USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1951-1953 > Part 34
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Junior Basketball
On each afternoon of the week and on Saturday mornings from late November through the month of March, Swimming Pool Hall of the Civic is the scene of the basketball under the supervision of a trained recreation leader. Boys of all ages and all degrees of skill can avail themselves of this program which is conducted on an informal basis for all who wish to take part. No formal games are played, no teams formed, but rather the emphasis is on the participation by the individual at the time he attends. Many times in excess of 50 boys appear at the sessions. Proper supervision insures that each boy will have an equal chance to play and that he will enjoy as much as possible the facilities and program presented.
Hallowe'en Parties
Three Hallowe'en parties were conducted in 1952-one for high school pupils at the Senior High School, one for ninth graders at the Civic, and one for seventh and eighth graders of both St. Catherine's School and the Junior High School at the Junior High School auditorium. With the cooperation of members of the faculties of the various schools involved, Parent Teacher Associations, and members of the Recreation Department staff, all of whom volunteered their services for the evening, the parties were all successful. The low incidence of damage and destruc- tion throughout the Town was indicative of the fact that the young people were busily engaged in wholesome activities to keep them occupied through the evening.
Girls' Drama
Under the supervision of Mrs. Virginia Bergeron, this program for girls has continued to be very popular. Girls between the ages of 7 and 15 meet twice a week and take part in various activities associated with dramatics. The group stages two or three presentations throughout the season when families and friends are able to see the results of the work of the girls. Through such a program the girls
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
acquire poise and confidence, while at the same time taking part in enjoyable recreation sessions at their meetings.
Symphony Orchestra
The Norwood-Norfolk County Orchestra, composed of some 55 persons ranging in age from 15 to 75 meets weekly from September through May in Memorial Hall of the Municipal Building. Approximately 50% of the Orchestra are from Norwood with the other 50% coming from surrounding towns, thus enabling us to have a well rounded and nearly complete symphony group. Professor Jean V. Dethier volunteers his services as Conductor of the Orchestra and is deserving of the highest praise for the outstanding service he has performed for the Orchestra and for the Town of Norwood with the group. In addition to their weekly meetings, the Orchestra presented five concerts in 1952, climaxed by the joint concert with the "All Churches Choir of Norwood" given as a fitting demonstration of brotherhood during Brother- hood Week in Norwood, with the proceeds of the concert going to the Norwood Hospital.
Fourth of July Celebration
The Recreation Department cooperates yearly in the conduct of the various activities connected with the General Manager's Fourth of July Celebration for Children. The 1952 celebration of this holiday was well received. A concert and dance started festivities the night before with a monstrous bonfire touched off at midnight the climax of the evening. On the following morning, special games and other events, and free ice cream were featured at the various playgrounds through- out the town, with members of the Summer Playground staff assisting in the running of the program.
Swimming Program
The Recreation Department provided a complete program of swimming and swimming instruction during the summer months at Hawes Brook Pool. Miss Elizabeth Corcoran and her staff of Lifeguards at the Pool are to be commended for the fine way in which they discharged their most important duties in connection with the operation of the Pool throughout the summer. Their expert supervision of activities has been in large measure responsible for the safety record of which we are justly proud at the Pool.
The School Department again cooperated generously in publicizing the instruc- tional program and assisted in registering youngsters for the classes which began immediately the day the Pool opened in late June. Close to 300 boys and girls took part in the instructional program, with Recreation Department and Red Cross certificates being awarded in the various groups to over 165 persons upon successful completion of their respective courses. Many others who did not complete courses for one reason or another none-the-less profited greatly from attendance at classes.
Swimming meets were held throughout the season with surrounding towns. These meets served to stimulate and maintain interest in swimming while at the same time provided healthy competition for boys and girls. Norwood's record in these competitions was a good one, and the achievements of the young swimmers reflected the instruction which they have received in recent years at the Pool. Climax
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REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
of the competitive season was a meet held at Hawes Brook Pool in which reperesent- atives from eight communities took part.
