USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Westford > Town of Westford annual report 1956-1962 > Part 68
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ENTERIC DISEASES:
4 cases of Enteric Diseases were investigated throughout the District.
RABIES :
Clinics were held in 15 Towns. A total of 1,008 dogs were vac- cinated, 132 in Westford.
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Now that Rabies is known to be endemic in this area, local ordi- nances requiring compulsory vaccination for dogs are advisable.
INFLUENZA:
Nashoba assisted with 5 Flu Clinics in the winter of 1961 - 1962 for Town employees in Ashby, Townsend, Berlin, Shirley and Westford. Because of an acute vaccine shortage, only one clinic in Ayer could be held during the current season. Some of the Boards of Health also independently distributed vaccine to Town employees.
PREMATURE BIRTHS :
84 reported, of which 16 required investigation by the Medical Social Consultant.
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE:
Reported Cases :
Chicken Pox 248
Measles
634
German Measles 20
Infectious Hepatitis. 5
Mumps . 411
Meningitis.
1
Scarlet Fever.
82
Dog Bite
126
Cat Bite.
4
Monkey Bite
1
Tuberculosis
6
Sept. Sore Throat.
2
Conjunctivitis
2
Gonorrhea
1
Salmonella
4
Trench Mouth.
2
Viral Hepatitis.
1
Neisseria Meningitidis .. 1
Addendum: Food Handlers - at a Special Clinic for Food Handlers the following examinations were performed:
76 Chest X-rays
69 Tuberculin Tests
62 Hinton Tests
NURSING SERVICES:
Throughout 1962, the major changes in Nursing in the Nashoba towns have been in the staff itself. In each Nashoba town a gener- alized School Nursing Program has been in effect. The program has been adapted to include new programs as they are introduced into the community. One outstanding example this year has been the Sabin Polio Vaccine Program. Without the excellent cooperation of the local Public Health Nurse and her many volunteers, it would have been virtually impossible to carry out this immunization program on such a large scale. This same spirit of teamwork was evident in any program
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brought to your community and a vote of thanks is extended to all in- dividuals who helped to promote their success.
One of the most important next steps in Public Health Nursing throughout the country is to give definite consideration toward reor- ganization of existing Nursing Services to insure better distribution of the nursing power and seek nursing supervision for the staff wher- ever it does not already exist. This should be one of our major goals as well. It frequently becomes necessary to evaluate the pres- ent program if we are to pave the way for its growth. Each Town ben- efits from its concern for knowledge and support of Nursing, for the inhabitants, individually, are the recipients of the Services of Nursing.
Both local Nurses have been active participants at the monthly staff meetings at Nashoba where subjects of their interests were dis- cussed by various speakers. Through the combined efforts of the Nurses, Westford residents have had the opportunity to avail them- selves of all of Nashoba's Preventive Medical Services.
MEDICAL SOCIAL WORK PROGRAM:
During 1962, there was increased use of the Social Work Services throughout Nashoba. This was apparent in both consultation and di- rect service. 161 Cases were referred to your Medical Social Con- sultant, of these about 1/3 required direct service. 144 home vis- its were made and 563 contacts or interviews were held with patients from the various Towns.
The following types of cases were referred for direct service: 9 cases of retarded children needing evaluation and referral for special types of care
16 evaluations of need in premature infant cases
6 geriatric problems
4 patients with chronic illness
2 needing speech therapy
2 school children with serious mental illness
3 cases of mental illness causing disruption of family life
6 cases of serious family maladjustment
3 cases of inadequate housing
Your Medical Social Consultant made 48 referrals to agencies outside of Nashoba and had 28 cases referred to her from outside. There was a continuing effort to cooperate with the outside agencies with especial emphasis on Worcester State Hospital where the Director of Social Service has invited your Medical Social Consultant to par- ticipate in Staff Conferences in order to bring about a closer work- ing relationship between hospital professional and community profes- sional people. 22 professional meetings were attended including a 3 day meeting in New York of the National Medical Social Consultants where each State was represented and much interesting material was exchanged regarding various Public Health Programs.
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DENTAL HEALTH:
Since our Dental Health Program is conducted on the basis of the school year rather than the calendar year, this and subsequent annual reports will be based on the former time period.
During the school year 1961-62, of a total of 413 students in the 2nd, 5th and 8th grades, 86% received complete dental evaluations and topical Fluoride treatments. 71% of those treated were referred for further care because of existing dental problems.
