THE INDIAN RANCH SPRING ATHLETE OF THE WEEK
is left-handed pitcher

Nick LeMay 

from Oxford High School

LEMAY HAS BEEN PERFECT ON THE MOUND THIS YEAR FOR THE PIRATES AS HE IS YET TO GIVE UP A RUN IN 2012. HE HAS PITCHED 35 SCORELESS INNINGS THUS FAR. HIS LAST OUTING WAS A 6-0 VICTORY OVER LEICESTER GIVING UP 3 HITS, WALKING 2, AND STRIKING OUT 10. THAT HAS BEEN A TYPICAL LEMAY OUTING ALL YEAR. MONEY IN THE BANK WHEN LEMAY STANDS ON THE BUMP FOR OXFORD. LEMAY HAS A 5-0 RECORD THIS SPRING.THE SOUTHPAW GETS MY NOMINATION FOR THE MASSACHUSETTS GATORADE HIGH SCHOOL BASEBALL PLAYER OF THE YEAR AND WE CONGRATULATE HIM ON A TERRIFIC SEASON THUS FAR.

Robert G. "Rocky" Miller passed away last week at the age of 81. Rocky was an outstanding athlete at Bartlett High School and a tremendous family man. He lived life clean and with enthusiasm. Rock was inducted into the Bartlett High School Hall of Fame in 2006 and served his country in the Korean War. He was a proud Marine. Rocky coached football at Bartlett in the 70’s and later on devoted many years to the area’s Pop Warner teams. He was also an assistant football coach at St. Peter’s and Tantasqua.He coached golf at Bartlett. Rocky loved to compete and he wasn’t afraid to tell you about the New York Yankees and their great tradition. He was the first manager for the House of Champions softball team in 1972 and went on to manage the "House" to its first five championships in Webster. He was assisted by Chet Starzec. Rocky was a personal friend of Theodore "Teddy Ballgame" Williams of Red Sox fame even though Rocky rooted for the pinstripes. Rocky really battled his way through life the last 5 years because of health complications and the people who were close to him saw and admired his courage. The "Rock" will be missed.

Carl Beane, the public address announcer for the Red Sox at Fenway Park, died in a tragic accident last week.Beane was 59 years old and most recently was the guest speaker at the Bartlett Hall of Fame in 2011. I had the opportunity to work with Beane at WESO-AM 970 in Southbridge for 10 years in the 80s and 90s. Along with Matt Morway, Beane taught Morway and me the ins and outs of radio broadcasting. Beane was a true professional behind the microphone. God gave him a voice that wouldn’t quit. Beane rose to fame over the last 9 years when he won the Red Sox job. He loved the Sox dearly, but his favorite sports team of all time was the Montreal Canadiens.

The Bartlett "Sweat and Desire" summer basketball camp will be held from June 26 to June 29 this year.The cost is $175 for ages 8-17. Veteran Bartlett Head Basketball coach Tony Paranto heads up the camp in his 13th year. The camp has been a huge success and stresses fundamentals and fun. The camp will be held at Bartlett High School with the best of facilities indoors and on the outside courts. For more information on the camp, please contact Paranto at Bartlett High School.

Finally, please email me at pcoyle@oxford insurance for all nominations for the INDIAN RANCH SPRING ATHLETE OF THE WEEK.

Heirloom tomato plants given to museum visitors* while supplies last

(STURBRIDGE, MA) – April 28, 2012: Visitors to Old Sturbridge Village on Saturday, May 19 will receive a free heirloom tomato plant grown by OSV horticulturists to celebrate the arrival of the spring gardening season. The free tomatoes will include varieties dating back to the 1830s: Brandywine, Yellow Pear, and Large Red. *(Free tomatoes will be offered with museum admission, while supplies last, limit one plant per family). Museum visitors will receive a free tomato voucher upon arrival, which can be redeemed from 11:00 – 5:00 p.m. near the OSV Herb Garden

Other heirloom plants grown by Village horticulturists will be offered for sale from 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. and will include flowers like hollyhock, wild foxglove, blackberry lily, and herbs such as basil, thyme, and sage (prices range from $3-$5, depending on size). Museum members can learn how to deter destructive insects while attracting beneficial ones at a special Good Bug / Bad Bug garden workshop. OSV historians will discuss tomato-growing techniques in the Herb Garden, and will demonstrate hearth cooking with tomato catsup at the Freeman Farmhouse. For details: 800-SEE-1830; www.osv.org.

"The taste of heirloom tomatoes is far superior to the taste of today's supermarket tomatoes, which are often out of season and picked while they are still green," notes Roberta McQuaid, Old Sturbridge Village staff horticulturist. "Some say the heirloom Brandywine tomato is the world's best-tasting tomato. The Large Red tomato can grow as big as your fist, and the Yellow Pear tomato is produces large quantities of two-inch-long pear shaped fruit. These are the perfect size to pluck off the vine and pop in your mouth for a tasty snack while gardening."

According to Old Sturbridge Village historians, the tomato originated in South America, and spread to Mexico, where Spaniards associated the Aztec word tomatl, meaning "plump fruit" with the edible tomato, which the Aztecs called miltomatl. From Mexico, tomatoes traveled to Spain, Italy, England, and the rest of Europe. They were first imported into New England from the Mediterranean.

Although tomatoes are prized today, they were a foreign addition to early American cuisine. At first, people did not know how to prepare tomatoes and they often did not like the taste. New Englanders began to enjoy tomatoes after famous domestic advice author Lydia Maria Child recommended them in her book, American Frugal Housewife, writing, "This is a delicious vegetable. It is easily cultivated, and yields a most abundant crop." She went on to give a recipes for tomato pie and encouraged the use of tomato catsup as a flavoring in beef soup, curried fowl, chicken fricassee, and even in fish chowder. By the end of the 1830s, catsup, or "ketchup," was well on its way to becoming America's national condiment.

Much of the historical interpretation at Old Sturbridge Village is centered around the museum's many gardens, which include an extensive Herb Garden and formal exhibit area showcasing 400 heirloom plants in terraced beds; a farm kitchen garden with vegetables, herbs and fruits; the Parsonage kitchen garden showing more scientific and experimental gardening techniques of the day (including the cultivation of tomatoes); a “pleasure garden” of period flowers in formal design; and a children’s garden to encourage gardening curiosity among young people.

OSV horticulturists are dedicated not only to preserving heirloom plants but also to demonstrating how they were cultivated in early New England. They rely on a number of research sources, including period letters, diaries, reminiscences, vintage seed and nursery catalogs, and early garden advice books.

Old Sturbridge Village, one of the largest living history museums in the country, celebrates New England life in the 1830s and is open daily 9:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. seven days a week. Admission: adults $24; seniors $22; children 3-17, $8; children 2 and under, free. All programs are subject to change. Each admission includes free parking and a free second-day visit within 10 days. Woo Card subscribers get $5 off adult daytime admission; college Woo cardholders receive $12 off adult daytime admission. For times and details of all OSV activities visit: www.osv.org or call 1-800-SEE-1830.

Tomato History Highlights

Source: Tomato in America, Early History, Culture, and Cookery
Andrew F. Smith

Few tomato recipes were published prior to the 1820s, so many people in early America did not know how to cook with them, and others did not like the appearance, smell, or taste of the tomato. Some people even feared they were poisonous.

By the 1830s, there was a steady increase in the number of articles about tomatoes and tomato recipes promoting the tomato as healthy, fashionable, and delicious.

