USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1957-1961 > Part 36
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There were in 1959, 198 deaths, twenty-eight more than 1958. Again this year Coronary Thrombosis was the principal killer.
List of contagious diseases reported to this office:
Chicken Pox
52
Dog Bite
36
Scarlet Fever
8
Whooping Cough
14
Mumps
10
Measles
2
German Measles
1
Tuberculosis
2
Infectious Hepatitis
1
Meningitis
1
Total 127
Respectfully submitted, ERNEST TETREAULT, Agent
69
REPORT OF BOARD OF HEALTH NURSE
To the Honorable Board of Health: Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Board of Health Nurse for the year ending December 31, 1959.
In the field of Tuberculosis, thirty-six home visits were made to ex-san patients or their contacts. There were eleven office visits and fifty-three conferences held. At present there are three patients hospitalized for TB; two at the Rutland VA Hospital and one at the Rutland State Sanatorium. The State Department of Public Health sponsors TB clinics at the Wor- cester County Sanatorium, every Tuesday and Thursday morn- ings. This year ninety-nine reported either for diagnostic X-rays or follow-up purposes as ex-san patients or contacts.
As in the past years, Immunization Clinics were held in the Town Hall for pre-school and both public and parochial schoool children.
a) Four clinics, held at monthly intervals, were conducted against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Whopping-Cough. Eighty- two were given a series of three injections; four hundred and seventy-eight were given a booster and twenty not completing the series received either one or two of the required innocula- tions.
b) Three Salk Anti-Polio clinics were held for the bene- fit of pre-school and school children in the first grades. Three hundred and sixty-eight attended. Vaccine for these clinics was provided by the State Board of Health.
The Dental program was carried on for the benefit of chil- dren in grades 2, 3 and 4 in both public and parochial schools. These children are given a preliminary examination by the dentist at the school. Sixty-four clinics were held. Two hun- dred and ninety-nine children attended. Prophylaxis was given and nine hundred and thirteen cavities were filled. Those children needing orthodontia or extractions were referred to their family dentist.
Physical examinations are given each year to the children in grades 2, 4, 6 and 8 by the school physician, accompanied by the nurse. These same children are also given chiropody ex- aminations by the chiropodist. As part of the health examina- tion, all pupils in the above grades and grades 3, 5, and 7 were weighed and measured by the nurse. Parents were notified by mail of any defect needing medical attention following both examinations. Follow-up is important, as the child's physical and meantal well being, as well as his ability to carry on his school work, could depend on proper medical attention.
The state law provides that school children be given a vision screening test via the Mass. Vision Test and a pure tone hearing test every year. A pupil failing to pass the original
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test is re-tested at a later date and failing this re-test, parents are notified by mail and asked to take their child to an eye or an ear specialist for further examination.
Vision Screening 1059 Maico Audiometer Tests 1236
Re-Tests
70 Re-Tests 111
Parents Notified 37 Parents Notified 56
In the course of the year, health conferences, totaling sev- en hundred and eighty-one, were held with physicians, nurses, teachers, parents and pupils, as well as with social workers and other public health personnel. Home visits (21), profes- sional office visits (44) and school visits (247) were made. Our aim is to help the child lead as normal and healthy a school life as possible.
The annual registration of pre-school children was held at the Mary E. Wells High School for both public and parochial schools. Following the registration, two clinics for pre-school physical examinations by the school physicians, were held in the Board of Health offices. Thirty-nine reported - all other pre-schoolers were examined by their own doctor.
Nursery schools were inspected twice during the year. At present there are two in town - the Hyland Nursery School on Hamilton Street and the Southbridge Nursery School and Kindergarten on Elm Street. Their combined enrollment is sixty-one.
Conferences and lectures on school health and child growth and development were attended in the course of the years.
In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all persons and organizations who have helped to make our health program successful.
Respectfully submitted,
RACHEL JOLICOEUR, R.N.
Board of Health Nurse.
*
REPORT OF MILK INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health: Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report as Milk Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1959.
Number of Samples Collected
187
Tests for Butter Fats 187
No samples were below the legal standard
Tests for Solids - Samples tested 187
On sample below the legal standard.
Tests for Acidity - Samples tested 81
Eight samples were in the process of souring due to improper cooling. 151
Phosphatase Test - Samples tested
71
All were found to be sufficiently pasteurized.
