Norton MA Town Hall

Tribute to Deputy Police Chief George C. Labonte
07/01/1980 – 08/12/2024

Wrentham Deputy Police Chief George Labonte passed away yesterday after a long, very courageous battle with cancer. George leaves behind his loving wife Katie and their four children, Sadie, Benji, Jaxie and Julian. He also leaves his mom and dad, his sisters and his in-laws on Katie’s side of the family. Additionally, he left the rest of us, his police family, fire family, his friends, way too many to mention, but so many indeed. Finally, and thankfully, he left behind his cancer.

George was diagnosed with medullary thyroid cancer in 2016. He was a Police Lieutenant at the time and I the Deputy Chief. I remember well the day he came into the station and broke that terrible, stunning news. This form of cancer was rare and incurable he told us, making it even more scary. At the time, none of us heard of medullary thyroid cancer, but we heard plenty about it after that. “Check your neck!” he warned us, warned his friends, warned everyone. He would tell you that right now if he were here.

Scary as it was, in short time, George pushed “scary” aside and steadfastly proclaimed cancer would not rule his life. He would fight back of course, focused on diet, worked out like a crazy man, and participated in pharmaceutical trial studies, most notable a seemingly miracle drug called Loxo. He would also join support and research groups focused specifically on his type of cancer. In those groups, he was “known for his optimism, his upbeat personality”, said fellow survivor, Bill Nelson. “He brought hope to the group” added Bill who made it clear George was “his brother”.

So yes, George said over and over he would live as if he didn’t have cancer at all. We remember thinking what a brave thing for him to say and we truly admired him for saying it, but really? That can’t be done, no one can do that! Well, no one, maybe…except George.

Though he would have been completely justified to wallow in self-pity, seek attention for himself…he didn’t. Instead, he did what he said he would do. He didn’t allow cancer to dominate his life, but, dedicated a huge piece of his life to helping others with cancer, kids with cancer...pediatric cancer. Not surprising if you knew him.

So how does George, dealing with his own cancer, support kids with cancer? He could just donate some money, perhaps become a spokesman, start a page or something along those lines. Those would be easy, effective ways to show support, bring awareness and not require a lot of effort. George though, had other ideas. The cop with cancer, who by his own account wasn’t much of a long distance-runner, decided to…run a marathon for MGH (Mass General Hospital) to support finding a cure for pediatric cancer. George knew firsthand how scary it was for him to deal with cancer and imagined it had to be even worse for kids. The definition of selflessness. Go big or go home, I believe he said. And going big meant a marathon!

It really didn’t seem possible, that marathon idea, but he made it possible. He trained, ran on weekdays, long runs on Saturdays, ran alone, trained with friends and family. And then…he ran not one marathon, but two, maybe more, I lost track. He ran in Chicago and ran in Boston, he ran half marathons. Suddenly, the man with incurable cancer, seemed like the healthiest cop on Wrentham P.D., just living his life his way.

Of course, George had his struggles along this journey and that has to be said. He had pain, low moments, surgeries, treatments and all the rest of it. But he never lost hope and optimism. He harnessed the immeasurable love and support from Katie, the kids, his family and he forged ahead for as long as he could. He roared!

Now, his marathon is over. Not Boston or Chicago. This marathon began in 2016, the one he never asked for, never trained for, but nevertheless, ran hard and steady with the ferocity of a champion.

And yesterday, my friend, our friend, crossed the finish line.

God bless you George and God Bless your family. You are missed and loved by all of us at the Wrentham Police Department and beyond.

Appointed to Wrentham P.D. 2003
Promoted to Sergeant 2010
Promoted to Lieutenant 2012
Promoted to Deputy Police Chief 2018
FBI National Academy Session 282 2022

The reception is to meet & greet the public and honor this year's grantee recipients!

Attention Norton Residents, a West Nile Virus(WNV) positive mosquito sample has been confirmed in Norton.
This means we all need to use our Mosquito Safety Precautions such as:

Avoid peak mosquito hours.