In 1834 Dr. John Cook Bennett (a Massachusetts native and resident of Ohio) declared that tomatoes could be used to treat diarrhea, bilious attacks, and dyspepsia, and were an invaluable preventive against cholera. Soon after Bennett's claim, others began manufacturing tomato pills, with some claiming they could also cure jaundice, rheumatism, colds, heart palpitation, and lung fever.

Promotional claims by competing tomato pill manufacturers lead to a "tomato mania," and sales of tomato seeds and tomatoes dramatically increased during the 1830s and 1840s.

By the 1850s, the editor of the Working Farmer indicated that from July to October the tomato was sold in larger quantities than any other vegetable.

The tomato’s versatility contributed to the rise in its popularity in the 1830s and 1840s. It could be served in salads, soups, and side dishes, and made into sauces, ketchups, relishes, jams, jellies. Tomatoes enhanced the flavor of meats, fish, and poultry. And if there was a glut of tomatoes during peak seasons, they could be fed to pigs, cows, and other livestock.

In Celebration of Association of Art Museum
Directors’ Art Museum Day

(WORCESTER, Mass. – May 16, 2012) – Worcester Art Museum will offer free admission on Friday, May 18, 2012 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. as part of the Association of Art Museum Directors’ (AAMD) Art Museum Day, which coincides with International Museum Day on the same day.

In recognition of the important role museums play in their communities, WAM will encourage visitors to share their museum experiences during Art Museum Day on a special printed form available at the museum and via social media in a collective public response.

“WAM is an important institution to Worcester and serves as a gate to the continually growing cultural community across the globe,” said WAM Director Matthias Waschek.

“Art museums create opportunities for the public to engage directly with works of art in new and meaningful ways—from transformative educational initiatives to innovative public partnerships,” said Chris Anagnos, Executive Director of AAMD.  “AAMD believes that art should be accessible and relevant to all, and we are so pleased that WAM is joining with us and the global community of museums to celebrate the role museums play in their communities and to encourage visitors to share their museum experiences.”

In 2011, WAM—along with more than 100 other AAMD member museums across North America—participated in International Museum Day.  Participation in the international event highlights the value of the visual arts in society, and provides new opportunities for audiences to participate in wide-ranging programs and record their encounters with works of art.

AAMD member museums—located across the United States, Canada, and Mexico—include regional museums as well as large international institutions.  International Museum Day is organized annually around the world by the International Council of Museums (ICOM).  AAMD’s Art Museum Day is an opportunity to focus attention on the role of art museums in North America, as part of ICOM’s global celebration of museums.

A comprehensive list of participating AAMD member art museums will be available in the newsroom of the AAMD website (http://www.aamd.org/newsroom/).  Note that while AAMD’s Art Museum Day and ICOM’s International Museum Day is formally held each year on May 18, some institutions shift their celebrations to adjacent dates.

The Worcester Art Museum opened in 1898 and serves Worcester and the regional community. With its encyclopedic collection of paintings, sculpture, decorative arts, photography, prints, drawings and new media, it is one of America’s most respected art institutions. For more information, visit worcesterartmuseum.org.

Boston- On May 9, 2012, Governor’s Councilor Jen Caissie asked Thomas Hammond, the current Chairman of the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board, a question that surprised him at his confirmation hearing before the Council.  She asked “As Chairman, have you performed annual written evaluations of the Members of the Appellate Tax Board in accordance with enabling statute of the Appellate Tax Board, G.L.c.58A §1?”  Hammond, who has served as chairman for six years and is up for reappointment as chairman, stated that he had not conducted any annual written evaluations and that it had not been done in several years, including long before he became chairman six years ago.  In reaction to the answer, Caissie said, “I was completely appalled to learn that evaluations had not been performed in several years.  According to one source I spoke to, they have not been performed in over 20 years.”

Prior to the vote on his confirmation on May 16, 2012, Caissie informed Hammond that her vote for his confirmation was contingent on compliance with the statute requiring annual written evaluations of members of the tax board.  In setting the condition for her vote, Caissie said, “This is all about accountability to the taxpayers of Massachusetts. When a person comes before the Council for re-appointment there should be a written track record as required by the statute.  This is why the evaluation requirement was added in the first place, because people were not doing their jobs. ”

In agreeing to the benefits of written evaluations of Members of the Tax Board, Hammond sent a letter to Councilor Caissie in which he stated that “based on our discussions, I will work with our chief legal counsel to establish a more formalized evaluation process . . so that all requirements of the statute are met.”   Hammond would be the first Chairman of the Massachusetts Appellate Tax Board, in recent history, to perform the annual written evaluations in compliance with the statue.

Caissie voted to confirm Hammond for another term as Chairman and stated that he was very qualified and willing to perform the evaluations and had her support.

Bartlett's Rocco DiStefano and Oxford's Emily Dawidczyk 

Text and Photos By Steev Riccardo

“Sweet Assassin” Dawidczyk steals show at District Meet

Although there were many great performances at the District E Class Championship meet in Shrewsbury last Saturday, it was Oxford High’s Emily Dawidczyk who stole the show, winning both the long jump and the 200-meter dash in the Class B.

Oxford High School and Bartlett High School had competitors in Class B competition, while Shepherd Hill was in Class A.

Dawidczyk had been struggling with a back injury that was a concern for her coming into the District meet.  You couldn’t tell, though, as her time of 25.68 in the 200-meter dash was the best time of the day in all three classes.

“I was definitely nervous about how my back would hold up but thankfully it didn't bother me. Leading up to the meet I rested and went to therapy and really focused on just getting better for this busy part of the season. Hopefully my back injury is far out of sight from now on. It'll be really important to keep myself healthy.”

Her back proved not to be a factor as Dawidczyk was able to emerge victorious in her top two outdoor track events.

“To finish first in the 200 at districts again was surreal. It proved to me that my hard work has been paying off, and it's preparing me for future big meets. To break my own class record was also a great feeling of accomplishment,” said the Oxford High junior.

Pirates’ senior captain Jordan Orrell also a good showing, finishing a strong second in the 400 meter dash.

Bartlett’s Alicia Garamy came in third in the javelin throw.  Amy Panczyk finished in eleventh place in the long jump and Kellie Powers was 11th in the two-mile run for the Bartlett girls.

On the boys side, Bartlett senior Rocco DiStefano has a great meet for Bartlett, finishing second in the javelin throw and third in the 400-meter run. 

Nikita Truhanovitch also had a strong showing for the Indians, placing third in the 110-meter hurdles and fifth in the triple jump.

Senior Arthur Hackenson finished second in the discus throw and sixth in the shot put for Bartlett.

The Pirates’ Ezekiel Kyei had a great meet, finishing fourth in the triple jump and second in 110-meter hurdles.

Shepherd Hill senior Chris Patrinos had a great meet for the Rams in the Class A division, finishing second in the long jump and fifth in the triple jump. 

The Rams’ Leo Harman came in fourth place in the 800-meter run and senior Pat Tilly finished in sixth place in the high jump.

The Shepherd Hills girls has an excellent meet.  Rams’ senior Emily Mattson finished second in the high jump. Her teammate Lexi Poirier came in fifth place.

Freshman Juleanna Schultz came in second in two-mile run, while sophomore sensation Stella Worters also came in second place in the mile- run.

