USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1956-1962 > Part 36
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Conferences with Board of Health members
9
Board of Health meetings attended.
1
LABORATORY
Since June of this past year the Laboratory at Nashoba, after a period of curtailed Diagnostic work has shown a steady increase in the
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number of Medical Bacteriology Tests. This increased work load is slowly bringing a broader scope of testing capabilities and the result is that the people in our District will have even greater services ex- tended to them in the not too distant future. The following is a breakdown of the number of Tests performed for Westford since June 1959:
Well water 25
Beach water tested. 18
Milk 26
The number of Butter Fat Tests is not included but is approximate- ly the same as the number of tests performed on milk.
Total Diagnostic Tests performed .288
No breakdown of Diagnostic Tests is given in this report since in many instances the Town was not included on the request slip for the Test. Corrective measures beginning the new year will enable the Lab- oratory to give this information in the next report.
The Laboratory is aware of the problem of some of the Towns, not in close proximity, who at present find it difficult to avail them- selves of our Diagnostic Testing Services. Serious consideration as to how this situation can be remedied has been given and we sincerely feel that this year will promise a better rapport between the Labora- tory and our outlying districts.
NURSING AND PREVENTIVE DENTAL SERVICES
It has been a pleasure to work with your Town Nurse, Miss Dorothy Healy, again this year. In spite of the growing demand of the School Health Program and an increased number of Well Child Conferences, she finds time to attend professional educational programs. We are pleased that Mrs. Richard W. Hall, your Visiting Nurse, finds it possible to attend some of our meetings with Miss Healy.
With the growth of school population and construction of new fa- cilities to meet this increase, plans are underway for the provision of a part time assistant to Miss Healy. Three other fast growing Nashoba towns have found it advisable to make some such arrangement in the past few years, and in two of the towns the original part time assistant is now on full time.
274 pupils in Grades 2, 5 and 8 participated in the Nashoba Pre- ventive Dental Program during the last school year. This was started in December 1958 and finished in January 1959.
MEDICAL SOCIAL WORK SERVICES
The year 1959 has brought an appreciable increase in the number of cases referred to your Medical Social Consultant. This is due in part to the fact that the program is becoming better known in the towns and also to the fact that out of town agencies both medical and social are using the services more frequently.
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Because of the confidential nature of her work, the Medical Social Consultant cannot give a statistical breakdown in each Town. However, in the entire Nashoba District, there were 171 cases carried by the Medical Social Consultant in this past year involving 470 interviews or contacts. Some of these were cases which a Social Worker calls short term contacts but many were carried for several weeks and en- tailed a direct service type case work.
Roughly, one third of all the cases were of this direct service type, the others being consultive. Both types of service were used by professional and lay people within the district and other groups out- side our Towns.
Consultation with the Medical Social Consultant was requested by nine (9) Boards of Health, including yours, regarding the premature baby law.
ACCIDENT PREVENTION PROGRAM
In the past year two Statistical Studies have been conducted in Westford; one to determine the number, type and cause of accidents occurring to elementary school children and another to determine the number, type and cause of accidents occurring to Westford residents requiring hospital treatment.
Safety materials in the form of lesson guides, posters, pamphlets and films have been distributed to students and teachers in your school system. Special Programs have been presented to a number of Westford Civic Organizations, at which time they were asked to assist in the promotion of various Safety Projects such as Baby Sitter and Rifle Safety Courses. The Westford PTA sponsored a Baby Sitter Course with 75 students of Westford Academy participating. The Westford Sports- men's Club is currently sponsoring a Rifle Safety Course with 30 young people registered.
The Program Director provided Westford Academy Guidance Depart- ment with Health Career materials for student use.
The preliminary results of our Statistical Studies indicate a high prevalence and incidence of accidents occurring to Westford res- idents. Yet, public support for the Program has been noticeably lack- ing due mainly to indifference and apathy. It must be remembered that, to be successful, the Program must have the full cooperation of every citizen of Westford.
In addition to the Accident Prevention Program, the Health Educa- tion Department has lent its assistance to many other Nashoba activi- ties, such as this year's Rabies and Polio Clinics and many of the Educational and Public Relations functions of the Health Center.
PREVENTIVE MEDICAL SERVICES
The Tuberculin Testing Program initiated last year was finished up early in 1959 and resumed for 1st Graders and other new pupils in the fall. 2307 children were tested, of which 268 were from your
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Town. At the same time a total of 53 teachers were certified on the basis of a negative Mantoux Test.
In November 465 school personnel were X-Rayed in the Mobile Unit at the Nashoba Health Center. One case of active Tuberculosis was discovered and follow-up is being done on a few other suspect cases.
