USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1962-1966 > Part 31
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The Trustees voted to invite an experienced library con- sultant, Professor Kenneth Shaffer of Simmons College, Bos- ton, to conduct a survey of present library services and build-
168
September 7
ing use. His recommendations projected over a twenty year period will serve as a guide for planning future library activi- ties and possible building expansion.
Mrs. Heather resigned effective September 1 after serving since 1947 as Reference and Assistant Librarian and twice as Acting Librarian. Mrs. David Merriam is in her position. Mrs. Merriam studied cataloging and reference methods at the library workshop at the University of New Hampshire during the summer.
Norma Herz resigned as Children's Librarian and was replaced by Mrs. Albert Petrelli on September 1.
During the year I attended six major library meetings in New England, several subcommittee meetings, was a panelist at a meeting on "The Student Use of Libraries," and was appointed to the Personal Services of the Massachusetts Li- brary Association.
The Chamber of Commerce invited me to help judge their essay contest. I represented the library at memorial services for Miss Ella Miersch, former librarian, and for William W. Crawford, former trustee.
Book talks were given to the Mr. and Mrs. Club of Con- gregation Ohavath Zion, the Methodist Women, and a PTA group in Worcester.
Twenty classes came to the library for instruction or story hours. Five Scout groups met at the library for special tours.
The summer reading club had 97 junior members and 76 senior members despite inconvenient accommodations. The Creative Writing Contest was held as usual during Book Week. Graduating senior pages were taken to visit the G. and C. Merriam Company, publishers of Webster dictionaries. The weekly story hour is gathering large numbers of listeners. Barbara Earls' puppet shows are a major attraction.
Our Great Books Group merged with the one at Dudley. A two-hour class for adults in use of the library was planned, but due to crowded conditions in the building was not held. This will be done in 1964.
We will discontinue our children's film programs starting next fall. We can no longer afford staff time and reading room space for them. Instead emphasis will be placed on film cir- culation as an added service facilitated by our membership in the Central Regional Library System. This membership has also increased the efficiency and use of interlibrary loan service.
Cooperation from the schools, and particularly from the three high school librarians, has made order out of what might have been chaos otherwise.
Edward Zuiss continues to keep our large magazine files in good order and is assisting with a typing project - all volunteer labor. The helpfulness of town officials, the enthu- siasm of the Board of Trustees, and the always quick response
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of the townspeople to changes makes this library a most re- warding place to be.
COMPARATIVE TABLE OF CIRCULATION
Adult
1962
1963
Adult Non-Fiction Books
21,662
27,265
Films
70
80
Current Periodicals
4,130
5,591
Pamphlets
666
984
Foreign Books
109
222
Records
527
694
Sheet Music
13
33
Pictures
39
81
Fiction
27,842
28,236
Total Adult Circulation
55,058
63,186
JUVENILE
Juvenile Non-Fiction Books
9,886
12,095
Current Periodicals
517
484
Pamphlets
47
56
Pictures
292
371
Fiction - J
11,123
13,004
Fiction - JJ
12,327
13,007
School Deposits
6,317
4,931
Total Juvenile Circulation
40,509
43,948
GRAND TOTAL
95,567
107,134
STATISTICAL RECORD
Date of Founding
1871
Population Served
16,500
Days Open During Year
340
Hours Open Each Week
63
Number of Volumes January 1, 1963
42,207
Number of Volumes Added:
Adult
1,262
Juvenile
434
Total
1,696
Number of Volumes Discarded and Lost:
Adult
583
Juvenile
190
Total ยท
773
Number of Volumes December 31, 1963
43,130
Number of Registered Borrowers: Adult
3,823
Juvenile
1,852
5,675
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Largest Circulation for One Day (Nov. 12) Smallest Circulation for One Day (Nov. 25 ) Average Circulation per Day
564
36
352
LIBRARY STAFF
Librarian
Mary Anna Tien
Reference Librarian
Helen Merriam
Children's Librarian
Evelyn Petrelli
Bookkeeper and General Assistant
Gladys Hobson
Janitor
Theodore Savary
PART TIME STAFF
Suzanne Arsenault
Hilda LeBlanc
Ann Boulanger
George Maloney
Barbara Earls
Viola Michael
Carol Ethier
Jean Nordman
Joan Eddy
Carol Postemski
Suzanne Ferron
Frances Schauweker
Elaine Fournier
Therese Hudon
Carolyn Smith Rita Trifone Respectfully submitted, MARY ANNA TIEN, Librarian