Microscopic Bacteria Count 33
Mastitis Test (Microscopic Examinations of smears from suspected milk or cream cultures - Samples Examined 12
No Samples Positive.
Number of Store and Vehicle Milk and Cream Licenses Granted 73
Number of Oleomargarine Registrations Granted 38
Number of Pasteurization of Milk Licenses 3
Total Licenses and Registrations 114
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR O. BALLARD, Inspector of Milk. *
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH PHYSICIAN
To the Honorable Board of Health:
Gentlemen:
As parochial school physician, I wish to submit the follow- ing report of the annual examination of the elementary school children, for the year ending December 31, 1959.
Physical examinations were given to children in grades 2, 4, 6, and 8, (physicals are given every two years). This year a total of 530 pupils were examined in the three parochial schools. Of this number, 303 were from Notre Dame; 113 from Sacred Heart, and 114 from St. Mary's. It was necessary to send noti- fication of defects needing attention to 27 parents whose chil- dren attend Notre Dame; 22 attending Sacred Heart, and 6 at- tending St. Mary's. It is sincerely hoped that these notices will be taken seriously by the parents and that they will do their utmost to have the matter corrected as soon as possible, having the child's best interest in mind.
The following is a classification of all defects noted:
Heart 1
Chest Deformity 2
Teeth Need Attention 61
Enlarged Tonsils 72
Acne 16
Cerumen in Ears
1
Cervical Adenopathy 11
It was also noted that fifty-six had had a tonsillectomy.
At this time I wish to acknowledge with thanks the co- peration and assistance of the members of the Health Depart- ment, the school authorities and the parents. All have helped to make the school health program a successful one.
Respectfully submitted,
RAYMOND F. HALING, M.D.
72
REPORT OF THE BOARD PODIATRIST
To the Board of Health Physician: Dear Sir:
Herewith my report on the examination of the Parochial School children for the year ending December 31, 1959.
A total of 544 children were examined and 68 notices were sent to parents that their children's feet required medical at- tention. These notices were sent out by the school nurse, and, in many cases, we were able to include recommendations for better posture, hygiene, nail care or footwear. Many children were also briefed, during examination, on the proper care of their feet in order to avoid trouble later on through faulty practices or neglect. This policy, inaugurated some years ago, appears to be most effective.
Following is a classification of defects found in the exam- ination:
Poor Posture 4
Skin Disorders
44
Nail Disorders 34
Orthopedic Conditions
126
Hygiene 12
These defects are further broken down to specific condi- tions on the examination record cards of each child.
Grateful acknowledgment is made of the co-operation and assistance of the Board of Health Nurse, Mrs. Rachel Jolicoeur, and the school authorities. My thanks also, to the parents for their friendly interest and co-operation in our health program.
Respectfully submitted,
ROBERT W. DeJORDY, D.S.C. * *
REPORT OF THE SANITARY INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health:
Dear Sirs:
I hereby submit my report as Sanitary Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1959.
I received, during the year, 31 complaints; all were inves- tigated.
Permits and Licenses Issued:
Day School
2
Day Nursery
1
Nursing Home
1
Funeral Director 6
32
Anti-Freeze
42
Respectfully submitted, ERNEST TETREAULT, Sanitary Inspector.
73
REPORT OF PLUMBING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health:
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Plumbing Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1959.
During the year, the following fixtures and appliances were installed:
Water Closets
95
Bath Tubs
57
Lavatories 91
Kitchen Sinks
57
Tankless Water Heaters
17
Automatic Water Heaters
123
Showers
12
Clothes Washing Machines
41
Drinking Fountains
5
Range Boilers
3
Potato Peelers
1
Floor Drains
3
Sterilizers
1
Urinals
9
Bed Pan Washers
2
Wash Fountain
1
Disposals
5
Dishwashers
2
Utility Sinks
7
Total number of fixtures and
appliances 539
Number of Permits Granted
208
Number of Inspections
446
Number of Water Tests
51
Number of Unfinished Jobs
6
Respectfully submitted,
ARTHUR O. BALLARD,
Inspector of Plumbing.
* *
REPORT OF FOOD INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health: Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Food Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1959.
This year, as usual, we carried on the customary routine inspections of bars, groceries and markets, as well as all eating and drinking establishments. The conditions were mostly good, some establishments needed more attention than others to help them meet the prescribed standards.
