USA > Massachusetts > Hampden County > Palmer > Town Annual Report of the Officers of the Town of Palmer, Massachusetts 1959 > Part 5
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Death claimed 14 of our town's veterans. Among them was our last known Spanish American War veteran, Luke Moore, who passed away on November 15th.
Of particular interest to veterans and their widows is the new pension bill signed into law last year which will become effective on July 1, 1960. This law will make WW II and Korean war widows eligible for pension on the same basis as WW I widows. Benefits will be paid to eligible claimants according to a sliding scale of income limitations. Veterans who now receive pension for non-service connected disabilities will be offered the option of continuing under the present law, or electing benefits under the new law if that should prove to be to their advantage.
The Veterans' Service Center has assisted 12 applicants with claims for Compensation or Pension during the year. Ten of the claims were approved by the VA and the recipients have received approximately $5,400 in additional income from this source. Three claims were denied, and two are in process of adjudication at year's end.
A total of 1233 office contacts were recorded and some of the more essential services were as follows :
552 Photostast
50 Insurance
28 Loan Certificate requests
20 Pension & Compensation
18 Discharges recorded
44 Hospital & Out Patient
17 Burial Benefits
97 Forms & Letters
29 Education
66 Referrals to other agencies
761 Misc. other services
Under the provisions of Chapter 115 of the General Laws of
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Mass., as amended, this department handled 76 cases of needy and eligible veterans and their dependents involving a total of 209 persons.
FINANCIAL REPORT
Appropriation and transfer
$32,000.00
Reimbursement from State
Town's share of total cost
$ 8,664.76 23,333.18 2.06
Balance
$32,000.00
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD J. SALAMON
Veterans' Agent
Report of Inspector of Animals
Palmer, Mass.
December 31. 1959
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Town of Palmer
Gentlemen :
All inspections ordered by the Division of Livestock Disease Control have been completed and requirements of Section 19, Chapter 129, of the General Laws of Mass. have been complied with, and reports filed with the Division at 41 Tremont St., Boston.
There was one shipment of cattle received in town from other states. These animals were identified and released per order of the Division.
All Brucellosis inspections have been made as requested by the Division.
There were 88 visits made to examine and quarantine dogs known to have bitten persons. None showed symptoms of Rabies and were released after 14 days.
There was one person bitten by a mouse, this mouse was shipped to the Wasserman Laboratory 281 South St., Jamaica Plains 30. Mass. No trace of Rabies was found.
Respectfully submitted,
GEORGE S. GAY
Inspector of Animals
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Report of Young Men's Library Association
During the past year the Library has continued to serve the people of Palmer in steadily increasing numbers as is shown by our gain in registered borrowers, which now total 4,040. Our circulation at the main library, as well as the three branches in the villages, continues at a good figure and the attendance in the reading rooms showed a total of 2,558 persons last year. Many of these were high school pupils looking up data and references in connection with their studies. A total of 469 new books were added during the year, bringing the total number of volumes on our shelves to 18,800. The Library also has added to its collection of Hi-Fi records and now has a total of 228 LP's in addition to a large number of classics recorded on the older 78's. A number of new records were purchased during the year and we plan to keep this department expanding and up to date.
The Registry of Motor Vehicles has continued to use the library rooms on alternate Thursdays for license examinations but did not maintain a branch office for registrations this year and whether such a branch will be operated here in 1960 is still undecided. The Palmer-sponsored bill for a permanent branch of the Registry failed to pass the legislature in 1959.
Treasurer's report for the year ending December 31, 1959:
RECEIPTS :
Balance January 1, 1959 $5.96
Income from Investment 2,704.39
Town of Palmer, appropriation
8,000.00
Fines collected 288.33
Rental of records, books sold, and misc. 82.35
$11,081.03
DISBURSEMENTS:
Salaries, services and rentals
$7,558.34
Books, magazines and records
1,321.33
Light and telephone
339.09
Fuel
953.90
Insurance premiums
159.04
Supplies and printing
147.53
Building services and repairs
67.90
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Social security taxes, etc.