Mosquitoes are most active at dusk and dawn, so try to schedule outdoor activities to avoid these times.
Wear protective clothing

Long-sleeved shirts, pants, and socks can help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Use insect repellent

The CDC recommends using repellents that contain EPA-registered active ingredients like DEET, picaridin, IR3535, or oil of lemon-eucalyptus. Follow the product label's instructions, and don't use DEET on children under two months old or oil of lemon eucalyptus on children under three.
Protect your home

To prevent mosquitoes from getting inside, make sure window and door screens are in good repair and tightly attached. Also, remove standing water around your home.

DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC UTILITIES NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND REQUEST FOR COMMENTS - NATIONAL GRID - August 9, 2024 at 2 PM

Petition of Massachusetts Electric Company and Nantucket Electric Company, each d/b/ as National Grid for Approval of a Mid-Term Modification to its 2022-2024 Three-Year Energy Efficiency Plan.

The Department will conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the Company's petition on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, beginning at 2:00 p.m. The hearing will be virtual and use Zoom videoconferencing. Attendees can join the public hearing by entering the link, https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82616248745, from a computer, smartphone, or tablet. No prior software download is required.

For audio-only access to the public hearing, attendees can dial in at (646) 558-8656 or (309) 205-3325 (not toll-free) and then enter the Meeting ID # 826 1624 8745.

If you anticipate providing comments via Zoom during the public hearing, please email [email protected] with your name, email address, and mailing address by Friday, August 2, 2024.

For further information regarding the Company's filing, please get in touch with the Company's attorney, Christopher Tuomala, Esq., at Christopher. [email protected].

All documents submitted in electronic format will be posted on the Department's website through our online File Room as soon as practicable (enter "24-99") at https://eeaonline.eea.state.ma.us/DPU/Fileroom/dockets/bynumber
Please see the town website for the public notice that was posted.

ByNumber

NOTICE OF VACANCIES ON TOWN BOARDS AND COMMITTEES

The Select Board announces that vacancies exist on the following boards, committees, and commissions:

Commission on Disability
Constable
Cultural Council
Economic Development Commission (Full Member and Alternate Positions)
Founders' Day Committee
Gold Star Committee
Historic District Commission (Full Member and Alternate Positions)
Historical Commission
Norton Cable Access, Inc.
Open Space Committee (Full Member and Alternate Positions)
Recreation Commission (Full Member and Alternate Positions)
Water Bodies Committee
Zoning Board of Appeals (Alternate)

Residents interested in serving on any of these boards, committees, or commissions are requested to submit
a letter of introduction and a statement of their qualifications to the Select Board's Office, 70 East Main Street, Norton, MA 02766,
or via email at [email protected].

NOTIFICATION OF 2024 JULY & AUGUST SCHEDULED AQUATIC TREATMENTS TO WINNECUNNET POND, NORTON RESERVOIR, AND CHARTLEY POND

Management of several Norton Ponds will be conducted during the 2024 season. Water bodies included in the program are Winnecunnet Pond, Norton Reservoir, and Chartley Pond.

The program will use chemical treatments with USEPA/MA registered aquatic herbicides to control invasive vegetation and hand-pulling, as applicable. Treatments are anticipated at Winnecunnet Pond, Norton Reservoir, and Chartley Pond on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. Recreational use will be restricted during the date of treatment.

Additional treatments are anticipated at Chartley Pond on Thursday, July 25, 2024, and Thursday, August 8, 2024. Chartley Pond will be closed to recreation on these dates.

The work is being performed for the Town of Norton, under contract with Water & Wetland, pursuant to Orders of Conditions permit from the Conservation Commission(s) and License to Apply Chemicals permits from MA DEP. Dates are subject to change due to weather and other factors.

Additional irrigation, drinking/cooking, and livestock watering restrictions may apply.

For complete information and an up-to-date treatment schedule, please visit the Town of Norton website and navigate to the water resources page: https://www.nortonma.org/conservation-commission/pages/water-resources-norton-lakes-ponds
Neon signs will be posted along the shorelines in advance of treatments.

