Oxford Access Winter 2016-17

Oxford

ACCESS

VOLUME 1, ISSUE 4

Honoring Oxford’s Heroes Cover Story - Pg. 6

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Message from the

Oxford Mayor On behalf of the Oxford City Council and our departments, I’d like to extend a welcome to the citizens and visitors of our great city. We have been publishing Access magazine for a year now, and I’m proud of what it has become and what it will continue to be during my time as Mayor of Oxford.

I’m proud and humbled by the support the residents and voters of Oxford have given me as I enter my first term as mayor. Mayor Smith has left me some big shoes to fill, but I believe that we can move Oxford forward and make it a 21st century city if we support each other, work hard, and communicate within our city.

There are so many great things going on in Oxford, with retail and industrial development and recreational opportunities at the top of the list. I, along with City Council, will continue to promote high-tech industries and new commercial development within our city limits.

We have many new and exciting things in Oxford, such as Choccolocco Park, developments that are ongoing at Oxford Exchange and Oxford Commons, and redevelopment and infrastructure improvements in our city. If we add that to the already successful Oxford Performing Arts Center and Cider Ridge Golf Club, then we have a continually growing mixture of retail, industry, and recreation at our fingertips. There are many other things that are soon to come, so I encourage you to stay tuned for more announcements that will be coming from the council and me.

Again, thank you for putting your trust in me to lead the City of Oxford as we go into the 21st Century. I am proud to be your mayor. Let’s keep moving Oxford!

Best regards, Alton Craft

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CONTENTS

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Cover Story: New Liberty Park Honors Oxford’s Heroes

Employee spotlight: mack green pg. 4

Three of oxford’s bravest pg. 12

Inclusion and acceptance pg. 16

The Oxford Access magazine is published by the City of Oxford Marketing & Public Communications Department: P.O. Box 3383, Oxford, AL 36203 4

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Book art at the library pg. 20

making junior golf fun pg. 28

A rolling police department pg. 30

alton craft leads oxford into a bright future “hvtvm cehecares� pg. 32

From the arctic to the tropics pg 58

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oxford city schools pg. 62

NOTE: if you live within the city limits of Oxford and do not receive the Oxford Access magazine, please contact the marketing department staff at marketing@oxfordal.us or (256) 241-6668 OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

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Employee Spotlight Mack Green

BY KRISTIN ROBERTS

start. During the 11 years that Green played for the Lumberjacks, they won the state of Georgia title 6 times, which included one tournament that included a game against the University of Georgia that ended with him getting his nose broken.

For anyone who has lived in Oxford and remembers playing basketball for the Oxford Parks and Recreation Department, if you walk into the Civic Center on any given afternoon, you might recognize a friendly face from those days. That face, for any newcomers to the city of Oxford, or for anyone who was as untalented at basketball as this writer, is the face of Mack Green.

Mack Green was born in Canton, Georgia in 1936 and lived there until he was 45 when he moved to Oxford to marry his current wife. During his childhood in Canton, Green learned how to play baseball, golf, and basketball. Green says, “One of my favorite childhood memories was when I was 16 years old. I made the American Legion team, which is for baseball. Back in that day, most of the people that made the team were people who were graduating college and I managed it at 16 years old. I guess I was just a pretty good ball player.”

Throughout his teenage years, Green continued to play sports. By the age of 17, he was playing semi-pro basketball for a team out of Ballground, Georgia for the Harris Lumber Company, appropriately called the Lumberjacks. They played against universities such as University of Georgia, Piedmont College and Oglethorpe University before their seasons would 6

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Mack Green has been working for Oxford PARD for about 15 years and began coaching in their leagues 12 years ago. Since then, he has coached teams from all of the age groups offered at Oxford PARD, and has had several winning teams come from his coaching years. “One of my favorite memories from coaching out here was one year we had a team of the six-, seven-, and eight-year-olds and we went down to Sylacauga to play in the All Star games.

While down there we won 4 of the games and ended up winning the All Star game that year. It was probably the most exciting thing about basketball that year for me and for the kids on the team,” says Green.

Not only did he coach basketball for PARD, but he also coached baseball and golf. During the years that he coached golf, the golf team in 2005 won the state title, and from that winning team, five golfers were able to go to college on full athletic scholarships. His coaching career did not start in Oxford, though. In fact, it started several years prior when he was still living in Canton and he coached the girls junior high basketball team at Hickory Flats School.

