USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1960-1962 > Part 14
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The Annual Report of the Town Accountant elsewhere in the Town Report gives the receipts and expenditures with respect to Old Age Assist- ance.
The Bureau of Old Age Assistance wishes to express their appreciation for the co-operation of all Town Department and Town Officials.
Respectfully submitted :
ERNEST G. PACIORKOWSKI RICHARD G. NEAD JOSEPH G. BREEN Norwood Bureau of Old Age Assistance
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak
General Manager
Town of Norwood
Dear Sir;
The following is the annual report for the year ending December 31, 1960 of the Department of Building Inspector.
No. Permits
Estimated Cost
New Dwellings
165
$2,317,700.00
Dwelling Alterations
95
137,065.00
Commercial & Mfg. Bldgs.
3
473,350.00
Commercial & Mfg. Alterations
34
683,950.00
Apartment Houses
4
132,000.00
Private Garages
13
10,575.00
School Additions
1
1,301,400.00
Hospital Additions
1
2,069,543.00
Swimming Pools
5
16,920.00
Buildings Moved
1
300.00
Buildings Raised
7
Minor Out Buildings
7
1,374.00
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REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Batlı House
1
11,500.00
Church Alterations
1
13,000.00
Signs
26
30,000.00
TOTAL
365
$7,202,582.00
Fees collected for permits issued
$8,583.00
Fees collected for water meters
4,950.00
All necessary inspections were made and buildings approved.
Occupancy permits were issued for all new houses which were first occupied during the year. These houses were given a final inspection by the Plumbing Inspector, the Wire Inspector, the Fire Department and the Building Inspector; after which certificates were issued. During this inspection many minor defects were found and were corrected before certificates were issued.
All elevators were inspected and certificates issued after repairs were made to elevators found defective.
Respectfully submitted,
HENRY J. CRONAN Building Inspector
REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Mr. Walter A. Blasenak General Manager Norwood, Massachusetts
Dear Sir,
It is once again our pleasure to submit to you our report of activities of the Recreation Department, the twelfth such report we have submitted, and the sixteenth since the Department undertook operation on a full time basis.
As always, our efforts have been directed towards providing interesting and worthwhile leisure time activities for Norwood's residents, young and old alike. The response of the citizenry is reflected in their increased participation in almost every activity that was conducted during the year. As with programs of this sort, some showed a decline in participation, but by far the majority boasted increases. Especially is this true once again in the young school age group and in the older Senior Citizen group. Certain young adult and adult programs showed a decline, indicating that these groups were occupied with other activities and less in need of planned leisure time activities.
The many and varied programs and activities of the Recreation Depart- inent are described in the following paragraphs in narrative form. Where
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appropriate, recommendations have been made for improving facilities and services.
Summer Playgrounds
Playground attendance for the year 1960 showed an increase in attend- ance of 645 boys and girls for the year, in spite of the fact that no activities were conducted at the Senior High School because of extensive construction going on there. Eight playgrounds showed net gains for the year and four showed net losses in attendance, but in each case the losses were sliglit. The two new playgrounds at the Cleveland and Prescott Schools continued to show the largest percentages of increase in attendance.
Playgrounds were conducted under supervision for a nine week season beginning Monday June 27th through Thursday August 25th. Playgrounds were open daily for a six hour period. They were open mornings from 9:00 a.m. to noon and afternoons from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. Playgrounds were conducted at six School Department locations - Balch, Callahan, Shattuck, Winslow, Prescott, and Cleveland. Playgrounds were also conducted at the six Recreation Department areas - Endean, Wilson Street, Pleasant Park, Father McAleer's, Bond Street and the Recreation Center. The Recreation Center was operated exclusively for boys and Bond Street exclusively for girls and small boys. All other playgrounds were operated for both boys and girls of all ages, with a male and a female Playground Leader on duty to supervise activities at all times the playground was open.
Members of the Playground staff attended a one day Playground Leader- ship Institute prior to the opening of the season. A program was presented on that day designed to acquaint the staff with their duties and to cover various phases of the summer activities. Subjects covered included Play- ground Management, Leadership, Games, First Aid, Arts and Crafts, and Tennis.
