Emergency to Reclamation

Next week we celebrate Thanksgiving and despite the drama of the last two weeks, Norfolk has much to be grateful for. A Department of Energy and Environmental Protection representative told a town meeting Tuesday night that despite the environmental perils posed by the massive gas spill on November 5, most such accidents result in an explosion--a catastrophe the town escaped. So, let us all be thankful and embrace the spirit of the season. Here is a brief recap of what townspeople learned in the town meeting and, on a happier note, a look at what is on the town's calendar for the coming week.
For more about what’s happening, visit norfolkct.org's calendar section, your daily directory to Norfolk living. Help pread the word--forward this newsletter to a friend so they can sign up for a free subscription.

Cleanup Efforts Could Go on for a Year  

Residents learned at Tuesday night's town meeting that the emergency phase is coming to an end following the massive gas spill. While some residents on Route 44 and Maple Avenue still suffer the results of the spill, much of the town has returned to normal. But that does not mean the work is done. DEEP officials and representatives of the firms hired to remediate the damage predicted that cleanup efforts will continue for months, if not a year.
They are monitoring the movement of the gas as it makes its way along paths of least resistance to try to ensure it does not enter waterways. At the same time they are trying to assess how much gas was captured in the 53 containers of earth removed and the 75,000 gallons of water syphoned off.
Residents expressed well-founded concerns about the future of the properties that received the brunt of the spill and about their own health hazards. They were told that the agencies would work with them to mitigate the effects.There are currently 31 monitoring wells and more will be installed. Absorbent pads are in place to catch additional runoff.

Turkeys Needed for Thanksgiving Baskets 

The Norfolk NET Food Pantry is preparing for its annual Thanksgiving largesse when boxes containing items needed for a holiday meal are given to those in need. Donations of cash or direct contributions of turkeys, stuffing, potatoes, vegetables, pies and the like are sought to be distributed on Monday. To sign up to donate a turkey, click here or call 860-309-1443. Turkeys must be delivered to Battell Chapel on Sunday between 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Cash or checks (made out to Church of Christ, with a memo note "Thanksgiving Meal Baskets," can be delivered to the Church of Christ office during regular office hours. Those wishing to make an online gift can click here.

Bloodmobile is Monday 

There will be a Red Cross Bloodmobile Monday, November 21, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., at Battell Chapel, 12 Litchfield Road. The bloodmobile will be sponsored by the Church of Christ and the Lions Club. To schedule an appointment, call 800-733-2767 or email RedCrossBlood.org. Walk-ins are welcome. Download the the Red Cross app.

Sockin' It to the Cold 

Botelle School is gathering socks to fight the cold for those in need. Donations, large and small, are being displayed on a line in the school office before distribution. Donations may be left in the main office.

Music Series Features Local Singers 

The Norfolk Library is beginning a music series featuring local musicians. First up on Saturday, 5:00 to 6:00 p.m., are Jeremy Koch and Rob Segal. Koch, who plays fingerstyle guitar, has been an instrumentalist, singer and songwriter for 60 years. Segal is also a lifelong musician, playing guitar, banjo and dobro. Koch and Segal have collaborated musically for five years. Their repertoire is a combination of traditional American folk music, contemporary Americana, and original compositions. Register here.

Boots & Books to Discuss "Sermons in Stone"  

The Books & Boots series of discussions continues Sunday at 2:00 p.m. at Bald Mountain with "Sermons in Stone: The Stone Walls of New England & New York" by Susan Allport. The group will hike Bald Mountain to discuss it under the leadership of Hartley Mead. All hiking abilities welcome. There is no rain date. Cancellation will be posted on the Norfolk Library website and social media by noon on November 20.  This program is in partnership with the Norfolk Land Trust.. Register here.

Bloodmobile is Monday 

There will be a Red Cross Bloodmobile Monday, November 21, from 1:00 to 6:00 p.m., at Battell Chapel, 12 Litchfield Road. The bloodmobile will be sponsored by the Church of Christ and the Lions Club. To schedule an appointment, call 800-733-2767 or email RedCrossBlood.org. Walk-ins are welcome. Download the the Red Cross app.

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 

There are no municipal meetings next week.

And Coming Up Next ...
Pulling out our crystal ball, we see a teen game night at the library, a performance at Infinity Hall and, perhaps most fun of all, the kick-off to the Christmas season with a town tree lighting and carol sing. 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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