Late May 1981 found Norwood in a familiar spring rhythm: budgets debated, neighborhoods speaking up for themselves, institutions adjusting to growth, and community groups preparing for summer traditions. The day’s news reveals a town attentive to its civic responsibilities while still grounded in the personal connections that define local life.
Front Page & Civic Life
Town finances took center stage as the Finance Commission prepared its recommendations for Monday’s annual town meeting. Chairman Peter Bamber announced that the commission would support approximately $1 million under Article 1 to fund wage increases for all town employees in the 1981–82 fiscal year. This figure encompasses raises already negotiated for police and teachers, as well as pending settlements for fire, public works, and municipal light employees.
Commission member Joseph R. Adakonis objected strongly to the approach, warning that the proposal amounted to “one big bag of money.” He argued that unions seeking increases above 5 percent should justify them publicly on the town meeting floor.
His colleague Thomas DiFrancia agreed, cautioning that an all‑inclusive appropriation would diminish town meeting’s authority to review individual contracts.
Bamber countered that the appropriation could still earmark known raises, maintaining transparency while ensuring the town avoids financial strain later in the fiscal year. He emphasized that appropriating wage increases now—against the tax rate or free cash—would give residents a clearer picture of the tax impact before the fiscal year begins.
The Finance Commission also voted 4–1 to support $711,500 in planning costs for five major infrastructure projects. Town Manager John J. Carroll presented the breakdown:
- Town Hall tower repairs — $59,000
- Meadowbrook drainage project — $390,000
- Neponset Street water main — $49,500
- Washington Street water mains — $123,000
- Walpole Street water mains — $90,000
The total cost of the projects could exceed $4.5 million once construction begins.
Adakonis cast the lone dissenting vote, objecting to making recommendations for a future special town meeting rather than the annual meeting beginning Monday.
The week opened with a moment of academic ceremony as Earl K. Bowen, longtime resident of 246 Union Street, carried the Babson College mace during Sunday’s commencement procession. Bowen, retiring after 35 years in the mathematics department, represented the college’s institutional memory and the quiet dignity of a career spent shaping young scholars. His role as chief marshal underscored the respect he earned over decades of service.
Police, Fire & Public Safety
A tense moment unfolded on Central Street when the State Division of Employment Security office was evacuated following a bomb threat. An unidentified caller, described as sounding like a man, warned a clerk that a device would detonate in 15 minutes.
Police Sgt. William Travers reported that police and fire crews searched the building for half an hour and found nothing. The incident served as a reminder of the era’s heightened sensitivity to public safety, even in routine government offices.
Community & Social Life
The Runeberg Lodge, located at 90 Wilson Street, will host a reception Sunday at 5 p.m. for Rev. Frank Blomfelt of Helsingfors, Finland. Blomfelt will also appear at the 9:30 and 11 a.m. services at Emmanuel Lutheran Church. His visit marks a return to Norwood, where he conducted research a decade earlier on emigrants from Swedish‑speaking regions of Finland.
Records from both Emmanuel Lutheran and the Runeberg Lodge played a role in his thesis, and he hopes to reconnect with local families who trace their roots to the Åland Islands.
Memorial Day parade traditions prompted a public clarification from George Thomas, director of veterans’ services. Responding to rumors that participants were paid, Thomas stated:
“I want to be sure that people know that no one receives money for marching in the parade. All the participants donated their services.”
The parade featured the Colonial Tiots Junior Drum and Bugle Corps, the police and fire departments, the high school band, Cub Scouts, and various veterans’ groups — all contributing to the town’s annual remembrance without compensation.
Business & Commerce
Two Norwood artists earned distinction at the Milton Art Association’s “Hometown Exhibition” at Fontbonne Academy.
Brenda Bates of 6 Ridge Road won first prize, while Frank Gerulskis of 10 Garfield Avenue secured second prize, highlighting the town’s quiet but steady artistic presence in the region.
At Norwood Roll‑Land, preparations are underway for the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association Skate‑A‑Thon, scheduled for June 7 from 1 to 6 p.m.
Skaters may participate for $10 per person or $25 per family of four.
Top fundraisers will receive prizes including windbreakers, skates, a cassette radio, and a clock radio.
All participants will receive an MDA button or patch and a half‑price skating pass for June 13 and 27.
Instruction sheets are available at 942 Providence Highway, Route 1.
Schools & Education
Junior High South will host a school fair tomorrow from 7 to 9 p.m. in the cafeteria. Student projects from across the curriculum will be on display, offering families a look at the academic and creative work of the school’s young learners as the year draws to a close.
Civic Planning & Development
Parking pressures around Walpole Street continued to concern the Morrill Memorial Library.
Library Director Carl J. Himmelsbach told the Zoning Board of Appeals that he has hired a parking attendant to ensure the lot remains available for library patrons.
Visitors to nearby medical offices — and even shoppers — have increasingly attempted to use the library lot, particularly since the former Gillis Business School across the street closed.
The board reviewed a request for two additional parking spaces at 24 Walpole Street, recently approved for conversion to three medical offices with ten off‑street spaces. Attorney James T. Hilliard argued that the board should grant the variance, noting that a similar request was approved for 30 Walpole Street after the earlier denial.
A site inspection is scheduled for Saturday.
Dr. Leroy J. Kelley III and Dr. Priscilla C. Kelley, both podiatrists, plan to share the first floor of 24 Walpole Street for office space. The second floor may support one additional office, while the third floor will not be used for medical purposes.
Neighborhood Affairs
A strong show of neighborhood support greeted David Saad, owner of D & G Delicatessen, 301 Nahatan Street, as he petitioned to convert 88 Cottage Street into a two‑family home.
The house, formerly owned by Charles I. Metcalf Jr., had been vacant for more than a year before Saad purchased and improved it.
Residents praised Saad’s work ethic and commitment to the neighborhood. Margaret McAuliffe of 89 Cottage Street told the board:
“We’re an old neighborhood. Everybody takes pride.”
Saad’s lot is 1,610 square feet short of the required 10,000‑square‑foot minimum for two‑family zoning, but neighbors — including Anne Folan, Paul Rhoads, and Marjorie Dornfeld — spoke in favor of the conversion.
Dornfeld noted only that owner‑occupancy would be ideal, reflecting long‑standing concerns about absentee landlords.
Attorney Helen A. Donohue emphasized the Saad family’s long history in real estate and their reputation for maintaining high‑quality properties.
Emilie Moses of 18 Dean Street, an alternate zoning board member, echoed the sentiment, noting that the Saads “do keep up their property.”
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