April 12, 2013 - Southbridge Evening News

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18 SPENCER NEW LEADER • Friday, April 12, 2013 Rewarding bad budget behavior at ballot would be ‘binding blunder’ Lincoln Electric, a global manufacturer of welding equipment, is the most notorious case study at Harvard Business School and throughout the world of B-schools because their business model is a century-old success story. John Lincoln invested $200 in 1895 and proceeded to take full advantage of the land of opportunity secured for him, 30 years earlier, by an Illinois rail-splitter with the same surname. The company has since established a stellar reputation by treating its employees as their most valuable asset. In return, Lincoln Electric is rewarded with a loyal workforce that can adjust, adapt and flex when volatile markets expand and contract. Continuous employment is guaranteed at Lincoln Electric provided well-defined performance standards are upheld. Abe Lincoln would be proud. “Stand with anybody that stands right and part with him when he goes wrong,” he preached. A standard workweek is typically 40 hours, but in 2008 when the market tanked, workers were dropped to 30 hours. Slashing its workforce by 33 percent was not an YOUR TURN JENNIFER GAUCHER SPENCER option. Lincoln employees are a team; no one was going to lose their job so long as everyone pitched in. In 1982, when business dropped 50 percent and unemployment was rampant at 10.8 percent, 51 employees transitioned from assembly line manufacturing to sales. The company was able to survive such economic challenges because the workforce was compromising and grateful for employment. When business is thriving at Lincoln Electric scheduled overtime is mandatory under the terms of guaranteed employment. During 1991, orders suddenly increased causing severe production bottlenecks. More than 400 workers responded by giving up weekends, holidays and vacation time to train new recruits. The committed determination of Lincoln leadership to raise the fortunes of its employees is interdependent upon the employees desire to raise the profits of the company. “The spirit of ‘we’re all in this together’ is reinforced by the fact that when sacrifices are required, the pain is widely and equitably shared,” said Frank Koller in 2010 (Spark, Lessons from Lincoln Electric, p. 63). Such is not the case in monolithic government funded education establishments; they are not dependent upon performance for economic survival. When the infamous budget shortfall rears its ugly head taxpayers become the default mechanism for overspending regardless of negative data. And taxpayers must always beware! When teachers’ union contracts are up for renewal, be prepared to subsidize extravagant pay packages, benefit packages and perquisites without documented positive performance data to support their exorbitant demands. Overindulgence has become the groupthink norm while accountability standards have gone missing. Spencer East Brookfield Regional School District has recently experienced some management chaos resulting in financial distress. The fiscal year 2013 school budget has saddled taxpayers with a $2 million borrowed note and the fiscal year 2014 school budget is preparing to penalize taxpayers again for mismanagement/overspending via a $2 million, Proposition 2 1/2 override. Education is the business of educating students and dollars are needed to operate but infinite budget overruns are extreme misfeasance. Abe Lincoln once said, “If the people turn their backs on the fire, they’ll get scorched in the rear and they’ll have to sit on the blister.” A budget analysis of SEBRSD clearly indicates a 10-percent decrease in total student enrollment over a 12-year period and a 282-percent increase in tuition paid out to other schools over a 10- year period; 133 students left the SEBRSD and only 81 entered in FY 2013. If David Prouty High School is a level one school, according to MCAS scores, why are students leaving the district? Knox Trail is a level three school; students are performing in the lowest 20 percent compared to other schools. The rest of the schools are level two; students in various groups and subgroups