Oxford Access Fall 2018 Vol 3, Issue 2 by City of Oxford

Oxford

ACCESS

FALL 2018

SALUTE TO LOCAL VETERANS THEY MAKE OUR COUNTRY, OUR CITY, AND OUR COMMUNITY BETTER

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

CONTENTS

FALL 2018

MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

OUR VISION. OUR VALUES.

YARD SALE PERMITS - WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

CIDER RIDGE GOLF CLUB UPDATE

PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE

SPOTLIGHT: BILLY THOMPSON

HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD

BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: FIRST CLASS ICE CREAM

ART COLLECTING

KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS

SALUTE TO A VETERAN: JERRY “DOC” HADLEY

Q & A: CITY OF OXFORD VETERANS

SALUTE TO A VETERAN: KEN ROLLINS

MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FIRE CHIEF

AN ALTRUISTIC KIDNEY DONOR STORY

MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF

MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

OPAC’S 2018 - 2019 SEASON

MRS. HILDA HOLLEY

CALENDAR OF CITY EVENTS

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A BEAUTIFUL LEGEND: A BRIEF HISTORY OF BLUE POND

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WHY I TEACH: CHRISSIE LOTT

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OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS

Community conversations are important and we encourage residents to engage directly with city staff - this is your city and your mayor and council are here for you. Don't hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can help. Big or small, we’re happy and honored to listen. City of Oxford Mayor Alton Craft Oxford City Council Chris Spurlin Phil Gardner Mike Henderson Charlotte Hubbard Steven Waits If you are a citizen living within the Oxford city limits and are not receiving an Oxford Access magazine and would like to receive them, let us know! We want all of our citizens to be able to have access to the Access! You can pick-up a free copy at the Oxford Public Library, Oxford Civic Center, Bynum Community Center, Friendship Community Center, and Oxford City Hall. OXFORD ACCESS P. O. BOX 3383 OXFORD, AL 36203 WWW.OXFORDACCESS.COM

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for highlights of community news, city events, and special moments as they happen in our beautiful city.

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Veterans come from different walks of life, many different generations, and all have different stories to tell.

Join us in getting to know these City of Oxford employees. We celebrate their contribution to our nation and our city. WHO WE ARE.....pg 43

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

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Message from the

Oxford Mayor Dear citizens, As another record-breaking summer draws to a close in Oxford, I would like to thank all of you, our citizens, for helping us create so many memorable events and moments around our great city. I hope that you will continue to join us as we are about to break ground on some more exciting things that are coming to Oxford. Business is thriving in our city. We’ve had around ten new businesses open in all corners of Oxford in the past few months, and the excitement surrounding these new establishments is impressive. From the new ice cream shop in Historic Downtown Oxford to new businesses at Quintard Mall to Oxford Commons–especially Moe’s–opening, we are continuing to be business leaders in our region. We have many more capital projects that are in the planning stages, so be on the lookout for more changes that will make Oxford better than ever. Veteran’s Day is just around the corner, and on behalf of the city council and myself, I would like to express our gratitude to our servicemen and women who have served or are serving our great country. Veterans protect us from foreign enemies, and some of the technology and equipment they use to do just that funnels down to our local law enforcement

agencies so they can keep us safe domestically. On that note, we have some exciting news in regards to crime and public safety that we will release soon. I am certain that what we are about to do will make East Alabama the safest part of the state and one of the safest regions in the nation. As we stroll into autumn, I am thankful for our citizens who continue to help us break records and reach new milestones. Our visitors always want to stay a little longer than they plan because of your hospitality, and that is what makes us great. The city serves the citizens, and our citizens serve our guests, which is the example I am proud to say we set. Please, don’t forget to call 311 if you have any non-emergency issues in Oxford. We will continue to blaze new trails in Oxford because of our great employees and most importantly, because of citizens like you. It is an honor to be your mayor. Sincerely, Mayor Alton Craft

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

OUR VISION. OUR VALUES. Recently, there has been a new development in the City of Oxford. Mayor Alton Craft has assembled a team of employees to start working on a customer service plan, including a new mission statement for the City of Oxford. This team, which includes input from each of the city departments, has come together to brainstorm so that we make the best decisions for the citizens and our employees of Oxford. Collaboration has taken place between the Oxford City Schools faculty, students from Oxford High School, citizens of Oxford, and the City of Oxford employees. During these meetings, we received input as well as suggestions to work toward a better and stronger city.

By Ben Stewart

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After several months of working together and gathering input, Mayor Alton Craft and his team would like to proudly share with you the mission statement for the City of Oxford: The City of Oxford strives to provide a safe environment where people choose to live, work, play, and visit by enhancing the quality of life for our community. Oxford promotes economic vitality, public trust, planned future growth, innovation, excellent customer services, cultural resources, and educational opportunities while meeting the present and future needs of our community.

This team will continue working with the Mayor to strive for excellence within our community and departments. By putting internal and external customers at the forefront to provide the best service, we hope to make a city that you will be proud to call home.

WE SERVE BY LEADING AND LEAD BY SERVING. WE ARE PROUD TO WELCOME YOU HOME TO OXFORD. OUR CORE VALUES TO SUPPORT OUR MISSION: COLLABORATION BETWEEN DEPARTMENTS, BUSINESSES, ORGANIZATIONS, AND SCHOOLS. PROFESSIONALISM | PRIDE | SERVICE ACCOUNTABILITY | EMPOWERMENT | FRIENDLY CITY | PROACTIVE

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

Quilts by the Lake Judged Show Quilt Appraisals Bed Turning Special Exhibits Vendors

Scissor Sharpening Door Prizes Opportunity Quilts Themed Baskets Hand Quilting Demos

SEPTEMBER 28-29

SHOW HOURS: Friday — 9am to 5pm Saturday — 9am to 4pm Oxford Civic Center 401 McCullars Lane Oxford, AL 36203 Admission: Adults $5 Children 10 and under FREE

P R E S E N T E D B Y L I C K S K I L L E T Q U I LT C L U B

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Night Out with Public Safety

10-01-18

October 1, 2018 6:00PM - 8:30PM at the

Oxford Civic Center Oxford Police Department is hosting a community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnership and neighborhood camaraderie. This event is designed to get the community together with public safety in the area. We will have tons of equipment and personnel there. Other local agencies will also be represented. There will be police cars, fire trucks, bulldozer, ambulance, helicopter, command center, and more!

View the equipment Meet the personnel Enjoy free hot dogs, popcorn, and drinks play carnival games If you have any questions or if you are interested in being a part of the event, email Sergeant Gerry Lyons at NightOut.OPD@gmail.com OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

Moving, downsizing, or cleaning out? Before you have a yard sale, make sure you comply with City Ordinance No. 2017-13 regulating these sales.

The Oxford City Council passed an ordinance on June 13, 2017 regulating yard sales within the city with Ordinance No. 2017-13 (Article XII, Section 26-301 through 26-305). The intent was to minimize the disruption to neighborhoods and to keep individuals from turning yard sales into a sideline business.

Get Your Permit. It’s Free. Obtain a permit from the City by calling 311, or (256) 241-4311, or you may click on the Oxford 311 icon on the City’s website www.oxfordalabama.org. You will be given an ID number which is your permit number. There is no cost for a yard sale permit. What You Need To Know: When requesting your permit, please state the date(s) and location of the yard sale.

Signs and the-right-of-way: • Yard sale signs are permitted on private property only. • No signs are permitted on stop signs or utility poles. • No signs are permitted in the public right-of-way. Generally, this is the area between the sidewalk and the curb, but can range from 10ft, to 50ft, to 125ft depending on the location in Oxford. PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY

You may hold one yard sale every 30 days, not to exceed six (6) per year. Each yard sale may last a maximum of four (4) days. If you do not own the property where you are having the yard sale, you must have written permission from the owner. Have A Question? You can call the building department (256) 831-9685 Monday - Friday. 8:00am to 4:30pm. 14

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

Cider Ridge Golf Club 200 Apple Blossom Way, Oxford, AL 36203 Lee Shurden, PGA • Director of Golf/Club Manager 256.831.7222 • lee.shurden@HonoursGolf.com

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UPDATE CIDER RIDGE Greetings from Cider Ridge! We hope everyone has had a fantastic summer season and is ready to roll into what many would call the best season of the year: Football Season! It’s hard to believe that as I’m writing this and the temperatures are in the mid-90’s that football season is right around the corner, and soon we’ll all be getting ready for Fall. This year has been great at Cider Ridge, and as we get ready for the temperatures to fall over the next several months, I wanted to extend a “thank you” from all of the staff here at Cider Ridge. We’ve sincerely enjoyed all of the people we’ve met this year and the interactions we’ve had, be it helping with your golf swings, hosting golf tournaments and weddings, or just having you out for a round of golf with friends. As we all gear up for the fall and winter season, we hope you all continue to come out to the club. The course has been in great shape all year and will continue to offer excellent conditions. The lower temperatures start to make midday and late afternoon rounds much more bearable and is always a good “excuse” for a quick nine-hole round after work in the evenings. Also, as we approach the holiday season, don’t forget to check out the great merchandise we have in the shop. Our selection of items makes it easy to shop for everyone on your list, no matter whether they are golfers or not! I would also like to take a moment and remind anyone that if you’re looking for a spot to entertain guests for your Christmas parties, family events or office parties during the holidays, be sure to check out Cider Ridge. We’ve got several space options for events and would love to host everyone! Be sure to contact us before all the dates fill up. Finally, a word of advice for all of the golfers this winter season: don’t forget to practice! We all get tied up with extra activities that seem to happen around this time of year. Whether it’s football games, hunting trips, family get-togethers or something else; we all struggle to keep our golf game in shape. I know I certainly fall victim to this. Any time the temperature gets too low, I put down the clubs and have to be brought kicking and screaming to the driving range until March! However, we all know that the short game is what takes the biggest turn during the winter. I encourage anyone that’s wanting to keep their game in shape to try to roll a few putts when they can during the winter. Spending just five or ten minutes a night, a few times a week, will keep the rust off and drastically knock down the time it takes to get your game back in shape come Spring, and the best part is you can do it right in your home by the heater!

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

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C I T Y O F OX F O R D P U B L I C WO R K S D E PA R T M E N T

PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s an honor to come to you again with a quarterly update on public works projects in our great city! A new project that we have underway is a complete pavement analysis for all city streets. This will allow us to assign a condition grade to every street and assist in planning our paving operations more effectively and efficiently. It will also provide a colorcoded map that will allow us to have a visual reference to help spread our efforts evenly throughout our city instead of focusing on one or two main areas.

We are also in the preliminary investigation and design phases of improving the intersection of Friendship Road and Cheaha Drive. We are looking at replacing the bridge near the intersection with a broader structure that will allow for a right turn lane for eastbound traffic and a left turn lane for westbound traffic. As previously mentioned, this project is in its infancy, and we do not have a current time frame for construction to begin. We will keep you all updated as we know more.

The preliminary engineering work that is necessary for the widening of Leon Smith Parkway project (from Crystal Waterway Drive southward to Choccolocco Park) is moving along. This project will widen both bridges to allow for two full lanes in each direction to flow all the way to the entrance of the park and transition back to a standard two-lane roadway at that point. This will also add additional turning lanes on and off Interstate 20 as well as other intersections along this corridor. Traffic congestion entering and exiting the shopping locations on either side of the Parkway will also be addressed.

As a reminder, all grass clippings must be bagged to be picked up. As always, please continue to separate your curbside items into piles such as one pile for rubbish, one pile for bagged lawn clippings, and a separate pile for limbs and brush.

The scheduled work along Snow Street is progressing, and the storm drainage improvements will begin shortly followed by new asphalt pavement. Due to limited space to work and install upgraded drainage, lane closures must be used from time to time. This is tedious and stressful work due to congestion and high traffic flow. Please bear with us during this construction, and we apologize for any inconvenience that may be caused. These improvements are much needed, and we feel that the result will be pleasing to all that are affected.