Lifeguard protection was provided at Willett Pond to the extent of two life- guards being provided by the Town and one being provided by the concessionaire at the Pond, with general supervision in matters of waterfront work being under the Recreation Department.
Summer Playgrounds
We began the Summer Playground season in 1952 on the Monday immediately following the close of school in June and ran for a period of nine weeks through August 21st. Playgrounds were open daily from 9:00 A. M. to Noon and from 1:30 to 4:30 P. M., Monday through Friday. Playgrounds were operated at ten locations throughout the Town, with both a male and female Recreation Leader at seven, a female only at two, and a male only at one.
Prior to the opening of the playground season, a one day Training Institute was held for all Playground Leaders here in Norwood, with members of the staffs in Dedham and Canton also taking part. Leadership of the institute was provided by the Community Recreation Service of Boston, Inc. Instruction was given in Operation of Playgrounds, Arts and Crafts, Social Recreation, and Mr. Joseph McAuliffe of the Norwood Fire Department lectured to the group on First Aid Techniques.
The Supervisors, Mr. Charles Parker and Miss Nancy Chandler, as well as the seventeen Playground Leaders are to be congratulated for the excellent way in which they carried out their duties in 1952. In spite of rather unusual weather conditions, attendance continued to run high and participation in the various activities was most enthusiastic on the part of the boys and girls attending the playgrounds. The early part of the season saw a prolonged stretch of hot weather, while the latter part brought considerable rainy weather. These unusual conditions often taxed the Leaders in their efforts to keep the children occupied, but their efforts did enable us to enjoy one of the most successful suinmer seasons to date.
We conducted baseball leagues for boys in their respective age groups up through high school age, with teams representing various playgrounds meeting in league competition. Softball leagues were organized on much the same basis for girls. In addition, the boys and girls engaged in many other activities which are always of interest to the children and took part too in some new and different programs from time to time. We attempted to keep our program as flexible as possible, since interests vary from playground to playground, and what is popular at one area may have no appeal at another. Playground leaders are therefore left to their own devices much of the time to work out programs to fit the desires of the children at their particular location, with guidance and help being given by supervisory personnel.
Under the able direction fo Mr. Joseph Conti, the program of Tennis enjoyed a distinctly successful season. Participation was larger than for many years, and the program in general proved attractive to young and old alike. Many boys and girls took part in tennis activities for the first time, and many others who had
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
previously taken part rekindled their interest last season. Mr. Conti is to be com- mended for the fine work which he did as Tennis Supervisor.
Miscellaneous Activities
The Recreation Departinent was called on from time to time during 1952 to assist in various cominunity projects by way of providing leadership or facilities or both. The Department cooperated with other departments of the Town in such projects as arranging for coasting and skating facilities when weather and other conditions permitted. The Department was represented in various community organizations such as the Norwood Community Council and the American Red Cross. The Departinent was also represented at conferences and meetings conducted by such organizations as the Eastern Massachusetts Rccreation Association, the National Recreation Association, United Community Services of Greater Boston, Mass. Community Organization Service, and other such organizations concerned directly or indirectly with the work of the Department.
Conclusion
The success of a program such as ours depends on the continued support and cooperation of all segments of the community. For that support and cooperation we are deeply grateful and we ask for a continuation of the same in order that the coming years may bring us closer to our goal of providing wholesome leisure time activities for all groups in Norwood.
