Tobacco Control News

The two-year state cigarette licenses was scheduled to expire on June 30th. These licenses have been extended until September 30, 2010.

A new two-year tobacco license should be available from the Department of Revenue (DOR) in August.

If retailers ask questions, no action needs to be taken until DOR makes the new license applications available in the summer. The current license is valid until September 30th.

Thanks,

Eileen M. Sullivan
Director of Policy and Planning
Massachusetts Tobacco Cessation and Prevention Program
250 Washington Street
Boston, MA  02108
617-624-5915 - phone
http://publichealth.blog.state.ma.us

Have you ever wondered what your local health department does on a day-to-day basis? Sure, the staff gives flu shots, listens to your complaints about your neighbor's trash, and inspects restaurants. But what else do we do when you don't call?

The main goal of public health agencies is to prevent illness, and when we do our job, we are out of sight and out of mind. It can be hard to measure a lack of illness, but preventing health problems is at the core of what we strive for. Health departments have statutory responsibilities that require routine inspections and an infrastructure that is both flexible and robust.

Do you ever swim in a pool at a hotel, athletic club, or apartment and condominium complex? Those pools are regulated by the state Sanitary Code, and must be inspected by your local health inspector to ensure that chemical levels are proper and adequate safety efforts are in force. Inspections and water quality testing also occur at the local community swimming beaches.

How about summer camps? If your child attends a residential, day, or sports camp in Massachusetts, it must be licensed by your local Board of Health. To obtain this license, camp organizers must meet certain training requirements, have emergency plans in place, and ensure that proper health care is provided.

In that same vein, tanning booths are inspected to ensure that required safety warnings are in place and that routine cleaning is conducted.

Your landlord won't make repairs to your rented home to comply with minimum codes? Your health department will conduct an inspection, and if violations are found, the staff will order compliance with the applicable code.

Then there are the animals. Many local departments permit the keeping of farm animals, worrying about how manure and feed are handled, and how the animals are cared for. Nuisance animals such as beavers get our attention when the dams start flooding backyards and streets. Wild animals that have an altercation with humans or domestic pets require testing for rabies. Mosquitoes, while not animals, carry diseases such as Eastern Equine Encephalitis and West Nile Virus.

As mentioned above, prevention of illnesses, as well as promoting healthy lifestyles, is the main goal of a health department. Public health nurses working with the health departments provide childhood and adult immunizations, conduct blood pressure and cholesterol screenings (among others), and review medical diagnoses to prevent the spread of the illness to others. Staff members conduct outreach and educational programs promoting healthy lifestyles like exercise, eating balanced meals, cancer prevention, and ensuring good health care for all.

Health officials have a hand in planning community and redevelopment projects with the health of users in mind. Subdivisions and housing proposals are reviewed with health related opportunities in mind. Are they designed to encourage walking to local destinations? Are healthy food choices nearby? Are there locations for children to play outside safely? Are there sources of pollution nearby that might endanger someone's health or safety? These are identified in the planning stages so they may be rectified.

Local health officials can also be involved in unexpected areas. A recent truck rollover resulted in health department response because a fuel spill threatened the town's water supply. A fire department response to a hazardous materials spill often results in the health department being called for technical assistance. Power outages due to storms can impact food establishments that need power to maintain refrigeration units. Most health departments issue burial permits, regulate tattoo and piercing establishments, and are involved in drinking water quality. The list goes on and on.

So how about some local success stories?

Communities through their health departments regulated tobacco use long before the state Legislature passed a law banning it in most public spaces and workplaces. Municipal sewer system expansions have been driven by the need to address failing septic systems or wastewater systems that emptied untreated waste directly to water bodies. Immunization rates for H1N1 and seasonal influenza are the highest in the country. The state conducted a region-wide review of asthma cases thought to be linked to trash incinerators; the results showed the cases were associated with vehicle emissions.

We invite you to celebrate the role of public health in your lives. Learn the history of the subject by visiting The Public Health Museum at Tewksbury Hospital (www.publichealthmuseum.org). Visit display tables being set up in your Town or City Hall and libraries. Invite a local health official to address your organization about issues of interest to you. Take part in the activities being planned.

In the weeks to come, this column will address many of the issues brought to light today. Your local health officers hope you will find these interesting and informative.

Thomas G. Carbone is the director of public health for the town of Andover.

I have recently been in touch with the Criminal Systems History Board (CSHB) to check on the status of the approvals of our health department staff to review CORI information for our licensed camps. I received the following response as well as the attached document. Anyone who has staff that reviews the CORI information for camps should send in an updated non-disclosure form every two years. Any questions should be referred to CSHB.

