The Oakwood City Council meeting on November 4, 2024, highlighted several community-focused initiatives and welcomed a new city manager, Katie Smitty, who officially took office on November 1. The meeting underscored the importance of community engagement and upcoming events that aim to foster local spirit and participation.

One of the key discussions centered around the upcoming Holiday Festival of Trees auction, organized by the Friends of Smith Gardens. Scheduled for November 10, the event will feature 30 to 35 trees available for silent auction, with all proceeds dedicated to the maintenance of Smith Gardens. This initiative not only supports local beautification efforts but also encourages community involvement during the festive season.

In addition to the auction, the council announced several holiday events, including a Breakfast with Santa on December 2 and the annual Lighting Up of Oakwood on December 3 at Shafer Park. This event will feature thousands of luminaries, enhancing the holiday atmosphere in the city. Residents can purchase luminaries for $6 a dozen, contributing to the beautification efforts along key city streets.

The meeting also acknowledged the successful Halloween celebrations in Oakwood, with council members praising the community's festive spirit and participation. Council member Turban noted the impressive decorations and the positive atmosphere during the holiday, emphasizing that "nobody does Halloween like Oakwood."

As the meeting progressed, council members expressed gratitude for the previous city manager, Norb, and welcomed Smitty, who is the sixth city manager since 1931. Smitty expressed her commitment to maintaining the city's special character and building on the foundation laid by her predecessor.

In a nod to civic engagement, council member Jackson reminded residents of the importance of participating in the upcoming election, encouraging them to celebrate democracy and express their opinions through voting. The council also recognized the contributions of local poll workers, highlighting the community's active involvement in the electoral process.

Overall, the meeting reflected Oakwood's commitment to fostering community spirit through engaging events and civic participation, setting a positive tone as the city approaches the holiday season.