Ways to Give in Norwell During the Holiday Season

December 8, 2011 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

The Spirit of Giving in Norwell

There is joy in giving, and if you’re looking for ways to help out local neighbors this holiday season, there are several organizations in Norwell gratefully accepting donations and volunteerism over the next few weeks. It’s a wonderful opportunity to make someone’s holiday a little brighter.

Norwell Fire Department and Toys for Tots

The Norwell Fire Fighters Local #2700, in cooperation with The United States Marine Corps Reserve, is conducting its annual Toys For Tots drive through Monday, Dec. 19 at noon. All toys must be new and unwrapped.

Toys can be dropped off at Norwell Fire Headquarters, 300 Washington St. and at Norwell Central Fire Station, 677 Main St. in Norwell Center. If you need more information on the drive, contact the station at 781-659-8158. Norwell Fire Fighters, Local #2700 and The United States Marine Corps Reserve thank the community for its continued support and generosity.

Adopt A Family Through The Norwell Food Pantry

The Norwell Food Pantry is currently running its annual Holiday Adopt A Family Program. Last year the food pantry was able to give presents to more than 250 people due to the generosity of the Norwell community. If you are interested in helping out this year, e-mail norwellfp@aol.com and indicate how many people you would like to adopt or if you would like a full family. Specify the size of the family you would like to adopt. A small family is around three people; medium family is around five people; and large family is six people or more.

For those who’d rather make a general contribution, gift card donations such as Target, Wal-Mart, gas card, Shaws, Stop & Shop, Hanover Mall, and others are useful and appreciated. All gifts need to be wrapped and labeled and dropped off at the Food Pantry at Town Hall on Dec. 13 between 9:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.. If you have questions, contact the Adopt a Family Program at norwellfp@aol.com or by calling (781) 690-5050.

Annual Christmas Dinner at Church Hill United Methodist Church

The Church Hill United Methodist Church at 11 Church St., Norwell extends an invitation to its annual Christmas Day Dinner to the South Shore Community. This dinner is for any individual, couple or family, including children, who would otherwise be alone on this special holiday. The dinner is free.

Refreshments will be served in the Fellowship Hall at noon. A traditional turkey meal will be served at 12:30 p.m. All facilities are handicap accessible. Reservations for dinner may be made by calling Melissa in the church office at (781) 826-4763. Transportation will be provided if needed. All are welcome.

Volunteers are needed to prepare and serve the dinner. Call (781) 826-4763 or email chumcNorwell@verizon.net if you are able to help on Christmas Day. You do not need to be a resident of Norwell to attend.

Filed Under: Around Town, Events, Norwell, People, South Shore News Tagged With: Adopt a Family, Capital Residential, children, Christmas, Christmas Dinner, Church Hill United Methodist Church, donate, george jamieson, gift, gift cards, giving, help, holiday, Norwell, Norwell Food Pantry, real estate, realtor, south shore, Toys for Tots, volunteer

Meeting to Discuss Affordable Housing in Norwell

December 6, 2011 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Selectmen and Boards Tackle Norwell’s Housing Plan

There is a lot of room for debate when it come to housing development and 40B in Norwell, and Wednesday evening residents are invited to participate in a meeting about it with the Norwell Planning Board and Affordable Housing Partnership. Housing Consultant, Karen Sonnarborg will weigh in on the discussion on Wednesday, December 7, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. in the Osborn Room.

Proposed Housing Production Plan for Norwell

Those attending the meeting will be reviewing and discussing the proposed, and nearly complete, Housing Production Plan. The document is lengthy, but worth a read. It includes some interesting and informative data about population growth, age demographics, and the trends over the last few decades in Norwell. With low inventory and high pricing, the town has a challenge to provide adequate, affordable housing. The proposed Housing Production Plan follows Norwell’s Master Plan of 2005 which aims to establish “a proactive affordable housing policy, Norwell can shape affordable housing to fit its own needs for more diversity in housing types and affordability, while still complementing the town’s traditional development patterns and meeting state goals.”

State Regulations

There are several benefits to Norwell producing and adopting an approved Housing Production Plan. State regulations under Chapter 40B offer communities greater local control over affordable housing development. By obtaining Housing Plan approval and certification from the state, Norwell would be able to deny unwanted 40B applications for one or two years, depending on the number of units produced by the towns. Submission and certification is also an important first step in allowing Norwell to craft the type of affordable housing most in keeping with the town’s character and needs.

