USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1947-1951 > Part 36
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25. Voted that the sum of $4,000.00 be raised and appropriated for the Care of Cemeteries.
26 Voted to take up this Item relative to Street Lights after Articles 34 to 38 inclusive have been acted upon.
27. Voted that the sum of $5,000.00 be raised and appropriated to be used as a Reserve Fund at the discretion of the Finance Committee as provided in General Laws, Chapter 40, Section 6 and that the further sum of $110.00 be raised and appropri- ated to be used by the Finance Committee for payment of Membership in the Association of Town Finance Committees and for secretarial help.
28. Voted unanimously that the sum of $439.08 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of paying Unpaid Bills of 1950 and previous years as follows :
FIRE DEPARTMENT: J. A. Healy & Sons $147.09; West- ford Water Co. $20.95-Total $168.04. HEALTH DEPART- MENT: Edward T. Sullivan $3.00; W. Raymond Shea $3.00 -Total $6.00. WELFARE DEPARTMENT: Old Age Assist- ance; Sundry persons $201.04; Temporary Aid; Overseers of Public Welfare, Boston, Mass. $64.00-Total $265.04.
39. Voted to take up Article 39 at this time.
Voted that the sum of $3,000.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of defraying the Expenses of the School Plan- ning Committee appointed under Article 1, and that the Com- mittee be authorized, if necessary, to procure an outside Edu- cational Consultant to survey the needs of Westford regard- ing its entire School System.
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4. Voted unanimously that the Town Treasurer be authorized, with the approval of the Selectmen, to borrow money from time to time in anticipation of the Revenue of the Current Financial Year 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 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws.
5. Voted that the sum of $10,125.00 be raised and appropriated to meet the Town's share of the cost of Chapter 81 Highways, and that in addition, the sum of $22,275.00 be transferred from Unappropriated Available Funds in the Treasury to meet the State's share of the cost of the work, the Reimburse- ments from the State to be restored, upon their receipt, to Unappropriated Available Funds in the Treasury.
6. Voted that the sum of $1,000.00 be raised and appropriated for Maintenance of Chapter 90 Roads, on condition that like amounts be contributed by either or both the State and Coun- ty respectively, to be used in conjunction therewith, and that, in addition, the sum of $2,000.00 be transferred from Unap- propriated Available Funds in the Treasury to meet the State's and County's shares of the cost of the work, the Re- imbursements from the State and County to be restored, upon their receipt, to Unappropriated Available Funds in the Treasury.
7. Voted that the sum of $431.25 be raised and appropriated for the Highway Machinery Fund and that the sum of $4,568.75 be transferred from said Machinery Fund to the Highway Equipment Account.
8. Voted that the sum of $3,000.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of reconstructing North Street, contingent upon contributions by either or both the State and County to be used in conjunction therewith, and that, in addition, the sum of $9,000.00 be transferred from Unappropriated Available Funds in the Treasury to meet the State's and County's shares of the cost of the work, the reimbursements from the State and County to be restored, upon their receipt, to Un- appropriated Available Funds in the Treasury.
9. Voted that the sum of $3,000.00 be raised and appropriated, or transferred from Available Funds, for the purpose of pur- chasing for use by the Forest Fire Department, a new chassis and transferring to said new chassis the body, pump and tank now on the present Forestry Truck, said chassis to be purchased and said body, pump and tank to be transferred from the old truck to the new chassis, all under the super- vision of the Forest Warden, and that said new Forestry
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Truck be stationed in the Westford Firehouse and shall be un- der the supervision of and custody and care of the Forest Warden.
10 Voted that the sum of $2,025.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of purchasing approximately 1,000 Feet of New 21/2" Fire Hose, and 500 Feet of 11/2" Hose, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Fire Engineers.
11. Voted to dismiss this Article relative to purchasing Hose for the Forest Fire Department.
12. Voted that the sum of $750.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of purchasing and installing a New Boiler in the. Westford Fire House.
