---

Students at King Philip Middle School in Norfolk collected more than 2,760 nonperishable items for this year's Student Council Thanksgiving food drive. All homerooms entered into a two-week competition that resulted in the school's largest donation of food items.

Student council members spent nearly six hours collecting, counting and sorting through the piles of donated goods. All items were then donated as Thanksgiving baskets for many local families and to food pantries in Norfolk, Wrentham, and Plainville. KP Middle School teachers also showed their spirit by donating turkeys, pies, and ice cream in the baskets to the local families. Also in November, student council members at the high school put together annual Thanksgiving baskets. Baskets went to a family in each of the KP towns. The food was donated by the student council and local food stores.

Wanted: Norfolk residents

to serve on tech committee

Residents are being sought to serve on a new town committee being formed that will focus on technology. Town Moderator Dan Winslow is appointing the ad hoc Town Meeting Technology Committee. The committee will explore available or developing technology to increase voter education and participation in the town meeting process. Possible recommendations include: A Web-based system for allowing residents to read, comment and ask questions about town meeting warrant articles and recommendations.

A town meeting Web page called a Wiki with a page for each potentially contentious issue and background materials such as spreadsheets, PowerPoint slides, or video clips.

An interactive computer-mediated meeting to discuss issues prior to town meeting; using a vote-counting system on town meeting floor.

Using Twitter to broadcast from town meeting, and/or allowing people to vote over the Internet during town meeting, according to David Rosenberg, chairman of the technology committee.

Two types of members are desired: potential users of systems, and technical software people. Residents who are interested in providing feedback, but don't have to serve on the committee also are being sought.

The initial meeting of the committee will be Monday, Jan. 25 at 7:30 p.m. in Room 25 on the lower level of town hall.

If you are interested in the committee, besides attending the meeting, contact David-Rosenberg@earthlink.net, providing your name, phone number, e-mail address, and how you think you could contribute.

Train ride boosts pantry

Norfolk's eighth annual Haunted Train Ride held last fall at the Holmes Field raised more than $5,500 for community events and brought in donated food for the Norfolk Food Pantry. The effort was supported by Norfolk Community League, Norfolk Lions Club, and Norfolk Together.

Program for mothers boosted The Norfolk Public Library is holding a special program for mothers Sundays, Jan. 17, 24, and 31 from 2:30 to 4.30 p.m. "Empty Nest Syndrome: An Invitation of the Soul" will be led by Dr. Malik & Associates of Wellesley and Norfolk. Register by calling 508-528-3380. You don't need to be a resident to attend the free program.

Art on display at library

The Norfolk Cultural Council presents "Diversity in Art and Color," an art exhibit that is on display at the Norfolk Public Library until Jan. 29. The exhibit is an example of the diversity of art and color. Three Norfolk Cultural Council members: Deanne Grimm, Richard Denzer and Janyce Conklin, along with invited guest artist, Marylyn Healey, are the artists.

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.