It’s Prom Season . . . The dresses have been bought and the tuxes have been rented.  The perfect night has been planned with friends. 

Even though Prom Night is exciting, everyone still needs to be reminded of the following safety tips  . .

Safety Tips For Parents

• Know and discuss the School code of conduct before the prom with your child.

• Does the school code of conduct extend to off-site functions that have been approved by the school?

• Know who your child is attending the prom with and discuss the events for pre and post prom parties with other parents.

• Discuss the dangers of drinking and driving.

• Talk with your child about the dangers of club drugs, warning signs and who to notify for assistance.

• Pre-plan and role-play answers that your child can use to get out of uncomfortable situations. (e.g., offered alcohol, getting a ride from an intoxicated driver, unwanted sexual advances, etc.)

• Discuss guidelines and a curfew. Discuss the consequences of violating these rules.

• Discuss travel plans, use a reputable limousine service that will not allow a person to bring, serve or introduce alcohol into the vehicle.

• Know who is driving to the prom and who will a passenger. Limit the number of passengers to increase safety and reduce driver distractions.

• Know the location of post prom parties and who is sponsoring them.

• Talk to your teenager about the serious dangers and consequences of underage drinking and driving.

• If your child’s’ plans change, confirm the change with the parents of other children.

• Remind your child that you are there for them, if they need a ride home or to an after prom affair

Safety Tips for Teens

• Alcohol is illegal for persons under the age of twenty-one underage drinking is illegal and can result in arrest, injury, or worse!

• Don’t let friends’ drink and drive

• Plan ahead—make sure you have a safe plan for prom night.

• Discuss your plans with your friends, remind each other about responsible decision-making and confronting peer pressure

• Do not accept any drinks from someone you do not know. If you leave your drink, discard it and get a new one

• Do not leave your possessions unattended

• Learn the warning signs for alcohol poisoning and drug intoxication, contact 911 for assistance and immediate treatment

• Take extra money or have a responsible person available for transportation for a safe ride home or in case an emergency arises

• Remember to charge you cell phone and have it with you

• Know where you are and where you are going, keep your parents and friends informed

• Trust your instincts, if you feel endangered or uncomfortable, leave immediately.

• Intoxication by alcohol or drugs can lead to poor judgment and dangerous situations.

• Remember to contact your parents if your plans change

• Practice and discuss answers you can use to get out of uncomfortable situations

• Do not allow anyone in your car or limo that has drugs or weapons. It is dangerous and every one in the car is at risk of getting arrested

• It is illegal to alter your drivers’ license or any other form of government identification.

Source: http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/agencies/oca/Docs/PDF/PromNightSafetyTips.pdf

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According to a study done by the AAA Foundations for Traffic Safety, 41 percent of drivers admitted they had “fallen asleep” while driving at least once. 11% said they had done so in the past year, and 4% said they had done so in the past month. Staggering statistics, but how can it be as bad as drunk driving?

It makes sense when you think about it logically:

• A drunk driver may react to an upcoming accident by removing their foot from the wheel.
• A driver who is asleep doesn’t even know the accident is happening, so typically cannot react at all.
• A participant in a study who had been awake for 20 hours exhibited similar behaviors to someone with a 0.05 blood alcohol level, and demonstrated response speeds that were up to 50% lower than well-rested participants.

So, what do you do if you are feeling like you are heading to drowsy driving town? U.S. News offers some tips to be a safe and alert driver:

1. Have a designated driver when you’re sleep deprived.
2. Use public transportation when you can.
3. Take medication labels seriously.
4. Watch out for warning sign of drowsiness, (difficulty keeping your eyes open, the inability to keep your head up, daydreaming or tailgating).
5. Pull off the road.  Your destination can’t be as important as being safe.

It’s better to be safe than sorry.  

If you are in the market for auto insurance, contact us at #1-800-351-5130.

Source: http://blog.foremost.com/drunk-driving-without-actually-drinking-welcome-to-d...

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SUNDAY APRIL 22, 2012

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Patriot's Day (or Patriots' Day) commemorates the battles of Lexington and Concord, which were fought near Boston in 1775. Patriot's Day is annually held on the third Monday of April. It should not be confused with Patriot Day, held on September 11 to mark the anniversary of terrorist attacks in the USA in 2001.  

