Charlton Newscharltonr.us/CharltonNews/2013/12.10.2013CharltonNews.pdf · 12/10/2013 · with references to Wikipedia and modern news casting, the twists and turns of humor and sarcasm

Index

Charlton NewsCharlton, Massachusetts December 10, 2013Vol. 1 No. 5

(continued on page 12)


Report of the Superintendent of SchoolsMarch 30, 1905

Megan Donovan (Balthasar), Playwright, Victoria Kelleher andEmily LeClerc (The Prince) just before curtain call.

Charlton Tree Lighting& Choir Performances

December 1st was the date of the Annual Tree Lightingceremony here in Charlton. The evening began in DexterHall, upstairs in the Library where an ensemble of chorusesfrom local organizations provided the public with holiday song.

Opening the singing was the Mystique Chorus fromShepherd Hill Regional H.S. They performed a medally ofsongs including: Candy Cane Lane, I Saw Mommy Kissing


Gentlemen,The Third Annual Report of your Superintendent is

herewith submitted for your approval.TEACHERS.

The most important factor in a school system is theteacher. Wise committees and trained superintendentscannot make good schools with poor teachers, but goodteachers can make good schools in spite of inefficiency of

Romeo & Juliet, A Parody, Big Hit for Shepherd Hill Drama Club

When it comes to creativity, Victoria Kelleher, daughterof John and Kathleen Kelleher of Charlton, Shakespeareneeds to move over. Starting as a writing exercise for lastyear's Video Production class, Victoria, now a Junior atShepherd Hill, outlined a parody of Romeo and Juliet com-plete with the humor of Jay Leno and the star-crossedemotions of two young teens. Set in the sixteenth century, yetwith references to Wikipedia and modern news casting, thetwists and turns of humor and sarcasm poked fun of theclassic, strife-driven love story.

Last year, Victoria presented her script to KristinGriffiths, the school's Performing Arts Director for her toproofread before Victoria filmed it for her Video Productionclass project. Griffiths read the work and suggested thatVictoria lengthen the play and perhaps show it to her again in

To the School Committee of Charlton, Mass.

Christmas!Merry

Beat the Beep Smoke Alarm ......................... 12Behind the Scenes ......................................... 29Brewer - Consensus Revenue .......................36Buffumville News ........................................... 26Charlton Heritage Preservation Trust .........9Charlton Senior Center Craft Fair ............... 11Charlton Tree Lighting ................................1-5Charlton Block Grant .................................... 10Charlton Housing Authority..........................8Helping Hand Society ................................. 31Housing Authority Res Ass. .........................9Income Tax Cut Will Occur ...........................23Jim’s Christmas Trees .....................................37

Bay Path Pancake Breakfast.................. 32-35Library News ...................................................20Pancake Breakfast at CAAC......................... 27Parade of Lights ........................................1, 4-7Planning Board Minutes Oct 23 ............... 24Report of School Comm 1905.......................15Report of Superintendent 1905 ........1, 12-15Residential Drop-Off Trash ..........................28Romeo Juliet Parody ............................1,16-19Run for the Eye and Ear ...................................7Team Hoyt Shines in Dexter ...................30-31Water Wars ................................................. 22-23Who To Call ..................................................... 38

Page 2 Charlton News December 10, 2013

Charlton NewsEmail: [email protected] Charlton News is an online publication presented to the community as a vehicle for education,entertainment and sharing.

Donationsare welcome, provided they be sent to the Town of Charlton general fund to assist inadvancing the services to the community.

Advertisers: If you are interested in advertising in the Charlton News, email to the address above.Limited space is available at no cost for a business located in Charlton.

Articles: If you wish to contribute to the Charlton News, submit your stories to the email addressabove. Submissions on community issues,entertainment , short stories and poetry are welcome.Other contributions may be ‘how to’ articles, a birth announcement with a baby picture, afavorite holiday recipie, entertaining photos,and links on the web to educational web pages.

Editorials: Submissions of editorials are accepted. Well written commentaries on current topicsare welcome. Balance of positions about issues is a goal.

I like criticism, but it must be my way.

- Mark Twain's Autobiography

Santa Claus, Holiday Dreamin' (Medley) and Jingle All theWay Medley. Participating students were the following:Victoria Boniface, Nicole Burke, Lianna Churchill, Isabellados Santos, Kendall Dunbar, Caitlin Gunagan, AbigailHoward, Abbey Kielinen, Chelsea Meciak, Elizabeth Potter,Meaghan Turner, Sarah Wade, Kelsey Whipple, MichaelaWhite, and Nicole Zmetra.

This was followed by the Charlton Middle School Choirunder the tutalage of Karen Potter. (photo on right).

The Federated Church Choir peformed with MargeJalbert as the pianist (Thank you to Donna & Bob Lampreyfor providing a keyboard for the evening.) and was Directedby Rick Swensen.

Their songs included Savior Of The Nations, Come: NoCandle Was There: Gloria! To God, Sing Gloria: all takenfrom the Cantata, "And Glory Shone Around", by Lloyd

The lights of the Southern Christmas Tree cascade over theGazebo on the Common. The mist falling during the eveningcreated a reflective surface glowing with the colors.

Shepherd Hill ‘Mystique’ Chorus - Caitlin Gunagan, ElizabethPotter, Kelsey Whipple, Lianna Churchill, Abbey Kielinen,Nicole Burke, Victoria Boniface, Meaghan Turner, Michaela

White, Sarah Wade, and Kendall Dunbar.

Larson and Doug Wagner.The singers were: Rev. James Chase, Bob Burnham,

Pete and Lori Manseau, Linda Lambrecht, Pam Ekman,Billye and Roger Auclair, Bob and Donna Lamprey, NancySmith, Michelle Gaudet, Anne Gaudet, Linda and LarryMartin, Glenna Brownell, Sue Tucker, Keith HollettCassandra Smeltzer, and Anna Mendes O'Leary.

The Charlton Methodist Church Choir performed for the

Caitlin Gunagan, Lianna Churchill,Kelsey Whipple and Abbey Kielinen

evening as well. They led off with Christmastime, followed byRose of Bethlehem, How Many Kings?, Peace On Earth/Silent Night, and The Gift Goes On.

Choir members present for the perfromance were:Shirley Andress, Beverly Bergin, Sandra Dam, MarilynGerrard, Susan Gunnell, James Hall, Dennis Kosakowski,

Charlton Tree Lighting (continued from page 1)


Samantha Dumas sings‘Walking in a Winter Wonderland’.

Jim Pervier singing ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’.

Susan Gunnell, Shirley Andress sing Christmastime.

Dawn George and Caryl Curtis from Pasture Prime Chorale

Garnet Olson, Tom Kosakowski and our music director, CherylKosakowski.

Samantha Dumas performed two solos, singing Walking in A WinterWonderland and Oh Holy Night which held the audience captivated insilence. Residents may recall that Samantha was a winner of the Ameri-can Idol Contest held here in Charlton to benefit the REAS Foundation andit was a pleasure and honor to have her perform here in historic DexterHall.

Hot Chocolate was provided by the Charlton Girl Scouts. Scout leaderKristen Fengler with the able assistance of Rachel Nowak, GabriellaGrondalski, Emily Novack, Elizabeth Heywood delivered the tasty drink onthe cool evening.

Also joining the celebration on this evening was the Pasture PrimeChorale group. This was the 4th year that the Pasture Prime Chorale has


sung at the Charlton Tree Lighting. Their song list included:Go Tell It On The Mountain, Coventry Carol, Here We ComeA-Caroling, Carol of the Bells (Ukranian Carol) and IrishBlessing. Adding to their performance was Chief Jim Perviersinging one verse of ‘O Come All Ye Faithful’ which herepeated in Latin ‘Adeste Fideles’.

The group singers included Pam LaRue, K.Therrien,Micky & Mikaila Baca, Jennie Friselle, Dawn George,Christine Costello, Christine McTigue, Ellen Thibodeau, JoniMetras, Caryl Curtis, Sheila Ansley, Jay Costello, DonaldKonopacki, Jonathan Costello, and Tom Weber.

This Pasture Prime Chorale Group welcomes anyonewho likes to sing, to join in the comradery and fun all yearround. They typically sing in 4-part harmony and your abilityto read music is helpful, but not required. (If interested,singers can email [email protected] or callDawn at 508-248-0076.

Santa Claus and the Parade of LightsAfter the performances by the choir groups, the audience

moved outside where there was a bigger crowd waiting forthe parade of lights and for Santa. The air was cold and therewas a slight drizzle, but this did not deter the crowd.

When the sound of the fire truck siren went off, a line offire trucks, pick-up trucks and trailers followed, illluminatedwith Christmas lights and holiday decorations to please thecrowd.

Once Santa Claus arrived in the Charlton Fire Truck, hegreeted the crowd and as he does every year. He had thecrowd help him do the countdown starting from 10 to havethe lighting of the two Christmas Trees and other grounddisplays. Santa then met with the children in front of thelibrary's front entrance and hand out candy canes. Thanks toMike Sosik for helping to make Santa a great hit.

As candy canes were distributed to the youngsters as theentourage circled back around the common for spectators toview the lights on the trees, decorations and Gazebo. Attend-ees continued to mingle and greet each other as the childrenbasked in the glory of the evening.

Rick Swensen conducts the Federated Church Choir.

Santa Claus is greeted by Landon Kaiser and hisgrandmother, Sue Pervier, wife of Chief Pervier.

Tel. 508-943-1298Fax: 508-949-6763

Roland P. Malboeuf Director

38 East Main Street, Webster, Massachusetts 01570www.scanlonfs.com - www.websterfunerals.com

There’s NO ExcuseFor Domestic Violence

If you or someone you know is a victim of Domestic Violenceyou can call the Charlton Police Department Violence Unit at

Visit us at: charltonpd.org508-248-2250!


Santa greets Jay Bachand, his son Lukas and his wife Sally Jo.

Jackie, Mark, Aliyah and Bryce Gonyea at the Tree Lighting.

