USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1937 > Part 22
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During 1937 twenty-eight cases of Aid to Dependent Children were recorded, involving 125 persons,of whom about 75 were under sixteen.
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The federal grants, based only on those children under sixteen, are paid directly into the Aid to Dependent Children account to be used for the same purpose again without any transfer of accounting or vote of the town. The state reimbursement, considerably larger than the federal grant, gives consideration to the total amount expended for all members in the family regardless of age. This state money goes into the general receipts of the town and while it has to be included in the so-called appropriation the effect on the tax levy is offset because the anticipated receipts represent a town income and can so be used in formulating the tax warrant. The appended schedule of actual cost to the town on account of Aid to Dependent Children for 1937 may make this still more clear :
Aid to Dependent Children : 28 cases, 125 persons
Total Expended
$ 17,788.77
Credits
U. S. Grants
$ 4,756.74 5,599.86
Billed to State
Miscellaneous Credits
20.46 10,377.06
Net Cost
$ 7,411.71
It will readily be recognized that this branch of assistance calls for the most intelligent administrative effort. The primary investigation must be of the soundest because these cases are not opened unless there is likelihood of need of assistance over a considerable period of time. The detail of this first check-up is far too extensive to admit of specifi- cation in a report of this kind. After a case has properly been set up and there is assurance that the person responsible for the family has due appreciation of the intention of the whole business it becomes poor administrative policy to interfere too much in the regular detailed family affairs. To do so would destroy one of the greatest values inherent in the plan; namely, self-reliance.
Frequent periodic visits are duly made, in fact they are required under state regulation, and these reports constitute a running history of the progress of the family. The moral tone of the home must be kept up to the required standard because worthiness is one of the first re- quirements for eligibility.
The cost of this administration has to be absorbed in the general administrative expense. The work, both in the office and in the field, is carried on in connection with general aid work and in a community of this size it would appear to be financially inadvisable to separate it.
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Administrative
The technical necessity of proper clerical organization in a muni- cipal welfare department is immediately recognized because as a direct result of our statistical records, which are the basis of all claims for federal grants and for reimbursement from the state and from other cities and towns, some $84,000.00 was received by Reading in reimburse- ment and grants in 1937. To anyone not familiar with the work the amount of detail connected with the maintenance of standard records is astounding. A year's compilation represents thousands of pages of closely written figures, dates, names, addresses, settlement data, case histories, notices, and numerous copies of the monthly, quarterly, and yearly reports required by government agencies. About fifty regular forms are used in the various ramifications of clerical detail.
The firing line of welfare work is the investigation and visiting. Adequate mental equipment and training, combined with experience, are the main factors for success in handling the wide variety of situations which present themselves. The development of a policy of concentrated effort on individual case work is now under way and the dividends from this, to a certain degree in money savings but more especially in the efficiency of the applied dollar, are already becoming evident.
Fortunately the interest of the administrative personnel has always been keen toward the job in hand. As a result of this good attention our administrative rating with the state and federal authorities is high and Reading has been accorded its full measure of assistance, financial and otherwise, from these sources.
In conclusion I wish to give recognition to the attitude of co-opera- tion existing between all other town departments and the welfare de- partment and to express appreciation for the helpful direction and assistance given by the Board of Public Welfare and the Bureau of Old Age Assistance throughout the year.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD E. HARNDEN, Welfare Superintendent.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
To the Board of Public Welfare
Bureau of Old Age Assistance
The report of administration of Old Age Assistance for the year 1937 is submitted herewith:
The total number of cases assisted during the year under Old Age Assistance was 204, an increase of 55 over the previous year. A classi- fied report of the amounts expended appears in the report of the Town Accountant. There was, of course, a substantial increase in total ex-
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penditure over 1936, but there was a reduction in Reading's proportion- ate cost. The federal grants and the more favorable percentage of state reimbursement, which went into effect September 1st, 1936, were in operation throughout the year 1937. The benefit of this is not com- pletely understood unless consideration is given to the fact that in 1936 Reading received a special allotment, for that year only, of some $5,000.00 from state liquor fees to offset expenditures under Old Age Assistance. A statement showing both the expenditures and the re- ceipts applying to Old Age Assistance is shown below to indicate the actual cost, more especially as it applies to tax levy on real estate. Total Amount Expended for Assistance
Credits
U. S. Grants-for O. A. A. Outlay $ 21,817.05
Billed to the State 13,263.50
Billed to Other Cities and Towns
1,435.77
Miscellaneous Credits and Refunds
206.00
36,722.32
Net Cost for Assistance
$ 18,178.01
The estimate made by the Bureau at the beginning of the year, based on the entire history of this form of assistance since its begin- ning in 1931 and taking into account the general case trend under new legislation which had then been effective but four months, was a re- markably accurate forecast, both as to the amount necessary for assist- ance and the portion of this which would be credited to the account from federal grants.
