I was raised in Norton- Chartley, to be exact. I am often surprised by the frequency of a particular question posed to me, often by students: "You grew up here? Why did you come back?" Well, people, it is not as bad as you might think. In the years after high school, I was fortunate enough to spend much of my time, academically and recreationally, in other parts of the world. I lived in Mission Hill, Boston for six years. I have studied in Italy, England, Holland, and France. I have had a carefully prepared meal stolen from me by a pack of apparently famished howler monkeys in Costa Rica. I have been lucky enough to visit Hawaii eight times, and as beautiful and majestic as it is (see my photograph), you may actually rather live in Norton. The point is, no matter where your life takes you, you should always be proud of where you come from. Your thick Boston accent, your reservoir, your world famous Wendell's buffalo wings, your family, your friends and yes, even your teachers, are all a part of who you are and what you will become.
My question for you is: what makes Norton special to you?
71 comments:
What makes Norton special to me is that I have spent my whole life living here. I have grown up with a lot of the same people and it has allowed me to become really close with them. It makes you appreciate how close everyone is with each other and I feel really secure; however, I'm looking forward to going into a city for college.
norton itself isnt special to me, but all of my friends that live here make it special :) that sounds kind of corny, but i grew up in the city, so middle-of-nowhere norton doesnt really appeal to me.
~rachael maggiani
Norton is special to me because in this very town everyone knows everyone. It's nice to be able to go out and always run into someone you know. Even when you go to get gas you're always bound to see someone. Living in the town of Norton is a community that when one person falls, theres always two poeple to help pick them up (or laugh). -Jeff Moore
The thing that makes Norton special to me is that everyone knows everbody. I've been going to school with some of the same kids since kindergarden. It has its pros and cons, but, in the end, its where I grew up and where all my memories are.
-Brielle Bowman
Very touching...I agree with you on a lot of the things you said. I want to go to Boston for college but always love the idea of coming home to a small town. I hope to travel to many places like you did. Italy is definatly my number one choice.
Norton is special to me because it is where I grew up and where all of my friends are.
-Brianna Cote
Norton has the flattest landscape in all of New England. If that's not special, then I don't know what is.
-Keith Kelleher
This is both Katie Adler and Jordan. Besides the four Dunkin Donuts found in our little town of Norton, we think the overall closeness of the community is what makes Norton so unique from other small towns. When tragedy struck Norton everyone was able to pull together and help out those in need. I think that proves to be an example of the tight knit community we have formed.
Norton is special to me because its where I started a new phaze of my life away from the city.
-Nadya Kaltsunas
I would say Norton sports are special to me, but since we don't have a hockey team, I can't say that. So, I guess Norton is special to me because most of my friends are from Norton.
I'll tell you what makes Norton special to me. I grew up here and have gone through all my good times and bad times here. I've met all of my best friends here and built great friendships. My house is here too...I kind of need that. I sang in the chorus in Elementary school, just like everyone else. Brian's mom took a picture of me with my afro while I was singing. That picture is very important to me. It's funny when people ask where I'm from, because none of them have ever heard of Norton. But hey, it doesn't matter to me. PEACE
John Todd
What makes Norton special to me would have to be my friends, family, and certain teachers. I moved from a big town/city where not everyone knew you and i think that's what I liked best. But Norton defiantely has it's pluses.
Alicia Scanlan
Norton has a couple things special to me, one is my friends. It is very odd to think of living in another town and having different friends, and possibly never knowing or even seeing any of my friends I have now. Norton has taught me to deal less than the best. For example, technology, our schools have very old computers and overheads, ETC. This has helped me to work with what i have; I have not been spoiled in that sense, and I feel that, in the long run, it will benefit me.
