USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Reading > Town of Reading Massachusetts annual report 1946 > Part 14
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Health Work in the Reading Schools
The health work this year has continued under the supervision of Mrs. Margaret B. Clewley who is a registered nurse, and a holder of a certificate of public health. Her work covers a large area since she not only assists the school physician in the protection and promotion of health of the pupils,-and is a continued source of help to the teachers concerning the health problems met in the classroom,-but she visits individual homes during the afternoon in order to follow up cases of illness which are brought to her attention through the principals and teachers of the various schools. She also supervises the various clinical services, and health and safety instruction. Under her supervision is placed the treatment of handicapped children and the administration of first aid during school hours and on school property. The assistance to the physician is chiefly given by helping him in the health examina- tions, in prevention and control of communicable diseases and in se- curing correction for physical defects. To her, also, has been given the supervision of the Dental Clinic.
During the past year the School Nurse reports that the schools have been comparatively free from contagious diseases. Reading escaped
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Immunization Clinic at the Highland School
the epidemic of infantile paralysis which has been prevalent in New England. The only serious condition was an increase in whooping cough during December. Because of the increase in the number of cases of diphtheria in Greater Boston and Somerville during October, the School Nurse and the local Board of Health decided to set up a pre- vention clinic. This clinic administered toxoid "booster" shots to chil- dren under twelve years of age who had not received a protective dose within the preceding two years, and started inoculation of children who had received no previous protection. This necessitated a careful survey of the pupils' physical record cards. Two clinics were held, one at Pearl Street School and one at Highland School. At these two clinics a total of 482 children received "booster" shots and 159 received com- plete inoculations. Dr. Edward M. Halligan and Dr. Charles R. Baisley gave generously of their time to do this work and should receive a great deal of commendation.
During the war period the advance made to eliminate tuberculosis received a set-back and at the present time many people with this disease are unable to receive hospitalization. In the High School the Tuberculosis Prevention Program and the X-raying of students have been continued. This is a preventive measure which is becoming more and more important in our fight against tuberculosis.
Physical examinations are continuing in grades 1, 3, 6, 9, and 12. The Massachusetts Vision Test was introduced last year in grades 1 through 7 and will be extended further each year until all the grades are included. It requires careful work on the part of each teacher to administer the test. Training to do this has taken a great deal of the School Nurse's time. Reading has been very fortunate to have had donated by the Lions' Club a Massachusetts Vision Testing equip- ment which will enable the pupils to receive more careful vision testing, and to know results earlier in the year.
The care of teeth among the school children has been improved over the preceding year. There are, however, many who cannot afford proper dentistry and the Clinic facilities are not sufficient to care for all of them. This year the Clinic is under the Board of Health and it is hoped the services will gradually be extended.
Education for healthful living is continuing to be developed in our schools. The idea of functional health teaching is growing. New health books purchased last year are being widely used, and health has become an integral part of the program.
Reading Joins New England School Development Council
During the year the New England School Development Council was organized by the superintendents of thirty communities who felt that by pooling the experiences and educational practices of their various
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school communities, each community could learn more about its own job and could participate in, and contribute to, the common cause of education in this section of the country. The basic purpose of the Council is to bring about significant improvements in education through broadly based cooperation and participation in educational planning. This would include building up interest in effective school practices, dis- semination and exchange of information concerning desirable procedures, development of discussions in lay groups, identification and critical ex- amination of unmet needs in school communitie's, and studying edu- cational problems of common interest through controlled experimenta- tion and research on a co-operative basis.
The Council is directing studies in the field of school planning, classroom teaching, and development of educational discussion groups composed of teachers and citizens to understand better the function of the schools in a community. There is among educators a feeling that the citizens of any community need to know more fully the function of its schools. It is further felt that by encouragement, example, and leader- ship, the teachers in our schools can make a significant contribution to education as a whole, if there can be found some vehicle by which the teacher's contributions can be recognized and better understood.