Help us spread the word and help yourself stay informed by liking and following us on Facebook. Search City of Oxford Department of Public Works or @oxfordpublicworks. God Bless. Sincerely, Rusty V. Gann, P.E. Public Works Director/City Engineer

RUSTY V. GANN, P.E., DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS, CITY ENGINEER (256) 835-6124 | 42 Public Works Drive, Oxford, Alabama OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

SPOTLIGHT

BILLY THOMPSON BY TAYLOR SLOAN

The Oxford Access staff always enjoys learning more about the many talented and hard-working City of Oxford employees. In this issue of the “Access,” we sat down with and talked to the new Assistant Director at Choccolocco Park, Billy Thompson. Billy is relatively new to the park, but has quickly shown how valuable he is to the overall park experience. Although you may not see Billy much or hear his name called for recognition, you can bet Billy is behind the scenes, making sure everything runs smoothly. If you see Billy at the park, be sure to thank him and his coworkers for their hard work. We enjoyed getting to know Billy better, and we are sure you will, too.

What is your favorite part of being the Assistant Park Director at Choccolocco Park? I love interacting with the people and

seeing the athletes showcase their talents at events like the East Coast Pro Showcase.

What did you do prior to your job at Choccolocco Park? I still work with a media

company. We create trucker magazines and deliver them nationwide. Before that, I was at the Cider Ridge Golf Course for five years. What is the most challenging part of your job? Trying to make sure people are

impressed with what we have going on out here and tend to their needs without making exceptions for people. What does your job entail? Opening and

closing the park is one of the main things. Along with that, anything from helping people get to their seats and giving people rides to the front entrance, to keeping little brothers and sisters entertained, yet out of the way while watching their older siblings play. I do whatever it takes to keep people happy. What do you like doing outside of work?

I enjoy doing anything sports related and spending time with my kids. I have three children (ages 10, 7, and six months), so keeping them happy and doing as much as I can with them is always a top priority.

Is there a bible verse or saying you live by? “I can do all things through Christ who

gives me strength”-Phil. 4:13. Whenever I think things aren’t possible, I go back to that verse.

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Where are you from? I was born in the Philippines but relocated to San Diego since my dad was in the United States Navy. When I was 10, we left California and moved to Alabama. I have been here since I was in 5th grade. What’s the most memorable moment you’ve had at the park?

My most memorable moment must be when Coach Caldwell had a heart attack at Choccolocco Park. I was right in the middle of it and have never been in a work setting as serious as that. It is something you don’t expect and was an eye-opening experience. The Oxford Fire Department and nurses in the stands did a great job responding. Because of them, Coach Caldwell is still alive today. We always have the fire department, EMS personnel, and athletic trainers at every major event just in case things like this happen. What is your favorite event at the park?

My favorite event is either the Ohio Valley Conference tournaments or the East Coast Pro Showcase. I love seeing the upcoming talent at the East Coast Pro Showcase and seeing how the Major League scouts drill the kids. It is interesting to hear the scouts’ point of view on how they evaluate the players. What do you want people to know about you? When I’m out here, I want to

help people any way I can. Nothing I do is about me. I am more of a background guy. I don’t want the spotlight or the titles. I just like to work behind the scenes. I will work my hardest to make sure people have a great experience at Choccolocco Park.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

HISTORIC DOWNTOWN THE HEART OF THE CITY OF OXFORD

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Historic Downtown, the heart of the City of Oxford, is currently undergoing a streetscape project, transforming the area into a more inviting, pedestrian-friendly destination. The project is an ongoing investment in the revitalization and preservation of our city’s oldest area. The project entails new sidewalks lined with brick pavers, underground utilities, landscaping, and lighting that restores the historic aesthetic to the character and charm of Oxford’s quaint downtown.

HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD

AARP GRANT Historic Main Street Oxford is excited to announce that we were chosen along with 128 grantees to receive funding through the AARP Community Challenge Grant. This grant is classified through AARP as a “Quick Action” grant to make communities livable for people of all ages. After collaboration with the Historic Main Street Board and Senior Citizens Center, a need to improve the quality of life for our senior citizens and residents was discovered. With the funds of $10,800, Historic Main Street Oxford plans to add at least ten benches and two bike racks along the intersection of Choccolocco and Main Streets.

MAKE PLANS TO ATTEND October 6, 2018 OXFORDFEST 8:00am to 4:00pm October 27, 2018 Downtown TRICK-OR-TREAT FESTIVAL

Historic Main Street Oxford | P.O. Box 3383, Oxford, AL 36203 | 256-241-6667 | MainStreetOxford.org

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

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BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT

FIRST CLASS ICE CREAM Big businesses may dominate the news, but it’s small businesses and startups that keep our economy growing. Their value and the role they play in our local economy is sometimes underestimated because they are, in fact, small. The truth is there’s nothing small about the impact they have in Oxford. Oxford’s newest ice cream and popsicle shop recently opened at 426 Main Street in Historic Downtown. First Class Ice Cream offers over 30 popsicle flavors ranging from Strawberry Kiwi to Mango with Chili as well as a variety of hand-scooped ice creams. All popsicles and ice creams are 100 percent natural and handmade and they offer a selection of Latin-inspired street dishes. First Class Ice Cream 256-282-5783 Julian Lopez, Owner OPEN:11:00am to 8:00pm

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

ART COLLECTING A Peculiar Human Trait

By Larry Martin

“America's Goat Man”

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“Collecting” is a peculiar way to occupy one’s time on earth, practiced by humans and a few other strange animal species. For example, the male Bower Bird adds collected decorative embellishments to attract females to his newly-created nesting area. This obsession to collect things must have some other logical purpose than merely attracting the gals. Now, collecting has been vilified by such unlikely co-detractors as God Himself… Matthew 6: 19-21 “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

and George Carlin, in his classic stand-up routine “Stuff.” In Carlin’s monologue, we are confronted with the absurdity of amassing piles of stuff. But he surely wasn’t talking about artwork. I’d have given a gold nickel (very collectible) to have taken a peek into Carlin’s closet. Salty language notwithstanding, Carlin had a magnificent imagination. The value, like the beauty, of a collection, is in the eye of the beholder. Who can forget the Late Night Show with Johnny Carson and his interview with the sweet little lady who might have been the only potato chip collector in America. As she proudly displayed each chip and its striking resemblance to some celebrity or some wild animal, Johnny–with his impeccable timing–popped a chip into his mouth, with a loud crunch. His guest, mouth agape, recoiled as she pulled her collection away from Johnny, and grabbed her chest in shock. He then kindly reassured her that his chip was from his own snack bowl. No doubt, after that show, her collection appreciated in value.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

Perhaps the best, most entertaining example of culture clash from a single-item “collectible,” was the symbolic, hilarious movie The Gods Must Be Crazy. A simple, empty Coca-Cola bottle dropped from a plane and became the convergence of every imaginable conflict that two cultures could direct against each other. The coke bottle was the most beautiful object ever seen by the South African Bushmen, and it soon became indispensable as a tool for every task. Of course, dissension and jealousy spread through the little tribal group until the movie’s main character went on a journey to throw the bottle off the edge of the earth. The point here is that this evil thing had struck a latent chord of all humanity–that of “collecting” valuable objects, such as this thoughtless castoff from a less-innocent world. Collecting is like nature, not inherently good or evil. It’s the collector that defines the morality of the practice. Who was the most despicable art collector in all of human history? No doubt, there were many candidates, but they seemed to have a couple of things in common: an insatiable appetite and greed beyond description. Why not just say “Adolph Hitler,” who represents those who collect to the detriment of humanity? The movie The Monuments Men tells the story

of two forces: one who regards artwork with more affection than he ever felt for another human, and the opposing second force, men and women who risked their lives to retrieve the stolen works, sought only to rescue the artworks and return them safely to a waiting world. Those men didn’t own a single piece of the vast trove of recovered artwork. But they represent the most profound characteristic of an art collector–the importance of art in the saga of humankind’s long journey to the present. The willingness to sacrifice one’s own life to prevent the destruction of a classic masterpiece places them alongside the master artist who created it, and they both are saying “This piece has survived the ages and the demons. Please consider, as you study it, the value that it holds, not in monetary terms, but in its very existence at this place and this time.” As a group, these thousands of rescued treasures represent a value well beyond calculation. Now, that’s a collection. On a more modest and very esoteric level, we can still talk about the excitement of art collecting. Simply stated, there are no hard-and-fast rules in art collecting at any level. After four decades as co-owners of The Wren’s Nest, the writers have known countless wildlife art collectors, and they are a fascinating lot.

They’re generally affable and fun to talk with, especially if there’s a story behind the painting. So, too, are those folks who enjoy a more farfetched category, like our “American Character Series.” There is a unique quality that we observe in each collector of the “Characters.” There is almost always a perceived personal identification between the subject and the collector. We always enjoy hearing “Hey, I met the Goat Man one time.” Or “I knew Sue Alston when she was still alive at Hampton Plantation.” These diverse collector groups can be enthusiastic when talking about the subjects of their particular interest, or the unique, sometimes eccentric lifestyle of a specific human character from that long-running series. As an artist it isn’t always easy to talk about oneself–it can be outright awkward and boring. I’d rather discuss brush techniques or the source of inspiration for a particular wildlife painting.* But when one of the “American Characters” becomes part of the subject, the conversation flows, and everyone seems to enjoy the peculiar, charming and sometimes outrageous behavior that made that person a favorite character in the series. After decades with little work on this series, we’re happy to say that the “American Characters” collection is being resumed.

*When discussing art techniques, the writers refer to Larry Martin in the first person,

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Commemorative, officially sanctioned paintings can lead to another fascinating form of collectible artwork. The Wren’s Nest has been fortunate in matching wildlife art (Bald Eagles, in particular) with several symbolic patriotic series: for the Bicentennial celebration of the United States Constitution; the Bicentennial of U.S. Marshals; and 16 Bald Eagle images for the lyrics of “America the Beautiful”, commemorating the Centennial of the song. This adds another type of grouping–a patriotic theme–that lends itself to the making of a cohesive collection.

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The purest “Collector” is an individual who treasures their acquisitions–even the “collection” of a single item. It is always a pleasure to hear from clients who describe artwork in personal terms and seem eager to share their enthusiasm with others. Whether we’re talking about a home with corridors of old European Masters or a shoebox filled with potato chips that look like the Brady Bunch, the pride is justifiable. Collections generally are not intended as a means for reaping windfall profits. This sometimes happens, but let’s leave the art speculators to worry about that game. Your collection is a wonderful means to enhance the beauty of your surroundings and to share the excitement of the addition of each discovery. The thread that weaves through any collection can be strong, or tenuous. If you find little or no continuity from one piece to another–guess what! Your collection is eclectic!

W R E N ’ S N E S T G A L L E R Y AT T H E OX F O R D P E R F O R M I N G A R T S C E N T E R 100 Choccolocco Street, Suite 200, Oxford Performing Arts Center, Oxford, AL 36203

(256) 238-0710

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

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KINDNESS IS CONTAGIOUS

ver the course of a week in July, teams of college students, adults, and local volunteers helped improve the homes of four Oxford residents. They came together through the World Changers Organization and with support from the City of Oxford, they did home repairs and light construction.

Robby Smelly has lived in her home for 47 years, and was one of the local residents who applied for and was granted assistance. Her team of workers had members from Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Florida, and Missouri. They trimmed branches, hauled away limbs, removed shingles, repaired damage, and put on a new roof. “This is a great thing—the kids taking the initiative like this, to do something like this. I think it’s great. I appreciate them so much,” Robby shared. Megan Scherwyn, a volunteer from Texas, said, “This is my fifth World Changers’ project. I’ve never done roofing before, and I’ve never been on a roofing crew, so I am excited. Oxford is the most welcoming city. It is really nice. You guys have been great. I feel like the city is here for us and we are so glad to be able to help.”

