by Patriot Staff

DUDLEY - Ninety-seven voters last week unanimously approved a $725,000 appropriation to purchase a new aerial ladder fire truck. No one was happier than Fire Chief Dean Kochanowski. "It was good to get it passed, I'm very thankful to the citizens of Dudley for their support. We really need that truck. The one we have is 31 years old, and safety was an issue for the fire personnel."

The chief recounted the campaign he's waged for the last year to gain support for the new truck. He made numerous presentation, wrote newspaper articles, and explained the need for the new equipment. "It's good to see that the town's people understood why we need a new ladder truck, and supported it." He said it will be nine to eleven months before the new vehicle will be ready, They custom-build it from the ground up once the contract is signed.

  
"We're really happy everything turned out so well, and we can't wait to get the truck. Hopefully, the truck we have will last for another year."

Chairman of the Board of Selectmen Jonathan Ruda also expressed his appreciation to Dudley citizens for their support.
 

by Steev Riccardo

DUDLEY – The Shepherd Hill Rams saw their season come to a close following a 61-51 loss to Fitchburg in the Division 1 boy’s district basketball playoffs last Tuesday night, February 26, at the Hill.

Freshman Michael Rapoza led the Rams with 10 points while seniors Tyler Martin and David Bianculli, and sophomore Chris Lindstrom all finished with nine points in the loss.

Senior Justin Terlizzi also had eight points in his final game in a Rams uniform.

The Rams had a very good season, finishing with an impressive13-8 record overall.

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Gauvin, JoJo lead the way

by Steev Riccardo

WORCESTER – The Shepherd Hill Rams used a swarming defense and strong offensive efforts from seniors Tina Gauvin and JoJo L’Heureux to devour Doherty 58-45 and advance to the Division 1 district playoffs, setting up a fourth encounter with archrival Holy Name.

Gauvin had an outstanding shooting night, especially in the second half, when she scored 19 of her team-leading and career-high 21 points to lead the Rams. L’Heureux, who always seems to play big in key games, scored 18 points and added a career-high five steals.

DUDLEY - Voters will be asked to authorize the borrowing of $725,000 for a new ladder truck for the fire department this Thursday, February 28. The meeting will be held at the Dudley Municipal Complex at 6:30.

Voters approved a debt exclusion to cover the cost of the fire truck last November. The actual borrowing and appropriation of the money had to be approved as well, and selectmen scheduled this Special Town Meeting to meet that requirement.  

Worters comes in third in 1000 meters

Text and photos By Steev Riccardo    

BOSTON – Oxford High School senior track star Emily Dawidczyk shone at the MIAA All-State meet this past Saturday at the Reggie Lewis Arena in Boston, winning both the 55-meter hurdles and the long jump.

Dawidczyk recorded an 8.29 in the 55-meter hurdles and a personal best 17’ 9 1/2” in the long jump in a dazzling effort.

“I wasn't expecting two wins at all,” said Dawidczyk. “It felt really good to win the hurdles after hitting two last week. Right before my race I really had to focus in and pump myself up, I was nervous that I'd hit a hurdle again. Getting back in the 8.2 range definitely meant a lot, it makes me feel a little more confident going into New England's.”

The Webster Dudley Business Alliance, Isador's Organic Fruit & Deli & Commerce Bank of Webster are partnering together to host a Chili Cook Off on Sunday, March 3 from 12-3 p.m. at Isador's located at 261 Main Street in Oxford. This is the third year Isador's will host the event, which benefits local schools in the tri-town area with all proceeds going to the Hand Fruit Program.

The program was established by Justin Szostakowski, owner of Isador's. “Isador’s Hand Fruit Program raises funds through community events in order to supplement Massachusetts public school lunch programs with organic fruit. Our first event in February of 2010 provided enough fruit for the students of the Oxford Middle School, and has grown since then to include elementary schools in surrounding towns.” Justin also added, “The purpose of the cause is to provide a practical education to young people about the importance of whole food nutrition.” To that end he also speaks with the students and staff about the importance of good nutrition for maintaining a healthy body and mind.”

By Steev Riccardo

WORCESTER – They say it’s hard to beat the same team three times in one season, and the Shepherd Hill Rams will be the first to attest to that after falling to the Quabbin Panthers 52-51 in a classic encounter in an opening round game at the Clark Tournament on Monday night.

The Rams beat the Panthers 46-43 early in the season and squeezed by them 42-40 in the last meeting only weeks ago, but they fell short in their bid to sweep their rivals.

Gigi scores 14

Photos and text by Steev Riccardo

WORCESTER – The Holy Name Naps led from start to finish and once again dominated the Shepherd Hill Rams 62-39 in a battle between the two top-gten-ranked Central Mass girls teams on Tuesday (February 12) at Holy Name.

Beat Shrewsbury, lose to Auburn

By Steev Riccardo

Dudley – The Shepherd Hill girls lost to Auburn 44-31 on Thursday (February 7) but rebounded nicely with a thrilling 49-45 win over Shrewsbury on Sunday (February 10) on seniors night in their last regular season home game.

Senior co-captain Taylor Daniels led the Rams with nine points in the loss to Auburn, while junior Brooke Packard and sophomore Ciara McKissick had eight points a piece.

 

Stiles and L’Heureux share award

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

DUDLEY – Shepherd Hill seniors and best friends Emily Stiles and Johanna L’Heureux are literally at the top of their class.  The two have been ranked first and second in their class all year, but neither is willing to say which of them is actually number one, instead preferring the co-billing.

This standing earned them each a share of the Dudley-Charlton Superintendent’s Award, which is presented to the student(s) that not only excels in academics but is also involved in community service.