Report of the city of Somerville 1960, Part 7

Author: Somerville (Mass.)
Publication date: 1960
Publisher:
Number of Pages: 356


USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Somerville > Report of the city of Somerville 1960 > Part 7


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The micro-filming of the Somerville Journal and the Somerville Journal Press still holds our number one priority. This project is an absolute necessity as we have the only com- plete files in existence, but because of lack of appropriation can do nothing about it. It is hoped that this year with the cooperation of His Honor the Mayor and the members of the Board of Aldermen that through the assistance of the State Grant in Aid Funds, we will be able to complete this project.


We again acknowledge our appreciation of the cooperation of Mr. Charles Kelley of the Recreation Department for jointly sponsoring the story hours at the Central Library every Friday afternoon conducted by Mr. Walter Flaherty.


We are indebted to the editors of the Somerville Journal Press and the Somerville edition of the Boston American for the weekly columns on the activities of the Somerville Public Library.


In the month of October, we were saddened by the sudden death of Mrs. J. Helen Clough, a former member of the Board of Trustees and a Past President and the death of Miss Marion


124


ANNUAL REPORTS


Johnian, the First Assistant at the West Branch, following a lingering illness.


The following appointments were made on the Board of Trustees:


Mrs. Mary O'Hear was appointed to fill the unexpired term of the late John J. Griffen.


Mrs. Mary A. Carr was appointed for a three-year term re- placing Mr. John J. Sheehan.


Rt. Rev. Msgr. Thomas F. Garrity and the Rev. Dr. H. Daniel Hawver were reappointed for another three-year term.


Staff changes were as follows:


RESIGNATIONS


Mrs. Edna O'Brien MacDonald


Mary E. Sweeney


PROMOTIONS


Anne M. Russell


First Assistant Senior Assistant, 1 st year


Althea L. Donahue


Kathryn D. Fralick


Margaret T. Kelly


Mildred C. Murphy


Mary T. Sullivan


Angelina Errico


Junior Assistant, 1 st year


11


11


11


Marie P. Lawless


11


Mary E. Sweeney


Mary Tuccelli


APPOINTMENTS


Patricia A. Stackpole Non-Professional Jean M. Wall


As always I am indebted to the Board of Trustees for their interest, cooperation, and advice; and to the Library Staff, I extend my appreciation for the contribution each has made during the year. Somerville has a tradition of maintaining an excellent library. Probably no other department in the com- munity renders daily service to so many of our citizens. Therefore, with the constantly expanding activity in the areas of recreation and education, the Library, a basic resource in both fields, must play an increasing part.


Respectfully submitted,


JOHN D. KELLEY, Librarian


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125


PUBLIC LIBRARY


AMERICAN LIBRARY ASSOCIATION FORM FOR UNIFORM STATISTICS


City: Somerville County: Middlesex State: Massachusetts


Name of Library: The Public Library of the City of Somerville


Date of Founding: 1872


Name of Librarian: John D. Kelley


Report of the fiscal year ending: December 31, 1960


Governmental unit of support and service: City


Population served (1960 census) 94,697


Terms of Use: Free for lending - Free for reference


Agencies


Central Library


1


Branches in Library Building


2


Branches in rented rooms


2


Stations in rented rooms


1


Others, in schools


273


in institutions


8


TOTAL


287


CIRCULATION AND USE


Number of volumes of adult non-fiction lent for home use


66,241


Number of volumes of adult fiction lent for home use


91,698


Number of volumes of juveniles lent for home use 287,010


Total number of volumes lent for home use


444,949


Period of loan for the majority of adult book stock - 14 days


Number of inter-library loans: Volumes lent 15


Volumes borrowed 11


Number of reference questions answered 19,323


Total number of records lent for home use


16,177


REGISTRATION


Adult


Juvenile


Total


Total number of registered borrowers


9,990


9,238


19,228


Borrowers registered during year


4,955


4,839


9,794


Registration Period: 2 years


BOOK STOCK


Adult


Juvenile


Total


Number of volumes December 31, 1959 ...


96,732


58,881


155,613


Number of volumes added during year


4,903


5,937


10,840


Number of volumes withdrawn during year ..


3,846


4,627


8,473


Number of volumes December 31, 1960


...


