Rotary, Lions, Promote Oxford Now (PON), Masons, the American Legion are vital groups that support and add value to the local communities. Boname Park is a in the process of seeking grants to add an adaptive playground, construct permanent restroom facilities, upgrade the pavilion, and develop walking trails. The Rotary would like to collaborate with the village and other service organizations to help achieve these projects. (Photo from the Oxford Rotary)

OXFORD - Summer is presently upon us and that means that children are out of school, and camps and pools are open.

For the past few years, the Rotary and other community groups have helped repair and improve the facilities available at the Oxford Town Pool.

In 2023 and 2024, Rotary received District grants to help with costs associated with replacing old broken and rotting tables located at the pool pavilion and around the area.  Rotary also bought games and pool- friendly items for families to use while at the pool.  This past year, Rotary continued its support by contributing $4,500 to help pool officials complete the more than $10,000 restoration of the pool pavilion which included restoring support posts and replacing old pavement.

Rotary, Lions, Promote Oxford Now (PON), Masons, the American Legion, etc... are vital groups that support and add value to the local communities. They are vital to help contribute to the quality of life that we often take for granted and in many cases, we are not aware of what all these organizations do for our communities.

Boname Park is another focus of the efforts of all our community organizations. 

It was built and supported by the Lions Club for decades and they helped in improving and updating the playground. Over the years, Oxford Rotary contributed to this as well. Now, the village is seeking grants to add an adaptive playground, construct permanent restroom facilities, upgrade the pavilion, and develop walking trails. Rotary would like to collaborate with the village and other service organizations to help achieve these projects.

Rotary continues to support other community activities including:

· Donations to the Oxford High School’s Hall of Distinction that honors and recognizes   Oxford Alumni and their contributions to their community and society.

· Co-Sponsoring with Oxford Academy & Central School for the annual Clyde Cole Wrestling Tournament that benefits the Oxford wrestlers as well as the local community and wrestlers and schools throughout the Southern Tier and beyond.

· Conducting the Easter Egg hunt held at the Oxford Academy High School and Primary School.  Parents from Greene, Smithville Flats, McDonough, Preston, Pharsalia, Tyner, and Norwich bring their children and grandchildren to this wonderful free event.  Children go home with loads of Easter candy and prizes.

· Providing a four year scholarship to two deserving high school graduating seniors that goes toward their college expenses.

· Contributing, along with other organizations, to providing the local flowers downtown.

· Donating to the library and to the schools for educational supplies when needed and achievement awards for our elementary, middle, and high school students.

· Contributing to food baskets and gifts purchased and delivered to families during the holidays.

Rotary is only one cog in the wheel of community service. Absent the time, money, and effort provided by all the local service organizations, many of the activities and facilities available for the benefit of every citizen in our area would not exist. The loss of any of these organizations would greatly diminish the quality of life for all, especially the children of our communities.

One dilemma that each of these organizations face is a shortage of members and the aging of those who have served in these organizations for many years. Until recently, the baton could easily be passed from one generation to the next. But for the last few years, this generation of community members has not yet joined these organizations to keep the programs alive and thriving.  Service organization activities benefit all, and make a big difference in our world.

Please consider joining a local service organization and make the time sacrifice to benefit your life and the lives of our community members.  

Please consider the Rotary Motto, “Service above Self”. Consider helping us and other community organizations to remain strong for many years to come. You can find information about any of our organizations on the internet and learn who to contact to get involved.

We close with the Rotary Motto, “Service Above Self”.

- From Terry Stark and Kathleen McBride Anderson, Oxford Rotary