-Brian Bettencourt
I've lived in Norton for the entirety of my years on this earth. I like the feeling of a closed, generally safe community; a place where regardless of where you go you are bound to recognize someone. I personally live out in the boondocks of this town but regardless it still happens to be a mere 5 minute drive to anywhere I want to go, given that I disregard a few laws. The town may be percieved as boring and insignifigant, but what some people fail to realize is that just because you live here doesnt mean you are restricted to staying within the town's boundaries every day. Mansfield and Attleboro provide for some exciting times. This is my conclusion sentence. I g2g ttyl.
Let's see...Norton , oh beautiful and majestic Norton. Where ever do I begin??? I'd have to say for one thing Norton means a lot to me because I've lived here my entire life, from diapers to soon... diploma (June '08 BABY!!!) And of course there's so much you can do here....................Norton is full of life and love!!! But seriously I'd have to say that out of most of the towns I know of and have been to Norton is probably one of the closest towns as far as people go. I challege anyone to go to the Norton CVS and not see at least ONE parent, teacher, friend, or classmate you don't know!!! It's crazy!!! I love how Norton is such a middle of no where place...like when you're talking to someone you just met and they ask you "Hey, where are you from?" and you say "Norton" and get the blank stare back...I LOVE IT!!! And the bell just rang so I guess I'll end with this...this town called Norton...it's pretty cool.
-Stephanie Bryant
Norton is special to me because there is no town even close to being like ours; although i would like to travel and expand my herizons.
Lexi Idreos
Norton is the place that i grew up and my whole life is here. I have all of my past and present memories in this town as well and to leave this town would be difficult right now. Also my family and friends are in the town.
-Sarah Tenglin
What makes Norton special to me is that my whole life is here; my friends, my family, my past, my present, the good times and the bad times. Norton's such a tight knit community, whenever something goes wrong, we can always pull through and help eachother out. Whenever someone asks me where I'm from and i say "Norton", they just give me a blank stare but, hey, thats part of the reason why i love it so much. Later.
~Jill Wry
Norton is special to me simply because of the people who live here...not because of the money that we don't have or the school system. I love being around most of the people here, more so than in my old town. I used to live in towns where money actually played a role in who talked to you...but here in Norton that is not the case, so i guess in that sense, Norton is special to me.
Norton is special to me because i have lived my whole life here. I like how Norton is such a small town and it is easy to get around. It would be really hard for me if I ever left Norton because all my memories in the past are here along with all of my friends.
-Val Hall
What makes Norton special to me is deffinetaly the people. There's not really anything else that I like about Norton because it's kind of a boring place. Besides that, I love to just hang out with my friends in this small, unknown town that I'll hopefully grow to love.
- Courtney Williams
I like Norton because they have good sports at the high school. Also because i know everyone in this town and most of the people know me because its a small town. I used to live in Boston and everything there was crazy and fast, but here its just nice and slow. Thats why I like Norton.
mike twitchell
Absolutely nothing in Norton makes it special. Possibly the 24 hour CVS because nothing else in town is open past 8. My friends did make it a bit more interesting but they left me in this hell hole and went to college. Yes it does seam that this post is very melodramatic but its true. Moving from a very lively city to this hole in the wall town makes life hard to enjoy it all. To be completly honest any where else is better than Norton.
Norton is special to me because it's a small town, and you can have fun more or less anywhere. I don't think there are too many other towns where you can get a bunch of your friends, hangout at Hess or Dunkin' Donuts for awhile, and actually have a really good time. The size of Norton is also good because you can run into someone you know more or less anywhere. It's good to be able to walk outside and run into someone that you're friends with.
~~Maddie Davern, Vis. Imagin.
Like everyone else, my friends are a large part of what makes Norton special to me. It seems everytime I leave my house I run into someone I know. I will always remember the good times in my neighborhood when I was little. Although I am planning on moving far away for college and although it is corny, I will always call Norton my home.
- Lauren Southworth
Norton is my home. It's as simple as that. Imagining living somewhere else and having different friends and teachers is impossible. The feeling of community in a small town is incredibly unique and wonderful. You can all think I'm being sappy, but no matter how much everyone loves to say they hate Norton, it's a great place to grow up.
