USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Wilmington > Town of Wilmington Annual Report 1960-1961 > Part 4
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41
Wilmington Memorial Library
Ballardvale Street Beeching Avenue Clark Street Cross Street
consumption, by the first of April, it will have cost the Town about $2800. 00. In my opinion, it should be definitely changed to oil heat. It would pay for itself in two years, and not more than three years, because of the big saving in the cost of the gas. Other than the heating system in the main garage, the me and I are very happy with the setup, and it has been a pleasure to work in the building regardless of weathe conditions. Many people have never seen the garage, and they are welcome to visit us.
In conclusion, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the various department heads for their cooperation and help when needed, and the Town Manager and Board of Selectmen for their suggestio and guidance.
HIGHWAY SUPERINTENDENT James H. White
New Sidewalk Snowplow in action
42
-
board of cemetery commissioners
CEMETERY SUPERINTENDENT Francis Downs
During 1960 regular routine work was carried on. Raking is necessary all year; and grading of .ots, which have sunken graves in them, is an operation which requires much time each year. In the near uture, we are hoping to have all sunken graves brought up to a level. Constant mowing was necessary his year due to the rapid growth of the grass. Five ton of calcium lime was spread on about sixty per ent of the grass ground, and three ton of 10-6-4 fertilizer covered about fifty per cent of the cemetery and that we mow.
In 1960 we hot topped avenues in Sections A and B which almost completed these two sections in he cemetery. The shoulders along these roads had to be loamed, and grass seed planted to finish off the dges. Construction continued on the development of new lots. A contractor was hired to excavate a section to a level, and fill and loam were hauled in with the help of the highway trucks. This area is now eady for planting in the spring of 1961. A new section, approximately 40' x 150' has been established nd seeded for an Angel Lot for the internment of babies.
This being a combined department - cemetery, parks, and school grounds maintenance - the employees are continually working between these areas. The parks require constant maintenance; namely, he Common, the Town Park, Silver Lake Beach, many small areas around town, and the various schools n Wilmington with numerous acres of grass ground and play areas.
A 3/4 ton four-wheel drive Chevrolet truck was purchased this year for school grounds mainten- nce, and it is being used for our combined department. It has worked to a satisfaction beyond words on rass land and on the road, even for plowing snow for the Highway Department.
In concluding my report, I would like to thank the Town Manager and the other Town Officials for heir assistance; also all the Town Departments for their cooperation and use of various equipment which as helpful in the maintenance of our department.
Burials in Wildwood Cemetery
Wilmington residents died in Wilmington 13
Wilmington residents died elsewhere 32
Non-residents 43
Non-residents died in Wilmington 1 Transfer 1
90
43
Wilmington Memorial Library
board of library trustees
The trustees of the Public Library are pleased to report that 1960 was a most encouraging and gratifying year. On the one hand there is the service the Library has furnished to the community, which can be measured by a few statistics. For example, we welcomed almost 800 new borrowers. Approxi- mately 1700 new books were added to our shelves and our total circulation, including books provided by the Bookmobile, reached the record figure of 50, 000.
On the other hand there is the wonderful generosity of the community to the Library, which is im- measurable and for which we wish to express our great appreciation. A trust fund was established for the Library by the East Wilmington Betterment Association. The income from this fund is to be used to pur - chase children's books. The Wilmington Junior Chamber of Commerce presented to the Library a new set of the "Encyclopaedia Britannica". The Friends of the Wilmington Public Library have continued their fine support by giving twelve folding chairs for the children who come to the Story Hour, keeping the window boxes filled with plants and providing a Christmas tree. The Book Fair held in November was also arrange with their assistance.
We are also very grateful to the staff of the State Regional Library Center in North Reading which operates the Bookmobile and does so much to help small libraries like ours. Patronage of the Bookmobile now in its third year, increased more than 50% in 1960.
To the staff of our Library we extend our thanks for their diligence and cooperation.
The resignation of Esther Hall from the Board of Trustees was received with deep regret. Mrs. Hall has served the Library both as Librarian and as Trustee, and we will miss her presence and the benefit of her experience.
LIBRARIAN'S REPORT
Books added to the Library
1,603
Encyclopedias:
Americana 30
Britannica 30
World Book 20
80
Records added:
Single
48
Albums
2
Books circulated:
Library
42,267
Bookmobile
5,426
Periodicals circulated
1,157
Records circulated
1,124
New Borrowers
777
Fines collected
$855. 95
During 1960 the increase of circulation of books, records, and periodicals at the Library was 5, 124; the Bookmobile increase was 881.
