Webster TIMES

Thursday, January 2, 1969

CHRONOLOGY OF EVENTS 1968

January

3. A daughter, Samantha Ann, born in Webster District Hospital to Mr. and Mrs. Douglas Bond (Carol Ann Alarie) was the first baby of the New Year.

Senator Edward Brooke (R) announced that Michael Grebb, a senior at Bartlett High School, was one of his principals to the U.S. Air Force Academy.

5. Capt. Richard D. Paprowicz, a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, was awarded the Air Medal at Naha AB, Okinawa, for air action in Southeast Asia.

6. Cyril C. Smith, retired principal of Bartlett High School, died in West Palm Beach, Fla. He was 78.

9. A five-member School Building Needs Committee was named by Moderator William A. Starzec.

10. Walter J. Rohr was elected president of the Boys' Club of Webster-Dudley.

12. Lester A. Magnant was installed as Postmaster in the Webster Post Office.

Msgr. Stanislaus Kubik, pastor of St. Joseph's Church, was named Dean of the Southbridge Deanery, replaced Msgr. James J. Mitchell, deceased.

13. Nichols College Trustees approved creation of a Bureau of Economic and Business Research at the college.

14. An "open house" was held in the town's new Fire and Police Station for court, fire, police and bar officials.

15. Dr. Thaddeus Lewandowski announced that he would not be a candidate for re-election to the Dudley School Committee.

17. John K. Logan was named Assistant Treasurer of the Guaranty Bank and Trust Company.

19. A retirement party was held in the State Line Casino for Aloysius N. (Jake) Groth, who worked for the New England Telephone & Telegraph Co. for 47 years.

21. Mr. and Mrs. Nikifor Popiak of School street celebrated their golden wedding anniversary.

23. Dudley gained 127 residents in the annual street canvas, bringing the number of residents 20 years and over to 4,487.

The Webster Volunteer Ambulance Squad was formed.

29. A parish council was formed at St. Louis Church.

31. Forty-one Cranston Print Works Company employees with an accumulative total of 1,165 years of service were honored at an awards program held in the Colonial Restaurant.

February

1. Sgt. William J. Cyr, U.S. Air Force, was killed in action in South Vietnam.

2. Col. Edward Mikolowski, a resident of Upper Gore road, retired after 29 years service in the U.S. Air Force.

4. The first in a series of auto ice shows was held at Treasure Island.

6. Dudley Selectmen signed a 44 article warrant for the annual town meeting.

Selectman William J. Markiewicz was chief vote collector at the Democratic caucus. He was the choice of 333 out of the 567 voters participating.

7. Hospital Consulting Associates of Wellesley Hills released a 137-page report on Webster District Hospital requirements.

9. Sgt. Paul Przelomski, 21, U.S. Army, son of Mr. and Mrs. Anthony Przelomski, of 403 Main street, was killed in action in South Vietnam.

11. Photographer Frank Godzik was honored at the annual Father-Son Breakfast of Boy Scout Troop 173 of St. Joseph's parish. He was given a plaque for 20 years service as photographer for the Troop.

12. Webster Music Mart was purchased by John J. Stolarczyk.

13. Pfc. Edward J. Fournier, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward J. Fournier of Leon St., Bonnette Acres, was wounded in action in Vietnam.

15. The St. Louis Parish Council unanimously recommended retention of St. Louis High School at a meeting with Rev. John D. Thomas, Diocesan Superintendent of Schools. plans to phase out the school, because of cuts in enrollment, were set aside.

18. Democratic Town Committee selected a 10-member primary slate, instead of 35, at a meeting held in the Municipal Building Hearing Room.

19. Senator Edward M. Kennedy issued a "Report to the People" at a program held in Treasure Island.

School Committeeman Ben K. Cichon submitted a minority report calling for the elimination of tuition students at Bartlett High School and phasing out of the Vocational Division.

20. Earl H. Mason of Webster was installed as Vice-President and Treasurer of the Guaranty Bank and Trust Company.

Cranston Print Works employees voted to affiliate with the Textile Workers Union of the AFL-CIO, by a 252-208 margin.

21. Town Accountant Joseph W. Sienkiewicz issued a 10 year analysis of municipal expenditures. This showed cost of government increasing by 97 per cent.

24. Mr. and Mrs. Justin M. Herideen were named King and Queen of the Webster District Hospital "Mardi Gras" held in the armory.