SANITATION SERVICES:
The adoption of Article XI of the State Sanitary Code, Minimum Requirements for the Disposal of Sanitary Sewage in Unsewered Areas, by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health on February 9, 1962, made the Article, Law throughout the State. This brought about a definite change in the Sewage Disposal Regulations in the Nashoba Towns and was the "high point" of 1962.
We have now worked with Article XI for one year and have found it very helpful. We feel that new requirements, especially test pit, percolation test and plans, have resulted in the installation of bet- ter Sewage Disposal Systems. We found too, that generally, the builders, contractors and homeowners cooperated very well with us in applying the new regulations.
The following services were provided to your town during the calendar year 1962:
Milk Plants Supervised. 12
Food Establishments Visited.
15
Private Water Supplies Serviced 36
Visits Made for Private Sewage Disposal 222
Nuisance Complaints Investigated. 22
In addition to these services, visits were made to kindergartens, nursing homes, schools, bathing beaches and summer camps. During the year 1962 a Food Handlers' Course was offered for Restaurateurs and School Cafeteria Personnel and a Sewage Disposal Seminar was offered to Contractors in the Nashoba Towns in February.
LABORATORY :
The total amount of work performed by the Laboratory is listed below:
Diagnostic Bacteriology. 1435
Drinking Water. 524
Beach or Bathing Water. 184
Milk Tests.
2611
Special Projects and Studies. 137
Urinalysis - Ayer school children. 79
Since milk and diagnostic tests as well as special projects and studies effect every citizen in the Nashoba District, a breakdown of
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foregoing figures is not given.
The preceding report covers our activities for 1962. We look forward to continued service during the coming year.
Barbara T. Ganem, M.D., M.P.F MEDICAL DIRECTOR
REPORT OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONERS
Last spring we put a good strip of hot-topping on the roads at Fairview to a cost of $500. This was done on the so called Tadmuck Division. That section is almost completed now. In 1963 we will d. half of the road along the south wall.
Fertilizer and rain tell the story once again for the green grass. August was on the dry side and gave us a little time to fix up 60 to 70 of the old gravestones that were bent over and settled.
The toolhouse roof was finished and the building put in good shape once again.
Walter L. Blanchard, Chairman Albert A. Hildreth Matthew A. Elliott BOARD OF CEMETERY COMMISSIONER
REPORT OF DOG OFFICER
Complaints investigated.
181
Dogs picked up.
28
Dogs turned over to County. 21
Dogs destroyed.
17
Dogs returned to owners 6
Dog bites investigated.
14
Cases in Ayer District Court 4
Complaints filed with County Commissioner for damage to livestock. 5
Dogs found homes for
1
Dogs struck by cars 10
1
Squirrel bites investigated
1
Cases taken care of for Board of Health 27
Cat bites investigated
William C. MacMilla DOG OFFICER
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REPORT OF THE PLUMBING INSPECTOR
There were five (5) Plumbing Permits issued from October to December 1962.
The Appropriation was used as follows:
Appropriation for 1962. $ 900.00
5 Inspections made @ $1.50 .. $ 7.50
Supplies and postage .. 30.00 37.50
Unused balance of appropriation $ 862.50
Paul L. McDonald PLUMBING INSPECTOR
REPORT OF THE GAS INSPECTOR
I have been making inspections in buildings where gas piping and installation applications have been filed and have left notes for the Gas Company to set meters accordingly. The Gas Company is cooperat- ing.
I believe there have been, since the Code came into effect, some violations by builders and sub-contractors. By telephone, I have notified one concern of two illegal installations and have had no re- sults as yet.
My personal recommendation, if this Code is to be enforced, and also to avoid conflict with the State Authority, is to require occu- pancy permits and inform all builders of these ordinances when they acquire permits.
George D. Carpenter GAS INSPECTOR
REPORT OF THE TREE WARDEN
In the Spring of 1962, shade trees were planted in different sections of the Town.
Later in the Summer and also in the Fall, we did the necessary pruning.
Most of the appropriation for the department, was used for cut- ting dead Elm and Maple trees.
Kenneth A. Wilson TREE WARDEN
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REPORT OF THE CONSERVATION COMMISSION
Organized late in 1961 under Chapter 40 Section 8C, General Laws of Massachusetts, the Westford Conservation Commission completes its first full year of existence with this annual report.
