To Oxford: From My Window

To Oxford: From My Window

By Denyea Wilcox

I sit above and watch this little town go . . .

Boy oh boy! Third Street is the busiest street I know.

I watch this town come alive and start their work when the day begins;

The young men test their strength moving furniture to and from the "Odds and Ends".

The town and the businesses flourish with the many people that stop by, 

You cannot walk past anyone in Oxford without them stopping to say hi.

Everyday in Oxford there is something new, I always feel astonished.

You could never get used to the sight of a horse and buggy, or the presence of the Amish. 

When the weather is nice, and the people need some food, or a spot to "chill",

You could never go wrong with a seat outside and a meal from the Sawmill Grill. 

It is always lovely to see the community come together in such a beautiful way,

Especially when OMI unites the town for an amazing First Friday. 

Third Street is a good different! I definitely cannot deny that.

The only place you will find two great Chinese spots, sitting back to back!

I love this town; Oxford is the place to be! 

Maybe one day you should take a trip, to see what I see.

Out my window . . .

How Fast Life Can Change

by Denyea Wilcox

How fast life can change.

The month of March started off with a bang here in Oxford! The Oxford Goes Green First Friday event was a huge success. The Oxford family gathered together as they embellished the sidewalks, storefronts and street corners with a variety of plants and flowers. Let’s not forget that delicious Mexican food and the exquisite merchandise being sold by the street vendors! OMI (Oxford Mainstreet, Inc.) also arranged numerous activities and programs that engaged the family and kids of the town. March 4th, definitely was a Friday to remember in Oxford.

After leaving the First Friday event in Oxford, I made my way up to Lincoln University to work an event hosted by my organization called PSU (People Standing United).  That night my organization hosted a social gathering on campus which raised funds for our community service activities. My brothers and I were excited because we had such a successful week of events at Lincoln, which commemorated our two year anniversary of being a part of PSU!

Everything was going well with my school work, my organization and my internship at OMI. I couldn't help but thank God for the blessings. Suddenly, life changed for me on Saturday March 5th, 2016. My PSU brother Christopher Robinson was tragically killed in an off campus shooting, in Coatesville, PA. The next Sunday morning, I was getting ready to go in to work when my PSU brother Corey called, to share the news. There was a sharp pain that came across my chest, and it almost felt like I was suffering from a heart attack. I could not believe the news, I couldn't understand how Chris was just alive one day and then he was gone the next. Christopher Robinson was a 22 year old young man, in college, with the rest of his life ahead of him. He was a brilliant individual and a good soul. To this day, it upsets me that he was taken away by a couple of ruthless thugs, for just a few dollars in his pocket. My heart and prayers goes out to his mother, father, little sister and the rest of his family. I truly do believe that a parent should never have to bury their children. On Saturday March 12, 2016, I attended my brother's funeral and I said my final goodbyes. These last couple of weeks have been hard on all of us, but with God's strength we are keeping strong. The brothers of PSU and the students of Lincoln University are going to honor his name the best way we can. We will continue to keep his exuberant spirit alive. I also would like to thank my family at Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. for supporting not only me but the family of Christopher Robinson, by contributing to his GoFundMe page to help his family pay for the funeral. 

Today is the 31^st of March 2016, which is the last day of this month. Within this month I feel like I have grown and learned a valuable life lesson. The lesson is “life is precious and short, so enjoy the good times with the people you love because you never know what tomorrow holds”.  Now I look forward to the month of April, especially First Friday! Don’t forget to “Spring into History” on April 1st at 5-8 P.M. and celebrate the history of Downtown Oxford! See you there! 

Chester County Main Street Managers Forum

Steven Plaugher of Downingtown Main Street took the initiative to begin quarterly meetings with each of Chester County's Main Street Directors. The first meeting was held in the fall of 2015 at Downingtown's Main Street office. Malcolm Johnstone, West Chester; Mary Hutchins, Kennett Square and Donna Hosler, Oxford were in attendance.

It was a unique opportunity to learn from one another. Each manager comes to the table with different backgrounds, challenges and successes. The gathering was so successful, we decided to meet quarterly. On February 23, 2016, the meeting was held in Oxford at the famed SawMill Grill.

The next meeting is slated for Kennett Square.

City Boy Meets Oxford! by Denyea Wilcox

    When you live in Brooklyn, New York life seems pretty amazing.  You fall in love with the bright lights, tall buildings, 24 hour restaurants, the subway, and oh yeah we can’t forget being surrounded by the nicest people on earth! 
"Yeah right!” 
Life in the big apple is exciting I definitely cannot deny that, but I think it's time for a change. Maybe it's time to leave the city that never sleeps and find a place that actually gets some sleep! My name is Denyea Wilcox, but everyone calls me Dee for short. In 2012, I graduated Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School and began my transition to Lincoln University as a college man. The first time I went to visit Lincoln in Oxford PA; I fell in love with the campus and the country environment. Also it was my first time meeting the Amish and seeing an actual "horse and buggy!" (BTW the Amish makes the best wings in oxford!) But there was something about Lincoln that felt like a second home. Eventually, Lincoln did become my second home over the last three years. I truly believe I have found a family at Lincoln that will be with me for many years to come. A family that has helped me through my trials and tribulations, and has contributed to my growth. 

Now I am currently in my senior year at Lincoln University, and I decided to do things a little different. I recently moved into an apartment right in Oxford, PA on Third St. I figured since it is my senior year, why not try living off campus and get a different experience (LOL maybe I should’ve thought about getting a car too before the big move!) Downtown oxford seemed like the perfect move! The “mini-town” is the closest thing to the city near Lincoln. The SCOOT provides transportation for me to get to Lincoln plus, the nearby restaurants, mini markets, furniture stores and lively town events makes me feel right at home. (Especially all the food restaurants! LOL I love to eat! The SawMill Grill makes a mean steak which is affordable for a college student.) I can see myself really getting involved in the Oxford community. Also the quiet atmosphere at night is the best thing for an English major college student, who has to type like a billion ten page papers every week! My drive for exploration of this mini-town led me to Oxford Mainstreet, Inc. (OMI). This organization is the life of the town! Their spirited events attracts not only the community but people from all over! This was just the place I was looking for, and I am glad to be a part of the family. So now I am a Lincoln University student, resident of Oxford, PA and a volunteer at OMI! “City Boy meets Oxford!” Let’s see what adventures awaits me in this funky town.