USA > Massachusetts > Essex County > Saugus > Town annual report of the officers and committees of the town of Scituate 1961-1964 > Part 9
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The overlapping functions of school and public libraries could be coordinated better through administrative action. This is applicable to the procurement of certain books and to school assignments requiring the use of public library facili- ties. The Library Committee recommends that the School Committee be represented on the Board of Trustees of the proposed merged library association. In addition, periodic meetings of the school and town librarians are recommended for effecting maximum coordination.
Finally there are several fundamental principles that should be noted in the interest of the community.
It is important to have a sound budget for a successful library operation.
It is important to have sound evaluation of library em- ployees and their salaries if we are to attract and hold qualified personnel.
It is important to have sound consideration of location and space requirements for future school libraries.
It is important to have sound planning for future library building needs in the long range capital outlay program of the Town. The current guide prepared for Scituate by Allen Benjamin, Town Planning Consultant, does not mention libra- ries.
George Allen and Silas Peirce would. be pleased to learn that the libraries they nurtured are used more by fellow townsmen than are the libraries of many comparable com- munities. Today, the book circulation of our libraries repre- sents sixteen books per year for every resident of the Town
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SCITUATE LIBRARY STUDY COMMITTEE
beyond kindergarden age. This speaks well for the libraries and for the residents of Scituate.
The members of the Committee have enjoyed the oppor- tunity to analyze the library needs of Scituate. It is hoped that the study will create a better understanding of the basic elements that can improve our libraries and that the recom- mendations will be given thoughtful consideration by all who in one way or another control the future of the Scituate libraries.
January 13, 1962
RUTH V. BAILEY EDWIN P. GUNN DANIEL L. HOLMES GARRISON K. HALL ROBERT C. MacARTHUR, JR. ESTHER E. NICOLLE DUKE W. ROWAT MARTIN F. WATERS
JOSEPH D. BLUMENTHAL Chairman
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ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
REPORT OF THE ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
On August 29, 1961, Mrs. Andrew S. Finnie our esteemed librarian for the past decade retired from the service of the town. The present excellent state of the Allen Memorial Library is a memorial to her years of devoted service.
Mrs. Finnie's successor as head librarian is Mrs. Ralph D. Sanborn who brings to our library valuable experience gained in larger libraries in the towns of Weymouth and Arlington. We feel confident that she will continue the de- velopment of our library in the new directions which are indi- cated by the rapidly increasing population of our town and the demands for a broadening of library service. The circulation of books in 1961 topped the 100,000 mark, and there has been a corresponding increase in the demand for personal reference service.
The lack of adequate reading room and staff work space has continued to be acute during the past year, but we are making no recommendations for action on this problem pend- ing the completion of the study of the Moderator's committee on the town libraries.
Toward the end of 1961 circumstances made it necessary for us to reduce our hours of service. Our experience at this time seems to indicate that the varied groups of library users in the town expect and appreciate having access to the library over an extended period of the day and continuously through- out the week. The needs of our growing town for library service are such that we can no longer contemplate a return to
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ALLEN MEMORIAL LIBRARY REPORT
minimal hours or a reduction in services currently provided. We wish to thank the many persons who generously volun- teered their services in this emergency thus enabling us to minimize the curtailment of library service.
Respectfully submitted,
MARTIN F. WATERS
159
PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
REPORT OF THE PEIRCE MEMORIAL LIBRARY ASSOCIATION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Trustees of the Peirce Memorial Library submit this annual report for the year 1961.
The work of recataloguing the books of the library to the Dewey Decimal Classification got under way at the end of June, and Miss Woodward, a professional cataloguer, and her assistant made a great deal of progress. Mrs. Ladd, of our own staff, who had taken an Extension Course, continued the work in the fall with some guidance from Miss Woodward. The work is making good progress and gives us hope to have it finished next year.
Mrs. Fletcher has inaugurated many changes to make the library of more value to more people, and the circulation figures reflect her efforts. In 1960, we circulated 28,129 books; in 1961, we circulated 36,408 books.
The Reference Room is filled to capacity much of the time in the afternoon after school and in the evening, by students.
