Interview and photos by Steev Riccardo

A few days before Webster artist and poet JenniFire D’Andrea had a meet-and-greet at the Booklovers’ Gourmet in Webster, we were able to get together and talk about what makes this unique and talented artist tick.

Although it was only recently that I discovered the work of JenniFire, thanks to Deb Horan at the Booklover’s Gourmet, we found that we had an immediate connection—or maybe several.

We both love music, both are writers, and both grew up in the same neighborhood on High Street in Webster. Therefore, we were able to connect and talk at length about just about any topic. 

JenniFire’s work is simply electrifying. She is a fantastic artist, on the verge of something really special. Here is our interview straight off the tape.

SR:  How did you get started? Was it writing or painting first?
JF:  It was always drawing and sketching since I was nine. That is the earliest I can remember. 

SR: What or who were you influenced by?
JF: My Dad was into art a lot. He did a lot of murals for people in their houses. He was a hippie. In exchange for sleeping in their house and meals, he would paint their walls.  Sometimes he would bring me along and I would get to see it and I always thought it was so cool. 

SR: So would you say your father was your biggest influence indirectly?
JF: Yes. He would always tell me to be creative, he would say to me be independent. He would talk to me like I was an adult and made me feel equal. He would really encourage me, he was really cool.  (Jenni’s father Edward Boucher passed away several years ago.)

SR: When you started creating was it more as a poet or a painter?
JF:  It was more as a painter. I started to use paints after I started sketching things. I did a few watercolors and they came out really nice and realistic.  I actually hadn’t even been in painting class in high school because the teacher didn’t want me. She said I was dreaming and wasn’t good enough.

SR: So the art teacher didn’t get you.
JF: No, she didn’t get my style; it made me want to prove to her that I was good anyway, no matter what she said.
SR: We won’t mention her name then (laughs).

SR: What was it like for you going to Bartlett?
JF:  It was just a place to pass time. It was just friends. I went through the motions, I did it, and graduated.

SR: When did you start coming into your own as an artist?
JF:  I’d say around 2004 when I was in my late twenties.  I was with a guy who was really supportive; we lived together for about six years and he really supported my ideas, which was something that I wasn’t use to. It was my first secure relationship. He helped me get into a better job so I was able to afford materials, and getting materials is what usually makes me feel really inspired and important. If I can get a new fresh canvas and spend my money on brushes and paints, as I was doing then, and I was producing a lot.

SR: So the support from your boyfriend helped you get what you needed to do your art?
JF: Yes

SR: When did you start to realize that people liked your work?
JF: The first moment that I can remember was one time when I had a lot of friends over my house like, you know, a party.

SR: Was this in Webster?
JF: Yes this was in Webster and sometimes I used to do my artwork right there while everyone was having fun. I would be inspired.

SR: And just start painting? That’s cool.
JF: One time I did an oil pastel of a woman’s silhouette, a pure black silhouette of a woman with her hair flowing in the wind and it got really quiet and I looked around and everyone was staring at it.

SR: So it was your immediate peer group that made you feel that you had talent?

JF: Yeah.

SR: Was there a point where you realized, ‘OK my art is really good, people might want to buy it?
JF:  That happened about maybe a year ago. I started selling more, so it was more like, my goodness, people want to actually hang it on their walls. I mean, I sold a couple things here and there through the years, but recently I have been selling a lot through my Facebook page. It’s highly visible and people are sharing my art, people that enjoy my work.

SR: Before these sales started happening, how did you get your art community going?
JF: My friend Danielle and I teamed up and thought that if we get enough of our friends together and put it in a magazine it would be highly visible to everybody outside of town and in town and then maybe people would want to get together and have an art fair, but it never reached that point.  The magazine (Nights And Days) did well in Worcester. We went to “Start on the Street,” an art fair, one year and we had success but we never got anything going in town. There were never enough people interested.

