
Gwynne Jamieson, serving as secretary to the Norwood School Committee and school clerk, achieved national recognition by winning Redbook magazine’s competitive “Great Beauty Ideas” contest.
Outshining roughly 30,000 entries submitted from across the country, her innovative submission earned her a $1,000 cash prize and an exclusive, all-expenses-paid weekend trip to New York City. The August issue of Redbook showcased her victory with a dedicated feature spread, highlighting professional before-and-after photographs following a styling and makeup session with the magazine’s expert beauty editors and hairstylists.
Gwynne Jamieson’s winning concept stemmed from her passion for travel. She designed a portable, lightweight personal care kit dubbed “shake-up make-up,” featuring essential travel toiletries—such as shampoo, makeup, hand lotion, and deodorant—packaged in freeze-dried form to eliminate the risk of spills and reduce luggage weight. Originally hailing from Sudbury in northern Ontario, Gwynne Jamieson spent two years teaching school in Australia before relocating to the United States six years prior. A striking blonde and a divorced mother of two young children, John, six, and Eve, four, she shared that she was eagerly anticipating another major milestone: officially taking her oath to become a United States citizen on the upcoming Monday.
Her recent achievements extended far beyond the pages of national magazines. In June, she graduated with honors from Curry College in Milton, balancing her rigorous coursework with her demanding administrative duties as clerk for the school board. Looking toward the future, Gwynne Jamieson planned to spend the summer offering private tutoring while actively seeking a full-time teaching position for the fall semester. Demonstrating her characteristic ambition, she had also secured a scholarship from the Simmons College School of Library Science to begin graduate studies in September should her classroom teaching pursuits take time to materialize.
Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger
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Foam Day at Father Mac’s Camp Brings Joy to Norwood Youth-July 19, 2013
Over 300 campers participated in the annual Foam Day at Father Mac’s Camp in Norwood, featuring massive piles of foam and firefighter support.

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Our Town: Steve Rudolph has a few tricks up his sleeve-July 30, 2010
Steve Rudolph, a magician and illusionist from Norwood , brought his magic show to the United Church in Norwood on July 10. The show was part of the church’s summer program for children. Rudolph has been performing magic shows for over 24 years, and he has developed a unique style that involves storytelling and audience…

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Mosquitoes Taking a Bite Out of Summer Fun-August 2, 1986
A heavy surge of rain-hatched mosquitoes flooded Norwood, Dedham, and Needham, sparking over 100 complaints per day to the Norfolk County Mosquito Control Project.

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Norwood Mother Strikes Jackpot at Tuition Time-July 29, 1986
Jean M. Taylor of 11 Monroe St. in Norwood won a $682,219 share of the $4.77 million Massachusetts Megabucks jackpot after purchasing a ticket at Pam’s Market.

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Norwood School of Ballet Students Head to National Finals-July 17, 1985
Three regional winners are headed to the Dance Educators of America national finals, while others compete in the National Dance Caravan Competition.

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Gertrude’s Pastry Shop Owner Bernie Osborne Wins State Award for Maine Maple Pastry and Cherishes Small-Town Family Business-August 19, 1979
Bernie Osborne, owner of Gertrude’s Pastry Shop in Norwood Center, won top honors at the Massachusetts Retail Bakers Association contest with his signature Maine Maple pastry judged by Julia Child.

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Harold “Skip” Rideout Expands Marine Construction Business in Southport, Maine-August 13, 1979
Norwood High graduate Harold “Skip” Rideout expanded his marine construction business in Southport, Maine, by purchasing a 42-foot towboat and a 60-foot barge.

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Goldie The Macaw Returns To Norwood Aquarium-July 22, 1978
On July 22, 1978, John D’Alessandro celebrated the return of his prized parrot Goldie to Norwood Aquarium.

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Man Refurbishes 1956 Fire Pumper-July 13, 1978
Norwood resident Rick Spicer turned heads on Neponset Street and Cherrywood Drive in July 1978 with a unique vehicle parked in his driveway: a refurbished 1956 Peter Pirsche Pumper. The fire truck, which had been retired by the Dedham Fire Department four years prior, had been sold to a local wrecking service before Spicer acquired…

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Skaters Break Guinness World Record in Norwood-July 14, 1977
On July 13–14, 1977, two long‑distance roller skaters — Sylvia Haffke and John LeClaire – completed one of the most remarkable athletic feats ever connected to Norwood. What began as a casual bet over a couple of beers turned into a grueling, record‑breaking charity challenge that pushed both skaters to their physical limits. Haffke and…

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