Specifically we wish to acknowledge the active interest of the Recreation Advisory Committee, the Board of Selectinen, the General Manager, and other groups that have been directly concerned with the work of the Recreation Department. We wish also to commend again the personnel of the Department without whose loyal and unselfish labors our programs would not be so successful. Finally we want to thank the citizens of Norwood wlio have aided us so greatly in so many ways throughout 1952 to make our program a better one.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD E. READY Superintendent of Recreation
REPORT OF FISH AND GAME WARDEN
Time spent patroling, answering complaints and law enforcement 1,042 hours
Total of miles traveled in car 1,520 miles
Total number of complaints 13
Number of complaints investigated 11
Number of prosecutions resulting from complaints 1
Number of licenses checked 422
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES E. BUNNEY Town Fish & Game Warden
151
REPORT OF ANIMAL INSPECTOR
REPORT OF THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report as Inspector of Animals for the year of 1952.
I quarantined 36 dogs for biting. All were released at the end of the required quarantine period and none showed any signs of Rabies at any time.
I inspected four shipments of cattle from out-of-state for dairy purposes.
I made the annual inspection of livestock required by the Massachusetts Di- vision of Livestock Disease Control and it revealed the following: 157 cows, 4 horses, 1 pony, 14 heifers, 26 calves, 4 bulls, I goat, 17 sheep, 51 swine, 8 steer.
The head of one dog was taken to the Wasserman Laboratory - reported negative.
Respectfully submitted, THOMAS U. MAHONY Inspector of Animals
REPORT OF NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Norwood, Mass.
Dear Sirs:
The Norwood Housing Authority hereby submits its Annual Report, and we extend to your honorable board our thanks for your many acts of kindness and general cooperation during the past year.
NAME OF DEVELOPMENT: Washington Heights State-aided 200-1
Meetings: First and third Wednesdays of the month in Room 24 of the Norwood Municipal Building.
Members: Chairman - Frank B. Coughlin, Vice Chairman - Daniel Collins, Treasurer - John E. Bamber, Assistant Treasurer - Roger J. Connolly State Appointee - John J. Mulvehill.
Personnel: Executive Director & Secretary (ex-officio) - Lawrence J. O'Brien Manager-accountant - Kenneth H. Berkland Insurance Representative - Thomas J. Foley Legal Representative - Attorney Dennis P. O'Leary
Washington Heights, Norwood's State-aided Housing Develoyment under Chiap- ter 200 of the State Housing Laws has been in operation for 27 months. Its primary purpose has been to provide homes for Veterans of Low Income who are in need
152
TOWN OF NORWOOD
of adequate housing. At the present time 75 families are occupying tlie 33 single, 12 duplex, and 6 triplex houses. As a security measure, the Norwood Housing Authority has filed with the State Housing Board an informal application for 50 more state-aided housing units as provided for under Chapter 550 of the State Housing Laws.
In August, 1952 the books and records of the Authority were audited by the State Auditor. A copy of the Auditor's Report has been forwarded to your honor- able board. As provided for by law, the Authority has paid to the Town of Norwood, in lieu of taxes, the sum of $1,869.37-said sum being five per cent of the yearly rent collections.
In order to eliminate a drainage problem and an nnsightly hill, the hill was levelled and a so-called "play area" was constructed, together with the installation of two additional catch basins. We trust that this problem has been eliminated. The contract for this work was awarded to the L. C. Reardon Co. of Norwood, the lowest of three bidders. A Utility Shed was constructed during the year. This building is used for storage of equipment used in maintenance. This contract was awarded to the E. C. Young Co. of Randolph, the lowest of four bidders.
The contract for the cleaning and maintenance of heating and hot water equipment was awarded to George F. Abely of Norwood, the lowest bidder of four local service men. The policy of the Authority is to give all maintenance work and contracts, if possible, to local business men. Plans are being considered to have some of the dwellings painted in the spring if funds are available.
