USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1959 > Part 18
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Despite some of the discouragements of its previous experi- ences in providing a program for children of this type, which was temporarily discontinued because of the small number of participants, as well as lack of proper facilities and qualified personnel, the Commission has not given up entirely. Every possible site in Somerville that might have a potential for de- velopment along these lines has been given consideration. Additionally, on several occasions the Superintendent has in- cluded, as part of the Christmas In-Service Training Seminar for Recreation Workers, various speakers on programs for handicapped and crippled children, as well as representatives
289
RECREATION COMMISSION
from the Boston Association For Retarded Children, in order to acquaint the workers with the special needs of these boys and girls, whether they be in the form of recreation or some other type of therapy, and whether they should be supplied on an individual, formal, or informal basis. Through this method the Superintendent hopes that a greater number of young men and women will gain knowledge of what is being done for these children, and that more of them will be encouraged to enter this field and to bring others along with them, either as sup- porters or as specialists in this important work.
AN APPROACH TO JUVENILE DELINQUENCY
At the Recreation Commission's annual presentation of awards to the respective playground Championship and Sports- manship winners in Baseball, Softball, and Volley Ball in Octo- ber at the High School Auditorium, the Superintendent used a novel, if not different, approach to the problem of attempting to reduce any trend toward juvenile delinquency in Somerville. Although according to national figures only three percent of the total number of youth may be termed delinquent, and al- though the percentage is even lower than that in Somerville, he suggested to the boys present that if they would join with the adults entrusted with the responsibility for proper youth devel- opment in directing other boys towards good-especially those inclined towards delinquency-the number of delinquency po- tentials could be further reduced. The Superintendent pointed out that many of the boys present had evidenced leadership traits in their respective fields, and could offer much to the other boys in the form of good companionship, or desirable type of activity (spiritual, recreational, etc.), or good example. He noted also that there have been instances where this pro- cedure has been successful right here in various sections of Somerville, and that the method suggested can be followed without fanfare or organization; all it requires is a little effort on the part of the majority to win over some of the minority to their way of thinking and doing.
PHYSICAL FITNESS
In the opening paragraphs of its 1957 Annual Report, the Recreation Commission pointed out the concern of authorities in all walks of life for the physical condition of today's Amer- ican youth and the current need for emphasis on the proper total development of our youth - physically, mentally, and morally.
290
ANNUAL REPORTS
Another approach to this subject was evidenced in an edi- torial which appeared last March in the "Somerville Journal- Press", and which the Commission considers worth repeating. here :-
"Shakespeare once wrote, 'The wheel is come full circle'. 'History is repeating itself' is another way of saying the same thing. We see it in all the trends of today - in women's clothing, in popular dances, and in various fads. To a certain degree, the same might be said of Public Recreation. In the beginning of the movement, there was an emphasis on Summer Playgrounds and athletic programs of all types, depending on the tenor of the community. Then the picture broadened. Sea- sonal activities became year-round and were geared to include all ages - children, youth, and adults - and programs were expanded to include the cultural, semi- athletic, etc.
"Without any de-emphasis on the others, there is now a trend back to athletics, not just for the fun of playing or an emphasis on winning, but as a means of bringing about the whole development of the participant, physi- cal, mental, and moral. This trend is as it should be, when one considers that so many of our youth today have become softened by the constant use of automo- biles for traveling even the shortest of distances, where once they would have walked. And the conduct of cer- tain of our youth cries out for the need for such a trend. Walking has become as old-fashioned as the brown derby. Why walk when you can ride? To too many of our youth, mention of the word 'exercise' brings an expression akin to disgust.