“I helped teach my kids and I enjoyed it, and they had all played high school ball.

When I came to Oxford and had grandkids coming along, I just got back into coaching. I like to coach and help make good ball players out of kids, so that’s what we did,” Green says. One of his greatest thrills from coaching was being able to

coach his grandsons so well that when they got old enough to play in high school, they were able to beat him.

Although he’s known for his coaching skills, there’s still a lot that most people in Oxford probably don’t know about Mack.

If you were to visit north Georgia in the late 1950’s, you would probably run into “Mack Green and the Countrymen” at any event. With Green as the singer and a guitarist, he was a regular country star in his area. In fact, he and his band even had a sponsored radio show every Saturday where they would perform covers of popular songs.

Since he has moved to Oxford, not only has he coached for the Parks and Recreation Department, but he also works the front desk at the Civic Center almost every evening. Answering phones, renting rooms for events, and helping to make sure everything is running smoothly are just some of the things he does around the Civic Center. “It’s a good place to work.

I’ve got a great boss. We all get along like champs, and you couldn’t ask for anyone better than Don Hudson [PARD Director] and Tammy Wilkins [PARD Secretary] to work with. I love my job,” Green says.

Green says that one of the most rewarding parts of his job is getting to know a lot of different people. He adds that some of the kids that have been in the PARD day camps, now all grown up, will come back in and talk to him every now and then.

Mack says that is one of the big reasons that his job is so great.

After all of his years of dedication and hard work for the City of Oxford, Mack Green is still just in love with this city and its citizens as he was when he first moved here.

“This is just a great place to live. The people are great, the city is great, they’ve got good schools, good sports activities; anything you’re looking for you can find it here,” says Green.

Available at (256) 831-0540 | 1400 Barry St, Oxford AL | info@oxfordlumber.com | www.oxfordlumber.com OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

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NEW LIBERTY PARK HONORS OXFORD’S HEROES WRITTEN BY OXFORD ACCESS STAFF The waves of emotions felt upon entering Liberty Park are hard to describe. The American flag blowing in the wind, the grand pavilion, and giant native tree hanging over the paved walkway winding its way through the park creates an aura of pride and triumph. As one stands in front of the marble headers which surround the Park’s rose garden, a visitor is flooded with feelings of patriotism because of the sacrifices of the men and women represented in Liberty Park.

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Preserving the memories, while honoring and promoting the respect for those who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our safety, liberty, and ability to prosper is of utmost importance to the City of Oxford. As a dedication to our veterans that lived in Oxford and the public safety personnel that have been killed in the line of duty, the City built Liberty Park. The park’s intention is to preserve the memory of the past; it is a place to memorialize our veterans and first responders.

Liberty Park offers a beautifully designed space for residents, friends, visitors, relatives, and loved ones to pay their respects and honor those who have given so much for our ability to live our lives safely at home with unconstrained freedom. We must remember those, as President Reagan said during his remarks at the Memorial Day Ceremonies in 1982, who were “loved and who, in return, loved their countrymen enough to die for them.”

Bill Partridge, Chief of the Oxford Police Department, shares that 10

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constructing Liberty Park was a unified team effort between the City’s leadership, department heads, and residents: I t is something all of us came together and got accomplished.

The City Council and the Mayor agreed that we needed a nice place to pay tribute to our veterans. It is important that we remember those who have fought and died and those who have served in our armed forces. We should remember those who sacrificed their lives so we can be here today. We must be mindful of what it takes to keep us free, and Liberty Park represents it by those people out there. I look at all the people that have been killed in past wars; had they lived, what could they have accomplished?

Liberty Park is located at the south end of the Oxford Civic Center. Among its many features is a domed pavilion with benches for people to sit and reflect. It also includes a World War II era cannon, a lighted reflecting pool and fountain, as well as a natural

amphitheater. The amphitheater will be used for services and programs such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day, Police Officer Memorial Day–events that the old Veterans Park, located at the “Y” intersection between Choccolocco and Snow Street, could not accommodate. Liberty Park has a section for veterans as well as individual sections for law enforcement, firefighters, and other public safety officers who were killed in the line of duty. It also has a section for prominent citizens of Oxford—former mayors, teachers, rescue workers, and the marble headers that were originally placed at Jaycee Park (which eventually evolved into Veterans Park and is now Liberty Park). One will find the POW/ MIA and all branches of services represented at the lighted park.

