thank Wanda Yucatonis for 47 years of service

by Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

OXFORD - The liveliest part of the Board of Selectmen's Tuesday night meeting concerned a discussion about Oxford’s local access TV channels. In a routine part of the meeting agenda, Chairman John Saad recounted his recent informational visit with members of Access Oxford (the provider/controller of the TV access channels responsible for local content and broadcast), along with a media consultant hired by the Town and a media equipment sales representative.

During the meeting, Chairman Saad learned of local TV broadcast equipment costs, which he questioned. In answer, Town Manager Joseph Zeneski indicated that all local access TV equipment and other costs are paid by Charter Cable. However, Charter’s payments are actually funded by all Oxford Charter TV Cable customers, who pay the costs as part of their monthly cable TV bill.

The main concern of all the board members was that townspeople have been disappointed in the broadcasts as aired by Access  Oxford, citing poor sound and picture quality. Selecmen Saad, Dennis Lamarche, Michael Voas, and Jennie Caissie voiced their opinions that the inadequate quality of the TV broadcasts has been ongoing for years. Ms. Caissie stated that “this has been a 10-year problem” and it must be rectified as soon as possible or another broadcasting group will have to take over.

The board voted to have an itemized list of specific items that Access Oxford would be required to complete to the board’s satisfaction. The list would be presented to Access Oxford at the board’s December 18th meeting. Also at that meeting, the board will set a solid time-frame for completion of those requirements in order for Access Oxford to continue as the town’s local TV access provider.

In other business, the board read and commented on a signed citation honoring Ms. Wanda L. Yucatonis “for serving the Town of Oxford as an Election Worker for over 47 years.” As Chairman Saad recited the proclamation, he further noted that “Ms. Yucatonis’ service as an Election Worker has been invaluable to the Town of Oxford because it has helped to support one of the most important Constitutional rights we, as Americans, have—the freedom and the right to vote!” Each member of the Board then praised Wanda’s service and congratulated her on her service to the Town.

Selectmen also voted to send letters to Governor Deval Patrick and the town's state legislators expressing their disapproval of the governor's executive order to allow children of illegal immigrants to pay in-state college tuition rates.

A public hearing was held regarding the change of location for Hometown Wine & Liquors from 2 Fairlawn Avenue to 240 Main Street. Mr. Isufi, the partner-owner of Hometown, came before the Board to answer their questions regarding planning, zoning, and permit approvals. All questions posed by Board members appeared to be answered to their satisfaction and it was noted that Mr. Isufi’s new location would be ready for business by mid-summer 2013.

The Town Manager’s Report included approval of several business entertainment and automatic amusement licenses as well as Auto Dealer compliance checks, littering sign requests, and an authorization for Chairman Saad to sign an application form on the Town’s behalf for the second phase of a Community Challenge Grant to fund compliance with the EPA’s Storm Water Management requirements.

Public reminders were then specified concerning the Winter Parking Ban that takes effect Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012 through April 1, 2013, wherein on-street parking is prohibited between the hours of 11 p.m.-6 a.m. The ban also takes effect if there are three or more inches of snow, day or night. Fifteen-minute parking is allowed for postal and package delivery.

The Annual Christmas Lighting Ceremony will be held at the Bandstand on Sunday, December 2nd, at 6:30pm and will feature the OHS Madrigal Choir and Brass, a live pageant, and the arrival of Santa Claus and his Elf. Hay rides around the park will take place after Santa’s arrival. Free hot chocolate and cookies will be served in the tent. The ceremony is funded through the Cecelia J. Smolenski/Millette Charitable Trust.

Text and photos by Steev Riccardo

OXFORD – Oxford High School senior Gina Manzi just finished her best season on the girls soccer team which will certainly get her some all-star attention, but it's her academics that have driven her to a top five ranking in her class and a step closer to her goal to attend college to become a pharmacist.

As co-captain of the Pirates team, Manzi completed her four-year career with a stellar campaign, helping the Pirates to their best record in recent years with her solid defensive play.

Along with fellow seniors and co-captains Emily Dawidczyk (who is Manzi’s first cousin), and Dominique Lesieur, the Lady Pirates were 5-10-2 but played much better than their record indicated losing several close games.

“I feel like our record didn’t reflect the talent on our team, I feel like the girls put a lot of effort into every game,” said Manzi “and there were unlucky things and different scenarios that we couldn’t help”.

Still the Pirates were better than they were in their three previous seasons and tied Shepherd Hill 6-6 in one of the season’s most exciting games. 

