USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1954-1955 > Part 12
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In 1954, upon the vote of the people, action was instigated on substandard dwellings through - out the Town. As of this date, fifty-three (53) dwellings have been inspected. Such a program was particularly difficult to carry through because of the shortage of adequate housing. A number of families were assisted in finding homes. A summary of this endeavor is as follows:
Occupied dwellings vacated and posted 21
Unoccupied dwellings posted
11
Occupied dwellings: Violations corrected 8
Permission for temporary occupancy 4
No final action taken 2 No health violation found 5
Cases given for prosecution 2
Approximately one hundred and ninety-two (192) inspections have been made in restaurants, grocery stores, school cafeterias, etc. As a result of these inspections, and as a result of cooperation from store owners, the sanitation rating for these establishments has risen rapidly. The greatest improve - ment has been sterilization (sanitizing) of utensils in all eating and drinking places, and this treatment diminishes the transmission of diseases.
Garbage collection was introduced fulfilling a great need for the proper disposal of that house - hold waste.
The leasing of the facilities of a laboratory has enabled the performance of about 1185 tests on water, milk, food and restaurant utensils. This has proved to be very advantageous to the operation of the Board of Health's many activities.
For the protection of the community health, it has been necessary to introduce certain health regulations. These were: -
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Chapter 1 - Control of Communicable Diseases
Chapter 2 - Milk Regulations
Chapter 3 - Food Regulations
Chapter 5 - Child Day Care Centres
Chapter 8 - Stable Regulations
Chapter 11 - Housing Regulations
PART TWO
The year 1955 represented the year of the polio outbreak. A total of eleven (11) cases with one death were reported. No children innoculated with the Salk vaccine contacted the disease although poliomyelitis was usually more common in the six to nine age bracket. Consultation with the State Board of Health resulted in an intensive effort to keep Silver Lake open during the epidemic. By making many tests and receiving favorable results, approval was received for keeping the lake open although surround - ing towns had to close their beaches.
With the approval of the Salk vaccine by the Massachusetts Polio Advisory Committee and upon reception of the vaccine, the second "shots" shall be given to the first and second graders. A pro- vision has been made in our budget for funds to give the third innoculations as this will not be given free to the towns and cities.
The people of the Town will be asked whether they wish to appropriate money for rubbish collections. With the building boom continuing into 1955 and with no apparent reduction in 1956, the tonn- age of rubbish to be disposed of will necessarily increase. Complaints from unsanitary dumps has and will increase. Consideration should also be given to the cost of the operation of the present dump, and the fact that it contains only two acres - half of which is already filled.
With regard to sanitation, activities started in the previous year were continued.
Water Sanitation:
Twenty-five sources of private water supply were analyzed for purity from contamination. Nine samples of town water were taken at intervals during the year, all of which were satisfactory. Some cases found private supplies contaminated and in most instances, they were rendered safe after treatment.
Any resident of the town may, upon request, have his source of water supply analyzed by calling the Health Agent.
Housing Sanitation:
The need for a housing program cannot be more forcibly demonstrated than by the death of four persons in an unsafe dwelling, and the near death by asphyxiation of four others.
Occupied dwellings vacated and posted Unoccupied dwellings posted
9
9
Occupied dwellings:
Violations corrected
5
Permission for temporary occupancy 4
No final action taken 2 Cases given for prosecution 2
Total number inspected 31
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Sewage Sanitation:
Again this year, the construction of new dwellings reached an all time high. The proposed site for each new home was inspected and drainage tests were performed. A number of lots were re- stricted and permits refused when the land was found unsuitable for the proper disposal of sewage.
Permits granted
214
Inspected and approved
145
Lots restricted
200
Restrictions removed
19
Permits refused
32
Milk Sanitation:
Eighteen dairies are now licensed to sell milk in this Town. Samples of milk have been taken throughout the year from each company and tested for quality and safety. Laboratory analyses include those for butterfat content, bacteria counts, detection of improper pasteurization, contamination after pasteurization, total solids (minerals and proteins), and watering. As a result of these tests, 91. 2% of the milk sold in the Town was found to comply with the Standards of the State Board of Health.
During the summer, milk trucks were checked periodically for icing.
Seven pasteurization plants were routinely inspected for adequacy and functioning of equipment and cleanliness.
