Holiday Stroll: Wednesday, 12/12/12

Babel's Holiday Open House, Nov 15, 2012

Click image to enlarge.

Thank you!

Thank you for your support of Downtown Norwood at the recent Fundraiser at the Olde Colonial Cafe, October 25th.

Friends of Norwood Center appreciates your financial support as we continue on our shared mission of bringing a renaissance to Norwood Center!

Our  best,
The Board of Directors, Friends of Norwood Center

Fundraiser Raffle/Auction Items

This list gets updated often. Check back to see newest additions!

Raffle Items:
Gift Certificate to Babel's Paint and Decorating  $100
Gift Certificate to Bamboo Restaurant $25
Gift Certificate for Music Lessons provided by Band Gig valued at $120
Gift Certificates to Byblos Restaurant four at $50
Merchandise and a Gift Certificate from Charles River Running valued at $150
Gift Certificate to Colonial House on Savin Avenue 2 valued at $50 each

Gift Certificate Conrads $50
Gift Basket from Custom Art Framing with Gift Certificate valued at $100
Gift Certificates to  D&G Deli $20
Gift Certificate for a manicure at Essentials Day Spa
Gift Certificate Envy Boutique $100
Gazebo Bracelet valued at $100
2 Gift Certificates valued at $200 each for 5 kettle bell lessons from Impact Fitness
Gift Certificate to Islington Pizza $50
Gift Certificate to Lewis's Restaurant $100
Gift Certificate to Lisbeth's Custom Draperies $100
Gift Certificate to Lustra Cleaners 4 $25
Gift Certificate to the Norwood Theatre $100
Gift Certificate to Olivadi Restaurant and Bar $50
Gift Certificate to The Sensible Organizer $120
Gift Basket to Serenity Hair Salon worth $150

Gift Certificates to Sky Restaurant 2 Brunch for two Valued at $60 each pair

Gift Certificate to To Beirut $35

Gift basket to WOW Gym valued at $50

Silent Auction Items:

Autographed photo of Ray Bourque donated by Celebrity Marketing Inc valued at $150
Autographed photo of Milan Lucic donated by Celebrity Marketing Inc valued at $150
Chiropractic assessment by Marc Saulnier valued at $300

Corporate IT providing a Dell Lap Top XPS13 Computer valued at 1100.00
Cuisinart SS700 Single Cup Counter top Coffee System from Poirier's Sales and Service
Cuisinart GR4N Griddle & Panini Press from Poirier's Sales and Service
Comprehensive Financial Planning by Mark Lehoullier, CRPC, CMFC Investment Adviser value $750
Full Tax Return Jill Treeful, CPA valued at $500
Gift Certificates valued at $200 each for 5 kettle bell lessons from Impact Fitness
Hockey Stick signed by Ray Bourque donated by Celebrity Marketing Inc valued at $300
2 Red Sox tickets donated by Service Master $300

2 Patriots Tickets Section130 Row9 seats 7&8, Mon, 12/10 versus Houston Texans donated by King, McNamara and Moriarty, LLP valued at $370

Silent Auction or Raffle TBD

Framed print Norwood Winter by Inez Reardon donated Ricky Reardon framed by Custom Art Framing

Framed print Norwood Summer by Inez Reardon donated by Ricky Reardon framed by Custom Art Framing
Original painting of Downtown Norwood by Kim Morin Weineck $175

SIGN INITIATIVE workshop TUESDAY 10/23/12 8:30am

NORWOOD CENTER Sign Initiative Workshop!

This workshop will be a forum for discussion of business signage in Norwood Center, including the prospect of new types of signs, improvements to existing signage, and trends in the sign technology and graphic design.

Participants will include
merchants,
business and property owners,
and sign designers and fabricators from the Norwood community.

The session will include a presentation and guided discussion by the Town’s signage consultant, who is working with the Community Planning and Economic Development Department through a grant provided by the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative, a program of the Department of Housing and Community Development.

