USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1950-1959 > Part 56
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At present writing the Auxiliary Police are under the direction of the Police Chief and the Civil Defense Director, and are fortunate to be receiving instruction from Howard Levings, Plymouth County Identification Officer.
We are again asking for a limited amount in our budget, although it is obvious that a real emergency would call for an unlimited amount of medical supplies, food, equipment and personnel. This budget is for the operating expenses of our present skeletal set-up only.
W. CLARKE ATWATER, Director.
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ONE-HUNDRED-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Police Department
Board of Selectmen
Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
This past year has been an active one for your police department. After the untimely resignation of Lloyd Hender- son, our Deputy Robert Molla did an outstanding job as acting Chief. Recognizing the growth and progress of our town, an article was passed at the special town meeting of September 12 to provide for a permanent man with adequate transportation.
One of my first assignments was to draw up specifications for an ambulance type cruiser. This vehicle has proved its merit and necessity. Another pleasant task was to work with the Department of Public Works, Traffic Division. With their help we now have fundamental rules and regulations pertaining to traffic and parking. I have also enjoyed assisting Mr. Atwater in re-activating the Auxiliary Police.
Every effort to minimize our budget has been made. This first year on a full time status, includes an outlay for basic equipment that will be used for many years. An estimate of 30,000 miles per year for our cruiser is consistent with other towns of equal size. It appears necessary in the near future to add another special officer for day time work. Our patrols have been kept flexible and the patrol hours to a minimum, to give the greatest amount of protection.
I wish to publicly thank you for my appointment and thank the special officers for their acceptance, cooperation and assistance.
KENNETH J. BRADEEN,
Chief of Police.
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TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the Veterans' Agent
The administration of Veterans' Benefits in Town govern- ment provides the opportunity for immediate attention to the emergency needs of qualified veterans and their dependents, pending provision for more permanent assistance if required from the Veterans Administration of the National Government.
Benefits are provided under State law and regulations of the Commissioner of Veterans Services; payments are subject to approval of this State agency, and when so approved are reim- bursed to the Town to the amount of 50% of the expenditure.
We have been glad to assist veterans eligible to receive the Korean Bonus by supplying necessary forms and certification, as well as friendly advice and assistance on many matters of con- cern to veterans and their families.
THOMAS T. BARSTOW, Veterans' Agent THOMAS S. CANN, Ass't. Veterans' Agent
Report of the William J. Leonard Memorial Library
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
Again the trustees submit their report for a successful year of increased circulation. The increased population has made frequent use of our excellent additions, especially in the children's section.
A much needed and most appreciated extension to our shelf space was made by Richard Johnson at a small cost to the town for materials only. This new addition, where all our poetry, drama, literature, and reference books are kept, also provides a study space for the children.
After careful consideration of hours best available to the most patrons, our hours are now Monday evening and Thursday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
All old and new residents of Norwell are invited to patronize our small, but actively up-to-date selections. We welcome suggestions for new volumes.
Respectfully submitted,
ALICE K. JOHNSON, Librarian, Trustee ALFRED H. PROUTY, Trustee WILLIAM O. PROUTY, Trustee
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ONE-HUNDRED-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the James Library Committee
To the Board of Selectmen:
The James Library Committee is pleased to report that its continuing service to the community has resulted in ever- increasing use of its facilities by the townspeople of all interests and age groups. Its services have been enlarged by the addi- tion of many volumes of all types and of special collections such as the complete literature on State Parks gathered by the National Conference of State Parks and of the Great Books collection currently being used by so many of its borrowers.
The Library is endeavoring to aid the students of the Town through increased purchases of the books appearing in the school reading lists and through its loan collections to the schools.
Circulation from the James Library has increased from approximately 7,000 copies of books and magazines in 1953 to over 10,000 in 1955, with the number of borrowers increasing proportionately.
In the fall of 1955 a new group was formed to help the James Library. This group has as its primary purpose actual assistance in the Library such as preparing books for the shelves, bringing the catalog up to date, keeping up with the necessary paper work, and in general helping the Library to enlarge the scope of its service to the community.
Certain physical changes have been undertaken in the Library which it is hoped will be completed in 1956. These changes will provide more space for study and selection of reading material as well as additional shelf space for reference and current material.
