USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1957-1959 > Part 44
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Several long term hospital cases in this category have kept the cost per person on a high level. In this group there can be a high potential cost in every new case.
Cases in the General Relief group are those who cannot qualify for aid in another category.
Unemployment is a contributing factor in the number of active cases of General Relief.
1958 PUBLIC WELFARE CASE LOAD
Aid to Dependent Children
Disability Assistance
General Relief
Boarding
Institutional
Hospital
Total
Total
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
Cases
People
January
11
10
13
2
3
0
39
61
February
11
12
13
1
3
0
40
75
March
10
11
13
1
3
0
38
72
April
10
11
18
0
3
42
78
May
11
11
17
3
42
82
June
9
10
16
3
00 0 0
38
76
July
9
10
17
0
3
39
78
August
10
10
16
0
3
0
39
81
September
10
10
19
0
3
0
42
91
October
11
11
17
0
3
0
42
92
November
12
10
16
0
3
0
41
94
December
13
10
19
0
2
0
44
106
REPORT OF BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
00 0 0
0 00 0
165
166
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Short term sickness or accidents to the head of a family also are reasons for families needing General Relief.
Any occurring unemployment in Norwood during 1958 was not felt to any great extent by the Welfare Department in adding to the number of cases aided, and this for only short periods.
There were a number of problem cases, and these required the co- operation of other Town Departments, the Court, other public and private agencies in order to arrive at a solution fair to all the parties concerned.
It may be noted here, there are a considerable number of cases who apply to the Welfare Department, that are not given financial assistance but are interviewed, given advice or maybe referred to some other agency.
The Medical Case Plan as set up by the State Department of Public Welfare still does not allow the Town to pay for Physicians and Surgeons services for any Public Assistance patients who are in the Norwood Hos- pital.
Thus, in many cases it has been necessary to send hospital cases to a Boston Hospital.
The reason for this procedure is because the Norwood Hospital is located within 15 miles of a Teaching or a Staffed Hospital.
The general trend in all phases of medical care has been upward and this has been reflected in the 1958 expenditures.
Aid to Dependent Children and Disability Assistance categories share in funds contributed by the Federal Social Security Program.
The Federal Government thru the Social Security Board renders Admin- istrative grants to the Town based on a percentage basis.
The Commonwealth of Massachusettss shares in the cost of the Aid to Dependent Chlidren and Disability Assistance Cases. These funds are paid to the Town Treasurer and are available for the future use of the Town.
The Town Clerk and Accountant shows in detail the receipts and expenditures of the Welfare Department.
The Norwood Board of Public Welfare takes this opportunity to thank all Town Departments and Officials for their co-operation and assistance through out the year.
Respectfully submitted :
JOSEPH G. BREEN, Chairman RICHARD G. NEAD E. G. PACIORKOWSKI
167
REPORT OF BOARD OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
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, 1958.
The following table shows by months the number of active cases. Each case represents one person.
January
185
July
188
February
181
August
186
March
181
September 188
April
185
October
189
May
187
November
186
June
188
December
187
The average monthly case load was 186.
The Board of Public Welfare also serves as the Bureau of Old Age Assistance.
There has been a general increase in the number of Old Age Assistance cases since the eligible age limit was reduced to 65 in 1936.
For the past two years the average monthly case load has been prac- tically constant, and this may be an indication there will be a leveling off in the case load.
Medical costs in the Old Age Assistance group are naturally a large item of expenses.
All hospital rates were increased as of January 1, 1958 and the patient hospital days in Old Age Assistance Cases is much higher than in other categories, adding considerable to the costs.
There was no additional increase in the cost of living adjustment ratio in 1958.
There was no increase in the daily nursing home rate during the year.
The Old Age Assistance program participates in the Social Security Program and the Town shares in cash grants in aid from the Federal Government.
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts via the State Department of Public Welfare share in the cost of this program. These funds are available for appropriation by the Town.
Elsewhere in the Town Reports the Town Clerk and Accountant reports show the receipt of expenditures of the Bureau of Old Age Assistance.
