Getting Involved

SJC Rejects Landfill Modification Challenge

2012-01-10T22:00:48Z

With everything that has been happening, it is nice to know now that our town can finally move forward.

The SJC has rejected the challenge to the landfill modification. Click here for the story.

You know, we lost out a couple of years ago on a possible grant that could have paid for our part of the access road, this lawsuit was what stopped the town from even being eligible for it.

That grant could have saved the town over 5 million dollars. So much for saving the town money though...

Let us all move forward now...

Turkey Time!

2011-11-23T12:54:09Z

Turkey time is here again; and now’s the time to begin;

that fateful journey up and down; of those of us who’ll gain those pounds.

Fear not though as those pounds will surely fade; as the turkey did on his fateful day; with all the specials going on that night; the consumers are so sure to bite.

So sure to bite; so sure to run; oh joy, all that fun! You’ll be your slimmest once again when all of this is said and done!

Yes your slimmest is what is said to be; with all that running you will do, to buy that perfect gift for you know who!

The only problem now I see; is that you may no longer be debt free. But fear not my friend; as the story goes, you’ll look your best in those slimmer clothes!

Welcome Home My Son

2011-10-21T17:24:37Z

Welcome home my son, these words I longed to say; for all those days you’ve been gone, were empty in many way.

Please remember this my son as you are home to stay; not a day went by that someone did not pray.

We prayed for your safe return; and of your buddies too; we prayed for those who sacrificed everything to ensure our freedoms too.

My son, please listen well; what you’ve done was not in vain; the actions of the job well done will cause less people pain.

Chloramines on Tap

2011-10-11T13:34:41Z

The Town of Southbridge is implementing a new Chloramines disinfection system for their public drinking water supply. Do you have concerns? Questions? Join us Tuesday October 18, 6:30pm for an informational forum, Conference Rooms 1 & 2 Harrington Hospital, 100 South St, Southbridge.

Speakers include: Marielle Stone; Section Chief of the Drinking Water Program of Mass DEP Central Regional Office. Dr. Jeffrey Griffiths MD, MPH & TM; Director of Global Health, Public Health, and Professional Degree Programs, Tufts University School of Medicine. Member of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council, US EPA Member, Drinking Water Panel, Science Advisory Board. William Nunnery; Project Mgr. for Westin & Sampson Water Treatment and Water Quality, Designer of new water treatment system for Southbridge plant.

These professionals will provide insight into why we are changing our system along with the potential impact to our community and other users of our water supply.

For more information contact Monique Manna: 774-230-0156 or Denise Clemence: 508-277-4494.

When in doubt check it out!

2011-09-21T14:51:48Z

When reasonable doubt exists then the evidence presented must be reconsidered. Here we have several people recanting their stories...I wish I knew all sides to this story, however, from what was reported, there appears to be doubt. I do hope the Supreme Court intervenes. I will add this too, will the death of another man, no matter what, bring back the victim? No, this death will do the same it has to the victims family, bring sorrow. If he is guilty, then he should be punished, but not by death. If he is innocent, then there is a killer out in our midst, and if this execution goes through as planned, then more than one person will have gotten away with murder.

Please read this story and consider my above statement.

http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/09/21/lawyers-file-appeal-to-stay-troy-davis-execution/comment-page-2/#comments

If you would like to contact the Georgia Attorney Generals Office regarding this:

Office of the Attorney General
40 Capitol Square, SW
Atlanta, Ga 30334

Phone: (404) 656-3300

Fax: (404) 657-8733

Please feel free to share this.

More 'JUNK' off the streets!

2011-09-12T10:51:45Z

A huge congratulations to all those involved in the Webster raid that netted 500 grams of heroin! This 'JUNK' won't be hitting the streets, and hopefully these two will be hitting some hard time...of course after they are found guilty!

I have retrieved the below story from the Worcester Telegram and Gazette, you can read it below or you can click here to read it along with other news of the day.

WEBSTER — Local, state and federal officers raided a Poland Street dwelling Friday, seized 500 grams of heroin and a car, and arrested two suspected drug dealers, according to Webster police.

Jose A. Rio, 35, and Jose M. Pimentel, 33, who were both found in the dwelling, face federal charges of possession with intent to distribute heroin and conspiracy to distribute heroin, police said.

The two were held for arraignment today in U.S. District Court in Worcester.

Town police and detectives from the Southern Worcester County Counter Crime and Drug Task Force assisted the federal Drug Enforcement Administration High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Office in the arrests.

Chlorines...what are the risks?

2011-08-23T20:58:18Z

Okay, so I have been reading and listening to so many people touch on how bad the new way our town is going to treat the water is (Choloramines) that I decided to do a google search to see how bad Chlorine is when used for water treatment, which is what we currently use now.

I see all these web-links coming up on how bad Chloramine are that I decided to put out the links I found on how bad Chlorine is too.

