OXFORD – November is officially “Oxford Recycles Month,” and the ninth annual Recycled Holiday Ornament Contest kicked off at the Oxford Academy Primary School. Notices went home in Friday Folders. This event was designed to coincide with the state’s “NY Recycles” and the national “America Recycles Day” held every year on November 15th. All three of Oxford Academy school district’s art teachers: Katie Thomas, Charity Gipp, and Joni Eaton will be spreading the message of recycling with their students during “Oxford Recycles Month.”
While it may appear to be just a fun contest for the kids, the positive ecological message it’s sending is clear to all. This contest has received support and recognition from local businesses, the Village of Oxford, the Chenango County DPW, and the NYS DEC in Albany.
Sponsored by the Oxford Holiday Committee, the contest specifies that the ornaments, no larger than 8” (requested but not always strictly adhered to), be constructed of materials that would usually go in the garbage can, such as Styrofoam cups, straws, cardboard, old unwanted CDs, etc. The deadline for entries is Monday, November 19.
To give the kids from UPK through 4th grades, some ideas for environmentally friendly, recycled ornaments, a display window near the office in the Primary School will be set up. Aside from sample ornaments, there are books on exhibit from the school’s library. Most of these books detail the importance of the “3 R’s”- Recycling, Reducing, and Reusing.
The Primary School art teacher, Katie Thomas, said that she is “very excited about the contest!” She will be talking to her students about the ornament contest and will show them examples. The feedback from other faculty members is that the contest is a positive creative activity that the students look forward to having at home with their families.
All participants who enter will get personalized Certificates of Recognition, pencils made from recycled materials and other items generously donated by the DEC. Ornaments will also be exhibited for the month of December in the window of ‘6 On The Square’, the arts and entertainment venue located at 6 LaFayette Park.
There will also be three place awards in each Primary School grade (18 total) who will receive gift certificates from Oxford merchants, sponsored by the Oxford Holiday Committee.
The Recycled Ornament Contest annually receives support and recognition from the NYS DEC’s -Bureau of Waste Reduction & Recycling-, Debbie Jackson in Albany. The DEC has, in the past, donated recycled plastic mugs and NY Recycles calendars for place winners. Ms. Jackson confirmed that this contest was the FIRST EVER in New York State.
While the Ornament Contest is only for the primary students, last year the high school sculpture students created a unique “Junk Sculpture” which was exhibited in 6 On The Square as well.
Tying in with the eco-contest, Oxford Village Mayor, the Honorable, Terry M. Stark, proclaimed November 2012 as Oxford Recycles Month! The proclamation is to be observed this month with “appropriate programs and activities.” Nothing could be more appropriate than the Recycled Holiday Ornament Contest. The winning children will also have the proud distinction of having their names announced by the Honorable Mayor at the Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony in LaFayette Park, Sunday, Nov. 25, at 5 p.m.