A series of meetings through last winter and spring were devoted to conferences with other Town Boards such as the Planning Board and Selectmen, also with the privately organized Westford Conservation Land Trust, Inc. Various aspects of coordination among these groups were discussed and general agreement reached as to the areas of ac- tivity for which each would take responsibility. A number of poten- tial land areas which might be reserved for green space, watershed protection and wildlife areas were discussed. A base map of the Towr showing present zoning ordinances together with all potential con- servation areas was prepared. 5
In March, members of the Conservation Commission and the Plan- ning Board cooperated in presenting an evening program on Conserva- tion, before the Mr. and Mrs. Club in Westford Center.
The Chairman participated in several conferences with Common- wealth Conservation officials and in two conferences of the Massachu- setts Association of Town Conservation Commissions.
During the Summer, several meetings were held with School De- partment officials relative to the possibility of conducting a town- wide natural resource survey as a project by high school pupils, in coordination with the Commission. Such an activity would provide basic information needed by the Commission, acquaint Town residents with the importance of Conservation and serve as an educational pro- ject of value to the pupils. As of this report, plans to implement such a project have not been finalized.
Current members are Bryant R. Chaplin, Chairman; Harry B. Lamb Secretary; Alexander M. Woznac, John F. Gagnon, Ralph W. Brewer and Wallace E. MacQuarrie.
The Commission recommends that the Selectmen appoint three mem- bers, of which two would be additional members, bringing the total uj to the seven permitted by law. The Commission feels that two of these members should be ex officio, with a vote each, representing il one case the Planning Board and in the other, the Westford Conserva- tion Land Trust, Inc. Consideration should also be given to appoint. ing the third member ex officio, with a vote, representing the West- ford Garden Club.
Bryant R. Chaplin, Chairman CONSERVATION COMMISSION
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REPORT OF THE RECREATION COMMISSION
The Recreation Commission has enjoyed a fine program this past year. Its facilities are expanding all the time. For a Town the size of Westford, the Recreation Program offered is one of which to be proud. At the present time the following activities are partici- pated in with great interest:
1. Little League Baseball
2. Babe Ruth Baseball
3. Tennis Tournaments
4. Junior Basketball
5. Men's Softball
6. Physical Training Program for Men and Women
Our Commission is composed of seven active members. Each member actively participates in one or more of the above mentioned sports. Meetings are held on a monthly basis and are very well attended. The members are an enthusiastic group and the welfare of the children in this Town is the most important function of this group. This can also be said of the team managers, coaches and officials.
Our largest program is Little League Baseball. This takes place during the summer months and 200 boys between the ages of 8 - 12 are assigned to teams and all are fully uniformed. No boy in Westford is refused or cut from this League if he wants to play baseball. On the final day of the season an Annual Field Day is held. On this occa- sion all of these youngsters are treated to free hot dogs, tonic, ice cream and cake. The refreshments this year were donated by the following Organizations whom the Recreation Commission would like to publicly thank at this time: Frederick S. Healy American Legion Post #159, Graniteville; Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #6539, Forge Vil- lage and the Franco-American Club, Forge Village. Because of their generosity, many youngsters enjoyed a very fine day. Our thanks also to the many mothers who donated their time and cakes.
Our program keeps expanding, but it is the intent of this Com- mission to offer as much recreation possible with the minimum of ex- pense. This has been accomplished in the past and we hope to main- tain this same policy in the future.
Finally, the Commission would like to thank the School Committee and Board of Selectmen for their cooperation and wholehearted support in an overall program whose value could never be measured in dollars.
Harry V. Smith, Chairman
Waldo S. Leedberg Charles A. Robinson Earle A. Cronan Gene M. Barretto Felix R. Perrault Francis Courchaine RECREATION COMMISSION
85
REPORT OF SPECIAL TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
The Town of Westford has seven or eight tracts of land that can be classified as forest land coming under the supervision of the Town Forest Committee. The Committee this year was composed of two new members unacquainted with the different tracts and one old member. It was the hope of the Committee to run the bounds of these tracts and gain some knowledge of their condition, immediate needs and pos- sible future use. Only a small part of this plan was carried out, due largely to the difficulty in finding the location of each tract.
In general, the following brief report can be given:
Tract 1. Known to most citizens as "The Town Forest" lo- cated on Forge Village Road near the Pumping Station. This lot, com- prising about seven (7) acres, has a fair pine growth, put in reason- ably good condition by the Committee two or three years ago. Some additional thinning could be done but nothing that is urgent.
