Upcoming Events in Norwell

February 29, 2012 By George Jamieson

Start March with These Events in Norwell

March is right around the corner, and there are some great events in Norwell in the next few weeks. Here’s a look at events in Norwell and happenings in the community:

Events in Norwell: Brownie Troop Hosting a Blood Drive at NFD

Among events in Norwell this weekend is a Brigham and Women’s blood drive hosted by the Norwell Brownie Troop 73532 and the Norwell Fire Department. The blood drive will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, March 3 at Norwell Fire Department, 300 Washington St. Support the Brownies, give blood, and have the perfect excuse to pick up a box of Girl Scout Cookies. Cookies will be available for sale by members of the Brownie troop, and all who donate blood will receive a long-sleeve “Kiss Me I’m a Blood Donor” St. Patrick’s Day T-shirt. Those interested in giving blood must bring a photo ID, drink extra water, eat before donating, be in good health, weigh at least 110 pounds. and be at least 17 years of age.For appointments, call Norwell Fire Department at 781-659-8156. For eligibility information, call BWH Blood Donor Center at 617-732-6620 or visit the website at blooddonor@partners.org.

Events in Norwell: Call for Nominations for Norwell Citizen of the Year

Who will be the Citizen of the Year in Norwell for 2012? The Norwell Chamber of Commerce is currently accepting nominations for the 2012 Citizen of the Year. The group bestows this honor on one Norwell resident each year, and the Chamber invites nominations based on the following qualities.

A track record of volunteerism and public service to the Town of Norwell and its citizens.
Made a positive difference to the lives of fellow citizens.
Dedicated to the town and concern for others.
A person who over the years has shown a willingness to work with other town residents and who is enthusiastic about the town and its citizens.
Has qualities of honesty and integrity.

Nominations are being accepted online at the Chamber website and by mail by sending the nomination to Norwell Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 322, Norwell, MA. 02061. Include with the nomination the reasons why this person should be the 2012 Citizen of the Year. All nominations must be received by March 30. The Citizen of the Year will be named in April and honored at a celebratory dinner at The Barker Tavern on Thursday, May 17, 2012.

Events in Norwell: The South Shore Science Center

The days are getting longer and spring is getting closer, and you can hear it in the air at the South Shore Natural Science Center. The SSNSC is hosting a presentation titled, “Why Birds Sing” that explains what all the chirping is about this time of year. By around January 14 birds have started their seasonal sounds, and by April 1 the spring migrants begin arriving. Learn the calls for common birds and what the sounds mean. “Why Birds Sing” takes place Saturday, March 24, 2012 from 1:00 to 2:30 p.m. Visit the SSNSC online for more information.

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Medical Center Coming to Longwater Drive in Norwell

February 20, 2012 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Rendering by Steffian Bradley Architects. Composite of proposed Longwater Place, a medical complex on Longwater Drive in Norwell, MA

Old WearGuard Building To Be Converted Into Medical Center

The former WearGuard plant at 141 Longwater Drive in Norwell has sat vacant for two years, but now the sprawling site is set to be transformed into a medical campus to serve patients on the South Shore. Foxrock Properties, a Quincy developer that bought the building and acreage for $12.5 million, won town approval last week and will soon be converting half of the 175,000-square-foot warehouse to medical offices. In addition, the developer will build an 80,000-square-foot satellite building for the expanding South Shore Medical Center.

Medical Center on Longwater Drive

The old WearGuard warehouse will be renovated this summer, with groundbreaking on the new building in about a year. The new medical center, which will be named “Longwater Place,” will have a new look, with plans to significantly alter the appearance of the former uniform company’s plant. The new medical center will be accessible by Longwater Drive, located off of High Street in Norwell. Norwell has maintained strict zoning rules in this area with the satellite building expected to be a two-story facility.

Multiple Practices to Occupy New Medical Center

“Longwater Place,” the new medical center on Longwater Drive will house several medical practices including South Shore Medical Center, which plans on expanding its space in the satellite building to be constructed next to the former warehouse. While South Shore Medical Center plans on keeping the Norwell office on Route 53, the new facility will include 60 physicians, a full-service lab, diagnostic radiography and ultrasound services.