Norwell Residents Invited To Comment

The Boards welcome Norwell residents to review the posted plan and materials, and attend the meeting with comments and questions. Norwell’s plan for affordable housing is complex and challenging, and residential participation is needed to find a solution to these housing issues. Residents who would like to participate, but cannot attend, may forward comments on affordable housing in Norwell to Bruce Burgess at brucenma@mac.com or Gregg McBride at Gmcbride@townofnorwell.net.

Filed Under: Around Town, Events, Local Government, Norwell, South Shore News Tagged With: 40B, affordable, Board of Selectmen, buy, Capital Residential, data, demographic, development, george jamieson, growth, housing, Housing Production Plan, inventory, listings, market, master plan, meeting, moving, Norwell, Norwell Planning Board, plan, population, real estate, report, residents, search, sell, state regulation, strategy, town

Photos of Norwell Tree Lighting

December 5, 2011 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Norwell VNA and Norwell Men’s Club Host Festive Tree Lighting

Congratulations and thank you to the Norwell VNA & Hospice and the Norwell Men’s Club for making yesterday’s Holiday on the Norwell Common a real delight. The Cushing Center was filled with the beautiful holiday music of the St. Mary’s Contemporary Choir and James Library Studio Chorus as Norwell residents enjoyed the festive occassion. The Norwell Garden Club sold fresh green arrangements and wreaths to adorn homes for the holiday. And, of course, Santa posed for pictures with children who waited patiently in a line that extended the length of the Cushing Center. After 4:00 p.m., Norwell residents gathered in town common for the lighting of the Christmas tree. Here are some photos of the event:

Filed Under: Around Town, Events, Norwell, Notable Facts, Photo Gallery, South Shore News Tagged With: buy, Capital Residential, common, Cushing Center, Garden Club, george jamieson, holiday, home, house, lighting, listings, Norwell, Norwell Mens Club, photos, real estate, realtor, residents, search, sell, tree, VNA

Annual Tree Lighting in Norwell Center

December 1, 2011 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Norwell to Celebrate Holidays on the Common

It will be a little brighter in Norwell Center this weekend! The Tree Lighting Ceremony will kick off the holiday season in Norwell, illuminating the trees in town common for the next few weeks. Join the festivities on Sunday, December 4, 2011 starting at 2:00 p.m. on the Norwell Common.

Holidays on Norwell Common

The celebration begins at 2:00 p.m., followed by Santa’s arrival at 2:30 p.m., and the tree lighting at 4:00 p.m. Along with the opportunity to have your photo taken with Santa, there will also be a musical program at the Cushing Center with St. Mary’s Contemporary Choir and the James Library Studio Choras. The holiday cheer is sponsored by the Friends of Norwell Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice as well as the Norwell Men’s Club.

Ornaments, Greenery, and a Ride with Santa through Norwell

Ornaments in remembrance of loved ones may be purchased for $15 from the Friends of NVNA & Hospice. The ornaments will be displayed on a traditional holiday tree on Norwell Common. In addition, the Norwell Garden Club will be selling other ornaments and holiday greens. No celebration is complete without Santa, and 10 lucky children will be randomly selected to ride into town with Santa on an antique firetruck. It should be a great afternoon in Norwell Common and a fantastic way for families and neighbors to enjoy the spirit of the holidays.

Filed Under: Around Town, Business, Events, Norwell, South Shore News Tagged With: buy, Capital Residential, center, common, condition, Cushing, firetruck, Friends, george jamieson, greenery, holiday, home, Hospice, house, James Library Studio Chorus, lighting, listing, market, music, Norwell, Norwell Mens Club, ornaments, pictures, property, real estate, realtor, report, resident, ride, Santa, search, sell, St Mary's Contemporary Choir, tree, Visting Nurse Association, VNA

Public Interviews to Start for Norwell Schools Superintendent

November 29, 2011 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Norwell Narrows Pool for Superintendent Position

Norwell‘s Superintendent Screening Committee has finalized a list of four candidates for the position of Norwell Schools Superintendent. Dr. Donald Beaudette will be vacating the job after the new year. The search for a new superintendent in Norwell began a few months back with the next step being a public interview process.

Filling the Position of Norwell School Superintendent

The Superintendent Screening Committee met several times over the last three weeks to review applications and interview candidates for the position of Superintendent of Norwell Schools. The Committee received 21 completed applications for the position, with nearly one half of the applicants being experienced superintendents. All completed applications were reviewed by the Screening Committee which then invited a select number of candidates for a preliminary interview conducted by the Committee. Norwell’s Superintendent Screening Committee met for a total of 18 hours to discuss and consider the applicants before finally voting to recommend four candidates for further consideration by the Norwell School Committee.

