USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Tewksbury > Town of Tewksbury annual report 1945-1949 > Part 6
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Aided in Tewksbury, settled elsewhere ...... Hospitalization, above families or persons Hospitalization, no other aid given. ......
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OLD AGE ASSISTANCE: The amount spent for Old Age Assistance under the Town appropriation in 1945 was approximately $3500 higher than in 1944. This was due to several reasons. First of all, our average case load was 67 instead of 64 the year before. For every case closed by death or other reason, two new ones would be added. As of March 1st, we were required to increase all grants because of an increase in the State Standard budget. There has been a lot of sickness among Old Age recipients and medical expenses ran high for the year.
On January 1st we estimated we would need $20,500, but only $18,500 was appropriated and when the Special Town Meeting was called in June an additional $4373.93 had to be granted for Old Age Assistance, based on actual monthly expenditures at that time. This proved adequate to finish the year out.
However, for 1946 an appropriation of $27,500 is recommended. This is an increase of 25%, which the State Department advised us to request in view of the liberalization of QAA laws in 1946. Because of the increase in the amount of exemptions for children, few if any will be expected to contribute toward the support of their parents. An additional $50 is now allowable for funeral expenses, and hospital rates have been raised from $4 to $5 per day. Besides these new features already in effect, there is pending an increase in the legal minimum payments to recipients and a substantial increase in the Food item of the State Standard budget. Of course, the Federal government participates in OAA, but of the total amount spent, nearly two thirds of it comes out of the Town appropriation. All amounts paid to recipients in excess of $40 come out of the town, and about half of our cases receive more than $40 monthly.
This is one form of public assistance which we cannot cut down on. We feel our aged people are entitled to careful consideration, but we are further governed by State rules and regulations and must meet the needs of these persons adequately.
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN: During 1945 we aided 12 families with a total of 28 children, although at the beginning of this year we have started with only 9 families of 17 children. However, in spite of this, we expect to spend more money than heretofore, because of a liberalization of rules governing this type of assistance. Under the new regulations, we must include children from 16-21 years of age if they are in the ADC home and are dependent. Previously we have supported children from 16-18, only if they were still attending
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school and after age 18 we could not include them at all. The pending increase in the Food item of the budget will affect this category too, and the increase in hospital rates will also be applicable to these recipients.
Because the Town Appropriation granted last year was not as large as recommended, it was necessary for the Finance Committee to transfer an additional sum to this ADC account in September, making a total of $5800 for the year. For 1946 we are recommending an appropriation of $6000, which we hope will prove adequate.
The report of expenditures for the three departments will be found in the Auditor's Report. Reimbursements received are recorded in the Treasurer's Report.
Respectfully submitted,
EDWARD J. SULLIVAN, Chairman IRVING F. FRENCH. BERNARD H. GREENE,
Board of Public Welfare.
109
REPORT OF THE CHIEF OF THE FIRE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen and Citizens:
As Chief of the Fire Department I herewith submit the following report:
Total number of Fires and Emergency Calls Attended .... 111
Brush and Grass Fires 60
.
Building Fires 15
Chimney Fires 5
Dump Fires
3
Automobile and Truck Fires
7
Emergency Calls
12
False Alarms
4
Out of Town Calls
5
Total value of Buildings and Contents.
$570,800.00
Damage to.
426,763.59
Ins. paid on
427,198.59
Traveled 571 miles to Fires, laid 6000 ft. 21/2 hose.
2850 ft. 11/2" hose, 18,450 ft. I" hose used.
36 Indian pump cans used.
Respectfully submitted,
ALDEN S. HAINES,
Chief of the Fire Department.
110
1945 TOWN REPORT OF THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY EXTENSION SERVICE
During 1945, the same as previous war years, the work of the Middlesex County Extension Service was devoted to those projects which would help in the winning of the war.
The fact that Middlesex County farmers increased their production about one third over pre-war years is proof that everyone did his part in the food production program. Labor on farms was the critical factor in food production and a great deal of the time was spent on finding labor and making it available. In addition to local help foreign labor was imported from Jamaica and Newfoundland and prisoners of war were used on market gardening and fruit farms.
