volume 3, issue 3 fall 2014 town of oxford
TRANSCRIPT
Fall 2014 Volume 3, Issue 3
Current Business of the Oxford Commissioners:
As part of the approved 2014 - 2015 Budg-et, the Commissioners adopted the Storm-water Management and Shoreline Pro-tection Fund with the first project in the new year to be an engineering survey of the current elements that make up the Town’s stormwater system and a prioritized recom-mendation of necessary improvements. One of the recommendations from the Storm-water Task Force was to leverage funding of infrastructure studies and needs through additional grant funding. The town was suc-cessful in applying for a technical assistance grant from a new initiative between MD DNR’s CoastSmart program and NOAA, which will assist in identifying vulnerabilities from rising water and stormwater. This is a remarkable opportunity for our very small town to work with a state/federal collabora-tion providing “scientific” data as we create our own plan for meeting current and future stormwater and tidal water threats to our community.
Town of Oxford Founded 1683 Incorporated 1852
Ongoing Projects the Commissioners are working on…
Design of the upgrade to the Wastewater Treatment Plant was awarded to George Miles and Buhr. The proposed upgrade to a state of the art Enhanced Nutrient Removal biological system has an estimated cost of 8.8 million, with anticipated grant funding of 6.8, reducing the cost to the citizens of Oxford to just under 2 million. The town was able to acquire nearly 80% of the cost in grant funding, minimizing the financial impact to the citizens.
The Town was awarded grant funding to create a Play Ball Dog Park near the Community Gardens through Maryland’s DNR Community Parks and Playground funding. Construction will begin and finish this fall.
Design for engineering of a new Boat Ramp, replacing the existing ramp, at the Tilghman Street docks has begun. Design and construction cost will be offset by grant funding from the Department of Natural Resources Waterway Improvement Funds. The new ramp will be located centrally along the dock and the former ramp will be closed off and a small sitting area will be constructed to take advantage of the view.
[email protected] ~ www.oxfordmd.net
El Galeon September 25, 2014
“It was like a fantasy grand adventure looking out and seeing the ship!” - Town Resident
“I’ve never imagine something like this Oxford. Such a little and quiet town, such a friendly and generous people. “ - Spanish Sailor
Volume 3, Issue 3 Page 2
OXFORD COMMUNITY CENTER
FALL SCHEDULE
October 4, 5:30 pm, Cabaret @ OCC debuts with cocktails, dinner catered by the Robert Morris Inn, a live
auction, and entertainment by Bryan Clark performing Sinatra 2 Soul. $125 per person; proceeds benefit
programming at the Oxford Community Center.
Conversational Spanish with Jane Cross, a four session course for beginners and for those who want to brush
up on their Spanish language skills, is scheduled for Tuesday mornings in October (7, 14, 21, 28) from 10-11 am. The four session course is $80 per
person, including materials. Seating is limited; pre-registration required.
Watercolor Classes with Linda Luke return on Wednesdays in October (8, 15, 22, 29). Beginning Watercolor classes run from 10 am to noon, and
Intermediate Watercolor takes place from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. Each four-class session is $100 per person plus materials.
Gentle Yoga with Cyndi Prudhomme also returns in October on Thursday mornings from 9-10 am. Classes begin on Thursday, October 9 and run for six
weeks, ending on Thursday, November 13. Drop in rate is $15 per class.
Oxford’s 6th Annual Picket Fences Auction takes place Saturday, October 11, from 4-6 pm. 22 beautifully decorated picket fences painted by local
artists have been on display around Oxford and will be at the OCC for the auction. Small fences will be sold by silent auction and large fences by live
auction. Proceeds benefit local charities. Admission is free; light refreshments available. For more information, visit the Oxford Business Association
website at www.portofoxford.com
The Tred Avon Players present Neil Simon’s romantic comedy “Chapter 2” on October 16-19, 24-26, and November 1-2. For more information and
tickets, www.tredavonplayers.org or call 410-226-0061.