74
We made 22 inspections of bakeries and we prevailed upon the owners to correct the few defects existing in their plants.
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR O. BALLARD, Food Inspector.
*
REPORT OF THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health:
This is my report as Animal Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1959.
I quarantined 34 dogs.
I inspected 2 barns after spraying.
I took census of all animals in the Town for the State and inspected all barns.
Checked ear tags on all cows transported and sold in Southbridge from out of State.
Respectfully submitted, ALCIDE FOURNIER, Animal Inspector.
REPORT OF DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
As Director of the Department of Veterans' Services and Agent for Veterans' Benefits in the Town of Southbridge, I hereby submit my report of activities and services rendered for the year 1959.
VETERANS' SERVICES
This office is available to all veterans of Southbridge and their dependents, seeking information pertaining to their rights and benefits under Federal and State Laws.
It is the policy of this department to inform all eligible veterans and their dependents how to obtain benefits within the limits of the laws governing each agency.
Photostatic copies of discharges are being developed for Southbridge veterans. In addition, copies of marriage, birth, death, and other certificates were made for Veterans' Benefit claims and claims against the Veterans Administration. Nec- essary forms were filled covering lost discharges and burial al- lowance.
Claims were filed with the Veterans Administration and other branches of the government, pertaining to education, training, subsistence allowance, insurance payments, medical
75
treatment, hospitalization, compensation and pension for vet- erans and their dependents, re-employment rights, employ- ment difficulties, unemployment compensation, as well as numerous telephone calls and letters.
Deceased Veterans for the year 1959
World War I 9
World War II 1
Korean War 4
VETERANS' BENEFITS
Under Chapter 115, and its amendments, each application for Veterans' Benefits submitted to the Town, after thorough in- vestigation by this office, is forwarded to the office of the Commissioner of Veterans Services, Boston, Massachusetts, for approval, as under this chapter the State agrees to reim- burse the Town for one-half of all aid granted. An investigator from the State Office periodically checks the local agent's of- fice, in addition to personally contacting the recipient of Vet- erans' Benefits.
Under the law of the Commonwealth, if a veteran or his dependents, meet all requirements of eligibility and he falls in need of financial assistance through no fault of his own, he is granted Veterans' Benefits. The amount varies, and is depen- dent upon the particular needs of the individual case. Any amount received from Federal benefits or other financial grants is deducted from the amount that is allowed by this depart- ment, therefore helping to reduce that which must be ex- pended by the Town.
As of December 31, 1959, there were 74 active cases on file, aiding 115 persons. In addition, many cases are pending settle- ment and, as a result, constant follow-up service is maintained and reviews and appeals are requested where awards are con- sidered unfair or insufficient.
For list of expenditures and reimbursements of this de- partment, please refer to report of the Town Accountant.
I wish to express my sincere thanks to all Town depart- ments, officials at Holyoke Soldiers Home, Roxbury and Boston Veterans Administration Hospitals, local industries, veterans' organizations and their auxiliaries and all others who helped to carry out the service of this department.
I also wish to express my thanks to Catholic Charities, to the Santa Fund, which responded to our appeal so gener- ously at Christmas time and to various persons who wish to remain anonymous.
Respectfully submitted, ROLAND G. HETU, Veterans' Agent and Director Veterans' Services.
76
REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMITTEE
To the Tonorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
The following is our annual report on Recreation in the Town of Southbridge. It is submitted as five reports in the in- terest of clarity.
Respectfully submitted, FRANK P. SKINYON, General Chairman ARTHUR A. ROY, Co-Chairman.
REPORT OF THE DRESSER ST. FIELD SUB-COMMITTEE To the Chairman of the Recreation Committee:
From January 2, 1959 until March, interior repairs and improvements were carried on, such as painting, overhauling equipment and in general, gettting ready for the spring ac- tivities.
As soon as the weather clears and early spring arrives, we go into our busiest period.
Baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and the track must be brought into condition quickly. School baseball was played on the field until the middle of June.
Little League, Babe Ruth and Minor Leagues continued until late in the summer. A basketball league, played under lights, lasted until the last of July.
Wells High School Commencement Exercises were con- ducted on the field late in June.