Thomas G. Carbone, President

DANVERS — Mr. Tracy I. Flagg, 83, of Danvers, beloved husband of the late Barbara G. (Currie) (French) Flagg, and long-time employee for the Town of Danvers, died Friday evening, Aug. 21, 2009 at his home.

Born in Boston, he was the son of the late Dr. Franklin I. Flagg and the late Alice K. (Caffrey) Flagg, R.N., D.Pod. He was raised and educated in Boston, attending Boston English High School and was a graduate of Taunton High School.

After graduating high school, Tracy joined the U.S. Army where he proudly served his country during World War II. Upon his return home, he pursued his education receiving his B.S. degree from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst in 1950 and continued his graduate courses at M.I.T — Boston where he received his Registered Professional Engineer degree in Environment Studies.

Mr. Flagg was employed by The Town of Danvers from 1951 to 1991 where he served in several capacities including Director of Public Health, Director of Health & Inspections and finished his career with the Town as Director of Human Services.

Always one to be busy, Tracy held several part-time positions including Sanitary Engineer for the Towns of Boxford, Topsfield and Wenham, Board Member for the South Essex Sewerage District and was involved in Pulp Timber & Forestry Land Development in the state of Maine. He was a long-time resident of the Town of Danvers and a member of the Maple Street Congregational Church. A dedicated member of several civic and community organizations, Tracy served each group with much gusto and in various capacities, from board member to Chairman. He was a member of the Danvers Rotary Club, Danvers Community Council, Danvers Council on Aging, Project RAP, North Shore Community Mental Health Center, Danvers Conservation Commission, North Shore Health Officers Association, Mass. Society of Professional Engineers, Visiting Nurses of North Shore, Massachusetts Dept. of Social Services, Danvers Town Meeting, Precinct Two, Massachusetts Environmental Health Association as a member and former President, Danvers Representative of CETA Program, a founding member of Danvers NSCAP, Appalachian Mountain Club, Massachusetts Audubon Society and the North Bay Council, Boy Scouts of America Troop 16. In 1990, he was the proud recipient of the "McKenzie Scout" award, which is presented to a leading citizen of the Town of Danvers who best exemplifies the Boy Scout ideals of good citizenship, character and personal fitness in his life.

Tracy was a charter member of the BARBELWHANG Association of Tuftonboro, N.H. where he was a 40 year summer resident. Here he was able to enjoy boating, swimming, hiking the White Mountains and the great outdoors.-

Surviving him is a daughter, Barbara A. Osgood of Danvers; two grandchildren, Lynn Trott of Loudon, N.H., and Raymond L. Osgood of Switzerland; and several great-grandchildren. He was also grandfather of the late Catherine Maihos.

ARRANGEMENTS: His funeral service will be held Wednesday, Aug. 26, 2009 at 10 a.m. in the Maple Street Congregational Church, Danvers. Relatives and friends invited. Burial in Greenlawn Cemetery, Salem. Visiting hours in the Peterson-O'Donnell Funeral Home, 167 Maple St. (Route 62), Danvers, Tuesday (today), from 4 to 7 p.m. Online guestbook at www.legacy.com. For more information, please inquire at 978-774-6600. Expressions of sympathy may be made in Tracy's memory to Danvers Community Council, P.O. Box 2076, Danvers, MA 01923.

Cal Joppru, a long time employee of the Pittsfield Health Department, lost his son, Will Joppru.  Condolences extended to his family.

PETTY OFFICER WILLIAM (WILL) C. JOPPRU, 24, of 260 Old Dalton Road, Hinsdale, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, March 17, at Kings Bay, Georgia, serving his Country while stationed at the Naval Submarine Support Center in Kings Bay, Georgia.  Born in Pittsfield, June 27, 1984, the son of Calvin O. and Elizabeth Roberts Joppru of Hinsdale, Will was educated in Kittredge School in Hinsdale, Nessacus Middle School in Dalton, and he was a 2002 graduate of Wahconah Regional High School. He had worked as a carpenter prior to entering the service. In August 2005, Petty Officer Joppru entered active duty in Naval Service. He attended basic training at the Naval Training Center in Great Lakes, Illinois. Following completion of basic training, he attended basic enlisted submarine school in Groton, Connecticut. His first and only duty station was onboard the USS West Virginia (SSBN 736) (Blue), Kings Bay, Georgia. He spent three years aboard West Virginia and was one of the most aggressive and proud auxiliary man onboard.  Petty Officer Joppru was honored with several personal awards and decorations which included the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Global War on Terrorism Medal, as well as the Expert Pistol Medal and Expert Rifle Medal. Will enjoyed hunting, fishing, four wheeling, skiing, snowboarding, traveling, and being with his family and friends. Besides his mother and father of Hinsdale, Will is survived by three sisters, Amanda R. Joppru of Hinsdale, Elizabeth E. Joppru of Hinsdale, and Rebecca R. Connolly, of Pittsfield; his nephew, Carson T. Connolly of Pittsfield; his aunts and uncles, Thomas Roberts of Pittsfield, Charles Johnson of Ely, MN, Mark Roberts and his wife, Sandra, of Littleton, New Hampshire, and Ron Joppru who is also his godfather and his wife Kathy of Vernon, Connecticut; his aunt, Kate Roberts of Berkeley, California, and many cousins, and other relatives. He was also predeceased by his aunt, the late Trudell Joppru Johnson and by his uncle, the late Reggie Joppru.