26. Guaranty Bank and Trust Company opened new offices at the Dudley Shopping Plaza off Airport road.

27. Police petitioned for collective bargaining.

28. Webster Five Cents Savings Bank announced that saving accounts would be compunded and computed on the last business day of the month.

March

1. A Recovery Room was established in Webster District Hospital.

2. Appropriations and transfers totaling $1,480,699.49 were approved by about 100 Dudley residents at a 54 minute town ,eeting in the West Main Street School Auditorium.

3. Rev. Theodore Berube, pastor of St. Joseph's parish in North Grosvenordale, announced that the parish high school would be closed at the end of the 1968 term.

4. Webster Five Cents Savings Bank established a personal loan department, installing Louis W. Pope as department manager.

More than 60 per cent of the registered voters turned out for the annual Dudley town election in Dudley. All incumbents were elected with Frank Lambros named to fill a vacancy on the School Board.

5. Webster's 104 article town meeting lasted three hours and 56 minutes. Voters appropriated $2,914,539.60, approved transfers totaling $203,132.50 and allowed indebtedness of $625,000.

11. Webster Selectmen were re-elected as only 60 per cent of the electorate went to the polls. Wilfred R. Lavallee, Jr. was installed as a Park Commissioner and Stanley Lenky a member of the Regional Vocational School Committee on close margins. Recounts were asked.

12. William R. Ceppetelli received a special citation from the Worcester Red Cross Chapter for his work in saving the life of a heart attack victim.

William H. Markiewicz was installed as Chairman of the Board of Selectmen after pulling the high vote in the town election.

14. A Montgomery Ward Company certificate of "quality excellence" was given to Webster Show Company.

15. Lt. Col. Francis J. Kubicki of Webster was named Comander of the 1st Battalion, 220th Infantry, 26th Division.

Dr. Normand E. Brodeur was installed as Medical Examiner in the Southern Worcester County District by Governor John Volpe.

16. American Legion County Council meeting was held here.

18. A five-inch downpour brought spot-flooding to the area. Dam reservoirs in North Oxford and Charlton, erected after the 1955 floods, were credited with saving the area from untold damage.

21. Edward T. Lewis, Jr., of Mason Rd., district commercial sales manager in the Webster-Southbridge district of the Massachusettes Electric Company was promoted to manager of the North Adams district.

22. Eighty-four Nichols College students contributed blood at a special Bloodmobile set-up in one of the buildings on campus.

25. A vote recount sustained election day returns in races for Park Commissioner and Regional Vocational School Committee.

26. Executive Board of the Webster District Hospital Board of Directors discussed needs for an addition to the hospital at a special meeting.

31. Webster District Hospital Guild benefit flower show was held in Treasure Island Restaurant pool building.

April

1. Webster Ambulance Squadron initiated operations, answering their first call at 7:45 p.m.

J. Philip Flaherty, a teacher at the Intermediate School, was named director of the Title 1 summer program by unanimous vote of the School Board.

Curriculum in the Vocational Division was changed to include a freshman class, starting in September, to facilitate transfer of students once the new Regional Vocational School plant is opened.

2. Andre T. Guay, a student at New Jersey Medical School, was granted an internship at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester.

Atty. Leonard E. Leboeuf was named Treasurer of Stevens Linen Associates.

3. Rev. Robert I. Howland, pastor of the United Church of Christ, was the guest speaker at a meeting of the St. Louis League of Catholic Women.

4. Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan discussed plans for the future of St. Anthony of Padua parish at a meeting held in the church.

Fire destroyed Hank's Restaurant on South Main street. Damage was estimated at $150,000.

5. The Town of Webster borrowed $350,000 in anticipation of revenue from Guaranty Bank & Trust Co. at 3.18 percent interest.

8. A committee to study the feasibility of naming a purchasing agent was named by Moderator William A. Starzec. Selected were: Teddy Mrzyglod, John C. Faber, Stanley Szynal, Paul O'Donnell and Wilfred R. Pelletier.

9. Joseph V. Dalimonte was named to the Advisory Board by Selectmen.

10. A cardioplumonary "crash cart" was installed in Webster District Hospital, permitting introduction of a "blue core" program to cope with heart attack cases.

15. Materials of Slater Camp, Spanish American War Veterans was turned over to the Webster-Dudley Historical Society.

16. Bernard P. Gagnon was appointed to the Dudley Planning Board.

17. Webster's 1968 tax rate was announced at $72 per thousand, an increase of $12 over the rate for 1967.

An inhalation therapy department was established in Webster District Hospital.