Shepherd Hill Senior Kaleigh Durkan

Rams’ senior star Kaleigh Durkan also had a great meet with a fourth place finish in the 300-meter run for the Rams while her teammate Emily Thibuad was fifth in the 400-meter hurdles.

Please follow me on twitter (@RNRRoadstories) and/or e-mail me your comments and opinions at steev@patriotnewspaper.com (Steev Riccardo also writes “View from the Sidelines” a weekly sports column for The Patriot Newspaper, which comes out every Wednesday).

Voter ID questions pass--
with low voter turnout

Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

On Tuesday, May 15, 2012, the second-lowest turnout of Oxford’s 8,654 registered voters showed up for their constitutional right to vote. Ballots cast totaled 384 or 4.4% of all registered voters. Although there were no contested elections taking place, this was one of the lowest voter turnouts for a Town Election since 2010 according to Lori Kelly, Town Clerk. Dennis Lamarche, who ran unopposed, was re-elected as Selectman with 277 votes and Daniel Coonan along with Sarah Gaucher were elected to 3-year terms to the School Committee with 249 and 195 votes, respectively. Alice Walker was voted in to fill a 2-year vacancy on the School Committee with 294 votes. Additionally, John Bowes received 273 votes to win a 3-year term as a Library Trustee and Rene Hamel collected 265 votes for a 3-year seat on the Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District Committee. Howard Merson received 262 votes to fill a 5-year seat on the Housing Authority and Joseph Depasquale obtained 259 votes for a 3-year term as Trustee of the Charles Larned Entertainment Fund. Nancy Maki’s total of 284 votes allowed her to fill a 2-year vacancy as a Trustee of the same Entertainment Fund.

Of the four ballot questions, results were as follows: Prop 2 ½ exemption to pay Oxford’s share of the Bay Path High School renovation project was narrowly defeated 187 to 181; a non-binding instruction to the town’s state representatives and senator to vote in favor of legislation requiring proof of U.S. Citizenship and legal Massachusetts residence before allowing a person to register to vote in all elections was passed 318 yes votes versus 52 no. Also listed as non-binding were questions 3 and 4, instructing Oxford’s state representatives and senator to vote in favor of legislation requiring Massachusetts election officials to require a picture ID before allowing a person to vote, as well as to vote similarly requiring proof of U.S. Citizenship and legal Massachusetts residence from the applicant before providing any form of state benefit, assistance, or public subsidy for said individual. Votes cast were 298 in favor 71 nay; and 321 in favor with 45 nay, respectively.

UPDATE: The family members mentioned in this posting have been located and are fine.

By guest writer, Christine Anderson

A-a-a-a-h-h-h-CHOO!

Profuse pollen isn’t our only proof of warmer winter temperatures.

We can see all around us: early perennial blooms, self-sown annuals already in bud, and whopping—weeds! That’s easy. But can somebody forecast what else to expect? Experts and the rest of us have lots to say. Mothers Day weekend turns out to be a great time to pose the question:

What have you seen, or what do you think can we expect as a result of our warmer winter?

I’m hoping to get information from growers and gardeners on one of the busiest retail days. Figuring to skip the mad rush for hanging baskets elsewhere, I visit Harkness Memorial State Park (at the lower end of our shared Atlantic weather corridor) for the annual Friends of Harkness plant sale. A lucky encounter with Park Ranger Denise Bouchard leads me to Eric Hansen, also on staff.

*****

According to The Farmers Almanac, our climate region, the Atlantic Corridor, exists within a line drawn from Boston to Hartford--and the coast. From there the line curves southward, ending at Richmond, Virginia.

*****

Equipped with a degree in horticulture, he says he hasn’t been out much in the gardens—not yet. He doesn’t expect to see much difference. He allows that “the daffodils came early—but they also lasted a long time because the weather was still cool.” About trees and shrubs, he says, “The saving grace was that we didn’t have a 5-degree cold snap in the midst of the warmer weather—so the flower buds didn’t freeze.”

Denise, the ranger who works in the protected nesting areas of the park added that it’s been “coated” with ticks. I hear this, yet I make my way across a grassy meadow to the plant sale.

In the courtyard of the Harkness property, Friends of the park offer up picnic tables filled with award-winning daylilies cultivated in the fabled gardens,  deep red dahlia bulbs like your grandmother may have grown, and  divided perennials from their own plots and gardens.

“I’ve had lots of mole and vole damage in my own yard,” says Gladys Stadnick, head of the horticulture volunteers, “but that’s about grubs, as usual….The daffodils here are already gone.” I turn around.  I’ve just crossed that field, which is usually packed with yellow.  It shows not even the spent flower stalks--just tall grass in the stiff breeze.

“The weeds are earlier and bigger,” sighs a volunteer garden weeder.

“My parsley made it through the winter,” says another, brightly.  “It’s never done that.”

Cheryl Paganucci, originally from the Boston area, was ready for the question. “Many of my vegetables came back. And I’ve already planted my garden. The azaleas were early, the lettuce is growing.”  She is careful to add that she uses a (handy) portable cold frame to bridge the temperature gaps.

Katherine O’Hara, a board member, was surprised to see annuals and lettuce already growing in her garden. “I’m originally from mid-state New York, so this is not something I’m used to.”

“I have beetles that resemble lady bugs on my lilies,” said another. “But without spots.”

“Are they, uh… uh lily—leaf beetles?” I stammer, remembering  them from central Massachusetts about ten years ago. Nobody picks up on it.

I visit my local garden center to ask about winter moths (a general description), the larvae of which damage flowering and fruiting trees.  Green Survival Gardens owner, Hendrik Verkade III, tells me that his nursery stock is monitored for them, part of a study by the State of Connecticut. The moths overwinter in leaf debris, and come out earlier after warmer winters.

However, the conversation shifts when he says,

“Everything is out of whack.”

I ask Brenda Cammarata, who works there, what she thinks is different this year.

“The flowers seem more vibrant,--at least it seems that way.”

But Verkade, still part of this conversation, is skeptical. He suggests that this observation is part of our collective anticipation:  We want spring to come. “Yes, well, we have more blooms, earlier.” That’s clearly real, he agrees.  “People are always anxious come spring; plants don’t use a calendar like we do. “Mother’s Day is also planting day,” he cautions, “it is still too early for many annuals and vegetables to go into gardens.”

He thinks for a minute and closes with this sobering thought, “Lily beetles are the new gypsy moths.”

I make another mental note: Look this up.

TERRI SMITH of Smith Acres in Niantic concurs with Gladys’s  vole reports.

“Which seems strange,” she says, “because the winter before we had lots of snow, and predators couldn’t see them. But this year, we had hardly any [snow]. So, where are the predators now?”

****

After some easy digging, I find from university extension services (i.e. University of Vermont) that the flea beetle (a general description), which also winters over in leaf debris, has a head start this year. They are very small (about 1/8” in length), and their powerful hind legs allow them to jump quickly from plant to plant. Infestations are fast—and devastating. You can find out more about them, as they bother different classes of garden crops. The most important factor will be to scout them out—and maybe to stagger your planting of certain vegetables so that they miss the insect’s most active phase.

I look up lily beetles, too, and find, unfortunately, that they also winter over in leaf debris. Nobody has mentioned them, at least not by name.

Left: How does the garden grow? Big.

Wayne Paquette, owner of, Quackin’ Grass Nursery in Brooklyn CT agrees with what I’ve heard and read.