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With the addition of three new sets of encyclopedias, the Library now has five up-to-date sets and also a one volume Van Nostrand Scientific Encyclopedia. Many other reference books have been added.
Books were sent to the Whitefield School, and teachers from some of the other elementary schools borrowed books for their classrooms. Several classes visited the Library. Books were also borrowed from the Division of Library Extension, the Regional Library, and from other towns. High School students in increasing numbers are using the Library. The Story Hour for pre-school children is well attended.
sarah d. j. carter lecture fund 0
On April 2, 1959, the Sarah D. J. Carter Lecture Fund Committee presented to the people of Wilmington the Women's Symphonette. These women, all accomplished musicians, gave a fine, varied program of music.
Looking ahead to 1960, the Committee has engaged Rear Admiral Donald B. MacMillan, world- famed explorer and lecturer, whose subject will be "Beyond the Northern Lights". The program will be held at the Herbert C. Barrows Auditorium on Saturday evening, April 15 at 8. 15 p. m. These programs are offered free of charge, and the Committee extends a cordial invitation to all to attend
The resignation of Alice Allen, a member of this Committee since 1940, has been accepted with regret.
Treasurer's Report
Receipts
Expenditures
Cash on hand 1/1/60
$ 22.26
Marsh Program Service
$250. 00
Janitor
10.00
Received from Town Treas.
400.00
Police
10.00
Printing - Publicity, Town Crier
38.00
Interest
1.20
Publicity - Crusader
15.00
$423.46
J. M. Kelly - Piano Mover
40.00
Stevenson the Florist - Flowers for ushers 2.00
High School - Programs 1.00
Cash on hand 1/1/61
57. 46
$366. 00
45
board of health
Public Health Officer, Patrick A. Thibeau at work in the new laboratory
The year 1960 resulted in the development and achievement of many public health goals in the Tow of Wilmington. Some of these achievements were planned in previous years but did not culminate until 196 As a result, it is felt that the Board of Health can now render many additional services that approach those found in major cities with much larger budgets and personnel. Enumerating these developments, we find:
1. Establishment of Family Polio Clinics:
By establishing family polio clinics on Sundays, over 2, 600 doses were given; at one clinic alone over 10% of the entire population were inoculated. Such a program is epidemiologically sound as so many were protected that the possibility of epidemic in the town is very remote.
2. Establishment of Biologic Stations:
In the event of an emergency, it is now possible for physicians to obtain vaccines or anti-toxins immediately. Two biologic stations were established this year in two sections of the town with Massachusetts Department of Public Health approval.
3. Establishment of a Public Health Laboratory:
After a year of planning, a new public health laboratory was completed and in service in October, 1960. In many ways, this laboratory can and will pay for itself quickly. As an example, in only three months, 150% more tests were performed than in 1959. Also, it is necessary to recount that now it is possible to perform well water analysis in forty-eight hours or less. Previously water samples had to be submitted only on Mondays with the results not known until Thursday or Friday. If a sample was not submitted on the first of the week, it had to wait another full week which was far from satisfactory when a well could be a cause of sickness. Further, it is now possible to render additional chemical examinations for quality, to make more frequent analyses on dairy products, and to provide a closer scrutiny of restaurants.
4. Establishment of Legal Division in the Board of Health:
By the appointment of a special counsel, it is now possible to more rapidly pursue and prosecute cases involving violations of the health code. Pre-trial work was conducted initially this year in housing cases with hearings being held in District Court.
46
5. Establishment of X-ray Program for Food Handlers:
This year the Board of Health required and obtained X-ray reports of all persons engaged in the preparation of food and drink. By this measure, it is possible to prevent the spread of tuber - culosis to persons patronizing restaurants and soda fountains from infected food handlers.
In 1960, Mr. Vinal E. Lewis, after many years with the Board of Health, resigned in March. To im, we are much indebted for his valued assistance and untiring efforts. Mr. Erving Pfau was appointed o the vacancy created by Mr. Lewis' resignation. A resume of the activities carried on this year is as ollows:
A. Communicable Disease Control:
Clinics were again held this year for the immunization of infants and pre-school children from three months to six years. All children attending these clinics received protection against diph- theria, tetanus (lock-jaw), and pertussis (whooping cough). Although these diseases are now virtually controlled, many cases still occur in children who have not received their inoculations. It is therefore very important that parents see that this is done, either by their own physicians or at one of these clinics.
