WEBSTER, Mass., November 26, 2012 –Hawwa S. Frazier, D.O., a Family Medicine physician, has joined Harrington Physician Services at its Webster campus on 340 Thompson Road.

Dr. Frazier will be located at Harrington’s newly expanded and renovated physician office at Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard, where she will join Roman Tusinski, M.D., and Cathy Hill, N.P.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Frazier, please call 508-943-5132. She is accepting new patients.

Press release:
Lieutenant Michael D. Shaw
Date: November 30, 2012

RE: Narcotic Search Warrant Execution

On November 30, 2012 at 2008 hours, after a month long investigation, members of the Webster Police Department, along with members of the Southern Worcester County Narcotic and Counter Crime  Task Force and the Central Massachusetts Law Enforcement Council SWAT Team executed two search warrants at 40 Prospect Street apartment #2 and 42 Prospect Street apartment #4.

These addresses have been a nuisance to residents in and around the area which sparked numerous calls to police complaining about frequent traffic and dealing in the open. The two addresses are part of three buildings that contain many apartments that are occupied, even though the property is in foreclosure and scheduled for auction on December 1, 2012 at 10 am. These buildings have also been the target of the Webster Board of Health as well.

As a result the following were arrested and charged with the following:

Judi Marrier,  6/27/78, Jeffrey Redmiles 5/14/80, both of 40 Prospect Street apartment #2. Both are charged with Possession of a Class A substance, Possession of a Class A Substance with the Intent to Distribute, and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance law.

Marc Orsi, 5/8/77 , 42 Prospect Street #4 and Ryan Spahl, 10/15/88, 61 Mason Road Dudley, were charged with Possession of a Class A Substance, Possession of a Class A Substance with the Intent to Distribute, Possession of a Class B Substance, Possession of a Class B Substance with the Intent to Distribute, conspiracy to violate the controlled substance law.

Haili Asquith 5/28/80, 42 Prospect Street #4 was charged with Possession of a Class A substance, Possession of a Class A Substance with the Intent to Distribute, and conspiracy to violate the controlled substance law.

All parties are being held at the Webster Police Department pending arraignment at the Dudley District Court on Monday, December 3, 2012.

Detectives Gordon Wentworth and James Hoover along with Officer Michael Reardon conducted the investigation.

Barlett High School senior Thomas James (left) is Superintendent Barbara Malkas's nominee for the Worcester County Superintendents' Association scholarship.

Development programs for MS teachers,
breathalyzer tests for HS students

By Becky Harvey

Webster - The Webster School Committee met Tuesday night during the light flurries of snow that crossed the state.  Despite the weather, the entire committee was present.  The evening kicked off with a presentation by Middle School Principal Jennifer Lundwall.  She outlined the new program in which fifty of her teachers are participating. 

The program is designed to help teachers better observe other teachers, “through learning walks,” and to help them defend their own lesson planning.  Ms. Lundwall said she has observed a great amount of growth in the teachers who had participated. 

Another aspect of the program that the teachers are incorporating allows them to assess students solely on their progress as it aligns to the standards, unaffected by a student’s performance on homework and classwork completion.

This way of grading lets the parents get a much clearer view of how their child is progressing through the milestones for their grade. Ms. Lundwall expects that by the end of the school year, all middle school teachers will have had the chance to participate in the program.

Superintendent Barbara Malkas was pleased to announce her nominee, Thomas James, for the Worcester County Superintendents’ Association scholarship.  He is ranked number one in his class at Bartlett High School.  He is an avid athlete, NEASC student representative, super-team winner and St. Louis Church lector.  After a glowing introduction by the superintendent, James made a brief thank you speech for all the support he has received over the years.  In a “break from tradition” a round of applause was allowed.

Breathalizer tests for students

In the continuing effort to rid the schools of problems tied to under-age consumption of alcohol on school property, School Committee chairman Michael Makara reintroduced the pending policy prohibiting alcohol use and allowing Evidential Breath Tests (EBTs, commonly called “Breathalyzer Tests”).  Principal Steven Knowlton explained that he has brought and shown these testing devices to students at his past schools.  He believes that showing the students that the tests are available to teachers and chaperones is a great deterrent for underage drinking in school and at school-sponsored functions.  According to him, the need for use of these tests would be rare, especially with the police presence that is often noticeable at school functions and even within the schools themselves.  The superintendent stated that there has been “overwhelming support” of this newly proposed policy.

