Accident Recovery, Steeple Work Move Forward 

Fire Department spokesman Jon Barbagallo has given us some truly encouraging news about the continuing efforts to clean up the massive gasoline spill that occurred last weekend. Life is finally returning to normal for most residents.
For more about what’s happening, visit norfolkct.org's calendar section, your daily directory to Norfolk living. Be sure to forward this newsletter to a friend so they can sign up for a free subscription.

Cleanup Efforts make Strong Progress at End of Week 

While the impact of last Saturday’s gasoline rollover and subsequent release of 8,200 gallons of gasoline will be felt in Norfolk for a long time to come, there is a lot of positive news to share today.
The Friday night/Saturday rainfall didn’t have the negative impact that local officials feared, but rather helped in many ways.
Absorbent pads and booms are in place around the brook on Maple Avenue and have been placed downstream to collect any remaining gasoline on the water surface. Officials are inspecting them and will change them as necessary.
The backfilled material in Route 44 excavation holes held throughout the rain and the road remains fully open.
Maple Avenue will reopen but may be closed intermittently this coming week as crews continue to work and monitor the progress of the cleanup in that area.
The Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department has returned to normal operations and its mutual aid partners will not be needed for standby this week.
Burning permits are again allowed following local and state protocols. Contact the Selectmen’s Office.
Many of the detour signs, lighting equipment, foam trailers and heavy equipment is leaving. This is being done as a joint effort between the local DPW, fire department and cleanup crews.
Elementary and high school bus routes return to normal Monday. Cleanup crews will make every attempt to keep Maple Ave. open during the hours between 6:00 and 8:30 a.m. and again in the afternoon. However, as stated, it may be necessary to close the street and officials at both schools will be contacted.
An informational town meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening at 7:00 p.m. at the Hall of Flags in Botelle School. An online form is being developed for residents to fill out before the meeting with any questions. This will make the meeting as efficient as possible and allow officials to gather the proper information beforehand for you. Of course, you will be allowed to ask questions at the meeting as well.
While this report shares the many positives associated with the cleanup process, we would be remiss not to note the challenges that local and state officials still have. The interruption of normal life for some of our neighbors will continue along Route 44 and Maple Avenue for some time. Concerns for their and their families’ wellbeing is still paramount. All efforts to clean and monitor their properties are being undertaken and will continue well into the future. Concerns about future property values and the long-term health and financial effects to local businesses is something that we all want answers to, but can’t get easily or quickly due to the nature of this incident.
It certainly is not due to any “downplaying by Norfolk officials” or “milking the job for as long as possible” by cleanup companies and State of Connecticut agencies as described by several persons on the town’s social media sites.
The Town of Norfolk and its citizens have been resilient in the past and we look forward to the day when local news crews are returning to share fun stories of the “Icebox of Connecticut” and not the gasoline spill.
Residents with questions or concerns regarding any aspect of the cleanup operations are urged to call the Selectmen’s Office at 860-542-5829.

Church Steeple Update  

The “Raise the Steeple” committee has announced that community support and generous donations have allowed the steeple restoration project to move forward. More than $575,000 has been raised, about $100,000 of which was spent to lower the steeple to the ground for repairs and an additional $35,000 on engineering work. In addition to renovating the steeple, the Church of Christ plans to repair the clock face and chimes. The original estimate for repairs and refurbishment of the clock doubled but because of the generous support, the church is in a good position to complete the work.

Soon architectural and engineering plans will be complete and the project will go to bid. Once quotes are received, future expenditures will become clearer, but the Committee is confident that the work will be done with continued support.

"We do want to thank all who have contributed so much to this effort. We are lucky to be part of a community that cares so much for our church and its place in Norfolk," committee members said. "We truly appreciate donations of all sizes. Every donation helps brings us closer to our goal of raising the steeple."

Click here to visit “steeple campaign” on (norfolkucc.org) to learn more.

Firefly Fairy Coming to Great Mountain Forest 

The Firefly Fairy from the Sova Dance and Puppet Theater will come to Norfolk Saturday, November 12, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., to celebrate the changing of the seasons in the Great Mountain Forest. Miss Eileen, the Norfolk Library and Great Mountain Forest invite folks of all ages to wander through the woods and find cozy nooks to build faerie huts. A pleasant fire and warming cider will be offered at the end of the stroll by GMF staff Matt Gallagher. Magical costumes are welcome. Register for this program by calling the Norfolk Library front desk circulation 860-542-5075, ext. 2. The rain date is Nov. 19.

Foot Stompin' for Food at Battell Chapel 

Join Grant and Kristin Mudge and The Grantville Dawgs Band Saturday, November 12, 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in Battell Chapel for a dance to benefit The Norfolk Food Pantry. The suggested donation is $10 per person. Bring your own liquid refreshment and snacks, but there will also be some special chili to share. Phyllis and Nels White will be on hand to provide line dance instructions. 

Karaoke Night at the Norfolk Pub

The Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department is having its 18th annual Karaoke Night at the Norfolk Pub, 3 Station Place, on Saturday, November 12, from 8:00 to midnight. There will be door prizes and a raffle. A $10 cash donation per person is requested.

Sewer District's Past and Present to be Described 

William Hester, superintendent of the Norfolk Sewer District, will give a presentation at the Norfolk Hub Thursday, November 17, at 6:00 p.m. He will describe the history of the district and the role it plays in protecting the health of Norfolk residents, particularly efforts made in the aftermath of last week's massive gasoline spill on Route 44.  Registration required.

Continuing Programs 

-Tai Chi,  Fridays from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m., Battell Chapel

-Mindfulness Series, via Zoom, Fridays, 9:15-10:15 a.m., Norfolk Library

-Alcoholics Anonymous, Sundays from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m., Battell Chapel

-Outer Order, Inner Calm,  via Zoom, Mondays, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. Norfolk Library

-Tai Chi Practice (for beginners), Mondays and Wednesdays, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m., Battell Chapel

-Yoga for Seniors, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:45 to 9:45 a.m., Battell Chapel

-Discussion Group, Wednesday, 7:00 to 8:30 p.m., Battell Chapel

-A.A. for Women, Wednesdays 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Battell Chapel

Municipal Meetings 

Municipal meetings this week are the Conservation Commission, Monday, 6:00 p.m., via Zoom, Board of Education special meeting, 6:00 p.m., Wednesday. Things change, so it is always wise to  check here before you go.

And Coming Up Next ...

Infinity Hall ill light up again November 18 when Celtica Nova takes to the stage. Books & Boots will discuss "Sermons in Stone" and there will be a Red Cross Blood Mobile. The City Meadow Committee will meet. Visit the town website's calendar for all the other events planned. And be sure to visit Weekend in Norfolk's YouTube channel where you'll find tours, music, art, kids' activities and a lot more.

For municipal meeting dates and other information, click here.
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