168
TOWN OF NORWOOD
The members of the Bureau express their appreciation to all Town Departments and. Officials for their co-operation during the year.
Respectfully submitted:
JOSEPH G. BREEN, Chairman RICHARD G. NEAD ERNEST G. PACIORKOWSKI
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
Mr. Walter Blasenak,
General Manager,
Town of Norwood.
Dear Sir:
The following is the report for the department of Building Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1958.
New Dwellings
129
$1,577.700.00
Dwelling Alterations
88
99,685.00
Private Garages
23
18,395.00
Comm. & Mfg. Bldgs.
10
356,100.00
Comm. & Mfg. Alterations
8
365,200.00
Appt. Bldgs.
1
40,000.00
Church Additions
1 5,000.00
Swimming Pools
1
52,000.00
Repair Fire Damage
5
15,535.00
Minor Out Bldgs.
1
100.00
Signs
5
5,950.00
Bldgs. Moved
1
300.00
Bldgs. Razed
8
281
$2,535,965.00
Fees charged for Bldg. Permits
$4,656.00
Fees charged for Water Meters in new houses
3,870.00
All elevators were inspected. Repairs to town buildings were supervised.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY J. CRONAN Building Inspector
169
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
January 1, 1959
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak General Manager Norwood, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Blasenak:
It is my happy task to prepare my tenth annual report of activities in the Recreation Department. This is also the fourteenth report prepared and submitted since the Department became full time.
The year 1958 has seen a continuing increase in participation in all programs conducted by the Department. The increase in our young popula- tion and the increase in our "Golden Age" population in Norwood has indeed been reflected in the numbers observed availing themselves of the facilities and activities which are presented in an effort to provide all segments of the population with wholesome and worthwhile leisure time activities.
We have set down below a brief narrative description of the many and varied activities of the Recreation Department in 1958 and where appropriate we have indicated our recommendations for improving service to the people of Norwood.
Summer Playgrounds
Percentage wise, attendance at playgrounds by Norwood children con- tinued to increase. Numerically there was a slight drop in 1958 for two reasons. There were more rainy days in 1958 than we have had for several years, with no playground sessions held on those days. Also, the playground at the Cedarcrest area was not operated in 1958 because of the school construction going on there.
Playgrounds were conducted under supervision for a nine week season beginning Monday, June 23rd through Thursday, August 21st. Playgrounds were open daily Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to noon and from 1:30 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Playgrounds were conducted at five School Depart- ment locations - Callahan, Shattuck, High School, Winslow, and Balch. Playgrounds were also conducted at the six Recreation Department areas - Endean, Wilson Street, Pleasant Park, Father McAleer's, Cleveland Park, and the Recreation Center. Cleveland Park was operated for girls and the Recreation Center for boys. All other playgrounds were conducted for both boys and girls.
A one day Playground Leadership Institute was held for all members of the staff prior to the opening of the season in June, with sessions held to consider various phases of the work for the summer season. Discussions were held to cover such subjects as Leadership, Playground Management, Games, First Aid, Arts and Crafts, and Sports.
Members of the staff participated in weekly Staff Meetings held at the Recreation Center where the opportunity was given to consider various
170
TOWN OF NORWOOD
details of the playground program. Instruction was given, criticisms heard, and suggestions made that were intended to help the staff members in the carrying out of their duties.
Once again we feel compelled to pay compliment to the fine staff of Playground Leaders employed during the 1958 season. Leadership in this type of work is ninety per cent of the program. Without good leadership we could not function. Fortunately we again found the staff to be most loyal, imaginative, and conscientious.
The various leagues for boys and girls in such activities as baseball and softball were conducted under the immediate supervision of the Supervisor of Sports. He handled all phases of scheduling, equipment, direction of teams, and publicity for the many leagues organized in 1958. The success of this phase of the program is a tribute to the diligence of the Supervisor during the 1958 season.
