Oakdale Secretary Wins Charitable Raffle

Some people just can't wait to grow up and move to the city. Maybe it's the lure of living anonymously, in some small apartment on a busy street.

If you own a car, it's almost impossible to find parking, or to keep it safe.

If you rely on the T, you must get used to having your earbuds in at all times, with your eyes glued to the pavement.

You learn not to make eye contact or start a conversation with strangers. 

For me, it was “just the opposite.”

Twenty years ago, when I was entertaining the thought of getting married and having a family, my goal was to become “part of a community.” Kind of like being an insider on the show “Cheers”, where everybody knows your name. 

I like the fact that my son can put a basketball under his arm and go out and play with his friends… for hours. It's pretty neat that my daughter can ride her bike to the library, and they all know her when she arrives. I like it, when I run in to the Endicott Variety for a “quick” cup of coffee, and spend 20 minutes inside, just talking to folks. I think that it's awesome, when my wife picks up something at the supermarket for a neighbor or a girlfriend, because she knows they were “looking for it.” 

What a nice feeling, when you are walking down the street, and car after car, stops to ask “if you need a ride.” How about when you run in to one of your children's teachers at the store, or at the park, and you have something other than school to talk about. The best thing about living here in Dedham though, is the fact that people “look out for one another.”

It doesn't matter what neighborhood here in town you're from, whether you are a life-long resident or a newcomer.

Where else could you find someone like State Representative Paul McMurtry, or Bob Coughlin before him, that not only does their job, but takes the time to “get involved” in the lives of the people around them! 

It's all about people like Laura Park, Sue Friday, Chrissy Doyle, Erin Mchoul, and Maryann Mackin, who get involved – taking valuable time out of their own lives – to help rebuild someone else's.

The girls, along with their families, recently organized a premium-seat Boston Red Sox Raffle to benefit the Kilroy Family. Hundreds of tickets were sold in one short week!

Dedham Middle School Principal, Deb Gately, offered to “pull a winner” for them. 

Jeanne Boudrow, long-time secretary of the Oakdale Elementary School, was chosen to win the pair of tickets!

We asked Jeanne her plans, about who she might be taking to see the game, and right away she answered… “My husband Bill, he's a big fan – this will be a great night out for us … but don't say anything, this could be his Father's Day gift!” 

So as for living in the city, sure it's convenient, but nothing beats being a part of your town!