At the Arlington National Cemetery, former United States Secretary of State and Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Colin L. Powell, U.S. Army, noted in a 1989 Memorial Day speech: It is our nation’s veterans’ sacrifice in the name of peace and

freedom that have made this country what it is today. It is by our veterans’ sacrifice that we get our strength and our vibrancy. We the living must ensure that their sacrifice was not in vain. The nation owes a great debt to its veterans, whose service to the nation spans every decade, every year, every day of our country’s existence. Through untold courage and sacrifice, America’s veterans have secured the liberty which the founding fathers sought to establish here in the new world. Whenever and wherever the nation has called–in times of darkness and danger as well as in times of peace and prosperity–America’s veterans have been there.

Veterans have proudly carried the torch of liberty for all to see.

Liberty Park is free and open to the public 24 hours per day. We invite you to visit the park and hope you will join us in revering our own heroes for all they have done.

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THREE OF OXFORD’S BRAVEST In the 132-year history of the Oxford Fire Department, many fine individuals have served our city as volunteer and career firefighters. Names like Stephens, Orr, Webb, Higginbotham, Smallwood, Byrd, Henson, Haynes, Davis, Grizzard, Prestridge, Whiteside, Morrison, and many more have laid the foundation and example for the firefighters that serve our city today. In this edition of Oxford Access, we look back at three of our bravest who paid the ultimate sacrifice and gave their lives to protect others.

Written by Gary Sparks

Pictured on right: Sergeant Robert E. Hendrick, Jr

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THREE OF OXFORD’S BRAVEST Firefighter Jesse Martin Boyles died of a heart attack on January 15, 1972, while fighting a house fire on Choccolocco Street in downtown Oxford. Firefighter Boyles was 65 years old and was retired from the City of Oxford as the Water Superintendent. Firefighter Boyles was survived by his wife Jewel, two daughters, five sisters, and two brothers. He was added to the Fallen Firefighter Memorial at the Alabama Fire College in Tuscaloosa on October 15, 2016, over 44 years after his death. The Oxford Fire Department gives an award in his honor each year to the Volunteer Firefighter of the Year.

Sergeant Robert E. Hendrick, Jr died as a result of injuries sustained in a vehicle accident while in route to a fire call on October 28, 1978. The fire call was a false alarm that was costly to the Oxford Fire Department and the Hendrick Family. Sgt. Hendrick had served the department for about ten years at the time of his death. In an Anniston Star article concerning Sgt. Hendrick’s death, then Fire Chief Dewey Webb stated, “Mr. Hendrick was a fine fellow and everybody loved him.” Sgt. Bill Dempsey was a member of the department when Sgt. Hendrick was killed and said he and Sgt. Hendrick did a lot of electrical work on the old city hall. Sgt. Dempsey stated “Bobby was always busy and loved doing electrical work.” Sgt. Hendrick is also honored on the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Tuscaloosa. Sgt. Hendrick was survived by his wife Mary, mother Ruth, one daughter, two sons, and one sister. In 1983, Fire Station #2 was named in memory of Sgt. Hendrick. The City of Oxford is currently constructing a new Fire Station #2 on Friendship Road, and it will named in memory of Sgt. Hendrick.

Captain Vernon Lynn Elliott died on June 18, 2005, from lung cancer. Lung cancer is now recognized as a line of duty injury and qualified Capt. Elliott to have his name added to the Fallen Firefighter Memorial in Tuscaloosa. Capt. Elliott served the Oxford Fire Department for 32 years as a Volunteer Firefighter. Capt. Elliott worked for 18 years

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Pictured above: Captain Vernon Lynn Elliott

with the Anniston Fire Department during this same time and retired just prior to his death. Capt. Elliott was survived by his wife Mary, one daughter, one son, and one sister. In 2015, Fire Station #6 and Training Center was opened and named in memory of Capt. Elliott. “Lynn was the type person that would do anything to help others and would give you the shirt off his back,” stated Chief Gary Sparks.