Two (2) Polio Clinics were held in Westford and 399 shots were administered by Dr. Ralph E. Cole. A total of 4844 shots were admin- istered throughout the District.
A total 161 Well Child Conferences were held this year, of which 16 were held in Westford. 212 children attended your Conferences served by the Medical Director and Dr. Mary Donald making 381 visits and receiving 527 immunizations and vaccinations.
There were two (2) cases of Paralytic Poliomyelitis reported in the District this year and nine (9) new cases of Pulmonary Tuberculo- sis. The problem of the cost of Medical Care for Tuberculosis Patients is one which is currently receiving much study by the State, Local Health Officers and Sanatorium Heads. One case each of Shigella Dys- entery, Encephalitis, Infectious Hepatitis and Psitacosis were report- ed. Other Communicable Diseases such as Chicken Pox, Measles and Mumps were reported less often than last year and none had serious sequelae.
Fourteen Towns, including yours, signed up to have Rabies Clinics this spring. A total of 758 dogs were inoculated as compared to 442 last year. In Westford, 57 dogs were inoculated by Robert F. Wignall, D.V.M.
We have been pleased to note an increased participation on the part of our Board Members in the formulation of Programs and policies. We also feel that the increased public utilization and demand for Ser- vices is a desirable trend.
Eleanor H. Smith, M.D., M.P.H. DIRECTOR
REPORT OF THE INSPECTOR OF WIRES
There were 314 Wiring Permits issued. The Appropriation was used as follows :
Appropriation for 1959
$ 700.00
374 Inspections made @ $1.50 $ 561.00
Supplies, clerical, postage telephone etc. $ 103.13 $ 664.13
Unused balance of appropriation $ 35.87
Norman E. Day INSPECTOR OF WIRES
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REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
The following men were appointed as Fire Engineers: Edward N. Lamson, Leo R. Larkin, Francis J. Mulligan, Carl R. Nylund and Hubert V. Raymond. Edward N. Lamson was also appointed Forest Warden.
The organization of the Board of Fire Engineers followed with the election of Edward N. Lamson as Chief and Francis J. Mulligan as Clerk.
The Fire Department answered 134 calls for fires. Of these 26 were calls to the Dump and 67 for grass and brush. In addition, there were 2 false alarms, 7 complaints investigated, 18 calls from the Rob- bins Hill Tower, 1 lost child and 29 cellars pumped out. 1774 permits to burn were issued by Mrs. St. Onge.
Westford was not called for Mutual Aid nor was it necessary for Westford to call for aid.
The ambulance, manned by the firemen, answered 121 calls. As the population increases so do the ambulance calls.
There were three officer changes during the year: In Company #1 George R. Young was elected Captain and Harold A. Fletcher as Lieuten- ant; in Company #3 Harold Rogers was elected Lieutenant.
Interest by the men seems to be greater each year, for which the Engineers are very grateful, as this means a better Fire Department, thereby rendering better service to the Town.
Edward N. Lamson
Leo R. Larkin
Francis J. Mulligan
Carl R. Nylund Hubert V. Raymond BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
REPORT OF THE TAX TITLE PROPERTY COMMITTEE
In 1959 the Town came into possession of 4 Parcels of Land. The approximate cost to the Town was $500.00. 4 Parcels were sold for $800.00.
The Town now owns 21 Parcels. Information concerning this Land may be obtained from any member of the Committee.
The Tax Title Account contains 35 Parcels which will accrue to the Town when they are cleared in Land Court.
Herford N. Elliott Roger H. Hildreth Carroll J. Rollins
TAX TITLE PROPERTY COMMITTEE
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REPORT OF HIGHWAY DEPARTMENT
CHAPTER 81 AND GENERAL HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE:
The usual Highway work was carried out this year which included the use of Gravel Pea Stone, Gravel, Asphalt, Screened Sand and Bitu- minous Patch on roads and streets that come under Chapter 81.
CHAPTER 90 - MAINTENANCE :
This Chapter was carried out under the provision of the contract. Sections of Concord, Acton, Tyngsboro and Beaver Brook Roads were re- surfaced with Asphalt, Pea Stone and Sand.
CHAPTER 90 - CONSTRUCTION:
Graniteville Road, under this Chapter, was completed this year. The work consisted of Installing Drainage, placing Gravel Foundation, Grading, installing Guard Rail, Paving and Resurfacing a section of said Road.
The 1959 contract on Groton Road - Route 40 - consisted of Grad- ing, placing Gravel Foundation, Drainage, installation of Guard Rail, laying Bituminous Concrete and other incidental work.