SR: Tell me more about your actual day-to-day inspiration. I watched the video that you have on line and I was blown away. You created a painting in less than 3 minutes. Is it always that easy for you?
JF: Yeah, I don’t know, it’s like magic. What I do is wake up early, like 4:30 or 5, have some coffee, I set up everything in the kitchen so I get the natural light coming in and then I blast my music, put whatever I am in the mood for on, and get immersed in it and that helps and then I go in and I take my colors and I just know.

SR: You mentioned lighting, is that important for you as an artist?
JF: I don’t know, you can see the color at its truest. It’s pure. I work under a lamp too, at night. Whatever kind of light I can get.

SR: Do you have any influences as far as painters go?
JF: I do, but I try to really keep away from people I am inspired by. I tried to not paint like them, but I like Van Gogh, Salvador Dali, Picasso, and Monet. 

SR: They all kind of had painful lives, didn’t they?

JF: Yes.

SR: What about writers or music?
JF: Pink Floyd is huge; I think they are a magical type of band. A lot of their music is locked in my paintings forever.

SR: Now I’m guessing you are more into the Syd Barrett era rather than Rogers Waters or David Gilmour version?
JF: Yes, I am more Syd Barrett definitely. He was an artist too, and he was crazy (laughs) and I can relate to his lyrics, there is something deep going on underneath that I can see.

SR: Did you lose interest in them when Syd went crazy and Roger Waters took over the writing? Did you like Animals and Wish You Were Here too?

JF: No, my favorite album is Dark Side of the Moon, I have to say. I love Animals too. I love Pink Floyd but Roger Waters is a little too stuffy for me. I didn’t lose interest in them; I just happened to really focus on the Syd era.

SR: Don’t you love how Roger always refers to Syd though, he still talks about Syd even now?
JF: Yeah, I do. I’m glad he doesn’t let him fade away. He respects him.

SR:  What about writers, being a poet and all, do you have any favorites?

JF:  Kurt Vonnegut, he’s awesome, I love him, and he definitely had an eye of what was going on during his time. He’s witty.  I really like him.  Bukowski, of course, who doesn’t?

(We pause and talk about Bukowski for a few minutes)

SR: Tell me about how you paint, your technique--
JF:  I get an image in my mind of colors and patterns and of course I can’t draw it out because it’s abstract, so I have to do it right away so my abstracts are done in like ten minutes or a half an hour.  I take my colors and usually put them right on the canvas and I usually use a palette knife to make thick textures and then I will scratch lines into the paint because now I have something to work with and I can either take a comb through it or take my brush and scratch lines in there and just kind of go to work on that.  Whatever it is, it takes place in the space of a couple of songs.

SR: Do you ever draw with a pencil or paint with a brush?
JF: I do, but it’s rare.  I have short attention spans so I don’t like to work on a painting very long.  Years ago I would work on a painting for maybe a week but now my average painting is done in an hour tops.

SR: Where do you hope that your art takes you ultimately, or does that even matter to you?

JF: I don’t think it matters, I don’t think I have thought about that, I just want as many people as possible to see it. It’s as simple as that. I just want to do it and be happy and then let other people see it and be happy.

One thing is certain JenniFire has succeeded in making at least one person very happy with her art. She’s good, really good.

Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Besides the selectman’s race, the only contested position is for the Board of Assessors. Joseph J Smith III is the incumbent, the challenger is Joseph S.  Beresik. To read their stories, click Columns/ Letter from the Editor.

WEBSTER – Steven Knowlton has accepted the position of principal of Bartlett Junior Senior High School, starting July 1, 2012.

Mr. Knowlton has been principal of the 1700-student Cranston West High School in Rhode Island since 2006. Before that he was the principal at Coventry High School for two years and North Smithfield Junior Senior High School for three years.

He also served as assistant principal at the North Smithfield High School for ten years.

Mr. Knowlton lists as his accomplishments at Cranston West High School that 96% of graduates there  attend college. He also instituted a Life Skills Program and SPED Leering Center Model.