Tract 2. Heart Pond Lot on Old Lowell Road, including the old Town Gravel Bank and running from the Old Lowell Road to the Chelmsford Town Line and Heart Pond. This lot comprises about seven- ty (70) acres. An old wood road has been developed by the owners of summer camps in Chelmsford on Heart Pond, to the detriment of the lot, without any approval by the Town Forest Committee or the Town of Westford. This past year two small gravel banks were opened, trees and brush bulldozed out, the road widened and straightened and the felled trees and brush left in a tangle, creating something of a fire hazard. It is hoped that the Town line on Heart Pond can be ascer- tained and the illegal use and condition of this road, or right of way, can be corrected. The old Town gravel bank is being illegally used to a certain extent as a dump and it is hoped the Town will smooth up the banks and correct having it used as a dump. This lot has great possibilities as a future recreation area for the Town and its improvement by the Forest Committee will depend on its use clas- sification.
Tract 3. Forty (40) acres, more or less, known as the "Bird Sanctuary" is located on South Chelmsford Road, opposite the Arthur Williams 4-H Center. While it is known as a Bird Sanctuary, no use has been made of the property. Part of the land is swamp and would lend itself to use as a Nature or Wildlife Area.
Tract 4. About one hundred (100) acres, off Tadmuck Road, running through to Chamberlain Road, known as the "Mystery Spring Lot". Part of this lot is also swamp but part of it has a good stand of White Pine, with good possibilities for forestry development and possibly recreation. The Town also has a small gravel bank on this lot off Chamberlain, Tadmuck and Chelmsford Roads, that could be im- proved.
Tract 5. Forty (40) or more acres of mixed growth on high ground off Tyngsboro Road, on the right hand side going toward Tyngs- boro. This lot can mark time for a few years but it is an asset to the Town for conservation or forestry purposes.
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Tracts 6, 7 and 8. Your Committee has not checked on these tracts but understands that one is off Littleton Road and the other two are off Texas Road. There may be still more land with which the Committee is not acquainted or with which they are not certain is their responsibility.
Your Committee hopes, in the future, to develop maps or plans that will more clearly let the citizens of the Town know of the lo- cation of the various tracts and their possibilities. They also be- lieve that their should be close cooperation between the various Town Committees such as Conservation, Recreation and the Planning Board, in the development and use of its forest land.
Allister F. MacDougall Kenneth A. Wilson Florian Woitowicz SPECIAL TOWN FOREST COMMITTEE
REPORT OF THE BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
The Fire Department answered 163 calls for fires, investigations and nonpermit burning out of doors.
Westford answered 6 mutual aid calls; 4 in Lowell, 1 in Chelms- ford and 1 in Shirley.
The Ambulance answered 198 calls, which is the usual increase over the previous year.
Heavy rains in October filled many cellars - during a two day period the Fire Department pumped 57 cellars.
The Fire Engineers strongly urge all the citizens to call the Fire Department if there is any question of fire.
Out of doors burning requires a permit year round. For a permit call MY 2-6305.
To report a fire call MY 2-6374
For Ambulance call MY 2-6374
Edward N. Lamson Leo R. Larkin Francis J. Mulligan Carl R. Nylund Hubert V. Raymond BOARD OF FIRE ENGINEERS
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REPORT OF DEVELOPMENT AND INDUSTRIAL COMMISSION
The Development and Industrial Commission, still in its begin- ning stages, has in the past year been in contact with Mr. Lacroix and his associates, who propose an Industrial Development on land owned by Mr. Lacroix along Route 495. This land has been rezoned by the Town for Light Industry at the request of Mr. Lacroix. Approxi- mately 80 acres of other choice developmental property has been re- zoned for Light Industry.
The Commission continues, through its representation, to be ac- tive in its support of the North Middlesex Industrial Development Council, through which the Commission hopes to promote Westford in a National Advertising Campaign. The Council can also serve as a re- source center to which prospective developers may direct requests for information about participating Towns in the North Middlesex area.
The Commission is currently gathering material for the writing of an informative and promotional brochure about the Town.
Much thought is being given to determine the appropriate aims of the Commission and the ways it may best serve the Town.
Erling Mostue, Chairman
TRANSFERS FROM FINANCE COMMITTEE RESERVE
Interest on Revenue Loans
$ 240.03
Publishing By-Laws
583.25
Town Treasurer 146.50
Moth Department
2.34
Insurance - Fire, Compensation, etc.