Rachel Nowak, Gabriella Grondalski, Emily Novack, and ElizabethHeywood of Girl Scout Troop #11284 provided the hot chocolate.

Sara Malaney and Samantha Shays say hello withthe snow man at the tree lighting.

Giving away candy canes. A lighted village float in the parade.


The ‘Parade of Lights’Continues

Here, some parade contingents and thelights of many colors bring the holiday spiritto a festive beginning.


Ted's Package Store

TEL 248-5538ROUTE 20

GROCERIES AND DELI

P.O. BOX 910CHARLTON CITY, MA

01508

THE LOTTERY

Run for the Eye and Ear“Sandy Garney has authentically dreamed about running

in a Boston Marathon since she was in middle school. Thisyear, the 26 year old Garney will be running her first BostonMarathon through the charity team, “Team Eye & Ear.”Sandy Garney grew up in Charlton and made it a point forher career to start by serving the district that shape who shebecame. Garney serves as the Varsity field hockey coach atShepherd Hill Regional High School and an eighth grademathematics teacher at the Charlton Middle School.

Sandy will be running for the Massachusetts Eye and Earinfirmary through “Team Eye & Ear.” The charity wasprimarily chosen due to their direct and selfless connectionduring last year’s marathon bombing. The MassachusettsEye & Ear infirmary served as a “safe zone” immediatelyafter the incident, but more importantly, rehabilitated manyvictims. This non-profit specialty hospital has also servedmembers of her family through preventative laser surgeries tostop the early onset of hereditary glaucoma.

This race will take place during “Marathon Monday,”April 21, 2014. In conjunction with Harvard Medical School,Mass. Eye and Ear is committed to the education of futurehealth care professionals, as well as the education of thepublic concerning the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment ofthe diseases in its specialties (eye, ear, nose, throat, head andneck regions) concerning the rehabilitation of patients handi-capped by these diseases.

Gifts would help fund advancements in care, innovationthrough teaching, and breakthroughs in research - all ofwhich lead to a better quality of life for patients throughoutNew England and the world.

You may donate to Sandy’s cause through two avenues:Mail: Sandy Garney, 215 Main St. Apt. 2L Oxford, MA

01540 Her donation page at: https://fundly.com/sandy-garney-

with-team-eye-earWe are looking forward to supporting our local talent!”

Donate food to CHIPInThe center is located at the back of the Town Hall.

For information, contact Darlene Emco-Rollins at 508-248-3292.

Ho! Ho! Ho! I’ll be back for Christmas. Boys and girls be on yourbest behavior and remember to share with others in need.

Lucas Patenaude and Frank Damelio show their strength.


Cedric Flowers, Jean Harris, and Kathy Fournier.

Did you know that we have subsidized housing right here inthe center of Charlton? As you drive to pick up your pizza in theCenter Plaza, you can see the neat little housing units across thestreet.

The Charlton Housing Authority presently manages the 30 onebedroom units for elderly/handicapped persons under the State’sChapter 667 program and 6 three bedroom units for families underthe State’s Chapter 705 program.

All of these units are located on the Authority’s property atMeadowview Drive. The Authority also administers certificates forthe Alternative Housing Voucher Program (AHVP) which providesrental assistance on a temporary basis to non-elderly handicappedpersons.

The Charlton Housing Authority is one of the last in the statewho has a local Executive Director. As attrition occurs, thestate will be appointing the leadership to the local Authoritywith someone supervising a number of different towns. Thiswould result in a ‘regional’ housing authority director.

Currently, Charlton is fortunate to have Jeanne Vincentas its Executive Director. Jeanne has been in this positionsince 1990.

Serving on the Board of Directors for the HousingAuthority are Joseph K. Stevens, Chair, appointed by thestate, Michael Sullivan, Vice Chair, Carol Smeltzer, Treasurer,Cathleen Kuehl, Secretary, and Geralyn Babineau.

The Charlton Housing Authority processes applications forstate-aided elderly housing from persons who are sixty years of ageand older. As in the past, handicapped persons continue to beeligible for state-aided housing for the elderly regardless of age.The Authority also processes applications for state-aided familyhousing from persons who qualify.

Board of Directors members, Michael Sullivan, Carol Smeltzer, CathleenKuehl, Geralyn Babineau (turned), and Director, Jeanne Vincent. (Missing frommeeting - Joseph K. Stevens, Chair.)

Non-member liason from the state reviewsbudget items .

Charlton Housing Authority Holds MeetingApplying to Meadowview

Anyone who wishes to live at Meadowview should fill out anapplication, which can be obtained from the office at OneMeadowview Drive in Charlton. Tenant selection is made from ourwaiting list and all state guidelines are adhered to in the tenantselection process. The only way to become a resident ofMeadowview is to be on our waiting lists.

The Housing Authority is looking toward an expansion ofhousing units under their jurisdiction.

Last year, the residents of the housing units formed a ResidentAssociation. The purpose of this group was to be able to

meet in an organized manner to discuss issues and plansrelative to their living situation.


Housing Authority Resident AssociationPresents Update on Issues

Michael Pintacura and Andrea Bozek

Present at the Charlton Housing Authority Board meetingwere the officers of the recently formed MeadowviewTenants Association: Kathy Fournier, President; CedricFlower, Vice President; Andrea Bozek, Treasurer andMichael Pintacura, Secretary. The Tenants Associationpetitioned the Housing Authority Board for State mandatedfunding for $250 annual operating expenses.

This newly formed Tenants group will be able to betteraddress the needs of the tenants, offer ideas for improvingthe living environment, suggestions for needed equipment orfacilities and to address problems arising within the complex.

They also petitioned the Housing Authority to form athree member grievance committee as allowed by law. Thiscommittee is comprised of one member of the HousingAuthority, one member of the Tenants Association and animpartial third member.

Representing the Meadowview Tenants Association willbe Jean Harris who was elected by the group.

Both petitions were approved by the Housing Authority.One problem which arose was the funds granted to the

Association had not been forthcoming. An amount of $250was granted to the group for the purchase of supplies and inkfor their printer.

Director Jeanne Vincent kept saying that the funds wouldbe distributed on a re-imbursement schedule upon gettingreceipts for the expeditures, whereas, the group contendedthat the release of the entire amount should be forthcomingwithout running into red tape.

The state regulates the rules regarding such issues.

Charlton Heritage Preservation Trust (CHPT)Charlton Heritage Preservation Trust (CHPT) was formed to

protect the natural beauties and rural character within the town ofCharlton, Massachusetts. In order to achieve these broad goals, theCHPT will work to educate the public on the value of open space,the wise use of natural resources, and the advantages and prin-ciples of land use planning.

CHPT seeks to protect, conserve, and preserve lands andwaters in Charlton, namely, rivers, streams, wetlands, wildlifehabitat, agricultural land, historical sites, ecologically significantregions as well as other scenic, natural and productive areas. Inorder to further these conservational, historical, educational andscientific objectives, the CHPT will seek to acquire by donation ordirect purchase real and personal property in the town of Charlton.CHPT can accept assignation of a town's right of first refusal forproperties under M.G.L. Chapter 61.

"Natural and cultural resources are a fundamental part of atown's character, beauty and environmental well being. Charlton isrich with such resources as water, fish and wildlife, scenic roadwaysand vistas, historic and archeological features."

(Master Plan for the Town of Charlton, page 36).Charlton Heritage Preservation Trust is a 501(c) 3 non-profit

land trust located in Charlton, Massachusetts. Contact information:Charlton Heritage Preservation Trust (CHPT), P.O. Box 92,

Charlton Depot, MA 01509. (Lisa Westwell, Tel. 508-248-5121)Web site at: http://www.charltontrust.org/

Regular Member, $10

Name: _______________________________________

Street:_________________________________________

Town: __________________ State: ____ Zip: ________

Phone:_________________________________

Email:_____________________________________________________

Charlton Heritage Preservation TrustPreserving for future generations.

____________________________________.(please print your name and phone number)

Make checks payable to CHPT and mail with form to:Charlton Heritage Preservation Trust

P.O. Box 92, Charlton Depot, MA 01509

Donor, (Includes Membership)Oak, $2500 or more per yearPine, $1000-2499 per yearMaple, $500-999 per yearBirch, $100-499 per year

Contact Me. My employer will match my donation.

I am a landowner - Contact me about land preservation options.

I do not wish to become a member at this time, but I haveenclosed a donation.

I am purchasing a gift membership and have indicated therecipient’s name and address in the space provided below.Please let he/she know that this membership has been given tothem by

Consider making a donation orbecoming a member today!


Charlton Again Looking for Block GrantThe Town of Charlton, along with the Town of Leicester

will again apply for a joint grant proposal to bring funds to thetown for Community Development. The Grant liason, AndrewLoew, working as the Grantwriter from the Pioneer ValleyPlanning Commission has been assisting the town. Mr. Loewstated that there are no required matching funds, but if a townsets funds aside, this appears that there is more commitment.

It is noted that Charlton has already approved a matchingamount of money of $450,000 toward the architectural barrierremoval including Handicap access to the town hall (ramps,elevators etc.) There could be a new assessable entrance.The Municipal Building Committee worked for a year with anarchitect to come up with a workable design. It includesparking at the front and the side.

Regarding housing rehabilitation, the tornado path, as wellas low income areas were to be included in the target area.

The initial grant, although noted as scoring high was notallocated to Charlton in FY 2013.

Grant Priorities for FY2014• Seek grant funding (CDBG, HOME or similar) to implement a

housing rehabilitation program to repair existing homesoccupied by low or moderate income families. Explore possiblemulti-town grant options for a regional rehabilitation program.

