USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Hamden > Annual reports of the town of Hamden, state of Connecticut 1962 > Part 4
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Our work with volunteers is increasing and rewarding. Among the many groups that we work with, two bear mentioning in this report. All baseball leagues are now under one unit, the Hamden Fathers' Baseball Association. The men involved in this association give many hours of their time to coach, transport, raise funds, supply equipment, and to improve the recreation facilities in Hamden.
The other group that we are truly proud to be associated with, is the Hamden Grange #99. The members have spearheaded the drive for funds to develop Brooks- vale Recreation Park, and have set an example for other groups. The award of first in the state, one of the top ten in the country, and finally second in the country for Grange community service work, was their achievement. Added to these awards, the Grange was given a citation by the National Recreation Association for their services to the recreation movement of America.
Development work completed during this period included drainage pipe of over 300 feet being laid at Pine Rock Field; a complete new sprinkler system and leveling of Rochford Field; the relocation of one ball field, and movement of fencing at Bassett Park; continued improvement at Paradise Hills and Forest Hills recreation areas; and clearing, ponding work and drainage correction at Brooksvale.
The addition of a full time clerk has relieved the supervisors from various cleri- cal functions, making possible the better supervision of their programs.
An ice rink survey was initiated, and the F. J. Williams Associates Limited of New Toronto, Canada, carried out this project, and we now have definite recommen- dations on site, cost, and construction problems.
The operation of the Meadowbrook property as a golf course continued to be a success. The operational income showed $46,082.95, and the expenses totaled $25,- 004.54 between March 20 and October 1, 1962. New equipment amounting to 84,- 045.81, was purchased during this period and many improvements were made to the course. For the first time in many years, the total course was fertilized and limed.
The commission wishes to take this opportunity to thank the many citizens, busi- nessmen, civic groups, press, radio, television, town departments and commissions for their wonderful support and cooperation, without which the varied programs and facilities would not be possible.
Walter Page, Chairman Joseph Bruno. Frank Sauro Jr. Stanley Leeke, Sidney Victor, Albert Ocone Frederick Morton for Board of Education Robert J. Fitzgerald, Director
Man-made pond and skating rink -- Brooksvale.
45
Civil Defense
Late in the year Civil Defense activities were stepped up because of the Cuban situation. Inquiries were numerous and more people showed a decided interest in Civil Defense.
Civil Defense units participated August 26, 1962 in a mock drill in West Haven, using radio and Fire Department equipment to carry out assignments. The drill was a very successful operation.
Two new 2hp sirens recently installed, are now in operation, bringing to ten the number in our Hamden warning system. Additional funds have been granted to add three more in the coming year. All CD sirens are tested Saturdays at 12 noon.
Donald Steele, our chief radio operator and his staff, have done and are still do- ing an excellent job at Area 2 headquarters, participating in the monthly drills, which originate in Bethany. This radio group also takes an active part in all state drills.
The school evacuation drill held at the Alice Peck School under the direction of Mrs. Sol Frankel, was highly successful. A meeting was held with Superintendent of Schools David Wyllie and his staff, to review the preparedness program now in effect in our schools.
During the year several town departments were able to procure federal surplus property at Newington, through Civil Defense.
Eight of the fire stations in town are now recognized as fixed monitoring sta- tions for radiation for the state and the federal government: Five additional radio- logical monitoring kits have been applied for from the federal government through the state CD office.
Instruction in medical self-help and radiological monitoring is being conducted with the assistance of the Fire and Health Departments and the Visiting Nurse Associa- tion.
Deputy Director Eugene Umbricht and I have spoken to many groups on the people's vital need of shelter protection against radioactive contamination from fall- out.
Daniel Hume
FIRE
Fire Prevention Week 1962 - Demonstration on use of fire alarm box.
46
Fire Commission
Three new firemen were added to our roster during the past year. They were assigned to our Circular Avenue station.
Fourteen new hydrants were installed throughout the town. New fire alarm boxes were placed at Whitney and Tuttle Avenues, Whitney Avenue and Skiff Street, State and Foote Streets, the Skiff Street extension at the Hamden Mart shopping cen- ter, and on Dixwell Avenue opposite Acme Wire Company.
Total number of fire calls increased by 140 over last year. The month of March alone had 144 calls, 90 of them being for grass and brush. Our oxygen calls averaged close to 14 calls per month, with the total number of calls increasing overall by 32. Although building fires saw a jump of 12 over last year, major fires decreased in number.
