USA > Massachusetts > Franklin County > Heath > Town annual reports of officers and committees of the town of Heath, Massachusetts 1954 > Part 2
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School physical examinations were given by Dr. Samuel J. Galbo, school physician. Except for some minor defects and the need for dental care, the children were found to be in quite good health. The well being of children depends greatly on nutrition. "A good breakfast is the foundation for a good day."
Films were shown in the schools to interest the pupils in nutrition and encourage better dental care. Vitamin A and D capsules were available to all school children and may be ob- tained throughout the school year. They help toward better health during the season of colds and lowered resistance to di- sease.
The fine Health Room in the new Hawlemont School was pre- pared for health services and emergencies. When a child does not feel well or has a fresh cut or abrasion attention is given. Sick children or those having suspicious contagious conditions are taken home. It has been found that in keeping a child home from school, and in bed, when symptoms of a cold are noticeable, that complications may be prevented. Such an individual or a coughing child can easily spread a cold to other pupils in the school room.
Vision testing was done in the schools. Retesting pupils who failed the test proved the need for examination by an eye spe- cialist. Parents of these pupils were notified.
"How much have I gained?" This question I often hear at weighing and measuring time in the schools. It is a fine thing to have them becoming health conscious. Gain in weight is greatest in the schools with a hot lunch program.
All pupils were negative to the TB patch test given to the first and third year pupils in the Charlemont High School.
Hearing tests were given in the schools by Mrs. Beda Lange- vin. A new technique in testing by using a new model audi- ometer resulted in a more thorough individual test for all chil- dren in the school union. Only one child was found this fall with a marked hearing loss. Classes were given in lip reading and the correction of defective speech.
Communicable diseases were few, with none spreading through the schools. At one time we were concerned with a con- tact to a possible typhoid fever case. Precautions were taken
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at home and in the school. All went well, but it was best to be on the safe side.
A modified Red Cross Home Nursing course was given to the Junior and Senior High School girls. Nursing care for the sick and helpless patient in the home was demonstrated and practiced in the class room.
The annual Well Child Conferences were held in July. Dr. M. B. Low examined each child and discussed with the mother the child's special needs or correction of abnormal conditions, re- ferring to the family doctor for care. Mrs. George Coombs was the nutritionist. Essential foods for the health of the child and family were suggested to the mothers. Mrs. Robert McIntosh, Jr., the dental hygienist, examined the children's teeth and talked with the parents about correction of defects. A well balanced diet, with plenty of so-called protective foods, will help greatly to build sound teeth. The number attending the conferences were: Charlemont 97, Hawley 27, Heath 24 and Rowe 19.
Home visits were made to the parents of infants and pre- schoolers to talk about the child's health - to discuss diet, rest and encourage medical supervision.
To the Greenfield Health camp went children from the 4 towns - 3 boys and 3 girls. Here they have excellent care, good food and extra rest. Health is the main factor but they have a fine time as well.
There were 7 children taken for dental care through the Den- tal Clinic. This service included a total of 34 fillings, 7 extrac- tions and 17 x-rays.
Total Visits to the Towns
Charlemont
Hawley
Schools
207
School
32
School Home
77
Hawlemont School
55
Nursing
320
School Home
48
New Born
6
Nursing
36
Infant
36
Delivery
1
Preschool
156
New Born
6
Prenatal
13
Infant
12
Postnatal
4
Preschool
43
Adult Health
41
Prenatal
5
Other
30
Postnatal
3
Not in
25
Adult Health
8
Other
4
Not in
5
31
Rowe
Heath
School
38
School
43
School Home
21
School Home
30
Nursing
159
Nursing
17
Infant
4
New Born
1
Preschool
35
Infant
18
Prenatal
2
Preschool
71
Adult Health
18
Prenatal
4
Other
7
Postnatal
1
Not in
4
Adult Health
8
Other
12
Not in
5
May we sincerely thank the following organizations for their contributions that help greatly in our health work for the chil- dren:
Heath Ladies' Aid - $16.27 for the Dental Fund.
Charlemont Lions Club - $20.00 for children for the Health Camp.
Charlemont Lions Club - for paying for eye examination and glasses for needy children.
I do so appreciate the thoughtfulness and help that so many of the folk in the town have given me. I would like to thank them all - the Committee of the Western Franklin Public Health District, the Superintendent of Schools, the Principal, the Teach- ers, the Custodians, the 22 Well Child Conference workers and my helpers at the Diabetic Finding Clinic.