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

SALUTE TO A VETERAN

JERRY “DOC” HADLEY

JERRY RECENTLY SAT DOWN WITH THE OXFORD ACCESS TEAM AND SHARED HIS THOUGHTS AND MEMORIES ABOUT HIS SERVICE IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY.

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JERRY, IN HIS OWN WORDS.

was born in 1947 in Tupelo, Mississippi. I have lived all over the country but moved to this area after my service in the army mostly because of Ft. McClellan and the access to medical centers, which was vital after I was wounded in Vietnam. In addition, I moved here to start working for a dental laboratory making dentures, partials, and other dental prosthetics. I think they would call me a “smile artist” today. My dad was a World War II veteran. He was stationed at Fort Benning, Georgia the day Pearl Harbor was attacked (on his birthday). He was one of the first to go to Europe. On one assignment they had to go in after a death camp was liberated and clean it up. He did not like to talk about it. His brother, my uncle, also served during WWII, so I guess I’m from a military family. Tell us about your enlistment. We had a draft system at the time I enlisted. I knew I was going to get drafted, so I decided to go ahead and enlist so I had a better chance at attending the school of my choice. I had worked in a dental lab for two years while in high school. I knew that the army had a dental lab school and I wanted to continue my education while serving.

to Ft. Jackson in the Carolinas for survival school. I eventually returned to Ft. Sam Houston for dental laboratory school. The army fulfilled their obligation to send me through that school. After school and training, what did you do next? They deployed me to Vietnam in August 1966. I was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division [called the Big Red One], First Medical Battalion, 257th Medical Detachment, which is basically an outsourcing unit for medics. From there, I had orders to fly to a different area in Vietnam. I arrived there and was then assigned to travel somewhere else. This went on for eight days. It frustrated me, but I noticed the same marine lieutenant was onboard every flight I took. After some time, he approached me and told me that they had been watching me the whole time. I guess they were monitoring my reaction to frustration, irritation, etc. They then called me in, and a CIA and CID member took me through 48 hours of interrogation. It was completely unexpected.

After enlisting, I went to basic training in Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri, for eight weeks. Afterward, I traveled to Ft. Sam Houston, Texas, for combat medic school and finally

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

Jerry Hadley, middle row, right.

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Wow, that sounds tough. What was it like after being put through intense training? I passed all the tests, and I was chosen to be a medic for the Military Assistance Command Vietnam Study and Observation Group (SOG). I didn’t do anything really; I just studied the war (he says with a laugh and a smile). It turned out that SOG was a name for a covert group that did all these things that weren’t recognized–“undercover” is what some might call it. We did nothing official because we were doing the “dirty” jobs that no one else could do legally. Anyway, we got to the border between Cambodia and Laos. The North Vietnamese would use what was called the Ho Chi Minh Trail to transport all their goods, equipment, and personnel through the countries, and we couldn’t officially do anything to stop those transports. We had to be careful not be recognized while doing covert ops. I’ll even share a story with you about that. When we were in our mission area, we crossed the border and did not, no, could not, be recognized as American soldiers. We had no uniform, no dog tag, not even a photo I.D. I have a photo of me from that time dressed as a Russian advisor where I’m carrying nothing American on me–not even my weapons. We would go over and collect information and reconnaissance. We would cross the border in covert attire, and then we’d have to change back into our army clothes, so the United States soldiers didn’t think we were the enemy. It was a pretty tricky situation.

That sounds difficult. What else went on while you were on the Ho Chi Minh Trail? Well, one time we went to the trail to set up landmines. When the North Vietnamese convoy–which had materials and troops–hit the mines, we called for an airstrike on the rear of the convoy as a distraction. Our assignment was to capture the lead driver and have him interrogated. The lead driver always had the most information about where they were going and other critical details. In that operation, one of our guys was killed in action, but we were able to recover his body and three of the Viet Cong. Now there were six of us and hundreds of the enemy, and we were three miles to the border of Vietnam. Three miles doesn’t seem that far, but when it’s six versus a hundred, it’s a long way! You were a medic, basically a doctor? Yes, I was their first line of treatment. This is how tough it is for medics: when the troops are marching and come to a stop, a medic doesn’t get to rest. Even a blister in that environment was a big (or serious) thing, so I’m running down the line giving salt pills, doctoring blisters, and stuff like that. Before you knew it, it was time to march again. What is the most common injury you treated? Usually a lot of sniper wounds of some sort. They used a lot of mortar and RPGs would hit, and debris would cut the soldiers.

“They deployed me to Vietnam in August 1966. I was assigned to the 1st Infantry Division [called the Big Red One], First Medical Battalion, 257th Medical Detachment, which is basically an outsourcing unit for medics.”

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Do you have any “good” memories from that time? I got mail from a man that was, pretty much, left for dead, and we picked him up. He sent me a letter, thanking me for saving his life. Can you talk about how difficult it is to treat a wounded soldier while under fire? You do the best you can. You’re under fire. You have to treat the guys and still protect yourself. There were three people we defended the most: the lieutenant (the leader), the radio operator, and the medic. Do you have any more stories about Vietnam? Well, you have to learn to be invisible over there. You want to look, eat, and smell like the enemy. A lot of thought goes into being invisible. I’ve been under lemon grass, hiding just inches away from the enemy. One VC soldier came off the trail because he suspected something. He urinated on me, but he never saw me. I would’ve been killed if he had seen me. We were going in to retrieve wounded soldiers. We would take those injured to the nearest place to be transported to medical facilities. Usually, it was a battalion aid station, which was an elementary medical aid facility. It may be a tent with a medic, maybe a nurse, perhaps a doctor–but probably not. If they could be stabilized, they would be transported to a MASH (Mobile Army Surgical Hospital) or an Infield Hospital. After treatment, they would return to duty if their conditions allowed it. I actually had to go through this process. I was there, in service, for 11 months and three weeks–one week short of going home–and I got hurt. I didn’t get shot; my rifle did. We had M14s that had wooden forearms

and stocks. We were under fire, and an AK47 round hit my M14 in the wooden stock and it shattered in my hand. I couldn’t call the medic; I was the medic! So, what could I do? I took a C-ration can, my hand around it, and then I kind of put the fragments in my hand back where they belonged. Then I put a bandage over it and got some of the other men’s morphine (a small amount) and injected myself. I was down for two hours, and it took four hours to get me to the medic tent, so the last two hours were really tough on me. How long were you in the army, total? A little over three years from the time I enlisted to the time I was discharged. The last 15 months of my service, I was on medical hold, and I was in and out of rehab and the hospital. The medical staff was talking about taking my entire hand off at first, and then they talked about taking everything but my pinky. There was a young orthopedic surgeon there who I believed saved my hand, and now you can hardly tell I almost lost it. I still have issues with it; there’s a lot of metal in it. I can’t even pick up a pen, but you would never notice. I just adapt, and now I do a lot of things with my left hand that I otherwise would do with my right hand. Can you tell us about this mission where you got hurt? Well, they just started declassifying some of the information last year, so some I can talk about, some I can’t. To give you an idea of how secretive it was: I came from the State of Washington, to Alabama to hand them my discharge papers. They were starting to use computers at the time, and a man entered the information in the computer, slid his chair back and said, “Hmm…I have to get to the bottom of this

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because you don’t exist. Go home, and I’ll call you back.” About three weeks later, he called me, and I went back over there and gave him my serial number, and he said, “I don’t know what kind of missions you have been on, but your records have been buried three levels deep at The Pentagon.” To this day, when I go to the military hospital, they have no official papers on me, but they treat me anyway. Is it difficult not being able to share everything? The first few years after I came back, I didn’t want to talk about it at all. I still have difficulty with communication today–as a SOG member, you’re taught to use sign language. You don’t verbally communicate. Sometimes, someone will talk to me, and I don’t reply because communicating silently is still ingrained in my head. I just nod or look at them. One of the hardest things I’ve had to deal with is the fact I should be dead. There’s no way I should be alive. Just the fact that I survived is difficult sometimes. I don’t know if it’s guilt. I feel like I should have died instead of some of the other soldiers. That’s just a hard hurdle to overcome. I don’t really know why I was left alive, but I figure there’s some reason I am still here. How did you deal with stress in combat? You have to be in the mindset that you’re not going to survive, and I don’t know how to explain that. I stayed in a “cartoon character mode” to survive…literally, everything was funny. To give you an idea, we had a mission where we were going through a village and giving primary medical, dental care to the villagers. After we did that, the chief of the village threw us a big party to thank us. So, I’m there giving kids chocolate candy bars, and out of nowhere, I hear someone

yelling “Look out, Doc!” A nine-year-old came out of his hut and shot me with a pistol. He hit me on my side. I fell back and laid there and laughed hysterically. I had to get myself in that mindset though, to cope. You never went back after your injury, correct? Right, when I was wounded, I went to the battalion aid station, to the hospital, to rehab for 15 months, and then I was discharged completely. Wow. How did that affect you? For many years, I never talked about any of this. Then, ten years ago, a psychologist got me to talk about what happened while I was serving, and since then, I have been more able to open up about my experiences. I have had opportunities to talk about what I went through and I have made sure to tell others about it. It’s been a good way to deal with the PTSD I’ve struggled with for decades. I’ve been interviewed on local television stations and newspapers, and I’ve gotten a chance to speak to school students in the area. In the history books. Sixth-grade history class is when state schools study Vietnam, and I started speaking to them because there is a photo of me in the history book for the state of Alabama. I had no clue there was a photo of me until my grandson told me. He said he opened his book in class a pointed me out saying, “That’s my pawpaw.” Nobody believed him, not even the teacher. When he got home, his dad contacted the teacher and confirm it was me pictured in the history book. Since then, I have made yearly visits to Williams Middle School (in Pell City, Alabama) to speak to the sixth grade classes.

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The picture in the history book is merely an image; our story wasn’t told. Nevertheless, the photo was taken by a soldier with the 3rd division, 4th Marines, K-Company, as we were bringing a “body back to the hill.” It is great that you are able to talk about your experiences now. Do you get to participate in other activities for veterans? Well, I got to go to the latest Honor Flight in Washington, D.C., and that was one of the greatest things that has happened to me. We met at the Oxford Civic Center at 3:30am and had a police escort to the Birmingham airport where we boarded a plane for D.C. When we got to D.C., I would have never expected for them to treat us as well as they did. We got off the plane, went through the tunnel, and then we saw hundreds of people holding up signs. The airport had banners and photos on the wall for us. There was a jazz band playing as we were walking in; I was blown away! There were 98 veterans from our area that went to the Honor Flight, plus around 50 guardians for the disabled veterans. The buses first took us to the Women’s Memorial, and I was shocked at how large all of the memorials were. Arlington Cemetery has over 400,000 graves. It was huge! There were fountains and big granite pillars for each state at the WWII Memorial, and we met in front of the Alabama pillar. Senator Doug Jones came out and greeted us. We went from there to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. We arrived in time for the Changing of the Guard. It is so impressive in real life, and I had a front-row seat. Another memorable moment from the trip included a two-jet fly-over on our way to Arlington, which meant a two-star general was being interred. That, itself, was a sight to see. We then went to the Korean and Vietnam Memorial. When we arrived at the Vietnam Memorial, Congressman Mike Rogers came out and greeted each one of us. We then went to the newly-completed Iwo Jima Memorial.