13. Voted not to raise $600.00 for a siren.
14. Voted that the sum of $6,000.00 be raised and appropriated, or transferred from Available Funds, for the purpose of pur- chasing a New Truck for the Highway Department, said pur- chase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Se- lectmen.
15. Voted that the sum of $500.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of purchasing a new Automobile for the Police Department, said purchase to be made under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen.
16 Voted that the Selectmen be and hereby are authorized to sell and transfer by a good and sufficient Bill of Sale title to the automobile now used by the Police Department and apply the sum received therefrom against the purchase of the new automobile.
17. Voted that the Selectmen be and hereby are authorized to settle on behalf of the Town, Claims or damages against the Town, and that the sum of $380.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of paying such settlements.
18 Voted that the sum of $1,200.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of making certain improvements to the Sar- gent School.
19 Voted that the sum of $2,000.00 be raised and appropriated, or transferred from Available Funds, for the purpose of Civilian Defense, said sum to be expended under the super- vision of the Board of Selectmen.
20. Voted that the sum of $400.00 be raised and appropriated for Band Concerts during the current year.
21. Voted that the sum of $500.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of painting Traffic Lines and Signals on the Public Ways in said Town, said sum to be expended under the ‘ supervision of the Board of Selectmen.
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22. Voted that the sum of $500.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of repairing certain public sidewalks, said sum of money to be expended under the supervision of the Board of Selectmen, and for the repairs of such public side- walks as the Selectmen shall determine.
23. Voted that the sum of $600.00 be raised and appropriated for the Care of the Whitney Playground.
24. Voted that a Committee, consisting of three persons, to be known as the Whitney Playground Committee, be elected. The following were nominated and elected as said Committee: Moses L. Fecteau J. Herbert Fletcher and Leon F. Hildreth.
25. Voted that the sum of $500.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of continuing the Survey and Maps of the Town, said sum to be expended under the supervision of the Board of Assessors.
26 Voted that the sum of $400.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of painting the lower Town Hall.
27 Voted that the Town accept Jonas Road as laid out by the Se- lectmen as shown by the Report and Plan duly filed in the Office of the Town Clerk.
28. Voted that the Town accept an extension of Story Street as laid out by the Selectmen as shown by the Report and Plan duly filed in the Office of the Town Clerk.
29. Voted that the sum of $1,788.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of paying to the Treasurer of the Middlesex County Retirement System the amounts allocated to the Town of Westford by the County Commissioners in accordance with the Provisions of Chapter 32 of the General Laws, as amend- ed.
30. Voted that the Town accept a Gift made to it by the Isabel F. Hyams Fund, Inc., formerly known as the Solomon Hyams Fund, Inc., and that the Town Clerk be authorized and di- rected to extend to said Corporation the appreciation of the Town for this Gift.
31. Voted that the Board of Selectmen be and hereby are author- ized in the name and behalf of the Town to enter into a Contract with the Westford Water Company for a period not to exceed five (5) years and on such terms and conditions as they deem advisable for two Hydrants to be located as follows: One (1) on Story Street; One (1) on Pleasant Street ..
32. Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to enter into a Con- tract with the Westford Water Company for three (3) addi- tional Hydrants at $45.00 per year for each Hydrants; One (1) to be located on Nabnasset Street and Two (2) to be located on Oak Hill Road.
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ARTICLE 3 5. Voted that the sum of $4,715.00 be raised and appropriated for Fire Hydrants.
33. Voted that the sum of $300.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of providing suitable quarters in the Nabnasset Section of said Westford for the Nabnasset American Legion Post No. 437 and the Auxiliary of said Post.
34. Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to install five (5) ad- ditional Street Lights on Plain Road.
35. Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to install three (3) Street Lights on Hillside Avenue.
36. Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to install one (1) Street Light on Beaver Brook Road on Pole #E1.W.28 oppo- site the residence of Archie Fish in Forge Village.