Respectfully submitted,
DOROTHY MOREHOUSE, R.N.
District Nurse
32
Treasurer's Report
To the inhabitants of the Town of Heath for year ending December 31, 1954.
Cash on hand January 1, 1954
$26653 23
From 1951 Personal Tax
236 32
Interest 1951 Personal
12 07
1951 Real Estate Tax
243 49
Interest 1951 Real
23 00
1951 Poll Tax
8 00
Interest 1951 Poll
49
1951 Excise Tax
49 69
Interest 1951 Excise
3 15
1952 Personal Tax
991 92
Interest 1952 Personal
71 50
1952 Real Estate Tax
1673 42
Interest 1952 Real
112 68
1952 Excise Tax
148 40
Interest 1952 Excise
8 93
1952 Poll Tax
10 00
Interest 1952 Poll
55
1953 Personal Tax
310 54
Interest 1953 Personal
5 18
1953 Real Estate Tax
4614 61
Interest 1953 Real
114 13
1953 Excise Tax
428 73
Interest 1953 Excise
7 30
1953 Poll Tax
34 00
Costs 1953 Poll
35
Interest 1953 Poll
47
1954 Poll Tax
120 00
1954 Excise Tax
1393 67
Interest 1954 Excise
84
1954 Personal Tax
6588 32
Interest 1954 Personal
55
1954 Real Estate Tax
15427 40
Interest 1954 Real
13 30
State Treasurer, Highways, Chapter 81, 1953 Account
1883 68
State Treasurer, Special Chapter 90 Construction,
1953 Account 4990 75
33
State Treasurer, Chapter 90 Maintenance, 1953 Account 500 00 Treasurer of Franklin County, Chapter 90 Maintenance 1953 Account 500 00
State Treasurer, Chapter 81, 1954 Account
12980 57
State Treasurer, Meal Tax 271 14
State Treasurer, Reimbursement Loss of Taxes
409 69
State Treasurer, O.A.A. State
3940 53
State Treasurer, O.A.A. U.S. Grant
4204 98
State Treasurer, A.D.C. State
452 93
State Treasurer, A.D.C. U.S. Grant
273 00
State Treasurer, Income Tax
1910 01
State Treasurer, Corporation Tax Business
1840 00
State Treasurer, State Tax 910 00
State Treasurer, Reimbursement Cattle Inspection 25 00.
State Treasurer, School Aid Chapter 70
5100 00
State Treasurer, School Transportation
7373 50
State Treasurer, School Superintendents
746 67
State Treasurer, Child Guardianship Tuition and Transportation
1577 04
State Treasurer, Vocational Tuition
1267 83
Machinery Earnings Snow and Bridges
950 20
Machinery Earnings Chapter 81
1384 80
Machinery Earnings, Chapter 90 Construction
1214 10
Machinery Earnings Chapter 90 Maintenance
130 00
Frank Gleason Trucking Gravel
4 00
Town of Monroe, Use of Machinery
6 00
Town of Rowe, Use of Machinery
12 00
New England Tel. and Tel. Co., trucking fill
15 00
O. N. Landstrom, trucking gravel
4 00
Kenneth Stetson, trucking gravel
4 50
County Treasurer, returned Dog Fund
97 05
Dog Licenses Issued
139 20
One Kennel License of 1953
9 80
Koppers Tar Co., overpayment
10 00
George H. Gribbon Cemetery Fund
400 00
Pistol Permits
2 00
Kenneth Crowningshield, posts
4 62
Heath Grange, hall rent 1954
25 00
Roswell Miller, old school furniture
13 00
William H. Wilson, trap rock
7 50
E. W. Martin
4 80
Deductions for Retirement System
26 50
Peddlers' Licenses
7 00
Withholding Tax Deductions
855 20
Hugh Maxwell Library Fund
52 22
34
Interest Savings Bank deposit Sealer's Fees Western Franklin Welfare District, postage
61 99
5 50
8 43
$115917 96
Paid on Selectmen's Warrants
86005 98
$ 29911 98
Included in the above cash balance
Check book balance
$ 24320 06
Savings Bank Balance
3146 15
Cash in Office
2445 77
$ 29911 98
Respectfully submitted, OSCAR R. THOMPSON
Treasurer
AUDITOR'S REPORT
I have checked and examined the accounts of the Treasurer and find them correct.
Cash in town treasury January 1, 1955-$29911.98.
