USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Norwood > Norwood annual report 1963-1964 > Part 19
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Two Swim Meets were held during the season, a Playground Swim Meet for Norwood children exclusively and the Annual Regional Swim Meet with more swimmers than ever before from Nowood and surrounding communities participating. Norwood emerged as the winner of the Meet by the slim margin of one point over their nearest rival, Canton, but the outcome was not decided until the very final event on the program. As a highlight of the Meet, the girls of the Ballet program staged a show dur- ing intermission and performed outstandingly.
We have again recommended that attention be given in 1964 to repair- ing the floor of Hawes Brook Pool and to rebuilding the walks around the Pool. It was contemplated that this work would be done in 1963 but the sums requested were inadequate. We have made appropriate requests in the 1964 budget to cover these two important projects. This pool was built in 1949 and the repairs needed are by no means unusual.
Senior Set
The Department continued in 1963 to offer a series of programs for Norwood's Senior Citizens. Meetings were held approximately every two weeks at which speakers, films, entertainers, and other such interesting and worthwhile programs were presented. In addition, the members went
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
on trips, attended sporting events, and the like. The Senior Set mailing list currently has in excess of 250 names and attendance at meetings averages seventy.
Baton Twirling
Baton Twirling has continued to grow in popularity among the girls participating in this program with more than a hunded girls attending weekly classes at the Recreation Center where expert instruction and supervision was provided. The well known Norwood Rec-Ettes, the uni- formed marching unit made up of girls in the classes, took part in several local parades and made an extremely fine showing. Another very success- ful "Open House" was held in the spring of the year when parents and friends of the girls had the opportunity to see the girls perform in com- petition among themselves. In the fall of the year, the Norwood Twirling Club, an organization composed of parents and friends of the twirlers. joined with the Department in sponsorship of the Sixth Annual National Baton Twirling Association Open Competition at the Norwood Junior High School. Scheduled to be held on November 24, 1963, this event was post- poned until early January of 1964 and once again was a most successful undertaking with the top twirlers from New England competing. Sincere thanks are extended to all who assisted with the Competition.
Rifle Club
Boys in the age group from fourteen through eighteen availed them- selves of the opportunity to learn the proper use of firearms under expert instruction and supervision in the Norwood Recreation Junior Rifle Club. There is a Beginners Group and an Advanced Group, each group meeting one evening a week except during the summer months at the range at the Municipal Building. 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 with which the Club is affiliated, and they can take part in shoulder-to-shoulder matches with other clubs in the local area. There were approximately fifty boys in the Club in 1963.
Twilight Baseball League
Six teams of boys and young men up to age twenty-one were par- ticipants in the Twilight Baseball League during 1963. During the season approximately one hundred young men took part in the forty-five games that were played on two evenings of the week at three different locations throughout town. Equipment and supervision were provided by the De- partment and many spectators also found pleasure in this program.
Girls' Softball League
The Girl's Softball League operated in 1963 with seven teams and more than a hundred girls and young women. Beginning in early May and continuing through August, games were played on three evenings of
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REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
the week at the Recreation Center softball field. This program enabled girls and young women to obtain needed physical exercise and to enjoy wholesome competition. At the conclusion of the year, the girls in the league enjoyed their annual banquet at a popular local restaurant.
Mens' Softball League
The Men's Softball League operated in 1963 with six teams and more than a hundred young men. Games were played on weekday evenings on the two softball fields at Endean Playground with large groups of specta- tors also enjoying the games. Fifty games were played during the season. The Department assisted in organization and supervision of the league, with participating teams providing for equipment and officials throughout the season.
Fourth of July Celebration
The Annual Fourth of July Celebration continued to grow in size and popularity in 1963, only its third year of operation in the present format. The Department participated in planning sessions during the early part of the year and had direct responsibility for the N.E.A.A.A.U, Swim Meet which was held on the afternoon of the holiday at the Hawes Brook Pool. The Department also cooperated in conduct of the Junior Olympics held the morning of the holiday at Elliot Park, and had responsibility for the evening fireworks display. The Norwood Rec-Ettes also participated in the evening parade. An extra in 1963 was the entry of a float by the summer playground staff and the float won first prize in the competition and was awarded a suitable plaque. Theme of the float was appropriately "Fun In The Sun". Once again the entire program on the Fourth drew loud praise from everyone, and all those from the various participating community organizations are to be commended for their continuing cooper- ation in making this such a wonderful event for Norwood.
