USA > Massachusetts > Worcester County > Southbridge > Town annual reports of the officers of Southbridge for the year ending 1962-1966 > Part 57
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VETERANS' SERVICES
This office is located in rooms 12 and 14 of the Town Hall and is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. The office is also open Monday night from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m. and is available to all veterans of Southbridge and their dependents seeking informa- tion pertaining to their rights and benefits under Federal and State Laws.
It is the policy of this department to aid and inform all eligible veterans and their dependents how to obtain benefits within the limits of the laws governing each agency.
Phostatic copies of discharges are being developed for Southbridge veterans. In addition, copies of marriage, birth, dead, and other certificiates were made for Veterans' Benefits and claims against the Veterans Administration. Necessary forms were filled out covering lost discharges, burial allowance and yearly income questionnaires.
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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, employment difficulties, unemployment compensation, as well as numerous telephone calls and letters.
DECEASED VETERANS FOR THE YEAR 1965
World War I 5
World War II 8
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 28, 1965, the Town of Southbridge re- ceived from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Treasury Department a check for $27,576.94, and on December 31, 1965 a check was received for $22,969.12, a total of $50,546.06 re- imbursement for the year 1964.
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 expended by the town.
As of December 31, 1965, there were 98 active cases on file, aiding 115 persons. In addition, many cases were pending settlement and, as a result, constant follow-up service is main- tained and reviews and appeals are requested where awards are considered unfair or insufficient.
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For a list of expenditures and reimbursements of this department, please refer to report of the Town Accountant.
I wish to express my sincere thanks to all town depart- ments, officials at the Roxbury and Boston Veterans Adminis- tration Hospitals and also the Holyoke Soldiers Home.
This office aided between 140 and 150 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
ANNUAL REPORT OF SUMMER PROGRAM FOR MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED CHILDREN
The summer program for handicapped children was highly successful this year. Commencing on July 6, 1965, and running for seven weeks, it was based at the Center of Hope School, 38 Walnut St., Southbridge. Mr. William Johnson, of Leomin- ster, Mass., was the instructor, and was assisted by counselors Michele Hurley, Peter Nosse and volunteer Elizabeth Ben- jamin.
Sessions commenced at 10:00 a.m. and ended at 3:00 p.m. Although participants brought their lunches, milk and certain other refreshments were provided. Daily activities included opening exercises, arts and crafts, rhythmic play, music and games, and rest periods. Highlights of the season were outings to state parks, the fire and police stations, cook-outs, swim- ming, nature hikes, and trips to homes and farms of interested relatives and friends.
The average attendance was over eleven children a day, a substantial improvement over recent years. However, of the 46 similar programs in the state, about 90% furnish trans-
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portation, according to state authorities, paid for in half by the state. This feature, if provided, should increase attendance by several children. The budget for 1966, therefore, has been ad- justed to include this service.
The Southern Worcester County Association for Retarded Children is gratefully acknowledged for the use of their facili- ties and their continued interest in the program.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN A. LaFOUNTAIN, Chairman ARTHUR ROY ROLAND LANGEVIN RAYMOND RENAUD LORENZO BEAUPRE
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 1965 season.
PERSONNEL:
Supervision of bathers was provided by a staff of seven lifeguards. Four were on duty between the hours of one and five; two between five and six; and three between six and clos- ing. Th outstanding safety record achieved at the pool is a magnificent tribute to the excellent work performed by our qualified and experienced staff and certainly deserves the high- est commendation.
ATTENDANCE:
The pool opened on June 26 and closed on September 2. The total attendance for this period was 20,700: 3,000 June; 9,300 July ; 8,000 August; and 400 September.
INSTRUCTION
In addition to the informal instruction provided by the staff, a formal program in swimming and water safety was conducted, in the morning, by the Southbridge Red Cross Chap- ter. This program has proven to be an outstanding program for many years. More than 500 youngsters participated in the program in 1965.
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HEALTH CARE:
The quality of pool water was controlled by a continuous flow of city water into the pool. The amount of water allowed to flow into the pool was regulated by the size of the bathing load.
Periodic examinations of pool water were conducted by the enginering firm of Metcalf and Eddy Engineers and found to be of excellent quality for swimming at every examination.
RESCUES:
The importance of efficient supervision was again demon- strated during the 1965 season. Twelve youngsters were helped to shore by members of the staff during the season. Many of these cases could have resulted in fatalities had it not been for the effective supervision of our staff.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
The following recommendations for the general improve- ment of the pool are resubmitted for your consideration:
1. A complete study to determine the most efficient ap- proach to use for the maintenance of reasonably clear water in 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 wading pool which would be separated from the main pool. At present, our pool does not provide this accommodation for the very young.
