Janet Malser Humantities Trust
Deadline April 1

The Janet Malser Humanities Trust is accepting applications for the 2013 grant cycle. Ms. Malser set up the charitable Trust in order to support the arts and humanities, community service and conservation in the towns of Dudley, Oxford, and Webster, MA.

The causes for which funding will be considered include: “the restoration and preservation of historic sites; the furtherance of art and music in the schools, both public and private; public concerts with an emphasis on classical music; the improvement and growth of public libraries; the support of church work aiding the indigent, homeless, aging citizens and needy children; beautification through planting and the preservation of park areas and cemeteries; the improvement of service and equipment at the Hubbard Regional Hospital [now Harrington Healthcare at Hubbard], and the environmental protection of Webster Lake.”

Trustees will make awards annually to verified tax-exempt organizations meeting the charitable purposes of the Trust. Prior recipients are eligible to apply so long as proper follow up status reports have been filed; otherwise they will not be considered.

Applications and instructions for the current year are available janetmalsertrust.org.  Please use the 2013 application as changes have been made. All applications must be postmarked by April 1, 2013.

photos by Steev Riccardo

OXFORD – Isador’s Fruit and Deli hosted the second annual “Chili Cook-off” this past Sunday afternoon at its store in Oxford and raised almost $700 dollars. The money was donated to the "Hand Fruit Program," which brings fresh organic fruit to local schools.

Mike Morin of Oxford won first place, while Carolyn Latham, also of Oxford, came in second place, and Heather Day of Worcester, who also works at Isador’s, came in third place.

The Webster Dudley Business Alliance sponsored the event, which again was a huge success.

More photos follow.

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

OXFORD – Oxford High School senior Tyler Barrie achieved something that is rarely done in high school sports when he was chosen captain for three different sports this year - football, basketball, and baseball—an accomplishment that really only tells half his story.

During his sophomore year in the middle of football season, Barrie was faced with a much bigger challenge in life than going to class and playing football. Awoken by an early December morning phone call right before Christmas, he was told that his father Scott had passed away.

“It was shocking, it was something I didn’t expect,” said Barrie. “I talked to him on the phone the night before and we made plans to talk again the next day and I remember waking up to a phone call and I walked into the next room and my mom (Kim) was crying. She had a blank stare on her face, and then she told me.”

Cracks in floors and walls in high school an issue

By Becky Harvey
Patriot coorespondent

Oxford - The New Director of Student Services of the Oxford Schools, Ms. Trish Susen, graced the committee with her presence at the school committee meeting this past Monday night.
She presented a “CPR” or Coordinated Program Review.  This is her 26^th preparation of such a report. Areas of compliance/non-compliance are reviewed by the government.  Oxford has received a commendation for its technology program.  Susen said “we are light years ahead of so many other” districts.  A history with the progression from prior reports is available on the school’s website.  These in depth reviews include such things as interviews with parents and students, as well as review of the schools and programs.  A corrective action plan was developed by Susen and has been made available for public review.  The Title One and ESL plans are not yet finalized.  This is an ongoing process that involves much follow-up and review.  “The ability to be in 100% compliance is very, very difficult,” according to Susen.  There is “nothing glaring, nothing huge” about which Oxford is non-compliant.

MCAS scores improve

By Becky Harvey
Patriot Correspondent

OXFORD - Despite the nasty weather, the freshly plowed Oxford High School welcomed a full roll of the Oxford School Committee on Monday evening.  The meeting commenced with a discussion of the school improvements at Clara Barton by Principal Stephen Baroni.

 The MCAS scores have increased in English Language Arts (ELA) due to extra support, including the addition of a “.5 literacy specialist.”  The school has started an initiative this year, sending home MCAS packets every week.  Parents have responded positively to the program.  In addition to straight-out MCAS work, grade three also sends home weekly literacy packets.  These efforts, along with the addition of leveled reading groups have helped to reinforce language and reading skills.

By Charles Kelleher Harris

OXFORD- Selectman Jennie L. Caissie officially announced today that she will not be pursing the senate seat recently vacated by new Secretary of State John Kerry.

“I always thought politics was my first love, but then I saw my baby girl’s face,” Caissie said Tuesday.

Speculation about Caissie’s possible bid arose last week when she was spotted at the State House.

"Snow date" added

For those of you who did not attend Saturday, Feb 9th, please come by Generations Healing Center on Saturday, February 16 between the hours of 1pm and 3pm. Consider donating your loose change and/or bills-- at the donation jar for A.M. Chaffee PTO.

by Charles Kelleher Harris
Patriot correspondent

OXFORD- The Board of Selectmen chose to listen to citizens complaints instead of the professional opinions of the Police Chief and the Department of Public Works Director Tuesday night, January. 29.

Originally William and Erica Byrne, of 39 Walnut Street, contacted the Board of Selectmen to request that a stop sign be placed at the intersection of Walnut and Cypress Streets.

“Our concern is speed on this road,” said William Byrne, “We would not like an accident on this road.”

by Becky Harvey

OXFORD - Parents of Oxford students received a shocking call from Superintendent of Schools Allen Himmelberger on Monday, January 29.  He opened the call stating that he “regrets to inform that a white male in his thirties with spiked red hair and driving a small black SUV with tan interior drove up to the bus stop” and exposed himself to students of Clara Barton Elementary School who were waiting to be picked up for school. 

According to Detective Rick Bryn of the Oxford Police Department, the suspect passed the bus stop and then turned down Matthew Circle from Holly Street.  He then made a three point turn about half way down the street and then made his way back to the bus stop.  While stopped for the stop sign, he exposed himself to the children.  There were four students present and no parents at the stop.  Three of the children claim to have seen the act, while one says she didn’t see anything. 

Bryn stated that all of the locally registered sex offenders have been interviewed and all have alibis for the time during which the crime allegedly happened.  Officers continue to work on the case though there really aren’t any leads.  Bryn stated that anyone seeing an unfamiliar, dark-colored SUV in their neighborhood should take down the license plate number and contact the Oxford Police, just to be on the safe side.  Tips can either be called in to (508) 987-0156 x:122 or by emailing the detective directly at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   The Oxford Police also offer an anonymous tip line on their website, http://www.oxfordpolice.info/, under the contact us tab.

Police urge citizens to remain vigilant and on alert for vehicles or people who seem unfamiliar.

by Charles Kelleher Harris

OXFORD-Department of Public Works Director Sean Divoll revealed he results of a recent pavement management study to the Board of Selectmen at their Jan.15 meeting.

“During the development process we learned many things. One of  the key things learned is that our annual expenditure on road maintenance and repair is not enough to maintain the overall pavement condition average,” said Divoll.

Through a PowerPoint presentation, Divoll showed how action needed to be taken quickly in order to save the town potentially millions of dollars in coming years.