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OXFORD ACCESS Oxford, Alabama

2026

THE BIG HOUSE CELEBRATING A DECADE OF CHOCCOLOCCO PARK

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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4 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR 8 PARKS AND RECREATION: CHURCH SUMMER LEAGUE 14 OXFORD LAKE FREEDOM FESTIVAL 21 CELEBRATING YOUNG TALENT: STUDENT ART SHOWCASE 23 UPDATE: OXFORD HEALTH SYSTEMS 25 MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF 27 WORLD CHANGERS: EVERY PROJECT IS SPECIAL 31 MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FIRE CHIEF 33 FIRE SCIENCE PROGRAM 38 CELEBRATING A DECADE OF CHOCCOLOCCO PARK 46 UPDATE: OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY 51 OXFORD HEALTH SYSTEMS: FUTURE EMS STATION SITE 53 UPDATE: HISTORIC MAIN STREET 54 WELCOME TO OXFORD - NEW BUSINESS OPENINGS 56 GROWING OXFORD: PROGRESS AND PROSPERITY 60 OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 64 OXFORD COMMUNITY CHORUS: SALUTES AMERICA 68 “REMEMBERED” 72 SPOTLIGHT: ULTI-MUTT BAKERY 78 CHOCCOLOCCO CREEK WATERSHED 81 SPOTLIGHT: JC MORGAN

2026 VOL 10. ISSUE 3

CONTENTS

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 Phil Gardner Mike Henderson Charlotte Hubbard Chris Spurlin 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.OXFORDAL.GOV

84 OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS: STARTING STEM YOUNG 89 STATE CHAMPIONS: OXFORD MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM 90 CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATORS CONFERENCE

92 GREENPOWER: NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP 94 SPOTLIGHT: JACK AND JEAN MIZE 98 HISTORY: OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

MESSAGE from the OXFORD MAYOR Dear citizens: We have an exciting fall planned for you in Oxford. I hope that you will take part in some of the many events that we will have around our city. To begin with, I would like to congratulate our city on another great championship season at Choccolocco Park. Without you, we would not be able to host these championship sporting events. Words I always hear are “friendly,” “caring,” and “helpful,” and these are the reasons these premier athletic competitions return every year. Freedom Festival was a great success this year as America celebrated its 250th anniversary. I would like to thank all who attended and participated in many of our activities at Oxford Lake, and I would like to congratulate the city of Oxford for hosting our citizens and guests for the festival. We take great pride in having family-friendly activities for our residents and guests. Oxford Parks and Recreation, Historic Main Street Oxford, the Oxford Performing Arts Center, and the Oxford Public Library have many events year-round, so please follow our social media pages for up-to-date information. We have many exciting things on the horizon, and we are gearing up for major capital improvements to some of our facilities, outdoor areas, and roadways. Please be patient with our crews as we improve our infrastructure. Our marketing and social media team does a great job of updating you on construction zones and temporary closures, so make sure you follow us on social media to stay informed about temporary closures and/or alternate routes. I would also like to wish all our students well as they begin a new school year. The school system and city have already done many great things through the Vis1on program and CREATE, and I am excited to see what new ideas our students have this school year. This is a great way for students to learn how they can serve and innovate in their community like the previous generations. It is always an honor to serve as your mayor, and I hope that you will continue to show our visitors the hospitality that we have become known for across the nation. We are proud to be “Alabama at its best!” Kindest regards, Mayor Alton Craft

OX F O R D C I T Y H A L L • 1 4 5 H A M R I C D R I V E , E A S T OX F O R D , A L A B A M A 3 6 2 0 3 4

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Oxford City Council: Steven Waits, Chris Spurlin, Charlotte Hubbard, Phil Gardner, Mike Henderson

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

OXFORD PARKS AND RECREATION CHURCH SUMMER LEAGUE

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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CITY OF OXFORD, ALABAMA HOME OF THE

NJCAA SOFTBALL WORLD SERIES OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

WEEKLY CURBSIDE SERVICE

Please bag all leaves and grass clippings. Please do not place any curbside pickup items in the street gutter, as rain washes them into our storm sewers, disrupting the drainage system. Whenever possible, please place them behind the curb. As always, please continue to sort your piles into the following categories: • Bagged vegetative items (leaves and lawn clippings) • Limb and brush trimmings To ensure that your curbside items are picked up on time, please place them on the right-of-way the evening before your scheduled route day. You can reach city of Oxford Public Works Department at 256-835-6124 to find out when your items will be picked up each week. You can also call 311, Oxford’s City Service Helpline, which operates Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

OXFORD FREEDOM FESTIVAL HAS BECOME ONE OF THE CITY’S MOST CHERISHED TRADITIONS

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Oxford Celebrates

America at its 250th Best

Oxford Parks and Recreation had the Oxford Civic Center and Liberty Park decked out in its red, white, and blue finest as the celebrations got underway on July 4, 2026, with some of the largest crowds ever. Maestro Jared Ross raised his baton and the Cheaha Winds Community Band began providing the patriotic prelude and soundtrack for the morning’s opening ceremonies. The Freedom Festival parade—filled with decorated people, pets, and vehicles—made its way into Liberty Park accompanied by both smiles and spirit while rewarding all the participants with a very special “250” medal. Girl Scout Troop 20136 raised the American flag and called for “Attention! Salute! Pledge!” The National Anthem was sung by Matthew Pointer, an Oxford High School graduate and the 2026 Alabama Outstanding Tenor/Bass Choral Student. WVOK 97.9’s Steve Stephens joined with the Cheaha Winds for a special mix of music and narration entitled, “I Am the Nation.” PARD program director Pam Harris marked her 30th year guiding the festival and stepped to the podium with the morning’s introductions, appreciations, and reflections. “This year’s event is especially meaningful to me,” Harris said. “For three decades, I have had the honor of helping lead this event and watching it grow into one of Oxford’s favorite traditions. Seeing generations of families returning year after year has been one of the greatest rewards of my career.” Harris also amplified the historic nature of the special day. “For 250 years, America has faced challenges with courage, pursued opportunities with determination, and continued to believe in the promise of liberty and freedom,” she said. “As we gather today, we are reminded that the American story is told through communities like Oxford, where traditions are passed down, neighbors become friends, and people come together to celebrate the values that unite us.”

BY BRIAN GRAVES

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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People did come together to celebrate while enjoying the popular festival favorites, including the tricycle and bicycle races, pet show, petting zoo, swim races, and carnival games and prizes. Members of the Oxford High School Mountain Bike Team showcased their talent as they took to the Oxford Jump Track, celebrating its first anniversary, and displayed their seemingly impossible athletic skills as their bikes flew. One room at the Oxford Civic Center was filled with the artistry and creativity of more than 50 local students who transformed the day’s themes into tapestries of color and emotion. CiCi’s Pizza and WVOK co-sponsored the first-ever Freedom Festival Piezilla Challenge, with five teams attempting to finish a 28-inch pizza within an hour. Their efforts were impressive, but no one took home the trophy in the inaugural race. The fireworks show, supervised by the Oxford Fire Department and produced by the legendary Pyro Shows team, brought a loud, booming close to the day as the show was expanded for the landmark occasion using more than 4,500 shells—897 in the final minute alone—during the 23-minute extravaganza, which caused crowds to gather in different spots and front yards across the city. Harris said the Freedom Festival has never been the work of one person. “It takes an incredible team to bring a celebration like this to life,” she said. “We literally begin planning this event in January each year. I thank the Oxford Parks and Recreation staff for all their hard work, creativity, and dedication to making everything happen. I’m proud to work alongside such an outstanding group of people.” Harris amended her appreciation to include all the city departments—the Oxford Police Department, Oxford Fire Department, Oxford Health Systems Paramedics, and Oxford Public Works—whose work and support help make the event possible and safe. The appreciation was extended to Mayor Craft, the city council, numerous city employees and volunteers who give their support every year, as well as the Oxford Arts Council, which started the Freedom Festival tradition four decades ago. “Whether this is your very first Freedom Festival or you have been attending for decades, your presence is what makes this so special,” Harris said. “Community is about more than where we live. It’s about coming together, celebrating traditions, making memories with the people we love, and making a place where people feel welcome.”