Respectfully submitted,
ALEXANDER LESNIEWSKI, Chairman
RAYMOND RENAUD
HENRY RACICOT
RAYMOND DARTT
ARTHUR ROY
LORENZO BEAUPRE
RAYMOND BRODEUR
Swimming Pool Sub-Committee
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REPORT OF HENRY ST. FIELD SUB-COMMITTEE
December 1, 1965
To the Chairman of the Recreation Committee:
This area provides various recreational facilities for boys, girls, and men of all ages, notably Softball, Little League, and Lassie League with a ball field for each mentioned used simul- taneously. Ball games can be played without interfering with each other on three separate ball diamonds.
Twelve teams were represented in Little and Minor Leagues with approximately 180 boys participating in this game of skill and fair play.
The Lassie League Softball for girls from 9 to 15 years of age, shared the spotlight nightly from May to the latter part of August. Eight teams were represented in this League for a total of approximately 135 girls participating, to include 24 adult personnel.
The Community Softball League composed of 4 sponsored teams and 60 or more men played this game nightly from May to September plus playoffs and numerous practice sessions Saturdays and Sundays.
The Southbridge Playground Department again selected this area because of the baseball fields, basketball court, swings, see-saws, jungle gyms, horseshoes, etc.
The Elementary Schools Baseball teams and numerous baseball, softball, and football sand lot games were played daily from early Spring to late Fall.
A Carnival or Fiesta, conducted by a Veterans' Organiza- tion for scholarship purposes, was held for one week on the field parking lot.
The seasons activities were terminated with the annual Police Department Halloween party for children, with rides provided and a huge display of fireworks on Saturday, October 31, 1965.
A four foot chain link fence was erected for a distance of 283 feet for the Little League Field from the 3rd to 1st base line.
An addition to the top of the softball backstop was also made and wired to prevent balls fouling in Carpenter's Pond, thus saving softballs.
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Seventy-five cubic yards of loam was used to repair dia- monds and loam, seed and fertilize a portion of the Little League field.
I wish to thank fellow recreation members notably Albert Gendron and Narcisse Lajeunesse who kept the field or area clean at all times. Also, J. Armand Saulnier and others who have helped to make this 1965 season successful.
Respectfully submitted,
LOUIS E. BRUNELLE, Chairman Henry Street Field
Morris Street Field
Report of Activities & Construction at the Morris St. Field To F. Morin, Chairmain Recreation Committee :
Due to the relocation and construction of the Little League Diamond, there were no regular league games scheduled for this area but for 1966 the league will use the area.
Tennis was played at this area.
Construction and improvement of this area :
1. Relocate and construction of a new Little League Diamond.
2. Loam and seed outfield, where needed.
3. Modify the backstop.
4. Paint backstop.
5. Construction of Tennis Court was completed about August 1, 1965.
6. Fertilize and lime the whole area.
7. Brush was cut along Morris Street.
Respectfully yours, ALBERT GENDRON
SPECIAL EVENTS Intermediate, Little, and Minor Leagues
Dear Sir:
Approximately 270 boys between the ages of eight through fifteen, inclusive, participated in the summer baseball program sponsored by the Recreation Committee. A total of 120 games were played, utilizing West Street, Henry Street, and Dresser Street Fields. West Street Field was in better condition this year than in prior years.
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The Little League All Stars went to the district semi- finals, before being defeated in Webster.
Next year it is hoped that two teams will be added, since a considerable number of boys were turned away this season.
Respectfully submitted, EDWARD WHITE Special Events Chairman
REPORT OF ALUMNI FIELD
To Mr. Fred Morin, Chairman, Recreation Committee
Annual Report Concerning the Use and Improvement of Alumni Field
From April 1 to November 30, 1965 Recreational Facilities at Alumni Field were provided for a variety of sports pro- grams:
1-Schools-in the spring the Southbridge H. S. varsity football squad used the field for practice and the freshman baseball team used it both for practice and regularly scheduled games. From September through November Alumni Field was the site of grammar school intramural touch football games.
2-League-The Little League, Minor League and Inter- mediate League occupied the field five nights per week for regu- larly scheduled baseball games and on Saturdays for practice. The Lassie League, consisting of girls' softball teams, played some of the playoff games at Alumni field.
3-Other-The Local Punt, Pass and Kick contest spon- sored by the Ford Motor Co. was held at the field with about 150 children aged 8-13 participating.
Improvements to Field
1-Painting of Little League fence.
2-Painting of field house and sheds.
3-Painting of backstops.
4-Painting of dugouts.
5-Resurfacing and seeding of Little League diamond and outfield.
6-Build a pitcher's mound on Little League diamond.
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7-Re-cut and re-surface base paths on regular baseball dia- mond.
8-Loam and seed bank of baseball field.
9-Re-level infield to pitcher's mound (will complete next year).
10-Put new wire on backstop on both playing areas.
