USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1936-1940 > Part 19
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IV. Scholarship.
Mental but no standardized achievement tests were given in 1937 in the elementary schools, but the progress in fundamentals is as satisfactory as could be expected under a two-grade per teacher system. History in Grades 4, 5, and 6 is in the process of standardization similar to that achieved in English, arithme- tic, and geography.
In the high school, improvement has been apparent. An ave- rage of 20% of the students made the honor roll in 1936-1937, 25% during the last four months. There have been fewer de- ficiency cards. To help raise the average level the following factors are receiving increased attention :
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a. A check-up and improvement of study habits, based upon questionnaires and conferences. The mimeographed program of studies for Grades 7-12, issued to every student last May, sug- gested the amount of home study expected for each grade and should receive serious attention.
b. A more intensive educational guidance program, based upon questionnaires and conferences, and aided by outside speakers and books on vocations. The questionnaires, as might be expected, evidenced inadequate reasons for selecting par- ticular curriculums, especially the college preparatory. How- ever, students possessed more definite ideas in regard to future occupations. For example, 31 looked forward to clerical work, 16 to teaching, 16 to mechanical work, 13 to nursing, etc.
c. Division of English classes into A and B sections, through- out the seven grades, regardless of curriculum. These divisions were based upon Iowa Reading Tests, I. Q.'s, and estimates of the two English teachers. Much better results are already ap- parent.
d. Greater use of the 1050 books in the Conant Library and of public library books by increased requirements in outside reading. The school library, augmented by several reference books, has functioned very satisfactorily under the direction of Miss Stolte and her library council. It might be mentioned here that one student has helped materially in clercial work for the library under the federal N. Y. A., while another, under this student aid, is assisting Mr. MacDougall. The public library service should be increased for minors and adults by another open afternoon and evening and the creation of branch service at South and West Acton.
In the matter of entrance to college, while the high school is certified by the New England Council, the State Department of Education, and recently Worcester Tech, many students are prevented from continuing their education because of financial reasons. Hence, there is urgent need of a scholarship fund of at least $4,000.00, offering about $120.00 in interest annually. At present, a scholarship fund of about $286.05, begun by gradu- ating classes some years ago, exists in Maynard banks. Using this as a basis, a move ought to be begun to establish a perma- nant, adequate amount for needy and deserving students.
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e. Class of 1937.
The 31 graduates of June, 1937 are now occupied as follows : 2 in college (Chicago University and Simmons College) ; 6, other institutions; 3, Post Graduates; 4 on farms; 2 in stores; 4, maids; 2, general work; 2 in factories; 1 in office; 4 at home; 1 married. In short, 36% are continuing formal education; 48% are engaged in gainful occupations; and 16% are not engaged in either gainful occupations or formal education.
V. Domestic and Manual Arts.
1. Domestic Arts (Girls)
Briefly, the domestic arts teacher outlined her work in the high school as follows :
7th Grade-Clothing, one period daily.
8th Grade-Foods, two periods daily.
9th Grade-First half year, hygiene and dietetics; second half year, advanced food work, one period daily. 10th Grade-Homemaking, one period daily.
11th and 12th Grades-Lunch room management, prepar- ation of school luncheons.
This brief summary gives only a small idea of the excellent work done and interest shown in domestic arts.
CAFETERIA REPORT
Cash on hand, Jan. 1, 1937
$ 11.01
Total sales for year
1,712,09
Cost of supplies for cooking, sewing, and replacement
$ 1,434.18
Milk
169.06
Special lunches for teachers and pu- pils
61.27
Cash on hand, Dec. 31, 1937
58.59
$ 1,723.10
$ 1,723.10
A substantial part of the favorable balance on hand will soon be spent in the purchase of equipment.
