USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1956-1957 > Part 5
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This service is a part of the public health program sponsored by the Board of Health. It offers such professional nursing skills which are a part of the public health nurse's practice to individuals requiring such service in the home. It is offered only under the direction and guidance of a physician and is available to any one living in the Town of Wilmington.
Health Visits:
A total of 156 health visits were made. These visits are made in the interest of child and adult health. The ultimate aim of this service is to insure a healthier community by inform - ing and acquainting individuals and families with methods whereby they might formulate plans for the promotion and protection of health, welfare and well-being.
Tuberculosis Report:
The year 1956 saw a change in the statistical recording and reporting of tuberculosis. The State Department of Public Health has devised a new system for the recording and reporting of this disease, and the following report is now submitted :.
No. of Persons hospitalized for Tuberculosis on 12/31/56 2
No. of Active Cases not Hospitalized on 12/31/56 7
55
No. of Diagnosed Tuberculosis Cases Visited during the year 19 No. of Visits Made to Diagnosed Cases during year 32
Total Number of Visits (cases, Suspects, Contacts) 82
No. of Visits Made to North Reading State Sanatorium 21
No. of Visits Made to Middlesex County Sanatorium 4
III. ENVIROMENTAL SANITATION:
Enviromental sanitation is the method in which man's surroundings are improved or controlled for his physical betterment. The Board of Health carried on functions in seven separate branches of sanitation, namely: water, milk, food, sewage and refuse disposal, housing and recreational area sani- tation.
A. Water Sanitation:
Water Supplies Inspected 31
V. A. Certificates filed 15
Supplies Found Satisfactory 20
Supplies Found Unsatisfactory 6
Supplies Corrected 5
B. Milk Sanitation:
Licensed Dairies 19
Pasteurization Plants Inspected 12
Milk Samples Seized and Analyzed 75
Milk delivery trucks were stopped periodically during the summer and checked for icing. Pasteurization plants in which violations of the Board of Health regulations were found, were instructed to correct same. Re-inspections showed all plants in compliance with regulations. Milk samples were tested for butterfat content, proper pasteurization, contamination after pasteurization, watering and total solids.
C. Food Sanitation:
Restaurants Inspected
30
Soda Fountains
13
Bakeries 6
Grocery Stores 24
Mobile Canteens
4
Ice Cream Manufacturing
5
School and Industrial Cafeterias 6
In addition to the regular inspections, tests were performed on silverware, glasses and cups to determine how well they were cleaned and sterilized. The vast majority showed the proper washing and sterilizing practices were being carried on by the operators.
D. Sewage Disposal Sanitation:
Applications for Sewerage Permits 190
Sewerage Permits Granted 171
Sewerage Systems Inspected and Approved 169
Lots Restricted for Building 28
Lots on which Restrictions Removed 32
Percolation tests were made on the site of each proposed new sewerage system. From the results of the percolation test, a system was laid out based upon the proposed water con- sumption of the dwelling or commercial establishment.
56
E. Refuse Disposal:
Garbage collections for the last three years have been contracted for by the Town. Supervision of this system has been by the Board of Health. By means of the Refuse Disposal Regulations, contractors transporting rubbish, garbage or other offensive matter in Wilmington are strictly controlled and licensed by the Board of Health.
TOWN DUMP
The town dump has been a serious health nuisance, fire hazard and a financial burden to the Town. The Town has been given a "grace" period to relocate the dump, by the Mass. Dept. of Public Health. Should no action be undertaken this year by the Town, it is probable that the Department of Public Health will take action to have it closed.
The Board of Health believes that the people of the town should be aware of the following:
1. The dump is not more than a quarter of a mile from the North Reading Sanatorium. During the fires of this year and last, about 140 children suffering from chronic heart diseases had to be evacuated, about half of that number on stretchers.
2. The dump has been declared a public health nuisance by the Department of Public Health.
3. That a period of "grace" was given to the town only on certain conditions guaranteed by the town and with the understanding that the dump be re - located.
4. That in this year alone, over $2, 000. 00 in added fill and bulldozing service was spent by the Highway Department. This does not include the tying up of town trucks, use of town gravel, town labor and money paid the custodian.
5. The Fire Department has been called time and again to put out the long costly dump fires. The cost for hiring additional call men, damaged or destroyed equipment has not, as yet, been determined, but it is at least equal to the expenses incurred by the Highway Department.