"Meanwhile, all authorities associated with youth are concerned about the records which show that American children fall far below the standards prescribed for physical fitness. What to do about it? One solution would be to make maximum use of all community gym- nasiums; to provide programs for both boys and girls between the ages of 12 and 18 years, conducted by qualified leaders and emphasizing physical fitness; and to organize leagues in baseball, basketball (outdoors as well as indoors), and softball. And the need for good sportsmanship (attitude towards officials and oppo- nents, living up to schedule, etc.), as well as the ob- jectives of all sports, should be driven home to the
291
RECREATION COMMISSION
participants. Sports have many values of an intangible nature not visible to the spectator, and concerning which the participants are not always conscious. Track and volley ball are also two excellent physical activities which, with a little encouragement, could result in greater participation. And there are many other sports such as tennis, paddle tennis, badminton, etc., that have not been given the 'play' they should.
"Of course, there will always be a certain percentage of boys and girls whose inclinations are not toward the athletic, or even anything involving exercise, supervi-
THE FEAST BEFORE THE FAST
A touch of New Orleans invades Somerville when the Boys' and Girls' Clubs get together for their annual Mardi Gras. The above quintet were the costume winners at this year's party.
sion, or organization. Unfortunately, these are the ones who would get the greatest good from such activities. There is no 'rule of thumb' for attracting such individ- uals, but some might be drawn into programs of which athletics are only a part. Others may be attracted on an individual basis rather than as a group. On a Public Recreation level, they cannot be forced to participate. A sincere effort is all that can be expected, and the rest is up to the individual. Parents should be concerned
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ANNUAL REPORTS
about the need for the proper physical development of their children, especially the youth and teen-agers, and should do everything possible to encourage their par- ticipation in athletic programs of a desirable nature ac- cording to the respective capacities of the individuals.
"Of the essence right now is a public consciousness of the need for greater physical exercise on the part of all. Now that 'the wheel has come full circle', let's put it in motion."
The Recreation Commission for some time has been con- scious that the wheel HAS "come full circle", and has made every effort to bring about a local solution of the physical fit- ness problem with respect to the youth of the City. A glance at the list of the Commission's activities, especially those per- taining to the physical, mental, and moral development of youth, will testify that the local Public Recreation Service has been KEEPING the wheel in motion. And the resulting mo- mentum has left an indelible and favorable mark on many young men and women in Somerville who as youths participated in the Commission's programs.
NATIVITY SCENE
Another proud accomplishment of the Recreation Commis- sion is its Christmas Nativity Scene. The following article, which depicts the history of the Scene since its creation, ap- peared in the December 1958 issue of "RECREATION", a ma- gazine issued monthly by the National Recreation Association, a professional service organization whose primary objective is to promote the cause of public and private recreation. This magazine has a world-wide circulation.
"The inspiring Nativity Scene erected annually on the front portico of City Hall in Somerville, Massachusetts, is the result of co-operative effort on the part of the Recreation Commission and other Municipal Depart- ments. The creche, the idea of Charles C. Kelley, Superintendent of Recreation, has been a part of the local Christmas season for ten years.
"In the Fall of 1949, Mayor G. Edward Bradley, at Mr. Kelley's request, obtained the aid of the Public Build- ings Commissioner and the Commissioner of Electric Lines And Lights to build the creche and provide proper lighting. The Recreation Commission completed the scene, modeling the interior after a design from a
293
RECREATION COMMISSION
Christmas card. The ingenuity and imagination of Arts And Crafts Supervisor Richard Foley transformed a mannequin, donated by a local department store, into a Madonna, with only the simple aid of paper, paste, and paint. A doll became the Christ Child; angels were modeled from papier-maché. Canvas covering, con- tributed by another Municipal Department, served as a backdrop inside the creche. Then, with great pride, the first publicly sponsored Nativity Scene was completed and erected a week before Christmas and remained up until Epiphany. At intervals during the day and evening, blended voices of community choral groups caroled.
