USA > Massachusetts > Plymouth County > Norwell > Town of Norwell annual report 1950-1959 > Part 77
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* Resigned
84
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Norwell Civil Defense Agency
This annual report offers your Civil Defense Director the oppor- tunity of clarifying for the residents of Norwell the function of Civil Defense in disaster relief.
In the first place, under Chapter 639, Acts of 1950, every town is required to have a Civil Defense Unit of its own - this unit to operate under the State Civil Defense Agency. A Director must be appointed by the Selectmen and it is his job to organize, administer and operate such an agency. The Selectmen have the final authority, but it is the job of the Director to act as their direct representative.
The job of the Director is to coordinate disaster relief. It is not his function to tell the head of each public safety unit how to do their particular job. It is his function to see that cooperation and coordin- ation exist as far as possible between the various disaster relief units of the town, and it is the obligation of the Selectmen to see that this cooperation is carried out.
It is the job of the Civil Defense Director to seek outside help only if the disaster is beyond the capabilities of regular resources and es- tablished mutual aid resources, and only if the heads of the disaster units have so advised him.
This coordination is applicable in emergencies both of a local or state-wide nature, or in a natural (hurricane, etc.) or war-caused dis- aster. The only real difference in routine is that in a natural disaster, the Red Cross is responsible for civilian welfare - feeding, housing, etc. In a war-caused disaster, Civil Defense is responsible for this care of civilians, but in either case, both bodies work together. The difference is primarily one of directional and financial responsibility.
We hope that this brief outline serves to clarify the responsibilities and obligations of your Civil Defense Agency.
During the past year, your local unit worked actively for the three days of the Forest Fire Emergency in May, as well as in the state-wide tests. We again helped out as solicitors and aides at the annual visit of the Red Cross Bloodmobile in April. We have recently completed a Standard and an Advanced Red Cross First Aid course under the direction of Dr. Ruth A. Towne.
Your Director and Deputy Director both attended the three-day conference for Directors at the State School in Topsfield in November.
Certain changes in organization have been made and listed below are those who, as a staff, are primarily responsible for this job.
W. CLARKE ATWATER, Director
85
TOWN OF NORWELL
NORWELL CIVIL DEFENSE AGENCY
Director W. Clarke Atwater Kenneth J. Bradeen
Deputy Director
CHIEFS OF SERVICES AND ASSISTANTS
Welfare Ralph H. Coleman, 2nd Deputy Director Mrs. Helen E. Norris Red Cross Chapter Board of Health
Engineering Paul C. Rasmussen, 3rd Deputy Director Arthur H. Vinal
Intelligence
Rescue Loring L. Wadsworth
Fire Service Officer T. Curtis Power and John Adams Police Service Officer Richard W. Souther Medical Dr. Raymond G. Vinal
Executive Officer Dr. Richard E. Cugnasca Mrs. W. Clarke Atwater Mrs. D. Frank Mederos
Administration
Communications Stearns Poor Miss Hope Poor Transportation Thomas H. Campbell John Campbell Mrs. Richard D. McMullan
Wardens . Mrs. Joseph Murray Mrs. T. Curtis Power Gordon Lambert
Supply Information Mrs. Frank L. Sweetser, Jr.
86
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Police Department
Board of Selectmen
Norwell, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
Please accept the following as a report of progress for the year 1957:
Complaints
516
Ambulance Trips 98
Investigations
275
Arrests
39
Auto Accidents
43
Court Complaints
66
Motorists Booked
247
Court Appearances
51
Defective Equipment
426
Insane Commitments
1
Break and Enter
22
Summons
83
Larceny
49
Emergency Messages
11
Prowlers
36
Assists to other depart-
Missing Persons
19
ments
75
Fires
72
Auto Transfers
556
Crime cost Massachusetts taxpayers an estimated 600 million dollars in 1956. The F.B.I. estimate for the first six months of 1957 in- dicates city crime increased 2.7%, and for the same period, rural crime showed an increase of 14.7%. While still quoting statistics, the F.B.I. recommends 2.35 police officers per 1000 population to combat this national disgrace.
When we consider the above facts and look at our own figures for the year, we find that Norwell, while no worse, is relatively not much better than any average community of comparative population.
We wish to thank you and all other departments for their cooper- ation. We are particularly indebted to the State Police for use of their lockup and teletype facilities.
Respectfully submitted,
KENNETH J. BRADEEN, Chief of Police.