Food Sanitation:
Regular inspections were made during the year, and periodic tests were performed on utensils to determine how effectively they were cleaned and sterilized. It was noted that considerable improvement was made in the more important items of sanitation. One establishment had to be closed temporarily for failure to comply with the sanitary code. The following number of inspections were made:
Grocery Stores
21
School & Industrial Cafeterias 3
Bakeries
6
Semi-public establishments 4
Restaurants
25
Ice Cream Plants 4
Canteen trucks
2
Nuisance Sanitation:
In this period, sixty-six complaints were received and investigated:
Complaint
Number
Abated
Dumps
16
13
Sewage
28
27
Pollution of streams
1
1
Rodents
3
2
Housing
2
2
Rest-room
1
1
Animals
7
5
Stagnant water
2
1
Adulteration of food
1
1
Water
3
3
Not of public significance
2
Miscellaneous Inspections:
Piggeries
35
Sanitary Surveys
2
Public Comfort Stations
13
2
Stables 19
Poultry Farms Recreational Camps
5
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Laboratory:
A total of 652 tests were made on water, milk and food by the Health Agent this year.
No.
Satis - factory
Unsatis - factory
Milk
148
135
13
Restaurant Utensils
34
22
12
Private Wells
176
120
56
Town Water
63
63
0
Recreational Camp Well (1)
7
7
0
Silver Lake
224
224
0
Permits and Licenses:
A total of 392 permits and licenses were issued by the Board of Health after an investigation and inspection.
Piggery Licenses
16
Offal Transportation Permits 10
Child Care Center Lic.
4
Methyl Alcohol Licenses 15
Funeral Directors' Permits
4
Stable Licenses
14
Milk Dairy Licenses
18
Milk Store Licenses
21
Oleomargarine Store Lic.
20
Whlse. Mfg. of Ice Cream Lic. 1
Food Permits
52
Retail Mfg. of " 11
11
1
Camp License
1
Sewerage Permits
214
Among the items not included in this report but which will be included in the future activities, are those of a Well Child Clinic, and the enactment of suitable regulations controlling dumps. Rubbish collections if so voted, will be of benefit to the town at a very small increase in the tax rate.
We wish to thank Miss Ann Butters, R. N., Public Health Nurse, and Dr. Gerald Fagan, Medical Agent of the Board, for their continued cooperation and support.
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Patrick A. Thibeau Agent and Sanitarian
BOARD OF HEALTH Francis J. Hagerty, Chairman Vinal E. Lewis Gaius E. Harmon, M. D.
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE
Morbidity Service:
Nursing visits for the year 1955 860
(Compared with 724 for the year 1954)
Fees collected for visits $602. 50
The purpose of this service is to offer skilled nursing care, under the guidance of a physician, to those persons requiring such service in their homes; to give instructions in the care of the sick, in the prevention of disease and in the promotion of health. This service is available to any individual living in the Town of Wilmington.
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Health Service:
A total of 174 visits were made in the interest of child and adult health. These visits include prenatal, postnatal, infant, premature, child and adult health. The purpose of this service is to help families formulate plans for the promotion and protection of their own health and well being and to acquaint them with resources and facilities whereby they might carry out these plans.
Immunization Clinic:
This year, as in the past, the immunization program consisted of a total of five clinics and these were held in the American Legion Hall with the cooperation of the School Nurse. Three regular clinics and one make-up clinic were held whereby 85 children received protection against whooping cough, diphtheria, and tetanus. The fifth clinic (a Booster Clinic) was held at the same time and 157 children received additional protection against these diseases.
The aim of this program is to protect children against these diseases before they enter school and has thus become entirely a preschool clinic. Any child between the ages of 3 months to school age is eligible to attend. It is important that children receive this protection early in life, and it is urged that all parents see that their children have the necessary injections either by the family physician or by the clinic.
Polio Clinic:
In cooperation with the School Health Department, and following the recommendations of the State Department of Public Health, a Polio Clinic was held in the spring. Four hundred and fifty-three school children received polio vaccine for the first time. Four clinics were held with the school physician and the Board of Health physician alternating. Awaiting the decisions and recommendations of officials in the procedure to be followed, the Board of Health is again ready to cooperate with the School Health Dept. in an effort to offer protection against this dreaded disease.
