SEND:

• RABIES CERTIFICATE,
• NEUTERING/SPAYING SERTIFICATE,
• CHECK PAYABLE TO “TOWN OF OXFORD”
• FEES: MALE/FEMALE $10,00
• NEUTERED/SPAYED $6.00
• A SELF ADDRESSED, STAMPED ENVELOPE. (PLEASE USE ONE STAMP PER LICENSE THAT YOU WILL RECEIVE.)

NEUTERING/SPAYING CERTIFICAT MUST BE PROVIDED IN ORDER TO RECEIVE THE LOWER RATE

A $10.00 LATE CHARGE IS EFFECTIVE MARCH 1 FOR CATS

A $10.00 LATE CHARGE IS EFFECTIVE MAY 1 FOR DOGS

MAIL TO:

OFFICE OF THE TOWN CLERK

325 MAIN STREET

OXFORD, MA 01540

(ALL DOCUMENTS WILL BE RETURNED TO YOU.)

CLOSED

Monday February 20^th

In observance of

Presidents Day

History :

Presidents' Day is intended (for some) to honor all the American presidents, but most significantly George Washington and Abraham Lincoln. According to the Gregorian or "New Style" calendar that is most commonly used today, George Washington was born on February 22, 1732. But according to the Julian or "Old Style" calendar that was used in England until 1752, his birth date was February 11th. Back in the 1790s, Americans were split - some celebrated his birthday on February 11th and some on February 22nd.

When Abraham Lincoln became president and helped reshape our country, it was believed he, too, should have a special day of recognition. Tricky thing was that Lincoln’s birthday fell on February 12th. Prior to 1968, having two presidential birthdays so close together didn't seem to bother anyone. February 22nd was observed as a federal public holiday to honor the birthday of George Washington and February 12th was observed as a public holiday to honor Abraham

In 1968, things changed when the 90th Congress was determined to create a uniform system of federal Monday holidays. They voted to shift three existing holidays (including Washington's Birthday) to Mondays. The law took effect in 1971, and as a result, Washington's Birthday holiday was changed to the third Monday in February. But not all Americans were happy with the new law. There was some concern that Washington's identity would be lost since the third Monday in February would never fall on his actual birthday. There was also an attempt to rename the public holiday "Presidents' Day", but the idea didn't go anywhere since some believed not all presidents deserved a special recognition.

Even though Congress had created a uniform federal holiday law, there was not a uniform holiday title agreement among the individual states. Some states, like California, Idaho, Tennessee and Texas chose not to retain the federal holiday title and renamed their state holiday "President's Day." From that point forward, the term “Presidents' Day” became a marketing phenomenon, as advertisers sought to capitalize on the opportunity for three-day or week-long sales.

In 1999, bills were introduced in both the U.S. House (HR-1363) and Senate (S-978) to specify that the legal public holiday once referred to as Washington's Birthday be "officially" called by that name once again. Both bills died in committees.

Bottle & Can Drive

Saturday February 11, 2012

9:00 – 12:00

At the Town Common

We have just learned that the U.S. DOT rule regarding the use of hand-held mobile phones in commercial motor vehicles which took effect yesterday will be enforced in Massachusetts. We learned from the State Police Truck Team that enforcement will be by the Truck Team and any state or local police officer certified for commercial motor vehicle enforcement by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). (See the December 2011 edition of Registry News.)

Massachusetts Regulation 540 CMR 14.00 establishes "rules and regulations governing the use and operation of certain motor vehicles, trailers and commercial motor vehicles, and motor carrier safety and the transportation of hazardous materials by motor carriers in both intrastate and interstate commerce upon the public ways of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts."

The regulation goes on to define "commercial motor vehicle" as follows:

14.02: Scope and Applicability

(1) 540 CMR 14.00 applies to:

(a) motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles and persons who drive commercial motor vehicles as, for, or on behalf of motor carriers, upon the ways of the Commonwealth.