“The ticks barely rested, and we’ve seen them earlier than ever” adding that he needs to check his cat daily, who comes in with at least two or three each day. “Mosquitoes are also out early, and since there are virtually no bats around, that’s a problem,” he adds, “especially if we have wetter weather coming.”

His advice is that we protect ourselves this year, “especially at dawn and an hour to an hour and a half at dusk.” The risk of more disease-bearing mosquitoes is quite real, he warns. The gnats are early too, but only annoying.

On a mission to speak also with a farming family nearby, I visit Scott’s Farm stand and find three small pots of brilliant orange begonias. A staff person, busy watering plants, confirms that the early crops are ahead by at least three weeks.  “ Strawberries for sure—but  I’m not  sure about the blueberries,” she said,  and, nodding her head toward my flowers, “Don’t put those in the ground yet.”

“Got it,” I think to myself.

“Yes, thanks.”

So what can we expect when we’re expecting …summer?

Here’s the short list: The usual results of voles and moles. Unusually large families of bugs that bite and others we’ve barely met.  And  earlier—but only the early—crops.

The rest will be about scouting for the unfamiliar, protecting against ticks and mosquitoes—and asking questions of your own favorite, local garden authorities.

Of course, watching the weather is also big on the list. We know what to expect there.

Don’t we?

Christine Anderson,a former Central Mass resident, is an avid gardener and writer.

Bartlett's Amy Panczyk with Oxford's Emily Dawidczyk

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

With the high school outdoor track season winding down, we found ourselves in Oxford last week for an important Southern Worcester County League meet between David Prouty, Leicester, Bartlett, and host Oxford.

One of the track stars on hand in Oxford was Bartlett senior Amy Panczyk, who has been having a sensational season for the Indians.

Panczyk, who is off to Adelphi College in Long Island in September, has been running and jumping in style and in the process qualifying for the Districts in the Long Jump and the 100-meter dash, which she calls “a great accomplishment.”

The athletic senior, who is very popular among her teammates and classmates, has been involved in sports at Bartlett since coming to the school as a seventh grader.  She played soccer for three years, was exceptional on the indoor track team, and has reached new heights in outdoor track every campaign.

“Sports has been good for me. It made school more interesting and It made me do better,” said the 18-year old who has spent her entire life living in Webster with her parents Tina and Richard Panczyk and her brothers Rick and Matt.

As far as her college choice goes, she credits her former English teacher Tom Osborn, who left the school this year for an assistant principal position in Rhode Island, with helping her decide which college to attend and says, “he is pretty much the reason I am going to Adelphi.”  

She also enjoyed having Osborn as a teacher in the classroom. “He really opened us up to the other side of literature. He brought books like “Brave New World” back to the curriculum, helping us change our perspectives on the world and politics. It was really good to have him.”

Panczyk is also a big music fan and when she is not listening to her current favorite band Mumford And Sons, she is playing the clarinet and alto sax in the school band under the supervision of one of her other favorite teachers, Jeff Flynn, who she said “is really smart and knowledgeable and lets us play music that we are into.” 

Along with her love and participation in music, she was also on the yearbook staff and served on the stage crew of the theatre club.

Panczyk has her share of fans in the faculty as well. Bartlett girls track coach and teacher Brandy Whitney described Amy as “an amazing student with an amazing personality. She is a wonderful athlete and a great young lady.”

In her last few weeks at Bartlett, Panczyk continues to shine in track and field and is sure to have people smiling when she reaches Adelphi University in the fall.

Bartlett Track Stuff: Christian McManus, who won three events on Thursday said, “I’m doing good, but I am not satisfied” in reference to winning three events at the Oxford meet. How’s that for wanting it?  His teammate and fellow District qualifier Nikita Truhanovitch praised McManus and said, “He has been doing fantastic.”

Nikita didn’t do so bad himself, winning the triple jump and the high jump, and coming in second in the 100-meter hurdles on Thursday as he gets ready to compete in his final SWCL meet today at Tantasqua Regional in Fiskdale.

Others who looked good for Bartlett at the Oxford meet were Nikita’s sister, junior Deanna Truhanovitch, senior Kelly Powers, who came in second overall in the mile and the two-mile run, and the fantastic four-by-100 team of Kayla Sizer, Breanna Beardsley, Ashley Sizer, and none other than the above mentioned Panczyk.

Bartlett 4-by-100 relay team anchored by senior Amy Pancyzk, Kayla Sizer, Ashley Sizer, and Breanna Beardsley

BHS Sweat & Desire Camp:  Bartlett High School basketball head coach Tony Paranto is running his four-day basketball camp from June 26-29. It’s the thirteenth year that the camp has been running and will take place at Bartlett High School. The camp, which features former high school coaches and college players and coaches, is for boys and girls ages 8-17.

Nichols High School Player Development Camp: Nichols College will be hosting the NFL High School Development Program from June 4-7 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.p. at the college football field.

Nichols head football coach Kevin Loney will be the site manager for the camp The following local high schools will be participating: Auburn, Bartlett, Bay Path, Northbridge, Oxford, Shepherd Hill, Southbridge, and Tantasqua Regional.

Bartlett head football coach Dane Laboissonniere will also be on hand as an instructor. “The camp is put on by the NFL and the Army National Guard. It is completely free for the kids. There is also a 7-on-7 tournament associated with the camp. The winning team from the camp gets to go to Gillette Stadium and if you win at Gillette you get to represent New England down in Florida in a national 7-on-7 tournaments.”

The NFL High School Player Development program addresses challenges facing high school football programs across the country, focusing primarily on underserved communities.  HSPD serves as a free resource for both high school player and coaches.  The program emphasizes safety and concussion awareness, character development and life skills, and football fundamentals.

"Super Power Thingies" partners in crime Michelle Williams and Lauren Puishys

Michelle Williams:  The undisputed leader of the Oxford Pirates “Super Power Thingies,” field hockey star Michelle Williams will be attending Bryant College in the fall and told me this past week that she plans on being a walk-on at the Division 1 Field Hockey team camp.  We can’t imagine that they will not be delighted having a 32-goal scorer who led her team to an 18-0 season show up out of the blue!

Williams said it will be sad leaving school but at the same time, she is excited “to go to college and start a whole new experience and be grown up finally.”

As for the “Super Power Thingies” who played field hockey together since the eighth grade, she said, “It’s going to be rough leaving them, but we will be seeing each other.”  Linda Tron will be attending Assumption, Kayde McCarthy is headed to Salem State, and Lauren Puishys continues a family tradition and is Worcester Poly Tech bound. All will be playing field hockey in college.

Shepherd Hill Rams hoop star Brooke Packard and her Dad Charlton Middle School Principal Dean Packard

Brooke Packard: We caught up with Shepherd Hill basketball all-star Brooke Packard last week while she was checking out her younger sister Abbey’s moves on the tennis court. Packard, who is only a sophomore at the Hill, and already has a superior hoop game, has been fine-tuning her skills in the AAU with her team “the Frenzy” out of Mt. Holyoke.

Packard praised her former teammate and Central Mass player-of-the-year Meghan Fornaro, called her a “great captain” and said that the Rams “are hoping for an even better season next year.”  She said that she was “very proud” after being named a Central Mass all-star this past year.

For all you up and comers, Packard started playing basketball at five years old and has been playing year around ever since.  Maybe that is why she is regarded as one of the best defenders in Central Mass. The Rams are in fine hands with Abbey leading the way.