We had a special presentation by the Secret Service, and everyone got a medal for going on the Honor Flight. Also, they honored me as I am the only living survivor of my six-man group, and they said that my unit was known as the “biggest and bravest” unit in Vietnam. They even told me that they still use scenarios and tactics that we used 50 years ago for Secret Service training. Do you have any hobbies? (He laughs) I work! Last year I had a stroke. Prior to my stroke, I really enjoyed fishing, but now I am so bad I fear I’d fall into the water. My mother–who will be 89 in September–and my wife are ill, so I work, and I take care of them. I have two living sons, one deceased daughter, and six grandchildren, from ages 3 to 22.

Jerry Hadley is a real hero. We are thankful to him, and to the many veterans that he served before, with, or after. He has to tell his story, not just for the sake of telling it, but because we, the citizens of this great nation, have to know what Jerry and his other brothers-in-arms did to keep us safe. No amount of words or money will ever repay the debt he, or any veteran, has paid to this country, and if we add that to the names of the fallen, there is one thing that we all can do, so on behalf of the citizens of Oxford, we say “thank you!”

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

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who we are

WITH CITY OF OXFORD VETERANS

Veterans come from different walks of life, many different generations, and all have different stories to tell. Join us in getting to know these City of Oxford employees as we celebrate their contribution to our nation and to our city.

SERIES OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

Honoring our Veterans OXFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

CHUCK BATTLES Patrol Officer Army Reserve Cannon crew member field artillery 1991-1999

ERIC BATTLES Officer US Army, National Guard, 31B Military Police 2012-2015

SGT. BOBBY BOOZER Sergeant Patrol Division Army military police (National Guard) 1990-1999 Desert Storm

Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Hurry-up and wait

Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Brotherhood, Character, Purpose

Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Hard, Fun, Rewarding

Q: Why did you join? To support the war effort in the first Gulf War

Q: Why did you join? For life direction

Q: Why did you join? ROTC program at JSU

Q: Hardest part? Leaving brothers behind after new assignments/getting out of the military

Q: Where all did you travel? Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait

Q: What made you decide on your branch? The recruiter was good at his job and there was an enlistment bonus with my m.o.s. Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? Ounces=pounds and pounds=pain

Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? LORDSHIP. The Army valuesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;loyalty, duty, respect, selfless service, honor, integrity, and personal courage

CRAIG CARR / Officer United States Marine Corp, Corporal / 1976 to 1980 Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Honor, Pride, Achievement Q: Why did you join? My father was a retired Marine Master Gunnery Sargent. From the time I was 7 years old there were two things I wanted to be - a Marine and a police officer. Q: What made you decide on your branch? The Marine corps was the only choice for me because my father was Marine. After I joined, my brother joined the Marines and eventually my son did also. We are a Marine Corps family. Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? What I learned and will take with me forever is the dedication, discipline, and esprit de corps. 46

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Q: What did you look forward to when you got back? A cheese burger from Cecilâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

We take this time to commemorate and celebrate the brave, loyal, and selfless

American soldiers for giving us the opportunity to live freely in this great country.

JAMIE CLARK Officer Coast Guard 1989-1994 Q: Describe your military experience in three words: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Coast Guard Mottoâ&#x20AC;? Sempur Paratus (Always Ready)

SGT. JOHN FRIEND Patrol Sergeant US Army Military Police (SSG) 1980 to 2000 Desert Storm Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Fun, Travel, Adventure

Q: Why did you join? Wanted to serve

Q: Hardest part? Leaving the U.S.

Q: Most rewarding part? Seeing the results of a mission

Q: What was the longest period of time you were away from home? 4 years in Germany

Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? Discipline and Sense of Duty

Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? Self-discipline

JEREMY MCCORKLE Investigator U.S. Air Force Security Forces / Staff Sergeant 1999-2004 Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Rewarding, Humbling, Challenging Q: Most rewarding part? Serving my country Q: What did you look forward to when you got back? Seeing my wife and children Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? Leaders lead by example and from the front

JOSH MCKENZIE / Sergeant Army/ Sergeant in an Infantry Unit 2003 to 2009 / Operation Iraqi Freedom Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Brotherhood, Fun, Thankful Q: Were you in combat? Yes Q: Where all did you travel? Ireland, Germany, Kuwait, Iraq Q: What did you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? Be thankful for what you have, live life slow, and enjoy your life

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

Honoring our Veterans OXFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

BRIAN NORTON Patrol Officer United States Marine Corps/Sergeant 2009-2015 Operation Enduring Freedom

TIM PARSONS Sergeant Army 1980-2010 Iraqi Freedom/ Desert Storm

Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Honor, Courage, and Commitment

Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Challenging, Rewarding, Memorable

Q: Why did you join? 9/11

Q: Why did you join? I was young and wanted to travel and do something with my life

Q: What did you look forward to when you got back? Seeing my daughter walk for the first time Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? The phrase â&#x20AC;&#x153;mind over matterâ&#x20AC;? applies to everything in life

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Q: What made you decide on your branch? I have family members that served Q: Most memorable moment? Coming home each time and seeing the faces on my family when I returned

DANIEL PHIPPS Sergeant on Patrol US Army, Reserve and Guard 2005-Present Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Exciting, Challenging, Homesick Q: Hardest part? The physical demands on your body and being away from family Q: Most rewarding part? Sense of pride knowing that you served America Q: What was the longest period of time you were away from home? 9 months Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? A sense of brotherhood that I shared with other people that served

â&#x20AC;&#x153;If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.â&#x20AC;? John Quincy Adams

NICK REEVES Patrol Officer Army 2009-2010

DONALD RIDLEY Lieutenant U.S. Army, Active Duty 1992-1998

Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Challenging, Rewarding, Thankful

Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Tough, Exciting, Rewarding

Q: Why did you join? I come from a military family. Service in our family goes back many generations. It was something that I always wanted to do and did not want to look back one day and wished that I would have done it.

Q: Why did you join? I have always had a desire to serve my community in some capacity whether in the military or in my current position.

Q: What made you decide on your branch? I honestly did a ton of research before going into this decision. My dad was in the Air Force, my uncle was in the Army and Navy, and my grandfather was in the Navy. So everyone had their own inputs, but the Army had the better educational benefits and that was set them apart for me. Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? I learned that I can push myself more than I ever believed was possible. That hard work and dedication and a whole lot of will power will make you successful. You will stumble, but getting back up and still pushing forward to that goal is what defines you and will set you apart from everyone else.

Q: Hardest part? Spending long periods of time away from family was probably the hardest thing to deal with. That was during peacetime. I cannot imagine what it is like now with the increased tempo of current military operations. Q: Where all did you travel? I traveled all over the United States with stops in Indiana, Washington, Missouri, California, and Colorado. My last tour was in South Korea.

BRYAN RUSH Patrol Officer US Army SPC 4 1988-1992 Operation Just Cause Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Exciting, Dangerous, Rewarding Q: Why did you join? For the college fund and to see the world Q: What made you decide on your branch? A friend was doing the army and I talked to his recruiter Q: What was the training like? Long and rigorous. I went to basic, AIT, and Airborne School, followed by the ranger indoctrination program and ranger school

Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? Teamwork. Comradery. These are traits that were easily transitioned to a career in law enforcement.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

Honoring our Veterans OXFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

SGT. KEITH STANCIL Sergeant Navy Reserves/Petty Officer 3rd Class/ Builder, Master at Arms 1991-1999 Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Rewarding, Challenging, Inspiring Q: Most rewarding part? The feeling of accomplishment Q: Most memorable moment? Working on an orphanage in Okinawa, Japan and having one of the orphans thank me and hug my neck. Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? Discipline, respect, self-worth, and teamwork

ARNIE WINNINGHAM U S Army, Sergeant First Class 1977 - 1997 Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Rewarding, Fulfilling, Life Changing Q: Hardest part? In my 20 year career in the Army, the most difficult was attending Drill Sergeant School. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a challenge of your complete being (mind, body and soul). The school itself is designed to train Noncommissioned Officers on how to bring civilians in from all walks of life and train them to become soldiers. Q: Most rewarding part? My time as a Drill Sergeant. Like a proud parent, thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s such a warm feeling and a sense of pride on graduation day when you watch the civilians turned soldiers walk across the stage and receive their diploma, then when the families come up to you and tell you how proud they are of their soldier. Q: Most memorable moment? First was Graduation day from Drill Sergeant School. The other was the day I received my Regimental Coin, given to me by the Military Police Regimental Command Sergeant Major. With the Regimental Coin, your name is placed on rolls of the Hall of Fame in the Military Police Museum.

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OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMEN

RODNEY BALL Oxford Fire Fighter Army Reserve 1990-1998 Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Rewarding, Challenging, Tough Q: What was the training like? Tough but it built character Q: What was the longest time you were away from home? A couple of years Q: What was the hardest part? Initially leaving for basic training

DAN FRUTAL Oxford Fire Fighter

Out-of-town on training and not available for the Q & A

First known as Armistice Day, President Woodrow Wilson set aside the day of Nov. 11 (the first anniversary of the signing of the armistice ending WWI) to recognize our American soldiers for their service. This day was declared a National Holiday in 1938 and in 1954 the name was changed to Veterans Day to honor all American Veterans.

JEREMY BROWN Oxford Firefighter/ Paramedic Army/ Private First Class / 2003-2006 Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Great learning experience Q: Most memorable moment? Spending weeks at Camp Bullis in Texas in the field learning combat medicine. San Antonio wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bad either! Q: What did you look forward to when you got back? Seeing my mom! By far the best part. Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? Comradery and respect. Both carry over to the fire service and prove beneficial to our overall goals.

TY CORBAN Oxford Fire Marshal US Coast Guard 1980-1984 Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Very rewarding experience Q: Why did you join? My father and grandfathers all served in the armed services. Q: Most rewarding part? Being able to make a difference in the rescue operations which I participated in (saving lives) Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? The work ethic and discipline I learned while serving my country.

HEROLD FEASELL Oxford Fire Chaplain USMC (Marine Core) 1960-61 Vietnam Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Rough as Hell Q: Why did you join? Friends Q: What made you decide on your branch? Brother Q: What was the training like? Bad Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? Grow up

ZACHERY OSBORNE Oxford Fire Fighter Army/ Infantry / 2014 - Current Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Disciplined, Orderly, Strict Q: Why did you join? To continue a family tradition Q: What was the training like? Mentally and physically tough but rewarding in the end. Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? Honor and the matter of carrying out what it means. OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

Honoring our Veterans OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT

CAYLON REAVES Oxford Fire Fighter / Emy-B United States Marine Corps/ Corporal/ 1371 Combat Engineer 2009-2014 Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Rewarding, Interesting, Silkies Q: Why did you join? To carry on the legacy of service in the family Q: What made you decide on your branch? If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to do something, you might as well be the best; the Marines are the best Q: Most memorable moment? My last demolition range before I was discharged. I always loved my job and getting to go out one more time with my brothers and blow stuff into oblivion was awesome and I will never forget it.

EMMITT J. SHAKE Lieutenant and Paramedic U.S. Army Reserves. Rank: E4 Specialist Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Proud I Served Q: Why did you join? I joined because of a heart felt need to serve. Q: What made you decide on your branch? Joined the Army Reserves because my dad was a Retired Major from an Army Career as a Chemical Officer. Q: Hardest part? The hardest part was definitely my unit not being activated when most of the others in the Reserve Center around us were being called up during Desert Shield and Storm, to use a sports analogy it was like practicing all season and not even getting to dress out for homecoming. If I could ask people for one thing it would be to remember the folks deployed now and pray for them. Put all politics aside about what you believe and just support the people serving in a hostile climate.

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OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS

WILLIAM NICKERSON Oxford Dept. of Public Works U.S. Army/ Reserve/ SSG Retired 1979-2015 First Gulf War Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Fun, travel, adventures Q: What was the training like? Best training in the world Q: Hardest part? Trusting in God Q: What did you look forward to when you got back? Peace

LOVE OF COUNTRY AND WILLINGNESS TO SACRIFICE FOR IT

JAMES ROGERS Oxford Dept. of Public Works Army National Guard 2017 - present Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Enjoyable, Difficult, Changing Q: What was the longest you were away from home? 8 months Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? I’ve learned that taking the high road isn’t always easy, but it is always right.

