that Doug used to – why not? The entrance to my neighborhood houses a VFW, local 5390 to be exact. As a gardener, I could not help but notice the grounds were an eyesore. As if Doug were working through me, I blurted out to my husband – why not donate a redo of the garden beds? Why not? A few texts and messages later, our offer was well received by the post commander, and brand-new gardens were installed just in time for the Memorial Day weekend. Butterflies dance among the perennials, and people linger a bit longer. Birds and bees now fly where there once were none, and the spirit of Doug Ross (late WWII Coast Guard Veteran) and the Why Nots truly lives on, far beyond Norwood. While a large amount of the proceeds goes towards the Post Prom Party, any Norwood group or team that has students helping at the craft fair is eligible to apply for funds for their club from the day’s profits. Past organizations have included, Norwood sports teams, the drama club, cheerleaders, SAAD (Students Against Destructive Decisions) and the fine arts department after school programs.

What is considered one of the leading craft fairs in the area, ‘A Craft Affair’ at Norwood, sees roughly 1,000 customers walk through the door. With that kind of popularity, the craft fair is considered the largest Norwood High School fundraiser.

NOVEMBER

Kick-Off the Holidays at Tree Lighting!

The perfect four-day weekend. It starts with a grand Thanksgiving meal, followed by a day of bargain hunting, holiday decorating, and of course, those delicious leftovers. Saturday is the time to support and patronize local businesses and take in lunch or dinner on Small Business Saturday. What could possibly top that? How about closing out the weekend with a community kick-off of the holiday season on Sunday, Nov. 26 with the Norwood Tree Lighting Celebration!

This day/weekend may be considered the calm before the storm. A time to celebrate the holiday season with family and friends before the Christmas bustle begins. In true Norwood form, the town goes all out hosting a free breathtaking afternoon festival that has become a favorite holiday tradition. The fun-filled family event will be held on Sunday, Nov. 26, 1:30-4 p.m., on the Town Common and the Norwood Civic Center. The celebration includes a reindeer dash, horse-drawn hayrides, festive entertainment, holiday readings, face painting, ornament decorating, barnyard animals, a parade, and choir music. The afternoon concludes when Santa and Mrs. Clause make their dramatic entrance and light up the Norwood Town Common!

Norwood residents would agree that no town unites like Norwood, and this year’s holiday celebration is a great opportunity to connect with friends and neighbors and kick off the holiday season!

DECEMBER

Remember, Honor, Teach

Wreaths Across American began in the eyes of a 12-year-old paper boy who visited the Arlington Cemetery and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. 

In 1992, the boy, Morrill Worcester, now an adult and the owner of Worcester Wreath, thought back to that memorable scene at America’s cemetery, and made arrangements to place a surplus of wreaths in an older section of the graveyard. This tribute went on quietly for over a decade, until 2005 when pictures of the Arlington stones adorned with wreaths circulated the internet, and not only did requests come in with donors wanting to help, but thousands more wanted to emulate the event at national and state cemeteries. 

Worcester began sending seven wreaths to each state, one for each branch of the military and an additional in tribute to POW/MIAs. 

In 2007, the Worcester family, along with veteran organizations, groups, and individuals who had assisted with the wreath ceremonies in Arlington, formed Wreaths Across America, a non-profit organization to expand the effort, with a simple, yet powerful mission: REMEMBER. HONOR. TEACH. Remember fallen U.S. veterans, Honor those who serve, and Teach children the value of freedom.

In 2022, 2.7 million sponsored veterans’ wreaths were placed on headstones at 3,702 locations in honor of the nation’s service members. 

This is Norwood’s sixth season in participating in Wreaths Across America where wreaths will be placed on local service men and women’s graves at Highland and Old Parish Cemeteries. This expression is in coordination with wreath-laying ceremonies with Arlington National Cemetery and more than 1,600 locations across 50 states in the United States.

The event will take place on Saturday, Dec, 16, 12 noon, Highland Cemetery. In addition to Norwood Veterans Director Ted Mulvehill and other guest speakers, the name of each local veteran will be read aloud.

Wreaths Across America is a venue to not only pay tribute to this country’s military but an opportunity to pause and reflect on the meaning of holidays, and honoring those who have sacrificed so U.S. citizens can celebrate with family and friends.

For more information on Wreaths Across America or to donate, visit www.wreathsacrossamerica.org. 

SEPTEMBER

Oh, What A Day!

The most wonderful time of the year? Here in Norwood, some may argue it is not December, but early September, and more specifically, Sept. 9, as that is NORWOOD DAY! It’s a day that brings the Town together with the biggest, best block party around!

This annual celebration connects businesses, organizations, and family and friends to share information, goods, and services, but just as importantly, celebrates and commends this wonderful town. 

The streets are filled with people enjoying live entertainment, games, kiddie rides, crafters, food bites from local restaurants, sidewalk sales, and tables and booths of businesses and non-profit groups, and town department displays. Approximately 160 booths are currently scheduled, which is up from 150 from last year.

The very popular beer garden will be back, with beverages served by Castle Island Brewery. There will be a few local food vendors around the beer garden; OCC, One Bistro and Smokehouse BBQ. 