We are still in need of a work room, to serve also as a staff room for lunch periods ; at present we use the Reference Room for both purposes. The cataloguing and processing of new books, re-cataloguing and reconditioning of old books, and typing, pasting, filing of these takes space much needed by the students.
This year we were saddened by the loss of Miss Madeleine Ellis, long a faithful worker and member of the Association.
Mrs. Fletcher and her staff are always ready to help any- one in need of reference material or a book for a relaxing hour. We cordially invite you to use the Peirce Memorial Library.
STURGIS EVANS
160
PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
REPORT OF THE PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
(Plymouth County Extension Service)
by ROBERT B. EWING, County Agent-Manager
The Cooperative Agricultural Extension Service was established in 1914, when Congress passed the Smith-Lever Act. The question heard so many times since then is "What is the Extension Service, and what does it do ?"
The answer to that question is clearly defined in the Act passed by Congress which states, in part, that the Extension Service shall - "aid in diffusing among the people of the United States useful and practical information on subjects relating to Agriculture and Home Economics, and to en- courage the application of the same".
Each year agreements are written between the United States Department of Agriculture, University of Massa- chusetts and Plymouth County. The Federal, State and County governments cooperate in furnishing this service to the citizens of Plymouth County. Thus the name "Coopera- tive" Extension Service. Since the Plymouth County Exten- sion Service was organized and established in 1915, informa- tion pertaining to Agriculture, Home Economics education, 4-H Club Work, has been given free to all citizens of Plymouth County. . The Extension Service has always been known as the "educational arm" of the United States Department of Agri- culture.
The Extension Service office is located in the Court House, Brockton and is staffed by agents who conduct programs in Agriculture, Home Economics and 4-H Club Work by furnish- ing educational information through farm and home visits, letters, newspaper articles, radio talks, meetings, office visits. The basic job of the Extension Service has always been the same and that is "to aid in diffusing among the people of
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PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
Plymouth County, useful and practical information on subjects relating to Agriculture and Home Economics".
Funds for conducting the Plymouth County Extension Service are derived from three sources: Federal, State and County Governments. Along with these funds, most towns in Plymouth County make an annual appropriation which is used for the general expenditures of the Plymouth County Exten- sion Service. Town Directors are appointed in those towns where an appropriation is made. These Town Directors are unpaid volunteer leaders who serve as the Extension Service representative in their respective towns.
For the commercial and part-time farmers, information is available in the following: agronomy, farm management, insect and disease control, marketing, production, rodent control and weed control.
For the home owners information is available in the following: Growing Vegetables, Flowers and Shrubs: insect and disease control: also information on lawns and household insects.
For the housewife and homemaker information and pro- grams are available in the following subjects: Consumer edu- cation, home management, homemaking skills, and leadership development.
4-H Club Work is a youth program and is available to any boy or girl between the ages of 10 and 21. These young people are organized in agricultural and home economics clubs of all kinds.
Requests for information in agriculture, home economics or 4-H Club Work should be directed to the Plymouth County Extension Service, Court House, Brockton.
While the Extension Service furnishes information, it is up to the individual who receives this information to make the decision as to how it can be used to the best advantage.
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PLYMOUTH COUNTY AID TO AGRICULTURE
Many Plymouth County citizens avail themselves of the opportunity each year to secure this free help and information pertaining to the home, home grounds, 4-H Club Work and agriculture. As the Extension Service is supported by the Federal, State and County governments, all citizens should make full use of their Extension Service.
The Board of Trustees appointed by the Plymouth County Commissioners, administer the Plymouth County Extension Service programs. It is composed of the following members :
GILBERT BLACKLEDGE, Whitman, Chairman MRS. HAROLD D. BENT, Brockton LOUIS BILLINGS, Plympton MRS. MABEL CHANDLER, Duxbury MRS. GLADYS GIBBS, Hanover ROBERT HAMMOND, Wareham JOHN HOWE, West Bridgewater JOHN W. LITTLE, Marshfield JOHN PRENTICE, Plymouth
163
CONSERVATION COMMISSION REPORT
REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Scituate, Mass.
