WEBSTER - Police were called to the area of Prospect Street and Short Street at 7 p.m. last Friday night on reports of a fight.

Officer Michael Reardon was the first officer to arrive on the scene, and reported that multiple people were fleeing the area on foot. One of them, later identified as Timothy J. Williams, 25, of 13 Dolge Court, Oxford, ran across the street towards a dark unlit back yard of a house.

Williams ignored Officer Reardon's verbal commands to stop and tried to climb a stockade fence. Williams was warned he would be tasered if he didn't stop and show his hands. He refused, was tasered, and taken into custody.

Officer Reardon had seen two suspects fleeing on foot down Prospect Street; they had headed to North Main Street, where they were stopped by Officer Timothy Whiting. They were identified as Terrell A. Bradshaw, 18, of 49 Freeland St. Apt. 3 in Worcester and Abdel Espinal-Borrera, 18, of 139 Cambridge St. Apt. 1, Worcester, and were arrested and charged.

According to the police report, the three, along with another possible suspect, had broken into the apartment of Jeffrey Redmiles of 40 Prospect St. Apt. 2. Redmiles told police that people broke into his apartment and robbed him. He said at least one person was armed with a gun, who struck him with the pistol. He said they assaulted him again and stole his cell phone and a Hershey bar. Police recovered the Hershey bar but have not found the cell phone.

The police report noted that Redmiles is a known narcotics dealer in the apartment complex, which it described as being in a high crime area, where police have responded to many calls for altercations, drug dealing, and firearms.     

Espinal later told told police that he and Williams and Bradshaw were all members of the Kilby street Gang from Worcester. He said they had come to collect money owed to them.

The three were arraigned in Dudley District Court on Monday and held on bail.

Discuss bridge traffic issues 

By Charles Kelleher Harris

WEBSTER- The Board of Selectmen and Town Administrator John McAuliffe were enthusiastic about the news that six Webster residents have volunteered to form a new recreation committee.

Leslie Baker presented a letter to the board volunteering the new committee for immediate consideration at Monday’s meeting.

“We have a strong interest in bringing cultural experiences to our community,” Baker said.

“It’s great to have some people come forward,” McAuliffe said.

“I love this,” Selectmen Robert Miller concurred.

Baker said that the volunteers already had ideas such as a children’s theatre and summertime outdoor concerts.

Other members of the newly formed committee include Valerie Beals, Jules Emerson, Stacey Tucker, Michelle Budney and Kelly Wolfsen-Guay.

The town has not had a functioning recreation committee since 2007.

Concerns about the Webster-Dudley Bridge project on North Main Street were also heard at Monday’s meeting.

“This has wreaked havoc on traffic,” said McAuliffe.

Selectman Robert Miller added, “Traffic has been horrendous.”

While the town of Oxford is officially in charge of the project, Webster Director of Public Works J.T. Gaucher fielded questions from the Selectmen about the project.

Gaucher commented that he had spoken with the superintendent of the project, and had been told that delays to the project were caused by the presence of dense rock and ledge in the drilling area.

“I just had an estimate from the superintendent on the project this afternoon,” said Gaucher, “(He) said that Wednesday before Thanksgiving would be the worst case scenario that they’d be finished.”

“In our wildest dreams we didn’t think it would last this long,” McAuliffe said.

Gaucher was originally on the Monday’s meeting agenda to discuss the acceptance of Regina Avenue as a town way.

According to Gaucher a portion of Regina Avenue was completed in 2007 and the rest was finished in November of 2011.

Gaucher said that the street had passed all the necessary inspections and requirements to be accepted.

The board agreed to schedule a public hearing about the street acceptance.

Following a successful public hearing, the item will be placed on the May 2013 town meeting warrant.

During his reports McAuliffe said that the first phase of the town’s Civil War monument’s restoration was completed. McAuliffe said that there had been some delays due to recent weather issues and scaffolding safety. However the project is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

McAuliffe also reported that despite the intense wind from Hurricane Sandy last week, the town had sustained relatively small damage. McAuliffe said there was some minor wind damage and scattered power outages that only lasted a few hours.

 WEBSTER – The Webster Ca$h Mob hit again on October 20th, this time at Take 2 Consignments on East Main Street.