Fire prevention demonstrations were held at various shopping areas during Fire Prevention Week in October. A more extensive demonstration was conducted at the Hamden Plaza with actual fires being started and extinguished by the men and equip- ment. Fire drills were held in all the schools.
The New England Fire Insurance Rating Association conducted a three-week survey in town during the spring of the year to determine our status as to fire-fighting facilities, water supply, fire alarm system, structural conditions and hazards, fire pre- vention, etc. We are still awaiting the results of this report.
The fire marshal investigated 22 fires, inspected 309 oil burners and tanks, made 60 building inspections, and checked on 64 rubbish burner complaints. Convalescent homes, nursery schools, theaters, and many other types of inspections were made. A total of $1,630.10 was received from oil burner and tank permits and licenses.
Under the direction of the department's chief instructor, Deputy Daniel Hume, a constant state of training is maintained for all personnel. Radiological monitoring instruments are available in all of our fire stations and all personnel are qualified in their use.
John DeNicola, Chairman ex officio George Hindinger, Michael Sullivan V. Paul Leddy, Chief
Fire Prevention Week demonstration.
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==
=
NEY CO
Aerial ladder and rope slide demonstration during Fire Prevention Week.
ANNUAL REPORT OF THE HAMDEN FIRE DEPARTMENT FROM OCTOBER 1, 1961 to SEPTEMBER 30, 1962
No. of
Motor
Grass &
Oil Burners
False
Month
Alarms Buildings Vehicles Brush
Oxygen Alarms Rubbish Chimney Miscell.
Oct. 1961
70
3
4
15
1
16
3
0
0
28
Nov. 1961
64
2
2
20
2
14
2
2
0
20
Dec. 1961
83
6
5
22
2
14
5
4
3
22
Jan. 1962
62
5
4
15
3
13
1
2
2
17
Feb. 1962
71
5
3
2
3
26
5
0
1
26
Mar. 1962
144
6
7
90
2
13
4
2
1
19
Apr. 1962
90
3
3
46
1
10
4
4
0
19
May 1962
64
2
10
23
0
5
4
1
1
18
June 1962
49
3
8
5
1
14
1
0
0
17
July 1962
65
6
8
11
0
13
2
0
0
25
Aug. 1962
45
3
2
4
0
17
2
2
0
15
Sept. 1962
55
1
11
10
2
10
2
0
0
19
TOTALS .862
45
67
263
17
165
35
17
8
245
Increase or
Decrease from
last year
+140
+12
+2
+74
+7
+32
+7
+9
+4 -7
Total valuation of property involved:
$826,350.00 $143,580.17
Total amount of fire loss :
48
C
Safety instructions for Jr. Police.
Police Commission
Promotions and changes in personnel which occurred in 1962 included the re- tirement of Captain Thaddeus Hasbrouck after 32 years of faithful service; the pro- motion of Lieutenant Henry Ormstedt to captain, and of Sergeant Birze Mikolinski to lieutenant. Patrolman James Kehoe and Detective Donald Hasbrouck became ser- geants. Officers Vincent Raucci and Edward Vreeland were assigned to the Detective Bureau. Letters of commendation were presented to 14 officers and men by the com- missioners.
New to the force this year were Officers Arnold Brown, David Dixon, William Edwards, Edmund Krasinski and Donald Migliozzi. Four resignations from the de- partment occurred.
John Raccio was appointed to the commission in February to replace Commis- sioner Thomas R. Coleman; and Roland Morgan was re-appointed president. Anthony Massaro was re-appointed secretary.
Sergeant Daniel Liston, director of the Youth Bureau, attended a two-week course on juvenile delinquency at the University of Wisconsin; and Captain Ormstedt and Sergeant Hasbrouck attended a three-week course in the traffic institute at North- western University.
New traffic signals were installed on Circular and Pearl Avenues, and on Put- nam Avenue at Newhall Street. Traffic signs were placed on numerous town streets.
Activities of the department included: 1,822 arrests, 3,285 investigated com- plaints, 968 motor vehicle warnings, 160 fires attended, 2,785 parking tags issued. 92 juvenile cases investigated, 857 accidents investigated, and 371,227 miles patrolled by squad cars and motorcycles.
Revenues derived from issued permits, tickets, etc., amounted to $6,055.09.