135.20 9.00
Miscellaneous
10,691.33
Balance December 31, 1959
389.70
$11,081.03
Respectfully submitted,
ALLEN F. DAVIS, Treasurer
Examined and approved January 18, 1960
WILLIAM R. FAULKNER, Auditor
Dutch Elm Disease
Amount Appropriated
$5,600.00
Expenditures
5,586.82
Balance
$13.18
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Palmer
Gentlemen :
The Dutch Elm Disease is still a major problem. During the past year, 79 diseased Elm Trees were disposed of in accordance with sanitation regulations; a decrease of three trees from the preceding year.
The Department of Natural Resources in a State-wide survey, reported a 5% increase in Elm Tree mortality. In spite of this increase, it was noted that certain species of Elm Trees are more resistant to the Elm Disease than others. Consequently, popula- tion-wise the number of Elm Trees may not be as large; but we should have Elm Trees for many years to come.
Spraying and disposal efforts, as in the past, shall be contin- ued in an effort to contain this disease.
Respectfully submitted,
STANLEY J. STRZEMIENSKI Moth Superintendent
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Report of Forest Fire Warden
Report of the Forest Fire Warden for the year ending De- cember 31, 1959.
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
Palmer, Massachusetts.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Forest Fire Warden of the town of Palmer for the year ending December 31, 1959.
This Department responded to a total of 24 calls for brush, grass, and forest fires.
Hundreds of permits were given for outside fires at no cost to the people asking for them. These permits may be had by calling my home.
This Town had one of the first, and best radio equipped Forest Fire Departments in the state, but this equipment was bought over fifteen years ago and it is now obsolete. I hope you and the Town will go along with me on my budget so that we can again say that we have one of the best Departments in the state, and operate efficiently.
I would also like to say at this time that the Forest fire truck is also obsolete, and falling apart. We have managed to keep it going with repairs, but every year the cost of repairs is going up. The safety of the men riding on this truck is also jeopardized.
At this time I would like to thank your honorable board for the cooperation you gave me during the past year.
Respectfully submitted.
GUS A. THEODORE
Forest Fire Warden
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Report of The Tree Warden for 1959
Amount Appropriated
$3,450.00
Amount Spent
3,450.00
The Tree Warden's Department had an unusually busy year needing the tree removal and topping and raising of lines due to many new houses, buildings and driveways being constructed. The department raised the low limbs on many of the streets, and back country roads, made necessary by bus and truck travel and pedestrian traffic on the main streets, the department re- moved 42 trees on country roads which were dangerous and likely to fall. The department removed 20 trees on streets which were dangerous to the public safety. The department removed a num- ber of trees where new buildings or homes were being errected, the department trimmed dead wood and large dead limbs in the four villages on many of the streets, where calls were received. The department had many calls to remove limbs because of radio and television interference on limbs rubbing roofs and over chimneys.
The department planted 64 trees in the various parts of the town, these were all requests that were entered at least three months ahead of planting season. the situation was looked over and agreed upon, 16 requests were denied; because of bad location or enough shade trees in the area.
The department was called out for four storms in which there were mostly broken branches or broken tops on trees.
The department wishes to thank the Highway Department for their help in clearing up storm damage and other emergency work during the year.
WALTER CAMBO, Tree Warden
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School Committee 1960-1961
DAVITT M. ROONEY, Chairman DONALD F. McCAFFREY, Secretary
EDMUND J. FRYDRYK
Term expires 1960
EDWARD R. PROSPERI
Term expires 1960
DAVITT M. ROONEY
Term expires 1961
LEO J. SANTUCCI
HENRY R. TRESPAS
Term expires 1962 Term expires 1962
Regular meetings of the School Committee are held at 7 p.m. on the Monday before the fourth Friday of each school month. All bills must be in the hands of the Superintendent on Monday before the above-mentioned date.
Superintendent of Schools, Donald F. McCaffrey Office Hours: 8 a.m. to 12 m .; 1 to 4 p.m.
