The Norwood Recreation Department program of leisure time activity for so-called “Golden Age” citizens of the Town got underway last week at the Civic Building with approximately 30 men on hand for the opening meeting, which was held on Thursday afternoon at 2-00 p.m.
Recreation Superintendent Richard E. Ready greeted those in attendance at this first meeting and outlined briefly the purpose and aims of the program from the point of view of the Recreation Department. Greetings were conveyed to the group on behalf of the American Legion, which is cooperating in the operation of the program, by H. Bennett Murray.
Following Ready’s remarks, discussion was conducted amongst the men relative to the type of program which they would like to have presented for them. Many different ideas were expressed and many possible projects and programs suggested for future months. It was decided to hold regular formal meetings of the group on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month with a definite program to be planned for the meetings. In addition, the American Legion quarters, which have been made available for the program, will be open as a lounge on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoons from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The men present expressed great enthusiasm for the whole idea of such a program and felt that many more would become interested once they heard of what was being done.
Since the opening meeting last week, the Lounge has been open three afternoons, with an average of 20 men coming in each afternoon to avail themselves of the facilities and to enjoy the companionship of the other men present. Such activities as checkers and card playing, watching television, and reading have proved most popular at the Lounge.
At the opening meeting last week, the men present wanted to publicly express their thanks to the American Legion for making their quarters available for the program and to the Town of Norwood for undertaking to sponsor and operate the program.