School Superintendent Gregory M. Ciardi said, “We were really pleased to be able to attract a candidate with the track record and experience that he has. Mr. Knowlton has had a very successful tenure at Cranston West High School, which has many similarities to Bartlett.”

Mr. Knowlton replaces Michael Hackenson, who retired in February.

The Webster School Committee on Saturday chose Dr. Barbara Malkas to be the next school superintendent. The formal announcement will be made after contract negotiations are completed.

Dr. Malkas is currently the Deputy Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction for the Pittsfield Public Schools.

She will replace Dr. Ciardi, who will be retiring in June.

WEBSTER POLICE REPORT

On 4/18/12 at approximately 7:45 a.m., Webster Police received a medical alarm at 198 Oxford Road in Webster. Upon police arrival, it was learned that the 90 year old resident had come home and interrupted a breaking and entering in progress.

Upon confronting the intruder, the suspect struck the victim in the face and knocked him down. The suspect then took the victim’s wallet and fled the residence.

Webster Police attempted to utilize a police canine to locate the suspect but was unsuccessful. The suspect was described as being around 6 feet tall, medium build and possibly wearing a trench coat. The suspect was wearing a mask at the time.

The victim did go to the hospital and was treated and released with minor injuries.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Webster Police Detective Bureau at 508-943-1212. Anonymous tips may be left at 508-949-3874. Tips may also be texted in at "wpd01570" to 847411 or the department website at www.websterpolice.com.

"Town lacks the authority to adopt rules and regulations for Webster Lake”

WEBSTER – The Attorney General's Office this week issued opinions on the items submitted for approval of warrant articles from the October 17, 2011, Annual Town Meeting.

At that meeting, residents voted to adopt a new by-law banning all billboards higher than 40 feet and larger than 100 square feet, and would not permit renewals of any existing billboard that violates this by-law.

The purpose of the warrant article, which was brought by citizen petition, was to force the removal of the 85-foot high billboard currently located at Exit 2 off I-395.

The attorney general's opinion noted that Webster has a zoning by-law which allows billboards in other than residential districts, which then have to conform to regulations of the Massachusetts Outdoor Advertising Board.

The proposed new restrictions described in Article 14 were presumed to be intended as a general by-law, as the article did not follow procedural requirements for zoning by-law changes. In addition, the town did not repeal the existing zoning by-law.

Therefore, the opinion states, “The adoption of the by-law under Article 14 creates an internal inconsistency between the Town's zoning by-law and the Town's general by-law as applied to large billboards.

The Attorney General recommended that the Town “consult closely with Town Counsel before applying the by-law adopted under Article 14 to signs which comply with the provisions” of the Outdoor Advertising Board.

The Town cannot tell the Advertising Board whether or not to grant a permit or renewal, and so it would appear that Article 14 cannot be applied to the existing billboard.

In a comment on the decision, Board of Selectman Chairman Dan Ricci said that he and town officials would be meeting to discuss the results and determine next steps. “The important thing is that there aren't going to be more billboards, that we're not setting a precedent.”

The Attorney General's office also issued an opinion on citizen-petition Article 16, which would amend the Webster Lake Rules and Regulations to add time restrictions for operating commercial vessels, specifically prohibiting their operation after 9:00 p.m. EST or before 8:00 a.m. EST.

The article was disapproved because Webster Lake is a “great pond,” a natural lake over 20 acres, which must be accessible to the public, and is under the jurisdiction of the State. Further, the general regulatory powers of cities and towns is limited to great ponds under 500 acres. Webster Lake is 1,270 acres in size.

The opinion states that “Because Webster Lake exceeds five hundred acres in size and based upon the plain language of the statute, the Town lacks the authority to adopt rules and regulations for Webster Lake.”

Webster voters amended the proposed time restriction by-law at a December 5 town meeting to prohibit the operation of commercial vessels between sunset and sunrise. As that proposal isn't materially different than the one disapproved in this decision, it would appear that it could be rejected as well.

