Endurance, enthusiasm, and a whole lot of wheels came together at Roll-Land as approximately 30 dedicated skaters successfully completed a grueling 24-hour skate-a-thon, raising at least $3,200 for the Jerry Lewis telethon drive in the fight against muscular dystrophy.

Marathon Success and Community Spirit

Kicking off at 6:00 p.m. Monday, the marathon concluded at approximately 5:40 p.m. Tuesday as the final participants wrapped up their laps. Co-owner John Maddocks praised the skaters’ remarkable dedication, noting that further contributions are expected to push the fundraising total even higher.

“Everyone volunteered to stage a sit-a-thon next year,” Maddocks joked as the tired skaters crossed the finish line. The event ran smoothly with only one minor mishap reported: Christine DiTomasso, a senior at Canton High School, chipped a tooth during a minor spill early in the marathon but remained in high spirits throughout the fundraiser.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

More Norwood Business History

  • Norwood Entrepreneur Quontay Turner-January 30, 2026

    Quontay Turner, owner of The Emerald City Plant Shop on Washington Street, for her business success and community leadership.

  • Winsmith Mill Transformed into Eclectic Shopping Center and Creative Hub (CBS-4)-September 22, 2022

    The historic 200-year-old Winsmith Mill in Norwood is successfully transformed into a bustling shopping marketplace, artist lofts, and music venue.

  • A Black-Owned Plant Shop Blooms In The Pandemic’s Wake-June 9, 2021

    Quontay Turner opened Emerald City Plant Shop in Norwood, becoming New England’s first Black woman-owned plant store, turning a pandemic leap into a thriving botanical oasis and community space.

  • Hurley’s Beer & Wine Relocates to Vanderbilt Avenue-July 17, 2015

    After 16 years in South Norwood, Hurley is navigating increased competition by emphasizing community involvement and quality customer service.

  • Savers Thrift Store Grand Opening In Norwood-July 30, 2013

    On July 30, 2013, Savers Thrift Store opened at 560 Boston Providence Highway in Norwood, providing affordable goods, jobs, and charitable support.

  • Boston’s Baddest Burger-August 10, 2012

    Kevin Tortorella’s “Boston’s Baddest Burger” is now serving fresh, locally sourced breakfast and lunch options in Norwood and Boston, marking the town’s first fully licensed food truck.

  • Ruma’s Fruit & Gift Basket World Wins Businesswoman of the Year-July 10, 2010

    Tracing its roots back to 1900 on the cobblestones of Haymarket Square, the Ruma family of Norwood built a century-old produce and gift basket enterprise that earned Businesswoman of the Year honors in 2010.

  • Revitalizing Norwood Center: A Town’s Rebirth-July 2, 2005

    Discover how Norwood has been working to transform its central business district into a vibrant shopping and dining destination.

  • Slump in Chip Industry Hits Norwood Maker-This Day In Norwood History – July 21, 1998

    Analog Devices Inc. struggled with falling revenues in 1998 as global demand for semiconductors and testing equipment plummeted. Despite the fiscal pressure, the Norwood company avoided layoffs, maintaining its workforce through the market downturn.

  • Ice-Cream Vendor Disputes Fees Demanded by Norwood Arts Council-July 18, 1991

    The dispute involved allegations of intimidation, Open Meeting Law concerns, and tensions over who is permitted to sell goods on the Norwood Common.

    Five hands holding different ice cream cones with cartoon-style flavor names in speech bubbles

Discover more from Norwood Historical Society

Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.