F. Housing Sanitation:
Unoccupied Dwellings -
Inspected 7 Condemned and Posted 7
Occupied Dwellings -
Inspected 9
Condemned 7
No Health Violation Found 2
Vacated on Order 7
Violation Corrected 4
Cases Given to Town Counsel for Prosecution 5
G. Recreational Area Sanitation:
The two recreational areas in the Town, Camp Forty Acres and Silver Lake have been inspected periodically. The water supply at Camp Forty Acres has been analyzed for safety while that at the lake has been tested throughout the season for bathing.
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H. Miscellaneous Inspections:
Piggeries 23 Kindergartens 14
Public Comfort Sta. 15
Stables
12
Recreational Camps 5
Town Dump 15
Sanitary Surveys 2
Poultry & Mink Farms 4
I. Nuisance Complaints:
In this period one hundred and twenty-five (125) complaints were received and investigated:
Complaint
No.
Abated
Dump
38
37
Sewage
24
19
Rodents
5
5
Housing
6
6
Semi-public Restroom
1
1
Animals
8
8
Stagnant Water and Mosquitoes
24
24
Water
17
17
Not of Public Health Significance
2
2
In the early part of the summer, the Board of Health received many calls from residents in East Wilmington. After completing a series of inspections of possible sources of the odors in Wilmington, it was determined by the Board of Health that the odors come from some industrial concerns over the Woburn line. The State, being the only legally constituted authority, was called into the case in September. Since that time some of the cause has been removed, but it has become necessary to make a further investigation into the plants' operation. This investigation has not, as yet, been completed.
IV. LABORATORY
A total of five hundred and ninety (590) tests were made on water, milk and restaurant utensils by the Health Agent this year.
No.
Satisfactory Unsatisfactory
-
Milk
218
199
19
Restaurant Utensils
18
1]
7
Private Wells
231
175
56
Town Water
56
56
0
Recreation Camp Well
7
7
0
Silver Lake
60
60
0
V. PERMITS AND LICENSES
A total of three hundred and forty-nine (349) permits and licenses were issued by the Board after an investigation and inspection:
Piggery Licneses
15
Child Care Centre Licenses
5
Funeral Directors' Permits
4
Milk Dairy Licenses
18
Oleomargarine Store Licenses
17
Food Permits
53
Camp License
1
Dump Permit
1
Offal Transportation Permits
14
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BOARD OF HEALTH (left to right) Vinal E. Lewis, Chair - man, Mrs. Marion C. Boylen, Patrick A. Thibeau, Agent, Donald G. Kidder
POLIO VACCINE program protects children against dread disease
Methyl Alcohol Licenses Stable Licenses Milk Store Licenses Wholesale Mfg. of Ice Cream License
15
10
23
1
1
Retail Mfg. of Ice Cream License Sewerage Permits
171
In conclusion, the Board of Health wishes to extend to the wives and mothers who freely gave of their time, to the school teachers who had to contend with interrupted classes, to the hard-working doctors and nurses, to the school officials and to all who in any way contributed to a successful polio innoculation program; its heartfelt thanks and gratitude.
59
board of public welfare
We respectfully submit the report of the Board of Public Welfare for the year 1956.
Recent legislation, both Federal and State, and the approval of the new Old Age Assistance Law, will require this department to furnish more services and expend larger sums of money in 1957 than ever before. The legislation that was approved during 1956 will affect the appropriation for 1957 - plus any possible 1957 legislation.
The appropriations requested for the various categories under the supervision of this Board are purely estimates, as it is impossible to determine the needs of the department at this time.
The various categories of assistance under the supervision of this Board are Public Welfare, Aid to Dependent Children, Disability Assistance and Old Age Assistance.
PUBLIC WELFARE
During 1956, twenty four (24) cases, consisting of 66 persons, were aided with a total expendi- ture of $7105. 22. Some of these cases aided have recently moved to Wilmington from other cities and towns, and therefore aid granted will be reimbursed to the Town. The sum of $4041. 92 was granted to this type of case, and therefore the net cost to the Town of Wilmington for Welfare Aid in the year 1956 was $3063. 30. There has been a slight increase in this category, compared to 1955. It is hoped by all that economic conditions will continue, and with that in mind, a request for $7, 000 will again be asked for this program for the year 1957 - the same amount that was requested for 1955 and 1956. No increase will be requested for this category.
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
During 1956 twenty one (21) cases were aided. The total expenditures under this program were $27, 634. 96 - an increase of $823. 18 over 1955. The costs of this program were shared by the Federal, State and local community. It must be remembered by the taxpayer that effective July 1, 1956 an increase of 5. 07% was given to clients, due to the cost of living being raised. It is requested that $17, 000. 00 be provided to maintain this program for the year 1957 - the same amount as was appropriated during 1956.