The James Library is open to all residents of Norwell five days a week on a regular schedule. The Committee is grateful for the continuing assistance of individuals and groups in the way of gifts of books and magazines to the Library, and will endeavor in 1956 to serve the townspeople to the best of its ability.
Respectfully submitted, REV. N. W. LOVELY MR. JOHN GOODNOW MRS. WILDER A. GAUDETTE, Clerk MISS MILDRED T. HASTINGS, Treasurer MR. ALDEN R. WELLS, Chairman
Norwell, Massachusetts
15 December, 1955
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TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the Fire Department
To the Board of Selectmen and Citizens of the Town of Norwell:
The following report is submitted by the Board of Fire Engineers on the activities of the Department during the past year.
Ninety-four calls were received of fire or other emergency as follows:
Buildings
16
Grass and Woods
48
Town Dump
1
Automobile Fires
2
Automobile Accidents
2
Mutual Aid
7
False Alarms
8
Resuscitator
8
Missing Person
1
Flood Patrol
1
One hundred and forty : inspections were made for the storage of fuel oil and
liquified gas. Ninety permits were issued.
Company No. 1 purchased, with the assistance of the Norwell Visiting Nurse Association, a portable oxygen tent. All emergency oxygen equipment has been of invaluable service to the community, and we again wish to thank the men who have donated their time in response to calls for assistance.
During the flood period of the past year, members of the Department aided the Police and Civil Defense in the patrolling of flooded and damaged highways and stood by for other emergency duty.
The Board hopes during the coming year to inaugurate a program for the replacement of fire fighting equipment now considered obsolete and beyond economical repair. It is our understanding that matching funds are available through Civil Defense for fire fighting equipment. Contingent upon this information, we plan to purchase one new fire truck to replace a piece of equipment sixteen years old and badly in need of major repair and replacement.
If the Department is to operate in a manner affording the
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ONE-HUNDRED-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
maximum protection to life and property, new and reliable equipment must be obtained.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD A. GAUDETTE, Chief WARREN P. MERRITT ELLSWORTH E. RICE ARTHUR M. YONGE FRANCIS W. FALCONER, Clerk
Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
59 calls Scale and Gas Pumps
4 calls Oil Trucks
John D. Dickman, Salary and Expense $95.18
W. & L. E. Gurley, Supplies
22.58
Hobbs & Warren, Supplies
11.24
A. G. Gordon, Insurance
Equipment at Town Hall
10.30
Working Equipment
10.70
$150.00
Appropriation $150.00
Expenses 150.00
$0.00
Respectfully submitted, JOHN D. DICKMAN,
Sealer of Weights and Measures.
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TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the Norwell Visiting Nurse Association, Inc.
To the Selectmen Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
The officers and board members of this association are proud to report another busy year, with much accomplished in helping to make Norwell a healthy town.
We maintain:
The Well Baby Clinic
The Pre-School Dental Clinic
The High School Dental Clinic
The Visiting Nurse
A Substitute Nurse
The Visiting Nurse's car
We offer a Norwell girl a scholarship in a school of nursing.
We purchase hospital equipment for home use and help purchase equipment for the Elementary School Dental Clinic. Helped in a small way with the purchase of the new oxygen tent needed for emergency cases by the Norwell firemen.
Dr. Alice Butler is in charge of the Well Baby Clinic. She feels that it is always wise for children to have regular checkups, and to educate parents in the care and hygiene of Well Children. "Keep Well Babies Well" is our motto.
Mrs. Harold King is assistant to Dr. Butler during Mrs. Frank Donovan's absence. Mrs. Thomas Barstow also assists and is in charge of transportation. Many others help with transportation.
The High School Dental Clinic, under the supervision of Dr. Donald Parsons, offers a much needed service. He is assisted by Mrs. Charles E. Rounds, chairman, Mrs. James Hall, Mrs. Robert Wilson, Mrs. Dennis Mederos and Mrs. Edward J. Cunningham, who give freely of their own time.
Miss Catherine Roe, School Nurse, Public Health Nurse and Visiting Nurse, besides these duties, has attended the following lectures:
Rehabilitation of the Handicapped Child
Emotional Aspects
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ONE-HUNDRED-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Role of the Nurse Working with a Family with a Handicapped Member
Resources of the Handicapped
The New Law Regarding the Retarded Child
The Retarded Child
Care of the Retarded Child
Mrs. Mildred Wilcox, R.N. has relieved during Miss Roe's vacation, and when needed for extra home nursing care.