Public Interviews with Candidates at Norwell High School

The Norwell School Committee agreed to begin interviews with the four recommended candidates. The interviews take place this week at the Little Theatre in Norwell High School. Norwell residents can get to know the candidates as well since the interviews will be televised on the local Norwell station. The schedule is as follows:

Thomas Lynch: Tuesday, November 29, 6:00 p.m.

Maureen Bingham: Tuesday, November 29, 7:30 p.m.

Matthew Keegan: Wednesday, November 30, 6:00 p.m.

Roseli Weiss: Wednesday, November 30, 7:30 p.m.

For more information about the Superintendent Search process, please refer to the Norwell School District website.

Filed Under: Around Town, Events, Local Government, Norwell, Notable Facts, Schools, South Shore News Tagged With: buy, candidate, Capital Residential, george jamieson, interview, listing, Norwell, Norwell High School, Norwell School Committee, real estate, realtor, schools, Screening Committee, search, sell, superintendent

Norwell Residents: You’re Invited to Eleanor Norris’ 100th Birthday Party!

November 28, 2011 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Celebration for Eleanor Norris, Gifted Norwell with Norris Reservation

On Saturday, December 3, 2011, First Parish Church in Norwell is hosting a birthday celebration for Eleanor Norris who is turning 100! From 2 to 4 p.m. Norwell and South Shore residents are welcomed to stop in to thank Eleanor and share a story about Norris Reservation with her. This incredible woman’s generous donation of 129 acres several years back is why we have the beautiful Norris Reservation to enjoy. Please stop in to wish Eleanor a happy birthday and to show appreciation for her lasting gift to Norwell.

Make a Gift in Honor of Eleanor Norris

If you enjoy the Norris Reservation, why not help in giving a gift of Long-Term Care for the Reservation? On her 95th birthday, the Eleanor Norris Endowment Fund was created in honor of Eleanor to help maintain the property she donated. Because more than 20,000 people a year visit the Norris Reservation, ongoing maintenance is essential if the property is to be cared for properly. Please consider honoring Eleanor on her 100^th birthday with a gift to this endowment.

For every gift given to the endowment, a luminary will be lit on your behalf on Norwell Common. As Eleanor leaves the party, she will see the center of town illuminated in her honor. Eleanor will also be presented with a Photo Book of people enjoying the Reservation, both young and old, human and canine alike. Finally, Eleanor will be given a Guest Book with thank you’s from everyone who attends the party.

Eleanor Norris generously donated this wonderful land to all of us. Now it’s time for us to do our part and genuinely thank her on this very special birthday and to ensure that her land is cared for and maintained forever.

How did the Norris Reservation in Norwell come to be?

Like many, I did not know the whole story behind the Norris Reservation and how it came into the ownership and management of the Trustees of Reservations until recently. I think it is important to understand the extraordinary donation and commitment Mrs. Eleanor Norris made to the residents of Norwell as well as people throughout the South Shore.

Here is Eleanor’s story told some years ago:

“Starting in the 1920’s, my late husband Albert Norris began purchasing parcels of land on the North River in Norwell. In 1939, we began a 17-year courtship, and during this time we spent weekends cutting timber, repairing cart paths, clearing brush and in general improving the land that Albert had bought. After we married, we spent many happy hours continuing to work on the land and holding outdoor dances and parties by the river. Sadly, our marriage was short-lived as Al passed away only 6 years later. The developers started coming as soon as Al died. I think they must read the death notices. However, I decided that this land was too special to be sold for just a few people to enjoy, and instead I chose to donate the land to The Trustees of Reservations, a non-profit land management organization. My only requests were that the property be named for Al and that the land be open forever to the public.”

Norris Reservation, A Gift to Norwell Families and Residents

The Norris Reservation in Norwell offers natures beauty in every season. Like many families on the South Shore, mine has enjoyed this gem of scenic North River walking trails for years. This 129-acre treasure has been serving nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and just plain folks looking for a nice easy walk or picnic with the family or dogs. The Norris Reservation features over two miles of pine needle covered walking trails that loop their way to a boathouse that overlook the tidal North River. It also has a mill pond, a herring brook, a lush forest of white pine and tall oaks, a salt marsh, wetlands, and all the birds and creatures that flourish in such a special place. Last year after a heavy snowfall, my family took a stroll through this winter wonderland and the pure beauty and absolute silence in the woods is something everyone needs to experience.