Selective Service Boards cooperated fully in the whole program by trying to allow men to remain on farms who were absolutely essential. The Extension Service checked these farms and made reports to the local Selective Service Boards.
The usual assistance was given, such as assistance to Victory gardeners, sending out information on spray schedules for fruit growers and market gardeners and keeping farmers informed as to the regula- tions on farm equipment, price schedules, especially for eggs and poultry, fruits and vegetables, and help with any emergency cases upon personal request.
With the homemakers of the county, food preservation and con- servation in the home were the main projects. Information was given regarding successful methods of canning and freezing of fruits and vegetables as well as meats. Due to the severe shortage of clothing materials demonstrations were continued on clothing renovation, shortcuts in clothing construction and the maintenance of sewing machines. To help with general nutrition demonstrations were given in the best use of vegetables, cooking with a minimum amount of sugar and preparation of community meals.
Boys and girls were encouraged as usual to carry on 4-H Club work and developed such projects as food production, food preserv- ation, clothing construction and meal preparation. This work was made possible only by volunteer local leaders and the active interest of local committee members and parents.
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The Middlesex County Extension Service shares with other organizations, farmers, homemakers, young people, as well as those organizations interested in agriculture, the satisfaction of knowing that during war years for the most part agricultural products of the area were available in sufficient amounts so that there was actually no food shortage in any town within the county.
(Signed)
VICTOR N. CLUFF, Town Director
112
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
December 31, 1945
To the Board of Selectmen,
Town of Tewksbury, Mass.
Gentlemen:
Following is the report of the Dog Officer from January 1 through December 31, 1945 :-
Dogs licensed 434
Dogs sheltered 31
Dogs destroyed 17
Dogs returned to owners 22
Dogs picked up from highway 5
Investigations (license), complaints,
barking
dogs, dogs killing chickens, etc. 297
Respectfully submitted,
GERALD J. FINNERAN,
Dog Officer.
113
REPORT OF THE MOTH SUPERINTENDENT
-
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As Agent for Suppression of Gypsy and Browntail Moths, I submit the following:
In general, Gypsy Moth conditions remain about the same as in 1944 with a slight increase in the North section. A check-up on conditions in woodlands is now under way. Several bad colonies have been found and booked for early summer spraying. Browntail Moths are held under suppression by Fungus disease or parasites.
A new insecticide developed by the Government, known as D.D.T. and used in battle areas to control disease carrying flies, mosquitoes, lice, etc., is now on the market. It is no doubt the most effective synthetic insecticide known, being both a contact and stomach poison. It is made in powder and liquid forms. Owing to its residual powers it is effective for a period of from one to three months. Therefore, it is not advisable to use on plants or trees in bloom as it is very toxic to pollenizing insects as well as parasites. A composition containing 5% D.D.T. dissolved in deoderized kerosene is one of the best formulas. It is especially designed for control of flies, bedbugs, ants, mosquitoes, clothes moths and carpet beetles.
For fly control, spray screen doors and window frames and don't forget the garbage pail. This will also be effective for control of adult mosquitoes. In stables, spray manure piles, the walls behind them and resting places in the stable. This will destroy many flies before they leave their breeding places. In using D.D.T. avoid excessive inhalation and skin contact.
Owing to the wage increases and higher costs of material, I would recommend an appropriation of $1750.00.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY M. BRIGGS, Moth Superintendent.
114
REPORT OF PARK COMMISSIONERS
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen:
Gentlemen:
As Park Commissioners, we submit the following:
The commons were raked, fertilizer applied and grass mowed. A welcome home sign to Veterans was erected.
The flag pole was painted one coat. We had intended painting and repairing the bandstand but owing to shortage of help, were unable to do so. It should be done this year.
The unexpended balance is shown in the Auditor's report. We suggest an appropriation of $350.00.
Yours respectfully,
THOMAS C. MacAUSLAND WALTER ROBERTS HARRIS M. BRIGGS
Park Commissioners.
REPORT OF TREE WARDEN
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen: Gentlemen:
As Tree Warden, I submit the following:
Brush was cut approximately 3 feet on the edge of all streets by horse mower and most of the dangerous curves were cut out by hand. Owing to the shortage of help, trees have been sadly neglected and many need pruning and several should be removed.
