USA > Massachusetts > Norfolk County > Braintree > Town annual report of Braintree, Massachusetts for the year 1962 > Part 11
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The FIRST MONDAY in Precincts 1 & 2
The SECOND MONDAY in Precincts 3 & 4 The THIRD MONDAY in Precincts 5 & 6
Holidays falling on Monday, collections will begin the following day. Rubbish should be in suitable containers NOT IN OIL DRUMS.
135
1962
MOTH DEPARTMENT ANNUAL REPORT Aaron P. Whitcomb, Superintendent
PRIVATE PROPERTY SPRAYING
The procedure for spraying on private property for other than Elm Trees: The party for whom the spraying is to be done, makes application and payment to the Town Treasurer, who in turn forwards to us a copy of the receipt for payment.
This copy of the receipt is our authority to spray.
A serious condition due to Canker Worms, developed during the month of June which taxed our spraying program to the extent that orders to spray could not be handled properly, therefore this department has requested $7, 500 in the 1963 Budget for the Aerial Spraying of Canker Worms.
DUTCH ELM DISEASE
38 samples of suspected trees were sent to the University of Massachu- setts Shade Tree Laboratories at Amherst, Massachusetts.
Report of their diagnosis was as follows:
Diseased 19 Sterile 19
Contract let for the removal of diseased trees.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH JOSEPH H. JUSTER, CHAIRMAN DR. MARY A. HALPIN, CLERK ROBERT E. FRAZIER, MEMBER FRANCIS E. CHAFE, AGENT
Diptheria Clinic: The Diptheria Clinic this year was admirable con- ducted by the School Health Department in conjunction with the Board of Health and the Visiting Nurse Association. In all 981 childred received the benefits of this program.
Food Handling Establishments: A program of more frequent inspec- tion of all the Town's food handling installations was instituted this year. The initial inspections were very thorough and we were pleased to find so few major sanitation violations. The cooperation of management in cor- recting unsatisfactory conditions called to their attention deserves com- mendation since it often involves expenditure of money. A bi-monthly test of all the eating and drinking establishments was made and results of these tests (bacteria count) were forwarded to each establishment. In the event
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high bacteria counts were recorded, an immediate re-testing was con- ducted, and steps taken to remedy questionable sources of high incidence.
Tuberculosis Prevention, Communicable Diseases and Health Educa- tion: The execution of the various programs connected with the above named captions have been very efficiently carried out by the Braintree Visiting Nurse Association. Braintree still continues to report a low inci- dence of communicable diseases. Credit should also be given to the Braintree School Health Department for its active participation in the co- operative and assistance rendered to these Health Programs.
Milk Testing: Once each month samples of milk were taken from dealers delivering milk in Braintree. These samples were tested for butter fat, total solids, phosphates, bateria and coli. These tests reveal that the milk being sold and delivered in Braintree maintains a consistently high level. It is pleasing to report that no milk-borne disease has occurred in Braintree for quite some few years.
Any resident so desiring can review the results of these tests at the Braintree Board of Health Office.
Plumbing Inspector's Report: Under the jurisdiction of the Board of Health a total of 815 inspections were completed by the Plumbing Inspector. Before any inspection is considered complete the work must fully meet the Plumbing Rules and Regulations of the Board of Health.
Polio Clinic: The Braintree Board of Health in cooperation with the School Health Department and State Health Department joined forces to offer the new Sabin oral polio vaccine to all pre-school children age three months to children in the kindergarten and first grades in the public, private, and parochial schools in town.
The Sabin Oral Vaccine is taken in three (3) separate virus types. Types I and III were given in May and June respectively. Mass Clinics for these two types were offered at the Lincoln, Lakeside and Highlands Schools. Approximately 4100 children attended these clinics. Type II vaccine will be offered in May of 1963.
In order to provide polio protection to the children and adults not eligible for the Sabin program, the Board of Health urged a mass Salk vaccine booster program be made available. This challenge was accepted by the Doctors of Braintree. So on Sunday May 6th some 3200 Braintree residents turned up at the Town Hall for their shots.
Free Salk oral polio vaccine will continue to be offered free to the Doctors and The Braintree Visiting Nurse at the Health Department, office in the Town Hall.
A further Sabin oral polio program is being planned by the State Health Department for all school children thru grade 12 and will be offered in 1963.
Asian Influenza Clinic: An Asian Influenza Clinic was held during the month of December for those town employees desirous of protection from the predicted upswing in influenza virulence this winter. The clinic was conducted for the Board of Health by the Braintree Visiting Nurse Associa- tion at their Washington Street facilities. This program was greatly ap- preciated and very well attended.