87
TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the Veterans' Agent
To the Board of Selectmen:
The administration of Veterans' Benefits in Town government 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 Admin- istration 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 reimbursed to the town to the amount of 50% of the expenditure.
We have been glad to assist veterans eligible to receive benefits as well as friendly advice and assistance on many matters of concern to veterans and their families.
WILLIAM G. SPRADLIN, Veterans' Agent.
Report of the State Auditors
To the Board of Selectmen
October 23, 1957
Mr. Thomas S. Cann, Chairman
Norwell, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
I submit herewith my report of an audit of the books and ac- counts of the town of Norwell for the period from October 13, 1955 to June 24, 1957, made in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 44, General Laws. This is in the form of a report made to me by Mr. William Schwartz, Assistant Director of Accounts.
Very truly yours,
HERMAN B. DINE, Director of Accounts.
88
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Mr. Herman B. Dine
Director of Accounts Department of Corporations & Taxation
State House, Boston
Sir
As directed by you, I have made an audit of the books and ac- counts of the town of Norwell for the period from October 13, 1955, the date of the previous examination, to June 24, 1957, and report thereon as follows:
An examination and verification was made of the financial trans- actions as recorded on the books of the several departments receiving or disbursing money for the town or committing bills for collection.
An analysis was made of the town accountant's ledgers for the period covered by the audit. The receipts were checked with the treasurer's books and the payments were compared with the warrants authorizing them and with the treasurer's records of payments. The appropriations and reserve fund transfers, as entered on the ledgers, were checked with the town clerk's records of financial votes passed by the town meetings and with the authorizations of the advisory board.
The necessary adjusting entries resulting from the audit of the several departments were made, and a balance sheet, which is ap- pended to this report, was prepared showing the financial condition of the town on June 24, 1957.
The books and accounts of the town treasurer were examined and checked. The receipts were analyzed and compared with the records of the several departments collecting money for the town and with other sources from which money was paid into the town treasury, while the payments were compared with the selectmen's warrants authorizing the treasurer to disburse town funds.
The cash book footings were verified, and the cash balance on June 24, 1957 was proved by actual count of the cash in the office and by reconciliation of the bank balances with statements furnished by the banks of deposit.
The payments made on account of maturing debt and interest were compared with the amounts falling due and with the cancelled securities on file.
89
TOWN OF NORWELL
The transactions of the trust and investment funds in the custody of the town treasurer were verified, and the savings bank books and securities representing the investments of these funds were examined and listed.
The tax titles and tax possessions held by the town were examined. The amounts transferred from the tax levies to the tax title account were reconciled with the collector's accounts, and the redemptions of tax titles and sales of tax possessions were compared with the treas- urer's receipts. The foreclosures were verified, and the tax titles and tax possessions on hand were listed and reconciled with the account- ant's ledger.
The records of payroll deductions on account of Federal taxes, retirement system membership, and other insurance were examined, checked, and reconciled with the accountant's ledger controls.
The books and accounts of the town collector were examined and checked. The taxes, motor vehicle and trailer excise, assessments, and water liens outstanding at the time of the previous examination, as well as all-subsequent commitments, were audited and compared with the assessors' warrants issued for their collection. The payments to the treasurer were verified, the recorded abatements were checked with the assessors' records of abatements granted, the taxes trans- ferred to the tax title account were proved, and the outstanding ac- counts were listed and reconciled with the respective controlling ledger accounts.
The records of departmental and water accounts receivable were examined and checked. The commitments were proved, the collect- ions were checked with the treasurer's recorded receipts, the abate- ments were verified, and the outstanding accounts were listed and reconciled with the respective ledger controls.
Verification of the outstanding accounts was made by mailing notices to a number of persons whose names appeared on the books as owing money to the town, the replies received thereto indicating that the accounts, as listed, are correct.
The town clerk's records of dog and sporting licenses issued and of miscellaneous receipts were examined and checked, the payments to the State being verified by comparison with the receipts on file and the payments to the town being checked with the treasurer's cash book.
The surety bonds furnished by the town officials for the faithful performance of their duties were examined and found to be in proper form.
90
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
The available records of departmental cash collections by the selectmen, the board of health, and the sealer of weights and measures, as well as by the police, fire, and school departments, and by all other departments in which money was collected for the town, were ex- amined and checked. The recorded collections were compared with the payments to the treasurer, and the cash balances in the depart- ments, including petty cash advances, were proved by verification of the cash on hand.
