Norwood News and Events-October 5, 1961

Civic Affairs & Business News

Chamber of Commerce Launch: The Norwood Chamber of Commerce got off to a very fast start last Tuesday night at the Cleveland School, winning great approval for the new meeting site. President Connolly presided over his first outing as proxy, leading a session that ran until about 10:00 p.m. with members staying afterward to discuss various subjects. During the meeting, a proposal regarding parking introduced by the scribe was defeated, though not unanimously.
Colonial Marine Break-In: Police are actively investigating a break-in at Colonial Marine Co. on Route 1 in Norwood that occurred sometime between the previous Thursday and Tuesday morning. An undetermined amount of items was taken, and firm officials are conducting an inventory to determine the exact loss.
Corporate Updates & Financial Meetings: Hektor Scientific Co., Inc.—formerly of Norwood and now operating in Foxboro—announced that company president W.C. Kolb called a Special Stockholders’ Meeting for October 7 to approve an increase in the corporation’s authorized stock.
Local Store Anniversaries & Sales: The Cummings store at 659 Washington St., Norwood, announced its anniversary sale running from October 5 to 7, with evening hours on Thursday and Friday. Local shopping options were also highlighted by Macchi Bros South Norwood Furniture and Appliances and Regan’s Shoe Corner.
New Grocery Management: Al Drew of Norwood was appointed the new manager of the Norwood Star Market. He previously served as assistant manager of the Norwood Star for three and a half years and briefly at the Wellesley Star, bringing seven years of total experience with the 29-store New England chain.

Community Support & Public Safety

Trooper Frederick A. Henley Benefit Dance: Commissioner of Public Safety Frank S. Giles and Lt. Col. Carl M. Larson purchased tickets for the upcoming Trooper Frederick A Henley Benefit Dance scheduled for Wednesday evening, October 11, at the Lakeview Ballroom. Entire proceeds from the event—supported by area police departments including Norwood selling tickets through the Foxboro Barracks—will go directly to the injured trooper and his family.
Fire Prevention Week: Local observances kicked off for Fire Prevention Week, held annually in October to educate the public on fire safety and combat staggering annual losses of life and property.

Clubs, Social Highlights & Family Milestones

Golden Wedding Anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Konstanty Walukevich: Mr. and Mrs. Konstanty Walukevich of 244 Washington Street, East Walpole, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary with a reception at the Bell House in Sharon last Sunday afternoon attended by over 150 guests. Married in Cambridge on October 1, 1911, the couple celebrated alongside their six children (Mrs. Blanche Libertowicz, Mrs. Jenny Kraw, Mrs. Ward Ben-kavitch, Mrs. Rose Donnelly, Miss Ann Walukevich, and Edmund) and 10 grandchildren. Mr. Walukevich retired several years prior from Hollingsworth & Vose Co. in East Walpole.
Old Dedham Wheaton Club: Members of the Old Dedham Wheaton Club and their husbands gathered on Thursday, September 26, at the V.F.W. Hall in Westwood for a covered dish supper, marking the first activity of the 1961–1962 program year with local attendees including Mr. and Mrs. Gerald King.
Wedding of Miss Roberta Matthews and Mark Bartel: Miss Roberta Matthews, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R.W. Matthews of Norwood, married Mark Bartel, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leopold Bartel, Jr. of Stoughton, on September 23 at the Immaculate Conception Church of Stoughton. The double-ring ceremony was performed by Rev. William Gunn, followed by a reception at the bride’s parents’ home with guests attending from Vermont, New Hampshire, New York, and Connecticut.