After all, it is only fair to get all the facts out there right?

I would like to point out this one page though that I found on the EPA website regarding Chloramine's, as there were many people concerned in San Francisco when they went to this type of water treatment there is a section specific to this "Region 9" area. I found this purely accidental as I did read something a few weeks ago while doing a Google Search and also did find something on another local blog.

Here is the Link http://www.epa.gov/region9/water/chloramine.html read through and make your own decision. It is very interesting indeed!

No matter what, if you want this or something else, there will always a concern about health, there will always be the posts and the blogs that have nothing nice to say about it. It is one of those "You're damned if you do, and damned if you don't" situations I feel.

I for one, trust the professionals on Chlorine and Chloramine as water treatment sources, but it is our right to question things when we have concerns, which is what makes us such a unique society.

So, click away and enjoy the reading!

Long Term Effects Of Chlorinated Water On Your Skin

Showering in Tap Water: Should you bathe in bleach?

Poisoning By Chlorinated Water

Chlorine in the Water Supply

Frequently Asked Questions - Delewarwe Health and Social Services

Health Effects of Chlorine in Drinking Water

Dangers of Chlorine

How Dangerous is Your Tap Water

Dangers of Chlorine in Drinking and Shower Water

Drinking Water Treatment - Why Chlorine is so Dangerous

Dangers of Chlorine - Provided By Jerry Smith

The Dangers of Chlorine in Tap Water - The Daily Loaf

Chlorine in Tap Water Nearly Doubles the Risk of Birth Defects

Enzine Articles - Dangers of Chlorine in Drinking Water

Once again, please get all the facts....

2011-08-17T14:44:30Z

I was unsure if I really wanted to do a post such as this, but with all the facts NOT being out there by other groups, I decided to go forth and spout out my opinion. You do not have to like it, but it is mine, and mine alone, and I like you, have the right to free speech as well.

I will express my opinions regarding the landfill and the BOH. I am only going write about what I have observed and know as facts. Also, to make it clear, the opinions I express here are mine, and mine alone and should not reflect on anyone else's opinions, they especially do not reflect nor do they represent the opinions of any PROFESSIONAL(s) (i.e. EPA, Town Manager, Attorney's, Doctors, DPW, Health Director, etc.)

In MY OWN opinion are the professionals, and although we the people have a right to speak our minds, and ask questions, which I think is great and we always should do this, doesn't mean that we are ALWAYS right. And in turn, sometimes, the professionals get it wrong too.

From what I understand the previous contract the town had with for the landfill before Casella took over was a mess. Our town was at a greater risk than ever financially.

Now the Town has a contract with Casella Waste Systems, that I am not familar with, (but do have a copy of and so can you by requesting one) so I will not make any comments on that except for what I heard, and that is from one side, it is better than the last one we had and from the other side, it is not a good contract and only benefits Casella Waste Systems.

One of the big issues with the Landfill is the expansion, there is a group of people who are suing the Town of Southbridge over this. (Wow, I never thought a landfill could be such a huge issue!)

I am not going get into the logistics of this because I am not familiar with this either, and I do not like to comment on things I am not familiar with, just makes you look bad if you don't have ALL THE FACTS! I do however know that a local attorney (from Sturbridge) is representing a group of people, pro-bono, in a law suit against Southbridge due to the landfill and I know a few of the names on the law suit, but that is it.

I also know that a current member of our Board of Health was on the law suit against our town. One of the requirements to be appointd to the Board of Health was to take her name off the law suit, which eventually ended up happening.

Here is some of what I know from my observations over the last couple of years, and it is quite interesting indeed! I will not elaborate on any rumors, I will just present the facts as I know them, some that tend to be left out when this comes up.

Ann Fenwick-Bienema was on the "Twenty Eight Ten Citizen Group" who petioned the Court through a law suit regarding the Southbridge Landfill
Ann Fenwick-Bienema has been a member since 2009 on the Southbridge Board of Health
Ann Fenwick-Bienema agreed that herself and husband would withdraw their names from the law-suit if appointed to the Board of Health (August 2009)
By clicking here you can see that in April 2010 & May 2010 Ann Fenwick-Bienema and husband Larry Bienema are still listed on the law suit
By clicking here you can see as of July 2011 their names no longer appear on the law suit
Ann makes a statement “[I] am not dealing with anything …that is going to be a financial gain to myself or my family.” You can read this in the 04.13.10 Edition of the SEN by clicking here

Okay, so now we have some facts, so let's continue on this "journey" I guess one might say.

Now, it is 2010, and we are at a Town Council meeting, a fairly new and re-organized Town Council Meeting as the date is July 19, 2010. Councilor Steve Lazo is voted on as Chair and Councilor Laurent McDonald Sr. is voted on as Vice Chair. During this meeting, Councilor Richard Logan calls a Point of Order:

"Councilor Logan called for a point of order in reference to a breach and cited a couple of
Charter sections and asked Chairman Lazo to rule the 2004 by-law creating a five
member Board of Health null and void. Chairman Lazo stated that the Board of Health
goes back to 3. Councilor Logan passed out documents that are attached to the file."