Arts and Crafts activities once again were under the immediate super- vision of the Supervisor of Arts and Crafts. During the year, eight major projects were engaged in by each playground once a week. In addition, the Supervisor prepared and distributed a considerable amount of material to the Playground Leaders during the season and conferred with them on the occasion of Staff Meetings. The imaginative planning of the Arts and Crafts Supervisor resulted in a most popular program during the 1958 season. Many a child proudly took home with him a sample of the Arts and Crafts program.
The Tennis Program of the Department was under the direction of a Supervisor of Tennis who was on duty at the Recreation Center courts each day of the playground season. A complete program of instruction was presented for indiivduals coming to the courts and a schedule of instruction for playgrounds was arranged. Tournaments were held in the various age groups with winners attending the National Doubles Matches at Longwood at the end of the season.
Playgrounds presented many different types of programs with the daily program depending pretty much on the wishes of the children attending. In addition to scheduled games, playgrounds conducted many special events of their own including Pet Shows, Doll Shows, Talent Shows, Picnics, etc. On a town wide basis, the Department sponsored and conducted a Horseshoe Tournament, a Playground Swim Meet, a Male Leaders Baseball Game, a Female Leaders Softball Game, and several other such events of interest to the children.
Three annual special events that are thoroughly enjoyed by the children were conducted again in 1958. Some 450 children attended a Boston Red Sox game as guests of the Red Sox management. More than 1000 boys and girls enjoyed two performances of the Boston Children's Theatre at the Recreation Center Field, and some 400 boys and girls attended Nantasket Beach on an outing during the final week of playground.
Our specific recommendations for improving the playground program for next year are as follows. These are based on our own experiences and observations as well as those of members of the staff.
171
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
1. Provide supervision at the two new School Department areas. Both areas have excellent facilities and undoubtedly will attract many children.
2. Develop facilities at Ellis Gardens at least to such an extent that small children can be accomodated.
3. Continue improvement of Pleasant Park by developing the area beyond the present fence around the ball field. Also plant shade trees at this playground.
4. Continue purchase and installation of equipment at the various Recreation Department areas. Specific recommendations in this regard have been made in our budget recommendations for 1959.
5. Construct two new tennis courts at the corner of Washington and East Hoyle Streets to take care of the many potential users of the facilities. Provide a practice area on regular facilities.
Twilight Baseball League
The Twilight Baseball League was operated during the summer months for boys up to age 20. Seven teams were entered in 1958, one more than the previous year and each team played a total of twelve games during the season. Games were played on two evenings of the week with all equipment and supervision provided by the Department. In addition to the well over a hundred boys who availed themselves of the opportunity to play in an organized league, many spectators were on hand at the various fields to enjoy the games.
Industrial Softball League
The Superintendent continued to serve in an advisory capacity to the Industrial Softball League, assisting them in organizing the league, arranging schedules, etc. Seven teams participated in the league in 1958, playing their games in the evening at two of the Recreation Department fields. Games were well attended by interested spectators.
Girls Softball League
This activity which was begun for the first time in 1957, increased in interest and participation in 1958. Ten teams entered the league last year (there were eight in 1957) and the league held two complete rounds of play, each team playing 18 games. Competition was keen and interest continued right through the end of the season. Games were played four nights of the week at the Recreation Center softball diamond, and two evenings of the week at Father McAleer Field. At the end of the season, the girls held a banquet at a Boston restaurant, attended by some one hundred of the players from the various teams.
Fourth of July Celebration
The format of the Fourth of July Celebration was changed slightly in 1958 after our experiences in 1957. Instead of holding a dance inside the Norwood Armory as we had done in previous years, a concert and block dance was held at the Star Market parking area. The fine turnout of young and
172
TOWN OF NORWOOD
old alike well justified the change. This particular phase was held the night before the holiday and was followed by a fireworks display at Hartshorn's Swale. The usual program of activities at the individual playgrounds was held the morning of the holiday, climaxed by the distribution of ice cream to all youngsters attending.
Swimming Program
Hawes Brook Pool opened for general public swimming on Sunday, June 22, 1958 and remained open through Labor Day. The Pool was open Monday through Friday from 9:00 A.M. to Noon for swimming classes, and from Noon until 8:00 P.M. was open for general public swimming. The Pool was closed Saturday for cleaning and opened Sunday again at 1:00 P.M. and remained open until 8:00 P.M.