If you have any questions please contact Pam McCarthy,
Community Development Program Coordinator
at 781-762-8115 or pmccarthy@norwoodma.gov.

Norwood Civic/Recreation Center
165 NAHATAN STREET, NORWOOD
TUESDAY • OCTOBER 23, 2012
8:30 AM
SIGNAGE WORKSHOP
1ST FLOOR MEETING ROOM

Topics will include:
• New signs: Proposed improvements to the signage
by-law would allow businesses to install projecting or
“blade” signs, in addition to those permitted today.
• Sign regulations: Understanding Norwood’s regulations
and how they are applied.
• Sign design: How to approach the design of signage to
enhanced business identity and marketing
• Sign fabrication: Contemporary methods to fabricate
and install signs.

FNC Fundraiser! Oct 25, 2012 at the OCC

Friends of Norwood Center

FUNDRAISER

SUPPORTING THE RENAISSANCE OF DOWNTOWN NORWOOD

Raffles, Music, and More!

The Olde Colonial Café

171 Nahatan Street, Norwood Center

Thursday, October 25, 6-9pm

Join FNC! $100 business/ $35 residents

Interested in donating something or for more info

Call Kim, FNC Downtown Manager: 781-269-9677 

or Nicole at Envy Boutique: 781-769-9800

www.friendsofnorwoodcenter.com

Norwood Day!

It's Norwood Day, Saturday, September 15th.

So much to celebrate downtown - so plan on joining us!

Friends of Norwood Center will be found near the Gazebo on the Common with Together Yes for part of the day. We'll also be with Norwood Recreation across from Mint Cafe showcasing our pumpkin and scarecrow project for the upcoming fall season.

While there's a lot going on on Washington Street, please visit Central Street where you'll find events scheduled especially for Norwood Day, too!

Join Friends of Norwood Center for hamburgers and hot dogs at Gallery9 and Custom Art Framing at 45 Central Street where there'll be concerts and fun all day long.

CrossFit Florian at 50 Central Street will be holding a free CrossFit kids class from 11-12 for kids ages 5 to 12. Please arrive early to fill out a waiver. Participants should wear athletic clothing and bring a water bottle.

CrossFit Florian's gym hours are 8:30-4 on Saturday, and all are invited to come in and check out the facilities. There will be a booth set up for physical challenges and people available to answer any questions you may have. The perfect opportunity to connect with a great local business.

Can't wait. Can't wait to see you all at Norwood Day!

Busy Labor Day weekend

Labor Day weekend is the swan song of summer, and summer in downtown Norwood is coming to a close with a BANG!

FNC photo of the newly lit "Norwood" sign atop the Norwood Theatre

The Norwood Theatre is reopening!

Saturday, September 1st the Hal McIntyre Orchestra will feature a Tribute to Sinatra with vocalist Steve Marvin. This event is sold out -- Hope you're lucky enough to have tickets!

Sunday, September 2nd there will be two showings of Mary Poppins at 2 and at 7pm.
This comes to you at no cost and seats are available on a first-come first-served basis.

The Norwood Theatre's opening night gala is a black tie event at 7pm on Friday, August 31st. Please be aware that Central Street between Cottage and Nahatan Streets will be closed for the night's festivities.

Can't wait to get inside and see the transformation of the interior. We all have seen that the exterior is gorgeous!

FNC photo Concert on the Common

Sunday, September 2nd is also the final Concert on the Common featuring The Suburbinaires Big Band.
Concert begins at 7pm on the common. Bring your own seating (blanket or chair) and enjoy wonderful music and camaraderie at this free event.

Hope you had a wonderful summer.
Friends of Norwood Center has much planned for this fall, and we look forward to welcoming you downtown!

Thanks for reading,

Kim Weineck

Farmers Market Kids' day: Aug 28th

The Norwood Farmers Market for Tuesday, August 28th is all about kids!

Scheduled events include:
face painting
back-to-school activities
story time
games 

The beekeeper will be at market to answer questions about this fascinating pastime.