An unexplained surge in applications from October to the end of the year, which occurred not only in Reading but throughout the state, necessitated the raising of an additional two thousand dollars, but even this left the original estimate better than 96 per cent correct. Close students of the matter do not entirely agree as to the increase now to be expected but it appears reasonable to expect approximately forty new cases sometime during 1938. A showing of the case load by months, together with a schedule of age brackets, may be of assistance to anyone interested in this phase, particularly if compared with a similar set of figures shown in the report for 1936.
Old Age Assistance Case Load By Months-1937
135 active cases January 1, 1937.
Month
New Cases
Closed Reason for Closing End of Cases Death Moved Other Month
January
6
1
1
140
February
8
0
148
March
9
6
3
3 151
April
4
3
2
1 152
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$ 54,900.33
Month
Cases
May
2
2
2
152
June
6
6
2
3
1 152
July
8
2
2
158
August
10
1
1
167
September
5
4
4
168
October
4
4
1
1
2
168
November
11
1
1
178
December
2
4
2
1
1
176
-
-
75
34
18
7
9
Number assisted during the year :
Native-born
152
Naturalized
52
204
Age Brackets-Existing Cases as of 1937
Men
Women
65 to 69
19
26
70 to 74
26
39
75 to 79
23
25
80 to 84
8
21
Over 84
7
10
83
121
Old Age Assistance has been in operation since 1931, a comparative- ly short period, and further insight may be gained from a tabulation showing the number of persons taken on each year, indicating how many of them still remain as continuing cases :
Number of Applications Number Remaining as Active Accepted Cases December 31, 1937
Years
1931
39
14
1932
18
6
1933
8
5
1934
19
8
1935
30
14
1936
81
64
1937
68
65
263
176
New Closed Reason for Closing End of Cases Death Moved Other Month
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As noted in previous reports, application for Old Age Assistance entails an exhaustive investigation as soon as presented to the Bureau. The methods and requirements of this investigation are subject to state regulation and must conform to federal standards, especially the establishment of age, citizenship, required residence in Massachusetts, and need.
The local Bureau, has, and properly so, the actual duty of determ- ining eligibility and granting assistance where needed.
Ten applications were denied in 1937 as ineligible for assistance. Appeals were taken to the State Board of Appeal by some applicants who were denied and by some recipients on the matter of increased as- sistance but in all but two instances the action of the local bureau has been sustained.
The state authorities have co-operated with us at all times but there seems to be no way of avoiding the administrative burden laid on all cities and towns through the multiplicity of records, reports, statistics, notices, and other data required of us by various state and federal de- partments. In some cases we have noted that what appeared to be the same information was demanded in eleven different forms. However, with the state and federal preponderence of reimbursement which exists, it appears good policy to conform.
Two elements have appeared consistently for so long a time in the matter of Old Age Assistance that they must be classed as permanent factors. First, many persons apply for Old Age Assistance who have never previously asked for any public aid. Second, either the willingness or the ability of children to support their parents is evidently approach- ing the vanishing point. This second factor has been the subject matter of proposed legislation for the past several years in an attempt to re- move it from the picture.
The moral effect of such a step is doubtful. The removal of the "support by children" clause would undoubtedly eliminate one of the most perplexing burdens falling on the shoulders of the local bureaus but anything which tends to depreciate family responsibility is of doubtful permanent value.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD E. HARNDEN,
Director Bureau of Old Age Assistance.
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REPORT OF W. P. A. SPONSORS AGENT
February 15, 1938
Board of Selectmen,
Reading, Massachusetts
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the annual report of your Sponsor's Agent, cov- ering sixteen Federal Relief Projects in operation during the year 1937.
