USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1947-1951 > Part 12
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Compulsory semi-annual visits and re-investigations must be made by either the Agent or the Social Worker in order to establish continuing eligibility and justify the grants.
25
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
A total of two hundred eighty-three cases were aided under the Old Age Assistance category during 1948. Thirty-two cases were unsettled and nineteen were settled out of town cases. Nineteen recipients died during 1948 and ten cases were transferred to other cities and towns. Fifty-four new cases were added during the year.
Under this program, the Board endeavors to insure at least a minimum of security and comfort to persons sixty-five years of age and over.
Respectfully submitted,
MARIE E. LARIVIERE, Chairman OVIDE DESROSIERS, Clerk HERMAS LIPPE, Third Member HERBERT H. NIELSON, Agent Bureau of Old Age Assistance.
Infirmary Report
To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge :
We hereby submit our report for the year 1948.
The following repairs were made under the direction of the Board of Public Welfare. Acting under the advice of the State Inspector, new water pipes were laid from the street to the cellar. The work was completed in September by the South- bridge Water Supply Company. New piping and trap also had to be installed in the men's rest room on the second floor and on account of this work, the tile floor had to be removed and renewed.
The dining room floor had to be re-surfaced and new linoleum laid in the men's smoking room on the first floor.
The kitchen and pantry had not been painted for years and had to be done this year.
26
TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
An average of sixteen inmates were cared for per month during 1948 at the cost of $35.41 a month per inmate.
In November 1948, we had our annual inspection by the State Department of Public Welfare inspector, Mrs. Doyle. In her report to the local Board of Public Welfare, she commented on the interest shown in the local Infirmary by the community throughout the year. Also mentioned in her report were the attractive grounds and home-like and congenial atmosphere that prevailed.
We wish to express our sincerest thanks to the Southbridge Amateur Movies' Club for showing weekly movies to the in- mates from January to March and also to the High School Band for their Christmas Eve Concert and the Girl Scout Troop who so graciously sang carols for the inmates on this same evening.
Respectfully submitted,
FRED L. DOWLING, Warden Town Infirmary
MARIE E. LARIVIERE, Chairman OVIDE DESROSIERS, Clerk HERMAS LIPPE, Third Member Board of Public Welfare
Child Welfare Services
To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge :
We hereby submit our annual report for the year ending December 31, 1948.
Referrals concerning the emotional, physical and environ- mental welfare of 155 children in 57 families in the Child Wel- fare District of Southbridge, Sturbridge and Charlton were received during the past year. Added to the 1947 balance of cases, including 129 children in 42 families, the total number
27
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
of children receiving service was 284 in 99 families. 55 cases, representing 124 children, were closed during the year leaving a balance December 31, 1948 of 44 cases representing 160 chil- dren.
Some special projects were accomplished through the aid of volunteer workers. 36 children between the ages of 6 and 16 enjoyed boarding camp placements during the summer. We are happy to report that cases of neglected children requiring court action have been greatly reduced in the past several years and we have only 1 to record during 1948.
Respectfully submitted,
HERMAS LIPPE, Chairman Child Welfare Services
EDITH R. CUSHING, Child Welfare Worker
Report of Park Commissioners
Town of Southbridge
Board of Selectmen
Southbridge, Mass.
Gentlemen :
Following is a report of the Park Commission for the year ending Dec. 31, 1948.
Loam, seed, fertilizer, etc. $69.00
Mowing grass on 8 memorial plots May, June, July, Aug. Sept. Oct. 240.00
Painting 4 flag poles and replacing ropes
100.00
Total Expenditures $409.00
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR W. LEDUC WILFRED GAUTHIER ROLAND LANGEVIN
28
TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
Report of Assessors
The Board of Assessors submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1948. All appropriations voted since 1947. Tax Rate was fixed.