Recreation Basketball League
The Recreation Basketball League is operated during the winter months for young men beyond high school age to provide this group with much needed physical exercise and wholesome competition. Five teams participated in activities that ran through February and the same entered the League when activities resumed in December. During the season, approximately ninety young men participate in this program, playing games two evenings of the week at the Senior High School gymnasium. Supervision, equipment, and rental fees are provided by the Recreation Department with many spectators also enjoying the program during the season.
Girls Drama
This program for girls was started in 1951 by Mrs. Virginia L. Berg- eron and grew in popularity through the years to the point where in 1963 some 150 girls took part in the various activities of the program. In
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
1956 Mrs. Patricia Devlin joined the staff as Associate Supervisor of the program and the two worked together until the spring of 1963. Mrs. Berg- eron resigned to accept full time employment and Mrs. Devlin chose not to return. Consequently the program has been temporarily dropped until qualified supervision and leadeship can be recruited. Both Mrs. Bergeron and Mrs. Devlin are due high paise for their devoted efforts through the years. During 1963 the girls meet at their regular sessions through June and staged two highly successful "Open Houses" when parents and friends of the girls could observe the work of the girls. It is hoped that this fine program can be resumed in the fall of 1964.
Stamp Club
In the spring of 1963 a group of young people interested in stamp collecting as a hobby asked that the Department take on sponsorship of a Stamp Club. The Department consented and cooperated in the re- organization of a small group that had been meeting informally for some time. The Club was opened up to anyone with an interest in stamp collect- ing and now there are more than twenty-five on the mailing list. The Club meets once a month for "swap" sessions and other programs of mutual interest to the members.
Halloween Program
Two parties were conducted on Halloween night in 1963 for the young people of Norwood. Seventh and eighth graders had their party at Social Hall of the Recreation Center, while high school age young people had their party at the Norwood Armory. Both parties were supervised by members of the Department staff with assistance from the local Police Department. Both parties as always were very well attended and were run off without incident, a fact worthy of tribute to the young people attending. Norwood's continuing negligible record of vandalism on Hal- loween is evidence of the value of the parties conducted each year.
Friday Dances
Each Friday evening except during the summer months, dances were conducted for seventh and eighth graders at the Recreation Center. All orchestra is hired to play for dancing in Social Hall and they play be- tween 7:30 and 10:00 p.m. Activities are supervised by members of the Department staff. A token admission charge of twenty-five cents is made, with receipts being turned in weekly to the Town Treasurer. Attendance at this popular social event varies from a low of seventy-five to a high of two hundred, depending on weather, season of the year, and conflict of other social activities.
Christmas Festival
Although the Norwood-Norfolk County Orchestra was not functioning, it was nevertheless decided to revive the Christmas Festival of Music which had been conducted so successfully for many years. This event
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REPORT OF RECREATION DEPARTMENT
brings together the choirs of the various churches in Norwood for an eve- ning of music planned to usher in the Christmas season. Each choir in the Festival presents a short program of music from their repetoire with all choirs joining for a finale of over two hundred voices. Mr. Raymond F. Fleck again directed this fine musical event with Mrs. Molly McMahon assisting at the organ. Sincere thanks are due to all pastors, choir direc- tors, and others connected in any way with the Festival for their help in making it once again an outstanding musical event.
Camera Club
This group which became part of the program in 1962 continued to grow in membership and popularity in 1963. Through its own officers and executive committee, the Club holds a regular program twice a month at the Recreation Center with programs of interest to color photographers, black and white photographers and others. Field trips are planned, mem- bers enter contests locally and beyond the local area, and valuable in- struction in camera techniques is received. Membership has continued at more than fifty members.
Miscellaneous
The Department and its staff were able to assist many individuals and organizations during the year with projects related to recreation. The Department cooperated with other municipal departments in such pro- grams as coasting streets, skating areas, lighting of areas, maintenance of areas, etc. The Superintendent appeared before local groups to interpret the programs of the Department, Material describing the programs and activities of the Department was prepared and distributed to newcomers to Norwood through the Welcome Wagon. The Superintendant also served on various committees concerned with town affairs, directly or indirectly related to the progam of the Department.