Mr. Ricci said the Town is waiting for that decision to come from the Attorney General's office, along with another December warrant article which proposes to limit the length of boats allowed on the Lake to 40 feet. He feels that the safety aspects associated with larger boats may cause the attorney general to rule differently in that case.

The hours and boat length warrant articles were aimed at stopping a proposal by local businessman Christopher Robert to bring a paddle wheel boat to Webster Lake for history and scenic tours and events like weddings.

Mr. Ricci noted that even if the December articles are disapproved, new noise restrictions in effect will impact viability of the boat, as will the fact that a liquor license was denied.

The Attorney General's office approved three other warrant articles, including number 19, which allows out-of-state vehicles to be charged for parking at the town beach and exempts residents; and number 20, a noise article for establishments.

Posted: Friday, April 20, 6:46 a.m.

Location: 129 & 131 South Shore Road, Webster

Patriot staff text and photos.

Particulars: A massive fire destroyed two Webster lakeside homes and displace two families during the early morning hours of Thursday April 19th.

Details are sketchy at this time, but fire officials stated that it was just after 1 AM when the phones at the Webster Emergency Control office started lighting up like a Christmas tree. Many residents of Killdeer Island were awakened by a brilliant light coming from South Shore Road and realized that there was a house on fire. They immediately started inundating Webster’s 911 system with frantic calls about the fire.

The fire originated in a two story home located at 129 South Shore Road. The occupants of the house were out of town babysitting their grandchildren at the time of the fire. When police arrived on scene, they radioed dispatch that the house was “fully involved” and the fire was quickly spreading to the house next door. Thankfully, before any first responders arrived, some of the neighbors had already gone to the threatened home at 131 South Shore Rd. and rousted the occupants from their slumber, getting them out of their house before the fast moving flames could trap them inside.

As firefighters arrived on scene, it was obvious that the home at 129 South Shore Rd. was totally engulfed in flame and on the verge of collapse. The overwhelmed jakes turned their attention to the two dwelling on either side of the original fire building, one of which was already on fire. The other was severely threatened by radiant heat.

Webster Fire Chief Brian Hickey arrived on scene and immediately sized up the fire situation. He felt his firefighters were at a disadvantage and would need additional help. He called for mutual aid from the Dudley, Douglas, Oxford, and Southbridge fire departments to respond to the scene to assist his jakes in gaining control of the grave situation.

Firefighters from the Webster FD and the out of town fire companies fought a very difficult battle to gain control of the stubborn fire. Unfortunately, the original fire building collapsed into the basement and the house located at 131 South Shore Rd. was completely destroyed by the ensuing fire. It appears both buildings will have to be razed. The third house that was threatened by the fire, located at 127 South Shore Rd., was damaged by radiant heat, but was habitable.

The fire was brought under control in about 90 minutes, and there were no injuries to any residents. One firefighter was treated at the scene for a minor ankle injury; he did not require hospitalization. The cause of the fire is undetermined at this time and is being investigated by members of the Webster Fire and Police Departments with assistance from Troopers from the State Fire Marshals Office.

An engine and crew from the East Thompson Fire Department covered the empty Webster Fire Headquarters.

Demolition of Cranston Print Works at Gore Road and Worcester Road in Webster is almost finished. The smoke stack will most likely be taken down at the end of next week. The clock town in the background, on the left, will be moved to the corner of the intersection.

WEBSTER – Members of the Bartlett High School Student Council questioned the four candidates running for the one open selectman’s position at a Candidates’ Night held at the Puliafico Auditorium on Thursday, April 12.

Patricia Murphy ably moderated the event, keeping good order through all the questioning.

Each candidate gave an opening statement and then shared their vision for Webster.

Candidate Brian Chenevert said he is a 1992 graduate of Barltett High School, went to Franklin Pierce College in Rindge, NH, and is now back in Webster and working as a claims manager at Unum insurance company, out of Worcester. He has three children in the schools here, and said "because of this I have a vested interest in Webster." He has also spent eight years coaching various youth sports teams here.

