You’ve been waiting for an excuse to call a friend for a quick weeknight dinner out? Perhaps you owe your sister-in-law a lunch for taking your kids last minute for a work zoom call? You’ve never tried sushi but you’ve always wanted to? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then your week has arrived!

Regional Restaurant Week, hosted by the Neponset River Regional Chamber begins Monday June 7 and runs until Friday June 11 . There are 31 local restaurants offering reduced price menus and or special pricing on select dinner items in Norwood, Westwood, Canton and Dedham.  This is the perfect opportunity to not only dine out at your favorite places but also to try something completely new while taking advantage of lower prices and and less hectic weeknight.

Not sure where to start? No problem, we’ve got your plan:

1. Go to the Neponset River Regional Chamber web page to peruse the entire restaurant week line up. There are even links to the special menus.
2. Make a list of the spots you want to visit
3. Call and make reservations to dine in or some restaurants are offering the specials for pick up. Either way, give them a call.
4. Take amazing photos – yes there is a contest! Win $100 for your post to social media. See details here.​

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​Enjoy the week, tell your friends, take photos, and share your positive experiences of Regional Restaurant Week.

​By now, you have probably heard about the Restaurant Week happening June 7-11 in Norwood but perhaps you’re not sure what it is and how it works. Let’s get you up to speed and ready to make those plans.

Now that you know what a Restaurant Week is, here’s how to find out more about our very own event happening in Norwood Center and surrounding towns.

1. Log in here to see what restaurants are participating. You can find contact info and links to menus. on the Neponset River Regional Chamber of Commerce website. More restaurants will be added each day.
   
   
2. Make a plan – map out your week of dining out and make reservations ahead of time. This will ensure that you have a table waiting for you and that you won’t miss out on these specially priced menus.
   
   
3. Get ready to snap some photos and post to social media. The NRR Chamber will be awarding a cash prize to the best photos posted to FB, Instagram or Twitter. Just tag them here: @nrrchamber and use the hashtag #regionalrestaurantweek
   
   
4. Congratulate yourself for taking a week off from cooking and grocery shopping while simultaneously supporting your hard-working local restaurants.
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Bottom line, for residents and visitors, this upcoming event is a great chance to try out a new restaurant at an affordable rate. So bookmark the chamber’s web page and get ready to grab some reservations at that local spot that you’ve always been want to try!

In late January, Friends of Norwood Center was honored by the Neponset River Regional Chamber as a COVID Heroes Among Us recipient. Each year, the Chamber recognizes a few of its members for their contribution to the community and to the Neponset River Regional Chamber. 
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“This year has not been normal in any way and we felt it appropriate to specifically recognize COVID Heroes Among Us,” said Thomas J. O’Rourke, CCE, President and CEO, Neponset Regional Chamber.  He continued, “these awards were presented to a business or person who has done something special to help others during the COVID-19 pandemic or changed their business model to find success in new ways.”

FNC was among the following organizations to receive this recognition among hundreds of active members:

• Moderna
• The Kraft Group
• Norwood Hospital
• Dedham Square Circle
• Friends of Norwood Center
• Avi Shemtov, Simcha Restaurant
• Rob Peters Entertainment

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“We are humbled at this honor to be among this group,” said Charlotte Walsh, President of Friends of Norwood Center and owner of Charles River Running in Norwood Center.  “I am proud of the FNC volunteer Board who recognized the necessity of pivoting throughout the pandemic to find ways FNC could best help the businesses of Norwood Center.  Norwood Feeds the Frontline, in partnership with Matt Brown and his Foundation, took off early and easily.  We were thrilled with the generous financial response from residents that allowed FNC to purchase meals from Norwood restaurants for frontline workers in the hospital and fire department during the early months of the pandemic.”

Friends of Norwood Center is currently working with the Town of Norwood through DPW, Planning & Economic Development and the Manager’s Office on design for new light post flags for Washington Street in the Center to promote dining and shopping in Norwood Center.  Be on the lookout!

Friends of Norwood Center is supporting Project Takeout throughout the month of February!  FNC is asking the responsive and generous Norwood community to order takeout throughout the month and post a photo of your meal to Norwood social media sites and use the hashtags #projecttakeout #FriendsofNorwoodCenter.