Office Space in Longwater Medical Center

A 90,000-square-foot office building also located at the medical center will serve as office space to new tenants as well as current businesses including TriCore Solutions, Thorbahn, and Onpoint Financial Corp. The developer expects that businesses and companies in the health care industry will be interested in space in the new medical center because of its prominent brand and proximity to other medical practices.

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Norwell Schools To Offer Full-Day Kindergarten

February 10, 2012 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Norwell Schools is Piloting Full-Day Kindergarten Next Year

Norwell Schools has announced plans to pilot one section of full-day kindergarten at the Cole and Vinal Elementary Schools during the 2012-2013 school year. Norwell Schools currently offers half-day kindergarten to children in Norwell. There are limited spots available for the full-day program so Norwell Schools will be choosing students based on a lottery system.

Norwell Schools Full-Day Kindergarten

Norwell Schools will be charging a fee for the full-day kindergarten program. The tuition is estimated to be $5,700, or one-half of the total per-pupil expenditure from the 2011 fiscal year. Those interested in the full-day kindergarten program through Norwell Schools are invited to register online for the lottery or by phone by calling Ms. Tricia White at the Norwell Public Schools Central Administration Office at 781-659-8800. Lottery registration closes on Friday, March 9, 2012 with the drawing to be announced at a later date.

Norwell Schools Info Sessions for Full-Day Kindergarten

Norwell Schools will be hosting informational presentations about the program and process onTuesday, February 28, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. in the Cole School Library and at 6:30 p.m. in the Vinal School Library. The sessions will be led by Norwell Schools administrators and teachers who will answer questions and explain more details about the program. Norwell residents are invited to attend either session regardless of which school their child will attend.

Norwell Schools Half-Day Kindergarten Registration Starts in March

Norwell Schools will also be taking registrations in March for half-day kindergarten at the Vinal School and the Cole School for the 2012-2013 school year. Parents with the last name beginning with letters A-K are asked to visit the school to register on March 6 between the hours of 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Parents with the last name beginning with letters L-Z are asked to visit the school to register on March 7 between the hours of 9:30 and 11:30 a.m.

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Time for Registration for Spring Sports in Norwell

February 1, 2012 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Sign Ups for Registration for Spring Sports in Norwell is Underway

The warm weather is coming, and one more indication of that is the looming deadline for registration for spring sports in Norwell. Spring sports such as youth soccer, youth football, little league baseball, lacrosse and softball are conducting 2012 sign ups now. Before we know it Osborne Field, East Field, Pine Street, and fields all over town will be covered with kids and spectators as Norwell youth sports kick off the spring season. These sports are very popular in Norwell, so now is the time to start registration for spring sports in Norwell.

Registration for Spring Sports in Norwell: Youth Soccer

Among registration for spring sports in Norwell is Youth Soccer. This sport has been huge with the majority of young kids in Norwell as it offers a nice introduction to the rules, development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. Open to boys and girls in kindergarten through grade 8, younger registrants should be all set if they played in the fall since that registration covers both the fall and spring season. However, starting in grade 3 the Norwell spring season is travel soccer. Registration for Norwell’s spring travel soccer is currently open.

Registration for Spring Sports in Norwell: Lacrosse

Lacrosse has grown in popularity over the last decade across the South Shore, and is a much-anticipated registration for spring sports in Norwell. Open to Norwell boys and girls as young as kindergarten age, Norwell Lacrosse is gearing up with first practice schedules beginning in March. Registration for Norwell Lacrosse is currently open.

Registration for Spring Sports in Norwell: Little League

Baseball is the nation’s favorite pasttime, and the love for the game is alive in Norwell. Open to children in town as young as kindergarten age, Norwell Little League registration for spring sports in Norwell is a seasonal tradition. Offering instructional baseball through Babe Ruth level, Norwell Little League provides the opportunity to learn the game while introducing the concept of team and sportsmanship to the kids. Registration for Norwell Little League is currently open.

Registration for Spring Sports in Norwell: Girls Softball

A member of the Amateur Softball Association of America, Norwell Girls Softball is popular among girls in kindergarten through grade 8 in Norwell. With an emphasis on teamwork, skills, development, and having a good time, Norwell Girls Softball is a great opportunity to learn the game. Registration for Norwell Girls Softball is currently open.