The entire communal party will run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and for a great bargain of only $3 (prior to event) for a Norwood Day button ($5 the day of the event), entrance and participation is free to almost all events. Buttons can be purchased at the Civic Center, Town Hall, Morrill Memorial Library and the Senior Center.  Buttons can also be purchased at the informational booths on the day of the big event. The theme of the Norwood Button this year is to celebrate the life of John Carroll.  

According Superintendent of Recreation John Kinney, Norwood Day still remains completely self sufficient. All expenditures are satisfied by corporation donations, sponsorships, and the sale of Norwood Day buttons. Norwood Day would also not be possible without the countless volunteers who donate their time for months planning the event and throughout the day giving directions, selling buttons, and ensuring a smooth schedule for all.

Norwood Day attracts approximately 13,000-15,000 visitors. Many are from Norwood, but word has gotten out about the grand festival and residents from surrounding communities cannot resist supporting Norwood and joining in on the fun! 

OCTOBER

The Norwood Craft Affair Returns for its 29th Year!

How popular is The Craft Affair in Norwood? Now in its 29th year, this highly visited fair’s vendor list was almost filled in July! As in most Norwood celebrations, this town springs for spectacular, and The Craft Affair of Norwood does not disappoint. This day brings together crafters and craft enthusiasts for one of the largest fall shopping experiences in the area!

 Every October, the town of Norwood hosts thisf favorite fall shopping escape for crafting fans. The ‘Affair’ has grown to include approximately 80 crafters who travel to Norwood from all over New England to showcase their creative wares. The vendor list is so impressive, and includes: sewn, crocheted, and knitted pieces, there will be chocolate and honey, items for pets, jewelry, holiday decor, wreaths, stained glass, jams and jellies, mirrors, paintings, 3-tiered plates, bags, scarves, soap, wooden toys, painted glass, quilts, ornaments, hats and mittens, cards, plastic canvas, hand towels, hair bows, hen houses, ceramics, puzzle lights, decoupage plates and doll clothes, and much more! The huge assortments of raffles are always a popular corner with chances to win many handmade items, gift certificates, and everyone’s favorite, Mustang memorabilia!

This event, however, means a lot more than just a fun and successful shopping day. In addition to hosting one of the premier craft venues in the state, it is a very successful fundraiser for Norwood High School and local Norwood organizations. How does he do this? Lieberman is an early riser. He goes to the golf courses; he visits the recycling centers. And he counts each one, storing 200 in each plastic bag he brings to the Walpole Redemption Center. Sometimes he has 3,000 cans to bring, which is quite a lot of cans to fit into his car, but he does it. 

Lieberman been retired for 20 years and plans his collections every day, and is astounded at what success he has met due to his desire and effort, and the generosity of others. 

“If this article inspires anyone, MAKE-A-WISH would love to accept any donations, of any denomination, from people who would like to return their cans to the Walpole Redemption Center, like me,” Lieberman said. 

To donate directly, MAKE-A-Wish of MA and RI is located at 133 Federal St., 2nd Floor, Boston, MA 02110, or visit their website: https://wish.org/massri. If you are in Walpole and want to make a donation, visit the Walpole Redemption Center, 747 Main St. Tell them Bob and MAKE-A-WISH sent you!

JULY

Ride Sally Ride

Norwood had never had a comfort dog. When the benefits of these animals were gaining popularity in police precincts, Norwood Chief of Police Brooks did not think Norwood was set up for this accompaniment to the force. 

“When these dogs first hit the scene a few years ago, I remembered seeing a piece on TV about the dog in Franklin,” Chief Brooks said. “They showed him kind of wandering the halls in and out of offices. The Franklin Police Dept. is a one-story building that’s very open once you get inside. Our station, on the other hand, is a narrow three-story building with a lot of security doors and barriers, by design. I just didn’t think the dog was a fit, based in part on that. 

A tragedy that effected Norwood changed his mind. 

“When Tyler Lawrence was murdered in Boston, police departments from the area, brought their comfort dogs to our middle school to help comfort the kids,” Chief Brooks said. “Sometime after the comfort dogs visited the school, Officer Baguma brought forward a proposal that we rethink the issue of a comfort dog. I’m glad he did because having given it more thought I now see the great value in having one. Quite frankly, she is a bigger hit than I even imagined. Best I can tell, her job is to be calm and furry. But seriously, she will interact with children, and in some cases adults and senior citizens. (She has already been to the senior center where she was also a big hit.) I believe, as the term implies, she will be a comfort to people who may be in distress, particularly children in a school setting. 

Early on, several of us suggested the name Sally,” Chief Brook explained on deciding on a name. “It’s a pretty name for a pretty girl, and the mustang connection seemed natural. But we were committed to asking the children and the people of the town for input. And as it turns out, Sally was the clear front runner as we gathered input.”

Norwood residents have welcomed Mustang Sally with open arms. She has an ice cream flavor named after her at Daddy’s Dairy and her puppy cards almost sold out immediately, even with a double order!

“We believe that she was the pick of the litter,” Officer Baguma said. “And also believe that she actually chose us in the end.

AUGUST

Why Not?

 The late great Doug Ross (1921-2012) of Norwood used to ask the same question, and by