FNC Board President, and owner of Charles River Running, Charlotte Walsh asks everyone to join in this fun social media effort to promote the many and diverse Norwood restaurants especially in this time of continued social distancing.  “We are so fortunate in Norwood to have such a unique variety of restaurants,” said Walsh.  “People come from all over the area to dine-in and takeout.   Project Takeout will be a boost to our local eateries and serve as a financial bridge to the spring.” 

Let’s rally every week – especially on Tuesdays – historically, the slowest day of the week for restaurants - to order in and help our local, independent restaurants.  Together, we can make a real difference for Norwood restaurants and our community. 

John Carbone, Norwood resident and Friends of Norwood Center board member agrees and frequents Norwood restaurants for takeout whenever possible.  “A town’s center is its heart.”  Carbone continued, “We are so fortunate to have such a beautiful and vital center.  Let’s support our local restaurants to help ensure they make it to the other side of this pandemic; keep ordering your favorites or try something new.”
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All Norwood restaurants offer takeout for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks.  Check out their menus on Instagram, Facebook and their websites.  Many have specials that they post on social media every day.  Follow them!  And don’t forget to post a picture of your meal with the hashtags #projecttakeout and #friendsofnorwoodcenter.

2020 marks the 10th anniversary of Small Business Saturday, aka Shop Small Saturday, created by American Express.  I think it is safe to say that no one at AMEX could have possibly imagined putting on a Shop Small Saturday in the midst of a pandemic!  In two years, Norwood will be celebrating its 150th anniversary.  Some of us have been researching Norwood history to make sure that we honor everyone who contributed to this proud history.
 
The light bulb went off over a few heads!  Let’s make Shop Small Saturday into Shop Small This Fall and encourage people to prioritize shopping at Norwood Center’s oldest small businesses.  Here’s how that could work for several categories of businesses.
 
Norwood Theater, founded in 1927, is the oldest place in Norwood Center where you go and interact with people who teach or entertain you.  It has postponed all its shows until next year and even the box office has suspended operations.  Many similar operations, from bowling alleys, dance studios, and driving classes, to hair and nail salons, may also have to curtail operations due to the pandemic.  If so, what they need most from us is a promise to turn out in force as soon as they reopen, and support those that are opened safely.  So let’s give it to them!
 
Restaurants and bars have only recently reopened for on-site dining and are under much more restrictive rules than the old normal.  Now that Norwood’s back in the red zone, it won’t be surprising if even that is suspended, possibly by the time you read this blog.  That still leaves curbside takeout and delivery.  Norwood Center’s oldest restaurant, the Olde Colonial Café (opened in 1934), has curbside takeout.   Our second oldest restaurant, Lewis’s Bar and Grille (1939), has curbside takeout and delivery, as well as iconic drinks and burgers.  What better way to support Shop Small This Fall, while honoring Norwood Center rich history and staying safe?
 
Norwood Bank (founded in 1889) is the oldest small business in Norwood Center.  Three insurance firms – Morrill Group Insurance (1879), Foley Palenscar Schortmann Insurance (1936), and Dempsey Insurance (1947) – also rank among the oldest small businesses in Norwood Center.  If this doesn’t sound like a conventional place to shop, then you must not have seen any of the terrific TV ads Dempsey has been airing for the past several months.  Long story short, the pandemic’s effect on the economy – and especially on your personal economy – makes this an excellent time to see whether your financial arrangements make sense for your current situation. 
 
Your choice of checking and savings accounts, your mortgage terms, and the specs for your insurance, all could use a check-up and possibly some modifications.  Where better than at these time-tested institutions, the youngest of which is over 70 years old?  As for COVID safety, you will probably find that you can’t just walk in but will need an appointment, which will allow them to sanitize the space in advance and configure the space so you can distance yourself from anyone you’re not working with directly.
 
Finally, let’s talk about Norwood Center’s veteran retail stores.  The six oldest are all in very different businesses, and so you can patronize them all and never duplicate an order. 