Jolın DeNicola, Chairman ex officio Roland C. Morgan, President Gustaf Bodin, John Raccio Robert Thatcher, Chief
49
Demonstrating gift.
Orders of the day.
New Traffic Control by Police Personnel.
50
Civil Service Commission
The commission has found it necessary to continue the schedule of two meetings a month. Twenty-one meetings have been held during the year.
The rules were completed and published in May. Copies were furnished to all employees in the classified service, and to all others who might be interested. Addi- tional copies are also available in the commission office for those who may be inter- ested.
During the year, 23 tests were conducted for various position classes, and 90 positions were filled.
In the Police Department 11 Grade C patrolmen were appointed; four Grade A patrolmen were promoted to sergeant; two sergeants to lieutenant and one lieu- tenant to captain. In the Fire Department three Grade C firemen were appointed. One senior library assistant and one assistant custodian were appointed to the library staff.
The Assistant Building Inspector was promoted to Building Inspector, and a new Plumbing Inspector was appointed.
Through promotional tests in the Public Works Department a foreman was pro- moted to Superintendent of Parks, and the position of foreman was also filled through a promotional test. Fifteen helpers have been appointed as replacements or addi- tions to the department.
In the Health Department one dental hygienist, two sanitarians and a medical secretary have been appointed.
With the Board of Education two head custodians have been appointed through promotional tests; seven additions or replacements of assistant custodians have been made; one boiler room fireman, two chef managers and ten cafeteria assistants have been appointed.
In the Recreation Department changes in personnel have been mostly of tem- porary employees; however, two permanent helpers have been appointed.
Through open competitive and promotional tests, 16 clerical positions have been filled. These include changes in the following department offices: Town Clerk, Treasurer, Tax, Public Works, Building, Health, Police and the Board of Education.
Current tests are being prepared for sanitarian, senior library assistant, cafeteria assistants, patrolmen, and a swimming pool maintenance man.
The commission has continued to conduct all testing through its own staff, with the exception of the promotional tests for police lieutenant and police captain.
Meeting dates for the commission have recently been changed from the first and third Thursday, to the second and fourth Thursday of each month.
Wilfred H. Moody, Chairman Harold E. Roush, George Greenstein Edward A. Wall, Executive Secretary
Welfare
The town appropriation to the Welfare Department this year was $14.000. There have been 96 cases, including 199 persons, who have received aid through our de- partment. A large part of the needed assistance was monies augmenting the amount paid by the patients for hospital care and other illnesses.
The State of Connecticut reimburses fifty per cent of all monies spent.
Josephine Ryan, Welfare Supervisor
51
Hamden Public Health and
Visiting Nurse Association, Inc.
ШЕТ - 3WME5
Vision Screening at VNA Well-Child Conference.
In reporting that Hamden's visiting nurses made 15,500 visits in 1962, an in- crease of over 2,000 over 1961, it is the content of the visits, not the number, that is significant. Many nursing services available to local residents were more frequently requested than a year ago. More calls were received for the association's physical therapist to assist in crutch walking, to learn to talk after speech loss, to use artificial limbs, to get up and down stairs despite parțial paralysis, and to learn to become independent rather than an invalid. In the area of such rehabilitation, the staff made 376 visits.
The return from local hospitals to our community, of people needing surgical and nursing care, increased to the extent of 2,180 calls. Rapid discharge after opera- tion presented a need for professional service, with which many individuals needed
52
-
HOW
A smile for doctor from patient.
assistance. Medication by injection, irrigations, wound care, and surgical dressings were provided to 908 individuals and involved 3,700 visits.
Hamden's population increase was apparent in the 979 visits made by the public health nurse to newborn infants and their families. Parents of 3,005 pre-school chil- dren discussed sleeping, eating, toileting, and behavior patterns with the visiting nurse - a role of supportive counsel that is available to all mothers. During such visits the nurse is alert to anxiety and concern that may be relieved by services of case work, clinical evaluation, or referral to special facilities. During 1962 the public health nurse worked closely as a team member with the physician and social worker, in providing coordinated community services to 47 young parents whose needs re- quired outside guidance.
The child in our community who is retarded has many health, educational and social services available to him, but his parents' willingness to accept his status and to reach out for help, is slow. Nineteen children of various degrees of retardation were visited by the public health nurse in 1962, to the extent of 96 visits. Eleven parents were assisted in seeking the facilities available.