For the Annual Membership Drive this past fall, Mrs. Robert Mederos, who is chairman of publicity, compiled a flyer that was sent to some five hundred townspeople. The response has been very rewarding. Many new people have given generously.
Mrs. Theodore Dyer is chairman of this drive, and Mrs. Earle F. Allen, treasurer.
The rummage sales have become a business rather than just a sale. Practically everyone in the town helps, either by working or buying.
The financial report of our treasurer, Mrs. Humphrey Turner, which follows gives an accounting of all sources of income and how it is spent.
The Annual Meeting and Tea will be held on March 7, 1956 at 2:30 p.m. at Cushing Memorial Town Hall. The speaker will be Dr. Henry Hudson. All who are interested in the health of their children are urged to attend.
Mrs. Raymond Hansen is chairman of the nominating committee.
Respectfully submitted,
GRACE L. SPARRELL, R.N.
The present officers are:
Mrs. Ernest L. Sparrell, President
Mrs. Thomas T. Barstow, Vice-President
Mrs. Humphrey W. Turner, Treasurer
Mrs. Earle F. Allen, Assistant Treasurer
Mrs. S. T. Bittenbender, Secretary
Honorary Board Members:
Mrs. H. Day Atwater Mrs. C. Campbell Baird Mr. James H. Barnard
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TOWN OF NORWELL
Regular Board Members:
Mrs. James E. Barron, Sr.
Mrs. W. Clarke Atwater
Mrs. Harold A. King Mrs. Frank E. Donovan
Mrs. Edward P. Keefe
Mrs. Theodore Dyer
Mrs. A. M. Gilmour
Associate Members in Advisory Capacity:
Miss Madeline Murphy
Mrs. Peirce Fuller
Mrs. Charles E. Rounds
Mrs. Robert Mederos
Rev. N. W. Lovely
Dr. Raymond G. Vinal
Mr. Frederick A. Small
Mr. Thomas S. Cann
Nurses:
Miss Catherine A. Roe
Mrs. Mildred Wilcox
For Nursing Service, call Norwell 5-M before 9:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Norwell Visiting Nurse Association Statement
January 1, 1955, to January 1, 1956
Receipts
Nursing Fees
$540.00
Dental Clinics
611.00
Well-Child Clinic
172.00
Membership and Donations
473.00
Interest
117.61
Transportation (Town)
500.00
Rummage Sales
2,974.53
Total Receipts
$5,388.14
Payments
Nurses Salaries
$1,328.30
Dental Clinics
1,490.00
Well-Child Clinic
576.00
Transportation
616.50
Insurance
84.00
Equipment
179.39
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ONE-HUNDRED-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Telephone
84.00
Printing - Stamps
97.21
Stationery - Supplies
15.85
Medical Supplies
70.61
Charity
183.77
Nursing Scholarship
100.00
Retirement
75.60
Social Security
20.00
Trucking
32.00
Miscellaneous
31.41
Total Payments
4,984.64
Balance
$403.50
Proprietorship
S. S. Savings Bank Trust Funds
$2,500.55
S. S. Savings New Car Fund 1,000.00
U. S. Government Bond
1,000.00
Rockland Trust - Active Account
1,542.28
Total Proprietorship
$6,042.83
Respectfully submitted,
LOIS C. TURNER, Treasurer.
Report of School Dental Clinic
December 23, 1955
Norwell Visiting Nurse Association
Mrs. Ernest Sparrell, President Norwell, Mass.
Dear Mrs. Sparrell:
During the past year, the work of the clinic has been expanded to take care of some of the students from the lower grades who were formerly housed in the elementary school. This, of course, means that we are spreading our services thinner.
With the growth of the Town and its school population, I think the time has arrived when we should make some basic decisions as to the future course of the school dental program.
In my opinion, this should be jointly planned and co-
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TOWN OF NORWELL
ordinated by the Board of Health, School Department, the Visiting Nurse Association and interested dentists from this area.
I favor a program which will stress dental health education. Restorative dentistry, I would confine to proven needy cases. Examination of any grade in the school system will show the need for a great improvement in the dental health education program.
The volunteer workers in the clinic have been most helpful and faithful. This year we have had two additions to our regular staff, Mrs. Edward Cunningham and Mrs. Frank Mederos.