Your newly formed Conservation Commission held its organizational meeting on April 12, 1961. It was the opinion of the commissioners that there were two area projects that required the immediate attention of the Commission; these were the North River Valley and the Hingham Ammunition Depot.
In may the Conservation Commissions of Marshfield, Hanover, Pembroke and Norwell were invited to attend a meeting sponsored by the Scituate Conservation Commission to hear Prof. William Vinal speak on the North River. From this initial meeting the idea of the North River Valley Conser- vation Group was conceived.
The Scituate Conservation Commission is proud of the instrumental part it played in co-ordinating the North River Valley Towns for the preservation and protection of the river and marshes. The unification of the Conservation Com- missions is ample demonstration of the interest in the North River, and evidence of the desire of all the Towns along the river "to keep the river blue and the valley green".
Your Commission would also like to report that the Conservation Commissions of the Towns of Hingham, Norwell, Cohasset and Scituate are working in co-operation for the acquisition of the Hingham Naval Ammunition Depot. Scitu- ate is fortunate in having 104 acres of woodland, which has not been developed by the Navy for ammunition magazines, that would make an ideal out-door recreation and conservation preserve. The members of your Commission feel that if the Town could acquire this land by gift, or at minimum market price with Federal and State assistance, the time and effort put into this project will be well expended.
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CONSERVATION COMMISSION REPORT
The Navy contemplates releasing the land to the General Services Administration in mid-1962, and the Conservation Commission anticipates having definite plans for acquisition available for Town Meeting 1963.
It is with regret that your Commission reports that the sudden and unfortunate death of Miss Madeline Ellis termin- ated negotiations undertaken wherein Miss Ellis contemplated a gift of a portion of her land to the Town of Scituate for conservation purposes. At an appropriate time the Commission will take up this matter with the heirs, and if it meets their wishes and your approval, it is hoped that a park or conserva- tion area dedicated to her memory may be established.
Your Conservation Commission is extremely interested in acquiring suitable land for conservation and would like to remind you that land gifts to the Commission by deed, lease, easement or devise have certain tax advantages to the donor or his estate.
There is feeling among the Commission that membership should be expanded to the statuatory maximum of seven mem- bers but we should wait until we have had another year of experience before we request any changes.
Your Conservation Commission had had thirteen meetings, and has had representative attendance at five regional meet- ings and two state wide conferences.
We are deeply grateful for the assistance given to us by Hank Foster, the Commissioner of Natural Resources, and Egbert Hans and Robert Yassi, his assistants, and our own Town Officials and Departments.
We have accomplished the above within our 1961 budget of $300.00 and our request for appropriations for 1962 will remain the same.
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CONSERVATION COMMISSION REPORT
This year has been a busy one, important ground-work has been established, but there is still more work to be done. We need and want your support in helping us preserve the in- tangible assets that nature has abundantly provided for our community.
Respectfully submitted,
SCITUATE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
CHARLES G. SIMON, Chairman JOHN MacPHERSON G. LEONARD ARNOLD JOHN FORD COL. C. WELLINGTON FURLONG
JANE ATHERTON, Secretary
166
BUILDING COMMISSIONER'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE BUILDING COMMISSIONER
To the Board of Selectmen:
Two hundred seventy five (275) Building Permits were issued during the year 1961. Of these one hundred seventeen (117) were for new homes.
The estimated value for all permits was two million three hundred twenty-seven thousand three hundred eighty dollars ($2,327,380.00).
All buildings have been inspected as required by the Town By-Laws, and laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
All Appeal Board meetings were attended. Several viola- tions of the Zoning By-Laws were investigated, most of which were satisfactorily disposed of.
At this time I wish to thank the various departments for the cooperation and assistance that has been given me in the performance of my duties.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD M. SEXTON Building Inspector
167
TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT
REPORT OF THE TOWN COUNSEL
Board of Selectmen Scituate, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Rather than merely review the details of my activity as Town Counsel, I will attempt to state the general function of the office and the principles which govern my operation of it with some specific examples.
Our By-Law states that "The duties of the Town Counsel shall be to advise and serve the Board of Selectmen and all other Boards, Departments and Officials of the Town in any and all legal problems in cases arising in the conduct of their respective offices as they may deem necessary", (emphasis supplied). It is also the generally accepted practice, which I have followed, to represent the interests of the Town as a whole in its corporate capacity, as when the Town is sued for land damages or personal injury arising out of a street defect.