97,789


60,191


157,980


Number of newspapers currently received excluding duplicates


16


Number of periodicals currently received excluding duplicates


163


126


ANNUAL REPORTS


FINANCE


Assessed valuation of the city (Real Estate) ... $125,257,100.00


Receipts


Local taxation


$242,057.14


Library Department


Fines included in above .


$7,012.11


Dog licenses included in above


$4,510.25


Invested Funds:


Balance from 1959


$1,385.95


Income during 1960


2,459.70


3,845.65


TOTAL .... ...


$245,902.79


Expenditures


Salaries:


Library Department


$201,200.79


Books:


Appropriation


$21,125.48


Funds


1,817.08


22,942.56


Music:


Appropriation


371.19


Funds


189.63


560.82


Periodicals:


Appropriation


1,443.47


Funds


17.60


1,461.07


Binding


Insurance


Other operating expenses:


Appropriation


9,255.57


Funds


579.74


9,835.31


TOTAL


$236,987.84


Transfers to Other Departments


To Damage to Persons and Property Account:


Personal Services


2,000.00


Balance


December, 1960


Library Department:


Appropriation:


Services


$5,656.35


Ordinary Maintenance ..


17.00


Funds


1,241.60


6,914.95


GRAND TOTAL


$245,902.79/


987.29


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RECREATION COMMISSION


Dedication


REV. NAZARENO PROPERZI, P.S.S.C.


The Recreation Commission dedicates this edition of its 1960 Annual Report to the Reverend Nazareno Properzi, its beloved Chairman for seventeen years and Member of the Commission for thirty years, who went to his eternal rest on December 21, 1960.


Father Properzi, by his excellent example, was an inspira- tion to all who came into contact with him, and words are inadequate to describe the extent of his loss to the temporal and spiritual welfare of the community. It is indeed fortunate that he left on all who knew him an indelible impression that will live as long as his memory remains.


In the words of his Eulogy he is described as a "light shin- ing upon the mountain . not a blinding light, but a soft, discreet, beneficent light, yet penetrating and illuminating, and guiding with that good sense and persuasion that was in his nature as a wise, intelligent and well balanced man.


May he have everlasting rest.


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ANNUAL REPORTS


THE RECREATION COMMISSION 1960


THE REVEREND NAZARENO PROPERZI, Chairman


Term Expires


MEMBERS


January


Mrs. Marion M. Cabral


1960


William J. Crotty .


1961


William A. Curtin


1962


William J. Koen


1962


Joseph M. Margey, Jr. .


1962


Edward M. McCarty


1961


William E. McNamara


1961


John E. Medairos


1962


Dr. T. Leo White


1961


Secretary To The Commission: CHARLES C. KELLEY


RECREATION COMMISSION


129


REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMISSION


January 1, 1961


To the Honorable, the Mayor and the Board of Aldermen of the City of Somerville


Gentlemen:


For the third time in eleven years, the Recreation Commis- sion begins its Annual Report on a note of sadness. And for the third time also, the Recreation Movement in Somerville has lost a champion of its cause, while the City itself has lost a truly spiritual leader. On Wednesday, December 21, the citi- zens of Somerville were shocked to hear of the sudden and untimely death of beloved Father Nazareno Properzi, who had been a member of the Recreation Commission for thirty years and served at various intervals as its Chairman for seventeen of these years. Throughout these thirty years his extreme patience, forbearance, dignity, courage, human understanding, and tact were an inspiration to all who served with him and under him, and during this time he made many vital contribu- tions to the Public Recreation Service as adviser, crusader, defender, and supporter. It was due largely to the important role he played as crusader and defender that the Commission itself was able to survive during the "Trying Thirties". Father Properzi always regarded death as merely a transition, and perhaps we should try to follow his pattern in this regard. But this is difficult to do when a man of his stature breathes his last. He will be missed. Fortunately his footprints are many and deep. Would that they were indelible.