During the year the School Committee has worked long and earnest- ly on the many difficult problems which had to be faced in the initial steps of the post-war period. These problems have taken a vast amount of time and energy on the part of every member of the Committee. The Superintendent has been given their advice and suggstions, en- couragement and criticisms.
I want here to express my sincere appreciation of your understand- ing of the common task we have had before us. This task is of great importance in the development of a democratic society, and your con- tribution to it has been wholehearted and sincere.
Respectfully submitted, ELBRIDGE C. GROVER,
Superintendent of Schools
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READING HIGH SCHOOL COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES
Class of 1946 Outdoor Exercises, Junior High School Stadium Wednesday Afternoon, June Fifth PROGRAM
PROCESSIONAL MARCH High School Band
RAISING OF FLAG and PLAYING OF COLORS
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG Led by Class President, Walter Arthur Dagdigian STAR SPANGLED BANNER Key-Smith
Audience, Senior Class, and Band PRAYER-Rev. Payson E. Pierce
SALUTATORY "The Fifth Freedom" Mary Frances Curtin
TORCH ORATION Walter Arthur Dagdigian, Class President ESSAY-"The Youth Replies, I Can" Winifred K. Mclaughlin, Faculty Honors
ESSAY-"Physical Education, Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow" Richard Bartens Bloom, Class Honors LO, THERE IS BUILDED A CITY Witmer Huhn
COURAGE A Capella Choir
ESSAY-"The Fork in the Road"
Elaine Chandler, Faculty Honors
ESSAY-"Your Parents and Mine" Wilmont James Murray, Class Honors
VALEDICTORY "Self-Sufficiency" Shirley Ann Davis
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CONFERRING SCHOLASTIC HONORS Rudolf Sussmann, Headmaster
CERTIFICATION OF CLASS ACCEPTANCE OF CERTIFICATION OF GRADUATES Dr. Elbridge C. Grover, Superintendent of Schools CONFERRING DIPLOMAS J. Warren Killam, Jr., Chairman of School Board AMERICA
Smith-Carey Audience, Senior Class, and Band BENEDICTION-Rev. Payson E. Pierce RECESSIONAL MARCH
High School Band
CANDIDATES FOR DIPLOMAS
Barbara Jane Andrews
Beverly L. Kelly
Jeanette Agnes Arnold
Patricia-Ann Langiell
Joan Batting
John Henry Le Fave, Jr.
Joseph Bella
Alice Victoria LeGrow
Ruth Marion Bennett
Lorraine C. Leonard
Robert Melvin Berry
Elizabeth Ann Louanis
Richard Bartens Bloom
Barbara J. Lowell
Roy James Brogan
Marion Lee Lynch
Paul Arthur Brown
Malcolm Earl Macleod
Howard Chandler Buttrick
George E. MacPherson
Hester Frye Cargill
Earl E. Martin
Joanne Carroll Elaine Chandler
Winifred K. McLaughlin
Nancy Pearl Choate
Jean Carolyn Metcalf
Jean Moore Cleary
Lloyd R. Mudie
Alice Rosalie Coelho
Florence Lorraine Mugford
Edward Francis Conron
Frederick Mugford
Wilda E. Craddock
Evelyn P. Muise
Dorothy Ann Crosby
Wilmont James Murray
Laurence Melvin Crosby
Stanley Eugene Nickerson
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Eunice McCabe
Charles J. Cullinane Mary Frances Curtin Walter Arthur Dagdigian Lillian Helen Dalton Barbara David Priscilla Davis Shirley Ann Davis
Raymond Taylor Dewhurst Marguerite Louise Donahue Phyllis Anne Dodge
Maurice H. Donegan, Jr. Eva Mary Doucette
Barbara Ann O'Brien Raymond E. O'Brien Arlene Ruth Pestana Zella Marie Peters Charles Bernard Powers
George Frederick Priestley
Phyllis Chloe Proctor
Francis Quinlan
Antoinette Rigione
Donald Roberts
Allen L. Ryan
Donald Stewart Schofield
Edna Louise Schofield
Shirley Scott
Elizabeth J. Shaw
Barbara Jeanne Skidmore
Beverley Joan Skidmore
Hazel Jean Skinner
Marjorie Quimby Farwell Mabel L. Foster
Dorothy Smith
George T. Smith
Dolores Doreen Garvia
Madeliene Squires
Barbara Ruth Standbridge
Alton Edward Steele
Joan Carol Gibson Rita Margaret Gibson
Sally Stembridge Ednamae Storti
Donald Paul Stratton
Cathleen H. Gilman
Florance Margaret Stratton
Janice Marie Glynn
Fred Granelli Leona Marion Greenyer
Alice Marie Tarbox Virginia Jane Thayer
Carolyn Noel Guy
Margaret Patricia Twomey
Ernest Stewart Hickman, Jr. Marie Irene Hoffer
June Victoria Valido
Charles Russell Hoffman
Mary C. Vasey Richard Vincent
Richard Gardner Hume
Lewis George Vorrilas
Henrietta Jane Westall
Philip Rodney White, Jr.
