Hat’s Off to Norwood’s Generosity

Thanks to the generosity of local residents, the 9th Annual Women’s Business Network of Norwood (WBN) Winter Accessory Drive was another great success. Through their kindness and compassion, many neighbors again will have items to stay warm this winter and presents under the tree.

In total, ten donation boxes were placed throughout Norwood and in neighboring towns. The numbers were impressive this year with over 1,000 accessories collected requiring many trips to empty overfilled boxes, often with new and handmade clothing. The first week in December, all items were donated to the Norwood and Dedham communities through local organizations and churches: the Norwood Food Pantry, the WCC Thrift Shop, First Baptist Church (Blessings Boutique), First Congregational Church of Norwood, and the Allin Congregational Church, of Dedham.

Each year, the fundraiser is held Nov. 1-30, but from the abundance of homemade items that were donated, it was clear many residents had busy hands throughout the year creating incredibly beautiful knitted pieces in preparation for the event. As in other years, the boxes were also plentiful with brand new items.

FEBRUARY

Norwood Drives Electric

The push for electric vehicles continues to be on the rise, however, two big questions erupt when considering converting from combustion engines: price and available current. With Norwood having their own electric company, it should come as no surprise the Town supply is able to assist residents in both areas. 

In partnership with ENEConserve, Norwood Light Broadband (NLB) has a developed a website called Norwood Drives Electric (www.norwooddriveselectric.com), an outreach program and a roadmap to purchasing and energizing an electric vehicle. This resource covers everything from information on the benefits of driving electric, available vehicle and charging rebates and incentives, as well as grants, a buying guide, charging basics, the ins and outs of charging levels, and the differences in home and commercial charging.

The Town of Norwood currently offers four public charging stations: the Norwood Post Office parking lot, the parking lot between Norwood Town Hall and Norwood Printing, the Norwood Airport on Access Rd., and at the Norwood Light Department, 136 Access Rd. According to Norwood Light Broadband, the Town’s four charging stations average approximately six sessions per day, which translates into six drivers plugging in their vehicle. Over the past year, the stations have experienced a total of 2,350 sessions.

A second option for Norwood residents is to install a home charging station, which is the ‘Bring Your Own Charger’ program. There are 110 Norwood customers enrolled in this program and over the past year 33 rebates on newly purchased EV’s as well as chargers have been given.

A visit to the Norwood Drives Electric website should be at the top of the list when researching an electric vehicle purchase and/or home charging station. There are many rebates and grants available today for local residents

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MARCH

Local Residents Swing Into Spring! 

It’s the middle of April, and most New Englanders are looking forward to spring and eventual longer days and warmer temperatures. For Norwood residents, however, music and dancing are in the air with the Norwood Circle of Hope Foundation’s Dancing with the Norwood Stars! 

Each year, six residents take to the dance floor to take home the coveted Disco Ball Trophy. This year’s dancers are: Dave Dalton, Emma Petracca, Meg Luizzo King, Nina Kelley, Sam White, and Sean Connelly. Two winners will be crowned this special evening: an Overall Winner for the person who raises the most money and the Judges Choice for the best single dance. For the past few months, the dancers have been holding fundraisers around town to raise donations for their team to win as the Overall Winner. They have also spent hours practicing with professional dancers from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, in Norwood, to win that coveted Judge’s Choice Award! 

Meet the 2024 Dancing with the Norwood Stars contestants!

DAVE DALTON; Dave aka ‘Daltz’ was born and raised in Norwood. He was the vice president of his graduating Class of 2003 at Norwood High School. Dave is married to Alyssa Gearty-Dalton, also a true townie, and graduate of Norwood High School Class of 2000. 

EMMA PETRACCA; I have grown up in Norwood most of my life, and have seen firsthand how the c o m mu n i t y here comes together for one another in times of pain and need. I am excited to have the opportunity to give back in some way, and that we can do so through something as unifying as dance. I wish everyone luck, and I hope we can all make the Circle of Hope proud. 

