USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1962-1966 > Part 41
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HEALTH CARE:
Maintaining a low bacterial count is naturally of paramount importance. This was accomplished by regulating the flow of water into the pool in accordance with the bathing load.
The laboratory of Metcalf and Eddy, Engineers, reported our water to be of excellent quality for bathing.
Respectfully submitted : EDGAR J. BOURGEOIS, Chairman HENRY RACICOT RAYMOND DARTT LORENZO BEAUPRE ALEXANDER LESNIEWSKI ARTHUR ROY RAYMOND BRODEUR Swimming Pool Committee
REPORT OF HENRY ST. FIELD SUB-COMMITTEE
To The Chairman of the Recreation Committee:
Again, this area has provided more and better recreation for all ages, then any year in the past. We have granted to the Southbridge Playground Department the use of our Baseball Fields, Basketball Court, Swings, See-Saws, Jungle Gyms, plus other games and the use of toilet facilities, conducted with super- vision during six weeks summer recreation.
Little League and Minor League used one Baseball diamond from May to the middle of August, ending their season with All Star playoffs of the Little League. All Star games with surround- ing towns were also included. Six teams were represented in each league, Little and Minor with approximately 180 boys partici- pating in this game of skill and fair play program.
The Lassie League softball which includes the Lassiettes or Minor League teams, shared the spotlight nightly from May to the latter part of August. This League terminated it's season with playoffs and All Star games, with girl teams from other towns. This Lassie League is Softball for girls from 9 to 15
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years of age. Six teams were represented in each League, Lassic and Lassiette for a total of approximately 128 girls.
Without the help of patient men and lady coaches, (and this applies to men in Little and Minor Leagues) plus encouragement of many spectators or fans, who encourage our boys and girls, this form of recreation would not be successful.
The Community softball league composed of five sponsored teams, which 75 or more young men, played this game nightly, from May to September, plus playoffs and numerous practice sessions, Saturdays and Sundays.
The Elementary Schools Baseball teams and numerous Base- ball, Softball, and Football sand lot games were played almost daily from early spring to late fall.
A Carnival or Fiesta conducted by a Veterans organization for Scholarship purposes, was held for a week on the field parking lot.
The seasons activities were terminated with the annual Police Dept. Halloween party for children, with rides provided and a huge display of fireworks, on Saturday October 31.
I wish to thank fellow recreation members, notably Albert Gendron, Narcisse Lajeunesse who kept the field or area clean at all times, also Alphonse LaPierre and others who have helped to make this 1964 season successful.
Respectfully submitted, LOUIS E. BRUNELLE Henry St. Field, Sub-Committee Chairman
SPECIAL EVENTS
INTERMEDIATE, LITTLE, and MINOR LEAGUE To the Chairman of the Recreation Committee.
Dear Sir:
A total of two hundred and seventy boys from the age of eight through fifteen took part in our summer baseball program, financed by the Recreation Committee. This program had three three leagues combined played a total of one hundred and twenty games, with games being played on West Street, Henry Street and
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Dresser Street Field.
The Little League All Stars representing Southbridge in the district play offs, winning four games before losing to Grafton in the semi final round.
The appropriation of the Special Events Program was three thousand eight hundred and sixty-six dollars, which was spent for insurance, equipment, Little League franchise, and salaries for umpires.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD WHITE Special Events Chairman
REPORT OF HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
To the Chairman Recreation Committee
Dear Sir :
During the spring work was resumed by the Highway Dept., with loam being brought in, graded, and a large area seeded.
A water line was installed, swings, jungle gym, zell ball court and a soft ball area were set up.
The schools summer program used the field for their activities.
This year and years to come we hope to be able to install a basketball court, tennis court, and also other playground equipment.
I would at this time wish to thank Supt. Joseph Benoit of the Highway Dept. for the splendid cooperation given to me during the year.
Respectfully submitted, RENE TREMBLAY Morris Street Field Chairman
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REPORT OF ALUMNI FIELD
To the Chairman of the Recreation Committee :
Dear Sir :
At your request I am submitting the Annual report of Alumni Field.
The field was opened the last part of April and it was in excellent condition. Minor league and Little league and Babe Ruth league try outs were held at Alumni Field. League games were also played here nightly from May to the middle of July. Many independent groups also used the field on weekends.