FUNERAL NOTICE: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for PETTY OFFICER WILLIAM "WILL" C. JOPPRU, who died Tuesday, March 17, 2009 will be conducted Wednesday, March 25, at 10:00 a.m., at St. Charles Church, celebrated by the Rev. Peter A. Gregory, pastor.
Burial will be private. Full Military Honors will be presented for Petty Officer Joppru by the United States Navy outside St. Charles Church immediately following the service.  Calling hours will be Tuesday, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., at DERY FUNERAL HOME in Pittsfield. Memorial donations in memory of Will may be made to the William C. Joppru Memorial Fund to be used for the betterment of Wild Acres, a place where Will enjoyed many days fishing and hiking in care of the Dery Funeral Home, 54 Bradford Street, Pittsfield, MA 01201.

Walter V. Cordes 1926 -2008 HOLYOKE: Walter V. Cordes, 82, of Holyoke, died Friday, July 18, 2008 in Holyoke. . He was born in Daytona Beach, FL, son of the late Walter C. and Louise W. (Vester) Cordes, he was a 1944 graduate of Holyoke High School, a 1950 graduate of Boston University, and received his Masters Degree in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts in Amherst in 1979. Walter was a United States Navy Veteran of World War II. In 1952 he began working for the Holyoke Board of Health, and served as the Health Director from 1959 until his retirement in 1985. After his retirement he served as the Health Department Director for the Town of Southwick for several years, and also designed private septic systems. He was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, where he served as a Vestryman, and a member if it's Board of Trustees. Walter also belonged to the former William Whiting Masonic Lodge, and currently the Mt. Tom Lodge of Masons. He belonged to the Robert Morris Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star, Melha Shriner's, King Philip York Rite College, Red Cross of Constantine, St. Matthews Conclave, St. Andrew's Commandery, Holyoke Council of Legal and Select Masters, and Mt. Holyoke Royal Arch Chapter. Walter is survived by his wife of 55 years, Virginia (Hustler) Cordes of Holyoke, two daughters, Andrea Ruth Cordes of Holyoke and Meredith Sokol and her husband Edward of Sarasota, FL, two grandchildren, Jonathan Sokol, who is currently serving in the United States Navy, and Courtney Sokol and her fiancée Jay Olivera of Falmouth, and Jay's son Savio Olivera. The funeral will be held Tuesday morning at 10 a.m. from the Barry J. Farrell Funeral Home, 2049 Northampton Street, Holyoke followed by a Service at 11 a.m. in St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Appleton Street, Holyoke. Burial will follow in Forestdale Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Monday from 3 6:30 p.m. with a Masonic Service at 6:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Shriner's Hospital, 516 Carew Street, Springfield, MA 01104 or Mt. St. Vincent Nursing Home, 35 Holy Family Road, Holyoke, MA 01040.
Published in The Republican on 7/20/2008

Laurea L. (James) Nugent of Hale's Location, NH and Boynton Beach, FL formerly of Reading March 17, 2008. Beloved wife of James J. Nugent. Devoted mother of James J. Nugent, Jr. and his wife Jennifer of W. Roxbury, David R. Nugent and his wife Michelle and Christopher J. Nugent and his wife Susan all of Reading. Cherished sister of Eleanor Adorn and Dennis James both of Malden, Richard James of Boynton Beach FL and Vicki Leo of Brookfield NH. Also the loving grandmother of 8 and 1 great granddaughter. Funeral from the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) READING Friday March 21 at 9 AM followed by a Blessing at St. Athanasius Church, 300 Haverhill St., Reading at 10. Relatives and friends invited to attend. Funeral Home Visiting Hours Thursday 4-8. Burial is private. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Laurea's memory to the Cam Neely Foundation Cancer Care, C/O the Neely House at T-NEMC, 750 Washington St. #0716, Boston, MA 02111. For info directions and register book visit http://www.johnbdouglassfuneralhome.com

  Walter G. Irvine, Jr., 88, of Wilbur St., a former Director of Public Health for the City of Worcester, died peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on December 25, 2007, after an illness.