Attendance at the well child conference, sponsored in coordination with the Health Department, decreased. In addition to medical and nursing supervision to chil- dren without private medical care, the service was expanded to include vision testing, conducted by personnel of the Association for the Prevention of Blindness. In the first four sessions of such testing, seven children were referred to their physician for further follow-up because of unsatisfactory testing results.
The elderly of Hamden benefited from the assistance and counsel of the public health nurse in 1962. Ninety-seven individuals over 65 years of age were aided to the extent of 1,331 visits. Bedside care, health education, accident prevention, and morale boosts, made up much of those visits. Without them, many of our older citi- zens would be dependent, unhappy individuals.
53
Mother, Matthew and Visiting Nurse discuss health promotion.
Four local nursery schools were visited monthly by the visiting nurse to aid in a health supervision guidance program. In cooperation with the New Haven Tuberculo- sis and Health Association, the nursing agency planned and coordinated chest X-ray surveys at local industries. Three residents required hospitalization during 1962 for tuberculosis. In each home, in cooperation with the Health Department, the public health nurse assisted with plans for hospital admission, and for examination and medi- cal care of the remaining family members.
Working closely with the family physician, the hospital, and the association's mental health consultant, the visiting nurse helped families prepare for the return of a family member from Connecticut Valley Hospital, and provided supportive services to seven such residents upon their return.
Many hours of conference to plan for integrated services to multi-problem fami- lies were planned with the Department of Health, the mental health consultant, school health personnel, and community case work agencies. Eight such conferences were held, providing improved service, economical in that duplication of effort was avoided.
Three sessions of eight weeks each of clinical experience in public health nursing were planned for six student nurses from the University of Bridgeport, partly sup- ported by the latter. Visitors from other public health nursing agencies spent time with the nursing staff during home visits, and at well child conference. Non-nursing personnel from Connecticut Valley Hospital also visited in the community with the visiting nurse, to learn of the services of the agency.
For many years the association has provided public health nursing services to the Town of Bethany, under contract. In 1962, North Haven Public Health Associa- tion, under contract, purchased both nursing service and nursing administration from the Hamden agency.
The staff participated with the Health Department in many group programs of public health service - tuberculin testing, polio vaccine administration, and urine testing during diabetic week.
The Board of Directors of the association have met at 24 different committee meetings to evaluate the nursing program in relation to their knowledge of the com- munity, and to guide the director in long-term planning. Volunteer time at the variety of service programs made available, amounted to over 1,000 hours. Close contact with the First Selectman's office has aided the association in planning a nursing pro- gram consistent with the aims and objectives of the town for a healthy community.
Requests in 1962, for public health nursing service in Hamden have required a knowledge of skilled bedside care, awareness of emotional and mental health, ability to work with the handicapped and retarded, and an alertness to rehabilitation possi- bilities ; all geared to assisting the well to keep well, the ill to become well or comfort- able, and to help people to help themselves. A total of 15,500 visits have demonstrated the personnel's efforts.
Opal W. Kelly, President Sarah M. Ferguson, R.N., M.P.H. Executive Director
54
Health Department
The past fiscal year was a busy and challenging one for the Board of Health and the Health Department. There is no end to public health problems in a community, especially when old problems seem resolved and new ones appear to take their place. The Board of Health held nine meetings, during which projects and subjects such as youth fitness, mental hygiene in the school health program, social services in the school, rubbish disposal, mosquito control, sanitary sewer extension, oral polio pro- grams, fluoridation of the public water supply, and food poisoning outbreaks were evaluated and discussed.
The board initiated a program of meeting with all members of the staff and hearing a direct report from a member of each division concerning his duties and responsibilities. Similarly, another meeting was held with the executive director of the Visiting Nurse Association who reported on the functions of her department and how some activities were carried on jointly with the Health Department.
The board regretted the loss of Dr. Simon Kleiner, who died July 12, 1962. His unexpired term was filled by the appointment of Dr. William Richards. In February 1962 Mrs. Anna Mulvey joined the board, replacing Harry Suozzo, who had served for three years.
The Health Department was plagued with a series of resignations. Richard Ken- dra, sanitarian, resigned in December 1961 and was replaced by Arthur Gordon; Richard Quinlan, sanitarian, resigned in January 1962, and was replaced by Vernon Williams; Mrs. Joyce Barnes, dental hygienist, resigned in September 1962, and was replaced by Mrs. Sylvia Winess; Mrs. Mary-Lou Raccuia, office secretary and clerk of the board, resigned in May 1962, and this vacancy was filled by Mrs. Barbara Roper. Following the resignation of Dr. Anthony Piccirillo, school physician, Dr. Joseph Rossi, pediatrician, was appointed in his place.