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

OLIVIA TROOP 20

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Celebrating Young Talent

Student Artists Shine at Oxford Freedom Festival

The Oxford Arts Council proudly showcased the creativity and talent of local students through its regional art contest, held in conjunction with the Oxford Freedom Festival on July 4th. Open to art students across the area, the competition brought together a remarkable collection of work centered around the theme “America the Beautiful: 250 Years of Freedom.” While the exhibit itself was a new addition of the festival, the true stars were the student artists whose work rose to the top in each age division. Winners were selected from three categories—elementary, middle, and high school—recognizing excellence at every stage of artistic development. The contest celebrated these outstanding artists and offered all participating students the opportunity to showcase their creativity and skill. The event also fostered a sense of community among young artists and educators alike. Students had the chance to view and be inspired by the work of their peers from other schools, while local art teachers came together to support their students. The shared experience highlighted the importance of the arts in education and the value of nurturing creative expression. The Oxford Arts Council hopes to continue this contest in the years ahead, building on its success and further strengthening connections within the local arts community. By providing a platform for young artists to shine, the council is helping to ensure that creativity continues to thrive in the area. Elementary winners: 1st Place: Caiden Crocker, 3rd grade, Faith Christian School 2nd Place: Loulia Mousa, 2nd grade, The Donoho School 3rd Place: Camdon Freeman, 3rd grade, Faith Christian School Middle School Winners: 1st Place: Olivia Troup, 8th grade, Oxford Middle School 2nd Place: Destiny Davis, 8th grade, Oxford Middle School 3rd Place: Destyne Swain, 8th grade, Oxford Middle School High School Winners: 1st Place: Kenneth Reaves, 10th grade, Faith Christian School 2nd Place: Woods Whatley, 9th grade, Faith Christian School 3rd Place: Trevor Lentz, 11th grade, Faith Christian School BY HOPE CHASTAIN

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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UPDATE

Oxford Health Systems We want to share an exciting update on one of the most significant healthcare projects in our community’s history: UAB Medicine plans to provide healthcare services in Oxford. As such, we are pleased to announce that we are in the final steps of bringing a UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair Freestanding Emergency Department (FED) to Oxford. The partnership between the Health Care Authority of the city of Oxford (Oxford Health Systems), the city of Oxford, and UAB Medicine marks an important milestone as we continue working to expand access to high-quality healthcare services for Oxford and all surrounding communities in our region. This project represents more than the construction of a new healthcare facility. The freestanding emergency department and specialty clinics project reflects our commitment to ensuring the people of Oxford have greater access to timely, advanced emergency services and specialty care close to home. We are excited about the progress to this point and look forward to sharing additional updates as we move through the approval process and into future phases of development. This project would not have been possible without the incredible support of our community. We extend our sincere gratitude to the many local business owners, community stakeholders, elected leaders, and citizens who signed letters of support and helped demonstrate the importance of this project. Your encouragement and belief in our vision have played a meaningful role in reaching this milestone. We also express our deepest appreciation to the Board of Directors of the Health Care Authority,

Mayor Alton Craft, and the Oxford City Council for their continued leadership, guidance, and unwavering support throughout this process. Their dedication to improving healthcare for our region and their love for the people of Oxford and our neighbors have been instrumental in moving this project forward. We commend our mayor and city council for their willingness to step up and enable Oxford to take the lead in pursuing quality healthcare not only for our city but also for other local communities. Our elected leaders in Oxford are certainly not willing to accept the status quo or settle for “good enough” when it comes to caring for our citizens. As we continue this journey with UAB, we remain committed to keeping our community informed every step of the way. We are excited about what the future holds and are grateful for the trust and partnership of everyone who has supported this effort. Thank you for believing in our mission to provide exceptional healthcare and for helping us build a healthier future for Oxford and the region. May God continue to bless each of you and the city of Oxford.

Respectfully, Tom Dixon Executive Director of Health/CEO Health Care Authority of the City of Oxford, AL Oxford Health Systems

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

Investigator Bryant Duncan 24

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Oxford Police Department 600 Stanley Merrill Drive, Oxford, AL 36203

A MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF As summer draws to a close, we look forward to the arrival of autumn and all the excitement this season brings. It is a time for students to return to the classroom, for families to prepare for cooler weather, and for our community to gather for football games, festivals, and other special events that make Oxford such a wonderful place to live. As our students head back to school, you will see our School Police Officers (SPOs) on campus each day, working to ensure the safety and security of our students, teachers, and staff. Beyond providing a visible law enforcement presence, our SPOs serve as mentors, educators, and trusted resources for parents and school personnel. They assist faculty with school safety initiatives, answer parents’ questions regarding campus security, and build positive relationships with students throughout the school year. One of our school police officers, Sergeant Jeremy McCorkle, also teaches the Law Enforcement Career Pathway at the CREATE Center, helping prepare and inspire the next generation of public safety professionals. The return of school also means the return of Friday Night Lights. The Oxford Police Department is proud to support our Yellow Jackets by providing security at every home game and accompanying the team on away games to help ensure safe travel. We wish our student-athletes, coaches, band members, cheerleaders, and all who represent Oxford High School a successful and memorable season. Go Big O! October is one of the busiest and most exciting months in our city. The first Saturday of the month marks the 40th Annual Oxfordfest, when thousands of residents and visitors gather to celebrate our community. The Oxford Police Department will be on hand to help ensure everyone enjoys a safe, enjoyable event. We also look forward to our annual Public Safety Night Out, an opportunity for families to meet local first responders, explore police, fire, and emergency vehicles, and learn more about the services our public safety agencies provide. Halloween is another favorite time of year for many families. The city of Oxford will host several Halloween events throughout October, and our officers will be on hand to help keep celebrations safe. If you or your children plan to go trick-or-treating, please remember a few simple safety tips: carry a flashlight, wear reflective clothing or accessories so you are easily visible to motorists, and use sidewalks whenever possible. If sidewalks are unavailable, walk facing traffic and stay as far from the roadway as safely possible. Autumn is a season filled with community pride, family traditions, and opportunities to come together. I encourage everyone to take part in the many events and activities our city offers while keeping safety a top priority. On behalf of the dedicated men and women of the Oxford Police Department, thank you for allowing us to serve this outstanding community. We remain committed to protecting our residents, supporting our schools, and helping ensure that everyone who lives in or visits Oxford has a safe and enjoyable fall season. Sincerely, Daniel Phipps Chief of Police

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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WO R L D C H A N G E R S

EVERY PROJECT IS SPECIAL Oxford Police Sgt. Michael Smith normally spends his days as the training coordinator for the police department. During the week of July 13-18, 2026, Smith switched from one form of public service to another as he volunteered for a 12th year with World Changers, this year working as a crew chief. Cameron Honea is also on his 12th World Changers mission trip, having begun volunteering at the age of 12, and now serving for the first time as a project coordinator in a city just 60 miles southeast of his hometown of Albertville. Smith and Honea were two of 145 World Changers volunteers who spent the week in the area on a mission to answer the call of people who are in need of a little help in making everyday life a little easier. “It has been a huge influence on my life to be able to get out in communities and serve people as well as share the Gospel,” Honea said. “This is something I believe in, and I think other people need to believe in. I see these homeowners, some in wheelchairs and some veterans who may not have been able to wheel out their doors and enjoy a day under trees or in the sunlight, and they needed a good ramp. It really does change people’s lives by doing things like we are doing here. Seeing that is an incredible experience and it’s great for these kids to get out and serve others.” The volunteers separated into teams over the course of the week, working on 14 projects in Oxford and Anniston, which included painting, wheelchair ramps, decks, a front porch, and general home repair. “Every project is special because it is a time for me to pour back not just into the lives of teenagers or adults or the homeowners, but just God’s people in general,” Smith said. “It’s always people and not the projects. Though we do get to showcase our skills, it’s more about being the hands and feet of Jesus.” The volunteers on this trip came from Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, Louisiana, Texas and Alabama— eight locally from Oxford— and were welcomed into Greenbrier Road Baptist Church in Anniston, which allowed the church to be utilized as accommodations while its members provided support in many different ways.

BY BRIAN GRAVES OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

Oxford Police Sgt. Michael Smith 28

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“Pastor Keith Screws has opened his doors to 145 people to stay there,” Honea said. “We have that church filled up. We want people to know this is a church involved in missions and have been more than generous in helping us with ours.” World Changers volunteers are no stranger to Greenbrier Road Baptist as the church has offered itself as headquarters for the annual mission trips for the last eight years. “We cook breakfast, give them a place to stay, and cook supper for them,” Screws said. “But the biggest blessing our church gets is seeing the love and building relationships with the people of World Changers and with the people in the community they are working with.” Screws said church members get to go out and spend time “showing God’s love” with the volunteers. “The biggest thing for me is that we preach about loving our neighbors,” Screws added. “What we get to do with World Changers is to actually show God’s love to those people and live it out so they can see that it’s real. The bottom line is we are a church that reaches out to the community, and we are a loving church. It’s one thing to say we love God and love our neighbors, but you really don’t show that love until you step outside those doors. It’s been a blessing for us.” As Smith said, the process of helping is an easy one with only one qualification. “You don’t have to have experience to serve,” Smith said. “Just a willing heart.” The next World Changers visit is set for July 12-17, 2027.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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Oxford Fire Department

A MESSAGE FROM OXFORD FIRE CHIEF BEN STEWART I hope that all of you and your families have had a good, safe, and fun summer so far. As the season changes from summer to fall, I want to highlight a few things that will be occurring in the coming months. Although cooler temperatures are on the horizon, remember to stay hydrated and cool during these last hot, humid days. Especially since new activities are starting, such as the kickoff of the football season. Go Big O! Furthermore, students will soon be returning to school. Be sure to use extra caution around school buses, crosswalks, and in all school zones. Please slow down, avoid distractions, and watch for children who may enter the roadway. September is National Preparedness Month. Being prepared helps emergency responders focus on those who need immediate assistance during a disaster. Every household should have • An emergency kit with supplies for at least three days. • A family communication plan. • Copies of important documents stored in a safe location. • Flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio. In October, cities across the country observe Fire Prevention Week, a tradition that has helped educate families and save lives for more than a century. While our firefighters are always ready to respond to emergencies, the best fire is the one that never happens. Fire Prevention Week serves as an important reminder that every resident plays a vital role in keeping our community safe. Follow us on social media for fire prevention information and updates. This Fire Prevention Week, we ask you to join us in making safety a priority, not just for one week, but on every day of the year. Together, through education, preparation, and community involvement, we can reduce the risk of fire and keep our neighborhoods safe. October also means Halloween, an exciting time for children and families. Help make it safe by: • Carrying flashlights while trick-or-treating. • Wearing reflective clothing or adding reflective tape to costumes. • Keeping costumes away from open flames. • Driving slowly and watching carefully for children, especially at dusk and after dark. From all of us at the fire department, thank you for your continued support and commitment to making our community a safer place to live, work, and raise a family. We appreciate the trust you place in us and remain committed to serving our community with professionalism and compassion. I hope to see you all at Oxfordfest! Chief Ben Stewart City of Oxford Fire Chief