21. A display of the works of Warren Wheelock, deceased, internationally known sculptor and artist, was held in the home of Mrs. Harold Kindler here. Mr. Wheelock was a native of Webster.

A new-born infant was abandoned on the front seat of a parked automobile at the Dudley Shopping Center. Mrs. Mildred Horan, of 54 Lake St., found the baby girl, wrapped in a towel and a blanket, in her auto at about 10:30 p.m.

25. Twenty Bartlett Vocational Division students contributed at the Webster-Dudley Jaycees sponsored Bloodmobile held in the Elks Hall.

26. A flag which was flown over the Capitol of the United States on Patriot's Day was received from Congressman Edward P. Boland by Webster Chapter, No. 53, Disabled American Veterans in recognition of their "Display Your Flag" campaign.

Rev. Bernard J. Grochowski, an assistant at Our Lady of Jasna Gora parish in Clinton, was given a leave of absence from his duties by Bishop Bernard J. Flanagan in order to accept a commission as a Navy chaplain.

29. Southern Worcester County Bar Association was asked to select a site for construction of a new court for the Webster-Southbridge Court. The request was entered by County Commissioners.

30. Selectmen renamed the Board of Fire Engineers.

May

1. Dr. Bert E. Grove, headmaster at Webster Academy for eight years, resigned to accept a similar post at Golden Hills Academy in Ocala, Fla.

2. Atty. Ernest A. Belforti, of Thompson Rd., was named to the School Building Needs Committee.

3. A weekend program was instituted at Webster District Hospital, where a physician was on duty from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. on Monday.

5. A class of 67 youngsters received First Holy Communion in St. Joseph's Church. There were 27 in the First Communion class at St. Anthony of Padua Church.

Mr. and Mrs. John E. Milas observed their Golden Wedding anniversary.

6. The Southern Worcester County Bar Association recommended that a new Webster-Southbridge District Court be constructed on Mason Rd. in Dudley.

7. Patrolman Alfred C. Reich was promoted to sergeant in the Webster Police Department by unanimous vote of the Selectmen.

8. Plans were announced for a 1.5 million dollar fund raising campaign to double size of Webster District Hospital. No date was set for the drive.

Iandoli Markets, Inc. took over management of McCracken Stores, including the outlet on East Main St. here.

12. First Communion classes were held in three area churches. Twenty-five youngsters received at St. Andrew Bobola Church in Dudley; there were 79 in the class at St. Joseph's in North Grosvenordale and 32 made their First Communion in St. Stephen's Church in Quinebaug.

16. Frederick S. Waite was named to the Board of Trustees of the Webster Five Cents Savings Bank. Atty. Abraham Heller was named as an incorporator.

19. Dr. Edward C. Starosta was named chairman of the Democratic Town Committee in Webster and Anthony J. Jakubowski chairman of the Dudley Democratic unit.

One hundred and twenty-six youngsters received their First Communion at a speical 12:30 mass in St. Louis Church. The class was known as the Msgr. James I. Mitchell group, honoring the memory of the late pastor of St. Louis whose death occurred a year earlier.

20. Webster Five Cents Savings Bnk inistisated its 100th anniversary program with a dinner in the Colonial Restaurant.

Dr. Zenon P. Szlyk was named to the Board of Directors of the Webster Credit Union.

21. George A. Gromelski, Edward S. Kunkel, Jr., Charles R. Puliafico and Raymond C. Sroczenski were named to the Advisory Board of Directors of the Webster Office of the Worcester County National Bank.

22. Three Nichols College faculty members -- Leslie A. Brooks, Prescott E. Grout and Charles R. Peters -- were named assistant professors.

26. Memorial Sunday services were held in St. Anthony's Church.

A class of 71 youngsters received their First Communiion at the 8:15 a.m. Mass in Sacred Heart Church.

28. Webster District Hospital corporators voted to change the name of the hospital to Hubbard Regional Hospital. Eight new directors were also named: Paul A. Lusignan, Jules E. Paradis, Atty. John Anastasi, Robert S. Howland, Charles R. Puliafico, Ernest W. Ducharme, Robert E. Patrowicz and Warren H. Chaffee.