Inspections :
A total of 21 inspections were made during the year. These inspections include Child Care Agencies, Boarding Homes for the Aged and Nursing Homes. There are three licensed Child Care Agen- cies, one licensed boarding home and one nursing home in Wilmington. Boarding Homes for the aged and Nursing Homes are licensed by the State with the approval of the local Board of Health and are inspected to insure proper sanitary conditions in and about the premises.
Child Care Agencies are licensed by the Board of Health. Toward the latter part of the year, new rules and regulations pertaining to the establishment of these agencies were set up and put into effect by the Board of Health. Establishment of these rules and regulations will offer much greater protection to the child, to the parent, and to the operator.
TUBERCULOSIS REPORT
Cases on Register, January 1, 1955
21
New cases reported during year 3
Number placed on inactive list 9
Number moved away 4
No. remaining on Register, Dec. 31, 1955 11
No. in Sanitorium, Dec. 31, 1955 2
Total number of visits made
88
Visits to North Reading Sanitorium 20
Visits to Middlesex County Sanitorium 5
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library trustees
The Board of Trustees are proud of the progress made by the Public Library during 1955. The record use which was made of its facilities is shown by an increase last year of 25% in circulation, and of 20% in the number of borrowers. These figures have made it apparent that the Library should be avail - able more hours, and we are pleased to announce that it will be open four additional hours each week .. including another evening, in accordance with the following schedule which went into effect, Jan. 1, 1956.
Tuesday 1.30 - 5.00 P.M. 3'v Wednesday 1.30 - 5.00 P.M. " ~ Thursday 1.30 - 5.00 P. M. ")
7.00 - 9.00 P.M. V
7.00 - 9.00 P.M. V
Friday 1. 30 - 5. 00 P. M. 3 v 7.00 - 9.00 P. M. 2
Saturday 2.00 - 5.00 P. M.
23.
This greater activity necessarily requires a somewhat larger staff. In September the position of cataloguist was established, on a part-time basis of six hours a week. As of January 1, 1956, the hours of the student assistant were increased from six to eight.
Attention was given last year to the development of a record collection which had previously been on experimental basis and limited to children's records. The enthusiasm with which the records have already been received has been very encouraging and is evidence that this service should be expanded.
Recognizing the growing needs of the Library, we requested the Massachusetts Division of Library Extension to survey our facilities and make recommendations for their improvement. This survey was made in December, and we are looking forward to receiving the report which should be of great interest and value in planning for the future. We are most grateful for the splendid assistance which this Division offers us.
The Trustees wish to express their appreciation to the Staff of the Library for their fine co- operation and faithful effort in meeting the increased duties required of them during the past year.
Frankline Allen, Chairman
Philip B. Buzzell
Elizabeth Neilson, Secretary
May Hadley Esther C. Hall
Evelyn Norton
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
Books added to the Library
873
Records added to the Library
53
Books circulated
19,089
Periodicals circulated
683
Registered Borrowers
2,467
Fines Collected
$247. 31
This year showed an increase of 3, 806 in the number of books circulated, and 200 in the num- ber of periodicals. The circulation in 1955 was more than twice that of 1952 when the number of books circulated was 9, 462. There were 402 new borrowers, and many on the "inactive" list were restored to the "active" list. Books were sent to the Walker, Whitefield, Mildred Rogers and West Schools. Pupils from the Center, Buzzell and Swain Schools come to the library, and the Wildwood School has its own library. Books were available for Girl Scout Groups, and books and records were loaned to supervised play groups.
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The Merrimac Valley Loan Collection is still popular. We have four collections a year, each one remaining here for three months before moving to the next library. A number of books were borrowed from other libraries on inter -library loan.
Classes from the Wildwood and Center Schools visited the library. Girl Scouts met regularly, and in December classes for the training of Girl Scout Leaders were conducted here. Other organizations met from time to time.
The reference work continues to increase as students from the High School and Junior High School use this library after school hours, and many college students in the Town find material here.