MRS. PHILIPPINE A. PETERS
Auditor
35
Town Clerk's Report
VITAL STATISTICS
Births
Jan. 16 Male Infant Son of Kenneth A. and Dorothy (Lee) Stetson
Jan. 29 Sandra Joan
Daughter of Francis A. and Evelyn J. (Cobb) Rice
Mar. 27 Arlene Mae
Daughter of Joseph L. and Mildred M. (Bruffee) Giard
Mar. 27 Robert Leroy
Son of Richard R. and Ellen (Hillman) Sessions
Apr. 18 Ruth Elizabeth Daughter of Marshall E. and Elizabeth (Marshall) Smith
July
7 Alan Robert
Son of Ronald B. and Ruth M. Sumner Corey
Sept. 10 Michael Aaron
Son of Russell W. and Marlith A. (Brant) Kinsman
Oct. 6 Polly Susan Daughter of Dana B. and Carol J. (Rogers) Malone
Oct.
19 Neena Lynn
Daughter of Paul F. and Nancy T. (Chattin) Burrington
Nov.
22 Kenneth Leon Son of Harral L. and Mary J. (Vivier) Hamilton
Marriages
Date Names
Residence
Apr. 10 Paul F. Burrington Nancy Trent Chattin
Heath
Heath
Apr. 28 Donald H. Crowningshield
Heath
Erma A. Reynolds
Williamstown
May
8 Robert H. Drew Beatrice Rose Peters
Greenfield
Heath
May 22 J. Gilbert Wilson, Jr. Hazel Dora Hillman
Heath
Heath
June 19 Howard Henry Thompson Virginia Dorothy Cutter
Heath
Heath
36
July 3 John Roland Hillman Rebecca Kathleen Moodie
Sept. 25 Donald E. Emerson
Lou E. Williams
Heath Hancock
Dec.
5
Elbert D. Gould
Marie E. Crowningshield
Heath
Dec.
16 Norman C. Kimberly Mary Ellen Hamilton
Heath
Deaths
Date
Name
Yrs. Mos. Days
Jan.
17 Infant Stetson
1
0
0 0
June 28 Jeremiah Joseph
61
2 0
July 14 George P. Hoxie
76
10 24
Nov. 15 Max Austin Churchill
64
3
8
HUNTING, SPORTING, and FISHING LICENSES ISSUED
40 Resident Citizen Hunting at $3.25
$130 00
13 Resident Citizen Fishing at $3.25 42 25
29 Resident Citizen Sporting at $5.25 152 25
8 Resident Citizen Female Fishing at $2.25
18 00
7 Resident Citizen Minor Fishing at $1.25
8 75
1 Non-Resident Fishing at $7.75 7 75
I Non-Resident Minor Fishing at $2.25
2 25
1 Special Non-Resident 3-day Fishing at $2.75 2 75
1 Non-Resident Naval Sporting at $2.00
2 00
9 Non-Resident Hunting at $15.25 137 25
$503 25
Paid Division of Fisheries and Game Fees Retained
$475 75
27 50
$503 25
4 Resident Citizen Sporting and Trapping to those over 70
Free
RETURN OF DOG LICENSE ISSUED 1954
Number of Dogs Licensed-43
30 Males at $2.00 $ 60 00
9 Spayed Females at $2.00 18 00
4 Females at $5.00 20 00
37
Heath
North Wolcott, Vt. Shelburne Falls
Colrain
1 Kennel License over 10 dogs
50 00
1 Kennel License not reported 1953
10 00
$158 00
Clerk's Fees, 45 at $.20
$ 9 00
Paid County Treasurer
149 00
$158 00
38
Western Franklin Veterans' Service Center
Gentlemen:
Ten years have now elapsed and an unforeseen war has been fought since the Selectmen of our ten towns met to organize the Western Franklin Veterans' Service District in December 1944.
Our work in the office has increased during the past years, especially in the many different types of assistance requested. The total number given assistance in 1954 was 881, among them 34 registered for Selective Service. Thirty-nine applications for Medical and Hospital care and 16 applications for Pensions were included. Photostatic work has been done every Tuesday with a total of 1305 prints made during the past year.
The benefits applied for under Chapter 115, the old "'Soldiers' Relief" law as now amended, have also increased, due to un- employment. In this department we now have twenty active cases. During the past year we have aided 28 needy families, the towns concerned paying a total of $17,304.02 for benefits. This includes maintenance for the applicant and family with Medical and Hospital care as needed.
Our files now contain records of 1516 veterans, of whom 224 are from the Korean War. Much work remains to be done on the permanent copies of Military and Naval records, indicating a need for more clerical assistance.
