JACK TOLMAN:

Jack attended Norwood Public Schools, graduating from Norwood High in 1981. He went on to graduate from Dean Junior College and Loyola University in New Orleans. Jack and his wife, Laura (Foley), class of 1987, were married in 1997 and have two children Declan and George.

As a 25-year employee of the Norwood School Department, Jack has been behind the lens and production of thousands of high school and town events, preserving our Town’s history for generations to come. One of his many endeavors is The Educational Access Channel which handles programming related to the Norwood Public School Department. With Jack as their guide, the school staff and students produce over 75 programs during the school year. This includes concerts, musicals, assemblies, graduations and special events.

When Norwood Public Access Television was formed in 2004, Jack was hired as Executive Director. He built up a station and staff that was named National Station of the Year in 2015 by the Alliance for Community Media.

Over the years, Jack has supported the town and its residents by producing videos for retirements, fundraisers, reunions and special events alike. Through film, he has become a local storyteller and fundraiser by producing documentaries and events about Norwood heroes and legends like Richie Hebner, Frank Wall, Colonel George Lee, Matt Brown and (we’re proud to say) The Friends of St. Nick. The documentaries and events have raised money for wonderful local causes such as Norwood Little League, Circle of Hope, re-dedication of the Colonel George Lee Bridge, The Matt Brown Foundation and Dana Farber.

Jack’s love of film and the Town of Norwood goes without saying. He was instrumental in the creation of a town archive which has the purpose of preserving moments-in-time through video to be relived and remembered for years to come. He was a strong force behind the creation of the NHS Walking Museum; located on the school walking track, the museum showcases a collection of school memorabilia in 25 permanent display cases. As the Vice President of the NHS Athletic Hall of Fame Committee, Jack produces highlight videos for each inductee.

For all his film production contributions and his dedication to the Town and the Norwood Public Schools, The Friends of St. Nick are honored to name, Jack Tolman, our 2016 Person of the Year