In October Forest H. Bryant, Sponsor's Agent, who had served almost since the beginning of the Federal Relief Projects, passed away, and in November Arthur C. Michelini was appointed by the Board of Selectmen to succeed him.
ANNUAL REPORT OF W. P. A. RECREATION PROJECT JANUARY 1937-DECEMBER 1937
Recreation
"Recreation of body and mind through stimuli selected
by the individual to suit his particular needs and desires."
Adult Activities
All events and activities limited to adults were held in the Senior High School. The gymnasium, library, classrooms, and the auditorium were made available to the Recreation project through the courtesy of the Reading School Committee.
January 1937 found the adult activities organized and getting fair support from the townspeople. The classes and activities enjoyed were : basketball for men and women, gymnastics, social dancing, dramatics and an entirely new phase of recreation-Navigation. Dramatics
In 1936 a group of adults interested in dramatics, organized, under the sponsorship of the W. P. A. Recreation, a club known as Dramarta. In January 1937, this group was again organized and sponsored by the project. From January to May this unit prepared and presented three skits for local organizations and churches. On April 26, 1937, Dramarta presented three one-act plays in Shepardson Hall, Junior High School. All phases of the production including lighting, stage effect, costumes, and make up were created or supplied by the club. During the interval necessary for the changes in scenery, Mr. Morton, of the Board of Se- lectmen, sponsors of the project, told the audience of the past work of the W. P. A. Recreation project.
A change in the personnel of the project brought the dramatic work under the direction of H. N. Bates. Immediately request for Dramarta began to arrive at W. P. A. Recreation headquarters. The first pro- duction was given at Enterprise Hall, for the Reading Grange. Two one
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act plays were offered. Three days later, the same play were produced for the Wilmington Grange in Wilmington. The Northern Residents' Association were the next to request an entertainment. There were so many calls for this group that there was not sufficient time to rehearse a new entertainment. From December 11, until the end of the holiday season, all calls were refused. Approximately 1,200 people were enter- tained by Dramarta from October to the end of December.
No. of sessions 48
Aggregate participation 1008
Basketball
A league was formed with four teams playing scheduled games once a week, and one out of town game per week. An all-star team was selected from the league to play all-star teams from the neighboring towns. 12 league games were played, 6 all-star games, and 12 out-of- town games. In mid-March the league was discontinued, due to changes in personnel. The following October, the basketball for men was re- sumed, the league reformed and play started. The formation of the Church Basketball League put a decided crimp in the Recreation League.
No. of sessions 39 Aggregate participation 897
A league for young women was started and game played once a week. Competition was not stressed, so no out of town games were arranged.
No. of sesions 26
Aggregate participation 231
Gymnastics
This class for women only was opened during January. The re- sponse was not as favorable as was expected, but after a few sessions the enrollment increased. Conditional, fundamental, and reducing ex- ercises were offered. Monday and Wednesday evenings were set aside for this class. The latter part of the evening was given over to an ac- tive game period. Again competition was not emphasized but good fellowship and the fun of doing things together was fostered. These meetings were held until the end of March.
The program was again organized in October, and classes are still being held on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7:30 o'clock, in the Senior High School gymnasium.
No. of sessions 42
Aggregate participation 714
Navigation
This new phase of recreation was opened to the adults of Reading, Stoneham and Wakefield. This was not a purely technical course, but
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came under the "hobby" group. Instruction started with boxing the compass, its variations, and deviations, method of finding positions at sea, dead reckoning, piloting and various methods of keeping a course. The finding of latitude and longitude by sighting the sun and the stars was included in the early meetings. Practical use of a sextant was also demonstrated.
This class is one of two such conducted under the W. P. A. Recrea- tion. The other group meets in Quincy, Mass. The enrollment included 31 men who are keenly interested in this subject.
No. of sessions 8
Aggregate participation 130
Community Baseball Twi-League
Launching its third season on May 10, 1937, the six-cornered circuit held forth on Monday, Wednesday and Friday evenings, at the Wash- ington Street Ball Park. These teams entered: Bear Hill, Firecracker Alley, Mudville, Board of Trade, Whiskey Hollow and the Rubber Shop. Play-offs continued until the third week of September. Forty-five games were played with 125 men taking an active part in this league. Mudville came out with the winner by nosing out the Alley by just one point. The Alley trailed a close second all season, so close that Mud- ville's championship was not secure until all games were played.