A 3-session series, “Videos, Photographs, and True Stories of Flying Blimps,” with Hunter H. Harris takes place on November 6, 13, and 20 from 10-
11:30 am. Part of Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum’s Academy for Lifelong Learning, this series requires registration at www.cbmm.org/all or 410-745-
2916.
A Model Boat Show @ OCC returns on Saturday, November 15, from 10 am to 4 pm. A free, family-friendly event features regional boat modelers
from Chestertown to Smith Island displaying and discussing their historic and contemporary works. This year’s show includes a special exhibit
showcasing the “Boatyards of Oxford” and some private collection models never before seen in public.
“That’s Entertainment! A Variety Show Spectacular” takes place on Saturday, November 22 at 8 pm and Sunday, November 23 at 2 pm and
features Broadway songs, vaudeville comedic skits, and the premiere presentation of this year’s contest winning play, “Waiting for Joanie” by Shirley
King. Sponsored by Hugh Gregory Gallagher Theatre, For All Seasons, Inc., and Mental Health Association. To purchase tickets ($12) and get more
information, visit www.motivationaltheatre.com
Mixed Level Yoga with Suzie Hurley returns on Saturday mornings from 9:30-11 am beginning on November 8 and running through December 13,
including a special “Burn the Bird” session on the Saturday following Thanksgiving. Students should bring a yoga mat, block and belt. $90 for all six
sessions; $18 per class drop-in fee.
200 Oxford Road ~ 410-226-5904 ~ [email protected] ~ oxfordcc.org ~ Facebook: Oxford Community Center, Inc.
Oxford Business Association is sponsoring the 6th Annual "Picket Fences Around Oxford"
There are 22 fences located at various businesses all around town. Maps can be obtained at local businesses; andoutdoor
boxes are located at the Ferry, Mystery LovesCompany, and the Scottish Highland Creamery. Take a walk around town and pick out
your favorites because you don’t want to miss this year's auction, which will be held on Saturday, October 11th at the Oxford
Community Center from 4 to 6 pm. There will be a special raffle this year featuring Vincent Roe’s "Pickets to Eternity," a one of a
kind "shadowbox" using a unique artistic tool. Be sure to stop by the Robert Morris Inn to view this amazing piece! Raffle tickets
will be available for $25 each or 5 for $100.
As in previous years, half of all proceeds from the auction and raffle will be donated to the charity of the artist's choice. Large
fences will be part of a live auction and small fences will be sold by a silent auction. Be sure to get there on time so you don’t miss
out on bidding for your favorite one!
The event is free and all are welcome. Light refreshments will be served! Once again, the artists have done a beautiful job making
these fences a piece of art. Can’t be at the auction? – Make sure to ask for a Bid Proxy Sheet by e‐mailing [email protected]
to request one and we will be sure to have a silent bidder there to do your bidding for you. Questions: Judy Bixler 410‐745‐9023.
TALBOT COUNTY PUBLIC NOTICE ~ OXFORD GATEWAY PARK PROJECT
Notice is hereby given that the Talbot County Council will host a community meeting on Thursday, October 2, 2014 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. regarding the Oxford Gateway Park project. The meeting will be held at the Oxford Volunteer Fire Department located at 300 Oxford Road, Oxford, Maryland 21654.
The County’s consultant for the project, Steven Torgerson, Senior Landscape Architect with A. Morton Thomas & Associates, Inc., will make a presentation showing the three proposals for the
park and will gather input from those in attendance.
The public is encouraged to attend. Any questions regarding the meeting should be directed to the County Manager’s Office at (410) 770-8010.
TALBOT COUNTY COUNCIL
Cabaret @ OCC Debuts October 4, 2014!
The Oxford Community Center announces a first-time fundraising gala on Saturday, October 4, featuring savory appetizers and an open bar, a delectable three course dinner prepared and served by The Robert Morris Inn and Executive Chef Mark Salter, an exciting live auction, dancing, and toe-tapping entertainment by Bryan Clark presenting his musical revue Sinatra 2 Soul.