Manzi also was a part of Dawidczyk’s record-breaking season in which her cousin became the school’s all-time leading scorer and also led Central Mass in scoring.

Dawidczyk and Manzi have played soccer together since they were both 10 years old and have been teammates not only in high school but on club teams as well.

“She had an awesome season and she is so versatile that it just helped out a ton,” said Dawidczyk about Manzi.  “Any gap that was there, Gina would definitely fill it. We were an inexperienced team so with her switching and playing every position she really helped us without hearing her ever complain.  She helped and taught the younger girls a lot.”

As for not being around or playing with ‘best friend’ Dawidczyk, Manzi said, “It will be weird not being with her and not playing with her especially next year-- I can’t picture it yet.”

“Knowing that my soccer career is over, it still hasn’t hit me yet. I’m slowly realizing that I am never going to go on the soccer field again. I’m never going to put on an Oxford uniform again. I learned a lot here, but I know its time to move on. I am ready to branch out and see everything”.

Manzi, who is a member of the National Honor Society, is also the secretary of the Student Council, and has spent four years in the “Best Buddies Club” which she calls “the best club ever,” will also play Indoor Track in the winter and Outdoor Track in the Spring before graduation.

As a long distance and relay runner on the track team, Manzi was not always so sure that she could put all the extra time into playing sports, since her real passion was doing well in school and excelling in her academics.

“I have had a real love-hate relationships with my athletics,” she said smiling, “because academics is always first, it has been a tough struggle at times-- but now that I am realizing that this is my last chance to play these sports.”

Manzi plans to follow in the footsteps of several of her family members and attend the Mass College Of Pharmacy in Boston, but is also applying to Rutgers University and the University of Rhode Island to keep her options open.  She does know that, wherever she goes to school,she will be looking at six years and hard of work to reach her goal.

For someone like Gina Manzi, who gives it all in everything she does, it should be a piece of cake.

Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it
 

Sen. Richard T. Moore, D-Uxbridge, will hold office hours on Monday, November 19^th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Oxford Community Center, located at 4 Maple Rd. in Oxford.

Sen. Moore holds monthly district office hours in area towns to meet individually with constituents who need assistance with matters involving the state government. No appointment is necessary and residents are met individually on a first-come, first served basis.

Constituents requiring immediate assistance should contact Sen. Moore’s office at (617) 722-1420 or log onto his web site at www.senatormoore.com/services. For more information on Sen. Moore’s work in the Legislature, visit www.facebook.com/senatormoore.

Operation Santa set for kickoff,
Clam Box license suspended for 3 days

by Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

OXFORD - It was a dark and stormy night, but the Oxford Selectmen held their customary meeting on the pre-arranged date and time. As the last vestiges of rain from Hurricane Sandy pelted the windows of the Town Hall, Chairman John Saad gaveled the meeting to order and declared a moment of silence for two local residents, recently passed away, who had given their valuable time and efforts to the Town of Oxford: Mr. Ernest Lavoie, who served as Light Equipment Operator for the Oxford DPW; and Mr. Francis P. Shea, Jr., who served on many Town committees in the 1970s and 1980s as well as a Selectman from 1977-80.

Operation Santa plans were discussed with the introduction of Deb Light, administrative assistant for the Oxford Police Chief, and Police Officer Matt Laskes. Officer Laskes advised the Board that the annual event will be held on Sunday, December 2, at the Oxford Community Center from 2-5 p.m. All Oxford children from infants to 10-year-olds are invited to participate and will receive a gift and special visit from Santa Claus. Registration is necessary and can be completed by contacting Deb Light at the Police Station, (508) 987-6293, Ext. 131, or via email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Registration dates are Nov. 1 – 16.

Operation Santa is sponsored by the Police and Fire Departments as well as the Oxford Womens Club. Officer Laskes stated that “we can use all the help we can get.” New and unwrapped gifts in the age range of infants to age 10 can be dropped off at the Police Station and checks would also be greatly appreciated. They should be made payable to:  Operation Santa.” He invited all selectmen to the December 2 event. Ms. Light then indicated that their Annual Clothing Drive would also be part of the activities and anyone wishing to donate new or gently-used coats, boots, mittens, or scarves can do so at this time as well. All items would be very much welcomed.