Chartley Pond Water Treatment Poster for 07/23/24https://www.nortonma.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif3606/f/news/2024.23.24_chartley_poster_-_water_treatment_7.23.24.pdf

Norton Reservoir Water Treatment Poster for 07/23/24https://www.nortonma.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif3606/f/news/2024.23.24_norton_reservoir_poster_-_water_treatment_7.23.24.pdf

Winnecunnet Pond Water Treatment Poster for 07/23/04https://www.nortonma.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif3606/f/news/2024.23.24_winnecunnet_pond_poster_-_water_treatment_7.23.24.pdf

Chartley Pond Water Treatment Poster for 07/25/24https://www.nortonma.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif3606/f/news/2024.07.25_chartley_poster_-_water_treatment_7.25.24.pdf

Chartley Pond Water Treatment Poster for 08/08/24https://www.nortonma.org/sites/g/files/vyhlif3606/f/news/2024.08.chartley_poster_-_8.8.24.pdf

www.nortonma.org

Passport to History 2024

Pick up a passport at the Norton Historical Society and take your family on a free adventure through the Old Colony region.

Norton Historical Society is open Monday and Wednesday from 10 AM to 2 PM.

There is No Charge and No Appointment Necessary.

Reminder - Swim lessons are now open!

NOTICE Date Change - the Norton Veterans Council CARNIVAL will be held from Thursday, June 20th to Sunday, June 23rd. Wednesday the 19th was unavailable. They will also hold the Car Show on Sunday.

The pool at Everett Leonard Park opens Thursday, June 13th for the season!

Thursday the 13th it's open 2-6pm.

Regular hours will be:
Monday, Wednesday and Friday, 12-6pm
Tuesday and Thursday 1-7pm

Weekends will be open 12-6pm when not rented.

Front end loaded rentals to June so that there are more open days in July and August.

SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION
The Special Town Election will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Norton Middle School. The polling hours will be from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.

Both Vote by Mail and Absentee voting will take place. There will be NO LIVE-EARLY VOTING, which means no hours will be scheduled to vote during the week or on weekends as in State Elections.

You may come into Town Hall during normal business hours to vote absentee once the ballots are in. The ballots will be ordered next week and should arrive within two weeks of placing the order. You will be notified as soon as they arrive, and they will be mailed out. More information will follow when that happens.

Applications must be completed to receive a ballot, which can be found on the Town Clerk's website page- Town Clerk | Town of Norton MA you may come into the Town Clerk's Office to pick one up, the Council on Aging and I have also put a plastic bag filled with them in the orange newspaper box outside Town Hall. Once the ballots arrive, they will be sent out right away.
Completed applications may be put into the ballot box outside the front door at Town Hall, mailed in, or dropped off at the Clerk's Office.
Thank you
Lucia Longhurst
Town Clerk
Anyone who sent back the postcard that the state sent out at the beginning of the year and checked off to receive a ballot for "ALL ELECTIONS THIS YEAR" will automatically be sent a ballot once the ballots are received.

Vote by Mail and Absentee Ballot information available here: SPECIAL TOWN ELECTION
The Special Town Election will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at the Norton Middle School. The polling hours will be from 8:00 am until 5:00 pm.

Both Vote by Mail and Absentee voting will take place. There will be NO LIVE EARLY VOTING, which means no hours will be scheduled to vote during the week or on weekends as in State Elections.

You may come into Town Hall during normal business hours to vote absentee once the ballots are in. The ballots will be ordered next week and should be in within two weeks of placing the order. You will be notified as soon as they arrive, and they will be mailed out. More information will follow when that happens.

Applications must be completed to receive a ballot, which can be found on the Town Clerk's website page- https://www.nortonma.org/town-clerk.

You may come into the Town Clerk's Office to pick one up; the Council on Aging and I have also put a plastic bag filled with them in the orange newspaper box outside Town Hall. Once the ballots arrive, they will be sent out right away.

Completed applications may be put into the ballot box outside the front door at Town Hall, mailed in, or dropped off at the Clerk's Office.