• Seek grant funding in collaboration with the Charlton HousingAuthority to rehabilitate and/or expand its housing for elderly,disabled and low-income residents

• Collaborate with Habitat for Humanity to construct a home oncurrent Town-owned land

• Explore providing public water to properties with contaminatedwell water (in conjunction with the Mass. Department ofEnvironmental Protection and the Town of Southbridge)Community Facilities and Services

• Seek Town and grant funding to remove architectural barriersto accessibility at public facilities, in particular at Town Halland the Library

• Seek additional funding to improve sidewalks and otherpedestrian infrastructure along Main Street in Charlton Center

• Seek funding to continue social services programs• Maintain Town services without staff loss through level funding

Natural and Cultural Resources • Continue negotiations with ExxonMobil to mitigate cleanup

expenses due to gasoline spills


Senior Center Craft FairThis was a great opportunity if you made it to the Senior

Center on Saturday, December 7th. There were tables andtables filled with crafts and items for sale at fantastic prices.Many of the items were donated in an effort to raise fundsfor the center. There were toys, books, puzzles, wreaths,

knitted items, glassware, decorations and more. There werebooks offered for a bargain price of only five cents. Therewas a raffle for some great gift items as well.

For those who got a little hungry while they shopped,there were freshly baked goods and food in the kitchen.


committees and superintendents. The most important andresponsible duty given to school committees by our laws inMassachusetts is the selection of teachers. For five hours ofevery day the children are to come into the closest contactwith the teacher. Her will is to be law.

She is the model whom the committee have set beforethe pupils for their guidance. By her teaching of the lessons

from the books, mental habits are to beformed in the plastic child mind; by herdaily “going in and out” before thesechildren, moral and religious habits

which form the principal part of thecharacter of the adult, are to be

impressed upon their younglives.

How important then thatno such choice should bemade hastily. How importantthat, when a mistake is made,

as will unavoidably happen once in a while, in spite of allprecautions, prompt measures should be taken to correct theerror. How important, when a wise choice has been made,and when results in a school are approaching the standarddesired, that that teacher should be retained even at in-creased expense if necessary. What a paltry consideration isthe dollar or two dollars a week necessary to keep such ateacher compared with the strong character and strong brainswhich such a teacher can develop.

The Superintendent is very glad that the appointmentsand dismissals daring the past year has shown that thecommittee has this same high ideal, and so far as the financialconditions would allow, have governed themselves accord-ingly.

The teachers at the present time are an earnest hardworking force, ambitious to do all they can for their pupils,quick to respond to suggestions of the Superintendent inmethods of work, and loyally carrying out the directions ofthe School Committee.

The weakness of our teaching force is its changeable-ness. I reported last year five schools having the sameteachers for the year. During the year just passed sevenschools have been so favored. This is an improvement. Wecannot, however, hold the good teachers we have at thepresent salaries. According to the state report just issued,Charlton appropriates $14.37 per pupil and is within threeplaces of the lowest in the county.

Another table in the State report gives the amountappropriated for schools for each $1000 of valuation of thetowns: Brookfield, $7.44; Spencer, $6.99; Holden $6.48;Rutland, $6.47; Millbury, $6.12; Dudley, $5.71 etc., etc., whileCharlton’s appropriation is $3.75, and there are only ninetowns in Worcester County with a smaller amount.

Report of the Superintendent 1905 (continued from page 1)

(continued)

You are living in the last Green ValleyQuinebaug - Shetucket Heritage Corridor

Beat the Beep Smoke Alarm ProgramSince Nicole’s Law was implemented in

2006, many Massachusetts homes haveinstalled carbon monoxide (CO) alarms andmany lives have been saved and injuriesprevented. Perhaps every fire department has

a CO alarm success story from one of the extended poweroutages we’ve had these past few years. However, COalarms only last 5-7 years and many are now coming to theend of their useful lives. No appliance lasts forever.

The Department of Fire Services has information on theCharlton Fire Department website to educate both firstresponders and the community at large about the importanceof beating the beep and replacing aging CO alarms. Residentsare encouraged to continue to have working CO and smokealarms in their homes.

Beat the Beep Department of Fire Services has bor-rowed the slogan and logo from Kidde’s Beat the Beepcampaign to remind people to replace aging CO alarms. Oneof the signs that a carbon monoxide alarm has reached the“end of life” stage will be a “chirping” that does not stop untilthe unit is powered off. For models with a digital read out, itwill have an “ERR” or “EO9” or “END” message. The mostcommon sign is it makes the low battery signal even afterbrand new batteries are installed. That’s the main reasonbehind the Beat the Beep campaign.

First responders need to know that many CO alarms arereaching this end of life stage soon. When responding tohomes where the CO alarm is beeping, it’s important for themto check the age of the detector. The entire alarm and not justthe batteries may need replacing in non-emergency cases.The Department of Fire Services has a short PowerPoint™for first responders on our website that is also being used byMass. Firefighting Academy instructors.

Increase your chances on saving lives! Alarms warnresidents in the event of a fire. Test them. If they are batteryoperated, fall is a good time to put in new batteries. They giveyou time to leave the building before your escape route isblocked by deadly smoke, heat and toxic gases. Install one onevery level of your home, in hallways outside the bedrooms,at the top of open stairways, at the base of cellar stairs, andinside the bedroom for sound sleepers or smokers. Test themto be sure they work!


The Superintendent does not present these figures in anyspirit of fault finding. I have talked with a great many citizensin every section of the town, and invariably have found adeep, intelligent interest in our schools, and a desire for theirhigher welfare.

I believe, nay, I know, that the people are not only willing,but anxious, to appropriate as much money per pupil, for theeducation of their children as the other towns of WorcesterCounty, of their size and valuation. This was abundantlyproven by the vote for 34 weeks of school at the last annualmeeting.

These figures are given to show our standing. We wantto keep our best teachers. We do not want to take a newteacher, let her experiment for a year on our children andthen let some neighboring town have the benefit of herexperience because they pay her a little more.

The Committee are helpless in this matter. It is for theTown to decide. The Committee will wisely make whateverappropriation is given it go as far as possible. A dollar a weekincrease for all our schools would add only $510 to our schoolappropriation. Let us make the increase fifty cents a weekthis year and fifty cents a week next year, at least. Theefficiency of our schools will be increased enormously.

ATTENDANCEThe marked improvement in the attendance and the

decrease in tardiness since the opening of the school inSeptember, speaks volumes for the teachers. At the beginningof the term, two silk banners were offered the schoolsshowing the best records in these two respects. Severalschools have reduced their tardy marks to 2 or 3 a month;Nos. 7 and 9 have a record of ten months each without atardy mark. This means much for the character of the pupilsthrough life.

GRADUATION EXERCISES.The attendance and enthusiasm at the closing exercises

of the school year in June showed the wisdom of the Com-mittee in continuing these exercises.

BUILDINGS.There have been few repairs made during the year. No.

5 needs to be painted inside. Closets are needed in severalschools for books and supplies. Outhouses at several schoolsneed attention. At the City Grammar the changes plannedshould be completed as early as possible this spring.

BOOKS AND SUPPLIES.The dictionaries asked for by the Superintendent in the

last report and purchased by the Committee last spring, haveproved Very useful. The “dictionary habit” is growing. Thenew readers and the new histories, purchased at the sametime by the Committee are great aid to the teachers in thesetwo subjects.

The geographies in use are not fitted for the needs of the

pupils. Three years ago, the year before your Superintendentbegan his work here, the Committee voted to change thembut the financial condition prevented. They should bechanged as soon as the means can be provided. Morereading matter and more geographical and historical readerswould make the work of the teachers easier and much moreeffective. A few good maps are greatly needed. Someschools have no map of Massachusetts.

All these things cannot be secured at once, but I hopethey will be supplied at as early a date as possible.

DISTRICT NO. 10.The school at No. 10 is growing smaller. It has cost the

town $2.00 a week for each child attending school theresince last September. At the city schools the cost is a littleless than 25 cents per pupil per week.

Whether the town can afford to pay $2.00 a week perpupil is a question for serious consideration.

LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL.Years ago, when the schoolhouse at the Centre was built,

the upper room, I am told, was intended for a High School.Everything seems to point to the present as the time for

the carrying out of that intention. The rooms formerly occu-pied by the selectmen and the library have been vacated, andthe place for a High School is provided without expense. Thisis a matter which should be taken up at the next town meet-ing and acted upon; and, in order that the voters may have allthe facts before them, I have prepared the following state-ment of the laws of the State concerning High Schools.

Chapter 42, Section 2, Revised Laws, provides in partthat “Every city and every town containing, according to thelatest census, state or national, five handled families orhouseholders, shall maintain a high School.”

Chapter 42, Section 8, was amended In the Legislature of1902. It provides as follows: 1st. A town of less than 500families, in which a High School is not maintained, shall paytuition of children who attend high Schools in other towns,under certain conditions,

2nd. Towns whose valuation is less than $750,000 shallreceive from the State treasury all such amounts paid fortuition.

3rd. Towns whose valuation exceeds $750,000, butwhose number of householders is less than 500, shall beentitled to receive back from the State half of all suchamounts paid for tuition.

4th. If a town of less than 500 families maintains a HighSchool of its own and employs at least two teachers, it shallbe entitled to receive from the State $300 toward the supportof such school.

In this connection it will be of interest to the citizens toknow what children are attending High Schools, with theapproval of the Committee, and where they are attending.The list follows:

(continued)


SOUTHBRIDGE.SENIOR CLASS. - Jessie Baylies.

JUNIOR CLASS.Eula Rich, Lena Rich.

SOPHOMORE CLASS.Henry Cote, Annie Belle Frost, Susie Lynch,

Edward McCarthy, Grace McIntyre, Sarah Meehan,Rose Rich, Claude Robbins, Esther Sheridan.

FRESHMAN CLASS.Addie Davis, Maud Saunders, Henry Osgood, Lottie

Walker, Ada Pike,

NICHOLS ACADEMY, DUDLEYSOPHOMORE CLASS.

Esther Patterson, Blanche Stevens.

SPENCER HIGH SCHOOLSENIOR CLASS.-Herbert Haywood.

SOPHOMORE CLASS.Henry Clark, Clare Merriam.

FRESHMAN CLASS.-William Stockman.