Cabaret @ OCC begins at 5:30 with a cocktail reception and hors d’oeuvres. Guests will be served a salad of mixed greens with candied pecans and crumbled goat cheese, an entrée of whole roasted pork loin with sage and onion stuffing, and a dessert of apple and blackberry crumble with Chantilly cream in the intimate atmosphere of OCC’s galleries. Following dinner, singer/entertainer Bryan Clark brings his sizzling show to OCC, where his first appearance last year was lauded for weeks afterwards. A musical dynamo accompanied by a drummer and acoustical music, Bryan Clark will salute the great songs and lyrics sung by legendary performers such as Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Tony Bennett, Bobby Darin, Ray Charles, Elvis Presley, and Michael Jackson. Delighted to return to OCC, Bryan Clark commented, “I can’t wait to get to Oxford again…the audience is so appreciative and the facility is so perfect for entertaining.”
During the show’s intermission, OCC will present an extraordinary live auction, including tempting items such as Washington Redskins box seat tickets for 6, a week at a scenic New Hampshire farm cottage, a gourmet dinner prepared in your home by Executive Chef Doug Stewart of The Greens at Easton Club, a gorgeous coffee table exquisitely adapted from an 18th century William and Mary design and superbly handcrafted in cherry wood by David Urbani….and much more.
The proceeds of Cabaret @ OCC benefit expanded programming for residents and friends in Oxford, Talbot County, and the wider Mid-Shore region at the recently renovated Oxford Community Center, which has received architectural awards for historic preservation and LEEDS Gold certification for green technology and operations.
Tickets for Cabaret @ OCC are $125 per person, a portion of which is tax-deductible. Sponsorships are also available at various levels. Seating is limited for this special event, so purchase your tickets right away. Call OCC at 410-226-5904 or send a check made payable to Oxford Community Center.
This fall, Tred Avon Players supplies the amusing wit of the play writing master, Neil Simon in “Chapter Two” opening October 16 directed by Ed Langrell with assistant director, Brooke Christensen.
Romantic comedy’s connoisseur Neil Simon mixes witty repartee with heartbreak in this autobiographical tale about Simon’s marriage and divorce from Marsha Mason, who later starred in the play on Broadway.
The main characters are a writer, George, trying to get over the death of his beloved wife, and Jennie, a soap opera star having just gone through a brutal divorce. Her friend Faye and George’s brother and press agent, Leo, set them up for a blind date. Comedy, drama, and clever dialogue ensue as their pasts haunt the couples whirlwind courtship, marriage and disastrous honeymoon.
This entertaining play is jam-packed with four dynamic and intriguing characters, comedy, hilarious dialogue, and performed by the talented cast of Katie Cox, Bruce Grove, Ed Langrell, and Lynn Sanchez. The production team consists of Rob Lynch, Alison Lynch, Lisa Roth, Barbara Mann, Mary Wilson, Bill Grove, John Swann, Jesse Capps, Lawrie Jessup, Joe Tyler, and Betty & Tom Barwick.
Performances are Fridays and Saturdays, October 17, 18, 24, 25, 31, & November 1 at 8pm. Sundays October 19, 26 and November 2 at 2pm. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for students with ID. Thrifty Thursday is October 16th at 7pm with two-for-one tickets. Visit www.tredavonplayer.org or call 410-8-226-0061.
Don’t forget Caroling in the Park on Saturday, December 20th at 5:15 PM. This will be the 14th year that Oxford has gathered in Town Park to raise voices to the season and to enjoy the now-famous rendition of the Twelve Days of Christmas. Refreshments will be served afterwards in the Oxford Museum as our voices fade and the Church carillon begins to play. Bring a flashlight so you won’t miss a word on the song sheets! If the weather is stormy, the Oxford United Methodist Church has been kind enough to open their doors for singers and listeners alike. Come one, come all---we wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
SEASONAL REMINDERS from the OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT:
Water and Sewer Rates: You will see the previously adopted rate increase in your quarterly billing, with the base rate, including the State Bay Restoration Fee, starting at $218 per household, per quarter.