In addition to the balance sheet, there are appended to this re- port tables showing reconciliations of the treasurer's and the collector's cash, summaries of the tax, motor vehicle and trailer excise, assessment, tax title, tax possession, departmental, and water accounts, together with schedules showing the condition and transactions of the trust and investment funds.
For the cooperation extended by the town officials during the progress of the audit, I wish, on behalf of my assistants and for myself, to express appreciation.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM SCHWARTZ, Assistant Director of Accounts.
91
TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the William J. Leonard Memorial Library
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell: Gentlemen:
Once more it is with great pleasure and satisfaction that we, the staff of the William J. Leonard Memorial Library submit our annual report.
There are, as of December, 1957, 585 registered borrowers. A total of approximately 5,000 volumes have been circulated in the past year.
Not only have a great number of the new residents of the town availed themselves of library facilities, but we were happy to serve so many of the "Norwellites" of long standing.
The increased enrollment in the Norwell schools is reflected in the steadily growing circulation in Juvenile titles and school required reading. In cooperation with the school department, in the year of 1958 we shall purchase as many books on the school required reading lists, as our budget will allow. These will include books in the high interest level - low readability level. In this department we are work- ing along with remedial reading teacher. There has been such an in- crease in teen-age patronage, we feel that a greater number of juvenile title must be added, without decreasing our purchases of adult fiction and non-fiction.
May we take this opportunity to thank Combination No. 2 of the Norwell Fire Department for their many favors, and we gratefully acknowledge the gifts of magazines and books that we have received from our well wishers and thank them sincerely for their generosity.
Your librarian would also like to take this opportunity to thank one and all for making her first few months on the staff so pleasant.
We look forward in 1958 to seeing our regular borrowers, as well as those who have not already visited with us. The library hours are Tuesday evenings 7 - 9 P. M. at which time Mrs. Dorothy Cann is on duty and Friday afternoons 2:30 to 4:30 P. M. at which time Mrs. Mildred Carr is at the desk.
Respectfully submitted,
MILDRED M. CARR, Librarian and Trustee DOROTHY E. CANN, Assistant Librarian WILLIAM O. PROUTY, Trustee ALFRED H. PROUTY, Trustee
92
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the James Library Committee
To the Board of Selectmen:
The James Library is a privately endowed subsidiary of the First Parish of Norwell, operating under the direction of a Committee eelcted annually by the First Parish. Funds for operating the Library are derived largely from endowed income. This is supplemented by gifts of money and books from individuals and community groups. Work of considerable importance is volunteered each year by the James Library Associates who also contribute a social atmosphere with Saturday afternoon teas. Besides these resources there is a long- standing arrangement by which the James Library Committee makes available the services of the Library to all residents of Norwell on an equal basis in return for a grant voted by the Town in annual meeting.
The demand for services increased steadily and rapidly as the population grew and new programs were developed. Loan collections of non-fiction from the James Library have been placed in elementary school classrooms, upon request, as supplements to the school library. Special collections have been set up in the Library in cooperation with school teachers to facilitate work on class projects, science fair, and historical backgrounds. The North River Garden Club and the Nor- well Art Association contribute to and share the use of the Library facilities in their areas of special interest. Individuals representing 404 homes borrowed 10,003 books during the first eleven months of the year 1957. There has been special attention to the development of the Juvenile division.
Maintenance costs on the building continue to rise but by use of voluntary labor and careful planning it has been possible to make es- sential repairs and to remodel the main floor in the interests of efficiency and improved service. In these things we owe much to the thought and labor of our Chairman. Expansion of the book collection has required the installation of shelves on the second floor.
Like all institutions dependent largely on endowment we have suffered from the continued inflation of the economy. Costs rise faster than income. But with the continued interest and support of the com- munity we hope to maintain and increase the contribution of the Library to the culture, edification and enjoyment of all the residents of our Town.
Respectfully submitted,
The James Library Committee
REV. N. W. LOVELY MRS. WILLIAM C. BENNETT MRS. WILDER A. GAUDETTE MISS MILDRED T. HASTINGS MR. JOHN M. GOODNOW
93
TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the Fire Department
To the Board of Selectmen and Citizens of Norwell:
The following report is submitted by the Board of Fire Engineers covering the activities of the Department during the past year.
One hundred and fifty-seven calls were received and are listed below.