FIRE CHIEF • ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF • FIRE MARSHAL • 256-278-3290 OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

ADRIAN CHRISTIAN 32

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OHS 2026 Fire Science Graduates Set High Bar for Program Oxford Assistant Fire Chief Kyle Macoy said the eight Oxford High School students who completed the 2026 Fire Science Program have set a new standard for future classes. The Oxford Fire Department recognized the graduates during the Oxford High School Fire Science Program Graduation Ceremony, held Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at the Oxford Civic Center. The class distinguished itself by earning the highest average score in the program’s history, successfully passing the challenging Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT) section, and—perhaps most notably—completing the program with every student who started finishing together. Several students in the program hope to become firefighters, while others say they joined to learn new skills and challenge themselves. Even those who plan to follow a different career said they are glad they completed the program and like knowing they have the option to enter the fire service in the future. The program allows students to earn their Firefighter I certification while still in high school, giving them a head start if they choose a career in firefighting. Over the past 10 years, many students from Oxford’s program have gone on to become professional firefighters. The Class of 2026 members were Blessin Bell, class president; Adrian Christian; Autumn Furtick, valedictorian; Hector Guillen; Joshua Hammock, class chaplain and most improved award recipient; Kaylee Jairrels; Hugh McComb; and Pheby Milam. OFD Lt. Jordan Haynes served as the program director, with Lt. Cole Macoy as lead instructor and Firefighter Trey Forbus as assistant instructor. It speaks volumes about a student just being accepted into the program. Students are required to apply for the program by completing an application, which includes their attendance, GPA, and discipline records for grades 9 through 11. “We’ve had students whose GPAs were on the borderline,” Chief Macoy said. “A GPA doesn’t tell the whole story. Some students discover a passion for this program, begin applying themselves, improve academically, and find a real sense of purpose. That’s what we hope to provide.”

BY BRIAN GRAVES

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

Lt. Cole Macoy, Blessin Bell, instructor Trey Forbus

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Potential candidates are each interviewed, followed by a meeting with students and parents to give them a full picture of the challenge in front of them. “We explain to the parents that we treat their children like young adults,” Chief Macoy said. “They are in an interview process from the day they start. Some days will be good, and some days will not be so good. And this line of work is not for everybody. We attempt to make them productive members of society, whether they choose the career or not. These are skills that can be used to serve in any community, wherever life takes them, and it looks good on a college application.” “I didn’t really know anything about the program until my senior year when a friend told me about it,” said Christian. “I really want to be a fireman, and this seems to be a good way to start.” Milam learned about the opportunity as a junior when two firefighters came and spoke to her AP Language class. “They told me I could easily get to be a paramedic this way,” Milam said. “That’s why I took it, but there’s a lot more hoops to jump through.” Jairrels’ plan is to join the Army, and she says what she has learned in the program was helpful in preparing for that challenge. Bell said the program has taught them all a valuable life lesson. “We’ve learned whenever you put your mind to something, you can do anything,” Bell said. “No matter what it is and however big or small it is.”

Oxford High School students interested in enrolling in the Fire Science Program should speak with their advisors or contact the Oxford Fire Department, Lt. Jordan Haynes at 256-454-5088. OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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THE BEST PLAY HERE OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

CELEBRATING A DECADE CHOCCOLOCCO PARK

They all came to “The Big House” on that special day – October 16, 2016. After more than a decade of planning, Choccolocco Park officially opened as the region’s premier sports and recreation facility. Choccolocco Park director Billy Thompson said the park’s vision began with “providing something for the kids of the community. It was for our youth sports and parks and recreation,” Thompson said. “We didn’t realize it would blow up into all that it has.” Council members Steven Waits and Mike Henderson are the two current council members who were serving when the idea for the park was conceived. Waits said Oxford kids were “traveling all over the country playing travel ball.” “We thought, ‘Why not Oxford?’” Waits said. “We then began looking at what that might look like here and thinking about the possibility of hosting state championship ballgames there.” Henderson agreed that having a quality place for the local youth to play was a key factor, but there were potential economic advantages for the city. “For a while, Oxford was known just as a retail center,” Henderson recalled. “We saw an opportunity to generate more revenue at the same time travel ball was gaining popularity. We thought that if we could do something with sports tourism, get ahead of other cities, and do something a little different that is not a typical sports complex, we might have a shot at attracting some tournaments, with visitors eating at our restaurants and staying at our motels.” Henderson said the identifier for the park became the addition of a signature-style field. A signature style field refers to a ballpark’s unique combination of dimensions, design elements, and historical or cultural features that make it instantly recognizable and distinct from others.

BY BRIAN GRAVES

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DIXIE YOUTH WORLD SERIES AUGUST, 2017

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

It was historical and cultural issues that Waits said made the process of developing the park “complicated.” Native American remains were found buried at the park site in 2010, three years after planning started. Construction came to a halt until a dignified and respectful solution was formed with the city and the current generation of the Muscogee (Creek) Nation. “We sat down with them and talked about what their history meant to them and what Oxford meant to them,” Waits said. “Quite frankly, we didn’t understand. We asked them to help us tell their story. We wanted this to be as special to them as it was to us and our citizens.” Their story is now told through narrative plaques that detail the history of the land and its original citizens along a walkway around the park’s 30-acre lake. “It turned out to be spectacular how it all came together,” Waits said. Waits said during one of those meetings, the discussion began focusing on what to call the park. “We threw out a couple of names, and you could tell they just didn’t really hit,” Waits said. “And, we wanted them to have a part in naming the park. We didn’t want to call it Oxford Sports Complex. We wanted it to be special.” Given the proximity of the park to Choccolocco Creek, the idea began forming to adopt that name for the new venue. “They began discussing it in their own language where the word ‘Choccolocco’ means ‘the big house where people meet,’” Waits recalled. “When they spoke that phrase, ‘the big house where people meet,’ everybody at the table looked at each other and said that is the name – Choccolocco Park.” In its first year, the park was awarded “Signature Baseball Field of the Year” by the National High School Baseball Coaches. The Oxford venue has most recently been awarded the National Junior College Athletic Association Softball Divisions I and II World Series competitions through 2034. “Our slogan is ‘The Best Play Here,’ and today that's true in more ways than one,” said Mayor Alton Craft. “Not only do the best play here—they trust us to host their biggest tournaments.” continued on next page

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OPENING CEREMONY OCTOBER 2016

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE TRACK AND FIELD EVENTS BRING HUNDREDS OF ATHLETES TO THE PARK TO COMPETE

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

Choccolocco Park has welcomed some of the best athletes from around the world and has hosted local, state, regional, conference, national, and international championships. Over the past ten years, the park’s vision and trajectory have expanded, and it has become much more than a baseball and softball venue. The past decade has brought playgrounds, a fitness court, disc golf, kayaking, and recognition as part of the Alabama Birding Trail, with more than 180 species already identified. “We have an NCAA regulation track, we have four NCAA regulation soccer fields, disc golf around the park, and the kayaking that many do not realize is a part of the park,” Thompson said. Thompson added that a “thinking outside of the box” philosophy has brought unique events, such as rodeos and the Green Prix student electric-car races, to the park. The park has also become a holiday destination as it transforms into Oxford’s annual Festival of Lights and Santa’s Village, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. “Being an outdoor facility and open-spaced area, we’re open to any ideas people might have,” Thompson said. Waits said looking back, many of the park decisions the city council made as a group turned out to be “extremely positive” and have created “an incredible award-winning facility.” “But the reason it has been so successful is our people who are there greeting our visitors, serving our visitors, and wanting to make it special for them,” Waits said. “They have created a special place.” “Choccolocco Park has moved beyond my greatest expectations,” Henderson said. “I expected it to be a place for our citizens to play and to be a travel ball destination. With the college, international, and semipro teams and all the tournaments that have come in, it’s a whole new ballgame.”

