Red Brick News

Talawanda Grant Supports Therapy Dog Program, Funds Required Background Checks

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 17:42:08 GMT

A new grant helps Talawanda sustain its therapy dog program by covering required background checks for handlers, ensuring student support continues safely and without interruption.

Talawanda School District recently received a grant to fund background checks for therapy dog handlers, allowing the district to maintain and expand a program that supports student wellness and complies with state safety requirements.

The funding will help cover the cost of annual background checks required for individuals who regularly enter school buildings, a legal requirement tied to school safety policies. District officials say the expense had become a barrier to sustaining the therapy dog program at its current level of service.

“This is both a legal compliance issue and a reflection of the district’s commitment to safety and security,” said Holli Hansel, director of communications for Talawanda School District.

The grant will primarily support services at Talawanda Middle School and the district’s elementary schools, where therapy dogs are not consistently on-site. While some schools have therapy dogs handled by staff members, others rely on visits through a local program led by retired teacher Cindy Kettlewell, who is involved in regional animal support initiatives.

Hansel said therapy dogs play an important role in student wellness efforts, which remain a priority for the district. The animals are typically present on a daily or weekly basis and are well-known among students and staff.

Students and staff “love and value the therapy dogs,” Hansel said, noting that their presence often boosts morale and provides emotional support.

The program has been especially impactful during times of crisis, such as the loss or serious illness of a student. In those situations, therapy dogs have been brought into schools to provide comfort and help students cope.

“Our Student Services team greatly values this program,” Hansel said. “The therapy dogs are a great support measure during difficult times.”

The grant will be used immediately to ensure handlers meet district and legal requirements, allowing the therapy dog program to continue serving students without interruption.

Two New Board Members Appointed to GOCF

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 19:02:51 GMT

Greater Oxford Community Foundation Appoints Two New Board Members

OXFORD, Ohio — The Greater Oxford Community Foundation has appointed two new members to its board of trustees. Tara R. Jones and Susie Brower Sadler have each been appointed to three-year terms.

Jones, an Oxford native, is a local attorney specializing in estate planning and probate estate administration. With more than 20 years of experience, she has assisted hundreds of individuals and families in establishing their estate plans.

When she is not practicing law, Jones enjoys watching her youngest daughter play basketball for her junior high team and visiting her oldest daughter at Miami University.

Sadler, also a native of Oxford, retired from Miami University as vice president of development. She and her husband, Steve, own Oxford Storage Solutions. She is an active member of the Oxford Rotary Club.

Founded 29 years ago, the Greater Oxford Community Foundation has awarded more than $10 million in grants and scholarships throughout its 144-square-mile service area and has grown to $18 million in assets.

Nominations Open for the 2026 Teckman Educator Award

Tue, 17 Feb 2026 20:50:17 GMT

Staff Spotlight Nominations

Help Us Honor a Dedicated Educator in the Talawanda School District

OXFORD, Ohio — The Greater Oxford Community Foundation has opened nominations for the 2026 Harry and Virginia Teckman Educator Award. Nominations are due April 3, 2026.

Established in 1997 by Charles “Charlie” and Joan Teckman in honor of Charlie’s parents, Harry and Virginia Teckman, the award recognizes outstanding educators and staff members in the Talawanda School District. The award is administered through the Greater Oxford Community Foundation and supported by the Harry and Virginia Teckman Fund.

The recipient receives a $500 award and a certificate of recognition. Honorees are typically recognized publicly, including at a Talawanda School Board meeting.

The award has recognized numerous educators across the district in its nearly three-decade history. Recent recipients include Heather Davidson in 2022, Megan Sparks in 2023, Bethany Kuhl in 2024, and Cathy Mabis in 2025. Past coverage has highlighted their contributions to student learning and school culture within the district.

Community members, parents, colleagues and students are encouraged to submit nominations for Talawanda School District staff members who demonstrate excellence, leadership and dedication to students.

Nomination instructions and submission details are available through the Greater Oxford Community Foundation. Written nominations must be received by April 3, 2026 . Submissions may be sent via email to admin@oxfordfdn.org or by mail to 22 E. High St., Oxford, OH 45056.

$142,016 Granted by Greater Oxford Community Foundation for 2nd Grant Cycle of 2025-2026

Fri, 30 Jan 2026 18:45:15 GMT

The Greater Oxford Community Foundation is excited to announce the recipients of our most recent grants, totaling $142,017 . This marks the second of three grant cycles in the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

The grant recipients include :

New Roots Oxford – $10,740 for Inclusive Housing Resources
Talawanda School District – $1,100 for Therapy Dog
Talawanda High School – $12,750 for Student Healthcare Education
Talawanda Middle School – $5,000 for 8th Grade Class Trip
Hope’s Closet – $5,000 for Boutique for Foster Children
Parachute CASA – $1,500 for Be a Child’s Voice
Three Valley Conservation Trust – $93,250 for Open Spaces Support 2026
Talawanda High School – $471 for Krohn Conservatory Field Trip
National Inventors Hall of Fame – $2,955 for Camp Invention
TOPSS – $4,250 for JA Building Blocks

The next grant deadline for the Greater Oxford Community Foundation is April 15, 2026 . Grants support a wide range of sectors within the Greater Oxford Community, including education, health, civic projects, recreation, social welfare, and arts and culture. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Foundation is able to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people throughout the region.

Greater Oxford Community Foundation Grants $58,232.60 First Grant Cycle of 2025-2026

Mon, 24 Nov 2025 17:00:03 GMT

The Greater Oxford Community Foundation is excited to announce the recipients of our most recent grants, totaling $58,232.60. This marks the first of three grant cycles in the 2025-2026 fiscal year.