In March of this year, two foreign visitor students who were studying at Springfield College conferred with the Superin- tendent at the office of the Recreation Commission. They had been referred to the Commission by Dr. Charles F. Weckwerth, Director of Recreation at Springfield College, who "listed Somerville's Public Recreation Service as one to be observed by these two gentlemen for the important contributions being made to and with people, and in community development


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ANNUAL REPORTS


services". These two gentlemen, Mr. Mohammed Aslam, a government official from Pakistan, and Mr. Georges Clinton, a government official from Haiti, were given a complete history of the Public Recreation Service in Somerville by the Superin- tendent, as well as information relative to the various aspects of organization, program planning, personnel selection and training, etc. The two gentlemen appeared to be very much interested in the information provided by the Superintendent, and had many questions to ask about the Commission's serv- ices. Mr. Aslam was particularly interested in evaluation of the Public Recreation Service (1) by the Recreation Commission itself, (2) by the public officials, and (3) by the community. The Superintendent answered his questions to the best of his ability. He could answer for the Recreation Commission in detail, and for the public officials in general, but he did not feel qualified to answer for the community.


How does a community evaluate such a public service as that provided by the Somerville Recreation Commission? Is it by the degree of participation? Almost without exception, every one of the Commission's activities has the maximum capacity of participants within the limitations of available facilities and leadership personnel. Is it by the type and variety of activities? The Commission has attempted, within the scope of its resources, to conduct a varied program for all people of all ages throughout the year. Is it by the quality of its person- nel? Traditionally, Somerville's Recreation leadership corps ranks with the best. Potential Leaders are screened, and trained where necessary. Successful activities and programs are due principally to the responsible Leaders. Almost without number, unsolicited comments are heard in praise of the qual- ities of various Leaders in the service of the Commission, and former Recreation Leaders now hold key positions in every walk of life. In the Somerville Public Schools system alone, one-quarter of the personnel is made up of former Recreation Leaders.


Evaluation is necessary if a service, be it public or private, is to expand, succeed, or even correct its shortcomings. It is preferable that the evaluation be done by a group of citizens representing a cross section of all the organizations, groups, or people in the city who should either be acquainted with or be- come acquainted with the needs, problems, and opportunities of the Public Recreation Service of the community. Inasmuch as the community itself is the beneficiary of these services, it then becomes the responsibility of such a body, after evalua- tion, to determine what should be done to bring about improve- ment, expansion, or correction. As things now stand, too much


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RECREATION COMMISSION


is expected of too few, and the too few continue to exceed the call of duty in trying to take care of these demands; and unless relieved or assisted, the consequence could be an undesirable one.


PERSONNEL


Frequently the Recreation Commission is complimented on the quality of its staff, both permanent full-time and seasonal part-time (those engaged in Summer and September-to-June


SPACE REQUIREMENTS LIMITED


A couple of boys, a few model plane kits, expert instruction, and today's boy becomes tomorrow's spaceman. But a trip to the moon may come too soon.


programs). Not only is a particular Leader praised for his capability in handling an assignment, but almost without ex- ception is added the personal concern shown by the Leader while working with the participants in a program, be they chil- dren, youth, or adults. How many times reference is made to the way a Leader went seemingly beyond the "call of duty" to make a little child happier, or in the handling of a situation or a problem, or in giving a purpose for living to a Senior Citizen. All of this does not happen by accident.


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ANNUAL REPORTS


All Recreation personnel, both full-time and part-time, are appointed subject to Civil Service regulation, and all are se- lected solely on the basis of qualifications for the work. In special activities such as Music, Drama, Handcraft, etc., spe- cialists are selected whose training and background conform to the requirements of the respective positions. All members of the Commission's full-time staff have Civil Service status as the result of written examinations, and seasonal and part-time personnel are also taken from Civil Service lists. It is only when the Civil Service lists are exhausted that Provisional appoint- ments are possible. But whether or not the Leader is taken from a Civil Service list, there is a screening process which the Commission follows in relation to all applicants for positions in its service. First, the aspiring Recreation Leader must fill out an Application form which will give a history of the ap- plicant's background (education, identity with youth or recre- ation groups, degree of participation in a variety of recreation activities, etc.) and which calls for six References (persons who have observed the applicant in any of the above-mentioned categories). These References are usually teachers, members of the clergy, group leaders (public or private recreation, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, etc.), and former employers. Reference forms are sent by the Superintendent to these persons, and almost without exception the person filling out the form gives much thought and consideration to the items on the form. These are the preliminary steps prior to the applicant's inter- view with the Superintendent.