Chief Sparks, who worked with Capt.

Elliott both at Oxford and Anniston Fire Departments, also said he knows Lynn

would be proud of where the Fire Department is today.

All three of these brave firefighters have been memorialized in the new Liberty Park located behind the Oxford Civic Center. We urge you to visit this beautiful park that not only honors our fallen firefighters but honors our fallen police officers, veterans, and prominent Oxford citizens.

AMERICA’S WHITE TABLE WRITTEN BY AMY HENDERSON

The Oxford Public Library has a special event each November to honor our local veterans. During the celebration of our heroes, library staff and the public thank the veterans in attendance for their service. This is an important time to remember an important sacrifice.

The ceremony at the Library changes from year to year, but the one part that stays the same is a focus on America’s White Table. A small round table will be on display throughout our country.

One will be on display at the Oxford Public Library around Veteran’s day, as well. A small table is used to “show one soldier’s lonely battle against many.” Each item at the place setting is significant with symbolism for the lost soldier whose family loves and misses him. During the Veteran Celebration Ceremony, the book, America’s White

Table, is read aloud, and it describes the reason for each item: W e cover it with a white cloth to honor a soldier’s pure heart when he answers his country’s call to duty. We place a lemon slice and grains of salt on a plate to show a captive soldier’s bitter fate and the tears of families waiting for loved ones to return. We push an empty chair to the table for the missingsoldiers who are not here. We lay a black napkin for the sorrow of captivity, and turn over a glass for the meal that won’t be eaten. We place a white candle for peace and finally, a red rose in a vase tied with a red ribbon for the hope that all our missing will return some day.

This is such a special book, read for a special reason, and there is never a dry eye in the house when the book is complete. The book has been accompanied in the ceremonies at Oxford Public Library with displays of poppies (the international symbol of remembrance), songs, heartfelt stories, thank you cards from local children, and stories from veterans themselves.

This year’s event featured letters written from patrons in our library addressed to local veterans; some of those letters were read aloud to the veterans in attendance.

Veterans Day is a special and necessary time to remember service given to our country. The staff at the Oxford Public Library would like to thank our veteran for their sacrifice, from which we all greatly benefit.

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inclusion &

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acceptance “THE BOUNDLESS PLAYGROUND ENCOURAGES ACCEPTANCE. IT MOTIVATES CHILDREN TO BE MORE OPEN AND MORE RECEPTIVE OF DIFFERENCES.” - MICHELE MILLER

WRITTEN BY KRISTIN ROBERTS

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Choccolocco Park is a place for everyone.

During a grand celebration in October, the park opened its gates to residents, neighbors, friends, and visitors. With its state-of-the-art amenities, Choccolocco Park is unlike any other. To the City of Oxford, it is imperative that the park provides safe, attractive, and welcoming recreational facilities for people of all ages, backgrounds, interests, and abilities, which is why the Boundless Playground was a top priority for Oxford.

With the guidance of Michele Miller, the 2012 Ms. Wheelchair Alabama, the City constructed an all-inclusive playground specially adapted to encompass the needs of individuals with disabilities. According to Miller, the modified playground equipment allows all patrons to interact without the fear of being left out.

Miller believes that the Boundless Playground plays a significant role in combating health issues and adds important components of hearty lifestyles.

I t encourages inclusion, and it helps fight against health problems and physical fitness issues. If kids are active and they play and maintain healthy lifestyles, those practices will stay with them forever,” Miller said. “Besides the physical aspects, the playground encourages acceptance. It motivates children to be more open and more receptive of differences. It puts them in a situation where they do not feel closed in or cornered. They are in a place of play and imagination. They are going to be so busy playing that they won’t see the disability; they will see the person.

The Boundless Playground encourages kids to be kids and to embrace the differences and similarities that each person has. ost people assume that when someone M has a disability that he or she is the only one that may feel different in certain settings, but seldom do they think about how the able-bodied person feels,” Miller said. “With this playground, however, they are not going to reflect on the wheelchair, crutches, or disability because it is not stopping them from playing with each other.