Weekly Staff Meeting were held for all members of the playground staff. At these meetings, additional instruction was provided, suggestions were made, and criticisms offered, all intended to help the staff members in carrying out their assignments more effectively and efficiently.
The loyalty, sincerity, initiative, and devotion to duty of all members of the staff were largely responsible for the succes of the program in 1960. Without the fine leadership which Norwood is able to furnish, our Play- ground program could not continue to register the marks of success that have been possible in recent years.
The organization and conduct of all the various leagues in baseball and softball for boys and girls was handled by the Supervisor of Sports. Base- ball leagues were run for three different age groups with a total of approximately 150 games played during the season. Boys from age 6 up through age 15 participated in these leagues. The softball leagues were conducted for girls in two age groups, with girls age 6 through age 15 participating. A total of sixty softball games were played during the year. The Supervisor handled all scheduling, equipment, direction of games, and
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REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
publicity for all five leagues. In addition, the Supervisor was responsible for supervision of Playground Leaders, advising and criticizing where indicated, and in general assisting the Leaders in carrying out their duties. The Supervisor also assisted in running off the many special events that were scheduled during the season.
The Supervisor of Arts and Crafts had direct responsibility for the conduct of the Arts and Crafts program that was carried on at each and every playground. Major projects were scheduled each week, with the Supervisor visiting each playground once during the week to instruct the Leaders and the children. In addition, the Supervisor prepared and dis- tributed a large amount of material to the Leaders during the season, and met with them at the weekly Staff Meetings. Girls attending playground particularly find Arts and Crafts perhaps their most interesting and enjoy- able activity, and the success of the programn in 1960 is again due in large part to the imagination and enthusiasm shown by the Supervisor of the program.
All phases of the Tennis program conducted at the Recreation Center courts were handled by the Supervisor of Tennis each day that playgrounds were open. A schedule was set for the children from each playground to report for instruction on a regular basis, each playground having two such periods during the week. It was also possible to provide instruction to all others reporting to the courts desirous of same. A tournament was con- ducted near the end of the season with participants assigned according to age and skill. Several hundred boys and girls availed themselves of the instructional periods and participated in the general program. Many others, including adults made use of the courts at other times of the day and evening.
Playgrounds also engaged in many other activities during the year, these activities varying according to the interests of the children at each playground. Individual playgrounds sponsored such events as Doll Shows, Pet Shows, Talent Shows, Picnics, etc. The Recreation Department spon- sored a town wide Horseshoe Tournament, a Playground Swim Meet and other such events that attracted large number of participants.
The three annual special events that have been so well received for the past few years were again conducted this year. These events, the trip to Fenway Park for a Red Sox baseball game, the Nantasket Outing, and the visit to Norwood of the Boston Children's Theatre Stagemobile were all most enthusiastically received, and participation in all three was greater than ever before.
In order to continue to improve the playground program for 1961 and for subsequent years, certain specific recommendations may be made, these based on our own experiences and observations as well as those of members of the staff.
1. Develop facilities at Ellis Gardens area at least to such an extent that small children can be accomodated. The nearest playground, the Callahan School playground, is much too far for small children,
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
2. Continue improvement of Pleasant Park playground by further filling, loaming, and seeding of area beyond ball field.
3. Develop two hard surface tennis courts at the Recreation Center, adjacent to the present courts, at the corner or East Hoyle and Washington Streets. This would permit play much earlier in the season than now is possible and would extend the season further in the fall. The area also could be used for basketball and other such activities and could be flooded for skating in the winter season.
4. Correct drainage problem at the new Father McAleer baseball diamond. The wet weather in the spring of 1960 prevented use of the diamond until mid-June.
5. Carry out miscellaneous other smaller projects which have been included in 1961 budget requests.
Twilight Baseball League
The Twilight Baseball League was conducted during the 1960 summer season for boys up to age 20. Five teams took part in league activities, with each team playing a total of 10 games during the season. Games were played on two evenings of the week at two fields, with equipment and supervision provided by the Recreation Department. Approximately 75 boys took part in this activity, with many spectators also enjoying games.