"Since its inception, there have been many changes. Another member of the Commission's staff, Miss Jo- sephine R. Fierro, is now responsible for the creche whose original components have been replaced :- The original mannequin has become Joseph, and a new mannequin is now Mary. Another Christ Child was purchased last year from a Boston statuary firm, and lighting effects have been changed a number of times over the years. Mr. William J. Macdonald, another member of the Commission's staff, designed another creche, which, although constructed by the Buildings Division, is Recreation Commission property. It is easily dismantled and may be stored in a limited space. The Commission's Maintenance staff erected the scene on the first day of the Christmas Seminar - a training and work-project institute conducted annually by the Com- mission.
"The inspiration from such a Nativity Scene cannot be described in words; rather, one must see the look in the eyes of a little child, the expression on the face of a weary mother as she returns from her Christmas shop- ping, or the faraway look in the eyes of an old man, as they lift their eyes from the creche to the lighted, multicolored words shining above it :- 'Peace on Earth to Men of Good Will'."
Since the above article was written, there have been addi- tional changes in the Nativity Scene. Another figure (a shepherdess) has been added, and it is the hope of the Com- mission that in the not-too-distant future the entire motif of the Scene will be changed.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
FACILITIES
Facility-wise, conditions are better than they were in 1958. Although Foss Park is still of limited value for athletic purposes (note remarks on this subject under "Summer Playgrounds"), legislation has been proposed for general improvements at this area. A new "play lot" area at the corner of Prospect Hill Parkway and Munroe Street was completed in the Fall of 1959. Although the dimensions of this lot are under 10,000 square feet, the completion of the area, plus the provision of seasonal supervision by the Recreation Commission, should be of benefit to the small children in the neighborhood of Prospect Hill dur- ing the coming year. An outdoor Saturday Morning Playground was established at the Marchi Playground during the Fall of 1959, and it is expected that a Summer Playground unit will be revived there during the Summer season of 1960. The old Marchi Playground (29,000 sq. ft.) is now the site of the new Healey School. This school has many desirable features for indoor community use, and especially for recreation activities. (Many of these features were recommended by the Recreation Commission when the construction of the school was first con- sidered.) During the indoor season the Commission conducts Physical Fitness Programs for both boys and girls, as well as a Saturday afternoon Boys' Basketball League in the gymnasium. Thus it is evident that extensive community use is made of the gymnasium from October through March. The new Marchi Playground (over 70,000 sq. ft.) was constructed by the M.D.C. as a result of previous commitments to the City of Somerville. New basketball uprights were installed last Fall, and every day since their installation upwards of twenty-five boys have been using them. Here is one instance of an improvement in the facility picture.
The new recreation area constructed by the M.D.C. at Dil- boy Field and completed this past Fall also has many recreation assets which could be used to advantage by the residents of Somerville. Additionally, a parcel of land (13,000 sq. ft.) has been purchased by the City from the Boston And Maine Rail- road, and it is hoped that, in keeping with the Recreation Com- mission's recommendations during the past several years, a playground will be constructed on this site by the Department of Public Works. Except for improvements in the basement premises at 50 Bow Street - a credit to the vision, ingenuity, and tenacity of Mr. Paul Sullivan, a member of the Commis- sion's full-time staff, and the co-operation of the Buildings Division - and the installation of a fire escape for the Work- shop, in the rear of 50 Bow Street; there have not been any
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RECREATION COMMISSION
other major improvements in indoor recreation facilities during the past year. Two major "musts" in this direction are the installation of a suspended basket at the Trade High School, and a complete overhauling of the lighting system in the High School Gymnasium. It is hoped that the former will be ac- complished during 1960. The latter has been recommended by the Recreation Commission.
RECOMMENDATIONS
The following recommendations for further improvement of outdoor recreation facilities in Somerville, as well as certain improvements with respect to public buildings, have already been forwarded to the Commissioner of Public Works, and the Commission feels confident that every effort will be made to bring them to completion :---
1) CONWAY PLAYGROUND :-
An extension or suspension to the existing Backstop, to prevent balls from going into yards and break- ing windows of residents of Park St.
Erection of a Backstop for Diamond #2.