Ethel Whittredge
Marjorie E. Williams
Richard Francis Johnson Beverly Jean Johnston
Cynthia Elizabeth Upton
Constance M. Hunkele Joan M. Ivers John L. Ivers
Dexter Warren Jacobs
Milton T. Jefferson II
Jean Beryl Wilson C. Richmond Woodward
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James Milton Eisenhaure Beverlee Anne Ellis
Joanna Enos
Rena Frances Doucette
Alfred Stephen Eisenhaure
Constance Foxcroft
Michael Joseph Gavin, Jr.
James Edward Gillespie
Mary Louise Gill
Barbara Irene Sullivan
REPORT OF CHIEF OF POLICE
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen
Reading, Mass.
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit the annual report of the Police Department for the Town of Reading for the year ending December 31, 1946.
Arrests for the Year 1946
Males, 323; Females, 5; Adults, 315; Minors, 13; Residents, 147; Non-Residents, 181; American Born, 301; Foreign Born, 27.
Causes of Arrests
Drunkenness, 133; Assault and Battery, 10; Non-Support, 7; De- linquency, 12; Larceny, 8; Accosting Opposite Sex, 2; Indecent Ex- posure, 1; A.W.O.L., 2; Breaking and Entering, 1; Escaped Prisoner, 1; Insane, 2; Malicious Damage to Property, 1; Suspicious Person, 1; Violation of the Game Laws, 1; Out-of-Town Warrants, 3; Man- slaughter, 1.
Automobile Violations
Operating So As To Endanger, 8; Operating Under The Influence of Liquor, 20; Speeding, 90; Using Car Without Authority, 1; Violation of The Motor Laws, 1; No Sticker, 14; Failure to Stop at Stop Sign, 5; Operating Without a License, 1; Leaving the Scene of an accident without making self known, 2. Total Arrests for The Year, 1946, 328.
Disposition of Cases in Court
Fined, 121; Released, 104; On File, 42; Not Guilty, 16; Probation. 2; Turned over to out-of-town officers, 17; Committed to State Hospital, Worcester, 2; House of Correction, 11; Committed to Lyman School, 1; House of Correction, Suspended, 8; Continued for further disposition 4. Total Cases Disposed of for the Year, 1946, 328.
Amounts of Fines Imposed by Courts
49 Fines at $5.00-$245.00; 43 Fines at $10.00-$430.00; 3 Fines at $15.00-$45.00; 3 Fines at $20.00-$60.00; 5 Fines at $25.00-$125.00; 4 Fines at $35.00-$140.00; 10 Fines at $50.00-$500.00; 1 Fine at $75.00- $75.00; 2 Fines at $80.00-$160.00; 1 Fine at $100.00-$100.00. Total Amount of Fines Imposed, $1,880.00.