Girls' Softball League
The Girls' Softball League, a young adult activity, functioned in 1960 with six teams and with over one hundred girls. Games were played at the Recreation Center softball field Monday through Wednesday evening, with keen competition keeping interest alive through the entire season. Each team took part in three complete rounds of play for a total of 45 games during the year, 15 by each team. At the end of the season, a banquet was held at a popular local restaurant.
Fourth of July Celebration
The Fourth of July program in 1960 consisted of three parts. On the night before, a dance was held at the Star Market site for young people of all ages. A display of fireworks was presented at Hartshorn's Swale that same evening. On the morning of the Fourth, a program of games, contests, etc. was presented at each playground, climaxed by the distribu- tion of ice cream to all the children in attendance. The dance was not nearly as well attended as in previous years, leading us to wonder if the young people might be tiring of this phase of the program. With only one fireworks company available from whichi to choose, it becomes increasingly difficult to present a satisfactory display for the amount of money available. At this writing, consideration is being given to revising the entire Fourth of July Celebration program, with the possibility of inviting local organiza- tions to participate in planning and financing the program.
Swimming Program
The two swimming pools opened on Saturday June 25th and were open each day of the week until Labor Day. The pools were open Monday
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REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
through Friday from 9:00 a.m. until noon for swimming classes and from 12:30 p.m. until dark for general public swimming. On Saturdays the pools opened at noon, and Sundays at 1:00 p.m. and remained open until dark.
Again we are fortunate in being able to say that no serious accidents occured. The few emergency situations that did arise were handled in a most efficient manner by the staff members on duty. The entire staff of Lifeguards and the Supervisor of Swimming must be commended for the fine manner in which they carried out their most responsible duties.
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 both pools. Registration for these classes was carried out through the local schools, with more than 1,800 boys and girls enrolling in the various classes, the limit that could be accomodated. Classes were arranged for a two week period, with each class meeting for a one hour period mornings, Monday through Friday. Those successfully completing courses were awarded appropriate Red Cross certificates. A total of 520 such certificates were awarded as follows: 321 Beginners, 132 Intermediates, 59 Junior Life Savers, and 8 Senior Life Savers. Hundreds of other children, although they were unable to pass their final tests, nonetheless benefitted greatly from their courses.
The Boston Chapter of the Red Cross made two Aquatic School scholar- ships available to young people who later served as members of the Life- guard staff. This training enabled the young people to serve on the staff of Instructors so essential to the program. Without this scholarship assistance, we would not be able to continue to have qualified personnel on the staff.
The Annual Regional Swim Meet was conducted again in 1960, being held late in the season at Father McAleer Pool, with swimmers from seven nearby communities participating. Earlier in the season, a Play- ground Swim Meet was held at Hawes Brook Pool. These events provide healthy competition while at the same time stimulating interest in improv- ing swimming skills.
With the opening of the new bathhouse at Hawes Brook Pool, both pools will have the facilities that we have urged they needed for some time. Health and safety standards can be better mnet with the addition of these fine facilities.
Golden Age Club
Now in its eighth year of operation, the Golden Age Club continues to grow in membership and popularity. Organized for male senior citizens, the Club attempts to provide leisure time activities for the group during the year. The Club holds regular monthly meetings at which speakers, entertainers, films, etc. are presented. The Club also enjoys trips to ball games, fairs, theatres, and other points of interest during the year. The first floor of the Recreation Center is available daily as a Lounge for Club members, and it is utilized for card playing, checkers, television, and other such quiet activities.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Women's Senior Citizens Club
Similar to the Golden Age Club, except that it is exclusively for women, The Women's Senior Citizens Club has practically doubled membership in the past year. Under the skilled direction of a member of the Department staff, and interesting and varied program of activities for Norwood's female senior citizens is conducted through the year. The Club meets alternate Mondays from September through May at the Recreation Center. In addition, they go on theatre trips, visit hospitals, and engage in many other such worthwhile projects. Occasionally the men's and the women's groups join together for a joint program.