Mr. Chenevert’s vision for Webster includes cleaning up the downtown district, "There are eyesores all over town," he said. He would like to see a cleaner, greener town, with more businesses and no empty buildings. He would also focus on education, and on getting town offices to work together. "The town would work more efficiently if the left hand knew what the right hand will be doing."

"I want this to be a town my children will want to raise their families in."

Candidate Robert J. Miller described himself as a fourth generation Websterite who has raised four children here. He previously served three terms as a selectman, from 2001 to 2010. Before that, he was a member of the Finance Committee, and also served on the Police-Fire Station Building Committee.

He serves as a board member for the VNA and Life-Skills, Inc.

During his time as selectman, Mr. Miller was instrumental in structuring the Webster-Dudley Inter-Municipal Agreement, and believes that "we have to get more people on to lower our rates." He’d like to be back on the Board of Selectmen because "the work is never done," he said.

He would like to package Webster as a business friendly town, as Putnam has done. He asked, "Where are the plans to fill the empty buildings with new businesses?" He’d also promote Webster Lake. "We should promote, promote, promote, because we have location, location, location, rather than raise fees, fees, fees."

Candidate Paul O’Donnell said "I’m here because I’ve spent my life helping people." He cited his achievements, including 37 years as founder and former publisher of The Patriot newspaper, 45-years as a member of the Webster-Dudley Veterans Council, former president of the Webster-Dudley Rotary Club, former member of the Webster Lions Club, six years on the town’s finance board, former member of the conservation board, former corporator of Hubbard Hospital, United Way, and W-D Boys and Girls Club, and many more.

Mr. O’Donnell’s vision included more building around the lake. "You could put a lot more buildings, put in 20-story high buildings for people to live there." He also said "we need more businesses. We have a lot of cars that go through here."

Candidate Walter D. Ricci, incumbent and current chairman of the Board of Selectmen, talked about his history with the Webster School system and how it has been of tremendous support to his children particularly his special needs son. Mr. Ricci is also chairman of the Park Avenue School Building Committee, which he hopes will be approved at town meeting in June.

Mr. Ricci said the selectmen have had to make difficult decisions the past few years, but they put us on a path that "will bring a brighter future." He cited two $1 million grants the town has received.

His vision includes ongoing downtown revitalization where business can grow, support for the lake, the "greatest natural resource we have," and making "the school district the best it can be."

Matthew Bernier asked each candidate why he is running for selectman.

Mr. Chenevert said, "I based my decision on needs I see in Webster in talking to people in the town, listening to their complains about what’s not getting done and would like to see done."

Mr. Miller said he’s running "because I still have some energy. I enjoyed meeting the people. There is more to be done," he said; "you’ll never accomplish everything you want to."

Mr. O’Donnell, who had some difficulty hearing the question, answered, "After finishing 37 years with the paper, I’m doing nothing, so I want to do something, and this seemed like just the thing for me."

Mr. Ricci said he wants to give back to the school system. "The town has made tremendous strides in the past few years, and I want to continue that."

Lindsey Mason asked the candidates how their past experience can help them in this position.

Mr. Miller said, "It’s something you acquire. You learn from your mistakes."

Mr. Ricci said his background in construction had been helpful to the Board of Selectmen in the last three years.

Mr. O’Donnell said, "I’ve been all over the place. I’ve done so many things. I shouldn’t have any problems. For the first couple of months I wouldn’t do anything. Look at all this stuff I’ve done. That would be no problem."

Mr. Chenevert said "I don’t have the experience they have, but I’ve been a leader my entire life. I deal with Type A people. I can bring a youthful outlook and leadership to the post."

Kayla Smith asked the candidates "what qualities make you the top candidate; what sets you apart?

Mr. O’Donnell said, I’m not the top candidate. It’s up to you people to decide. I’ve been a good person and a hard worker to get things done."