MEG LUIZZO KING; When asked to be a contestant with the 2024 Norwood Dancing with the Stars, my initial reaction was no. I have two left feet a n d no rhythm. After contemplating briefly, I realized it’s not the dancing that’s so important, it’s giving back and fundraising for The Circle of Hope Foundation. They truly are an outstanding foundation that gives back to Norwood residents in need anonymously. I was born in Boston and adopted at six months to an amazing family who lived in Norwood. I am a Norwoodian who attended the John P. Oldham School, Norwood High School, and the Henry O’Peabody Secretarial Program. I received my Associates Degree from Newbury College. After working in Boston for 20 years, I realized I wanted to work in a more personally fulfilling job. I decided I could give back to our community by helping autistic children as a paraprofessional. I love being a teacher’s assistant! It is the most rewarding and challenging job that I’ve ever had. 

NINA KELLEY; My husband and I and our 3 young children moved to Norwood in August, 2001. Who knew Norwood would fill my bucket? I met so many wonderful people here who I call dear friends through volunteering at the schools, PTA, sports, art, and music. I continue to vol - unteer as treasurer for FoVA (Friends of Visual Arts) supporting Norwood Schools, even though my children have all graduated. I’ve been working as a para for Norwood’s pre-k, now known as the LMPA (Little Mustangs Preschool Academy) at the Savage, for almost 19 years. I couldn’t have asked for a better working environment. Truly amazing and the most supportive group of people who are family to me. In Sept. 2012, I was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, with recurrences every two years. With the support of my family and friends and the people of this town, “my town” rallying around me was such a huge uplift to my spirit. Norwood’s Circle of Hope Foundation reached out and helped me and my family during the worst times; always checking in on us. We were so blessed to have this wonderful organization in our town. They do this anonymously but I’m compelled to share.

SAM WHITE; I was born in Rutland, VT, where I grew up in the small town of Poultney, VT, for the first 18 years of my life. I was a two-sport athlete throughout my high school career playing basketball and football. I am proud to say that I am a 1,000 point scorer at Poultney High School and was honored to play in the Shrine Football game with the top senior football players in the State of Vermont vs. New Hampshire. I attended Lasell College in 2015, where I received by Bachelors in Sport Management and was a part of the men’s basketball team until graduating in 2019. I then went on to pursue my Master Degree in Athletic Administration at Castleton University where I was also a graduate assistant for the conference & events office. I applied to become the program coordinator at Norwood Recreation Department and began my position in December of 2021. Since then, I have become the recreation departments assistant director where I am stationed today. I have grown a love for the Town work every day to bring a positive impact to Norwood’s residents. I am thrilled to be a part of the 2024 Norwood Dancing with the Stars! Enjoy the show!! 

SEAN CONNOLLY Hello everyone, my name is Sean Connolly, and I am happy to be a part of the class of 2024‘s Norwood Dancing with the Stars. Although I was born in Dorchester, I have called Norwood in my home for 37 years. I was a graduate of Saint Catherine’s of Siena School and also graduated from Blue Hills Regional Technical High School. My wife, Jill and I are raising our two kids Seamus, who is a freshman at Norwood High School, and Lillian who is an eighth grader at the Coakley Middle School in this community we all love! I have always tried to give back to this great community, whether it was helping to coach baseball, DJing at the recreation center for Father/Daughter Dances, or donating my time for the Norwood Junior Women’s Club at The Kids Summer Concert Series. I currently work at Absolute Metal Finishing as a production manager on Morse St., and also work part time at Irish Brewing Boston, which is located at the Space Center. I am proud to be dancing and raising money for this amazing foundation called Norwood Circle of Hope. 

APRIL

 

A Final Signing Off

He has been tenacious about keeping Norwood streets and residents safe for 12 grateful years. His name is Norwood Police Chief William G. Brooks III, and when he steps down from his post the end of April, he will be sorely missed by many. Norwood Town Manager Tony Mazzucco made the retirement announcement on behalf of the Town of Norwood and the Norwood Police Department (NPD) on the town website, and boy did word spread quickly. 

A little-known fact about Chief Brooks is that his role as chief of police was not his first Norwood assignment. In 1982, he was transferred from the Westwood Police Department after five years to work patrol in Norwood. He was promoted to sergeant, then to detective sergeant, a position he held for 14 years. 

“I loved that job,” Chief Brooks said. “I was in charge of the detective squad and I think we did a lot of good work working narcotics, robberies, housebreaks.”

Chief Brooks left Norwood in 2000 to become the Wellesley Police Department deputy chief, a position he held for 12 years. He returned to Norwood in May, 2012, as Norwood’s 15th police chief and held the NPD highest title for another 12 years.