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
During the year 1956, one hundred and two (102) cases have received a direct grant from this Board, at a total cost of $72, 525. 87 - an increase over 1955. The reason being, all recipients of Old Age Assistance received a cost of living increase of 5. 07% effective July 1, 1956 and all clients of this cate - gory received effective January 1, 1956, an increase of $2. 50 per month for Transportation Allowance. Also, an adjustment was made for the increase in Town Real Estate taxes, and the high cost of the medical plan for recipients. It must be remembered also that non-citizens can now receive Old Age Assistance, effective November 7, 1956.
The costs of this program were shared by the Federal, State and local government. Although the number of cases does not increase, the State Legislature and Congress have increased the benefits, which causes these increases. It is expected that costs of this program for the year 1957 will be increased. (The 1956 legislation will of course affect the 1957 appropriation, plus any additional 1957 legislation). It is requested that $36, 000 be provided to maintain this program for the year 1957.
60
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
During the year 1956, fifteen (15) cases have received a grant from this Board at a total cost of 16, 911. 08. It is expected that costs will remain constant in this category. It is requested that $16, 000. e appropriated for 1957 - the same amount as 1956. The costs were shared by the Federal, State and ocal community.
The following is a break-down for a thirteen month period, showing October 1955 monthly to nd including October 1956, stating the number of cases, total payments, number of children and average er case and family:
OLD AGE ASSISTANCE
Month
No. of. cases
Total Payments
Average per Case
October 1955
85
$5,295.00
$62. 29
November 1955
86
5,213.00
60. 62
December 1955
83
5,666. 00
68. 27
January
1956
82
5,549.00
67. 67
February 1956
81
5,428.00
67. 01
March
1956
82
5,431.00
66. 24
April
1956
82
5,215.00
63. 60
May
1956
85
5,773.00
67. 93
June
1956
86
6,230.00
72. 44
July
1956
89
6,078.00
68. 30
August
1956
89
,175.00
69. 39
Sept.
1956
89
5,984.00
67. 24
October
1956
89
6,346.00
71. 31
AID TO DEPENDENT CHILDREN
Month
No. of cases No. Children
Total Payments
Average-Family
October
1955
14
46
1,814.00
129. 59
November 1955
17
51
2,462.00
144. 85
December 1955
18
56
2,747.00
152. 63
January
1956
18
56
2,497.00
138. 76
February 1956
19
58
2,407.00
126. 70
March
1956
18
54
2,157.00
119. 88
April
1956
16
49
2,381.00
148. 84
May
1956
15
46
1,863.00
124. 25
June
1956
14
43
1,879.00
134. 22
July 1956
14
42
1,905.00
136. 11
August
1956
15
45
2,158.00
143. 90
Sept.
1956
14
43
2,095.00
149. 71
October
1956
15
47
2,136.00
142. 40
1
61
DISABILITY ASSISTANCE
Month
No. Cases
Total Payments
Average - Case
October
1955
14
$1,615.00
$115. 37
November 1955
14
1,423.00
101. 67
December 1955
12
1,812.00
151.08
January
1956
13
1,374.00
105. 72
February
1956
12
1,277.00
106. 44
March
1956
12
2,279.00
189.98
April
1956
11
906.00
82. 37
May
1956
12
1,912.00
159. 35
June
1956
12
1,270.00
105. 87
July
1956
12
1,200.00
100.01
August
1956
12
1,286.00
107. 22
Sept.
1956
12
1,276.00
106. 35
October
1956
13
1,299.00
99.93
GENERAL RELIEF **
Month
Total
Employable
Unemployable
Payment
October
1955
7
2
5
166.00
November 1955
6
2
4
214.00
December 1955
4
1 1
3
449.00
January
1956
4
2
2
71.00
February
1956
4
2
2
173.00
March
1956
7
2
5
421.00
April
1956
5
1
4
428.00
May
1956
9
2
7
421.00
June
1956
6
0
6
246.00
July
1956
7
2
5
245.00
August
1956
6
1
5
241.00
Sept.
1956
5
1
4
169.00
October
1956
4
1
3
162.00
** The figures under Public Welfare do not show (1) Hospital and Medical expenses;
(2) does not show Wilmington settled cases aided by other Towns; (3) Also children placed by the Division of Child Guardianship.
ADMINISTRATION
This covers all expenditures of the Board to administer the four categories. The Federal Government does not participate in the administration of Public Welfare, but does in the other three cate - gories. Federal reimbursement is based on home visits and all contacts with cases in the office.