Respectfully submitted,
D. W. PARSON, D.M.D.
Report of the School and District Nurse
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
Number of bedside visits
1433
Number of visits made for Welfare Department 158
Number of visits made for hospitals and clinics 49
Number of Antepartum visits 35
Number of Postpartum visits 12
Number of Infant Welfare visits
235
Number of Well Child Conferences
17
Number of Immunization Clinics
4
Number of Pre-School Dental Clinics
7
Number of visits made relative to communicable diseases 311
Number of Conferences with Personnel from State Health Department 26
In the interest of better health for our Town and schools, I attended a 16-hour course on the Rehabilitation of the Handi- capped Child in the spring, and have just completed a similar course on the Epidemiology of Tuberculosis.
Respectfully submitted,
CATHERINE A. ROE
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ONE-HUNDRED-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Tree Warden's and Moth Superintendent's Report
To the Citizens of the Town of Norwell:
I wish to submit the report of the Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent for the year 1955.
Dutch Elm Disease is still the most serious shade tree problem in Norwell. Prompt removal of affected trees still seems to be the best method of protecting the remaining elm trees. Sixty-one diseased street trees were removed this year and we can expect to have approximately the same number in 1956.
The gypsy moth trapping program in Norwell and surround- ing towns seems to indicate a slight increase in the moth population. However, if there is an outbreak of this shade tree pest, I feel sure it can be easily controlled by spot airplane spraying.
Due to the loss of street trees by Dutch Elm Disease, decay, and the hurricanes, I felt the establishment of a shade tree nursery would be a practical and economical method to replace street trees throughout Norwell. It will be several years before most of these small trees will be suitable for roadside planting. I believe that in future years they may become one of the town's best assets.
Again I wish to thank the citizens of Norwell for their suggestions and co-operation with the tree department.
Respectfully submitted,
WESLEY H. OSBORNE, JR.
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TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the Washington Street Cemetery Committee
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell:
The Washington Street Cemetery Committee wishes to report that usual upkeep was carried on and that trees set back in place are growing well.
We cut back the circle to its original size wherein it had made the drive ten to twenty inches narrower. We stone dusted all walks with one to two inches of stone dust. We have done considerable pruning of trees and shrubs.
With many new neighbors in town we wish to advise them that this is their town cemetery and if they so desire, any member of the committee would be glad to arrange for them a selection of a resting place therein. We suggest that you be realistic and take care of this duty.
We wish to thank all friends who have helped us keep this cemetery a credit to our community.
During the year of our Lord 1955, we laid to rest 18 of our neighbors and friends.
Peace and Comfort-this comes to all who read with understanding the Old and True Twenty Third Psalm.
"The Lord is my shepherd therefore I can lack nothing He shall feed me in a green pasture, and lead me forth beside the waters of comfort.
He shall convert my soul and bring me forth in the paths of righteousness for His namesake
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff comfort me.
Thou shalt prepare a table before me in the presence of them that trouble me
Thou hast anointed my head with oil, and my cup shall be full
Surely, thy loving kindness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life
And I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD H. BROOKS WILLIAM JACOBS STEWART BOWKER
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ONE-HUNDRED-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Planning Board
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
During its second year, the Planning Board, in addition to its routine tasks, consultations, and current investigations, has been able to make a substantial start on long range planning.
The routine work of examining and endorsing plans not requiring approval under the subdivision control act has occupied many of the regular meetings held on the first and third Thursday of each month. Fifty-five such plans were examined and endorsed. Three plans coming under the subdivision control law were heard in public hearing and approvals were granted. It should be noted that the Board has no power of approval or disapproval for plans not coming under the jurisdiction of the Subdivision Control Act and that the Board's signatures are recorded only as evidence that Planning Board approval is not required.
A favorable vote on Article 34 of the March Town Warrant of 1955 eliminated certain previous inequities and established larger lot areas and frontages than previously required. Article 8, a further clarification of wording describing the boundary between Residential District A and B, was passed at the special town meeting.
Consultations have included joint meetings with the Board of Health on adequacy of and prevention of contamination of wells in developments, with the Town Forestry committee on possible town forests for the protection of watersheds, with the water board concerning the right of way to the new standpipe, with the Selectmen on expansion of town offices, and with the fire chief concerning a site for the proposed fire and police station.