The cooperation of the members of the District Committee has been most helpful in solving difficult problems. Close contact with the Veterans' Administration through Mr. O'Neil and with the Veterans' Service Department of the Town of Greenfield has continued over the years and has proved the value of mutual aid in our work.
The cost of operating the Veterans' Service Office during the past year was $4266.90. This expense is divided among the ten towns in proportion to the assessed value of each. The budget set up by the Committee for 1955, as certified to the Town Treas- urers by the District Secretary, is $4900.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT E. SCOTT
Director and Veterans' Agent
39
Report of Fire Department
During the year 1954, the Fire Department was called to one barn fire, seven chimney fires, two grass fires, and four fires of various types. There were no out-of-town calls.
I want to thank each and every one for their fine cooperation and help during the past year, especially the telephone operators for the wonderful job they have done.
This year the Mutual Aid was of extra value to the Town of Heath during the disastrous fire at the Chattin homestead. With- out their help, we would not have been able to save the house.
The Fire Alarm on the telephone is three long and two short, repeated three times.
Again I say "Thank You."
HOWARD H. THOMPSON
Fire Chief
In the year 1954, 108 fire permits were issued.
HOWARD H. THOMPSON
Fire Warden
40
Report of Cemetery Trust Funds
Sarah H. Symonds Fund to October 1954
$ 52 27
Ellen N. Fiske Fund to October 1954 54 56
Lucy M. Gale Fund to January 1955 122 49
Edwin T. Chapin Fund to October 1954 145 71
207 03
Walter S. Benson Fund to October 1954 Clifford J. Hager Fund to October 1954
108 68
Edward P. Dickinson Fund to October 1954
208 42
Chenery Fund to January 1955
530 24
George H. Gribbin Fund to October 1954 No interest withdrawn
1024 91
Report of Library Trust Funds
Mrs. F. E. Welch Fund to January 1, 1955
$1046 41
Hugh Maxwell Fund to December 1953 959 08
Drawn from Hugh Maxwell Fund $52 22
OSCAR R. THOMPSON,
Treasurer
Librarian's Report
The circulation for 1954 was 1164. Several hundred books have been given to the library. They must be sorted and will soon appear on the shelves.
We have found the regional library very useful and conveni- ent this year. Many books have been borrowed, and also eight films for entertainments here in town.
I would like to remind students that if we do not have re- quired reading or reference books, they may be secured within a few days.
Respectfully submitted,
MRS RUTH COREY
Librarian
41
Heath School Report
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Malcolm Chattin, Chairman
Kenneth Stetson, Secretary
Frank Gleason
Charles H. Minnich
Horace Warfield
Dorothy Morehouse, R.N.
Samuel J. Galbo, M.D.
Term expires 1956 Term expires 1957 Term expires 1955 Superintendent Attendance Officer
School Nurse School Doctor
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Winter Term Opens January 3, 1955 ...
Vacations will be announced
Fall Term opens September 7, 1955
Closes December 22, 1955
Winter Term opens January 2, 1956
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
Washington's Birthday
February 22, 1955
Patriot's Day
April 19, 1955
Memorial Day
May 30, 1955
Columbus Day
October 12, 1955
Teachers' Convention (tentative)
October 7, 1955
Veterans' Day
November 11, 1955.
Thanksgiving
Close noon November 23, 1955.»
42
Report of Superintendent of Schools
The personnel of the Heath school has remained constant for several years which results ultimately in close pupil teacher re- lationship which is helpful and results in better teaching ef- ficiency.
The school budget for 1955 shows an increase of $220 over the 1954 appropriation resulting from an increase in transportation and tuition costs which comprise 52% of the entire budget. How- ever, most of the transportation and tuition costs are reimbursed by the state and the net cost to the taxpayer is nominal.
Pupil furniture, text books and miscellaneous supplies on hand are adequate and no large sum need be expended for same this year.
Dorothy Morehouse, R.N., has again this year not only ac- · complished the basic health program but through her constant effort the program is growing and she is to be congratulated for her achievements.
The School Committee wish to express appreciation for the gifts of ophthalmic glasses for deserving children from the Charlemont Lions Club.
I wish to thank at this time the teachers, the members of the school committee and the citizens of Heath who are interested in the welfare of the schools and of the young people of the com- munity for their friendly and cooperative attitudes. It is with sincere pleasure that this report is presented.