MICHAEL ROGERS Oxford Dept. of Public Works U.S. Marine Corps L/CPL 1984-1990 Libyan Conflict Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Life changing experience Q: Did you receive and medals or citations? Good conduct medal, Overseas Duty Ribbon, Letters of appreciation while attached to nuclear weapon security force, and East Coast task force against terrorism.

WILL SMITH Oxford Dept. of Public Works U.S.M.C. E-1 2014 Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Brotherhood, Tough, Rewarding Q: Why did you join? Love of our country Q: What made you decide on your branch? The Marines carry themselves to a higher standard. Q: Hardest part? Coming home

Q: Where all did you travel? Japan, Korea, Philippines, and many states Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? Discipline and sacrifice

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

Honoring our Veterans OXFORD PARD

JACK DEAL Choccolocco Park Director U.S. Navy Aviation Ordinanceman 1981-1985 Q: Describe your military experience in three words: A lot of water Q: Did you receive and medals or citations? Sea service ribbon (for being 6 months at sea), meritorious unit commendation, and two expeditionary metals. Q: Most rewarding part? I loved every minute of every country we got to go. I thought the culture and the people were so neat. I never saw a country that didn’t love their family, their kids, and their food. Q: Where all did you travel? 20 different countries because of how much I was at sea. Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? It’s disturbing to me to see people fighting over political stand-points. After going to all the countries I have been to, there is still no doubt that America is the greatest country out there. There’s always going to be disagreements but there is no reason we shouldn’t be able to come together in agreement for what’s good for America.

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CITY HALL

FRED M. DENNEY City Project Manager Army National Guard, Enlisted as a PFC, Retired as a Lieutenant Colonel 35 Years: 1956 to 1991 Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Educational, Leadership Building, A place for everything and everything in its place.

CIDER RIDGE

JELPHER (JEFF) HILLSMAN Cider Ridge, Assistant Golf Professional U.S. Army, Retired Chief Warrant Four (CW4) 28 Years: 1983-2011 Desert Storm/Desert Shield, OPBAT Q: Describe your military experience in three words: Love of Country!

Q: Most memorable moment? Graduating from OCS

He began in the enlisted ranks in 1983, making Staff Sergeant, then progressed into Army aviation, becoming a Unit Senior Instructor, Unit Instrument Examiner, Platoon Leader and Flight Commander before retiring as a CW4.

Q: What is one thing you learned from the military that you will carry with you forever? To make decisions, not be afraid to take command, Take responsibility, Follow up

In addition to his numerous medals, he earned the Southwest Asia Service Medal with two Bronze Stars for his distinguished participation in the Gulf War.

Q: What did you look forward to when you got back? Have all weekends free

At the time of his service as one of the few black Flight Commanders serving in Fort Rucker and later as the only black Flight Commander for a civilian contractor at Fort Rucker, he capably conducted the standardized training of rated/nonrated aviators in Day/Night/NVG phases of Basic Combat skills while also teaching maneuvers such as terrain flight operations, low-level, contour, nap-of-theearth, non-standard maneuvers and emergency maneuvers.

Q: What made you decide on your branch? Wanted construction training

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

SALUTE TO A VETERAN KEN ROLLINS What’s it like being a veteran? I’ve never been asked what it is like to be a veteran until now, and now that I have been asked, it brings back many memories, even before I enlisted. Let’s talk about your childhood then… I was born in St. Clair County in 1944. My father served in the Navy and was killed in an automobile wreck when I was five years old. I was raised by my mother who had seven kids. I attended schools at Johnson Junior High, Hokes Bluff School, and Oxford High School. Every time I saw someone in uniform I was in awe. I always wanted to enlist, but then my mother was diagnosed with cancer, and we lost her in September 1961. How did that affect your plans to enlist? It actually hastened it. In November of 1961, my sister–who was my guardian after the passing of my mother–signed a waiver to allow me to join the army. It was quick, too: I signed up on Noble Street in Anniston, hopped on a bus to Montgomery, and was sworn into the Army. What happened after you were sworn in? Not long after, I was shipped out on a train to Fort Chaffee, Arkansas for my Basic Training. There were no threats of war at the time, only the Berlin Crisis. What happened after basic training? After serving in places like Fort Sill, OK, Fort Stewart, GA, and Fort Benning, GA, my company shipped out to Vietnam in 1965, and that was indeed a shock to this country boy. After a few months in the country, I began bleeding internally and was medically evacuated to Fort Gordon, GA. Once I was released, I was sent back to fight.

Interviewed by Joshua Craft

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Where did you go after you were released? I was sent to Karlsruhe, Germany and after that, it was back to Vietnam. Tell me about your service in Vietnam. It was different, that’s for sure. We were in a thirdworld country, fighting an enemy on their turf. Even though it was different being in a foreign land, by some odd way I felt like I was making a difference. I took various seeds with me the second time I was there and gave the villagers one squash and watermelon seed. I would discuss America with them and how great the country was, and most of them were happy to see us and were willing to talk to us about their country too. I decided not to reenlist when my tour was up in October of 1969. I was proud of my service then and proud of it today! What was it like after coming home from Vietnam? After working at Avondale Mills and other businesses, I decided I wanted to be in the music industry. I traveled to Nashville, and by luck, I met Mary Reeves Davis, the widow of the late Jim Reeves. She landed me a job as a booking agent. I was booking a new band named Wild Country, but most of you will know them by the name they use today, ALABAMA. I then worked for the largest agency in Nashville and booked singers such as The Statlers, Tammy Wynette, George Jones, Ronnie Milsap, Reba McEntire, and many others. I even booked and traveled with Chubby Checker for a couple of years. I quit booking and went to work for a friend who owned GUSTO Records. I promoted “Teddy Bear” by Red Sovine to #1 in 1976, and then I ended my music business after promoting a tour on Don Williams.

What were your plans after leaving the music industry? I moved to Anniston searching for a job at Anniston Army Depot (ANAD). After landing a job at ANAD in 1976, I formed a group for Vietnam Veterans. We brought the Vietnam Memorial Wall to Oxford Lake with the help of the City of Oxford, and we had a smaller wall at the lot between 17th and 18th Streets in Anniston.

Tell me how you became an advocate for veterans in our region. After the memorial wall left Oxford, I was made aware that the lot between 17th and 18th Street might be available to build a Vietnam Memorial on. I went to Montgomery while the Alabama State Legislature was in session and talked Senator Gerald Dial into making Centennial Memorial Park as the official location for the Vietnam Memorial Wall. We began having Memorial Day and Veteran

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

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Day ceremonies in the park in 1990. During that period, I served as State President of Vietnam Veterans of America for six years. In 2004, Governor Bob Riley appointed me to the State Board of Veterans Affairs, and I served for 13 years as the Homes Committee Chairman. What has changed about Centennial Memorial Park since its construction? Since the Vietnam Memorial was built in the park, we have built the WWI, WWII, Korea, and Persian Gulf memorials, along with the Alabama Law Enforcement Memorial and the Alabama Fire Fighter Memorials. We will create the Iraq and Afghanistan Memorials in 2019. You really are an advocate for veterans and also for our men and women that keep us safe locally. Have you received any honors for your work? I’m not one for honors, but for my efforts in Centennial Memorial Park, the City of Anniston named the portion of 17th Street where Centennial Memorial Park is Ken Rollins Way. I’m proud to have my name on anything to do with veterans, especially something that is so close to home. Is there anything else you do for our veterans? I was asked in 2009 to host my own TV show at WEAC TV-24 in Oxford. The show is still on the air, showing five times weekly. In speaking engagements, I often ask members of the audience who are not veterans to sign a personal check and send

it forward to me [he says with a grin and hearty laugh]. Nobody has ever taken me up on that, but I make the point that all veterans signed a blank check to the United States of America for the amount up to and including their life! You are also active with A League of Our Own Oxford. How do you like doing that? I get to do the play-by-play for them, and it fills me with pride. To see those kids with special needs hitting and fielding warms my heart, and it’s a great way to give back to those less fortunate. You’ve done it with me, Joshua; you know how good it is. That’s right, Ken, we have had some good times up in the booth. I guess that’s a wrap, and I’ll leave you with the last word: What would like to say to those who would like to help veterans in our area? Anyone that wants to help Veterans can do so by contacting one of the Veterans Homes. The closest one to us is Pell City, and they are doing great things for veterans, but they still need our support. They can also give to the Salvation Army Homeless Veteran Program and Toys For Tots, which allows our enlisted men to provide Christmas gifts to those in the countries they are serving in.

The City of Oxford and the surrounding area would like to thank Ken Rollins for his tireless work on behalf of our veterans. You can watch his show, Veterans Issues, on WEAC TV-24 on Wednesdays at 3:30pm and 5:30pm, Thursdays at 3:30pm, Fridays at 3:30pm, Saturdays at 12:30pm, and Tuesdays at 9:00am and 2:00pm.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

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CITY OF OXFORD | FIRE DEPARTMENT

Message from the

Oxford Fire Chief I hope everyone had a safe and enjoyable summer. It has been a busy and hot summer for the Oxford Fire Department. The following new firefighters have been added to our department in the last few months. We are proud to welcome them to the City of Oxford Family. FF/Paramedic Eric Chapman FF/EMTA Trey Forbus FF/EMT Jonathan Gaines FF/Paramedic Cole Herron FF/EMT Donald Knight On March 22, 2018, at Choccolocco Park, Coach Wayne Caldwell went into sudden cardiac arrest while watching an Oxford High Softball game. Oxford Fire Battalion Chief Donnie Adams, Lt. Brandon Slick, and FF. Gerald Cates immediately took action to revive Coach Caldwell. Shannon Stephens, Kelly Butts, and Cathy Denson also sprang into action to assist our crew in performing CPR and life saving measures. We are happy to report that Coach Caldwell survived this event and is on the road to recovery. We encourage everyone to learn how to perform CPR; the quicker one starts CPR, the better the chances of a positive outcome. As we move into fall, remember to call Oxford Fire at 256-831-3208 to obtain a burn permit before burning leaves or brush. If you live in Talladega County, we can’t issue a burn permit until November 1 due to ADEM regulations. October is Fire Prevention Month, and October 7-13 is Fire Prevention Week. We will be doing our smoke detector blitz again this year as well as other activities. Please check our Facebook Page for updated information. Also, join us on October 1 at the Oxford Civic Center for our annual “Public Safety Night Out” from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Chief Gary Sparks

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

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AN ALTRUISTIC KIDNEY DONOR STORY WHAT DOES “ALTRUISTIC” MEAN ANYWAY?

