Council on Aging Resists King Philip Elder Services Meal Program-August 24, 1977

Addressing the board following a presentation by King Philip Executive Director Fritz Crumb, Balfour asserted that local seniors do not require external intervention. “We can take care of our own without any involvement by any organization,” Balfour said, noting that Norwood elders already receive affordable meals at the Callahan School.

King Philip Elder Services—one of 12 regional agencies in west Norfolk County—planned to serve approximately 50 daily meals at the American Legion hall beginning in mid-October for income-eligible seniors. While selectmen considered appointing two local residents to the King Philip board of directors, Chairman George Usevich noted that the appointments would proceed only if Balfour’s council ultimately declines participation.

South Norwood Residents Protest Pulse Relocation

In other municipal business, the selectmen’s chambers drew two dozen disgruntled South Norwood residents led by Adele Maloof, who presented a petition signed by 250 neighbors protesting the proposed relocation of youth financial service agency Pulse to 1285 Washington Street. Residents voiced fears that the agency would attract congregating youths and detract from the neighborhood.

Confusion had arisen from reports that selectmen offered the Washington Street property to Pulse to clear the way for the Norwood Housing Authority’s plans to develop elderly housing at the current Shattuck School headquarters. However, Chairman Usevich reassured the assemblage that the board “have in no way transferred that property to Pulse,” explaining that the agency could likely remain through the winter while the housing authority assists in finding a permanent location.

Route 1 Median, Town Hall Carillon, and Additional Municipal Actions

Assistant Town Manager Bernard Cooper updated the board on several public works initiatives:

• Route 1 Safety: Discussions are underway regarding a proposed median strip and traffic control system along Route 1 from Dean Street to the Walpole line, with the state Department of Public Works favoring a crossover at the Factory Mutual area over Morse Street following two fatal accidents nearby a month prior. Selectmen also voted to telegraph Lieutenant Governor Thomas P. O’Neill III regarding ground-breaking ceremonies.
• Town Hall Carillon: The board voted to seek $9,300 from municipal building funds to repair and paint the 49-year-old steel reinforcements supporting the memorial carillon bells at Town Hall, which are wearing thin.
• Security Bids: Selectmen authorized advertising for bids on an electronic alarm system utilizing microphones, priced at $1,640 from Sonitrol Security Systems of Boston, to secure the Norwood Central Railroad station rehabilitation project.
• Parents Advisory Council: Representatives from 10 local schools voted to amend their bylaws, expanding their scope beyond traditional Parent-Teacher Associations to act as a broader support group for school issues.

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