Total appropriations as certified by Town Clerk to be raised by taxation $1,039,968.00
Total appropriations voted to be taken
from available funds. In 1947 since
1947 tax rate was fixed. 66,829.52
$1,106,797.52
STATE: Tax and Assessment
1948
1947
Estimates Underestimated
State Tax (No State Tax in 1948)
State Parks and Reservations $1,006.97
State Audits of Municipal Acc'ts 643.84
State Examination of Retire-
ment System 448.59
$2,099.40
2,099.40
COUNTY : Tax and Assessments
County Tax
$31,767.07
Tuberculosis 21,293.88 $1,086.75
$53,060.95 $1,086.75 54,147.70
OVERLAY of Current Year
15,055.56
GROSS AMOUNT TO BE RAISED
$1,178,100.18
ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS
Estimated receipts for the year 1948
$313,922.98
29
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
OVERESTIMATES by Commissioner of previous year to be used as available funds
County Tax $3,390.23
State Parks and Reservations 271.67
AMOUNTS VOTED TO BE TAKEN FROM AVAILABLE FUNDS :
Amounts and dates of Approval by Commissioner of Corporations and Taxation $1,024.03-July 10, 1947 500.00-Sept. 26. 1947 4,150.00-Dec. 31, 1947
61,051.01-March 22, 1948 104.48-April 2, 1948
$66,829.52 66,829.52
$70,491.42
TOTAL ESTIMATED RECEIPTS AND AVAILABLE FUNDS 384,414.40
NET AMOUNT TO BE RAISED BY TAXATION ON POLLS AND PROPERTY $793,685.78
Tax
Number of Polls 6,238 @$2.00 each
$12,476.00
Total Valuation :- (Tax Rate $52.00)
Personal Property -$2,545,880.00 132,385.76
Real Estate-$12,477,385.00 648,824.02
TOTAL TAXES ON POLLS AND PROPERTY
$793,685.78
ITEMS NOT ENTERING INTO THE DETERMINATION OF THE TAX RATE
Betterment and Special Assessments. Sidewalks Assessments in 1948 $710.52
30
TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
Sewer Assessments in 1948 54.37
Betterment and Special Assessments added to taxes Sidewalks Assessments in 1948 & Interest 1,190.99
Sewer Assessments in 1948 & Interest 20,678.07
TOTAL OF ALL OTHER COMMITMENTS
22,633.95
TOTAL AMOUNT OF ALL TAXES ON POLLS
AND PROPERTY AND ASSESSMENTS COMMITTED TO THE COLLECTOR TO DATE OF TAX RATE 816,319.73
ADDITIONAL ASSESSMENTS:
July 26th, 1948-Polls @ 2.00 $52.00
Warrant to Collector, July 26th, 1948 52.00
Dec. 27th, 1948-Polls @$2.00 14.00
Warrant to Collector, Dec. 27th, 1948
14.00
June 28th, 1948-Personal Property 624.00
Warrant to Collector, June 28, 1948 624.00
TOTAL ASSESSED VALUATION ON PERSONAL AND REAL ESTATE $15,023,265.00 TOTAL WARRANTS TO COLLECTOR ON POLLS, REAL ESTATE, PERSONAL, SEWER, AND SIDEWALK ASSESSMENTS FOR 1948 $817,009.73
VALUATION OF MOTOR VEHICLES
For 1948 $1,643,000.00
Tax on Motor Vehicles for 1948
48,556.46
Warrant to Collector for 1948
$48,556.46
31
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
TOTAL ASSESSED VALUATION FOR 1948 INCLUDING MOTOR VEHICLES 16,666,265.00
TOTAL WARRANTS TO COLLECTOR FOR 1948 865,566.19
VALUE OF EXEMPTED PROPERTY
Churches, Parsonages, Schools and Hospitals
$1,871,985.00
Town Property
1,728,440.00
U. S. P. O. Property 98,000.00
U. S. Government Housing Project
144,250.00
$3,842,675.00
Total Number of Motor Vehicles Assessed-5065
CHARLES NORMANDIN, JOSEPH LaFLECHE, RAYMOND BENOIT, Board of Assessors
Gypsy Moth Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Gentlemen :
Last year I found and exterminated 8192 gypsy moth egg clusters. This includes the spring and fall extermination.
Inspection was restricted only to trees under town jurisdic- tion, because of the limited amount of funds.
I find the moth situation somewhat better since we have been spraying the trees with D.D.T.
Respectfully yours,
WILBUR WILSON, Moth Superintendent
32
TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
Report of Fire Department
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen :
In accordance with the law and custom, I submit the fol- lowing report of the year ending December 31, 1948. Giving names of members of the fire department. Value of properties under my supervision. Number of fires we responded to. Value of properties where loss occurred. Dates and locations of fires.
We responded to 11 bell alarms and 264 still alarms. Total 275 alarms.