All attendance records were broken during the 1958 season in all phases of the swimming program, and the addition of another pool in 1959 will provide most welcome relief to the overcrowded situation experienced at Hawes Brook Pool in 1958. Once again we are happy to report that no serious accidents took place at the Pool, and this situation is a tribute to the efficiency with which our fine staff of Lifeguards discharged their duties.
been enrolled. This situation should not present itself again with another
In conjunction with the Water Safety Division of the American National Red Cross, of which the Superintendent is local Chairman, a complete program of swimming instruction was offered at Hawes Brook Pool during the summer season of 1958. Registrations for these classes had to be stopped at 1200, and had we been able to accomodate them, some 250 more would have pool in the town. Registrations were conducted through the local schools prior to the opening of the season, and classes were held throughout the summer season Monday through Friday for a two week period, with each class meeting daily for a one hour period. We proudly announce that of the seventeen branches in the Boston Chapter of the Red Cross, Norwood had more boys and girls receive certificates for having successfully completed courses than any other branch. A total of 277 boys and girls received certifi- cates, with many others benefitting greatly although they were not skilled enough to pass their final tests.
The Norwood Women's Community Committee has continued to cooperate with our swimming program, having again in 1958 provided two scholarships to Red Cross Aquatic School for young people to be employed as Lifeguards by the Department. Actually in 1958 there was only one young person available to take advantage of the scholarship, but this one returned to join with three others who had previously attended Aquatic School on similar scholarships, to give a staff of four trained and qualified Water Safety Instructors. Without this, the Department could not have conducted such an extensive instructional program.
The Annual Regional Swim Meet was conducted late in the Season at Hawes Brook Pool with swimmers from seven nearby communities taking part. The Department also conducted a town wide Playground Swim Meet earlier in the season. Both these events provided healthy competition as well as stimulated interest in the participants in improving their skills in swimming.
173
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
The installation of chlorination and filteration equipment will do much to assure us more sanitary conditions at Hawes Brook Pool, but we still strongly recommend the erection of suitable toilet, shower, and locker facilities in order that the Pool may be properly run. We also strongly recommend the erection of toilet, shower, and locker facilities at the new Father McAleer Pool which is scheduled to be operated in 1959. Only with these facilities can pools be operated in a sanitary and efficient manner.
Golden Age Club
The Golden Age Club has continued to grow in membership and in popularity. Organized to provide leisure time activities for retired men, the Club holds a regular monthly meeting at which speakers, entertainers, etc. are presented. The Club also enjoys trips to ball games, the theatre, fairs, and such other places of interest. Through the courtesy of Norwood Post No. 70, American Legion, the quarters at the Recreation Center are available during the day for use by the Club members. Every afternoon members drop in for card playing, checkers, television, etc. The Norwood Lions Club has continued their generosity toward the members by providing three bus trips during the year.
Happy Hours Club
Companion group to the Golden Age Club is the Happy Hours Club, organized to provide leisure time activities for Norwood's aging female population. In its second year of operation, the Club has continued a slow but steady increase in membership and participation. The members, under the leadership of Mrs. Virginia L. Bergeron of the Recreation Department staff, have engaged in many and varied activities during the year. They have made favors for the Norwood Hospital, visited the Medfield State Hospital, heard speakers, played games, and engaged in many other activities of interest to them. Meetings are held in the American Legion quarters at the Recreation Center, and again we are grateful to the Legion for their kindness. Meetings are held on alternate Monday mornings during the year, and during the past year the Happy Hours Club members took part in many of the Golden Age Club activities at the invitation of the latter group.
