Relaunching the FNC blog!

Welcome to the newly-launched Friends of Norwood Center blog. Here you’ll find out what
Is going on in your downtown. Stay tuned!

Farmers Market Tuesdays!

Have you visited the Norwood Farmers Market 2013? 

New Vendors! Two Farms! New Manager! Lots of fun and good stuff going on! 

Tuesday's market was wonderful! I was there to scope it out, meet and greet, and select some items for dinner (a fun task at hand). 

New this week: Ferrara's Greenhouse offering beautiful annuals,
herbs, tomato plants, and other great flowers and plants. 

Active afternoon market day - despite the heat. It was great energy!

Wine is available from Westport Vineyards. Lovely! 

Fair Trade Coffee and Tea along with baked goods from Amego, a
wonderful organization working with  those with autism.
Stop by and chat with them about this important organization. 

Sheldonville Soaps -
Handmade Soap: Natural, Vegan, Awesome!
This sign is simply Awesome!!

As I left the market it was more crowded than when I arrived! 

At home making dinner. Yummy carrots and sourdough bread!

Sweet potato gnocci and broccoli - delicious! 

Many reasons to come downtown. The Farmers Market is surely one of them!
See you there!

Meet at the Farmers Market

The Farmers Market is a great place to meet up!

Here Tom O'Rourke, president of the NVCC is meeting Kim Ritchie who recently acquired Lisbeth's on the corner of Cottage and Central Streets. 

It was a beautiful day and lots was discussed, particularly about how to use the arts in Norwood Center to help FNC create that buzz about downtown. 

Updated list :: Saturday Sales in Support participants

What a great downtown!

The following Norwood Center businesses will be donating a portion of Saturday sales to help the bombing victims:

Babel's Paint and Decorating
Charles River Running 26.2% of Saturday sales
Conrad's Restaurant 26.2% of Saturday food sales
Crossfit Florian participating in We Are All Affected 

Custom Art Framing/Gallery9 26.2% of Saturday sales

Envy Boutique  26.2% of Saturday sales
King, McNamara, & Moriarty, LLP making a donation
Limey's Pub making a donation/collecting donations
Napper Tandy's making a donation

Norwood Theatre 100% of Saturday show proceeds
Olde Colonial Cafe making a donation and Mother's Day dinner for 15 raffle!
Olivadi Restaurant 10% of Saturday's sales
On Track Cafe -- donating 50% of Saturday's sales
Saulnier Family Chiropractic  $20 donation for a comprehensive health screen     see this YouTube video for more info on this great offer! 
Thai Boo Restaurant donating 10% of Saturday sales, offering Norwood Theatre-goers $5 gift certificates
WCC Thrift Shop donating 50% of Saturday sales

This list will be updated! 

Specific business donations are determined by the business owner. Check with each business for specifics. 

Photos from Wednesday night's run

Wednesday, April 17th, Charles River Running organized a run and walk in support of those affected by the Boston bombings at the marathon. 

photo courtesy of Charles River Running

Runners were asked to wear marathon colors - blue and yellow - and the runners surely obliged! Crossfit Florian athletes were among some of those who participated in the run, too. 

photo courtesy of Crossfit Florian

Charlotte Walsh, the owner of Charles River Running commented that it's a "privilege to be a part of this caring and compassionate community."

What a great way to heal from Monday's tragic events.

Come downtown Saturday!

Please see the updated list of participating businesses here:


Norwood Center businesses are coming together in support of those affected by the Boston bombings this Saturday, April 20th.

Susan Lewis of the Norwood Theatre announced on Tuesday that "The Norwood Theatre will be donating 100% of ticket proceeds from our North Shore Acappella show...to The Richard Family Fund." To purchase your tickets, call the box office at 781-551-9000 or visit the website: norwoodstage.com 

UPDATE:
Due to the overwhelming response to The Meetinghouse Bank the Richard Family Fund has been put on hold and the bank will not be accepting donations at this time. We will proceed with the North Shore Acappella show as planned, and donate all ticket proceeds to the family or The One Fund, set up by Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino to support to people most affected by the Boston Marathon Tragedy.

A quick conversation with Susan later and FNC is happily helping to get other businesses offering donations as well!

So far, the following Norwood Center businesses will be donating a portion of Saturday sales to help the bombing victims:

Babel's Paint and Decorating
Charles River Running 26.2% of Saturday sales
Conrad's Restaurant 26.2% of Saturday food sales

Custom Art Framing/Gallery9 26.2% of Saturday sales

Envy Boutique  26.2% of Saturday sales
King, McNamara, & Moriarty, LLP making a donation
Napper Tandy's making a donation

Norwood Theatre 100% of Saturday show proceeds
Olde Colonial Cafe making a donation and raffling a Mothers' Day dinner for 15!
Olivadi Restaurant 10% of Saturday's sales
On Track Cafe -- donating 50% of Saturday's sales
Saulnier Family Chiropractic  $20 donation for a comprehensive health screen -- see this YouTube video for more info on this great offer! 

