The Norwood Lodge of Elks earned second place nationally and first place in Massachusetts for having one of the country’s top Americanism programs among lodges with 1,000 or more members.
The prestigious honor was presented in July at the Elks national convention in Chicago, marking the first time the 1,500-member Norwood lodge received a national award.
The winning Americanism program featured a series of civic and patriotic initiatives throughout 1981 and 1982, including:
- Flag Day Ceremonies: Hosting a major event in June 1981 that brought together eight neighboring Elk lodges.
- Patriotic Billboard: Displaying a prominent billboard featuring the American flag at the intersection of Lenox Street and Washington Street in South Norwood.
- National Patriotism Week: Successfully petitioning selectmen to officially declare a designated week in February as National Patriotism Week.
- Student Art Initiative: Inviting public school children to create paintings expressing what America, freedom, and liberty meant to them, followed by the lodge donating textbooks to the public school art departments in appreciation of the outstanding entries.
Lodge leadership singled out immediate past exalted ruler William C. Phipps and committee Chairman Frank Owens for organizing the winning program. At the preceding state convention in Chicopee, the Norwood Elks also captured first place statewide in the Americanism contest, first place for per capita contributions to the Elks National Foundation (for lodges with over 1,200 members), first place in the east central district for veterans’ work, and third place statewide for youth activities. Exalted Ruler Joseph Shone accepted the trophies on behalf of the membership, praising the dedicated committee chairmen and members for their exceptional efforts.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
-
Norwood Trial Lawyer John J. C. Herlihy Named Fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers-September 29, 1973
Norwood trial lawyer John J. C. Herlihy is named a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, reflecting on a career of landmark precedents and courtroom dedication.
-
Norwood Cat “Ginger” Saved After Car Accident-August 30, 1997
An elderly Norwood woman’s cat, Ginger, survives a car accident and costly leg surgery thanks to a mix-up by two neighbors, the Neponset Valley Humane Society, and community kindness.
-
Michael and Margaret Malacaria: Finding Rewards in Retirement Through Dedicated Community Service-September 24, 1996
Retired Norwood residents Michael and Margaret Malacaria dedicate their post-work years to tireless community volunteering, earning recognition as RSVP Volunteers of the Year.
-
Norwood Woman Continues to Care with Program’s Help-July 19, 1993
/In the quaint town of Norwood, Massachusetts, a remarkable story of compassion and dedication has unfolded over the past twelve years. Marie Jaras, a widow in her mid-sixties, has been providing a foster home for Ormond Kingsbury, an elderly man who had been her boss at the Plympton Press. The arrangement began informally, with Kingsbury…
-
Breaking the Silence on Brittle Bone Disorder-This Day in Norwood History-June 28, 1991
A Norwood family’s national custody battle over a rare bone disorder inspires a new library support group to protect innocent parents.
-
Former Norwood Resident Robert Iantosca Named Winemaker at Sonoma County’s Gloria Ferrer Winery-August 19, 1987
Robert Iantosca, formerly of Norwood, has been named winemaker at Sonoma County’s renowned Gloria Ferrer Winery, bringing hands-on expertise and innovative sparkling wine techniques.
-
Eighty-Year-Old Volunteer Gertrude “Gertie” Erickson Celebrated as a Beloved Institution at Norwood Hospital-August 22, 1985
Known as the whistling cashier, 80-year-old Gertrude Erickson is celebrated for her 13 years of dedicated volunteer service at Norwood Hospital’s coffee shop.
-
Twice Postponed: Couple Exchanges Wedding Vows in Unusual Norwood Hospital Setting-September 28, 1981
After the groom is hospitalized with a bleeding ulcer, Wayne Gauthier and Marie Lumnah tie the knot in an unusual ceremony inside Norwood Hospital’s Plimpton Hall.
-
Italian University Students Lucia Rovigo and Marcello Mascellaro Bring Touch of Home to Norwood Host Families-August 10, 1981
Italian university students Lucia Rovigo and Marcello Mascellaro are spending a month in Norwood as guests of local families through the Interstudy program.
-
Norwood Resident Finds Warm Bed After Months of Searching-August 5, 1981
Following months of hardship after his rooming house closed, 58-year-old Norwood resident James Poles found a warm bed thanks to longtime friend Elliott Webber, who welcomed him to his Rockhill Street home.
Discover more from Norwood Historical Society
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.