Members of the Oxford Beautification Commission said goodbye to a valued old friend and hello to a fresh new face.
After five years of service on the beautification commission, Brandon Township resident JoAnn Hitch recently resigned her position due to family obligations. She served as the commission’s designated non-village resident.
In her place, the village council appointed Oakland Township resident Cara Clay on June 28.
Last night, council honored Hitch’s ‘overwhelming dedication to the community? with a special resolution.
The resolution praised Hitch for being ‘instrumental in the continued improvements to Centennial Park, the Oxford Civic Center and the entire downtown district.?
Outside of the beautification commission, the resolution noted that Hitch ‘has continuously served the community by volunteering her time to numerous other community groups including the (Oxford) Garden Club, Meals on Wheels, FISH and Seven Ponds (Nature Center).?
On behalf of village residents, council acknowledged ‘the loss to the community that JoAnn’s retirement from the commission will create? and wished ‘her the greatest success in the future.?
Hitch described her time on the commission as a ‘very enjoyable experience,? but noted ‘it’s time for somebody else to have a turn? and contribute ‘new ideas.?
A self-described ‘passionate gardener,? Cara Clay’s contact with the beautification commisson began with a simple phone call to its chairperson Joe Bullen.
She asked Bullen if she could remove some bushes the commission had planted in a small garden behind the Curtis Insurance Agency at 25 N. Washington Street. Her husband, Greg Clay, purchased the agency in January 2005 and she works there part-time.
Following that call ‘one thing led to another? and the next thing you know Clay was helping weed gardens in Centennial Park and attending a beautification commission meeting. She was then asked to join.
Clay said she’s ‘excited? and ‘thrilled? about the opportunity to help beautify Oxford.
‘I love to see downtowns trying to get spruced up,? she said.