The tuition of these pupils from last September to nextJune, the current school year, will cost the town about$750.00, and we shall receive about $300.00 in return fromthe State, making the net cost about $450.00. In addition tothis amount, the parents of these children will pay, personally,for car fares, $750.00. This money, of course, goes out oftown, and is in no wise a benefit to our traders or businessmen.

This, then, seems to be our situation1st. We may continue to send our children to outside

schools and receive back one-half the tuition thus paid out; or,2d. We may organize a local High School and receive

$300.00 State aid towards its support.There are now in the Charlton Schools 34 children who

will take examinations for High School next year. In order tomake the estimate perfectly fair, let us suppose that only 24 ofthese pass examination and go to a High School if obliged togo out of town. The number would probably be larger, but Iuse a small number to make the figures conservative. Thiswould give us for our High School expense next year:

22 pupils now in High Schools.24 “ to enter next year.46 “ in High Schools next year.Tuition of 46 pupils, ................$1,380.00Under the present law we should receive from the State

one-half on all except three pupils.Rebate on 43 pupils, ................... $645.00

Net cost of High School tuition next year in outsideschools, $735.00

In addition to this, the parents of these pupils would payout for car fares and transportation fully $1,300.00, to saynothing of the expense of lunches and extra cost of clothing.

If a High School should be organized in town, at least 30of these 34 who are to take the examination would probablyattend. Several parents have said to the Superintendent thatthey should send their children to High School if it were notfor the cost of transportation and the extra expense of dress,incident to sending children out of town.

The cost of a local High School would be about asfollows

Salary of Principal, .................. $600.00“ “ Assistant, .................. 400.00 Total ................... $1,000.00Returned from State, ............... $300.00Net cost to town ...................... $700.00This is practically the same amount as the town will have

to pay for the tuition in outside schools.There is a movement on foot in the legislature to repeal

the bill which compels the State to rebate the one-half tuition.Should this be done, and it doubtless will come soon, if not thisyear, it would cost us the whole $1,300.00 for High Schooltuition. Under these conditions, our local High School wouldsave us, at least, $600.00.

Another strong effort is being made to compel towns topay the transportation or car fares of pupils attending outsideHigh Schools. Should this be clone our expense would bedoubled.

To say the least, then, a local High School would cost nomore, and probably much less, than to continue our presentplan.

This is wholly on the plane of dollars and cents.May I summarize the reasons for a High School, which I

have heard from various citizens during the past few weeks:1st A great many more parents could give their children a year or

two years in High School, owing to the lessened cost of traveland dress.

2d Pupils who attended would be at home under the care of theirparents rather than riding to and from on the cars. Thisargument is strongly urged, especially concerning the girls.

3d. A great impetus would be given to our boys and girls to gofarther in their studies by the presence of a High School inour own town.

4th. Over a thousand dollars a year would be saved to the parentswho pay car fares, and this money would naturally be spent intown, to the benefit of all our people.

5th. The building is already provided, without expense.6th. There are desks enough in town, which are not in use, to

provide seating for the new school, so that the cost offurnishing would be very small.

(continued)


7th. The town itself would be much benefitted, in many ways, bythe presence of its own local High School.

Some inquiries have been made in regard to the quality ofthe work which could be done in such a school. The size of aschool does not determine the quality of its instruction. Insuch a school as I have in mind, I am convinced that themajority of our pupils would secure better results than theynow receive in the larger schools. Knowing their preparation,wherein they are weak, wherein they are strong, we can soarrange their studies and so watch their progress that theymay have the weak places strengthened and the strongplaces made stronger. The individual attention which twoteachers could give to the pupils in such a school would farmore than snake up for any loss of contact with the largerschool.

A thorough review of arithmetic and commercial forms,with bookkeeping, under a strong male teacher, would be oneof the best things in the world for pupils who want only a yearor so of High School work. This we should give, and this wecannot get in outside schools.

The Attorney-General of the State has ruled that, underthe law providing for rebates of High School tuition, a townmay send away its pupils for the last years of their courseand receive the rebate just the same as if they sent them forfour years. This would enable, the committee to arrange to letthose in the upper classes of the High Schools finish theircourses where they are now attending, if it was desirable.

In View of all these facts, would it not he wise for thetown to vote to establish a local high School and to appropri-ate money for its support?

The Committee have given me hearty support and cordialco-operation in all my efforts for the improvement of theschools. I thank them for it.

I wish also to thank the teachers and the children for thecordiality with which my visits to the schools have beenreceived. The very fact that they are glad to see me makesme think that the visits are of some help.

Nor would I forget the citizens. Every week, from someparent or friend of the schools, in one district or another, hascome a word of approval of some policy, a word of thanks forsome action, or a message of helpfulness of some kind.These kindly words are “seeds of kindness” scattered allalong the way.”

They have certainly Helped to make the trail smootherand the pack lighter. It shall be my effort to make the “reap-ing” profitable for the “sowers” by faithful work with thechildren of our schools.

WALLACE E. MASON,Principal.

Report of the School Committee - 1905The School Committee respectfully submit the following report

for the year ending March 31, 1905.At the Town Meeting in April, George R. Taylor was elected a

member of the Board for three years in place of Mrs. Walter Brown,whose term expired then.

At the first meeting, April 4th, 1904, the Board organized withJonas Bemis, chairman, and George R. Taylor, secretary. Wallace E.Mason was elected truant officer.

At the joint meeting of the Leicester and Charlton SchoolBoards in Leicester, April 16th, 1904, Wallace E. Mason wasunanimously elected Superintendent for the school year, 1904-1905.

We would report to the citizens that their interests in schoolwork have been cared for with our best intent. The technical anditemized report of the Superintendent of Schools which is printed inthese pages gives much information, and the financial report,herewith presented, shows the cost.

We believe the scholars of our Town are making as fairprogress toward real knowledge as is general and as can beexpected considering the confusion of interest and aim in thepresent condition of mankind. We are pleased to note that therehave been many visitors to most of our schools during the year,many of them parents of scholars, and we hope the same interestwill continue and result in more regular attendance by many of thepupils.

The Committee is not united in their individual opinions as tothe best means for providing for the education of children beyondour common schools. The Superintendent, in his report, has wellpresented the cause of the local High School.

It is well to remember that it is not merely a question ofexpense, but one to decide what is to be of the greater benefit tothe whole of the Town’s children.

A great deal of injury is clone our schools by continualchanging of teachers. If a teacher has done good work in a schoolone year, she is capable of doing better work another year. We feelthat we ought to encourage her by increasing her wages.

In conclusion, we would commend to the people a little moreidealism and not too much of hard dollars and cents value toeverything.

Respectfully submitted,JONAS BEMIS. IRA J. HILL, GEO. R. TAYLOR.


Stage crew member, Taryn Donovan and Mrs. Anne Gaudet selltickets at Friday evening's performance.

In a ‘group hug’ Cast members of "Romeo & Juliet, A Parody" wisheach other good luck before Friday night’s performance.

Caitlin Gunagan (Romeo) dreamy eyed overJuliet (Anthony Battista).

Katherine Pavone helps with the water.

the fall for consideration as the Drama Club's fall production.Victoria finished the work and soon it became an actualproduction, complete with costumes and props.

The original text for William Shakespeare’s Romeo &Juliet has been subtly referenced in Victoria Kelleher’shysterical parody of the tragic classic which takes theoriginal plot line of star-crossed young lovers and stands it onits head!

This was the first time that a student production wasperformed by the Drama Club and it is Kelleher’s debut as a

playwright and co-director.The Shepherd Hill Regional High School Drama Club

is well-known in the community for their past performancesof Godspell, Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None,and especially last spring’s performance of Into the Woods.

The Drama Club rehearsed since October, with fantasticresults. The play made it's debut on Friday, December 6th atthe high school's auditorium to a rather enthusiastic crowd.

The spin on Shakespeare's classic tragedy was a hit withthe audience and received a standing ovation as seniorsCaitlin Gunagan and Anthony Battista as Romeo & Juliet (inthat order) took their final bows.

Romeo & Juliet, A Parody (cont. from page 1)


Patrons waiting to see "Romeo & Juliet, A Parody" at Shepherd Hill.

Elizabeth Dextraze and David Wilson pass out programs.

Romeo & Juliet, A Parody Cast & Crew

Hostess.......................................... Henley PlanteTed..................................................Noah JonesChorus/Servants.......................... Sophia Tanacea, Emily Johnson,

Ally LeBlanc, Darien Gaudet,Michelle Gaudet, Mel Swanston-Alonzo, Noah Jones

Sampson....................................... Cassidy HamiltonGregory......................................... Marie BoninAbraham....................................... Emily LearyAbraham’s Unnamed Co-hort ... Sophia TanaceaMontague Posse .......................... Michelle Gaudet, Emily Johnson,

Noah JonesRosaline ....................................... Liz PotterBenvolio........................................ Abbey KielinenTybalt............................................. Matthew PavonePrince............................................ Emily LeClercLord Montague............................. Vicki PelletierLady Montague............................ Kaelin FalkeRomeo........................................... Caitlin GunaganLord Capulet................................ Nicholas TavaresParis.............................................. Alex VeberPeter.............................................. Katie GattoJuliet............................................. Anthony BattistaNurse............................................. Stephanie MazejkaLady Capulet................................ Alex VeberMercutio....................................... David DubeNewscasters ................................. Darien Gaudet, Michelle GaudetMisplaced Tree............................. Emily JohnsonFriar Lawrence............................ Chase JordanMarathon Runner....................... Sophia TanaceaDepression Awareness Guy......... Mel Swanston-AlonzoPizza Delivery Guy...................... Ally LeBlancMusicians..................................... Sophia Tanacea, Emily Johnson,

Michelle GaudetBalthazar...................................... Megan DonovanApothecary.................................... Haley JaroszPolice Officer............................... Noah JonesFriar John..................................... Clara FiamettiPage............................................... Ally LeBlancMike Foss...................................... Himsel fDirectors ..................................... Kristin Griffiths, Victoria

KelleherStage Director ............................. Abbey HowardAssistant Stage Director ............ Patrick McGeeStage Crew/Set Design .............. Megan Ritchie, Meaghan Casey,

Katey Coleman, Taryn Donovan,Emily Ijams, Ryan Mahan, NicoleZmetra, Chelsea Main, Averie St.Germaine.