Altruistic…what does it mean, anyway? The dictionary defines it as “a selfless concern for the well-being of others.” Maybe a story will help explain it more clearly. Late in 2017, my oldest step-son, Jason Head, a 2002 graduate of Oxford High School, left his job as a youth pastor at a local Baptist church. This job had provided him with a great sense of purpose and fulfillment, but left him with a struggle, as he puts it, to do something “bigger than himself.” Jason felt challenged in his prayer life by God to do something based on his faith, not on worldly views and beliefs. He asked for some higher calling because he had given up something he truly loved. He heard God say to him to “do something for someone that they can never repay.” As he prayed for direction, Jason began to see little “clues” for his calling. All of a sudden, everywhere he looked, he started to see and hear about organ failure. As Jason looked at social media posts, talked with clients impacted by organ failure, and learned of a family member’s diagnosis with lupus, he began to see the possibility of organ donation. He even heard a radio advertisement about–you guessed it–the UAB Kidney Chain. Eventually, after some initial contact with Emory University, Jason found his place at UAB. After going through tests, he was picked

as a candidate to become a non-directed or altruistic kidney donor. He was paired with a complete stranger. This stranger, Bryon Langford, was on dialysis and had been on the kidney transplant list for 2.5 years. Jason’s gift meant life for Bryon. Jason said his biggest fear as a donor was to become dependent on someone else to take care of his recovery and day-to-day needs. None of us like asking others for help, and he knew this surgery would leave him unable to fully care for himself for a while. He is thankful for the caring UAB nurses, doctors, and surgeons who treated him like a member of their own families. Jason’s family, particularly his wife Megan, was a huge part of his recovery process. Jason said he knows it could have been someone he loved, or even himself, in need of a kidney, and he is grateful for the new vision to love others sacrificially. This made his decision to donate not a difficult one. It was more difficult for his wife and mother to come to terms with the surgery. Jason said his desire was merely to be obedient, and he has not once regretted his decision to give an opportunity for life to another person! Jason said getting to meet his recipient was one of the greatest moments of his life. He got to go to Bryon’s room at UAB a couple of days after the surgery while they both were recovering. When he walked in the room, Bryon knew immediately who his visitor was,

By Denny Bailey

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

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and the tears couldn’t be stopped from Bryon, his mother, Megan, or Jason. In a scene indelibly stamped on his memory, Jason described his first meeting with Bryon. He said, “I went over to shake his hand, thinking he would be in too much pain for anything more. Instead, Bryon shot up out of his bed, and we embraced and instantly became brothers. He couldn’t stop expressing his gratitude, and we spent some time getting to know each other. We formed a bond that will last the rest of our lives.” Bryon and Jason have stayed in regular contact with each other and Bryon has become the “self-appointed” godfather to Jason and Meagan’s future daughter, due, as of this writing, any day now (Jason and Megan found out they were expecting two days before the transplant.) Jason’s recovery has not been without its challenges. He has had a minor follow-up surgery, and returning to pre-surgery conditioning was lengthy and difficult. But Jason has begun working out and running, competing in the US K-9 Biathlon (with his Labrador Retriever, Remy) in May and the Barbarian Challenge in June. Bryon’s life has changed dramatically since the transplant surgery. Before the transplant surgery, he began his days with four hours of dialysis starting at 3 a.m. and then on to work. Bryon now works two jobs, at a Publix in Huntsville and his local church.

Jason donated his kidney through the UAB kidney transplant program, the nation’s longest kidney chain series of transplant surgeries, with 101 recipients and counting since 2013. The program is headed by transplant surgeon Dr. Jayme Locke, who says “This has been an incredible team effort and achievement.” More information about the program can be found on the UAB website http:// www.uab.edu/kidneychain/. Jason’s story has influenced others. A friend of Megan’s, Halley Power, read about Jason’s kidney donation experience on Facebook. Halley explains on her blog, “Continued Ramblings of a Ragamuffin,” that this intrigued her and she began to research the process. As she did, she decided to become a kidney donor herself. She is chronicling her journey on her blog to promote awareness and inspire others to consider becoming a kidney donor. Her initial blog about donation gives “Three reasons I’m giving my kidney to a stranger.” So what does “Altruistic” mean, anyway? In this application, it means giving your kidney to a non-directed recipient, as Jason and 100 other donors in the UAB chain and many others have done. Jason described it as God calling him to “do something for someone that they can never repay.” Altruistic…maybe it means becoming a link in the chain!

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

WELCOME to OXFORD

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Oxford Police Department

600 Stanley Merrill Drive, Oxford, AL 36203

For many, this year’s vacations are coming to an end and will soon be replaced by the early morning back-to-school routines. I hope you all enjoyed the break, but it’s now time to put your “thinking caps” back on. It’s Back to School! As we prepare for school safety this year, we feel as though you should as well. Please use these tips to help ensure you and your children are well protected: Bus Riders – teach your children the proper way to get on and off the bus. They should stand approximately six feet from the curb (or bus stop) and should never run towards the bus as it approaches. If children must cross in front of the bus to enter, make sure the bus comes to a complete stop, and that the children walk in front of the bus at a distance great enough for the driver to see them. Drivers – take extra care during the schools’ opening and closing hours; especially within our school zones. Always yield to pedestrians, never pass a vehicle stopped for pedestrians, and never pass a school bus while loading or unloading children. As always, the most important tips for safely driving around our schools and children is to slow down and stay alert. This means putting your phone away! In short, please stay cognizant of your actions and the actions of your children. Teach your children and teens to slow down, pay attention to what is happening around them, and help take care of others. In regards to our progressive initiatives, I recently released the following announcement for the department’s newly created crime center. “I am extremely proud to announce the formation of the “East Metro Area Crime Center” (EMACC) that will house state-of-the-art technology that will assist law enforcement investigators from the region, to include Calhoun County and surrounding counties and cities to combat crime in the region. By working together, we will be able to address crime trends and begin to reduce crime by placing criminals behind bars. The goal of this center is to reduce crimes in the region which has the highest crime rates in our state. The out-of-the-box thinking has law enforcement excited and we look forward to working together to make our communities safe. I want to thank our Mayor and City Council for the vision they have in being able to support a regional concept in reducing crime. Our goal is to get our region out of the top 10 areas for crime. This will also help in the recruitment of industry and improve quality of life. This is a game changer in law enforcement for our area.”

Message from the

Police Chief

More details regarding the EMACC will be released closer to its completion which is expected during the first quarter of 2019. As always, please contact us anytime with questions or for assistance.

Very Respectfully, Chief Bill Partridge

INVESTIGATIONS 256-835-6136 • ANIMAL CONTROL 256-591-4103 • GENERAL (NON-EMERGENCY) 256-831-3121 OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

U P DAT E F RO M T H E OX F O R D P U B L I C L I B R A R Y

The Oxford Public Library just finished its 2018 Summer Reading Program. The theme was Libraries Rock! We danced and sang all summer with the best kids we know. We learned the hula, danced with our friends, sang karaoke, enjoyed steel drums, marveled at magic, created fun crafts, painted on canvases, watched musicals (Disney and otherwise), played in the courtyard, adored learning how to knit, and, of course, relished reading. Kids and adults stormed the library to enjoy their summer.

CHECK US OUT The fall is going to be a lot of fun. OPL has lots of events coming up, so join us. We will be introducing some new programs for children, teens, and adults, as well as continuing programs for all ages that have been successful.

PRESCHOOLERS For our preschoolers we love so much, we will continue Story Time on Thursdays and Saturdays at 10:00. Read, play, craft, and sing with Ms. Beth and Mrs. Jeanna. For our elementary kiddos we love to see, join us on Mondays at 3:30 for Building Blocks with a Purpose as we use blocks/bricks/Legos to build fun projects; this encourages STEAM skills and fun!

TEENS Teens, we have fun activities planned for you, too! Come on the second Thursday of each month for Teen Trivia. Best your buddies as you show how much knowledge you have stored in that brain of yours. Join us, also, for Teen Read Week (in early October) to kick off a Teen Book Club. This isnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just any book club, though; read books that you are assigned in school and use this opportunity to

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C I T Y O F OX F O R D P U B L I C L I B R A R Y

discuss the book with your friends/others so you can shine in class with your thought-out ideas. FAMILIES Family time is so valuable! Bring the whole family for our Unplugged program on Saturdays at 11:00 starting in September and play together. We will play board games, charades, Pictionary, and the like. Play group games together and make memories! SPECIAL NEEDS Our special needs families are important to us, too. Join us for Sensory Activity Time on Sundays at 2:00. Play in a safe, secure environment. Different events will be scheduled each week, and each will be designed to accommodate all patrons. Don’t forget to check out our My Library Bags, which are designed to help make navigating the library a little easier for our young patrons with special needs. The bags include a bound picture book about the library called My Library Story, IDs, stress balls, and space for headphones for those that need them. FALL BREAK Fall Break sometimes leaves a dearth of things for kiddos to do. Not at OPL! We have special programming for kids out on Fall Break. Watch a Disney movie on Monday at 10:00. Play with us on Tuesday at Kid Time at 10:00 and Free Play at 2:00. Create a fun craft on Wednesday at 2:00. Enjoy our special elementary-aged Story Time at 2:00 on Thursday. Bring a plain white t-shirt on Friday to Tie-Dye it on Friday at 2:00. We’ll look forward to seeing you during Fall Break! FALL FESTIVAL Don’t forget our Fall Festival on October 31st at 3:30. Come in costume and have fun playing carnival-style games. We have fun every year, and this year will be no exception. ADULTS Adults have programming specially designed for them, too. Bunco has been a hit, so we will continue to host the fun dice game on the first Tuesday of each month at 1:00. It will keep you rolling! Make some beautiful Book Art from recycled book pages on the second Tuesday of each month at 10:00. As always, enjoy coming to the feisty and opinionated Book Club on the third Monday of each month at 3:00. Handcraft classes have been a mainstay at OPL for a while because our

patrons really enjoy them. They make some stunning pieces of work! All abilities are welcome. Join the Crochet Class on Mondays at 9:30, the Quilting Class on Wednesdays at 10:00, and the Knitting Class on Thursdays at 10:00. Ask us about Basket Weaving, too, because that’s making an appearance this fall. NEW! CARD SHARKS Because Bunco has been so popular, OPL will be beginning a new program called Card Sharks on the last Tuesday of each month at 10:00. If you like playing card games, join us and socialize while enjoying some fun card games. COMPUTERS Computer Classes will start back up in September, so join us on Tuesdays to learn computer skills to help you in your personal and professional life. Every Tuesday at 10:00, we help beginner computer users learn basic skills so they can understand why computers are important and how to use them. Those who hunt-and-peck on the keyboard and those who need to learn the difference between a right-click and left-click become skilled computer users with practice. Learn, ask questions, and practice during and after the class to become more familiar with the computer. For those who have basic skills but need additional training, OPL offers Enhanced Classes on every Tuesday at 2:00; these classes cover topics that patrons have requested to learn. Topics for the fall include Excel and other Microsoft Office programs, Email, Resumes, and The Cloud, among others. For those that aren’t able to come into the library, check out our online class service, Knowledge City, which can be found on the library’s website, www.oxfordpl.org. Click on the Services tab across the top, and then click on Online Resources. The Knowledge City link will feature an orange-and-white logo. There are over 12,000 courses to take from the comfort of your own home. Each course ends with a printable certificate of completion. BRING YOUR OWN DEVICE Computers are just the start of technology. The tiny computers we walk around carrying in our purses or pockets can be just as frustrating. OPL can help! BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) is available any time at the library and on the last Wednesday of each month at 11:00 at the Bynum Community Center for those who need help with their devices. This can be your latest phone purchase (whether

OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 9 TO 5. SATURDAY 9 TO 1. SUNDAY 1 TO 5 (256) 831-1750 | 110 East 6th Street, Oxford, AL 36203 | www.oxfordpl.org OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

OXFORD LUMBER ACE HARDWARE

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or not the phone itself is the latest in the field), or a tablet, e-reader, or other devices that are giving you problems. If you would like to access OPLâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s selection of over 30,000 e-books and e-audiobooks, we will even install the appropriate software on your device and teach you how to use it. MOVIES Movies are always a fun event, and OPL will have plenty of opportunities for you to appreciate some good cinema favorites. Feel free to bring snacks and drinks that would make the movies enjoyable for you. Friday Flicks are at 10:00, where OPL will be showing favorite or recommended movies. For a little something different, join us on Inspire Me Movie Monday. Watch a movie designed to feed your soul every Monday at 12:00. While the film will be feeding your soul, you are also welcome to bring snacks to feed your body during the movie. SEED LIBRARY You may have heard about our Seed Library in the lobby of the library. This is a program designed to encourage families to grow their own fruits and vegetables to feed their family. You may drop by the library to pick up three seed packets. There are over thirty varieties of fruits and vegetables to choose from, and you may grow your choice. Education about seed growing is also available, both in the form of books and programs. Join us for a gardening class on August 13th at 1:00 featuring master gardener Dani Carroll. Learn what you need to know to grow successfully, and ask any questions that are giving you problems. This is a beginning of the list of services/programs available at the Oxford Public Library. I want to invite you in to take advantage of your library. We are here for you! Check out our website at www.oxfordpl.org or feel free to come into the library any day of the week.