This list will be updated! 

Specific business donations are determined by the business owner. Check with each business for specifics. 

UPDATE: Norwood Theatre show to benefit Richard Family Fund

The Norwood Theatre will be donating 100% of ticket proceeds from our North Shore Acappella show, Saturday April 20th at 8:00 pm, to The Richard Family Fund, set up by the Meetinghouse Bank in Dorchester. 

Update: 
Due to the overwhelming response to The Meetinghouse Bank the Richard Family Fund has been put on hold and the bank will not be accepting donations at this time. We will proceed with the North Shore Acappella show as planned, and donate all ticket proceeds to the family or The One Fund, set up by Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino to support to people most affected by the Boston Marathon Tragedy.

The donation will be presented to the bank's president, Tony Paciulli during the show's intermission. 

This fund will go to support the Richard family, whose son, Martin was the youngest of the deceased from the Boston Marathon attack and his mother and sister remain in serious condition. 

Please consider coming out on Saturday evening to support this family in their time of need.

UPDATE: Due to the overwhelming response to The Meetinghouse Bank the Richard Family Fund has been put on hold and the bank will not be accepting donations at this time. We will proceed with the North Shore Acappella show as planned, and donate all ticket proceeds to the family or The One Fund, set up by Governor Patrick and Mayor Menino to support to people most affected by the Boston Marathon Tragedy.

Walk/run to show your support

Charles River Running will be holding a gathering followed by a guided walk and run tomorrow evening (Wednesday, April 17th) to show support for the victims of yesterday's tragic events at the Boston Marathon. 

Let's join together and show our unity and compassion for those who are suffering. 

We ask that you wear the BAA marathon colors--blue and yellow. 

Call the store for more information 781 349-8341.

Date: Wednesday April 17th
Time: 6:30 gathering time, 7:00 pm run start
Location: 679 Washington St, Norwood
Guided Run: 3 miles
Guided Walk: 2 miles

Have you been to Thai Boo?

Recently I stopped in to Thai Boo, a wonderful restaurant at 712 Washington Street in Norwood Center (close to  the Day Street intersection.)

My visit was at a quiet time between lunch and dinner, so I was able to chat with the lovely staff and enjoy a late lunch. 

The restaurant is clean, attractive, modern, and comfortable. While I was there, one dinner came by and ordered an early dinner and another came to collect a take out order. Both diners offered immediate non-solicited testimonials about how often they eat at Thai Boo, how great the food is, and how excited they are to have the treasure in Norwood Center. It was great to hear, especially as my food was yet to come. 

When the food arrived, I was impressed with the presentation. Wow! What care and skill. Beautiful and tasty!

Spring rolls and scallion pancakes were delicious. It'll be hard to sample other things on the menu as these two dishes were so delicious how can I not order them again? 

For those not familiar with Thai food, the menu at Thai Boo has succinct descriptions of the food with pictures of the dish. How helpful and attractive! They serve beer and wine and also have gluten-free items on their menu, for those with special dietary concerns. 

As I left, my server wished me a great day and that I return again soon. It was such a great meal and experience, I know I will. Hope you will give it a try, too!

A new Farmers Market Manager for 2013

Spring must be coming because there's talk of the FARMERS MARKET again! Last year marked the first on the Common and it was a great market. Thank you to everyone who supported your market. 

This year the Farmers Market Advisory Board has hired a new manager, Laurie Shea. Laurie is a Norwood native and has myriad experience in projects, fundraising, and all things local. Friends of Norwood Center is looking forward to working with Laurie at this year's market. 

A meeting at the Common Cafe with Jean Taylor of the Farmers Market Advisory Board,
Laurie Shea, the new Farmers Market Manager, and me from Friends of Norwood Center. We're figuring out how to make sure this year's market is a great success! 

Ideas were flying across the table! Knife sharpening (!) and haircuts and interviews and petting zoo and music and all sorts of good things.

If you have an idea you'd like to contribute to the Farmers Market, please email laurie@norwoodfarmersmarket.com.

Personally I'm really looking forward to Tuesday, June 18th at noon when the market opens this year. Sunshine and produce will make me so very happy!

Thanks for reading! ~Kim Weineck, FNC Downtown Manager

Meet the Author at St. Catherine's 1/31/13 6:30pm

St. Catherine of Siena School “Meet the Authors Night”

You are invited to join us for a fun evening with two Scholastic children’s authors.

This event is open to the public.
Admission is free.