need improvement relative to other schools. Enrollment is down, students are fleeing and MCAS scores are mediocre! These are not performance standards to be rewarded. They are factual budget drivers indicating why the school budget is over-inflated. Other obvious drivers of the bloated budget are teachers/principals salaries with a 12-year percentage increase of 23 percent and administration salaries with a 12-year percentage increase of 82 percent. Insurance/retirement/other is, hands down, the most egregious driver and a flaming red flag. The 137 percent increase over a 12-year period is expanding out of control and has to be reined in. Almost 70 percent of the school budget is consumed by these three drivers, leaving only 30 percent to operate the rest of the entire school department. “Investing in teachers is investing in education,” is an economic fallacy used repetitively for political and policy support. Such an age old mantra has tremendous staying power but the unintended consequences are unmistakable in the factual data. Investing in teachers does not guarantee achievement in education. Raising fortunes of teachers should be interdependent upon teachers’ desire to raise performance standards. SEBRSD can start by increasing enrollment, increasing tuition paid in, and increasing MCAS performance scores. Taxpayers are already sharing $26,872,770 of pain. Rewarding bad budget behavior at the ballot box would be a binding blunder and a burdensome breach. “It often requires more courage to dare to do right than to fear to do wrong,” warned Abe Lincoln. People touched by cancer invited to Sacred Gathering WARE — The community is invited to attend an interfaith service of prayer, music, and reflection for those touched by cancer to be held on Sunday, April 21 at 2 p.m. at All Saints Church, 17 North St., Ware. The service is sponsored by the Baystate Regional Cancer Satellite Program at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital and All Saints Church. “This event is for all who have been touched by cancer, including survivors, caregivers, friends and family, and will offer a special time of reflection, prayer, support and fellowship for all,” said Lori Tuttle, RN, OCN, program manager of the Baystate Regional Cancer Program Oncology Satellite at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital. “A community of faith is an important partner in life and a powerful ally in times of crisis, change, joy, sorrow, or illness,” said Sister Angela Deady of All Saints Parish. “Coming together as a faith-filled community can help to diminish feelings of isolation and loneliness and provide those in need with hope, comfort and strength.” Tuttle noted that local clergy, oncology staff, cancer survivors and local musicians, led by organist and performer Barry Mongeon, will participate in the ecumenical service. Lisa Beaudry, director of patient care services at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, the Rev. Marianne MacCullagh, interfaith chaplain from Spiritual Services at Baystate Medical Center, and Dr. Donald Higby, retired hematologist/oncologist and current deacon of St. Mary’s Church in Longmeadow, will also be guest speakers at this special event. Following the service, refreshments will be served in the parish hall, where there will be an opportunity to meet with clergy, the staff of Baystate Mary Lane Hospital, friends and neighbors. For more information regarding this service, please call the Baystate Regional Cancer Program at Baystate Mary Lane Hospital at (413) 967-2241. Shaughnessy to speak at Old Sturbridge Village April 25 STURBRIDGE — Award-winning Boston Globe sportswriter Dan Shaughnessy, coauthor of the new book “Francona: The Red Sox Years,” will speak at Old Sturbridge Village on Thursday, April 25, as part of the continuing OSV Overseers’ Distinguished Speaker Series. Shaughnessy will meet the public at 6 p.m. and give a presentation at 7 p.m. The book he co-wrote with former Boston Red Sox manager Terry “Tito” Francona has been on the New York Times bestseller list for eight weeks. The evening with Shaughnessy includes baseball-themed snacks, and a cash bar will be available. Tickets purchased in