Leaf Pick Up begins October 8th: Please remember Wednesday Leaf Pick Up is for leaves only, they need to raked to the street on Tuesdays, covered in bad weather and NO STICKS OR BRANCHES as the leaf vacuum cannot handle them. Last pickup will be December 17th.
Community Gardens: If you had a garden this summer, please clean out your box when you are finished for the season.
Snow Removal: During snow events, please remember to keep vehicles out of the path of the snow plows. And please remember to clear your sidewalk as soon as is reasonable after a snow fall.
OXFORD PARKS & RECREATION
Kickball practice is on Sundays from 3 to 5
pm at the Ball Field through October. Adults and children are welcomed.
Pumpkin Walk - Sunday, October 26th, 2:00 p.m. (weather permitting) Starting at St. Paul’s Church on S. Morris St., walking to Town Hall. Photo opportunities and refreshments. Adults welcome to dress. No vehicles , bikes or wagons. No rain date.
Veterans Day - Tuesday, November 11th, 6:00 p.m. at St. Paul’s Church on S. Morris St. All are welcomed.
SANTA IN THE PARK
Saturday, December 6th, 6 pm at Town Park (Weather Permitting). See Santa and his Elf arrive in the fire truck.
Countdown for the tree lighting. Bring a non-perishable food item
for the Food Bank.
A Model Boat Show @ OCC Returns on
Saturday, November 15, 10am-4pm
Last fall, the Oxford Community Center proudly sponsored a successful new, free, family-friendly event—a model boat show that celebrated the workboats of the Eastern Shore, especially from a bygone era, and attracted hundreds of visitors. This year, the expanded model boat show and sale features model builders sharing their craft and history through an even more diverse selection of model boats, talks, and demonstrations. This is a rare assembly of highly talented artists! Visitors will enjoy the opportunity to talk with modelers, hear stories, ask questions, and attend lively presentations throughout the day on diverse topics such as carving models, watermen’s history, and remote controlled sailboat racing. Every model boat has a story to tell—you can learn about the history of original vessels, such as a crab scrape
bateau, bugeye, dinky skiff, bar cat, drake tail and more, as well as boat-building techniques and maritime culture.
A special exhibit, new this year, showcasing the boatyards of Oxford—Campbell’s, Cutts & Case, Brewer Yacht Yards-Oxford (Oxford Boatyard), and Hinckley—will provide a rare glimpse into the history and unique contributions of these local landmarks to boat building and to the town of Oxford. The special exhibit includes private collection models never before seen in public.
Oxford’s own bookstore, Mystery Loves Company, will be on hand with a great selection of books about the Chesapeake Bay, watermen, and maritime history.
For more information on the Model Boat Show @ OCC, please call 410-226-5904, visit www.oxfordcc.org, or like our Facebook page at Oxford Community Center, Inc.
Denise Nathanson will be
performing on October 12, 2014
at 3:00 at Holy Trinity in their
Parish Hall. Joining her for the
hour long free program is pianist
Noel Lester. Composers works
being performed include Bach,
Beethoven,
Mendelssohn,
Rachmaninov and
Schumann. There
will be a
reception
immediately
following.
New Fall hours at the Treasure Chest as of October 1st:
Thursday thru Monday 10am - 4pm, Closed Tuesday & Wednesday.
Be sure to come to our Christmas on the Creek Sale December 5-7, Pick a discount to take 10-25% off your purchase!
Open for the Season thru and including Chistmas Eve. Then reopening Saturdays only in Mid-March 2015, then open for the 2015 Season on April 10, 2015 Wednesday thru Monday, 6 days a week.
Christmas on the Creek, December 5 -7
It’s hard to believe, but before long we will all be bringing out holiday decorations and preparing for the festive season. Whatever your plans, I hope you will include some or all of these Christmas on the Creek activities with family and friends.