In between Town Meetings and elections, the actions of duly elected public officials must be taken as the only legiti- mately ascertainable voice of the Town. Certainly this or that group of a dozen or forty people who may be making the loudest outcry at a given moment cannot make this claim, even though their complaints arouse sympathy and have support in the local press. The Supreme Judicial Court has said that the actions of public boards and officers are presumed to be correct and valid and their discretion concerning the subject matter com- mitted to them by law is wide. Their actions therefore are en- titled to the highest degree of legal protection. Any person seeking to overturn their decisions has the burden of seeking timely legal advice and taking the correct procedural steps required by law.
The duty of the Town Counsel, like that of any other lawyer, is threefold :
1. To advise and represent his clients, the Town Boards and Officers, and to utilize every proper legal procedure
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TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT
to assist them to accomplish their goals. (It is im- portant to note that his personal judgment of their goals is not relevant, since his function is not to make policy, except as it affects the legal aspects of the case, but to assist in carrying it out).
2. To the Courts, to facilitate the administration of the law, to promote the rule of law and to avoid any mis- representation of law or fact in the trial of cases.
3. To himself, not to violate his professional judgment and to protect his professional reputation.
During the last year, I was called upon to act in accordance with the foregoing in the following litigation:
Mulqueeney vs. Town of Scituate Street defect. Pending.
Smith vs. Zoning Board of Appeals Alleged zoning violation. Settlement by consent de- cree that no violation exists.
Hughes vs. Town of Scituate Water damage. Pending.
Shore vs. Town of Scituate Street defect. Settled.
Driscoll vs. Sexton
Petition for writ of mandamus against the Building Inspector. Pending.
Ledgewood Estates, Inc. vs. Planning Board Appeal under Subdivision Control Law. Pending.
Town of Scituate vs. Winchester et al Bill in Equity to enjoin construction within the street layout.
There were additional small claims which were settled without legal action and also a pending action to foreclose a lien on property belonging to the estate of a former welfare recipient.
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TOWN COUNSEL'S REPORT
A case involving a difficult application of the above stated principles arose in a zoning appeal concerning a new two family house in Zone A-2. A variance was granted by the Zoning Board of Appeals and an appeal was subsequently taken to the Su- perior Court and ultimately to the Supreme Judicial Court. My duty was to make every possible argument in support of the variance for which I could find any authority at all. I could find none. I therefore declined to represent the Board of Appeals and took no part in the trial or subsequent argument of the case. My position was approved by the Board of Selectmen. If the Selectmen had insisted that the Zoning Board of Appeals be represented, I would have had to resign. The case was fully argued by counsel for the applicants and counsel for the ob- jectors and the variance was held by the Supreme Judicial Court to be illegal on several grounds. Barnhart vs. Zoning Board of Appeals.
Other major legal matters were the taking of land for the new Hatherly School and the acquisition of a public easement at North Scituate Beach after long negotiation. An action for land damages for the school site is contemplated. Drainage easements, foreshore protection easements and street takings also added to the year's work load, as did consideration of mat- ters under the liquor licensing law and the law relating to the control of dogs. I also considered at length the internal admin- istration of the Town as a result of the Evans Report and at the request of the Selectmen drafted legislation authorizing the Town to establish the office of comptroller.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER JAY SKINNER, Town Counsel
170
325th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE REPORT
REPORT OF SCITUATE 325th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Scituate, Scituate, Mass.
Gentlemen:
It is a pleasure to report on the activities of the 325th Anniversary Committee. At the request of the Board of Select- men, this committee was set up by the Scituate Chamber of Commerce. Weekly meetings were scheduled early in February and held in the Directors' Room of the Scituate Federal Savings and Loan Co. Volunteers came from all parts of town to help make plans for the celebration of this anniversary. Many clubs and organizations tied in their events with our theme and started as early as June. Scituate Founders Week, July 8th to 15th highlighted our celebration. The clergy of the various churches were asked to make appropriate references to the Anniversary on Sunday, June 9th.