advance are $20 per person ($18 for OSV members); tickets at the door on April 25 are $25 per person ($23 for OSV members). All proceeds benefit the living history museum. Copies of the book may be pre-purchased from the Old Sturbridge Village bookstore to be signed for $28 ($25.20 for OSV members). The event is sponsored by SpencerBank. For details and to register, visit www.osv.org or call (508) 347-0210. The book covers Francona’s successful and tumultuous years as manager of Red Sox, from the team’s 2004 World Series victory, the first in 86 years, to its second world championship in 2007 and the team’s infamous collapse in September 2011, which marked Francona’s last year with the team. The book gives readers a look behind-the-scenes and includes Francona’s anecdotes about famous Red Sox personalities — Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez, Nomar Garciaparra, Johnny Damon, Curt Schilling and general manager Theo Epstein. Shaughnessy has written many books about the Red Sox, including “The Legend of the Curse of the Bambino,” which chronicled the team’s troubles after trading the legendary Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees. Among his other titles are Courtesy/Stan Grossfield photo “Reversing the Curse” and “At Fenway: Dan Shaughnessy, coauthor of “Francona: The graduating from the College of the Holy Dispatches from Red Sox Nation.” After Red Sox Years,” will visit Cross in Worcester, Shaughnessy began Old Sturbridge Village sports writing career at the Baltimore Sun April 25. covering the Baltimore Orioles, and moved to the Boston Globe in 1981. “It’s especially fitting to welcome Dan Shaughnessy to the Village during the first month of yet another hopeful Red Sox season,” said Joan McGrath, an OSV overseer who organized the event. “We can’t wait to hear his anecdotes about familiar players and his predictions for the upcoming season.” EAST BROOKFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT March 26 12:36 a.m.: Burglary, breaking and entering, Gilbert St. Report taken. March 27 4:50 p.m.: Identity theft, Connie Mack Drive. Report taken. March 28 3:12 p.m.: Burglary, breaking and entering, Lashaway Drive. Report taken. March 29 6:34 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident, Post Road. Services rendered. 9:28 a.m.: Safety hazard, E Main Street. Services rendered March 30 2:37 p.m.: Vandalism, W Main St. Report taken. 6:40 p.m.: Larceny/theft/shoplifting, E Main Street. Report taken. NORTH BROOKFIELD POLICE DEPARTMENT March 26 12:36 a.m.: Burglary, breaking and entering, Gilbert St. Report taken. 7:15 a.m.: Disturbance, Stoddard Rd. Transported to U-Mass. 10:26 a.m.: Chimney fire, Walnut St. Extinguished. 11:00 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident, Route148. Transported to U-Mass. 2:06 p.m.: Fire, Ayers St. Extinguished. 3:47 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident, Gilbert St. Transported to Harrington Hospital. March 27 12:43 p.m.: 911/hang-up call, New School Dr. Spoken to. 10:30 p.m.: Harassment, School St. Report taken. March 28 11:24 p.m.: Disturbance, Mt. Guyot St. Services rendered. March 29 11:54 a.m.: Fire Alarm, Grove St. Services rendered. March 30 12:15 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident, Ward St. Transported to Mary Lane Hospital. LEICESTER POLICE DEPARTMENT March 28 10:02 p.m.: Noise complaint, Main St. Spoken to. March 29 10:56 p.m.: Fire, unauthorized burning, Pleasant St. Investigated. March 30 2:28 a.m.: Motor vehicle stop, Henshaw and South Main St’s. Arrest made. 2:01 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident, no personal injury, Main St. Report taken. March 31 8:41 p.m.: Malicious mischief, Rochdale Park, Stafford St. Dispersed group. April 1 11:22 a.m.: Harassing phone calls, North Ct. Spoken to. 12:09 p.m.: Abandoned 911, River St. Spoken to. April 2 10:53 a.m.: Vandalism, Uncle Jays Twisted Fork, Stafford St. Report taken. 2:16 p.m.: Disabled motor vehicle, Main Street. Services rendered. 5:24 p.m.: Fire alarm, residential, Main St. Investigated. April 3 1:07 a.m.: Motor vehicle accident, no personal injury, Dunkin Donuts – Main St. Report taken. 