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Oracle – This year, two significant community events happened in Oracle. First of all, OWN (Oracle Women’s Network) became OWN-Oracle. Secondly, the Tri-Community Visitor Center had a name change, as well, to the Oracle Visitor Center.
OWN-Oracle held a breakfast celebration at the Oracle Inn on Friday, Dec. 1, for its annual Christmas Party.There were 41 in attendance for this combination of food, fun and meeting to hear the highlights of the year. Gifts were exchanged and the exchange was both naughty and nice, with some stealing occurring. A Naughty Button was awarded.
OWN-Oracle used this opportunity to also seek out new members, with Deb Breen, a member of the OWN-Oracle Board, speaking on the importance of membership and encouraging everyone to renew for themselves and to help identify new members. For those who may not be aware, OWN-Oracle does encourage and invite gentleman to join the group.
On this subject, Alicia Bristow, President of OWN-Oracle later stated, “If you love Oracle, OWN it!” Not just us women anymore!”
A Brief Review of 2017
Following Breen’s address, Alicia Bristow then covered OWN-Oracle’s achievements in 2017. Such as working with Oracle Ford, Oracle Land and Homes, Arizona Zipline Adventures and others to provide refreshments and food for the volunteers and gift awards for event winners of the annual U. of A. Cyclist Association bicycle race which was held in Oracle this past January.
A donation of clothing gathered, sorted, washed and donated to Family First and San Pedro Behavioral Center; $250, thanks especially to Corrie Darimont, which will be donated to help children with clothing or Christmas presents. There was another $500 earned which will be used to support OWN-Oracle..Both Family First and the Oracle School Foundation received donations of $150 from OWN -Oracle for their special events.
This year, OWN-Oracle has established two supporting committees: the Oracle Partnership for Tourism (OPT) Committee and the Beautification of American Avenue Committee. OPT proudly met one of its goals, developing a new website for Oracle and the Oracle Visitors Center which is live at visitoracle.org. Jim Pollack is a Chairperson for both committees and Sharon Holnback heads up the website team, which includes Emily Goff and Jim Pollack as website developers.
Several projects were given attention, such as the Community Learning Garden at Wood Field, the Oracle Pioneer Cemetery and Oracle’s County Park. A television monitor and DVD player were purchased for the Oracle Visitor Center with grant monies In addition, a substantial donation was earned by working with the Catalina Brewery at the Peppersauce Roundup. OWN-Oracle obtained a Special Event Liquor License and invited volunteers to work the event.
OWN-Oracle, through the Oracle Visitor Center, promoted events at Oracle State Park, Biosphere 2, Arizona Trails, Birding/Wildlife at AZA, ORCA/Piano Society and Arizona Zipline Adventures. GLOW!, the St Helen’s Fiesta and the Oracle Holiday Market for local artists were also promoted by OWN-Oracle.
Alicia Bristow stated, “It is important to know that these accomplishments were all made possible by volunteers. Working together we make a difference in our town. If you are interested in becoming a part of this very special group of people who are friends, family and just wonderful people to be around, talk to any of the OWN Oracle Board Members.”
Upcoming Events
On Thursday, Dec. 21,, starting at 5 p.m. OWN-Oracle Winter Solstice “Giving Luminarias on American Avenue” will be held. Meet at the Oracle Inn patio, light the luminarias, made giving by being weighted with cans of food instead of sand, along American Avenue, and end the evening with hot chocolate and caroling at the Oracle Inn patio. The cans of food are offered freely to anyone in need. This event is free.
On Dec. 23, from 11 a.m. through 2 p.m., join OWN-Oracle at the Arizona Zipline Adventures for fun with Santa! He will be zipping into town at the Arizona Zipline Adventures and settling in by the fire on the main patio for photos, stories and free hot cocoa. Bring the whole family! This event is free.
There are news or informational items frequently written by staff or submitted to the Copper Basin News, San Manuel Miner, Superior Sun, Pinal Nugget or Oracle Towne Crier for inclusion in our print or digital products. These items are not credited with an author.
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