Though the ideas behind the policy seemed to have the complete support of the committee, there were some questions as to its language.  Committee member Shawn Collins questioned both the wording of the policy and also the school’s ability to enforce rules with guests of students at off-school functions.  Member Martina Gorski-Strong wondered what would result from a situation that might arise where a student would be tested but found to not be under the influence.  Principal Knowlton assured her that the school would be proactive in contacting parents and guardians regardless of the outcomes.  The committee requires three separate readings of a policy before it is voted upon.  This policy will be reviewed at lease once more prior to any vote on it.

Budgets

The final fiscal year 2012 budget was reviewed, along with a comparison to the two years prior.  The town has laid off a total of twenty positions, a “brutal” situation for the education department.  Many departments, including para-professionals, instructional coaching and custodial, took “big hits.”  One notable addition was that of the “much needed” Curriculum Director.  Monies for this position were acquired by the reduction of other positions.  “The bad news is FY12 was a bad year;the good news is that it is over,” stated Ted Avlas, the Assistant to the Superintendent for Business. According to him, the years ahead will be challenging. FY13 is off to a difficult start, but expectations are high that things will work out.  Collins thanked Avlas for his work and gave accolades for managing to come in under budget, despite all the bumps in the road.

Bartlett students to display artwork

By Patriot Staff

WEBSTER – A section of the AIDS Memorial Quilt, the premier symbol of the AIDS pandemic, will be on display at the Webster Town Hall Auditorium for three days next week. “Faces of AIDS” artwork created by Bartlett High School students will be displayed along with the quilt. The Webster Board of Health is sponsoring the exhibit.

A formal, public ceremony is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. on Monday, December 3. The program will start with hors-d'oeuvres and viewing of the AIDS Memorial Quilt and Art Show. Introductions will begin at 6:00  with a presentation by guest speaker Kevin Cranston, director of the Bureau of Infectious Disease of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH). 

Following Mr. Cranston, Bartlett High students will read pieces of the research papers and essays they wrote as part of the AIDS awareness project. The Bartlett music department will be performing as well.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt is a product of the NAMES Project Foundation, established 25 years ago. The Quilt weighs 54 tons and is composed of 48,000 panels dedicated to more than 94,000 individuals who have died of AIDS. It serves as an educational tool for AIDS awareness and is considered the largest ongoing piece of community folk art in the world.

Portions of the quilt are displayed in 1,000 venues each year. It is being brought to Webster through the efforts of Health Agent Cathleen Liberty. 

Ms. Liberty explained: “The Health Department's purpose is to show that AIDS is still a pandemic and continues to infect all ages, race and gender. I wanted to bring together the quilt and the students for educational purposes, in that if they have to research and write about it, they will have a better understanding of the infection and how it is transmitted.”

The artwork, called “The Faces of AIDS,” is a reflection on how AIDS does not discriminate and can affect anyone. The art is done by the 10th and 11th grade students at Bartlett and they went with a black and white theme. “The pieces are very nice,” Ms. Liberty said.  

Ms. Liberty has been actively involved with AIDS education for many years and had made a quilt for a cousin who passed away years ago from AIDS. She has seen the quilt displayed in many other towns and calls it “powerful.” The Massachusetts DPH and  Massachusetts Association of Health Boards offered local health departments mini grants of $500 for programs and other projects. She applied for such a grant, received it, and used it to pay the shipping fees to bring the quilt to Webster.

The public is invited to attend the official presentation Monday, December 3, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m.

The quilt and student art work can also be viewed during normal town hall hours December 4, 5, and 6.

On November 11, 2012 Town Administrator John F. McAuliffe promoted Webster Sergeant Michael D. Shaw to the rank of Lieutenant.  This is believed to be the first full-time Lieutenant in the Town’s history. 

Lieutenant Shaw is a sixteen year veteran of the Webster Police Department.  He has served the Webster Police Department as a patrolman, detective and patrol sergeant.  He also serves as the Team Commander on the Central Mass Law Enforcement Council Swat Team. 

Chief Bent related that Lieutenant Shaw will be a valuable asset to the police department as a mid level manager.    