Football was the attraction at the field from Labor Day to Thanksgiving, when the Bartlett-Wells game was played, bringing another undefeated season to a successful close for Wells High School.
Cole Trade High School used the field for its annual Field Day in June.
One tennis court was discontinued and removed. This area is to be used in our plans to move the Little League dia- mond into the corner of the field. This move will eliminate the work of puttting fences up and taking them down. It will also eliminate the need to build a pitching mound each year and it will make Dresser Field a two-activity field.
Lassie League was started and played on the field for the first time during the past summer. This league has great po- tential and provides a great deal of fun for both player and spectator.
77
It was a pleasure working with the boys and girls of South- bridge in recreation. May I offer my sincere thanks to all the individuals and to the Town departments, who helped with the work.
Respectfully submitted, LOUIS H. VanDERNOOT, Chairman. Dresser St. Sub-Committee.
*
REPORT OF HENRY ST. FIELD SUB-COMMITTEE
To the Chairman of the Recretation Committee:
Games and recreation facilities available are as follows: three horseshoe courts, two jungle gyms of different types, two volleyball courts, twelve swings, three zelballs and one tether ball games, one slide, one basketball court, six see-saws, play- ground balls and four ping-pong tables.
Approximately one hundred forty softball games were played, at night, Saturdays and Sundays, with eight teams in the Community League and various independent teams repre- senting about 160 players who availed themselves of the two softball diamonds. The attendance of these games were be- tweeen 100 to 400 spectators.
The Elementary Schools and school playgrounds used the diamonds for baseball and softball during the spring and sum- mer season with numerous sandlot baseball, softball and foot- ball games played.
Various game activities in twenty-five weeks represented approximately 25,000 children and teen-ager hours spent in the area.
The Jimmy Fund sponsored a three-day fair and a circus supplied recreational entertainment.
We have received 1500 cubic yards of loam from the Air- port project and plan to seed half of the area.
We also anticpate installing a sewage line in 1960 and toilets in the Field House, plus additional stands for better seating capacity.
The water line has been extended to the Field House and that same building has been wired for electrical lighting.
A street mercury light has been installed at the end of Henry Street for increased protection of property and safety.
Henry St. Field Sub-Committee.
REPORT OF ALUMNI SUB-COMMITTEE
Dear Mr. Chairman:
The condition of Alumni Field was very good this spring due to a mild winter.
78
The field was used for the grade schools, Wells High School and the Cole Trade High School. The Little League diamond was available for the Wells softball team while school was in session. The Little League then took the diamond over for the remainder of the season.
We enclosed the baseball area with the remainder of the cyclone fence and erected a storage shed which has been needed for many years. This storage shed will be used to house the jeep and to store all equipment.
Last year we were fortunate to obtain a thousand yards of loam from the Airport. We hope to use this fill for the final grading of the field.
Considerable damage is being done by the overflow of water from Westwood Hills. This water has caused consid- erable damage to Alumni Field for the past three years. We hope that this can be taken care of in the future.
We would like to thank all departments for their coopera- tion in making our program a success.
Respectfully submitted,
L. BEAUPRE
L. KYRIOS
E. LeBLANC
R. LEBOEUF Alumni Sub-Committee. *
WINTER SPORTS
Dear Mr. Chairman:
Due to lack of snow, skating at the pool last winter lasted a period of 54 days, which is the longest period on record. Hav- ing these excellent skating conditions it resulted in our having one of our most successful seasons.
The parking area was also made larger and a new snow blower was purchased. Having this blower helped us to keep the skating area in better condition.
Only through the efforts of our caretaker was this program made a success.
We would also like to thank the Highway Department for their cooperation.
Respectfully submitted, L. BEAUPRE A. LESNIEWSKI * * *
REPORT OF THE SWIMMING POOL SUB-COMMITTEE To the Chairman of the Recreation Committee: Dear Sir:
At your request, I am submitting the annual report of the swimming pool supervisor for the 1959 season.
79
Physical Improvements
The development of a new beach area at the south end of the pool was completed during the 1959 swimming season. This area provided additional accommodations for our patrons and adds substantially to the general appearance of the pool.
Another major improvement was the installation of a new two-inch copper water service with meter vault of concrete block construction on the west side of the pool. This provides the proper facilities to regulate our water consumption in ac- cordance with our bathing load. In addition, it will also great- ly facilitate the flooding of the ice during the winter program.