Conclusion
The programs and activities described in the preceding paragraphs could not have been possible without the cooperation of many other in- dividuals and groups. Special appreciation is due the General Manager and his able staff, the Board of Selectmen and their Recreation Advisory Com- mittee, and to many other official and unofficial town organizations. Thanks are due to the many persons employed in various capacities during the year for their continuing loyalty, efficiency, and fine performance. Finally, we are deeply grateful to the countless participants in the various pro- grams and activities of the Department for their cooperation and under- standing during the year. With their continuing help, we pledge further efforts to provide Norwood with the best recreation facilities and programs possible.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD E. READY Superintendent
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
REPORT OF THE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL HOUSING STUDY COMMITTEE
Progress Report
The Elementary School Housing Study Committee appointed in May, 1960 analyzed information and statistics obtained from various Town com- mittees and other sources and on August 15, 1963 voted for an 8-room addition to the Celeveland School but after further study and discussion voted on October 3, 1963 to recommend that steps be taken in preparation for the construction of a new 16-room elementary school on Wilson Street.
A report was printed and distributed to Town Meeting members prior to the special Town Meeting which was called for December 16, 1963 and which was adjourned to the week of February 17, 1964, at which time it is expected that the articles dealing with school needs will be voted on. This report recommended that a Building Committee of Seven be appointed by the Town Moderator, to secure the services of an architect for prep- aration of preliminary plans and estimates of costs for one 16-room elementary school on Wilson Street to be opened by September of 1965.
The report for the special Town Meeting also proposed a cafetorium addition to the Balch School which had the unanimous approval of the entire Committee and which is to be voted on at the adjourned special Town Meeting.
Referring to discussion and clarification with the Norwood School Committee of various questions regarding plans for the older school build- ings, the School Committee reported that progress is now being made on planned projects for proper maintenance and reasonable updating.
With the resignation of Chairman Arthur B. Rodgers and Mr. Francis X. Sheehan, Jr., a new Chairman is to be elected and the Committee will be reorganized as a committee of seven members for further study of foreseeable school housing requirenients.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN A. ABDALLAH JEAN R. BROWN GRAFTON J. CORBETT, JR. PAUL MURPHY JOSEPH R. OLSHAN JOSEPH W. WALL ALENA WISGIRDA
245
SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
JOHN P. OLDHAM ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE REPORT
The John P. Oldham Elementary School Building Committee is pleased to report at this writing the essential completion of this elementary school project.
Having selected Stoner Associates of Boston as architect for this project, the Elementary School Building Committee, early in 1962, adver- tised for bids and on May 21, 1962, the general contract bids were opened. Low bidder was Edward Goverman Company of Boston, in the amount of $614,725.00.
On June 4, 1962, the formal signing of the construction contract was signed between the Edward Goverman Company and the John P. Oldham Elementary School Building Committee.
With members of the John P. Oldham family and many town officials in attendance, ground-breaking ceremonies took place on June 18, 1962. The services of Mr. William Snyder to perform the job of Clerk of Works were obtained on June 25, 1962. The foundation, structural steel erection, outside plumbing, roofing and most of the exterior masonry was well under way during the fall of 1962. Through the use of plastic, the building was closed in during the winter months so that heat could be used as interior plumbing, masonry, and electrical connection work progressed through the months of December, January, February, and March. The over-all progress and the high standard of materials in early spring of 1963, insured that the school would be ready for occupancy by the scheduled date.
Meeting weekly, your Building Committee spent a busy and fruitful year in 1963 and the culmination of these efforts was realized on Septem- ber 9, 1963 when 331 pupils entered their new classrooms. By October 1, 1963, all kindergarteners were enrolled and the school was functioning in proper educational manner with better than 400 pupils.
As with all committees concerned with municipal construction, the John P. Oldham Elementary School Building Committee had its share of delays, controversy and frustration; but with diligence and patience, their efforts and those of all concerned have produced an attractive, structur- ally sound and educationally functional building that will serve the needs of the Town of Norwood for many years to come. This elementary school contains twelve regular classrooms, grades 1 through 6; two special edu- cation classrooms, two kindergartens, a library, conference room, teachers' workroom, cafetorium, modified kitchen facilities, and a play area.
Some of the features incorporated into this school building not seen in the town's most recently built schools, includes carpeting in the library and administrative areas, an excellent wooden floor in the play area, open storage for children's clothing, excellent provisions for storage of supplies and equipment throughout the various wings, maintenance-free construction throughout, individual entrances from the outside to all class-
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
rooms, and a combination outdoor skating rink and basketball court. In the spring of 1964, a baseball diamond will be cut in front of the school, along Prospect Street, which will serve both the school and the com- munity's recreational needs.