Work of the following nature was done to help improve the field, such as the digging of a trench which helped the drainage and improved the Little League diamond.
I would like to thank the members of my sub-committee for their cooperation and also Mr. Benoit the Superintendent of the Highway Department who is always willing to help in any way he can.
Respectfully submitted, ROGER LeBOEUF
REPORT OF THE WINTER SPORTS COMMITTEE
To the Chairman of the Recreation Committee.
Dear Sir :
At your request, I am submitting the annual report of the winter program.
There is very little to report on the winter program. The bad weather hampered our program tremendously. We only had nine days of skating last year. This was from January 12, to the 26th, and it was well attended. We had about 1,500 in that short period of time. This shows there is definitely a great interest in this program.
If the weather permits we hope it will be as well attended in the coming year.
Respectfully submitted, ALEXANDER LESNIEWSKI Chairman, Winter Sports
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REPORT OF THE LASSIE LEAGUE
To Whom it may concern :
Lassie League 1964 turned out to be on of the best attended and most popular sport that the Town of Southbridge provided for it's young people. The town provides to the Lassie League $500.00 to spend in the forming of it's league. The money is spent in buying hats, balls, bats, etc.
The Lassie League has provided it's adult leadership thru the working membership of the Leonide J. Lemire Post 6055 V.F.W. The V.F.W. also provides for various expenditures that the Town would not be expected to pay for, such as a banquet, and trips to various cities and towns around to play in All Star games. This project is one that rates very high on the list for the V.F.W.
This year Lassie League provided recreation for 128 girls and 40 adults. It has been the contention of the officials of the league for the past 4 years to allow every girl who tries out her chance to play, needless to say that all do not have the same ability. Due to this reason we have started two leagues, one league is concerned in having the more experienced girls play and the other cares for the least experience. This set up has worked out very well.
Lassie League is charted with National Lassie League whose headquarters are located in Worcester, Mass. The national president is Mr. Lawrence Bacon. The local chapter is headed by Mr. Joseph Emery; the representative of the V.F.W. The league was organized in Southbridge 6 years ago by Mr. Roland Hetu who was president for two years, followed by Raymond Brodeur for two years, and Mr. Joseph Emery the past two years.
The league is completely volunteer help. It pays no one indi- vidual for services rendered. Dollar per dollar, more is done by Lassie League for youngsters than any other town sponsored sport. In conclusion, I would suggest to any civic or veteran organization looking for a Youth Activity Project to seriously consider Little League and Intermediate League baseball. This
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would not only reduce part of the town's financial burden, it would provide to it's membership much enjoyment.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMAND BRODEUR Sec. Trea.
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Southbridge Southbridge, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for the Tree Warden Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1964.
The past year deadwood, split and broken branches a con- tant hazard to life and property, were pruned out of our town owned trees. Low-hanging live branches were removed where they interfered with pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Eleven trees and 3 stumps were removed. Tree preservative applied to cavities that needed repainting.
Fifteen town owned trees on Main Street, were fertilized, to improve the condition and appearance of these trees.
Twenty shade trees were bought and planted on various town streets where trees had been removed, and on new streets.
The ice storm of December 4 and 5 of the past year, caused extensive tree breakage. Town owned trees were examined care- fully to determine the extent of injury, nearly every tree was damaged by the ice storm. Ice laden limbs and trees were removed from roads and streets and made passable.
Respectfully submitted, CHESTER J. MAKA Tree Warden
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REPORT OF DUTCH ELM DISEASE
Honorable Board of Selectmen Town of Southbridge Southbridge, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for Dutch Elm Disease Control for the year ending December 31, 1964.
Two methods must be used to prevent Dutch elm disease, a good sanitation program and a spray program. No spray pro- gram can be successful without sanitation. Deadwood split and broken limbs were removed out of town owned elm trees and destroyed. Nine dead elm trees were removed and 6 elm stumps.
A special dormant spray of DDT helped check the spread of Dutch elm disease by providing a DDT residue on the trees which will kill the elm bark beetle before they transmit the fungus. The spray was applied with a hydraulic sprayer to the elm trees just before the leaves developed on the trees. In June and July a leaf spray was applied to protect leaves of elms from being fed upon by the elm leaf beetle which should not be confused with the elm bark beetle. The elm leaf beetle feeds exclusively on leaves and when it is abundant the leaves become brown and fall off, such defoliation weakens the trees, and many valuable elms have been killed as results of out breaks of this insect.