Chairman (Councilor) Steve Lazo voted back in 2004, to reorganize to a Five Member Board of Health. That vote passed unanimously at the town council meeting. What made him change his mind? If he thought this was wrong when he voted to pass this, then he should have stated so then, or if he thought he needed more information on this he should have done his homework and asked the Agenda Item be postponed until he had more information. Councilor Lazo went 6 years with this being a NON-ISSUE.

As for the "Point of Order" gig...well, in my opinion, it should have been "rehearsed" a little better, like this actually came on a whim. (Watch the tape, there are records of this. July 19, 2010 Town Council Meeting)

Councilor Richard Logan makes the statement "I posted as John Higgins on a forum in Roberts Rules of Order" Click here to read article
Councilor Steven S. Lazo & Councilor Conrad Vandal voted on Town Council in 2004 for a Five Member Board of Health Click here to read minutes on vote

Whenever I heard that a "google" search was done and then later found out that Councilor Logan received his information from a "blog" forum, well, I was never more disappointed. One may think a man of such education would seek legal advise on this.

Oh but wait...from what I understand there was legal advice!

Three legal opinions on the BOH issue, however, it was not the advice that some were expecting to hear, so if you were to ask me, and this is just my opinion, Councilor Logan and Councilor Lazo took it upon themselves to fix what they, in their minds, thought was broken.

We even had the advice from Attorney Caprera, the new town attorney that was approved Unanimously through Town Council because it was pushed to get a new town attorney. (From what I understand Kopelman and Paige did not sit well with some.) Yes, the advice our now new current town attorney gave was not good advice either. (I wonder how many attorney's one would have to go through to get the right answer?)

So, time marches on. And now it is June 2011 and the re-appointment of Dr. Thomas O'Leary comes up. Dr. O'Leary is a Pediatrician who practices Medicine through Harrington Hospital in Southbridge. He has been on the Board of Health for 10 years, the last year though seems to be somewhat if a struggle as I see it.

There are now only three members vs. five members and everything is being stalled (if you will) to prevent anything going through with the landfill. There are also rumors going around that people do not want Dr. O'Leary on the Board of Health, and there even is a 'campaign" to "oust" him through this new group (as they would let you think) known as "United Southbridge".

Now, I will not speculate on the rumors I heard, but I will point you to the post where it is so written as an "Action Item" for this group to see that Dr. O'Leary does not get re-appointed to the Board of Health. Just click here.

If you want to see a comment post that was put out by a "Founder" of this group I have copied and pasted it below, you can also follow the link to the comment, that too is pasted below.

Raciel Fernandez said...

Well thank you for asking, Anonymous. The meeting went GREAT! Surprisingly, we had a good turn-out with such short notice. In attendance were people from all areas of our community -- republicans, liberals, democrats, moms, dads, environmentalists, gay, straight, young, old, and officials from the board of health and town council. Despite the diverse crowd -- which I think is more indicative of the town than what we see on the Council -- we all agreed on some basic issues.
The meeting was only to see if a group like this could organize and our answer was a unanimous, "YES"! We even have our first action item which is to rally at the Town Council meeting tonight to oppose Dr. O'Leary's inevitable reappointment. Yes, this diverse crowd was all completely opposed to him having any influence on our health and our children's education.
I'm sorry if that disappoints our anonymous readers, but I'd say we had a fruitful and encouraging meeting. Minutes and date for next meeting to follow shortly!

June 20, 2011 11:14 AM

Link to the above comment:

http://ozonesouthbridge.blogspot.com/2011/06/new-activist-group-starting-up-in.html

Or you can click below and scroll to the comments on Page 6 to see the comment there.

Comment regarding Action Item Against Dr. OLeary from United Southbridge

Dr. O'Leary did give a parting speech at the Town Council meeting when he announced he would not seek his re-appointment. If you read this and truly understand what he is saying, I believe there is so much truth to what was said. Please, read the story I have retrieved from the Worcester Telegram and Gazette. I have also scanned it below if you have trouble retrieving it from the website.

Dr. Oleary Article

I am a little disappointed in this group that calls themselves "United Southbridge" as the title itself is misleading if the only thing (in my opinion only) is that these people unite in is using scare tactics and controversy to promote their agenda, and in my opinion, and from what I have seen over the last few weeks (and read) is to oust the Town Manager from his current role, and to have the Town Chair and Vice Chair removed from their current positions, and to have who they would like to see on the Board of Health. These people have cried foul due to the fact a Doctor was not the last appointment and they feel a Doctor should be on the Board of Health. But yet there was a Doctor on the Board of Health and they sought to have him removed, and in the end, he was by his own accord though, not theirs.