37 Voted that the Selectmen be authorized to install one (1) additional Street Light on Pleasant Street at or near the Junction of Abbot Street and Pleasant Street.
38. A Motion that the Selectmen be authorized to install three (3) Street Lights on Hartford Road was defeated.
ARTICLE 3 26. Voted that the sum of $7,830.00 be raised and appropriated for Street Lights.
40. Voted to dismiss this Article relative to a proposed Gift of Land, under certain conditions, from Elmer Smith to the Town.
41. Voted that the sum of $1,000.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of defraying the Expenses of the Athletic Program in the Westford Schools.
42. Voted that the sum of $150.00 be raised and appropriated for the purpose of stocking Ponds and other Inland Waters, located within the Town Limits, with Fish and of liberating Game within said limits under the Provisions of Chapter 40, Section 5, (41) of the General Laws; and that said sum be expended under the supervision of a Committee of three per- sons appointed by the Moderator, two members of which Committee shall be members of a Sporting Club.
43. A Motion to dismiss this Article was defeated. Voted by voice vote that the Town adopt the By-Laws as set forth in Article 43 of the Warrant for this Meeting.
44. Voted to dispense with the reading of the minutes of the Meeting.
45. Voted to dissolve the Meeting.
A True Record, Attest:
CHARLES L. HILDRETH, Town Clerk, Westford.
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SPECIAL TOWN MEETING-JUNE 25, 1951
At a legal Meeting of the inhabitants of the Town of Westford, qualified by law to vote in Town affairs, held at the Town House, MONDAY, June 25, 1951, at 8:00 o'clock P. M., the following busi- ness was transacted:
Ben W. Drew, Town Moderator, being absent, Charles L. Hildreth, Town Clerk, called the Meeting to order.
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William R. Taylor was nominated and elected Moderator Pro Tempore, and was sworn in by the Town Clerk.
Voted to dispense with the reading of the Warrant.
ARTICLE 1. Voted that the report of the School Planning Com- mittee be accepted and that the Committee be continued and report on or before the next Annual Town Meeting.
ARTICLE 2. Voted that the Selectmen be and they hereby are authorized in the name and behalf of the Town to sell for such sum as they may deem advisable and transfer by a good and sufficient bill of sale title to an old fire truck formerly used by the Forest Fire Depart- ment, and an old boiler now in the basement of the Town Hall.
ARTICLE 3. Voted that the sum of $400.00 be raised and appro- priated, or transferred from available funds, to the account entitled Care of Common, for the purpose of further caring for the Town Common and the purchase of a suitable power mower to be used thereon.
ARTICLE 4. Voted unanimously that the sum of $61.54 be raised and appropriated, or transferred from available funds, to the account entitled Unpaid Bills of Previous Years, for the purpose of paying a bill of the City of Boston incurred in 1949 for Vocational Tuition.
ARTICLE 5. Voted that the sum of $441.00 be raised and appro- priated, or transferred from available funds, to the account entitled Care of the Whitney Playground, for the purpose of making certain repairs to the walks and to the benches on the Playground.
ARTICLE 6. Voted to accept the minutes of the Meeting.
ARTICLE 7. Voted to dissolve the Meeting.
A True Record, Attest:
CHARLES L. HILDRETH, Town Clerk of Westford.
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
The Board of Fire Engineers submit the following report for the year ending December 31, 1951.
The three companies responded to 42 alarms other than forest fires; namely,
8 house fires, 1 camp, 6 chimney, 2 garage, 7 cars, 1 tractor, 3 oil burners, 2 stores, 2 dump, 6 still alarms,
1 rescued horse from barn cellar, 1 drowning, 4 false alarms.
The Departments also responded to 35 brush and grass fires.
Much appreciation is due again to Mr. Robert Spinner, Mr. George St. Onge and several other firemen for the time they gave in answer- ing 102 Ambulance calls.