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Homes in Marshfield: From Pilgrims to Patriots

January 27, 2012 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

The Old Winslow House in Marshfield, MA

Homes in Marshfield, MA and Their Ties to the Revolution

Many homes in Marshfield, MA have a story to tell, from the times of the Pilgrims to the days of the Revolution. Today, as many South Shore residents discuss the New England Patriots and the upcoming Super Bowl, some historical homes in Marshfield are a reminder of the town’s legacy with the Patriots of the American Revolution.

Marshfield’s Mark on History

With a history that extends back to the early settlement of Pilgrims the town’s past is reflected in several of the homes in Marshfield as well as the historic churches, structures and cemeteries. Even the beloved town spots such as Green Harbor echo the past when the port was named for William Green, an early settler who introduced commercial fishing to Marshfield. The town’s place in history also includes a period at the dawn of the American Revolution when homes in Marshfield were heavily occuppied by British Loyalists.

The Battle of Marshfield & Invasion of Homes in Marshfield

In the days leading up to the American Revolution, the South Shore town had a strong Loyalist contingency with many residents siding with the British, opening their homes in Marshfield in support of English soldiers. One day after the first shots at Lexington, Marshfield was nearly the site of a battle as Patriots from surrounding communities circled the largely crown-loyal town. As Minutemen and Patriots waited a day for more troops to arrive, Loyalists quietly evacuated homes in Marshfield and fled on British ships docked at Brant Rock. Dr. Isaac Winslow’s home, which still stands as the Old Winslow House, was the epicenter for British soldier activity and meetings. The historic home is built on land passed down from the governor of Plymouth Colony and respected leader, Edward Winslow.

However, not everyone in town favored British rule, a small group of Marshfield residents were Patriots, even partaking in a tea party days after the Boston act of rebellion. In support of the Boston Tea Party, a group gathered at midnight on December 19, 1773, stealing tea from the old Ordinary, a tavern located in the building which still stands today at 2000 Ocean Street at the corner of Moraine Street in Marshfield. The Marshfield Patriots burnt the tea in a ceremony on a large rock at the site of what’s now known as “Tea Rock Hill.”

Homes in Marshfield Today

With its beautiful beaches and quaint historic villages, Marshfield continues to attract home buyers and vacationers. Home buyers can expect homes in Marshfield to offer a mix of old and new, with many antique cape-style and colonial homes, as well as new construction colonials and emerging neighborhoods. Search homes for sale in Marshfield now.

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Snow Arrives in Norwell

January 20, 2012 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

It finally looks like winter in Norwell. Residents woke up to a few inches of snow today. And there’s more to come this weekend! This is what a snow-covered Norwell Common looked like this morning.

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The Story Behind Old Oaken Bucket in Scituate

January 17, 2012 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Art by Currier & Ives

Old Oaken Bucket Rooted in Woodworth’s Memory of Scituate

It’s the winding road that quietly connects Scituate and Norwell, but the residential road has been dubbed and immortalized by the poem of Scituate native, Samuel Woordworth. The Scituate Mariner recently ran an interesting article about the origins of Old Oacken Bucket Road, the inspiration for Woodworth’s poem, “The Old Oaken Bucket.”

The History of “The Old Oaken Bucket”

Woodworth, who lived from the late 1700s to the early 1800s, penned his famous poem while living in New York. From the lines of the poem he longed for the familiar landscape of his childhood home. Though he was 19 when he moved to the homestead that sits at 47 Old Oaken Bucket Road, the bog and scenery left an impression with the poet. The home is on the National Register of Historic Places, with its well and original structure visible to passerbys. The poem has had significance to Scituate and Norwell, both of which named the road after Woodworth’s poem. In addition, Scituate made their native son’s poem into their official town song.

The First Stanza of “The Old Oaken Bucket”

How dear to this heart are the scenes of my childhood,

When fond recollection present them to view!

The orchard, the meadow, the deep-tangled wild-wood,

And every loved spot which my infancy knew!

The wide-spreading pond, and the mill that stood by it,

The bridge, and the rock where the cataract fell,

The cot of my father, the dairy-house nigh it,

And E’en the rude bucket that hung in the well-

The old oaken bucket, the iron-bound bucket,

The moss-covered bucket which hung in the well.