What do people do?

For some people in the states of Massachusetts and Maine, the third Monday of April is a welcome day off work or school. In the area around Lexington and Concord, re-enactments of the battles in 1775 and the events leading up to them are held. A particular highlight is the opportunity to ring the bell that warned the local troops that British soldiers were approaching. Lectures, concerts and road races are also organized.

In the state of Wisconsin, April 19 is a special observance day for schools. On this date, schools are required to educate students about the events and people centered on Patriots' Day. It is recommended that the observances are held on the actual date, although they are generally moved to Friday, April 18, if April 19 is a Saturday and to Monday, April 20, if April 19 falls on a Sunday.

Public life

Patriots' Day is a state holiday in Massachusetts and Maine, where state, county, and municipal offices are closed. However, Patriots' Day is not a federal public holiday and federal offices are open. Many schools are closed for the spring break. Stores and other businesses and organizations may be open or closed according to local custom. Most public transit services run to reduced schedules, but may not operate in rural areas. There may be some local disruption to traffic around the re-enactments and sports events, particularly in Boston.

If Patriots' Day and Tax Day fall on the same date, the deadline for filing an income tax return is extended for the residents of some states. Patriots' Day is not a public holiday in other parts of the United States.

Background

Prior to 1775, the area that is now the eastern part of the United States mainly consisted of British colonies controlled by the United Kingdom. The American Revolutionary War, also known as the American War of Independence, was a major step in the independence of the United States. The first battles in this war were fought in the areas of Lexington and Concord, near Boston, Massachusetts, on April 19, 1775. For this reason, the third Monday in April is symbolic for the emerging independence of the new country.

An act to amend the Tennessee code regarding Patriot’s Day took effect in 2008. The state’s code now officially includes the holiday and mentions that its governor proclaims April 19 of each year as Patriot’s Day. This day is still not a public holiday in Tennessee. Patriots' Day is also known as Patriot's Day and Patriots Day. However, it should not be confused with Patriot Day, held on September 11 to mark the anniversary of terrorist attacks in the United States on that date in 2001.

Source: http://www.timeanddate.com/holidays/us/patriots-day

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The sunshine has forced some people to take their Motorcycles and Boats out of storage early.

There’s a few things you need to double check BEFORE you start to play with your toys:

            * Verify that your registration is active

            * Verify that your insurance policy is active

            * Verify the coverages and limits on your insurance policy

            * Do a safety check of the motorcycle or boat before you take it out

Please contact our office to go over your current coverages or to obtain a quote.

We’re ALWAYS happy to help you!

Oxford Insurance Agency : www.oxfordinsurance.com or  1-800-351-5130 .

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Dates:       April 28, 2012 - Saturday - Oxford Center - NORTH

                  May 5, 2012 - Saturday - Oxford Center - SOUTH

Time:        8:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Location:  Oxford Transfer Station,  200 Leicester Street, North Oxford MA

Phone Number:  # 1-508-892-1219

** You MUST have proof of Residency **

See the attached link for a list of the acceptable / unacceptable materials.

http://www.town.oxford.ma.us/Pages/OxfordMA_News/01879654-000F8513

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Excel Creative Copperworks specializes in copper work including Chimney Caps, Gutters, Bay Windows, and More.

Excel designs, fabricates and installs all of their work. 

They were recently at the Home Show at the Worcester DCU Center.

For a FREE ESTIMATE call Mike at 508-341-5300 or e-mail him at excelcopper@yahoo.com

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The day is generally characterised by the attendance of church services, wearing of green attire and the lifting of Lenten restrictions on eating, and drinking alcohol, which is often proscribed during the rest of the season.

Saint Patrick's Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Newfoundland and Labrador and in Montserrat. It is also widely celebrated by the Irish diaspora, especially in places such as Great Britain, Canada, the United States, Argentina, Australia, and New Zealand, among others. Today, St. Patrick's Day is probably the most widely celebrated saint's day in the world.