The grant recipients are as followed :

Talawanda Middle School & Talawanda High School – $4,000 for Project Reboot
Midpointe Library System – $8,658 for Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library
Talawanda High School – $535 for Talawanda Mock Trial
Oxford Free Press – $10,000 for sustaining the Oxford Free Press
Miami University Natural Areas – $5,300 for Bridge and Trail Improvements
Interfaith Center – $6,000 for LGBTQ+ Intergenerational Arts
Butler County MetroParks – $5,000 for Indian Creek Burial Ground
Talwanda Middle School Multiple Disabilities Classroom – $1,902.64 for Multiple Disabilities Classroom Field Trips
Habitat for Humanity – $5,000 for Clarence Place Townhome
Talawanda Middle School – $1,861.96 for 7th Grade Field Trip to Museum Center
Oxford Soccer Association – $2,500 for Field Development of Howell Park
Oxford Community Arts Center – $1,600 for Talawanda Middle School Art Club 2025-2026
Oxford Community Arts Center – $1,000 for Howl at the Moon 2025
Oxford Community Arts Center – $725 for Oxford Community Arts Center Holiday Fest 2025
Oxford Community Arts Center – $1,100 for Gritty Canvas 2025-2026
Richard and Carole Cocks Art Museum – $3,050 for Culture Crops Community Program

The next grant deadline for the Greater Oxford Community Foundation is December 15, 2025 . Grants support a wide range of sectors within the Greater Oxford Community, including education, health, civic projects, recreation, social welfare, and arts and culture. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the Foundation is able to make a meaningful impact on the lives of people throughout the region.

Oxford's Newest Dog Park

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:32:54 GMT

Oxford’s newest dog park, located near Leonard Howell Park and along the Oxford Area Trail System (OATS), is now open to the public, giving local pet owners a second off-leash space to enjoy with their dogs.

It features two fenced-in play areas — one for large dogs and one for smaller breeds — and is located at 5094 Bonham Road, next to the Black Covered Bridge and near Mill Race MetroPark. Oxford’s original dog park remains open on the north side of town at 6801 Fairfield Road, next to the Oxford Recreational Trails.

“As Oxford becomes increasingly walkable, areas like Leonard Howell are seeing more foot traffic — and a lot of those visitors bring their dogs,” said Chad Smith, director of Oxford Parks and Recreation. “This new dog park complements our existing one and better serves residents on the south side of town.”

The site was chosen based on community feedback and its proximity to amenities including the playground, picnic shelter, boardwalk managed by the Three Valley Conservation Trust, and the scenic OATS trail.

Unlike some municipal parks, both dog parks are free and open to all residents. Basic rules apply: dog owners are asked to clean up after their pets, refrain from bringing toys or chairs that could clutter the space, and promptly remove any aggressive animals.

Smith noted that the park’s low maintenance costs allowed the city to fast-track the project. Additional improvements are planned over time, with future donations supporting upgrades such as water fountains, benches, and other amenities.

“Not every city this size even has one dog park — we now have two,” he said. “And we’re already seeing people use both.”

To help maintain and improve both parks, residents can donate to the Oxford Dog Park Fund, hosted by the Greater Oxford Community Foundation. A QR code is posted on-site, and donations can also be made via the City of Oxford Parks and Recreation website.

Questions or interest in volunteering? Contact OPRD at 513-523-6314 or email OPRD@cityofoxford.org

$28,760 Awarded by Greater Oxford Community Foundation

Wed, 15 Jun 2022 18:34:42 GMT

The Board of Trustees of the Greater Oxford Community Foundation has awarded $28,760 in grant requests for the third grant cycle of the fiscal year.

These awards include:

· HOPE-full Pastures, $2,500 for Hope-full Pastures Summer Camps

· Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, $1,000 for Red Door Concert Series

· Oxford Literacy Team, $2,000 for Super Summer Readers

· Oxford Museum Association, $360 for Summer Program Materials

· Miami University Nutrition, $3,000 for Adventures with Nancy

· Big Brothers Big Sisters, $5,000 for site-based mentoring at Kramer

· Miami University, $2,500, for Miami University Natural Areas

· Camp Kasem, $5,000 for Camp Kasem at Miami University

· Kramer Elementary, $1,200 for Breakfast Club

· Myaamia Center, $6,200 for Neepwaaniiki Tour

Grants to area organizations are possible through the continued support and generosity of donors to the Oxford Community Foundation, and the Foundation’s investment earnings are returned to the community each year in the form of grants. Matching donor funds with promising projects and programs, the Oxford Community Foundation funds scholarships and grants that positively impact those living and working in Greater Oxford. The grants provide financial support in the areas of Education, Health, Recreation, Civic Projects, Social Welfare, Arts/Culture, Environment and Beautification. The body content of your post goes here.

PBS Freedom Summer Documentary– Training for Freedom

betsy@oxfordfdn.org (Betsy Hope) — Thu, 17 Feb 2022 19:07:37 GMT

Training for Freedom

Idealistic college students and Black activists came together in Oxford, OH in 1964 to find their humanity and the common ground to fight as one. This documentary weaves their stories with critical historical analysis. It explores how people form dramatically different worlds broke down barriers of race, class, and gender to organize the most comprehensive campaign of the civil rights movement. You can watch the film here: https://www.pbswesternreserve.org/local-productions/training-for-freedom/

This documentary was funded in part by the Greater Oxford Community Foundation's Diversity and Tolerance Fund in collaboration with both Miami University and PBS. The film features many scenes of Miami's campus, historical sites of the university, as well as testimonials from Miami alumni, scholars, and Freedom Summer organizers who spearheaded the Oxford Freedom Summer movement. Inspiring, eye-opening, and a testament to our town's devotion to equality, Training for Freedom is a must-see documentary.