Mr. Ricci: "Commitment. I made a commitment three years ago and kept my promises." He also noted that his construction background makes him best suited to oversee building projects like the police station and new elementary school.

Mr. Chenevert cited his being younger, with a different vision and outlook on what needs to be done. There has not been forethought in what the effects of decisions will be on generations down the road, he said.

Mr. Miller noted his past experience as selectman and on the job training. "I’m accessible day and night."

Lindsey Canty asked the candidates about their biggest priority for the town.

Mr. Ricci reiterated his three campaign promises: downtown revitalization, the school system, and the lake.

Mr. Chenevert called revitalizing a huge priority, along with bringing viable business to town to bring up the tax base, and the educational system.

Mr. Miller answered by saying "We all have the same vision." That includes revitalization of downtown, something that’s been ongoing for 40 years, the schools, and bringing business to town.

Mr. O’Donnell replied: "Business, more business, a lot of business. We have lots of cars going through. We need them to stop."

Amber Daigneault asked the candidates how they can improve Webster.

Mr. Chenevert: "By listening. Some people don’t have a voice. Just showing up for a Monday meeting isn’t enough."

Mr. Miller: "I’m going around all over the place. I’ve spent hours and hours. You have to listen, whether you agree or not, or they’re afraid to come forward. You go and talk to people."

Mr. O’Donnell: "I can’t do it standing here. I’ll look for businesses coming in, go to California and other states and let them know what we have here. If we don’t get businesses, taxes will go up."

Mr. Ricci: "I agree with the other candidates. We need more business. Nuisance properties have been brought down, we need to keep it going. Webster will continue to thrive and be back where it used to be."

The four candidates for selectmen were joined by Michael Makara, incumbent candidate for the School Committee. Mr. Makara is unopposed for re-election to his post. The students asked him the same questions.

Bartlett teacher and Student Council Advisor Kelly O’Brien helped organize the event, which can be viewed on cable access, Channel 13.

By the Webster Police Department

On Saturday, April 14, the Webster Fire Department lost a close member of our family. Dispatcher Karen (Latour) Ruda, who served the department for more than 18 years, passed away following a 20-plus year battle with heart disease.

Many people knew Karen simply as the voice behind KAR464, the Webster Fire Alarm. But Karen was much more than just a voice. Karen was a close friend and inspiration to many, many people both inside and outside the fire service.

Karen spent her life dedicating herself to her family, her career in the fire service, and the citizens of the area. Karen was as selfless as they come, always putting her family, especially her daughter Haleigh, and her extended fire department family first.

Karen’s dedication to the department and the fire service was second to none and was seen by many. Karen always went above and beyond the call of duty, taking on many new responsibilities over the years. As the only full time department employee, each year, Karen spent countless hours behind the scenes, doing her part to keep the daily operations of the department going. One of Karen’s biggest and most public duties each year was assisting in preparing programs for Fire Safety Awareness, especially during the annual Fire Prevention Week when she would coordinate the annual department open house.

Karen was also very dedicated to a program she helped create in the Southern Worcester County area, the Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention Program. Karen was one of the original and key educators in the program in this area, designed for children who had been involved in some manner of fire setting activities. As part of this program, Karen was one of several advocates around the state that lobbied for legislation to ban so-called toy and novelty lighters, cigarette lighters that were designed to look like every day household items and children’s toys. It became one of Karen’s proudest professional moments when the legislation was approved in 2010 to ban the sale of these items in Massachusetts.

Karen’s dedication didn’t stop with the community outreach though. Karen looked at every single one of her firefighters as being a member of her immediate family. Karen was often referred to as the department’s “den mother” and was always there in a time of need. Karen was very proud to have been able to touch so many lives, and she may never realize how extensively she touched and inspired so many members of this department.