4H Ward's Berry Farm will be at the market with animals from 3-6pm.

We hope you find yourself in Norwood Center!

Thanks for reading! ~kmw

Norwood Farmers Market photos

 Last Tuesday's Farmers Market was busy!

If you weren't there, worry not. You'll have many more Tuesdays to attend before the market closes for the year on October 30th. 

The Market has great entertainment options scheduled. The 4H club was there last week, too...

As was Tom Cummings for his show "Inside Norwood" which was taped on the Common. 

Some members of the Farmers Market Advisory Board participated. 

Later Tom Cummings had a conversation with Norwood Chief of Police, William Brooks. 

Friends of Norwood Center was featured as well. 

Hope you'll catch the show on Norwood Public Access.  

Tom Cummings and his camera man, Ryan, were a great addition to the Market atmosphere.

Hope you'll come by next Tuesday anytime from 12-6pm. 

The Norwood Theatre: close to opening!

Have you seen the Norwood Theatre lately. 

Here's a photo of the front facade:

It's looking beautiful!

Look at how great that looks on top! 

Can't wait to see the inside, too.  Soon!!

For more information on their Labor Day Weekend opening events, click this link. 

Thanks for reading, FNC

Farmers Market Merchants!

 Much of the reasoning behind the Farmes Market moving to the Common in Norwood Center had to do with bringing more people downtown and showcasing what Norwood's center has to offer. The soon-to-open Norwood Theatre, restaurants, salons, shops, and more are all within sight-line of market goers.

The Farmers Market Advisory Board has donated a table on a rotating basis to a business in Norwood. The FNC Downtown Manager and the Farmers Market Manager have been recruiting businesses to use the space and the response has been great.

Past Market participants include Yelena's Flowers and Norwood Light. Future participants include Custom Art Framing, Babel's Paint and Decorating, Twice is Nice Consignment, and Massage Therapy Norwood.

If your business is interested in this opportunity, please email norwoodcenter@gmail.com or call FNC at 781-269-9677.

Thanks and see you Downtown and at the market!
~Kim Weineck
Downtown Manager, FNC

Market day and more

Farmers Market day!

Be sure to come downtown to enjoy what the Farmers Market has to offer. This week you'll find a new vendor selling wine. Can't wait to see what they have to offer.

Also from 2-3pm there will be a children's story time at the Market with an activity following the story. This activity is facilitated by the Morrill Memorial Library.

Can't wait to see you downtown today! Market hours on the common: 12-6pm.

And for Independence Day, are you running in the Firecracker 5K?  All preregistered Norwood Firecracker 5K runners can pick up their race packets from 3-6 p.m. today at Charles River Running. The race starts at 5 p.m. on July 4.

Enjoy your holiday, stay safe, and shop local!
Thanks, Friends of Norwood Center

Events for Independence Day

The following list of Independence Day events is from Norwood Patch.

Sunday, July 1

7:00 p.m., Norwood Concert on the Common:This performance, featuring the Sharon Concert Band, will thrill you with patriotic songs and show tunes. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy a summer evening on the Town Common.

Monday, July 2

7:00 p.m., Independence Day Carillon Concert: The one-hour concert, played from the Town Hall’s Memorial Tower, will be followed by a tour of the 50-bell Tilton Memorial Carillon. Our guest Carillonneur is Norwood’s own Lee. B. Leach.

Wednesday, July 4

1:00 p.m., The Children’s Bicycle, Tricycle, Doll Carriage and Historical Character Parade: This event has become a favorite for children and their families. Over 300 children decorate their tricycles, bicycles or doll carriages or come dressed as a historical character, such as Betsy Ross, Abraham Lincoln, etc. The parade, led by The Colonial Boys, begins at the First Congregational Church at the corner of Walpole and Winter Streets and proceeds through town ending at the Town Common. The fee is $1 and every child receives a festive tee shirt and participation ribbon. The winners are welcomed to ride in the main parade on a float.