The total budget of the department was $73,904, which included a transfer of $400 and $777 allocated from federal funds.
Communicable Disease Control: The following commuincable diseases were re- ported :
Amebiasis 1
Salmonellosis
10
Chicken Pox 159
Salmonella Blockley
2
Conjunctivitis 2
Salmonella Enteriditis 1
German Measles 5
Salmonella Heidelberg 2
Gonorrhea 2
Infectious Hepatitis 12
Infectious Mononucleosis 16
Measles
409
Meningitis
3
Influenza
2
Meningococcemia
1
Mumps Pneumonia
49
Broncho 9
Lobar
7
Virus
17
Streptococcal Infections
Scarlet Fever
18
258
Strep. Throat 240
Syphilis
4
Tuberculosis
3
33
Whooping Cough
8
Of note were ten cases of salmonellosis as compared to three the previous year. The salmonella bacteria are responsible for enteritis in individuals who have eaten food that is contaminated by food handlers, who are carriers of salmonella bacteria. The different types listed show that contamination was from different sources.
There was a major outbreak of measles, with 409 cases reported, compared to 35 the previous year. There were 159 cases of chicken pox, compared to 140 the previous year. Streptococcal infections, including scarlet fever and streptococcal sore throat, showed an increase of 258 cases, compared to 217 the previous year. Fortunately there was no increase of infectious hepatitis cases, 12 of which were reported.
55
Salmonella Schottmuelleri
var. java 1
Salmonella Typhimurium 4
Drink a toast to fight polio. Sabin Oral Polio Clinic.
It is pleasing to report again that not a single case of poliomyelitis was reported. This speaks well for the Salk immunization program, which was effectively carried out, and this was one of the main reasons for postponing the Sabin Oral Polio Pro- gram until the cooler autumn months.
There were only three cases of tuberculosis, compared to seven the previous year. Two chest X-ray surveys were conducted at Children's Center and at an industrial establishment, with a total of 625 individuals X-rayed. In the Thursday programs in the New Haven City Hall, 1,153 chest X-rays were taken. A tuberculin testing pro- gram was conducted in grade nine in the junior high schools, grade ten in Mount Sacred Heart Academy, and grade 12 in the senior high school, with 1,041 students and 45 adults participating, six students showing a positive test, thus giving an inci- dence of 1/2% positive reactors.
Child Hygiene: As in previous years, child day-care centers were inspected joint- ly by the fire marshal, the building inspector and the Health Department personnel, in order to maintain and improve standards in these institutions. From these inspec- tions, eight day-care centers were given approval certificates by the State and the Hamden Health Department.
In the four well child conferences operated by the Visiting Nurse Association, the attending pediatricians were paid by the Health Department. During the summer months dental services were supplied by the dental hygienists of the Health Depart- ment to these conferences, in which 28 children were examined and 29 mothers were interviewed. Of the children examined, 13 had dental defects, one in a permanent tooth and 40 in deciduous teeth. Thirteen children were referred to their dentists for dental prophylaxes.
The school health services covering the areas of sanitation of the environment, individual health services, and informal health education by the Health Department staff was carried out in 14 public schools and two parochial schools. Yearly inspec- tions were made in all schools noted above, and the findings and recommendations were submitted to the Board of Education in the cases of the public schools and to the superintendents of the parochial schools. Periodic inspections were made of all the cafeterias in these schools and all were found in satisfactory condition.
56
The health appraisals of the school children were conducted by private physi- cians and the school physicians, and they are done periodically in the first, fourth, seventh and tenth grades, yearly for the students in competitive sports programs and on referral by the nurse or teacher because of a special problem. Health appraisals were made of 2,345 students by private physicians in their own offices, and of 982 students by the school physician. In the competitive sports program, health appraisals were made of 255 students by the school physician. Of the 3,327 student health ap- praisals made by both private and school physicians, exclusive of eye and ear defects obtained by screening tests, 52 students had irremedial defects, while 227 had re- medial defects of which 103 were corrected, 140 were under treatment, and 48 were not corrected by the end of the school year. Parent attendance at the school health appraisals in the schools was excellent, with 99% attendance in the elementary schools and 98% in the junior high schools.
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