CALENDAR
1959-1960
Opening, September 9, 1959
Columbus Day, October 12, 1959
Teachers' Convention, October 23, 1959
Veterans' Day, November 11, 1959
Thanksgiving Recess, November 26-27, 1959
Fall Recess, December 24, 1959, to January 3, 1960
Washington's Birthday, February 22, 1960
Winter Recess, Week of February 28, 1960 Good Friday, April 15, 1960 Patriots' Day, April 19, 1960
Spring Recess, Week of May 1, 1960 Memorial Day, May 30, 1960 Closing - Grades, June 17, 1960 High, June 30, 1960
1960-1961
Opening, September 7, 1960 Columbus Day, October 12, 1960 Teachers' Convention, October 21, 1960 Veterans' Day, November 11, 1960 Thanksgiving Recess, November 24-25, 1960 Fall Recess, Week of December 25, 1960 Washington's Birthday, February 22, 1961 Winter Recess, Week of February 26, 1961 Good Friday, March 31, 1961 Patriot's Day, April 19, 1961 Spring Recess, Week of April 30, 1961 Memorial Day, May 30, 1961 Closing - Grades, June 16, 1961 High, June 30, 1961
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Annual School Report
To the School Committee of the Town of Palmer:
I submit herewith my ninth annual report, the sixty-seventh report of the town.
Personnel
This last June the Palmer School Department hired eleven new teachers, the largest number of new people in many years. This practice will continue, since many teachers of long and valued service to the town will retire in the foreseeable future. These people will be sorely missed, as they have been the back- bone of our system. A balance of the young inexperienced and the experienced teacher is desirable. Palmer must, if stability in the system is to be maintained, retain a salary schedule at- tractive enough to hire experienced teachers at proper levels and to attract the best of the young new teachers.
Repairs
This past year the roof at the Quabaug School was replaced with a twenty-year bonded roof. A new No. 2 oil burner was installed at the Quabaug School. Modern toilet renovations were completed at this school, also.
Classrooms at the Thorndike Street School were painted.
Sidewalk repairs were completed at the High School. Evaluation Committee
Last spring Palmer High School underwent its ten-year eval- uation by an outside visiting committee made up of teachers, principals, superintendents, and members of the State Depart- ment of Education. For a year prior to their coming, our own staff made a self-evaluation of their school in all of its phases. The visiting committee spent three days visiting classes; observ- ing the school in operation; and talking to teachers, pupils, non- teaching personnel, and the administration. Late in the school year, they rendered a report.
Space does not permit the printing of the complete report, but many good recommendations were made to assist us in main- taining a better school for our young people. The School Com- mittee and the administration will study the recommendations and put into practice those that are necessary and desirable. Many of the recommendations for improvement in our school are not possible because of an inadequate building with which to carry on a modern school program. Their report on the school plant is as follows:
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"During our tour of the building, we tried to observe the facilities and the use of the facilities. Also, knowing that build- ing plans are being studied, we tried to keep in mind that the proposed changes would correct the present overcrowded con- ditions.
"We felt that the high school building could be used as a starting point of an addition to eliminate the crowded conditions and yet take advantage of a very desirable site. We realize that brand-new facilities are desirable; but, from a practical point of view, we believe that, taking into consideration every- thing, the proposed addition will provide functional educational advantages that are badly needed.
"Commendations :
"1. The School Administration is making excellent use of all available space.
"2. The building has been well preserved and well main- tained.
"3. The site is centrally located and adequate.
"4. Outside recreational areas for physical education and athletics are exceptionally fine.
"5. Fire drill arrangements, as described to us, are unusu- ally well provided for through the cooperation of the School and Fire Departments.
"Recommendations :
"1. That the predicted school enrollment indicates the need of added facilities at an early date. The present overcrowding is detrimental to good educational training.
"2. That the present building be remodeled, modernized, and used as a basis of the added facilities.
"3. That the spaces for the specialized areas (sciences, business, household arts, shop, art, music) be increased to ade- quate and functional sizes. We further recommend that these areas be included in the addition to the building.
"4. That space be provided for a library and that it be properly staffed.
"5. That portable furniture be installed in the classrooms.
"6. That the kitchen and dining room be relocated in the new facilities and that it should provide proper food preparation area, adequate serving facilities, and a dining area free from traffic and other disturbances.
"7. That the administrative suite be enlarged.
"8. That the stage area, in the auditorium, be enlarged and equipped to meet secondary school requirements.