Baton Twirling
Baton Twirling continues to be a most interesting and appealing program for girls in the age group of six to eighteen. Twirling classes are held on one afternoon of the week at the Recreation Center. Within the classes is a marching unit, known as the Norwood Rec-Ettes. This group takes part in parades in Norwood and the surrounding area. In the spring of 1960, a most successful Open House and Competition was held at the Junior High School for girls in the classes. The Norwood Twirling Club, an organization of parents and friends of the girls in the classes, presented the Third Annual National Baton Twirling Association Open Competition at the Junior High School in November, with contestants from all New England states competing. The success of the Competition is a tribute to all who helped in any way.
Rifle Club
Boys in the age group from fourteen through eighteen may avail themselves of the opportunity to learn the proper use of firearms under expert instruction and supervision in the Norwood Recreation Junior Rifle Club. The Club is divided into a Beginners Group and an Advanced Group, with each group meeting one evening a week during all except the summer months. After learning the fundamentals of marksmanship and safety, the boys can fire for individual awards, take part in team postal matches, conducted by the National Rifle Association, of which the local group is a member, and they can take part in shoulder-to-shoulder matches with similar organizations in this area. All activities are conducted at the range at the Municipal Building, and it is hoped that before this range is abandoned, arrangements can be made for other centrally located facilities in order that this fine program for some sixty Norwood boys can be continued without interuption.
Recreation Basketball League
From early December through early March of each year, the Recrea- tion Basketball League is operated for young men beyond high school age to provide them with much needed physical exercise and healthy competi- tion. Six teams with a total registration of more than ninety young men took part in the season that ended in March 1960, and a similar number returned upon resumption of the program in December. Supervision, equip- ment, and rental fees for the Senior High School gym are provided by the
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REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
Department. Games are played on two evenings of the week with many spectators enjoying the games.
Girls' Drama
Some 150 girls regularly take part in what has continued to be one of the most popular programs of the Department. The girls, age seven to thirteen, meet in regular weekly sessions at the Recreation Center under the direction of the Supervisor of Drama and her Associate Supervisor. During the sessions, many activities related to Drama are conducted. On three occasions during the year, Open House is staged, when parents and friends of the girls have an opportunity to observe first hand the work of the girls. Through this program, the girls are able to gain poise and con- fidence in expressing themselves as well as learning fundamentals of Drama.
Women's Sports Club
After enjoying two years of good attendance, interest in this activity waned in the spring of 1960 to the point that it was decided in the fall of the year not to resume the program. The Club was originally organized to provide physical exercise for young women beyond high school age, with sessions held for two different groups on one evening of the week. As with many such groups, the members were very busy people and found that frequent conflicts prevented their attending with any degree of regular- ity. It is hoped that the program can be revised at some future time.
Halloween Program
Two parties were conducted on Halloween night in 1960 for the young people of Norwood. Seventh and eighth graders had their party at Social Hall of the Recreation Center, while ninth through twelfth had their party at the Norwood Armory. Both parties were supervised by members of the Department staff with a valuable assist from the local Police Department and members of the National Guard Company at the Armory. Both parties as always were very well attended and were run off without difficulties, a fact that should be considered a tribute to the young people attending. Norwood's negligible record of vandalism on Halloween attests to the value of this activity.
Friday Dances
Dances are conducted for young people of grades seven, eight, and nine each Friday evening from September through niid June at the Recrea- tion Center. An orchestra is engaged to play for dancing in Social Hall, the dance beginning at 7:30 and ending at 10:00 p.m. Activities during the even- ing are supervised by members of the Recreation Department staff and a Police Officer is on duty at each dance. A token admission charge is made with receipts being turned over weekly to the Treasurer. Attendance at this very populad series of dances averages between 150 and 200 through- out the year.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Boys Activities
Supervision is provided at the gym at Swimming Pool Hall of the Recreation Center each afternoon after school and on Saturdays until moon from early November through mid April. Boys of all ages and sizes are able to play basketball and take part in other suitable programs under supervision, with each boy attending invited to participate, Many boys not capable for various reasons of participating in more highly organized sports activities, can through this more or less informal program, take part in wholesome and enjoyable competition. Attendance varies according to the schedule of outside activities, but there are never less than twenty five present at a session, and often as many as fifty attend.
