USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1957-1959 > Part 17
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2. Effective September 15, 1957 there was an increase of $.75 per day to be paid for in the cost of Nursing Home cases.
200
1957 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
13
12
15
3
2
1
46
88
February
14
12
19
3
2
1
51
105
March
15
10
16
3
2
1
47
94
April
13
10
15
3
2
0
43
89
May
13
10
14
3
3
0
43
84
June
12
10
14
3
3
0
42
81
July
12
8
14
3
3
0
40
80
August
12
9
16
2
3
0
42
82
September
12
10
15
2
3
0
42
88
October
12
11
15
2
3
0
43
91
Nov.
11
11
14
2
3
0
41
81
Dec.
12
11
15
2
3
0
43
84
TOWN OF NORWOOD
201
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
3. On September 1, 1957 an increase in the Cost of Living adjustment became effective which was mandatory in the A.D.C. and D.A. categories. The local Board made this increase effective also in the G.R. cases. This increase amounted to 5.7%.
4. In cases wherein the Legal Liability of children is involved, as of October 29, 1957, their exemptions have been increased substantially, thus adding to the amount paid to these cases by the Town.
These four changes will add considerably to the cost of the Public Assistance Program in the future.
The Medical Care Plan as set up by the State Department of Public Welfare in 1954 was revised September 1, 1957. The operation of this revised plan is cumbersome, inefficient and time-consuming. It places an added burden on the office staff and the results are not as satisfactory as the 1954 plan had been-which at its best was far from being simple to operate.
Because the Town of Norwood is located within 15 miles of a Teaching or a Staffed Hospital, payment for Services of Physicians and Surgeons attending Public Assistance patients in the Norwood Hospital cannot be made. Because of this it is necessary to transfer cases to Boston Hospitals for treatment. This part of the Medical Plan works a hardship on the recipients and their families and causes the Welfare Department consid- erable extra work.
The Aid to Dependent Children and Disability Assistance Programs share in United States grants from the Federal Social Security Board. The Town receives cash grants-in-aid as part payment of these categories.
The Federal Government also shares in the Administrative Expenses of the Welfare Department. Cash grants for this purpose are based on the percentage of work done in these categories.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts via the State Department of Public Welfare participates in the cost of these two categorical types of aid. These funds are paid to the Town Treasurer and are available to the Town for future use.
The report of the Town Clerk and Accountant, listed elsewhere in the Town Report, shows in detail the receipts and expenditures of the Welfare Department.
The members of the Board of Public Welfare express, at this time, their thanks to all Town Departments and Officials for their co-operation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST G. PACIORKOWSKI RICHARD G. NEAD JOSEPH G. BREEN
202
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF THE BUREAU OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Norwood, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The Norwood Bureau of Old Age Assistance submits its annual report for the year ending December 31, 1957.
Listed below are the number of active cases in Old Age Assistance as of the first of each month. Each case represents one person:
January 180
July 193
February
186
August 193
March
189
September 192
April
189
October
188
May
190
November
188
June
190
December
188
The average case load for 1957 was 188.8.
The Board of Public Welfare also serves as the Bureau of Old Age Assistance.
The four changes enumerated in the 1957 Board of Public Welfare Report were also applicable to the Old Age Assistance category.
Due to the greater number of cases the impact of these changes is more pronounced.
The largest number of Norwood recipients in Nursing Homes are from the Old Age Assistance group. Thus the cost of Nursing Home care will show a decided increase during the coming year.
The change increasing the amount of children's exemptions, thus reducing their legal liability toward their dependent parents, will add considerable cost to the Old Age category.
The Cost of Living adjustment, which became effective September 1, 1957, will mean additional expense for the year 1958.
The State Department of Public Welfare Medical Plan as revised Sep- tember 1, 1957, has worked hardships on Old Age Assistance recipients. This was particularly true when patients were of necessity moved to a Boston Hospital.
The Old Age Assistance Program shares in United States grants from the Federal Social Security Board and receives cash grants-in-aid as part payment of this category.