3:30–4:30 p.m., Carillon Concert and Tour of the Tilton Memorial Carillon: Featuring Norwood’s own Lee B. Leach, Carillonneur and guests.

5:00 p.m., Norwood’s Firecracker 5K Road Race: Run or watch this unique, fun-filled event prior to the Norwood Parade. You can pick up applications at the Town Hall, the Civic Center, the Library or by calling 781-762-3054. Whether you are a spectator or a runner, this is a race you will not forget.

5:30 p.m., Eastern Mass Fire Truck Procession, Antique and Classic Cars and Historic Military Reenactment.

5:45 p.m., Norwood’s Fourth of July Parade Spectacular: The famous Norwood Fourth of July Parade kicks off at 5:45 with national and international marching bands. In addition, the parade has entertaining acts, floats and community groups. Don’t miss out on this spectacular event.

Altered retail

This post is from Christine Moynihan of Retail Visioning.

Interesting idea.

It'd be great to have someone do something like this locally.

Any takers?

Re-Inventing Retail in Beverly MA!

2012 June 20

by ChristineMoynihan

A wonderful new shop opened up… and closed… last week in Beverly, MA.  But don’t worry… it will be opening and closing… again in the same place next month and for many months to come!   Pam Jaynes new business, Indigo Blu Trading Company, is creating excitement, drama and a real sense of competitive shopping urgency with her new retail concept.   Every month she and some local friends /artisans bring a 100% fresh, home-décor, pop-up store into their permanent address — for 5 fantastic days!

Pam, the owner of a boutique called Zinnia in this same location for 11 years, wanted to try something totally new.  She wanted a change in her own day to day work-life.  She wanted to create a dynamic shopping opportunity for her customers. And, she wanted to exercise some creativity!   By George, I think she did it.
 
This month’s focus for her pop-up was on Coastal Living.  Perfect for the North Shore of Massachusetts… perfect for the start of summer.   Pam knows her customers!   There is a theme-schedule that takes this new business model right through December starting with next month’s Outdoor Retreat, then Country Living, Cozy Cabins and Cottages, Harvest and Home, Gatherings and of course, Holiday Spirit.

Pam works hard to create and curate a fabulous environment.  She sources unique items and accessories and tells a great story throughout her entire store.   She begins with a concept board which was on display for everyone to appreciate.   On this board she posted images torn from magazines, paint and fabric swatches and inspirational words in a large frame to help visually, tangibly set her vision.  This is a great idea and for those of you who are technically inclined or want to share ideas virtually with others, you could do this on Pinterest.com, too!   From there, Pam carefully selected (or personally created) special items and purchased inventory that ONLY complemented her theme.   Some were new, some old… some serious, some whimsical… some large pieces of furniture, some small accessories.  All were compelling in their own right and true to the Coastal Living concept.

I loved this idea.  I give Pam and her team all kinds of credit for giving it a go.  I wish her every success for stepping out and re-inventing retail HER way.   And I will be back every month!

NOTE  — Next month’s Indigo Blu Trading Company will be featuring  “Outdoor Retreat” from July 19 through July 23 at their store, 2 Enon Street North Beverly.  See you there!  For more information visit them on Facebook (just search the entire name) where by the way, they will soon have “sneak peeks” of their next pop-up store!

Working on your business :: Creating a marketing plan

This post is part of the FNC series on working on your business. 


Merchants spend a lot of time at their businesses and those 'mom and pop's demand a lot of time, energy, and attention to keep customers interested and coming back. 


This list is only five items long but contains BIG to-do items for working on a business marketing plan.

Why Create a Marketing Calendar? 

"1. We must be pro-active in attracting customers to our store. We can no longer wait until customers walk in the front door.2. There are many types of promotions today. There are a lot more options than just price or the “let’s have a sale” mentality.3. If we prepare and do things in advance we take away the pressure that comes from trying to scramble around looking for an idea. LESS STRESS.4. “When cooler heads prevail.” There is an old expression about working in, or working on, our businesses. Planning a six month or a 12 month calendar is working on our business. This is something we just don’t do enough.5. An opportunity to try new promotions. Do you have a list of GREAT PROMOTIONAL IDEAS? If not, start one. Every time you hear a great idea, write it down or put it into a file of great ideas that you think about when you are planning your promotions. This is the time to discuss, include, wait for another time, or reject ideas."