The Civilian Defense Department purchased two sirens for the Forge Village and Graniteville Stations. Air raid signals are now sounded every Tuesday at 5 P. M. which is the practice in surround- ing Towns also.
Only routine maintenance and repairs were made to the equip- ment and apparatus. There are three pieces of apparatus, two of which are 1933 models and one 1934. One of the 1933 chassis was second hand when purchased. Due to the age of these chassis we feel that a program of replacement should be considered which should take place over a period of three or four years with the purchase of one this year.
A new boiler was installed in the Westford Fire Station and is working satisfactorily. This replaces the old boiler which was cracked.
The Forge Village Station is in need of repairing and painting on the inside and should be done this year.
We feel that radio communication between all the Companies and the Westford Control Station would be an advantage to the Town and therefore suggest that two mobile units be considered for the Forge Village and Graniteville Stations to work in conjunction with equip- ment at the Westford Center Station.
Respectfully submitted,
EDMUND D. ROGERS HAROLD E. WRIGHT RICHARD D. HALL Board of Fire Engineers
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REPORT OF THE FOREST WARDEN
On May 2, 1951, there were three large Forest Fires burning at one time in this town. One was in the North Section, two in Parker Village. The North End fire burned about 250 acres and in Parker Village, one fire burned about 75 acres and the other about 25 acres. The cost to the Town for these three fires was about $1,200.00.
On this same day, there were winds of gale force with a relative humidity of only 8 percent, the lowest ever recorded in this State.
Help was sent to these fires by surrounding Towns and fine work was done by all. Much praise should be given to Chief Allen Kidder of Chelmsford for his help at the Parker Village Fire. He has sent assistance to Forest Fires in the Nabnassett and Parker Village Sec- tions several times in the past. This was done without cost to the Town of Westford.
A new Forest Fire Truck was bought this year at a cost of $3,000.00. This is a two-ton cab-over-engine Chevrolet equipped with a 500 gallon per minute front-end pump and a 410 gallon water tank. Following is the cost of this truck:
Everett Scott, truck
$2,038.00
Gorham Fire Equip. Co., pump 150.00
Installing pump 130.00
C. G. Sargent's Sons Corp., Material for tank
75.00
Whitney's Garage, body and paint work
500.00
Gorham Fire Equip. Co., 21/2" suction hose 38.84
Miscellaneous 67.48
Total
$2,999.32
For the current years' expense, I am asking $1,600.00 and $225.00 for 250' (more or less) of 11/2" single jacket, treated forestry hose.
Mr. Arthur Abbood, Civilian Defense Director, installed a new two-way radio in the new Forestry Truck. The radio is on the Massa- chusetts Department of Conservation wave length. For the present, the Chelmsford Fire Station is acting as a Base Station to relay calls between the Westford Fire House and the Forestry Truck while at fires.
Respectfully submitted,
LEO R. LARKIN, Forest Warden.
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REPORT OF SELECTMEN
February 11, 1952
The Board of Selectmen organized in the beginning of the year with Dr. Cyril A. Blaney, chairman; Edward F. Harrington, secretary; and Thomas W. Gower the third member.
Six new street lights were installed and more are yet to be in- stalled. The Lowell Electric Light Corporation has been asked to take care of the installation as soon as possible.
The interior of the Town Hall was painted this spring and the floors sanded and treated. The lower hall floor should be sanded and treated, also the upper hall floor should be taken care of by treat- ment to save the floor.
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A section of North Street was started but on account of unusual weather conditions, the road was not completed. This work was sur- veyed by the County Engineers. The work was done by the High- way Superintendent of Streets under the supervision of the State Highway Department. The completion of this work will be done as soon as weather permits.
Spraying of the shade trees was done with good results and limbs and trees were removed by the Tree Warden.
The town of Westford purchased a new truck for the Forest War- den which will be extremely handy for use both in forestry and at grass and house fires.
