Norwood High School Junior Prom
Six couples paused for a “Time Out” photo at the Norwood High School Junior Prom:
- Jacqueline Riker & James D. Donovan
- Kathy Fad & Jerry Sullivan
- June Gaetani & Jim Ridilirk
- Linda Gendron & Paul D’Espinosa
- Marge Christensen & Ken Joseph
- Margaret Ann O’Day & Bob McGovern
(Photo by Kenneth F. McLean)
Norwood begins the week with a mix of civic frustration and community celebration. While litigation stalls long‑awaited school construction, classrooms remain lively with workshops, proms, and spring traditions. Around town, committees meet, subdivisions advance, and the season’s social calendar fills with May processions, sports banquets, and family milestones.
Litigation Delays Senior High School Addition
More than two years after construction concluded, the senior high school addition remains officially unaccepted due to ongoing litigation in Norfolk County Superior Civil Court. Town Counsel Waller Gotovich explained that the dispute centers on negotiations with the bonding companies that backed the now‑bankrupt prime contractor.
A sum “in the neighborhood of $115,000” is under contention between the Building Addition Committee and the bonding company. The bonding company argues it should receive an allowance for its negotiation work, while the committee insists that all subcontractors must be paid in full.
“If the subcontractors don’t receive their money, the law permits them to file suit with the town,”
— Town Counsel Gotovich
Most contracts have been resolved, but approximately $30,000 remains unsettled. The bonding company seeks to reduce its responsibility by roughly half of that amount.
Study Committee on Permanent Building Oversight
School Superintendent Dr. Philip O. Coakley will represent the school department on a study committee examining whether Norwood should establish a permanent building committee to supervise all municipal construction.
A similar proposal was defeated at last month’s Special Town Meeting after extended debate, with school officials among those opposed. Board Chairman Francis X. Sheehan noted that an advisory council of professionally trained individuals would be helpful, but a committee with broad supervisory powers over all town projects “would not be to their liking.”
Current projections indicate that most future municipal construction will involve school facilities.
Selectmen Reject Gravel Pit Proposal
The Selectmen swiftly denied a bid from a Route 1–95 contractor seeking to use a town‑owned gravel pit off Everett Street, waiving negotiations entirely.
Planning Board Meeting Tonight
The Planning Board meets this evening at 8 p.m. at Town Hall to review a proposed subdivision near the Walpole–Norwood town line. Two public hearings will also be held, including one concerning a rezoning proposal for an area off Lennox Street.
Oldham School Drainage Issue
The Oldham School Building Committee meets tonight at the School Administration Headquarters on Walpole Street to consider action on a drainage problem at the new school site.
Community & Social Life
Social Studies Workshop at Prescott School
The Prescott Elementary School hosts the third and final session of the Norfolk County Teachers Association social studies workshop tomorrow from 3 to 5 p.m. Earlier sessions were held April 29 and May 1.
Speakers in the series included:
- Hugh Blanchard, Rand‑McNally Company
- Dr. Lauréat J. Bernard, Boston State College
- Dr. Isidore Starr, President, National Council for the Social Studies, Queens College, New York
Queen of the May at St. Catherine’s
Mary Lou Crimmins was crowned Queen of St. Catherine’s May Procession on Sunday. She was accompanied by attendants Elizabeth MacAuley, Carolyn Murphy, Kathryn O’Donnell, and Denise Trnaty.
Sports
Plans Underway for Annual All‑Sports Banquet
The Norwood Boosters Club is preparing for its Annual All‑Sports Banquet, to be held in early June. Treasurer Walter Glynn is seeking community support for the affair, which honors Norwood High School athletes and cheerleaders who have earned letters this year.
The highlight will be the presentation of the James J. Gormley Memorial Scholarship Award to the outstanding student‑athlete.
Community Temperature
A town balancing frustration over stalled construction with the warmth of spring traditions — from May queens to prom night — reflects Norwood’s steady civic spirit in 1964.
Text and images may have been created, edited, colorized, or digitally restored using AI tools such as Microsoft Copilot or Google Gemini. All content is reviewed for accuracy and historical integrity before publication by the Norwood Historical Society
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