302 Hydrants at $55.00 each per year. Total $16,610.00.
The detail report and budget follows :
Value of buildings
$579,500.00
Loss on buildings
11,343.86
Insurance on buildings
326,100.00
Insurance paid on buildings
11,323.13
Value of contents
74,900.00
Loss on contents
3,915.77
Insurance on contents
30,500.00
Insurance paid on contents
3,553.17
INVENTORY OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
Two fire stations
$75,000.00
Fire apparatus
30,000.00
Fire department supplies
9,000.00
Gamewell fire alarm system
4,000.00
January
3 Still alarm at 3.00 A.M. Tenement at 81 Cliff St. Owned by Theodore Demers. Caused by careless smoking. Insured.
18 Still alarm at 10.30 P.M. Tenement at 288 South St. Owned by Theresa Levesque. Caused by overheated chimney. Insured.
33
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
February
13 Still alarm at 3.10 P.M. Tenement at 164 Mill St. Owned by Lucien Duff. Caused by careless smoking. Insured.
26 Still alarm at 11.25 A.M. Tenement at 122 Chestnut St. Owned by Emile Caouette. Soldering wires with a blow torch. Insured.
29 Still alarm at 7.25 A.M. Tenement at 12 Crescent St. Owned by Mrs. Josephine Labelle. Caused by over- heated stove pipe. Insured.
March
20 Box 37 at 3.37 A.M. Barn at 140 Chapin St. Owned by Frank Iozzo. Cause unknown. Insured.
21 Box 64 at 11.36 A.M. Tenement at 79 and 81 Pleasant St. Owned by George E. Gaumond. Caused by spon- taneous combustion. Insured.
21 Box 64 at 11.36 A. M. Tenement at 75 Pleasant St. Owned by Albina Gaumond. Caused by fire from George Gaumond house fire. Insured.
April
7 Still alarm at 8.50 A.M. Tenement at 249 Marcy St. Owned by Mrs. Mary Derouin. Caused by a flooded range oil burner. Insured.
26 Still alarm at 7.20 P.M. Tenement at 8 Morton Court. Owned by Morton Estate. Caused by spark from in- cinerator. Insured.
27 Still alarm at 2.25 P.M. Business block at 286 Main St. Owned by Masonic Bldg. Asso. Caused by plumbers useing blow torch. Insured.
May
8 Still alarm at 11.55 A.M. Tenement at 174 High St. Owned by Alan Delage. Caused by painters burning paint with blow torch. Insured.
9 Still alarm at 8.27 A.M. Tenement at 488 Hamilton St. Owned by Zenon Laliberte. Caused by flooded range oil burner. Insured.
34
TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
July
1 Still alarm at 6.30 P.M. Tenement at 647 Worcester St. Owned by Aime Larochelle. Caused by boiling fat on stove. Insured.
28 Still alarm at 12.45 A.M. Hotel at 326 Main St. Owned by William Murphy. Caused by cigarette. Insured.
August
4 Still alarm at 3.50 P.M. Tenement at 192 Chapin St. Owned by Allen Richmond. Caused by sparks from chimney. Insured.
8 Box 413 at 10.28 A.M. Barn at Dennison District. Owned by Charles McLam. Caused by spontaneous combustion. Insured.
17 Still alarm at 3.05 P.M. Lodging house at 24 Central St. Owned by Martin Krasowski. Caused by electric iron. Insured.
November
7 Still alarm at 9.20 A.M. Tenement at 14 South St. Owned by George Delehanty. Caused by overheated oven. Insured.
19 . Still alarm at 9.10 A.M. Tenement at 185 Chapin St. Owned by Joseph Lavalle. Caused by blankets near open flame. Insured.
December
3 Still alarm at 11.03 A.M. Tenement at 134 Ashland Ave. Owned by Frank Szugda. Caused by overheated chimney. Insured.
3 Still alarm at 5.50 P.M. Tenement at 7 Lyons St. Owned by Joseph Marinelli. Caused by spontaneous combustion. Insured.
25 Box at 9.55 P.M. Tenement at 13 Brochu St. Owned by Dominico Lombardi. Caused by defective wiring. Insured.
35
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
ROSTER OF THE SOUTHBRIDGE FIRE DEPT.
Chief OSWALD MEUNIER
Deputy Chief DANIEL DANIELS
PERMANENT FIREMEN
Emil Caouette, Captain
Archie Langevin, Lieut.