Respectfully submitted,
CYRIL A. BLANEY, EDWARD F. HARRINGTON THOMAS W. GOWER Board of Selectmen
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REPORT OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
Board of Selectmen:
The following is my report for the year ending Dec. 31, 1951:
CHAPTER 81 & GENERAL HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE
The usual Highway Maintenance work was carried out this year, which included the use of gravel, tar, asphalt, screened sand, pea stone and bituminous concrete patch on our roads and streets that come under Chapter 81. Several roads were resurfaced with an appli- cation of asphalt and pea stone rolled in.
CHAPTER 90 MAINTENANCE
The usual maintenance of Chapter 90 Highways was carried out again this year under provisions of the contract. Sections of Groton and Acton roads were resurfaced with asphalt and pea stone.
CHAPTER 90 CONSTRUCTION
North Street Chapter 90 Construction was delayed due to fact that contract was not signed until late in the fall.
Although this project was late in starting this section was almost ready for surfacing when we were compelled to stop work owing to unfavorable weather. The money not spent on this 1951 appropriation will be carried over to 1952.
Respectfully submitted,
J. AUSTIN HEALY, Supt.
REPORT OF THE CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
The Cemetery Commissioners submit the following Report for the year 1951:
We feel that we were fortunate to procure competent help to keep the Cemeteries in fine condition through the 1951 season. The new trees planted at Fairview came through fine and are doing well. Thanks to Mr. Elliott for his assistance.
SEBASTIAN B. WATSON AXEL G. LUNDBERG ALBERT A. HILDRETH
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REPORT OF THE POLICE DEPARTMENT
To the Honorable Board of Selectmen Westford, Mass.
Gentlemen:
I herewith submit my report for the year 1951 for the Police Department.
Report to the Department of Correction has been made.
Arrests made 35
Complaints in Ayer 60 .
Assault and battery
6
Abandoned autos
11
Auto Violations
16
Auto accidents
28
Auto transfers
126
Auto registration
11
Auto Licenses revoked
18
Appeals cases to Superior Court
3
Collected for liquor licenses
$3,226.00
Complaint against dogs
24
Complaints investigated cruelty to animals
7
Complaints on dead animals left on top of ground
9
Complaints on suspicious persons
26
Camp and houses broken into
8
Dogs killed by automobiles
12
Dogs shot
9
Duty at public gathering
96
Dances
34
Driving under the influence of liquor
7
Driving so as to endanger
7
Disturbance of the peace
10
Drunkenness
18
Driving without a license
6
Fruit thieves
3
Family disturbances
64
Fires attended
17
Funerals attended
1 26
Idle and disorderly
7
Investigations made
689
In lockup at town farm
11
Breaking and entering in the night time
4
Men taken to jail
6
Leaving scene after injury to Property
3
Larceny complaints
26
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Notices posted
49
Non-support
4
Public nuisances in beer places
28
Pedestrians struck by automobiles
3
Petty complaints
528
Summonses and notices served
82
Electric wires down on street
12
Malicious injury to property
18
Patients taken to Gardner state hospital
4
Lay watching in different places
12
Inspection of camps when roads are open
Drowning accidents
2
Jurors 8
I wish to take this opportunity to thank the Board of Selectmen, Officer Connell and the other Special Officers of the town of Westford, for their advice, cooperation and assistance during the past year.
Respectfully submitted,
JOHN F. SULLIVAN, Chief of Police.
REPORT OF THE WHITNEY PLAYGROUND COMMITTEE
During 1951 the town appropriated funds for repairs to the sev- eral settees; a black top walk from Main Street to the Frost School; new players' benches and back-stop screening on the baseball diamond. This work has been done and improves the appearance and usefulness of the playground facilities.
The tennis court was out of service for the year due to a cave-in of the playing surface, caused by faulty drainage conditions. We hope to restore it to service in 1952.
