Peabody School Heat Issues, Coach Pay Grievance, Tremont Street Variance, and Veterans Day Parades-November 10, 1977

Student Reps Clash Over Heat and Hot Water at Peabody School While High School Rep Defends Procedure

NORWOOD — Meeting on November 9, 1977, the School Committee heard from Michael Quinn, student representative from the Henry O. Peabody School, who reported severe issues regarding a lack of adequate heat and hot water at the facility. Quinn noted that the lack of hot water made it impossible to properly sanitize kitchen pots after the noon meal and forced beauty shop program customers to endure cold-water hair washes.

Superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley, visibly annoyed that the issue was brought directly to the committee rather than through administrative channels, reminded Quinn of proper protocols. However, Gretchen Blomendale, student representative from Norwood High School, courageously defended Quinn, stating, “He may not have gone through the right channels, but it is a serious problem. It is a violation of the health code if the pots are not washed in hot water.” Coakley countered that the Board of Health regularly inspects the Peabody cafeteria just like any other local restaurant.

School Committee Unanimously Denies Pay for Canceled 8th Grade Football Coaches

In other school district business, the committee voted unanimously to reject a grievance filed by the Norwood Teachers Association (NTA) demanding that two 8th-grade football coaches receive their full stipends despite the program’s cancellation.

School Committee Chairman Richard W. Kief defended the decision, asserting that the board holds the legal right to add or delete athletic programs in the public interest. The program had been slashed on the recommendation of the athletic director to bring the school budget in line with Finance Committee recommendations. Each coach was slated to receive $670, but Kief noted they had been explicitly informed in advance that the program was cut and compensation would not be provided. The NTA reserved the right to take the matter to binding arbitration.

Zoning Board Reconsiders 3-Family Permit and Hears Route 1 Business Relocation

The Norwood Zoning Appeals Board voted during its Tuesday session to reconsider its previous denial of a permit for a three-family dwelling at 22 Tremont Street in South Norwood. The application, submitted by Robert J. Wolfe of 15 Columbine Road, had been rejected because the property sits in a two-family zone.

Board Chairman George M. Eysie noted that because Wolfe purchased the property under the impression it was a legal three-family structure, a true “hardship case” existed. The board agreed to reopen the vote on the condition that an additional fire egress be constructed to ensure third-floor tenants had a safe exit.

Separately, the board heard a variance request from Richard E. Smith, owner of RE Tools, who sought to relocate his retail business to the intersection of Route 1 and East Cross Street—an area zoned exclusively for manufacturing and wholesale operations.

Norwood and Stoughton Set to Honor Veterans with Traditional Parades

Norwood and Stoughton stand as the only two area communities celebrating Veterans Day with traditional parades. Festivities in Norwood begin early with a 6:00 a.m. flag-placing effort along Washington Street starting at Town Hall, followed by a Veterans Council Mass celebrated by the Rev. Albert Abrancinskas at 8:00 a.m. at St. George’s Roman Catholic Church on St. James Avenue, and flag-raising ceremonies at the Town Square memorial at 9:00 a.m.

• Parade Schedule: Units assemble at 9:30 a.m. at the Balch School, stepping off at 10:00 a.m. up Washington Street to the Town Square Veterans Memorial.
• Rain Plan: If inclement weather forces postponement, fire whistles will blow at 9:00 a.m., canceling the street march in favor of indoor services at Memorial Hall.
• Key Marching Units: Led by Marshal Eileen T. Dolan (American Legion Post commander), the procession includes police and fire departments, selectmen and the town manager, American Legion and VFW color guards, the Norwood High School Band, local Scouts, the 21st Lancers, Company “C” 2nd Battalion 181st Infantry, the Norwood Recreation Department, Norwood Debonnaires, Camp Fire Girls, and the Colonial Boys.

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