June

1. Andre T. Guay received his medical degee from the New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry.

3. Clifford L. Hall received his medical degree from Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons.

Sgt. D. A. Provost was killed in action in South Vietnam.

4. Dudley Sewer Commissioners announced plans for a $101,000 addition to the system of lateral lines in the upper Mason road area.

5. New York Senator Robert Francis Kennedy was shot in a Los Angeles hotel.

Charles J. Butler was named Business Development Representative in Southern Worcester County by the Worcester County National Bank.

8. Bernard D. Kochanowski was elected Secretary of the Exchange Club of New England. Atty. George J. Robinson was selected as Division 3 Director.

A class of 150 students, including 15 from the area, graduated from Nichols College at commencement exercises held in the field house on campus.

9. Graduation exercises were held at high schools here. Chairman Joseph A. Borski, Jr., of the School Committee presented diplomas to 263 Bartlett graduates at exercises held at Memorial Athletic Field. Rev. Arthur J. Heamer presented diplomas to 35 graduates of St. Louis High School at exercises held in the church.

A memorial to Samuel Slater was dedicated at ceremonies held on the site of the monument off Route 16.

Webster Firefighters Association dedicated a flag pole at Memorial Sunday services.

10. Major Eugene P. Beresik, USAF, was killed in the Vietnam theatre. He was assigned to Okinawa.

11. Mrs. Marie L. Zajac, 46, and her niece, Miss Alice C. Zajac, 30, were killed instantly when their car and a bus collided at the junction of Routes 131 and 197 in the Quinebaug section of Thompson.

A class of 353 received confirmation in St. Louis Church.

12. Dudley's 1968 tax rate was set at $52, a hike of $10 over the 1967 figure.

13. Mrs. John McCullough of Oxford was elected president of the Webster District Hospital Guild.

17. The Webster-Dudley United Fund quota for 1968 was set at $70,200.

The Webster School Committee was told thst 12 teachers were leaving the school system.

18. A five-member Wage and Salary Classification Committee were named by Selectmen.

19. Nichols College announced plans to build a new 35 room dormitory.

20. Mrs. Joyce Tingle was named Supervisor of Nursing Services for the Webster Samaritan Association.

24. Anthony J. Sitkowski was renamed president of the Lobban Memorial Fund.

26. The Plaza twin cinemas opened at the Dudley Shopping Plaza on West Main street.

30. Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Jolda observed their 50th wedding anniversary.

July

1. Webster School Committee initiated a probe of scheduling problems in Barteltt High School.

Employees of Bates Shoe Co. were given a 10 cents per hour salary increase.

2. Chairman Joseph A. Borski, Jr., of the School Committee turned an article over to Selectmen for appointment of a Regional School Planning Committee. The measure also asked for $10,000 for consultants.

Fire caused $10,000 damage to Delisio's Webster Floral Company office and showroom on School St.

3. Edward B. Seaman, of Mason Rd., Dudley, was named assistant operations officer in the main office of the Guaranty Bank and Trust Company.

The annual Fourth of July fireworks display was held at Memorial Athletic Field.

5. St. George's Flower and Gift Shop was sold by Patrick and Marge Gaumond to Arthur and Barbara Gomes.

8. Distribution of Dudley tax bills started.

Downtown Merchants Association was formed.

9. Joseph M. Morse was named chairman of the millions dollar campaign for an addition to Hubbard Regional Hospital.

11. Rev. Thomas W. Shea, pastor of St. Stephen's Church in Quinebaug, was transferred to Gales Ferry, Conn. Rev. Anthony P. Kuzdal was named as his replacement.

14. The Silver Star and Purple Heart were awarded post-humously to Sgt. William J. Cyr, killed in action in Vietnam on January 31, at cereonies in the home of his parents.

16. Two-year-old Ann Serwa, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Richard Serwa lost her life when fire swept through a two-family dwelling at 6 Oak St.

17. An Orthopedic Department was established in Hubbard Regional Hospital with Dr. Joseph Bouthillier heading the unit.

Rep. John P. Ivascyn was unopposed for endorsement by the Democratic primary.

18. The Dudley School Needs Committee recommended that their unit be dissolved and a School Planning Committee organized.

21. A temporary ban on swimming at Memorial Beach was lifted when surveys failed to detect any evidence of pollution.

22. Supt. of Schools George A. Sellig reported that 22 new teacher signed contracts here.

23. The Department of Public Works announced that Water Department land at the Pumping Station would be taken as a rest area for Route 52 traffic.

