White lauded for nine-year term

By Matthew Bernat
Turley Publications Reporter

STURBRIDGE - After nine years of service the senior member of the board of selectmen has stepped down.
During the board’s April 5 meeting Selectman Harold White was lauded for his commitment. To commemorate the occasion Selectman Thomas Creamer presented White with a timepiece on behalf of the board.
Creamer said he was proud to offer White the memento and likened it to a Marine Corps practice he was familiar with where the junior member of a unit shows reverence to the senior member.
He also briefly touched on the tension that existed between them.
“It’s no secret that Hal and I have had a difficult history. We had a very shaky start on the board of selectmen when we first started working together,” he said.
However, Creamer said over time he became aware of the sincere dedication and hard work White brought to the board.
“I can tell you with great certainty and pride that I have learned an awful lot from Hal White…He is a man who does his work and is committed to this town. I have learned, despite my former beliefs, that Hal White makes every single decision based upon what’s best for the town of Sturbridge,” Creamer said.
Prior to being elected in April 2001, White served on the board of health for 13 years. Also, during his tenure as a selectman he assumed the duties of board chairman for a time.
Following this week’s election Selectman Edward “Ted” Goodwin is now the board’s senior member.

Pub gets entertainment license

Board members voted unanimously to award a live entertainment license to the Piccadilly Pub.
A representative from MPG Sturbridge LLC appeared before the board to make the request.
“We’re trying to generate a little bit more business, a little bit more excitement at the restaurant,” he said.
The license would be used to allow for a singer to come and perform, trivia nights, video karaoke and similar types of entertainment.
“We’re not trying to do anything outlandish,” he said.
The license grants live entertainment for the hours of Sunday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday – Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 10:30 p.m., and Thursday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Personnel changes

During the town administrator’s update selectmen learned of a number of personnel changes.
Board members approved unanimously to appoint Clyde Gagnon to a three-year term as the town’s electrical inspector.
Resident Joseph Papandrea, of Boston Road, has applied to serve on the Energy Advisory Committee and was appointed to that board.
Another resident, Richard Volpe, of Allen Road, was appointed to a three-year term on the historical commission.
Selectmen also confirmed the appointment of Christine Brunelle, of Brookfield, to the position of full-time dispatcher in the police department. She began April 13 at a rate of $18.19 per hour.