Happy Reading! Amy E. Henderson, Library Director amy.henderson@oxfordal.gov

OPEN MONDAY - FRIDAY 9 TO 5. SATURDAY 9 TO 1. SUNDAY 1 TO 5 (256) 831-1750 | 110 East 6th Street, Oxford, AL 36203 | www.oxfordpl.org

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

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Something Rotten! 76

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OCTOBER 26 Resurrection: A Tribute to Journey

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NOVEMBER 2 ABBA: The Concert 80

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Classic Albums Live: QUEEN - A Night at the Opera

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The Bernardi Family Pops Series features the fabulous Atlanta Pops Orchestra for three exciting concerts. We are proud to announce that the Oxford Performing Arts Center is now the Official Alabama Home Venue of the Atlanta Pops Orchestra!

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Christmas with The Westerlies 2019

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THE FAB FOUR MARCH 17, 2019

STARSHIP WITH MICKEY THOMAS NOVEMBER 4, 2018

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AARON TIPPIN NOVEMBER 30, 2018

THE FAB FOUR FEBRUARY 22, 2019

TICKETS ON SALE

NOW OXFORDPAC.ORG THE ILLUSIONISTS MAY 6, 2019

256-241-3322

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

Remember to bag all leaves for pick-up from April to mid-November

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100 Choccolocco Street Oxford, Alabama Buy online at OXFORDPAC.org with no convenience fees! Charge by phone by calling 256-241-3322 Purchase at the OPAC Box Office in advance: Monday â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Friday from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Purchase at the door beginning 90 minutes prior to most ticketed events.

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MRS. HILDA HOLLEY One of Oxford’s finest women, Hilda Holley, turned 100 years old this past May.

rs. Holley and her son Ernie (a 67-year old man with special needs) have been a part of the Oxford community for most of their lives. Mayor Alton Craft, who met Mrs. Holly and Ernie at Oxford First Baptist Church 30 years ago, had the honor of presenting Mrs. Holley with a proclamation to celebrate her 100 years on earth. She read the entire proclamation, and with tears in her eyes, she talked about how much she loves Oxford and the people of our City. We asked Mrs. Holley how she made it to 100. She said, “I dedicated my life to living for the good Lord, taking care of Ernie, and eating a red apple, an onion and a Kit-Kat every day.” If you have ever met or know Mrs. Holly, you know all of these things to be true. Her biggest prayer is to live at least thirty minutes longer than Ernie, so she never has to worry about him being taken care of. He is her most significant accomplishment, and she is his greatest love. She told us that she thanks God every day for her precious son. Mayor Craft described Mrs. Holley as a humble, strong, and admirable woman with no mean bone in her body. She is also an impressive gardener. Mayor Craft said, “We have the greatest citizens in the City of Oxford, but if everyone were like

Hilda Holley, we would have no problems, no crime, or anything negative because she just wants to be good to everybody.” Speaking of crime, we can thank Mrs. Holley for the installation of the upcoming EMACC (East Metro Area Crime Center). Mayor Craft and Oxford Police Department Chief Bill Partridge, went to Washington D.C. to speak with Congressman Rogers about extra funding for the center. In the meeting was a man named Allen Hanson, Attorney General Sessions’ Chief of Staff. During the conversation, Mayor Craft and Chief Partridge spoke about Interstate 20 and the 188 exit. Mr. Hanson knew exactly where Exit 188 is because his aunt lived close. The aunt he was talking about is Hilda Holley. Once the connection was made, the people in Washington began providing ideas on how they could help. Mayor Craft said, “I thank the Lord for letting me meet Hilda Holley for many reasons, and this is one of those. Because of her and the connection to Allen Hanson, we now have the ability to help millions of Alabamians with crime.” Join us in celebrating and praying for Mrs. Holley and her son Ernie in their days ahead. The City of Oxford is a better place because of people like them.

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Oxford Senior Citizens Center The Senior Citizen Center has various events going on daily. These events and activities have a holistic approach to help senior adults maintain a good quality of life. The center offers nutritional and health education programs. Additionally, the center involves its participants in different types of exercises designed to increase their physical abilities. Seniors from Oxford can attend the center daily to play cards, dominoes, puzzles, and trivia games. They make crafts and listen to speakers with seniorsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; interest in mind and socialize. Lunch meals are provided through a state-wide program through East Alabama Planning and Development Commission. Meals are $1.00 per day-donations only. There are approximately 35-40 who attend daily and approximately 40 home-bound meals delivered to seniors within the Oxford city limits. Free breakfast is served on Friday morning, sponsored by area businesses. Monthly, there is a dinner outing for the seniors with Oxford providing transportation. WEEKLY: Wednesday: Grocery Shopping at 9:00am Thursday: Senior Citizen Center Sing at 9:30am Friday: Biscuits and Bus Ride at 9:00am

Entertainment provided by RYAN ROBERTSON BAND

MONDAY

SEPTEMBER 10

SENIOR ADULT DAY

Registration 8:00AM Program begins 9:00AM

EVENT IS FREE & LUNCH IS INCLUDED

OXFORD CIVIC CENTER 256-831-2660

424 Main Street, Oxford (256) 831-5900 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford AL 36203 OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

October 31 4:30pm-7:00pm Costume Contest at 5:30PM Children Ages 0-12

WEDNESDAY at the

Oxford Civic Center

Giant slide, fun games, prizes, candy, hay rides, concessions and more! First 100 kids get free trick-or-treat bag! Tickets for games are 4 for a $1

FREE ION ADMISS

CO S T U M E CO N T E S T

CARNIVAL CITY OF OXFORD PARKS & RECREATION Call 256-831-2660 for more information

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Calendar PARD FOOTBALL AND SOCCER Season will begin on September 11 TOURNAMENTS September 22 – ASA Softball Tournament September 29 – USA Softball Tournament October 13 – ASA Softball Tournament October 20 – USSSA Softball Tournament October 27 – USA Softball Tournament November 3 – Honda Company Tournament

OXFORD CIVIC CENTER SENIOR ADULT DAY OXFORD CIVIC CENTER September 10, 2018 Registration: 8:00am Programs begins: 9:00am Ryan Robertson Band - Entertainment Free admission, entertainment, and lunch More info call: 256-831-2660 HALLOWEEN CARNIVAL OXFORD CIVIC CENTER Wednesday, October 31, 2018 Time: 4:30pm - 7:00pm Children ages 0-12 Free Admission Tickets for games- 4 for a $1 First 100 kids get free trick-or-treat bag Costume contest 5:30PM Giant slide, fun games, prizes, candy, hay rides, concessions and more! More info call: 256-831-2660

C I T Y

O F

O X F O R D

A NIGHT OUT WITH PUBLIC SAFETY OXFORD CIVIC CENTER The Oxford Police Department is hosting this event on October 1, 2018 from 6:00pm – 8:30pm

CHOCCOLOCCO PARK: JSU CROSS COUNTRY August 31 – Struts Season Opener September 29 – Foothills Invitational OHS CROSS COUNTRY September 1 – Yellow Jacket Invitational October 15 – Terrortium on the Creek Bank October 25 – Calhoun County Meet SOFTBALL October 6 – Tera Ross Memorial Tournament BYNUM COMMUNITY CENTER RED HOT DANCE FITNESS: BYNUM COMMUNITY CENTER Mondays and Thursdays 5:30pm – 6:30pm $3 per class or $20 per month Stacy Lloyd, Instructor

MAIN STREET October 6, 2018 OXFORDFEST 8:00am to 4:00pm October 27, 2018 TRICK-OR-TREAT FESTIVAL

SENIOR DANCES OXFORD CIVIC CENTER September 21 – Ryan Robertson October 19 – SunDance Band November 16 – Duo Sonix December 14 – Ryan Robertson 7:00pm – 10:00pm Admission $5- includes meal and entertainment. More info call: 256-831-2660

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

WELCOME to OXFORD

SEPHORA

Inside JCPenney 700 S Quintard Ave #100, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-2144 MAKE UP, SKIN CARE, FRAGRANCE, HAIR, BATH & BODY, GIFTS

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We Welcome New Business THE OXFORD BUSINESS LEAGUE The City of Oxford is excited to announce the launch of the Oxford Business League. The League will host at least six workshops annually, act as the liaison between the businesses and City, recruit new businesses, promote available properties for expansion, and enhance partnerships for existing and new businesses. Hunter Gentry | hcgentry@mainstreetoxford.org 256-241-6667

ALABAMA’S BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION It is not often that a state celebrates two centuries of statehood. During the span of 2018 and 2019, the state as a whole will celebrate its “Places, People, & Stories.” Oxford will be participating by supporting, creating, and executing events and activities that commemorate the local stories of our people, places, and path to statehood. It is fully encouraged that anyone interested get involved with our committee.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: HUNTER GENTRY AT 256-241-6667, OR BY EMAIL AT HGENTRY@MAINSTREETOXFORD.ORG

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

BY HUNTER C. GENTRY

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A BEAUTIFUL LEGEND A

BR IE F

H ISTO RY

O F

B LU E

P O N D

The Legend of Blue Pond is a familiar story passed down from one generation to the next for many Oxfordians. Blue Pond is nestled away on the eastern side of Oxford. Travelers near and far come close but never see it. My curiosity peaked after randomly discovering articles and notes referring to Blue Pond while researching some of the early histories of Oxford. Here, in chronological order of publication, are several of the newspaper articles and books written about Blue Pond. The earliest reference to the legend that I can find dates back to 1890. The Newton Enterprise (Newton, North Carolina), Wyoming Democrat (Tunkhannock, Pennsylvania), Burrton Weekly (Burrton, Kansas), and Dispatch (Hope, Kansas) all ran articles that year entitled, “Devil’s Lake in Alabama.” In 1910, the same article reappeared in newspapers such as The San Francisco Call (San Francisco, California), Los Angeles Times (Los Angeles, California) and the Omaha Daily Bee (Omaha, Nebraska).