The Elm tree beetle was held in check by two sprayings during their feeding season. We had a very bad outbreak of Fall Web Worm in August and September. Ordinarily the Elm tree beetle spray carries through to destroy this pest but heavy rains during the spraying season cut down the poison's effectiveness which accounts for the heavy increase. 64 Rock Maple and 3 Weeping Willows were planted in April.
We are again returning quite a large amount unexpended- but now that help is available again, I would recommend an appropriation of $2500.00. This will allow us to catch up on our work-especially brush cutting.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRIS M. BRIGGS,
Tree Warden.
115
REPORT OF THE TRUSTEES OF THE TEWKSBURY PUBLIC LIBRARY
The trustees of the Public Library submit the following report:
Details of expenditures will be found in the report of the auditor.
Regular monthly meetings have been held with the exception of July and August.
It was with regret that the trustees accepted the resignation of Miss Blanche King, assistant librarian, who served the patrons of the library faithfully and well over a period of many years. Mrs. George Marshall was appointed to fill the place left vacant by Miss King's resignation.
Our thanks are due the librarian, Mrs. Dempsey and her assistants for their ever courteous service and also the patrons for their cooperation.
It is hoped that the request for $1300 found in the warrant together with money received from dog licenses be granted.
Respectfully submitted,
HARRY PRIESTLEY
RUTH SMITH DOROTHY FITZGERALD EDGAR SMITH HAROLD PATTON MARIAN FRENCH
Trustees
116
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
To the Trustees of the Tewksbury Public Library.
The following report is respectfully submitted :
During the year eight hundred seventy-two books were added, fiction five hundred seventy-two, non-fiction two hundred, juvenile one hundred.
Magazines are to be found in the magazine and children's sections. The circulation in both sections being large.
The circulation of books has increased. Several donations of books were received among them being: Cacti for the Amateur and Succulents for Amateurs, presented by F. I. Carter Sons.
The Librarian and Assistants wish to thank all those who have returned their books and magazines promptly and to urge all borrowers to return books and magazines when due.
CIRCULATION OF BOOKS AT THE LIBRARY
Wednesday Afternoons
Fiction
510
Religion
2
History
12
Sociology
10
Literature
2
Science
6
Travel
12
Poetry
3
Arts
30
Philosophy
Biography
30
Total
617
Wednesday Evenings
Fiction
2826
Religion
4
History
38
Sociology
16
Literature
13
Science
18
Travel
39
Poetry
9
Arts
199
Philosophy
5
Biography
80
Total
3103
117
Saturdays
Fiction
7098
Religion
19
History
98
Sociology
97
Literature
39
Science
50
Travel
113
Poetry
29
Arts
199
Philosophy
11
Biography
184
Total
7947
Wednesday and Saturdays 11,667 Library and Districts 13,449
CIRCULATION OF BOOKS IN DISTRICTS
Wamesit
Fiction
539
Religion
History
Sociology
Literature
Science
Travel
4
Poetry
Arts
Philosophy
Biography
9
Total
552
Mrs. Randolph Fitzgerald
Fiction
693
Religion
1
History
25
Sociology
18
Literature
1
Science
8
Travel
24
Poetry
1
Arts
27
Philosophy
3
Biography
36
Total
837
Silver Lake Bakery
Fiction
389
Religion
History
Sociology
Literature
Science
Travel
2
Poetry
Arts
Philosophy
Biography
2
Total
393
Total Circulation in Districts 1782
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CIRCULATION OF MAGAZINES
American 41
Hygeia
14
American Cookery
20
Ladies' Home Journal 58
American Girl
*Life
343
*American Home 92
Mademoiselle
56
Atlantic Monthly 32
McCall's 69
Better Homes and Gardens
77
Mechanix Illustrated 38
Boy's Life
16
*National Geographic 102
*Child Life
62
Parents 11
Children's Playmate
85
*Popular Mechanics
81
Cosmopolitan
64
*Readers' Digest
72
Good Housekeeping
66
Red Book 60
Harper's
28
Wee Wisdom 18
Hobbies 21
Woman's Home Companion
52
*House Beautiful 124
Others
23
Total
1,730
* 2 copies
Respectfully submitted,
ABBIE M. DEMPSEY,
Librarian.