Selectmen then awaited the presence of Daniel E. Saad, Manager of The Clam Box, who was next on the agenda. The Clam Box had failed a compliance check for the sale of alcohol to a minor on August 23, 2012. When no representative from the audience responded to their request to come forward for the violation hearing, the Board reviewed other agenda items with the intent of returning to the hearing at a later time of the agenda. At the conclusion of the night’s agenda, the Board then made a second request for a Clam Box representative to come forward. Hearing no response, the Board requested Police Chief Michael Hassett to read aloud the Police Report from the day of the violation. After his recitation, Chief Hassett noted that the Clam Box employee who had committed the liquor violation had been placed on three months’ probation following a hearing conducted at the Dudley Court House.  In accordance with Board Policy, it was then voted to suspend The Clam Box’s alcohol pouring license for three days: November 12, 13, and 14. (Chairman Saad abstained.)

In other business, the board appointed Ms. Tina Weldon to the Tercentennial Committee and the following individuals as Election Workers to serve until 8/15/13: Gina Bengtson, Precinct 3; Joann Maywalt, Beverly Plante, Stephen Racicot, and Martha Rheault, all of Precinct 4.

Additionally, Selectmen voted to release the North Oxford Walmart store project’s security bond and reviewed the notice from Aquarion Water that hydrant flushing had been and continues to be in progress since October 23.

Aquarion had begun its flushing schedule in the north end of town and continues to make its way to the south end until completion. It was noted that any water discoloration, while no threat to health, can be alleviated by running cold water until clear. Any questions should be directed to the Aquarion Customer Service Department at (800) 928-3734.

The Annual Veterans Day Parade will take place on Sunday, November 11, with lunch for all veterans and marchers to follow at the VFW. US Air Force jets will be conducting a flyover, weather-permitting.

Daniel Scotti of Access Oxford also appeared before the Board to review measures taken since their last meeting in June. Mr. Scotti discussed their lease for space, who was responsible for cable access materials, and equipment improvements.  Joseph Zeneski, Town Manager, stated that “we are making tremendous progress in a relatively short time. The new equipment will not only allow for meeting storage but also allow for cable air signal as well as internet broadcasts.” Mr. Scotti reviewed new camera placements and positioning as well as a new larger monitor size for display that would assist in PowerPoint presentations. A new equipment storage area was also reviewed and the need for a secure location.

300^th Anniversary Celebration event
begins this Sunday; schedule below

By Patriot Staff

“Oxford’s churches have long been an important part of the town’s history,” said Jean M. O’Reilly, chairman of the Oxford Historical Commission. “Most of them are located on Main Street, so they are readily visible as people travel through town.”

The Historical Commission has worked with the local churches to plan two Sunday afternoon Open House events at many of them, as part of the town’s 300^th Anniversary Year celebrations.

About a year and a half ago the commission extended invitations to each of the 13 houses of worship currently active in Oxford, inviting each to participate in an effort to gather their histories.  Ten of them have submitted their histories and will participate in the Open House Sundays, scheduled for October 29 and November 4, giving the public an opportunity to visit the churches and see firsthand their unique architecture and story.

The Huguenot Church was the first church in Oxford, but it’s long gone, making the First Congregational Church the oldest still active. Beginning soon after 1713, it was the site for all town meetings – it would have been the only place large enough, said Ms. O’Reilly. “Historically, churches have provided for the spiritual needs of the residents as well as a place for social events. Because they have had a considerable impact on the development of the town, we wanted to focus on them.”

The two consecutive Sunday afternoons have been set aside for the Open Houses to offer people an opportunity to visit several of the churches.  Members of the congregation will be on hand to guide visitors, share the history, and point out unique architectural features, such as stained glass windows and old-style pews.

The following churches will be open on both October 29 and November 4 days, from 1 - 4 p.m. unless noted otherwise:

Crosspoint Christian Church, 155 Leicester Street, North Oxford

First Baptist Church, 693 Main Street, North Oxford

First Congregational Church, 355 Main Street

St. Roch Church, 334 Main Street

St. Ann Church, 654 Main Street, North Oxford, 2-4 p.m. on Oct. 28 and 1-4 p.m. on Nov. 4

The following churches plan to be open on October 28 only, from 1 – 4 p.m.:

Oak Hill Bible Church, 40 Sacarrappa Road

Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 70 South Main Street

The following churches plan to be open on November 4 only, 1-4 p.m. unless noted otherwise:

Grace Episcopal Church, 270 Main Street, 1:30 - 5 p.m.