Grass and Wood Fires 93
Buildings (includes electrical, chimney and burners 25
Automobile Fires and Accidents
6
Town Dump
9
Resuscitator Calls
8
Trailer Fire
1
Mutual Aid
3
Lost Child
3
False Alarm
9
157
The past year has been an active year for the Department due to the lack of rain and the resulting fire hazards. Assistance was given to Plymouth during the forest fire and many man hours were devoted to fighting local grass and wood fires during the season and, more especially, during the May 1st to May 10th period. Expenses incurred by the Department at the Plymouth fire and during the emergency period will be reimbursed by the Town of Plymouth and the State of Massachusetts.
Improvements were completed on the Center Station and the new Maxim 750 GPM pumper was delivered to the Department. The alarm system has been improved by incorporating all fire phones under one listing.
Members of the three Fire Companies volunteered their time for the delivery of water to many residents who were in need of such service.
94
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
A new portable resuscitator is now in service at Ridge Hill and the purchase of another during the coming year, for the Church Hill area, will give complete coverage of the Town.
Respectfully submitted,
WARREN MERRITT, Chief T. CURTIS POWER, Deputy Chief JOHN ADAMS FREDERICK WILLIAMS FRANCIS W. FALCONER, Clerk
Report of the Sealer of Weights and Measures
To the Board of Selectmen
Gentlemen:
51 calls
Scale and Gas Pumps
5 calls Oil Trucks
John D. Dickman, Salary and Expense
$119.84
W. & L. E. Gurley, Supplies
25.21
W. & L. E. Gurley, Supplies
5.32
A. G. Gordon, Insurance
Equipment at Town Hall
10.70
Working Equipment
13.93
$175.00
Appropriation
$175.00
Expenses
175.00
0.00
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN D. DICKMAN, Sealer of Weights and Measures.
95
TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the Norwell Visiting Nurse Association, Inc.
To the Selectmen:
The program from January 1, 1957 to December 31, 1957 has been as follows:
1. Home nursing care.
2. Well Child Clinics.
3. High School Dental Clinic.
4. Hospital beds, crutches, wheel-chairs, commodes, etc. are available to all the townspeople.
5. An automobile for nursing and school service.
6. Maintenance of Health Clinics at the request of Town, County and State.
7. Charity.
8. Nursing Scholarship to a High School student- awarded in 1957 to Miss Natalie Carruthers.
The Treasurer's report will show our source of revenue and ex- penditures.
We wish to thank all the people who generously contributed to our Rummage Sales and Membership Drive.
To the following personnel, many thanks.
WEEKLY DENTAL CLINIC.
Dr. Donald B. Parsons, assisted by Mrs. Charles E. Rounds, Mrs. James P. Hall, Mrs. D. Frank Mederos and Mrs. Edward J. Cunning- ham.
WELL CHILD CLINIC.
Dr. Alice Butler, assisted by Mrs. Harold B. King, Mrs. Thomas T. Barstow, Mrs. Ernest W. Haskins, Jr., transportation and Mrs. James L. Bartels during Mrs. Barstow's absence.
NURSING SERVICE.
Miss Catherine A. Roe, assisted by Mrs. Mildred Wilcox.
Dr. Donald Parsons has resigned from the High School Dental Clinic sponsored by the V.N.A. He will conduct a much more exten- sive dental education program in both the Elementary and High Schools.
The Annual Meeting and Tea will be held on Wednesday, March 5, 1958 at 2:30 P. M. at the Parish House, Norwell Center. Speakers will be Mrs. Hannah E. Stetson, Deputy Sheriff of Plymouth County Farm, and Mrs. Ruth K. Arnold. Subject - Rehabilitation Program of Plymouth County Farm.
Tea Chairman, Mrs. W. Clarke Atwater.
All are invited to attend.
Respectfully submitted,
GRACE L. SPARRELL, R. N. President.
96
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
WELL CHILD CLINIC.
During the year the Well Child Clinic handled 150 appointments with Dr. Alice Butler, Pediatrician. There were 15 clinics and 69 children having appointments, 28 of whom received free transporta- tion for each visit.
The clinic is not self supporting. It is one of the many services given to the public by the V.N.A.
RENA J. KING, Chairman.
REPORT OF THE ANNUAL DRIVE
Mrs. Theodore M. Dyer, Chairman, Mrs. Robert B. Mederos, Publicity Mrs. Earle F. Allen, Treasurer.
In September, 1957, letters were sent to the residents of Norwell, announcing our annual appeal for membership. There was a very welcome response from two hundred and sixty-seven families, over fifty of which are new memberships.
The amount contributed was $607. This is very gratifying to have so many families participating in the support of our various projects.
EMILY T. ALLEN, Ass't. Treasurer.