11-Lime and fertilize all the playing areas.
Respectfully submitted, ROLAND J. LANGEVIN
REPORT OF THE LASSIE LEAGUE
Raymond A. Brodeur
Recreation Committee Member
Sec .- Treas. Lassie League
This year I have requested an increase of $100.00 in my budget. I justify this increase due to the ever increasing popu- larity of Lassie League Ball in Southbridge. We have lived the last 5 years with a $500.00 budget. We started this league with only 64 girls participating and only 4 teams. We now have 8 teams and over 120 girls. This sport of Lassie League Ball is well run and is never in need of adults to guide it. This is due to the interest of the V.F.W. This club picks up whatever other bills are incurred in the League above and beyond the appropri- ation. This year alone it cost the V.F.W. over $900.00 for this youth activity project.
Lassie League Budget Recreation Committee
1966 request $600.00
The following is an estimate of the Lassie League Budget
120 hats @ $1.50
$180.00
120 Emblems @ $.40
48.00
Charter for 8 Teams @ $2.50
20.00
3 Doz. Softballs @ $2.00
72.00
2 Doz. Bats @ $3.50
84.00
Insurance 8 Teams @ $15.00
120.00
Various odds and ends (Score Book, etc.) 25.00
Transportation to various cities and towns 100.00
Please turn over for explanation of the budget.
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REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Southbridge, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the Tree Warden Depart- ment for the year ending December 31, 1965.
The past year general maintenance practices were carried out. Split and broken branches a constant hazard to life and property, were pruned out of our town owned trees. Low-hang- ing live branches were removed where they interfered with pedestrians and vehicular traffic. Tree preservative was ap- plied to cavities that needed repainting.
The ice storm of December 1964, caused extensive tree breakage. Broken and hanging limbs were removed out of storm-damaged trees. Split sections and badly damaged trees were removed.
Tree branches obstructing street lights on various town streets were removed.
Twenty shade trees were bought and planted on various town streets, where dead trees were removed, and on new streets.
Trees that needed fertilizing on main streets, were fer- tilized to improve their condition and appearance.
Respectfully submitted, CHESTER J. MARKA Tree Warden
MOSQUITO CONTROL
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Southbridge, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for Mosquito Control. For the year ending December 31, 1965.
With a hydraulic sprayer insecticide was applied to swamps and low lying areas with excellent results. Swamps and
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flats areas, Fairmont Avenue, Charlton Street, Moon Street, Oak Ridge low lying areas, Elm Street, rear of Clemence Lum- ber Co. and Meadowbrook Road. Because of the limited funds the remaining swamp areas could not be sprayed.
Respectfully submitted, CHESTER J. MARKA Tree Warden
REPORT OF GYPSY MOTH DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Southbridge, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the Moth Extermination. Insect Pest Control for the year ending December 31, 1965.
As many as possible Town owned trees and wooded areas were sprayed the past year. Using Seven, Malathion and DDT insecticide.
In sprayed areas infestation has been kept down with good results.
Respectfully submitted, CHESTER J. MARKA Moth Superintendent
REPORT OF DUTCH ELM DISEASE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Southbridge, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for Dutch Elm Disease Con- trol for the year ending December 31. 1965.
There is no guarantee that a healthy tree will not succumb to Dutch Elm Disease. However, a weak tree is more susceptible to beetle invasion. Storms, drought, construction that inter- feres with the tree's root system or deflects its water supply, ravages by leaf-destroying insects, and old age provide the dying elm wood that the beetles seek.
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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. Ten dead elm trees were removed and destroyed.
A special dormant spray of DDT helped check the spread of Dutch Elm Disease by providing a long residual action on the trees which will kill the elm bark beetle before they transmit the fungus. The dormant application was applied to elm trees prior to bud-break with a hydraulic sprayer. 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 a result of outbreaks 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.
The past year we received State assistance on April second, and County aid, which was very helpful.
Respectfully submitted, CHESTER J. MARKA Moth Superintendent
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, 1965.
I received 31 complaints; all were investigated.
Permits and Licenses issued.
Undertaker - 6 Nursing Home - 1
Respectfully submitted, ERNEST TETREAULT Sanitary Inspector
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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 1965.
There were no calls for Inspector of Slaughtering during the year 1965.
Respectfully submitted, ERNEST TETREAULT Inspector of Slaughtering
REPORT OF THE AGENT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Honorable Board of Health:
Dear Sirs:
The clerical work for the year 1965 included the tabulation of all deaths, and reported contagious diseases, recording the minutes of all regular and special meetings and necessary cor- respondence.
I herewith submit the following list of contagious diseases reported to this office.
Chicken Pox
40
Dog Bites
74
Measles 141
Scarlet Fever
20
Mumps
7
Infectious Hepatitis
4
Pulmonary Tuberculosis
2
288
There were in 1965, 231 deaths, 33 more than in 1964.