Oxford United Methodist Church, 465 Main Street

Tabernacle of Praise Church A/G, 8 Maple Street

Ms. O’Reilly said that each time the Historical Commission had a meeting, they invited all 13 churches to participate; however, three chose not to, so their histories will not be available, nor are they part of the Open House schedule.   Churches that chose not to participate are the Hindu Temple, Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall, and the Mormon Church.

AQUARION WATER COMPANY WILL BE CONDUCTING HYDRANT/WATER MAIN FLUSHING FROM OCTOBER 23RD THRU THE MIDDLE OF NOVEMBER 2012

This may cause temporary discoloration of water which can be cleared by running cold water until it clears.

The following is the schedule of flushing to take place:

Week of Oct 22nd – Turner Road to North Water Dr. area

Week of Oct 29th – Clara Barton Rd to Rocky Hill Rd. area

Week of Nov 5th – Rocky Hill Rd to Sutton Ave. area

Week of Nov 12th – Sutton Ave. to Joe Jenny Rd to Charlton Street area

Aquarion is advising customers to store tap water in advance for drinking and cooking until the water is clear. Also, it is advised to delay doing laundry until the water is clear.

Customers may call Aquarion Water Company with any questions they may have – 1-800-928-3734

set for November 4th

by Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

OXFORD -  Selectmen Michael Voas, Dennis Lamarche, and Chairman John Saad met in the Oxford High School library for their board meeting prior to the October 4 Town Meeting.

Selectman Lamarche announced that the Oxford Animal Shelter was now officially open with hedges trimmed, landscaping finished, and asphalt on the way. A grand opening is scheduled for Sunday, Nov. 4, from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. The celebration will include pony rides, bounce amusements, and more.  Mr. Lamarche also stated that the town hoped to have a new Animal Control Officer hired by that time.

The agenda also included the resignation of Kathleen Burke as an election worker effective 9/20/12; a request from St. Roch’s Church of 334 Main Street for a one-day wine and malt beverage pouring license on Saturday, October 13, which was unanimously approved; and a unanimous vote for appointment of Rose Wing of Huguenot Road to the Cultural Council.

lowering tax rate;
add state aid to school budget

by Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

OXFORD - Town Moderator Russell Rheault gaveled the October 3 Town Meeting to order at 7 p.m. and Town Clerk Lori Kelley read the relatively short list of Articles that the 163 Oxford Town Voters would be voting on.

Article 1 was to hear reports from any town officers or committees. As none were given, Moderator Rheault moved on to Article 2, which asked voters to amend the vote taken at the May 2 Town Meeting, decreasing the appropriation of the FY 2013 Debt Financing Account from $1,603,635 to $857,917.

Town Manager Joseph Zeneski explained that board had refinanced the debt on one of the elementary schools and the Massachusetts School Building Authority offered to give Oxford a lump sum reimbursement, thereby reducing the original debt. Voters approved the debt reduction, which will reduce the tax rate by $0.10/thousand.

Article 3 was to obtain voter approval for an amendment of a vote originally taken at the May 2 Town Meeting. This amendment would increase the appropriation for the FY 2013 School General Account from $14,948,356 to $15,074,110. As the State Legislature appropriated $125,754 more in state aid than expected for in-town schools only, the monies would be targeted for the school operating budget. Voters unanimously approved the amendment of this article as well.

Starz Disney Dancers

by Janet Stoica
Patriot Correspondent

OXFORD - It’s more than counting in increments of eight dance moves. Expressing yourself through your body movements is what dancing’s all about, your personality shines through. And that is what the 38 members of the Starz Dance Centre of Oxford will prove when they dance their hearts out on the Waterside Stage in Downtown Disney at Disneyworld/Orlando this Sunday, October 7.

I had the pleasure of watching this talented group run through their nine numbers for their 25-minute show this past week. Observing the professionalism of these fine young ladies as I sat beside their skilled instructors was a privilege. They are polished, very well-trained, and eager to show their abilities. They certainly impressed me as much as I’m sure they will to those who watch them on the Disney stage this coming weekend.

Many of these young ladies might be shy and unassuming while at school but can express themselves wonderfully while in dance class. After speaking with instructors Deb, Lisa, and Kim Lamarche (additional instructors include Heather Lamarche as well as Catherine Lavoie), I learned that ballet is the core of all dancing and every other form of dance stems from ballet. The dancers learn poise, carriage, and movements that include bending, stretching, rising, turning, and reaching. French terminology for these types of movements is expressed as the plié, jete, pirouette, and arabesque to name a few. Strong emphasis is placed on listening to music cues for the sets of dance moves that will accompany that music. These dancing artists have learned and refined their routines to perfection – Look out Disney, here they are!

