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My Norwood

Friday, May 4, 2012

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Student Musicians Dazzle at Cleveland School Concert [PHOTOS]

A photo gallery of the Cleveland School Instrumental Concert.

Student musicians performed in an instrumental concert at the Cleveland elementary school. Know of another upcoming concert or event you'd like to see on Patch? Let us know!

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

My Norwood

Honoring the Memory of Mr. Mitch Pentowski

My childhood memories of Mr. Mitch Pentowski, and the stories told by his friends, give us a picture of a man who never stopped fighting for the good of Norwood's children.

It has been almost a month since Norwood lost one of the great ones, Mitch Pentowski. I knew Mr. Pentowski from when I moved to Norwood at the age of six. One might say I shared a particular bond with the man from Vermont, the man devoted to his wife and nine children and who always had a smile on his face and a reassuring word to the children in my neighborhood, as we were both “carpetbaggers.” At six, I did not know what "carpetbagger" meant. It was not until a recent conversation with Mr. Pentowski’s longtime friends Mr. Kief and Mr. Savage that I began to understand the term - someone living in, but not born in Norwood. But being a "carpetbagger" did not stop Mr. Pentowski from standing up and becoming even more than just a part of …

Friday, March 23, 2012

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…

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

My Norwood

Eating Disorders Awareness Week: Everybody Knows Somebody

This week is Eating Disorders Awareness Week, with the terrifying but true motto, "Everybody Knows Somebody." Who do you know that could be struggling in silence?

Sunday, Feb. 26 marked the beginning of the 25th National Eating Disorders Awareness Week. The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) educates, inspires recovery, and provides comfort to those suffering from eating disorders, and also to the millions of family members and friends who have lost loved ones to a disease that currently affects 90 million Americans. A disease also clouded with misconceptions and societal shame. With the united goal to remove the stigmas, the shame and false perceptions associated with eating disorders, NEDA is making a bold statement with three simple words this year: “Everybody knows somebody.” From national events to grassroots and individual efforts the message that eating disorders do not come in one …

Kathleen Fuller

5:44 pm on Thursday, March 1, 2012

Everyone knows someone with an eating disorder - how true! Many twists and turns convolute the path and the process when healing eating and weight issues. Each person’s journey is unique, but certain behavioral similarities are fundamental at the start for nearly everyone who is affected. Why? This may surprise you, but the sociocultural roots of diet and weight issues are hidden deep in plain …   more ›

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

My Norwood

Valentine's Day Lessons

A day that should be about love often gets confused with being about flowers, chocolates, and getting a date.

What is Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day is a day associated with love dating back to the Middle Ages. Venus, the Greek goddess of love, asked her son Cupid, the little cherub with the infamous arrow of love, to use his power to ensure her beautiful younger sister, Psyche, fell in love with an ugly, evil monster. When little Cupid saw how beautiful Psyche was he instantly dropped the arrow and pricked himself. With love sometimes comes heartbreak, and revenge. In short, over time the beautiful Psyche remained unwed and without a suitor, as the village people learned she was destined to marry a monster. Psyche lived a quiet life, while Cupid remained quiet about his love… he was the so-called monster destined to marry this beauty. The story…

Monday, February 6, 2012

My Norwood

Today, I Will Celebrate

Today shall be known as Punky Brewster Day for this columnist.

I will admit, I am so glad it is over. Frankly, I did not care if Tom Brady or Eli Manning was heading to Disney World. I was so fed up with the hype, watching grown men turn into infantile creatures for the past few months, making the most ridiculous comments and gestures at a television set. Tapping away at cell phones to get “those picks” in just in time and wasting away entire Sundays that could have been spent enjoying this very unseasonable winter we have been fortunate to experience here in the Northeast. It is a game, people, and I was ready for it to be over before it began. In case you are wondering, I am talking about the Super (stupid) Bowl. I am obviously not a fan of football, however I am a sports fan. I love the Red Sox. I …

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

My Norwood

This I Believe

I believe in the little things, because I know their power.

"There is an angel at every corner to be the wind beneath your wings." -Tanisha Gaines I believe unquestionably in the innate power of faith, fate, and karma. I believe there is an unidentified equation determined by someone, some place encompassing the three tenants of basic human kindness. I also believe the human spirit is fueled, and further enriched, by the power connection and our lives are molded by simple acts of kindness, each time we do something without expectation. I believe good will towards men is necessary in order to fully appreciate life. I believe all of this because I have seen it, lived it, and been touched to have my life eased because of the selflessness of good friends, strangers, and the unbreakable bond of family. …

JoAnn Krall

1:10 pm on Wednesday, February 1, 2012

That was beautiful Kiersten! I also believe. I lost my parents within weeks of each other 9 years ago. I could not have got through that without all the things you mentioned. Thank you for putting into words exactly how I feel.   more ›

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

My Norwood

The Twelve Days of Norwood Christmas

On the first day of Christmas, my Norwood gave to me...

As the clock ticks on and Christmas nears, while Santa and his elves are busy preparing for the big night and children eagerly await his arrival, I decided to put my own spin on a Christmas classic.  This little ditty is dedicated to a few of the things I am grateful for this season, and some, well... I could have done without. But oh well, Merry Christmas to all and to all... I'm sorry for getting the song stuck in your head. On the first day of Christmas, my Norwood gave to me, a Common full of luminaries. On the second day of Christmas, my Norwood gave to me, two Perks gift cards, and a Common full of luminaries. On the third day of Christmas, my Norwood gave to me, three custom shirts from Day Street, two Perk’s gift cards and a Common…

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

My Norwood

'My Norwood' Patch: A Photo Year in Review

A visual interpretation of my last year with Norwood Patch.

Rather than the traditional column for Norwood Patch's birthday, here's a visual version with some of what the last year has been for me and this publication.

NorwoodNews12

10:28 pm on Thursday, November 24, 2011

What a wonderful pictoral of the last year. It was refhreshing to see the personal pieces that make "Norwood-Norwood" highlighted. Looking forward to hearing more from you and others who understand what our town loves to read. Question-how come we haven't seen as many local pieces covered by local columnists such as Kiersten, Shannon, Tim and Colleen? Those are the pieces I look forward to …   more ›

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

My Norwood

Jane's Story

An example to anyone who thinks they may be in or have witnessed an abusive relationship.

A funny thing happens the moment we become parents: we become superheroes whether we want to or not. Scary as that may sound, as much as we may not believe it, it is true. Our lives are no longer our own, our job is multi-faceted. Without a degree or formal training we become teacher, bodyguard, therapist, and nurse. But parental intuition kicks in and before long we “just know” when something is wrong, or right. The little people who call us “mommy” and “daddy” become our highest priority, and protecting them is our biggest responsibility. For as much as I worry about my own child, try to protect him from pain while simultaneously challenging him, I also know that the decisions I believe to be in his best interest are supported. Sadly, …

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