Baton Twirling
Interest in Baton Twirling has continued to increase. A capacity number registered for classes when they were resumed in the fall of 1958, interest having been stimulated by a fine Open House and Competition staged at the Junior High School Auditorium in the spring of the year. The Norwood Rec-Ettes, the uniformed marching unit, took part in several parades and were well received along the lines of march. In November, the Norwood Twirling Club, the organization of parents of the girls in the classes, staged a most successful National Baton Twirling Association Open Competition at the Norwood Armory with twirlers on hand from all over New England. The Competition was a success financially and competitively and all who participated in any way should be complimented for their contribution. Mrs. Faye Mullarkey has continued conducting the Monday afternoon classes and has directed all activities of the twirlers. Those in the marching unit now receive drill instruction after their classes from Mr. Robert Dolan, well known drill master in this area.
174
TOWN OF NORWOOD
Rifle Club
Boys age 14-18 are able to learn the proper use of firearms under expert supervision in the Norwood Recreation Junior Rifle Club which is led by Mr. Paul A. Cronan. The Club is divided into a Beginners and an Advanced Group with each group meeting one evening a week during all but the summer months. After the boys learn proper use and care of the rifle, they are able to fire for individual awards, take part in team postal matches and team shoulder-to-shoulder matches, and engage in other worthwhile shooting activities. The Club at present has some sixty members which is the limit that can be accomodated at the range at the Municipal Building.
Recreation Basketball League
From early December through early March of each season, the Recreation Basketball League is operated for young men beyond high school age to provide them with much needed physical exercise and healthy competition. Seven teams with a total registration of approximately one-hundred young men took part during the 1957-58 season and the same number are currently participating in the 1958-59 season. Supervision, equipment, and rental fees for the Senior High gym are taken care of by the Department. Three games are played on two nights of the week at the Senior High court, with many spectators attending and enjoying the games.
Girls' Drama
The Girls' Drama Group has continued to be one of the most popular activities conducted for girls. Under the able direction of Mrs. Virginia L. Bergeron and her Associate, Mrs. Patricia Devlin, girls from age 7 through approximately age 14 take part in many different activities related to the field of Drama. Through these activities the girls gain poise and confidence and have the opportunity to express themselves before their companions and before their parents and friends, the latter opportunity coming in the Open Houses presented on three occasions during the year. The girls are divided into groups according to age with each group meeting one afternoon a week. Plays, skits, square dancing, pantomimes, and tableaux are among the activities engaged in by the girls in the program. During the 1958 season more than two hundred girls took part in the Drama program at various times.
Women's Physical Exercise Club
Begun in 1957 on an experimental basis, the Women's Physical Exercise Club has flourished during 1958. The Club was organized to provide physical exercise under supervision for young women beyond high school age. Sessions were held one evening a week at the gym at the Recreation Center under the direction of Mrs. Maria Praino who had originally organized the group on an informal basis before the Department came into the picture. Sessions continued until May of 1958 and were suspended for the summer months. Registration in the fall of the year saw a record number signing up, with the quota soon filled and twenty-five remaining on the waiting list. Interest has continued high as the young women have thoroughly enjoyed the program of calesthentics, games, folk dancing, etc. that has been offered.
175
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Halloween Program
Two parties were conducted on Halloween night in 1958 for the young people of Norwood. Seventh and Eighth graders had their party at Social Hall of the Recreation Center while ninth through twelfth graders had their party at the Norwood Armory. Both parties were supervised by members of the Department staff with an assist from the local Police Department and members of the National Guard Company at the Armory. Both parties were extremely well attended and were run off most smoothly, a fact that must be considered as a tribute to Norwood's young people. Once again Norwood's record of vandalism on Halloween night was negligible. Young people attending the parties had neither the opportunity nor the inclination to get in trouble on this traditionally troublesome night.
Youth Center
Dances are conducted for young people of high school age each Saturday evening from September through mid June at the Recreation Center. An orchestra is engaged to play for dancing in Social Hall from 8:00 to 11:00 P.M. while other activities are conducted in Swimming Pool Hall. Supervision is provided by members of the Recreation Department staff and a Police Officer is on duty at each dance. A token admission fee is charged with receipts being turned over to the Treasurer each week. The average crowd of between 150 and 200 conducts itself very well at these popular functions, and we are happy to report no unpleasant incidents during the year.
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