Assumption College Indians: The Bartlett trio of Alicia Garamy, Meghan Dwyer, and Kellie Powers are all heading to Assumption College in the fall.  What’s ironic is that three Bartlett boys’ stars, Nick Kobel, Rocco DiStefano, and Arthur “AJ” Hackenson, will be doing the same as they all head to Springfield College in September. Apparently they come and go in threes!

Game(s) Of The Week: It’s always fun when Bartlett and Shepherd Hill get together and that’s the case today as the baseball, softball, and tennis teams all play each other!

Contact steev@patriotnewspaper.com with any sports news that you would like to see in The View!

Lady Pirates clinch District berth

Text and photos By Steev Riccardo

Whatever it is that they are putting in the water in Oxford that the town’s baseball players are drinking, it sure looks like the Oxford Pirates girls’ team might be tapping into that source as well.

Last Thursday May 10) the Lady Pirates clobbered the Sutton Sammies 13-1 and clinched their second straight trip to the District playoffs in the process. Last year, they advanced to the second round before being eliminated.

It’s no surprise that “The Franchise” Nicole Mangaudis pitched yet another complete game, striking out 9 Sammies’ batters while allowing a mere two hits.

Callie Andrews pounded out three hits and senior star Kayde McCarthy had two hits and a run-batted-in while scoring three times for the Pirates.

Thursday’s win came on the heels of another masterful performance by Mangaudis on Wednesday, when she not only struck out 12 Northbridge Rams batters but also added three hits in the Pirates 10-4 victory.

This time it was all-star catcher Sarah Smith, who is hitting a team leading .467, and Evelyn Marquis, who is also killing the ball with a .457 batting average, that led the hitting assault.  Like their counterparts on the baseball field, it’s always a team effort with the Pirates.

Rams eyeing playoffs
The Shepherd Hill Rams have seven games remaining at press time and, as it looks, need three wins to clinch a playoff birth.  They definitely have a shot at getting it done and you have to believe with Molly Covill leading the way on the mound, they will.

Last week was a rough week for the Lady Rams as they were shutout by Leicester 3-0 on Wednesday and dropped by the Auburn Rockets on Friday 6-4.

The Rams have been hitting really well with Samantha Miller leading the team in hitting with a .414 batting average.  Marissa Colby (.406) and Cassidy Colby (.391) are also having excellent seasons at the plate.

Indians looking for positives
It’s been a rough season for the Bartlett Lady Indians but there is also optimism that they have a lot of young players that the team can build on.  One of those is 12-year-old Lucy Orne, who has been pitching better and better in every game.

Last week Orne had two consecutive games where she only allowed three runs and the Bartlett coaches have to be happy about that.  Another player who has been playing solid defense and will be returning is catcher Tori Mcintyre, who has other intangibles, one being her great attitude towards her team and the game in general.

In last week’s 3-2 loss to David Prouty, it was senior Lindsay Bond who led the way with a pair of hits. Amanda Collins also added two hits in the loss.

The Indians have a key matchup today with archrival the Shepherd Hill Rams. A win in this game could salvage what has been a tough season for the 2-11 team.

Contact steev@patriotnewspaper.com and for more on high school softball and other sports news, check out View from the Sidelines every week in the Patriot.

Oxford's Tyler Bostek hitting .400

Balanced attack key to Pirates 12-4 record

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

The Oxford Pirates rebounded from a tough 4-0 shutout loss to the Northbridge Rams on Wednesday with a dominant 20-3 win over the Sutton Sammies on Thursday in Oxford to complete a 2-1 week and build on their Southern Worcester County League success.

The Pirates were 12-4 overall going into play this week with an 8-4 record in the SWCL. Their losses have come to Shepherd Hill, Millbury, David Prouty, and Northbridge.

Pirates ace lefty Nick Lemay (6-0, 0.00 ERA), who has yet to give a run this year, did not pitch in any of his team’s losses, which was probably a comfort to those teams since the guy has been virtually unhittable. 

In their win over the Sammies, the Pirates exploded for 14 runs in the second inning, which was a season high and “the most runs we've scored in an inning since I've been in Oxford,” said coach Justin Richards, but, no, it’s not a record, he added, “I think the national record is 37 runs set by a team in Mississippi in the late 90s.”

Nick Cardoni and Tyler Bostek (.400) led the 12-hit 20-barrage with a pair of hits, with Dennis Sneade picking up his third win of the season on the mound for the Pirates.

Nick Bates (.450) and Mike Cicero (.417) continue to swing the bat well for the Pirates, who have one of the most dangerous lineups in Central Mass when it comes to manufacturing runs.

The great balance of hitting and pitching has been consistent all year as the Pirates head into the stretch run before the Districts. They have four SWCL games remaining, including a huge rematch against Northbridge on Friday, which should be the game of the week.

(Left) Rams looking for some wins

Shepherd Hill Unravels: The Rams had a tough week, dropping three games and hurting their district chances with tough losses to Leicester, Auburn, and Northbridge.

The Rams continue to get good pitching from Drew Ravenelle and Adam Darling, who both have decent earned-run averages and Brady Ravenelle has been flirting with a .400 batting average all season.

Bryan Stearns has also been consistently hitting around .300 for the 7-8 Rams. The senior hit a pair of bombs for the Rams in the loss against Auburn.

Indians looking for answers; struggles continue: The Bartlett Indians had a pair of tough 1-run losses this week to David Prouty (4-3) and Southbridge (3-2) and watched their record drop to 3-10 overall.

Evan Anderson has been a bright spot both on the mound and at the plate, continuing to hit over .400.  Luis Caro is also hitting near .400 for the Indians, who had 5 SWCL games left on their schedule going into their final two weeks.

Luis Caro, Indians bright spot

One of the Indians’ key match-ups is today at Shepherd Hill.  A win against the Rams would be a big positive for the Webster team.

Contact steev@patriotnewspaper.com and for more on high school baseball and other sports news, check out View from the Sidelines every week in the Patriot.

Not everyone who is overweight is worried or upset about their size. There are many confident, happy and totally content people who are overweight just as there are even more thin and/or average size people who are insecure, unhappy and miserable.

I've been both and for the first time in my life I want to be the healthy, confident, happy, content and comfortable woman that likes living in her own skin. Please note that I didn't say "normal" because if I've learned anything in the past thirty-one years, it's that "normal" is only a setting on the washing machine.

Shedding pounds is more of a matter of self-discovery than weight loss.

To people who aren't overweight or who don't understand, being overweight can seem like a simple problem. "You're eating too much and not exercising enough." "It's all so simple - calories in and calories out." "So just eat less and exercise more." There isn't a worn out cliché that I haven't heard.

Seriously...if losing weight were that simple, no one would be fat in the first place.

Although there are varying opinions in the medical field as to the actual percentage of morbidly obese people who have been sexually abused, they all agree, however, that the number is more than fifty percent. So what is the connection between sexual abuse and developing an eating disorder? The answer is guilt, shame, anesthesia, self-punishment, soothing, comfort, protection and rage.

However, it's important that I set the record straight because this is my story - this is my journey. I'm not saying or implying that every plump, full-figured, fat, obese, morbidly obese or super obese person has been sexually, physically or mentally abused. They have not. It's not a "one size fits all" answer.

As shocking as it may be to the rest of the "normal" world, there are people of size that flat out enjoy being large and in charge.  They enjoy food. They enjoy smelling, exploring, cooking, tasting, eating and eating and eating food.