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

UPDATE OXFORD LIBRARY What a wonderful Summer Reading Program we had this year! Thanks to all who read, painted, laughed, learned, and “Unearthed a Story” with us; we had over 500 participants! We are already excited to have more fun next year, but you don’t have to wait until then to utilize your library. Join us year-round to see how the library can help you. As summer is moving to fall, we shift our focus into supporting lifelong learning and other tasks, whether its for children and teens starting back to school, adults moving forward in college or career, or older adults as they move into other phases of life. The library is here for all ages and stages, and there is something here for everyone! The library offers many resources, including a robust book collection of fiction and non-fiction books, a computer lab with free internet and Microsoft Office access, study rooms,as well as a full calendar of events and programs. Printing, scanning, and faxing are also available. A host of classes and clubs meet at the library. If you would like to learn to knit, crochet, or quilt, we have a group for you. If you would like talk about books, we have a book club for you. If you would like to gently stretch or exercise, we have a group for you. If you would like some support while you grieve, we have a group for you. If you have littles, we have StoryTime for you. Check out our calendar at www.oxfordpl.org/calendar for the times and frequency of these and more that meet at the library. Computer Classes also meet at the library at noon on Wednesdays. Each class focuses on a topic to help you feel more comfortable when you use the computer or mobile device. Visit www.oxfordpl.org/computers to view the schedule of topics. This fall, we will present: August 5 • Basic Computer Use September 16 • Email August 12 • Files and Folders September 23 • Alabama Virtual Library August 19 • The Cloud September 30 • Using Databases August 26 • Basic Internet October 7 • Health Resources September 2 • Internet Searching October 21 • Cyber Security Basics September 9 • Google Tools October 28 • Microsoft Office Although the staff will always welcome you to visit our beautiful library building at 110East 6th Street, we also encourage you to use our online resources that can help you in every stage of life. There are many online resources available, but some of ones I get most excited to share about help people in lots of ways, and they are all available at www.oxfordpl.org/online-resources. continued on next page

OPL loves to help our community with resources, tools, and events! Check out our calendar at www.oxfordpl.org/calendar 46

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Bright Star Touring Theatre presented Dino Academy: A Dinosaur Discovery Show at the Oxford Public Library

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Shelia Wynn and Lynn Ward Moore took part at the library’s “Meet an Author” event

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• Homework Alabama offers free online live tutoring, job search assistance, free academic and career services. Whether you need help with math homework, and English paper, finding a job, or preparing for a test, Homework Alabama can help! Just visit www.homeworkalabama.org to learn more and connect. • Achieve your educational and career goals with educational resources—including more than 1,000 tutorials, practice exams, and ebooks—for basic skills mastery, academic success, job preparation, and career advancement. • The Alabama Virtual Library provides teachers, students, and citizens with online access to essential library and information resources. It is primarily a group of online databases that have magazine, journal, and newspaper articles for research. Through the AVL, an equitable core of information sources is available to every student and citizen in Alabama, raising the level of excellence in schools and communities across the state. There are over 115 resources gathered in one place to help you! One of the great resources provided by the AVL is Gale Legal Forms. It’s sometimes hard to discern the legal system and the forms involved with legal action. Library resources can help! Gale Legal Forms is an extensive resource with thousands of legal forms available with more forms being added daily. Official, state-specific, federal, business, personal, real estate, and general forms covering hundreds of legal subjects and issues are available. If you need to learn about and print forms for a will, power of attorney, premarital agreement, bankruptcy, divorce, landlord/tenant, articles of incorporation, licenses, and more, Gale Legal Forms can help! • Build your skills through online training. OPL offers online courses in many topics for use in your business and personal life through Knowledge City. For those wanting to increase business skills, there are courses available in leadership, management, communication, team building, supply chain, as well as a suite of safety and compliance courses. Finance courses are also available. For those wanting to increase their knowledge about technology, there are many courses at your convenience, as well, including courses that help you learn about Microsoft Office tools, software development, AI, accounting, cybersecurity, and many more topics. Whether in-house or online, your Oxford Public Library is here to help you! Friendly, helpful staff will help you learn about what services are available. Stop by, call us at (256) 831-1750, or visit www.oxfordpl.org to learn more! We will look forward to seeing you in-house or online soon, Amy E. Henderson, MLIS

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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Oxford Health Systems Future EMS Station Site in West Oxford Oxford Health Systems is expanding its commitment to bringing emergency care closer to the communities it serves, with plans for a new Oxford Paramedics ambulance station in west Oxford. The future station will be located within the Oxford Oaks development, thanks to a generous land donation from local developer Joey Callahan and GC Group Holdings. Once completed, the station will strengthen emergency medical coverage for west Oxford while improving response capabilities for surrounding communities, including Eastaboga and Bynum. The project reflects Oxford Health Systems’ long-term vision of strategically placing ambulance resources where they are needed most. As residential neighborhoods continue to expand and new industrial development accelerates across west Oxford, positioning emergency medical services closer to residents will help ensure faster access to lifesaving care. “Joey’s background in both emergency services and local government gives him a unique perspective on the needs of communities like Oxford,” said Tom Dixon, CEO of Oxford Health Systems. “He understands the importance of ensuring residents have access to high-quality emergency medical care close to home. His generosity and commitment to community service have helped make this project possible, and we are extremely grateful for his support.” Callahan’s commitment to public service spans decades. He served 16 years as Assistant Fire Chief for the city of Lincoln and worked as an Emergency Medical Technician, experiences that gave him firsthand insight into the importance of timely emergency response. He also served

nine years on the Lincoln City Council, where he helped guide community growth and infrastructure improvements. That background made Oxford Health Systems’ vision of locating ambulance stations within the communities they serve a natural fit for the Oxford Oaks development. “As west Oxford continues to experience significant residential and industrial growth, partnerships like this are essential,” Dixon said. “When developers, local government, and healthcare organizations work together, they’re investing in the safety and well-being of the entire community.” The new station will allow Oxford Paramedics to strategically position ambulances in one of the city’s fastest-growing areas, helping ensure emergency resources are readily available as the community continues to expand. Oxford Health Systems expressed its appreciation to Callahan and GC Group Holdings for their investment in the future of emergency medical services in Oxford. The organization plans to announce additional details regarding construction timelines and station operations as planning moves forward.

NIKKI VELDHOUSEN, COMMUNITY OUTREACH DIRECTOR

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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UPDATE HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD By Hunter C. Gentry, Executive Director of Economic Development & Main Street

Historic Main Street Oxford continues to strengthen downtown through business development, historic preservation, and community engagement. This quarter, we hosted two days of free Historic Walking Tours as part of Alabama Tourism’s statewide April Walking Tours initiative and continued our Downtown Litter Clean-Up program with the help of volunteers, Oxford High School Student Ambassadors, and His Word Global Methodist Church. During National Historic Preservation Month, we highlighted several successful restoration projects and shared the history of Oxford’s preservation movement, emphasizing the importance of protecting the community’s historic resources. In June, our annual Downtown Block Party welcomed families downtown for activities, food, and entertainment while supporting local businesses. We also continued our Business Development Workshop Series in partnership with Jacksonville State University’s Small Business Development Center with From Idea to Income: Starting a Business. Oxford also received national recognition through Main Street America’s America 250 initiative, which featured the story of Oxford College and its lasting contributions to education and public service. Historic Main Street Oxford installed two new historic markers this quarter. A William G. Pomeroy Foundation grant funded a marker honoring Oxford native Dr. Robert Andrew Hingson, an internationally recognized physician and medical innovator. A second marker commemorates the Bullard–Fulton House, preserving the history of the 1887 Queen Anne residence demolished in 2024. We appreciate the continued support of our residents, businesses, volunteers, city leadership, and community partners. Together, we are preserving Oxford’s history, supporting local businesses, and building a stronger downtown for future generations.

mainstreet@oxfordal.gov • 256-241-6667

THINK LOCAL. SHOP LOCAL. BUY LOCAL. OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

At the city of Oxford, we appreciate every business that invests in our community, whether it’s a small, locally owned shop or a national brand. Each new business strengthens our local economy, creates jobs, and adds to the character of our city.

OLIVE BRANCH WELLNESS 56 FREEDOM LANE 54

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MODEL CITY TRYKES 1716 HAMRIC DRIVE EAST, SUITE 4

FAMILY SAVINGS CREDIT UNION 162 INDUSTRIAL DRIVE OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

GROWING OXFORD: PROGRESS & PROSPERITY When most people hear the term economic development, they often think of new businesses or construction projects. While those are certainly part of the equation, economic development is much broader. At its core, economic development is the process of improving a community’s quality of life by creating opportunities for businesses to succeed, supporting existing employers, attracting new investment, creating and retaining jobs, and maintaining a stable tax base that funds essential public services. Successful economic development extends far beyond recruiting the next retailer or employer. It encompasses strategic planning, infrastructure improvements, workforce development, small business support, downtown revitalization, housing, tourism, and community development. Every new business, expanded employer, infrastructure project, and redevelopment effort contributes to building a stronger local economy and a more vibrant community for residents. Economic development is also a collaborative effort. No single organization can strengthen a local economy alone. Meaningful progress depends on partnerships among local, state, and federal governments, chambers of commerce, educational institutions, utilities, workforce development organizations, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, and private businesses. An economic developer serves as a facilitator, strategist, advocate, educator, and problem solver, helping connect these partners while implementing policies and initiatives that support long-term economic growth. For the city of Oxford, economic development encompasses much more than business recruitment. The program continues the work and mission established through Historic Main Street Oxford by supporting downtown revitalization and serving as a resource and advocate for small businesses. Responsibilities also include implementing the city’s long-term economic development strategies, marketing Oxford to prospective investors and developers, managing business recruitment, retention, and expansion efforts, conducting research and economic analysis, and serving as the primary point of contact for developers, site selectors, property owners, businesses, and economic development partners. Above all, the program exists to support the businesses that have already invested in Oxford while creating opportunities for future growth. The city works closely with numerous partner organizations to accomplish these goals. Industrial recruitment is coordinated by the Calhoun County Economic Development Council,