Value of Properties Stolen and Recovered
Valuation of Properties as Stolen in Reading $ 4,206.45
Valuation of Properties Recovered in Reading 3,065.15
Valuation of Properties Recovered for Out of Town Depts. 707.50 Total Value of Properties Recovered During 1946 3,772.65
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Miscellaneous Services Rendered by The Police Department, 1946
A wide variety of numerous incidental services which occupy much of the Department's time and attention may be summarized as follows :
Lost children found and returned to their homes, 36; Special guard details for U. S. mail, 49; Fire Department notified of fires, 45; Broken windows found and reported, 16; Dogs shot by Police Officers, 5; Alarms of fire covered, 37; Reports of prowlers investigated, 49; Reports of bad odors received and investigated, 7; Notifications to Boston and Maine railroad, 4; Runaways from home picked up and restored to parents or guardians, 4; Reports of lost property received and recorded, 43; Lost property recovered and turned over to owners, 38; Reports of trees down and tree warden notified, 15; Stray horses returned to owners, 4; Breaks in water mains discovered and department notified, 1; Reports of Manhole Covers Off and Board of Public Works Notified, 9, As- sistance rendered to the sick, 22; Stray dogs turned over to dog officer, 5; Teletype messages sent out, 44; Teletype messages sent out for out- of-town departments, 35; Bank lights at night discovered out and author- ities notified, 3; Vacant Property Checked for Security, 128; Gas Leaks reported and Company notified, 3; Dead bodies removed and taken care of, 7; Notifications to Electric Light Dept., 39; Reports of dog bites re- ceived and recorded, 4; Complaints of indecent exposure received and investigated, 3; Dog officer notifications, 36; Reports of bicycles stolen received and recorded, 12; Complaints of peepers received and investi- gated, 12; Street lights discovered broken and reported, 3; Reports of stray pigs received and investigated, 4; Reports of gunshot wounds re- ceived and recorded, 3; Assistance to Wilmington Police Department in making arrests, 4; Doors found open and secured, 203; Serious sickness signs put out, 4; Summons delivered, 247 ; Reports of stray cows received and investigated, 14; Messages delivered, 179; Special traffic details at railroad depot, 210; Complaints of family trouble received and investi- gated, 39; Miscellaneous complaints received, 209; Traffic details on all school days maintained; Miscellaneous cases investigated, 219; Missing persons reported, 6; Reports of local servicemen A.W.O.L. received from the military authorities and investigated, 4; Notifications to Highway De- partment regarding street and other conditions, 72; Transients put up at the station for the night, 25; Miscellaneous permits issued by the Chief for work on Sunday, soliciting, etc., 22; Medical examiner notified re- garding death cases, 7.
Automobile Accidents
Total number of automobile accidents reported for the year, 1946, 457. Fatal accidents, 1; Accidents involving damage to property, 362; Accidents involving personal injury, 154; Accidents involving taking persons to a doctor for treatment, 83; Accidents involving taking persons to hospitals, 37; Accidents involving children, 41; Dogs struck or killed by automobiles, 70.
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Mileage of Various Automobile Units
Plymouth Cruiser, No. 1 travelled 33,734 miles; The former Cruiser, No. 2, a 1942 Plymouth, travelled 9,083 miles from Jan. 1, 1946 to May 6, 1946 when it was turned in towards the purchase of a 1946 Ford Super DeLuxe, now Cruiser No. 2, which has travelled 20,863 miles ; The Chief's Packard has travelled 2,691 miles and the ambulance, 3,377 miles. From the date of their respective purchase, to December 31, 1946, the mobile units of the Department have mileage totals as follows : Plymouth, Car No. 1, 72,770 miles ; Ford, Car No. 2, 20,863 miles ; Chief's Packard, 32,611 miles; Ambulance, 42,932 miles.