Saint Patrick

Main article: Saint Patrick

Little is known of Patrick's early life, though it is known that he was born in Roman Britain in the fourth century, into a wealthy Romano-British family. His father and grandfather were deacons in the Christian church in Ireland. At the age of sixteen, he was kidnapped by Irish raiders and taken captive to Ireland as a slave. It is believed he was held somewhere on the west coast of Ireland, possibly Mayo, but the exact location is unknown. According to his Confession, he was told by God in a dream to flee from captivity to the coast, where he would board a ship and return to Britain. Upon returning, he quickly joined the Church in Auxerre in Gaul and studied to be a priest.^{[citation needed]}

In 432, he again said that he was called back to Ireland, though as a bishop, to Christianise the Irish from their native polytheism. Irish folklore tells that one of his teaching methods included using the shamrock to explain the Christian doctrine of the Trinity to the Irish people. After nearly thirty years of evangelism, he died on 17 March 461, and according to tradition, was buried at Downpatrick. Although there were other more successful missions to Ireland from Rome, Patrick endured as the principal champion of Irish Christianity and is held in esteem in the Irish church.

Wearing of the green

Originally, the colour associated with Saint Patrick was blue. Over the years the colour green and its association with Saint Patrick's day grew. Green ribbons and shamrocks were worn in celebration of St Patrick's Day as early as the 17th century. Saint Patrick is said to have used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pagan Irish, and the wearing and display of shamrocks and shamrock-inspired designs have become a ubiquitous feature of the day. In the 1798 rebellion, to make a political statement, Irish soldiers wore full green uniforms on 17 March in hopes of catching public attention. The phrase "the wearing of the green", meaning to wear a shamrock on one's clothing, derives from a song of the same name.

In Ireland

According to legend, Saint Patrick used the shamrock, a three-leaved plant, to explain the Holy Trinity to the pre-Christian Irish people.

Saint Patrick's feast day, as a kind of national day, was already being celebrated by the Irish in Europe in the ninth and tenth centuries. In later times he became more and more widely known as the patron of Ireland. Saint Patrick's feast day was finally placed on the universal liturgical calendar in the Catholic Church due to the influence of Waterford-born Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding in the early 1600s. Saint Patrick's Day thus became a holy day of obligation for Roman Catholics in Ireland. The church calendar avoids the observance of saints' feasts during certain solemnities, moving the saint's day to a time outside those periods. Saint Patrick's Day is occasionally affected by this requirement, when 17 March falls during Holy Week. This happened in 1940, when Saint Patrick's Day was observed on 3 April in order to avoid it coinciding with Palm Sunday, and again in 2008, where it was officially observed on 14 March (15 March being used for St. Joseph, which had to be moved from 19 March), although the secular celebration still took place on 17 March. Saint Patrick's Day will not fall within Holy Week again until 2160. (In other countries, St. Patrick's feast day is also 17 March, but liturgical celebration is omitted when impeded by Sunday or by Holy Week.)

In 1903, Saint Patrick's Day became an official public holiday in Ireland. This was thanks to the Bank Holiday (Ireland) Act 1903, an act of the United Kingdom Parliament introduced by Irish Member of Parliament James O'Mara. O'Mara later introduced the law that required that pubs and bars be closed on 17 March after drinking got out of hand, a provision that was repealed in the 1970s. The first Saint Patrick's Day parade held in the Irish Free State was held in Dublin in 1931 and was reviewed by the then Minister of Defence Desmond Fitzgerald. Although secular celebrations now exist, the holiday remains a religious observance in Ireland, for both the Roman Catholic Church and the Church of Ireland.

In the mid-1990s the government of the Republic of Ireland began a campaign to use Saint Patrick's Day to showcase Ireland and its culture. The government set up a group called St Patrick's Festival, with the aim to:

• Offer a national festival that ranks amongst all of the greatest celebrations in the world and promote excitement throughout Ireland via innovation, creativity, grassroots involvement, and marketing activity.
• Provide the opportunity and motivation for people of Irish descent, (and those who sometimes wish they were Irish) to attend and join in the imaginative and expressive celebrations.
• Project, internationally, an accurate image of Ireland as a creative, professional and sophisticated country with wide appeal, as we approach the new millennium.