school maintenance department
The School Maintenance Report of the major repairs completed at the High and Elementary Schools during the year 1955 follows:
High School:
All window casings painted First four courses of cinder blocks in all class - rooms painted Replaced floor tiles in cafeteria Water coolers repaired Shelves erected in cafeteria storeroom Floors cleaned, sealed and waxed
Junior High School:
Interior walls and ceilings painted Window shades replaced Light fixtures installed
Removed desks and chairs in three classrooms
Renailed and laid 3/8" masonite prefloor in five classrooms
Tile floors installed in five classrooms, corridors, teachers' lavatories and office
Electric outlets installed in all classrooms
Vent-fan in girls' lavatories Rubber mat - front door
Work benches built for use in special classes Floors cleaned, sealed and waxed
Buzzell School:
Removed desks and chairs in two classrooms Sanded and refinished floors Installed seven 4x6 pin-up boards in hallway Floors cleaned, sealed and waxed
North School:
Repaired fire damage at North School Chimney rebuilt
Furnace pipe installed Repaired ceiling and roof where damaged Installed electrical fixtures
Walker School:
One room painted
Fluorescent lights installed in one room Removed desks and chairs in one classroom
Renailed and laid 3/8" masonite prefloor in one classroom
Tile installed in one classroom floor
Cafeteria floor repainted Floors cleaned, sealed and waxed
Rogers School:
Painted exterior of building Asphalt tile installed in two corridors and girls' and boys' lavatories
Outside door replaced Fluorescent lights installed in one room
Floors cleaned, sealed and waxed
West School:
Repaired foundation of the building Built supply closet Floors cleaned, sealed and waxed
53
Center School:
Repaired window casings Replaced two rubber mats Repaired furnace stoker Work benches built for use in special classes Floors cleaned, sealed and waxed
Whitefield School:
Removed desks and chairs in two classrooms Renailed and laid 3/8" masonite prefloor in two classrooms Tiled two classroom floors Fluorescent lights installed in one room Resurfaced and painted cafeteria floor Floors cleaned, sealed and waxed Hot-top driveway installed
Wildwood School:
Painted six outside doors
Reputtied all lower sash windows
Extended water release pipe to within eight inches of floor in boiler room Constructed six portable coat racks Floors cleaned, sealed and waxed
Roman House Barn:
Constructed cellar entrance Built stairway for access to attic Installed electric fixtures
In addition these items were given attention in all schools:
1. Heating systems were cleaned and made ready for the boiler inspector.
2. Window glass and sash cord was replaced where needed.
3. All chalk boards were given a special cleaning treatment, which proved very satisfactory.
54
veterans' agent
Veterans' Benefits:
During 1955, this department acted on 91 applications for financial aid as follows:
Chapter 115 of the General Laws as amended:
20 applications were referred to other Cities and Towns 5 applications were rejected for reasons prescribed by law 66 applications were approved for Aid totaling over $12, 000. 00.
By comparison to 1954, we note an increase in the overall expenditure, while at the same time the number of cases decreased by ten. Much of this increased expenditure is accounted for by two very costly medical cases involving small children of World War II veterans. In one family there are two children, both of whom are afflicated with a fatal illness and which we have been able to combat success - fully to date through the purchase of substantial quantities of expensive drugs. These drugs, which are purchased at cost, amounted to over $1200. during 1955 and proved an impossible burden to the veteran who, although gainfully employed, had been bearing this expense since 1950 and who was by now, hopeless - ly in debt to the extent of several thousand dollars.
The other expensive medical case involved another family in which the youngest child was crippled with Tuberculosis. This case involved hospitalization at Childrens' Medical Center for approxi- mately six months. As in the case of the veteran mentioned above, the man was gainfully employed and able to support his family, barring of course unforseen medical expenses such as he was faced with. The cost to the veteran in this case amounted to over $4000. 00 which was reduced by Blue Cross credits to about $2800. 00. Working in cooperation with the hospital authorities and the State Department of Veteran Services, we succeeded in reducing this bill further to approximately $1200. 00, of which we paid a total of $654. 00 leaving a balance of $546. 00 to be borne by the veteran. We expect that in 1956 we will be asked to contribute to these cases once again, for as long as they live, these youngsters will require expensive medical care.
Another unforseen factor in the year 1955 for increased expenditures was the strike of workers at the Beggs & Cobb plant in Winchester, lasting from October through December. From this strike, we were asked to aid two families involving a total of twelve people for the three-month period.
For the year 1956 we estimate that an appropriation equal to the amount spent in 1955 will be necessary. To a greater degree each successive year, more and more veterans and their dependents are becoming aware of their rights and benefits under Massachusetts Law which is the most liberal in the country for caring of veterans.
Veterans' Services:
We were pleased to be able to assist veterans and their dependents in their problems concern- ing Veterans Administration Compensation and Pension claims, free medical and hospital facilities at V. A. and Soldiers Home Hospitals, and many miscellaneous problems on which we were able to help. We must acknowledge once again the excellent cooperation on veterans problems given us by the office of Hon. Edith Nourse Rogers M. C.