BY HUNTER C. GENTRY, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & MAIN STREET

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which markets the county to manufacturing and industrial employers. Oxford also partners with ONE East, a regional economic development alliance serving Calhoun, Cleburne, Clay, Coosa, Etowah, Randolph, St. Clair, Talladega, and Tallapoosa counties to strengthen East Alabama’s economy through regional collaboration and strategic investment. Workforce development initiatives are supported through the CREATE Workforce Development Center, which helps prepare students and adults with the technical skills and training needed to meet the demands of today’s workforce. The city also works closely with the Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitors Center to support existing businesses, promote entrepreneurship, recruit new investment, strengthen tourism, and advance initiatives that contribute to the county’s overall economic vitality. Together, these partnerships help position Oxford for long-term economic growth and continued prosperity. Oxford has experienced decades of steady growth, driven in large part by its strategic location at the intersection of Interstate 20, U.S. Highways 78 and 431, and Alabama Highway 21. These transportation corridors have made the city an attractive destination for residents, visitors, retailers, and employers alike. As surrounding communities continue to grow and development opportunities become increasingly competitive, the city is taking a more proactive approach to business recruitment, retention, and expansion. By investing in infrastructure, supporting entrepreneurship, revitalizing existing commercial districts, and building strong partnerships, Oxford is positioning itself for continued economic success while preserving the qualities that make our community a great place to live, work, and do business. Each quarter, Growing Oxford: Progress & Prosperity will highlight new businesses, development projects, economic trends, and initiatives that are shaping our community. We look forward to sharing progress and keeping residents informed about the investments that continue to strengthen Oxford’s future.

JANUARY – JUNE 2026 New Businesses: 35 Ribbon Cuttings / Groundbreakings: 10 Commercial Building Permits: 108 Residential Building Permits: 300 Commercial Investment: $18,206,523 Residential Investment: $6,365,603 New Commercial Buildings: 4 New Residential Houses: 23 *Source- Oxford Building Services Department

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

OXFORD COMMUNITY CHORUS SALUTES AMERICA AT 250 Patriotic music, waving flags, and a sea of red, white, and blue filled the Oxford Performing Arts Center on Tuesday, June 23, as the Oxford Community Chorus delivered a stirring musical salute to the United States to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary. Performing before a packed house, the chorus led the audience through 250 years of American history and heritage through song. The 80-member ensemble, accompanied by a 27-piece orchestra and conducted by Don Gober, performed a wide-ranging program of 14 selections that reflected the triumphs, sacrifices, and shared traditions of the American experience. The evening featured spirited marches including John Philip Sousa’s “The Stars and Stripes Forever,” beloved patriotic standards such as “This Is My Country,” and a salute to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. More reflective selections, including “The Folded Flag,” offer moments of remembrance and gratitude alongside the evening’s celebratory music. Together, the program showcased music’s unique ability to bring history to life. Familiar melodies invited audience members to reflect on the people, places, and ideals that have shaped the country and to celebrate the traditions that continue to connect Americans across generations. “We could not be more ecstatic with how the patriotic concert turned out. I would especially like to thank the many volunteers who have poured countless hours into not only this event, but also each of the concerts that we put on every year,” shared Don Gober, Oxford Community Chorus Director. The enthusiastic response to the concert reflected the remarkable growth of the Oxford Community Chorus in recent years. OPAC Executive Director John Longshore noted that the ensemble has expanded from approximately 32 singers to well over 80 members in only a few years. That growth has transformed the chorus into one of the region’s largest community-based vocal ensembles. Its members come together from throughout Oxford and the surrounding area, united by a love of music and the opportunity to perform ambitious programs on the OPAC stage. Audience participation has grown just as dramatically. Following record-breaking attendance for the chorus’s Christmas concert and continued demand for seating, OPAC plans to make future

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Guests visited OPAC’s Martin-Lett Gallery to explore the “Flags of the American Revolution” exhibit

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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Oxford Community Chorus performances free, ticketed events. The process will be like the complimentary ticketing system used for OPAC’s annual season-reveal programs, allowing the venue to better accommodate guests and manage seating for the increasingly popular concerts. The transition to free ticketing will help ensure that the concerts remain accessible to the community while giving patrons the opportunity to reserve their seats in advance. Additional ticketing information for future performances will be announced by OPAC. The celebration continued after the final notes had been sung. Following a prolonged standing ovation, many guests visited OPAC’s Martin-Lett Gallery to explore the “Flags of the American Revolution” exhibit. The exhibition is part of OPAC’s recognition of the nation’s semiquincentennial and provides visitors with a closer look at the flags, symbols, and stories that accompanied America’s struggle for independence. The combination of the gallery exhibition and the concert allowed patrons to experience the nation’s history through both visual art and live performances. Together, the programs reflected OPAC’s broader commitment to presenting cultural experiences that entertain, educate, and encourage the community to explore important moments in American history. Behind the scenes, the concert also became a hands-on classroom for students participating in OPAC’s Live Production Workshop. The program introduces young people to the creative and technical disciplines involved in producing live events, including lighting, sound, and backstage operations. Students observed and participated in the work required to support a large chorus and orchestra, gaining practical experience in a professional performance environment. Opportunities such as these help students better understand the collaboration, preparation, and technical expertise that make every performance possible. “Arts education is central and deeply important to what we do here at OPAC, and we are glad to help train the next generation of sound and lighting production professionals,” Longshore said. The Oxford Community Chorus will return to the OPAC stage for its annual Holiday Concert on Tuesday, November 17, 2026. The annual concert has become a favorite seasonal tradition, bringing singers and audiences together for an evening of music celebrating the warmth and spirit of the holiday season. Rehearsals for the concert will be held on Tuesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:00 p.m., beginning September 1 at the Oxford Performing Arts Center. Current and former chorus members, as well as other area vocalists interested in joining the ensemble, are encouraged to participate.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

WORDS AND ART BY LARRY K. MARTIN

“Remembered” On July 5, 2026, one of Africa’s most iconic “Super Tuskers” died of natural causes in Amboseli National Park, Kenya. A “Super Tusker” is an elephant whose tusks weigh more than 100 pounds each and are so long that “they touch the ground.” He will be long remembered by the relatively few people who were fortunate enough to see him as he meandered through the dry-brush hills and savanna.

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Some fifteen-plus years ago I was commissioned by Mr. Bill Ireland of Birmingham, Alabama, to paint an African wildlife scene. The subject and setting were to be of my own choice, and there had to be a story behind the painting. It would be based on material from an upcoming photo safari. That was the most unusual commission I’d ever received, and it was an artist’s dream. I already knew I wanted to paint a group of elephants in a Mount Kilimanjaro setting. The story would be one of an unusual behavior pattern known to be practiced by elephants in the wild—a ritualized homage for a fallen comrade (or a relative or even a member of an unrelated herd). I had already roughed out the story and started the background. It would feature a small herd of elephants that were paying silent tribute to the remains of a deceased elephant, a practice known and recorded in the field by many explorers and scientists. Upon discovering the body, the herd would begin to pick up the individual bones and examine, almost fondle each one, using the trunk, or touch it with one of the front feet, then the other, sometimes even touching it with the hind feet. (An elephant’s feet are very sensitive.) Each bone is handled carefully and meticulously. This kind of ritual, as far I know, is not practiced by any other animal species. It, by far, surpasses any of our human customs of funerals and memorial services. I was certain after seeing this huge tusker in the wild that he would be included as the focal point of my painting, which would be titled “Remembered.” One Ton was fortunate to have been born into a very protective sanctuary, but he wasn’t quite so lucky when it came to his name. When Richard Bonham, son of a wildlife agent, first called the young bull elephant One Ton, he must have been more interested in auto racing than in elephants. In fact, the name apparently had nothing to do with wildlife—it referred to driving at 100 miles per hour. The elephant, which at that early age was very wary and skittish whenever it interacted with people, ran away in a flash; hence, he was doing a “one ton.” Bonham probably thought it clever when he called this very wary young bull by the name One Ton. Not only was the name too cutesy and esoteric, but it was also confusing. A bull elephant in Africa can weigh six or seven tons. So, this young bull probably exceeded that one-ton weight at a very early age. It’s an awkward name for such a noble animal. He had additional names; the Maasai, who lived in proximity to the elephants of Amboseli, gave him the Swahili name, Mpole, meaning “Gentle One,” because after decades of protective life in Amboseli Park, the young adult elephant had become accustomed to, and trusting of, humans. His genetic traits for a great, gentle demeanor were reinforced within the protective Amboseli atmosphere. One Ton roamed the arid hills and the semi-desert Amboseli/Tsavo plains. He frequented the Bonham farm and drank almost daily from their swimming pool.

