By Bella Caggiano

Norwood will be celebrating its 150th birthday celebration throughout 2022, however, the festivities will begin a day early on January 31 with the Town’s own version of First Night! The exciting New Year’s Eve event will begin at 3 p.m., and will include a road race, dancers, magic, music, singers, games, and so much more! 

The day/evening schedule is jam packed with events geared for all ages. The activities will be both inside and out at the Civic Center, Morrill Memorial Library, Town Hall, Saint Catherine’s gymnasium and cafeteria, the First Congregational Church, the F. Holland Day House, and the Town Common. On January, 1, the fun continues with a Comedy Night, at the Norwood Theatre. For up-to-date information, monitor the event website at  http://norwoodma150.gov. 

Scores of volunteers have been planning Norwood’s birthday party for the past year and a half, and soon Norwood residents will have the opportunity to toast their hometown and explore the extraordinary 150-year history of the “Crown Jewel of the Commonwealth” throughout 2022! Through their tireless efforts, they have developed events, educational and informative discussions, presentations, entertainment, and cultural experiences for all ages!

Following First Night, the next currently scheduled event will be hosted by the Norwood Historical Society on January 18, with a book discussion, ‘Norwood, A History,’ by Patricia Fanning. On February 23, there will be a Gala at the Four Points Sheraton in recognition of Norwood’s separation from Dedham which occurred through a petition on February 10, 1872. 

Also in February, just after the conclusion of the Beijing Winter Olympics, local residents will be able to witness Olympic-caliber talent at the Skating Club of Boston.

Two more events are scheduled for March. On March 6, there will be a reception celebrating Massachusetts ratifying Norwood as a Town and on March 15, the Norwood Historical Society will hold a book group to discuss ‘Mapping Norwood,’ by C. Fanning.

There will be a lecture at the Morrill Memorial Library on April 28, on the history of Norwood’s Police and Fire Departments and a Town Trivia Night by the Norwood High School Alumni Association.

On May 17, the Norwood Historical Society will host ‘Influenza and Inequality,’ by P. Fanning and on May 22, Veterans’ Day celebrations will include a performance by the Parkway Orchestra, a ceremony at the Old Parish Cemetery, and a parade to the Highland Cemetery.

The month of June is packed with fun and interesting opportunities, from cultural events celebrating the Town’s elementary schools on June 15 and 16, to a Neighborhood History Walking Tour in South Norwood, to a Registry of Deeds lecture at the Morrill Memorial Library.

While Norwood’s 4th of July parade is already legendary, more events are in the works to add to this already fun-filled day! History Walking Tours are scheduled for the remainder of the month, with Guild Square on July 12, the Town Common on July 19, and Germantown on July 26.

There will be a presentation of Thornton Wilder’s ‘Our Town,’ sponsored by the Old Parish Preservation volunteers on August 13, and another library lecture with the topic to be announced on August 25.

On September 20, the Norwood Historical Society will host another book group, ‘Keeping the Past: Norwood,’ by P. Fanning, and October will offer a Culture & Arts festival on October 1, a Scavenger Hunt on October 21, and a library lecture on Native American History and Sites in South Dedham, on October 27.

November 11 there will be a Veterans’ Day parade, a Norwood Historical Society book group to discuss ‘The Children’s Librarian,’ by A. Heppler, the Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony on November 26, and Holiday Stroll on November 27.

Decembers concludes the “Year of Norwood,” with a Holiday Concert on December 10, a book discussion on “Tales of Tiot,” by W. Everett by the Norwood Historical Society on December 20, and another First Night celebration on December 31.

Many local businesses and residents have stepped up the plate to give back to the town that supported them throughout the years. Whether large or small, the 150th Anniversary fund continues to accept donations for local residents and businesses. A special thanks to those who have already contributed to the anniversary celebration: 

Gold Sponsors ($10,000)

Subaru of New England

Norwood Bank

Bank of Canton

John & Jean Hall

DCD Boch

Blue Sponsors ($5,000)

Dedham Savings Bank

White Sponsors ($2,500)

Jack Madden

Republic Plumbing

Poirier

Avalon

The Norwood 150th Anniversary committee continues to accept donations in any amount, volunteers, event contributions. For more information, visit norwoodma150.gov.

First Night 5K Family Fun Run

Costumed Road Race

Register at Civic Center on race day

$10 Race Fee

Race starts at 2 p.m.

Costume judging at 1:30 p.m.

Long Sleeve T-Shirt ~ Pizza & Post Race first beer after Race Included at Civic Center Gymnasium. Race Sponsored by Charles River Running & Castle Island Brewery.

Balloon Drop

6 p.m. at the Civic Center Gymnasium. Come join us for a MASSIVE Balloon Drop for little ones who cannot make it up for 10 p.m.!

Ball Drop

Come join us as we bring in the New Year with a 10 p.m. ball drop in front of the Town Hall!

Comedy Show (New Years Day ~ Saturday, January 1st at 7:30 p.m.)

Leave the kids at home and continue the laughs with the Norwood 150th at The Norwood Theatre!

Highlights

3 p.m.-on Ice Sculptures, Town Common

3-7p.m.: Face Painting,  Civic Center Willett Room

3 & 4 p.m.: O’Shea Chaplin School of Irish Dance in First Congregational Church

4-8 p.m.: Synthetic Ice Skating, Town Common. Skates will be provided.

4-8 p.m.: Train Rides, Town Common

3& 4 p.m.: Curious Creatures, Norwood Kennedys Room

4-9 p.m.: Mini Golf, Town Hall

4-9 p.m.: Laser Tag, St. Catherine's Cafe

7-9 p.m.: Just for Teens Pizza & Gi ant Games in partner with Impact Norwood, Civic Center Gymnasium

5-8 p.m.: Holiday Lights, Music, & Hot Coco! Travel to go see Norwood's best holiday homes, Norwood Civic Center Parking Lot

6 p.m.: Father Figures performing in St. Catherine’s Gymnasium

Location Information

Town Hall

566 Washington St.

Mini-Golf & Performances by: Mike Ho, Grace Allendorf, Mollie Caravello Band, & Lee Leach on Carillon Bells

Norwood Civic Center

165 Nahatan St.

Family Fun Run, Face Painting, Balloon Drop, Teen Pizza/Games, Bubble Wrap Stomp, Curious Creatures, and Holiday Light Tours.

St. Catherine's School

249 Nahatan St.

Laser Tag & performances from: Brian Dunn/Matt Lane Band, Jo Hart Band, and Luiz Paolo Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Coaral Belt Demonstration

Town Common

517-523 Washington St.

Ice Sculptures, Train Rides, Synthetic Ice

Norwood Theater

109 Central St.

Comedy Show on Saturday, January 1st

First Congregational Church

100 Winter St.

Performances by K & M Dance Studio, O’Shea Chaplin School of Irish Dance, Barry McDonough Magician, and Chucky Burgess Band

Parking

• Municipal lot directly across from the Civic Center

• Parking around Civic Center

• Parking lot directly behind Town Hall

• Parking in Municipal Lot directly next to National Lumber Home Fin-ishes

• Municipal Lot at the corner of Day Street and Central Street

• Street Parking will be available on the day of as well.