USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1954-1956 > Part 63
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Baton Twirling
In the second year of classes, attendance has continued high in the Baton Twirling group. In the spring of last year, an Open House was held at the Recreation Center with parents and friends of the girls in the program having the opportunity to come down to see first hand the results of the one short year of classes. Competition was held for various age groups, with appropriate awards made to the winner in each group. Classes were resumed in the fall of the year with Mrs. Faye Mullarkey returning to provide instruc- tion and supervision over the girls. Classes are held one afternoon of the week with the girls assigned to groups according to age and ability. Approxi- mately seventy-five girls are currently enrolled in the program. A highlight of the program in the past fall was the participation by the girls in the Veterans Day parade where they made an extremely good showing for their first public appearance. Cooperation has been exceptionally good on the part of parents of girls taking part in the program.
Rifle Club
The Norwood Recreation Junior Rifle Club has continued to enjoy great popularity with in excess of sixty boys continuing to take part in its activities under the supervision of Mr. Paul Cronan. A complete course of instruction in the use of firearms is offered the boys in the Beginners Group and after they have mastered the fundamentals, they begin firing the various qualifi- cation courses conducted by the Department of the Army and the National Rifle Association. The boys also take part in postal matches and in shoulder- to-shoulder matches with other teams of comparable skill. The Club meets two evenings of the week, one night set aside for the Beginners and one for the Advanced Group with both meetings being held at the range on the top floor of the Municipal Building.
Recreation Basketball League
The Recreation Basketball League is operated from December through February for young men beyond high school age to provide them with needed physical exercise and healthy competition. With the resumption of the program in December there were eight teams entered for the current season which means that close to a hundred young men will be participating this season. The Recreation Department provides supervision and equipment for the league and pays rental costs to the School Department for the Senior High School gym on the nights when games are played. Three games are
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
played on each of the two nights of the week that the league is operated with many spectators on hand to enjoy the games.
Girls' Drama
The program of Girls' Drama has grown at a much faster rate than any other program in the Department, with more than one hundred girls registering in September of 1956 at the time of resumption of the meetings. Mrs. Virginia L. Bergeron has continued to perform most successfully as Supervisor of Drama. The increase in participants this fall caused us to engage the services of an assistant for Mrs. Bergeron on two of the four afternoons that the girls meet. Mrs. Patricia Devlin is assistant in this capacity. The girls are divided into groups according to age, with each group meeting one afternoon of the week. During the year, Open Houses are held at which time parents and friends of the girls have the opportunity to see the types of activities in which the girls take part during their sessions. Capacity audiences have been on hand for each of the Open Houses during the past year. The girls, who incidentally range in age from seven through fourteen, take part in various types of dramatics, including plays, pantomimes, tableaux, skits, etc., sometimes even writing their own material.
Halloween Program
On Halloween night two parties were conducted for the young people of the town, one at the Recreation Center for boys and girls of the seventh and eighth grades, and one at the Norwood Armory for young people in grades nine through twelve. Supervision at the parties is provided by members of the summer staff of the Department who are in the area and who generously volunteer their services for the evening. We are deeply grateful to these young men and women for volunteering to help us. Both parties this year were most successful with large numbers in attendance at each. Our goal of keeping the young people busy and entertained on Halloween was achieved as evidenced by the fact that once again Norwood's record of damage and destruction was low.
Youth Center
With the exception of the summer months. socials are held each Saturday evening for high school age young people at the Recreation Center. An orchestra plays for dancing in Social Hall, and in Swimming Pool Hall, ping- pong, cards, checkers, a juke box, and a refreshment counter are available for the young people in attendance. Members of the Recreation Department staff provide supervision during the evening with an average attendance of between one-hundred fifty and two-hundred at each dance. A token ad- mission charge is made with proceeds turned over to the Treasurer.
Friday Evening Dances
On each Friday evening of the year with the exception of the summer months, dances are held for the junior high school age young people at Social Hall of the Recreation Center. Music is provided by a small orchestra with supervision being furnished by members of the Recreation Department staff. A token admission charge is made with proceeds turned over to the Treasurer. The refreshment counter in Swimming Pool Hall is also open
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REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
during the dance. At these dances, the boys and girls learn dancing and at the same time how to conduct themselves socially. An average of between two-hundred twenty-five and two-hundred seventy-five attend these dances.