Your Committee feels indebted to Mr. John Peterson, the care- taker, for his conscientious attention to the many little details that make the playground an attraction in our town. At the time of this report we are uncertain about being able to retain the services of Mr. Peterson due to his retirement status. Should this be so we feel it will be a loss to the town for his skilful labors on the playground have been expended with a pride of accomplishment most uncommon.
LEON HILDRETH JOHN GREIG MOSES L. FECTEAU
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JURY LIST - 1952
Name
Occupation Address
Athorn, Leslie N.
Laboratory Worker 51 Pleasant St.
Barretto, Dennis
Monument Business 5 Groton Road
Baum, Reginald S. Blanchard, Roy E.
Carpenter 1 Nabnassett Street
Machinist 9 Fourth Street
Blowey, Reginald Bohenko, Walter P.
Second Hand
23 Pleasant Street 19 Prescott Street W.
Britko, Andrew
Millhand
7 Broadway
Brown, Elmer P.
Coat Cutter
1 Elm Road
Brule, Roger J.
Millhand
1 Dodge Road
Cantara, Raymond
Wool Sorter
1 Story Street
Chandonait, Alphonse A.
Tool Die Maker
15 Carlisle Road
Chaplin, Carl A.
Salesman
4 Leland Street
Colarusso, Umberto P.
Salesman 11 Brookside Road
Daly, Vincent
Grease Plant Worker 1 Pond Street
Decato, Herbert C.
Truck Driver
11 Keyes Road 22 Broadway
Gagnon, John F.
Carpenter 3 Forge Village Road
Gelinas, Wilfred
Mechanic
5 Main Street G.
Gower, George D. Haley, George M. Hall, Isaac L.
Stock Room Clerk
2 Orchard Street
Retired 14 Broadway
Hosmer, Edward W.
Millhand 35 Pleasant Street
Kane, Lawrence
Wool Sorter 11 Pleasant Street
Kelly, William J. Jr.
Quarry Worker 9 Pine Street
Lord, Philip
Millhand
26 Pleasant Street
MacMillan, William C.
Carpenter
4 Beacon Street
Martin, William P.
Millhand
6 Maple Street
Miller, F. Everett
Truck Driver 4 Main Street
Moran, Charles R.
Cattle Business
50 Main Street
Mosscrop, Michael T.
Millhand
2 Pershing Street 32 Groton Road
Paduano, Frank
Bartender
Millhand 35 Prescott Street W.
Poulin, Ernest L.
Research Operator 17 Oak Hill Road
Reynolds, Maxwell W.
Farmer
62 Main Street
Rollins, Carroll J.
Assessor
3 Depot Street
Socha, Marygen
Wool Sorter
10 Prescott Street W.
Soubosky, Robert L.
Millhand 55 Broadway
Teague, John J.
Quarry Worker 2 Webber Road
Wilder, Bernard M.
Truck Driver 11 Prescott Street E.
Wyman, William W.
Carpenter 44 Groton Road
CYRIL A. BLANEY EDWARD F. HARRINGTON THOMAS W. GOWER Selectmen of Westford
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Evans, Edwin D.
Mechanic
Millhand
17 Broadway
Parmentier, Roland
Millhand
REPORT OF THE WESTFORD BOARD OF HEALTH
The Board of Health submits the following report for the year ending December 31, 1951:
The Westford Board of Health organized in March with Cyril A. Blaney, M. D., as Chairman, Dwight W. Cowles, M. D., as Secretary and Ralph E. Cole, M. D., as the third member.
The work of the public health nurse has been very cooperative and efficient as shown by her report to follow.
The milk situation was very capably supervised by the agent, Mr. Henry Smith.
The liquor establishments have been inspected and, as in past years, conditions have been found satisfactory.
Diphtheria and vaccination clinics have been well attended. These clinics established by the town of Westford over twenty years ago have shown great results as to the health of this community. The department has been assisted at these clinics by the public health nurse and also by the visiting nurse.
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