Narrows Prez Talks Importance of Arts to Commerce

Narrows president Patrick Norton spoke to a large chamber of commerce audience at the Venus de Milo in Swansea Thursday night and urged them to recognize the importance of the arts to the economy.

Narrows patrons, for example, usually come from outside the immediate area, and spend dollars on food, gas and lodging, he pointed out.

His message was particularly relevant since the Fall River area routinely gets left behind during economic recoveries and feels the hurt the worst during recessions. And despite plenty of arts opportunities being available through the Narrows Center for the Arts and other organizations, he noted that he still hears "there's nothing to do in Fall River." Not true.

Patrick made his remarks during ceremonies in which he was awarded a John S. Brayton, Jr. Memorial Community Service Award for his volunteer service to the community. The award is made annually by the Fall River Area Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

As noted in the event's program booklet, Patrick was born and raised in Fall River. After high school he was a performing musician, gigging with various bands across New England. He later graduated from UMASS Dartmouth.

Patrick and Maggie Norton: The First Couple of the Arts on the SouthCoast

He's been a volunteer at the Narrows for a decade, and previously served as vice president. He developed the Narrows' concert schedule and co-founded what's now known as the Narrows Festival of the Arts. He's served the past couple years as Narrows president, overseeing all aspects of the operation, from events to whether the plumbing works. He is also a youth soccer coach, serves on the board of directors of People, Inc. and was recently elected vice president of the newly formed Arts United.

His paying gig is as district representative for Congressman Jim McGovern. He's married to Narrows volunteer Maggie and they have two kids (who also volunteer at the Narrows): Ben, who's ten years old and at one time sported a Mohawk haircut; and seven year old Owen, who digs bands with drummers.

Congrats to Patrick and the Norton family, including his proud dad, former Senator Thomas Norton, who looked spiffy in his tux.