The Federal Government shares in the Administrative Expenses of the local Welfare Department. Quarterly cash grants received are based on the percentage of work done in this category.
-
203
REPORT OF BOARD OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts via the State Department of Public Welfare shares in the cost of Old Age Assistance. These funds are paid to the Town Treasurer and are available to the Town for future use.
In the Town Clerk and Town Accountant's report, found elsewhere in these reports, there is given a detail of the receipts and expenditures of the Welfare Department.
The members of the Board of Public Welfare take this occasion to express their thanks to all Town Departments and Officials for their co- operation during the year.
Respectfully submitted, -
ERNEST G. PACIORKOWSKI RICHARD G. NEAD JOSEPH G. BREEN
REPORT OF BUILDING INSPECTOR
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak
General Manager
Town of Norwood
Dear Sir:
The following is the annual report of the department of building inspec- tion for the year 1957.
Permits
Estimated Costs
New Dwellings
123
$1,387,370.00
Dwelling Alteration
86
97,000.00
Private Garages
21
22,850.00
Public Garages
1
6,000.00
Commercial & Mfg. Bldgs.
14
425,185.00
Commercial & Mfg. Alterations
23
282,425.0.
Apartment Bldgs.
2
75,000.00
Schools
2
916,000.00
Church Addition
1
143,000.00
New Elevators
1
14,000.00
Minor Out Bldgs.
4
1,480.00
BIdgs. Moved
1
Totals
279
$3,370,310.00
Fees Charged for Bldg. Permits
$5,572.00
Fees Charged for Water Meters in New Houses 3,690.00
All elevators have been inspected and certificates issued. Repairs to town owned buildings were supervised.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY J. CRONAN Building Inspector
204
TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak General Manager Norwood, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Blasenak
It is my privilege to submit to you my ninth annual report of activities in the Recreation Department. This is the thirteenth report submitted since the Department has enjoyed full-time status.
We may rightfully boast of 1957 as having been another most successful year. Attendance in all existing programs and activities continued to climb, and the three new programs introduced for the first time enjoyed immediate success. These latter programs were initiated to meet needs existing to provide interesting and worthwhile leisure time activities for all groups in Norwood in keeping with our overall goal as a municipal recreation depart- ment.
There follows a brief narrative report of the activities and programs of the Recreation Department for the year 1957 along with recommendations for improvements and expansions as indicated in our experiences over the past year.
Summer Playgrounds
The 1957 summer season offered perhaps the best weather for playground activities in recent memory. As we well recall, practically no rain fell during the summer which meant that all activities could be carried out as scheduled, and attendance at all activities reached an all time high.
Playgrounds were conducted at the six School Department locations - Callahan, Shattuck, High School, Winslow, Balch, and Cedarcrest. Play- grounds were also conducted at the six Recreation Department areas - Endean, Wilson Street, Pleasant Park, Father McAleer's, Cleveland Park, and the Recreation Center. At the Recreation Center there was only a male playground Leader. At Cleveland Park and Cedarcrest there was only a female Leader. All other locations had both a male and female Leader.
Attendance figures for the season show an increase of approximately ten percent over 1956, due partly to the increase of population and partly to the ideal weather conditions. An interesting program and expert leadership also contributed greatly to the increase in attendance.
Prior to the opening of Playgrounds, a one day Playground Leadership Institute was held for all members of the staff, with discussions held concern- ing various phases of the work of the Leaders. Among subjects discussed were: Playground Management, Games, Leadership, First Aid, and Sports and Athletics.
Additional instruction was provided the Leaders through weekly staff meetings held each Tuesday at the close of Playground at the Recreation
205
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Center. These meetings were devoted to a discussion of various details of the program and from them many good suggestions and criticisms came from the staff members themselves.
Our continuing success in recruiting qualified personnel in Playground Leader positions accounts in large measure for the overall success of the program. Without good leadership, no recreation program can function. The availability of persons interested in this type of work with children is some- thing for which we are most thankful in Norwood.