2. Manual Arts. (Boys)
A majority of the 91 students enrolled are drawn from Grades 7-9. The general character of their work is group work, while the older students from Grades 10-12 perform more in-
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dividual shop work. The former handle wood, learning the care and use of ordinary carpenters' tools and the construction of models and useful articles. The latter are employed under a general shop arrangement and learn to use machinery and to do simple forms of cabinet work. Often, boys construct and repair objects for their own homes.
Equipment is replaced and added each year. The most im- portant recent addition was a back-geared screw cutting lathe for wood and metal, which was secured second-hand in good condition for a very reasonable sum. The department is in need of a second-hand automobile engine for instructional purposes, and a gas line and burner for soldering and melting.
Due to lack of space, classes had to be subdivided and meet less often than five times per week. This handicap, in part, prevents completion of work and proper planning.
VI. Drawing and Music.
1. Drawing.
Mr. Frank Braman visits the elementary schools on two days and the high school on two days. He has been successful in in- teresting the younger and older boys and girls in desiring to learn to draw after gaining more muscular control, engage in poster competitions, and appreciate good art. He has also begun correlation of art with English, geography, and history, es- pecially in connection with the Horace Mann projects. Attempts will be made to increase this correlation, to develop originality and creative work, and to encourage more students in Grades 9-10 voluntarily to enter the drawing classes.
2. Music.
No report was received this year, but in general the work proceeded satisfactorily in Grades 1-8 but not in Grades 9-12. It is difficult to secure one person who can handle adequately the vocal music in all the grades, along with music appreciation and the orchestra. Nevertheless, a serious attempt will be made to improve the situation, which does not appear hopeless, by any means. Before long, an upright piano should be secured for the high school auditorium in place of the grand piano, which needs extensive repairs and occupies too much space.
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VII. Changes in Teaching Staff-Other Changes.
There were two changes in the high school faculty and one addition in the elementary schools. Miss Elsie Bixby (Mrs. Wal- ter Gordon), commercial teacher, resigned in July to be married, and was succeeded by Miss Kathryn Billman, a graduate of the University of New Hampshire and a student at Columbia and Boston University. She had also completed one year of success- ful office experience. To follow Mrs. Gordon, who had filled her position so ably and faithfully for ten years, was no easy task, but Miss Billman has succeeded well in teaching and in coaching. Mrs. Gordon's untimely death in December was a shock to her many friends in Acton. Miss Ames, domestic arts teacher, re- signed in December to enter business after ten successful years. Miss Christine Leavitt, a graduate of Framingham State Teach- ers College, with real teaching experience, followed and gave ample proof of good work from the very beginning of her term. Miss Helen Appleby was employed as a regular additional teach- er in the South School in January and has been very helpful.
In December, Mr. Ralph Rogers succeeded Mr. Forbes as jani- tor at the Center School. Mr. Leonard Godfrey succeeded Mr. John Evans at the West School, who was forced to stop because of severe illness. Mr. Evans has the sincere sympathy of the teachers and townspeople. Conclusion.
The superintendent wishes to acknowledge the kind gifts to the schools made during the year by Mr. Carlos B. Clark, Mr. Arthur E. Davis for six of his own paintings of Acton, country- side, and the various organizations in town. He feels particular- ly grateful to the school committee and the special committee for their interest and co-operation during the discussions concern- ing a consolidated elementary school. Citizens forget, at times, that the school committee meets faithfully twice each month and gives generously of its time, without pay. He is indebted to Mr. Milbery for his constant help in securing school publicity, and again, he desires to express thanks to the teachers, who have been most loyal and helpful, and to the townspeople for their friendly interest in school betterment.
Respectfully submitted,
WALTER F. HALL, Superintendent of Schools.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Walter F. Hall,
Superintendent of Schools,
South Acton, Mass.
Dear Sir :
I herewith submit my annual report as School Physician.
The yearly physical examinations were completed November 3, 1937.
Our pre-school clinic was conducted this past year by the State, and our diphtheria immunization clinics were held in May and June.