On the topic of foot patrol, it was not unusual to see Chief Brooks walking Norwood’s sidewalks, visiting shop and restaurant owners, or even chatting with their patrons. He made it his mission to become familiar with every aspect of Norwood’s community, and had a smile for everyone he encountered.

“What I will miss most about being police chief is the human interaction,” Chief Brooks said. “I will miss my officers. I will miss the merchants, the schools, the children, the senior center, town meeting members, just everyone here.”

MAY

Replacing Letters with Food

Contributing to those with food insecurities is as easy in May as mailing a letter…from the comfort of your own home. On Saturday, May 11, 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 directly be a part of this national campaign

Participating is easy! On this day, rain or shine, Norwood residents leave marked bags of non-perishable food by their mailbox in the morning and mail carriers will pick up the packages during their regular delivery routes and transport them to the Norwood Ecumenical Food Pantry. All types of non-perishable 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. Anything outdated or opened has to be thrown away for health reasons. 

The timing of the second Saturday in May is no accident. Local food banks and pantries best benefit by a mid-spring surge to replenish their diminishing shelves from the influx of donations received during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. 

JUNE

Move Over Mustang Sally!

Norwood has a new Top Dog in Town!

For many Norwood natives, Norwood’s new police chief is a familiar face: Christopher Padden. What an impressive local journey it has been for Chief Padden; from the Cleveland Elementary School, through the Coakley Middle School, and Norwood High School. From a patrol officer, to sergeant, lieutenant, deputy chief, and now, the Norwood Police Department’s 28-year veteran, sworn in on May 1, 2024, is Norwood’s highest-ranking officer protecting its residents.

“I had no intention of being Chief of Police,” Chief Paddon said. “I found myself where the opportunities were there. It was never my goal, but if there is an opportunity to serve, you do it. I was happy being a patrolman. It’s the best job in the world.”

Chief Paddon’s first job was serving his country. He was a member of the United States Marine Corps, and was stationed in Operation Desert Shield/Operation Dessert Storm, and later served in the reserves. His choice to join a police force after the military was influenced by his interactions with policemen when he was younger; kid stuff as he called it, but an ultimately positive inspiration.

Norwood residents will not likely see a lot of changes under Chief Paddon’s regime. While working with Norwood’s former Police Chief, William Brooks for many years, he was heavily involved in the systems that were in place and working when he took the position. Chief Paddon also shares his predecessor’s team philosophy, an energy that has been embraced by the local community.

“It is a team effort, and that effort is going to continue in the same manner,” Chief Paddon said. “The Chief [Brooks] was always the one who brought attention to the NPD. I really want to push the everyday work of the men and women of the Norwood Police Department.”  

JULY

Cue the Parade!! 

The Norwood 4th of July committee has done it again. They have planned and coordinated the most magnificent independence celebration in the area. While some may think each year is built and based from the previous, that could be farther from the truth. Each year’s schedule can work as a guide, however, things change, life happens, groups become unavailable, better ideas are developed, and basically, the committee is always trying to make the event better every year…..and they succeed!

This year, the celebration will begin on Thursday, July 4, with the traditional kick-off of the Children’s Bicycle, Tricycle, Doll Carriage, and Historical Character Parade at 1 p.m., in downtown Norwood. The fee is $1 per child and participants will receive a festive t-shirt and participation ribbon. Winners will be based on best decoration on themselves or their vehicles and will be invited to ride in the Grand Parade! There will be a Public Reading at 2 p.m., at the historic Old Parish Cemetery (rear of 480 Washington St.) of orator and abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ famous 4th of July address, ‘What to the Slave is the 4th of July?’ This event is free and open to the public.

A Carillon Concert will be held at 2:30 p.m., from Town Hall, with performances from Norwood’s own Lee Leach and Margaret Angelini, from Wellesley College. Tours of the magnificent 50-bell Memorial Carillon will be held during the parade. The vibe on the Town Common shifts gears towards athletics at 5 p.m., as runners line up for the Norwood Firecracker 5k Road Race. With thousands of spectators lining the streets cheering and shouting encouragement, the 5K event feels more like the Boston Marathon! The main event will begin at 5:30 p.m., at the Coakley Middle School. The parade route will run down Washington St. in South Norwood, through downtown, and end at the Shaw’s Plaza. To warm up the crowds, Norwood and surrounding municipalities lead the way at 5:30 p.m., with an impressive lineup of fire and emergency vehicles, antique and classic cars, and WWII, Korean War, and other military equipment. This is always a favorite segment of the day and famous for announcing their approach with incredible sirens! The excitement builds throughout the afternoon, and finally, at 5:45 p.m., Norwood’s infamous parade begins! The lineup is filled with national and international marching bands, entertaining acts, floats, community groups and local politicians. 