The weekend kicks off with caroling, sponsored by the Water’s United Methodist Church at 6 pm on Friday! Saturday has many opportunities for Christmas shopping – a Christmas Bazaar at Holy Trinity Church from 9 am till noon featuring baked goods, greenery, and crafts; The Treasure Chest will be open both Saturday and Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm with an array of hand crafts and other distinctive gifts on sale; The Oxford Library will host an Open House with cider and cookies from 10 am – 4 pm and a special sale of hardback books; and Mystery Loves Company offers more literary selections, and will host a Jane Austen Christmas Tea on Sunday from 2 pm to 5 pm. Cost is $5.00. Please rsvp to [email protected] or 410-226-0010. The Oxford Museum will present a Christmas window display throughout the weekend, and at 6 pm Santa Claus arrives in Town Park with treats for the official tree lighting. Warm up before or after at the Homemade Soup Supper from 5 – 7 pm at the Oxford Methodist Church next door. Finally, you don’t want to miss one of the festive wreath-making workshops on Saturday at the Combsberry Bed & Breakfast. Two sessions will be offered: 11 am and 1:30 pm. Each session is limited to 20 people, and the cost is just $15 per person AND a gift for animals to Baywater Animal Rescue/Tom Cat Solutions (food, toy, treat, etc.) OR you can simply pay $20 without bringing a gift for a needy animal. All proceeds will go to these two charities. All supplies and snacks are included in the workshop. Reserve your spot today by calling 410-226-5353 or emailing [email protected]. The weekend continues Sunday with Breakfast with Santa at the Oxford Fire House from 8 – 11 am. The Ladies Auxiliary Gift Shop will provide another opportunity to purchase gifts, stocking stuffers and ornaments. In case you missed the Treasure Chest, it will be open again on Sunday to get your special holiday gifts. Conclude your day with a stop by the Holy Trinity Church for the concert, “Advent Lessons and Carols,” featuring the Choral Scholars of St. Andrew's School in Delaware. A free will offering will be taken at the door.
In case you miss these events, hopefully you will include the Oxford Community Center’s Pot Luck Holiday Dinner on Wednesday, December 17th at 6 pm. Look for more details to come!
What would Christmas be in Oxford be without Dock Trees? The Dock Tree tradition was first started by Oxford resident Doug Hanks; continued donations to the Doug Hanks Memorial Fund
help to offset the cost of maintaining these trees. Your donations can be dropped off or mailed to the Oxford town office, just note “Hanks Trees” on the check or enclosure.
Thanks to everyone who supported Piga-Figa-Licious! It was a fun time for some 250 Oxford residents and friends.
The Museum’s Fall lecture series will feature Dr. Jon Lillard, who lives near Oxford. His topic will be “All Rails Lead to Oxford,” and he will discuss his passion for building authentic model “O” gauge railroads with great detail to historic accuracy. Dr. Lillard will speak on Saturday, October 25, at 11:00 am at St. Paul’s Church (corner of S. Morris and South Streets). There is no charge for this lecture.
In a few days you will see a new roof on the Museum. Watch for the next issue of our newsletter “The Oxford Historian” to be published in November.
We will complete this very busy Golden Anniversary Year with our annual holiday party for members and guests on Friday, December 12, from 5-7 pm. Don’t miss this festive evening, with delicious food and beverages and exciting news! If you’re not a member, sign up now by calling 410-226-0191.
CHURCH OF THE HOLY TRINITY CHRISTMAS BAZAAR and CONCERT
The annual Christmas Bazaar is Saturday December 6th from 9:00 am to noon in the Parish Hall. The theme this year is Let There Be Light. The Bazaar will feature tables with wreaths and greens, small decorated trees, parishioner’s handcrafted and artistic works, and a Holy Trinity table.