Respectfully submitted,
CHARLES H. MINNICH
Superintendent
43
MEMBERSHIP BY AGE AND GRADE
October 1, 1954
Ages
Grade
5 6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
Totals
1
1
6
2
9
2
3
3
1
7
3
3
4
1
1
9
4
1
2
3
5
4
4
6
1
3
1
1
6
7
4
1
1
6
8
7
1
8
1
8
6
3
6
3
5
9
2
52
FINANCIAL STATEMENT
GENERAL CONTROL
Town Appropriation
$1525 00
Paid
Thomas L. Warren, salary
$540 00
Thomas L. Warren, office, travel
116 02
Charles H. Minnich, salary
549 00
Charles H. Minnich, office, travel
82 79
School Committee Expense
50 04
$1337 85
EXPENSE OF INSTRUCTION
Town Appropriation
$8600 00
Paid
Mr. Roswell Miller
$2701 00
Mrs. Mabel Sears
2448 00
Mrs. Ruth Kilgore
2448 00
Mrs. Janet Wetterwald, music
308 00
Rinehart System, handwriting
200 00
44
Beda Langevin
5 00
Mrs. Jeannette Rich, art
36 00
Mrs. Marjorie Gilbert, substitute teacher 24 00
Mrs. Catherine Cromack, substitute teacher
8 00
141 60
Books Supplies
144 72
$8464 32
EXPENSE OF OPERATION
Town Appropriation
$1275 00
FUEL
Paid
Charlemont Oil Co.
$648 84
JANITOR
Paid
Kenneth Stetson
$268 00
MISCELLANEOUS
Paid
Northern Berkshire Electric Co.
$ 53 48
New Eng. Tel. and Tel.
54 56
F. H. Brown Co., flags
7 54
Brulin Co.
24 70
Greenfield Recorder Gazette, bids
5 25
Commissioner of Public Safety
20 00
Earl Gleason, labor
10 00
Malcolm Chattin, labor
3 00
Sawyer News Co.
4 75
S. G. Gould
9 38
Charles Minnich
2 57
Mr. Hallis Etchells
1 00
D. A. Lanoue
1 80
W. E. Aubuchon
60
Clark Hardware Co.
2 97
Mass. Educational Film Corp.
10 40
Robert Law, trucking
5 00
New England Tel. and Tel.
5 00
Richco, Inc.
11 75
$233 75 $1150 59
45
$200 00
MAINTENANCE
Town Appropriation
REPAIRS AND REPLACEMENTS
Paid
D. A. Lanoue
$ 5 20
S. G. Gould
55 61
Cascade Paper Co.
26 07
W. N. Potter Grain Stores, Inc.
96 00
$182 88
NEW EQUIPMENT
Paid
W. N. Potter Grain Stores, Inc. $4 80
$4 80
TRANSPORTATION, TUITION AND HEALTH
$13625 00
Town Appropriation ELEMENTARY TRANSPORTATION
Paid
Clarence Cutter (Budget Plan, Inc.)
$1764 00
Robert Law
1232 00
Kenneth Stetson
1607 00
Herbert Crowningshield
1442 00
$6045 00
HIGH SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION
Paid
Malcolm Chattin
$ 49 00
Arthur Crowningshield
247 00
Max Churchill
38 00
Clarence Cutter
228 00
John Hillman
107 00
Roland Lively
351 00
Ralph Sessions
239 00
Herbert Stetson
160 00
Leon Peters
425 00
Herbert Crowningshield
147 00
Mrs. Marion Bellor
118 00
Mrs. Julia Daby
89 00
Stephen Meszaros
107 00
Clyde Varney
179 00
Ralph Sumner
55 00
Francis Galipo
68 00
$2607 00
46
HEALTH
Paid
Dr. Samuel J. Galbo
$100 00
Beda Langevin (hearing tests)
15 00
E. F. Mahady Co. Welch and Allyn Miss Dorothy Morehouse
5 50
1 26
95
$122 71
TUITION
Paid
Town of Charlemont
$1325 00
Town of Shelburne
926 49
$2251 49
RESERVE FUND
Town Appropriation
No Transfers
Total Town Appropriation
$25425 00
Total Expense
23083 48
RESOURCES RECEIVED FROM STATE TREASURER FOR 1954
Chapter 70 -General Aid
$6821 01
Transportation
7373 50
Superintendent, salary and travel expenses
746 67
Division of Child Guardianship
399 00
Total Reimbursements
$15340 18 7743 30
Net Cost to Town
$200 00
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