Boys Activities
From approximately November first through the middle of April, Swimming Pool Hall of the Recreation Center is converted into a gym with supervision available each afternoon after school and on Saturday mornings for boys to play basketball and other games. Attendance at the sessions is excellent with sometimes as many as seventy-five boys present. Everyone who attends has the chance to play with informal games conducted in addition to the provision of basic instruction in basketball.
Symphony Orchestra
Mr. Raymond F. Fleck has continued to serve on a voluntary basis as Director of the Orchestra with some twenty-five people from Norwood and nearby communities making up the Orchestra. Rehearsals are held each Tuesday evening at Memorial Hall of the Municipal Building from September through May with concerts arranged from time to time in Norwood and sur- rounding towns.
For the third successive year the Department sponsored the Norwood Christmas Festival of Music with the Orchestra joining with the choirs from six local churches to present an evening of Christmas and church music to usher in the Christmas season in Norwood. Bad weather kept the size of the crowd down this yast year, but the program was no less well received and participation was at an all time high. We are most appreciative of the cooperation of all in making the Festival a success.
Fourth of July Celebration
The Recreation Department served as the organization conducting the General Manager's Fourth of July Celebration. Last year a dance was held the Night Before the Fourth at the local Armory with a gigantic display of fireworks being set off near midnight at Hartshorn's Swale. The morning of the Fourth, activities were conducted at the individual playgrounds throughout town with ice-cream distributed to every youngster in attendance.
Miscellaneous Activities
The Recreation Department during the past year took part in many other local community projects. The Department cooperated with the Public Works Department in coasting and skating areas and in maintaining and improving various other recreational areas. The Department cooperated with the Public Works Department in coasting and skating areas and in main- taining and improving various local organizations in their activities. The Superintendent served on various committees in Norwood concerned with recreation and allied matters. The Superintendent also took part in state- wide recreational projects and activities, serving on the executive committee of the Massachusetts Recreation Association.
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Conclusion
The Recreation Department is deeply grateful for the continuing coopera- tion and support afforded by the various town officials and departments at all times. Particularly are we appreciative of the assistance of the General Manager, the Board of Selectmen, and the Selectmen's Recreation Advisory Committee.
The continuing growth of the town compels us to keep looking ahead in our efforts to provide worthwhile and wholesome recreational activities for all Norwood's citizens. Realizing the importance of offering programs to fill at least some of the leisure time of the population, we cannot relax our efforts. We look forward to 1957 as a year sure to offer new challenges and we look back on 1956 as a most satisfying year. To all who played any part in our successes during 1956, we are deeply grateful.
Respectfully submitted. RICHARD E. READY Superintendent of Recreation
REPORT OF NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
To: State Housing Board
Dept. of the Auditor Town of Norwood
Dear Sir:
Enclosed is a copy of the Annual Report of the Norwood Housing Auth- ority for the year 1956.
Very truly yours,
LAWRENCE J. O'BRIEN Executive Director
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY 1956
Meetings: First and third Wednesdays in Room 24, Norwood Municipal Building.
Members: John J. Mulvehill, Chairman; Roger J. Connolly, Vice Chair- man; Anthony F. Turinese, Treasurer; John E. Bamber, Assistant Treasurer; Daniel Collins.
Personnel: Lawrence J. O'Brien, Executive Director-Secretary; Sullivan & Schwartz, Accountants; Atty. Dennis P. O'Leary, Legal Representative; Walter J. Dempsey, Insurance Representative.
213
REPORT OF NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
The Norwood Housing Authority has jurisdiction over Washington Heights, a 75 unit Veterans Housing Development completed in December of 1950 under Chapter 200 of the State Housing Laws. The development con- sists of 33 single units, 12 duplex, and 6 triplex. It was erected to accomodate Veterans of low-income with minor dependents and dependent parents, who were unable to purchase homes or procure rentals because of their economic situation. All tenants pay rentals in proportion to their incomes and number of dependents. Admission limits are from $3,350. to $4,000. annual depending upon the number of dependents. There is also a Maximum Continued Oc- cupancy Limit, and once the Tenant exceeds this limit, he receives a Notice To Vacate. Incomes are verified annually by sending forms directly to the employer. Since 1950, 49 tenants have vacated, as their economic condition improved, and have either purchased homes or procured private rentals. This is the fundamental purpose of the State Housing Program- to provide decent and suitable housing for families of low income at rents they can afford to pay until such time as they are able to buy or rent private housing.
The Authority expresses deep regret at the resignation of Daniel Collins, who has served as a member since the Authority was founded in 1948. Mr. Collins resigned in November because of ill health. He was one of the most active members of the Board and followed the business of the Authority with a deep interest. Mr. Collins served as Chairman of the Board in 1955.
The Authority also expresses regret at the resignation of the Manager- Accountant, Arnold S. Donovan, who resigned in March because of ill health. The members of this Authority convey a heartfelt wish for his complete recovery.
The members of the Authority take this opportunity to thank all Town Departments for their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
THE NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY JOHN J. MULVEHILL, Chairman ROGER J. CONNOLLY ANTHONY F. TURINESE JOHN E. BAMBER
L. J. O'BRIEN
Secretary
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
OPERATING STATEMENT For Period Ended December 31, 1956
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts-State Housing Board
PROJECT NO. 200-1-NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
Current Quarter 10-1-56 to 12-31-56
Cumulative-Fiscal Year to Date 4-1-56 to 12-31-56
Actual Amt. Budget
Classification
Budget Pum Actual Amt.
225
225
Number of Unit Months
675
675
INCOME
9,244.45
9,675.00
Dwelling Rent Income
29,025.00
41.79
28,206.19
283.98
104.00
3500
Misc. Project Income
311.00
.69
467.58
9,528.43
9,779.00
TOTAL INCOME
29,336.00
42.48
28,673.77
EXPENSE
705.00
705.00
4101
Adm. Salaries & Ser.
2,115.00
3.13
2,115.00
515.65
269.00
4102
Other Adm. Expense
805.00
1.30
876.20
93.20
97.00
4103
Comp. to Auth. Mem.
290.00
.43
287.45
425.06
400.00
4310
Water
1,200.00
1.76
1,186.28
195.04
100.00
4402
Materials & Supplies
300.00
.82
553.86
803.51
1,034.00
4403
Contractural Services
3,101.00
3.05
2,059.50
676.94
467.00
4711
Insurance Expense
1,402.00
2.32
1,563.72
50.00
4730
Collection Losses
149.00
675.00
675.00
4740
Pymt. in Lieu of Taxes
2,025.00
3.00
2,025.00
900.00
900.00
4790
Prov. for Oper. Res.
2,700.00
4.00
2,700.00
633.80
634.00
4794
Prov. for Debt Ser. Res.
1,901.00
2.82
1,901.41
7,468.00
7,433.00
5100
Debt Ser. Requirements
22,300.00
32.98
22,265.87
250.00
150.00
4104
Acct. Sal. & Services
450.00
.66
450.00
13,341.20
12,914.00
TOTAL EXPENSE
38,738.00
56.27
37,984.29
(3,812.77) (3,135.00)
DEFICIT
9,402.00 (13.79)
(9,310.52)
(before State Aid)
3,135.00
7100
Commonwealth Contri. ..
9,404.00
20.76
14,012.20
3,135.00
TOTAL STATE AID
9,404.00
20.76
14,012.20
(3,812.77)
SURPLUS (Deficit)
2.00
6.97
4,701.68
Prepared by:
JOSEPH SCHWARTZ
Accountant
Approved by:
LAWRENCE J. O'BRIEN
Executive Director
REPORT OF NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY
215
ANALYSIS OF OPERATING RESERVE ACCOUNT-NORWOOD 200-1
Balance-October 1, 1956
19,794.39
Add-Quarterly Accrual
900.00
20,694.39
Less-Replacements:
Oil Storage Tanks
153.35
Hot Water Heaters
493.11
646.46
Balance-December 31, 1956
$20,047.93
NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY No. 200-1 BALANCE SHEET December 31, 1956
ASSETS
Appropriation Fund-Union Savings
650.62
Administration Fund-Norfolk County Trust
24,152.31
24,802.93
Tenants' Accounts Receivable
1,274.50
Debt Service Fund
6,211.47
Debt Service Trust Fund
242.50
Debt Service Trust Fund-Investment-U.S. Bonds
2,000.00
8,453.97
Investments-Norwood Co-Op
12,555.14
Investments-Union Savings
10,000.00
22,555.14
Prepaid Insurance
4,182.76
Development Costs
800,000.00
Less-Dev. cost Liquidation
53,000.00
747,000.00
Total Assets
$808,269.30
LIABILITIES
Cash Over and Short
1.00
Tenants' Prepaid Rents
1.00
Tenants' Security Deposits
780.00
781.00
Bonds Authorized
800,000.00
Less-Bonds Retired
53,000.00
747,000.00
Matured Interest and Principal
14,465.14
Debt Service Reserve
12,042.25
Unamortized Bond Premium
2,242.50
Operating Reserve
20,047.93
Capital Donation
1,000.00
Reduction of Annual Contribution
5,987.80
55,785.62
Net Income (See Operating Statement)
4,701.68
Total Liabilities
$808,269.30
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
To the Citizens of Norwood:
We transmit herewith the annual narrative and statistical reports of the Morrill Memorial Library, for the year ending December 31, 1956.