It is gratifying to know that so many are taking advantage of our diphtheria immunization clinic.
Extra examinations were held for those taking part in sports as a part in physical training.
Dental clinics were held in the lower grades.
The general physical condition of the school population is good.
Respectfully submitted,
E. A. MAYELL, M. D.
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REPORT OF SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Walter F. Hall, Superintendent of Schools,
Acton, Mass.
Dear Sir:
I herewith submit my annual report as School Nurse. The routine physical examinations were made as early in the school year as possible, that the condition of the pupils might be known to parents, teachers, and to the nurse. The following list tells the story of defects found by school physician at this examina- tion :
Teeth 235
Tonsils 67
Glands 139
Heart
34
Skin
10
Malnutrition 14
The number of children requiring dental care has always been a major problem, as only a relatively small number have periodic attention from a dentist. The past year a school dental clinic was started which will help to improve this situation. The clinic dentist was Dr. W. J. S. McNally, of Somerville, who was very successful in his work with the children. Although the clinic operated but a short time at each of the elementary schools, the following work was completed :
Number of Children treated 81
Number of cleanings 81
Number of fillings (amalgam) 1st teeth, 97-2nd teeth, 256
Number of fillings (cement) 1st teeth, 24-2nd teeth, 3
Number of fillings (porcelain) 1st teeth, 0-2nd teeth, 37
Number of extractions 1st teeth, 146-2nd teeth, 14
Totals 352 fillings - 160 extractions
We hope for a return of the clinic sometime in the spring.
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The pre-school clinic was included in a Well-Child Conference, conducted by the Massachusetts State Department of Health, at Acton Center, in May. A group of 21 children were examined by a physician, nutritionist, and dental hygienist. Defects were noted for correction before entering school.
A school health program includes many clinics, one of which is particularly helpful to the pupil of high school age. It is called "The School Clinic" and tests are given to determine any contact to tuberculosis. The work is done by personnel from the Middlesex County Hospital at Waltham. Before the program was started, as an educational feature, pupils were invited to see a film called "Behind the Shadows" which told the story of Tu- berculosis, its prevention and treatment. The number of parent requests for this test was greater than that of last year. The report of the clinic was as follows :
School Clinic Population, Grades 9, 10, 11, 12 161 Children Tuberculin Tested for first time 90 Children Tuberculin Tested before 10
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Per cent tested 62.1
Of children tested, 23 were x-rayed, 3 had physical examina- tions and were found to be negative cases and discharged. This clinic will be repeated the coming year.
We have very few cases of diphtheria today because our children have been given treatments to prevent them from con- tracting this disease. This immunization program was held in June and is an annual one. The Schick test is to determine im- munity ; it was given to 44 children, of whom 36 were found to be negative. Three injections of Toxoid at weekly intervals were given to 40 school and 16 pre-school children. It is important to have this protection given at an early age.
It was possible to send two children to our South-west Middle- sex Health Camp at Bolton for a period of 4 weeks each. This vacation, which includes health training, was made possible by the money received from the sale of Christmas Seals.
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All schools are visited daily when possible, and the work has been carried on as follows :
Special examinations of pupils
1502
Simple dressings 384
Home visits to pupils 360
Sanitary inspections
130
Classroom inspections
12
Taken home ill
26
Communicable disease
10
Taken to Eye Specialist
9
Taken to physician
12
Taken to dentist
11
This work has been made interesting and more helpful because · I have received assistance and support from the superintendent, school physician, and teachers.
Respectfully submitted,
GENEVIEVE J. CREELEY, R. N.
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GRADUATES OF 1937
William Alfred Andersen Margaret Andersen Vesta Lorraine Balsor Irene Gertrude Barritt
Stanley Walter Bondelevitch Russell Leighton Briggs Franklin Charter
*Rita Belle Dunivan
*Esther May Durkee John Francis Fallon
*Isabel Inez Fogarty Alfred Grover Gilbert Arlene Blanche Hayward
*Lucille Grace Hayward
*Norman Everett Hollowell
*Ruth Armstrong Horton * Honor Students
Margraetta Grace Lawrence *Olive Milbery
*Ruth Barbara Noll Hazel Rita Olsen
*Carolyn Adelaide Parker Kenneth Herbert Perkins
*Ralph Waldo Piper, Jr. *Elizabeth Reed Leo Thomas Roche Charles Proctor Taylor Leo Francis Thatcher Wilbur Jones Tolman * Hurburt Otis Wamboldt
*Phyllis Louise Webb
*Mary Whitcomb
Student Essays :
Isabel I. Fogarty-"The Spirit of Horace Mann"
Ralph W. Piper, Jr .- "Teaching Democracy"
Awards During Year :
Mary Whitcomb: Carlos B. Clark Acton History Award. Es- ther M. Durkee, Ralph W. Piper, Jr .: American Legion Awards for best rank in Scholarship, Loyalty, and Achieve- ment (Edwards-Quimby Post).
Esther M. Durkee: Washington-Franklin Medal for best record in American History (Massachusetts Society, Sons of the American Revolution).
INDEX
Aid to Dependent Children 27
Accountant
99
Appointments Made by Selectmen 1937 5
Assessors' Report 73
Auditor 146
Board of Health
81
Cemetery Commissioners 55
Dog Officer 71
Finance Committee
19 78
Fire Department
79
Goodnow Fund
Inspector of Animals
Jury List
Librarian's Report
Middlesex County Extension Service 85
Old Age Assistance
26 69 87
Selectmen's Report
22
State Audit 147
Superintendent of Moth Control 72
Superintendent of Streets 72
Tax Collector 74 40
Town Clerk
Births
41
Marriages 43
Deaths 46
Non-Resident Burials
48
Dog Licenses 50
Town Meetings :
Annual Meeting 28
Special Town Meteing, October 4, 1937 35
Town Nurse 83
Town Officers
3
Town Warrant
9
Forest Warden
84 70 54 89
Police Department
Sealer of Weights and Measures
Treasurer 134
Elizabeth White Fund 141
Cemetery Funds 139
Georgia E. Whitney Fund
143
Luke Blanchard Cemetery Fund
143
Cemetery Surplus Fund 144
West Acton-Firemen's Relief Fund 144
Wilde Memorial Library Fund 142
Acton Firemen's Relief Fund 144
Susan Noyes Hosmer Fund
137
Tree Warden 80
Welfare Department 25
Welfare, Department of Public 27
WPA Sewing Project 26
Zoning Committee
24
SCHOOL DEPARTMENT
Committee 179
Comparison of Cost
180
Estimate of Expenditure for 1938 181
Graduates, 1937
208
Organization
176
Paid for Support, 1937 184
School Nurse
205
School Physician
204
School Superintendent 193
Standing Rules 177
Summary of Expenses 183
Teachers in Service 178
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Several Official Boards
OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
ED
1735
ACTON
For the Year Ending December 31
1938
$3,00
60 arlington
ANNUAL REPORT
OF THE
Several Official Boards OF THE
TOWN OF ACTON
MASSACHUSETTS
O
ONI
.1735.
ACTON ..
For the Year Ending December 31
1938
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Town Officers, 1938
Moderator Albert P. Durkee
Selectmen
James E. Kinsley
Term expires 1939
Raymond F. Durkee
Term expires 1940
Ralph W Piper
Term expires 1941
Town Clerk Horace F. Tuttle
Town Treasurer William Henry Soar
Assessors
Henry L. Haynes
Term expires 1939
Lloyd W. Priest Albert P. Durkee Term expires 1941
Collector of Taxes Carrie M. Durkee
Tree Warden James J. Knight
Board of Public Welfare
Carl E. Backman
Term expires 1939
Mary M. Laffin
Term expires 1940
Raymond L. Hatch
Term expires 1941
Constables
George A. Braman
Michael Foley
Robert G. Willett Norman L. Perkins
Cemetery Commissioners
Wendell F Davis Term expires 1939
Term expires 1940
Horace F. Tuttle Fred W. Green Term expires 1941
Term expires 1939
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School Committee
Avis Howe
Term expires 1939
Randall N. Woodworth
Term expires 1939
Louisa N. Wood
Term expires 1940
Everett N. Montague
Term expires 1940
Evelyn K. Reed
Term expires 1941
Samuel E. Knowlton
Term expires 1941
Trustees of Memorial Library
Frank A. Merriam
Term expires 1939
Horace F. Tuttle
Term expires 1940
J. Sidney White
Term expires 1941
Board of Health
Lowell H. Cram
Term expires 1939
O. Lawrence Clark Term expires 1940
Lillian E. Taylor Term expires 1941
Agent of Board of Health Ernest E. Allsopp
Trustees of Elizabeth White Fund
Waldo E. Whitcomb
Term expires 1939
Charlotte Conant Term expires 1940
Clara L. Sawyer Term expires 1941
Trustees of West Acton Firemen's Relief Fund
H. Stuart MacGregor
Term expires 1939
A. N. Hederstedt Term expires 1940
Arnold H. Perkins Term expires 1941
Trustees of Acton Firemen's Relief Fund
Clarence Frost
Term expires 1939
Herbert Merriam Term expires 1940
Frederick T. Kennedy Term expires 1941
Trustees of Goodnow Fund
Charlotte Conant Term expires 1939
Horace F. Tuttle Term expires 1940
Charles E. Smith Term expires 1941
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Appointments Made by Selectmen-1938
Executive Clerk Virginia Milbery
Office: Town Hall Hours : 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Meetings: Board of Selectmen, Wednesday evenings at 7:30; Board of Public Welfare, Monday evenings at 7:00.
Finance Committee
Murray Brown
William T. Merriam
Alfred W. Davis
Alden C. Flagg
Webster S. Blanchard Howard J. Billings
Superintendent of Streets A. H. Perkins
Town Accountant
Howard L. Jones Term expires 1941
Registrars of Voters
Daniel W. Sheehan Term expires 1939
Walter L. O'Neil
Term expires 1940
Arthur Lee .
Term expires 1941
Horace F. Tuttle Ex-Officio
Election Officers
Precinct I
Warden-James W. Coughlin
Clerk-Arthur W. Wayne Inspector-Arthur F. Davis Inspector-Paul G. Coughlin Deputy Warden-George A. Murphy
Deputy Clerk-Spencer H. Taylor Deputy Inspector-S. E. Knowlton Deputy Inspector-Leo F. McCarthy
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Precinct II ' Warden-Clare A. Milbery Clerk-Thomas Yetman
Inspector-Clarence Robbins
Inspector-Timothy Hennessey
Deputy Warden-Reginald Stoney
Deputy Clerk-Thomas Murray
Deputy Inspector-Frank A. Merriam
Deputy Inspector-Sophia Walsh
Precinct III
Warden-Bertram D. Hall
Clerk-Peter Duggan
Inspector-Havelock J. Schnair
Inspector-Frank McDonald
Deputy Warden-Frederick Whitcomb
Deputy Clerk-Daniel J. Hurley
Deputy Inspector-Harry Holt
Deputy Inspector-John J. Duggan
Fire Engineers H. Stuart MacGregor, Chief Engineer Clarence Frost, Asst. Engineer-Precinct I David Clayton, Asst. Engineer-Precinct II Arno H. Perkins, Asst. Engineer-Precinct III
Cattle Inspector Ernest E. Allsopp
-
Forest Warden H. Stuart MacGregor
--
Dog Officer Arthur Fraser
Sealer of Weights and Measures Clare A. Milbery
Superintendent of Town Forest Albert R. Jenks
1
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Surveyors of Wood and Lumber
Bertram D. Hall
Charles E. Smith
George H. Reed
Field Drivers
Michael Foley
Norman Perkins
George A. Braman
Superintendent of Moth Work James J. Knight
Police Officers Michael Foley, Chief
George A. Braman
Norman Perkins
Robert G. Willett
Burial Agent Waldo J. Flint
Soldiers' Relief Agent Waldo J. Flint
Public Weighers
George H. Reed William Braman A. W. Davis F. D. Harrington M. B. Ferber
Philip Newell Williard Houghton W H. Soar
Alfred Davis, Jr.
G. Howard Reed
W. H. Francis Davis
Thomas Hearon
Fred Burke®
Fred Stone
Albert S. Braman
Clarence E. Braman
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TOWN WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS Middlesex ss.
RATE
NI
1735.
ACTON.
To either of the Constables of the Town of Acton, in said County, Greetings :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify the legal voters in said town of Acton, qualified to vote at town meetings for the transaction of town affairs, to meet in their respective precincts, to wit:
Precinct 1-Town Hall, Acton Center Precinct 2-Universalist Church, South Acton Precinct 3-Woman's Club House, West Acton
at 12 o'cock, noon, Monday the sixth day of March, 1939, by posting a copy of this warrant, by you attested, at each of the places as directed by vote of the town, seven days at least before the sixth day of March.
To bring in their votes on one ballot for the following town officers : Moderator, town clerk, town treasurer, collector of taxes, one selectman for three years; one assessor for three years; one assessor for one year to fill vacancy; one member of the board of public welfare for three years; four constables for one year ; one cemetery commissioner for three years; one cemetery com- missioner for two years to fill vacancy; two members of the school committee for three years; one member of the board of
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health for three years; one trustee Memorial Library for three years; and one tree warden.
The polls will be open at 12 o'clock, noon, and close at 8 o'clock p. m.
You are further requested in the name of the Commonwealth to notify the legal voters of said Town of Acton, as aforesaid, to meet at the Town Hall, in said Acton on Monday, the thirteenth day of March at 7 o'clock p. m., then and there to act on the following articles :
Article 1. To choose all necessary town officers and com- mittees and fix salaries of all town officers.
Article 2. To see if the town will vote to accept the several reports of the town officers.
Article 3. To hear and act upon the reports of any commit- tees chosen at any previous meeting that have not already re- ported.
Article 4. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate to defray the necessary and usual ex- penses of the several departments of the town and determine how the same shall be raised.
Article 5. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate for the observance of Memorial Day.
Article 6. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate for the maintenance of the fire depart- ment, or vote anything thereon.
Article 7. To see if the town will pay for fighting brush fires and fix a price thereon.
Article 8. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropri- ate a sum of money to insure the employees of the town or act anything thereon.
Article 9. To see what amount of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate for the payment of premiums on all town officers' bonds, or act anything thereon.
Article 10. To see if the town will vote to authorize the town treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money
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from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1939, 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, Chapter 44, General Laws.
Article 11. To see if the town will votei to employ a public health nurse, and raise and appropriate a sum of money for the maintenance of same.
Article 12. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $1,200.00 or any other sum for the suppression of brown-tail and gypsy moths or act anything thereon.
Article 13. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money for the care of shade trees or act any- thing thereon.
Article 14. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of two hundred dollars ($200.00) for the re- demption of tax titles held by the town.
Article 15. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $225.00 for the use of the treasurer, to pay the expenses of the local dog officer. The town will be reimbursed for the amount spent by the County of Middlesex, or act any- thing thereon.
Article 16. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money for the improvement of Main Street, from the Carlisle line to the State Road in East Acton; said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose; or take any other action in relation thereto.
Article 17. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money for the specific repairs and widenings of School Street, South Acton; said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose; or take any other action in relation thereto.
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