Filed Under: Around Town, Events, Norwell, South Shore News Tagged With: 100, Al Norris, birthday, buy, Capital Residential, celebration, donation, donor, Eleanor Norris, first parish, george jamieson, gift, home, house, listing, luminary, Norris Reservation, Norwell, Norwell Center, preserve, real estate, realtor, residents, search, sell, south shore, story, Trustees of Reservations, visit

Norwell Town Meeting Tonight, November 21, 2011

November 21, 2011 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Residents Invited to Special Norwell Town Meeting

Norwell is hosting a Town Meeting this evening to discuss urgent warrant items and give Norwell residents the opportunity to vote on these issues. The Town Meeting is tonight, Monday, November 21, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the Norwell Middle School.

Norwell Town Meeting Warrant Items

Articles in the Norwell Town Meeting Warrant for this evening include funding for the construction of a new police station near the Norwell Fire Department headquarters on Washington Street. Norwell Police has recently been hosting a series of open houses and information sessions to explain the need for a new station and answer questions for residents prior to the vote. Other articles on the Norwell Town Meeting warrant concern the Sergeant Samuel Stetson House, Norwell’s oldest residence which is facing the possibility of being demolished. The current owner of the Sergeant Samuel Stetson House has plans for the property, and is waiting on the town to decide if it is worth the risk to try and move the historically significant home. Members of the Norwell Historical Commission, the Community Preservation Committee, the Norwell Cemetery Committee and the Norwell Board of Selectmen agree that efforts should be made to preserve the home. The Town Meeting will likely discuss the idea of purchasing the house and moving it to town-owned property. In addition, the warrant includes articles on the bike path to Norwell High School, Jacob’s Pond dam, highway clean-up, and electronic signs.

A Guide to Norwell Town Meeting

Norwell Town Meeting is an opportunity for residents to vote on issues that affect town government, committees, and initiatives. Items that pass by a hand vote are considered approved. The fate of the vote is determined by resident turn-out, so attendance is highly recommended. To help familiarize yourself with the articles in question and terms used in Town Meeting, Norwell residents can view the November 2011 Warrant for Norwell Town Meeting.

Filed Under: Around Town, Events, Local Government, Norwell, Schools, South Shore News Tagged With: article, ballot, Bike Path, buy, Capital Residential, community preservation, construction, department, funds, george jamieson, gymnasium, issues, listing, middle school, new, Norwell, Norwell Historical Commission, police, questions, real estate, realtor, resident, samuel stetson, sell, station, Stetson House, street, town government, town meeting, vote, warrant, washington

Seasonal Events This Weekend In Norwell

November 18, 2011 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Norwell Set To Host Fairs, Rallies, Dinners, and More

The weekend before Thanksgiving can be busy, but there are some great activities going on in Norwell that you don’t want to miss. From homemade gifts to delicious meals, the weekend is packed with fun, family events around town.

First Parish Norwell To Host Old-Fashioned Holiday Fair

Start your holiday season with an Old-Fashioned Holiday Fair at First Parish Norwell from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, November 19, 2011. A tradition for the parish, the fair features handmade items and themed gift baskets, as well as silent auctions items up for bid. Go bargain shopping upstairs at Grandma’s Attic or stop into the parlor to browse used books. There’s face painting for the kids as well as a Children’s Toy Shop downstairs. Bring your appetite, too. Besides the homemade cookies and cakes, a snack bar will be open all day with corn chowder, chicken pot pie, hotdogs, brownies, and more! For information, call 781-659-7122. Proceeds will benefit First Parish Norwell Unitarian, 24 River St., Norwell Center, at Route 123. The church is handicapped accessible.

Norwell Middle School Spaghetti Dinner

The 2nd Annual Norwell Middle School Spaghetti Dinner is being held Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Norwell Middle School Cafetorium. Come enjoy a delicious meal to benefit the NMS music students. Be entertained by the Norwell Middle and High School Jazz Bands, and enter raffles to win some fantastic prizes. Tickets are $9 for adults, $5 for staff, students, and seniors, $30 for families of five or more. For more information visit the NMS Spaghetti Dinner web page.

Pep Rally for Norwell Youth Football

Break out the school colors, Cole School Elementary is hosting a pep rally this Saturday, November 19, 2011 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. All three Norwell Youth Football teams are competing in Super Bowls this weekend…what a feat! Congratulations to the kids for a tremendous season. Join the celebration as we commend them for their efforts and send them off to the Super Bowl with our well wishes. Super Bowl Sunday is this November 19, 2011 at Whitman-Hanson High School. Schooners play at 11:00 a.m., Whalers compete at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Clippers kicking off at 2:00 p.m. Follow Norwell Youth Football on their site or on Facebook.