There are also people who can eat anything and everything they want and never gain a pound. I know, I am married to one of the best. Michael Costen consumes an entire package of Nutter Butter cream cookies - yes the entire package - every night. Yep, every night. And that's only because the doctor told him that eating an entire one pound package of dark chocolate Hershey Kisses was not helping his cholesterol levels.

But do you know what really fries my eggs? He doesn't and hasn't gained a single pound. We've been married for 12 years and he weighs the same today as the day I met him - I do not.

How does he do it, you ask? Because he's crafty and has learned how to transfer calories by osmosis. No, I'm serious. It's a trick that all skinny people have mastered. That's why they're s-k-i-n-n-y. They're a diabolical group who somehow figured out how to push their calories onto someone else.

Have you ever seen a calorie? No, of course you haven't - they're invisible. Just like we can't see grams of fat, fiber or protein but we know they exist.

This group would like to have the rest of us believe they've mastered the "calories in and calories out" thing. But what they've really mastered is the ability to reflect the calories to someone else. Need proof?

You're sitting outside enjoying one of the late spring evenings we've been having the past couple of nights. Suddenly something bites you but there's nothing on your arm. You know you've been bit because it stings but there isn't a bug to be found. That's because it was one of our own New England "can't see 'um" bugs.

Well, I think that skinny people have somehow learned the skill of invisibly transferring their calories to us fat ones. They've figured out how to make the calories leave their food - without compromising flavor of course - and fly right over to us and POOF! the pounds are there. We didn't see the calories moving through the air nor did we see them land on our body until suddenly we've gained another pound.

Hmmm, on second thought... maybe they are the aliens. Maybe they're from another galaxy and they're fattening us up like cattle before they're slaughtered. Maybe they're not really humans but creatures from outer space who were sent to Earth thousands of years ago. Maybe they took the dinosaurs first and then the Mayans next. Maybe on December 21, 2012 they'll be coming back to harvest the 44 overweight percent of the world's population.

Wait a minute! I seem to remember a t-shirt that my husband thought was clever when we were shopping at a store in Old Orchard Beach a couple of years ago. Hmmm, what was on the front of the shirt? Oh yes. "Don't worry, we're safe. When the aliens return they'll eat the fat ones first... they taste better."

Well, I may be fat - but you're ugly and I'm on a diet!

By Chief Steven J. Wojnar
Dudley Police Department

Recently, I was asked to provide some information on driver actions at traffic signals. The person observed vehicles failing to yield to pedestrians when making a right turn at a red traffic light.  “Right turns on red” are allowed at intersections, unless there is a sign prohibiting this type of turn. The person’s question focused specifically on the West Main Street and Airport Road intersection here in town, however; it is important for people to follow the proper procedures at any intersection of this nature.

Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 89 Section 8 is the law allowing a right turn, or a left turn in the case of a one-way street, at a red traffic signal.  Two very important provisions must be observed prior to this movement.  First, the vehicle must come to a full and compete stop prior to the crosswalk or in the location where stopping is intended at the particular intersection.  An example of this can be the stop line.  Second, the driver preparing to turn must yield the right of way to any vehicles or pedestrians traveling through the intersection as directed by the signals.  The act of "rolling" through intersections or a simple casual glance at traffic is not sufficient in these locations.  Should an accident occur, it will most often be the fault of the person making this turn on red.

It is most important to remember traffic signals at busy intersections are in place due to the heavy vehicle and/or pedestrian traffic.  To disregard these signals, or not give them the appropriate attention, is a serious error.  There are many dangers which can approach from seemingly all directions.  Extra precautions should be taken in these places.  Do not allow the possibility of saving of a few seconds of travel time, result the injury of another individual.

On Saturday, April 28^th, the Dudley Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) conducted another prescription drug “Take Back” event.  The public had the opportunity to provide for safe disposal of expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.  The service was free and anonymous.  A large quantity of prescription medications were taken in at that time.  Thanks also go out to representatives of Harrington Hospital who were on hand to provide information to the public and a needle drop box for those who needed to dispose of these items as well.  It was another successful event and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this in the future.  The next event is tentatively planned for October 2012.

I wish to also thank Linda Cournoyer and the fine staff at the Center of Hope for inviting me to their annual Legislative Breakfast held on Friday, April 27^th at Nichols College.  It was great to meet with those on hand.  The hard work and dedication of the staff to help those with disabilities is remarkable.  They certainly deserve to be recognized for all their efforts.

Thanks again for your questions and comments.  Please send them to me at the Dudley Police Department 71 West Main St. Dudley, Ma. 01571 or email at swojnar@dudleypolice.com.  Opinions expressed in this weekly column are those of Chief Wojnar only and unless clearly noted, do not reflect the ideas or opinions of any other organization or citizen.

By Steev Riccardo

It’s hard to imagine when you flashback to 1984 that 28 years later Brett Michaels (photo above) would be playing a rock show at Indian Ranch as he is on Sunday September 23.

Rock N Roll Road Stories:
It would be much easier to understand this occurrence if you were actually hanging out on the Sunset Strip in Hollywood in 1984 when Michaels' band Poison were playing packed shows at the Whiskey A Go Go and the Troubadour in front of audiences that consisted of 90% 19 year old girls.

If you think for one minute that this is an exaggeration of sorts, then you weren’t there. Having seen it on a regular basis with my own eyes, I can tell you that this in fact really happened and is not some VH1 Classic fabrication.  

I clearly remember the day two girls, Debbie and Jennifer, in my office at Enigma Records came to me and told that I needed to see this band. They showed a photo and at first glance I said something like who are these New York Dolls wannabees?  Eventually I agreed to go see them and admittedly I was blown away from the moment they hit the stage. They were hardly a polished band but they had charisma and a fan base.

I eventually became friends with the band, especially bassist Bobby Dall, who was the bands ‘business’ guy and in no time this became a working relationship and we were talking about world tours and hit singles. Still we had a fun relationship that usually involved much mischief and many late nights on the Sunset Strip.

Things blossomed from that point on and Poison became a multi million selling band that was a major component of the 80’s hair metal glam scene and even though they may never be in the rock n roll hall of fame, they made their mark.

Fast forward to 2012 and even though Poison is still touring as a band, Brett Michaels is also a self promoting, reality TV star, that just happens to coming to the booming metropolis of Webster for a rock show! Further proof that anything is possible. 

“Living In The Material World”: If you have not picked up a copy of Martin Scorsese’s superb film on George Harrison (photo left) yet, it’s a must see and not only if you are a fan of The Beatles. The film explores all aspects of the philosophical Beatle and all his interesting interactions with people and life and his search to find the inner secrets of being. It also focuses on the fantastic compositions of Harrison including classics like “If I Needed Someone” and “While My Guitar Gently Weeps”.  There is also great interview footage with the likes of Klaus Voorman, Eric Clapton, Patty Boyd, and the members of the Beatles.

Lucky Dog Music Hall: New Pilot will be celebrating the release of their new CD on Friday night with special guests Hey Now Morris Fader.  Saturday night its the ‘Strangers Helping Strangers’ benefit show with the Doctor Doom Orchestra, What?, What The Fuck Experiment and more.  Every Tuesday night is Worcester State College night at the Dog with all kinds of special going down.

Tammany Hall: New England Concerts presents Kittie on Friday night. Saturday night it’s Scarecrow Hill, Thurkills Vision, Fuel Of war, and The Circadian Rhyth.