Working immediately under the Superintendent in providing direction and supervision of the Playground Program were the Supervisor of Sports and the Supervisor of Arts and Crafts. In the second year of this type of setup we found it again to work out extremely well. The Sports Supervisor had charge of all baseball and softball leagues for both boys and girls, in addition to providing general supervision of other activities on the play- ground. The Arts and Crafts Supervisor visited each playground once a week, providing instruction and supervision in Arts and Crafts - one of the most popular activities, particularly with the girls.
Baseball leagues were conducted in three age groups for boys-Pee Wees, Midgets, and Intermediates. Softball leagues, for girls were conducted for Midgets and Intermediates, with a total of more than 250 games played during the season. In addition to these sports activities, volleyball, horseshoes, bandminton, and other such games provided of great interest to the children.
Many Playground wide events, some of which are now annual features, were conducted during the season. Among these were the Horseshoe Tourna- ment, the Playground Swim Meet, the Boy's Field Day, the Male Leaders versus Intermediate all Stars game, and the Female Leaders versus Inter- mediate All Stars game. There were also Pet Shows, Doll Shows, Picnics, Talent Shows, and other such interesting activities conducted.
Three special events of great interest were staged during the year. On July 25, the Norwood Playgrounds were the guests of the Boston Red Sox for their game with Kansas City with upwards of 400 youngsters attending under the supervision of the Playground Leaders. On Thursday, August 8th, the Boston Children's Theater Stagemobile paid its annual visit to Norwood, presenting two full length plays at the Recreation Center Field. Hundreds of children from the Norwood Playgrounds attended the two performances. On Tuesday, August 13th, some 450 boys and girls enjoyed the Annual Play- ground Outing at Nantasket Beach.
A Supervisor of Tennis was on duty at the Recreation Center Courts each day that Playgrounds were open, providing instruction and supervision in Tennis. Large numbers of boys and girls availed themselves of the oppor- tunity to learn the fundamentals of Tennis and to play matches with one another during the summer.
Based on the observations, comments, and criticisms of the various members of the Playground Staff, the following suggestions were made for improving the Playground programs:
206
TOWN OF NORWOOD
1. That a Male Playground Leader be assigned to Cedarcrest Playground. By actual count more boys than girls attended, throwing a heavy burden on the lone female Leader to keep both boys and girls busy at the Playground.
2. That facilities be developed and supervision provided for the children in the Ellis Gardens area.
3. That work be continued to improve Pleasant Park by developing the area beyond the present fence around the ball field and that shade trees be planted around the Playground.
4. That we continue to purchase and install needed items of playground equipment at the various playgrounds. Specific recommendations will be made in this regard in our budget recommendations.
5. That a practice area be developed at the Tennis Courts at the Recrea- tion Center. This would be particularly valuable to beginners who have not developed enough to be able to hit the ball back and forth across the net to each other.
Junior Twilight Baseball League
Six teams were entered in the Junior Twilight Baseball League in the 1957 season. This league is operated by the Department for boys through age 20 with games being played on two evenings of the week during the summer months. Equipment and supervision, including umpires, were furnished by the Department. Approximately a hundred boys took part in the Junior Twilight Baseball League program in the 1957 season.
Recreation Softball League
While the Recreation Department no longer served as the main sponsor- ing organization for the Recreation Softball League,' the Superintendent continued to serve as an advisor, and assisted in organization and operation of the league during the year. Pressure of other duties forced the Superin- tendent to give up the duties of Softball Commissioner for this area. The league did function well in 1957 however, with ten teams of young men participating.
Girls Softball League
In response to several requests during the spring, the Recreation Depart- ment undertook the organization of a softball program for girls and young women. Eight teams took part in the league during 1957, playing four nights a week at the Recreation Center Field. Interest continued very high during the year and competition was extremely keen all season. All teams stayed together right to the end of the year, and the season was climaxed by a banquet at a Boston restaurant.