Unfortunately though, about 25 years ago, cancer struck Karen. Being the tough young woman she was, Karen beat this cancer, but the treatment took a toll on her heart, leading her into early stages of heart failure. Twelve years ago, Karen gave birth to her beautiful daughter Haleigh, a miracle to have been able to be blessed with a child following the bout with cancer. Additional damage caused by the pregnancy occurred in Karen’s heart, and ultimately in 2004, Karen would need heart surgery to repair a valve and clear a blockage. True to form though, Karen fought through this and managed to continue living her life as normal.

Five years ago, Karen was again struck by cancer. Again, Karen was strong and beat the cancer, but the surgeries involved pushed Karen’s heart towards a breaking point. About six months later, Karen suffered a massive heart attack. Although Karen survived and was able to return to work, her life would never be the same.

In April 2011, Karen learned she had been placed on the heart transplant list. After several weeks of rapidly deteriorating health, Karen was admitted to Tufts Medical Center in Boston in early December, to await a transplant. Although Karen’s medical team was top notch and provided Karen all the treatment needed to get her ready to receive a heart, Karen’s health continued to deteriorate. Through it all, Karen still put up a valiant fight and every day, still continued to show that selfless personality, always showing more concern for the family and friends around her than for herself. Unfortunately, time took its toll on Karen, and she passed on.

Karen’s legacy and dedication to her family, friends, fire department family, and the fire service will never be forgotten. Karen lived her life knowing that she was suffering from a likely terminal disease, a disease with which she was struck by no fault of her own. Through it all, and knowing that her time could come at any day, Karen was always there for all of us and always put everyone but herself first.

Karen leaves behind her daughter Haleigh, her parents Roger and Patricia Latour, a brother Gary, her extended family, her fire department family, and so many people whom she has touched and made a difference over the years.

Although Karen may no longer be with us, her dedication, her legacy, and her love will remain with us forever.

Age limit decision to protect public health went viral

PERSPECTIVE: Following this article, read comments on the Board of Health decision by Dr. Alfred DeMaria, the Department of Public Health’s State Epidemiologist

By Patriot Staff Reporter

Webster - “There is a serious epidemic of kitchen tattooing in this town. I know of at least eight or ten kitchen operations where illegal tattooing is taking place. These people are making money off minors who can’t come in and get a legal tattoo.”

These are the words of Ed Masterson, owner of Steel & Ink, one of two legitimate, licensed tattoo parlors in town. He continues, “I see at least three (minors) a week; they come in with botched tattoos, they come in with infections, and scars from infections, and they want me to fix it. I’ve seen just about everything in my many years of tattooing.”

Police had discovered that amateur tattoo artists were advertising on Facebook and told Health Agent Cathleen Liberty about the illegal activity. She had also had a complaint from a neighbor about a local “kitchen artist,”and so  the Board moved to address the problem at a public hearing last week. One attendee at the hearing told of a van that drove up near his property and parked, advertising illegal tattooing services.

In response, the Board amended town regulations to allow 14- to 17 year-olds to obtain a tattoo if a parent approves and accompanies the teen to the tattoo parlor.

The decision was made in the context of known illegal activity and the tenets of public safety. Unlicensed tattooing is known to cause serious health effects, including MRSA, HIV, hepatitis, and bacterial infections.

Along with the decision to allow minors to obtain tattoos, the board tightened up the regulation for who may perform body art. Licensed tattoo artists must now have at least 1800 hours of experience under the supervision of a licensed practitioner before they can operate on their own.

“We wanted to make it as safe as possible for individuals to get tattoos,” said Board of Health member Nancie Zecco, who has a Master's degree in Public  Health, specializing in epidemiology, which is the study of causes , distribution, and control of diseases in populations.

Still, the board’s decision went viral, as they say. All the news media, print, radio, and broadcast, descended on the town hall last week. Channel 5, Channel 7, Channel 3, NPR, WAAF, and the Telegram & Gazette were there onsite, and dozens more picked up the story and relayed it across the state and nation.

Much of the reaction was negative, and Board of Health Chairman David Zalewski announced on Monday that the board will discuss  the age limit again at its next meeting.