Bicycle Registration
A widespread interest in bicycle registration has been evidenced by the fact that 330 registration certificates were issued during the year, 1946. This makes a total of 2,177 certificates issued from the date of the inception, March 9, 1942. The amount of $82.50 representing fees received for registration, was turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Police Ambulance Records
During the year, 1946, the Police made the following trips with the Ambulance :
Winchester Hospital, 76; Baker Memorial Hospital, 3; Choate Me- morial Hospital, 28; Melrose Nursing Home, 3; Lovell General Hospital, Fort Devens, Ayer, Mass .; 1; St. John's Hospital, Lowell, 12; Massa- chusetts General Hospital, 14; Massachusetts Memorial Hospital, 1; Boston Psychopathic Hospital, 2; Peter Bent Brigham Hospital, 3; Deaconness Memorial Hospital, 1; Melrose Hospital, 9; North Andover Nursing Home, 2; Worcester State Hospital for the Insane, 1; New England Baptist Hospital, 2; Lakeville Sanitarium, 1; New England Sanitarium, 2; Veteran's Hospital, West Roxbury, 2; Christian Science Home, Brookline, 1; Mass. Institute of Technology Hospital, Cambridge, 1; Malden Hospital, 1; Boston Lying-In-Hospital, 2; Clover Hill, Law- rence, 3; To South Station, Boston, 1; Within Town Limits, including trips to various nursing homes, mortuaries, etc., 16. Total number of trips made by the Ambulance for the year, 1946, 188 which is an increase of 14 trips over those made during 1945. The amount of $533.00 received in payment for the use of the Ambulance, has been turned over to the Town Treasurer.
Auxiliary Police
During the course of the past year on several occasions, the Auxil- iary Police have been called on for duty. They have rendered able assistance in supplementing the work of the regular Dept., and, acknow- ledging their aid, I desire to extend to them my appreciation for their efforts.
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IN MEMORIAM Patrick Long
Born, Feb. 22, 1886
Died, Feb. 22, 1946
Officer Long was appointed a Special Police Officer, November 1, 1919, and a regular Patrolman, November 1, 1920.
Department Personnel Changes
Thomas E. Wall was appointed Acting Chief of Police, August 23, 1946.
Paul F. Junkins appointed a temporary patrolman, July 1, 1946.
James P. McDonough appointed a temporary patrolman, December 11, 1946.
Edward M. Hubbard appointed a temporary patrolman, December 13, 1946.
Francis L. Johnson, due to illness, went on inactive duty December 5, 1946 and is now pending retirement.
John F. Beaudoin and William H. Faulkner were appointed perman- ent patrolmen, December 30, 1946.
Recommendations
The present radio equipment is now nine years old and has de- teriorated to such an extent that constant repairs are required to keep it running. Maximum efficiency cannot be expected or maintained with the present out-moded equipment as parts are no longer being manu- factured for replacements. I accordingly recommend the purchase and installation of new radio equipment.
As previously stated in this report, Cruiser No. 1, a 1942 Plymouth has travelled 72,770 miles and should be replaced with a new car.
I further recommend that the force be increased by the appointment of two additional, temporary patrolmen.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I wish to extend my appreciation to the Honorable Board of Selectmen, the Judges of the Superior and Woburn District Courts, the Clerks of our Courts, our local press, the members of the Department and various Town Departments, and all others who have assisted in promoting the welfare of the Police Department.
Respectfully submitted,
THOMAS E. WALL, Acting Chief of Police
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REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen,
Gentlemen :
I herewith submit my report as dog officer to December 31, 1946.
I have canvassed the town to see that all dogs were licensed. Un- licensed and strayed dogs have been found and disposed of as follows :
134 have been destroyed
46 have been returned to owners
10 have been killed in hen yards while killing hens
10 pigs destroyed by dogs
30 rabbits destroyed by dogs
85 hens destroyed by dogs
21 dog bites 86 dogs were killed by autos
563 complaints investigated
2428 miles have been covered
At this time I wish to thank the Police Department for their help. to me.
Respectfully submitted, CHARLES H. MELENDY,
Dog Officer
REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE 1946
Food Production was of the utmost importance during 1946 and the main effort of the Extension Service was along this line. Through meetings, radio, farm and home visits, county bulletin, news releases and calls in person and by telephone at the office, assistance was given to as many people as possible.
