BY CHERYL SHUMWAY
North Country This Week

NORWOOD – The past school year has been extra challenging for Norwood-Norfolk Central School employees who served students during the pandemic, and the community will be soon thanking them in a big way.

Almost 200 teachers and staff will be offered a free take-out chicken BBQ dinner at the end of the school year.

“One group of heroes during the pandemic are those involved with the education of our children. Teachers certainly applied themselves over and above to help see that each child was offered an education during these difficult times,” said organizer Bob Haggett.

“Let's not forget all other employees involved with this process, along with the changes to their daily jobs. The administrators, counselors, teachers' aids, bus drivers, custodial staff, and daily meals supplied not only at school, but also for students studying at home,” said Haggett.

Within a couple of hours of hatching his plan, Haggett said the community was onboard. Mike Knowlton of Knowlton and Son, trucking and excavation, and Glen Webster, of Webster’s Retail Meat, agreed to back the project financially.

Elaine Saarinen, Commander of Norwood American Legion Post 68, also quickly agreed to coordinate volunteers to cook the meal.

“The generosity of these businesses and community members is greatly appreciated. The Flyers have done our best to take care of children and families through this difficult time,” said school superintendent Jamie Cruikshank.

“It's wonderful that the community appreciates the caring people at the school. This is North Country at its best,” said Cruikshank.

The drive-thru barbecue dinner will be provided to school employees June 11 at the Norwood American Legion.

“This is just a small ‘thank you’ from concerned community friends,” said Haggett. “We’re very appreciative of what all the NNCS employees have done through COVID. I know the whole community is excited this is going to be done,” he said.