DRAINAGE :
Drainage was installed on Plain, Oak Hill, Lillian, Forge Village, Tadmuck and Groton Roads.
George W. Wyman SUPERINTENDENT OF STREETS
REPORT OF MOTH AND TREE DEPARTMENTS
All the Elm Trees were sprayed twice and all roadside trees once. Some Elm Tree leaves were eaten by the Elm Leaf Beetle due to the very wet weather.
Many dead Elms were cut and destroyed. Several streets in Forge Village and Graniteville were trimmed of dead wood.
The 150 new Nursery Trees which were purchased in 1959 were planted.
Kenneth A. Wilson MOTH SUPERINTENDENT AND TREE WARDEN
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REPORT OF DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
The activities of this Commission during 1959 have been more or less curtailed awaiting the completion of Interstate Route 495 (Route 110). The new highway is still under construction and is moving to- ward completion as rapidly as Federal funds permit. This new six-lane divided expressway will be constructed to handle 30,000 vehicles daily in the year 1980. The new Route will interchange with all major high- ways along its path. It is understandable that any industry seeking a new location in the vicinity of this new highway seems reluctant to commit itself until the final Route is completed.
Mr. Richard C. LaCroix has been contacted relative to the land he purchased on Howard Road. The section of road on which the former "Bunker" and "Howard" properties were located, and which Mr. Lacroix plans to develop, is at present out for bid by the State of Massachu- setts and the understanding is that that section of Interstate Route 495 will be completed by December 1960. Mr. Lacroix assures the Town he will do everything possible to promote the Westford Industrial Park.
Two new industries have located at Westford during 1959 - one is a manufactory occupying one of the former C. G. Sargent's Sons Corpo- ration buildings at Graniteville, producing rust preventatives and metal working fluids and the other is the Liquid Metals, Inc., located on Plain Road.
At the present time two superhighways are under construction in the Westford area namely, Interstate Route 495 (110) and Route 3. Upon their completion there should be many inquiries from outside in- dustries seeking relocation of their companies. At that time the Development and Industrial Commission will increase its activity ac- cordingly but, at the moment, it seems to be a matter of "wait and see . "
Early in the year a questionnaire was completed and returned to the NEW SETTLER'S GUIDE FOR GREATER BOSTON. This Guide is a publica- tion designed to aid the thousands of prospective home buyers who come to the Greater Boston area each year from other parts of the country to accept positions on an executive and professional level. Some ten thousand such home buyers were expected to arrive during 1959 and each would be a recipient of the 1959 NEW SETTLER'S GUIDE. This particular Guide described seventy odd residential communities in the Boston area and provided information to help the out-of-state people in their se- lections. Westford was one of the communities to be selected and the Commission did its utmost to provide a most attractive description of the Town. .
Respectfully submitted, Henry A. Beyer, Acting Chairman J. William Blythe Robert V. Cassidy Peter Sechovich Elizabeth K. Beyer, Secretary DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
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REPORT OF RECREATION COMMISSION
The programs of the Recreation Commission have enjoyed fine prog- ress this past year. Among these are Small Fry Baseball, Babe Ruth Baseball and Junior Basketball.
The Westford Small Fry League consists of 9 squads or teams for boys 8 to 12 years old. One hundred seventy (170) boys were included in this program during the summer vacation months. No boy in Westford is refused or cut from playing in this League if he wants to play. The better players of this League were selected to play on a team called the Westford Whiz Kids and played in faster competition with similar teams from surrounding Towns. On the final day of regular Small Fry competition the Annual Field Day was held. At this occasion free Hot Dogs, Tonic, Ice Cream and Cake were enjoyed by all children present. This season the winning team and the runners-up were awarded individual trophies. Prizes were awarded to three outstanding members from each of the remaining teams.
"Babe Ruth" Baseball started its first season this past summer with great success. This program is for boys who have "graduated" from the Small Fry League. Ages are 13 through 15 years. One team was organized and fully equipped and played a full schedule with sim- ilar teams from surrounding Towns in the Nashoba "Babe Ruth" League. Plans by the Commission call for more teams in this category and/or P.A.L. League. The latter for boys over 15 years old.
Junior Basketball was introduced during the 1958-1959 winter sea- son at the Westford Academy Gymnasium. Boys 8 to 14 enjoyed an out- standingly supervised program. Three teams were formed and played in similar age group brackets with teams from surrounding Towns. The rest of the boys played inter-mural ball. Eighty (80) boys of the Town were included in this Program and, once again, no boy in the age bracket above was refused or cut from the teams if he wanted to play. At the time of writing this report the 1959-60 Program, of greater proportion, is in full swing.