“Congratulations, Lieutenant Shaw, on your well deserved promotion,” he said.

Webster Police Department annual events

The Webster Police Department is currently conducting its annual coat, hat, and glove drive.  These items will be brought to the Webster Food Share for distribution.  All sizes, from children to adult, are accepted.  Articles of clothing should be clean and wearable.   Winter coats, hats and gloves may be dropped off at the police station anytime during the winter months.

TOYS FOR TOTS

The Webster Police Department is currently conducting its annual “Toys for Tots” toy drive.  This program has grown dramatically over the years, and the community's help is always needed.  Donations are prepared and bagged at the police station by Webster School youth and police officers.  “We have found this helps to develop our youth’s sense of community and compassion,” said Chief Timothy Bent.

“The toys will be delivered by Webster Police Officers to Webster families who need our assistance.  We realize times are difficult, but toys you donate are greatly appreciated by local families.” 

Donated toys should be new and unwrapped, ranging from baby to fourteen years old.  The Department will also accept gift cards from local stores for youths from fourteen to sixteen.  Donations can be brought to the police station any time.   

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

WEBSTER— At the November 19 meeting, the Webster Board of Selectmen came to an agreement on what they feel will be a fair tax shift between residential and commercial properties for the fiscal year 2013. Marc Becker from the Board of Assessors presented several options for selectmen to consider in trying to close the gap in the split tax rate Webster currently utilizes. The FY 2012 split rate was a 1.44% shift between residential and commercial properties. Residents paid $11.78 per thousand while commercial paid $18.47. The goal was to balance the split rate, yet not put more of the tax burden on residents all at once.

Webster-Dudley Oxford Chamber of Commerce President Cheri MacKinney addressed the board with a proposal of a 1.40% tax shift. In her presentation, she made clear that equally distributing the tax burden among the residents and businesses will lead to a healthier business climate which will, in time, reduce the tax burden on the residents. With the existing ratio, residents will pay $12.42 and commercial $19.53. This calculates to an increase of  $0.64 for residents and $1.06 for commercial property.

After careful consideration, the board voted on a 1.42% shift, causing a total of $0.69 increase to residents at $12.47 and a $0.79 increase to commercial property at $19.26.

Mr. Becker also stated that the total property values in the last five years have steadily dropped from $1,712,843 in 2009 to $1,362,391 for fiscal year 2013. This is a difference of $350,452,000.  “When values go down, the tax rates go up.” Becker said.

In other business, the Park Road water tank, long due for repair, was drained and inspected once more. The first inspection, performed in 2010, stated that there were rusty seams that needed welding. Upon this second inspection it was found that roof bolts, anchor bolts, ladder, and a new DEP steel plate roof were needed as well. Vice Chair Deborah Keefe was curious why the first report and estimate did not state these repairs. “They had to crawl up the ladder to get inside.” Keefe said.

In addition to the $600.000 allotted for the repair of the tank, $15,363 is needed to finish the job. According the Department of Public Works Director J.T. Gaucher, the money is already in the budget.

A letter from a resident addressed the issue of school signs and flashing lights on Lake Parkway to acknowledge the presence of the schools. At present there are no signs or lights warning motorists to use caution within the vicinity of the school.

   The board approved a new pole on Peter Street.

   The Board also approved the appointment of several new members to the Cultural Council.

   A portion of the A.I.D.S. memorial quilt will be on display at the art show on December 3.

   The board approved Alan Jeskey’s application for Constable.

   Rich Rainey was reappointed to the Cable Advisory Committee.

   2013 ABCC liquor licenses for the Town of Webster were also approved.

Lieutenant Michael D. Shaw
Webster Police Department

Due to the increase in motor vehicle break-ins, The Webster Police would like to take this opportunity to remind the residents of Webster to secure their vehicles at night and remove any valuables from sight.

Webster, as well as several other surrounding communities has reported similar incidents. In a vast majority of these, the vehicle is left unlocked. As a result it is entered. Many of the items taken are electronics, such as GPS units, loose change, and other small items that can be carried away.

In addition to securing their vehicles, residents are advised to call the police immediately to report anything suspicious.

Absolute Staffing at 269 Main Street in Webster is a drop off location for this season's Toys for Tots program. Bring your new,unwrapped toys Monday - Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Or call 774-230-4558.