The above list was written by Rick Segel. 
For further reading, please refer to his post which expands upon this plan for marketing your business further. 

Together Yes Request

From Susan Clare of TOGETHER YES:

I'm trying to plan ahead here. Next late fall/early winter, Together Yes plans to offer a free series of sewing workshops, and will have sewing machines available for the workshops. Probably 4-5 of them, all told. It is hoped that smaller groups of people interested in a particular pursuit will continue meeting and talking with one another. It's all about community, as always.

 

These workshops will show how to do basic sewing: using a machine, necessary hand sewing, repairs, mending, altering, etc. Just "how to." But they will also show ideas and techniques for turning clothing and other household fabrics (curtains, sheets, towels, etc.) into usable items.We are trying to avoid discarding and buying new as much as possible. Sustainable from an economic perspective, of course, but also sustainable in that we won't be buying so much that's been outsourced overseas and transported back to us at great cost (monetary & environmental). This aims also to show how fabrics can often replace plastics in many items of use.

 

Just by word of mouth, I am aware of people who'd like to take these workshops, including some men and high school students. This is not only sustainable for most people, but financially important for those who have trouble buying new when something no longer fits, needs mending, or goes just "out of style."

 

We will naturally have one of the workshops focus on the use of smaller scraps that can be saved to quilt or applique.

 

THE FIRST CHALLENGE: Help me come up with a title for these workshops. I need a catchy title I can use over and over in the planning.

 

THE SECOND CHALLENGE: We have already secured the assistance of a professional seamstress in conducting and planning these workshops, but she and I both agree, not everything needs to come from a professional. If you can sew, have ideas or want to begin thinking of some, can quilt, let me know that you'd be willing to help with the planning of these workshops. And if you have no experience at all, but are interested, let me know that as well. You could be learning as you help us plan!

 

Thanks,

Susan

MEAL MOB :: Fri, June 8, 12:30pm!

Spread the word!

FNC is holding its second MEAL MOB!

FRIDAY, June 8th at 12:30pm SHARP
Giorgio's Pizzeria
641 Washington Street, Downtown Norwood
(near the corner of Washington and Cottage)

Giorgio's Pizza has an app! Find it with your smartphone. Order quickly and conveniently with their app,  but please don't use it on Friday, June 8th. We'd love you to come in and be part of our mob!

After lunch, join us at FreshFroYo for dessert!
FreshFroYo
642 Washington Street, across the street from Giorgio's.

Looking forward to having you join us in supporting your downtown establishments!

Please email this link to anyone local.
Thanks for your support.
~Kim Weineck, Downtown Manager, FNC

MEAL MOB!

A quick post to ask you to dine locally this Friday, June 8th at 12:30pm.
The location will be announced Wednesday, June 6th.

Please help Friends of Norwood Center get the word out to everyone and let's have a crowd support our local businesses!

Thanks for reading
~Kim Weineck, Downtown Manager

Concerts on the Common SCHEDULE

FNC photo of the Norwood town Common

The schedule for the Summer 2012 Concerts on the Common has been released.

All concerts will be held Sunday evenings from 7:00-9:00 p.m. at the Walter J. Dempsey Memorial Bandstand on the Town Common, rain or shine. Bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, etc.

The 2012 concert schedule is as follows:

June 24 - The S.O.S. Big Band

July 1 - Sharon Concert Band

July 8 - Westwood Swing Band

July 15 - Roy Scott Big Band

July 22 - Tom Nutile Big Band

July 29 - Pops Night with the Milestones Big Band

August 5 - Compaq Big Band

August 12 - The Olde Kids on the Block

August 19 - The Bridgewater Antiphonal Brass Society

August 26 - Oberlander Hofbrau Band

September 2 - The Suburbinaires Big Band

Thanks to Norwood Patch for this listing.