Harry Gendron
Ovila Donais
Ernest Collette
Alva Gregoire
Henry Desourdy
Arthur Marand
Biago Puccilli Rudolphe Arpin Adrien Pouliot Victor Caouette Edward McNally Romeo Mathieu Napoleon White Jean St. Amant
Edward Boucher
CALL MEN HOSE NO. 1
Hermas Lippe, Captain
Stewart Casavant, Lieut.
Thomas Mannis Gerard Fontaine
Clarence Blais
George Hogan
Lionel Peloquin
Ernest Tremblay
Leopold Langlois
Albert Beaudry Roland Larochelle
James Dunn
CALL MEN AERIAL NO. 1
Ovide Desrosier, Captain
Eugene Blais, Lieut.
Napoleon Blais
Romeo Lippe
Ronald Sheriff Armand Durocher
CALL MEN OF HOSE NO. 2
Adelard Lepage, Captain
Eugene Gaumond, Lieut.
Alexander Daigle
Aime Ravenelle
Armand Gibeault
Roy Proulx Archie Matte ยท George Plouffe Walter Kingsbury Melvin Williams
Normand Larochelle
Louis Ciprari Raymond Dartt Arthur Caplette
SUPT. OF FIRE ALARM James C. Sandgren
36
TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPT.
Permits
Transporting Gasoline
4
High Explosives
7
Range Oil Burners
248
Power Oil Burners
143
Open Air Permits
232
Removal of Gasoline Tanks
1
Decorations
11
Bottled Gas Permits
72
Inspections
Stores
149
Hotels and Boarding Houses
45
Tenement Houses
1736
Range Oil Burners
248
Power Oil Burners
143
Clubs and Cafes
94
Locked Out
16
Complaints
34
In closing my report for last year, I wish to thank the citizens for their cooperation, and the members of the depart- ment for ther loyalty to their work.
In conclusion the Chief, Oswald Meunier on behalf of the members of the fire department wishes to thank the Board of Selectmen and the other Town Officials for their courtesy and consideration of the department.
OSWALD MEUNIER
Chief of the Fire Department
37
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Forest Fire Department
The forest fire department answered 51 alarms for forest fires in 1948.
Fire warden's salary $200.00.
There were 232 permits for fires in the open.
I wish at this time to thank the people for their good will and again ask their cooperation with this department to pre- vent forest fires in this vicinity.
INVENTORY OF THE FOREST FIRE DEPARTMENT
One forest fire pump with 4000 ft. of 11/2 hose
$2,400.00
3350 ft. of 1 inch hose 1,650.00
6-11/2 shut-off nozzles
125.00
6-1 inch shut-off nozzles
120.00
8 open end nozzles
54.00
1 one half ton Ford truck
1,200.00
Seventeen 21/2 gallon extinguishers
119.00
Thirteen Indian fire pumps
170.00
Two 21/2 gallon hand pumps
30.00
Three ten quart pails
2.50
Twenty brooms
20.00
Two shovels
2.00
Twelve Reducers
60.00
One T. Ford truck
150.00
OSWALD MEUNIER Forest Fire Department Warden
DEPUTY FOREST FIRE WARDENS
Daniel Daniels
Albert Servant
Romeo Lippe
Harry Michaels
Emile Caouette Joseph Mandeville Archie Langevin Rosario Bellerose
38
TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
Report of the Ambulance Department
In rendering my report for the past year, I wish to state that there was an appropriation of $500.00 made for this de- partment.
In 1948 the ambulance department has collected $1,412.50.
During the past year the ambulance made the following trips :
Out of town trips at no charge
Veterans' Aid
2
Old Age Assistance
1
Public Welfare
3
Abated
6
Southbridge
2225
Worcester
66
Sturbridge
37
Charlton
29
Fiskdale
19
Grafton
10
Boston
8
Holland
10
Brimfield
8
Dudley
6
Spencer
4
Fall River
2
Willimantic
1
Springfield
1
Woodstock
1
Millbury
1
Hartford
1
Pelham
1
Framingham
1
Uxbridge
1
39
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Wales 1
Stoneham
1
Total trips for 1948
446
INVENTORY OF THE AMBULANCE DEPARTMENT
1 Cadillac Ambulance $5,750.00
1 Ford Ambulance 500.00
2 Spare Tires 55.00
2 Folding Stretchers 60.00
1 Orthopedic Stretcher
60.00
2 First Aid Kits
12.00
14 Blankets
70.00
2 Flame proof blankets
90.00
12 Sheets
12.00
8 Pillow Cases 6.00
3 Pillows 7.50
Report of Tree Warden
To the Citizens of Southbridge :
Last year I sprayed the town's trees with D.D.T. and the work was done with very good results. The spray should be done every year to control Dutch Elm Disease.