Thursday January 31, 2013
6:30pm to 8:30pm

St. Catherine of Siena School Cafeteria

249 Nahatan St

Norwood MA 02062

We have two nationally acclaimed authors presenting: Jerry Pallotta and Tui Sutherland. Each author will give a 30-minute presentation on their books and experience writing for children.  You will have the chance to meet and talk with the authors and have your books personally signed.  We’ll have a selection of their books for you to purchase.

After the talks, you can shop at our book fair, participate in arts crafts based on Jerry’s and Tui’s books and enjoy some home-baked goods.

Schedule:

6:30pm                   Book Fair opens

6:45pm – 7:15pm     Jerry Pallotta presentation with Q&A session

7:15pm – 7:45pm     Tui Sutherland presentation with Q&A session

7:45pm – 8:30pm     Books signings, arts & crafts

8:30pm                   Book Fair closes

Authors:

Jerry Pallotta combines non-fiction subjects with humor and the unexpected to create enthusiasm for literacy in the elementary classroom. His ultimate goal is to inspire young authors to read and write a zillion books. www.alphabetman.com

Tui Sutherland has written over 30 books for children and teens, ranging in age from sticker books and easy-to-reads (Meet Mo and Ella, Fun with Mo and Ella) to middle-grade and YA novels. (Pet Trouble Series) www.tuibooks.com

For more information contact:   Jennifer Rogala at Rogala_Jenn@yahoo.com

It's a New Year!

Happy New Year from Friends of Norwood Center!

2013 marks the second year for FNC and we thought now would be a good time to list a few things that FNC has been involved with in the effort to revitalize downtown Norwood.

We created a website and created a social media profile for Friends of Norwood Center.  FNC instituted MEAL MOBS in Downtown Norwood. Our first was at the Common Cafe on Washington street, aptly across from the Norwood Town Common. Modeled on the flash mobs and cash mobs of growing popularity, we asked people to visit the cafe for lunch and enjoy supporting their local business at a specific date and time. FNC organized many of these Meal Mobs in 2012. Look for the first of 2013 coming soon!

FNC conducted a survey of Downtown Usage as well as a Census of Downtown Businesses. For our inaugural year, it was important to introduce ourselves as a merchant organization and get to know the businesses we're supporting.

We helped facilitate a successful Farmers Market, recently moved to the Norwood Town Common. The Farmers Market had all new farmers, a new Farmers Market Advisory Board, and a Farmers Market Manager, Laura Valls. Every Tuesday from 12-6 the Market welcomed fresh and seasonal fruits and vegetables as well as organic eggs, meats, cheese, fresh fish, olive oil, and more! We hope you took advantage of the treasures of the market and will join the Market in 2013.

In February we held a Community Input Meeting where we learned what things locals want from their downtown. The ideas ranged from quick-to-implement to pie-in-the-sky and all contributions were welcomed. The meeting helped us set the agenda for 2012 and 2013.

We invited artists to paint in downtown. We partnered with Together Yes to bring Earth Day Events to you in April. Saturdays became Spending Saturdays -- look for more info on this in 2013! The Norwood Theatre held our interest for much of the summer as we anticipated its grand re-opening and no one could visit Norwood Center without seeing the new NORWOOD lit sign atop the theatre. Beautiful!

In late Fall there was Norwood Day - the spectacle of civic pride on a gorgeous day that started up a bit rainy but soon cleared for a day of fun. FNC had a table at Norwood Day and we worked with the Recreation Department on their carved pumpkin project.

Charles River Running came to Downtown Norwood and we welcomed the new addition happily. What fun it is to see the storefront alive again with merchandise and seasonal decorations. FNC had been in talks with Charlotte Walsh at early stages of the store's inception. We are happy to have be a resource of support for this vibrant new local business.

New Restaurants are in town! Arianna's, To Beruit, Unsal's Pizza, Broadway Pizza and Grill, and Thai Boo are all in Norwood Center. Have you tried them? If not, try them soon!

In October we welcomed a new FNC president, Nicole McCready of Envy Boutique and had a successful fundraiser at the Olde Colonial Cafe, thanks to everyone for their support of our mission. Later in the month FNC was invited to speak to the Norwood League of Women Voters. We've had numerous opportunities to connect with the community throughout the year. You may also have seen FNC at the Annual Town Meeting and featured on Norwood Cable numerous times on different shows. We may have begun the year a bit camera-shy but can't stay so for long when discussing Norwood Center.

The year ended with the Holiday Extravaganza and the first annual Reindeer Dash. Did you see the participants in reindeer antlers and jingle bells running around the common in this fantastic kids' race in bitter cold? What a great event it was with enthusiastic kids, some as young as two, giving it their all!

The year ended with a Holiday Stroll, the Circle of Hope Luminary, and amazing shows at the Norwood Theatre. It was a busy 2012 and we're excited about 2013!

Friends of Norwood Center

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