To be accepted by Disneyworld, an audition tape was sent, dances and costumes were approved, Disney’s strict dress codes were agreed to (including Disney’s own conservative rules for earrings, necklaces, and hair accessories), and the dance troupe was on its way. Their youngest member is 7-year old Catherine Sirard who is the granddaughter of Oxford Bandstand coordinator, Joyce Sirard. Ingrid Lindstrom, who is 11 and has been dancing since age 2, tells me that she enjoys expressing herself through dance while Mikayla Perry of Webster, age 14 and dancing for 12 years, states that her dancing here “helps condition my muscles and helps me deal with any stress from school and schoolwork.”  Another student, Chloe Bilodeau of Webster, enjoys “having fun with friends here and likes the activity of exercising at the same time.” Chloe contributes towards her lesson costs by doing chores around the house.

The Starz dancers will also take part in a workshop entitled “Disney Dancing” on Saturday morning. Disney choreographers will teach Starz staff and dancers new dance styles and moves that will be usable or modified for future presentations. On Sunday evening, dancers and their family members will attend a buffet dinner along with a private showing of Disney’s Fantasmic, which is a spectacular show featuring water effects, fireworks, and music. For many of these young ladies this is bound to be one of their most exciting holidays. Their 3-hour rehearsals will be well worth the excitement of being in one of the most enjoyable places on earth. Just the name “Disney” invokes a sense of wonderment and awe for those who have visited the magical kingdom.

“All of the parents and families who are so dedicated and have made a big commitment to the studio and its dancers deserve a great amount of credit. These students are blessed with wonderful families and our studio is blessed to have them be a part of it,” acknowledged Deb Lamarche.

Starz Dance Centre is located across from the Oxford Post Office on 4 Jackson Court, Oxford 01540 and can be reached at (508) 864-6408.

Financial boosts help small businesses expand

NORTH OXFORD -  Massachusetts Business Development Corporation (MBDC) today announced its newest Capital Access Program (CAP) loan in North Oxford, with Laramee & Calley, Inc.

Rebecca Laramee, owner of Laramee & Calley, Inc., is grateful for the loan, saying, “This loan allowed us to do several upgrades to our fleet, which has led to an increase in sales that in turn has led to an increase in staff.  This program works and is an essential tool for the small business community.”

Located in North Oxford, Laramee & Calley does business as All Points Limousine, a luxury transportation company specializing in weddings, sporting events and tours, as well as airport transportation. Ms. Laramee’s CAP loan was funded by Avidia Bank.

“The Capital Access Program is just one way in which the Commonwealth has partnered with the private sector to help spur job creation and economic growth in an effort to rebound from the looming effects of the Great Recession,” said State Senator Richard T. Moore (D-Uxbridge), a member of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies. “I commend the leadership at Laramee & Calley for taking advantage of this opportunity in an effort to help their business grow.”

“These CAP loans provide a tremendous spark to small businesses throughout Massachusetts,” State Representative Peter Durant (R-Spencer) said.  “I am thrilled to see such a great local business get this help, which has a direct positive impact on providing jobs and invigorating the local economy.”

“There are small businesses across Massachusetts that can benefit from MBDC’s CAP loans,” said MBDC President and CEO Ken Smith, “especially considering that in this economic climate, it can be challenging for them to get access to the funding they need to create jobs and expand their business. Both Governor Patrick and the Massachusetts legislature have been important partners in CAP’s success, providing the critical resources needed to help fund local businesses.”

“The CAP loan program has been a wonderful supplemental tool that has helped Avidia Bank achieve our mission of supporting the financial and growth goals of businesses throughout the regions we serve,” said Tom Allain, Senior Vice President of Avidia. “The bank has financed several businesses, and witnessed multiple success stories with the assistance of CAP since the program’s inception, and as such, has been extremely pleased to participate with MBDC.”

Nearly 13,000 jobs have been created in Massachusetts through CAP loans, and 16,644 jobs have been retained. More than $100 million in state payroll taxes have been repaid to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and more than $26 in private sector funding has been leveraged for every $1 of state funding.

The Massachusetts Small Business Capital Access Program was created by the Massachusetts Business Development Corporation in 1993 and, since its creation, has granted 4,585 loans to community-based, small businesses.  It stands as one of the most successful economic development tools in the entire state and has been used in every one of the 351 cities and towns throughout Massachusetts.