Why shop local?

Shopping local is a catch phrase being bandied about lately. It deserves a bit of attention, because shopping local is important to keeping your downtown business district vibrant and viable. 

It's been argued that when you support your local businesses, 68 to 82% of each $1.00 spent gets reinvested in your community. Wow!  When chain stores get that same $1.00, the figure drops to 25 to 43% is reinvested. Quite a difference. 

The following list is from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance about why you should choose to shop local:

1. Local Character and Prosperity

2. Community Well-Being

3. Local Decision-Making

4. Keeping Dollars in the Local Economy

5. Job and Wages.

6. Entrepreneurship

7. Public Benefits and Costs

8. Environmental Sustainability

9. Competition

10. Product Diversity

Think of the impact you could make by shifting your spending habits by as little as 10% at local small businesses!

Feel free to share ways you "Shop local" and as always, contact Friends of Norwood Center with your ideas and feedback. (norwoodcenter@gmail.com) 

Thanks for reading!
Kim Weineck, Downtown Manager

Business Blog: FNC is your downtown Merchant Association

Much has been written of the importance of Downtown Merchant Associations and that these groups have a well-focused mission statement. Here is FNC's Mission Statement:  

The Friends of Norwood Center (FNC) is a nonprofit organization working to develop, build and strengthen the downtown experience and vitality for the entire community. We strive to be a voice supported by the merchants and residents to make Norwood Center relevant and vibrant.

We're working to create a buzz about Downtown Norwood and the Friends of Norwood Center NEED YOUR MEMBERSHIP! 

Keep the forward momentum headed downtown! 

The following is edited from Christine Moynihan, Retail Visioning

“Merchant Associations” come in all shapes and sizes. I believe that whatever form they come in, they can be a great resource for every downtown, retail district AND retailer in America. When retailers come together to help improve business it is always a good thing....

As you get to work, a first good step would be to do some visioning and put a mission statement in place for your merchant association. What do I mean by “mission statement”? As defined on Wikipedia,

“A mission statement is a statement of the purpose of a company or organization. The mission statement should guide the actions of the organization, spell out its overall goal, provide a path, and guide decision-making.”

This is important for many reasons, but most importantly so the merchant association does not fall into the self-limiting trap of focusing on only one initiative.... 

Your merchant association will be as valuable to you and your neighboring storefront businesses as the framework upon which it is built. Start with a bold mission statement and make your merchant association strong!

Business Blog: Job 1, Christine Moynihan

by ChristineMoynihan

Why do you need to be so darn good?  Why do you need to be at the top of your game EVERY day? Because there is so much competition for your customer’s dollars out there!   But, you say… I am the only toy store in 5 miles… or there is no better ice cream than mine…or my fashion-forward clothing is at the best prices around.  Well, what if your customer fully knows those things… but is enticed by something else?  Everything that can take your customer’s money out of his or her pocket is competition.  Sure, they wanted to get your delicious ice cream… until they got side-tracked by a SALE on shoes.   Sure, they know your pricing for the hottest trends is best, but they suddenly realized Mother’s Day was coming up and fashion-forward went by the boards.   And that toy… well, this time it was easier to order it on line and have it shipped.   We need to stay top of mind with our customers for sure… but we also need to convert those good thoughts directly to purchases.  That is Job 1! 

A few tips:

Keep your windows and any displays that can be seen from outside your store compelling – don’t let someone walk by and “plan to come back.”  Grab their attention and get them in the door!  

When sending out email blasts or postcards, create a sense of urgency.  While they are thinking about you they need to get down to your store ASAP!

When shoppers seem distracted and “just browsing,” provide an incentive for them to get serious while they are there.  Give each of your salespeople a “make it happen fund” to use at their discretion so that they can offer a “today only special” and convert an interest to a sale.