Respectfully submitted,
ERNEST TETREAULT Agent
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REPORT OF THE ANIMAL INSPECTOR
Gentlemen:
This is my report as Animal Inspector for the year ending December 31, 1965.
I quarantined 53 dogs.
I inspected all barns.
I checked all ear tags of cows transported from out of State.
I took census of all meat animals for the State in the town of Southbridge.
Respectfully submitted, ALCIDE FOURNIER Animal Inspector
REPORT OF THE PAROCHIAL SCHOOLS PHYSICIAN
To the Honorable Board of Health:
Gentlemen:
I hereby submit my report of the examination of the ele- mentary grade pupils in the Parochial schools.
Examinations were conducted in grades 2, 4, 6 and 8 of the 6371-Southbridge Town Report-10-12x25 Ideal-(7) 13 three schools, with a total of 532 pupils being examined. Pa- rents were notified of defects needing attention at this time. Also noted on the health records were defects already under care or not needing attention at the time of the examinations.
I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to the school personnel and to the parents for their coopera- tion, helping to make our program a successful one.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND F. HALING, M.D. School Physician
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH
To the Citizens of the Town of Southbridge:
The Board of Health met on March 11th following town election and organized as follows: Dr. Raymond F. Haling, Chairman, Dr. Armand O. DeGrenier, Clerk, Mr. Henry Demers, Publicity.
During the year we had twelve regular meetings, one special meeting and one meeting with a member of the State Department of Public Health to organize a tetanus and diph- theria clinic to be held in December.
The Board made the following appointments: Ernest Te- treault, Agent and Sanitary Inspector: Rachel Jolicoeur, RN, Nurse; Arthur O. Ballard, Gas, Milk, Food and Plumbing In- spector; Alcide Fournier, Animal Inspector.
Monthly T.B. or chest X-ray were held at the Harrington Hospital during the year excluding the months of August and December, 355 persons were X-rayed and one case of pul- monar tuberculosis was discovered. We have two patients at present in the Sanatorium and two received treatment during the year and were discharged.
During the year various health meetings were attended in the State by the Nurse, Board Members and the Agent.
A more detailed account of the activities of the depart- ment can be found in the reports of the personnel of the Board.
We thank all who have been instrumental in helping with our work and ask for cooperation and assistance to make our town a cleaner, healthier and happier place to live.
Respectfully submitted, RAYMOND F. HALING, M.D. ARMAND O. DEGRENIER, D.S.C. HENRY DEMERS, Ph.G.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF HEALTH PHYSICIAN
To the Board of Health:
Dear Sir:
Herewith my report on the examination of the parochial school children for the year ending December 31, 1965.
Total number examined 519
Notre Dame school 265
St. Mary's school 158
Sacred Heart school 96
There were 33 notices sent home to parents, advising them that their children had foot problems that required early professional attention.
Following is a classification of the conditions found in the examinations:
Postural faults . . 2 severe - many more or lesser severity
Skin Disorders 30
Nail problems 16
Orthopedic faults 120
Poor hygiene 6
On the health record cards, these problems are listed as specific conditions, and at the time of examination, recommen- dations are often made to improve the foot health of the child involved. Time has shown that these recommendations are very frequently heeded and the problem resolved at the next examination.
I wish to gratefully acknowledge the splendid cooperation and assistance of the Board of Health nurse, Mrs. Rachel Jolicoeur, the school authorities, and the children's parents for their keen interest in this aspect of their children's health and well-being.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT W. DEJORDY, D.S.C.
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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, 1965.
Number of samples collected 145
Number of samples below legal standard 2
Tests for butter fats 145
Number of samples below legal standards 2
Tests for Solids 145
No samples below legal standards 145
Standard Plate Count
Number of samples above legal standards
6
Coliform Count 130
Number of samples above legal standards
3
Number of stores and vehicles milk and cream licences granted 63
Number of Oleomargarine registrations granted 29
Frozen dessert licenses 2
Total Licenses and Registrations 95
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 Inspec- tor for the year ending December 31, 1965.
During the year, the following fixtures and appliances were installed :
Water Closets 170
Kitchen Sinks 83
Bath Tubs 85
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Lavatories
162
Clothes Washers
47
Tankless Heaters 15
Electric Water Heaters
47 17
Shower Stalls
Disposals
28
Utility Sinks
11
Drinking Fountains
3
Dishwashers
22
Industrial Wash Sinks
6
Floor Drains
12
Urinals
12
Oil Separators
1
Grease Traps
4
Soda Fountains
3
Gas Parlor Heaters
20
Gas Ranges
61
Gas Water Heaters
43
Gas Clothes Dryers
11
Gas Incinerators
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