25. Webster Stationery, Inc., was sold by Stanley Kwasny to Col. Edward Mikoloski.

27. Postmaster Lester A. Magnant announced that Post Office service windows would be closed on Saturdays.

An early morning explosion damaged the digestor in the Webster sewage treatment plant, loosening bricks and coping stones. Damage was estimated at $20,000.

28. Francis Hultberg, 69, of Aldea Ave., Dudley, was killed and his wife, Thelma, seriously injured in an accident on Route 131.

30. Word was received that Cpl. William Krupinski, son of Mr. and Mrs. Bernard Krupinski of Pine St., Dudley, was awarded the Purple Heart for injuries sustained in Vietnam on Apri 10.

31. Joseph Oleksiak announced plans for the opening of Olektron Co., a signal processing components manufacturing unit, in the former Back Bay building on Chase Ave.

August

2. Emil J. DuPont, 73, of 8 Lake St., a prominent contractor and realtor, was taken by death.

Raymond C. Gatzke, 29, of Corbin Rd., Dudley, was killed when his car struck a tree on Old Southbridge Rd.

5. Supt. of Schools George A. Sellig was cited for his "outstanding service" as a member of the Nutrition Committee of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents.

6. Selectman Roger N. Chabot suggested that ski-controls be instituted at Webster Lake.

7. General Chairman Charles J. Butler announced a 1968 United Funds quota of $70,200.

Robert J. Reynolds, 16, died in Worcester City Hospital, the result of injuries sustained August 2 in a boating accident on Webster Lake.

8. Webster Five Cents Savings Bank observed its 100th anniversary.

Sp4 John A. Jablonski, son of Mr. and Mrs. Stephen F. Jablonski of Thompson Rd., was killed in action in Vietnam.

John R. Lewis was named to the Board of Directors of the Webster Co-operative Bank.

9. James H. Dugan, 211 West Main St., received notice that he successfully passed the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Pharmacy, joining his father, James L. Dugan, and his brother, William G. Dugan, as a pharmacist and following in a family tradition estbalished by his grandfather, the late Laurence J. Dugan.

12. The State Board of Health approved operations of the Webster Ambulance Squadron.

13. Clive C. Papineau, of 691 School St., was named to the Board of Fire Engineers of the Webster Fire Department by unanimous vote of Selectmen.

15. Mrs. William A. R. Klebart, of School St., a member of the Board of Trustees of the Chester C. Corbin Public Lirbary, was taken by death.

17. Sister Mary Ann Catherine, the former Regina Pontbriant of Webster, celebrated her Golden Jubilee as a member of the Order of the Sisters of St. Anne at a program held in the Mother House in Lachine, P.Q., Canada.

19. The School Committee developed plans for the future of the Webster school system.

20. The name of Webster District Hospital was officially changed to Hubbard Regional Hospital.

Harry W. Seifert, retired TIMES office manager, died following a short illness.

22. The Southern Worcester Country Regional Vocational School Committee announced plans to erect a school plant on Muggett Hill Rd. in Charlton.

23. Michael J. Brophy, son of Mr. and Mrs. Leo Brophy, East Main St., was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy Air Force at ceremonies held at Newport, R.I. He was assigned to Pensacola, Fla., for flight training.

26. Lelanite Corp. announced that their new 15,000 square foot building at the town industrial park would be opened.

27. A seven-member Bargaining Committee was named by the newly formed Webster Patrolman's Association.

Ferdinand J. Sugar, 55, a decorated Navy veteran of World War II, died at his home in Long Beach, Calif.

September

2. The Webster School Committee voted unanimously to dissolve the Webster-Dudley School Superintendency Union.

Theodore R. Hencinski tendered his resignation as a member of the Dudley School Committee.

4. Chairman Joseph A. Borski of the Webster School Board emphasized that the dissolution vote taken by the Committee would not affect status of Dudley tuition students in Bartlett High School.

5. Dr. Thaddeaus Lewandowski opened his new office building on Negus street. Dr. Arthur Tieri joined him in the practice of optometry.

8. Dudley Democratic Town Committee held a Candidate's Night in the State Line Casino.

Ladies of St. Anne Sodality of Sacred Heart parish held an Art Festival in the Municipal Auditorium.

Sister Muriel Pontbriant, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Lucien Pontbriant, of Whitcomb street, pronounced her final vows as a Sister of Saint Anne at ceremonies held in Sacred Heart Church.