Although the applicant will be considered for employment with the Recreation Commission in a number of year-round capacities and will be related to the Commission's year-round program (copy of which is appended to this Report), in the majority of instances he or she is immediately considered in relation to the Summer Playgrounds program. Since there is not a complete turnover of the part-time staff each year, ap- plicants are considered only in relation to existing vacancies. (To the advantage of the Commission and the community there is always the nucleus of a veteran staff.) In the interview with the Superintendent, certain qualities are looked for, such as personality, disposition, know-how, know-what, know-why, a concern for the welfare and happiness of others, etc. And unless the applicant has the last-mentioned quality - "a con- cern for the welfare and happiness of others" - he will never become one of those Leaders of whom mention is made in the opening paragraph of this section. The Application and Reference forms give much preliminary information in this direction, but it is only through personal interview that most


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RECREATION COMMISSION


of these essential attributes can be discovered. These young men and women are not going to be working in a store, office, or factory. They will be dealing with human lives, and will play an important role in the shaping of these lives. Therefore, un- less they constantly project themselves and see the activity in its relation to the welfare and happiness of the participants, and are willing to give unselfishly of their time and effort, they are not likely to succeed in this demanding work.


A background as a participant in the Commission's pro- grams is helpful to one applying for leadership work, as the applicant is then better aware of the demands of the work. Veteran members of the full-time and part-time staffs are ever on the lookout for potential Recreation Leaders in their groups, and in the esprit de corps of the service unhesitatingly recom- mend these young people. It is a matter of history that the best Leaders are former participants in the Commission's pro- grams. Even today there are many workers now in the service who aspired to be Recreation Leaders when they were small boys and girls, and because of their attachment to and admira- tion for one of the Leaders at their unit looked forward to the day when they would be old enough to become part of the same system.


Following the interview, the applicant is rated by the Super- intendent, and if he possesses the required qualifications for the work, including availability for service in the September- to-June programs, he is recommended by the Superintendent to the Commission for appointment. These appointments are made usually at the May meeting of the Commission. The number of appointments depends on the number of vacancies in the Summer Playgrounds corps. In the period just prior to the opening of the Summer season the new workers are given a week of extensive training and study in the various aspects of the work, particularly Summer Playgrounds. This includes talks on the philosophy of the work, importance of leadership, instruction in various types of games, handcraft, folk dancing, volley ball, paddle tennis, athletics, first aid, etc., organization of programs, and the particular problems of the various units throughout the City. On the morning of the last day of the training sessions the new workers are taken to one of the Sum- mer Playgrounds and given opportunity to apply their week of instruction to the children themselves, with whom they will be shortly working. On the afternoon of the last day, the Super- intendent and Assistant Superintendent work on assignments to the specific playgrounds, giving careful consideration to the observations and ratings of the new workers during the week of


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ANNUAL REPORTS


training. Much thought is given to these assignments, and usually they work out most satisfactorily. When they don't, it is generally the result of some weakness on the part of the new worker. Up until now the new worker has been a potential Leader, and sometimes even the best potential fails. Then again, sometimes a "new star is born" where one was not ex- pected. Many times this last is the result of being exposed to a top-grade veteran Leader who has a capacity for developing those under him and is able to bring out the best in the new Leader as well as set an excellent pattern for imitation. New Leaders are placed with veteran members of the staff when- ever possible, and it is usually possible.


The new workers, as well as their veteran co-workers, are either college students or teachers. The reasons are obvious. These are the people who are available during the leisure-time hours of the participants, and who have free time in Summer, as well as afternoons, evenings, and Saturdays, when the Com- mission's September-to-June program is conducted. And they are likely to be around during the entire period of their attend- ance at college, and sometimes beyond. The result is a veteran staff and a successful program. It is an axiom of our work, proven so often, that even with the best of facilities, an activity will fail without good leadership; and when facilities are in- adequate, it is the Leader who sustains the program.


General and Special Supervisors and Special Leaders are veteran members of the staff who have come up through the ranks and have proved successful in their various capacities. They give the new workers the benefit of their experience and understanding, and the result is a harmonious and closely-knit corps.