550.00
Drainage of Town Roads
1,000.00
Fire Department - General
116.64
New Map Cabinet - Assessors
7.22
Wire Inspector
92.25
Treasurer-Collector
91.64
Town House
202.90
Interest - New Middle School Loan
480.00
Total Transfers
3,512.77
Balance
1,487.23
Appropriated at Annual Town Meeting $ 5,000.00
Lawrence S. Johnston, Chairman John J. Barretto Viateur A. Ricard Alfred J. Cann Peter Sechovich Herbert C. Decato F. Stanley Smith Albert G. Forty Nicholas Sudak, Jr. WESTFORD FINANCE COMMITTEE
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TOWN OF WESTFORD
WARRANT
COMMONWEALTH OF MASSACHUSETTS
Middlesex, ss.
To the Constable of the Town of Westford, in said County,
GREETINGS :
You are hereby required, in the name of the Commonwealth afore- said, to notify and warn all the inhabitants of said Town qualified to vote in elections, and also in Town affairs, to meet at their sev- eral polling places, viz:
PRECINCT 1 Town Hall, Westford Center
PRECINCT 2 Healy Legion Hall, Graniteville
PRECINCT 3 New Nabnasset School, Brookside
PRECINCT 4 Murray Hall, Forge Village
MONDAY, MARCH 4, 1963
being the first Monday in said month, at 12:00 o'clock noon for the following purposes :
To bring in their votes for the following officers:
FOR FIVE YEARS One Member of the Planning Board
FOR THREE YEARS
One Selectman
One Assessor
Two Members of the School Committee
One Member of the Board of Public Welfare
Two Trustees of the J. V. Fletcher Library
One Member of the Board of Cemetery Commissioners
One Member of the Board of Public Health
One Member of the Board of Water Commissioners
One Town Clerk
One Member of the Planning Board (to fill vacancy) One Moderator
FOR ONE YEAR One Tree Warden
and also to act upon the following matters:
QUESTION NO. 1
"Shall the town extend contributory group hospital, surgical and medical insurance to elderly persons retired from the service of the town and to their dependents with fifty per cent of the YES premium cost and a portion of the administrative expenses to be paid by the town?" NO
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(Summary and purpose of the law to be acted upon, as determined by the Town Counsel) :
Upon acceptance of this law by the Town, the Selectmen purchase pol- icies for the type of insurance described in the above question for former employees, including teachers, retired prior to the effective date of chapter thirty-two B, accepted at the 1962 Annual Election; to be eligible, such retired employees must be receiving a pension, annu- ity or retirement allowance sufficient from which a monthly insurance premium may be withheld. Upon the death of the retired employee, the surviving spouse may continue the insurance, but must pay the entire cost.
QUESTION NO. 2
"Shall the town pay one-half the premium costs payable by a retired employee for group life insurance and for group general or blanket hospital, surgical and medical insurance?"
YES
NO
(Summary and purpose of the law to be acted upon, as determined by the Town Counsel) :
On March 5, 1962 the Town voted to accept the provisions of chapter thirty-two B, which provides for the Town to pay one-half of the cost of the premiums for life insurance, accidental death insurance and hospital, surgical and medical insurance for employees of the Town. Upon retirement, however, the life insurance was reduced fifty per cent, all other insurance was continued, but the employee then paid the entire premium. Upon acceptance of the above Question No. 2, the Town would pay one-half of the costs of such insurance following re- tirement by the employee.
All on one ballot.
The polls will be open from 12:00 o'clock noon to 8:00 P.M .; and to meet in Westford Academy at Westford Center on the following
SATURDAY, MARCH 9, 1963
at 1:00 o'clock in the afternoon, then and there to act upon the fol- lowing Articles, viz:
ARTICLE 1. To hear the reports of the Town Officers and Com- mittees; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 2. To fix the salary and compensation of all elected officers of the Town, provide for a Reserve Fund and to determine what sums of money the Town will raise and appropriate, including appropri- ation from any available funds, to defray all departmental and inci- dental charges, expenses and outlays of the Town, including debt and interest for the ensuing year and for paying unpaid bills of previous years.
ARTICLE 3. 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 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
90
than one year, in accordance with Section 17 of Chapter 44 of the General Laws; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 4. To see if the Town will vote to appoint the Plan- ning Board as its agent to acquire options for the purchase of land for municipal use, including, without limiting the generality of the foregoing, parks, municipal buildings and wild life refuges; or act in relation thereto.
ARTICLE 5. To see if the Town will vote to raise and appropri- ate, or transfer from unappropriated available funds in the Treasury, a sum of money for Chapter 81 Highways; or act in relation thereto.
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