The Women’s Community Committee opened its 38th year with a meeting at the home of Mrs. Malcolm Orent. Hostesses were Mrs. Harvard Wilkinson and Mrs. Patricia Crawford.

The newly-elected president of the organization is Mrs. Ernest Paciorkowski. Born Helen Neseski in Cambridge, and spending her early years In Longmeadow, Mrs. Paciorkowski came to Norwood in 1948 after her marriage and since then has become an active member of the community. After attending the Katharine Gibbs School In Boston, she became the office manager of a large furniture manufacturing company. She has been a member and program chairman of the Polish Junior League of Weston, an active member of the International Institute of Boston, Inc., served in various capacities in the Prescott School VT.A. and the Norwood P.T.A. Council, is a member of the Norwood Woman’s Club, and also was a member of the Women’s Republican Club. She has two children, Carol 12 years old, and Ernest, who is eight. Her hobbies are sewing, gardening and family camping. Mr. Paciorkowski has been an active member of the Old Colony Council of Boy Scouts for the past 10 years and for seven of these has been chairman of the camping and activities committee. He is also on the Board of Public Welfare.

In opening the meeting the president said that the Women’s Community Committee will increase its efforts to be of service to the people of Norwood in the fields of health, education, recreation and the social services and will continue to initiate projects which All a public need. The treasurer’s and secretary’s reports were read and accepted and the meeting took on its regular tone of planning, suggestions, and general business. Mrs. Carolyn Nead, co-chairman of the Thrift Shop at Guild Square, gave a full report of the summer activities of her committee. New hours for the shop are Thursdays from 10 to 4 o’clock, one day a week. Business has been excellent due to the continued support received from the townspeople. The Thrift Shop now has a third chairman, Mrs. George Mahoney, a member of long-standing who has proved to be of great assistance to both Mrs. Nead and Mrs. Lindblom during the summer months. New schedules were given out for the work program of the coming club year.

Mrs. Philip Gahm, Jr., reported that a new course for expectant parents would be arranged for early October the date to be announced later. Mrs. Gedman Dauksis reported on the party for the senior citizens as a member of the council and as the women’s group was founded by the committee under the chairmanship of Mrs. Dauksis there is always a great deal of interest taken in their activities. They are to have a party at the Elks Hall on Oct. 9 with refreshments and entertainment and thanks was given to the committee for their donation of $10.00 to defray expenses.

Window Box Contest

Mrs. Harvard Wilkinson reported concerning the Window Box Contest and expressed satisfaction as to this year’s contest. The winners were: Mrs. Bernard Wenstrom of 120 Lincoln Street and Mr. and Mrs. Dennis F. O’Brien of 35 Deerfield Road. Honorable mention was given to Mrs. Rose Carney, 26 Pleasant Place. A letter was read from Mr. Andrew Simoni, one of the judges, thanking the committee for the opportunity to participate In the contest and informing us that his firm had increased the amount of the gift certificate by $10.00, making the first prize $25.00. This shows a great sense of civic pride and was much appreciated by the Women’s Community Committee.

The corresponding secretary, Mrs. Andrew Monahan, read several thank-you letters from Martha Everett, winner of the Fashion Award at the Peabody School, Mrs. Bernice Wenstrom and Mrs. Thomas Warthin. Announcement was made of the Family Society group meeting to be held at the Norfolk Guidance Center on Thursday, September 27.

The meeting was closed by appointing Mrs. George Christiansen to present a camera to Norwood’s new foreign student. This has been the policy of the committee for the past few years. In presenting this type of gift to the students upon arrival, they are able to carry home with them a pictorial story of their life In Norwood.

The next meeting will be held at the home of Mrs. Philip Gahm.

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(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)

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