Respectfully submitted,
Board of Trustees MARY L. DUNN, Chairman RACHEL P. MARTIN VERN H. RICHARDS MARTIN B. CURRAN per E. P. GERTRUDE A. TANNEYHILL per E. P.
WE'RE GROWING FAST
In appreciation of the valued service, the important responsibilities well met for over twenty-five years, and personal esteem, the Board of Trustees presented Martha C. Eaton, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger, and N. Dorothy Shumaker, Junior Department Librarian, with pins and earrings of imported crystal set in white gold, at a reception held in their honor at the home of Dr. and Mrs. John Martin.
It has been said that Norwood goes farther than most towns of its size in having a Reference Librarian and Readers' Consultant. Mary E. Locke, holding this position, and Esther C. Hallet, Circulation Librarian, head the Adult Department's activities. 5,392 more books for adults were lent at the Main Library this year than last.
Discussion Groups, the Arts, Music, and a Book Club
A series of five discussion groups with brief talks on "Gardens for the Small Place," included book presentations and featured speakers who were horticultural experts. This spring series recognized the keen interest in attractive grounds by the residents in our many new developments.
In the fall another discussion series was started on "Notable Current Books". It has drawn an enthusiastic group.
This library is one of only two or three receiving the once-a-month traveling exhibits of excellent reproductions from the Boston Museum of Fine Arts.
The record collection is outgrowing its space. Miss Locke and Mrs. Hallet report that the musical experience of patrons and staff has been enriched by the use of a FM-AM radio and record player, a gift from Edna Phillips, Librarian.
"The Johnny Appleseed Reading Club" presented by the Junior Depart- ment Librarian, N. Dorothy Shumaker, and the South Norwood Branch
A NEW SERVICE FOR LANGUAGE STUDY THROUGH RECORDINGS
SANAT BOND MORRIL
14
THE NORWOOD LIONS CLUB PRESENTS NEW LANGUAGE RECORDS
THE JOHNNY APPLESEED READING CLUB
217
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
Librarian, Doris Allen, had 157 active members plus 25 from the South Norwood Branch, and was the most popular summer project the library ever had. It closed with an entertainment by Mr. Ted Moynihan, storyteller, at which all who had read 12 or more books received Reading Certificates.
For Business, Industry, and Labor
Five book exhibits, artistically arranged, have been placed in Norwood store windows.
Non-resident, fee-paying borrowers from eight towns help bring people to Norwood.
Industrial and business indices such as Moody's have active use. There are increased requests for service from our industries.
The Lions Club has generously presented the library with two Holt language records, Italian and Spanish.
For the Sick and the Handicapped
Weekly bedside service at the Norwood Hospital including the Children's Ward, is now in its 14th year. Mrs. Hallet, in charge, assisted by Bettina Cottrell, Substitute, reports circulating 7,779 books and magazines.
Miss Phillips was asked to speak on "Library Service to the Sick and the Home-Bound" by the Hospital Group Meeting at the New England Library Association Conference.
The library is in frequent contact with the Massachusetts Division of the Blind to assure our not missing a chance to be useful to local people who are sightless.
Service has been started to patients at the Norwood Nursing Home.
Toward Wider Horizons
A new service was started this year in the purchase of language-study records in Spanish, French, and German; and a gift (elsewhere mentioned) of a duplicate set in Spanish and one in Italian.
Residents of foreign origin are among those enjoying books borrowed from the Massachusetts Division of Library Extension in Lithuanian, Finnish, Arabic, Russian, Swedish, Italian, Polish, and German.
Miss Locke and Mrs. Harry Fraser, Senior Assistant, have stressed vital issues of world concern in the subject exhibits they arranged and which are a drawing feature in the library lobby.
"The Middle East and the Arab World" is the topic chosen for the next meeting of the Notable Current Books Discussion Group.
Music of many countries is continuously being added to our Record Lending Service-one of the ways of communication between peoples.
Travel by staff members has helped widen horizons. Miss Phillips vaca- tioned in Yucatan, Guatemala, and Mexico City; Miss Locke in cities on the Pacific coast, Miss Folan in Florida, Miss Eaton in Washington, D.C., and Mrs. Allen in Williamsburg.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Invisible Services of Great Importance
Book selection, aided by the best reviews and evaluating tools, is a constant occupation of the librarian and all senior members of the staff.