The Social Security Act requires that employees of this Board be under Civil Service and that salaries of the employees must conform to the Civil Service Compensation Plan, and also the local Com - pensation Plan. Effective February 4, 1957, the Welfare Department will have a new permanent Welfare Agent, namely Mr. George Wilson. Mr. Ring has been acting temporarily as Agent since April 18, 1955. The Town has been unable to obtain a Social Worker as yet, but it is expected to have a full time Social Worker in the very near future.
$8, 534. 50 was spent for the Administration of Public Assistance during the calendar year, 1956.
62
veterans' agent
Veterans' Benefits:
During 1956, this department processed eighty-six (86) applications for monetary aid as follows:
Chapter 115 of the General Laws as amended:
20 applications were referred to other cities and towns 5 applications were rejected 61 applications were approved for aid totaling over $17, 000
As in the past two years, the number of cases has again decreased while the expenditure has increased. It should be pointed out that of the total $17, 300 spent for aid, over $6, 000 was paid directly to hospitals for medical care, almost $10, 000 was paid to cases where either the veteran or his depend - ents were unable to work because of physical incapacity or age limitation, and only $1, 300 was paid to employable veterans temporarily out of work.
A breakdown according to war service indicates the following amounts spent:
World War I World War II
$ 5,305.00 10,199.00 1,796.00
Korean
Veterans' Services:
Once again this department aided in processing applications for pensions, compensation, medical and other benefits available to veterans of all wars. Continued use of the Soldiers Home facility n Chelsea was quite helpful in keeping medical costs substantially lower than they ordinarily would have Jeen.
63
library trustees
The Trustees of the Public Library are pleased to report that there has been a very substantial increase in the service provided by the library during the year 1956. Book circulation exceeded that of 1955 by 28% and the number of borrowers was 22% greater. It is a most encouraging and challenging fact that approximately 30% of the townspeople are making use of their Library.
In addition to the book collections distributed through the schools during the school year, an effort was made last year to have books more easily available to children during the summer. Five collect- ions were maintained during July and August in different sections of the town. About 350 books were cir - culated in this way, and it was felt that the experiment was well worthwhile. We are most grateful to the following friends of the library who supervised the circulation of these books from their homes:
Mrs. William Dayton, Burlington Avenue Mrs. Almon Allard, Glen Road Mrs. James Moore, Truman Road Mrs. A. T. Norton, Jr., Wildwood Street Mrs. Webster Hall, Linda Road
The interior of the library has been brightened with fresh paint and fluorescent lighting in the stacks. We hope that the new lights will encourage people to investigate the books in what used to be a rather shadowy area behind the front bookcase.
Attention is invited to the report made by Miss Alice M. Cahill, Supervisor of Field Services, Massachusetts Division of Library Extension, after her visit to our library in December 1955. This is a very interesting and impartial survey which indicates both our strength and weakness. Its conclusion is that the library is in need of more active support - financial and otherwise - from the townspeople. Copies of this report are on file in the library.
The trustees offer congratulations to Mrs. Chipman, Librarian, and Mrs. Balser, Cataloguer, who completed the ten-week course in cataloguing offered by the Massachusetts Division of Library Exten- sion and held at the Lynn Public Library. We also extend our thanks to the library staff for their splendid cooperation and enthusiasm shown throughout the year.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
Books added to the Library
779
Records added to the Library
43
Books circulated
24,431
Periodicals circulated
888
Records circulated
501
Books borrowed on Inter-library loan
26
Registered borrowers
3,015
Fines collected
$370. 14
The year 1956 showed an increase of 5, 342 in the book circulation and 205 in that of the maga- zines. There were 548 new borrowers, and the record collection is growing in size and popularity. Books were again sent to four schools, and for six weeks during the summer "neighborhood branches" for the circulation of children's books were established. As in previous years, there were loans to playground groups, and material was made available to Cub and Brownie Groups for their projects. The reference worl for High School and Junior High School students after school hours continues to be an important part of the Library work.
64
recreation commission
SUMMER PROGRAM at Silver Lake - one of many activities conducted by Recreation Commission
In compliance with the aims as given in last year's report, and pursuant to the support of the ownspeople at the annual town meeting, we are happy to report the continuation, strengthening, and improve - nent of our program as follows:
Summer: This service includes a program of playground actitivies under qualified supervision nd instruction at the Wildwood, Mildred Rogers, High School, and Common sites. At these areas children hay take part in creative work such as arts and crafts, music, story-telling or games. Cookouts and ature study are also included as facilities permit. The Common is directed for those boys not eligible to ake part in Little League Baseball, and special games are arranged with towns like Billerica, North Reading, leading and Tewksbury. Plans for instruction in tennis have been made to care for both boys and girls.