Homes on Old Oaken Bucket

Real estate on Old Oaken Bucket is popular with home buyers. The proximity to Vinal Elementary School in Norwell, the diverse range of properties, and the historic charm of these South Shore homes as chronicled in Woodworth’s writing, attract buyers to the Norwell and Scituate sides of Old Oaken Bucket. Buyers can choose from quaint antique farmhouses and capes, sprawling ranch-style homes as well as newer, larger colonials that have popped up over the last decade or so. Summer Street and Mount Blue in Norwell both intersect with Old Oaken Bucket, and offer rows of properties adorned with big trees and attractive landscapes. It’s an area popular with buyers for its curb appeal, nice lots and great public school. See what’s currently on the real estate market by searching home listings in Norwell and Scituate.

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Norwell High School Screening of “Race To Nowhere”

January 11, 2012 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Norwell High to Screen Critically-Acclaimed Documentary

Norwell High is presenting “Race to Nowhere,” a documentary profiling the high-pressure culture in school’s and among children across the country. The free screening is being offered Thursday, January 12, 2012 at 7 p.m. in the Norwell High School auditorium. It’s a must-see for every parent, teacher, and school adminstrator.

“Race to Nowhere”

“Race to Nowhere” by Vicki Abeles is a candid look at the “silent epidemic in our schools: cheating has become commonplace; students are disengaged; stress-related illness and depression are rampant; and many young people arrive at college and the workplace unprepared and uninspired.” The filmmaker, a concerned mother, hopes that the documentary raises questions about what parents and administrators can do to change this culture, and is a “call to action for families, educators, and policy makers to challenge current assumptions on how to best prepare the youth of America to become healthy, bright, contributing and leading citizens.”

Tickets to the Norwell Screening of RTN

Admission is free of charge, but seats can be reserved by going to rtnnorwellhs.eventbrite.com and printing a ticket. Please bring this ticket the night of the screening. The screening will be followed by an opportunity to informally discuss aspects of the film with Norwell Public Schools counselors and administrators. For more information on the film, please visit www.racetonowhere.com.

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Wildcat Lane Closed in Norwell

December 12, 2011 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Road Construction on Wildcat This Week

Wildcat Lane in Norwell is closed to vehicles on Monday, December 12 and Tuesday, December 13 from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The highway department is working on emergency culvert repairs which they’ve estimated will take about two days.

Access for Norwell Residents

Residents, school buses, emergency vehicles and contractor vehicles will be able to travel Wildcat Lane from Pine Street to Centennial Way or Pleasant Street to house #259 Wildcat Lane in order to access individual homes. Vehicles are asked to turn around in the vicinity of Centennial Way, and expect some delays as the crews complete the work. For more information visit the town of Norwell web site.

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Matt Keegan Named Superintendent for Norwell School District

December 9, 2011 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Assistant Superintendent for Norwell Lands Top Spot in Candidate Search

The new superintendent for Norwell Public Schools is a familiar face. Matt Keegan, the current assistant superintendent for the Norwell School District, has accepted the position as the new superintendent after a unanimous vote by the Norwell School Committee.

The Norwell Superintendent Search

The current superintendent for Norwell School District, Dr. Donald Beaudette announced that he would be retiring from the position in January 2012. The selection of Keegan for the position comes after an extensive search that included interviews of four finalists last week. Keegan and three other candidates were interviewed in a public forum by the Norwell School Committee. According to the committee, deliberation following the interviews focused on candidate experience, matching criteria from focus groups with candidates, and answers to interview questions. Keegan’s extensive experience in high school settings and high performing districts were distinguishing factors that ultimately led to his hiring. The Norwell School Committee announced their decision at their December 5 meeting.

Keegan’s Experience

Matt Keegan began his career teaching at Culver Academies, a military boarding school in Indiana. He attended the Master’s program at Simmons College, and was hired as an English teacher at Newton North High School where he was an assistant housemaster and MCAS coordinator. After nine years at Newton North High School, he left in 2006 to take the position of Norwell High School principal in 2006. In November 2010 Keegan started an internship in Norwell Schools’ central office, working closely with Dr. Beaudette. By July 1 he had taken the position of assistant superintendent and interviewed replacements for his former position as high school principal.

New Leadership for Norwell Schools

As a former principal in Norwell and assistant superintendent in the central office, Keegan is well-versed in the challenges and strengths of the school system, and is particulary concerned with curriculum, technology, and budget issues. It’s the start of a new chapter in Norwell Schools as Keegan steps up as superintendent in 2012.

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