OFFICERS
President Mrs. Ernest H. Sparrell
Vice President Mrs. Thomas T. Barstow
Secretary Mrs. S. T. Bittenbender
Treasurer Mrs. Humphrey W. Turner
Ass't. Treasurer
Mrs. Earle F. Allen
Members of the Advisory Board
Mrs. Harold B. King Mrs. A. W. Gilmour
Mrs. Edward P. Keefe Mrs. W. Clarke Atwater
Mrs. Theodore M. Dyer Mrs. Charles E. Rounds
Mrs. Ernest W. Haskins, Jr.
Associate Members in Advisory Capacity
Church
Rev. N. W. Lovely
Medical Dr. Raymond G. Vinal
Welfare Mr. Thomas S. Cann
Schools Mr. Frederick A. Small
Red Cross Mrs. Peirce Fuller
Publicity Mrs. Robert B. Mederos
Mrs. Gentry Clark Rummage Sales
Honorary Members
Mrs. H. Day Atwater
Mrs. C. Campbell Baird
Mrs. Frank E. Donovan Mr. James H. Barnard
97
TOWN OF NORWELL
Norwell Visiting Nurse Association Statement January 1, 1957 to January 1, 1958
Receipts
Nursing Fees
$583.00
Dental Clinics
High School
$127.50
Elementary
282.25
Hygienist
258.85
668.60
Well Child Clinic
135.00
Rummage Sales
Spring
1,567.29
Fall
1,567.53
3,134.82
Stock Dividend
69.70
Interest
101.41
Transportation (Town)
500.00
Membership
607.00
Total Receipts
$5,799.53
Payments
Nurses Salaries
Miss Roe
1,075.00
Relief nurse
381.62
1,456.62
Dental Clinics
Dr. Parsons
1,000.00
Supplies
558.29
1,558.29
Well Child Clinic
571.00
Transportation
626.58
Retirement
51.80
Charity
80.00
Social Security
23.70
Clerical
28.81
Telephone
99.00
Equipment
52.70
Scholarship
100.00
Medical Supplies
27.63
98
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Insurance
11.60
General Expense
56.50
Printing and Advertising Dues
164.47
3.00
Total Payments
$4,911.70
Balance
$887.83
Proprietorship
South Scituate Savings Bank
$2,639.55
U. S. Bond
500.00
Mass. Inv. Trust Stock
2,000.00
Rockland Trust Co.
1,353.59
Lillian Brooks Fund
50.00
$6,543.14
Respectfully submitted,
LOIS C. TURNER, Treasurer.
Report of the School and District Nurse
To the Selectmen of the Town of Norwell
Gentlemen:
Morbidity
1,531
Infant Welfare visits
143
Well-Child Conferences
14
Immunization Clinics
4
Communicable disease visits
67
T.B. Follow-up visits
3
Antepartal visits
14
Postpartal
28
In-service courses in Public Health Nursing
2
Conferences with health officers
11
Respectfully submitted,
CATHERINE A. ROE, Public Health Nurse.
99
TOWN OF NORWELL
Report of the Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent
To the Citizens of Norwell:
The work of the Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent depart- ments consists mainly of insect pest control, removal of diseased elm trees, tree planting and general work on roadside trees.
The Gypsy Moth Survey, which is carried on with the help of the Department of Natural Resources, indicated that Norwell is practical- ly free from the pest. By keeping a check such as this, I feel certain that an infestation could be controlled quickly by airplane spraying.
Although not an insect pest, poison ivy is now included in the Moth Department. A substantial amount of roadside spraying was done this year for this public nuisance.
Seventy verified diseased elm trees were removed from the road- sides this year. This includes all the public diseased trees except for several which are experimental trees. These will be removed if and when the characteristic wilt of the disease appears.
Due to the drought, this year was an extremely difficult one for transplanting trees. However, the large majority of the fifty-four (54) street trees which were transplanted this year, have survived.
With the fine location of the town nursery, we now have a varied selection of shade trees which should produce about one hundred (100) trees for planting in 1958.
I would like to express my appreciation and thanks to the citizens of Norwell for their cooperation in carrying out my work.
Respectfully submitted,
WESLEY H. OSBORNE, JR. Tree Warden and Moth Superintendent.
100
ONE HUNDRED EIGHTH ANNUAL REPORT
Report of the Washington Street Cemetery Committee
To the Selectmen and Residents of the Town of Norwell:
The members of the Washington Street Cemetery Committee re- port that they have carried out their plans of upkeep for the past year.
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