Sound Technician ....................... Ben Martin

Patrick McGee, Asst Stage manager with Benjamin Martin on sound.Anthony Battista (Juliet), Alex Veber (Lady Capulet), Katie Gatto(Peter), and Stephanie Mazejka (Nurse) discuss Capulet's party.


Darien Gaudet (Chorus) with fellow chorus members, SophiaTanacea, Emily Johnson, Melicea Swanston-Alonzo, Michelle

Gaudet, and Noah Jones introduce Act 2.

Stephanie Mazejka (Nurse) snacks on some Lays Potato chips during theCapulet party scene with Noah Jones (Chorus), Matthew Pavone (Tybalt),

Emily Johnson (Chorus) and Ally LeBlanc (Chorus).

Student Council members, Jenna Libera and Tom Heywoszsell t-shirts at Friday night's performance.

Abbey Kielinen (Benvolio), Caitlin Gunagan (Romeo)and Elizabeth Potter (Rosaline) discuss the proper way to

pronounce "Rosaline".

Romeo & Juliet, A Parody Pics

Caitlin Gunagan (Romeo) in her banana costume forCapulet's party. (left) Abbey Kielinen (Benvolio) adopts her

disguise to infiltrate the party. (right)


Nicholas Tavares (Lord Capulet) and Alex Veber (Paris)discuss Paris' fast-approaching marriage to Juliet.

Alex Veber (Lady Capulet)Kassie Jaskolski holds up a

copy of the program.

Anthony Battista (Juliet) and Alex Veber (Lady Capulet)discuss the merits of Juliet marrying the Count Paris.

Matthew Pavone as Tybalt, Capulet's nephew.

Congratulations toVictoria Kelleher

on a great endeavor!

Romeo & Juliet,A ParodyPictures


Library Newsby Cheryl Hansen

We have a couple of different author events coming upthis week. On Tuesday, December 10th at 6:30 Lisa Brodeurwill be in Dexter Hall to discuss her new book, A Mother’sJourney through Faith, Hope and Courage. Lisa is a residentof Charlton and will be speaking about the tragedy that befellher family in 1997.

This is the story of an incredible and inspirational journeyof a mother dedicated to her three children. She was deter-mined to survive a tragic event through faith, hope, andcourage. The mother was severely injured, and her devotedhusband and father of her children was killed instantly. Shewatched her son fight for every breath he took to survive.Her daughters, only three and five years old, were trauma-tized.

Joanna Cloutier is returning a book at thehelp desk to Librarian, Cheryl Hanson.

Ellen Thibodeau is reviewing lesson plansusing a library computer for reference. Aleah and John Begg are looking for books.

The mother buried her husband, stood by strongly as herson had surgery after surgery, and went to court to see thatthe man who changed their lives forever was served withjustice. She tried to stay strong and focused for her children.She wasn’t able to grieve the loss of her husband. She madeendless medical decisions and stayed with her son in thehospital for many months. She waited to see progress fromher comatose son and saw her little girls only on weekends.

The girls were trying to adjust emotionally and physicallyto their new life. This book will make someone think about hisor her choices. Making the wrong choice, like doing drugs ordriving intoxicated, can have a lasting impact on your life andthe lives of others. Someone else’s choices caused thismother’s family to go on a journey that no one should everhave to endure.

On Saturday, December 14th at 11:00, join children’sbook author, Tamra Wight, to hear about her exciting newmiddle-grade mystery: Cooper & Packrat - Mystery on PineLake. Ms. Wight will do a reading, show slides of whatinspired her to write the book, and she will talk about herwriting process. Readers and writers of all ages are encour-aged to attend.

A Red Cross Blood drive will be held in Dexter Hall from1:00-6:00 on Tuesday, December 17th. A free WachusettMountain lift ticket will be given to ALL donors. Appoint-ments are preferred but walk-ins are welcome. To scheduleyour appointment go to redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RedCross.

Thank you to everyone who has donated to Toys for Totsat the library. We have collected more toys than any otheryear so far! The last day to drop off toys or donate your finemoney to the program is Thursday, December 12th.



A winter parking ban will be in effect during and 48hours following a snowstorm of over three inches forthis upcoming and all ensuing winters on all streets in theTown of Charlton.

Clearing of sidewalks, as approved in the Town’sGeneral Bylaws, state that every owner of land abuttinga sidewalk shall cause all snow and ice to be removed toa width of not less than four feet from the portion of thesidewalk abutting his land.

Removal of snow onto public way (plowing), asapproved in the Town’s General Bylaws - no personshall plow or otherwise remove snow from privateproperty onto a public way in such manner as to obstructtravel or snow removal operations.

Winter Parking Ban

Water WarsOn December 9, a special meeting convened at Bay Path

Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton withthe goal to reopen the dialogue on extending the Inter Munici-pal Agreement (IMA) for water. The site was offered bySuperintendent John Lafleche as Bay Path is currentlyrenovating their facilities and are facing a 12/31/13 deadline todecide whether to expend an additional $250,000.00 for firesuppression if they cannot connect to the municipal watersupply.

In attendance were members of the Charlton Water &Sewer Commission and Charlton Board of Selectman,Charlton Town Administrator Robin Craver, Dudley-CharltonRegional Superintendent Sean Gilrein, State Senators StephenBrewer and Richard Moore, Representative Frost.

Also attending were representatives from the Departmentof Environmental Protection, Bay Path Regional Schoolcommittee, Southbridge Town Manager Christopher Clark,DPW Head Heather Blakely and Water Operator TomCutler. The meeting was facilitated by Mr. Jack Wofford, anindependent consultant.Why do we have contaminated water?

Water pollution within the town of Charlton lies mostlywith Exxon/Mobil. For many years the multi-national oilcompany sold fuel at several gasoline stations in Charlton.During decades of poor monitoring of their facilities, fuel spillsoccurred at multiple locations near the center of Charlton andboth the rest stops along the Massachusetts Turnpike. Thetrue size of the problem has been hard to quantify, since noone really knows how much contamination occurred and it isdifficult to track. The fuels and contaminates travel within thewater table underground and migrate through the leastresistant rock formations along with water movement. Thegasoline additive methyl tertiary-butyl ether, or MTBE is thekey chemical blamed on causing cancer and was found to bepresent in the underground ‘plumes’ of the fuel which con-tinue to spread.

In an effort to understand the scope of the problem,monitoring ‘wells’ have been established and the water fromthese wells, along with water from the wells of local residentsare being collected and tested. (Should ANY resident in thedesignated contamination area have a change for the worsein this regard, they should immediately contact the CharltonWater & Sewer Department for relief.)

In an attempt at mitigating the contamination problemsome years ago, officials reached agreement with Exxon/Mobil to supply the Mass Turnpike and some affectedCharlton residents clean, potable water from the Town ofSouthbridge. The solution called for the construction of awater main along Route 169, to Route 20 and then west alongRoute 20 to rest stop 5E and the State police barracks. Theline also continued east along Route 20 to Stafford St., andalong Stafford St. to the 6W rest stop and then onto thedevelopment known as Timber Valley Estates. A water towerwas also constructed along this route. Although folks are notyet throwing matches into their sinks and having flames shootout, the water itself has been found to be unsuitable forhuman consumption in many households.

Understanding that there were additional sections oftown affected by MTBE pollution, the Town of Charltonentered into an IMA to supply up to 100,000 gallons of waterper day. Charlton then installed pipes in the Charlton Cityarea, followed by an extension on Stafford St. to NorthsideRoad, down Northside Road to Route 20, and Route 20 toNorth Main St. While the approach appears to be somewhatpiecemeal, the goal has been to provide water to municipal tothose residents and public facilities affected by contamina-tion. The public facilities include Town Hall, Public Library,Charlton Elementary School and the Community Arts &Activities Center.

Water tower off Route 20 in Charlton provides storageand head pressure for distribution lines.


Shepherd Hill Cheerleaders fundraising mission for their tripto the Cheerleading National Competition in Florida next spring.Molly Labbe and Arianna Belisto are collecting at Dunkin Donuts.

Income Tax Cut Will OccurWell, here is the good word. Your Massachusetts Income

Taxes will be going down! That’s right.... Senator Stephen M.Brewer recently announced that the Executive Office ofAdministration and Finance has confirmed that the economictriggers have been met that will reduce the state income taxin 2014 from 5.25 percent to 5.2 percent.

“This fulfills a promise made to the residents of Massa-chusetts that when revenue growth improved they would seea reduction in the state income tax,” said Brewer. “Presently,for a family earning the median in this state, our income taxranks the 10th lowest and this reduction will lower the taxrate by another .05 percent.”

The Department of Revenue estimates the tax cut willreduce state revenues by about $65 million in fiscal 2014.

Merry Christmas!

The decorated fire trucks helped form the parade of lights.

Facing the expiration of the IMA, Charlton and South-bridge have been negotiating an extension to the IMA for thebetter part of a year. Charlton would like to secure a commit-ment of up to 500,000 gallons per day in order to facilitateExxon/Mobil’s building of a six mile loop encompassing BayPath , Heritage School and Charlton Middle School along withMugget Hill, Morton Station Road, Old Worcester Road,Route 20 and L. Stevens Road. (Bay Path recently discov-ered gasoline contamination within their well water supply).Exxon/Mobil has agreed to pay for the full cost of the con-struction.

So, what is the problem? - Chris Clark, currentSouthbridge Town Manager (who will be leaving Southbridgefor Harwich by the end of the year) states that the waterflow rates requested have not been met. This, he says,stagnates the water in the lines rendering it useless whichleads to “blow offs”. (Water is currently flushed onto theground near the town hall to ‘move’ water through the lines toalleviate this problem to some extent.) Charlton has beenchallenged to get more users connected to the system,however the connection rate among non-contaminated homesis only about 12%. One reason noted was the $2000 connec-tion fee that is charged by Southbridge.

