The Norfolk School Committee will be establishing a 12-member Special Advisory Committee to develop a strategic plan for the local schools. The public is urged to get involved and give feedback as three members will be from the school community. The committee will meet about four times, three hours a time. Indicate what would work best for you: Friday morning, Tuesday evening or Saturday Morning. E-mail Kristen Porell, school committee secretary, at porell@norfolk.k12.ma.us

For a more detailed description of the committee, visit www.norfolk.k12.ma.us/pages/NPS_SchoolCom/goals/Invitation

Decorate pumpkins

The Norfolk Public Library is holding its fourth annual Pumpkin Decorating Contest. By bringing your decorated pumpkin to the library before Saturday, you will have a chance to win prizes.

Pumpkins will be available for viewing in the library and on the library Web page off www.virtualnorfolk.org. Vote for favorites Oct. 24-Oct. 29 online or in the library. The winners will be announced Oct. 30. Contest Rules: Pumpkins may not be carved or hollowed out. Objects, paper, and materials of any kind may be pinned or glued to pumpkins. Participants may also draw or paint on their entries. Each entry must have a title. Each entry must be submitted with an entry form, available online and in the library. The library reserves the right to dispose of any pumpkin that deteriorates before the end of the contest.

History on the Hill to return

The Norfolk Historical Commission is resuming the History on the Hill programs this month to inform people of the history of the town. The talks are scheduled in Room 214 in town hall Wednesday, Oct. 28, and also in December and February. In the spring, the talks will move back to the gazebo on Town Hill in April, June and August. All programs will be scheduled for Wednesday night at 7 p.m. The topic Wednesday is: Come Meet the Robichauds, the Acadians who came to North Wrentham in 1759. Learn the story behind Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's poem, "Evangeline."

Workshop for moms

Norfolk Public Library is offering a workshop for mothers of teens. "Motherhood as a Transformative Journey The Teen Years: A Growth Opportunity" is being held in the library's meeting room Sundays, Oct. 25, Nov. 1 and 8 from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.

Dr. Kumkum Malik, a local psychologist who has specialized in motherhood, will present a three-part series of conversations around how mothers can view the teen years as a growth opportunity for themselves. The workshop won't address how to parent teens. Call 508-528-3380, ext. 2 to register.

New tool for rescues

Town firefighter paramedics have a new tool available to help patients with congestive heart failure being transported to Norwood Hospital. Paramedics have been using Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) for quicker relief of congestive heart failure symptoms.

Long used in the Norwood Hospital Emergency Department, CPAP increases air pressure to prevent airway collapse during inhalation. CPAP is able to be used by the paramedics under a waiver from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. To obtain the waiver, the emergency medical services in a town must meet guidelines for training, performance and quality assurance.

Norfolk paramedics completed training on using CPAP. Outcomes data for patients transported with CPAP are reviewed and reported to the DPH Office of Emergency Medical Services. Gregory Quirk, MD, the medical director for Norfolk Hospital, said, "We are now able to provide very effective treatment for congestive heart failure patients much earlier." Ex-selectman now a graduate

Former Selectman Ramesh Advani has graduated from a prestigious leadership development program, according to the Boston Center for Community & Justice, which develops socially-responsible leaders throughout Greater Boston.

Advani completed the year-long LeadBoston development program, which is for mid- to senior-level professionals in the corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors, and develops their knowledge of diversity, awareness of social responsibility, and connections across sectors.

Gov. Patrick spoke at the graduation ceremony, praising participants for their leadership and commitment to helping others. "They are focused on social responsibility and are certain to make a lasting impact," said Todd Fry, executive director of the Boston Center for Community & Justice. LeadBoston participants spend one day per month learning about an issue facing Greater Boston, from education to healthcare to criminal justice. The program includes hands-on tours, conversations with the city's leaders, and completion of a project that creates a blueprint for economic development.

Advani served as a selectman from 2003 to last spring. He was appointed by the governor to the Massachusetts Asian American Commission and has chaired its Economic Development Committee.

This column is compiled by staff writer Stephen Peterson. Peterson can be reached at 508-236-0377 or via e-mail at speterson@thesunchronicle.com.