Youth Job Picture Brightens: Rent-a-Kid Established-This Day In Norwood History-July 9, 1974

.This program, the third of its kind introduced in town this summer, aims to bridge the gap between young job seekers and residents, senior citizens, and homemakers who require assistance with odd jobs. Directed by Helen Fouhey, a 1974 graduate of Norwood High School and a member of the youth commission, the program operates under the supervision of Youth Coordinator Maureen Kenny.

Operating out of the Town Hall, Rent-a-Kid is designed to foster positive relationships between young people and the community. As Miss Kenny explained, “It could fill the need for jobs for young people and the need of adults to get jobs done,” while also encouraging creativity in youths as they navigate real-world work situations. The services offered include baby-sitting, window washing, cellar cleaning, yard work, pet care, and running errands. To participate, youths aged 12 to 16 register their details with Miss Fouhey, who maintains a database of applicants. When a job request is received, the office contacts a qualified candidate based on application date, job description, and geographic location. The applicant then receives an introductory card to present at the job site, with the card serving as a follow-up mechanism upon completion. Miss Kenny also announced that she will extend her office hours on Central Street to include Wednesday evenings from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. to better connect with local youth.

Simultaneously, Norwood is serving as the headquarters for a federally funded summer employment consortium encompassing 15 area towns. Operating out of the newly opened office at the Winslow School, the consortium has received a grant of $202,688 to provide summer work for approximately 300 economically disadvantaged youths between the ages of 14 and 21. Larry Fitch, the program director, noted that the consortium is providing work within each participant’s hometown, including roles in municipal offices, the library, recreation departments, and various nonprofit agencies. Wages are funded through the federal grant at the $2 per hour minimum wage. While Norwood has successfully placed many youths in municipal roles, Mr. Fitch noted that approximately 60 to 70 additional participants are still needed to reach the program’s full capacity.

In town political news, Finance Commission member George Elias appears set to face a recall election regarding his seat. Despite the filing of recall petitions by resident Dominic T. Puopolo—who cited Elias’s alleged apathy and poor attendance at meetings—Elias has not submitted a resignation. The Board of Selectmen is scheduled to meet to determine the validity of the petitions and potentially set a date for a special election, which must occur within 25 to 35 days of signature validation. While questions remain regarding potential conflicts between the town charter’s recall procedures and state law, the process continues to move forward, marking a period of intense civic and administrative activity for the town of Norwood.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger