USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Acton > Town annual reports of Acton, Massachusetts 1946-1950 > Part 34
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Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM O'CONNELL, Faculty Manager.
REPORT OF THE ART SUPERVISOR
I do not feel that I have been with the School Department long enough to determine what our achievements have been to date. We are going ahead and working in many different media, doing much experimenting, and particularly in our Art Appreciation classes we are opening up new fields of thought and endeavour. In studying the theater, for instance, we have been building three-dimensional models which have been giving the pupils a real opportunity to study the problems involved in Stage Design.
Our objectives were:
1. Creating an interest in, and awareness of, the arts that exist in the pupils' surroundings
2. Offering opportunities for self-expression
3. Aiding in the development of adjusted, well-integrated personalities
4. Relation of art work to other work in other subjects
5. To guide the development of simple standards of eval- uation
6. To foster wholesome attitudes toward the field of art
7. To emphasize the value of art as applied to daily life
We are attempting to destroy the "Ivory Tower" idea of art and to reveal the fact that there is not a single field of human endeavor in which art does not play its part.
Respectfully submitted,
GREGORY F. BOWES.
24
REPORT OF THE MUSIC SUPERVISOR
The music program in the schools of Acton is a part-time supervisory undertaking, the work being so arranged as to be accomplishable in three days of the week.
One day is devoted to the supervision of the music taught in the three grade schools. Every child in the elementary schools has a gradewise opportunity to learn the fundamentals of music, and to apply same in vocal and instrumental ex- periences, both in the classroom and at public demonstrations.
In the Junior High School (in our case, grades seven and eight) there is a decided sag in the curve of music interest and development, which is an inevitable consequence of an univer- sal time lack, in the process of adjustment to departmentalized class routine. However, as much as is possible is done to as- sure some gain in the one period session per week.
In the High School, glee clubs, choruses and the orchestra enable the students to appear in two concerts annually, and to assist in other cultural programs during the year.
A course in Music Appreciation is offered to all students who are interested, and can qualify. This course is sufficiently com- prehensive to prepare the students for college and other edu- cational as well as social experiences and demands. This course presents the art of music in a much more favorable light than is possible in technique classes.
A magnetic tape recorder has been purchased with funds accumulated by the Music Department, and this is an educa- tional aid that is absolutely necessary in teaching music. When this instrument is not in use by the Music Department, it is available for the conditional use of the language and English departments.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN M. PRISKE.
25 REPORT OF SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
Mr. Whitman Pearson Superintendent of Schools Acton, Massachusetts
Dear Mr. Pearson:
I herewith submit my annual report as school physician.
The yearly physical examinations of all school children were completed in October. Special examinations were done earlier for those taking part in competitive sports.
In conjunction with the Board of Health, Schick Tests and inoculations for diphtheria were held in May for the lower grades and preschool children of all three precincts.
In the past there has been no definite provision for coverage of accidents at the various schools. I feel that parents desire to have their family physician called whenever possible and this should be the first thought of the teacher seeking medical aid. Obviously no one can guarantee his services in advance at a moment's notice. The school physician in so far as he is able will continue to provide care of accidents at all schools when requested.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL P. GATES, M. D.
26
REPORT OF THE SCHOOL NURSE
Mr. Whitman Pearson Superintendent of Schools Acton, Massachusetts
Dear Sir:
Report for the school year ending December 31, 1949.
The past year has been very free of communicable diseases. Virus infections and flu are always with us, together with the ever present common colds.
The pre-school clinic was held early in May in the three grade schools, allowing the parents a chance to check with the school physician and an opportunity to have the defects found corrected where possible before the first graders entered school.
The Diphtheria Clinic followed in May. Many pre-school children were given the Schick Test, together with the school pupils. The children were then given the three immunizing shots or the booster shot, whichever was indicated by the test. Diphtheria is still with us and the need of protection is ever present.
The annual school physicals were completed in November, by Dr. Gates with the nurse present. Notices of conditions needing attention were sent to parents. Follow-up visits to homes were made in an effort to convince parents of the bene- fits of these corrections.
May I take this opportunity to thank the teachers and the Superintendent for their hearty cooperation.
Respectfully submitted,
LILLIAN F. TAYLOR, R. N.
27 GRADUATION, JUNE 10, 1949
Acton Center Woman's Club Scholarship of $50.00 Frederick Thomas Kiley
Acton High School Scholarship of $100.00 Richard Stearns Flint
National Honor Society Pins
The top 15 per cent of the graduating class
Virginia May Byers
Marie Joann Dagenais
Richard Stearns Flint
Harriet Delia Frizzle
Robert Edward Frost
Frederick Thomas Kiley
Ronald Vernon Smith Alfa Joy Goldthwaite
Washington and Franklin Medal
Awarded by the Massachusetts Society of the Sons of the American Revolution for excellence in the study of United States History
Frederick Thomas Kiley
Good Citizenship Certificate
Awarded by the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution to a Good Citizen of Acton High School for the current year, who has demonstrated through her entire course qualities of dependability, leadership, service and patriotism to an outstanding de- gree
Shirley Marion Strong
Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award Medal
For achieving the highest scholastic record in science course during high school
Frederick Thomas Kiley
28
Renssalaer Medal for excellence in Science and Mathematics Ronald Vernon Smith, Richard Stearns Flint
Reader's Digest Award
A year's subscription to the Reader's Digest presented in recognition of past accomplishment and in anticipation of unusual achievement to come.
Alfa Joy Goldthwaite
GRADUATES, 1949
Patricia Marie Barry Virginia May Byers Donald Robert Chisholm Marilyn Priscilla Clark Cecelia Joan Cooke Marie Joann Dagenais Carolyn Alma Davis
Nancy Ann Driscoll Robert Irving Durand Louis Francis Flerra Richard Stearns Flint Harriet Delia Frizzle Robert Edward Frost James Walter Gates Alfa Joy Goldthwaite
Katherine Marjorie Graham Kenneth Alan Hampson Lillian Elaine Hollowell Frederick Thomas Kiley Malcolm Stuart MacGregor William Arthur McKelvie Marjorie Ethel Merriam Marilyn Elizabeth Nealey Norma Anne Pendergast Stephen Gary Peterson Robert Stanley Rhodes Ruth Phyllis Smith Ronald Vernon Smith Janet Steele
Shirley Marion Strong
INDEX
First Section
Assessors
66
Board of Health
136
Cemetery Commissioners
127
Dog Officer
126
Elizabeth White Fund
132
Fence Viewers, Report of
118
Finance Committee
2
Fire Department
113
Fire House Committee
112
Forest Warden
116
Inspector of Animals
139
Inspector of Slaughtering
133
Librarian's Report
143
Middlesex County Extension Service
119
Moth Superintendent
134
Police Department
140
Playground Site Committee
128
Proposed Earth Removal By-Law
130
School Survey Committee
122
Sealer of Weights and Measures
132
Selectmen's Report
27
Superintendent of Streets
117
Tax Collector
68
Town Accountant.
83
Balance Sheet December 31, 1949
108
Town Clerk's Report
46
Births
47
Marriages
: 52
Deaths
55
Non-Resident Burials
56
Dog Licenses
58
Jury List (Revised) 1949
65
Town Forest Committee
121
Town Meeting (Abstract) March 14, 1949
29
Town Nurse
135
Town Officers
21
Appointments by Selectmen
23
Treasurer's Report
73
Tree Warden
133
Trustees of Goodnow Fund
118
Veterans Services
129
Welfare Department
114
Warrant, Monday, March 6, 1949
5
Workmen's Compensation Agent
145
Second Section
Schools :
Calendar - 1950-1951
3
Budgets for 1950
6
Financial Report
5
Graduation Awards
27
Graduates-Class of 1949
28
High School Athletic Association
22
Organization
2
Report of Supervisors
23
School Committee
4
School Nurse
26
School Physician
25
Statistics
7
Superintendent
8
TON TOWN HALL
1950 ANNUAL REPORTS of the Several Official Boards For the Year Ending December Thirty-First
Town of Acton, Massachusetts
1950 ANNUAL REPORTS
of the Several Official Boards
For the Year Ending December Thirty-First
ŁAFED
ONI
1735
"ACTON.
Town of Acton, Massachusetts Concord Press, West Concord, Mass.
2
REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
In view of the heavy increases in federal and state taxes and the rising cost of living, it is not expected that the voters will be anxious to further reduce their spendable income by appropriating more than is essential for operating the various Town activities.
Your Finance Committee has been of similar mind and has attempted to weigh justifiable wage adjustments, the requirements for regular and special maintenance, the need for new equipment, and the necessity for new capital expendi- tures in the light of fairness to Town employees and the tax- payers. The Committee has also been mindful of the neces- sity of providing for various situations which, because of shortages a year from now, may more prudently be under- taken at the present time.
Because of the consideration which has been accorded budgetary requests for 1951, the Finance Committee considers that there is no justification for spending in excess of the appropriations voted at the Town meeting except in case of emergency. Those responsible for spending Town funds are again reminded that liabilities incurred in excess of appro- priations and without Finance Committee approval are illegal, and any such situations will be referred to the voters for pro- per action.
The cost of Education, - including $1800, which was disapproved as a transfer from Surplus Revenue in 1950, and approximately $1,500.00 for Vocational Tuition, - will in- crease in 1951 by approximately $19,000. The expense of the Police will increase by $2550 if an additional officer is voted. Any appropriation for Civil Defense will represent an in- crease over 1950.
It is expected that the Surplus Revenue account will be nearly $40,000 less at the beginning of 1951 than in 1950. This drop is largely accounted for by the $15,000 voted from Surplus Revenue for the new fire station and a reduction of about $12,000 in the receipts which were received from the State in 1950. The voters should remember that for the next
3
few years at least, the Town can expect to receive less funds from the State than formerly.
In view of the increasing burden of taxes and cost of living affecting all residents of Acton, as well as the reduc- tion of receipts from the State, it is hoped that the voters will not exceed the appropriations which have been recommended.
The Finance Committee desires to thank the several Boards and Committees for their cooperation during the past year.
W. STUART ALLEN PRENTICE M. BLOOD ROBERT F. CHARLES HERBERT W. MERRIAM PORTER G. JENKS, Chairman JOHN M. WHITTIER, Clerk
4
TOWN WARRANT COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
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 of said Town of Acton, qualified to vote at town meetings for the trans- action of town affairs, to meet in their respective precincts, to wit:
Precinct 1-Town Hall, Acton Center
Precinct 2-Congregational Church, South Acton Precinct 3-Woman's Club House, West Acton
at 12 o'clock noon, Monday, the fifth day of March, 1951, 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 fifth 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 member of the board of public welfare for three years; one member of the board of public welfare for one year (to fill vacancy) ; four constables for one year; one cemetery commissioner for three years; two members of the school committee for three years ; one member of the school committee for one year (to fill vacancy) ; one member of the board of health for three years; one trustee Memorial Library for three years; and a tree warden.
And also to vote on the following question :
Shall Acton accept the provisions of section sixteen to sixteen I, inclusive, of chapter seventy-one of the General Laws, providing for the establishment of a regional school district, together with the towns of Bolton, and/or Boxboro, and/or Harvard, and/or Lancaster, and/or Stow, and the con-
5
struction, maintenance and operation of a regional school by the said district in accordance with the pro-
visions of a proposed agreement with the selectmen ?
YES
NO
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 Common- wealth to notify the legal voters of said town of Acton as aforesaid, to meet at the TOWN HALL in said Acton, on Mon- day, March 12, 1951, at 7:30 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 the salary and compensation of all elective officers of the town.
Article 2. To see if the town will vote to accept the several reports of the town officers and boards or act any- thing thereon.
Article 3. To hear and act upon the reports of any com- mittees chosen at any previous meeting that have not already reported.
Article 4. To see if the town will vote to transfer the sum of $2,500.00 from the Machinery Fund to the Machinery Account, or act anything thereon.
The Finance Committee recommends the transfer of $2500.00 from the Machinery Fund to the Machinery Account.
Article 5. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $250.00 for the Tree Department for the replacement of shade trees, or act anything thereon.
It is recommended by the Finance Committee that the sum of $250.00 be raised and appropriated for this purpose.
Article 6. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate a sum of money to provide for the maintenance of the
6
public library and reading room, established by the Citizens Library Association of West Acton, October 2, 1884, or act anything thereon. (Inserted in warrant on petition bearing forty-two. (42) signatures.)
The Finance Committee disapproves the appropriation of any money for the operation of libraries beyond the total re- commended under Article 16.
Article 7. To see if the town will approve the proposed action of the Trustees of the Acton Memorial Library to open the Acton Memorial Library to the public three afternoons and evenings per week, or act anything thereon.
The Finance Committee has been informed by the Library Trustees that the cost of operating the Acton Memorial Li- brary for an additional afternoon and evening each week will be offset by the savings resulting from the closing of the two branches. .
Article 8. To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account, the sum of $850.00 for the purchase of a snow plow and authorize the Board of Selectmen to trade-in or sell any old snow plows, or act anything thereon.
The Finance Committee recommends that the sum of $850.00 be appropriated from Surplus Revenue for the pur- pose indicated. This expenditure is expected to complete the present renewal program.
Article 9. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $200.00 for the purchase of snow fence, or act anything thereon.
This sum of $200.00, which it is recommended be raised and appropriated, is understood to complete the present pro- gram of snow fence addition.
Article 10. To see if the town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $3,750.00 for new construction of Main Street from the Carlisle line to the State Road in North Acton; said money to be used in conjunction with $3,750.00 to be
7
allotted by the County and $7,500.00 to be allotted by the State, or act anything thereon.
It is recommended that the sum of $3750.00 be raised and appropriated for the proposed construction.
Article 11. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,000.00; said sum to be used in con- junction with $2,000.00 to be allotted by the County for re- pairs to highway culverts, or act anything thereon.
It is recommended that $2,000 be appropriated from Sur- plus Revenue for repairs to highway culverts.
Article 12. To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account the amount of the State's and County's allotments for highways under Chapters 81 and 90; provided that the reimbursement be credited back to the Surplus Revenue Account, or act anything thereon.
This article represents a bookkeeping transaction in which the amount of $27,900. to be appropriated from Surplus Reve- nue will be repaid to the town, and favorable action is recom- mended.
Article 13. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $3,000.00 for the payment of voca- tional tuition and transportation according to the provisions of Chapter 74 of the General Laws, or take any action thereon.
Funds for this purpose have usually been included in the School Budget. Approximately $2600.00 of the total would be expended for students of high school age. The remainder is to cover vocational education of adults.
Article 14. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 for the conduct of physical education and athletics by the School Department, according- to the provisions of Chapter 658 of the Acts of 1950, or act anything thereon.
The Finance Committee disapproves of this Article and believes it represents the beginning of recurring requests for continually larger appropriations.
8
Article 15. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $100.00 to continue the special School Lunch account, according to the provisions of Chapter 417 of the Acts of 1950, or act anything thereon.
The Finance Committee disapproves of the proposed con- tribution of this amount for the School Lunch account.
Article 16. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate to defray the necessary ex- penses of the several departments of the town and determine how the same shall be raised.
The Finance Committee recommends that the following sums of money be raised and appropriated for the several pur- poses hereinafter designated and that the same be expended only for the purposes under the direction of the respective boards, committees, or officers of the town as follows :
Recommended Expended
Item
1950
General Government 4.% of Total.
1 Moderator
$25.00
$35.00
2
Finance Committee
100.00
34.10
3
Selectmen Salaries and Wages
2610.00
2450.54
4
Expenses
200.00
113.66
5
Town Accountant Salary and Wages Expenses
1000.00
900.00
6
Treasurer Salary and Wages Expenses
300.00
245.75
9
Collector Salary and Wages Expenses
300.00
335.57
11
Assessors Salaries and Wages Expenses
500.00
200.88
13
Town Clerk Salary and Fees Expenses
200.00
170.20
15
Elections & Registrations Sal. & Wages 825.00
1080.50
16
Expenses
250.00
490.09
17
Total General Government
$12,060.00 $11,542.19
7
1000.00
900.00
8
1800.00
1800.00
10
2350.00
2207.00
12
550.00
540.00
14
50.00
38.90
9
Buildings and Grounds 2.4% of Total
Buildings & Grounds Sal. & Wages
Expenses
$2950.00 4275.00
$2116.29
3819.56
Total Buildings and Grounds
$7,225.00
$5,935.85
Protection of Persons and Property 9.5% of Total
Police Salaries and Wages
$7,010.00
$6,394.20
Expenses, inc. cruiser & uniforms
2,200.00
1,743.64
Fire Dept. Salaries and Wages Expenses
2,455.00
2,735.06
Fire Alarm System Labor Expenses
200.00
64.45
Fire Hydrant Rental
4,600.00
4,276.00
Forest Fire
1,750.00
2,246.55
Sealer of Wgts. & Measures Sal. & Wgs. 225.00
225.00
Expenses
50.00
50.00
Moth Dept. Salary and Wages
1,500.00
1,493.92
Expenses
1,200.00
1,199.41
Tree Warden Salary and Wages Expenses
750.00
888.48
Wire Inspector Salary and Travel Expenses
50.00
28.60
Dog Officer
450.00
450.00
Total Protection
$28,445.00 $27,406.92
Health and Sanitation 3.1% of Total.
39 40 41 42 43
Board of Health Salary and Wages $4,464.00 Expenses 2,696.00
$5,542.19
Garbage Collection
2,000.00
1,975.00
Inspection of Animals Expenses
150.00
150.00
25.00
44 Total Health and Sanitation
$9,335.00
$9,839.79
Highways 10.6% of Total
45 Village Highways
$3,000.00
$2,999.43
46 Chapter 81 Highways
8,550.00
24223.42
18 1.9 20
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38
3,005.00
3,006.00
700.00
325.76
1,750.00
1,879.85
550.00
400.00
2,172.60
10
47 Chapter 90 Highways
1,200.00
9,051.85
48 Snow Removal
12,000.00
11,396.87
49 Street Lighting
6,250.00
5,011.77
50 Traffic Signs and Lines
500.00
51 Total Highways
31,500.00
52,683.34
Charities 15.4% of Total
52
Welfare Dept. and Adm.
1,300.00
1,670.78
53 Expenditures
4,500.00
4,502.07
54 Old Age Expenditure
35,000.00
62,895.53
55 Aid Dep. Children Expenditure
5,000.00
6,290.29
56 Total Charities
$45,800.00 $75,358.67
Veterans Aid 2.1% of Total
57
Veterans Benefits Salary & Wages Expenses
$150.00
$150.00
58
100.00
165.87
59
Expenditure
5,000.00
7,207.75
60
Veterans' Service Salary & Wages
1,050.00
815.40
61 Expenses
50.00
62 Total Veterans Aid
$6,350.00
$8,339.02
Education 40.6% of Total
63 Schools Salaries & Wages
$96,000.00 $81,481.78
64 Fuel
4,000.00
65 Books and Supplies
3,500.00
66 Transportation
8,500.00
67 Tuition
68 Janitors' Supplies, Power, Repairs and Miscellaneous
7,100.00
69 Outlay
1,000.00
70 Library
100.00
71 Health
350.00
72 Expenses
23,206.07
73 Total Education
$120,550.00 $104,687.85
11
Libraries .8% of Total
74 Libraries Salaries and Wages
$1,300.00
$1,090.00
75 Expenses
1,100.00
1,137.81
76 Books
300.00
638.69
77 Total Libraries
$2,700.00
$2,866.50
Recreation .8% of Total
78 Playgrounds
$2,500.00
$2,357.37
Unclassified 2.1% of Total
79 Miscellaneous Expenses
$1,500.00
$1,137.27
80 Town Reports
1,000.00
750.08
81 Workmen's Compensation
1,300.00
1,249.21
82 Surety Bonds
600.00
381.25
83 Pension Fund
1,410.00
1,869.00
84 Expense Fund
145.00
85 Memorial Day
500.00
427.03
86 Total Unclassified
$6,455.00
$5,813.84
Cemeteries 2.4% of Total
87 Cemeteries Salary and Wages
$5,400.00
$4,590.61
88 Expenses
1,900.00
1,673.92
89 Total Cemeteries
$7,300.00
$6,264.53
Maturing Debt & Interest 5.4% of Total
90 Maturing Debt
$16,000.00
$1,000.00
91 Interest
255.00
105.00
92 Total Debt & Interest
$16,255.00
$1,105.00
93 Total Budget
$296,475.00
12
Article 17. To see what sum of money the town will vote to raise and appropriate to redecorate the interior of the Acton Memorial Library, or act anything thereon.
The Finance Committee recommends that the sum of $375.00 be raised and appropriated for redecorating the interior.
Article 18. To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account the sum of $1,200.00 for the purchase of necessary equipment for the Fire Depart- ment, or act anything thereon.
It is recommended that the sum of $1200.00 be appro- priated from Surplus Revenue for this purpose.
Article 19. To see if the town will vote to appropriate from the Surplus Revenue Account the sum of $400.00, or any other sum, for the purchase of a new cruiser for the Police Department and to authorize the Board of Selectmen to trade in or sell the old cruiser, or act anything thereon.
The Finance Committee concurs in the opinion that the appropriation from Surplus Revenue of the sum of $400.00 represents the most economical method of maintaining a vehicle for the Police Department.
Article 20. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $500.00 for the feeding of our shade trees, or act anything thereon.
A similar amount has been appropriated for several years and it is recommended that the sum of $500.00 be raised and appropriated.
Article 21. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $1,950.00 for the salary of another patrolman for the Police Department, or act anything thereon.
The Finance Committee recommends that the sum of $1950.00 be raised and appropriated for an additional patrol- man. This is the amount required for the initial nine-month period of duty.
13
Article 22. To see if the town will vote to raise and appropriate the sum of $2,500.00 or any other sum, for the Tree Department for eradication of poison ivy on the high- ways, streets, and school grounds, or act anything thereon. (Inserted in warrant on petition bearing thirty-two (32) signa- tures.)
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