~Kayla Hindle
My hometown Norton, is special to me because I have lived here for alot of my life. I have met alot of amazing people and enjoy spending time with them here. Living in a small town is a good thing especially since I now want to move into a big, busy city when I graduate. Other than that, Norton is okay and doesn't have alot to offer unless you drive twenty minutes away.
- Olivia Lavendier
Norton is special to me because my friends and family are here. I hear people talk about how boring Norton is all the time, but a lot of these people have never been to places like New York and California, which they say they would rather be in. But guess what? Those places are really, really lame. People there can be real jerks (most people there aren't, but you should see some of the things I've seen happen in NYC), and the feeling of claustrophobia, elitism and stress is often palpable. Here in Norton, the pace is slow and friendly, and the atmosphere is not smothering like that of the city, but one of strong bonds of friends and family. Norton is a small, sleepy town, and I wouldn't have it any other way. When I'm bored, I can just drive somewhere more fast-paced, but I would never want to live there.
What makes Norton special to me is that i have Spent my whole life here and know many of the people in this town. I have also participated in many Norton held activities baseball,basketball, and soccer.
Chris Lenihan
Norton is special to me because it is were I grew up. I've spent my whole life here. When I am away from Norton for a while, and I return back it is a nice feeling to know your home and that you have a place to call home when others don't. I also like how Norton isn't a big town, it's nice and small and everyone knows each other. ~Laura Ready
I dont think Norton is special or the best town EVER..but i enjoy being with my friends here. My friends are the ones that makes it special and enjoyable :) Although, i dont want to leave my friends here and of course u, Mr. Kefor, I am looking forward to college away from here!
~Lindsay Forman
Norton is a town that is very special to me. My father began his career as a firefighter when I was two years old. I've always enjoyed waking up in the morning and seeing the sun peak through my window and knowing that this is my home. I also enjoy the fact that I have been going to school with my friends since preschool. Norton is very special to me and I would not want to live anywhere else.
Norton is a very small, quiet and different town. Considering that I have lived here for ten years I am ready to move on to say the least, ready for my next adventure. Some things that make Norton special are that it is where my family and friends are and I have made many memories and fun times in this town throughout the past few years. Norton is definitly not at the top of my list but I am happy to have made something out of my years here.
Well, it's hard to say what makes Norton special. I can say that in my seventeen years of life, I have been all over Mass. I have lived in Attleboro, Taunton, Rehoboth, etc, but I have lived in Norton for the longest amount of time. This has been my home for most of my life and the thing that I love most about it is that it is a stable, close-knit community. Despite the recent tragedies and loses to the community, I think that we, as a town have, the most wonderful ability to link together and support one another, friend, family, or even foe. In essence, Norton is like the show "Cheers", in that sometimes you want to go where everybody knows your name. You always can find someone who will smile and say "hello" even if you have never seen this person before in your life. This is why i love Norton.
Emily Medeiros, Vis Imagination (A), Blog
Norton is special to me because it has made me who I am today. My family, frineds, school, home, it's all here. I like the fact that everybody knows each other. I like being able to walk aorund Norton and feel safe. As much as everyone, including me, complains about Norton, I know that I'm going to miss it a lot when I'm gone.
-Kate Baird
Norton is special to me because i have lived here my whole life. Its so small that everybody knows everybody. My family, friends, and school are all here. Norton is special because of the people who live in it.
-Jess Quintanilha
Norton is special to me because I have spent my entire life here. My friends and I are all close because we have known each other since elementary school. Norton is a nice, small town that everyone pretty much knows everyone else, so it is unique, and I love living here. - Taylor Ferguson
What makes Norton special to me is that my whole life is here. I've grown up here with my friends and family, and have alot of good memories.
-Andrea Giglio
What makes Norton special to me becuase i grew up in in brockon, it was kinda rough like when the deangalos down the street from me blew up. So its good to be in a place were that stuff doesn't happen.