Gas Piping and Gas Appliance Inspector's Report: A gas inspector was appointed by the Board of Health in accordance with the law voted into
137
effect at the March 1962 Town Meeting as required by the General Laws Chapter 737, acts of 1960. From October thru December there were 100 permits issued and inspections made. Before any gas piping or gas appli- ance is installed a permit must be issued by the gas inspector and when the work is completed it is inspected by the gas inspector for his approval.
Annual Disposal Report: The following is a table by months of the number of animals taken care of at the Board of Health Incinerator:
January 37
July 30
February 27
August 34
March 35
September 36
April 36
October 41
May
38
November 35
June
34
December 38
DENTAL HYGIENIST REPORT September 5, 1962 - December 21, 1962
At the opening of the school year dental examinations were given to all the pupils from kindergarten through the eighth grade.
I contacted the local dentists and they volunteered their services to do the general inspections.
Following the examinations, notices were sent home to the parents of those children who were found in need of dental attention.
After these cards are signed and returned, I check each card and carefully study those requesting Clinic.
I consulted the teachers where the child attends, also district super- visors, district principals, school nurses and if in doubt the Visiting Nurse Association, before the pupils are eligible.
Other letters, telephone calls were made to parents as the occasion called for, especially, to explain to new families moving into town the set-up of our dental clinic.
By determining the number of days in the school year that the dentist could work and considering the increased population, the condition of the teeth in each building, a working schedule is planned by the dental hygienist for just how long the dental clinic will remain in each school building.
The dental hygienist not only organizes the schedule, but prepares the clinical cases before the dentist moves into the school building.
I have fifteen schools to cover.
I assist all the local dentists, including the school dentist during the general examinations in every school throughout the entire town.
After those examinations are completed, I start my clinical work, also my educational program.
Dental health posters are hung in all schools and reading materials in regard to tooth brushing habits at home, nutrition for good dental Health are distributed.
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I had a meeting with Dr. Ward, Director of Visual Aids, the first part of November.
Films were discussed and a program was arranged to show dental films for age levels including kindergarten through eighth grades.
I will devote most of January, February and part of March showing these films on "Dental Health" education.
To create some enthusiasm, I suggested Mr. Ward take a picture of the classroom obtaining the first 100% Dental Chart in the town.
For publicity have the Braintree Newspaper print picture and news.
Dr. Ludlow is making it possible to continue the prizes to be given to all pupils and teachers in the classrooms which attain 100% on the dental charts. He is planning to contact all local dentists for donations to be used for this purpose.
The end of November, Mrs. Doris Smith, sixth grade teacher at Lake- side school, was chosen as a guest speaker at a meeting held in a Boston hotel.
Last February, the guests I invited from the New England Food and Dairy Counsel were so impressed with the performance of the dental skit "Talking Teeth" that Mrs. Smith was asked to give suggestions on how she conducted this classroom project.
This meeting consisted mainly of teachers from all over the state.
In closing, I would like to thank principals, supervisors, teachers, nurses, secretaries and custodians for their excellent co-operation.
I wish also to thank Mr. Proctor, Mr. Raymond and members of the Board of Health, also the secretary and local dentists for their valued services.
Respectfully submitted, SABENA D. ARSENAULT, R. D. H.
Educational Materials were received from the following:
1. H. P. Hood & Sons, Inc.
2. Dept. of Public Health, State House, Boston
3. National Dairy Counsel
4. New England Food and Dairy Counsel
5. American Dental Assoc., Chicago, Illinois
6. Kolynos Company
7. Church and Dwight Co., Inc.
8. International Apple Assoc., Washington, D. C.
139
PARKS, PLAYGROUNDS AND GOLF COURSE CHARLES F. ABELL, SUPERINTENDENT
The Braintree Park Commissioners are trying to expand our park facilities with the growth of our town.
During the summer over seventy different ball teams used our play- grounds for after supper league play. This does not include the Park De- partments Organized Play program of forty teams playing scheduled games. A complete program of Arts and Crafts was presented at our thirteen play- grounds. At Sunset Lake and Swifts Beach, swimming classes were held for beginners to senior lifesaving. Hundreds of children took advantage of our waterfront program.
The Park Commission are checking on possible sites for ice skating in East Braintree and in the Highlands. It is hoped something can be done about safe skating areas in 1963.
The Braintree Municipal Golf Course had another good year of play. More and more Townspeople are taking advantage of the course in the form of recreation.
The course is self sustaining which in turn helps out in the over all Park Department budget.
The Park Commissioners are grateful to the service organizations in our Town, and the Town Departments who have assisted us in making 1962 a successful year.