Just another fact to put out there before I end very long post. *Southrbidge is a City, however through special legislation was granted the right to keep the "Town" status, however it is run as a City form of Government. This was done through special legislation you can view this by clicking here. Therefore, by the Town of Southbridge being as it is (able to keep the town status), we are not rquired to have a Doctor as a member of our Board of Health. If we remained a City, then it would be required. You can read those details by clicking here.

To sum things up, it is a mess. Too bad, because there are so many other issues in this town that need to be addressed. Sometimes, when we only focus on one thing, it tends to cloud the other issues, that could be very obvious if the attention wasn't just focused on one thing.

We as residents of Southbridge should keep an eye on our government, but we also need to let them do their job, the job that they were voted in to do, for all the people of this town.

We the people should look out for our future, our children, they are our future. It is too bad that more attention wasn't focused on this, that our school didn't get as much attention as our Board of Health or Landfill. Our children deserve to get the best education that is out there.

Our Board of Health needs to remember all what they are supposed to be doing, not just being focused on that DAMN landfill! Take a look, here is a guide to the duties of the Board of Health:

Board of Health Duties

My opinion, different from most I am sure.

*(Thank you to a commenter regarding the City vs Town. I had it mixed up and they pointed out my mistake which I have corrected)

Recycling - It's the law...

2011-07-27T12:37:51Z

Yes...it is a law in Southbridge to recycle, and although it is not a law statewide as of yet, there are recycling laws and legislation in Massachusetts. Let me give you the Town By-Law, that appears to me, is not being enforced or even considered by our Board of Health. If you read at the very end of this you will see that out of 351 Communities in Massachusetts only 168 have adopted a Mandatory Recycling Program, I am proud to say we are amongst the 168 Communities to do this.

It appears to me all our Board of Health is stuck on is "Sticking It" to Casella Waste Systems. Time for a review of what is going on with the Board of Health.

I will say this, the SMART Cart Program, which I was a supporter of from the beginning, would have worked with our By-Laws. I will put out there too, one of the members of our Board of Health didn't even know it was in our Town By-Laws that Land Lords are REQUIRED to provide their tenants with containers that are covered for garbage, and that the tenants are also responsible for their garbage being in such containers.

How can our Board of Health even work if they don't know the By-Laws of the very town they are protecting? It is NOT all about that DAMN Landfill and Casella people! The Board of Health are supposed to be working for the betterment of our town and the people who live here, well they need to KNOW the By-Laws too and work for ALL the people, not just those who don't want the Landfill or Casella around.

SECTION 10-200 MANDATORY RECYCLING

Section 10-201 Recyclable Materials

10-201.1 Declaration of Intent- There is hereby established a program for the mandatory separation of certain recyclable material from garbage or rubbish by the residents of the Town of Southbridge and the collection of these recyclables at the residents' curbside. The collection of separated recyclables shall be made periodically under the supervision of the Town Manager or the Town Manager’s designee.

10-201.2 Rules and Regulations – The collection of recyclable materials shall be made in conformity with standards and procedures established by the Board of Health to protect the public health, and in consultation with the Town Manager.

The Board of Health in consultation with the Town Manager shall prepare, and may, from time to time, amend or revise reasonable rules and regulations relative to the collection of recyclable materials to protect the public health. Recycling rules and regulations may prescribe the size, form, style and number of containers and the type of material to be collected, what types of materials may be mixed and what types of materials must be kept separated. A true copy of the rules and regulations, with their most recent amendments, shall be kept on file available for inspection in the office of the board of health, in the office of the director of public works and in the office of the town clerk.

Prior to promulgating such rules or regulations or any amendments or revisions thereto, the Board of Health shall first publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the town once in each of two successive weeks notice that a public hearing will be held concerning adopting, amending or revising such rules and regulations with information concerning

the scope of the proposed action to be taken sufficient for public understanding; the first publication of such notice to be not less than 14 days before the day of the hearing. The Board of Health shall provide the Town Manager and Director of Public Works with copies of such proposed amendments or revisions at least 14 days before the day of the hearing. CODE OF BY-LAWS TOWN OF SOUTHBRIDGE Effective: March 13, 2007 Page 103

Following the promulgation of such rules and regulations or amendments or revisions thereto, they shall forthwith be filed with the office of the director of public works, the office of the board of health and the office of the town clerk. The Town Clerk shall have a copy of the same posted in each of the precincts of the Town.

Transitional Provision

The provisions of any By-law applicable to recycling existing on the date this By-law is adopted shall remain applicable to recycling in the Town until regulations regarding recycling are adopted in accordance with this section.

