Oxford Hosts School Garden Dedication

Submitted by the Office Of The First Selectman

OXFORD - On Wednesday the Town of Oxford and the Oxford Public Schools hosted the School Garden Dedication. The dedication was held behind the Great Oak Middle School. One hundred and fifty students (150) and their teachers were in attendance. The School Garden was made possible through a grant from the Department of Agriculture’s Farm Viability Grant Program.

George R. Temple, Oxford’s First Selectman addressed the students and let them know that the School Garden was one of the first things he had envisioned for Oxford’s children when he first took office. He said that the School Garden represents the opportunity for the students to experience the outdoors through gardening.

He reminded the students that Oxford is known for its farms and its agricultural traditions. He expected the students to have a wonderful harvest this time next year. Ana Ortiz, School Superintendent and Anthony Hibbert, Great Oak Principal also addressed the students.

During the ceremony, awards were given to five volunteers whose contribution was far and above the norm. They were Kenneth Tate, Mary LoPresti, Ed Belinsky, Ed and Alexis Gazy and Bob Owsiany. Bob Owsiany is the Chairman of the Oxford Agricultural Advisory Board and the leader that spearheaded the School Garden Project, which was done with the help of a grant secured by Kathleen O’Neil, town grant writer.

It is with great anticipation that the Town of Oxford and the Oxford Public Schools look forward to an academic year that will be filled with outdoor classroom activities and the vegetables, fruits and flowers, they will produce.

Image via Oxford First Selectman's office