“TUSKER”

GALLERY: WREN’S NEST AT OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 100 E. CHOCCOLOCCO STREET, OXFORD, AL 36207 256-238-0710 • 800-833-9736 • WWW.WRENSNESTOPAC.COM

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What’s in a Name? Maybe this would be a good time to reconsider the best name for this magnificent representative of the elephant world. Here is a list of names that have been used in referring to One Ton: One Tonne- As spelled by the British One Ton Tusker – As used by the Kenya Wildlife Service Handsome – As suggested by Cynthia Moss, prominent elephant researcher Mpole- Swahili, meaning slow, or gentle one Oloikuma – In the Maasai language. (Many Maasai speak Swahili and the tribal Maasai language). The best choice might well be the Swahili word Mpole that translates as The Gentle One.

On the next photo safari to Kenya, I took a giclee of the painting “Remembered” to Cynthia Moss, prominent elephant authority, whom I had met at the Mara River Camp. I left the giclee for her, along with a note asking whether she had named this super tusker. Cynthia, in her decades of elephant research, had adopted a system for naming her subjects, using the same letter to begin all names in an elephant family. For example, she had named one of Africa’s largest tuskers “Craig,” because all members of his family were given names beginning with the letter C. Cynthia left a note that, surprisingly, said that she preferred to call him Handsome. On two occasions, Mpole (One Ton) was severely wounded. At least one injury happened during a fight for mating rights, and another was the result of being a victim of poachers or villagers. In both instances, he recovered. Even more surprisingly, he never lost his affinity for the human race. When we happened upon him on that safari, he had probably weathered one or both of those injuries, yet he did not seem alarmed. He paid little attention to us—just a casual glance or two—as he seemed to float in slow motion across the dry grass and acacia-scrub trees of the savanna. We watched him in stunned silence for a long while. Our guide, a longtime friend, Felix, was astonished to find this creature in his familiar surroundings. I still well remember being mesmerized by that long, oddly shaped tusk as its tip glided just above the ground as he moved in graceful footsteps. These few minutes still remain in the minds of our safari group, and without exception, this is what everyone recalls when they reminisce about their “trip of a lifetime.” An African safari always provides many unscripted surprises. Sometimes it reveals an iconic legacy. Our gentle bull elephant featured in the painting “Remembered”.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

ULTI-MUTT BAKERY KEEPING TAIL S WAGGING WITH HE ALTHY DOG TRE AT S

Jennifer Carson rarely enters her kitchen without company, and all four of them know chances are better than good they will get a great snack by the time Carson finishes cooking. The four invading Carson’s kitchen are her beloved dogs who have become taste testers for the treats she began developing and selling in 2020. Ever since Jennifer and her husband, Bobby Carson, opened their doors at 426 Main Street in 2024, the paw traffic has been welcoming and supportive. “I went from just putting stickers on the bags, to all-new packaging which also lists the number of calories, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals,” Carson said. “I wanted everything on there.” Just as the new modern packaging symbolizes the Ulti-Mutt success story, the new labeling represents the “why” behind that success—Carson’s passion for healthy dog diets, paired with the expertise, research, and specialized training that guide every recipe she creates. Carson’s background in biotechnology, genetics, and cancer research shapes every product at Ulti-Mutt. After transitioning her focus to animal health, she completed several veterinary canine nutrition courses to further her knowledge. Rather than simply creating homemade treats, Carson carefully formulates each recipe with a specific health goal in mind, combining sciencebased nutrition with high-quality ingredients to support dogs’ overall well-being.

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

Ulti-Mutt’s special dog-friendly ice cream is the perfect treat. Made with a coconut milk base and served in pup cups, each frozen treat can be topped with favorites like fish, chicken feet, homemade biscuits, or seasonal pumpkin flavors.

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

Believing dogs should be

celebrated, Jennifer makes specialized birthday cakes for man’s best friend!

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Ulti-Mutt Bakery is being discovered by dog lovers, especially those who like the choice of the “homemade” treats as opposed to those sold from big-box stores. The proof is in the care with which these treats are made. From start to finish, making a batch can take as long as 22 hours. “These are not necessarily supplements, but treats that are gut health focused. I’m working on overall health because most people’s love language with their dogs is food,” Carson said. “Instead of it being a sugary treat, I wanted there to be intention behind the constant giving of treats and building that bond with their dogs.” Believing dogs should be celebrated, Carson began with the creation of specialized birthday cakes for man’s best friend. “People thought I was crazy, but dogs are part of our families, and we should celebrate them,” Carson said. “I wanted to do it in a healthy way. I knew I could make cake icing from tapioca and raw honey, using colors from fruits and vegetables. I then began work on developing the biscuit treats.” “A lot of my customers’ dogs are super sensitive or have food intolerances where they have to stay away from specific ingredients,” Carson said. “I have customers who come from as far away as Lake Weiss, Tallapoosa, and Atlanta,” Carson said. “I have, so far, shipped orders to 17 states.” But it was Carson’s love and concern for her own dogs that became the genesis for Ulti-Mutt Bakery. “This all started with mine,” Carson said. “They are my inspiration. I wanted to feed them better. I wanted them to be healthy because that is how we bond with our dogs.” Ulti-Mutt Bakery is located at 426 Main Street and is open Wednesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. The website, ultimuttbakery.com, hosts the complete catalog of available treats, which can also be ordered online. Ulti-Mutt Bakery can be contacted through their website, by phone at 256-600-1551, or by email at ultimuttbakery@gmail.com.

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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JC MORGAN FROM CREATIVITY TO COMMUNITY

JC Morgan is a human kaleidoscope. She moves from color to color, painting to drawing, pattern to pattern, subject to subject, and from exhibit to exhibit. “As an artist, I like to be as active as I can in the community,” she says. But as her personal story unfolds, it becomes clear: She is active in the arts for the community as well. Morgan learned art on her own. But, like a flower in the spring, she has blossomed into a creator whose work continually adds beauty and color to the artistic landscape. And, she is as active in teaching as she is in creating art. Morgan’s first studio was in Quintard Mall, where she displayed the work of area artists along with her own. In 2015, she moved to 324 Snow Street, where she taught art classes and hosted Fall Fests and “Meet the Artist” events. When COVID led to a lack of activity, the studio closed, and Morgan maintained an online presence through her website and social media, with plans to offer art camps for children and teens. More recently, Morgan was one of 15 artists selected to share her expertise with third- through fifth-grade students as part of What Makes Alabama Great?, a project coordinated by the Alabama State Council on the Arts & Humanities. She taught at several sites across the state, each reflecting Alabama’s diverse communities and landscapes, including the Little River Canyon Center, the Grant Public Library, and a coffee shop in Centre. One memorable stop was Grant, a small town in northern Alabama that is home to a school established in 1924 by the Daughters of the American Revolution to provide educational opportunities for children living in what was then an isolated rural area. “I asked the children a question after showing them a detailed map,” Morgan explains. “To my question ‘What makes Alabama great to you?’ they responded by drawing waterfalls, fields, forests, and mountains.” The children were very proud when their work was shown at the Capitol Build-

BY HERVEY FOLSOM OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

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ing in Montgomery as part of a month-long exhibit. There was a lesson in their work, Morgan adds. “By creating a picture of our state’s features, they will remember them and where they are located.” AN ARTIST’S MOTIVATION: CREATING AND SHARING Morgan considers exhibits fertile ground for conveying images that stir curiosity or inspire. With acrylics, she especially likes to generate interest in nature’s story of a rebirth: a lowly caterpillar’s transition to a butterfly with beautifully colored wings, with nature’s design different on each set of wings. Her works have been seen in the following galleries: Nunnally’s Custom Frame and Gallery, Anniston Jax State Department of Art & Design with annual Calhoun County Community shows Heritage Hall Museum in Talladega Fundraiser for Ritz Theatre in Talladega for the theater’s educational projects Holiday festival markets at Bennett Farms in Heflin Agora Arts Gallery, New York City Morgan is happy teaching and showing her art wherever there are people who are interested, from a coffee shop in Centre to a New York City gallery. “I love creating, but I also love sharing,” she says. Regarding the Ritz Theatre fundraiser, six artists presented a “live art show” demonstrating their methods, Morgan said. “My husband Shane is an ‘occasional artist,’” she explained. “But we thought this show’s purpose was especially important. We had an exciting time at this gathering.” About $2,000 was raised, she reported. Her newest artistic pursuit, when time allows, is painting hats. “It’s something new, something different,” she says. Much of her summer was devoted to preparing for the JC Morgan Art Camp at Friendship Community Center, where students ages 8 to 16 explored drawing, painting, and pottery. One of the highlights was cyanotype, an alternative photographic printing process that creates striking blue images through a light-sensitive chemical reaction. Although the process was developed in the 1840s, it remains a vibrant and engaging art form that Morgan enjoys introducing to a new generation of artists. As if her contributions to the community through art were not enough, Morgan also serves as a registered nurse. She earned her RN degree from Gadsden State Community College in 2015 and continues to balance healthcare with her artistic career—a reflection of her enduring commitment to caring for others, whether through creativity or compassion.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS

STARTING STEM YOUNG CREATE OFFERS KIDS PLANS FOR THE FUTURE

The CREATE Center continued to transform career and technical education by hosting its annual SparkSTEM Discovery Day on July 16, 2026. The event is part of the CREATE STEM Learning Network, a regional initiative led by Oxford City Schools, with the CREATE Center serving as its hub. In addition to the Oxford event, the CREATE STEM Learning Network hosted SparkSTEM Discovery Days in Cherokee and Randolph counties, partnering with local businesses to provide students with hands-on STEM learning experiences. “SparkSTEM Discovery Day is about exposing youth to STEM and careers in their local community,” said Sherita Hayes, Director of STEM, Research, and Innovation for Oxford City Schools. “We have approximately 80 students from schools around the region along with eight businesses and organizations. Each business facilitates 30-minutes of STEM activities connected to careers within their business.” Hayes said the goal is to expose the students, ages 9 – 13, to the different careers in the area and how science, technology, engineering, and math are all involved. “What we are doing today illustrates the goal of CREATE, which is partnering with schools and businesses across multiple counties to prepare students for future careers. This includes students from elementary to high school,” Hayes said. At the July event, parents joined their children as the day began with a talk by John Cranston, a senior research scientist at Auburn University. Cranston presented each student with an acorn as part of an object lesson, explaining that, just like a planted acorn, they can grow in both life and careers. The students were able to visit with all the local businesses and organizations for interactive experiences in the careers of construction, law enforcement, science & mathematics, production, engineering and technology, and medicine. The Oxford Police Department, represented by Investigator Bryant Duncan and School Police Officer Kyle Conklin, wowed the students with the latest technologies, including drones and its robotic dog, “Astro.”