Attendance
The pool opened on June 20 and closed August 28. During this period, 32,750 persons used the pool's facilities: 4,500 June; 20,250 July, and 8,000 August. The average daily attendance for the period was 512 - the largest ever registered in the pool's history.
Rescues
Seven rescues were reported by the lifeguards during the season. Our staff members certainly deserve our commenda- tion for the efficient service they rendered our patrons daily.
Instruction
The Red Cross Swimming Program, under the direction of James Laughnane, Jr., and Barry Waldron, offered swim- ming and life-saving instruction to more than 250 children during morning sessions.
In addition to the Red Cross Program, the various Boy Scout troops also used the pool's facilities for instruction dur- ing the season.
Health Care
The installation of a new two-inch copper water service made it possible to regulate the flow of water into the pool, thus provide an adequate supply of water for each bather. Periodic chlorination of certain areas was a second safeguard used against bacterial growth during the season.
In conclusion I wish to take this opportunity to repeat my thanks to the committee and staff for the splendid coop- eration I received throughout the 1959 swimming season.
Respectfully submitted, EDGAR J. BOURGEOIS, Chairman Swimming Pool Committee.
80
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
I hereby submit my report as Dog Officer for the year end- ing December 31, 1959.
68
23
Number of Dogs Lost 50
Number of Dogs Found
43
Number of Dogs Reported Lost from Other Towns 8
Number of Dogs Reported Found from Other Towns 5
Number of Persons Attacked by Dogs 1
Number of Bites Reported 8
Number of Investigated Complaints 68
2
Number of Pet Placements 11
To the best of my knowledge and belief, all licensed dogs in said Town of Southbridge have been caught, confined and/or killed or sold, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 140 of the General Laws.
Livestock Damage Claims
1
Warrants Issued to Delinquents
None
Total of Dog Owners
204
Dogs Disposed of by Owners
11
Dog Injuries Caused by Motor Vehicles and Receiving Treatment
8
Total Dog Cases 512
Total Mileage 972 Miles
And so far as I have any knowledge, complaints have been entered against all persons who have failed to comply with said provisions.
Respectfully submitted,
MOISE REOPEL,
Dog Officer.
REPORT OF THE BUILDING INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
This office issued 93 permits for the year for new construc- tions, alterations, repairs, and moving houses.
New Residences for a Value of
$270,300.00
Alterations and Additions to Residences
79,590.00
Houses Moved to Town
26,600.00
Alterations and Additions to Businesses 19,900.00
Resident Garages 28,850.00
81
Number of Stray Dogs Killed
Number of Dogs Killed by Motor Vehicles
Number of Restraining Complaints
New School (St. Mary's)
Armory
275,000.00 130,000.00
Warehouse, Gas Station Additional Residences 28
141,500.00
One new elevator was installed and one was discontinued. A total of 526 inspections were made, as well as 16 elevator in- spections and certificates issued.
There has got to be some action taken against people that do not secure their permits, as this has, in the past, caused a lot of trouble for this department. There is a ruling on town records for a penalty for not complying with this By-Law, and we will use this ruling this year.
Respectfully submitted, A. RAYMOND DARTT, Building Inspector
COMMITTEE FOR MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN OF SOUTHBRIDGE
Special recreation program for the physically handicapped and the mentally retarded was realized for the first time last summer at the Center of Hope School on Walnut Street in Southbridge.
This school recreation program was available to 210 chil- dren from the ages of 4 to 16 years.
The summer program was as follows: On Mondays, the children were taken to the Girl Scout Camp at Walker Pond in Sturbridge. On this day the children, under the guidance of a special swimming instructor, learned how to swim and also water safety. There were also games and craft work.
From Tuesday to Friday, the children spent their time at the Center of Hope School. There were games such as soft- ball, basketball, badminton, and crocket; horseshoe pitching, story time for the younger children and also arts and crafts.
We, the special committee, are very grateful to the Se- lectmen, Finance Committee and the townspeople who saw fit to establish this special recreation program for the physically and mentally handicapped children.
Respectfully submitted, ANTHONY F. SPINELLI, Chairman ARTHUR ROY ROLAND LANGEVIN
82
REPORT OF TOWN CLERK
FOR THE YEAR ENDING DECEMBER 31, 1959 To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge:
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