Water Safety: The protection of life and supervision of the area is made possible through our ifeguards at the Silver Lake Beach, and at the same time instruction in beginner's swimming, life saving, nd water safety is made available to interested persons.
Adult: For the second successive year the men's softball league, which is held on the Common uring the summer months in the evening, has attracted much attention on the part of spectators and partici- ants. To make the year -round program a reality, the School Committee has granted the use of its gym which affords a program for boys, ladies, and men. Included in the activities are physical culture through xercise, volleyball, weight lifting, boxing and badminton.
Enrollment: The following figures denote the exact enrollment with the exception of the Silver Jake Beach program which is estimated:
Playgrounds
Silver Lake Beach
Wildwood School Area 125
Est. by Town Clerk's Tags 7,000
High School Area
159
Daily average at beach 500
Mildred Rogers Area 204
Beginner's lessons 168
Wilmington Common 92
Life Saving Instruction 46
580
Gym Programs
Special Events
Boy's Basketball
126
Men's Softball League
153
Men's Night
62
Winter Carnival 225
Ladies Night
49
Horseshoe Tournament
62
235
440
65
school maintenance department
The School Maintenance Report of the major repairs completed at the High and Elementary Schools during the year 1956 follows:
High School:
Installed room numbers over all doors All vents on roof painted Outside hand railings painted Gym floor resealed
Door stops installed on all doors Shelving installed in book store rooms
Manhole rebuilt - for oil tank refill pipe Shelving installed in cafeteria stockrooms Walk-in cold storage box moved to enlarge kitchen Cracked walls of cafeteria repaired Washable filters installed in all univent heaters
Whitefield School:
Air registers repaired and fusible links replaced Smoke screen partitions on first and second floor installed Hardware removed from doors and replaced with door checks
Installed fire -proof door in boiler room Three station fire alarm system installed
Metal panel and brick in oil boiler location removed Fire extinguisher in cafeteria installed Installed fire -proof wall in cafeteria (boiler room side) Stoker repaired
Swain School (Junior High):
Door checks installed on smoke screen partitions Installed wire glass in smoke screen partitions Repaired fire resistant smoke screen partitions Hardware from fire doors replaced with door che .s Hand rails and fire extinguishers relocated Brick open area, boys' basement Ceiling repaired in the boiler room
Fresh air room made fire -proof, also installed lok Repaired dampers and fusible links in all rooms Three station fire alarm system installed Boiler room type louvers installed Relocate second floor smoke screen partition
Walker School:
One room on second floor tiled
Fluorescent lights installed in one room on 2nd fl r Repaint and installed bookcase in second floor rodi Hallway floor tiled
Erected chain link fence on Adelaide Street side Dampers and fusible links installed in air registe Three station fire alarm system installed Two handrails installed in front entrance Fire extinguisher installed in cafeteria
Wildwood School:
All exterior doors painted Sump pump repaired All vents on roof painted Oil burners overhauled Two circulating pumps installed in hot water system Two louvers installed in kitchen
Buzzell School:
Extended chimney to a greater height over the roof Exterior repainted Louvers installed in peaks of roof
Center School:
Painted walls and ceilings (second floor) Floor on second floor refinished Front entrance planking renewed Two station fire alarm system installed Louvers installed in fresh air room
Roman House:
Exterior repainted - clapboards renewed Front porch and foundation repaired Baseboard outlets installed - replaced old wiring Exterior repainted - clapboards renewed (barn)
66
Mildred Rogers School:
Wire glass and fire resistant smoke screen partitions installed Floors in all classrooms refinished
West School:
Hand rails at rear entrance Fence and gate repaired
In addition, these items were given attention in all areas:
Heating Systems were cleaned and made ready for the annual boiler inspection. In all schools, window glass and sash cord replaced where needed. All chalk boards were given a special cleaning treatment. Street "School Zone Safety" signs were repainted in all sections.
WILMINGTON SCHOOL DEPT
NEW PICK-UP TRUCK purchased in 1956
BASEBALL DIAMOND under construction at new High School Athletic Center
67
municipal snapshots
BOARD OF APPEALS (left to right) Chairman Howard C. Woolaver, Roland M. Fuller, Mrs. Ruth Hale, Clerk, Walter L. Hale, Secretary.
4 15 14 17 18 9 20 2 23 24 25 $ 27 28 29
PATROLMAN GEORGE E. SHEPARD at F. B. I. Weapons School
HIGH SCHOOL BUILDING COMMITTEE (left to right) Earle S. Hamilton, J. Parker Prindle, Mrs. Eleanor Day, Fred T. Corum, Chairman Basil L. Weatherbee, John H. Tautges
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