I also did some trimming, cabling, and cavity work on trees that were in bad condition.
Some new trees were also planted on various streets in town.
Respectfully submitted,
WILBUR WILSON Tree Warden.
40
TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
Veterans' Service Center
January 12, 1949
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Southbridge, Mass.
Gentlemen :
This Department is pleased to submit for your considera- tion its third report concerning its activities. During the course of the year, we have had veterans of the town of South- bridge and their dependents avail themselves of the following services :
Allotment or Allowance
62
Burial
31
Civil Service
59
Compensation
29
Discharge
Copy
14
Recorded
42
Education-Training-Rehabilitation
217
Employment
39
Filing for Bonus
72
Flags
7
Hospitalization
58
Housing
81
Information
88
Insurance
104
Legal
48
Loans
66
Medical-Dental
62
Miscellaneous
125
Notarization
151
Pensions
57
Photostat
160
Readjustment Allowance
65
Social Security
35
41
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Taxes 58
Terminal Leave
9
Unemployment Compensation
97
Veterans Benefits
Temporary Cases
35
Permanent Cases
17
Selective Service Act of 1948
52
This office operates under Chapter 115 and Chapter 584 of the General Laws to determine proper expenditures of Vet- erans Benefits.
During 1948 this Department approved aid to benefit thirty-five (35) temporary cases (107 persons) and seventeen (17) permanent cases (35 persons).
We wish to express our very sincere thanks to all Town Departments, Worcester Office of the Veterans Administra- tion, Webster Office of the Division of Employment Security, local industries and all others with whose cooperation the services of this Department were carried out.
Respectfully submitted,
PAUL H. BENOIT,
Director
42
TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
Report of Board of Health
To the Citizens of Southbridge:
The Board of Health met on March fourth, and organized as follows: Raymond F. Haling, M.D., Chairman; Ernest Te- treault, Clerk, and Robert W. DeJordy, D.S.C, Publicity Di- rector. Twelve regular and two special meetings were held dur- ing the year.
In order to provide the necessary service, pertaining to this department, the Board has come to the conclusion that it is ur- gent to reapportion the work and increase the personnel. The more advanced scientific methods available today should be of ultimate benefit to the community.
The increase in population and housing has made it impera- tive that this department expand its health program.
One of the most annoying, and at times difficult problems to solve by the Board, has to do with the abatement of nuisances. A great many complaints by individuals, are trivial matters that could be easily adjusted if personally taken up in the right spirit with the neighbor involved. Each complaint has to be investigat- ed by our inspector, thereby consuming valuable time which should be effectively devoted to much more important work. It seems incredible that three hundred calls, interviews and investi- gations for the elimination of nuisances were made during the year, with a record of a hundred and twenty-two for the month of July.
As mentioned in our last report, a program of sanitation in "Food and Drinking Establishments" was started in 1944 and another attempt was made in 1947. This program consists of three related phases :
1. Education of Food and Drink Handlers
2. Verification of methods used by laboratory tests
3. Follow-up of recommendations.
43
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
The continuation of this work has been practically at a stand still, due to lack of interest and co-operation on the part of the owners and personnel. It is regrettable that they did not avail themselves of the opportunity to acquire the latest approved methods of sanitation. Nevertheless, this very important phase of community health is still a part of our local program, and more time should be allotted to this work. Health is the concern of every individual, as well as the public at large, and this de- partment should be supported in its efforts.
In review of the past three years, the collection of garbage on the whole, has been as adequate as could be expected under the circumstances that prevail for this type of work. Bearing in mind the fact that the new building developments on the out- skirts of the town has increased the territory served.
As the present garbage contract expires March 31, 1949, the Board plans to request bids, in due time, for the awarding of a new contract.
At present we have fifteen dealers, and seventy-eight pro- ducers under our immediate control, supplying milk in this com- munity. In order to maintain a consistant quality of milk, the Board feels it is necessary to test and analyze this product month- ly. Under the present set-up, it has been impossible to maintain even this minimum schedule.