Religion & Church Notes

First Congregational Church 225th Anniversary: As part of its 225th-anniversary program, the First Congregational Church announced celebratory services on Sunday, October 8, featuring guest preacher Dr. Albert J. Penner, President and Minister of the Massachusetts Congregational Conference, who delivered the sermon “Not Like Kingdoms of the Earth.” Former ministers Dr. Robert Wood Coe and Dr. Allison Ray Heaps also participated. On Saturday afternoon at 3:00 p.m., Rev. Allen Keedy and church deacons conducted memorial services in the Old Cemetery honoring three early ministers: Rev. Thomas Balch, Rev. Jabez Chickering, and Rev. Harrison G. Park.
St. Catherine’s Holy Name Society: St. Catherine’s Holy Name Society held its first meeting of the season on Sunday, October 8, in the school auditorium following the 7:00 a.m. Mass, welcoming new parish families. Program chairman John Donovan arranged for guest speaker Maurice J. Downey—a Boston College graduate, Air Force veteran (1942–1946), and Director of Vocational Guidance in the Boston Public Schools—to speak on “The Roll of Guidance in the School Program.”
Temple Shaare Tefilah Friday Services: Rabbi David Prince, spiritual leader of Temple Shaare Tefilah of Norwood, conducted Friday evening services followed by an Oneg Shabbat in the Temple vestry sponsored by the Sisterhood.
United Church “New Rooms For Old” Program: The United Church of Norwood hosted a home decoration program on Tuesday evening, October 10, in Fellowship Hall featuring a Celanese color slide program showcasing 50 redecorated room settings from New York City townhouses, country homes, and suburban apartments. Commentary was read by Mrs. Robert Garner, with refreshments served by chairmen Mrs. William Finbow and Mrs. Howard Clarke of Groups No. 11 and No. 12.

Education & Professional Organizations

Massachusetts Association of Medical Assistants: Mrs. Barbara Beausang of 34 High Rock Street, Westwood, was elected vice-president of the Massachusetts Association of Medical Assistants for the coming year during their second annual convention held at the Statler-Hilton Hotel in Boston from September 29 to October 1.
Norfolk Mental Health Association Institute for Educators: Cooperating with the Massachusetts Mental Health Association, the Norfolk Mental Health Association (through education chairman Mrs. Robert Davis of Winter Street, Norwood) promoted the 12th Mental Health Institute for Educators on October 21 at the Northeastern University Student Center in Boston. The institute features small discussion groups under psychiatric leadership for school personnel and superintendents. Norwood’s Myrtle Stuntzner of Bullard Street serves as co-chairman of the planning committee and program chairman for the local association, while the local chapter underwrote attendance fees for a teacher.

Sports, Recreation & Youth Activities

Junior Bowling Leagues: Youth ages 9–13 were encouraged to enroll in Junior Bowling Leagues at the Sports Center, Hi Way Bowlaway, or Hollywood Lanes, where instructors guide youngsters through fundamentals every Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m.
Greater Norwood Bowling Lanes: General bowling across Greater Norwood lanes reached full swing, with administrators noting high volume and expected lane shortages during peak hours, eliminating old practices of casual pre- or post-match practice due to backlogged schedules.
Norwood Recreation Junior Rifle Club: Supervisor Paul Cronan opened the season for the Norwood Recreation Junior Rifle Club, welcoming boys ages 14–18. Beginners were directed to register at the Town Hall range on Monday at 7:00 p.m., while returning advanced members met on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. Additionally, the Swimming Pool Hall gym at the Rec Center was announced to open for the season on Monday, November 6.
Baton Twirling Classes: Students from local baton twirling classes achieved strong showings at the Plymouth County Fair and Connecticut competitions, with new registrations accepted ahead of the upcoming National Baton Twirling Association Competition on Sunday, November 19.

Entertainment & Arts

Tony Vai and His “Big Sound” Orchestra: Bandleader Tony Vai and his “Big Sound” orchestra commenced a six-month engagement in the Terrace Room at the Log Cabin Steak House in Dedham, performing fine dance music and entertainment every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6:30 p.m. to 1:00 a.m. on a newly installed dance floor.
Jean McNamara at Holiday Haven: Songstress Jean McNamara performed as a featured entertainer at Holiday Haven, singing every Friday and Saturday evening to the accompaniment of Red Anthony’s rhythmic music.
Painting Demonstration by Alfred Khouri: The Norwood Civic announced a painting demonstration scheduled for Wednesday, October 11, at 8:15 p.m. presented by well-known landscape and portrait painter Alfred Khouri, winner of numerous accolades including the George Roper Purchase Prize at the Norfolk Museum in Virginia.
Boston Arena Circus Spectacular: Evelyn Currie was announced to perform in the upcoming Circus Spectacular at the Boston Arena on October 12 and 14, featuring top stars, animals, clowns, and 10 scheduled shows.

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