It is still far cheaper to protect and maintain our elms than it is to merely carry out a diseased elm removal program.
Again the past year we received State assistance which was very helpful.
A large elm tree and stump 12 inches below grade was re- moved and necessary repairs made to sidewalk and abutting pro- perty at 85 Hamilton Street.
Respectfully submitted, CHESTER J. MARKA Moth Superintendent
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MOSQUITO CONTROL
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Southbridge Southbridge, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for Mosquito Control, for the year ending December 31, 1964.
Insecticide was applied with a hydraulic sprayer to swamp and low lying areas with excellent results. Fairmont Avenue, Charlton Street, swamps and Flats areas. Oak Ridge low lying areas, Elm Street, rear of Clemence Lumber Co. and Meadowbrook Road. Because of the limited funds the remaining swamp areas could not be sprayed.
Respectfully submitted, CHESTER J. MARKA Moth Superintendent
REPORT OF GYPSY MOTH DEPARTMENT
Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town of Southbridge Southbridge, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report for the Moth Extermination, Insect Pest Control for the year ending December 31, 1964.
The past year as many as possible Town owned trees and wooded areas were sprayed using Malathion and DDT insecticide. Infestation has been keep down with good results in sprayed areas.
Respectfully submitted, CHESTER J. MARKA Moth Superintendent
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REPORT OF ADVISORY BOARD OF REVIEW FOR CLASSIFICATION 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 Select- men's office, on Monday evenings at seven o'clock.
Mr. Milford E. Sharp, whose term of office expired in 1964, did not accept re-appointment because of personal reasons.
Mr. Hector Brodeur, whose term of office expired in 1964 did not accept re-appointment because of business reasons.
The two new members are Vincent B. Boniface and Ronald A. DiGregorio.
Irving E. Pulsifer has succeeded to the chairmanship and Kenneth E. Harwood continues as Secretary.
A study of the rate ranges in Exhibit B-2 and Exhibit B-3, as continued in the Compensation Plan of Article MCX of the Town By-Laws, resulted in recommendations to Articles 16 and 18 at the Annual Town Meeting held on March 10, 1964 in the Southbridge High School Auditorium. The recommendations were voted by the voters.
A current study of the rate ranges in Exhibit B-1, as con- tained in the Compensation Plan, has resulted in the insertion of an article in the Annual Town Meeting to be held in March 1965 increasing the rate ranges.
Our work of the past year has given us satisfaction and we trust we have served our Town faithfully.
Respectfully submitted, IRVING E. PULSIFER, Chairman KENNETH E. HARWOOD, Secretary ROBERT D. BERGMAN VINCENT B. BONIFACE RONALD A. DiGREGORIO
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REPORT OF THE SANITARY INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health :
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report as Sanitary Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1964.
I received during the year 31 complaints : all were investi- gated.
Permits and Licenses issued.
Funeral Director - 6 Nursing Home - 1
Periodic inspections were made of every section of the Town with special attention being made to the outlying districts in an effort to stop dumping on the side of the highways, "NO DUMP- ING" signs were posted in several sections.
Respectfully submitted, ERNEST TETREAULT Sanitary Inspector
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF SLAUGHTERING
To the Honorable Board of Health:
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report as Inspector of Slaughtering for the year 1964.
There were no calls for Inspector of Slaughtering during the year 1964.
Respectfully submitted, ERNEST TETREAULT
REPORT OF THE AGENT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
Dear Sirs :
The clerical work for the year 1964 including the tabulation of all deaths, all reported contagious diseases, in issurance of burial
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permits and all licenses, recording the minutes of all regular and special meetings and necessary correspondence.
Weekly report of contagious diseases were forwarded to State Department of Public Health in Boston and Rutland.
There were in 1964, 198 deaths, 65 less than in 1963. Again this year Coronary Thrombosis was the principal Killer.
List of contagious diseases reported to this office.
Salmonomellosis 2
Chicken Pox 16
Dog Bite 51
Infectious Hepatitis 18
Measles
26
Mumps 83
Scarlet Fever
9
Encephalitis 1
Whooping Cough 9
German Measles 28
Tuberculosis 1
244 Respectfully submitted, ERNEST TETREAULT Agent
REPORT OF THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health :
Gentlemen :
This is my report as Animal Inspector for the year 1964. I quarantined 47 dogs.