The activities of the department have been carried on during the year by the appointed personnel, as efficiently as possible, and we wish to thank all who have co-operated with them.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND F. HALING, M.D., ROBERT W. DeJORDY, D.S.C., ERNEST TETREAULT,
Board of Health
44
TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
REPORT OF PAROCHIAL SCHOOL PHYSICIAN
To the Board of Health
Town of Southbridge, Mass.
Gentlemen :
The results of the annual inspection of pupils in the elemen- tary grades are distributed as follows:
STE. JEANNE d'ARC SCHOOL
Total children examined
308
Defects requiring notices
83
Carious teeth
77
Hypertrophied tonsils
44
Tonsils under observation
19
Tonsils removed (defect corrected)
16
Ears (Cerumen)
11
Eye (squint)
1
Eyes corrected with glasses
13
Cervical glands
12
Skin (acne)
10
Posture
1
NOTRE DAME SCHOOL
Total children examined
598
Defects requiring notices
165
Carious teeth
121
Hypertrophied tonsils
63
Tonsils under observation
65
Tonsils removed (defect corrected)
10
Ears (cerumen)
4
Eyes under treatment (squint)
2
Eyes corrected with glasses
16
Eye-lids (granulated)
1
Cyst on right eye-lid
1
Cyst on side of jaw
1
Cyst under chin
1
Cervical glands
25
45
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Skin (acne)
7
Heart
4
ST. MARY'S SCHOOL
Total children examined
183
Defects requiring notices
50
Carious teeth
60
Hypertrophied tonsils
32
Tonsils under observation
15
Tonsils removed (defect corrected)
12
Ears (cerumen)
2
Eyes corrected with glasses
8
Cervical glands
5
Skin (acne)
4
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND F. HALING, M.D.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH NURSE
To the Honorable Board of Health,
Dear Sirs :--
I hereby submit my report as Board of Health Nurse for the year ending December 31, 1948.
TUBERCULOSIS CLINICS
Our consultation clinics have been held according to sched- ule in the Town Hall, the third Wednesday of each month. Pa- tients were referred to the clinic with a request from their own physician, for X-ray and examination. The X-ray is the most valuable aid in pulmonary tuberculosis, because it often shows disease long before it has developed far enough to be detected in any other way. The findings assist the physician to confirm his diagnosis and check contacts in the incipient stage. Sanatoria
46
TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
patients find the clinic convenient in following their routine check-up, also for contacts in the household.
Two hundred and fifty-one patients received this service, representing fourteen towns and twenty-five physicians.
DIPHTHERIA IMMUNIZATION CLINICS
From March 23rd to May 25th, four Toxoid clinics were held for the prevention of diphtheria. Since the increase in the number of diphtheria cases, during the last two years, we have included a booster does of toxoid for all children, immunized three or more years. Eighty children received the booster shot and one hundred and fifty the regular immunization doses.
DENTAL CLINICS
Although the condition of the children's teeth has improved, our school health records still show carious teeth at the top of the list of defects. Sixty-four clinics, maintained by the health department during the school year, affords an opportunity to teach oral hygiene and repair dental defects. However, our program is limited and this service is available only to the first four grades.
Number of children admitted to clinics 543
Number of cleanings 494
Number of fillings 195
Number of extractions 19
REGISTRATION CLINICS FOR PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN
This year four clinics were scheduled early in May to regis- ter and examine all children preparing to enter school in the Fall. Parents were invited to report with their children for registra- tion and to discuss any social or behavior problem that might handicap them in their school work. Each child had an eye and ear test, was weighed and measured, his medical history was also recorded on his health card. Two hundred and ten regis- tered.
The same group were requested to report the following week to their own physician or to the clinic for a physical examina- tion, by the school physicians and a dentist. Eighty-one were examined.
47
ANNUAL TOWN REPORT
Since this check-up saves loss of school time later and gives the beginner a better start, the school authorities are planning to refuse to admit a child to school, until he has had a physical examination.
Children in the elementary grades of the parochial schools were examined by the school physician, assisted by the school nurse. These routine physical examinations take place each year, as soon as possible after school opens in the Fall. The purpose is to note the general health, to detect symptoms of con- tagious disease and on the whole to check the growth and well being of the child since his last examination. Good appearance, an increase in height and weight, usually finds a child normal physically. Parents are advised of all defects found and urged to follow recommendations.
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