Frederick H. Horton, Agent
55
churches today
Wilmington Congregational Church
Congregation Ahavash Achim Daaron
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St. Thomas of Villanova
Wilmington Methodist Church
Forest St. Congregational Church
56
churches planned
1 SAINT DOROTHY'S CHURCH
MOSIFLY RC. Ii. ILLSINT. 1'de
:1 ***
WILMINGTON
1URCH
V/A
ARCHITECT
JALAND
57
municipal snapshots
School Traffic Supervisor Mrs. Laura Sheehan guides school children safely across Main Street
TWARMACY
Wilmington is the small - est community in Mass. to provide the extra pro- tection of School Traffic Supervisors. Left to right Mrs. Alice Berry Mrs. Maryann Langone
Mrs. Yvonne Allen
Mrs. Laura Sheehan
Mrs. Mabel Mutchler
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Prof. William Goodman of Harvard University, and consultant to the Planning Board explains Zoning District Map at Special Town Meeting
C
TOWN MODERATOR Simon Cutter answers a question from the floor at Special Town Meeting
58
CHASING DEPT.
TOWN MA INFORM
municipal snapshots
Citizen Volunteers collate Town Budget for distribution to the gener - al public. Left to right Mrs. Elsie Medico Mrs. Rene LaRivee Mrs. Joseph Slater Mrs. Gilbert Wozney Miss Grace Drew
Water Extension Advisory Committee prepares recommendations for Annual Town Meeting. Left to right. Capt. Larz Neilson, Chmn. Waldo A. Stevens Renee LaRivee William Berry
Town Manager's Advisory Committee on Town Insurance considers report on Town Insurance program. Left to right Joseph J. Slater Howard C. Woolaver Robert Gunderson, Chmn. Augustus T. Norton
59
new industry
Main Office Building of new Raffi & Swanson Plant
1
1
..
7
View of Research and Development Laboratory Raffi and Swanson, Inc.
60
new industry
..
...
....
....
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1.8
Unit Packet Products (Hoag-Russell, Inc. ) Rear view from Burlington Avenue
BAY STATE STEEL CO
New Addition to Bay State Steel Company
A.B SWEEZEY &
A. B. Sweezey, Inc.
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61
board of public welfare
Board of Public Welfare Maurice D. O'Neil Miss Florence Balkus Andrew P. Ring (Acting Welfare Agt. )
We respectfully submit the annual report for the Board of Public Welfare for the year 1955.
Each year, in writing this report, the same questions arise - do the citizens understand Public Welfare, are they satisfied with the administration of the local program, and do they approve the large expenditures of money ? Then the problem that confronts the Board is how to explain the program, so that the citizens may understand what it is all about.
The various categories of assistance under the supervision of this Board are Welfare, Aid to Dependent Children, Old Age Assistance and Disability Assistance. The last three are part of the Social Security Act. Aid to Dependent Children and Old Age Assistance were born during the severe economic depression in the belief that public assistance would be a diminishing program, while the social insurance would be the basic program, but it has not worked out in that way. Many types of employment are not covered under the present Social Security Act, and the present grants under the Old Age & Survivor's Insurance program are not sufficient to provide for the individual's needs, and therefore are required to seek public assistance in addition to their other Social Security grants, to meet the present costs of living. Under the present laws governing the administration of public relief, all needs are met - there is no maxi- mum amount. This means that an individual's needs, to include medical, hospital and all other services are provided, in addition to the needs in the home.
7
It is believed that no private business and few public organizations could have survived the brand of publicity Public Welfare has had since its beginning. The emphasis has always been on the cost - never on what the public gets for its money. The truth is that Public Welfare does not cost - it pays. It pays in actual dollars and cents of taxpayer's money, besides the priceless human values which it conserves. Perhaps this best could be explained where the granting of assistance has seen many families rehabilitated because they were able to get help when illness or accident to the breadwinner presented emergencies they could not cope with unaided. In these emergencies, which are major threats to family security, beside the financial help given, there is the stabilizing influence of the social service rendered by the workers who go in on the case. By financial assistance in these cases, the children are able to have sufficient food, decent shelter and adequate clothing, which enables them to continue in school and become useful citizens of the community.
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