Symphony Orchestra
The Norwood-Norfolk County Orchestra, made up of amateur musicians from Norwood and surrounding communities wound up another successful season in the spring of 1960, playing a concert at the Massachusetts Hospital School in Canton. Unfortunately however, interest liad dropped to such a low point in the fall of the year, that it was decided to temporarily discon- tinue rehearsals. Attendance in the early fall was such that those attending did not enjoy rehearsals because so few were present, and it was not possible to offer a regular program of music for this same reason. This loss of interest is accounted for in part by the increase of competition for people's time and by the decline of interest in playing instruments. It is sincerely hoped that this outstanding program of the Department can be revived in the near future. and efforts will be spent towards this end.
Miscellaneous
The Department was able to assist many individuals and organizations during the year with related projects and activities. The Department co-operated too with other municipal departments in such things as coast- ing streets, skating areas, lighting of areas, maintenance of areas, etc. The Superintendent appeared before local organizations to tell of the functions and activities of the Department. Material was prepared and distributed to new-comers to Norwood through the Welcome Wagon. The Superintendent served as Secretary for the newly appointed Senior Citizens Committee, as a member of the Veteran's Fund Study Committee, and continued to serve as Chairman of Water Safety for the Norwood Branch of the American Red Cross.
Conclusion
Without the co-operation of many other individuals and groups, the achievements outlined in the preceeding paragraphs could not have been realized. We are particularly appreciative of the assistance rendered by the General Manager and his staff, by the Board of Selectmen, the Select- men's Recreation Advisory Committee, and niany other official and un- official bodies. Thanks also go to the many persons employed in various capacities during the year for their continuing loyalty, enthusiasm, and fine performance of their duties. Thanks too are due to all participants in the various programs for their co-operation.
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REPORT OF FISH AND GAME WARDEN
The Department needs and seeks the continuing cooperation of all these individuals and groups, in order that it may come closer to its goal of offering good programs and good facilities for all segments of Norwood's growing population.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD E. READY Superintendent of Recreation
REPORT OF FISH AND GAME WARDEN
Annual report of Town Fish and Game Warden from January 1 to December 31, 1960.
Hours of patroling time 1,460
Miles in car
5,797
Number of complaints
9
Complaints investigated
9
Prosecutions resulting
1
Result of prosecution - guilty and fined.
Respectfully submitted,
JAMES E. BUNNEY, Town Fish & Game Warden
REPORT OF NORWOOD HOUSING AUTHORITY 1960
Meetings: First and third Wednesdays of the month - Municipal Building.
Members: Chairman, Joseph Long; Vice Chairman, Roger J. Connolly; Treasurer, John L. Griffin; Asst. Treas., Frank L. Walsh; Francis E. Donlan.
Personnel: Exec. Director and Secretary, Lawrence J. O'Brien; Accountants, Sullivan & Schwartz; Legal Representatives, Atty. Dennis P. O'Leary; Servicing Broker, Insurance, Walter J. Dempsey.
The Norwood Housing Authority is a public corporation formed in 1948 to administer all types of public housing. It is composed of 4 members who are elected each year at the Annual Town Election for a term of 5 years and one member appointed by the Commonwealth for a 5 year term. Mr. Frank Walsh is currently the State-appointed member. The Authority presently has jurisdiction over a 75 unit State-aided Veterans project erected in 1950 under Chapter 200 of the State Housing Law and a 50 unit Housing for the Elderly Project which is now under construction under Chapter 667 of the State Housing Law. Since both of these developments are sponsored by the Commonwealth, which guarantees payment of the bonds
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