I inspected all barns within Southbridge.
I checked all ear tags on all cows transported and sold in Southbridge from out of state.
I took census of all animals in town for the state.
Respectfully submitted, ALCIDE FOURNIER Animal Inspector
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REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS PHYSICIAN
To the Honorable Board of Health :
Gentlemen :
As parochial school physician I hereby submit my report of the examination of elementary school pupils in grades 2, 4, 6 and 8, for the year ending December 31, 1964.
A total of 501 pupils were examined. At Notre Dame school 260 pupils ; at St. Mary's 162 and 79 at Sacred Heart. Forty-three parents were notified of defects needing attention at this time. Other defects already under care or not needing atten- tion at this time were noted on the health records.
At this time I want to thank the parents and the school per- sonnel for their cooperation. Without them our program would not have been successful.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND F. HALING, M.D. School Physician
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of Southbridge :
The Board of Health met on March 12, 1964 and organized as follows: Dr. Raymond F. Haling, Chairman ; Dr. Armand O. DeGrenier, Clerk and Publicity Chairman; and Mr. Henry E. Demers, third member.
The Board made the following appointments ; Ernest Tet- reault, Agent and Sanitary Inspector; Mrs. Rachel Jolicoeur, Nurse ; Arthur O. Ballard, Food, Milk, Gas and Plumbing Inspec- tor; Mr. Alcide Fournier, Animal Inspector. One case of pulmon- ary tuberculosis was discovered during the year and two patients received treatment in Sanatorium, at present we have no one in the Sanatoria.
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Monthly T.B. or Chest X-ray were held at the Harrington Memorial Hospital during the year excluding the months of August and December.
During the year various Health meetings were attended all over the state by the nurse, board members and the agent.
In concluding this report, the Board wishes to extend their appreciation to local physicians, school authorities, and various organizations for their interest and cooperation in promoting better health.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND F. HALING, M.D. ARMAND O. DeGRENIER, D.M.D. HENRY DEMERS, Ph.G.
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH PHYSICIAN
Dear Sir :
Herewith is my report on the examination of the Parochial school children for the year ending December 31, 1964.
Total number examined 542
Notre Dame school 255
St. Mary's 177
Sacred Heart 110
There were 25 notices sent home to parents, advising them that their children had foot difficulties serious enough to require early professional attention.
It is worth noting that the decrease in the number of defects found this year continues the trend noticed in the past several years. I strongly condemn, however, the present fad of pointed- toe shoes for children, and also soft flats. I would strongly urge parents to avoid this type of shoe for their children and to be more conservative in providing them with more substantial and healthful foot gear.
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Following is a classification of the conditions found in the examinations :
Postural faults - (numerous but not tabulated)
Skin disorders 29
Nail conditions 20
Orthopedic faults
125
Poor hygiene 11
These defects are further broken down to specific conditions on the health record card of each child.
Grateful acknowledgement is made of the cooperation and assistance of the Board of Health nurse, Mrs. Rachel Jolicoeur, and the school authorities. I also wish to thank the parents of the children for their interest and cooperation in furthering the foot health program.
ROBERT W. DeJORDY, D.S.C. Respectfully submitted,
REPORT OF THE MILK INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health:
Gentlemen :
I hereby submit my report as Milk Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1964.
Number of samples collected
218
Tests for butter fats 218 No samples were below the legal standards Tests for solids-samples tested 218
No samples were below the legal standards Tests for acidity-samples tested 95 22 samples were in the process of souring due to improper cooling
Number of store and vehicle milk and cream Licenses granted 91
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Number of oleomargarine registrations granted 32
Number of pasteurization of milk license 1
Frozen dessert licenses 2
Total licenses and registrations 126 Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR O. BALLARD Inspector of Milk
REPORT OF THE PLUMBING AND GAS INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health :
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Plumbing and Gas Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1964.