He was predeceased by his wife of 60 years, Shirley (Burgess) Irvine, and his son Peter Irvine. He leaves three daughters, Kristina Johnson and her husband Ronald of Worcester, Deborah Bonneau and her husband David of West Boylston and Felice Irvine-Collins and her husband Bill of Princeton; and a son, Francis Morlu and his wife Joanna of Royal Palm Beach, FL; a sister, Sibyl Cushman and her husband Bob of Hollis, NH. His brother, Kenneth Irvine, predeceased him. He leaves nine grandchildren: Sally, Peter and his wife Jyotsna, Monique and her partner Becca, Noelle, Madeleine, Jennifer, William, Daniel, and Erik. He leaves several nieces and nephews.

Walter was born in Worcester, son of Walter G. and Louise (Calwell) Irvine, Sr., and lived here most of his life. He was a graduate of North High School and earned a degree in Dairy Science from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II serving as a Pharmacist's Mate 3rd Class.

Most recently, Walter Irvine was the Health Agent for the Town of Sterling Board of Health for 21 years, retiring in 2006. He previously worked for the City of Worcester Health Dept for 22 years, and finished his time there as the Director of Public Health for 4 years. Prior to then he worked as a Plant Manager for Pinecroft Dairy, Sibley's Dairy, and Hood.

Walter was a longtime member of the Unitarian Universalist Church in Worcester where he was the organist for 32 years. He also sang in the Worcester Chorus. Walter volunteered for many years assisting clients at the Fallon Clinic, and at 2 local nursing homes playing the piano for residents and sharing his dog (and best friend) Gypsy. He vacationed annually in North Truro, Cape Cod. Walter was an avid birdwatcher and loved camping, gardening, walking on the beach and reading. He was a dedicated fan of the Red Sox and Patriots. Walter was the best Grampa to all of his many grandchildren.

His family would like to extend a big "thank you" to the VNA hospice program and Walter's dedicated neighbors Gerry and Bill for their kindness and assistance during his final days with us.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Service in Celebration of his Life at 3 P.M. on Sunday, June 15, 2008 in the Unitarian Universalist Church, 90 Holden St. Worcester. Burial will be private in Rural Cemetery, Worcester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Unitarian Universalist Church, 90 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606; or the Worcester Animal Rescue League, 139 Holden St., Worcester, MA 01606. Miles - Sterling Funeral Home, 100 Worcester Rd., Sterling, is directing arrangements.

http://www.milesfuneralhome.com

   George A. Smith, Jr., 65, of 52 Valentine Road, died Saturday, December 8, 2007, in UMass Memorial, University Campus, following a long illness.  George is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Marion "Penny" L. (Peloquin) Smith of Northborough; four brothers, Robert Smith of Worcester, Richard Smith of Westborough, William Smith of Worcester and Paul Smith of Boylston; three sisters, Ann Mirow of Holden, Kathleen Dyson of Stafford Springs, CT and Nancy Keenan of Sutton; two aunts, Mary Lennon of Worcester and Patricia Perron of Westborough; as well as many nieces and nephews. Born and raised in Worcester, he was the son of the late George A., Sr. and Catherine (Lennon) Smith. George has lived in Northborough for the past 26 years.

George served in the Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in France.

He is a graduate of the former Saint Peters High School in Worcester and the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at the University of Massachusetts in Amherst. He worked as the Director of Public Health in Auburn before retiring; as well as in Lexington and Framingham. Prior to working as Director of Public Health for these three communities he worked as the Health Inspector in Framingham. George was awarded the Robert C. Perriello Merit Award from the National Environmental Health Association for his work in the Public Health Field. In 1982, he organized the first Household Environmental Hazardous Waste Collection Day in Lexington, which is now done nationwide. George was an avid photographer and collector of model cars. He has been a longtime member of Saint Rose of Lima Church.

A funeral Mass will be held Wed., Dec. 12, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in Saint Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main St., Northborough. Burial will follow in Howard Street Cemetery. Calling hours will be held Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2007 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Hays Funeral Home, 56 Main St. (Rt. 20) Northborough. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: St. Rose of Lima Church, 244 West Main St., Northborough. For online condolences or directions please visit http://www.haysfuneralhome.com