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"9. That proper and adequate storage areas be provided for supplies, books, foods, custodial supplies, athletic equipment, etc.
"10. That the heating plant be replaced with an automatic system.
"11. That toilet facilities be provided on each level for stu- dents and faculty.
"12. That adequate parking areas be provided for athletic and public functions.
"13. That the houses south of the tennis courts be taken, removed, and the area added to the school site.
"14. That the building be comprehensive in that it house the entire secondary school program rather than using the two buildings as at present.
"15. That a staff room should be provided where teachers may work with separate rooms off the staff room for men and women.
"16. That an inside built-in incinerator be provided.
"17. That the gym and related areas be completely re- moved and be properly and adequately built in the new addition or building.
"18 That the installation of new lights be made in the classrooms. (Continue program)
"19. That consideration be given to replacing or remodeling the auditorium so that it can be utilized during the day without disturbing classes in other parts of the building."
Special Town Meeting
The proposed addition to the high school was defeated at the town meeting. The defeat, unfortunately, does not solve the problem. The defeat of the proposed addition will prove costly to our children, to our teachers, and to the taxpayers themselves. Delays are expensive to all concerned.
The School Department wishes to extend to the School Build- ing Committee, headed by Mr. Harold Crane, its sincere thanks for a long, tedious job in behalf of our schools. The department is especially indebted to Mr. Crane for his excellent leadership, contributing to the task many hours of his time, often at great personal sacrifice; the resources of his plant staff in solving some technical problems; and in other ways contributing much more than would be required normally to bring this committee's report before the town. The department wishes, also, to thank the town for recognizing that our school problems are in need of a solution by appointing a new committee under the chair-
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manship of Mr. Thomas Haley. The department will offer them our sincere cooperation.
Guidance
The Palmer School Committee established guidance on a full-time basis this fall. Mr. Alfonso Rizzo is the first to serve as director of guidance. His work will consist of pupil counsel- ing, testing, assisting pupils in vocational placement, conferring with parents, serving as a liason between the school and all community agencies, such as our industries, for vocational placement, and ranking colleges for assistance in college place- ment. Guidance services are broad in scope and are intended for all students. Please feel free to come and talk over prob- lems with our guidance department at any time. Salary Schedule
To comply with the state law, the Palmer School Committee adopted a new salary schedule, effective September, 1960, as follows :
Bachelor's Degree Master's Degree Annual Increment
Minimum $4,000
$4,200 $200
Maximum $5,900
$6,100
Budget
Among the major repair items in the 1960 budget, the School Committee will be asked to consider beginning a program of lighting for the High School, to complete the renovations to the girls' toilets at the Quabaug School, repair the skylights at the High School, and begin a program of painting the corridors in the elementary schools.
The 1960 budget will include, also, an increase of $100 for all teaching personnel.
Significant increases include an increase in the Fuel account and a sum of $6,532 allotted for National Defense Education. Monies for the National Defense Education Act will be expended for improvements in the high and elementary science programs, as well as in mathematics and foreign languages. This past year approximately $3,000 was spent to improve the equipment facili- ties in elementary science and high school biology and general science. Monies for the National Defense Education Act will be available for another three years. Of the $6,532 requested for this year, one-half of this amount will be returned to the town from Federal funds for approved projects in science, mathe- matics, and foreign languages.
It is the intent of the School Department that every effort will be made to operate the schools as efficiently and econom- ically as possible.
Conclusion
In conclusion, may I take the opportunity to express my sin-
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cere appreciation to the members of the School Committee, the Board of Selectmen, the Highway Department, the Police Depart- ment, all other town officers, a loyal and helpful staff, parent- teacher organizations, and all others who have given the School Department their whole-hearted support in its objective to provide a successful school program for your children.
Respectfully submitted,
DONALD F. McCAFFREY Superintendent of Schools
January 4, 1960
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
December 31, 1959
Appropriation Expended
Balance
Expenses of Instruction
$351,528.00
$350,399.78
$1,128.22
General Expenses
17,760.00
17,730.21
29.79
Expenses of Operating
44,290.00
44,269.45
20.55
Repairs
22,080.00
22,071.81
8.19
Auxiliary Agencies
55,593.00
55,591.25
1.75
Furniture and Furnishings
5,675.00
5,670.00
5.00
National Defense Education
Act of 1958
1,000.00
1,000.00
0.00
Trade School Expenses
15,990.00
15,967.64
22.36
Retirement
2,177.00
2,177.00
0.00
$516,093.00
$514,877.14 $1,215.86
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TOWN WARRANT COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
County of Hampden, ss.