1. Kappy’s Coins & Stamps.  I’ve been wanting to sing the praises of this Norwood Center gem for a long time.  Since 1976, Kappy’s has been serving the needs of serious, casual and first-time collectors.  Surveys estimate there are 1.5 million casual stamp collectors in the country and a quarter-million serious stamp collectors.  That translates into about 150 casual stamp collectors and 25 serious stamp collectors in Norwood.  That’s a lot of people, who might be on your gift list.  I can’t find any surveys for coin collectors, but conservative estimates by knowledgeable people suggest serious coin collectors are slightly more numerous than serious stamp collectors, while casual coin collectors are at least twice as numerous as casual stamp collectors.  Put them all together, and you’re talking around 500 Norwoodians who would definitely appreciate a gift from Kappy’s, and there are almost certainly a lot of kids who would be interested if offered the opportunity.  That’s when I got into coin collecting – a hobby for decades – and briefly into stamp collecting. 

 

1. Day Street Sports Shop.  Anyone who has seen me knows that I am not big into sports or fitness.  If I were, though, Day Street (founded 1972) would be the first place I’d stop.  If you are an aspiring or actual player, you should go there, too.  Listen to some Yelp reviewers:  “This is a really nice small sports store.  I go in here to pick up Bauer wooden  goalie sticks, as most big stores won’t carry them.”  “Had to give this place a great review because when you call, you actually talk to a person.”  “I can only imagine the service from people like them would make for happy and local customers.”

 

1. Broadway Liquors.  Norwood Center has a lot of liquor stores, but there is only one Broadway Liquors, founded way back in 1963.  They are well stocked with a wide variety of beer (including nearby craft brands), wine and spirits.  One Yelp reviewer said this:  “Has all you would expect from a liquor store.”

 

1. Lustra Cleaners.  Lustra Cleaners has been handling every type of clothing and fabric cleaning need since 1962.  They have been a regular supporter of Shop Small Saturday since its inception, which gets them extra points from me.  Their most recent Yelp review says it all:  “Absolutely the best cleaners around!  Great service!  All is on premise!  They even have a tailor on site!  Family owned and operated.”  (All those exclamation points are from the reviewer.  No hype from me.)

 

1. Babel’s Paint and Decorating (now National Lumber & Babel’s).  Vic and Jeanne Babel have been leaders in the Norwood small business community.  Vic got out of the business, founded in 1950, shortly after the untimely passing of Jeanne, who was one of the founders and early presidents of the Friends of Norwood Center.  The name says paint, but you may not know just how much is covered by “decorating”.  Blinds, shades, curtain fabric, and anything else needed for window treatments are included.  At the front end, they have design professionals to help you make your choices, and at the back end, they have experienced installers.

 

1. Eagle Shoe Repair.  Since 1936, this three-generation store has been about so much more than shoes and so much more than repair.  Listen to two Yelp reviewers from this year:  “I grew up in Norwood and my family has always brought our shoes to Eagle.  It’s FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED and they strive for perfection and customer satisfaction.  [t]hey can also sew the patches on leather vests, replace/fix handbag zippers, replace soles and heels …, at reasonable pries that don’t break the bank.  Your loss if you don’t at least try them.”  “Nice people… has a lot of items you can’t find at stores…real gem if you’re into taking care of leather goods like from thrift stores like I am…the man behind the counter is very knowledgeable.”

​Submitted by John R. Hall, Jr.

With holiday shopping looking different this year, what’s the best way to support our local merchants?  By joining the This Fall Shop Small Norwood movement.  We’re turning the traditionally held, single day event called Small Business Saturday into a month-long call to action for local shoppers. Learn how you can make a difference in Norwood by shopping local and safe this year.
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WHY SHOP LOCAL?
When you spend your dollars at locally owned retail businesses, more money returns to our local economy than if you spend that same dollar at a chain store.  Spend a dollar at an independent business in Norwood and 62 cents returns to our local economy. If you spend it at a chain store, only 13 cents return and worse yet if you spend it at an online giant, only a couple pennies return.

Those 62 cents that you just spent in Norwood, recirculate through our economy, generating ripple effects that strengthen jobs, charitable contributions and community prosperity.  If everyone shifted just 10% of their purchases from national chains to locally owned retailers, we would return $27 million to our regional economy annually. 