Here is a link you can follow to see Frequently Asked Questions on "Recycling in Massachusetts" - here is an excerpt of what I found recycling:

Is it the law in Massachusetts to recycle?⁷
There is no statewide mandatory recycling law in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; however there are many other types of recycling laws and legislation in Massachusetts:

Waste Bans prohibit the disposal of certain recyclable items at solid waste landfills and incinerators in Massachusetts. Banned items include: lead acid batteries, leaves, yard waste, whole tires (landfill only), white goods (large appliances), metal and glass containers, single resin narrow-necked plastics, recyclable paper, cathode ray tubes (monitors and televisions), asphalt pavement, bricks, concrete, metal and wood.

The Bottle Bill requires glass, plastic, metal, aluminum and bi-metal containers holding beer and other malt beverages, carbonated soft drinks and mineral waters to carry a deposit label before they are sold. Consumers can return the bottles to receive their deposit. The bottle bill has been an excellent tool in reducing litter and increasing the recycling rate of bottle bill containers.

In addition to the laws, there are many statewide goals and policies related to recycling and source reduction. The Beyond 2000 Solid Waste Master Plan establishes the Commonwealth's long-term goals for solid waste management and basic policies for waste reduction, recycling, and disposal for the next decade.

Although there is not a statewide recycling law, many communities have passed their own recycling laws. Of the 351 Massachusetts communities, 168 of them have voluntarily adopted mandatory recycling ordinances, bylaws, or regulations. Most of these local requirements regulate single-family residences or those served by the municipal collection programs. A growing number of municipalities are also regulating multi-family properties and businesses.

Ninety-two municipalities have elected to regulate solid waste haulers. Massachusetts General Law c.111 sections 31A and 31B authorize local boards of health to issue permits to solid waste haulers that transport trash through the municipality. Through this authority, boards of health can promulgate rules and regulations regarding the removal and transportation of solid waste. Many that permit or license haulers add a recycling requirement to the permit conditions.

http://www.massrecycle.org/faqs.html

Have any questions, you should call the Health Director, Recycling Coordinator or the Town Manager at the Town Hall and speak to them about recycling in Southbridge...

Once again folks...GET THE FACTS!

2011-07-25T16:02:30Z

It would be nice if ALL THE FACTS on programs would be published in the Southbridge Evening News ad's instead of the ONLY FACTS CERTAIN GROUPS want people to hear or know about...if you want the FACTS on the SMART CART Program call the HEALTH DEPARTMENT...there you will get them ALL!

To learn more about the SMART Cart Program, please call the Health Department at
(508) 764-4252....

Did you know that the money being borrowed by the town for the SMART Cart Program will be reimbursed? Yes...call and ask the questions and get the ACTUAL facts on this program...you'll be surprised!

AMBER ALERT - EXTREME DANGER!!!!

2011-07-13T20:56:35Z

Please be on the look out ofr a 2003 FORD MUSTANG BLACK!
License Plate NEW YORK - DED 1769

This man is dangerous and he has abducted is 4 month old son and the sons Mother. Please follw this link for more information!

http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/28535195/detail.html#ixzz1S0j5cvxk

Here is a picture of the Man and the woman he allegedly abducted along with the car he is driving:

Disgusting is all I have to say!

2011-07-12T11:23:08Z

While on my way to work this morning I drove by the most disgusting sight of garbage all over the place. Now, you can tell if an animal gets in a bag and tears it up, however looking clearly at the picture I provided you can see that the OCCUPANTS did not even make an attempt to bag up their garbage - AT ALL!

I am so disgusted by this, it is also very sad....is this what people really think of the community they live in? Please take some pride, it doesn't matter where you live own/rent - it is YOUR home!

Now, just so people know, there are By-Laws in town, please take a look at them. You can do so by clicking here. Below are the By-Laws for Public Health.

CHAPTER 10

PUBLIC HEALTH

Section 10-100 GARBAGE, RUBBISH AND REFUSE

10-101 Storage of Garbage, Rubbish and Refuse

10-102 Collection of Garbage, Rubbish and Refuse

10-103 Maintenance of Areas Free From Garbage, Rubbish and Refuse

10-104 Enforcement

10-200 MANDATORY RECYCLING

10-201 Recyclable Materials

10-300 SMOKING CONTROL

SECTION 10-100 GARBAGE, RUBBISH AND REFUSE

Section 10-101 Storage of Garbage, Rubbish and Refuse

10-101.1 Garbage or mixed garbage and rubbish shall be stored in watertight receptacles with tight-fitting covers. Said receptacles and covers shall be of metal or other durable, rodent-proof material. Rubbish shall be stored in receptacles of metal or other durable, rodent-proof material. Such containers shall not remain upon any sidewalk or street in the town for longer than 24 hours before or after the collection period. (TMC 2/25/08)