(b) all motor carriers and shippers transporting hazardous materials, under the Hazardous Materials Regulations of the United States Department of Transportation, Parts 171 through 179 of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, by motor vehicles upon the ways of the Commonwealth.

(c) common and contract carriers by motor vehicle, and private carriers of property and passengers by motor vehicle.

(2) (a) As used in 540 CMR 14.00, "commercial motor vehicle" shall mean:

1. a motor vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more used for the transportation of property, or

2. a motor vehicle designed to transport more than 15 passengers, including the driver, or

3. a motor vehicle used in the transportation of hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding under the Federal Hazardous Materials Transportation Act (49 U.S.C. App.1801-1813).

(b) It is the intent that the term "commercial motor vehicle" as used in 540 CMR 14.00 shall have the same meaning as in Part 390.5 of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations, as it may be amended, and to the extent there is a conflict between the two at any time, the definition in 49 CFR Part 390.5 shall control.

The regulation goes on to explain MA DOT’s adoption of federal regulations as state regulations:

14.03: Adoption and Incorporation of Federal Regulations as State Regulations Subject only to the specific exceptions and limitations expressly stated in 540 CMR 14.00, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Parts 382, 390 through 397 of Title 49, Subchapter B of Chapter III, Code of Federal Regulations, and the highway related portions of the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations, Parts 171 through 179 of Title 49, Subchapter C of Chapter L Code of Federal Regulations, as they may be amended, are incorporated by reference as the regulations of the Registry of Motor Vehicles governing motor carrier safety and the transportation of hazardous materials upon the ways of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in both intrast ate and interstate commerce.

As we indicated in last month’s Registry News:

Guidance:

The regulation goes on to explain MA DOT’s adoption of federal regulations as state regulations:

14.03: Adoption and Incorporation of Federal Regulations as State Regulations Subject only to the specific exceptions and limitations expressly stated in 540 CMR 14.00, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, Parts 382, 390 through 397 of Title 49, Subchapter B of Chapter III, Code of Federal Regulations, and the highway related portions of the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations, Parts 171 through 179 of Title 49, Subchapter C of Chapter L Code of Federal Regulations, as they may be amended, are incorporated by reference as the regulations of the Registry of Motor Vehicles governing motor carrier safety and the transportation of hazardous materials upon the ways of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in both intrast ate and interstate commerce. As we indicated in last month’s Registry News:

·    This rule does not prohibit a driver from using a mounted mobile phone which can be easily accessed from the driver’s seat and activated with a single button.

·    Driving means operating a commercial vehicle while on a public road, and when stopped in traffic on such a road. Driving does not include instances when the driver is safely parked. Emergency use is permitted.

·    The term mobile telephone does not include two way or Citizens Band Radio services, however the term mobile telephone does include mobile services which are provided for profit, have inter-connected service and is available to a substantial portion of the public.

Penalty: Driver is disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for 60 days with the second offense in 3 years. (120 days for each subsequent offense within 3 years) Only applies if violation occurred while driving a CMV.

Source: MAIA Bulletin 2012-1 - MA to Enforce Ban on Hand-Held Mobile Phone Use While Driving

Oxford Insurance Agency Inc. would like to wish

everyone a very happy and safe holiday season.

Our offices will be closed on Saturday December 24^th

and Monday December 26^th.

We will re-open on Tuesday December 27^th.

With diplomatic negotiations with Japan breaking down, President Franklin D. Roosevelt and his advisers knew that an imminent Japanese attack was probable, but nothing had been done to increase security at the important naval base at Pearl Harbor. It was Sunday morning, and many military personnel had been given passes to attend religious services off base. At 7:02 a.m., two radar operators spotted large groups of aircraft in flight toward the island from the north, but, with a flight of B-17s expected from the United States at the time, they were told to sound no alarm. Thus, the Japanese air assault came as a devastating surprise to the naval base.