WHEN YOU SHOP LOCAL, THE LOVE COMES THROUGH
Think about the people you love. Instead of stuff, what do you truly want to give them?  Perhaps it’s more hope, inspiration or connection.  Now, consider each person, place and thing that plays a part in growing, making and getting that gift to your loved one.  When you shop local in Norwood, you give more to everyone.
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HOW TO SHOP LOCAL SAFELY
Many Norwood merchants, salons, fitness studios and restaurants will be selling gift cards that can be either purchased online, by email or over the phone. Other businesses are offering their full inventory online at their website. If you wish to shop in person, some retailers are offering special “by appointment only” shopping times where you can shop with limited numbers of people in the store. Not sure where to start? Just head over to our website www.NorwoodCenter.org.  and click on the “visit” tab to see a list of Norwood Center restaurants, salons, fitness studios and retailers and their websites.
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SHOP NORWOOD SMALL THIS FALL
Join us in celebrating all that Norwood Center has to offer. It’s our diverse collection of small businesses that makes our community rich, vibrant and unique. Without them, our Center would not be the same. Make plans to join us in the Center! This Fall Shop Small Norwood safely and let’s keep our local businesses in business.

Friends of Norwood Center is excited to launch its first Norwood calendar, adorned with 13 local photographs submitted by Norwood photographers.  We need your artistic eye to vote the top photo that will grace the cover of its 2021 Norwood Calendar.

More than 200 photographs capturing scenes from throughout Norwood were submitted over the last weeks by twenty-five local photographers.  Beginning September 17, all 13 photos will be posted on the FNC Facebook page (www.facebook.com/NorwoodCenter) for selection of Fan Favorite. The photo with the most votes in the calendar album will be featured as the cover! Voting will be open through September 22nd at 8 p.m.
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Calendar sales begin in mid-October and all orders will be online and shipped to requested address.  Calendars are $25 and support the work of Friends of Norwood Center.
 
Be sure to follow Friends of Norwood Center at our website www.NorwoodCenter.org for updates, as well as Facebook, Twitter (@NorwoodCenter), and Instagram (@FriendsofNorwoodCenter.) Questions:  please email FNC at norwoodcenter@gmail.com
 
Friends of Norwood Center connects local businesses, town leadership, and residents to energize the downtown experience for everyone. Our goal is to empower the people, places, culture, and experiences unique to Norwood to support a vibrant community and a thriving local economy. We believe when we choose to live locally, we make the heart of our town a welcoming destination for everyone.

Friends of Norwood Center (FNC) needs 13 great Norwood MA photos for our 2021 Fundraising Calendar — one for each month and the cover.
 
Funds raised through calendar sales will help FNC further its mission of connecting local businesses, town leadership, and residents to energize the downtown experience for everyone. Your support helps with initiatives supporting downtown businesses and projects and is especially valued now during the Covid-19 pandemic.

To enter, please send submissions to FNC2021calendar@gmail.com

• Images from the entire town of Norwood are accepted. Photos do not need to be Norwood Center exclusively. 
• Only horizontal photos will be considered.
• High-resolution files are required for entry (a minimum 900x720 pixels 300dpi for printing)
• In submitting a photo/photos, the participant attests photos are the property of the photographer and are not subject to further copyright.
• Photographers retain the rights to the artwork outside of the 2021 FNC calendar.

Photographer’s names will be printed for each photo and include contact information (if desired).

• August 24th: Submissions open
• September 14th: Submissions close
• September 15th: Selected photographers emailed
• September 16th: The top 13 selected photos will be posted to FNC's Facebook page! 
• September 16th: Voting begins for the FNC 2021 Fundraising Calendar cover to be determined by the highest number of “likes” received on social media
• September 23rd: Winner of the calendar cover contest is announced! Online calendar sales begin on the FNC website.
  • Calendars are $25 (includes US shipping)
• October 14th: Online calendar sales close
• November 9th: Fulfillment begins

 
Note: Calendars are only available through pre-paid preorder.

On Sunday, June 28, 2020, Norwood experienced torrential rain and flash floods due to summer storms. Below is a roundup of a few of the posts from local businesses that highlight the power of the storm, the damage, and the strength of the Town's response.