USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1954-1956 > Part 36
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None
92,000.00
92,000.00
Public Service Enterprises
848,000.00
920,000.00
72,000.00
Other Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
362,455.78
448,019.88
85,564.10
Total Estimated Receipts and Available Funds
$1,894,620.10
$2,140,549.94
$285,829.84
$39,900.00
Net Amount to be Raised by Taxation of Property Assessed Valuation 1954, $35,748,990.00 @ $46.80
$1,673,052.68
$1,894,984.50
$1,673,052.68*
Assessed Valuation 1955, $37,899,690.00 @ $50.00
$1,894,984.50
*Includes loss of $.05 on account of fractional divisions of tax rate.
142
TOWN OF NORWOOD
In Retirement
ALONZO N. EARLE joined the Norwood Fire Department as a call fireman on February 2, 1911. and was promoted to Lientenant in the call department on February 2, 1912.
On January 1, 1933 he was appointed Chief of the Fire Department and served the townspeople faithfully for many more years until his retire- ment on December 31, 1955.
An illustrious career of devotion and duty came to an end on that date. Chief, we. the townspeople salute you.
In Memoriam
RAGNOR ROSS
The townspeople were saddened on the evening of November 15, 1955 when they learned of the death of Ragnor Ross.
Ragnor Ross was appointed to the Norwood Fire Department on April 1, 1936, appointed department mechanic in 1941 and resigned as such in 1946.
The Norwood Fire Department lost one of its most respected and devoted members and the Town of Norwood lost a fine public servant with the death of Ragnor Ross.
143
REPORT OF FIRE DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Board of Selectmen Norwood, Massachusetts
Mr. Daniel E. Callahan, Chairman
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Chief of the Fire Department for the year ending December 31, 1955.
Number of Box Alarms 219
Number of Still Alarms
224
Classified as follows
Buildings
72
Automobiles
35
False 26
Woods, Brush, Grass, Dumps & Etc.
326
Oil Burner
17
Sprinkler Alarms
20
Total
496
Property Involved Values:
Buildings
$67,975.00
Contents
$25,500.00
Total
$93,475.00
Estimated Loss on Buildings
$12,040.00
Estimated Loss on Contents
$ 4,545.00
Total
$16,585.00
Insurance on Buildings
$76,525.00
Insurance on Contents
$23,000.00
Total
$99,525.00
Insurance Paid on Buildings
$15,832.38
Insurance Paid on Contents
$ 3,153.75
Total
$18,986.13
Number of gallons water used (approximate)
236,000
Number of feet of hose used
81,350
Number of feet of ladders raised
886
Ambulance Calls attended
555
I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the heads of all depart- ments, the Press, and all citizens of the Town, for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted for Retired Chief A. N. Earle by H. J. Butler Chief of Department. I wish to express my gratitude to Retired Chief Earle for the many courtesies granted to me in our long years of service together. The towns- people and I owe much to him for the superb manner in which he developed and improved the fire department during the last twenty odd years under his administration.
HARRY J. BUTLER
Chief of Department
144
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The Norwood Board of Public Welfare submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1955.
On May 3, 1955 the Selectmen appointed the following to serve as Welfare Board Members for a term of one year - Martin J. Foley, Adam R. Meissner and Richard G. Nead.
Mr. Richard G. Nead was elected to serve as Chairman.
Due to illness Mr. Adam R. Meissner submitted his resignation to the Board of Selectmen on July 5, 1955.
On August 23, 1955 the Selectmen appointed Mr. Ernest Paciorkowski to serve as a Welfare Board Member until May 1, 1956.
A monthly summary of the number of active Aid to Dependent Children, Disability Assistance and General Relief cases, showing the total number of people aided, follows this report.
Working conditions continued on a high level throughout 1955 and there was no great change in the General Relief case load due to unemployment.
Seasonal unemployment did not cause any material change in the total number of cases.
Supplementary aid was given in a few cases due to unemployment cause by sickness or accident.