Much of the Pacific fleet was rendered useless: Five of eight battleships, three destroyers, and seven other ships were sunk or severely damaged, and more than 200 aircraft were destroyed. A total of 2,400 Americans were killed and 1,200 were wounded, many while valiantly attempting to repulse the attack. Japan's losses were some 30 planes, five midget submarines, and fewer than 100 men. Fortunately for the United States, all three Pacific fleet carriers were out at sea on training maneuvers. These giant aircraft carriers would have their revenge against Japan six months later at the Battle of Midway, reversing the tide against the previously invincible Japanese navy in a spectacular victory.

The day after Pearl Harbor was bombed, President Roosevelt appeared before a joint session of Congress and declared, "Yesterday, December 7, 1941--a date which will live in infamy--the United States of America was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan." After a brief and forceful speech, he asked Congress to approve a resolution recognizing the state of war between the United States and Japan. The Senate voted for war against Japan by 82 to 0, and the House of Representatives approved the resolution by a vote of 388 to 1. The sole dissenter was Representative Jeannette Rankin of Montana, a devout pacifist who had also cast a dissenting vote against the U.S. entrance into World War I. Three days later, Germany and Italy declared war against the United States, and the U.S. government responded in kind.

The American contribution to the successful Allied war effort spanned four long years and cost more than 400,000 American lives.

Source: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/pearl-harbor-bombed?et_cid=3445602...

 

OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED

 

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24^TH

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25^TH

 

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26^TH

 

FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!

 

 

Happy Thanksgiving to all the South County High School Football teams and fans. Tomorrow is the greatest traditional day in high school sports, so get out to your favorite game and cheer for your team. The players have put in countless hours getting ready for this holiday game. Special thanks goes out to all the great coaches and the programs they administer to throughout the entire year. I want to wish everybody Good Luck who sent in their pick’s to beat yours truly. Here is how I see the contest pick’s for tomorrow.

Peter’s 2011 Thanksgiving Contest Pick’s

1.     BARTLETT(7-3) over SOUTHBRIDGE(6-4)

2.     SHEPHERD HILL(7-3) over TANTASQUA(3-7)

3.     AUBURN(9-1) over OXFORD(3-7)

4.     LEICESTER(7-3) over DAVID PROUTY(5-5)

5.     LEOMINSTER(7-3) over FITCHBURG(6-4)

6.     GRAFTON(7-3) over MILLBURY(3-7)

7.     HOLY NAME(6-4) over WACHUSETT(5-5)

8.     ST.JOHN’S(5-5) over ST.PETER’S(7-3)

9.     NORTHBRIDGE(5-5) over UXBRIDGE(2-8)

10. GARDNER(10-0) over OAKMONT(7-3)

Peter’s record this season 47-15

THE OXFORD INSURANCE /WGFP 940 AM THANKSGIVING DAY GAME HAS THE HOMETOWN BARTLETT INDIANS TRAVELING TO SOUTHBRIDGE FOR A 10:15 KICKOFF.PLEASE JOIN MATT MORWAY AND PETE GEANIS FOR ALL THE HOLIDAY ACTION.JOIN MATT AND PETE IN THE SPECIAL OXFORD INSURANCE THANKSGIVING PRE GAME SHOW AT 9:45 AM.  

Thanksgiving Day thoughts…The weather looks god for Thanksgiving Day after some wet weather today…Field conditions at this time of year are going to be sloppy, but not bad, after a day of rain… Bay Path is in the Division 6 playoffs… They finished their fantastic regular season with a 9-2 record and shared the Colonial League title with Assabet and Valley Tech…Bay Path, Assabet and Valley Tech all had 5-1 league records…It looks like Bay Path will be facing Valley Tech in the playoffs…Happy Thanksgiving to Bay Path coach Al Dhembe who traditionally supports his alma mater Tantasqua on turkey day…Could be a Dudley sighting for Coach Al tomorrow… Kudo’s to Joan and Coach Mike Vendetti on another Thanksgiving Day…Coach Mike, we need you back up on Dudley Hill…Our Bison’s didn’t win a game this past season…Three local teams are headed for the football playoffs next week…Bartlett will face Leicester in Division 5…Shepherd Hill will  draw either Gardner or Nashoba… Bay Path will play Valley Tech…

