Thank you to all who participated in Norwood 101!
When staff at the Morrill Memorial Library heard that the Lucius Beebe Library in Wakefield held a welcome program for new residents, they were excited to hold a similar event. They named it Norwood 101. Organizers hoped the event would spotlight not only Norwood's library services, but would also introduce new residents to Norwood's Town services, businesses, and organizations.
The Library invited representatives from Norwood's Town departments and non-profit organizations to the April 24th, 2017 event. Local businesses were contacted and asked to either sponsor the event and/or provide promotional material for the give-away bags donated by Straight Stitch Custom Embroidery and Screen Printing. In addition, Dedham Savings generously donated beverage travel cups for each new resident, and Blue Hills Bank supplied a variety of items. China Rama supplied each new resident with a $10.00 gift certificate.
Other businesses generously donated items for raffle baskets: Bamboo Cafe, Brookside Cafe, The Chateau, Chelala Jewelry & Gifts, Mug 'n Muffin, Norwood Historical Society, Norwood Theatre, and the Takeaway. The Library's very supportive Friends of the Morrill Memorial Library and Board of Library Trustees provided printing and postage for invites to over 900 residents who moved to Norwood between July 2016 and March 2017.
The Library also received enthusiastic support from Town Manager John Carroll, Asst. Town Manager Bernie Cooper, the Board of Selectmen, and other town departments that participated and provided valuable information to pass along to new residents. Nine local non-profit organizations, Baystate Animal Cooperative, Girl/Boy Scouts, League of Women Voters, Norwood Evening Garden Club, Norwood Historical Society, Norwood Rotary Club, Together Yes, Women’s Community Committee, and Women’s Business Network, brought their enthusiasm and welcome to these new residents, as well. HESSCO Elder services was also on hand to provide a wealth of information to our older new residents. The Library staff is grateful to NPA-TV for recording the event for future viewing on cable TV.
The Library looks forward to hosting this type of event each spring to welcome new residents and introduce them to all of the wonderful Town and a Library services, non-profit groups, and businesses that our great town has to offer.
Patty Bailey
Technical Services Assistant/ U. S. Passport Acceptance Agent
Morrill Memorial Library