The map of Norwell was brought up to date and, with the assistance of the other Town departments, copies were procured for future use. This map will serve as a base map for the master plan required by the Subdivision Control Act.
The first substantial step taken towards long range planning resulted from work done by the Industrial Development Committee. This subcommittee of the planning board was formed in December, 1954, to investigate the desirability of, and locations for business and industry in Norwell. In their
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TOWN OF NORWELL
report of July 1, 1955, the Committee recommended that an overall survey of town resources and a study of future needs be made before the establishment of any industrial site or business area is considered. It further pointed out that indiscriminate attraction of business and industry to Norwell might well raise the tax rate rather than lower it because of possible requirements for increased municipal services, increased traffic and increased population.
Accordingly, the Industrial Development Committee was dissolved and the Community Survey Committee, a sub- committee of the Planning Board, was formed in August, 1955, under the chairmanship of Mr. Charles H. Crombie to procure complete factual data concerning present land use, population, and the economic status of the Town of Norwell, and from this data and the study of present trends and pressures to make a projection of the growth of the town for the next twenty-five or thirty years. Through the enthusiastic cooperation of the fourteen committee members and the townspeople who have assisted them, the land use data is nearly complete at this time. The population survey is now: being started concurrently with the release of 1955 state census figures. The economic survey will start after the town books for 1955 are closed and next year's tax rate is established. The professional services of an economic expert and a town planner have been retained for the analysis of the compiled data. The cost of the project has thus been kept to an absolute minimum by the use of volunteer effort for data compilation and professional services only at the very end. It is anticipated that the final report will be made around January, 1957.
The Board recommends the following:
1. County layouts of roads and straightening of curves in roads through lightly populated areas.
2. Favorable action be taken by the State and the Town in creating Bound Brook State Park.
3. Land adjacent to the Town Hall be acquired for future expansion of town offices and increased parking facilities.
4. A building committee be appointed and money for preliminary plans be appropriated for an eight-room addition to the Town Hall.
5. A sidewalk be constructed on Grove Street from Route 3 to Wilder Road under the betterment act.
6. A sidewalk be constructed on the West side of High Street from Route 3 to GAR Hall under the betterment act.
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ONE-HUNDRED-SIXTH ANNUAL REPORT
7. A plot of land in the vicinity of Norwell Homes bounded by the house lots on Grove Street, Franklin Road, Gerard Road and Jay Road be acquired by the town for a recreational site for young children in that area.
8. The Selection of a site for housing of town equipment be deferred until the Community Survey Committee report is available.
9. A committee be appointed to bring in plans and recommen- dations for the proper drainage of town ways.
The Board wishes to thank the town officials and citizens who have been of great assistance this past year and trust that they will continue their support.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN H. LANCASTER, Chairman H. PHILLIP CAUSER RALPH H. COLEMAN CHARLES H. CROMBIE
G. HERBERT REPASS, Clerk
Report of the Inspector of Animals
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Inspector of Animals for the Town of Norwell for the year 1955.
Quarantine of dogs having bitten persons: Number of dogs quarantined 30
Number of calls 60
Interstate shipments: Calls 2
Heads taken to New England Diagnostic Laboratory to be tested for rabies 1
Inspection of barns and listing of animals in Norwell for the Division of Livestock Disease Control.
Respectfully submitted,
RICHARD E. CUGNASCA, D.V.M., Inspector of Animals.
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TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the Dog Officer
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report as Dog Officer for the Town of Norwell for the year of 1955.
10 dogs returned to owners
18 investigations of dog complaints
10 dead dogs picked up and buried
5 dogs injured by autos taken to veterinarian
28 strays boarded for 6 days then shot and buried
A reminder to all dog owners - all dogs must be licensed at the age of 3 months.
Respectfully submitted, ROBERT L. MOLLA, Dog Officer.
Report of the Highway Surveyor
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell Gentlemen:
The schedule of Chapter 81 was carried on under the super- vision of the state engineer and an itemized report of same is printed.
Chapter 90 program on the Main Street was continued under the state supervision.
The special appropriation of $5,000 on Central Street com- pleted 3500 feet from Summer Street east, and I am asking for an appropriation of $3,000 this year to carry the project to the Scituate line.
The special appropriation in Washington Park has a balance which can be spent this year. Brantwood and Knollwood Roads both have a small balance which can also be spent this coming year.
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