Martha C. Eaton, Assistant Librarian and Cataloger, aided by Mrs. Fraser, cataloged 2,711 books and 144 recordings and effected their acquisi- tion. Among Miss Eaton's responsibilities is the five-year inventory of books which, with the assistance of all staff members, was taken this year. With a total book collection of 47,575, and over a five year period, only 460 books and one recording are missing. This year a long project of changing call numbers on individual biography from "Cutter number" to "B" was com- pleted. In the last three years over 700 books were thus processed.
The greater part of the work is completed in a five-yearly, book-by-book inspection to withdraw any no longer useful.
Maintenance of building and grounds by Carl B. Pearson, Senior Build- ing Custodian, aided by John Wraga, Custodian Substitute, is done with judgment and results.
Records work is a technically important part of library life carried by Dorothy C. Folan, Records Assistant.
The care of books in all parts of the Main Library and South Norwood Branch is largely done by high-school pages, initially trained by Mrs. Hallet.
A Library in Touch . ..
With the best of it's day is a spring - If not, it is a pond.
One or more Norwood librarians have attended meetings of nine library associations, national, regional, state, and local.
Library Outreach
Numerous talks in the interest of library extension have been given by Miss Phillips and Miss Shumaker and they hold a number of local offices.
News from all parts of the Library is constantly sent to the local papers.
Less privileged readers in three New England villages made use of books no longer physically up to standard here.
Thirty-six window displays at the South Norwood Branch reached the person on the street-reader and non-reader.
"Marked Increase in Boys' and Girls' Reading."
There was a circulation gain of 3,043 in the Junior Department, with two record-breaking days. 3,106 books were sent in collections to the schools -200 more than last year.
Five-hundred children in small groups from more than three grades, came for instruction and practice work. Two-hundred and twenty-five children from nine classes came to the South Norwood Branch for similar aid.
Twelve story hours were held with an average attendance of 35. Twenty- two story hours were held at the Branch. Both programs included a puppet show. Both the Junior Department and the Branch are urgently in need of better facilities for book presentation to children in ways they love, such as story hours.
219
REPORT OF MORRILL MEMORIAL LIBRARY
A "New Life" five-unit charging desk, plus a corner section, was installed, greatly helping the service and enabling two staff members to work at the same time. Rubber matting in green has been laid in heavy-traffic areas. A book-nook for toddlers is another development. With its tiny chairs, it is an engaging spot to watch.
Ida Ross, Junior Assistant, resigned the end of the year to go to another position, to the regret of all.
Brisk Branch Business
Doris Allen, Branch Librarian, South Norwood Branch, reports a circula- tion gain of 2,447, with a record day of 311 (109 adults, 202 junior). On two days a week it has became necessary to send a staff member from Main Library to help in rush times. Next year an added day of branch opening is expected.
Among the services to South Norwood readers were:
Answers to 700 reference questions.
1800 volumes borrowed from Main Library on rotating loan.
Collections of books in eight languages.
We Thank Our Friends
The Lions Club gift is elsewhere mentioned.
The Norwood Woman's Club presented a carved wooden base for flower arrangements.
The Norwood Garden Club arranged Christmas decorations in Adult and Junior Departments.
The Women of the Moose made a gift of children's books to the Junior Department.
Miss Bernice Everett gave the Junior Department a doll collection which had been there for some time on loan.
Mrs. Theresa Hurney presented a number of books in memory of her son; Mrs. Otis Swain, a former trustee, a book in memory of her husband; and Mr. Eugene Nelson, a former trustee, a book in memory of Mr. James Crowley.
Library Expansion
The Librarian prepared a survey of the library in tabulated form, of facts, figures and library standards. Together with an appendix of related comment these were submitted to the Board of Library Trustees as one of the aids in determining library expansion needs. In this connection the Librarian visited five new libraries and additions and branches of four, and attended a panel on "Library Building and the Community."
At the request of the Board of Trustees, Mr. Harry J. Korslund of Kors- lund, le Normand and Quann, Inc. studied the survey and then met with the Board and the Librarian to give his opinion on building needs.
Mr. Korslund is now making tentative drawings of plans he suggests for an addition.
220
TOWN OF NORWOOD
A Librarian is fortunate indeed to work with a Board of Trustees, a Staff, and a Custodian like those at the Morrill Memorial Library.
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