Heightening of Fence on Park St. side of Playground.
2) LINCOLN PARK :-
Establishment of a Multi-Use area between Diamond #1 and Diamond #2.
Provision for a Bubbler on the smaller diamond on Perry St.
Shade areas over the Sand Boxes.
3) TRUM FIELD :-
Installation of additional or more powerful Lights in Basketball Courts.
Replacing of Lights where required on Softball Diamond.
Erection of Portable Bleachers (3 to 5 tiers high) on Cedar St. side.
Resurfacing of Multi-Use area (Basketball Courts).
4) GLEN ST. PLAYGROUND :-
Replacing of Lights where required on Softball Diamond.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
Development of a Multi-Use area on the Palmer Ave. side of the Playground.
Hot-topping the area on the corner of Glen and Oliver Sts., and attaching Sprays to the Building.
5) SHAW PLAYGROUND :-
Repair and extension of Backstop. Removal of present "hot-topped" area in left field, or conversion to a Multi-Use area.
As soon as possible after the Spring thaw, scarify, add fill, and roll entire athletic area. In its present condition it has limited potentials and its playing surface presents a pronounced safety hazard.
6) WOODS PLAYGROUND :-
Removal of old black Swing Frame, replacing it with a Horseshoe or Shuffleboard Court.
7) HOYT-SULLIVAN PLAYGROUND :-
Establishment of a Multi-Use area.
Permanent Storage Place similar to present one at Conway Playground.
Correct present Water Overflow condition in the vicinity of the Bubbler.
8) NORTHEASTERN PLAYGROUND :-
Correct unsanitary Drainage condition on the Broad- way (boys') side of the Playground, at the bottom of the ramp leading into the Storage Room.
9) CUTLER PLAYGROUND :-
Resurfacing of lower level of play area.
10) MYSTIC AVE. HOUSING
PROJECT PLAYGROUND :--
Completion of development of Softball area (Back- stop, etc.) on land adjacent to playground on Vet- erans Project.
Erection of some type of Storage Place. (Present storage facilities unsatisfactory and impractical.)
11) CUMMINGS PLAYGROUND :--
Extension of Fence on both sides of Playground ad- jacent to houses.
Resurfacing of play area.
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RECREATION COMMISSION
12) HOULEY PLAYGROUND :-
Hot-topping the area and installation of Basketball Court, making Houley either exclusively a Basket- ball area or a Multi-Use area.
13) FLORENCE ST. PLAYGROUND :-
Hot-top entire play area.
Devise some system to make Water Shut-Off for Bubbler and Shower Spray inaccessible during periods of non-supervision.
14) WOODSTOCK ST. PLAYGROUND :-
Reduce the size of the opening at the Playground by the erection of a Gate. (Present large opening, because of Playground slope, presents a safety hazard.)
15) Installation of Horseshoe Boxes at all athletic areas, similar to the ones in the recently completed new Dilboy Field recreation area.
16) Where necessary, if possible, have separate shut-offs for Bubbler and Shower Sprays so that they operate independently of each other.
17) Planting of Trees on all Parks and Playgrounds, with priority given to the following :- Lincoln, Hoyt- Sullivan, Woodstock, Florence, and Albion Play- grounds.
18) Immediate development for play purposes of the area located on Lexington Ave. opposite the end of Han- cock St., formerly the site of the Highland Railroad Station.
19) Establishment of a Summer schedule by the Highway or Engineering Divisions that would result in a peri- odic clean-up of the larger playgrounds. In recent years there has been a great deal of broken glass on these areas, especially after week ends.
20) Distribution of stationary Barrels for refuse at all play areas throughout the City, especially during the Summer season.
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ANNUAL REPORTS
21) WESTERN JR. HIGH SCHOOL :-
Cages for Locker Room Lights.
Padding on walls behind both Baskets in Gymnasium.
22) HIGH SCHOOL GYMNASIUM :- Complete overhauling of the Lighting system.