. .
5
119
WARRANT FOR ANNUAL TOWN MEETING
Middlesex, ss :
To either of the Constables of the Town of Tewksbury, in said County :
Greeting :
In the name of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, you are hereby directed to notify and warn the inhabitants of the Town of Tewksbury, qualified to vote in town affairs, to meet and assemble at Town Hall in said Tewksbury on Wednes- day, February 20, at 7:30 o'clock P. M. to act on the following articles, except Article 1, and you are also hereby further required and directed to notify and warn the said inhabitants of the Town of Tewksbury, who are qualified to vote on elections and town affairs, there in to assemble subsequently and meet in town meeting at the polling places in said Town of Tewksbury, on Wednesday, February 27, 1946 at 10 o'clock A.M., then and there to act on the following Article 1.
The polls for the election of Town Officers to be opened at ten o'clock A. M. and to be closed at 8 P. M.
ART. 1. To choose all necessary Town Officers, to choose by ballot a Moderator, Town Clerk, one Selectman to serve three years, one member of the Board of Public Welfare to serve three years, one member of the Board of Health to serve three years, a Town Treasurer, an Auditor, a Collector of Taxes, a Tree Warden, and three Constables, all to serve one year. One Highway Com- missioner to serve three years, one member of the School Committee to serve three years, two Trustees of the Public Library to serve three years, one Park Commis- sioner to serve three years, one Assessor to serve three years, and one Commissioner of Trust Funds to serve three years.
ART. 2. To hear reports of Town officers and committees and act thereon.
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ART. 3. To see what sums of money the Town will vote to raise by taxation to defray necessary expenses for the current year, and make appropriations for the same.
ART. 4. To see if the Town will vote the money arising from licensing dogs, for the ensuing year to aid in sup- port of the Public Library.
ART. 5. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the town treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1946, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
VOTED: That the town treasurer, with the approval of the selectmen, be and hereby is authorized to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the revenue of the financial year beginning January 1, 1946, and to issue a note or notes therefor, payable within one year, and to renew any note or notes as may be given for a period of less than one year in accordance with Section 17, Chapter 44, General Laws.
ART. 6. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $250.00 for the proper observance of Memorial Day, and appoint a committee to expend the money. Said committee to be taken from members of Spanish War Veterans, American Legion, or Sons of Veterans.
ART. 7. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to institute suits on behalf of the Town or defend any suits that are, or may be brought against the Town, and to sign any contracts or agreements in behalf of the Town.
ART. 8. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate the sum of $1,019.10 to pay the County of Middlesex, as required by law, the Town's share of the net cost of the care, main- tenance, and repair of the Middlesex County Tuberculosis Hospital, as assessed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 111 of the General Laws and Acts in amend- ment thereof and in addition thereto including Chapter 400, Section 25 G (6) (a) of the Acts of 1936 or take any action in relation thereto.
121
ART. 9. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Board of Selectmen and the Treasurer to foreclose either through the Land Court or by affidavit of the Commis- sioner of Corporations and Taxation, any Tax Title held by the Town for more than two years, and to see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise and appropriate therefore or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 10. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Se- lectmen to sell, after first giving notice of the time and . place of sale by posting such notice of sale in some con- venient and public place in the town fourteen days at least before the sale, property taken by the town under tax title procedure provided that the selectmen or whom- soever they may authorize to hold such public auction may reject any bid which they deem inadequate, or take any action relative thereto.
ART. 11. To see if the Town will vote to authorize the Town Treasurer with the approval of the Board of Select- men to sell any parcel or parcels of land acquired by the Town through Tax Title foreclosure proceedings whose Tax Title value is less than $75.00, for whatever sum it may be in their judgment to the best interest of the Town, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 12. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $2,000. for the Maintenance of Chapter 90, Highways : said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County, or both, for this purpose, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 13. To see if the Town will vote to continue the Highway Machinery Fund as established at the last annual Town meeting, and to appropriate an additional sum including the unexpended balance of the 1945 High- way Machinery account to be added to the amount al- ready accredited to this fund, for highway machinery purposes, or take any other action relative thereto.