Concert & Art at the James Library

Boston-based pianist Anna Volovitch is performing a free concert at the James James Library & Center for the Arts, 24 West St., Norwell, at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, November 18, 2011. Invited by Norwell pianist Dona Maher, Volovitch is currently preparing for Indonesia Pusaka International Piano Competition in December. The concert is open to the public and will feature the music of Bach, Mozart and Strauss. For more information about this concert, call 781-659-5865.

While at the James Library be sure to view the art on display by Norwell High School students. There are 41 pieces including digital photographs, drawings, and paintings which will be shown through the month of November.

Filed Under: Around Town, Events, Norwell, Schools, South Shore News, Sports Tagged With: agent, art, art display, buy, Capital Residential, center, Cole, dinner, event, family, festive, first parish, football, fun, fundraise, game, george jamieson, Jazz Band, listing, living, local, music, Norwell, Norwell High, Norwell Middle, norwell youth football, old-fashioned fair, open house, pep, property, rally, real estate, realtor, resident, School, search, sell, south shore, spaghetti dinner, super bowl, town

New Athletic Team for Norwell High School: Girls Hockey

November 16, 2011 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Norwell Starts Fundraising for Girls Hockey Program

Norwell High School has approved a new athletic team: Norwell Clippers Girls Ice Hockey. The Norwell High School Administration, with support of the Norwell Boosters and Norwell School Committee, both unanimously approved the formation of the team for the 2011-2012 season. Previously girls who wished to play ice hockey in Norwell joined the boys team.

Funds Needed for Norwell Clippers Girls Ice Hockey

The new team is responsible for raising $20,000 to cover expenses in year one, and has begun fundraising to support this mission. They are currently running a raffle: 400 tickets will be sold and one winner will win $10,000 – cash! Tickets are $50/each. Drawing will be Thursday, November 24th, 2011 at the Norwell High Thanksgiving Day game against Hanover. Please show your support for Norwell Girls Hockey! The Norwell Clippers Girl Ice Hockey Team is also accepting donations in any form. If you’d like to buy a ticket or make a donation please contact David DiMarinis at dimartinis@yahoo.com or Andrea MacDonald at fordmac@yahoo.com.

Nowell Clippers Leaf Raking Fundraiser

Over the next two weekends, the Norwell High School Girls Hockey Team will be raking leaves to raise money for their new program. The team is available for raking on November 19 and 20, as well as November 25 and 26. The suggested donation is $150 based on the size of the yard, and all proceeds support the new hockey program. To schedule a raking please contact John Quill at quilla9@comcast.net or 781-987-1515.

Filed Under: Around Town, Events, Norwell, Recent Posts, Schools, South Shore News, Sports Tagged With: 2011, administration, agent, athletic, Boosters, buy, Capital Residential, clippers, department, football game, funding, fundraise, george jamieson, girls, hanover, high school, hockey, home, house, ice hockey, leaf, listing, market, new, Norwell, proceeds, program, property, raffle, raking, real estate, realtor, School, search, season, sell, south shore, sport, sports, students, team, Thanksgiving, tickets, winter, yard

Big Week of Games for Norwell Football

November 16, 2011 By George Jamieson Leave a Comment

Game Time for Norwell Football

Norwell High School Football and Norwell Youth Football have some big games on the line this week as they partake in super bowls and annual rivalry games.

Norwell Youth Football Heads to the Super Bowl

Congratulations to Norwell Youth Football. For the first time in recent memory the Schooners, Whalers, and Clippers are all in their respective Super Bowls this Sunday, November 20, 2011, against Abington. The games will be played at Whitman-Hanson High School with the Schooners kicking off at 11:00 a.m., the Clippers at 12:30 p.m., followed by the Whalers at 2:00 p.m. Cheer the teams! Good luck, players!

Thanksgiving Game for Norwell High

Norwell High School will compete in its annual rivalry, the Thanksgiving football game against neighboring Hanover High School. The team is rallying for a win. Start Thanksgiving by supporting the local team, go Clippers! Kick off is at 10 a.m. at Hanover High School.

Filed Under: Around Town, Events, Norwell, Schools, South Shore News, Sports Tagged With: agent, athletes, athletic, buy, Capital Residential, clippers, day, department, event, family, football, game, george jamieson, hanover, high school, listing, local, Norwell, outing, real estate, Schooners, search, sell, south shore, sport, sports, student, super bowl, team, Thanksgiving, Whalers, youth football