Webster Lake Association receives proclamation

North Main Street bridge to be closed.

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

WEBSTER -  “Nobody was more surprised than me when I got a call in the morning saying they wanted to close the Webster-Dudley Memorial Bridge, the bridge on North Main Street, while they did some construction work for the new Southwest Oxford sewer project that is coming into town.”

This was the first statement by Department of Public Works Director J.T. Gaucher during the Webster Board of Selectmen Meeting on Monday in regard to the temporary closing of the North Main Street bridge. The bridge will be closed from August 27-31 while excavation for the pipeline is performed. Due to the nature and size of the pipe, the whole bridge must be closed for this period. Detour signs will be posted in the appropriate places for vehicles to follow. The detours will also be posted on the website and the local television channel.

Grove Construction will be putting up three signs in Webster and two in Dudley. One sign will be at Slater Street and North Main Street, directing motorists up Bigelow Road; the others will be at Bigelow Road and Old Worcester Road, and one that will redirect traffic around Main Street eventually to Bigelow Road.

The Webster lake Association received a proclamation for its ten years of service to the lake and the town. The association has raised funds over the years for testing and treating the lake. This process, according to association President Gloria Ricker, costs about $65,000 to $70,000 a year. Grants and fundraisers have helped pay the expenses for the upkeep of the lake.

Board of Selectmen Chairman Donald Bourque told the association, “On behalf of the Board of Selectmen, there is no more active group that is such a large group of volunteers as yourself that does such a great service to the town of Webster… We couldn’t have such a pristine lake…I can see all the hard work you guys do… and I can’t thank you enough for everything…”

Chairman Bourque read the proclamation, once again thanking them for their ten years of dedicated service to the lake, before awarding the plaque to the association. Many of the members of the lake association were on hand to applaud the reception of the award.

Mike Horan was appointed to the Cultural Arts Council. There are a few appointments that expire in October and appointees must wait one year between expired terms and reappointment.  During the meeting Linda Littleton came forth and asked to be appointed to the council as well. The board approved her appointment. Linda served with the Milford Cultural Arts council for ten years and has served on other commissions in Webster. The council is in need of more members to fill the vacancies.

Mike Grendell received a Special Entertainment License for a concert on the beach after the Thunder on Webster Lake races. Vice Chair Deborah Keefe made the stipulation that the speakers and band must face away from the beach.

Charlotte “Ginger” Costen was appointed to the Trustees of the Soldier’s Monument.

There are no more lifeguards on duty at the town beach.

A reminder that the town meeting warrant closes on September 6 at 3 p.m.

Another Octoberfest is scheduled for October 27.

Marine Corporal Kevin A. Dabrowski, 24, of Camp Lejeune, NC, died Saturday, August 11, 2012 in South Carolina from injuries sustained in a tragic car accident while he was returning home with his beloved son for a two-week visit.

A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 22 at 11:00 AM in the Webster Town Hall, Main Street. Members of the United States Marine Corps will provide full military honors. Calling hours will be held from 5:00 to 8:00 PM Tuesday, August 21, at Scanlon Funeral Service, 38 East Main Street, Webster. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675.