10-101.2 Clear plastic bags shall be used to store garbage or mixed rubbish and garbage only if used as a liner in watertight receptacles with tight-fitting covers as required, provided that the clear plastic bags may be put out for collection, except in those places where such practice is prohibited by local rule or By-law or except in those cases where the Department of Public Health determines that such practice constitutes a health problem. For purposes of the preceding sentence, in making its determination the Department shall consider, among other things, evidence of strewn garbage, torn garbage bags, or evidence of rodents. (TCM 4/5/93)

10-101.3 The owner of any dwelling that contains 3 or more dwelling units, the owner of any rooming house, and the occupant of any other dwelling place shall be responsible for providing as many receptacles for the storage of garbage and rubbish as are sufficient to contain the accumulation before final collection or ultimate disposal, and shall conveniently locate the containers and shall provide covers or lids to prevent objectionable odors from enter any dwelling.

10-101.4 The occupants of each dwelling, dwelling unit, and rooming unit shall be responsible for the proper placement of garbage and rubbish in the receptacles. (Article XX, § 2)(TCM 12/30/91)

Section 10-102 Collection of Garbage, Rubbish and Refuse

The owner of any dwelling that contains 3 or more dwelling units, the owner of any rooming house, and the occupant of any other dwelling place shall be responsible for

the final collection or ultimate disposal or incineration of garbage and rubbish by means of: (a) the regular municipal collection system; or

(b) any other collection system approved by the board of health; or

(c) when otherwise lawful, a garbage grinder which grinds garbage into the kitchen sink drain finely enough to ensure its free passage, and is otherwise maintained in a sanitary condition; or

(d) when otherwise lawful, a garbage or rubbish incinerator located within the dwelling which is properly installed and which is maintained so as not to create a safety or health hazard; or

(e) any other method of disposal which does not endanger any person and which is approved in writing by the board of health.

(Article XX, § 3)

Section 10-103 Maintenance of Areas Free From Garbage, Rubbish and Refuse

10-103.1 Land - The owner of any parcel of land, vacant or otherwise, shall be responsible for maintaining such parcel of land in a clean and sanitary condition and free from garbage, rubbish or other refuse. The owner of such parcel of land shall correct any condition caused by or on such parcel or its appurtenance which affects the health or safety and well-being of the occupants of any dwelling or of the general public. (Article XX, § 4(A))

10-103.2 Dwelling Units - The occupant of any dwelling unit shall be responsible for maintaining in a clean and sanitary condition and free of garbage, rubbish, other filth or causes of sickness that part of the dwelling which he exclusively occupies or controls. (Article XX, § 4(B ))

10-103.3 Dwellings Containing Less than Three Dwelling Units - In a dwelling that contains less than 3 dwelling units, the occupant shall be responsible for maintaining in a clean and sanitary condition, free of garbage, rubbish, other filth or causes of sickness the stairs or stairways leading to his dwelling unit and the landing adjacent to his dwelling unit if the stairs, stairways or landing are not used by another occupant. (Article XX, § 4(C ))

10-103.4 Common Areas - In any dwelling, the owner shall be responsible for maintaining in a clean and sanitary condition free of garbage, rubbish, other filth or causes of sickness that part of the dwelling which is used in common by the occupants and which is not occupied or controlled by one occupant exclusively. (Article XX, § 4(D ))

10-103.5 Passageways - The owner of any dwelling abutting a private passageway or right-of-way owned or used in common with other dwellings or which the owner or occupants under his control have the right to use or are in fact using shall be responsible for maintaining in a clean and sanitary condition free of garbage, rubbish,

other filth or causes of sickness that part of the passageway or right-of-way which abuts his property and which he or the occupants under his control have the right to use, or are in fact using, or which he owns. (Article XX, § 4(D)(1 ))

Section 10-104 Enforcement

If the owner of any parcel of land, vacant or otherwise, or the owner or occupant of any dwelling unit or units, shall fail to provide for the proper storage and collection of rubbish and garbage, and maintenance of the property free from garbage and rubbish under the provisions of this By-law, the town may enforce the By-law by both criminal and non-criminal procedures. This by-law may be enforced through non-criminal disposition in accordance with G.L. c.40, §21D and Section 1-111 of the By-laws, and for such purposes, Schedule of Penalties D through F shall be applicable. Should the owner of any parcel or land, or the owner or occupant of any dwelling unit or units, fail to comply with the requirements of this by-law, the town may remove such garbage and rubbish at the expense of the owner or occupant. Such expense may be recovered in contract by the town or be imposed as a municipal charges lien under the provisions of MGL Chapter 40, Section 58 and Section 5-109 of these By-laws. (Article XX, § 5)

SECTION 10-200 MANDATORY RECYCLING

Section 10-201 Recyclable Materials

10-201.1 Declaration of Intent- There is hereby established a program for the mandatory separation of certain recyclable material from garbage or rubbish by the residents of the Town of Southbridge and the collection of these recyclables at the residents' curbside. The collection of separated recyclables shall be made periodically under the supervision of the Town Manager or the Town Manager’s designee.

