Iconic Nichols College Statue Damaged During Super Bowl
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Free by request to residents of Webster, Dudley and the Oxfords SEND YOUR NEWS AND PICS TO [email protected] Friday, February 15, 2019 Iconic Nichols College Public hearing will statue damaged during explore DPW Super Bowl celebration project possibilities BY JASON BLEAU recommendations. This would TIMES CORRESPONDENT allow for a proper public forum for citizens to have their say DUDLEY – The Dudley Board and fully consider the advan- of Selectmen is continuing to tages and perceived setbacks ponder the possibility of a of creating a Department of Department of Public Works Public Works versus remain- including what steps would ing with separate highway and be required should the town water and sewer departments. choose to exercise the option. Selectmen then inquired The board briefly touched about how and when a decision on the long-standing subject would be made following the during a meeting late January public hearing. Would the deci- where Town Administrator sion be made at that hearing or Greg Balukonis responded to would there be time to digest inquiries from selectmen about the information and further exactly how they would go discuss the matter at subse- about initiating a new DPW. quent hearings? Balukonis said Balukonis said there are actu- the best course of action would ally two ways to do so, but one be to allow the information to is much less complicated than sink in before taking a vote. the other. “I think there’s always a good “The first (option) is to adopt opportunity to digest. I think Courtesy Photo Chapter 41 Section 69c through it’s always wise to hear what f. That’s the nontraditional Thunder as he stood before being vandalized on Feb. 3 the people say. Sometimes way of creating a DPW and the people can’t make a meeting reason why it’s non-tradition- and they want to provide input BY JASON BLEAU al is it establishes an elected that the damage was to severe to simply put through email or a phone call. TIMES CORRESPONDENT DPW commission to oversee Thunder back in his place. I always say we’re not neces- the department so it would “Following a careful inspection, we deter- sarily pressed because we’ve DUDLEY – An iconic land mark at Nichols be independent of the Board mined that the extent of the damage done to allowed ourselves plenty of College has been removed from campus of Selectmen,” Balukonis said. Thunder had compromised the structural time. There’s not a looming after a group of over-rambunctious fans cel- “The more common route that’s integrity of the statue and therefore could be deadline and generally things ebrated a little too much following the New used is a special act legislation. a safety risk for the community. As soon as that are rushed through don’t England Patriots Super Bowl LIII victory That would be the preferred we are able, we will have a professional do a hold up well at town meeting, over the Rams on Sunday, Feb. 3. method is go forward with that further inspection and help determine if he so this is something we want to Nichols College’s well-known bison statue, which requires a vote of town can be repaired or not,” Boggio said. take our time with,” Balukonis nicknamed “Thunder,” that has long stood meeting.” Thunder was first added to the campus in said. outside of the campus’ Fels Student Center Balukonis recommended the 2013 and has become a well known landmark A public hearing on the DPW at the corner of Center and Healey Roads next step be to bring the matter ever since. Boggio implied that the damage initiative had yet to be set for was knocked down during the celebration to a public hearing and to bring was “intentional” as part of a celebration of press time. forcing the removal of the structure from the Patriots record-tying sixth Super Bowl the consultants hired to exam- campus the following day. Dean of Students ine the proposal to the meet- P.J. Boggio released a statement revealing Please Read NICHOLS, page A3 ing to provide their input and Ruda resigns as selectman, will seek Town Admin job BY JASON BLEAU a selectman. Ruda’s resig- your selectman. Now, how- Selectmen approved TIMES CORRESPONDENT nation was effective at the ever, with the retirement of Ruda’s resignation calling conclusion of the Board of Greg Balukonis approach- is a “somber” moment. DUDLEY – With the Selectmen’s Jan. 28 meet- ing, I can’t help but con- However, Ruda and his search for a new town ing where he read a letter sider the opportunity that fellow board members did administrator in Dudley aloud announcing his plans serving my community as take time to reflect on