The number of Aid to Dependent Children cases fell off during the year, due to some families moving to other municipalities, re-marriage of the dependent mother and other economic changes in the family resulting in assistance no longer being needed.
Disability Assistant cases remained almost constant throughout the year. As time goes on cases in this category become more expensive, due to their chronic nature, and a larger number will require nursing home care.
The Aid to Dependent Children and Disability Assistance categories are part of the Federal Social Security Program. The Town receives cash grants-in-aid from the Federal Government as part payment of these categories.
The Federal Government also allows cash grants-in-aid to the Town for Administrative expense of the Aid to Dependent Children and Disability As- sistance Programs.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the State Department of Public Welfare contributes to the cost of the Aid to Dependent Children and Disability Assistance categories. These funds are paid to the Town Treasurer and are available for the future use of the Town.
The Medical Care Plan as set up by the State Department of Public Welfare and which was put into effect on July 1, 1954 by the Welfare Board continues in effect. Its administration adds considerable detail to the Welfare office and generally causes confusion and misunderstanding. The service to the recipient is no better, as a result of this plan than it was prior to its inception.
.
145
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The cost of Medical Care is one of the items of expense that continues at a high level.
Details of the receipts and expenditures of the Welfare Department is shown in the Town Clerks and Accounts Report.
The Welfare Board expresses to all persons, organizations and Town Officials their appreciation for their cooperation and support during the past year.
Respectfully Submitted:
RICHARD G. NEAD MARTIN J. FOLEY ERNEST G. PACIORKOWSKI
146
1955 Public Welfare Case Load
MONTH
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
GENERAL RELIEF
BOARDING
INSTITU- TIONAL
HOSPITAL
TOTAL
TOTAL
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
People
January
16
27
34
6
3
0
86
157
February
18
27
34
6
1
0
86
155
March
19
28
38
6
0
0
91
169
April
19
27
34
5
0
0
85
153
May
16
27
32
5
0
0
80
136
June
15
26
32
5
1
0
79
133
July
16
26
30
5
1
0
78
135
August
15
24
29
5
2
0
75
125
September
14
23
28
5
0
73
116
October
14
24
27
5
2
0
72
110
November
14
25
26
6
2
75
115
December
14
25
30
7
3222 3
0
78
121
TOWN OF NORWOOD
147
REPORT OF BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
The Norwood Bureau of Old Age Assistance submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1955.
The table below lists the number of active Old Age Assistance cases as of the first of each month. Each case represents one person:
January
174
July
169
February
175
August
168
March
174
September
170
April
176
October
170
May
175
November
171
June
172
December
171
The case load in the Old Age Category showed but little variation during) 1955; the monthly average of cases for the year being 172.
There were no major changes made in the Old Age Assistance law during the year 1955.
The State Department of Public Welfare Medical Plan now in effect, is applicable to the Old Age recipients.
As the Old Age Assistance recipients are the persons needing the most medical care, the plan in some measure creates a hardship on this category, and in parti- cular reference to hospitalization.
Regular cash grants-in-aid are received from the Federal Government for use in the Old Age Assistance category.
Cash grants-in-aid for administrative purposes are also received from the Federal Government by the Town.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts through the State Department of Public Welfare pay to the Town Treasurer a portion of the total cost of Old Age Assistance. These funds are available for appropriation by the Town.
The report of the Town Clerk and Accounts shows the detail of the receipts and expenditures with regard to the Old Age Assistance category.
The Bureau of Old Age Assistance wishes to thank all persons, organizations and Town Officials for their cooperation during the past year.
Respectfully Submitted:
RICHARD G. NEAD MARTIN J. FOLEY ERNEST G. PACIORKOWSKI
148
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Mr. John B. Kennedy General Manager Norwood, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Kennedy,
It is my pleasure and privilege to submit to you my seventh annual report of the activities of the Recreation Department, the eleventh such report submitted since the Department has operated on a full time basis.
The year just past has seen a continuation of all of the worthwhile programs and activities that have been added to the Recreation Department over the years which have served to help the Department in its efforts to provide interesting and wholesome recreational activities for local residents of all age groups. We have had a noticeable increase in attendance in practically each program sponsored, due largely to the growing population in Norwood, partciularly in the youth groups and in the golden age group.