All three playoff games could be repeats of regular season games…Do you like the high school football playoff system?.. Six Divisions makes it look like Central Mass has over 100 high schools…Some teams are going to be rewarded with a playoff bid with a 500 record…Once again high school football fans, Happy Thanksgiving…

THANKSGIVING DAY 2011 MAIN MENU

BARTLETT(7-3) OVER SOUTHBRIDGE(6-4) AT SOUTHBRIDGE

91^st MEETING 10:15 AM KICKOFF  

Not so fast all you Indian fans and that includes me. Southbridge has survived the test of time and that means a lot. They are the most improved team in the state since losing to 3-7 Tantasqua on opening day a few months ago. However, Bartlett’s DJ Kirby –Thomas has put  the entire town of Webster on his back this season. The kid walks the walk and has spurred his teammates over the past month. Kirby-Thomas has used the  phrase of “taking names” as a motivating tool for the upstart  hometown Indians and Bartlett has taken seven names thus far as in seven victories. The most important name to the townspeople of Webster is always SOUTHBRIDGE. Bartlett’s Rocco DiStefano has shared the glory with  Kirby-Thomas in the same backfield this season thanks to the most underrated offensive line in these parts. Remember this, one doesn’t work without the other and that has spelled success for the playoff bound Indians this year.

SHEPHERD HILL (7-3) over TANTASQUA (3-7) AT SHEPHERD HILL 38^TH MEETING 10:15 AM KICKOFF

The 7-3 playoff bound Rams host their rival Tantasqua in Dudley tomorrow in what will be a dress rehearsal for the playoffs. Shepherd Hill has had a great year and can use tomorrow’s game as a way to sharpen their tools for their playoff game against either unbeaten Nashoba or Gardner next week. Staying injury free is the key for Shepherd Hill tomorrow morning. They should take advantage of the rare opportunity to get better and not “just go through the motions”. I am looking for Shepherd Hill to make an early statement and execute like all good teams do at this time of year.

AUBURN (9-1) over OXFORD (3-7) AT AUBURN 41^ST MEETING 10:15 AM KICKOFF

Oxford travels to Drury Square to play the Division 3 champions tomorrow morning. Oxford has played the toughest second half of the season schedule once again. The scheduler’s have to relieve Oxford in 2012.Oxford has good kids and a knowledgeable staff. The schedule spells disaster.   

BARTLETT(6-3) over WORCESTER SOUTH(1-7) AT BHS FRIDAY 7PM

The Indians(6-3) are taking names.  David Prouty was best one yet.  Beating Mr. Prouty accomplished a lot of things for these upstart Indians.  The backfield of DJ Kirby-Thomas(Butch Cassidy) and Rocco DiStefano(the Sundance Kid) have combined for over 2,000 rushing yards already this season.  This makes them the only tandem backfield in these parts to achieve this unbelievable rushing mark. Will the Indian offensive line please take a bow? Without you no names, this would have never happened. Winning is like poison ivy.  It spreads fast and Indian Akeem Belnavis has got the winning itch.  The Indians are right where they want to be as they head into the last home game of the season on Friday night. By the way, keep taking names. Now trending for Bartlett is their offensive line.

SHEPHERD HILL(6-3) over DOHERTY(3-6) AT SHRHS FRIDAY 7PM

The Rams continue their quest for the Division 2 playoffs when they host Doherty. Just giving the Rams a reminder that Doherty beat them last year in the city.  This is a very important Division 2 match up that Shepherd Hill needs to win and then prepare for their Thanksgiving Day rival Tantasqua. Eight wins is enough to get the Rams into the playoffs for the second straight year.  That is a solid accomplishment and the Auburn victory earlier on this year was the pivotal game that gave Shepherd Hill the reputation as being a top team in Central mass. I like the Rams coming down the stretch. Now is the time to knock the rust off certain parts of the playbook that haven’t been used since August. You might need those playbook parts when you play Nashoba or Gardner in the playoffs.  Now trending for Shepherd Hill is the Tony Vegnone Thanksgiving award.        