DEVIL’S LAKE IN ALABAMA Friday, 11 April 1890 The Newton Enterprise (Newton, North Carolina)

1890

[sic]

“Devil's Lake,” in Calhoun County, Alabama, seventy miles east of Birmingham, is one of the most remarkable natural curiosities to be found in America. Like many other interesting places in that region, there is an Indian legend connected with it. Many people besides the Indians take it as a lake of honor, no less than fifteen persons having been drowned in its waters. The Lake is oval in shape and covers about four acres of ground. No vegetation of any kind grows on its banks, and nothing will live in its deadly-waters. Even snakes and terrapins shun the waters of Devil’s Lake, and fish placed in die quickly. The water is impregnated with lime and has a peculiar taste, which makes it unpalatable to man or beast. Horses and cows will not drink it, no matter how thirsty they may be. Deep down the surface of the lake may be seen what appears to be charred and blackened trunks of large trees. They stand upright in the water,

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but have neither root nor branch, and never rise to the surface or sink to the bottom. The lake has no outlet, and the volume of water in it is the same all the time. A strange fatality attaches to this lake. Once it was the favorite resort of the boys of the neighborhood for bathing and swimming, but now they never go near it. Fifteen boys have been drowned in its waters in twice as many years. Once large crowds of boys would gather there on Sundays, but before they left one of them would be drowned. Some of the bodies were recovered, but those who were drowned any distance from the banks sank to the bottom and were never brought to the surface. Many heartbroken mothers have come to the banks of the lake and gazed for hours in the water to see if they could spot the faces of their sons whose bodies lay at the bottom. The place became the terror of parents, and boys were warned to keep away from Devil's Lake. The depth of the lake has never been ascertained. Soundings to a depth of 700 feet found no bottom, and the people in the vicinity say the lake is bottomless. The Indian legend of the origin of the lake is known to every resident in the locality, and they tell it to every stranger who comes to see this natural curiosity. The legend is that many and many years ago, many moons before the white man came to this country, two tribes of Indians lived near the spot where the lake is. One was a large and powerful tribe, the other a small tribe with few warriors. The two tribes became involved in a war, and after a number of bloody battles, the smaller tribe was almost exterminated. Then the old men and chiefs of the weak tribes sued for peace. The chiefs of the strong tribe agreed to peace and arranged for a council to propose the terms. The chiefs and the old men of the weak tribe met the chiefs of the other in a pine forest at noon one day and there was a council. The terms of peace were arranged and then the pipe of peace was filled. While the pipe was being passed around, a signal was given, and the chiefs of the strong tribe suddenly sprang up with drawn tomahawks and murdered every one of the chiefs of the smaller tribe. Then the war was renewed and carried on until the weak tribe was exterminated. A few moons after the massacre of the chiefs a fire broke out in the pine forest at the spot where the council had been held and where the massacre occurred. The fire burned in this spot for eight moons, and then the ground sank down out of sight, the fire disappeared, and in its stead appeared the lake. The Indians gave the lake a name which means the "Lake of Death.â&#x20AC;?

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1896

In 1896, Charles M. Skinner published a book entitled Myths and Legends of Our Own Land. The chapter, “The Swallowing Earthquake” refers to Blue Pond. The publication states that an Indian Village stood near present-day Oxford around the year of 1765. Two women in the tribe gave birth to a number of children that were “spotted like leopards.” The article goes on to state that a woman was “charged with witchcraft, convicted and sentenced to death at the stake.” A gathering of approximately 1,700 watched the execution. As the tribe was carrying out the execution, an earthquake caused the ground to sink and fill with water. “The earth opened and nearly every soul was engulfed in a fathomless and smoking pit-all, indeed, save two, for a couple of young braves who were on the edge of the crowd flung themselves flat on the heaving ground and remained there until the earthquake wave had passed. The hollow afterward filled with water and was called Blue Pond.” [sic]

1917

Joseph A. Roberson published an article in The Anniston Star on August 29, 1917, recalling the story of Blue Pond. His article stated that two-spotted children were born “being regarded as freaks,” the children were “wholly displeasing” to the tribe. The tribe did a dance around the children at the spot where the pond is currently. After the dance, they were to be executed. The earth gave away and water filled the hole that became Blue Pond. Roberson did make note that a cave and cavity exist under the whole area. Jim Monger, brother-in-law to Dudley Snow, built his home near Blue Pond in the 1840s. Sep Patmon and George Snow were digging a well to supply water to the home. While digging, the cave was discovered.

1921

On February 27, 1921, an article about Blue Pond was published in an out-of-state newspaper and discovered by Judge Daniel C. Blackwell who then shared it with The Anniston Star. While it referenced the original 1890 article, it included slightly different versions of the legends and facts about the pond. Examples of the contradictory information state that children have not drowned at the lake since 1833 and horses and cows will drink the water. The article did reinforce that many years previous a pine tree was growing near the banks and did fall in. The tree was visible for many years after.

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This article told a version of the legend such that an unmarried native girl gave birth to “a child speckled like a guinea.” The chiefs and warriors of the village gathered and decided to execute the mother and child. As the execution was being carried out, the ground sank and filled with water. The article continues to tell of another legend that the natives captured a white person. It was decided that the prisoner be put to death. As the natives were torturing the prisoner, the ground sank with the whole crowd. Years after, two spotted fish appeared in Blue Pond. The article goes on to mention that the fish have not been spotted since around 1860.

1950

On October 15, 1950, Gertrude Tyson wrote an article that was published in The Anniston Star. She begins with the words, “There is perhaps no spot in Calhoun County with more legend built around it than Blue Pond, located a few miles south of Oxford on the Atlanta Highway.” Tyson’s description of current state of the pond in 1950 expresses the surprising beauty of the area, “Hidden beyond a clump of scraggly trees and shrubs, the beauty of the pool is almost as unbelievable as its past history. For, instead of having a greenish or muddy color as do most of the lakes in this region, the water is a deep blue that makes for a sharp contrast against the sandy earth and the sun-ripened corn stalks that surround it.” Her article also spoke about the special qualities of the water and speculation about its depth. “The pond has never shown any symptoms whatever of being stagnant, and the true depth has never been determined. ‘It’s a lake without a bottom,’ the old-timers like to say, and adding for good measure, ‘many’s the time we tried to locate a bottom, but always with no avail.’” She concludes by offering a scientific theory about the creation of Blue Pond. “Geologists believe the pond is simply an exposed portion of one of the many subterranean rivers that are known to ply under the earth throughout the entire valley. Some scientists go so far as to say that in prehistoric time, all of Choccolocco Valley was a mammoth river, with the water’s edge rising to the crest of the mountains which surround it today.”

THE MYSTERY OF BLUE POND CONTINUES TO RAISE INTEREST IN MANY LOCALS. TODAY, BLUE POND IS NESTLED AWAY ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF OXFORD. TRAVELERS NEAR AND FAR COME CLOSE BUT NEVER SEE IT.

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Photo courtesy of Public Library Anniston-Calhoun County

H I S T O R I C M A I N S T R E E T O X F OR D

ED YOU ARE INVIT AL TO THE ANNU

DOWNTOWN TRICK-OR-TREAT

FESTIVAL TO

4:OO PM 7:OO PM

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 27

HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD, PO BOX 3383 OXFORD, AL 36203 CALL 256-241-6667 OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | fall 2018

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WHY I TEACH Oxford City School System Teacher Spotlight — Chrissie Lott THE CITY OF OXFORD IS PROUD TO HAVE SOME OF THE BEST EDUCATORS AND HIGHEST RATED SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN THE STATE. RECENTLY, WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW CHRISSIE LOTT, WHO WAS AWARDED AND RECOGNIZED BY THE OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION AS “EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH” IN MAY, 2018..

Lott was born in Anniston and grew up in the Coldwater area. She went to elementary school at Coldwater Elementary and attended Wellborn High School for grades 7-12. She has been married to her husband, Dean, for 23 years. Together, they have three children: Erin (age 19) is a sophomore at Jacksonville State University. Emily (age 15), attends Oxford High School, and Gavin (age 11) attends C.E. Hannah Elementary. Lott graduated from JSU with a major in Elementary Education, and currently works as a Kindergarten through 4th grade Interventionist at Coldwater Elementary School. She is also the Auxiliary Coordinator for the Oxford High School Band. We invite you to join us in congratulating Mrs. Lott with the May Employee of the Month recognition and hope you enjoy getting to know her better in the Q&A that follows:

How long have you been part of the Oxford City School System? I have been teaching for 20 years, and this is my 14th year of teaching in the Oxford City School System. What grades do you teach, and have you taught other grades? I am currently beginning my 5th year as an Interventionist; I taught first grade for 13 years and 4th grade for two years. What made you want to become a teacher? When I was in elementary and high school, I admired my teachers, and they inspired me to make a difference in the lives of children. I knew that teaching was God’s calling on my life from the very beginning. It was during a college practicum experience that I felt compelled to commit to public education as my field of service.

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W H Y I T E AC H

CHR ISSIE LOTT

What is the most satisfying thing about teaching? It is always satisfying to watch students progress academically throughout the year. However, it is even more rewarding to see a student develop a greater sense of self-worth and to feel I might have made a small contribution to that process. What do you look forward to most at the beginning of each year? I look forward to meeting new and returning students at the beginning of each year! I love to be able to form relationships with students and comfort the younger ones who are apprehensive about coming to school. Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the most challenging part of being a teacher? Because I love what I do so much, I often find it challenging to set aside quality time for family and self-rejuvenation. How do you want former students to remember you? The most important thing that I want students to remember me for is that I loved and believed in them. More importantly than having an impact academically, I hope that in some way Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve inspired them to be the best person that they can be. What methods do you use in your classroom to bring out the best in students? As a reading and math interventionist, my most effective teaching strategies involve direct instruction and the use of positive reinforcement along with high expectations. What extracurricular activities/groups are you part of? We are members of Eulaton First Baptist Church where I serve on the praise team playing the keyboard. When you see former students who are now older, whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s one thing they typically say they remember about your classroom? My students tell me that they remember our classroom as being fun. It is always rewarding to me when I see that students still have close bonds with fellow classmates even when they get older. It is important for my students to think of their school as a home away from home. Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do when not teaching? I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, and playing the keyboard. Music has always been very therapeutic for me! Do you have anything else you would like to add? I consider it a blessing to be part of the Coldwater Elementary School and Oxford High School Band family!

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OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS

UPDATE FROM OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS Hello everyone and welcome to the 2018-2019 school year! We are once again excited about the possibilities that a new academic year brings and the opportunities our district provides for all of our students! Every year I look forward to the beginning of the school year, visiting schools, and seeing the great work our students, teachers, and staff members do on a daily basis. As with the dawning of every new year, we have some changes in our district, all of which we believe will be a great benefit to our city and school system. One of the most notable is the addition of three new Office of School Readiness Pre-K classrooms, one at each of our K-4 elementary schools. These new Pre-K programs will work together

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with our existing Pre-K classrooms to provide early learning skills to our youngest Yellow Jackets! Our summer was also busy in the area of construction as we finished a new parking lot and entry point at DeArmanville Elementary and a renovation at Lamar Field to the football field, fencing, and track. All of these projects will be beneficial to our students and visitors to our schools as we move forward. An area that did not change is Oxford’s standing as one of the 25 Best School Districts in the State of Alabama. NICHE®, an online ranking service that looks at schools nationwide, placed the Oxford City School System as the overall #12 Best School System in Alabama. We are proud of this ranking as it encompasses safety, academics, extracurricular activities, and teacher

By Dr. Jeff Goodwin

quality. It is a testament to the support we receive from our city, the leadership of our school board, and partnership with the members of our community. Our Institute Keynote speaker this year, Dr. Bill Daggett, spoke to all employees about the necessity of Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships in our schools. He discussed future job opportunities for students and how the changing world is something that we as teachers must prepare our students for in a way that schools have never been asked to do. I believe that our district will meet this opportunity with enthusiasm in such a way that all of our students will benefit to the highest degree possible. Go Big “O”!

Dr. Bill Daggett

DYNAMIC LEARNING PROJECT AT OXFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL Oxford Middle School is entering its second year as one of 50 schools across the nation to participate in the Dynamic Learning Project, a national coaching program supported by Digital Promise, EdTechTeam, and Google. Dynamic Learning Project invests in professional learning, so teachers feel prepared to meaningfully use technology in the classroom and help students become more college and career ready. As a part of the Dynamic Learning Project, students gain skills that will help them throughout their future studies and careers. Oxford Middle School is pleased to share transformative use of technology with parents during Oxford City Schoolsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 2018-2019 students led conferences on October 11th, January 21st, and March 21st. Follow Oxford Middle School on Twitter @OMS_Jackets and Oxford City Schools @ocsjackets to learn more about the Dynamic Learning Project at Oxford Middle School.

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WELCOME to OXFORD

Pic ’n Sav 1350 Highway Drive, Oxford AL 36203 256-403-6365 We accept WIC/EBT, Mastercard, Visa and Discover Mon-Sat: 6:00am - 10:00pm Sunday: 7:00am - 10:00pm

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