A description follows of each of the various programs by the Recreation Department and running through these descriptions are recommendations for improvements and expansions which we feel appropriate.
Summer Playgrounds
Norwood playgrounds operated this season from Monday, June 27 through Thursday, August 25 for a total of nine weeks. Playgrounds opened daily at 9:00 A.M. and remained open until noon, reopened at 1:30 and closed for the day at 4:30 P.M. Attendance for the season actually was down by comparison with the two preceeding years, but two factors explain the decline - weather and polio. The extreme heat of July and the heavy rains and floods of August combined to keep attendance down and then the high incidence of polio starting in August also kept attendance down. Playgrounds were operated at the six School Depart- ment areas - Callahan, Shattuck, Balch, Winslow, High School, and Cedarcrest, as well as at the Recreation Department areas - Endean, Wilson Street, Father McAleer's, Cleveland Park (Bond Street), Recreation Center, and Pleasant Park. The latter area had supervision for the first time this season. At Cedarcrest, Cleve- land Park, and Pleasant Park, there was only a female Playground Leader. At the Recreation Center there was only a male Leader, while at all other locations there were both male and female Leaders assigned.
Prior to the opening of the season on Friday, June 24, a one day Playground Leadership. Assisting our staff in conduct of the Institute were members of the at this Institute were: Playground Management, First Aid, Playground Dramatics, Arts and Crafts, Story Telling, Games Leadership, and Sports and Athletics Leadership. Assisting our staff in conduct of the Intitute were members of the staff of Community Recreation Service of Boston, Miss Dorothy Shumaker of the Library staff, and Mr. Joseph McAuliffe of the Norwood Fire Department. The Playground Institute proved most valuable orientation for the staff prior to the opening of the season.
149
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Once again we must say a word of commendation for the excellent staff of Playground Leaders and Supervisors who were directly responsible for the success which the program continued to enjoy. We found them most cooperative at all times. Without competent leadership, no Recreation program can be successful. We in Norwood are most fortunate in that we can continue to attract good personnel.
As mentioned previously, overall attendance for the season showed a drop. Every playground experienced a decline in attendance over 1954, the decline due entirely to the factors referred to above, namely weather and polio. In spite of these obstacles, a complete program was carried out and those participating seemed to enjoy the activities as much as ever. The new Playground opened at Pleasant Park proved most popular with more boys and girls attending there than attended some of the playgrounds which have been in operation for many years.
A complete program of sports and athletics was offered for boys. An Inter- mediate Baseball League of eight teams and a Midget Baseball League of ten teams was conducted for the boys with participation and interest holding at a high level right up to the end of the season. The other usual activities of interest for boys were also offered - softball, horseshoes, soccer, basketball, etc.
The girls also had a complete program of sports and athletics in addition to the many other activities of appeal for girls. Softball Leagues were conducted for the Intermediate and Midget age groups. Volleyball and the countless other games girls like proved to be most popular. Story telling received more attention this year and was well received particularly by the younger children.
Within limitations, the program of Arts and Crafts enjoyed great success. Responsibility for this program falls on the Girls' Supervisor and in turn on the individual female Leaders. Their skills naturally vary and their tine is limited with the result that we concluded that an essential part of the staff for future years is a trained Arts and Crafts Supervisor.
Several playground-wide events were sponsored, each meeting with distinct success. Among those conducted were a Horseshoe Tournament, a Checker Tourna- ment, a Swimming Meet, Boys' All Star Game with Leaders, Girls' All Star Game with Leaders, Pet Shows, Doll Shows, and other such events. These activities served to stimulate interest as well as holding great appeal in themselves.
Playgrounds held one outing each during the year, usually traveling by bus to Nantasket Beach for a day. Norwood Playgrounds were the guests of the Red Sox management at their game with Chicago on August 4. Another special event of great appeal was a visit to Norwood by Stagemobile, the traveling theatre on wheels sponsored by the Boston Children's Theatre. Hundreds of children attended the two performances given by the Stagemobile on the day of their visit to Norwood.