Fourth of July Celebration
The program for the Fourth of July consisted of a dance at the Norwood Armory the night before, fireworks at Hartshorn's the night before, and a program at the individual playgrounds the morning of the Fourth. The
207
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
fireworks and the morning program were extremely well received, but the attendance at the dance was not up to expectations. Some thought will be given next year to revising this program somewhat.
Swimming Program
Hawes Brook Pool opened for general public swimming on Saturday, June 22 and remained open through Labor Day. Good weather here also led to an all time high in attendance. The season was a most successful one in every way with no serious accidents reported. The latter is indeed a tribute to the competence of the staff of lifeguards on duty at the pool. They are all to be complimented for their fine work.
In conjunction with the Water Safety Division of the American Red Cross, of which the Superintendent is local Chairman, more than 1200 boys and girls were enrolled in swimming classes, with registration being accomplished with the aid of the School Department and Saint Catherine's School. From June 24 through August 30, classes were held at the Pool each day Monday through Friday. A total of more than 250 certificates were awarded to those successfully completing their respective courses. This is considered a good percentage of completions.
Once again we must express our appreciation to the Norwood Women's Community Committe for their continuing interest in the Swimming Program. Again in 1957 they made available two scholarships to Red Cross Aquatic School and two members of the lifeguard staff attended. These two joined with two others who had attended on similar scholarships in previous years to give us a staff of four qualified instructors. Without this training our staff could not have handled the large numbers they did in the classes.
As part of the Swimming Program too, a Playground Swim meet was held and the annual Regional Swim Meet with surrounding towns partici- pating was stage most successfully.
Again this year we make a plea for installation of the necessary equip- ment to bring Hawes Brook Pool up to standard. We desperately need ade- quate toilet, shower and locker facilities as well as water purification and recirculation equipment. These are needed to guarantee a safe, clean, healthy pool.
Golden Age Club
The Golden Age Club for retired men over age 65 has continued to grow and prosper in every respect. Our membership is now well over the one- hundred mark and new members are being added continually. An interest- ing program of speakers, films, trips of points of interest, entertainments, and the like is presented on a monthly basis for the membership. In addi- tion, a lounge is operated four afternoons of the week where the members can play cards, checkers, and take part in other such interesting activities. We are grateful to American Legion Post No. 70 for permitting use of their quarters in the Recreation Center for the Lounge and to the Norwood Lions Club for their continuing generosity in providing bus transportation on the occasion of trips by the members. Norwood had one of the first Golden Age
208
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Clubs in Massachusetts, and from a very modest beginning, the Club has grown to its present fine membership.
Happy Hours Club
In September of 1957 the Recreation Department took over sponsorship of the Happy Hours Club, the female counterpart of the Golden Age Club. This group had functioned for two years under the capable direction of the Norwood Women's Community Committee. The latter group felt that they had demonstrated the need for such a program on a continuing basis, and requested that the municipal department take it over. Mrs. Virginia L. Bergeron, a member of the staff of the Recreation Department, was assigned as Club Leader and in the brief time that the club has been under our sponsorship, it has functioned most smoothly. Its purpose is similar to that of the Golden Age Club, to provide leisure time activities for women' in their later years. Meetings of the Club are held on alternate Monday mornings, again using the American Legion quarters in the Recreation Center for their meetings. Many interesting activities have been carried out thus far, and many others are planned for coming months.
Baton Twirling
Registration in the Baton Twirling Classes in September more than doubled that of last year, approximately one-hundred and fifty girls signing up for the current year. The increase is accounted for in part by the fine Open House sponsored in the spring of 1957 and partly by the excellent showing made by the marching unit in several local parades. The marching unit, gaily costumed, gave a splendid account of themselves and stimulated interest greatly in the program. Mrs. Faye Mullarkey had continued to provide instruction, with able assistance from certain parents of the girls in the classes. Classes are held at the Recreation Center on Monday after- noons, with the girls assigned to groups according to age and ability.