BAY PATH(8-1) over ASSABET(8-1) AT ASSABET FRIDAY 7PM

Bay Path overwhelmed a real good Valley Tech (7-2) team last Saturday 34-6 on Mugget Hill. Coach Al Dhembe’s team can win the Colonial League this Friday night on the road when they visit a dangerous Assabet team that has been very successful over the last decade.  It’s that time of year where the Bay Path playbook goes with the weather.  The passing game becomes selective and the running game is meant to wind down the clock.  Please don’t forget  that defense wins championships and that is exactly how the game on  Friday night will go between these two teams. Bay Path looks like a playoff team, but their number one goal on the 4^th of July was the league championship. That’s the way it is up there on Mugget Hill.  They are not confused with priorities.  The league trophy always gets you into the playoffs.  It’s  always the safest way. Now trending for Bay Path is Anthony Baez who returned an interception for 100 yards for a touchdown against Valley Tech on Saturday. 

AUBURN(8-1) over WESTBORO(1-8) AT WHS SATURDAY 1PM

Auburn continues their run at being Division 3 champs.  The Rockets are the best Division 3 team in the state.  The competition that far down in Divisions doesn’t do Auburn any justice, especially when you take that streak of 41 straight games away from them. The streak was who Auburn really was.  They knew the enrollment issue was going to put them in Division 3.But that’s OK as long as they had the streak. It must be boring down there on Drury Square without the streak.  It’s on to Westboro this week on Saturday afternoon.  Come on, is the paint dry yet? Now trending for Auburn is Dan Flink who has scored 11 touchdowns the last two games.

AYER(4-5) over SOUTHBRIDGE(5-4)  AT AHS FRIDAY 7PM

The Red and White are hanging in there enough to whisper upset on Turkey Day in our ear. I am more concerned with this Spectown group than I was last month. The holiday game won’t be a cakewalk for the Indians nor should it ever be easy on Thanksgiving.  Lately I have been getting up in the middle of the night to sound of the “little giant”.  I even had a dream of Mingo going into the PAV in that red long coat he wore every time he came to Webster.  I ‘m telling you, it’s getting crazy.  Please tell DJ Kirby-Thomas to take the name of Mingo while he is at it.  We need that name added to the list.  Now trending for Southbridge is the Sabatinelli Thanksgiving Day award.

NIPMUC(6-3) over TANTASQUA(3-5) AT NRHS THURSDAY 6PM

The Warriors of Tantasqua will play the next three Thursdays in a different way to end the season. Because of the storm last week, the Grafton game will be played on the Thursday before Thanksgiving.  Tomorrow’s Nipmuc game was already scheduled for a Thursday night game in Mendon at 6 pm. Night games in November are not good for the passing game.  Trending now for Tantasqua is National Grid.  They need power.  What a mess. 

LEICESTER(6-3) over OXFORD(3-6) AT OHS MONDAY 7PM

The Pirates play the toughest last five games in Central Mass.  The football committee of the MIAA needs to look at scheduling in the off season.  Oxford’s last five games are Grafton, Northbridge, Shepherd Hill, Leicester, and Auburn.  Those are tough games when all five programs are having good seasons. Oxford should be playing Bartlett year in and year out as well as Southbridge and Millbury.  Teams have got to have a chance to compete, especially when the numbers are thin and injuries always happen.  Trending now for Oxford is Tyler Barrie.  Word has it that Barrie is a class act.

Last week: 5-0

Overall: 40-13

Top seven in the South County:

1. Shepherd Hill 6-3
2. Auburn 8-1
3. Bay Path 8-1
4. Bartlett 6-3
5. Southbridge 5-4
6. Oxford 3-6
7. Tantasqua 3-5