I. Immunization Clinics:
Total number of DPT Clinics
5
Children inoculated 54
Children completing series of three doses 46
Booster doses given 154
II. Polio Inoculation Clinics:
1st dose
2nd dose
3rd dose
4th
5th
dose
dose
Clinic 1
0
0
0
23
0
Clinic 2
303
38
126
804
0
Clinic 3
184
223
97
474
28
Clinic 4
16
84
109
99
2
Totals
503
345
332
1400
30
2610
III. Anti-Rabies Clinic:
For the sixth consecutive year, an anti-rabies clinic was held in the late spring. Gardiner Lester, D. V. M., was the attending veterinarian. A total of 492 dogs received their anti-rabies inocula - tions. The cost of operating this clinic was defrayed by charging a nominal fee.
IV. Asian Flu:
With the advent of a large number of flu cases throughout the country, and the possible spread of this disease into the Commonwealth, certain communities were asked to make a weekly survey of absenteeism in schools and industries. Wilmington was one of the communities selected and co- operated with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health until the emergency was over.
Summary: It is of interest to note here that through the efforts of their parents, most children ntering school have received a maximum or near maximum protection against poliomyelitis and diphtheria, tanus and pertussis (whooping cough). Wilmington School Department statistics show that of 403 children 1 Grade I, 375 or 93% have had three or more polio doses and 358 or 89% with three or more DPT doses. his we believe is an enviable record.
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B. Public Health Nursing:
I. Public Health Nursing:
Nursing visits for year 1960 Fees collected for visits
824 $420
This phase of the Public Health Nurse's program includes all services connected with the care of th sick. It means either giving or arranging for necessary nursing care, teaching through demonstrat and supervision of care given by household members. It is offered only under the direction and guidance of a physician and is available to any one living in the Town of Wilmington. A breakdown some of the major diseases for which visits were made is as follows:
167 visits
Cardio-vascular disorders
43 visits
Diabetes
38 visits
Cancer
315 visits
Anemia
33 visits
Surgery
228 visits
Other diseases & conditions
II. Health Visits:
A total of 154 visits were made in the interest of infant, pre-school and adult health. Family healt and well-being is the goal of all public health nursing. In many instances it is not always possible for the family to fulfill all of its functions alone. It is the aim of this service to provide needed ca and instruction for all members of the family, in whatever environments they might be, and to acquaint them with facilities and resources whereby they may formulate plans to safeguard their ov physical, emotional and social well-being.
III. Day Care Centers - Nursing Homes:
The licensing of Day Care Centers is the responsibility of the Board of Health. Nursing Homes, licensed by the State Department of Public Health must have an application of approval from the lo Board of Health before a license can be granted.
A new State Law went into effect in 1960 making it necessary for the Building Inspector to submit a certificate of approval before a license can be granted to a Day Care Center. Many changes were made by both centers to insure adequate safety for the children. There are two Day Care Center: and one Nursing Home in Wilmington. Seven inspections were made.
IV. Tuberculosis Report for 1960:
12
Total No. of Active Cases on Register
1
Total No. of Active Cases in Hospital
2
New Cases Reported in 1960 6
No. Placed on Inactive List Deaths Reported
1
No. of Diagnosed Cases Visited
72
Total No. of Visits (contacts, cases, suspects) 178
No. of Visits to North Reading State Sanatorium 10
No. of Visits to Middlesex County Sanatorium
7
No. of Visits to Boston Sanatorium 1
17
Total No. of Visits made to Diagnosed Cases
In January of 1960 a tuberculin testing program was conducted in the school system. Certain gra were tested as part of a case-finding program. Examination of reactors to the test and follow -up contacts were under the supervision of the Public Health Nurse.
48
Environmental Sanitation:
Environmental sanitation is the control and/or improvement of man's surroundings to better promote his physical well-being, comfort, and enjoyment of those surroundings. There are by necessity many aspects to environmental sanitation, but those functions generally practiced by this Board concern themselves with water, milk, sewage, refuse disposal, housing and recreational area sanitation.
I. Water Sanitation:
a. Private Wells
Number of wells inspected 49 Found satisfactory Found to be contaminated or with high mineral content 19
30
With the ever-increasing development of the Town and with the ensuing discharge of domestic and industrial wastes into the ground water, the possibility of contamination of private water supplies becomes more and more possible. It is therefore urged that townspeople have at least a yearly analysis of their wells. The Board of Health is equipped to perform this service at no cost or obligation.
b. Municipal System
Periodic examination of the Town water supply is made by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Since August 19, 1960, when the flouridation program was started up once again, daily analyses were performed to determine the concentration of sodium flouride.