This past year, the Board of Selectmen, by authorization at a Special Town Meeting, appointed four additional members to the Recrea- tion Commission. The enlarged group met and organized on May 29, 1959 and have held regular meetings at least once per month since that time.
The members of the Recreation Commission are an active and enthu- siastic group. This can also be said of the team managers, coaches, instructors, program directors, umpires, referees and so forth. This report would not be complete without a big "thank you" to this latter group and the Commission is happy to express it in this report in be- half of all the people of Westford.
We would like to include in our future planning :
1. Pee Wee Hockey
2. 7-8 Grade Football
3. Girls' Basketball
4. Girls' Tennis
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5. Girls' Badminton
6. Arts and Crafts (Boys and Girls)
7. Swimming Classes (Boys and Girls)
8. Bowling (Boys and Girls)
9. Recreation Programs for older groups
Several attempts were made during the past season to initiate Programs #3 and #8 above. These as well as other contemplated Pro- grams require supervision, instruction and so forth by the women and young ladies of the Town.
Since all the present coaches, instructors and so forth are on a non-paying basis the only compensation offered is the great satisfac- tion of being a part in an overall program whose value could never be measured in dollars. The men and older boys who give of their time and talent in the present boys programs can vouch for this.
Finally, the Commission would like to thank the Board of Select- men, the School Committee, merchants and organizations and all others who have helped in the success of this expanding program.
WESTFORD RECREATION COMMISSION Harry V. Smith, Chairman
Philip C. Cook, Secretary
Thomas F. Darrah
Albert H. Forty
Waldo S. Leedberg
Charles A. Robinson
Walter Teresko
REPORT OF WESTFORD 4-H CLUBS
The Annual Report of the Westford 4-H Club work brings to close another successful and eventful year. We have held the usual banquet in observance of National 4-H Week, Window Displays, Town Demonstra- tion Day, 4-H Fair and Booster Night. Between these nearly a hundred boys and girls kept busy with the Projects of their choice.
This year we added a new Project - Foods. The Poultry Project was reactivated and the Bicycle Club met during the summer months. Up to date we have eleven Clubs meeting regularly. Our thanks to the voters of Westford who each year help us in this worthy undertaking.
We purchased two Sewing Machines for the Merry Homemakers of Nab- nasset. This Club consists of twenty girls. Through your generous offering we were able to supply them with the much needed machines.
Once again, any youngster of 9 years and over may join any of our Clubs. All functions are open to the public and we would like to see you there.
4-Hily, Evelyn K. Brown CHAIRMAN OF 4-H TOWN COMMITTEE
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REPORT OF THE TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
During 1959 the Forest Committee has continued its efforts to im- prove the Town Forest in the area of Forge Village Road and Cold Spring Road. Brush and trimmings were removed from most of the area but there is about one acre to be finished.
275 Red Pine Seedlings were set out in the various clear places. The Committee wishes to thank Gordon B. Seavey for donating the seed- lings.
The Division of Forests and Parks, in cooperation with the Middle- sex County Extension Service, established a check plot adjacent to Cold Spring Road. This means that interested persons may visit the area and keep in touch with comparative growths of pine trees.
The Massachusetts Forest and Park Association held its annual meeting at the Town Forest. The Association presented the Town with an attractive Plaque in recognition of the program of sound resource development and utilization conducted on its Forest.
The Forest Committee plans to continue its work in 1960. It hopes to finish clearing the brush and also to set out 500 Red Pine Seedlings and to spray the small hardwood growth to eliminate competi- tion with the soft woods.
William E. Wright Kenneth A. Wilson Carroll J. Rollins TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
The Cemetery Commissioners are pleased to submit this report for the year ending 1959. There is not much we can say as the four ceme- teries speak very well for themselves. The general run of visiting public think likewise.
During the year we spread lime and fertilizer - this, combined with a lot of rain and mowing, is what makes a nice green yard. We also repaired and painted the summer house in Fairview Cemetery.
We put on a good strip of Hot Topping and would like to put on more in 1960. Have asked for more money as you can't do much without it these days and we aim to make the cemeteries more attractive and beautiful each year.
Walter L. Blanchard, Chairman Albert A. Hildreth Matthew A. Elliott BOARD OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
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REPORT OF THE FINANCE COMMITTEE
February 2, 1960
Board of Selectmen Westford, Massachusetts
Gentlemen:
At the present time we are holding our usual meetings with the various Town Departments and Boards to study their budgets and pro- posed special articles in order that we may present our recommenda- tions at the Annual Town Meeting. These recommendations will be set forth in our supplemental report to be mailed to each household in Westford early in March.