Respectfully yours,
FRANK B. COUGHLIN Norwood Housing Authority
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts - State Housing Board OPERATING STATEMENT For Period Ended December 31, 1952
PROJECT NO. 200.1 - NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
Current Quarter 10-1-52 to 12-31-52
Cumulative-Fiscal Year to Date 4-1-52 to 12-31-52
Actual Amt. Budget 225 225
Classification Number of Unit Months
Budget Pum Actual Amt. 675 675
INCOME
9,626.00
9,450.00
3100
Dwelling Rent Schedule
28,350.00
42.10
28,417.60
14.70
24.00
3200 Less: Dwelling Vacancy Loss
72.00
.02
14.70
9,611.30
9,426.00
Dwelling Rent Income
28,278.00
42.08
28,402.90
7100
Commonwealth Contribution
20,000.00
29.62
20,000.00
9,611.30
9,426.00
TOTAL INCOME
48,278.00 71.70
48,402.90
EXPENSE
1,213.25
1,095.00 4100 Management Expenses
3,285.00
1.66
3,148.65
153
REPORT OF HOUSING AUTHORITY
142.50
183.00 4200
Operating Services
574.00
.66
441.75
419.32
425.00
4300
Utilities
1,275.00
1.41
950.12
1,481.10
900.00 4400 Repairs, Maint. & Replace.
2,900.00
2.70
1,825.25
315.84
305.00 4711 Insurance Expense
916.00
1.22
820.29
Collection Losses
141.00
500.94
471.25
2.13
1,437.12
1,125.00
1,125.00
4790 Prov. for Operating Reserve
3,375.00
5.00
3,375.00
633.80
633.80 4794 Prov. for Debt Serv. Reserve
1,901.41
2.82
1,901.41
7,500.00
7,500.00
5100
Debt Service Requirements
22,255.50
32.83
22,158.59
13,331.75
12,685.05
TOTAL EXPENSE
38,036.66
63.43
36,058.18
(3,720.45) (3,259.05)
SURPLUS (Deficit)
10,241.34
12,344.72
Prepared by:
Approved by:
KENNETH H. BERKLAND
JOHN E. BAMBER
Manager-Accountant
Treasuer
NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY No. 200.1 BALANCE SHEET December 31, 1952
ASSETS
Cash
1111
Development Fund
14,120.99
1111A
Development Fund
634.66
1112
Administration Fund
24,720.36
39,476.01
Accounts Receivable
1122
Tenants
228.50
1500
Incompleted Contracts
5,063.00
5,291.50
Fixed Assets
1151 Debt Service Fund
21,149.11
1170
Investments
2,000.00
1181
Debt Service Trust Fund
489.90
1400
Development Costs
800,000.00
823,639.01
TOTAL ASSETS
868,406.52
LIABILITIES & CAPITAL
Accounts Payable
2111 Development
10,755.65
2112 Contract Retentions
3,000.00
2400
Contract Awards
5,063.00
18,818.65
Accrued Liabilities
2134.1 Water Expense
133.00
47.00 4730 4740 Payments in Lieu of Taxes
1,413.75
154
TOWN OF NORWOOD
2137 Accrued Pilot
332.24
-
465.24
Undistributed Credits
2140 Matured Interest & Principal
22,500.00
2210 Tenants Security Deposits
750.00
23,250.00
Fixed Liabilities
2321 Bonds Issued & Outstanding
800,000.00
Reserves
2136
Insurance
2,211.00
2550 Debt Service
1,901.41
2551
Unamortized Bond Premium
2,474.50
2590
Operating
5,941.00
Total Liabilities
12,527.91 855,061.80
CAPITAL
2630 Capital Donations
1,000.00
Surplus
12,344.72
13,344.72
TOTAL LIABILITIES & CAPITAL
868,406.52
NOTE: Accounts Receivable - Tenants includes a $38.00 Credit Balance resulting from a rent collected 12-52 not due until 1-1-53.
NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY No. 200.1 BANK RECONCILIATION STATEMENT
December 31, 1952
BANK BALANCES
1111 Development Fund
14,120.99
1111A Development Fund
634.66
1112 Administration Fund
24,873.02
Deduct - Checks Outstanding:
No. 489
44.70
No. 490
10.00
No. 491
19.60
No. 492
19.59
No. 493
19.59
No. 494
19.59
No. 495
19.59
152.66
24,720.36
TOTAL ADJUSTED BANK BALANCES
39,476.01
155
REPORT OF HOUSING AUTHORITY
CHECK BOOK BALANCES
1111 Development Fund
14,120.99
1111A Development Fund
634.66
1112
Administration Fund 24,720.36
TOTAL CHECK BOOK BALANCES
39,476.01
REPORT OF VETERANS' HOUSING BOARD
To the Citizens of Norwood:
The Norwood Veterans' Housing Board, which operates the temporary housing project for World War II veterans located off Winter Street, is pleased to submit the following statement of cash receipts and disbursments for the year ending June 30, 1952.
Statement of Cash Receipts and Disbursements For the Year Ended June 30, 1952
Cash Receipts:
Rent Income
$13,590.00
Security Deposit, contra
60.00
Total Cash Received ........
$13,650.00
Cash Disbursements:
Repair, maintenance and replacement:
Grounds
123.80
Structures
1,536.20
Plumbing and gas
665.34
Electrical
8.16
Ranges
117.02
$2,450.52
Management
1,337.76
Operating Services
360.00
Dwelling Utilities, water
480.00
Insurance
23.75
Rent of land
600.00
Furniture allowance, heaters
196.80
Taxes
2,519.05
Security deposit refund, contra
60.00
Payment to United States Government for year ended June 30, 1951
5,476.23
$13,504.11
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Net increase in cash for the year ended June 30, 1952 Caslı in bank, July 1, 1951
145.89 11,333.18
Cash in bank, June 30, 1952
$11,479.07
Disposition of Cash Balance
Due United States Government
$5,543.89
Reserve for repairs and maintenance
6,442.18
Security deposits
390.00
Collection losses
(509.00)
Rent Receivable
(388.00)
Cash balance, June 30, 1952
$11,479.07
The amount paid in cash to the Town of Norwood was $3,795.85.
The life of the project was again extended for one more year by the Govern- ment authorities. There are no vacancies at the present time.
Respectfully submitted,
FRANCIS W. SMITH, Chairman THOMAS A. RORKE JOSEPH V. NUTTALL WALTER A. BLASENAK JOSEPH LONG
Veterans' Housing Board
157
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
To the citizens of Norwood:
We transmit herewith the annual statistical and narrative reports of the Morrill Memorial Library for the year ending December 31, 1952.
Respectfully submitted,
MAUDE A. SHATTUCK
Chairman, Board of Trustees
MARTIN B. CURRAN MARY L. DUNN
RACHEL P. MARTIN
EUGENE A. NELSON VERN RICHARDS
To the Board of Trustees:
The following is a statistical report of the Morrill Memorial Library for the year 1952, arranged according to the form recommended by the American Library Association:
Name of Library
Morrill Memorial Library
Town
Norwood, Massachusetts
Name of Librarian
Edna Phillips
Date of Founding 1873
Terms of Use
Free for Lending; Free for Reference
Number of Agencies
3
Number of Days Open in 1952 295
Number of Hours Open each Week 69
Number of Staff 7
Population, 1950 U. S. Census 16,693
Books
Volumes Added to the Library:
Fiction by Purchase 1,443
Non-Fiction by Purchase 1,418
Fiction Gifts 81
Non-Fiction Gifts 106
3,048
Number of Volumes at End of Year
42,509
Records
Records Added to the Library by Purchase 55
Records Added to the Library by Gift
94
Volumes Withdrawn:
Fiction
862
Non-Fiction
525
1387
Records Withdrawn
1
Number of Records at
End of Year
254
149
158
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Circulation
Books
Fiction
Non-Fiction
Total
Adult Department
41,149
28,287
69,436
Senior High School
4
120
124
Peabody School
140
98
238
Junior Department
12,916
6,176
19,092
Schools
6,963
2,086
9,049
South Norwood Adult
5,918
4,052
9,970
South Norwood Junior
4,928
3,093
8,021
Hospital Adult
6,483
2,291
8,774
Hospital Junior
440
129
569
Church & P.T.A. Deposits
9
105
114
Books, Total
78,950
46,437
125,387
Records
1,883
Pictures
598
Total Circulation
127,868
Finance
SEE REPORT OF TOWN ACCOUNTANT.
