Norway's secret: Volunteers

The Christmas decorations were up too long in Norway. The Gingerbread House looks shabby. There are weeds in public places, litter around town and on the beach.

Why doesn't the town take care of these things?

Because they are all done by volunteers.

Holidays in Norway have been executed by a single volunteer, year after year. She enlists either her grown kids (if they are home for a visit) or a local businessman to help with what one person can't do.

Her name is Brenda Melhus and every year you will see her up and down Main Street in Norway hanging (or taking down) wreaths and flags.

The decorations are paid for by Norway Downtown not by the taxpayers.

The Gingerbread House does look shabby. Yet think about how far it has come ... literally.

Volunteers banded together, raised enough money and moved the house in order to save it. Others donated the building, land, etc. Now the group of volunteers is slowly raising funds to restore the old lady.

Same with the Opera House. For the past month a (very) few volunteers have been seen lugging rubbish out and throwing it in a dumpster in order to prepare the building for its restoration. Two people are consistently seen, day after day: Bruce Cook and Brenda Melhus.

The streets of Norway have been cleaned every year because of another single person who, for years, solicited help through letters to the editor, friends and family. Now the cleanup is a bit more formalized but still all volunteer.

This year, if you looked, you would have seen the Chief of Police and his officers cleaning a truckload of litter from the walking trail. Members of the Norway Fire Department cleaning roadways around town. GA recipients, business owners, representatives from Key and Norway Savings Banks, Norway Downtown and ordinary people out collecting bagfuls of litter.

All because of the determination of one man: Art Gouin who, in his 80s, is committed to helping his town look good.

Every year the beach and park at Lake Pennesseewassee is cleaned. Again, organized by one person – Deb Partridge – and done by volunteers – often Scouts.

Weeds in public places? Who hasn't seen Andrea Burns go up and down Main Street with her bucket, gloves and trowel ... weeding.

Cemeteries are trimmed and weeded. Trails are cleared and cleaned.

Many do not realize that a small group of people are responsible for a lot of good stuff around here. They could certainly use some help! Just call the town offices and ask for contact information for whatever project you can help with. They will be glad to direct you.

We are all quick to comment (criticize) when things are undone. If we were as quick to grab our gloves, rake, garbage bag, trowel or wallet, this town would shine and we would all feel pride in ownership of our community.