The parties have agreed to continue to talk as a meetingscheduled for December 18th.

In the meantime, Exxon/Mobil has done well on theirown. While some would consider that they are readilyassisting by offering funds for construction, others point totheir overall status.

Exxon’s executives and Big Oil’s allies were rewardedgenerously by earning nearly 38 billion dollars in 2012 whilepaying a tax rate of 13%. They increased dividends to thestockholders by 21% and spend over a million dollars inpolitical contributions to federal politicians (91% of thesecontributions went to Republicans). In addition they spentmore than $52 million lobbying for the first three years of theObama presidency and they paid Exxon CEO, Rex Tillerson,a salary of $34.9 million.

If we distributed 2012 profits to the households in Charl-ton, each would receive about 11 million dollars. So, whyaren’t they doing more for Charlton?

The virgin farmlands were an envy of the state before theMassachusetts Turnpike and Exxon/Mobile came along.Water could be had at will, just by drilling into the ground. Butnow...now we dangle on the whims. It has been suggestedthat a collective law suit be organized by residents of thetown, much along the lines of “Erin Brockovich”.

All the townsfolk are seeking is to be made “whole”. Notonly should Exxon/Mobile be funding the water lines, but theyshould be footing the bill for the water. Hopefully, this tale ofSamson and Goliath will have a happy ending and we canmove forward without the constant barriers preventingprogress.


Planning Board Meeting Minutes October 23, 2013Present: Chairman John P. McGrath, Vice-Chair PatriciaRydlak Member: Jean Vincent and Peter D. Starkus PlanningBoard Alternate: Alycia Dzik Staff: Planning Director AlanGordon and Administrative Assistant Jayne Garney

Chairman McGrath opened the meeting at 7:00 p.m.Chairman McGrath reviewed bills and payroll Member

Jean Vincent made a motion to approve the vouchers for bills.Member Patricia Rydlak seconded the motion. All memberswere in favor.

Member Jean Vincent made a motion to approve pay-ment for payroll. Member Patricia Rydlak seconded themotion. All members were in favor.

Chairman McGrath reviewed mail and correspondencesApproval-Not-Required Baker Pond Road Member Jean

Vincent made a motion to approve the ANR on Baker PondRoad to adjust lot lines. Member Pete Starkus seconded themotion. All members were in favor.

Dresser Hill Road Member Jean Vincent made a motionto approve the Dresser Hill ANR to adjust lot lines due to afield correction on a previous survey. Member PatriciaRydlak seconded the motion. All members were in favor.Swadia Performance Guarantee

Town Planner Alan Gordon stated that two field itemsremain. The striping on the driveway is not complete, and twooutdoor lights need to be installed. The Board discussed thedriveway lighting. Alan Gordon will contact Bertin Engineer-ing on the outdoor lighting status. Member Jean Vincent madea motion to release the performance guarantee with theconditions discussed. Member Patricia Rydlak seconded themotion. All members were in favor.

Subdivision/Site Plan Administration: Ted’s Retail SitePlan Performance Guarantee Release The Board reviewedthe final Graves Engineering, Inc. report for the Ted’s Retailsite plan field inspection. Per Graves Engineering, Inc.recommendation; Member Jean Vincent made a motion torelease the final Southbridge Savings Bank escrow amount of$125,852. Member Patricia Rydlak seconded the motion. Allmembers were in favor.Griffin Realty Trust-Business Enterprise Park SpecialPermit/Definitive Subdivision Approval Extension RequestMember Jean Vincent made a motion to extend the approvalperiod for the Griffin Realty Trust Business Enterprise Park(BEP) Definitive Subdivision Plan to November 1, 2014.Member Pete Starkus seconded the motion. All memberswere in favor.

Planning Board Alternate Alycia Dzik made a motion toapprove the Business Enterprise Park (BEP) Special Permitextension to November 1, 2014. Member Jean Vincentseconded the motion. All members were in favor.Blair Builders-Dresser Hill Common Driveway SpecialPermit Approval Extension Request Member Jean Vincentmade a motion to approve a one-year extension for the

Dresser Hill Common Driveway Special Permit for two (2)single-family house lots located off A. Vinton Road in theDresser Hill definitive subdivision to November 3, 2014.Member Pete Starkus seconded the motion. All memberswere in favor.Growth Management Nature’s Classroom

Discussion The Board reviewed a Graves Engineering,Inc. Nature’s Classroom site inspection report dated October18, 2013. Engineer Mr. Mike Andrade noted that Mr. Santoswants various site plan design items changed not on theoriginal January 9, 2013 site plan approval. The Board allagreed to send Mr. Santos a letter stating proposed revisionitems will need a formal review and decision on the redesignby the Planning Board at a posted Planning Board futuremeeting.

Gunter Estates The Board reviewed a Graves Engi-neering report recommending a process for the entranceroadway redesign and Phase I stormwater managementinfrastructure installation.

Tree Grant Project Update: Town Planner Alan Gordonstated all the trees have been planted by the HighwayDepartment and the Cemetery Commission. Mr. Gordonstated he met with Bartlett Tree Experts for an evaluation onthe Champion Black Tree. Mr. Gordon stated he was sur-prised when he noticed that the Champion Black CherryTress had 2/3 collapsed. Bartlett Tree Expert, stated basedon the tree trunk, is still the largest trunk noted in history for ablack cherry tree. The tree is estimated to be around 110 to120 years old. Bartlett will move forward on treating andmaintaining the remainder of the tree, which is still the largestblack cherry tree in Massachusetts.

Planning Board Discussion: The Board all agreed to haveone meeting in December, on December 11th.

October 9, 2013 Minutes Member Pete Starkus made amotion to approve the October 9, 2013 minutes as written.Member Jean Vincent seconded the motion. All memberswere in favor.

Member Pete Starkus made a motion to adjourn. Mem-ber Patricia Rydlak seconded the motion. All members werein favor.

Motion to adjourn at 7:50 p.m.

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Just passin' through......2 snow geese stop for a short feeding on Buffumville Lake.


Last Full Moon HikeBuffumville Lake and Hodges Village Dam offer some of

the most pristine and accommodating recreation areas inMassachusetts and they are located right here in your backyard. Buffumville is just a few minutes away from the centerof Charlton, just by driving down Mugget Hill and bearingright onto Oxford road. Sign clearly mark the swimming,boating and dam areas.

Don’t miss the Last Full Moon Hike of 2013 next Satur-day, December 14 at 4:00 PM. Please joint Park RangerNicole at the Buffumville Lake office, 48 Old Oxford Road,Charlton for an outdoor adventure!

For a physical workout, you can do a round of frisbeegolf up at the dam, or just hike one of the many trails aroundthe area. Swimming is obviously best in the warm weatherand there are picnic areas for the whole family to make a dayof it. Put it in your calendar for a must do!

What is the best secret of this site? If you can get upearly in the morning and head down there in a canoe, you

Thinking of going to the Beach? Try Buffumville Lake in Charlton!Sand castle built on July 4th, 2013 during Buffumville Lake's 22nd annual Sand Castle Contest.

could paddle up past the beach head and on to Colicum Pond.This isolated area is beautiful to observe nature at its best!

Want to be first in line? Get on the List! Please Join OurFriends of Buffumville Lake and Hodges Village Dam E-list.

You will receive an email with the full list of FREEinterpretive programs, volunteer events and opportunities justby signing up with Park Ranger Jamie Kordack [email protected].

In early spring, Jamie will send you a printable brochurelisting events for the season. One additional email reminderwill arrive in August in anticipation of the biggest volunteerday of the year - our National Public Lands Day held inSeptember which is always held on the last Saturday inSeptember.

This is your chance to get to know the US Army Corpsof Engineers in your own backyard and the events takingplace on your public land! For more information, please callJamie at 508-248-5697.


Pancake Breakfast &

All at the Charlton Arts and Activities Center4 Dresser Hill Road

(Open House in our Annex)

8:00 to 11:00 - LION'S ClubPancake Breakfast with Santa!

Bittersweet Country Crafts is open forHoliday Shopping

Assorted Christmas Crafts for Children

Also All Day Activities:

Saturday, December 14, 2013

Holiday Fest

11:00 to 12 NoonPasture Prime Chorale (Free Admission)

12:00 to 1:00 - St. Joseph's Bell Chorus (Free)

1:00 to 3:00 - Puppet Playhouse Theater ($7.00)


Welcome To The Southbridge/CharltonResidential Convenience Drop-Off

This Drop-Off is open to Residents of Southbridge and Charlton, Massachusetts ONLY.Proof of residency will be required (i.e. Driver’s license, registration or current utility bill).

Hours of Operation: Every Saturday 7:00 AM to NoonWhat We Can Accept:

• MSW/Trash (please place trash in the marked bin for your Town)• Recycling (please place recycling in the marked bin for your Town)• Scrap Metal• Yard Waste• Bulky (furniture, plastic, wood, mattress, etc.)

Space is limited by the facility permit.Multiple loads and bulk loads can not be accommodated.

What We Can NOT Accept: (No Exceptions)• Commercial Waste• Hazardous Waste (paints, chemicals, oil, etc.)• Bulbs • Batteries • Televisions or Computer Monitors• Electronics (unless they are scrap metal)• Propane Tanks• Refrigerant Containing Appliances• Tires• Other Regulated Materials

Household Hazardous Waste Collection Events will be held onthe following days ONLY:

These materials may only be acceptedduring scheduled Household HazardousWaste Collection Events.

Household Hazardous Waste CollectionEvents require notification to and approvalby the Massachusetts Department ofEnvironmental Protection.

The LAST Saturday in: MARCH, JUNE and SEPTEMBERThe FIRST Saturday in: DECEMBER


Behind the ScenesAs with any function or event there are those who often

go unrecognized for their behind the scenes efforts. Theymay stage crews, lighting crews, cameramen, Master ofCeremonies or just someone there to lend a helping hand.