10:01 a.m.: Larceny, Staffordshire apartments, Stafford St. Report taken. 12:10 p.m.: Threats, Huntoon Memorial Highway. Report taken. 7:50 p.m.: Disturbance gathering, Green St. Peace restored. 9:18 p.m.: Vandalism, Auburn St. Report taken. SPENCER POLICE DEPARTMENT POLICE REPORTS March 27 9:40 a.m.: Domestic, drunkenness, Maple St. Need husband removed. 10:55 a.m.: Vandalism, destruction/damage property, Chestnut St. and Granvilles. Rail was damaged. 11:35 a.m.: Disturbance, Main St and Kenwood Diner. Drunk male passed out at table. 1:33 p.m.: Animal control, Pine Acres, Spencer. Dead deer on the ice. 3:15 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident, property damage, Old East Charlton and Robin Rd’s. No personal injury, fluids leaking. 4:52 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident, property damage, Main St and Village Pizza. Minor accident, request officer. 6:20 p.m.: Request for police, West Main St. Re: Issue with child’s mother. 6:56 p.m.: Spills-chemicals/fuels, West Main St. Highway Superintendent advises oil spill in lot. March 28 6:40 a.m.: Request for police, South Spencer Rd. Truck attempting to go under bridge. 7:19 a.m.: Domestic abuse, Smithville Rd. Request police to residence. 12:23 p.m.: Gas odor, Greenville and Cherry St’s. Spencer Fire Department advises National Grid will be in area. 6:44 p.m.: Juvenile matter, Maple St. Youths in lot, hanging out/skateboarding. 7:37 p.m.: Request for police, Church St. Request escort while removing items from apartment. 7:38 p.m.: Harassing phone calls, West Main St. Receiving calls from Brother. March 29 9:01 a.m.: Juvenile matter, Main St. Items seized. 12:26 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident, property damage, Main and Grove/Linden St’s. 2 vehicles, no personal injury. 1:14 p.m.: Juvenile matter, McDonald St. Concerned RE: Activity. 3:52 p.m.: Safe keeping property, Donnelly Rd, RE: Items located in parking Lot. 8:58 p.m.: Larceny – Adams St. Friend’s IPod stolen. March 30 3:18 a.m.: Domestic,Chestnut St. Male /Female fighting on porch. 7:22 a.m.: Larceny, Crest View Dr. IPod is missing. 1:29 p.m.: Police, West Main St. BOLO from LPD. 2:56 p.m.: Police, West Main St. BOLO from Sturbridge PD. 4:50 p.m.: Disturbance, neighbors, Main St. Music is too loud. March 31 2:43 a.m.: Request for police, Valley St. Someone breaking into a vehicle. 9:01 a.m.: Harassing phone calls, Condon Dr. Party receiving annoying texts. 10:52 a.m.: Burglary, residence, Marble Rd. Window on deck broken. 10:31 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident, property damage, North Spencer Rd. April 1 12:56 p.m.: Domestic/abuse/neglect, Borkum Rd. Problem with girl friend. 1:34 p.m.: Police,, Lake St. Problem with ARRESTS LEICESTER ARRESTS March 30 Carleen Amorette Berthiaume, 24, 44 Quaboag St., Brookfield. Marked lanes violation, negligent operation or motor vehicle, operating under influence of liquor, 2nd offense. April 2 Todd J. Walles, 42, 22 Meadow Lane, Worcester, MA. Larceny over $250. Trespassing, trespassing with motor vehicle. Thomas C. Walles, 44, 22 Meadow Lane, Worcester, MA. Larceny over $250, trespassing trespassing with motor vehicle. SPENCER POLICE ARRESTS March 30 Abbey E. Holmes, 21, 24 Chestnut St., Spencer. Disturbing the peace. March 31 James Martin Hale III, 26, 55 Pleasant St. Webster, MA. Receiving stolen property $250 L, disorderly person, disturbing the peace, resisting arrest. April 2 Arthur C. Theurer, 33, 6 North St. Spencer. Domestic assault and battery. neighbor. 3:30 p.m.: Request for police, North Brookfield Rd. Request escort. 8:57 p.m.: Juvenile matter, West Main St. Issues with 17 year old. 10:40 p.m.: Disturbance, neighbors, Church St. Upstairs, stomping. April 2 2:44 p.m.: Larceny, Main St. Medication taken from motor vehicle. 3:32 p.m.: Motor vehicle accident, Main St. Property damage. 4:00 p.m.: Fraud-credit card/auto teller, West Main Street. Scammed. 4:35 p.m.: Request for police, Park St. Over turned paddleboat middle of lake. 4:46 p.m.: Domestic abuse, Marble Rd. Send cruiser, have domestic. 9:22 p.m.: Domestic assault, North St. Just punched in face by male. 9:58 p.m.: Request for police, Pope St. Request assistance in getting children.