Over 100 mobsters and shoppers attended the event. The cars overtook their parking lot as well as some of the spaces in the East Main Plaza. It was very well attended including a couple of Webster selectmen and Webster Animal Control who brought the Cash Mob’s mascot, Chase.

Take 2 Consignments, located at 125 East Main Street, is operated by Life-Skills, Inc., an accredited non-profit corporation providing a wide variety of services to individuals with developmental, physical and emotional disabilities throughout Massachusetts.

“I have estimated that during the two hour span we made over $2,500. It was a huge shot in the arm for Take 2’s Saturday sales,” according to Jim Graham of Life-Skills, Inc.

This is certainly a way to support local businesses and Webster Cash Mob’s motto “Loyal 2 Local” proves just that. Not only did they support local business but also a charity that serves developmentally disabled adults.

If you are interested in the Webster Cash Mob’s upcoming events, visit them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/webstercashmob. 

By Brittany Gleim
Patriot correspondent

WEBSTER - The Park Avenue renovation was one of the main agenda items at the October 23^rd school committee meeting. Overall, the project is going well and the committee members are pleased with the current results. The original anticipated deadline of October 22 has been extended another two to three weeks. This will not have a huge impact on the overall schedule of the project because the original expectance date was self-imposed. Members had met with the Webster public safety committee on October 23 to address concerns about traffic and parking during the renovation.

The Webster School Committee was also given the privilege of being selected to attend the Association of School Business Officials (ASBO) Convention in Phoenix, Arizona. Only twenty recipients were selected to attend throughout the nation. The Webster Public Schools look to incorporate new ideas and strategies focusing on transportation efficiency, increasing staff morale, and tiered learning instruction into their curriculum.

Principal Jennifer Lundwall of the Webster Middle School shared recent success stories of the school as well as new ideas to implement to improve the school even more. Through the use of professional development meetings, Principal Lundwall and her faculty have been able to differentiate standards based upon the different learning needs of students. As any educator knows, this is an extremely important aspect of effective instruction because no two children are alike and they should not be instructed as such. Webster Middle School has also replaced the traditional homeroom period with an advisory session to help build a sense of culture and community within the classroom.

The school committee meeting concluded with the announcement of a new teaching position in the Webster elementary school. With the funds granted to the school by Title I, the new position asks for a mentor to instruct a small group of students in grades one and two in math and reading skills. There are numerous benefits to introducing this position into the faculty, including reducing the number of special education referrals, developing knowledge of needs of specific students, and working a flexible schedule.

Webster Lake Association President Gloria Ricker and Senator Richard T. Moore display signs to be installed within the watershed district of the town of Webster.

St. Joseph Basilica recognized.

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

WEBSTER -  It was a short but celebratory Webster Board of Selectmen Meeting on Monday, October 22, with the approval of new watershed district signs, a proclamation recognizing the 125^th anniversary of St. Joseph Basilica and a new Cultural Council appointment.

Senator Richard T. Moore and Webster Lake Association President Gloria Ricker unveiled a prototype of signs that will be posted on Route 395 Exits 1 and 2 ,both north and south, as well as Route 193 at the Connecticut/ Massachusetts state line. The signs are to acknowledge the fact that Webster has a watershed district with certain rules and regulations that must be adhered to within that particular boundary. The signs will help developers be more aware of the fact that there is a watershed district within the town. The actual signs will be made of aluminum and are scheduled to be in place around November.

Senator Moore spoke to the board on how pleased he was to be part of the project stating that “the lake is one of the town’s most important assets.”

Senator Moore also commented on the renovation of the downtown area in regard to improvements and more employment opportunities for the community. The senator did caution the board to still be fairly conservative on the budgeting process in regard to the concerns over the so-called “Federal Fiscal Cliff” which will result in cuts of federal funding to municipalities such as Webster. The cuts are in attempt to cut the federal deficit.

The board awarded a proclamation to St. Joseph Basilica for recognition of their 125 years in the town. Reverend Monsignor Anthony Czarnecki was present to receive the award.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Donald Bourque read the proclamation recognizing St. Joseph Basilica as the oldest Polish-American parish in New England, being established in 1887. In 1998, Pope John Paul II conferred the title of Basilica on the church. This honor recognized the unique role that St. Joseph has assumed in the history of the Polish-American Church in New England. The St. Joseph School was established in 1892 and continues to be an educational cornerstone of the town. The church has also hosted an annual festival for almost 40 years. According to the proclamation, Reverend Monsignor Czarnecki is recognized internationally for his leadership in the religious community and selfless effort in the town.