On June 10th, the Parents Teachers Association sponsored a pageant at Central Elementary School with grade school pupils performing "The Story of Scituate". The play was well attended.
Blue Water Sailing Club held their races of Scituate Har- bor on June 9th and 10th. Scituate Boat Club and Scituate Harbor Yacht Club held their competitive races on July 9th.
Scituate Arts Festival was held July 28, 29, 30 at Central Elementary School Grounds.
Barbershoppers Program was held July 14th at High School Auditorium. Proceeds were donated to help defray Anniversary expenses.
On Saturday, July 15th was the Founders Day Parade. The parade formed at Jericho and Hatherly Roads, proceeded along Front Street and First Parish Road. There were six bands and eighteen decorated floats. It was estimated that 25,000
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325th ANNIVERSARY COMMITTEE REPORT
viewed the parade. Governor John A. Volpe, Mrs. Volpe, along with other state and local officials, led the parade.
Pageants depicting old Scituate were presented at Old Oaken Bucket House, The Old Mill and at Light House Point.
Following the parade a lobster dinner was held at Central Elementary School Grounds with 1000 attending.
A Talent and Beauty Show was held at Dreamwold on August 14th. Fifteen young women participated in the contest with about 500 in attendance.
A historic booklet was produced to keep alive the history and traditions of old Scituate.
The town appropriated $500.00 for the anniversary. That, along with other donations and funds raised by the Commit- tee was sufficient to pay all Anniversary expenses.
Respectfully submitted,
D. MARK KEATON, Chairman
172
CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY REPORT
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY FOR THE YEAR 1961
To the Board of Selectmen
Town of Scituate, Mass.
The following is a report of the Scituate Civil Defense Agency for the year 1961 :
During the period there has been three Directors ap- pointed by the Board of Selectmen, namely: Mr. John Schultz, January through August; Mr. George Mitchell, month of Sep- tember ; Mr. Allen E. VonDette from 16 October to the end of the year.
The following has been accomplished during the period :
(1) One person graduated from the Federal Govern- ment School in Brooklyn, N.Y. in Radiological subjects.
(2) One person graduated from the Federal Govern- ment School in Brooklyn, N.Y. in Shelter sub- jects.
(3) Three persons graduated from the Mass. C.D. School, Topsfield, Mass. in Home Preparedness courses.
(4) One person graduated from the Mass. C.D. School, Topsfield, Mass. in Rescue work.
(5) A Survival Plan was completed in accordance with Federal, and State Laws, Regulations and Directives and was approved by the Mass. C.D. Agency on 30 December, 1961.
(6) The Town of Scituate was certified as being eligible for participation in the Federal Govern- ment Matching Funds Programs, and for Government Surplus Property immediately after the Town's Plan was approved.
(7) A reorganization of the Communications Sec- tion under the Direction of Mr. Arthur Sylves-
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CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY REPORT
ter has been accomplished and a training pro- gram is being instituted.
(8) There were two general meetings held in the Town of Scituate during the period, one for General Civil Defense Subjects and the second for Medical personnel, active and non-active.
(9) A survey of the Town of Scituate for Warning Devices was conducted by Engineers from the Federal Sign and Signal Company of Boston, together with their recommendations.
(10) A survey of the public buildings in the Town was made by Engineers from the GM Construc- tion Company of Waltham with regards to shel- ter areas together with estimated costs.
(11) The undersigned has attended five conferences on Civil Defense matters outside the Town of Scituate, two with members of the Board of Selectmen.
(12) A budget for the year 1962 has been carefully drawn up and submitted to the Board of Select- men. Every effort has been made to keep this budget at a minimum figure for the coming year.
While "apathy" has been the way of life in the past with regards to a Civil Defense Program in Scituate, it is the belief of the Director, as it has been in the past, that the words "Progress" and "Protection" should be the slogan for the coming year.
To make this slogan realistic, it is up to You, the Citizens of Scituate to insure that you have a full-time Civil Defense Agency operating and that you endeavor to find spare time to give the Agency.
Yours for a better Civil Defense
ALLEN E. VONDETTE Lt. Col. AUS (Ret) Director
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