The first Saint Patrick's Festival was held on 17 March 1996. In 1997, it became a three-day event, and by 2000 it visitors, who took part in festivities that included concerts, outdoor theatre performances, and fireworks. Skyfest forms the centrepiece of the festival.was a four-day event. By 2006, the festival was five days long; more than 675,000 people attended the 2009 parade. Overall 2009's five day festival saw close to 1 million

The topic of the 2004 St. Patrick's Symposium was "Talking Irish", during which the nature of Irish identity, economic success, and the future were discussed. Since 1996, there has been a greater emphasis on celebrating and projecting a fluid and inclusive notion of "Irishness" rather than an identity based around traditional religious or ethnic allegiance. The week around Saint Patrick's Day usually involves Irish language speakers using more Irish during seachtain na Gaeilge ("Irish Week").^{[citation needed]}

As well as Dublin, many other cities, towns, and villages in Ireland hold their own parades and festivals, including Cork, Belfast, Derry, Galway, Kilkenny, Limerick, and Waterford.

The biggest celebrations outside Dublin are in Downpatrick, County Down, where Saint Patrick is rumoured to be buried. In 2004, according to Down District Council, the week-long St. Patrick's Festival had more than 2,000 participants and 82 floats, bands, and performers and was watched by more than 30,000 people.^{[citation needed]}

The shortest St Patrick's Day parade in the world takes place in Dripsey, Cork. The parade lasts just 100 yards and travels between the village's two pubs.

Christian leaders in Ireland have expressed concern about the secularisation of St Patrick's Day. In The Word magazine's March 2007 issue, Fr. Vincent Twomey wrote, "It is time to reclaim St Patrick's Day as a church festival." He questioned the need for "mindless alcohol-fuelled revelry" and concluded that "it is time to bring the piety and the fun together."

Source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Patrick's_Day

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On this day in 1904, Theodor Geisel, better known to the world as Dr. Seuss, the author and illustrator of such beloved children's books as "The Cat in the Hat" and "Green Eggs and Ham," is born in Springfield, Massachusetts. Geisel, who used his middle name (which was also his mother's maiden name) as his pen name, wrote 48 books--including some for adults--that have sold well over 200 million copies and been translated into multiple languages. Dr. Seuss books are known for their whimsical rhymes and quirky characters, which have names like the Lorax and the Sneetches and live in places like Hooterville.

The first children's book that Geisel wrote and illustrated, "And to Think That I Saw It On Mulberry Street," was rejected by over two dozen publishers before making it into print in 1937. Geisel's first bestseller, "The Cat in the Hat," was published in 1957. The story of a mischievous cat in a tall striped hat came about after his publisher asked him to produce a book using 220 new-reader vocabulary words that could serve as an entertaining alternative to the school reading primers children found boring.

Other Dr. Seuss classics include "Yertle the Turtle," "If I Ran the Circus," "Fox in Socks" and "One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish."

Some Dr. Seuss books tackled serious themes. "The Butter Battle Book" (1984) was about the arms buildup and nuclear war threat during Ronald Reagan’s presidency. "Lorax" (1971) dealt with the environment.

Many Dr. Seuss books have been adapted for television and film, including "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" and "Horton Hears a Who!" In 1990, Geisel published a book for adults titled "Oh, the Places You'll Go" that became a hugely popular graduation gift for high school and college students.

Geisel, who lived and worked in an old observatory in La Jolla, California, known as "The Tower," died September 24, 1991, at age 87.

Source: http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/dr-seuss-born?et_cid=38152894&...

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We want everyone who is going to conduct open burning to have, in hand, a numbered burning permit with a copy of the burning regulations. If you need to conduct open burning during the open burning season, then all you need to do is Contact Oxford Fire @ (508) 987-6012, before noon on the day you wish to burn and provide your previously obtained permit number. You will then be notified as to whether or not the State will allow open burning that day.  If allowed, you will be able to utilize the permit. A permit is good for only three (3) burns per season. The burn needs to be started by noon.

The Fire Department is the sole authority in granting these permits.  As per the following burning regulations, burning hours are between 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.  Anyone wishing to request a permit should purchase the permit prior to the day which he/she intends to burn. Permits can be obtained M - F, 8:00am - 3:00pm (0800-1500) only from Fire Headquarters.