JACOB EDWARDS MEMORIAL LIBRARY STATEMENT OF CASH RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS
For the Year Ended December 31, 1963
Cash Balance, January 1, 1963
$ 3,506.96
Receipts:
Town Appropriation
$30,000.00
Mynott Fund Interest
40.00
Income from Edwards Trusts
8,508.72
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award
1,500.00
For Lost Cards
18.55
Total 40,067.27
$43,574.23
Disbursements:
Payroll
$27,160.60
Books and Periodicals
6,492.76
Book Repairs
112.24
Films
72.25
Operating Expenses
1,406.78
Building Expenses
2,706.67
Building Repairs and Maintenance
221.10
Grounds Maintenance
119.60
Equipment
503.41
Total
38,795.41
Transferred to Reserve for Building
171
Repairs and Improvements 2,000.00
Balance, December 31, 1963
40,795.41 $ 2,778.82
Represented by:
Trustees' Cash
$ 2,550.17
Mynott Fund Balance
60.75
Dorothy Canfield Fisher Award Balance
167.90
$ 2,778.82
RESERVE FOR BUILDING REPAIRS AND IMPROVEMENTS
Balance, January 1, 1963
$ 7,082.73
Add:
Transferred from Operating Funds
2,000 00
Interest Received
319.46
Balance, December 31, 1963, on Deposit with
Southbridge Savings Bank $ 9,402.19
PILSUDSKI CLUB BOOK FUND
Balance, January 1, 1963 $ 200.67
Add:
Interest Received 8.08
Balance, December 31, 1963, on Deposit with
Southbridge Savings Bank $ 208.75
DIRECTOR OF VETERANS' SERVICES
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
As Director of the Department of Veterans' Services and Agent for Veterans' Benefits Department, I hereby submit my report of activities and services rendered for the year 1963.
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
172
Southbridge veterans. In addition, copies of marriage, birth, death, and other certificates were made for Veterans' Benefits and claims against the Veterans Administration. Necessary forms were filled out covering lost discharges, burial allow- ance and yearly income questionnaires.
Claims were filed with the Veterans Administration and other branches of the government pertaining to education, training subsistence allowance, insurance payments, medical 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 1963
World War I 12
World War II 10
Spanish War 0
Korean War
1
Peace Time
1
VETERANS' BENEFITS
Under Chapter 115, and its amendments, each application for Veterans' Benefits submitted to the town after thorough investigation 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.
On or about July 25, 1963, the town of Southbridge re- ceived from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Treasury Department a check for $51,070 92. This check was for reim- bursements due us for the calendar year of 1962.
An investigator for the State Office periodically checks the local agent's office, in addition to personally contacting the recipient of veterans' 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 de- pendent 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 expected by the town.
As of December 31, 1963, there were 83 active cases on file, aiding 130 persons. In addition, many cases were pending set- tlement and, as a result, constant follow-up service is main- tained and reviews and appeals are requested where awards are considered unfair or insufficient.
For a list of expenditures and reimbursements of this de- partment, please refer to report of the Town Accountant.
173
I wish to express my sincere thanks to all town depart- ments, officials at the Rutland Heights, Roxbury and Boston Veterans Administration Hospitals and also the Holyoke Sol- diers Home.
This office aided between 40 and 50 veterans in gaining medical services at these fine Veterans' Institutions. We also would like to express our thanks to 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 the thanks of all veterans to the Santa Fund who responded to our appeal so generously at Christmas time and to various persons who wish to remain anonymous.
Respectfully submitted, J. ARCHIE CHAMPAGNE Veterans Agent and Director Veterans' Services
REPORT OF ADVISORY BOARD OF REVIEW For CLASSIFICATON and COMPENSATION
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen:
The Board of Review held regular meetings at the Town Hall in Southbridge, Massachusetts, in the room over the Se- lectmen's office on Monday evenings at 7:00 o'clock.
Mr. John E. Merrill whose term of office expired in 1963 did not accept re-appointment. The reason being he and Mrs. Merrill left our town to take up residence in North Reading, Massachusetts.
The Board has two new members making for a full board of five persons. The new members are Irving E. Pulsifer and Kenneth E. Harwood. Milford E. Sharp succeeds Mr. John E. Merrill as chairman and Kenneth E. Harwood is clerk.