10-201.2 Rules and Regulations – The collection of recyclable materials shall be made in conformity with standards and procedures established by the Board of Health to protect the public health, and in consultation with the Town Manager.

The Board of Health in consultation with the Town Manager shall prepare, and may, from time to time, amend or revise reasonable rules and regulations relative to the collection of recyclable materials to protect the public health. Recycling rules and regulations may prescribe the size, form, style and number of containers and the type of material to be collected, what types of materials may be mixed and what types of materials must be kept separated. A true copy of the rules and regulations, with their most recent amendments, shall be kept on file available for inspection in the office of the board of health, in the office of the director of public works and in the office of the town clerk.

Prior to promulgating such rules or regulations or any amendments or revisions thereto, the Board of Health shall first publish in a newspaper of general circulation in the town once in each of two successive weeks notice that a public hearing will be held concerning adopting, amending or revising such rules and regulations with information concerning

the scope of the proposed action to be taken sufficient for public understanding; the first publication of such notice to be not less than 14 days before the day of the hearing. The Board of Health shall provide the Town Manager and Director of Public Works with copies of such proposed amendments or revisions at least 14 days before the day of the hearing.

Transitional Provision

All for what...an arrest!

2011-07-07T08:47:33Z

Well, this is what being involved with drugs will get you, beaten up, he is lucky he wasn't killed...that happens too you know, and all for what...DRUGS!

Read the story below that I retrieved fromt he Worcester Telegram and Gazette to see what happened...

Good Job Southbridge Police...keep our streets clean of this! I can't speak for all of Southbridge, but I am sure most would agree, we don't want the drugs here...take it someplace else!

2 arrested, 2 sought in drug-related assault

By Brian Lee TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF

SOUTHBRIDGE — Police arrested two men for their alleged involvement in a planned attack on a man in a Main Street apartment Tuesday.

Police are also seeking a third suspect and are trying to identify a fourth.

Don A. Corrow, 46, of 35 Central St., Apt. 3, was ordered held on $1,000 bail yesterday by Dudley District Court Judge David W. Cunis on charges of unarmed assault to rob, assault and battery with a dangerous weapon (a bottle) and conspiracy.

Samuel Metzel, 21, of 113 Everett St., was released on personal recognizance on the same charges.

Both men pleaded not guilty and are scheduled to return to court Aug. 2 for pretrial hearings.

The alleged assault occurred about 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, police said.

Patrolman Brian M. Cadrant said he went to the apartment above Gordon’s Music and found the alleged victim limping from the building and holding a blood-stained handkerchief to his face. A town ambulance was called but the victim refused medical attention.

The man said he had been “jumped” and knew one of the assailants as “Donny.”

Two other witnesses arrived and identified Mr. Metzel, who was walking on nearby Chapin Street, police said. Mr. Corrow was with him.

Mr. Metzel and two others were put in holding cells for interviews. They all allegedly said the operation was “a preplanned burn.”

The victim, they said, was to sell crack cocaine to people in the apartment, and the would-be buyers planned to ambush him and take the narcotics.

Mr. Metzel, Mr. Corrow and a man identified as Nicholas Rosario allegedly went into “hiding spots” in the apartment and went on the attack, police said.

According to the report, Mr. Corrow started the assault, saying “You did something to my niece.” Mr. Metzel started the beating, taking a vodka bottle to the victim’s legs, the report said.

Police said Mr. Rosario, who could not be found, reached into the victim’s pockets in search of narcotics. The victim did not have narcotics on him, police said.

Police said they were requesting an arrest warrant for Mr. Rosario on the same charges, and will request an arrest warrant for a woman identified as Courtney, who will be charged with conspiracy.

Police said three people are considered witnesses.

Simple things...

2011-07-07T08:29:48Z

I've been meaning to write this for some time, but am now just getting around to it...to some this may sound "lame" to others, well they should know what I mean, especially if they subscribe to the Worcester Telegram & Gazette.

Isn't it nice to read the paper and see that in the comment section you are not riddled with comments, which appear to me now, must have been by the same people just switching up their "user names".

On controversial issues, things used to get heated up, some real bad at times! And for most, I would say 99%, those people that would comment would never put their real names to the comments, always some off the wall name. Now that the WT&G has made it that you only get 10 free stories per month, unless you subscribe, most of these "anonymous commenters" seemed to have disappeared.

That's all...just my thoughts that like stated before, I have been meaning to put out there for quite some time.

Oh, the simple things in life, isn't it funny what can satisfy you as you get older?

Congratulations

2011-06-29T08:12:21Z

A quick congratulations to our newly elected Town Councilors:

Darlene Marcucci
David Langevin
Cathy Nikolla

I would also like to congratulate those who were elected to the school Committee:

Patricia Woodruff
Tanya Dominko
Dr. Thomas O'Leary

I do wish you all well and I look foward to another fiscal year...time to move foward folks!