Friday, April 12, 2013 • SPENCER NEW LEADER 19 Family Dining Guide Wouldn’t you rather be gardening, walking the dog, or sprucing up the yard... instead of cooking? Visit these fine local restaurants, dine-in or take-out, and truly enjoy Springtime! Call June at 508.909.4062 or email june@stonebridgepress.com to advertise on this page. Full Liquor License • Gluten Free Menu Available Thai House Specials Pho Noodles Soup choice of: Chicken • Beef • Beef Ball or Seafood Edamame • Crispy Chicken Mango Crazy Noodles • Chocolatetini Great Food • Great prices Dine-In & Take-Out 355 E. Main Street E Brookfield, MA 01515 Open Daily 11:30am-9pm 508-867-4900 www.thaihouserestaurant.net Hand stretched authentic Italian pizza made with vine ripe tomato sauce and whole milk mozzarella cheese. Tired of the same old pan pizza? Try something different at Ladds! – GLUTEN FREE PIZZA TOO! – 64 Barre/Paxton Road, Rte. 122 Rutland www.laddsrestaurant.com Hours: Wed. & Thurs. 4-9 pm • Fri. 4-9:30 pm Sat. 11:30-9:30 pm • Sun. 11:30-8 pm Open for Lunch Sat & Sun @ 11:30! Gift Certificates 260 West Main Street, West Brookfield, MA 01585 Complete 3-Course Dinner Tuesday & Wednesday $22.00 Over 50 Years of New England Hospitality! Hexmark Tavern Serving great food in a casual atmosphere Tuesday thru Friday 4-9pm Live entertainment Friday nights April 26 featuring Kelly Wheeler Fireplace Feasts Saturday, April 20, 27 Sunday, April 14, 21, 28 Last Feasts til November Murder Mystery Dinner Early American Fare “Tessie & Tommy’s Rehearsal Dinner” See our website for full menu and details May 10, June 14 Advanced ticket sale required Advanced ticket sales required Tuesday thru Friday (lunch & dinner) 11:30am-9:00pm Saturday (dinner) 5:00pm-9:00pm • Sunday (dinner) 12 noon-8:00pm www.salemcrossinn.com (508)867-2345 Open 7 Days a Week We Deliver Charlie’s DINER Bar & Grill Where friends & family meet Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Spring Drink Specials ❁ The Superman ❁ Charlie’s Sangria ❁ Washington Apple ❁ Midnight Russian ❁ Hawaiian Punch ❁ Chocolate Rasberry Martini Come check out our daily lunch & dinner specials & our weekend breakfast specials! Hours: Sun-Wed 5am-9pm, Thurs, Fri & Sat 5am-11pm 5 Meadow Rd., Spencer, MA 01562 Take-out Available 508-885-4033 CINCO DE MAYO 2013 JOIN US IN CELEBRATING! 117 Main Street Spencer, MA 774-745-8200 700 Main Street Holden, MA 508-829-7700 www.MexicalisFreshMex.com Facebook.com/MexicalisFreshMex 1205 Main St. Leicester 508-892-9276 $1.00 OFF $10.00 OR MORE with this coupon. Not to be combined with other offers. One coupon per customer Exp. 04/30/13 208 West Main St. W. Brookfield 508-867-9567 570 Summer St. Barre 978-355-4333 $2.00 OFF $20.00 OR MORE with this coupon. Not to be combined with other offers. One coupon per customer Exp. 04/30/13 See our full menu on page 51 of 2013 Spencer, Leicester, & Brookfields Business Directory Live Weekly Entertainment Coming Soon! April 14th & 15th • Grounds Clean-Up Day • 8am-? All members are encouraged to pitch-in! Give a few hours and help keep your club looking sharp!! April 27 th &28 th Annual Fishing Derby Are your rod and reel ready??? All are welcomed! To advertise on this page call June at 508-909-4062 27th & 28th All Are Welcomed! GOLDEN TROUT Share YouY r Recipe! R for r a chance c e to wiw n a Stonebridge e Pres s ShoppS pping g Tote! T Emai l to June@s @stonebridgepress.com m or faf x to 508.765 765.0233 Taco Salad June Simakauskas Ingredients: 1 lb ground hamburg or turkey cooked and cooled 1 bag of regular lettuce 3 or 4 plum tomatoes diced 1 chopped red pepper 1 chopped green pepper 1 chopped med red onion 1 can black olives cut in halves 1 bag mozarella or mexican shredded cheese 1/2 cup salsa 1 bottle of Fat Free Catalina salad dressing Handful of crumbled Taco chips Cook the ground hamburg or turkey and cool in fridge before using. Once cool, combine all the ingredients except the chips, including the salsa and the bottle of dressing. Put in fridge for a couple of hours. Top with crumbled chips and serve. To advertise on our dining page, call June at 508-909-4062 or email June@stonebridgepress.com If you commit to advertise for eight weeks, you will get an ad this size FREE! Deadline for the next issue is Friday at noon.
Page 1 and 2: JAMES J. OSTROMECKY, D.D.S. Patient
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Page 21 and 22: B Section INDEX Relay for Life Auct
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Page 31 and 32: AUBURN NEWS BLACKSTONE VALLEY TRIBU
Page 33 and 34: Friday, April 12, 2013 • THE EXPR
Page 35 and 36: APRIL 10, 2013 ☎ TOWN-TO-TOWN CLA

April 12, 2013 - Southbridge Evening News

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