AUGUST

McFarland to Norwood’s Rescue

If a Norwood resident has attended a local event, chances are, they have seen Peter McFarland, and if not, it is very likely he is behind the scenes helping to make it all happen. He is not always wearing a sparkly bowtie; his preference is to not stand out, but to offer his assistance and take in people’s enjoyment.

Where to begin? Although not a Norwood native, McFarland has lived in Town for 41 years; with his contributions and time served, a good question to ask is, ‘can he now be called a townie?

He and his wife Robin searched all around the 128-belt looking for a house, but settled on only the 2nd house they toured in Norwood. McFarland pursued a career in customer service and sales printing. They brought up three children in Norwood: Lauren, who married Derick Jeffers and live in Arlington with their two daughters, Molly (6) and Sophie (4); Andrew, who married Chris Schmitt and live in Jamaica Plain, and Colleen lives here in Norwood.

Lucky for Norwood, McFarland planted roots and shared his passion for community and philanthropy. In the early 1990’s, he was treasurer, then president for three years of the Norwood Cooperative Nursery School. He then became a member of the Parent Advisory Councils at the Cleveland, Coakley, and Norwood High schools, co-chaired with Jan Donovan with the “Yes Committee,” in 2004 to renovate Coakley Middle School and Norwood High School (NHS), then a member of the Committee of 21 to study and recommend building the new Norwood High School (2004-2009).

McFarland coached little league and was on the board of directors for nine years. He was named Volunteer of the Year in 2002. He also coached Norwood Basketball (NBA) in his spare time. He also joined the NHS Athletic Hall of Fame Committee in 2007 when it relaunched and has been handling its publicity and writing the event program.

He has been an elected Town Meeting Member since 2000 and served on several committee throughout the years: DPW Construction Financing Committee, Forbes Hill Study, School/General Government Cost Cutting 2015. From 2008-2013 he was chair and member of the Norwood Recycling Committee and appointed to the original Community Preservation Committee (CPC) and wrote the original draft of the guidelines and application 2017-2021.

McFarland was recruited for the Norwood Sustainability Commission (NSC) in 2019, named the first chairman, and worked to develop (and get approved) the Norwood Sustainability Action Plan in 2021. One of the recommendations of the NSC was the relaunch of the Norwood Farmers Market in 2022. The Market’s return has been highly embraced by the Norwood community and on one special day, he dressed the part in formal attire during the July 4th Market Celebration.

In 2008, he joined the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce, now known as the Neponset River Regional Chamber, and served on the Board of Directors for eight years (2010-2018) and was named Chairman in 2015. He joined the Friends of Norwood Center in 2014.

Last year he was appointed to the Commission on Disability.

“I’m very task-oriented and love problem solving,” McFarland said. “I volunteer for things that interest me, like sports, but also things that I see problems or deficiencies, many of which issues we discussed at Chamber meetings, but relevant to people with disabilities, housing, transportation/mobility and jobs.”

SEPTEMBER

 

The Best Part of Fall? Norwood Day!

Residents would agree, this town is worth celebrating; and what a celebration the Town of Norwood puts on with Norwood Day! On Sept. 7, people flock to Norwood Center and the Town Common for the biggest, best block party around!

This annual festival brings businesses, organizations, family and friends together to share information, goods, and services, but just as importantly, enjoy and applaud everything this wonderful town has to offer. The event will be held Saturday, Sept. 7, 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m., downtown Norwood, with vehicle traffic closed to accommodate the thousands of residents and visitors.

On Saturday, September 7, at 10:30 a.m., the parade will kick off the festivities at the Morrill Memorial Library with the Norwood High School (NHS) marching bands and fall sports teams proudly strutting their school colors and entertaining spectators. The parade concludes at the town gazebo where the NHS Spirit Club will award the Anne Lydon Volunteer of the Year Award. The prestigious Award recognizes and honors a Norwood resident who has gone above and beyond to help the local community.