Total number of flouride tests 143
II. Milk Sanitation:
Licensed Dairies 21
Pasteurization Plant Inspected 15
Samples of Milk & Cream Analyzed 303
The bacterial range distribution of milk and flavored milk samples gave the following results upon analysis:
0 - 500 bacterial colonies/ cc 12 samples
501 - 1, 000 bacterial colonies/cc 43 samples
1,001 - 5,000 bacterial colonies/cc 112 samples
5,001 - 10, 000 bacterial colonies/cc 15 samples
10,001 - 15, 000 bacterial colonies/cc* 10 samples
15,001 or over bacterial colonies/cc*
33 samples
* Massachusetts Department of Public Health standards for milk and flavored milk drinks are 10, 000 bacterial colonies or less per cubic centimeter.
Cream - All Grades
0 - 1, 000 bacterial colonies/cc
11 samples
1,001- 5,000 bacterial colonies/cc
35 samples
5,001 - 10, 000 bacterial colonies/cc 8 samples
10,001 - 20, 000 bacterial colonies/cc 6 samples
20,001 - 40, 000bacterial colonies/cc 4 samples
40, 001 or over bacterial colonies/cc * 14 samples
* Massachusetts Department of Public Health standards allow 40, 000 bacterial colonies or less per cubic centimeter for cream.
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III. Food Sanitation
A total of 97 inspections were made on the following food establishments:
Restaurants
20
Soda Fountains
5
Luncheonettes 9
Submarine Sandwich Shoppes 3
Ice Cream Manufacturing Establishments 9
School Cafeterias 7
Industrial Cafeterias
3
Mobile Canteens
6
Bakeries
8
Grocery and Variety Stores
30
Monthly inspections and bacteriological tests of utensils used by the public became possible with the completion of the Public Health Laboratory in October. With more frequent visits, a very marked improvement was noted in sanitary conditions.
IV. Sewage Disposal Sanitation
Applications for sewerage permits
130
Older Dwellings
9
New Dwellings 112
Commercial establishments
6
Churches 2
Industries 1
Sewerage systems inspected and approved 103
Lots restricted for building 4
Lots on which restrictions were removed 3
In addition to the above, 13 lots were found unsuitable for the sanitary disposal of sewage. Should building be permitted on these lots, a nuisance could eventually be created that would be detrimental to the neighborhood.
V. Refuse Disposal
Garbage collections and rubbish disposal (through the operation of the town dump) are administered by contract through the Board of Health. These public works functions account for over 60% of the total Board of Health budget. Inquiries concerning these services should be made to this office.
VI. Recreational Area Sanitation
Sanitation at any public or private recreational area is regulated by the Board of Health. Water supplies must be safe, sewage disposal must be sanitary, and bathing waters must not be so contami- nated as to be injurious to swimmers. There are three recreational areas in town:
Silver Lake - Public
Camp Forty Acres
Boy and Girl Scout Camp
Mill Brook Camp - Commercial and semi-private
Inspections were made at both camps prior to licensing by the Board of Health. Analyses of the water supplies showed that they were safe for drinking purposes. Due to the fact that the laboratory was not yet completed, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health was requested and made several analyses of the bathing water at Silver Lake. One analysis made after a weekend showed a high bac- terial content. Chlorine was added to water for several weeks with the result that the bacterial con- centration was lowered to a point that there was no danger to the health of bathers.
50
VII. Housing Sanitation
In connection with the housing code, a number of dwellings were repaired, remodeled or torn down after inspections. With the appointment of a special counsel, hearings were held at District Court with the owners of various dwellings condemned as unfit by the Board of Health. Several cases in- volving eviction from these dwellings are planned in Superior Court next year. In this year, the Massachusetts Department of Public Health promulgated further regulations regarding substandard dwellings. Whereas these regulations are stricter for the most part than the Wilmington Housing Code, it shall be necessary to enforce these new standards.
Cases presented for Court action
4
VIII. Nuisance Complaints
In this period 49 complaints were received and investigated.
Complaint
Number
Abated
Sewage
16
11
Dumping
12
12
Unprotected wells
1
1
Animals
6
5
Food
1
1
Housing
8
4
Atmospheric pollution
1
1
Insect infestation
1
1
Stagnant water
3
1
IX. Miscellaneous Inspections
Town Dump
15
Recreational Camps
4
School Inspection
1
*Piggeries Stable s
24
*Two piggeries were closed this year due to unsanitary conditions found as result of these inspections.