their barely even getting under- to apply to succeed Greg town administer presents,” long-standing partnership way at least one candidate Balukonis who retires later Ruda said. “In order for me helping lead the town of is already known, and he is this year. to apply for the position of Dudley in the best direc- a familiar face in the town. “With two potential town administrator, and to tion they possibly could. With only months left opportunities before me I maintain the transparency “There has never been in his third term, Dudley find myself at an interest- and the fairness I’ve always and never will be a select- Selectman Jonathan Ruda ing crossroads in my pro- championed as a member man elected that can be has officially stepped down fessional full-time career. of this board and to ensure successful without first and resigned from his I consider myself to be suc- that all candidates are fair- achieving the good will, the position with the goal of cessful in my current full- ly and equally considered trust and the support and seeking the town admin- Courtesy Photo time career. I’m fortunate for the job, I must immedi- often negotiated compro- Dudley Selectman Jonathan Ruda has resigned istrator seat in the town to be in a job I enjoy and ately remove myself entire- mise of the other members where he has served for with plans to apply for Dudley’s Town Administrator for nine years it’s been a ly and completely from the position. years as an elected official privilege for me to serve as process.” including several terms as Please Read RUDA, page A3 Oxford business owners share vision of beautifying Main Street BY KIMBERLY MASCHI on it’s own, Roush had so much extra space TIMES CORRESPONDENT in the lofts above the shop. OXFORD — Two local women have made “I wanted to share this great space with it their mission to bring beauty to Main the community and local artisans,” says Street in Oxford. Roush. This is how The Gypsy Rose expand- The Gypsy Rose is nearing their fourth ed, and Donna May Healy joined forces year of operation. with Roush to make this shop a destination Owner Joanna Roush says “There’s no for patrons interested in homemade wares other place around here like this.” and designs. The Gypsy Rose is a flower shop with gor- Healy, owner of The Witches Kitchen geous themed displays, handmade arrange- Soapery, set up shop inside The Gypsy ments, and succulent treasures galore. Rose, and soon the expansion began. The Roush has an immense passion for flow- two women worked together to create a ers and what they represent, and says “I magical space in the upper parts of the help with marriage proposals through The flowers shop. Up the stairs and into the lofts Heart Bandits. I set up beautiful wedding there are so many different vendors to chose proposals.” from. Norah’s Fabric Creations has hand- Roush smiles with fond memories of lan- made snack bags, Chapstick key chains, terns, rose petals, and serenading music. unique and beautiful handbags, and more. The Gypsy Rose is set in the back of 250 Dawdling Dragons Designs have beautiful Main Street Oxford. The outside is the cases filled with their handmade chainmail building is rustic barnboard and walking in like jewelry. Town Pride Candles are also sends you into another world. A world that in shop, find your town and enjoy the deli- encompasses an antique country home, cate scents and colors. Mystic Grove Goods mixed with fresh garden flowers, and trin- kets aplenty. While The Gypsy Rose stood Please Read BUSINESS, page A16 2 • THE WEBSTER TIMES • Friday, February 15, 2019 www.StonebridgePress.com DCRSD sets three-year plan for Special Ed enhancements BY JASON BLEAU ment and this new plan will be forward to full independence approaches to help enhance update the district’s special TIMES CORRESPONDENT one of great change that she by adult hood, whatever that special education services education offerings and prac- hopes will only enhance what mean for that child,” Allen which assisted in formulating tices. Allen acknowledged it DUDLEY/CHARLTON – the schools currently offer. said. “Years ago, the special the three-year plan. won’t be easy or an overnight The Dudley-Charlton Regional “It’s not just my plan. I education law was just about Among the specifics in the fix by any means, but she feels School District will be taking have the entire administra- access and throughout the plan are embracing more her office has the support of the initiative to enhance its tion behind me. The past six years it’s changed and is no inclusive practices, co-teach- everyone in the district to help special education programs months, we’ve been talking longer just about access.