BY BRIAN GRAVES 84

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Sherita Hayes OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

Daniel Hagen of Littleton Electric offered a unique hands-on experience with the tools of his trade. Hagan said his company continues to benefit from students who have gone through career tech courses, and being at the event was important. “I think it’s important to invest in our youth,” Hagan said. “There are earning, learning, and returning years. I’m in the returning years. If we don’t tell them, teach them, and show them, no one will.” The following businesses participated in SparkSTEM Discovery Day: Alabama Power Birds, Inc. City of Oxford Police Department Littleton Electric New Flyer Oxford City Schools STEM Department Regional Medical Center Tyler Union & M&H Valve

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

Paid political advertisement by Danny Shears. 126 Sand Trap Circle, Oxford, Alabama 36203

Connor Moore

Rylee Parker

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OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL MOUNTAIN BIKE TEAM

STATE CHAMPIONS For the first time in school history, the Oxford High School Mountain Bike Team has won a State Championship! We compete in the Alabama Cycling Association alongside 23 other teams. Teams are either school-based, like Oxford, or composite teams, which combine students from neighboring schools that don’t have their own mountain bike program. Based on our team size, Oxford competes in the Division 2 category. Our race season runs from early March to early May. This year, we placed first in all six races! March 1 at University of West Florida 1st Place Won by +153 points March 15 at Tannehill State Park 1st Place Won by +66 points March 29 at McClellan Trails 1st Place Won by +13 points April 12 at Munny Sokol Park 1st Place Won by +12 points April 26 at Black Creek Trails 1st Place Won by +40 points May 3 at Tannehill State Park 1st Place Won by +16 points Our students begin training in December on the thick grass fields at the Oxford Civic Center. This builds leg strength, endurance, and a no-quit attitude. The Jump Park is incorporated into our training during the early season, also. Once the days get long enough, practices are held at both the McClellan Multi-Use Trails and the Coldwater Mountain Trails. Students learn how to climb large elevations, tackle fast descents, corner, and ride technical terrain. Mountain biking is an endurance sport that takes excellent conditioning as well as balance and skills over rough terrain. We are lucky to have a group of coaches and students who excel in our sport. Our sport helps build competitive character through overcoming adversity. All of our kids at one point or another had to learn to overcome and work through problems in a race. Just like any other sport, our team faced challenges head-on and kept moving forward. These kids are champions in mountain biking and will be future champions in life when they graduate! Our team also had several podium finishes in state individual events. Macie Champion 2nd Place Varsity Girls Jaxon Carter 5th Place Varsity Boys Bella Shull 3rd Place JV1 Girls Rylee Parker 1st Place JV2 Boys Abby Dowling 2nd Place 7th Grade Girls There are two other local mountain bike teams that also had a successful season. The Cheaha Composite Team is a local composite team, and they placed third overall. The Donoho School placed fourth overall. Calhoun County was very well represented in our league, and it’s because of the dedication of the coaches and students. By Kanda Rogers OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

The 2026 Region 2 Career Technical Educators Conference brought together educators, postsecondary institutions, and business and industry partners from across Northeast Alabama for two days of professional learning focused on strengthening Career Technical Education and preparing students for high-demand careers. Through hands-on training, industry tours, and sessions on emerging technologies, workforce trends, and innovative teaching strategies, educators gained valuable knowledge and formed partnerships that will enhance classroom instruction and better prepare students for success in college, careers, and the workforce. 90

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Region 2 CTE (Career & Technical Education) Directors

BACK ROW: Tessa Giddens, Clay County CTE Director, Lane Patterson, Jacksonville City Schools CTE Director, Brett Keasler, Cherokee County Schools CTE Director, Melanie Brooks, Oxford City Schools CTE Director, David Asbury, Gadsden City Schools CTE Director. FRONT ROW: Eric Lovvorn, Cleburne County Schools CTE Director, Lauren Young, Calhoun County Schools CTE Director, Kim Knight, Talladega County Schools CTE Director, Mark Stancil, Etowah County Schools CTE Director.

Student Leaders

FRONT ROW: Miley Curlee, White Plains High SkillsUSA - FCCLA State Secretary, Angila Shahi, Oxford High HOSA, Kaylly Perez Romero, Oxford High HOSA, Brooklyn Kelly, Education & Training, Karlee Woods, CREATE Racing, Jacob Summerlin, Oxford High Entertainment & Media Skills USA, Ethan Jennings, CREATE Robotics. BACK ROW: Kalli Brown, Cleburne County High FCCLA, Riley Stephens, Lincoln High FFA - District Secretary, Ira Cleary, Weaver High FFA District Vice President, Tristan Brown, GSCC COMET - SkillsUSA College President, Tayler Brown, Oxford High Entertainment & Media SkillsUSA, Coleson Whaley, CREATE Robotics.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

Hugh McComb, Ryine Truss, Hayden Lovett, and Javier Martinez prepping custom car 99 for day 2 of racing. 92

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CREATE RACING CAPTURES

TWO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS AT GREENPOWER USA FINALS CREATE Racing, the student engineering and racing program at the Choccolocco Research, Education, and Technical Experience Center (CREATE), delivered another standout performance at the 2026 Greenpower USA National Championship held at Talladega Superspeedway from May 14–16. Greenpower USA is a national STEM racing series in which students design, build, and race electric-powered karts in endurance-style competition. Teams compete to complete the greatest number of laps during 90-minute race sessions, balancing speed and energy efficiency throughout the season, which runs from October through May. Competing against more than 150 teams and over 1,500 students from across the country, CREATE Racing earned an impressive collection of podium finishes across all three Greenpower USA divisions. CREATE Racing claimed the Stock Division National Championship with car 777, which dominated the field by lapping the entire Stock Division field three times during competition. The victory marks a historic back-to-back National Championship for car 777 after also winning the national title during the 2025 season. In the Modified Division, CREATE Racing captured another National Championship with car 888, which traveled 40 laps around the course at Talladega Superspeedway, setting a new personal program record for the team. CREATE Racing also earned a Runner-Up National Finish in the Custom Division with car 99. The Custom Division National Championship was won by a team from Bob Jones High School. With this year’s victories, CREATE Racing now lays claim to six Greenpower USA National Championships since 2020, further establishing the program as one of the premier student engineering and electric racing teams in the nation. The team expressed appreciation to its sponsors and supporters, especially Kronospan, a local industry partner that has sponsored the team for the past three seasons. The team also thanked CREATE, Oxford City Schools, and the city of Oxford for their continued support of the program over the last decade. Lead Data Engineer Makayla Glasgow stated, “Being a part of the program has meant more to me than just the skills I have learned and developed. The friendships that I have developed through the challenges we have faced together will be carried with me always.” By Britton Young OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

OXFORD SENIOR CITIZENS CENTER

SPOTLIGHT

JACK AND JEAN MIZE

Jack and Jean Mize have watched Oxford grow from a quiet small town into the thriving community it is today. Married since 1955, the couple now spend many mornings at the Oxford Senior Citizen Center, where coffee, conversation, and laughter have replaced the hurried schedules that once defined their lives. At 90-plus years old, they say they’ve learned one lesson above all others: slow down and enjoy the time you have. In the 1950’s Both attended Randolph County High School but didn’t know each other. “I never paid any attention to him because I was one grade ahead,” Jean said. Jack was in the tenth grade at Randolph County High School, a football standout, when he and his buddy were discussing their future. “One of us—we never did figure out who—suggested we join the military,” Jack recalled. “It only made sense, since both of our brothers had joined.” The decision in 1953 took Jack for a three-year stint in the Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. How they met Jack remembers one trip home when he saw Jean traveling with her father, “and she caught my eye.” “I saw the two of them get in a truck and go up Highway 431 and I followed,” Jack said. “They pulled off onto the road up to their house, and I drove up to the house and knocked on the door. I didn’t know her name, who she was, or anything. She was a pretty good-looking young woman. It’s amazing how all that happened.” The courting process had to be long-distance, and it took a few years before the couple was able to take their vows in 1955. Family and Career The year was 1956 when Jack left the service, but he was a worker long before getting into uniform. “I was a cook at Bob’s Barbeque when I was a kid, making hot dogs and hamburgers,” Jack said. “I also carried The Anniston Star. I always just did what I had to do.”

