We won't do a special edition tonight; rather we will fold the continuing updates on efforts to mitigate environmental damage from by last week's massive gasoline spill into our regular newsletter. The news about the recovery is reassuring to date, but today we have some genuinely joyful news to share. Generous donations have pushed the restoration project for the Church of Christ Congregational's historic steeple forward. It may soon go out to bid!
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.

Patience Urged with Cleanup Efforts   

An announcement is expected Friday with details about an informational town meeting to be scheduled for early next week. 

Norfolk Fire Department and Emergency Management spokesman Jon Barbagallro said that the concerns of people directly affected by the accidental spill of 8,200 gallons of gasoline on Route 44 last Saturday have been heard and every state and local asset available is being used to end the disruption as soon as possible. 

"But that cannot happen in a disorganized or haphazard manner," he said. "The cleanup methods being used are proven, but take time. Yes, answers are sometimes slow in coming but not due to any malfeasance or intent. We ask for your patience and understanding in that this accident is unprecedented in its scope and size."

"State officials have said this situation is being carefully reviewed at the highest levels of government and we are confident that we are being given every resource currently available to us," he continued.

CT DEEP, Verdantas Environmental, and Environmental Services, Inc., continued their work in town Thursday, with assistance from the Torrington Fire Department, Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department, Riverton Fire Department, Norfolk Public Works, Norfolk Sewer District staff, the Emergency Operations Center staff and Connecticut's West Incident Management Team. 

Activity Thursday centered around preparing for rain Friday and Saturday. According to the National Weather Service, Norfolk will receive between 1.5 and 1.75 inches of rain before the storm is over. Some precipitation will help the cleanup, but too much will cause issues with containment.  

Officials remain optimistic that Route 44 can be reopened by late Friday, but this could change depending on the severity of the storm. The DOT is working closely with the DEEP in getting this accomplished as soon as possible. Initial soil excavation at the crash site is complete and the hole filled in. But further testing revealed more contamination and more soil was removed from adjacent areas. This is expected to be completed tomorrow and will be a deciding factor as to when Route 44 will reopen. 

Based on soil testing, the area of Maple Avenue, Pettibone Lane and the brook bordering Manor House continue to be the largest area of concern. Ground monitors show gasoline underground and emptying into the brook. A substantial amount of equipment and effort were centered around removing rock, soil and sand from the upper portion of the brook today before heavy rains have the chance to move it downhill. 

The fire departments on scene supported operations by metering local homes for unhealthy air quality. One residence is the focus of concern at this time with other local homes and facilities being clear. Norfolk has been loaned five electric sump pumps by its mutual aid partners to supplement local equipment in case of flooded basements over the weekend.  

The Connecticut Department of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (DEMHS) assigned a GIS mapping expert to Norfolk's emergency and she provided the town with maps, greatly enhancing the town's ability to share information with others and vice versa. 

Moving forward, officials hope for a clearer picture after the rain of when the town can move past the emergency phase to remediation. Crews will actively monitor the test sites this weekend, measuring contamination levels and developing plans for next week based on data received.

If Norfolk residents have questions or concerns, they 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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