9. The Dudley School Committee carboned Webster action, voting to dissolve the Webster-Dudley School Superintendency Union.

10. The Knolls was sold to Benjamin Cohen & Sons Real Estate.

11. Town Treasurer Joseph S. Chmielewicz retired debt payments of $65,000, including $35,000 on the 1967 welfare deficit.

Jack A. Grebb, 15, son of Mr. and Mrs. Max Grebb, of 11 Whitcomb street, a member of Boy Scout Troop 110, was elevated to the rank of Eagle Scout.

12. The Connecticut end of Route 52 was officially opened at dedication ceremonies held at the Wilsonville interchange. Governor John Dempsey was the principal speaker.

12. Thomas P. O'Connor, of Aldea avenue, district manager for the New England Telephone and Telegraph Co., was named to the Dudley School Committee.

14. Mrs. Mildred Huntley, 57, lost her life when fire swept through her Lakeside Beach cottage.

16. United fund Special Gifts drive started with John K. Logan as chairman.

Lucien A. Pontbriant was named manager of the Spencer office of the Worcester County National Bank.

17. A total of 1,075 Webster voters turned out for the State Primaries, a record low. Dudley residents cast 660 ballots.

Parishioners of St. Athony's Church issued a statement urging that a new church be built on the site of the existing edifice.

18. Nichols opened with an enrollment of 678.

Brooks Health and Beauty Needs Center opened here.

22. Rev. Neil R. Eichhorn was ordained to the Christian Ministry at services in Conant Memorial Church, Dudley Hill.

23. Webster Lens Company announced plans for the construction of a 10,000 square foot addition.

John Mastoris -- "Jack the Pie Man" -- closed his pie shop on School street.

26. Miss Marguerite Small, assistant treasurer in the Webster Office for the Guaranty Bank and Trust Co., retired at the end of the business day.

October

1. Eight Bartlett High School seniors were commended by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Honore Gauthier resigned as a member of the Webster Advisory Board.

2. Robert M. Lewis, son of Mr. and Mrs. Edward Lewis, of Charlton road, was named Boys' Club of Webster and Dudley "Boy of the Year". The award was presented at a banquet held in the Boys' Club.

3. Showcase Appliance Center opened on Main street.

Miss Elizabeth Rzeszutko, 47, of 38 Schofield avenue, lost her life when fire damaged the 2 1/2 story frame building in which she was a tenant.

5. Webster-Dudley Exchange Club held their annual Apple Festival.

6. A week-long program marking the 50th anniversary of the organization of Webster-Dudley Girl Scout Troops opened.

A testimonial honoring Road Superintendent Joseph R. Dziedzic was held in the P.A.C. Club, Harris street. Mr. Dziedzic was cited for 25 years of service as head of the municipal agency.

Mr. and Mrs. Stephen Tsigarida celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

8. A special town meeting okayed sale of 10 acres of town infirmary land to Webster Shoe Company.

11. The new Nectarland Restaurant opened with Melvin Greenberg as proprietor.

12. William E. Meagher, Jr., 20, was killed in an accident on the Massachusetts Turnpike.

Dunkin' Donuts opened an outlet here.

13. A diocesan-wide census was taken.

14. An extensive care unit was opened in Hubbard Regional Hospital.

15. Webster Rotary Club celebrated the 40th anniversary of charter with a program at the Colonial Restaurant. Awards were presented to charter members William A. Cash, Ralph K. Hubbard, Dr. John E. LaBonte and Joseph C. Prout.

16. Staff of "The Ledger". Nichols yearbook, announced that the 1968 edition would be dedicated to Dean Robert H. Eaton.

17. Norman LaPrade, 39, of North Grosvenordale, Conn., a truck driver for P. Wajer Express Co., was killed in an accident in Uxbridge.

18. Ensign Pauline E. Dwyer graduated "with distinction" from the Women Officers School at Newport, R.I.

Roy C. Burns, 73, a former motorcycle patrolman here, was taken by death.

21. A total of 140 youngsters registered for the 1969 opening of kindergarten classes here.

22. State Board of Education approved dissolution of the Webster-Dudley School Union, effective June of 1969 if Dudley and Charlton are joined in a kindergarten to Grade 12 school district.

