Several decades ago there was some talk around Oracle about a "vortex" or "crystal vortex".  Sort of "like Sedona" it was said.  Now, with all the creativity going on around here I'm beginning to wonder once again what's going on.  Several events/openings are cases in point.

  If a "vortex" doesn't help explain the magic of Andy Rush's work or Jeremy Ajani Jordan's performance last Sunday afternoon at the Oracle Center for the Arts, what does? 

  Don't get me wrong.  I'm open to other suspected "sources" from the religious traditions I know best, namely, the Inner Light and the Holy Spirit.  But one thing I can say for sure is that something is going on that is quite mysteriously good.

If you see me comin' better step aside
A lot of folks didn't and nobody died
One fist with pens, the other with change
If the right one don't getcha then the left one will

Twenty bucks for an authographed copy!

  For many area gardeners the Oracle Community Learning Garden plant sale is a big deal.  It's where we purchase starts of all kinds of vegetables and exchange experience with different varieties. 

  It's refreshing as all get out, not just because the young plants are ready to go into the soil, but also because all kinds of different folks show up for conversation about the what and how.  I recall one of the first organizational meetings at Trowbridge Hall years ago when Jim Pollock presented a futuristic plan.  Fast forward to Saturday and there it is in full bloom.

  Gardeners are typically generous with their knowledge.  A pretty good example of how to grow community one plant at a time.

  People came out of woodwork from Oracle and beyond to remember Jim Caid and support Oracle Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation.  In fact the turnout at Way of Bean Coffee Club was astonishing.  The guesstimate of one attendee was upwards of 100 but no one was counting.  The fellowship of community was the dominant mood. 
  You really can't overstate the importance of events like this - honoring community builders whose values ripple out far and wide.  Jim's beloved wife Jill (now widow) pictured here with me courtesy of Laura Flores was a big reason why so many showed up.  Among Oracle's most talented artists she perseveres through the grief of irreparable loss - even to the point of mounting a show featuring her own and Jim's work opening April 14 at the Oracle Center for the Arts.
  Right here I could go on about Jill and Jim at great length but the upcoming show will do a better job than I ever could.  I will say a word bowing in the direction of the two venues chosen by Jill for the fundraiser and art show.   When you stop to think about it they both play vital roles in our community.   Without places and spaces like Way of Bean and ORCA our community would be diminished and less creative than it currently is.  Both help lift our spirits by being there when we need them most.

  Oracle institutions are pulling out all stops with an array of events.   All are important.  All deserving of community-wide support.  There's something for everyone, even visitors who are curious about what's going on up here.

  For readers, there's the Oracle Library book sale.  For animal lovers there's the Oracle Animal Rescue and Rehabilitation fundraiser in remembrance of Jim Caid at Way of Bean Coffee Club.  For gardeners there's the Oracle Community Learning Garden plant sale.  Of course for all there's the day long Oracle Oaks Festival.  And let's not overlook that for the devout on Sunday there will be Easter observances in all the churches.  A very helpful calendar with event details is up here:  https://www.visitoracle.org/events

  I should add that a week after Oracle's Big Weekend comes the Big Car Show - the 35th Annual Spring Run!   It's sponsored by one of Oracle's most important local institutions - The Oracle Historical Society/Acadia Ranch Museum.  

  Not too many Oracle residents have lived here long enough to remember the cracked slab next to the Oracle Cemetery.  As a newcomer to town  in the early eighties Kaz and I sure do.  "What's with the ghost town ruin at the top of that rise?" we wondered.  "That's the Oracle Community Center," was the retort.  "We used to have dances on it to raise funds."

  The four individuals in this picture embody what the OCC is all about these days.  I don't know who took it, probably Laura Stiltner or Hailey Lugo, but the point is meal prep is going on for a very important Oracle meeting on fire prevention held in the Oracle Community Center.   Board members are at the center of the kitchen action!
  A cracked slab no longer, OCC has graduated to become a community building "institution".  I could go on about the personal histories of all four but that's for another time and venue.  Right now the OCC board including those not pictured deserve great credit for making selfless contributions to town betterment.
  In this grand tradition the Oracle Oaks Festival is happening this Saturday, April 8, 9-4. A great place to spend the day!