Ralphs Diner: On Friday night, Ralphs hosts the Bruce Siart Memorial Benefit with special guests Pillow Man, Black Helicopter, Bovachevo, Todd Deal, and Shirts + Skin.  Saturday night is a night of Acoustic Splendor with Stephen Slick, Mike Zebal, Ghost Ocean, and Nate Kendall. Every Thursday is Metal Night at the club.

Stephen Collins: Local Amnesty International Group #356 (central MA, northeast CT) and the Unitarian Universalist Church of Worcester present Stephen Collins in a one-man show entitled "A Search for Justice" on Saturday, May 19 at 7 p.m. at the UUCW, 90 Holden Street in Worcester. Tickets $10 at the door. There will be a reception with light refreshments to follow. For more information or directions call 508-943-8122. For information on Stephen Collins visit www.unlaunchedvoices.com. All proceeds to benefit Amnesty International and UUCW.

Please send your comments to steev@patriotnewspaper.com.  Please follow Rock N Roll Road Stories on twitter @RNRRoadstories and check out the new Rock N Roll Road Stories Facebook page and please LIKE it! Until next time, keep the Arts alive!

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

After meetings and amendments to the Webster/Oxford Inter-Municipal Agreement in regard to water and sewer hookups, the Board of Selectmen signed the final contract. The only concern was the flow meter. Engineers were at odds as to whether the meter was sufficient to handle the wastewater from Oxford as well as Webster. DPW Director J.T. Gaucher stated that a reputable vendor of the equipment assured him that the meter was sufficient to handle the task as per agreement. Mr. Gaucher requested a letter be sent to the Town from the manufacturer stating that the flow meter will work as stipulated.

The board also awarded RM Technologies, of Lawrence, Massachusetts, a $376,648.29 contract for the hazard material removal at the A.J. Sitkowski School builiding.

The approval of the June 11, 2012 Town Meeting warrant was tabled until next meeting, scheduled for Monday, May 21.

By Thomas D’Agostino
Patriot Correspondent

“Ladies and gentlemen, could I just have a show of hands? How many people have a budget in their hand?”

This was Finance Committee Chairman Michael Finamore’s first question in regard to the budget that was supposed to be voted on during Webster’s Annual Town Meeting held in the Bartlett School Auditorium on Monday, May 14. Town Administrator John McAuliffe made a motion to move Articles 2, 3, and 4 in regard to the budget to the June 11 Town Meeting.

Mr. Finamore went on to state, “Why are we here? We’re here to act upon the budget…the budget should be ready tonight. I make a motion to approve the budget as presented to the Finance Committee, the School Committee and Town Administrator.”

Acting Town Moderator Deborah Keefe went on to state that such paperwork is not required and any provided by the town is a courtesy. Mr. McAuliffe went on to explain that this was the first time he has ever delayed a budget in Webster because it was “that difficult.”

According to Mr. McAuliffe, the town budget has been set but the state aid number has not yet been finalized. “I would rather eat crow and say we need another month.” Mr. McAuliffe stated.

Finance Committee members Joseph Beresik and Mr. Finamore took turns at the podium to relate their concerns over the budget. Mr. Finamore stated to the crowd that the school administrators took a 10-15% raise last year and some might retire on that higher salary. “You weren’t told that at last year’s meeting.” Mr. Finamore said.

He went on to state that they get 80% of their pay for a pension as well as the School Committee receiving an extra $819,519 for the fiscal year. Mr. Finamore also showed figures for the budget having a $159,022 deficit for the present fiscal year. The articles were moved to June 11.

Article 5, part of a “housekeeping” package that tidies up some finances passed unanimously.

Article 6 was to continue revolving funds for certain departments. The funds are generated through fees locally collected. The article passed unanimously.

Articles, 7, 8, 9 and 10 were for the replacement and repairs to roofs of the Wastewater Treatment Facility, sewer pump stations, rehabilitation of the primary and secondary clarifiers at the facility and the Park Road water storage tank. Each article contained the wording, “including all costs incidental and related thereto.”

This brought up red flags for the Finance Committee and again, Michael Finamore and Joseph Bereski took the podium to have those words omitted from the articles. Mr. Finamore wanted to know why the repairs on the roof are not included in the $15,000,000 Capital Improvements bond for the wastewater facility. DPW Director J.T. Gaucher explained that town officials decided that the repairs were maintenance items and should be paid for out of the budget. The $130,000 for replacement of two roofs at the plant would be divided between retained earnings from sewer, $110,000 and water $20,000. Another $50,000 would come from retained earnings to replace roofs of five pump stations. $150,000 would be transferred from Sewer Retained Earnings to address the clarifiers.

In regard to the water tank, $600,000 was requested for the work on the tank but the Finance Committee requested that the number be brought to $450,000 and if more funds were needed, they could be asked for later. The consent by the town officials was that the $600,000 would be inflated if there were no lead paint present in the tank.

All requested amendments were voted out and all articles were unanimously approved.

Before Article 10 was presented, Mr. Bereski requested a recount for a quorum. The recount came back at 64, only three more than the necessary number needed.

Mr. Bereski addressed the crowd, “You know ladies and gentlemen, it’s sad that we only have three over the limit that we need, (quorum) very sad…thank you for being here tonight.”

Article 11, the retirees cost of living increase passed.

Article 12 was ruled out of order as it can only be passed by a change in the town charter.

Article 13 where no town employee may serve on a Personnel Advisory Board also passed.

Article 14, in regard to Bay Path School was passed over as the project is now on hold.

Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

Selectmen gathered at their first May meeting to welcome John Marsi, newly-elected board member, and then to vote in Jonathan Ruda as their new Chairman, Steven Sullivan as Vice Chairman, and Peter Fox as Clerk.

The board also approved the appointment of Richard Carmignani, Jr. as interim Town Collector with his term to expire on 5/4/2013.

A public hearing was held for Shields Packaging Co. located on Oxford Avenue with Richard Androwlewicz as the company’s representative reviewing their permit application for soil and loam removal. The soil removal’s purpose was to bring the area to the same grade level as the nearby railroad tracks. The procedure would occur over a three-year period in order to prep for a warehouse. The board granted the request.

Drafter’s Sports Café was then reviewed at a public hearing with Richard Androlewicz as its representative as well. The establishment had come before the Board on 4/23 seeking to alter its premises by building an outdoor addition, but was asked to provide additional information regarding exterior emergency egress as well as information on the addition’s foundation. Mr. Androlewicz provided blueprints to the board members and explained that the existing asphalt of the outside lot was to be cut away and pavers installed, which would not entail any grading changes. He further explained that there would be an emergency exit on the outdoor addition.

A local resident near the Café came before the board to ask if there would be outdoor music allowed in the addition’s area and Mr. Joseph explained that this would be a code violation and there would be no outside music permitted.

The last public hearing on the agenda was the Chapter 61A right of first refusal continuation regarding Wayne and Marie Rozenas’ sale of property known as Lot #1 on Baker Pond Road. Chapter 61A pertains to the change of tax status of the property and the Town’s right to purchase once the status changes. Selectmen Fox and Sullivan had personally viewed the well-kept site, commended the Rozenas, and noted that the Town did not have funding to make the purchase. The Board passed on the right of refusal releasing the Rozenas to sell the property privately.