A complete program of Tennis Instruction was offered at the Recreation Center courts daily. Children of all ages and all degrees of skill availed themselves of the opportunity for expert instruction in Tennis. For the first time this year, the Recreation Department sponsored a team of boys in the New England Junior Lawn Tennis League. This latter proved to be a most worthwhile program and served to stimulate interest among the boys for Tennis.
150
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Weekly Staff Meetings were held for the personnel of the Department throughout the summer. These meetings provided the opportunity for discussion of all phases of the program. Many fine suggestions and ideas came from the meetings.
The following suggestions and recommendations are offered as a result of the observation and comments of the Playground Leaders, Supervisors, and of the Superintendent.
1. That the services of a trained Arts and Crafts Supervisor be obtained.
2. That we continue to add to the amount of playground equipment such as swings, slides, etc., now on hand. With the growth of population there is need for more such equipment at most sites.
3. That a male leader be assigned to both Cedarcrest and Pleasant Park to supervise the boys' activities at those locations.
4. That sand boxes be installed where not now on hand. These are particularly valuable for small children.
5. That poles be installed at certain locations in order that volleyball nets may be strung.
6. That work be continued to improve Pleasant Park in the area beyond the fence around the ball field and that shade trees be planted there at various points.
7. That facilities be developed and supervision be provided in the Ellis Gardens area of Norwood. At present children must play in the streets in that area with no playground nearby for small children in particular.
8. That Father McAleer Field be enlarged and improved in accordance with plans already in existence.
Junior Twilight Baseball League
Seven teams participated in this program for boys through age 18. Games were played at three different fields on two evenings of the week, with umpires and all equipment provided by the Recreation Department. More than one hundred boys took part in this program in the season just past.
Recreation Softball League
As in previous seasons, the Superintendent served as Softball Commissioner for the Norwood area for the Amateur Softball Association of America. Organiza- tion and supervision of the eight team League was provided by the Recreation Department in 1955 with play starting in inid-May and continuing through late August. This program for men proved most popular again this season, and four of the teams in the League went on to take part in post-season tournaments.
Swimming Program
Hawes Brook Pool opened one week later than usual this season past because of extensive repairs which were necessary to be carried out. The Pool opened over the weekend of July Fourth however, and particularly during the first month of the season enjoyed the busiest season ever. The high incidence of polio in the area from approximately August 1 on caused an almost immediate decline in attendance however, and the closing weeks of the season saw attendance at an almost all-time low. We were able to post another record of safety at the Pool
151
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
this year, without serious accidents reported. Our staff of Lifeguards must be commended for the fine way in which they carried out their duties which in turn made the safety record possible.
Registration for swimming classes was again carried out through the local schools with the cooperation of the local School Department and Saint Catherine's School. Approximately one thousand boys and girls signed up for the various classes and were assigned to the classes. Attendance at classes held up well until August 1 when polio just about depleted the classes. Prior to that however, a large percentage of boys and girls successfully completed their courses and were awarded appropriate certificates by the Recreation Department and by the American Red Cross.
Again in 1955 the Norwood Women's Community Committee contributed greatly to our water program by making two scholarships available to the Red Cross Aquatic School at Camp Kiwanis in South Hanson, Mass. Only one member of the staff was able to attend this season, but his attendance gave us a total of four qualified Water Safety Instructors on the staff of six lifeguards. Needless to say, this meant that our instructional program could be operated as it was, and without the help of the Women's Community Committee, the program could not be attempted.
We wish to again point out the need for installing the equipment needed to bring the Pool up to standard. This involves adequate toilet, locker, and water purification and recirculation facilities. We have been recommending this since the Pool opened and we still feel these items are essential in order to operate a clean and safe facility.
