COMMUNITY: What’s happening in Oxford?

Have you noticed the new no parking signs on Main Street across from Canada Post?

To improve vehicle and pedestrian safety, no parking is allowed between these signs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday. No one wants a parking ticket!

on work they’ve done and public feedback, the Town of Oxford’s Police Services Review Committee expects to have a recommendation to council within the next month.

After a jam-packed schedule of holiday-related things to do in our little town, Oxford took a short breath and is right back at it, offering lots of ongoing activities in which residents and visitors can get involved. And behind the scenes a variety of special events are being planned. Here are some highlights.

The arena is open for free skating on Wednesday and Fridays (4 to 5 p.m.) and Sundays (4 to 5:30 p.m.). Those wanting to book ice time should contact Corey Skinner, Recreation and Leisure, at 902-447-2798, regarding cost and availability.

The Oxford Pioneer Heritage Club continues to provide various activities for residents ages 55 and up at their hall on Ellis Street.

While some events are specifically for club members (join for $5 annually) others are open to anyone in this age range.

Examples are bingo on the second Tuesday of the month, 1 to 2:30 p.m. at only a quarter per card, various types of card games three times a week, potluck suppers the third Wednesday of each month.

A new club executive has recently been elected including: president Carolyn Myers-Young, vice president Sharon Rogers, treasurer Ron Porter and secretary Betsy Cook. The club is a good example of how Oxford and area volunteers continue to provide opportunities for social interaction and personal enjoyment for community members.

Now, let’s talk about the Bunny Trail. Yes, from the aerial view, it’s shaped like a bunny! When accessed from Water Street (look for the Trans Canada Trail sign by Station Street), you proceed in the TC Trail toward the red bridge near the Trans Canada Hwy and then have the option to experience the Bunny Trail (on your right).

Volunteers have contributed time and money to make this new walking/snowshoeing trail enjoyable for all ages. Stop and rest on donated seating and view the River Philip, watch for blue jays in the birdfeeders and feel stress ease away with this great woods-therapy experience. You’ll come back out on the TC Trail at the red bridge.

Although June seems a long way off, many young people (and their parents) are already thinking about the prom.

Thank goodness OREC is having a Prom Dress Fashion Show and Sale on Feb. 5 offering a great opportunity to sell last year’s dress; buy one for this year at a very reasonable price; or just attend for the fun of it.

On Feb. 15, you can spread a little love around at Trinity United Church’s Valentine Tea.

Mark your calendar for Oxford’s International Women’s Day celebration on March 7. It’s great to see several young women on the organizing committee and I’m sure it’s going to be an entertaining event.

April is National Poetry Month and the six-member Oxford Poetry at Large Committee has been planning the 2020 Poetry Festival (April 25/26) since last September. This year they are excited to include an Open Mic for youth, ages 12 to 20.

Those interested in participating can see details on the Oxford Poetry at Large face book page or may contact me, at the Town Hall, (902-447-2250; email: [email protected]).

If it’s theatre that you’re interested in, be reassured: plans are already in the works for the Church Mouse Players’ April Dinner Theatre and the Cumberland Performing Arts Spring musical performances (“Aladdin Jr”).

In May, you’ll see two previous shows combined this year. The Oxford Hunting and Fishing Expo and the Wild Blueberry Show & Shine are scheduled for the Oxford Arena on May 23.

Many of the above activities and events are made possible by volunteers. The Town of Oxford is now accepting nominations for the Representative Volunteer of the Year Award. If you would like to nominate an Oxford resident for this award, please send the volunteer’s name and a list of their volunteer contributions to Corey Skinner at the Town Hall by February 18.

Ruthie Patriquin is the community economic development officer for the Town of Oxford