A complete review of job duties and responsibilities of each employee on the town pay-roll is our goal for 1964. It would then be possible for our board and the town Finance Committee to intelligently consider budget requests for wage and salary adjustments from time to time.
Respectfully submitted,
MILFORD E. SHARP, Chairman KENNETH E. HARWOOD, Clerk HECTOR BRODEUR
ROBERT D. BERGMAN IRVING E. PULSIFER
174
REPORT OF INSPECTOR OF WIRES
The Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Town Hall
Southbridge, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
The following is a report of the Inspector of Wires, for the year ending December 31st, 1963.
Wiring Permits were issued as follows:
New Buildings
47
New Services
126
Wiring Additions
142
Central Heating
98
Electric Ranges
81
Special Outlets
102
Water Heaters
21
Water Pumps
2
Miscellaneous
131
Progressive and General Inspections 1719
I wish to thank the Board of Selectmen and other town of- ficials for their courteous assistance during the past year. Respectfully submitted, PHILBERT TIBERII,
Inspector of Wires.
REPORT OF SEWER DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen:
The following is the report of the Sewer Department for 1963.
Manholes Cleaned
75
Stoppages Cleared
44
Total Flow for 1963
435 Million Gallons
Average Daily Flow
1.2 M.G.D.
Maximum Daily Flow
2.9 M.G.D.
Minimum Daily Flow 0.7 M.G.D.
Bypass to river because of power failures, high flows and repairs totalled 4.1 M.G. in 4 days.
Chlorine Used 32,550 pounds
Percent Removal on B.O.D. 70%
Percent Removal on Settleable Solids 97%
Percent Removal on Suspended Solids 84%
Lines cleaned with Bucket Machines
3,482 ft.
Number of new house connections 20
During the year a thorough investigation was made of all
175
existing sewer lines in the vicinity of the Rotary at East Main Street. This resulted in bringing the department up to date as to actual line location and degree of serviceability in that area. We now have a complete and accurate plan of the area.
The need for this came about when it became apparent that surcharging in the sewer lines caused the Mechanic Street sewer services of the American Optical Company to be af- fected, sometimes resulting in considerable flooding of their lower floor.
This condition is brought about by wet weather infiltra- tion of the sewer system and the resulting surcharge is un- avoidable. A larger trunk line on East Main Street seems to be the only answer.
Some progress was made during the past summer on con- trolling odors from the treatment plant. However, we are looking for a significant improvement in 1964. The treatment is entirely satisfactory where pollution is concerned but the type of treatment makes it difficult to eliminate odors com- pletely. Our thanks are offered to the Highway and Engineer- ing Departments for their cooperation during the year.
Respectfully submitted,
EDGAR L. McCANN
LEO P. LeBOEUF ALFRED J. GOUDREAU
Sewer Commissioners
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMITTEE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
The Cemetery Committee met and organized on April 3, 1963. Lectance J. Landry was elected chairman and the other two members are Stavri B. Yanka and Anthony Trifone. Seaver Rice was appointed superintendent and clerk of the board.
The usual cleaning up period started early in April with several workers fixing sunken graves, straightening grave stones and smoothing gravel roads. Later the grass cutting period started and continued until October. The new burial development is now completed and should provide burial space to last 15 years or more at the present rate of sales.
During the year a new pickup truck with snow plow at- tachment was purchased which should prove of much assist- ance as we were dependent on the Highway Department for snow removal.
The cemetery is now well provided with power equip- ment, and with care and needed replacements the future
176
should be well taken care of. We wish to thank all town de- partments who assisted us in our various problems, particular- ly Joseph Benoit, superintendent of highways.
Respectfully submitted, LECTANCE J. LANDRY, Chairman STAVRI B. YANKA ANTHONY TRIFONE
REPORT OF THE DOG OFFICER
THE COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Worcester, ss:
To Emilien Fournier, Dog Officer, of the Town of Southbridge.