January 15 through May 1   ~   Open Burning hours are from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

PLEASE Purchase YOUR NUMBERED BURNING PERMIT AT:

Oxford Fire Headquarters 181 Main St, Oxford

Monday – Thursday  8:00am - 3:00pm (0800-1500)

Permits are $10.00    ~    You may NOT use last year's permit.

Requirements & Responsibilities in Massachusetts

(http://www.mass.gov/dem/programs/firecont/a19sec.htm)

Open burning-- the burning of any material out-of-doors-- releases large amounts of carbon monoxide and other gaseous and solid substances directly into the atmosphere.  Open burning causes air pollution and aggravates respiratory problems.  Under poor atmospheric conditions, open burning creates a smoke and odor nuisance, as well as a health threat to area residents, especially in densely populated areas.  For these reasons, open burning is restricted in Massachusetts.

You must obtain a PERMIT for open burning from your local fire department or fire warden.

Burning (with a permit) of the following materials is allowed from January 15 through May 1

Brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry  debris from other than commercial or industrial land clearing operations

The following is a list of prohibited burn materials:

You  cannot burn leaves, pine needles, Christmas trees, building debris, pallets,  grass, hay, stumps, tires or logs larger than 4" in diameter.  You  can burn branches, twigs, small tree sections.  Permits are not  issued for commercial land clearing.

The following conditions MUST be met:

Burning must be at least 75 feet from  all dwellings

Burning must be carried out between 10am  and 4pm, and burning must take place on land closest to the source of the  material being burned.

Materials normally associated with the  pursuit of agriculture, such as fruit tree pruning, dead raspberry stalks,  blueberry patches for pruning purposes, infected beehives for disease  control, trees and brush resulting from agricultural land clearing, and  fungus-infected Elmwood if no other means of disposal is available.   Disease-free brush is not an acceptable starting aid.

Suggested Guidelines for Conducting Open Burning

Starting the Fire:  Before placing materials to be burned in an area, remove all grass.  Before burning brush, dry by cutting in advance or covering.  Start the fire using either small amounts of kindling, or a pressurized burner which uses diesel fuel. NO GASOLINE

While Burning:  Someone must attend the fire until completely extinguished.  Have available a water supply such as a pressurized water pump can or hose, and shovels or rakes for controlling the fire.

Extinguishing the Fire:  Burn the fire down to coals with snow, water, sand or soil.

All open burning must be conducted during periods of good atmospheric ventilation "without causing a nuisance"--as determined by DEP.

No open burning permits may be issued for the burning of brush, cane, driftwood, and forestry debris in the following communities:

Arlington

Lowell

Belmont

Malden

Boston

Medford

Brookline

New Bedford

Cambridge

Newton

Chelsea

Somerville

Chicopee

Springfield

Everett

Waltham

Fall River

Watertown

Holyoke

West Springfield

Lawrence

Worcester

Permits are also required for the following activities:

Training or research in fire protection  or prevention with specific approval by the Department of Environmental  Protection (DEP).

Burning of Christmas trees from December  26 to January 7 of each year.

One ceremonial bonfire each year to  observe a municipal, state, or national event, under the supervision of the  Fire Department.

Bonfires between July 2 and July 6,  under the supervision of the Fire Department.

Burning of the following is prohibited statewide:

Brush, trees, cane, and driftwood from  commercial and/or institutional land clearing operations.

Grass, hay, leaves, stumps and tires.

Burning at landfills or refuse disposal  facilities other than approved sites.  Stacking, placing or storing  combustible material such that the Department may presume that it will be  burned.

Remember: Open Air Burning Causes Air Pollution

Source : http://www.town.oxford.ma.us/Pages/OxfordMA_Fire/burn

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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.)

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CLOSED

Monday February 20^th

In observance of

Presidents Day

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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.

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Bottle & Can Drive

Saturday February 11, 2012

9:00 – 12:00

At the Town Common

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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

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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.

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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...

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OUR OFFICE WILL BE CLOSED

 

THURSDAY NOVEMBER 24^TH

 

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 25^TH

 

SATURDAY NOVEMBER 26^TH

 

FOR THE THANKSGIVING HOLIDAY!

 

 

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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.   

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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

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