25. Leonard Rubin of Framingham was named vice president of Webster Shoe Co.

26. The Nichols College Field House was named the Hal Chalmers Building, honoring the college's veteran athletic director and officer, at homecoming ceremonies.

28. Announcement was made that Drescher Motors would open a Volkswagen dealership on West Main St., with temporary quarters in Southbridge.

29. Mrs. Geraldine Ciesla was named to the Board of Library Trustees.

30. Hubbard Regional Hospital officials announced that Haney Associates would handle the Million Dollar Fund drive to double the size of the institution.

November

1. Miss Patricia Rybacki was named Queen of the annual Webster Firefighters Ball held in the State Line Casino.

Fair Value Tax Rates, as computed by the State Federation of Taxpayers Association, were listed at $23.50 in Webster and $25.40 in Dudley.

4. Dudley Police Association announced plans for a "Carts" campaign, to purchase battery-operated vehicles for four disabled residents.

5. Webster and Dudley voters turned out in near-record numbers for the Presidential elections. They endorsed the Democratic candidacy of Hubert H. Humphrey by a near 3 to 1 margin.

Frances E. Biadasz was promoted to the rank of Captain in the U.S. Navy.

6. Eleanor F. Pekala, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Francis J. Pekala, of 57 Lake street, was commissioned a second lieutenant in the Women's Marine Corps.

8. Ernest R. Mcguinness was named Treasurer of the Hubbard Regional Hospital Million Dollar Fund Drive. Ralph K. Hubbard was appointed Honorary Chairman of the campaign, headed by Joseph M. Morse.

10. The five-division parade marking the 50th anniversary of the end of World War I was held despite a heavy downpour, with only a few units turning out.

Opposing plans to relocate St. Anthony's Church in Dudley, a group of parishioners formed a committee for the expressed purpose of keeping the church on School street.

11. Atlas Screen Process Co. leased 10,000 square feet of space in the Packard Mills.

Lawrence J. Christopher, 63, Chief of the Police Department for 30 years, died suddenly.

12. Rev. John F. Swantek, pastor of Holy Trinity Church, was transferred to St. Joseph's Church in Westfield.

Plans for a scholarship in honor of the late Cyril C. Smith,. retired Bartlett High School Principal, were announced.

15. The St. Louis parish community house was razed.

17. Quo Vadis Club of Webster and Dudley honored Dr. Anthony A. Wojciechowski at a program held in the Colonial Restaurant marking his 21 years of service as Medical Examiner.

Announcement was made that St. Louis High School, formed in 1882, would close at the end of the school year.

18. Webster and Dudley Advisory Boards held a joint meeting, deciding to look into the feasibility of a regional high school.

19. Webster Little League purchased Marcustry Park, President Edward T. McGeary announced.

More than 200 servicemen were registered by the War Chest.

20. Twenty-nine parcels were taken by the DPW in connection with Route 52 plans.

Matthew W. Cavanaugh of Southbridge was assigned as Loan Officer in the Webster Office of the Worcester County National Bank.

21. Stanley Lenard was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps. Orders were issued at fort McClellan.

24. Mr. and Mrs. Adolf Holke, 76 Myrtle Ave., celebrated their Golden Wedding Anniversary.

25. Dudley School Committee voted to grant teachers a $450 across the Board pay increase.

A committee to study feasibility of retaining St. Louis High School was organized.

27. Rev. Stephen S. Stryjewski was named pastor of Holy Trinity Church.

29. Christmas lighting decoration were turned on.

December

2. Joseph C. Prout, of Upper Gore Rd., was named chairman of the Webster Advisory Board.

3. Edward O. Landry, of Oxford, announced that a funeral home will be opened in the former William H. Cassidy family resident on Schofield Ave., Dudley. Landry reported that an addition will be constructed and the building rehabilitated.

4. Rev. Joseph A. Ferenz, pastor of St. Anthony's Church announced that services will be held in Cinema 2 at the Dudley Shopping Plaza for Catholics in that town.

Dudley Fire chief Roger St. Germain notified Selectmen that he would resign on January 13, 1969.

9. Webster's 1969 School Department budget was announced by the School Committee. Totals came to $1,285,526.96, an increase of $168,878.64 over the amount appropriated in March.

The Dudley School Committee came up with a $90,000 plus increase in the 1969 school budget.

10. Webster Credit Union added 1,907 members and reported a 56 percent gain in assets for 1968. Charles H. Sczepanski was re-elected president of the Bank.

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