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ART. 14. To see what sum the Town will vote to appro- priate from the Highway Machinery Fund for the pur- chase, repair and maintenance of road machinery equip- ment for 1946, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 15. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $3,000.00, or any other sum for the improvement of River Road: said money to be used in conjunction with any money which may be allotted by the State or County or both, for this purpose, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 16. To see what action if any, the Citizens of the Town of Tewksbury will take relative to instrueting the Highway Commission to pay a standard fifty-two week salary per year to their employees ; also to pay time and a half for every hour worked on snow removal; after eight consecutive hours of work or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 17. To see if the Town will vote to accept Section 111 of Chapter 41 of the General Laws, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 18. To see if the Town will vote to increase the wages of the Highway Dept., 10 per cent, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 19. To see if the Town will vote to have a STOP sign installed at South Street and Salem Road, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 20. To see if the Town will vote to accept Pine Street, which runs from Franklin Street to Water Street, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 21. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $300 to finish the well at the Foster School or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 22. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $2,500 said sum to be used for the Hot Lunch Projects in the Public Schools or take any other action relative thereto.
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ART. 23. To see if the Town will vote to accept the proposed plan of the School Committee to remodel the present High School Gymnasium into class rooms for the seventh and eighth grades and to construct a Memorial Gymn- asium and auditorium adjacent to the present High School Building. Said building being a memorial to the men and women of Tewksbury who have given their services to their country in any and all wars, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 24. To see what sum of money the Town will vote to raise by loan or otherwise and appropriate under article 23 and to see if the Town will vote to appoint a committee of five members, said committee to be com- posed of the three members of the School Committee, one member to be selected by the Finance Committee, and one member to be selected by the American Legion or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 25. To see what action the Town will take in regard to selling, leasing or razing of the building known as the Spaulding School, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 26. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $1,500: $500 to be used only for care and upkeep of the stadium, $1,000 for the purchase, hauling and grading of loam, or take any other action relative to same.
ART. 27. To see if the Town will vote to appropriate, the sum of $4,000.00 to drive test wells on the land, near Long Pond, owned by the Town, or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 28. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $3,000.00 for a suitable celebration in honor of the Homecoming of the Tewksbury Veterans of World War II.
ART. 29. To see if the Town will appropriate a sum of money to replace the shrubs at the Honor Roll and paint the same, or take any other action relative thereto.
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ART. 30. To see what sum of money the Town will appro- priate, to erect a suitable memorial to the service men and women of World War II, or take any other action.
ART. 31. To see if the Town will vote, to abolish the office, known as the Chief of Police in the Town of Tewksbury, and the Board of Selectmen to appoint a Captain, temporarily or take any other action relative to same.
ART. 32. To see if the Town will vote to convey to George R. Collins of Pond Street, Tewksbury, Massachusetts, all the right, interest and title it holds on a certain piece of real estate situated on the west side of Pond Street, Tewksbury, Massachusetts, shown as Lots Nos .- 12 to 37 inclusive and also Lots 40 to 43 inclusive on a plan of land known as "Wilbur Lakeside Park Annex", recorded with Middlesex North District Registry of Deeds in Plan Book 20, Plan 43 and authorize the Selectmen and the Treasurer to make out and sign a deed with Quitclaim Covenants on behalf of the Town making this conveyance.
ART. 33. To see if the Town will vote to convey to Gisella Weiss of 5 Ayr Road, Boston, Massachusetts, all the right, interest and title it holds on Lots 448 and 449, also Lots 524 and 525, on a plan of land known as "Oakland Park Plan A", and authorize the Selectmen and the Treasurer to make out and sign a deed with Quitclaim Covenants on behalf of the Town making the conveyance.
ART. 34. To see what sum the Town will vote to pay the Town Treasurer as a salary for the year of 1946 or take any other action relative thereto.
ART. 35. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appro- priate the sum of $100 for clerical services in the office of the Town Treasurer for the year of 1946 or take any other action relative thereto.
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