“We are dealing with a real situation,” Ms. Zecco said. “We have two regulated, licensed tattoo parlors in town and would rather have younger people go to them for a tattoo.”

“What was lost in all the media attention, all that people heard was that 14-year olds can get tattoos in Webster. What they’re not hearing is that the decision was for safety reasons. If kids are going to get a tattoo you want them to get it in a place that’s safe and regulated, not in a friend’s house.

“We knew there was an issue in town, and we took the initiative to protect the public by amending the regulations. It’s still up to the parents to make the decision for the child,” she said. Like many parents, she herself would not allow a 14-year old to get a tattoo. “However, it’s still up to the parents.” Ms. Zecco had initially moved to lower the age to 16, not 14.

Ed Masterson too said he “would not do it to one of my kids or grandchildren, and I wouldn’t do it to someone else’s child.” He said the kids who are getting the “kitchen tattoos” are the ones that parents can’t control. He tells 14-15 year olds who want a tattoo to hang a picture of it on the wall for two years and come to see him after that.

As for the new regulations, Masterson said that if he sees a lot of 15-year olds with botched tattoos, he might start fixing them.

Massachusetts state law stipulates that individuals must be 18-years old to obtain a tattoo, but towns may amend the regulations. Some have. Auburn, for example, allows tattooing of kids as young as 6.

Andrew R. Pelletier,  Auburn’s Development and Inspectional Services Director in the Public Health Division, explained the history of that decision. In 2004 the State ruled that towns could not outlaw tattoo parlors.

Auburn’s Board of Health, he said, “was very active at the time, and was adamant that we were there to protect the health of the child, not to legislate the morals of the family.”

There was little precedence for an age limit. Auburn was one of the first five or ten towns in the state to address it, he said. “We debated hotly on the issue of age.” The board looked at the age at which mental development would not be affected, and used laws regarding other dangerous products, such as lead paint, as its guide.  “We didn’t want to get involved in the raising of children.

“Body arts are a concern to public health,” he continued. “There’s a lot of nastiness out there. But we’re allowed freedom of expression.” Mr. Pelletier said three or four tattoo parlors have come to Auburn since the law was passed, but “all refuse to work on children.”

As for unlicensed tattoo artists, “we can’t regulate that,” he said. “But we do have enforcement powers and when we find them we can arrest them.”

Webster's Health Agent Liberty echoed that position. “But the hardest part is to catch them,”she said. “There's nothing we can do unless we catch them in the act.”

Will Auburn revisit its age criterion? “We regularly review all of our regulations to see if the codes are still good and to incorporate emerging products and new technologies. Now that Webster has looked at this, we can look at if we want to open it up again.”

Back in Webster, the Board of Health’s next scheduled meeting, when it will revisit the decision, is on May 7.

PERSPECTIVE:

Dr. Alfred DeMaria, the Department of Public Health’s State Epidemiologist, on the Board of Health decision:

We in public health are always balancing risks against benefits. When amateurs engage in illegal tattooing, there are infection risks. We do worry about that, and that's why there are regulations.

Each community has to deal with this on its own, he said. If a younger person comes in for a tattoo, you want to make sure the parents are involved if possible, and that it is done safely.  Consider this: a 15-year old can't just walk into a body art establishment, and so his options are limited to having friends or illegal tattooists doing it. But, if there's an option to get it done with a parent, they can get it done safely at a licensed shop.

We don't generally think of hepatitis and HIV infection in this age group, but a MRSA infection presents even more of a risk if equipment is not sterilized. Skin infections become an issue, there are multiple possibilities for infection that people don't think of first. If a teenager is getting a tattoo in a controlled establishment, he will be safer; somebody has a reputation to maintain.”

Tattooing was illegal in Massachusetts until 15 years ago, and there was a lot of underground activity. Regulations were adopted to make tattooing safe. The Webster Board of Health's decision extends the regulations to a younger age group.