Hundreds Come Out For Norwood Day

NORWOOD, MA - Hundreds of people converged on Norwood Center Saturday morning to celebrate community pride and enjoy a festival of amusements, pony rides and opportunities to reconnect with friends and neighbors.

This was the 17th annual event, paused last year because of the pandemic in favor of a local shopping campaign. Food vendors, games, community groups and local businesses lined Washington Street in blue and white tents, offering a spectrum of opportunities for connection, education and fun for all ages. Some people previously isolated during the pandemic were able to embrace for the first time in months as Norwood sprung to life around them.

A parade to the Town Common kicked off the celebration, with the Norwood High School cheerleaders and band pumping up the already enthusiastic crowd.

It was also a day for reflection and appreciation. This year, Norwood Day was dedicated to Assistant Town Manager Bernie Cooper, who died earlier this year after 49 years of service. The admission buttons for the parade displayed his picture, the first time that a person was given that honor. He was the backbone of Norwood, with an encyclopedic knowledge of the town's history and policy as well as a committed volunteer to Norwood Day and other local causes.

At the gazebo, Cooper's family accepted the Anne Lydon Award for community service on his behalf. They expressed gratitude to the town for holding him in such high esteem.

"I always kind of knew that my dad loved Norwood, and Norwood loved my dad," said his son, Josh Cooper. "Just to see the love and respect that people have for him has been really overwhelming."

"On behalf of the Norwood Day Committee, this was probably the easiest decision we ever made," said Recreation Department Director Travis Farley, who organized the event, said of the honor.

"We are so happy that Norwood Day is finally here," said General Manager Tony Mazzucco after the presentation. "We're happy that Bernie was awarded the Anne Lydon Award, and we still miss him every day.

"We're glad we could all get together and that the rain held out," he added, noting that there were more than 200 vendors present. "Everyone should have a good time today."

Christine Benedetti, who has lived in Norwood since 1997, said she came out to talk to people and enjoy the festive atmosphere.

"After the past year and a half, it means so much to see everyone face to face having a fun time," she said. "You need to be involved in the community. I think it makes you feel good."

For the kids, there were pony rides as well as several amusement rides. They could test their athletic skills on a rock-climbing wall or by shooting hoops. Younger children had tossing games and free candy.

One popular exhibit on the Town Common was a giant inflatable brain provided by youth advocacy group Impact Norwood. Participants could walk inside, touching the lobes to find out their function.

"It focuses on how the brain works," said Aubrey Ciol, Impact Norwood's program director. "There's a part that focuses on addiction and depression. Our focus is on addiction prevention and mental health."

Ciol pointed out the youth-led "photo voice project," which sought to highlight a social justice issue through the eyes of young people. Twelve participants analyzed how their age group perceived advertising about drug use and alcohol consumption, posting pictures from Norwood to Ghana on an exhibit.

"Our goal eventually is trying to change the policy around advertising, because now it's pretty much in your face," she said. "We in Norwood focus on the positive, because the majority of youth in Norwood don't use drugs or alcohol."

"I just enjoyed the project overall, but it was great to do it with my peers," said Adamaris Troncoso, a participant. "We wrote background information for the pictures about what the messages were trying to convince us about."

Town committees and social service programs offered connection opportunities as people cope with the ongoing challenges the pandemic presented as well as ways to re-engage in fun activities like trail walking, skating, scouts and dance. Information tables provided resources from the Norwood Food Pantry, Moderna and Norwood Hospital, among many others.

"People tend to remember to donate at the holidays," said Norwood Food Pantry member Tracey Johnson. "But it's actually during this time - when things slow down - that we need more help."

"Norwood Day is a great way to reach out to the community," noted Norwood native Stephen Trovato, the vice president and co-founder of Expedition Empower, a nonprofit that helps people with disabilities connect with nature.

"Seeing the whole community on one street is just awesome," added organization treasurer Brian Baldek, who was visiting Norwood for the first time.

Walpole's Turning Point Recovery Center participated in its first Norwood Day. Outreach coordinator Gerard Toucette of East Walpole described his personal recovery journey and the importance of connecting in a safe environment.

"We're still kind of the new kids on the block," he said, noting that the organization is about to celebrate its second anniversary. "If people may need resources, support and community if they are struggling with drugs and alcohol and want to change, we offer that in a non-judgmental community."

All of the staff members are in recovery, Toucette added.

"Everyone has a different story," he said. "Lived experience is the greatest knowledge out there."