Here we have Drew Anderson, working at all odd hoursand often being the winged operator of multiple cameras,moving back and forth between them to get the best shots. At

Jim Pervier connecting the sound cables to the amplifier.Drew Anderson setting up a camera.

Next time you see them, thank them and congratulatethem on their contributions to making the lives of those in thecommunity a little bit better.

Lisa Anderson switching between cameras the choral performances.

the control room is his wife, Lisa was switching betweencameras to catch live action at the Tree Lighting perfor-mances in Dexter Hall and even their son, was recording thedata.

Police Chief, Jim Pervier, working on the planning,bringing in sound equipment and setting it up, and yes, evenperforming himself as a part of the evenings ceremony. 508-248-5393

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Anderson recording the performances.


Team Hoyt Shines in Dexter HallThe theme is “Together- You Can Do Anything!”And that is the message that was delivered to the

audience on Saturday, December 7, 2013 in the upstairs ofthe library.

Dick Hoyt along with his able assistant, Kathy Boyerpresented an inspiring lecture regarding his son, Rick. RickHoyt uses a wheelchair. However, that has not stopped himfrom living a very full and amazing life. He, along with hisdad, Dick, have formed “Team Hoyt” and together they havecompeted around the world doing marathons and triathlons.

The Hoyts have competed in over 1,100 athletic events inthe last 34 years. They have run in 70 marathons - 31 ofthem being the Boston Marathon. They have also completedin 252 triathlons, 6 of them being Ironman distance events.

Rick was born in 1962 to Dick and Judy Hoyt. As aresult of oxygen deprivation to Rick’s brain at the time of hisbirth, Rick was diagnosed as a spastic quadriplegic withcerebral palsy.

But competing in these athletic events is not their onlylandmark. The Hoyts have not only established ‘firsts’ in the

athletic arena, buthave broken barriersartificially set up bythe world in which welive. To meet thechallenges in every-day life, they initiatedthe production of thefirst voice recognitioncomputer software,developed superiorwheelchair/bicycleequipment and proventhat ‘handicapped’does not mean non-functional.

With $5,000 in1972 and a skilled

group of engineers at Tufts University, an interactive com-puter was built for Rick. This computer consisted of a cursorbeing used to highlight every letter of the alphabet. Once theletter Rick wanted was highlighted, he was able to select itby just a simple tap with his head against a head pieceattached to his wheelchair. When the computer was origi-nally first brought home, Rick surprised everyone with hisfirst words. Instead of saying, “Hi, Mom,” or “Hi, Dad,”Rick’s first “spoken” words were: “Go, Bruins!” The BostonBruins were in the Stanley Cup finals that season. It wasclear from that moment on, that Rick loved sports andfollowed the game just like anyone else.

Dick, 73, is a retired Lt. Colonel, having served in themilitary for 35 years. Rick, 51, is a graduate of BostonUniversity with a degree in Special Education.

Rick was born in 1962 as a spastic quadriplegic withcerebral palsy and as a non-speaking person – but despitethese disabilities, Rick’s mind and spirit have always beenstrong. His family supported his quest for independence andinclusion in community, sports, education and the workplace,culminating with his graduation from Boston University.

Dick travels the country doing corporate and communitypresentations, educating the public about disability awarenessand promoting the Team Hoyt motto, “Yes You Can”.Through his presentation, Dick shares his lifelong commit-ment to changing attitudes and educating others on the worldof disabilities. He and his family have seen an impact fromtheir efforts in the area of public attitude toward people withdisabilities.

You may visit their website at www.teamhoyt.com tolearn more about their story and see many pictures of theirjourney through their 34 years of racing.

Rick Hoyt pushed by his dad.

Dick Hoyt presenting in Dexter Hall at the Charlton Library.

Mike Lally thanking Dick Hoyt forhis inspirational talk.


Kathleen Arsenault and Dick Hoyt

Helping Hand members, Judy Maskell, Dottie Hultin, Elizabeth Scully, Dick Hoyt, Susan Crockett, Joan Wieczorek.

Helping Hand Society of Charlton organized the Team Hoyt Presentation

Helping Hand SocietyEstablished in the early 1900’s, Helping Hand Society

members were those who then resided in the “Dodge” sectionof Charlton. Today, there are members who still live in thissection but all are welcome. Some members speak of theirmothers, grandmothers, sisters and dear friends who were andare the cornerstone of this longstanding, helpful and caringsociety.

Their mission is to help individuals or families of Charltonduring sickness, crisis or times of hardship.

The group meets on the second Tuesday of the month,September through June.

The little Dodge Chapel on Hammond Hill Road was builtfor worshipers in the Dodge Village section of town in 1901.Sporadic services were held here until the 1980’s. The HelpingHand Society, a local service organization, has been theguardian of the chapel since before World War I.

For this particular event, the Society contacted Dick Hoytand Librarian, Cheryl Hansen as well as the Cable Accesscommittee to make the event happen. Sue Crockett was thekey member of the group who organized it, but she wassupported by other members for setting up refreshments forthe guests, and running a wonderful raffle (drawing is Tuesday,December 10) with many prizes.


Pancake Breakfast at Bay Path Technical Vocational High School Fun for AllHosted by the Bay Path Educational Foundation, the

pancake breakfast included pancakes and then some. Plateswere piled high with sausage, pancakes, scrambled eggs,maple syrup and were accompanied by beverages. Santa’selves were around every corner to assist and escort childrento visit Santa. Off in the anti-chamber children were lined upto tell Santa what they wanted for Christmas and to havetheir photograph taken for the memory. The way the childrenwere decked out in their holiday best of red and green willmake the occasion a memorable one.

Children (and adults) were given the opportunity to havefree Face Painting and many did so to deck themselves witha little holiday color.

Alumni from near and far returned for an event which isnow in its seventh year to help raise funds for scholarships.


Superintendent John Lafleche announced that they havealready given $17,000 away to students pursuing educationbeyond Bay Path.

In addition to the small donation for the meal, attendeeswere able to purchase raffle tickets for the many gifts thatwere being raffled off for children and adults. From giftcertificates to a favorite restaurant to the boys and girlsbicycle, there were plenty to put in a bid for. So, at about10:30 AM, Mr. Lafleche got the drawing under way. An elfwould empty the plastic ‘bid’ can of tickets into a bowl andMrs. Santa would pull a winner. For those present, therewere lots of smiles, especially when some of the Bay Pathstaff were the winners. Even Mr. Lafleche won a prize - hewon an opportunity to go back to school with a $500 credit toattend Quinsigamond Community College!


Pancake Breakfast at Bay Path

I’m telling John, this was a great deal! Look at all the prizes I won! Those elves were good to me.


Helen and Roberto Lenti won a Christmas basket.

Mary Devlin and her grandson Gavin.


Being a volunteerfire fighter offers one

reward few other jobs can match.Few jobs offer you the opportunity to save a life. But as a volunteer fire

fighter, you could be called upon to do it at a moment's notice.That's why we need people with a strong desire to help others. And people

with courage and dedication to the job they do.Because this job is so important, we make sure all of our volunteer fire fighters

are expertly trained and properly equipped.So if you want to do something important for your community and are willing

to take on a challenging job, come down to the fire station and talk to us.And for your efforts, you may receive the best reward any job can give.

Contact the

Charlton Fire Department10 Power Station Road

Charlton City, Massachusetts 01508Telephone 248-2299

On Wednesday, December 11, Senator StephenBrewerwill co-chair the fiscal year 2015 (FY 2015) Consen-sus Revenue Hearing, the unofficial kick-off of next year’sbudget process. The upcoming hearing allows Brewer, whoChairs the Senate Committee on Ways and Means, and othertop policymakers to hear from economists and other expertson the fiscal conditions likely to shape the state’s budget overthe coming year.

In his three years as Chairman of the Senate’s budgetwriting committee, Senator Brewer has been adept at usingthe testimony from this hearing to craft budgets thatstrengthen the fiscal condition of the Commonwealth while atthe same time increasing support for the programs vital to hisconstituency in Central Massachusetts.

“Each year the Consensus Revenue Hearing provides theinformation that my colleagues and I use to create balancedstate budgets that put our state in a stronger position tocompete economically and confront future challenges,” saidBrewer. “Those budgets have not only rebuilt our reservesand controlled costs, but they have also prioritized the issuesthat are most important to the people I talk to every-dayissues like aid to cities and towns, education and publicsafety.”

Under Brewer’s leadership as Chairman of Senate Waysand Means since January of 2011, the state has seen its bondrating reach the highest level in its history, while the state’s“rainy day”, or reserve fund, has nearly tripled in size to oneof the largest in the nation. Recent state budgets have alsoincluded a number of reforms to reduce municipal health carecosts, improve the fairness of the state’s Chapter 70 localeducation funding formula, and ensure that volatile revenuesources like capital gains are used to rebuild our reserves, notbalance the budget.

Whether you look at the reduction in one time budgetsolutions or support for programs like elder home care thatgenerate long-term savings, recent budgets with Brewer atthe helm reflect a balanced approach.

“For me, the testimony we hear each year highlights theneed for the state to demonstrate fiscal discipline and pre-paredness. This is the same message I hear from myconstituents,” Brewer continued. “The commitment toputting the Commonwealth’s fiscal house in order must gohand in hand with the commitment to supporting the public

services and programs that the residents of my districtvalue.”Since FY 2012, the Senate budget has led the way in:

· Increasing Chapter 70 aid to cities and towns by more than $450million;

· Improving reimbursements to cities and towns for specialeducation and regional transportation costs by more than $130million;

· Funding the first two state police classes in nearly a decade;· Forward funding the state’s Regional Transit Authorities;· Eliminating the state’s wait list for elder home care services; and,· Increasing funding for veterans outreach centers by close to 40%.

“There are always fiscal challenges that we must face,and as revenue figures change, there are tough decisions thatneed to be made. I know that the people I represent need astate budget that supports local communities, strengthens ourinfrastructure and serves our neediest residents whilemaintaining the fiscal discipline that will allow our economyto continue to recover and grow. I am proud that the budgetsI have developed as Chairman have shared those samepriorities and I look forward to continuing that work in FY2015,” Brewer concluded.