Additional grading, landscaping and seeding is to be done and a fence which will completely surround the property will be erected. Also, there is to be additional drainage installed throughout the property, and swales will be constructed for greater control in the matter of drainage.
The John P. Oldham Elementary School Building Committee respect- fully submits this report to the townspeople of Norwood and extends to all townspeople a cordial invitation to attend open house and dedicatory exercises on Sunday afternoon, March 1, 1964 at 2 P.M.
JOSEPH R. OLSHAN, Chairman JOHN A. ABDALLAH MRS. JOHN DIXON MRS. ROBERT E. HEMMAN AMBROSE J. KELLY ARTHUR B. RODGERS FRANCIS X. SHEEHAN
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SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING ADDITION COMMITTEE - 1963
The Norwood Senior High School Building Addition Committee is pleased to report the approximate culmination, during 1963, of the one and three-quarter million dollar school project of new construction and renovations at the Norwood High School.
The Norwood High School physical plant has been doubled in size by this major construction and has allowed for expanded curriculum in all areas. Notable inclusions are the Charles A. Hayden Gymnasium, fully equipped with related facilities; a modern and all inclusive Industrial Arts area for Woodworking, Metal Work, Mechanical Drawing, and Offset Printing; a Science Suite of eight fully equipped laboratories with auxiliary stations for growing, and animal rooms; completely equipped Home Economics Laboratories; a modern and fully equipped Business Depart- ment; renovation for increased facilities in Cafeteria and Kitchen; a new Guidance Suite; and an Auditorium with full stage and cyclorama, dedi- cated in honor of Lincoln D. Lynch, former Superintendent of Schools, in Norwood; a completely equipped and up-to-date Language Laboratory for the Foreign Language Department; and, in addition, complete reno- vation of the Tennis Courts; the acreage of the H. Bennett Murray Field was tripled to provide for Baseball, Field Hockey, and Lacrosse, and two thousand new bleacher seats were installed.
The final completion of this project involves finances and Massachu- setts State Building Assistance Commission data, which this Committee will attempt to expedite during the coming months.
Dedicatory Exercises and Open House was held on Sunday, May 26, 1963. Among honored guests present were former Superintendent of Schools Lincoln D. Lynch, and Mrs. Lynch; Principal of the Senior High School Charles A. Hayden, and Mrs. Hayden.
DEDICATION EXERCISES
Norwood Senior High School Addition
Sunday, May 26, 1963 - 3:00 P.M.
SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING ADDITION COMMITTEE
Walter J. Dempsey, Chairman
John E. Bamber Emilie Moses
Robert C. Capasso
Eugene A. Nelson
George F. Erdman George D. Perna
Elizabeth V. Syverson, Secretary
ARCHITECT
Korslund, LeNormand & Quann, Inc.
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
NORWOOD SCHOOL COMMITTEE Thomas A. White, Chairman John J. Cavanaugh Mrs. Robert E. Hemman
Joseph F. Curran
Joseph R. Olshan
Henry W. Diggs
Francis X. Sheehan
Elizabeth V. Syverson, Clerk
SUPERINTENDENT OF SCHOOLS Dr. Philip O. Coakley
PRINCIPAL, NORWOOD SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL Mr. Charles A. Hayden
Dedication Program
SELECTIONS Norwood High School Concert Band Norwood High School A Cappella Choir
INVOCATION
Reverend Paul J. McManus St. Catherine of Siena Church
WELCOME
Mr. Walter J. Dempsey, Chairman Building Committee
INTRODUCTIONS
Building Committee Members School Committee Members Chairman, Board of Selectmen
General Manager, Town of Norwood Superintendent of Schools Principal of High School Mr. Lincoln D. Lynch Architect - Mr. Harry J. Korslund
DEDICATION
Lincoln D. Lynch Auditorium Charles A. Hayden Gymnasium
PRESENTATION OF KEYS
Mr. Walter J. Dempsey Mr. Thomas A. White
AMERICA
A Capella Choir Concert Band Audience
BENEDICTION
Reverend Raymond Kask Emmanuel Lutheran Church