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

“He’s never been without a job,” Jean said. “We’ve been blessed in so many ways.” Jack had a 40-year career at Anniston Army Depot and traveled frequently, but he did so with no regrets, knowing Jean was home with the kids in school in Oxford and that “I was making a good living.” While Jack built his career, Jean focused on raising their family and creating a home wherever the Army sent them. Their first home was in Cheaha Acres, where they moved when Jean remembers it was still being developed. First Methodist became their church home. Later, they made their home in Sherwood Forest, but almost sold the house when Jack was given a civilian job as chief of production control for the U.S. Army in Korea for three years. “Living in Korea was very interesting,” Jean said. “We lived on the tenth floor. Our youngest daughter and I were there for a couple of years, and she graduated from school there.” “I decided to come home so she could attend college,” Jean said. “The real estate agent called and told me we had gotten an offer and wondered if we would take it. I said no, we’re coming home, and we’ve been there ever since.” “It’s always nice to come home wherever you go,” Jean said. “I’ve been fortunate,” Jack said. “I always had steady work, and that gave our family a good life.”

Enjoy slowing down These days, Jack and Jean have traded busy work schedules for mornings at the Oxford Senior Citizen Center. It’s a routine they enjoy—not because they’re looking for something to do, but because they’ve learned to appreciate the simple moments spent with friends and each other. “Coming to the senior center allows us to get out and socialize a little,” she added. “Everybody here is so good. It keeps us from sitting around the house. We take enough naps as it is.” “My advice to the next generation is to slow down,” Jack said. “Especially at my age, you realize how quickly those 90 years have passed. They passed very fast. So, slow down and appreciate your time.”

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

HISTORY THE OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

Throughout its history, the library has reflected Oxford’s longstanding commitment to literacy, lifelong learning, and civic engagement while continually adapting to meet the changing needs of its residents. What began as a grassroots movement championed by local women’s organizations evolved into a modern public institution that has expanded from a modest collection of donated books into a comprehensive library offering books, technology, digital resources, educational programming, and community gathering spaces. The history of the Oxford Public Library illustrates not only the development of a public institution, but also the vision, determination, and civic spirit of the citizens who believed that access to knowledge should be available to every member of the community. Interest in establishing a public library in Oxford predated its formal organization by more than a decade. As early as 1884 and 1885, the Oxford News published editorials and notices advocating for the creation of a town library, demonstrating that local citizens recognized the value of a public institution dedicated to reading, education, and lifelong learning. Although these early appeals did not immediately result in the establishment of a library, they reflected a growing community desire for such a resource. Little evidence has been located documenting additional efforts until the early twentieth century, when the Oxford Library was formally organized. The movement gained momentum through the efforts of Oxford’s civic-minded women, who organized the Oxford Library Association to promote literacy and educational opportunities for the community. Many of its members also belonged to the Self-Culture Club, an organization founded upon the Progressive Era belief that reading, discussion, and self-improvement strengthened both individuals and society. Through fundraising campaigns and community support, the association assembled a growing collection of books that was housed in various vacant storefronts, upper-floor rooms, and homes throughout Oxford. By 1900, the association maintained a collection of 420 volumes, a membership of sixty, and was free of debt, despite lacking a permanent home for the library. Among the earliest librarians to serve the association were Ida Stucky Cunningham, Miss Jean Williams, and Cora Dodd Aderholdt.

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For more than a century, the Oxford Public Library has stood as one of the city’s most enduring educational and cultural institutions.

Courtesy of Public Library of Anniston - Calhoun County (PLACC).

BY HUNTER C. GENTRY OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2026

The association’s greatest challenge remained securing a permanent location. In 1919, recognizing that it could no longer adequately house and maintain the collection, the Oxford Library Association donated its library to Calhoun County High School (later Oxford High School). The transfer ensured that the books remained accessible to the community while preserving the association’s long-term vision of establishing a permanent public library. The collection consisted of more than 400 volumes, including works of history, reference materials, and fiction, providing valuable educational resources for students and residents alike. The modern Oxford Library was formally organized in November 1927 by the Europa Club in partnership with the Oxford Parent-Teacher Association. Affiliation with the Calhoun County Library allowed the new institution to participate in a broader exchange of books and materials while serving an area extending beyond the city limits. The library opened with only forty books and limited operating hours. Florida Pinson Christian, a member of the Europa Club, served as the first librarian on a volunteer basis. Like its predecessor, the library occupied several temporary locations during its early years. By 1933, it operated from the basement of Oxford Elementary School on East Choccolocco Street before later relocating to an upper-floor loft on Main Street. In 1936, the Europa Club announced plans for the city of Oxford to purchase the former John Hughes residence on Snow Street as the library’s permanent home. The club agreed to pay the interest on the remaining balance through semiannual payments. Renovations were completed in January 1937, and the library relocated to the former residence. Within a decade, the Snow Street building had become inadequate for the library’s growing collection and increasing public use. In 1946, plans were developed to construct a new purposebuilt library on the same site. During construction, library operations temporarily relocated to the former office of Dr. Mark Williams adjacent to the property. By the fall of 1946, the Europa Club had raised nearly one-half of the construction costs with additional financial support provided by the Quest Club and the Exchange Club. The new building included the library and reading room on the main floor, while the basement provided meeting space for the local Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts. The facility was formally dedicated in November 1947. In 1965, the city of Oxford established the Oxford Library Board, placing the library under municipal oversight. That same year, the library merged with Anniston’s Carnegie Library and the Calhoun County Library, greatly expanding its collections and services. Prior to the merger, the library operated only one day each week. Following consolidation, operating hours increased to four days per week, and patrons gained access to expanded reference materials and circulating collections. By the late 1970s, the Oxford Public Library again required additional space. In February 1979, it relocated from 123 Snow Street to the former Oxford Church of Christ building at 213 East Choccolocco Street. Dedicated in honor of Mayor Bester Adams, the facility accommodated approximately 13,000 volumes as part of the Cheaha Regional Library System, which served Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph, and Talladega counties. The library featured several

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Lindblom Photo Collection- Historic Main Street Oxford

specialized spaces, including the Oxford Room, which preserved photographs, documents, newspapers, and publications related to the city’s history, as well as areas for children’s programs, senior citizen activities, community meetings, and storytimes. In 1987, the basement, formerly occupied by the city’s senior center, was converted into a dedicated children’s department. The Choccolocco Street library also expanded its community services. During the early 1990s, the Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) partnered with the library to provide free income tax preparation for elderly and low-income residents, a service that remained at the library until administration transferred to United Way of East Alabama in 2019. In 1998, the Oxford Public Library received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to purchase four public computers, providing internet access and Microsoft Office software and introducing many residents to online resources for the first time. By the early 2000s, the Oxford Public Library’s Choccolocco Street facility had become overcrowded and no longer met the needs of a growing community. In 2008, the library relocated

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to its current home at 110 East Sixth Street. Named in honor of longtime Library Director Irene Phillips Sparks, the $5 million, 25,000-square-foot facility encompasses two floors with expanded shelving, study rooms, public computers, flexible meeting spaces, and a divisible meeting room accommodating approximately 350 people for educational programs, civic meetings, public lectures, and community events. The construction of the Sixth Street facility marked only the second purpose-built library in Oxford’s history. The library continued to evolve in the years that followed. In 2015, the Oxford Public Library withdrew from the Cheaha Regional Library System and became an independent municipal library. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it hosted hybrid kindergarten through second-grade classes for Oxford City Schools, providing instructional space during an unprecedented period of educational disruption. The library also expanded its digital collections through participation in CamelliaNet, Alabama’s statewide OverDrive consortium, allowing patrons to borrow e-books and audiobooks remotely. Oxford Public Library has played a significant role in the consortium’s success. Prior to becoming statewide administrator of CamelliaNet in 2024, Library Director Amy Reaves Henderson and staff member Barbara Francois served as selectors responsible for acquiring digital materials for the statewide collection. Henderson has also served on the Alabama Virtual Library State Council, including as its chair in 2020. Today, the Oxford Public Library maintains an extensive collection of books, audiobooks, DVDs, digital resources, research databases, streaming media, and online learning platforms. Educational programming includes children’s storytimes, youth and teen activities, adult education classes, book clubs, and community events. Supported by a professional staff of nine and governed by a five-member Board of Trustees, the library continues to expand its services while embracing new technologies and educational opportunities. More than one hundred years after local citizens first organized to establish a library for Oxford, the institution remains a testament to the vision and perseverance of the community members who recognized the importance of public access to knowledge. From its beginnings in borrowed rooms and donated book collections to its modern facility on East Sixth Street, the Oxford Public Library has continually adapted to meet the educational, cultural, and informational needs of successive generations. As one of the city’s principal centers for lifelong learning, civic engagement, and community life, the library continues to fulfill the mission first envisioned by Oxford’s earliest advocates for public education and remains an enduring symbol of the city’s investment in its people.

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