New public business included a request by Sarah White of H.A.N.D.S. to hold a bucket brigade fundraiser on Saturday, May 26^th, from 9 a.m.-12 noon at the Webster/Dudley town line. The organization provides fuel assistance for Dudley’s senior population and Ms. White stated that since the local organization’s inception they had assisted approximately 45 seniors with fuel/heating assistance.

Matt Hall, Dudley’s Library Director, then presented video surveillance bid results for the Town library. The lowest bid was provided by Eyewitness Systems of Broad Brook CT in the amount of $27,799.80. Selectman Marsi asked Mr. Hall if the bid solicitations were from local vendors. Mr. Hall advised him that a 60-mile radius of Dudley was included in the bid advertising. The funding would come from the library’s state aid account and installation would be completed in less than a week. The board granted the library trustees’ request to award the bid to Eyewitness Systems.

Fire Chief Dean Kochanowski gave a status report on the Fire Department Building Committee and introduced Steve Mita, a fire department building consultant. A slide presentation was made by Mr. Mita with numerous photos taken of the Dudley Fire Department’s engine and personnel building on West Main Street. Mr. Mita stated that “Dudley’s existing fire dept building was beyond obsolete.” He supported his claim with facts demonstrating the need for additional space for fire apparatus, most notably the height restrictions imposed by the low overhead doors as well as bay area vehicle conflicts, lack of personnel areas including bunk areas, lack of office space, poor restroom facilities, no ventilation, causing mold habitation, as well as the facility’s overcrowding not being ADA-compliant as it is considered publicly accessible.

Mr. Mita showed a new floor plan which would include a 9,500 sq. ft. addition to the right side of the West Main-facing building, bringing the number of bays up to five as well as moving all administrative areas and offices to the right side of the building. It was suggested by Chairman Ruda that Town Administrator Peter Jankowski and the Building Committee meet to suggest the next course of action.

The board then approved new oil burner permit fees and also approved giving the Fire Department oil burner inspection and permitting authority.

It was additionally noted that the 2012 Memorial Day Parade will step off at 11 a.m. on Monday, May 28^th with James Brinker as Grand Marshall.

A discussion was held regarding two by-law proposals. The first proposal was to make the Town Treasurer/Collector a single position. Chairman Ruda requested that Town Administrator Jankowski work with the current Treasurer to determine the feasibility of a singular position and to return with an update to the Board within 60 days.

The second proposal entailed having a “one-stop customer service desk” for residents/commercial entities at the Town Hall. The desk personnel would provide assistance with town permits/bylaws/registrations, etc. conceivably making it easier for residents/entities to conduct their town business. Mr. Sullivan expressed his reservations about such an undertaking as he felt the knowledge base would have to be extensive for the individual manning the desk. Further research would be done by the town administrator.

A town resident came forward to request if out-of-town residential transfer station stickers were available. Selectman Joseph asked Highway Superintendent Dan Gion if this type of sticker was available. Mr. Gion advised that this type of request had not been made previously and he would survey area towns to determine the possibility and would report back at the next Selectmens’ Meeting. Mr. Gion also briefed the selectmen on the recovery of eight stolen catch-basin drain covers. Local thieves had removed the 150-200 lb covers and tried to sell them to metal buyers. With the assistance of the Worcester Police Dept the eight covers had been returned to Dudley. Metal stamping of Dudley’s name to the covers will be looked into.

A brief discussion was then held regarding Selectman Fox’s query regarding the Intermunicipal Sewer Agreement with Oxford and Webster and the redirection of funds due to bid cost savings. Student Representative Katie Racicot then gave a brief report on Shepherd Hill High School’s athletic team game records, spoke briefly about the upcoming high school graduation
scheduled for June 3^rd, and thanked the fire and police chiefs for their assistance during her tenure with the board. All board members thanked Katie for her past few years’ service as student representative and wished her well in her future endeavors.

It's official. Mike O'Brien, principal of Galaxy Development, has confirmed that Price Chopper will build a 70,000 sq. ft state-of-the art grocery store to be opened next spring. The store will be located in the new East Village Square Mall, site of the former Cranston Print Works at the intersection of Rts. 12 and 16.

Text and Photos by Steev Riccardo

DUDLEY - The Shepherd Hill Rams girls’ tennis team continued their winning ways and cruised to their eighth victory of the season with a dominating 4-1 victory over the Auburn Rockets in a key Southern Worcester County League match at Shepherd Hill on Friday.

Junior Callie Mulcahy (photo above) and freshman Abbey Packard were both dominant in their singles matches. Mulcahy cruised to a 6-0, 6-1 win, while Packard was equal to the test with a 6-0, 6-2 victory.

Freshman, Abbey Packard.

The doubles of Steph Gallant and Chrissie Chevalier won their match 6-4, 6-1, and the Rams’ second doubles team of Deb Chevalier and Victoria Crowe were equally impressive with a hard fought 7-5, 6-4 win.

Stephanie Gallant

Chrissy Chevalier

The Rams’ number one singles player and captain Maddie Billis lost to one of Central Mass’ top singles players, Janelle Wheeler.

This was the second win for the Phil Alston- coached Rams over key rival Auburn and their fifth straight win as a team.

The Rams, who also defeated the David Prouty Panthers earlier in the week 4-1, are now 8-3 overall and 7-1 in SWCL play. 

Contact steev@patriotnewspaper.com and read more about high school tennis in View from the Sidelines every week in The Patriot newspaper.

WEBSTER – At a Special Town Meeting on December 5, 2011, Webster voters approved a citizen-sponsored warrant item (Article 9) that would restrict the size of boats allowed on Webster Lake to 40 feet in length.

The State’s Office of the Attorney General  yesterday disapproved the proposed article because “the Town lacks the authority to adopt by-laws regulating boating on Webster Lake.”

The decision was based on Massachusetts General Laws 131, Section 45, which limits the general regulatory power of cities and towns to “great ponds” that are less than five hundred acres in size. Webster Lake has 1270 acres.

The Attorney General also rendered moot Article 10, which sought to limit the operation of commercial vessels to between sunrise and sunset. This article was intended to rescind and replace a time restriction article approved at the October 17, 2011, Town Meeting that had already been disapproved by the Attorney General’s office on April 19.

The AG report recommends that the Town either file for special legislation to authorize the Town to adopt by-laws regulating Webster Lake or to petition the Massachusetts Environmental Police, Division of Law Enforcement, to amend the DLE Webster Lake regulations to include the restrictions outlined in Articles  9 and 10.

The report noted that the office had received correspondence from Webster’s Town Counsel, as well as communications from residents.

One residents’ letter urged approval of Articles 9 and 10 on the basis that Webster Lake is actively being used by the Town of Webster as an indirect source of water supply, thus exempting the Lake from the application of M.G.L  131, Section 45. However, Town Counsel confirmed that no water is being taken directly from Webster Lake for water supply purposes, nor did Town Counsel contend that it was.

The report also notes a communication from a resident citing DLE regulations that refer to “boating activity authorized by the Town of Webster and approved by the Division of Law Enforcement.” The AG confirmed with the DLE that this reference cannot be construed as a “grant of authority to the Town to adopt by-laws governing Webster Lake.”

Both of these warrant articles were intended to stop a proposal by local businessman Christopher Robert to bring a paddle wheel boat to Webster Lake for history and scenic tours and special events.

Assistant Attorney General Margaret J. Hurley, Chief of the Central Massachusetts Division and Director of the Municipal Law Unit, signed the opinion.