Town Administrator John McAuliffe presented the board with an artists rendering of the new police station. At present, architects are working on the space aspect of the building. The next step will be choosing materials. The illustration of the station is scheduled to be posted on the town website.

Michael Walter Robillard was appointed to the Cultural Council.

Sacred Heart of Jesus was issued a one-day liquor license.

October 27, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m.
at the Town Hall

The town will hold its second annual October Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 27, from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. It promises to be a fun-filled fall day with food, kids games and crafts,  shopping vendors, face painting, and more. The Double Eagle Oktoberfest Band will play German Ompah Music.

Kids will enjoy the petting farm with goats, sheep, rabbit, chickens, a duck, a llama, alpaca and a donkey.

There will be a pumpkin carving contest as well as a costume contest. (Preregistration ended Oct. 19)

The Corbin Library will have a book sales from 10:00 to 2:00 p.m.

It's all free. Come join the fun.

Stormwater and firewater central issues

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

It seems the stormwater issue is still flooding towns with mixed feelings. One hundred and five residents were present at the Webster Town Meeting on October 15 at the Bartlett High School to vote on article 18, a new bylaw that would allow the town to move forward in complying with government regulations in regard to stormwater management. Board of Selectmen Vice Chairman Deborah Keefe was sworn on as temporary Moderator for the evening. Town Administrator John McAuliffe addressed the crowd stating, “Stormwater has become one of the most significant issues being regulated by the federal government… I can assure there is a lot of other things I’d love to spend money on other than new drainage.”

Mr. McAuliffe went on to state that in his 20 years of service, he has never seen the government push an issue as adamantly, saying, “This is here to stay.”

Mike Schrader of Tighe and Bond Inc., the company has been working with the town on the project, spoke on behalf of the article. Mr. Schrader, in addressing the crowd in regard to questions of resident cost and regulations, stated that there is no fee structure and the bylaw is just a legal framework required by the government. Major construction sites would require work performed in phases. Any property where 25% of the land will be disrupted would also fall under the rules and regulations. Businesses and residential property in the Lake Protected Zone are already covered by such rules and regulations. The bylaw would create equal protection throughout the town. This will not affect storm drainage on roads. At present, Webster is five years behind compliance with the government.

Some municipalities have been fined for not “moving forward” on the issue. According to J.T. Gaucher, Fitchburg was fined $100,000 and Canton, $40,000.

Webster residents also questioned the 10,000 square foot section of the bylaw in contrast to the federal government standard of one acre. Paul Laframboise explained that the town is densely populated so 10,000 square feet is a more reasonable size than one acre. A motion was made to amend section 570-4 B-1 to one acre. One resident stated, “If that satisfies the Federal Government, than it should satisfy Webster.”

Michael Finamore made a motion to pass over the article until the May Town Meeting so residents could better acquaint themselves with the issue. J.T. Gaucher stated that if a bylaw is not in place by then, and the federal permit is updated, the town could face fines.

Both motions were voted down and the bylaw passed as written. Information is available online at www.webster-ma.gov.

Articles 21 and 23 also came under debate. Article 21, to see if the town would authorize the Board of Selectmen to petition the General Court for special legislation in regard to issuing Price Chopper a full liquor license was met with much opposition. Residents felt that such a large establishment would hurt the small businesses in town. At present, the town has four full liquor licenses. The number of full licenses issued to a town is based on population. The article did not pass.

Article 23, a full license for Jimmy’s Convenience Store met with the same opposition and fate.

Article 16, a bylaw in regard to hawking, peddling, and soliciting passed unanimously. Finance Committee Chairman Michael Finamore made a motion to amend the article, adding section 505-10 A, titled “ Penalties”, adding $100 fine for non-compliance. Mr. Finamore stated that without such a section, the bylaw would have “no teeth.” The amendment also passed unanimously.

Articles 2-17 passed unanimously.