In the name of The Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby required to proceed forthwith to seek out, catch and confine all dogs within said town not duly licensed, col- lared or harnessed, and tagged, according to the provisions of Chapter one hundred and forty of the General Laws, and you are further required to make and enter complaint against the owner or keeper of every such dog, and to kill or cause to be killed each such dog which, after being detained for a period of ten days, shall not then have been duly licensed, col- lared or harnessed, and tagged; except that any male or any spayed female dog not found to be diseased may be sold for not less than three dollars, and you shall keep an account of any such sale and forthwith pay over the money to the town treasurer. Before delivery of any dog so sold you shall re- quire the purchaser to register and procure a license and tag for such dog from the clerk of the town where the dog is to be kept, in accordance with the provisions of Section one hun- dred and thirty-seven of Chapter one hundred and forty of the General Laws.
Hereof fail not, and make due return of this warrant with your doings therein, on or before the first day of October next, on or before the first day of January next and on or before the first day of April next, and at the expiration of your term of office, stating the number of dogs caught, confined and/killed or sold and the names of the owners or keepers thereof, and whether all unlicensed dogs in said town have been caught, confined and/or killed or sold and the names of persons against whom complaints have been made under the provisions of said Chapter, and whether complaints have been made and en- tered against all the persons who have failed to comply with the provisions of said Chapter.
Given under my hand and seal at Southbridge aforesaid, the 3rd day of June in the year nineteen hundred and sixty- three.
S. ANTHONY CAPRERA Chairman of the Selectmen
177
To the Chairman, Board of Selectmen of the Town of Southbridge, Mass.
In accordance with the foregoing Warrant I hereby make due return of my doings in compliance therewith as follows:
Number of dogs caught-114; confined-81; killed-79; sold-2.
To the best of my knowledge and belief all unlicensed dogs in said Town of Southbridge have been caught, confined, killed or sold and complaints have been made against the follow- ing named persons, under the provisions of Chapter 140, Gen- eral Laws as amended by Chapter 320, Acts of 1934.
And so far as I have knowledge complaints have been en- tered against all persons who have failed to comply with said provisions.
Dated December 31, 1963.
EMILIEN J. FOURNIER, Dog Officer
ANNUAL DOG REPORT - 1963
No. of Strays Killed
79
Killed by Motor Vehicles
15
Reported Disposed by Owner
6
No. of Dogs Lost
6
No. of Dogs Found
2
Reported Lost from Out of Town
0
Reported Found from Out of Town
0
No. of Boarded Dogs Sold
2
Live Stock Damage Claim
1
Bites Reported
5
Distemper Cases
1
No. of Investigated Complaints
272
No. of Restrain Complaints
1
Warrants Issued to Delinquent Dog Owners
202
Total of Dog Cases 624
1971
EMILIEN J. FOURNIER,
Dog Officer
REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMITTEE
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 1963 season.
Personnel:
In order to provide adequate supervision for our bathers,
178
Total Travel Mileage
a staff of seven lifeguards are employed at the pool. Four are on duty between the hours of one and five; two between five and six; and three between the hours of six and closing. The excellent work performed by our qualified and experienced staff certainly deserves commendation.
Attendance:
The pool opened on June 22 and closed on August 31. The total attendance for this period was 19,700: 4,500 June; 9,000 July; and 6,200 August.
Instruction:
Two agencies conducted formal programs in swimming and lifesaving at the pool in 1963. The Red Cross Program pro- vided instruction for more than 400 youngsters while the Boy Scout Program included over 50 boys.
The Red Cross Program was conducted in the morning and the Scout Program in the evening.
Health Care:
The main control of bacterial growth was the introduction of a continuous flow of water into the pool in accordance with the bathing load.
The water was examined periodically by the firm of Met- calf and Eddy Engineers and was found to be of excellent quality for swimming at every examination.
Rescues:
Every year a number of youngsters are helped out of trouble by our lifeguards. In 1963, nine such cases were re- ported. Many of these could have resulted in fatalities had it not been for the efficient supervision of our staff.
Recommendations:
The following recommendations for the general improve- ment of the pool are submitted for your consideration:
1. A complete study to determine the most efficient ap- proach to use for maintenance of reasonably clear water at the pool.
2. The extension of pool water to all three walls of the pool - at present, a sand bar exists on one side of the pool.
3. A study of the feasibility and practicality of installing an inexpensive chlorinating device (the type suggested by a state engineer several years ago) at the source of our water supply.
4. The purchase of a small row boat for lifesaving and instructional programs.
5. A study of the needs for a wadding pool which would be separated from the main pool. At present, our pool
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does not provide this accommodation for the very young.