Rifle Club
The Norwood Recreation Junior Rifle Club has continued to provide the opportunity for instruction in use and care of firearms to boys age 14-18 under the expert supervision of Mr. Paul H. Cronan. The Club is divided into a Beginners and Advanced Group, with each meeting one evening a week at the range at the Municipal Building. In addition to instruction, the boys take part in various competitions and fire qualifications courses set up by the National Rifle Association and the Department of the Army, both of which the Club is affiliated with.
Recreation Basketball League
The Recreation Basketball League is operated from December through early March for young men beyond high school age to provide them with needed physical exercise and wholesome competition. During the 1956-57 season, eight teams took part in the league. The resumption of the program in December saw seven teams entered for the current season. Between seventy-five and a hundred young men take part. The Department provides supervision and equipment for the league and pays rental to the School
209
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Department for use of the Senior High gym. Three games are played on each of the two evenings of the week that the league operated with many spec- tators availing themselves of the chance to watch the game.
Girls' Drama
This activity has continued to grow in popularity with each year. Mrs. Virginia L. Bergeron and her able assistant Mrs. Patricia Devlin provide supervision for the girls who range in age from seven through fourteen, directing them in such activities as plays, pantomimes, tableaux, skits, etc. Three times during the year an Open House is held to give the parents and friends of the girls in the program the chance to observe the types of things that the girls engage in during the year. Each Open House in 1957 played to a capacity audience. The girls are divided into groups according to age, with each group meeting one afternoon a week. Approximately one-hundred and fifty girls are currently in the program.
Women's Physical Exercise Club
The Department was contacted in the spring of 1957 by a group of young women interested in physical exercise and asked to consider taking on such a program in the fall of the year. This group of about fifteen had been exercising outside in good weather. After study of the situation, it was decided to offer the activity to a limited group of women for the first year on an experimental basis. The response was overwhelming with the quota we were able to accommodate filled almost at once. Mrs. Maria Praino, a person well qualified by training and experience is Supervisor of this new group and meets with them one evening a week for a one hour session. There are two groups of twenty-five each. The girls take part in calesthentics, games, folk dancing, and such other activities designed to keep them in good physical condition as well as providing them with entertaining leisure time activities. It is at present our plan to expand this program in the fall of the year since there were many young women expressing an interest in the program that could not be accommodated this year.
Hallowe'en Program
On Hallowe'en night two parties were conducted for the young people of Norwood, 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 is provided at the parties by mem- bers of the staff with a valuable assist from the Police Department and the National Guard Company. Both parties were extremely successful this year with record crowds in attendance. Once again Norwood's record of vandalism was negligible, due undoubtedly in part to the fact that such a large segment of the youthful population was in attendance at a party.
Youth Center
With the exception of the summer months, dances are held each Satur- day evening for high school age young people at the Recreation Center. An orchestra plays for dancing in Social Hall, and Swimming Pool Hall is a game
210
TOWN OF NORWOOD
room with ping-pong, cards, a juke box and other features. Members of the Recreation Department staff provide supervision during the evening for the young people who average one-hundred and fifty per dance. A token admis- sion charge is made with the proceeds turned in to the General Fund.
Friday Evening Dances
On each Friday evening except during the summer months dances are held for junior high age young people in Social Hall of the Recreation Center. Music is provided by an orchestra with supervision being provided by mem- bers of the Recreation Department staff. A small refreshment counter is operated in Swimming Pool Hall serving cold drinks in order that the boys and girls need not leave the building during the evening. A token admission charge is made with the proceeds turned to the General Fund. These Friday Evening Dances serve to teach the boys and girls dancing as well as provid- ing them a well supervised social evening with others of their own age group. Attendance averages between one hundred seventy-five and two hun- dred and twenty-five.
Boys Activities
From approximately November first through the middle of April, Swim- ming Pool Hall of the Recreation Center is converted into a gym with super- vision available each afternoon after school and on Saturday mornings for boys to play basketball and other games. During school vacation periods the gym is open all day. There is no formal organization but instead everyone attending on any day is given the chance to play. Attendance is excellent at all sessions with sometimes as many as fifty on hand at a single session.
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