Immediately after the parade, the spectacular street carnival begins with booths of local retail merchants, community organizations, crafters, food vendors, and much, much more sharing their goods, information, and swag! A stage at the Washington/Walpole streets intersection outside Conrad’s will stand as a periphery anchor with local bands, performers, and dance groups providing live entertainment throughout the day, while the far end of Washington St. and the town gazebo lawn will serve as the second anchor with amusement rides. But don’t forget the Town Common; even more vendors line the sidewalks! 

OCTOBER

Crafting for 30 Years!

Going into its 30th year, the Norwood’s Craft Affair is still incredibly popular with vendors and shoppers! This shouldn’t come as any surprise to local residents who have attended other Norwood events; this town always strives for spectacular!

On Saturday, Oct. 19, 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m., at Norwood High School (NHS), over 90 vendors throughout New England will showcase their items and crafting fans will fill the gymnasium for a favored fall shopping escape. 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, and gift certificates. There is also a bake sale, a complimentary kids’ craft corner, and the NHS Friendship Club will be selling their hand-painted pumpkins.

In addition to becoming one of the premier craft venues in the state, it is a very successful fundraiser for Norwood High School and local organizations. In earlier years, The Craft Affair at Norwood has yielded approximately $10,000 in profits, however, according to organizer Michele Hsu, those numbers have significantly increased. 

“Our profits have trended up, $15-18k over the past couple of years,” Hsu said. “We are still donating an average of $5000 to Post Prom each year and our team/group donations are up from the $300, but vary based on teams needs and/or their contributions to the event.  

  

NOVEMBER

Take Care Thanksgiving/Hello Holidays

Some may call it the perfect four-day weekend. The Thanksgiving holiday has a little something for everyone: football, a grand meal, time with friends and family, bargain hunting, holiday decorating, and of course, delicious leftovers! Friday is typically reserved for shopping and turkey sandwiches, and on Saturday, consumers are encouraged to support and patronize local businesses, or enjoy 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, Dec. 1 with the Norwood Holiday Tree Lighting Celebration!

In true Norwood form, each year the town hosts a free festive afternoon that has become a favorite holiday tradition. The fun-filled family event will be held on Sunday, Dec. 1, 1:30-4 p.m., on the Norwood Town Common. The celebration includes a reindeer dash, tractor-drawn hayrides, festive entertainment by the Madrigals, the Band Gig School of Music, and Kinetic Dance Studio, arts & crafts, holiday readings, face painting, a parade, and choir music. The afternoon concludes when Santa and Mrs. Clause make their dramatic entrance and light up the Norwood Town Common!

DECEMBER

Remember, Honor, Teach, This Holiday Season

This is Norwood’s seventh season participating in Wreaths Across America where holiday wreaths will be placed on local service men and women’s graves at Highland and Old Parish Cemeteries. This year’s theme is, ‘Live with Purpose.’

The event will take place on Saturday, Dec, 14, 12 noon, Highland Cemetery. Volunteers and visitors are encouraged to arrive between 11:30 and 11:45 a.m., as the minute of silence across Norwood America and islands begins at 12 noon.

This year’s event will include local veteran representatives, families sharing personal stories of loved ones, and spokespeople from support organizations.

Derek Wennerstrand will be the M/C as the Veteran’s Agent for the town of Norwood.  Cynthia Postler will ask Chris Donovan if he is available to fly over with his Apache Tomahawk like last year as that made a huge impact on the attendees.

A young gentleman (Jake Myles) who interviewed his grandfather for this event will share what he learned by listening to a story inspired by last year’s message, Take the Time to Listen.

Another youth, Zach Skutt, is speaking in honor of his grandfather who is a Vietnam War Veteran and was a Sergeant in the Security Police in the Airforce. His medals include: National Defense, Small arms expert, Outstanding Unit citation with valor, The longevity ribbon, Vietnam war Campaign medal with two bronze service stars, Republic of South Vietnam campaign medal, and Eagle feather presented by the Seneca Nation of Indians in recognition as a true warrior.

George Curtis, Jr will speak on behalf of the Norwood Historical Society (his father is the most highly decorated veteran in Highland Cemetery). 

Tom Saumweber will also speak as an Ecolab District Manager for this area and has four grandparents who are veterans.

Dave Campisano and Stacy Coyne will represent 22Mohawks, which is a non-profit organization that brings awareness to veteran suicide, creates events to bring veterans, their families, and communities together, and have a partnership with Professional Canine Services to connect disabled veterans with companions rescued from kill shelters.