The need for donations continues. The Rev. Erik Olsen said donations to the Food Pantry increased after recent appeals, but so has the demand for assistance. He stressed that the Food Pantry, while located in Battell Chapel, is sponsored by Norfolk NET and serves the whole community. The Pantry needs donations in all categories–monetary, food, cleaning items and personal hygiene. Donation checks can be made to The Church of Christ and mailed to: PO Box 582, Norfolk, CT 06058. Non-perishable food items can be left in the blue bin at the back of Battell Chapel.
Author: kathrynwboughton@gmail.com
Textile Recycling
Recycle those old towels and sweatshirts, and save Norfolk money! The transfer station is accepting textiles for recycling instead of shipping them elsewhere. Baystate Textiles has placed bins next to the trailers for appliances and electronics and is taking a wide range of clothing and bedding. Click here for details on what they accept. Remember that clothing in good condition is welcomed by the Church of Christ Clothes Closet, a companion to its Food Pantry.
Winter Weekend in Norfolk Celebration Starts Saturday
Weekend in Norfolk returns this weekend with a two-day celebration of all things that make Norfolk special. There will be two days full of music, art, outdoor activities such as wildlife and photography walks, curling, a bonfire and skating on the town pond, activities, lectures,
GMF Executive Director Takes New Post
Tamara Muruetagoiena, executive director of Great Mountain Forest, Inc., has been appointed Director of Sustainability at the International Fresh Produce Association located in Newark, Del. She joined GMF in 2019 to help the organization advance new forest management plans that recognize the ecological and economic benefits of forests. GMF manages one of the larger, private forests in southern New England. The Board of Trustees will be announcing a leadership plan shortly.
Hub Expands Hours
The Hub will expand its operating hours, effective April 4. It will now be open Monday-Thursday, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m.; Friday, 10:00 a.m.-4: p.m. (June 1-Sept. 1, 9:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Check for Saturday pop-up hours and activities. Sunday, closed. Click here for list of programs/events – held in person & virtually. Members with before/after hours access see use availability here.
Fire Department Offers Info on Knox Boxes
The Norfolk Fire Department is offering information on the Knox Box, a device that offers an additional level of security for those with older parents who are not perfectly mobile or persons who live aIone. The Knox Box allows easy access for first responders and tracks who uses the key. The fire department has product specifications and information about cost by emailing Norfolkfirect@gmail.com.
Schools Plan Records Destruction
In keeping with state and federal regulations on records retention and disposal, school officials plan to destroy records of Special Education and 504 students who left or graduated from Regional School District No. 7 or Botelle School in Norfolk on or before June 30, 2016 or who were born before July 1, 1998. These records could be needed for Social Security benefits or other purposes. Anyone wishing to review his/her records or to obtain the originals may do so by calling Quentin Rueckert, director of Shared Services, at 860-379-8583 before June 15. For more information, click here.
Need a Ride?
Rides Available for Shopping, Medical Appointments
Transportation in Northwest Connecticut can be difficult if you don’t drive, but there are three options available for public transport to doctor’s appointments, shopping and picking up prescriptions. The Norfolk van runs Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with Friday designated for shopping in Torrington; call 860-542-5829. Geer Village Dial-a-Ride is available weekdays from 8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m; call 860-824-7067. Finally, Northwestern CT Transit operates Wednesday for local rides to Torrington and Winsted; call 860-489-2535. Its Ritz Program is available for longer distances, such as Hartford Hospital, UConn Medical, Yale-New Haven and the Greater WaterburyArea. At least 24 hours advance notice is required for the Norfolk van and Geer, and 48 hours for Northwestern CT Transit.
Church Seeks Funds to Restore Steeple
Efforts are accelerating to restore the Church of Christ Congregational steeple. The Steeple Restoration Committee has selected one of three plans presented by GNCB Consulting Engineers and Noyes Vogt Architects and fundraising efforts are beginning in earnest. To date, one-third of the approximately $400,000 needed for restoration has been pledged. To donate toward the restoration, click here.
Food drive at church
Immaculate Conception Church is participating in a St. Martin of Tours Parish food drive during the six weeks of Lent. Donations of non-perishable items may be left in a box provided at the church. The food will be distributed through the Norfolk Food Pantry.