$2,302.23 returned to the Town Treasurer, of which $107.50 was from annual fees of $2.50 cach from non-resident members. The balance was fines, and payment for loss or damage to books or records.
New registrations
1,235
Total, registered borrowers
8,125
Reference and book selection questions
4,792
Respectfully submitted,
EDNA PHILLIPS Librarian
THE LIBRARY AS A CHANNEL FOR CONSTRUCTIVE ACTION
This is accomplished if a library- Puts life forward. Heightens the level of enjoyment. Furthers cooperation.
Looking at one year in one library's life, we can see ways good reading service thus operates in the field of ideas, civics, work with youth, patterns for living, and of aesthetics.
This is the qualitative gain. It is more important than the gains we can measure statistically-but we have gained in that way, too: this year's is the largest circulation the library has ever had in a non-depression year-125,387 in books, 1,883 in recordings, and 4,792 in adult readers' questions answered.
In reporting results, attention is called to the steady, voluminous, effective work done behind the scenes, which in no small measure makes the end results
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REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
possible. A growing volume of cataloging, of 3,048 books and 149 recordings done or supervised by Martha C. Eaton, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger; the smooth functioning of business and circulation records carried by Shirley Day Patterson, Records Librarian; an immense amount of background work, as well as immediate service, done and supervised by Esther C. Hallet, Circulation Librarian; and the care and problems of buildings and grounds for which Carl B. Pearson, Senior Building Custodian, is responsible-are all vital.
The Library Stimulates Ideas and Insights
This is carried out by giving readers a chance to explore for themselves sig- nificant books on all sides of important topics; by a strong reference and readers' consultation service, including bibliographies made for individual needs; by dra- matic thought-provoking subject exhibits of books; and by offering special events for all ages linking people's vital interests with library resources.
Fruitful ideas for better serving readers were encouraged by offering for the first time a round table meeting on "Cataloging Problems of Interest to Adminis- trators, Catalogers, and Reference Librarians". Those taking part were represent- atives from the membership of the Pioneer Librarians Group.
The Old Colony Library Club held an excellent and well-attended fall meeting here.
A pioneering group in the field of ideas in which Edna Phillips, Librarian, had a part as a member of the Planning Committee, was the three day Human Relations Book Fair held at the Boston Public Library. She spoke on "Library Resources, for Readers from Other Countries" before the Adult Civic Education classes; on "Books about Cooperative Living" for the Literature Committee, Nor- wood Woman's Club; and the "Needs of the Library" for the Women's Community Committee.
Civic Progress
The Covi Club, now in its second year, is a community project sponsored by the South Norwood Branch. It is of value to its town in many ways-among them the planting of two living Christmas trees in front of the Balch School; the solic- itation of South Norwood residents for the annual appeal of the American Red Cross; and fortnightly programs throughout the year on such topics as applied psychology, how to review a book, modern methods of child care, civil defense, and fall gardening.
Mary Knowles, Branch Librarian, spoke before the Jewishi Women's Council on "Library Resources"; reviewed books on "Nature and Human Nature" for the Literature Committee, Norwood Woman's Club. Miss Shumaker gave a book talk before the latter group on "Japan and International Relations".
On behalf of the Norwood Community Council, at the request of the Select- men, Miss Phillips arranged a well-attended Forum on the "Fluoridation of a Municipal Water Supply". The panel participants were authorities of note. It was held at the library and was given reading support of selected material for and against the subject.
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