No. of sessions 45
Aggregate particpation 1005
Program For Children and Adults Recreation Center, 180 Haven Street
It is a fact that the Recreation Center attracted more attention and drew more publicity than the project had had for the two previous years. The central location and large display windows, in which are shown the handicraft exhibits, drew the attention of the public. Many people did not realize that Reading offered, through the W.P.A. Recrea- tion Project, so many interesting and constructive opportunities to the youngsters.
Active Games
Ping-pong and table bowling were the two most popular games. Tournaments and contests in each game were held several times. Inter- town games and matches with Stoneham and Wakefield were held. Visiting the other towns gave both instructors and players a chance to see how other projects were operated. In some instances, home con- ditions were more appreciated after the visits were made. One element which was especially noticeable, was the friendly spirit between players.
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While rivalry and competition were keen, there never were any argu- ments or disputes over scores.
No. of sessions 140
Aggregate participation 9746
Quiet Games
Card and table games interested those who did not participate in the more active events. Monopoly, Uncle Wiggley, football and baseball games, checkers, cribbage and chess were enjoyed. Rummy and whist were favorite games with both young and old.
No. of sessions 140
Aggregate participation 6593
Handicrafts
Leather craft, including tooling, wood working, paper craft, pyro- craft, knitting, crocheting, and sewing classes were carried on at the Recreation Center. Instruction and materials were free. Many decora- tive and useful articles were made under the instruction and supervision of the W. P. A. instructors. Book ends, door holders, and crocheted gifts were designed and made.
Dramatics
The first attempt to organize a junior dramatic group, came in De- cember 1937. At this time some of the boys and girls who attend the center, or the children's craft classes, were organized to present a Christ- mas play at a party tendered the children of the Old South M. E. Church. This play entitled "The Princess of Giving" and written by the dramatic instructor, was again presented at the Recreation Center as part of the entertainment at the annual Christmas party given by the recreation staff. This same group of children presented the play for the Junior C. E. in Memorial Hall, Reading Baptist Church.
Special Events
The feature events of the Center included ping-pong tourneys, ro- tative game parties, bowling contests and the annual Christmas party.
Christmas Party
Special mention must be made for this event. The Recreation Cen- ter was decorated with evergreens, pines and regular Christmas trim- mings. All these were supplied by the children. A small stage was set up and a forest of Fir trees was erected. Here the pageant, "The Prin- cess of Giving" was presented. Santa Claus, and three clowns made merry for the 112 boys and girls who attended. Christmas carols and songs loved by children were sung to open the program. The clowns put on several funny acts, and then the play was given. Santa then
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passed out candy canes, while the recreation staff prepared ice cream and cake for all.
The Recreation Center was closed on June 1, 1937, when the out- door season opened. The Center was re-opened on November 15, 1937 for a Fall and Winter program.
Spring Program
Memorial Park
The outdoor program started on June 1, when all equipment was available at Memorial Park. Outside activities included tennis, soft ball, archery, golf and deck tennis. The Barn was open for crafts and indoor games. The swing yard and sand box, always in demand by the younger children, was also opened. Craft class schedules were posted and the spring season was on.
No of days open 20
Aggregate participation
1674
Playground Season June 21, 1937 - September 7, 1937
Playground System for 1937
Playgrounds :
Birch Meadow, Memorial Park.
Baseball Diamonds:
Junior High Field, Birch Meadow, Pleasant Street, Washington Street Park.
Tennis Courts:
Memorial Park, Birch Meadow, Washington Street.
MEMORIAL PARK
Handicrafts
Wood-working, leather craft, sewing, knitting and crocheting, were taught. The youngsters were instructed in the correct use of the craft tools, and encouraged to produce their own designs and patterns.
No. of sessions : 36.
Aggregate participation : 1188.
ACTIVE SPORTS
Tennis
The courts were in daily use when the weather permitted. Begin- ners classes were organized and many youngsters enrolled. A tennis team was formed to play out-of-town matches. Six matches were played with teams representing Winchester and Stoneham playgrounds. No. of days : 60.
