Norwood 'Stars' Shine Brightly at Annual Fundraiser

This year's Dancing with the Norwood Stars drew over 500 guests in support of the Circle of Hope.

Despite having little to no dancing experience, six Norwood residents decided to put their nerves aside and step into the spotlight at the 2012 Dancing with the Norwood Stars on Friday night. It took 10 weeks of difficult practice for the dancers to prepare for the night. Still, they all knew that by stepping on the stage they were going to help benefit one of the town’s most beloved causes. About 500 Norwood residents packed the Four Points by Sheraton on Route 1 to watch the dance competition and hundreds more watched live from three local bars. But to all in attendance the night was more than just dancing, it was about the Circle of Hope. The Circle of Hope’s founder Lee Kennedy started the foundation as a promise to her daughter …

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My Norwood

Dancing with The Norwood Stars 2012: Stories of Support and Connection

Even during difficult economic times, the Norwood community rallied and pulled together to support and raise money for the 2012 Dancing with the Norwood Stars.

We have all secretly dreamed of that one moment, a chance to shine in the spotlight, exceeding all personal expectations while maybe even conquering a fear or two. What would you do if the opportunity presented itself? Would you run away? I probably would. In the dream we have the courage to take center stage or stand before a crowd, but this is real and you have moments to say yes or no. The catch is that your two minutes of fame will require countless hours learning something new, or if not entirely new, something many of us reserve for a group setting sans audience. I can write a letter or paint a picture, but if asked to dance… I would not be able to. Rhythm is not in my blood, and while my son dances a smooth confidence and moves that…

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Town Common Glows With a Record-Breaking Luminary Night

The annual Circle of Hope Luminary Night lit up the Town Common Saturday.

Approximately 1,200 luminaries lit in remembrance of loved ones lined the walkways of the Common and the surrounding sidewalks Saturday evening for the Circle of Hope’s 11th Annual Luminary Night. The event was the most successful to date, something that the COH members credit to the town's commitment to helping each other.  “This town always comes through, whether it’s helping the Circle of Hope or helping a neighbor - tonight is just a clear indication," Circle of Hope President Timothy McDonough said. "We sold the most luminary bags we ever have, the weather’s perfect for operating, I think a lot of blessings were answered tonight and it is really what the season is all about.” “You look around, see the faces of the people looking at …

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Luminaries Now Available for Purchase for the Norwood Circle of Hope's Annual Celebration

The luminary night on the town common will be held on Dec. 3 this year.

The Norwood Circle of Hope Foundation invites you to help light up the Circle of Hope by purchasing a luminary to be lit on Saturday evening, Dec. 3, on the Town Common. Continuing a Norwood tradition begun 11 years ago, the members of the Circle of Hope Foundation call the luminaries are a symbol of Life, Hope, the Season, and Remembrance of others. Luminaries can be purchased for $5 each from any Foundation board member, by calling 781-762-3549, or by mailing your check and messages to The Circle of Hope Foundation, 24 Myrtle Street, Norwood MA 02062. The purchaser can designate a short message of life, hope, the season or remembrance to be written on their luminary. The candles will be lit beginning at 5 p.m. and the Foundation members …

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Letter to the Editor: Norwood Day Thank You!

A thank you from Norwood Department of Recreation Superintendent Gerald Miller.

Norwood Day 2011 is now part of our town’s history; a great day with many laughs, memories and re-introductions of friends, neighbors and classmates. We kicked off Norwood Day weekend with glorious fireworks, sponsored again by T.G.I. Friday’s. The Town of Norwood and its residents completely enjoyed their gift. They were spectacular! It seems that, every year, Norwood Day continues to grow in both attendance and a greater variety of activities for its residents. This year we reached an estimated 16,000 people and provided a new Interactive Van - Games 2 Go. The success of Norwood Day would not be possible without the continuous support from our business community who share our vision. A big “Thank You” to the Town Square Diner (who, every…

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My Norwood

More Than Just a Day

The Day of Hope Carnival and all it stands for.

I was pleasantly surprised last week when I was roused from my sleep Friday morning by the welcoming chime of my doorbell rather than the irritating hum of an alarm clock. Friday was a day I couldn't wait for yet simultaneously dreaded. I was going to celebrate life, hope and youth at the Day of Hope Carnival, energy I would need to carry me through the rest of the day. Later that evening I was to meet family at Concannon's for a benefit for my cousin, an amazing drummer who embodies life and happens to be battling liver cancer - nothing he can't handle. We were told to put on our dancing shoes and show up ready to celebrate. I didn't think twice. I also know too well that life can change in a minute and Friday morning I woke (pulling my …

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Day of Hope, Community and Remembrance

The 7th annual Day of Hope Carnival continues to capture the essence of Michelle Kennedy's life and legacy — laughter, music, giving and hope.

A potential for rain did not dampen the spirits of those who took part in the 7th annual Day of Hope Carnival at Hawes Pool to benefit the Norwood Circle of Hope Foundation on Friday. The smiles of children throughout the day — many of whom were directly impacted by the generosity of the Circle of Hope — served as a subtle reminder that although life might not always be perfect, or fair, there is always hope and room for a little fun. The Circle of Hope was founded in 1998 in memory of Norwood resident Lee Kennedy’s daughter, Michelle, after she lost a battle with leukemia. People rallied behind the family during Michelle’s illness, and it was Michelle’s wish to quietly give back to the town that so graciously helped her and her mother. …

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