OXFORD – “The best friend on earth of man is the tree. When we use the tree respectfully and economically, we have one of the greatest resources on earth.” This sage quote, originally said by Frank Lloyd Wright, was read aloud by student, Angelo Gonzalez at the 16th annual “Tree City USA” Arbor Day Celebration on April 25. Oxford Village held its Arbor Day ceremony that morning with a proclamation, giving away more than 300 seedling trees and presenting prizes to the Arbor Day poster contest winners.

Members of the Oxford Village Tree Board arrived at the LaFayette Park band shell early to set things up, while a crowd of people grew for the 9 a.m. tree give-away. It was an extraordinarily sunny and warm morning for the Arbor Day Celebration. Oxford Village Tree Board members who attended were Roger Monaco, Gray Stevens, Dale Johnson, Jeanie Petersen and John Godfrey. Marian Godfrey was there to assist and give away trees. Greg Owens the DEC Senior Forester from Sherburne was there for the Tree City presentation.