Fruit growers this year were interested especially in knowing more about frost damage and its prevention and the latest materials to use in spraying to overcome insects and diseases. Because of the wet season there was a severe infestation of scab and growers required all the assistance possible to produce a good quality crop. Twilight meetings of interest to local growers were held in various parts of the county. In- formation was sent out to local papers and through town libraries as- well as over the radio to help all those interested in home gardens.
Three projects were emphasized to assist those interested in poultry -namely, Better Use of Ranges ; Brooding and Rearing; Disease Control and Sanitation.
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Of interest to dairymen, the Selective Breeding Association and the Herd Improvement Association were developed and expanded during the year.
Because of the many food shortages experienced during the year, homemakers were given assistance to help them in problems in feeding their families the right food essential to health despite the shortages. Demonstrations and illustrated talks were given on: When Meat is Scarce; Sugar-Saving Desserts; Use of Available Foods; Oil-Sparing Salad Dressings. Homemakers were interested in clothing renovation and Short Cuts and Speed Tricks in clothing construction. Food pre- servation was the main project followed during the summer to assist homemakers in the best procedure to inspire satisfaction in home can- ning and preparation of foods for freezing.
4-H Club work was carried on under the direction of the 4-H Com- mittee of which Lois Connor was chairman. There were nine 4-H clubs in clothing, crafts and agriculture-the latter being for boys and girls interested in gardening, poultry, and livestock. These clubs were under the leadership of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Crowe, Mrs. Walter Connor and Miss Lois Connor, Mrs. Reta Caisse, Mrs. John O'Brien, Sr. Miss Shirley Nelson and Miss Gwendolyn Dean were blue ribbon winners in the County Dress Revue. Shirley was also blue ribbon winner in the State Dress Revue. Ernest Boyd was awarded $10 by the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture on his excellent dairy work. William Towle and Kenneth Hickman were each awarded $5 by the same so- ciety his poultry work. Dulena Crowe was awarded a General Mac- Arthur medal on her excellent garden work. Club members exhibited at the Grange Fair Garden Exhibit and held a Country Fair at the home of the 4-H Chairman, Lois Connor. Mrs. Howard Crowe made a valu- able contribution to the county 4-H camp as a member of the County Committee on Camping. Miss Lois Connor was a craft counselor and did the first aid work at the Camp during the, seven weeks. Shirley Nelson also co-operated as an assistant cook. The winter season was brought to a fitting close with a 4-H exhibit and program at the Pearl Street School.
REPORT OF TOWN COUNSEL
To the Law Committee of the Town of Reading :
I submit my report as Town Counsel for the year 1946 as follows : The suit brought in the Middlesex Superior Court for $2,000. resulting from an accident which occurred on Salem Street has been settled under authority of vote of your Committee for $300. Action has been commenced in the Middlesex Superior Court against the Board
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of Appeal affecting the use, under the zoning by-law, of a certain parcel of real estate located at the corner of Salem and Harrison Streets. The pleadings have been completed in behalf of the Town and the case is continued on the docket until reached for trial. During the year the case pending in the Middlesex Superior Court, as the result of an accident with one of the Town trucks, was settled by the insurance company. Also the death case for $50,000. pending in the Middlesex Superior Court resulting from an accident in Wilmington involving the Municipal Light Department was defended by the insurance company before a jury which brought in a verdict in behalf of the Town. Four claims have been made against the Town for alleged damages sustained as the result of accidents. Two claims have been settled and the other two have not been made the subject of litigation. There are still pending three cases in the Courts.
Three cases have been commenced in the Land Court for the fore- closure of tax liens and two of the cases were disposed of by payment of the taxes and costs to the Town. The remaining case has been continued on the docket and will be disposed of in the near future. Three cases which were commenced in 1945 were disposed of this year by the entry of decrees foreclosing all rights of redemption thereunder.
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