Rifle Club
The Norwood Recreation Junior Rifle Club under the expert supervision of Mr. Paul Cronan, continued to be one of the most popular programs for boys in the 14-18 age group. In the Club, boys are given a complete course of instruction in the care and use of firearms. They have the opportunity to work for individual and team awards available through the Director of Civilian Marksmanship of the Department of the Army and through the National Rifle Association. In addition, the boys take part in matches with other groups of similar make-up, both in person and in postal matches. Some 60 boys took part in the activities of the Rifle Club in 1955, the Club being divided into an Advanced Group and a Beginners Group, each group meeting one evening a week at the range at the Municipal Building.
Recreation Basketball League
The Recreation Basketball League is operated from December through mid- March for young men beyond high school age. In this activity, young men have the opportunity to enjoy healthy and much needed physical exercise, while at the same time enjoying wholesome competition. During the 1954-55 season there were six teams taking part in the League. The number increased to eight which meant that some 75 young men would be taking part in the League activities during the current season. The Recreation Department provides organization and supervision of the League, while at the same time providing all equipment needed and paying rental costs for the gym facilities. Sessions of the League are held on two evenings of the week at the Senior High School basketball court, with)
152
TOWN OF NORWOOD
three games being played each night. In addition to the many young men taking part, enjoyment is also provided for the many spectators on hand for the games during the season.
Baton Twirling
In response to requests from many young people and their parents, the Recreation Department undertook the organization of classes in Baton Twirling in September of 1955. We were most fortunate in securing the services of one of the outstanding twirlers and instructors in New England, Mrs. Faye Mullarkey to supervise and instruct. We were most gratified with the turnout and interest in this activity which saw some 85 girls sign up for classes. Classes are held one afternoon of the week at Social Hall of the Recreation Center, with the classes divided according to age groups. Five different classes in all are held. A slight fee is charged the girls for their classes, this being the common practice in activities of this sort. Interest in the classes has remained at a high level throughout the fall and from all indications will continue. As time goes on the girls in this pro- gram wil be able to participate in outside activities such as parades, competitions, and demonstrations.
Youth Center
Each Saturday evening of the year except during the summer months, Socials are held for young people of high school age at the Recreation Center. An orchestra plays for dancing during the evening. In addition, ping-pong, cards, checkers, and other features are available in the building for the young people in attendance, all under the supervision of members of the Recreation Department staff. A token admission is charged for this activity. Attendance averages between 150 and 200 each Saturday evening, providing proof of the popularity and value of this program for the "teen age" group.
Boys Activities
Swimming Pool Hall of the Recreation Center is converted into a gym during the winter months, or from approximately the first of November through the middle of April, during which period boys of all ages may attend and enjoy the activities conducted there under the supervision of a member of the Recreation Department staff. Basketball is the most popular activity with the boys, although other games are conducted at times. Many boys particularly in the younger age groups, learn their basketball fundamentals during their visits to the gym. As many as 75 boys have been in attendance at a session, proving the popularity of this activity.
Halloween Parties
On Halloween night the Recreation Department conducted three Halloween parties for the young people of Norwood. Supervision at the parties was provided by members of the Recreation Department staff who volunteered their services for the evening, and we must express our sincere appreciation for their help in making the parties successful. A party was conducted at the Senior High School for high school age young people. Ninth graders had their own party at the Recreation Center and boys and girls of the seventh and eighth grades of both Saint Catherine's School and the Junior High School had their party at the Junior High School Auditorium. These parties helped keep Norwood's record of vandalism and damage at a very low point.
153
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Girls' Drama
The program of Girls' Drama has continued to expand with each succeeding year until now we have in excess of 100 girls taking part in the program under the direction of Mrs. Virginia L. Bergeron, Supervisor of Drama for the Recreation Department. In this activity, girls from the age of 7 through the age of 14 have the opportunity to take part in various types of dramatic activities including such things as pantomines, plays, square dancing and several other related activities. The girls are divided into four groups according to age, with each group meeting one afternoon of the week after school at the Recreation Center from September to June. During the season, three "Open Houses" are held at which time parents and friends of the girls come to observe the types of activities in which the girls take part during the year. These "Open Houses" have had capacity audiences in the past year.
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