Permits and Licenses
Two hundred and eighty-two (282) permits and/or licenses were granted by the Board of Health after inspection and approval:
Refuse transportation permits
5
Wholesale manufacture of Ice Cream
1
Retail manufacture of Ice Cream
2
Milk Dairy Licenses
21
Milk Store Licenses
31
Oleomargarine Licenses
9
Sewerage Installation Permits
124
Piggeries
11
Funeral Directing
4
Stable Licenses
16
Food permits
52
Dumps
2
Camps
2
Anti-freeze
1
Salvage
1
51
WIMIngton Memorial Library
18
E. Laboratory
The Health Officer this year performed a total of 1468 bacteriological and chemical analyses of water, dairy products and sterility tests on restaurant utensils. A summary of these analyses and comparison with 1959 results are as follows:
% Satisfactory
No.
Satisfactory
1959
1960
Milk and Cream
887
768
92. 1
86. 6
Private Wells
349
267
51.0
76. 5
Town Water (flouride)
143
73
(incomplete)
51.0
Recreational Camp Wells
13
13
73.8
100.0
Stream (bacterial analysis)
7
0
Restaurant Utensils
45
35
70.8
77. 7
Schools: 1/2 pt. school milk
12
12
100.0
100. 0
Cafeteria utensils
12
10
100.0
83. 3
In conclusion, the Board of Health and its personnel wish to express their gratitude to the many individuals of the Town for their aid and cooperation. The Board of Health is especially indebted to thos. ladies who so ably assisted at the immunization and polio clinics, Boy and Girl Scouts, and the clergy.
inspector of animals
Dog bites reported
Dogs showing physical signs of rabies
0
Animals submitted to laboratory for examination
0
(All biting animals were quarantined for the period of time prescribed by law. )
Animals quarantined
86
Animals released from quarantine
0
Dogs released from interstate shipment
0
Laboratory Report: Positive
0
Premises keeping domestic animals inspected
136
Cattle inspected
58
Horses inspected
3867
Swine inspected
9
Goats inspected
14
Sheep inspected
Cattle released from interstate shipment
0
Cattle reacting to the tuberculin test
0
All special work assigned to me by the Department of Livestock
Disease Control and the Board of Health was attended to promptly.
SLAUGHTERING INSPECTOR: Nothing to report for 1960.
52
86
86
Negative
59
...
board of public welfare
Board of Public Welfare - left to right, Florence A. Balkus, Maurice D. O'Neil, Anna M. Low, and Walter F. Coleman.
The Wilmington Board of Public Welfare respectfully submits its Annual Report for the year 1960. The Board consists of Mr. Maurice O'Neil, Chairman, Miss Florence Balkus and Mrs. Anna Low.
The three employees of the Wilmington Board of Public Welfare are Walter F. Coleman, the Director of Public Assistance, who also serves as secretary to the Board, Mrs. Miriam Sullivan is the senior clerk and stenographer, and Miss Helen Hobson is the social worker. Walter F. Coleman was ap- pointed director on November 7, 1960, replacing Andrew P. Ring, who resigned October 21, 1960.
The Board of Public Welfare has the second highest appropriation of the various departments in the town, and it is hoped that the following report will help explain the reason for these large expenditures of money.
The categories of assistance supervised by the Board are as follows: General Relief, Aid to Dependent Children, Disability Assistance, Old Age Assistance and Medical Assistance for the Aged. The ast four are part of the Social Security Act and entitles each community to Federal and State reimburse - ments for part of the aid given under these programs. Each of the above four mentioned categories were porn during successive administrations since the great depression; and in order for a community to receive reimbursement under these programs, the various laws passed by the Federal and State governments regu- ating payments to the recipients both maximum and minimum must be adhered to, also the various laws ind rules regulating accounting procedures to be followed, administration etc. Failure to comply with hese various laws and regulations results in disallowances from the State and Federal levels.
The appropriations requested for 1961 are purely estimates, it being impossible to accurately letermine the needs of the department each year. Each administration in Washington for the past several rears has increased the benefits received under the Old Age and Survivors Insurance Law (Social Security Benefits), but these increases are invariably offset by increased benefits to the recipients in the various categories supervised by this Board. Another reason for the continued high cost of Public Assistance is he continued rise in medical expenditures. This year, 1961, the department will pay more for doctor's ome visits and hospital and nursing home care than was being paid at the start of 1960. The General Court of the Commonwealth in 1960 also increased the standard budgets for recipients by 5. 2%, increased ravel allowance for Old Age Assistance recipients from $2. 50 to $4. 00 a month and added the items of ravel allowance of $2. 50 a month and leisure time activities $4. 00 a month to the Disability Assistance udget. The above mentioned increases as heretofore stated are mandatory to all Public Welfare Agencies.
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