Town of Palmer
To either of the Constables of the Town of Palmer, in said County, GREETING :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to notify and warn all the inhabitants of the Town of Palmer, qualified to vote in elections of town officers, to meet at the several polling places in said Palmer, designated by the selectmen, to wit: In Precinct A, at the High School Gymnasium on Converse Street in the Depot Village; in Precinct B, at the Thorndike Grammar School in Thorndike; in Precinct C, at the Three Rivers Grammar School in Three Rivers, and in Precinct D, at the Bondsville Grammar School in Bondsville, on Monday, the first day of February, A.D. 1960, at ten o'clock in the forenoon, then and there to give in their votes on one ballot to the Town, for the following officers: 3 Selectmen, 5 Constables, 3 License Commissioners, Town Treasurer, Collector of Taxes, Tree Warden, all for the term of one year; 1 Assessor, 1 Member of the Board of Public Welfare, 1 Cemetery Com- missioner, 2 Members of the School Committee, 1 Member of the Board of Health, Town Clerk, all for the term of three years; and 1 Member of the Planning Board for the term of five years.
And you are further hereby required to notify and warn the inhabitants of said Palmer, qualified to vote in town affairs to meet at St. Stanislaus' Hall on Main Street, Village of Three Rivers in said Palmer, on Monday, the eighth day of February, A.D. 1960, at seven o'clock in the evening, then and there to act on the following articles, viz:
The polls will be open at ten o'clock in the forenoon and will be closed at eight o'clock in the evening.
Article 1. To choose a Moderator to preside at said meeting.
Article 2. To choose all other usual town officers.
Article 3. To act on the reports of the town officers.
Article 4. To hear and act on reports of committees.
Article 5. To choose committees and give them instructions.
Article 6. To see if the town will vote to authorize the town treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the
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financial year beginning January 1, 1960, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year, in accordance with Section 17 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
Article 7. To see if the town will vote to authorize the treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money as permitted by law to meet any appropriations made or expenses incurred under any of the articles of the warrant.
Article 8. To raise money and make appropriations to de- fray the expenses of the town for the ensuing year ..
Article 9. To see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen to sell at public auction, after first giving notice of the time and place of sale by posting such notice of sale in some convenient and public place in the town, fourteen days at least before the sale, property taken by the Town under tax title procedure, provided that the selectmen or whomsoever they may authorize to hold such auction may reject any bid which they deem inadequate, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 10. To see if the town will vote to authorize the selectmen to sell at public auction, after first giving notice of the time and place of sale by posting such notice of sale in some convenient and public place in the town fourteen days at least before the sale, or at private sale, any old and obsolete equip- ment or personal property, provided that the selectmen or whom- soever they may authorize to hold such auction or sale may reject any bid which they deem inadequate, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 11. To see if the town will raise and appropriate or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 90 Highway Maintenance, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 12. To see if the town will vote to appropriate or transfer from the parking meter account any sum of money for (a) police enforcement; (b) constructing, reconstructing, resurfac- ing, operating and maintaining off-street parking areas; (c) a miscellaneous fund under the exclusive control of the selectmen to be used for purposes authorized by law; (d) contribution toward cost of snow removal.
Article 13. To see if the town will vote to transfer any sum of money from the Overlay Reserve account to the Reserve Fund, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 14. To see if the town will vote to appropriate any sum of money from Free Cash to reduce the 1960 tax levy, or take any action relative thereto.
Article 15. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro-
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priate any sum of money for the collection and disposal of garbage and/or rubbish in the several villages of the Town of Palmer and authorize the selectmen to prepare specifications, execute a contract or contracts for a term not to exceed three years and do all things necessary to effect the collection of said garbage and/or rubbish, or to authorize the selectmen to have said garbage and/or rubbish collected by a department of the town, or take any action relative thereto.
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