Aggregate participation : 3360.
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Archery
A new feature was added to this sport. Junior and Senior Clubs were started. A boy or girl automatically became a club member by obtaining a certain shooting score. A balloon shoot was held, the boys proved themselves good balloon potters.
No. of days : 51
Aggregate participation : 378.
Golf
The small 9-hole course was relaid and the equipment repaired. Many a youngster improved his drives, but putting was impossible.
No. of days : 53.
Aggregate participation : 471.
Deck Tennis
This game was played on both indoor and outdoor courts. Teams were selected, and scheduled games played.
No. of days : 43.
Aggregate participation : 224.
Ping-Pong
The barn was reserved on certain days for such indoor sports, as ping-pong, deck tennis, paddle tennis, card and table games.
No. of days : 63.
Aggregate participation : 3218.
Baseball
A Junior Park League, consisting of four teams, representing Mem- orial Park, Birch Meadow, Junior High Field, and Washington Street Park, played three scheduled games per week. There were 24 league games with 134 boys as active participants. A Junior All-Star team was selected from the best players of the four teams. The Reading All-Stars Juniors, played six games with Winchester and Stoneham; won 5 games, and lost 1.
August 12, 1937, three bus loads of boys between the ages of 10 and 14, were taken to Fenway Park to see the Red Sox play ball. This trip was made by 131 boys, several instructors and the supervisors. All enjoyed the game, peanuts, and hot dogs.
The baseball season was closed with a special baseball field day. There were six features in this event; base running for speed, fungo, hitting for distance, throwing to home from the outfields, for accuracy, distance throwing, accurate throwing from home to second, and a 50- yard dash. Twenty-four boys picked from each team contested in this final event.
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No. of days : baseball sessions : 35.
Aggregate participation : 1308.
The team representing Memorial Park won the league pennant, for the second consecutive year. Since the team was called the "Tigers", the boys were awarded tiger-head emblems. The final baseball field day winners were also presented with trophies and awards.
Tournaments
The Reading Playgrounds annually conduct tournaments and con- tests in sports and games. The winners for 1937 are listed below :
Bowling: Senior, Ralph Meuse; Junior, Ralph Nickerson.
Checkers : Elsie Mason.
Deck Tennis : Bob Spellman.
Croquet : Steve Doucette.
Handicrafts: Boys, Steve Doucette; Girls, Edith Gray.
Toss Combination : Bob Spellman.
Ping-Pong: Joe Dunn.
Tennis : Jim Marchetti.
Baseball Field Day: George Hodgkins, Henry Collins, Dick Merrit, Ray Ameriault, and John Quinlan.
Memorial Park Tigers: John Storti, John Kelly, Herby White, Tom Hay, Ernie Hubbard, Alex Clapperton, Dick Avery and Joe Dunn.
Junior Patrol Leaders
The Recreation staff feels that special mention should be given to the boys and girls who served on the Patrol and assisted on the play- grounds. They were Edith Gray, Steve Doucette, Ken Gray, Charlotte Brown, Bob Gray, John Muise, Marion Gray and Joe Muise.
Post Playground Season-September and November, 1937
Memorial Park
The grounds and building at Memorial Park were open daily from 2:00 o'clock till 9:00 o'clock. Outdoor sports and games were carried on when the weather permitted. The Barn was available for crafts and games.
No. of days : 25.
Aggregate participation : 428.
Washington Street Park
Fifty-six boys were organized into a football league of four teams, representing : Mudville, Memorial Park, Washington Street, and Jun- ior High Field. Games were played at Washington Street. Only four games were played when one boy broke his collar bone; it was deemed best to cancel the remaining games to prevent further injuries.
No. of days : 8.
Aggregate participation : 134.
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Winter Season-November and December, 1937
Children's Craft Class
Two rooms on the upper floor of the Opportunity School, School Street, were opened to the Recreation Project to conduct craft classes for boys and girls. Here paper-craft, sewing, crocheting, tapestry work, and wood-working were carried on. All finished products were dis- played at the Recreation Center.
No. of days : 36.
Aggregate participation : 1182.
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