With respect to Foss Park, a concerted effort towards the total development of the athletic area at this playground by the Metropolitan District Commission should be made as soon as possible by all parties concerned with its use - Public Works, Schools, Recreation, private groups, etc. - in order that this area may be utilized to its full potential.
In closing, the Commission gratefully acknowledges the co-operation during 1959 of His Honor The Mayor; the Board of Aldermen; the Public Works Commissioner and the Depart- ment of Public Works, including the Engineering, Public Buildings, Highway, Sanitary, and Electrical Divisions; the Fire and Police Departments; and the Metropolitan District Com- mission; and acknowledges especially the co-operation of the Superintendent of Schools, the Assistant Superintendent, the Principals of the Senior High and Junior High Schools, and the Supervising Principals and Teachers of the Elementary Schools.
Separate acknowledgment is made of the many co-oper- ative services rendered this Commission by the Director and Teachers of the Trade High School in the construction of play- ground and recreation equipment, electrical work, printing, and other specialized services which not only represent a saving of dollars and cents to the City, but also a guaranteed quality of work.
Appreciation is expressed also to the various Churches and members of the clergy, and to Veteran, Service, and Social organizations of the City for their co-operation during the past year.
Deserved recognition is also given to the "SOMERVILLE JOURNAL-PRESS" and to the Somerville Edition of the "BOS- TON AMERICAN" for the excellent coverage given the Com- mission's program and activities throughout the year. Without the continuous and accurate presentation to the public of the recreational opportunities available to them via these two ex- cellent media, the response to, and recognition of, the Com- mission's program would be substantially reduced.
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RECREATION COMMISSION
Appended to this Report is the Financial Summary for the year 1959 and a list of Activities Under The Recreation Com- mission.
Respectfully submitted by THE RECREATION COMMISSION, by REV. N. PROPERZI, Chairman
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ANNUAL REPORTS
City of Somerville, Recreation Commission FINANCIAL SUMMARY, 1959
ANNUAL APPROPRIATION (March 30)
$103,454.27
SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION (April 3)
1,400.00
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS
$104,854.27
TRANSFERS:
To D.P.W., Ordinary Maintenance Account (Nov. 12)
$1,000.00
To Election Comm., Pay of Election Of- ficers Acct. (Nov. 12)
750.00
To Election Comm., Ordinary Maintenance Account (Nov. 12) 250.00
To Licensing Comm., Ordinary Maintenance Account (Nov. 12)
200.00
To Police Department, Ordinary Mainte- nance Acct. (Nov. 24) 900.00
To Police Department, Personal Services Account (Nov. 24)
200.00
$3,300.00
3,300.00
$101,554.27
EXPENDITURES:
Salaries and Wages
$89,262.19
Athletic Supplies
2,042.38
Playground Supplies, Paraphernalia, Etc.
2,066.99
Other Recreation Supplies
2,564.27
Printing, Planographing, Etc.
241.00
Rental of Equipment, Trucks, Buses, Etc. ..
347.40
Music Scores, Records, Etc.
24.39
Office Supplies
505.24
Telephone
448.86
Postage, Parcel Post, and Express
219.92
Repairs
260.41
Photographic Services and Supplies
326.53
Special Services
51.65
Maintenance of Vehicles
716.06
Automobile Allowance
470.00
Books and Pamphlets for Workers' Profes- sional Improvement
18.00
Carfares and Other Personal Disbursements Convention Expenses
191.00
Insurance
95.12
Special Item:
Basketball Set
180.33
All Other
84.65
TOTAL EXPENDITURES
$100,162.05
100,162.05
UNEXPENDED BALANCE
$1,392.22
45.66
ACTIVITIES UNDER THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE RECREATION COMMISSION
Recreation Activity
No. of Units
Age Group
Location
Plgds. & School Grounds
July - Aug.
Sept. - Dec. - Mar. - June
Saturday Playgrounds
14
Under 12
School Grounds & Plgds.
