'Dangerous' dog on way to reform; Lions granted one-day license for Oxford's annual Fall Festival.

• Author: Oleson, Ellie
• Position: Weeklies

Byline: Ellie Oleson

OXFORD -- Animal control officer Kathleen "Kelly'' Flynn informed selectmen last week that the owner of a dog officially labeled "dangerous'' by selectmen in July has met all requirements to keep the dog alive.

On July 23, selectmen told Quentin B. Brunnett of 8 Patton St. that his 100-pound, 3-year-old Labrador mix, Cooper, had to be restricted to a fenced area or muzzled and had to be trained to prevent further attacks after the dog was accused of attacking four people.

Ms. Flynn said that Mr. Brunnett put up a chain-link pen for the dog and had signed Cooper up for training at North East K-9Academy in Dudley.

Richard Dumouchel, trainer and owner of the academy, will give selectmen a written report when the training is complete, Ms. Flynn said.

Town Manager Joseph M. Zeneski said, "It sounds like the owner gets trained, too.''

Selectmen began last week's meeting with a moment of silence in memory of Grace A. Flynn, 77, former longtime president of the Friends of the Oxford Free Public Library and a former member of the Cultural Council. A bench was dedicated in her honor at the library in July. She was the first woman recipient of the Knights of Columbus Citizen of the Year award in 1981, is in the Worcester State University Hall of Fame, and is a recipient of the town's Community Service Award. She died Aug. 13.

Selectmen also granted a general entertainment license and outdoor business permit for the Lions Club Annual Fall Festival, to be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 21 at Joslin Park.

Board member Dennis E. Lamarche, who is a Lion, said, "All funds go back to the town. We look after those with sight, hearing and diabetes issues. That's what we do. It should be a fun day.''

Joseph D. Tagg, event co-chairman, said the festival will be held rain or shine and will include crafts, food, games for all ages, raffles and live entertainment.

Selectmen also voted to renew short-term borrowing to fund the purchase of the town water company from Aquarion Water Co. The matter is in court, and funding of legal fees is needed, according to Mr. Zeneski.

He said that "a little over $700,000'' has...