- Brandon Bessette
Norton is special to me because growing up here, I have met all of my friends. I have many memories of this town and the people in it. It's a small town so I love going out and seeing everyone I know around. Working at one of the Dunkin Donuts here is also fun because there's always someone from around coming in that you can talk to. Even though most of the time you have to go to other towns to do something I still love Norton. =]
-Sam Varney
Norton is special to me because its a small town and you know everyone there. Also you can go to Dunkies or Hess like my loser friends and I hang out sometime. Plus the sports are ok too.
~Danielle Mutlow~
Norton is special to me because of its quaintness. I really do love being able to go anywhere in town and run into someone I know. It makes me feel like there is a special bond and camaraderie that everyone has with each other. I also love the idea of a small New England town, especially in autumn. I know it sounds lame, and to tell the truth I do get bored and frustrated with Norton. There is a lot of monotony within the town, but if you look hard you can find its uniqueness. If you really think about it, it isn’t that bad a place to live. – Caroline Alm
Norton is special to me because I grew up here, and my family is here. I like living in a small town, and I don't plan on going far for college. Everyone on my street knows each other, we have cook outs and stuff. If we need help with something, one of the neighbors is always there. I don't think people that live in the city have that.
-Jessica Nartowicz
Basically, Norton is special to me because I have lived here my whole life, I can't really imagine living anywhere else. A lot of my close family lives here, or near here, so it's nice to have them around me for family parties or even just family support. Also in regards to school, I couldn't imagine going to a big school, I like the fact that it's a smaller community; it feels safer. Aside from the corny stuff, we live really close to the Tweeter Center which is pretty convenient.
Lindsay Tilden
What makes Norton special to me is that its where I've lived for almost my whole life. Also it's pretty quiet and peaceful, nothing ever happens here (crimes, etc...)
What makes Norton special to me is this is where all of my memories come from. From kindergaden up until this point in my senior year. We all find ourselves, well at least I do, saying that we wish we could live here or their, or go to this school or that school but where you come from is the foundation of who you are, and once you step out of the box and live somewhere else, I can guarantee you'll miss something about this town.
What makes Norton special for me? The fact that it is a small community, so people know each other. We also have four Dunkin Donuts and that has to be a record of some sort. Norton is the place where I grew up so nothing could compare with to memories and friends I have made.
Justin Bliss
Norton is special to me because it's a small laid back town. There isn't much that goes on, but it gets the job done. Norton is a pretty chill place to grow up.Thats why it's special to me
Ben Hastings
There are a lot of things that makes Norton special to me. First off, I have lived my whole life in this town. When I grow up I would love to have a house here to raise my kids. Plus, I love the fact that Norton is a pretty small town and everyone knows each other. I have met a lot of friends here and i wouldn't ask for anything different.
-Zack Schleicher
I first moved to Norton when I was three years old because most of my family had already lived here. I've had most of my more important memories in Norton and went through all the schools. I think what makes Norton special to me is the experiences of living in a small town and knowing mostly everyone here. You can't go to the grocery store, CVS, or a Dunkin Donuts without knowing someone who works there. As much as I like living here I am looking forward to going to college, but I do see myself coming back.
Norton is a special town. Norton is special because its a small and simple town and everyone knows there way around it. It has McDonald's which is cool because you can go there and get food whenever you are hungry. Another cool thing is a lot of my friends live here. Adam H.
Norton is special to me because it's a great small town to grow up in. The friends you make here will stay with you for your whole life, and the lessons you learn will do the same. Although small and uneventful, we should all be thankful for growing up in a good safe town.
-Eric Olson
To tell you the truth, I actually don't like Norton at all. There is really nothing special about it. It's to small and there is like nothing to do. I'm the type of person that likes to go out and do things all the time and I can't in Norton. I actually like the city and thats where I plan to move when i get older. The only good thing about Norton is all my friends. If I didn't have them I don't know what I would do. Especially all of my really close friends that I have been friends with since I was little.