Mr. Finamore sponsored Article 22, a bylaw stating that no establishment, private or municipal shall park any automobiles on their property for a fee without a license to do so. The original wording called for a twenty dollar per space per year with the size of the space being determined by the Town Engineering Department. Mr. Finamore gave argument that they are running a business situation at that point and should be subject to licensing as any other business in town.

The article was primarily directed to address parking near Indian Ranch during its summer concerts. Several residents who park cars during events gave arguments to the article, stating that such a cost would make it impossible for them to continue their business as often they do not charge people they know and parking on the streets would become a dangerous situation. The article was voted down.

by Patriot staff

WEBSTER – Three-year old Brady Smith’s family received a $5,000 donation from Cops for Kids with Cancer, thanks to the efforts of Webster Detective Gordon Wentworth.

Brady’s family, parents and grandparents, were on hand for the presentation last week Tuesday, along with members of the Fire Department, EMS, Police Department and Board of Selectmen.

Cops for Kids with Cancer is a Boston-based charitable organization comprised of active and retired police offers dedicated to helping kids battle various types of cancer.  All the funds raised by the non-profit go directly to kids with cancer and their families. Its mission is to help, in a small way, with the changed lifestyle accompanying a very sick child.

Cops for Kids with Cancer takes applications through police officers, and in this case it was Detective Wentworth who contacted the organization on Brady’s behalf.

Brady was diagnosed this spring with Stage 4 Neuroblastoma ,  a cancer that develops from nerve cells found in several areas of the body and most often affects children age five and under. Brady’s tumor is on the adrenal gland. He will have to undergo treatments, including chemotherapy, for many months.

The community has stepped up to help the Brady’s family financially. In addition to the Police Department’s Cops for Kids with Cancer donation, the Powerhouse Gym held a fundraiser for Brady last month as well. Upcoming are a golf benefit tournament scheduled for October 20 at the Dudley Hill Golf Club and a chicken BBQ planned by the Knights of Columbus for October 28 in North Grosvenordale.

For updates on Brady’s progress  and fund raising schedules, go to www.bradysmission.com

Webster Dudley Oxford Chamber
Tues., Oct. 16, 2012

WEBSTER -- The Webster Dudley Oxford Chamber of Commerce will hold the First Annual Business & Home Show on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. at the Webster Town Hall, 350 Main Street in Webster. This event is FREE and OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

This event is for both the business professional and the consumer who want to explore a wide variety of businesses all in one convenient location. Businesses include retail, healthcare, travel, education, entertainment, banking and finance, candidates and incumbents for public office, and many others.

The event will feature:

- A wide variety of businesses from various industries

- Entertainment by WORC-FM 98.9 radio as well as local school bands and choirs

- A Chowder Cook-Off with local restaurants where attendees can VOTE FOR THE BEST!

- Raffle prizes and giveaways will be awarded throughout the event

- Show attendees can win an Apple I Pad!

 The even is free and open to the public.

Sat., Oct. 20 from 1-3 pm

WEBSTER - The next Webster Cas$h Mob event will take place on Saturday Oct. 20th, from 1-3 p.m. at Take 2 Consignment on East Main Street in Webster. This is a Mob with a Mission.

Take 2 Consignment is a local Webster business that is owned and operated by Life-Skills, Inc.  Life-Skills, Inc. is an accredited non-profit corporation providing a wide variety of services to individuals with developmental, physical, and emotional disabilities throughout Massachusetts. Take 2 Consignment provides a working atmosphere for those who might not otherwise have that opportunity and the store provides quality products for the community.

"The mob hit on October 20th is more than just another effort to show our support for a local business; this month it is a Mob with a Mission," said local mob founder Dave O"Connor.

"We are coming together on October 20th to say thank you to this business in that special way only our Mob$ters can. What’s more is that we are showing those who are employed by Life Skills that we as a community are proud of everything they are doing to make this business a success. If you've never been to Take2, they are more than a consignment shop and the folks at Take 2 are gearing up to show our Mob$ters just how much more they have to offer. From clothing, furniture, toys, costumes, and even a bakery, Take 2 has so much going on under their roof that those who are new to the store will be blown away by the variety."

The public is invited to join the Mob on October 20th for some great local shopping and a few surprises along the way,  including a new venue for the “after mob” event.