Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

OXFORD – Oxford High School senior John Simkus has always had a passion for building bridges and now he will pursue this passion and attend UMass Amherst in the fall and major in Engineering.

Simkus, the son of Joanna and Rooney Simkus, grew up in Oxford, where he has lived his whole life with his parents and his twin sister Christina.

by Steev Riccardo

OXFORD – Story lines were interesting at the SWCL track meet between Oxford, Shepherd Hill, and Quaboag this past Wednesday (April 24) at Oxford high school.

Oxford senior star Emily Dawidczyk, who despite nursing injuries all spring, won the 200-meter dash and the long jump, but did not compete in the hurdles, which is arguably her best event.  She also came in second in the shot put, finishing behind Shepherd Hill’s Katie McCambridge, who is one of the best in Central Mass.

DUDLEY - The Dudley Patrolmen’s Association annual fund raiser began on Monday, April 15^th.  Phone calls for donations will be placed to local residents and businesses.  The proceeds of this campaign benefit local police programs and other community based initiatives, including scholarships. The officers wish to thank the community in advance for their continued support and generosity.  Contributors will receive complimentary tickets to the annual soft ball game versus the New England Patriots which is to be held in early June.  Should anyone have any questions about this or other fundraisers, we encourage you to contact the Dudley Police at 508-943-4411 before making any donations.

Saturday, April 27^th from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m

DUDLEY--The Dudley Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public another opportunity to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  Bring your medications for disposal to The Dudley Police located inside the Dudley Municipal Complex at 71 West Main Street Dudley, Ma.  This is the fourth time an event such as this has been held in Dudley.  The last took place in October of 2012.  A large quantity of prescription medications were taken in at that time.  The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

In addition to the prescription disposal, officials from Harrington Hospital will be on hand to provide medical information and limited health screenings to anyone interested.  A container to dispose of used needles and other medical sharps will be on hand for those who may require a safe method to dispose of these items.  The Dudley Police Department thanks Harrington Hospital once again for their assistance with this program.

If you have any questions or need further information, please contact Police Chief Steve Wojnar at 508-949-8023.
 

by Steev Riccardo

OXFORD – The Oxford Lady Pirates split two games last week, defeating Bartlett 15-2 and falling to Auburn 8-7.

In their 15-2 win, sophomore Erica Fradsham made her varsity debut and pitched extremely well, while junior Jamie Brodeur banged out a pair of hits and drove in three runs.

award ceremony to be held April 29^th in the Great Hall at the State House in Boston

by Becky Harvey
Patriot correspondent

For the past ten years, the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women has hosted an event to recognize the “Unsung Heroines” of our commonwealth. The honor originally was given to only three to five women per year, but the commission soon came to realize the vast number of women from around the state who make enormous contributions that widely go unnoticed.  It soon changed its goal to try and recognize a woman from every town in the state, each year.  Members came to realize that with 351 towns in the state, there was nowhere in the state house to host such a large endeavor.  The goal now, is to have legislators from around the commonwealth nominate deserving women.  They aim to honor “about one hundred women a year,” according to Jill Ashton who serves the Director of the committee.  “This year we’re honoring 83 women.”

Southbridge, Webster Wait Times Rank Harrington In The Top 2 Percent

SOUTHBRIDGEand WEBSTER  Harrington HealthCare System’s Emergency Departments in both Southbridge and Webster rank among the top 2 percent of all hospitals in the country for short wait times, according to statistics compiled by an influential healthcare publication.

The average wait in the EDs at Harrington Hospital and Harrington HealthCare at Hubbard in Webster was 6 minutes for the first quarter of 2012, the latest period examined by Becker’s Hospital Review. The 6-minute wait time put Harrington HealthCare System among the top 49 healthcare systems in the country, or the top 2 percent.

By Becky Harvey
Patriot Correspondent

Eighth grade Dudley Middle Schooler, Jordan Blackadar was presented a certificate by the Superintendent of Schools at the last Dudley-Charlton School Committee meeting in recognition of his efforts to collect coats for the needy in the wake of Hurricane Sandy, last fall.  Blackadar and fellow classmate Matthew Mackay (pictured at the committee meeting,) have both been selected by the John F. Kennedy Library to receive Make a Difference awards.  “The Kennedy Library annually recognizes up to 100 middle school students from across Massachusetts with the John F. Kennedy Make a Difference Award for the impact they have made in their communities through service projects,” according to the library’s website.  The Library selects recipients based on nominations from teachers, principals and local community leaders.  Both Blackadar and Mackay  have each been invited to a ceremony at the Library on April 9^th, along with a number of other middle-schoolers from around the Commonwealth who have made efforts to change the world and make it better for people.

by David O'Connor

Ten years ago on March 3rd, 2003 The Golden Greek restaurant opened its doors to the public when they leased the old “Big Apple” Fruit Stand on 156 Lake Street. Owner Nick Thanas looking to expand his portfolio in Massachusetts asked long time employee Wayne Nadeau to take the lead as the General Manager. Shortly after opening shop, Nick passed away and after some negotiations, Wayne purchased the restaurant preserving the Golden Greek name.

Fast forward ten years and The Golden Greek restaurant is one of the top local eateries in Webster, offering an assortment of menu options with a commitment of providing with good food at fair prices.

On Sunday March 24th, from 3-6 pm the Webster Ca$h Mob will be joining The Golden Greek restaurant in celebration of ten great years of service. Mobsters are asked to come down with their families for a late lunch / early dinner. There are several menu items available for under $10, and they also have an assortment of beer and wine available as well.

After you’ve made your purchase, your receipt will have a question on it. Should you answer the question correctly (it’s a very easy question and Wayne advised that most if not all will get it right) you’ll be entered in their 2 grand prize drawings. Winners will enjoy a free pizza a week for a year and free “broasted” chicken for a year. In addition to these grand prize drawings, there will also be free raffle prizes for T-Shirts, hats, and other Greek-swag. All in all this will be an exciting event and an opportunity to celebrate a decade of quality, freshly prepared food right here in Webster.

So come down Sunday March 24th, from 3-6pm to say thank you to another great Webster business

All attendees please click ‘going’ so that The Golden Greek can staff accordingly for the day of the event.  Let’s fill this place!!  Loyal 2 Local!!