Food tables will include frozen soups and appetizers, cookies and other baked goods, jams and pickles, the men’s table and more. The raffle this year will be abundant themed gift baskets. Complimentary coffee, cider and sweets will be available to welcome visitors.
The Church also will be hosting a concert "Advent Lessons and Carols" on Sunday December 7 at 4 pm. The concert is by the Choral Scholars of St. Andrew's School in Delaware. A free will offering will be taken at the door.
Page 6 Volume 3, Issue 2
From the Clerk,
Town Office Hours:
Monday - Friday 9 AM to NOON and 1 PM to 4 PM
Please check the online Town calendar for Holidays.
You can reach us during regular operating hours at 410-226-5122, Fax: 410-226-5597
You can email us anytime: Cheryl Lewis [email protected] Lisa Willoughby [email protected]
Newly introduced Ordinances, information from the Commissioners, Public Works and office staff, along with upcoming community events can be found
on the Town Website: www.oxfordmd.net
PO BOX 339
101 MARKET STREET
OXFORD, MD 21654
Please remember the use of
Hand Held Cell Phones are Not
Permitted while driving a motor
vehicle in the State of Maryland
and as this is now a primary of-
fense you can
be stopped and ticketed.
Please contact Chief Maxwell at the
Oxford Police Department if you need
any further explanation or have ques-
tions.
Please be cautious of phone scams
where callers identify themselves as being with the gov-
ernment or local utility companies and ask for donations or
personal information.
Please report any suspicious activity by calling 911 or con-
tacting the Oxford Police Department.
In an emergency ALWAYS dial 911.
OXFORD LIBRARY NEWS!
New books on the Oxford Library shelves:
Fiction - Tried and True authors: Louise Penney, - The Long Way Home Tana French, - The Secret Place Lee Child, - Personal Dennis Lehane, - The Drop Joanna Scott, - DePotter's Grand Tour Fiction - New Author: Katy Simpson Smith, - The Story of Land and Sea Science Fiction: David Mitchell, - The Bone Clock Non-fiction: A. Scott Berg, - Wilson
The Oxford Bellevue Ferry is still open everyday from now through the end of October and then weekends in November. We begin service at 9 AM each day in Oxford and are closed at sunset. The times of the last trips are posted at the ferry landings or call 410 745-9023. There is work scheduled on the Bellevue Landing this winter so closing date in November is undetermined at this time...we plan to be open thru Nov 16th to support the Ladies Auxiliary Antique Sale and the Model Boat Display at OCC that weekend!
OXFORD FIRE COMPANY
Join us for our regular Fire Company Breakfast on October 12th and November 9th!
The Ladies Auxiliary will again be hosting the fall Antique Show on Waterfowl Weekend,
November 15th and 16th . The Auxiliary will have a booth along with many dealers who bring all their
best silver, jewelry, china, furniture, vintage clothing and assorted treasures. The Auxiliary will also be serving lunch both days featuring hot dogs, chili, chicken salad and their certified Maryland blue crab crabcakes. In addition to single-serving homemade desserts, they will also have a bake sale, hand-crafted items and more. Tickets to this event may be
purchased at the door – only $4.00 per person, one ticket allows admission both days. All proceeds from admissions and all
OLA sales directly support your Oxford Fire Company.
Breakfast with Santa on December 7th! A favorite day with the usual breakfast goodies plus a surprise or two, the Auxiliary gift
shop and bake sale, the children’s gift corner and, most importantly, Santa himself. Tell him all about your wish list and even have a
great picture taken with Santa and his elves. It’s all happening between 8 and 11 AM. Admission is the same as for all breakfasts:
$8 for adults, $4 for children under 10.
Oxford Day ~ While it is not until April 25, 2015, it’s not too soon to be thinking of Oxford Day. Volunteers are very welcome
and very needed. Opportunities abound! You can help with planning activities, advertising, the parade, Park events, traffic,
any one of the day’s events, whatever and wherever you would like to help. If you are interested, please send an email to
[email protected] and we will get back to you promptly.