-Brittany Nutter
Norton is special to me because I have grown up and lived here all my life.
Jen O'Brien
Hmmm..Norton...i'v lived here my whole life and i can honestly say...its not such a bad town. Alot of people complain about the school system..i'm one of those people...but besides that,Norton is special because of the peaceful community. Norton is a very quiet and safe town...so i guess thats not such a bad thing.
*Iris
Norton is important to me for many reasons. One reason being the abundance of kind and friendly people who make this town what it is today. I have met my true good friends in this town who I hope to keep in touch with for the remainder of my life. Norton has been a great place to grow up and create my memories with everyone.
~John Ricca
The town of Norton is special to me because i'm friendly with alot of people, but i have a small group of friends that would do anything for me. Some people may say my friends are losers and they're going no where, but if someone would do anything for me i call that "loyalty" and thats hard to come by in this corrupt world...
PIPES
What makes Norton special to me is that I began my first chapter of life here. From my first steps to graduation, soon to come. Sure we have about ten dunkin donuts' and three pharmacys' right next to each other, but it's who we are, it's in our blood. I love that there's no activity in this little town, it keeps everything nice and quiet around here. Everyone has made so many memories here with family and friends that there's no way anyone could walk away and find that they have nothing to take from it. Come time for college, as exciting and amazing as it'll be, we'll be homesick, at least I know I will be.
-Ashley LaRochelle
What makes Norton special to me is that it's a cozy town. Its small and unique. We dont have much to offer in this town except for the people. My friends and family lives in Norton.
~+~+~Cassie Eagerman~+~+~
Norton is both special to me because I've been here my whole life. I used to live in another part of town up until I was 7 and then I moved to where I currently reside. If I didn't live here, I wouldn't know my current friends and I think I would probably go insane without them. A nice addition is the 89787349+(slight exaggeration,of course) Dunkin Donuts because I love coffee. I've gone through everything in this town, and since alot of places are within walking/short driving time distances you can always have fun. Also, since everyone pretty much knows everyone else, you always have someone to talk to or hang out with. The only problem is that there are no little shopping places, 24 hour coffee shops, or arcades!
-Sara Meadows, English 1, period F2.
Norton is special to me because this is the town I grew up in since I was two years old.I known the streets like the back of my hand. Also, Norton is the place where I met all my friends that I still have today. They are always there for me no matter what. This town became even more important to me when my mother passed, she was buried here in Norton. One day I hope to leave Norton but I will never forget it. ~lindsay white~ english F
Norton is a quiet place where a person can relax. There are a lot of things around Norton(but not in Norton). Norton is like a cave. When it is getting dark out Norton will always be there for you to go inside and curl up in. It makes you feel safe and relaxed, letting you drift to sleep in peace and quiet.
-David Cooksey
What makes Norton special to me is, I've just lived here my whole life so my whole life is here, all my friends and some of my family.It's such a small town and I know it like the back of my hand.
-Meg O'Neal
Hi Todd a.k.a. Mr. Kefor - You ask what makes Norton special to you?
Well - let me first start by saying, I came upon this blog because I was seeing what was new at NHS - when I happened to see that Todd Kefor (my former classmate) was a teacher here (I forgot about that) - I am an Admissions Counselor at Fitchburg State, and I travel to about 90 different high schools in Massachusetts. I get a chance to meet the students, talk with the teachers, and schmooze with the guidance counselors. It is then that my memories of being at NHS come back - It is the memories of that Bio Class w/Mr. Holster, or that English Class w/Ms. Hensley (yes I know I am dating myself because I think they have since retired), but it is also Ms. Cady in Guidance, or the gym teachers, or is it the tacos on Thursday in the cafeteria...it is those memories from when I was a student at NHS.