A glance at the lengthy list of the Commission's activities will show that in many of these activities the participants are either men or women, or boys and girls in their late teens; hence the need for a mature person to conduct these programs, one who not only has continuous availability but who is old enough to absorb the philosophy of Recreation and capable of accepting the responsibilities required of him. Again, although the title "Leader" is the one generally accepted as pertaining to Recreation personnel, these Leaders employ the best teach- ing methods, and are usually young men and women who expect to become teachers on the completion of their educa- tion. It is a matter of record that the experience acquired locally in the field of Public Recreation is of untold benefit to


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RECREATION COMMISSION


them and generally results in success in their chosen profession of Education.


Upon graduation from college, most of these young men and women follow the teaching profession, and throughout the country in the various elementary schools, high schools, and even colleges are many educators whose success in their field may be traceable to the training and experience acquired dur- ing their period of identity with the Somerville Recreation Commission. (The Superintendent has many testimonials of this statement.) This is one of the reasons why their instructors in high school and college have recommended that they go into Recreation work.


It is evident then that the good work done by particular successful Leaders, as mentioned in the opening paragraph of this section, did not come about by accident. These workers are not selected to be glorified baby sitters, custodians, or dis- pensers of supplies. They are selected on the basis of their leadership potentials, and Somerville is indeed a better place for it. Anyone who has anything to do with the development and grooming of these potential Recreation Leaders during their formative years is to be commended for his part in mak- ing this leadership potential possible.


ACTIVITIES


Appended to this Report is a summary of the Commission's activities program; therefore, no attempt will be made to com- pletely cover this subject. A brief report on the group Boys' Clubs and Girls' Clubs programs seems appropriate at this time. There was an increase of two in the number of Boys' Clubs this year, due to the return from Military Service of a veteran Boys' Club Counselor, and the availability of a former Counselor. The present number of Clubs (eight) is the largest in the past fifteen years. A desirable number, considering the variety of the Commission's other programs for this age group (12 to 18 years) would be twelve, with a good geographic dis- tribution and with an average membership of twenty to twenty- five. The same applies to the Girls' Clubs, whose number at present is the lowest in recent years. However, these objectives will not be attained until such time as the desirable type of person is available for Counselor work. The nature of this assignment is so specialized that not every Leader can fit the pattern, and it is better to limit the number of Clubs until the desirable type of Counselor is available.


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ANNUAL REPORTS


In the latter part of this year, two new indoor activities: were started by the Commission at the Mystic Avenue Housing Project - an Arts And Crafts Club For Boys And Girls, and a Saturday Indoor Center. As of this writing, despite the limited facilities available, both of these activities have been success- ful. The 1959 Report of the Commission explained in detail its programs at and available to the residents of the Housing Projects. Since then, a new organization, known as the Mystic View Associates (a very successful and dedicated group) has


AN OLD THEME, A NEW SCENE


The principal character in this scene was responsible for dividing time, but He Himself represented and preached the unity of all mankind. In 1960 the Commission changed the entire motif of its Nativity Scene.


been formed, and is working together with a Housing Project Committee of the Somerville Community Council to bring about increase and improvement in Recreation opportunities available to residents of the Projects, especially the youth. The Superintendent is cooperating with both of these groups in at- tempting to bring about such increase and improvement when- ever possible.


In the early Spring of 1960, thirty-five teams applied for admission to the Commission's three Twilight Basketball


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RECREATION COMMISSION


Leagues. Inasmuch as the maximum number of teams that can be taken care of is twenty-five, it is an indication of the growth of this activity. Somerville was one of the pioneers in outdoor Basketball ten years ago, and is perhaps the only city in the United States which operates three such Leagues. Each year, because of Somerville's success and the interest of Basketball enthusiasts in neighboring communities, other cities and towns are now forming such Leagues.


The subject of Senior Citizens is covered in another section of this Report. As of this writing, there are 15,174 known residents of Somerville over sixty years of age. It is obvious then that the time is long past when there should be at least one additional Senior Citizens Club in Somerville. The Recrea- tion Commission, despite its desire at present, does not have the manpower to organize and supervise another such group. This will have to be done by some other agency or organization. However, the Commission is only too willing to offer assistance to any organization interested in the formation of such a group. The history of the success of the present Senior Citizens Club (its membership of 125 is already at a maximum, with a long waiting list), which the Commission sponsors jointly with the Y.M.C.A., is an indication of how much another such group is needed.




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