My Thoughts...Dr. O'Leary

2011-06-25T13:14:00Z

Well, I must say, I am very saddened to hear that we lost a very valuable asset to one of our towns boards. Dr. Thomas O'Leary, who served on the Board of Health for the last ten years. I haven't been too involved with the Board of Health issues, by saying I am not too involved means, I am not at all of their meetings, as a matter of fact, I have only been to a few of the meetings, and frankly that was good for me, as I could see the frustration in the face of Dr. O'Leary from the politics that goes along with being on this board.

I do follow the news the best I can, and I do know the most controversial piece the Board of Health is dealing with right now, or should I say has been dealing with over the last few years, is the Landfill / Site Assignment. My thoughts on this will remain right now, with me, as I could go on and on, and then be blasted for sharing my opinions, I probably will be blasted anyway for sharing my thoughts on Dr. O'Leary.

While at the Town Council Meeting on Monday night (June 20th) Dr. O'Leary got up to speak at Citizens Forum, I tried to listen to the speech, as it was hard due to the people behind me talking very loud. But I did hear some of what he had to say, and one part that I did hear echoes in my thoughts, "Some people are self serving and have their own personal agendas" That is a very strong statement, and a very true statement. What I got from that was, he was not only talking about the board he served, but also other boards, let them be elected or appointed.

After his speech, I watched a gentleman in front of me jump up and give a gesture, and heard him say "YES!" I have seen this person before and know he associates with the "RATS" , just an FYI just because Dr. O'Leary is gone doesn't mean the landfill is! It was very disturbing to see this, after all this man did give ten years of his life to serve the town on a volunteer basis.

People say that all elected officials have a personal agenda. I do not believe that. I believe that there are some that truly work for the citizens, let it be the town, state or nationwide, there are people who truly want to work for the people, not for personal interests. I believe Dr. O'Leary was one of those people, someone who worked for the people.

I personally would like to thank Dr. O'Leary for the time he did serve on the Board of Health, I know he was looking out for me, a citizen in Southbridge.

Write-in Candidate for School Committee!

2011-06-25T12:44:28Z

Okay folks, when you're out there casting your vote on Tuesday, June 28th in Southbridge Massachusetts, don't forget we have a write in Candidate for the School Committee!

Lauren McLoughlin! Lauren is very involved in the community, Soccer, PTA, Subcommittees, why not check her out, you can visit Lauren by going to her website Lauren For School Committee.

I am convinced Lauren will work hard for our children and I am also convinced she will not let the "politics" stand in the way of what she believes in!

See you at the polls!

A Message From The United Way

2011-06-24T11:39:02Z

A very important message from the United Way

To any and all Southbridge, Sturbridge & Charlton residents affected by
power outages from the June 1st tornadoes $25 gift cards to Big Bunny are available.

If you were without power for more than 24 hours following the June 1st tornadoes, please contact United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge & Charlton
at (508) 765-5491.

Cards are available on a first come/first served basis. Photo ID w/ current address required. Must be 18 years or older to pick up.

Bonnie B. Losavio, Executive Director

United Way of Southbridge, Sturbridge & Charlton, Inc.

155 Main Street 2nd Floor

Southbridge, MA 01550

Tel: (508) 765-5491

Fax: (508) 765-4851

unitedwayssc@verizon.net

A Letter to the Editor - Unpublished....

2011-06-21T20:48:08Z

I am not sure if this will get published, but I decided to put it out there anyway...

Yes, another one of my views and how I see it...

Ahh...freedom of expression!

This is a Letter to the Editor.

It has been to my understanding for quite some time now, that during the "Election Season" people are allowed to make endorsements for the candidates, however, any negative comments or attacks on candidates would not be allowed.

Why then does the Southbridge Evening News allow Mr. Marketti's attacks against two of our local candidates be allowed in the News Paper? The two cartoons I refer to are those of Dr. O'Leary, who is running for re-election on our School Committee, and Catherine Nikolla, who is running for re-election for Town Council.

This appears to a "double standard" as the election is less than two weeks away now. Are there a different set of rules for our local cartoon artist, or should the same set of rules apply to him as well?

Students at Trinity Help Raise Money For Tornado Victims

2011-06-21T16:23:00Z

I would like to express my congratulations to Grace & Annabelle of Trinity Catholic Academy, for the task these two young children have taken on to help raise money for those who were affected by the June 1st 2011 tornado that touched down in our area.

Please click on the provided link to view the presentation that was made by these students.

Presentation

If you would like to make a donation, please send to:

Trinity Catholic Academy
11 Pine Street
Southbridge, MA 01550

Let them know that it is for the fundraiser Grace & Annabell are doing! Your money is going toward a good cause!