Respectfully submitted,
EDGAR, J. BOURGEOIS, Chairman HENRY RACICOT
RAYMOND DARTT LORENZO BEAUPRE ALEXANDER LESNIEWSKI
ARTHUR ROY RAYMOND BRODEUR
Swimming Pool Committee
MORRIS STREET FIELD
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen:
At the annual town meeting in March, 1963, a sum of $2,000.00 was voted for by the voters for preliminary work at Morris Street field, with the stipulation that the work be performed by the town highway department.
Work was begun in April, 1963 with proper drainage be- ing installed to avoid flooding from rain and also a brook which runs beneath the field.
Later on the field was graded, materials for a backstop and swings were purchased.
Work came to a sudden stop during the later part of the summer due to an increase work load on the highway depart- ment, street projects, tarring and the Ashland Avenue project brought things to a standstill.
Work will now be resumed in the spring with loam being brought in, graded and seeded, playground equipment will then be installed and the field open to the public.
Respectfully submitted, RENE TREMBLAY, Morris Street Field Chairman
% *
SPECIAL EVENTS INTERMEDIATE - LITTLE AND MINOR LEAGUES
Summer baseball leagues consisting of Minor, Little, and Babe Ruth had a very good year. Two hundred and seventy boys from the age of eight through fifteen took part in this program. Our two baseball diamonds were kept in excellent condition. We were complimented by visiting teams as to their good condition. Our appropriation was three thousand eight hundred and ninety four dollars and fifty cents. We spent three thousand eight hundred and fifteen dollars, leaving us a balance of seventy nine dollars and fifty cents.
EDWARD WHITE Special Events Chairman
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LASSIE LEAGUE
To Whom It May Concern:
The Lassie League was organized in the Town of South- bridge 5 years ago by the Leonide J. Lemire Post 6055 V.F.W. The money for the first 2 years was raised by the efforts of the first President of the League Roland G. Hetu. In the last two years this League was maintained for members' children. The great appeal of this type of recreation made the V.F.W. wonder if they were not performing an injustice to the other children of this Town by not letting them play. In 1961 the Town of Southbridge was asked at an annual Town Meeting to take over this worthy recreation project.
In 1961, I became President of this League and had four teams comprising of 16 girls per team, a manager and two helpers (female), four umpires, a President, Commissioner and a Board of Directors of ten men. The total involved in this League was 64 young girls and 28 adults. The appropriation at that time was $500.00 or $7.19 per girl. In the years 1962 and 1963, $500.00 was appropriated each year but the amount of girls participating doubled. In 1964 I am asking for $500.00 again and expect to add on another two teams making a total of ten teams with 160 girls participating and 49 adults. This means that the per girl cost is now $3.13 per girl as compared to $7.19 at the beginning. My budget now shows an expendi- ture of $521.00. The V.F.W. will make up by their own effort the extra amount it may cost. They will on their own provide for the expense of 5 or 6 ALL STAR Games played at home or away, they will provide a banquet for the 210 people involved.
It may seem strange to mention the V.F.W. in a Town sponsored affair, but from the very beginning they were the founders of Lassie League in Southbridge and the leadership of it is still with them. I believe that this has been the fastest growing recreational program in the Town and the reason is that an organization such as the V.F.W. is running it. If more organization pledge to do Community Service would run these youth programs there would be no hackling over umpires be- ing paid or leagues not being franchised correctly. For all of- ficial purpose I am an appointed member of the Southbridge Recreation Committee and spend the money allowed to them for Lassie League.
I remain yours in sport, RAYMOND A. BRODEUR, Financial Secretary Lassie League
*
REPORT OF HENRY STREET FIELD SUB-COMMITTEE To the Chairman of The Recreation Committee:
This area enjoyed one of the most successful seasons in the history of its development. Although only 12 years young
181
we have seen it grow from a swamp to an area that consists of three (3) ball fields, Softball, Little League and Lassie League Softball.
The Lassie playing field has been greatly improved with a permanent back stop erected and wired, plus a section of bleachers for numerous spectators who have encouraged the girls in this fast growing sport. The three playing areas men- tioned have been in general use throughout the playing sea- son every night, some Saturdays and Sundays.
Community softball enjoyed one of its most successful seasons sponsoring six teams with games played nightly from May to September plus a county tournament, playoffs, prac- tices and extensively used by independent teams on Saturdays and Sundays.
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