Looking back on 1959 we can report a genuine spirit of coopera- tion with our Committee on the part of most Town Departments and Committees. In this connection we especially commend the School Building Committee for the new Nabnasset School and the Board of Pub- lic Welfare in discussing with us the closing down of the Infirmary. We also commend your Board for its sincere concern for the govern- mental processes of our Town.
As for 1960, it is too early to estimate our financial situa- tion. We can say that the problems of growth are becoming more acute and that within the near future we must all come to grips with them. We refer not only to the expansion of the school system, but also to questions of public safety and to the probability that certain elec- tive Town offices must of necessity become full-time positions.
We report with regret the resignation of a long-time member of our Committee, Mr. Arthur L. Healy. His intimate knowledge of Town affairs covering a period of many years has been a great help to us.
The schedule of transfers from our Reserve Fund appears below.
Respectfully submitted,
WESTFORD FINANCE COMMITTEE Lawrence S. Johnston, Chairman John J. Barretto Helen S. Chace Herbert C. Decato Albert G. Forty Elmer P. Morrill Viateur A. Ricard F. Stanley Smith Nicholas Sudak, Jr.
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TRANSFERS FROM THE RESERVE FUND IN 1959
Enforcement of Zoning $ 4.75
Interest on Revenue Loans
1,168.79
Tax Collector 267.13
Assessors
368.25
Fire and Compensation Insurance 287.94
Police Department
570.22
Town Forests
77.75
Street Lights
25.40
Memorial Day
55.25
Snow and Ice Removal
$ 87.50
Total Transferred $ 2,912.98
Balance 2,087.02
Appropriated at Annual Town Meeting
$ 5,000.00
REPORT OF THE TOWN TREASURER
Balance on hand .January 1, 1959 $ 193,999.04
Receipts to December 31, 1959
1,746,944.23
$ 1,940,943.27
Balance on hand December 31, 1959 $ 598,388.17
Total payments to December 31, 1959
1,342,555.10
$ 1,940,943.27
Charlotte P. Greig TOWN TREASURER
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REPORT OF THE TOWN ACCOUNTANT
In accordance with the requirements of the General Laws, there is presented herewith the Annual Report of the Town Accountant. The Ac- countant's records are open for public inspection.
Respectfully submitted, Frederic A. Fisher TOWN ACCOUNTANT
RECEIPTS - 1959
Taxes :
Current Year :
Poll
$ 1,902.00
Personal Property
63,953.70
Real Estate
429,335.93
495,191.63 $
Previous Years :
Poll
306.00
Personal Property
1,325.30
Real Estate
25,027.19
26,658.49
Motor Vehicle Excise:
Levy of 1957
554.33
Levy of 1958
13,806.30
Levy of 1959
47,887.45
62,248.08
Farm Animal Excise:
Levy of 1957
11.88
Levy of 1958
166.88
Levy of 1959
388.22
566.98
Street Betterments
736.38
Tax Title and Town Possessions :
Tax Titles redeemed
493.57
Sale of Town Possessions
824.31
1,317.88
Licenses and Permits :
Liquor Licenses
6,900.00
License Expense
181.75
Miscellaneous Licenses :
Taxi
$ 2.00
Peddler
11.00
Gasoline
59.00
Pistol (Firearms)
64.00
Victualler
55.00
One Day Beer
75.00
Camp
1.00
Milk and Oleo
15.50
Auctioneer
8.00
Amusement (Sunday)
120.00
Maps
$ 20.75
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Appeal Board - Zoning
$ 293.60
Building Permits
386.00
Sewerage Permits Second Hand Cars
310.00
35.00
Junk
50.00
Alcohol
5.00
Explosives
10.00
$ 1,520.85
$ 8,602.60
Court Fines
135.00
Rent - Town Hall
118.00
State Taxes :
Corporation Tax Income Tax Meal Tax
38,747.32 20,095.76 1,818.53
60,661.61
Grants from Federal Government:
Old Age Assistance
26,942.71
Old Age Assistance - Administration
1,327.42
Aid to Dependent Children
3,622.50
Aid to Dependent Children - Administration
131.93
Disability Assistance
6,091.50
Disability Assistance - Administration
292.53
38,408.59
Grants from State:
Vocational Schools
3,358.72
School Aid
65,610.21
School Aid (Federal Employees)
15,486.91
School - National Defense Education
2,494.40
School Transportation
33,959.20
School - Handicapped Children
2,447.76
Chapter 81 Highways
19,800.27
Grant from County - Dog Licenses
Gift - Isabel F. Hyams Fund, Inc.
Departmental Revenue:
Town Hall - Use of Telephone
52.31
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