Thank you
Lucia Longhurst
Town Clerk

Anyone who sent back the postcard that the state sent out at the beginning of the year and checked off to receive a ballot for "ALL ELECTIONS THIS YEAR" will automatically be sent a ballot once the ballots are received.

Vote by Mail and Absentee Ballot forms may be found at: https://www.nortonma.org/town-clerk.

Town Clerk | Town of Norton MA View Contact Info Hours of OperationMon-Wed: 8:30 am to 4:30 pmThur: 8:30 am to 7:30 pmFri: 8:30 am to 12:30 pmHow to Reach UsPhone: (508) 285-0230Fax: (508) 285-0231 Address Norton Town Clerk Norton Municipal Center- 1st Floor 70 East Main St Norton, MA 02766 United States See map: Google Maps Ke...

SRPEDD is updating the Southeastern Regional Pedestrian Plan and we want to hear from you! Your participation in our survey will help identify public priorities for improving walking infrastructure across the region. To learn more about how the Plan can help improve your community, head over to srpedd.org/rpp. To take the survey, use the following link: arcg.is/1W88Lf0 -- the survey closes on 7/1/2024!

Select Board Agenda for Thursday, June 6th

As the warmer weather is here, it’s a good time to remind people of the Town Bylaws regarding boating on Nortons water bodies. In particular, personal watercraft (jet skis) can only operate between 9am and 4pm.

Mark your calendar to get some pizza! Monday, June 17th Bertucci's will be supporting Norton Parks & Rec with a dining fundraiser. 15% of your purchase will come back to support us. The QR code (which is cut off) is in the comments.

Thank you for your support!

Advertise your business at the Town Pool!

to sign up go to:
https://www.nortonma.org/parks-and-recreation/pages/become-parks-rec-sponsor

Love to have you join our sponsors on the fence...that spot is waiting for your sign!

Yoga in the Park starts this Saturday!!

Don't forget to sing up with Kristin so you don't miss out!

Town Meeting Childcare
Champions Before & After School program will offer childcare for residents of Norton for the Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 28th, beginning at 6pm. Children may be between the ages of 5-13 and be toilet trained.

If you plan to use this opportunity, please click on the form below so that Champions knows how many children to prepare for.

Town Meeting Childcare Champions Before & After School program is offering childcare for residents of Norton for the Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 28th beginning at 6pm. Children may be between the ages of 5-13 and be toilet trained. If you are planning to utilize this opportunity, please complete this form so that Champio...

Town Meeting Childcare
The Champions Before & After School program will offer childcare for residents of Norton for the Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 28th, beginning at 6pm. Children may be between the ages of 5-13 and be toilet trained.

If you are planning to use this opportunity, please fill out this form so that Champions has an idea of how many children to prepare for.

Town Meeting Childcare Champions Before & After School program is offering childcare for residents of Norton for the Town Meeting on Tuesday, May 28th beginning at 6pm. Children may be between the ages of 5-13 and be toilet trained. If you are planning to utilize this opportunity, please complete this form so that Champio...

Norton Pride 2024 - Saturday, June 15, 2024 - 11 AM to 3 PM Norton Outdoor Center-Attleboro YMCA
Hey everyone, save the date for Norton Pride!
We'll celebrate this year at a new spot that offers more space to do more things.
We plan to have vendors, food trucks, community organizations, games, crafts, music, and more!
Please complete this form to sign up as a vendor or volunteer.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScy2_ZL8pt-GV9gbz7wCfKjbS1O7xlQasWxNPAWmLBPu1l8BQ/viewform?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR3h4_EthQXotJadoKkxwIsdmjWGIuQYZsc-N53kiXi6r62TaW16HrDGJII_aem_AWzMKaCHBMfspsE6wt2mOYIQnn9pfw0fw5fXtEqNfrEH-yRECQ0byz36FsbtpzNjvKqtphBZBUr6GpoFyn5Lo_HP

Don't forget to mark your calendar for Tuesday's Park & Rec Fundraiser at the Chateau! We thank you for your support!