INSPECTION OF SCHOOL ADDITION
Refreshments-Norwood Senior High School Parents-Teachers Association
Respectfully,
WALTER J. DEMPSEY, Chairman
额。
-
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REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER
REPORT OF TOWN TREASURER January 1, 1963 to December 31, 1963
Balance January 1, 1963 $1,897,560.03
Received from:
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Corporation Taxes
281,156.05
Income Tax
School Aid
252,856.98
State Tax Apportionment 111,695.00
Vocational Education 45,069.69
Meal Tax 7,051.72
Transportation of Pupils
8,660.00
Highway Reimbursement - Chapter 90
1,000.00
Highway Reimbursement - Chapter 782, Acts of 1962
10,500.00
Reimbursement - School Construction 98,168.97
Reimbursement - Loss of Taxes
6,351.20
National Defense Education
10,485.34
State Aid Free Public Libraries
6,224.50
U. S. Grants :
Aid to Dependent Children (Regular) 21,084.99
Aid to Dependent Children (Administration) 6,588.56
Disability Assistance (Regular)
11,897.51
Disability Assistance (Administration) 2,044.29
Ald Age Assistance (Regular) 64,348.93
Old Age Assistance (Administration) 4,423.71
Medical Assistance for the Aged (Regular)
58,974.86
Medical Assistance for the Aged (Administration)
3,543.16
Smith - Hughes - Geo. Barden Fund 4,657.75
Interceptor Sewer (U. S. Grant) 37,100.00
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Norfolk County:
Highway Reimbursement (Chapter 84)
1,000.00
Dog License Returns 1,559.14
District Court Fines
3,621.00
District Court Fines (Parking Violations)
495.00
Jail Fines
102.00
Taxes and Assessments:
Property Taxes
3,821,059.32
Polls
12,624.00
Motor Vehicle Excise
546,555.89
Sewer Assessments - Apportioned
6,878.49
Water Liens
12,053.60
Committed Interest
1,876.33
Unapportioned Sewer
7,453.90
Apportioned Sewer (Paid in Advance)
2,405.99
Apportioned Street Betterment
144.52
Apportioned Street Betterment (Paid in Advance)
92.87
Unapportioned Water Mains
263.11
Costs
2,653.10
Interest:
Taxes and Assessments
2,005.59
Tax Titles
317.85
Stabilization Fund
21,069.12
Cemetery Trust Fund
4,776.26
High School English Prize Fund
20.62
Harriet W. Lane Trust Fund
33.00
E. Florence Morse Trust Fund 20.62
Anna W. Day Trust Fund 206.26
William T. Whedon Fund
20.62
Alice H. Plimpton Trust Fund
453.76
Post War Rehabilitation Fund
13.88
SCHOOL HOUSING COMMITTEE
251
Warren H. Cudworth Fund
20.00
Electric Service Deposit Fund
2,629.56
Chickering Fund 24.24 Surplus Revenue Invested 19,033.13
Accounts Receivable :
School
36,800.77
Police
1,065.00
Welfare
3,528.28
Sewer
110.78
Medical Assistance for the Aged
42,778.82
Disability Assistance
10,876.37
Old Age Assistance 18,044.81
Aid to Dependent Children
14,299.98
Water
275.05
Light
5,886.48
Cemetery
10.00
Veterans Service
16,604.46
Aid to Families with Dependent Children
1,049.58
Public Health
745.69
Cemetery Care of Lots
6,194.00
Electric Light Rates
1,650,388.98
Water Revenue Rates
315,599.88
Certificate of Municipal Liens
1,233.00
Certificate for Dissolving Betterments
8.00
Guarantee Deposits :
Electric
13,320.00
Water
15,488.12
Sewer
13,770.73
Drains
367.72
Highway
275.00
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TOWN OF NORWOOD
Departmental Receipts
Town Clerk and Accountant
Marriage Intentions
470.00
Recording Fees
49.00
Certifying Fees
1,205.50
Dog Licenses
2,533.00
Sporting Licenses
4,536.00
Street Lists
527.00
Mortgages
2,262.50
Cemetery Interments Fees
14,405.00
Cemetery Sale of Lots
22,529.00
Cemetery Perpetual Care
15,425.00
Cemetery Private Work
1,408.70
Selectmen
Liquor Licenses
15,300.00
Auto Licenses
385.00
1 Day Liquor Licenses
1,210.00
Pinball Machine Licenses
320.00
Sunday Licenses 243.00
Common Victuallers Licenses
180.00
Miscellaneous Permits and Licenses
430.50
Health
Dental Clinic
243.25
Eye Clinic
49.00
Plumbing Fees
6,517.25
Miscellaneous Permits and Licenses
101.00
School
Special School Lunch Fund 65,916.55
A. A. Revolving Fund 22,502.95
Special School Lunch Fund (Comm. of Mass.) 32,577.86
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