Feature Articles

By Rod Lee

In rolling out the sixth edition of Whitinsville’s popular “Shop Small 01588” event, which is scheduled for Saturday, November 30th, organizers including Christine Guanipa of Little Man Handbags have their sights set on an ambitious goal for moving Church St. forward.

With the introduction of “Love Your Local” pins, merchants are hoping to raise beautification money for the street, Ms. Guanipa said in her... Read More

Oxford, MA- “After a comprehensive screening process, I am pleased to announce Monson Fire Chief Laurent McDonald has been selected to serve as Oxford’s next Fire Chief”, stated Town Manager Jennifer Callahan. She further stated, “Chief McDonald is a highly skilled candidate with significant training, education, certifications and credentials. He will be a tremendous asset to our Public Safety Team and it is an honor to welcome h... Read More

By Rod Lee

Bill Donaldson’s path to a career with Koopman Lumber was a circuitous one, but well worth it, he said the morning of October 29th in the company’s Uxbridge store on Douglas St.

Mr. Donaldson has managed the location since the latter part of 2007.  He has been with Koopman Lumber, however, for going on twenty-one years.

Like other longtime employees of the Koopman family’s business including Jimmy... Read More

By Janet Stoica

“It’s been a great 20 years,” said Superintendent John Lafleche as he reflected on his association with the Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational School District. His time spent at Bay Path Regional Vocational Technical High School in Charlton began with his appointment as Business Manager in 2000. He also served as Assistant to the Superintendent at that time.

“When I leave this position nex... Read More

By Jennifer Callahan
Oxford Town Manager

Oxford has a deep-rooted history in honoring its local veterans.  This is evidenced not only by the many Veterans’ Memorials that line Main Street, but also in the personal pride Oxford residents have for their local veterans.  As we prepare for Veterans Day, it is important to take time to formally thank our veterans for their sacrifices on behalf of this community and the Nat... Read More

By Rod Lee

After “fifty years in this business” including an early stint with a cruise line, Giuseppe Calapai knows something about the hardships associated with being a restaurateur.

  As the owner of Bella Restaurant on the Victory Highway in Glendale, Rhode Island and before that the Blue Grotto in downtown Providence, he has learned what it takes to succeed.

  Even with his son Gio aboard as chef and his... Read More

Photo & story by Connie Reddy Dwyer

In a meeting at the handicapped (HP) accessible Oxford Public Library, Mrs. Deb Lamarche, who is wheelchair bound, spoke about  Oxford’s new Commission on Disability, approved by last month’s Town Meeting with 100% support.

Accompanied by her caregiver, Selectman Dennis Lamarche, Deb explained, “people do not realize how difficult it is for a challenged person with disabilitie... Read More

By Janet Stoica

On Thursday, October 24, the Webster-Dudley Business Alliance held its Annual Meeting at Point Breeze Restaurant in Webster to elect officers, enjoy a speaker, and to hold a fundraiser drawing. Officers elected were  Vice President (two-year term), Lucas Perzan of Insation Technologies; Treasurer (two-year term), Halina Jachimczyk of Webster First Federal Credit Union. Those elected for Board of Directors o... Read More

By Janet Stoica

When her mom died in a fatal car crash eight years ago, Gayle Suzanne Dragicevich had a sudden awakening of her own life. She realized that there were many things in her personal life that needed to be done and they needed to be done much quicker than simply taking the more comfortable and somewhat mundane route.

“My mom’s sudden passing made me realize that life really IS short and there were so man... Read More

By Thomas D'Agostino
www.tomdagostino.com

The Trask Museum at 35 North Street in Plymouth, Massachusetts, became one of the most haunted buildings in the area, but not for its long-tenanted ghosts. The 1829 structure acquired a most curious artifact that soon proved to be haunted: an ancient perambulator, more affectionately known as a pram.

Former curator and director... Read More