During the year, the following fixtures and appliances were installed :
Water Closets 159
Kitchen Sinks
84
Bath Tubs 83
Lavatories 137
Clothes Washers
51
Tankless Water Heaters
38
Automatic Water Heaters 63
Showers 15
Laundry Trays
17
Disposals 24
Utility Sinks
9
Drinking Fountains
6
Dishwashers 8
Industrial Wash Sinks 4
Floor Drains 4
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Gas Palor Heaters 23 Gas Ranges 27
Gas Logs 6
Gas Ovens 4
Gas Water Heaters
34
Gas Clothes Dryers 10
Gas Incinarators 6
Gas Unit Heaters
7
Boiler Units 10
Total number of fixtures & appliances 766 Number of Inspections 472
Number of Plumbing and Gas Permits . 212
Number of Water Tests 68
Number of Unfinished Jobs 11
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR O. BALLARD Plumbing & Gas Inspector
REPORT OF THE FOOD INSPECTOR
To the Honorable Board of Health :
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Food Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1964.
This year as usual we carried on the customary routine in- spections of bakeries, groceries and markets, as well as all eating and drinking establishments. The conditions were improved con- siderable especially in the establishments that required more work in the previous years.
Respectfully submitted, ARTHUR O. BALLARD Food Inspector
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH NURSE
To the Honorable Board of Health :
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as Board of Health Nurse for the year ending December 31, 1964.
As in the past years, clinics for the prevention of contagious diseases were held. These were in the form of immunization clinics against Diphtheria, Tetanus and Whooping-Cough. Five hundred and twelve children attended, completing the basic immunization series or receiving a booster. Three clinics for distribution of Sabin Oral Polio Vaccine were held at which two hundred and nineteen pre-schoolers were immunized. In the prevention of Tuberculosis, chest x-ray clinics were held every third Wednesday of the month at Harrington Memorial Hospital, jointly sponsored by the Board of Health and the Worcester County Health Asso- ciation. Mantoux or Tine tests were also done at these clinics. All x-rays were read by Worcester County Sanatorium physicians and reports sent to both family doctor and Board of Health for future reference. Clinics were very well attended ; patients referred by family physician and others attending as x-san patients or their contacts for follow-up examination. Patients may still attend out-patient clinics held on Tuesday and Thursday morn- ings at the Sanatorium.
Registration for new first graders was held at the Mary E. Wells Jr. High, a joint project of the school and health depart- ments. Following registration two clinics for school physicals were held in the Board of Health rooms under the supervision of the Board of Health and school physicians.
Nursery schools were visited as usual although licensing of these is now the function of the State Health Department.
School activities are many and varied. Some of these include home visits, health conferences with physicians, nurses, state health consultants, teachers, parents, pupils, social workers and others. List of handicapped children in parochial schools ws compiled, as well as reports of all clinics completed and sent to State Health Dept. Assisting school physician, chiropodist, and dentist in the examination of school children. Parents notified when treatment indicated. Dental clinics conducted in the Board
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of Health offices for children wishing to attend, others referred to family dentist. The Mass Vision and the Maico Hearing tests given to all school children both high and elementary. Parents notified when further treatment was advisable.
During the year I have attended In-Service programs for Public Health Nurses, held at the Rutland St. Sanatorium. These covered such topics as The Care and Education of the Mentally Retarded Child; New Legislation to Protect the Bat- tered Child; and many others of interest and value. Evening classes were attended for a course in Educational Psychology.
These services were performed to help keep our children mentally and physically healthy. This promotes a normal healthy school life that will enable each and every student of today become the responsible citizens of the future.
I want to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Board of Health Personnel and to all individuals who have helped and cooperated in any way to make the past year a suc- cessful one.
Respectfully submitted, RACHEL M. R. JOLICOEUR, R.N. Board of Health Nurse
REPORT OF THE CIVIL DEFENSE DEPARTMENT
The Honorable Board of Selectmen
Town Hall
Southbridge, Mass. Gentlemen :
The Department of Civil Defense has moved forward in the past year, the pace has been slow but it has been forward.
The National Civil Defense Program has been concentrated on the Fallout Shelter Program. We have eight licensed Fallout Shelters in Southbridge with five new sites made eligible in the Phase #2 survey completed this past Fall. Efforts are being made to get licenses signed and supplies requisitioned for these new sites. The Federal Government furnishes these supplies at no cost to the town. Fallout Shelter Sites in Southbridge, are located in Town, Federal and privately owned buildings.
We take this opportunity to thank all persons who have co- operated with this program in the past, and hope for the co-
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