GEORGE F. LEBEN
EARL HOLLIS
EDGAR L. COPP
GEORGE H. SNYDER
EDGAR L. LAWRENCE
MITCHELL GAWLOWICZ
ARIGO LaTANZI
DR. EDGAR L. COPP
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REPORT OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT HARRY T. SEARS Chief of Fire Department Superintendent of Fire Alarm
In 1962 out of a total of 991 calls of all descriptions 150 resulted with a loss totaling $209, 800. 46. Property valuation involved by fire in 1962 $2,211, 762. 00.
Fire prevention being the most effective weapon in lowering the fire loss and minimizing the physical dangers to our people, we have introduced the Junior Fire Marshall Program which has contributed measurably in controlling hazardous conditions in the homes. Over 3, 300 homes in the Town of Braintree were inspected, cleared of any fire hazard through a questionnaire by the Junior Fire Marshall. The questionnaire was then re- turned to the school teacher before receiving a reward. We feel this plan along with the Fire Department Fire Prevention program is far reaching in reducing our fire losses and protecting the lives of our people.
By amending the Building Code at the 1959 Town Meeting and adding the Sprinkler and Fire Detection Law, all boarding or lodging houses, hos - pitals, nursing homes, convalescent homes, schools, and all new business or industrial establishments having more than 3, 000 square feet of floor area must be protected by a complete sprinkler system or a complete Fire Detection system.
This year we hope to amend the Building Code by adding a Fire De- tection Law to protect life in dwelling houses. All new dwellings must in- stall a complete fire detection system. The loss of life is outrageous and unnecessary.
Mutual Aid plays a very important part in the protection of life and property. We are grateful to have automatic Mutual Aid with our neighbor- ing city and towns.
During the year 1962 we used 21, 650 feet of 2-1/2 inch hose, 18, 550 feet of 1-1/2 inch hose, 80, 000 feet of booster hose, and 1, 452 feet of ladders. Our Engines pumped water 247 hours and 5 minutes. We an- swered 85 calls for Oil-Gas-Water leaks, 62 False Alarms, 62 calls for building fires, 352 calls for Grass-Woods-Dumps, 43 calls for Resuscita- tors, 88 calls for Automobiles and Trucks, 22 calls for Mutual Aids, 21 calls for Automobile accidents and 256 miscellaneous calls making a total of 991 calls in 1962.
Supervised drills and schooling in the Fire Department are carried on throughout the year to keep abreast of the most advanced fire fighting techniques and equipment.
In 1963 I have requested 7 (seven) additional Fire Fighters due to the increased property to be protected. Over $40, 000, 000. 00 worth of new property must be protected.
To protect this additional property a 2nd man should be added to the 2nd Engine company in the Central Station, and a 2nd man should be added to the 2 (two) - man Engine Company in the Highlands district. This should eliminate building and equipping a new fire station in the South Shore Plaza district at this time.
141
The last increase in personnel was in 1956.
The Fire Stations are in very good condition except for some minor re- pairs. The apparatus is in very good condition.
I have recommended the purchase of a 2nd piece of Aerial equipment One 20 year old 65 foot Aerial Ladder is inadequate to protect a town with a population of 33, 000. When we purchased the aerial ladder in 1942 we had 4, 663 dwellings; today we have 8, 000 dwellings plus new schools, numerous manufacturing plants and the new South Shore Plaza District.
A permit is required from the head of the Fire Department for the in- stallation and storage of liquified Petroleum Gas system. 30 permits were issued in 1962 for such installations. 80 Permits for blasting and 750 permits for fire in open air.
The Fire Alarm system is in very good condition except for a 21-year old fire alarm truck. I have recommended the purchase of a new fire alarm truck. In 1962 five new alarm boxes were added to the fire alarm system.
In closing I wish to thank the Honorable Board of Selectmen and all others who have assisted the Fire Department in carrying out its duties.
1962 ANNUAL TOWN REPORT BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
The Federal Government through the Social Security Act, together with the State Government, grants substantial reimbursement in all cate- go ries of relief, except General Relief, as well as for the administration of the several programs.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE: Old Age Assistance functions under Chapter 118A of the General Laws. Such assistance is on the basis of need and the amount thereof determined in accordance with budgetary standards esta- blished by the local Board of Public Welfare subject to the approval of the State Department of Public Welfare. To be eligible a person must be 65 years of age or over.
The total expenditures for the year 1962 for this category amounted to $148, 914. 67. The Town's share after Federal and State reimbursements was $15, 831. 24. The total amount of recoveries made under the Lien Law was $11, 760. 15, which was redistributed to the Federal, State, and Local governments.
