A couple in Oneida is using Facebook and holiday decorating to bring their community together.

What You Need To Know

  • “Downtown Oneida - It’s Time for a Change!” is a Facebook group bringing Oneida residents together

  • Friendly decorating contests are underway

  • The group was started by an Oneida couple

“Honestly growing up, I never thought I’d be involved as much as I am,” said Rick Rossi of Oneida.

Rick and Nicole Rossi grew up in Oneida, and it’s still their home.

“The community is great and we’ve always loved to live here, love the atmosphere that it brings,” Rick said.

Rick runs a barber shop, along with his parents, Angel and Teri Vargas. When the pandemic hit, his business had to close for three months. He used that time to find ways to be more involved in the community - including a clean-up which more than 100 people came to, and then started a new Facebook group.

“The big reason for Rick creating the Facebook page was to have an outlet for people to really be able to discuss community events, concerns they have in the city,” Nicole said.

Rick and Nicole have found ways to keep their community engaged in COVID-safe ways, including light contests with prizes.

“Family and kids are really looking for more community events so that’s kind of what sparked this whole decorating contest, was a COVID-friendly way to bring the community together and light up Oneida,” said Nicole.

Now they’re hosting a Christmas lights contest.

“No one person is going to be able to change the city. Everyone has got to come together,” Rick said. “We’ve got to do it together, and I think that’s happening.”

Oneida residents are invited to join the Facebook group; “Downtown Oneida - It’s time for a change!” Rick and Nicole hope the contests will become traditions in their city.