Saturday Indoor Centers
8
Under 12
School Bldgs.
Jan. - March
Sept. - June
Boys' Clubs
6 4
Girls' Clubs
5
9-16
Parks & Plgds.
Baseball "Clinic" for Boys
1
9-16
Parks & Plgds.
Ceramics Clubs
5
Adult
Public Bldg.
Oct. - June
Arts & Crafts Clubs (Boy-Girl) . .
3
8-12
School Bldgs.
Oct. - June
Teen-Craft Club for Girls
1
11-16
Public Bldg.
Camera Club
1
Adult
Public Bldg.
Year - round
Children's Theatre
2
8-12
School Bldgs.
Oct. - May
Story-Telling Program
1
Under 11
Public Library
Jan. - Apr. - Oct. - Dec.
Community Recreation Chorus ...
1
Adult
School Bldg.
Oct. - May Oct. - May
"Fisical" Fitness Program (Boys) ..
4
12-16
School Bldgs.
Oct. - March
"Fisical" Fitness Program (Girls) Model Aircraft Clubs
3
10-16
School Bldgs.
Oct. - May
Gymnasium Program for Men ..... Leagues for Boys:
1
Adult
School Bldg.
Oct. - March
Basketball
22 teams
12-19
School Bldgs.
Twilight Basketball (Outdoor)
15 teams
13-20
Pldg. & School Grounds
Leagues for Men:
8 teams
Adult
School Bldg.
Nov. - March
Basketball
16 teams
Adult
Public Alleys
Sept. - Apr.
Bowling
12 teams
Adult
Parks & Pldgs.
Apr. - Sept.
Softball
Twilight Basketball (Outdoor)
10 teams
Adult
Playground
May - July
Senior Citizens Program
1
Over 60
Y. M. C. A.
Year - round
Program for "Shut-Ins"
Under 14
Somerville Hospital
Year - round
..
.... .
11-18
School Bldgs.
School Bldgs.
Sept. - June
Oct. - Dec. - Apr. - June June
RECREATION COMMISSION
Junior Recreation Chorus
1
12-18
School Bldg.
1
12-18
School Bldg.
Oct. - March
Dec. - April May - July
30
Season
Summer Playgrounds
27
Under 16
11-18
Afternoon Supervised Athletics ..
Oct. - June
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ANNUAL REPORTS
REPORT OF THE SOMERVILLE HOUSING AUTHORITY FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1959
December 31, 1959
To the Honorable, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville
Gentlemen:
The Annual Meeting and Election of Officers of the Somerville Housing Authority was held January 14, 1959, in the office of the Authority, 30 Memorial Road, Somerville, Massachusetts. At this time, the Somerville Housing Authority organized for the year 1959 and the following members were elected to serve as officers for the ensuing year:
Chairman
Francis J. DiCiaccio
Vice-Chairman Charles P. Mamakos
Treasurer John R. Wiseman
Assistant Treasurer Charles P. Mamakos
PERSONNEL
In addition to the above named officers, Mr. John J. Gay and Mr. Ernest E. Jennings constituted the entire membership of the Authority at the outset of the year. On January 14, 1959, Francis J. DiCiaccio was appointed as a member of the Somerville Housing Authority to replace Albert F. Fitzgerald, who resigned December 8, 1958, and whose term expires June 8, 1960. Mr. DiCiaccio, in turn, resigned his membership in April and Gasper Amato was appointed to succeed him on April 23, 1959. His appointment was confirmed by the Board of Aldermen on May 4, 1959 and he took the oath of office the same day. His appointment will expire on June 8, 1960. In the meantime, Charles P. Mamakos took over the duties of Chairman as Acting Chairman. On September 10, 1959, John R. Wiseman, whose term had expired on June 8th, was re-ap- pointed for a term of five years to expire June 8, 1964. He was sworn in on September 18, 1959.
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