The Economic Development Commission (EDC) is asking local business owners to describe their needs and how best the EDC can work with them.

The EDC has established a new committee focused on supporting local businesses. In a letter sent to the town’s businesspeople, the EDC said, “We are eager to hear more about what concerns you and your community and work together to grow businesses in Norfolk.”

With this in mind, the EDC would like to create a Business Community Committee as a forum for business leaders to discuss issues and concerns facing the business community. The EDC will host the first gathering of this forum at the Norfolk Hub Tuesday, June 27, at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the Committee’s charter and begin soliciting feedback on key projects and initiatives. 

Business owners are encouraged to attend and to come ready to talk about what they see as the most important issues businesses face. .

The EDC has previously tackled projects related to marketing and branding in Norfolk as well as initiatives that amplify the voices of key constituent groups. It has worked with town government, local associations and foundations, Yale University and other nonprofit groups to sustain and improve Norfolk. 

ESI, a firm charged with the cleanup of residual contamination from last November’s massive gas spill, is moving equipment to Maple Avenue in anticipation of starting remediation and reconstruction at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Pettibone Lane on Monday, June 19.

Maple Avenue in the area of Pettibone Lane will be closed during this work with access limited to local residents. Signs are being set up at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Laurel Way and at the intersection of Terrace View and Maple Avenue informing drivers and walkers of the road closure.

First Selectman Matt Riiska asks all to obey the signs. He also asks that walkers do not walk through the construction site.

St. Martin of Tours Parish, of which Immaculate Conception Church is part, will hold a farewell party for Fr. M. David Dawson Sunday, June 4, at noon in Klauer Hall, behind the Norfolk Church.

City Meadow is getting plenty of attention these days with two groups working for its preservation and improvement.

A “Friends of City Meadow” group is growing under the leadership of Economic Development Commission Co-Chair Libby Borden and Walter Godlewski. They are coordinating with First Selectman Matt Riiska and will be meeting with him Friday.

The Friends’ goals are to promote use of the meadow as an environmental/horticultural area and as a place to gather for music and other cultural events. This latter goal includes the newly enlarged Robertson Plaza. 

An additional focus is on the physical status of the Meadow. It is possible that work parties will be formed to assist professional horticulturalists or an invasive plant specialist to keep the Meadow functioning as a healthy wetland environment and keep it attractive and inviting. Further, the Friends hope to promote the Meadow with such attractions as a sculpture park, and to put up signage bearing information about the plants found there or about the Meadow’s history. Additional areas for seating would also be considered.

Finally, the Friends would address maintenance of boardwalks and plant restoration and raise funds to underwrite these endeavors.

The second group working for the Meadow consists of a few members of the original City Meadow Committee. Their focus is to establish a master plan for invasive control, plant placement and maintenance, wetlands and water course maintenance and the introduction of new plantings. The master plan will not only be used for Meadow maintenance and development, but will also serve as a guide for meeting the requirements of the Army Corps of Engineers, which oversees the Meadow as a wetlands area. This was a requirement when the Town accepted the funding from the State of Connecticut.

The weather is becoming balmy and the Clothes Closet in Battell Chapel needs spring and summer items to help those in need. Do not bring dress shoes with heels, men’s suits or dress pants.

The Community Drawing program returns to the second floor of the Art Barn on the Stoeckel Estate this Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until noon. Sessions will be held Saturday mornings and Thursday evenings, 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.

Come draw with local enthusiasts and Yale Norfolk School of Art students and faculty. Classes will focus on life drawing with a model. All drawing materials and paper will be provided. All levels of experience are welcome to attend.

There is an end-of-the-school-year bustle at Botelle School. The PTO will sponsor a cultural event Tuesday, May 30, at 11:00 a.m., when the Little Guild of St. Francis in Cornwall brings animals to the school to introduce students to the idea of animal adoptions.

A Back to the 90’s Dance Party is planned for Friday, June 2, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Botelle School. The $15 admission includes two slices of pizza and a drink. Other snacks will be available for purchase. A parental waiver must be signed at drop off and all drop offs and pick ups must be at the drop-off  location. Call 914-588-4672.

On Wednesday, June 7, the school will hold its field day from 9:00 a.m. until noon, an event that will be followed on Monday, June 12, by a Celebration of Learning. The school-wide event will be held from 5:00 to 7:30 p.m. and will feature displays of PIP projects made by the students, an art show in the Hall of Flags, and the spring concert. Visitors will also have an opportunity to visit with teachers.

On Thursday, June 15, the school will say thank you to all those who have supported it during the school year with an appreciation breakfast from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. Parents and volunteers are invited to come. The breakfast will be followed by a Good News Gathering, during which some students will receive recognition.

Sixth-grad promotion exercises will take place Friday, June 16, at 6:00 p.m. in the gym and the last day of school will be Monday, June 19. It will be a half day.

The Norfolk Farmers Market kicks off its 17th year on Saturday, June 3, on the Town Hall lawn, 19 Maple Ave. The hours are 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., rain or shine. Featured are locally grown produce, grass-fed meats, eggs and baked goods along with curated artisan wares and live music.  Special events, cooking demos and gardening advice will be offered throughout the season. 
For updates and contact information check the website www.norfolkfarmersmarket.org.

The ICC Mens and Women’s Clubs of St. Martin of Tours Parish are offering a scholarship for an active member of the parish who are continuing his/her education. The deadline is May 31. For more information, click here.

Yale Summer School of Art presents “Freedom to Form,” the 2023 public lecture program at the Art Barn on the Stoekel estate. All lectures start at 7:00 p.m. on the following dates:

Thursday, June 8, with Morgan Bassichis

Wednesday, June 14, with Miguel Luciano

Thursday, June 22, with Wayne Koestenbaum