MEDICAL ASSISTANCE FOR THE AGED: Medical Assistance for the Aged is a program of public assistance established by the General Laws Chapter 118A, Section 13 through 32 under which medical care is provided for persons 65 years of age or over, whose income and resources are in- sufficient to meet the costs of necessary medical services. Children of applicants are allowed certain exemptions by law before being required to contribute to the support of their parents.
142
The total expenditures for the year 1962 amounted to $152, 595. 31. The Town's share after Federal and State reimbursements was $26, 450. 27.
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN: Under Chapter 118 of the General Laws, Aid to Dependent Children became effective in Massachusetts in 1937. Originally planned to provide for widows and children who are in need, the program has been extended to assist families because of divorce, legal separation, incapacitated, deserted or incarcerated fathers. By a recent amendment to this Chapter further extension has been made to include needy children deprived of parental support because of unemployment of parents.
Beginning July 1, 1962, in conjunction with the recently established Federal Bureau of Family Services, particular emphasis is being made on extended social service to meet special problems of families; such as: (1) Strengthening family life, safeguarding children in hazardous home situations, and reducing dependency through an effective program of re- habilitation services; (2) Effective activity in the location of deserting parents as well as for the prevention of fraud. On the latter, control and prevention of fraud must be the constant objective of the welfare adminis - tration.
The total expenditures for the year 1962 amounted to $50, 513. 75. The Town's share after the Federal and State reimbursement was $12, 724. 85.
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE: Under Chapter 118D of the General Laws, Disability Assistance became effective December, 1951. To be eligible for this program, a person must be between the ages of 18 and 65 and physi- cally and totally disabled as certified by a complete medical report and approved by the State Medical Review Team.
The total expenditures for the year 1962 amounted to $37, 285. 79. The Town's share after the Federal and State reimbursements was $9, 321. 45.
GENERAL RELIEF: On the basis of settlement laws under Chapter 116 and General Relief under Chapter 117, the town pays other cities and towns for assistance given to Braintree settled cases.
General Relief cases, based on laws of settlement, meaning the city or town of settlement reimburses the town, in full, the amount of assistance rendered. Braintree settled cases are borne by the town. If no settlement, reimbursement is made by the State. There is no Federal Reimbursement in General Relief.
Chapter 584 of the Acts of 1959 which amended Sec. 24 of Chapter 117 became effective in December of that year. Under this amendment, the town receives referrals from the various hospitals on any Braintree resi- dent who is hospitalized. These referrals are investigated by the welfare staff as to the eligibility for assistance of the resident, as well as of their ability to pay, otherwise the town is liable for payment.
The total expenditures for General Relief and to cities and towns for 1962 amounted to $6,963. 91. Under the settlement laws, the town received from other cities and towns $775. 38.
Mr. Harry J. Gaffney, a loyal dedicat ed official, retired as Director of Public Assistance on October 23, 1962, after serving 16 years in that capacity. He did an excellent job for our town and for your Welfare Board. He will be greatly missed.
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Mr. Lloyd L. Doyle was appointed Director of Public Assistance on October 24, 1962, subject to Civil Service regulations.
The Board wishes to thank the many town officials as well as others who have cooperated with our Department in any way during the past year.
BOARD OF PUBLIC WELFARE
HERBERT B. HOLLIS, CHAIRMAN HARRISON T. SMILEY, CLERK FRED A. TENNEY, MEMBER LLOYD L. DOYLE, DIRECTOR
REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
JOHN V. POLIO Chief of Police Department
January 1, 1963
TO THE CITIZENS OF BRAINTREE:
I herewith submit my report of the activities of the Police Department for the year ending December 31, 1962.
ARRESTS
Total Arrests and Summons
-534
Male Resident 261
Female Resident-
121
Male Non-Resident- 150
Female Non-Resident- -- 12
No. 1 - Crimes Against Person
MR
MNR
FR
FNR
Assault and Battery
25
1
2
0
Threats
9
0
0
0
Assault with Dangerous Weapon
0
1
0
0
Rape
0
1
0
0
34
3
2
0
No. 2 - Crimes Against Property
B and E and Larceny Larceny
1
24
0
0
12
25
0
0
No. 3 - Crimes Against Public Order
Delinquency
6
1
0
0
Drunkenness
52
67
29
1
Arrests by out of Town Police
2
0
0
0
Arrests for out of Town Police
12
0
0
0
Violation of Probation
6
3
1
0
Neglect of Family
3
0
0
0
Default
2
1
0
0
Weapon Carrying
0
0
1
0
-
11
1
0
0
144
MR
MNR
FR
FNR
Uttering a Forged Instrument Disturbing the Peace
0
2
0
0
4
3
7
0
Escapee
1
0
0
0
Non-Payment of Wages
3
0
0
0
Violation of Town By-Laws
3
0
0
0
Non-Support
13
4
0
0
Truant
2
0
0
0
Lewd and Lascivious
1
0
2
1
Exposing
1
0
0
0
Illegitimacy
0
0
2
0
Automobile Theft
2
0
1
0
Misappropriation of Motor Vehicle
0
0
1
0
Possession Burglarious Tools
0
5
0
0
Lotteries
6
0
0
0
119
86
44
2
COMPLAINTS, etc.
