Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

WEBSTER – Bartlett senior Lauren Hughes attributes a lot ofher great learning habits, which have resulted in high grades, to the fact that she attended St. Louis school in Webster from kindergarten until the eighth grade.

“I feel that going to St. Louis really helped me,” said Hughes. “It helped form good study habits, with the smaller classes we were able to get into. I wish they we could have read a little more in English classes and focused more on the literature, but other than that, it really prepared me for high school.”

Credit Art teachers for their growth

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo (MORE PHOTOS FOLLOW)

WEBSTER – The Bartlett High School Art Department is without question one of the coolest around and now anyone who wants to experience the work of these talented young people will get the chance.

Throughout the next few months, you can check out the latest art by some of Bartlett’s gifted art students at the Booklovers’ Gourmet on East Main Street in Webster.

On March 10, 2013, at approximately just before 11:00 p.m. Officer Aaron Suss was on patrol when he observed a vehicle speeding in the North Main Street area. While observing the vehicle, he saw it almost strike a group of pedestrians. After initiating a motor vehicle stop, it appeared the operator, later identified as Carlene Divoll (4/49/71) from 557 School Street in Webster, spit out what appeared to be mouthwash. She also apparently consumed peanuts as well in an attempt to mask the odor of alcohol.

WEBSTER - Just 158 residents turned out for Monday's election to vote to on a debt exclusion to fund Webster's $3.3 million share of the $73  million project to renovate Bay Path Regional Technical High School in Charlton.  Voters approved the measure 103 to 55. Town Clerk Robert Craver called it "the lowest turnout I've seen since I've been here."

Approximately 73 voters had unanimously approved the debt exclusion article on the town warrant at the February 25 Special Town Meeting. The average cost to Webster households will be about $33, starting in future fiscal years. There are 131 Webster students at Bay Path.  

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent.

WEBSTER - A public hearing for the Charter Cable contract was held on Monday, March 4, at the town hall. Residents were encouraged to attend.

 The issue focused on a ten-year minimum contract with Charter Cable for public access, educational, and government channels, 11,12 and 13 in Webster. The negotiations were put on the table for the public to hear. According to Thomas Cohen, Director of Government Relations for Charter Cable, Webster is currently paying a 1% franchise fee while some other communities are as high as 3%. At present, Charter pays the town $.50 per customer, roughly $18,000 per year to fund the production and programming of the access channels. It is now up to the Cable Advisory Committee to listen to the citizens and make their decision.

Janet Malser Humantities Trust
Deadline April 1

The Janet Malser Humanities Trust is accepting applications for the 2013 grant cycle. Ms. Malser set up the charitable Trust in order to support the arts and humanities, community service and conservation in the towns of Dudley, Oxford, and Webster, MA.

The causes for which funding will be considered include: “the restoration and preservation of historic sites; the furtherance of art and music in the schools, both public and private; public concerts with an emphasis on classical music; the improvement and growth of public libraries; the support of church work aiding the indigent, homeless, aging citizens and needy children; beautification through planting and the preservation of park areas and cemeteries; the improvement of service and equipment at the Hubbard Regional Hospital [now Harrington Healthcare at Hubbard], and the environmental protection of Webster Lake.”

Trustees will make awards annually to verified tax-exempt organizations meeting the charitable purposes of the Trust. Prior recipients are eligible to apply so long as proper follow up status reports have been filed; otherwise they will not be considered.

Applications and instructions for the current year are available janetmalsertrust.org.  Please use the 2013 application as changes have been made. All applications must be postmarked by April 1, 2013.

WHO: Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge

WHAT: Sen. Richard T. Moore will host his monthly “Coffee with Constituents” to discuss current issues and concerns with local residents.

WHEN: Friday, March 15th, 2012 from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.

WHERE: Booklovers’ Gourmet 55 East Main St. Webster, MA 01570

On Friday, March 15th, Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, will host “Coffee with Constituents” in Webster. Residents are welcome to visit with the local lawmaker, enjoy a complimentary cup of coffee, and take the opportunity to discuss current issues and concerns.

“Coffee with Constituents” will be held at Booklovers’ Gourmet, located at 55 East Main St. in Webster, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Customers who arrive during this timeframe will receive a free cup of coffee, courtesy of the Senator.

Sen. Moore routinely visits area breakfast spots within the Worcester & Norfolk district, and combines these with his regular constituent service office hours to connect with residents about the issues of the day.

Constituents requiring immediate assistance should contact Sen. Moore’s office at (617) 722-1420 or log onto his web site at www.senatormoore.com/services.

A road bike event to raise funds for the renovation and rebuilding of the Emergency Department at Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard in Webster will consist of four routes that are 100 miles, 62 miles (metric century), 30 miles and 12 miles in length.

There will be something for riders of all skills. Help raise money for an Emergency Department that hasn't seen a significant renovation since it was built in 1955.

Here's the link for more information:http://ridetorebuild.kintera.org/faf/home/default.asp?ievent=1057460

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

WEBSTER -  It appears that Scooby Snax are a Scooby Dooby don’t in Webster. Friday, March 1, the Webster Police department notified Health Department Agent Cathy Liberty that Jimmy’s Convenience Store had been selling small smoking pipes from behind the register, violating Board regulations. On March 4 the health department and police performed an inspection. The owner told Ms.Liberty and the officers present that she was not selling such items. Ms. Liberty asked to look behind the register and found, in plain view, a plastic clear organizer box with a selection of pipes marked with prices on them. These were previously on display and the establishment was fined for having what is classified as drug paraphernalia in the store.

just a few issues at Webster BOS Meeting

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

WEBSTER -   Demolition, dogs, department remote participation, swearing in of two new officers and a budget issue kept the Webster Board of Selectmen at their best during the Monday, March 4 meeting.

The meeting started with a twenty-five year proclamation from the board to the Party Planner at 183 Main Street. The business started in 1988 and has been a staple of Webster since then.