I see so many students who are so eager to graduate and move out of Norton, but in all honesty, don't lose your roots. I come back from Leominster (my home town) to see my family and I get excited when I come off exit 11 drive by the Tweeter Ctr. Drive by Roche Bros (my former work place) and drive by Tsangs (which may I say has the best chinese food in all of MA!).
Life takes you many places, but in all honesty, NHS and Norton are where your roots started and don't ever forget them. Enjoy school while you are there - have fun at prom, have fun at the football games, and make the most of high school - because once you are out, you have entered the real world and sometimes you look to "go back" to where you came from.
Best of luck to you all! Hope to see some of you seniors at the NHS College Fair on 10/3!!!
Tara (Piccini) Manzello '98
Hi everyone! This is Sarah Regan. For those of you who don't know me, I graduated from NHS last year and now I'm a freshman at Saint Michael's College in VT. I saw this blog entry and had to comment. Norton is special to me for so many different reasons... it represents my childhood, it's where I received an amazing education, it's where I met the most incredible students, teachers, and teammates who played a huge role in the person I am today. But now that I'm 200 miles away, I think what's most special about Norton is that it's my tie to my friends. You will always have a certain bond with the friends you went to high school with because even after you scatter across the country for college, you're all from the same small town back in Massachusetts. So, I agree with Mr. Kefor when he says you should get out and see the world, but always be proud of where you came from.
What makes norton special to me is that it has absolutely nothing to do, but thats kind of a good thing. It brings us all closer together, it makes kids get creative in ways to have fun. I use to love hanging out with the kids in my neighborhood and making up games. I love it here, but sometimes it does get a little old. I miss the old days when there were no worries. . . But this little "filler" town will always have its place in my heart. I moved here when I was 4 years old. Everyone knows everyone, and even if we don't all get along, we'll always have a fellow Nortoner's (yea i'll make that a word) back in ANYTHING.
I'm going to miss this town when I go away to college, and I say I'll never come back, but I know I will someday. . . for a visit.
~Kaisey A.
Norton is special to me because this is my hometown. It's where I was raised and i have never moved from here. I really don't know what its like to have a home other than my home in Norton. And Norton also has that huge rock at the JCS that has that story about the devil jumping on it. I mean, that right there makes Norton awesome I guess.
--John Cummings
Norton is special to me because I am a teacher. I love being a teacher...because I love my students. I grew up in the town that I live in now....making it very special.
Now, at home...I am in a special town and when I go to work, I am in a special town.
Norton is special to me because it reminds me of where I want to go. Norton is the opposite of the place that I want to live; I would love to live in a big city. Norton reminds me constantly of what I need to do to achieve my dream. Norton keeps me humble, this small town keeps my dreams in perspective; I am well aware that colleges do not run to Norton looking for prospects for their next law firm. Norton is important and special in my life because it teaches me to work for everything in my life and never expect it to be handed to me. =)
The two songs I chose are Bob Dylan’s, “Masters of War” and Billy Joel’s, “Goodnight Saigon.” In Dylan’s song he says, “Come you masters of war” directly referring to the government. In Joel’s song, he mentions “Parris Island.” Which is completely different from the government, reason being, because Parris Island is a place? The point of view in Dylan’s song is towards the “masters of war” and “you” which is second person. In Joel’s song, he relates to “we” throughout the song. For example, “We met as soul mates on Parris Island” and “We said we’d all go down together.” In Dylan’s song he says the government is the reason for the wars and that they start them, but when is does come to fighting, the run and hide while all the soldiers are fighting. In Joel’s song, it is explaining what the soldiers go through, and that they “all go down together.” In both songs, however, it is explaining how bad war really is even if they do not say it in black and white.
It's special to me because I have a story to tell others about how I've grown up and gone to school here in this town. I like being able to run into ppl who know me from some where.I have also been to Hawaii but only once. I thought it was just ok. However I have been to California and Florida twice. I do not want to go back to my house in Maine anytime soon because there isn't really any1 there and thurr's nothing to do.
Plus Norton is the smallest town I've ever been in my entire life so far.
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