Charlton/Dudley Women’s BasketballOn Monday evenings from 7:00 PM to 9:00

PM, women's pick up basketball is is going on atThe Heritage School. There are no set teams orfees. Come for the fun, exercise, andcomeraderie.

Participants must be at least 18 years of age.We have various ages and skill levels. Call Debat 508-248-3600 for more information.

Brewer to Chair Annual Consensus Revenue Hearing


A familiar sign on Route 20 points to entertainment for the familyand getting prepared for Christmas. Holiday wreaths, kissing balls,

a lighted display of familiar characters and of course Jim’sChristmas Trees are available. Thirty years of serving Charlton.


"The 4rd Annual Holiday Spectacular"

The Shepherd Hill Choirs Present:

Friday December 13, 2013 7:00 PM andSaturday December 14, 2013 7:00 PM NOTICE!

NEW TIME! Saturday

show starts at 4:00 PM due

to impending snow storm!

This Radio City Music Hall style show is a great way to get into the Holiday spirit!Join Frosty and all his friends for some high energy entertainment featuring the na-

tionally award winning Shepherd Hill Show Choirs “Fantasy” and “Illusion”, ConcertChoir, Chamber Singers and Women's choir, along with some very talented soloists.

And rumor has it that Santa himself will be paying a visit.

An evening of fun for the whole family.

Tickets are on sale now for $12.00, Student & Seniors $7.00

Please reserve your tickets by contacting Connie Vanco Galli, at(508)-943-6700 x182 - [email protected] or purchased online at http://

www.shepherdhillchorus.com/holiday-spectacular.html


updated 10/23/13

Selectmen ............................................................................................ 508-248-2206Joseph Szafarowicz, Clerk David Singer, Vice ChairmanRick Swensen, Chairman Brent Sellew, Kathleen Walker, Member

Emergency NumbersPolice - Fire - Ambulance ....................................................................... 911Fire and Ambulance ................................................................... 508-248-2299Harrington Hospital...................................................................508-765-9771Police..............................................................................................508-248-2250State Police................................................................................... 508-347-3352

Superintendent of Schools - Sean Gilrein ................................. 508-943-6888Charlton Elementary Grades Pre-school-1 - Burlingame Road

Principal - Mrs. Lori Pacheco .................................................508-248-7774Heritage School Grades 2-4 - Oxford Road

Principal - Kathleen Pastore ...................................................508-248-4884Charlton Middle School Grades 5-8

Principal - Dean Packard ....................................................... 508-248-1423Shepherd Hill Regional High School Grades 9-12 - Dudley-Oxford Rd, Dudley

Principal - Mary Pierangeli .................................................... 508-943-6700Bay Path Regional Vocational Grades 9-12 - Mugget Hill Rd.

Superintendent - David Papagni .......................................... 508-248-5971Town Hall ............................................................................................. 508-248-2200

Administrator ...............................................................................508-248-2206Animal Control (Dog Officer) ..................................................508-248-2266Animal Inspector..........................................................................508-248-2210Arts & Activities Council.........................................................508-612-0293Assessors.......................................................................................508-248-2233Board of Health............................................................................ 508-248-2210Building Inspectional Services...............................................508-248-2241Cable Access Committee............................................................508-248-2206Conservation Commission........................................................508-248-2247Highway Department..................................................................508-248-2212Library.............................................................................................508-248-0452Planning Board............................................................................508-248-2237Senior Center.................................................................................508-248-2231Town Accountant.........................................................................508-248-2200Town Clerk.....................................................................................508-248-2249Town Collector.............................................................................508-248-2239Treasurer.........................................................................................508-248-2242Tree Warden...................................................................................508-434-0196Veterans' Services.........................................................................508-248-2247Water/Sewer Commission..........................................................508-248-4953

Other Town ServicesCharlton Grange ......................................................................... 508-248-7225Community Interest Center........................................................508-248-3055Hazardous Waste ........................................................................508-248-2211Historical Society........................................................................508-248-7840Housing Authority.....................................................................508-248-5067MOMS Club .................................................................................508-784-1843Zoning Board of Appeals Ext. 2414 ..............................508-248-2200Zoning Enforcement Officer ......................................................508-248-2241

Scouts- Cub ScoutsPack 165 (Grade 1-4) Matt McCabe .................................. 508-248-9229Boy ScoutsExplorer Post 296 - Officer McGrath ....................................508-248-2268Troop 338 (Gr 5 and up) John Roberts ............................... 774-696-6962Troop 165 (Gr 5 or 11 yr +) Joe Gaucher ............................. 508-248-5039Girls ScoutsBonnie Scanlan (?) ................................................................... 508-749-3612

Sports & RecreationField House (Little League).....................................................508-248-2064Field House (Little League)Bond Road ...............................508-248-6686Football (AYF) Scott Fenton..................................................508-847-1091Basketball - Don Montville ...................................................508-248-3338Soccer - Lance Nazer ................................................................ 508-248-7819Lassie League Softball - Joe Osche .....................................508-887-1975Andy Maglione ..........................................................................508-248-6661Instr. - 5-7 yrs.,Intro Pitch 8-10 yrs, Lassiette 10-13 yrs, Lassie - 13-17 yrsLittle League Baseball

Brian Wilbur .......................................................................... 508-248-0072T-ball (ages 5-6)Pony (ages 7-8)Minor (ages 9-10)Little (ages 11-12)Senior/Junior (ages 13-16)

Who to call?

Visit charltonsports.org for all the sports online.

Help/Health/Crisis NumbersAbby's House..................................................................................... 508-756-5486Ad Care Hospital............................................................................... 508-799-9000AIDS National Hot Line.................................................................. 800-342-AIDS

Spanish Speaking People.............................................................. 800-344-SIDAProject AIDS (local)....................................................................... 508-756-5532Testing (local)................................................................................. 800-637-5466

Alcohol & Drug 800-252-6465 (24hrs)............................................. 800-327-5050Alzheimer's........................................................................................ 508-765-9771American Cancer Society ............................................................... 800-ACS-2345CHIP IN ............................................................................................ 508-248-3292Child Abuse 800-922-8169 (24hrs.)................................................... 800-422-3035Children's Grief and Loss ................................................................ 508-248-4406Crisis Center...................................................................................... 800-435-9990Day Break (support service for women)........................................... 508-755-5371DELTA Drug.................................................................................... 800-553-DRUGYOUthLink Teen Peer Counseling Hotline...................................... 800-224-6521Missing or Exploited Children (National Center).............................800-843-5678New England Organ Bank............................................................... 800-446-NEOBPoison Control.................................................................. 800-682-9211, 943-8217Rape Crisis (Worcester) (24 Hrs.).....................................................508-799-5700Red Cross........................................................................................... 508-756-5711Suicide Prevention - Harrington Hosp. Psych. Team...................... 508-765-9771Crisis Center, Inc. (24 hrs.) Worc. .................................................. 508-791-6562

U.S. Postal ServiceCharlton City (01508)...................................................... 508-248-6108

9 Power Station Road, Mon. - Fri. 7:00-5:00, Saturday 8:00-12:00Charlton Center (01507) ................................................. 508-248-628958 North Main Street

Who to call?

For Changes email: [email protected]

Bulletin Board

American Legion Post 391 meets on the fourth Monday of the month at the LowerGrange Hall at 7:30 PM

AmVets #391 is seeking donations to benefit the Central Mass. Homeless Shelter.Please contact Gordon Pike 248-5184.

Capen Hill Nature Sanctuary - Open 7 days/week, year round, 9-5- Located off Rt20 1/2 mile west of Rt.169 on left. Includes Nature Trails, Programs, Wildlife,Rehabilitation - and Nature Camp Environmental Education. Barbara Frederick -Office Hours M-F 9:30-5:00. Tel. 508-248-5516

Charlton Garden Club - meets every second Monday of each month at 7pm atCharlton Federated Church (basement), March through December. Call GinnyCharette for more information at 508-248-7300.

Charlton Grange - Meetings at 7:30 PM on the first & third Tuesday of the monthexcept July & August. Upper floor of the Grange Hall. Regular meetings are opento those interested in joining the Grange. The principle function is charitable,educational, and social - All are welcome to join!

CHIP-IN is a food bank for emergency situations and is held on Saturdays from 1-4PM at the Town Annex. Darlene Emco Rollins 508-248-3292

Library Hours - Mon., Wed., 9:30-5:00, Tues.,Thurs. 9:30-8:00, Sat., 9:30-3Phone 508-248-0452

Lions Club meets every second and fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:15 p.m. fromSept. to June. King Lion Carol Duquette 508-341-4992

Parent Teacher Organization PTO -Organization of parents concerned with thewell being and education of their children in the schools. Call the school for moreinformation

Shepherd Hill Alumni Association - Meetings on the 4th Monday of the month atthe gym side of the Shepherd Hill cafeteria. Call the school for more information.

Veterans. Any veteran, from the Korean War to the present time, who entered theservice while a Charlton resident, please contact Jim Howard at 248-6011. Also,any veteran needing assistance can contact Jeannette Casey of American LegionPost 391, Charlton.

Women’s Basketball- Monday evenings 7-9 p.m. at the Heritage School Gym.Come for fun and exercise!

Woman In Business Inc. - Breakfast meetings are held the second Wednesday ofeach month at the Rehabilitative Resources Building in Technology Park, Route20, Sturbridge from 6:45 - 8:45 am. A buffet breakfast is catered by HooYa’s ofBrimfield and we have monthly speakers. Tel. 508-764-1657, e-mail:[email protected]. Mail: PO Box 483, Sturbridge, MA 01566

For Changes email: [email protected]

Documents

Charlton Newscharltonr.us/CharltonNews/2013/12.10.2013CharltonNews.pdf · 12/10/2013 · with references to Wikipedia and modern news casting, the twists and turns of humor and sarcasm