-
Ambulance Trips
550
Inhalator Calls
176
Emergency Cruiser Ambulance
193
Buildings Found Open
493
Cat Complaints
99
Dog Complaints
618
Dog Bites Reported
80
Fire Alarms Answered
230
Holes in Street Reported
106
Messages Delivered
1 59
Permits to Labor
54
Drunk Releases
73
Street Lights Reported Out
405
Prowlers Reported
86
Hit and Run Complaints
63
Stolen Automobiles (Braintree) Recovered
65
Burglar Alarms Answered
1 41
Permits to Sell Fire Arms
12
Permits to Carry Fire Arms
163
Teletype Messages Received
7 80
Teletype Messages Sent
224
Articles Lost
64
Articles Found
88
Wagon Trips
120
Car Trips
195
Miscellaneous Complaints
7,232
Missing Persons
MR
9
FR
4
MNR
5
FNR
3
Sudden Deaths
MR
20
FR
17
MNR
5
FNR
5
145
65
Vacant Houses Checked
95
Insane Persons
MR
5
FR 3
MNR
2
FNR
2
Code: Arrests, Missing Persons, Sudden Deaths and Insane Persons:
MR - Male Resident
FR - Female Resident
MNR - Male Non-Resident
FNR - Female Non-Resident
PERSONNEL
49 Police Officers 1 Clerk 16 Women Traffic Supervisors 1 Woman Substitute Traffic Supervisor
TRAFFIC CONTROL
Accidents
Expressway
Minor
301
Minor
30
Serious
301
Serious
18
Fatal
4
Fatal
2
Total
606
Total
50
Cases Prosecuted in Court
Male
Female
Operating Motor Vehicle so as to Endanger
20
1
Operating Motor Vehicle Under the Influence
27
0
Violation of Motor Vehicle Laws
7
0
Violation of Traffic Rules and Regulations
106
20
Violation of Parking and Meter Regulations
165
21
Cases Reported to Registrar for Action on Licenses
Unlawful Speed
35
3
Operating Motor Vehicle after Drinking
12
0
Other Violations
28
8
75
11
Violations of Traffic and Meter Regulations
Restricted Place
67
2
All Night Parking
270
12
Meter Violations
525
204
All Other Violations
62
7
944
225
TOTALS: 1441
Cases and Violations Committed by:
Residents
- 1402
Non-Residents - 366
146
5
0
During the year 1962 we had four retirements. They were men who served the Town of Braintree faithfully for many years. Cornelius Sullivan was the first to retire on May 31st. On June 30th we bid farewell to our Chief, Edward D. Cahill, after thirty-six years of outstanding service. Our most capable safety officer, Albert E. Wynot, was next on October 13th. Last, but not least, was John F. O'Rourke, Sergeant in Charge of Plain- clothes on October 31st.
On June 11, 1962, our beloved brother officer, Arthur E. Davenport, passed away at the age of 37.
New faces added to the Department to cover the retirements and death are John Larmey, Thomas Brow, Charles MacCormack, Donald Maglio, Charles Graziano, Julius Digaetano and Robert Antonius.
In my budget for the year 1963 I have taken the initial steps for re- organization of the Department. To accomplish this I have requested the establishment of the rank of Captain. I have also requested two Lieutenants. One will be a relief Lieutenant so there will be a Superior Officer in com- mand of all shifts at all times. The second Lieutenant will be in charge of B. C. I. and prosecuting. I am further requesting six patrolmen needed to provide adequate protection for the Town.
I am asking for a new station wagon cruiser and the trade-in of two Harley-Davidson motorcycles plus a 1952 panel delivery truck.
I have recommended a new radio system to replace present equipment which was installed in 1952. I have also recommended an improvement in our telephone communication system.
The purchase of a photo-copier has been recommended as it will be invaluable to the Department.
I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Board of Select- men and other officials of the Town and especially to the members of my Department for their cooperation at the time of my taking over the duties and responsibilities as Chief of Police of the Town of Braintree on December 12, 1962.
Respectfully submitted, JOHN V. POLIO, Chief Braintree Police Department
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