The playground sits on land that was a place of profound spiritual heritage and where a 20

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thriving Native American town once lived. The City of Oxford will connect the past with the present by continuing to recognize the site as a space of shared community no matter who you are or where you come from. The City believes the playground and park will help to break down barriers between people while encouraging present and future generations to be more open and inclusive of everyone.

Miller’s dream of an all-inclusive playground in her hometown started in 2014 when traveling to Stow, Ohio as Ms. Wheelchair Alabama. While there, she saw a Boundless Playground firsthand and started researching it right away. When returning to Oxford, she met with Don Hudson, Director of Oxford Parks and Recreation, and pitched the concept.

“He told me, ‘That’s a very good idea, Michele.

We just need a place to put it.’ I asked that, perhaps, one of the playgrounds at Choccolocco Park could be a Boundless Playground. He loved it and immediately started working with the architect and other city staff to make the playground come to fruition,” Miller said.

Two years later, Miller proudly watches children light up with excitement as they enter the playground at Choccolocco Park following its opening ceremony. Miller smiles as she reflects on some of the moments that touched her heart, like one girl bouncing up and down of joy waiting to get onto the “Rockin’ Robin.”

“Everyone was so excited. Like, ‘Oh my gosh, this is so much fun’ type of excitement. It was just like I had hoped,” Miller said. “We now have a place for kids to go where there are no boundaries. Being able to see children play and knowing that no child will be excluded due to a disability is amazing. I am very proud of the playground and of knowing I played a role in its making. My future grandchildren will also have something to be proud of me for and they will be able to play on something I took part in. That is just really special to me.

I hope everyone enjoys the playground and helps taking care of it by using the equipment appropriately. I also hope patrons will invite all their friends from near and far so we can share the greatness of Oxford.”

The Boundless Playground is open from 5:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. every day of the week. To learn more about Choccolocco Park, go to www.choccoloccopark.com Pictured on right: Michele Miller

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BY AMY HENDERSON WRITTEN BYWRITTEN AMY HENDERSON

BOOK ART AT THE LIBRARY 22

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What do you do with books that are no longer useful? You donate them to the library, of course! The Oxford Public Library is always happy to receive donations from our patrons.

Our collection has benefitted much through the years due to the donation of books, magazines, DVDs, and other materials. Sometimes, however, the donation is unusable for the library’s shelves. An encyclopedia from 1976, for example, would not make it to our shelves; the information contained within is out of date.

As many of our patrons have lamented over the years, OPL hates to see a book thrown away. Sometimes it’s necessary; mold, mildew, and other damage sometimes forces the book to be thrown away. But if it’s not useful anymore, what else can you do with a book?

The Oxford Public Library creates book art every month! The pages of books that would otherwise be useless are given new life as beautiful artwork. On the second Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m., join the library to give books a new purpose.

The library has made many pieces of book art throughout the existence of the recurring program, including wreaths, jewelry, wall art, banners, and more. The art is usually seasonal.

Library staff prepares the book pages ahead of time, so the attendees get

to delve directly into the fun part of creating. Book pages are removed from the binding and cut, if necessary, into appropriate shapes. Paint, if needed, is provided, and other supplies will be on hand to allow the attendees to make the pages their own.

December’s book art will create a beautiful Christmas ornament that resembles a holly berry. It will complete any Christmas tree! The book pages will transform from a story to a memory that will decorate trees full of other stories and memories.

There will be a special book art on January 21st at 10:00 a.m. Many of our patrons have wanted to participate in the book art class, but are unable to come because it takes place during the week. Since the library will be opening up on the weekends at the first of the year, the book art class will have a special event class during January to accommodate those who want to come.

Join the library to create something new on that date.

Books are such an important part of all of our lives; why not commemorate their special place with a unique project to place in our homes? The Oxford Public Library book art class gives you the opportunity every month to create something beautiful out of something that would otherwise be useless. Give old, damaged books another life as artwork!

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Message from the

Library Director I am pleased to announce that the Oxford Public Library will be expanding hours to best serve our patrons’ needs.

The library will be open on the weekends.

Monday – Friday 9:00 – 5:00 Saturday 9:00 – 1:00 Sunday 1:00 – 5:00 In order to accommodate the expansion, there will be some new faces on staff at the library, and we will be enforcing an unattended child policy for the protection of the children we love to see in the library.

I am also proud to announce another expansion in the library’s services: a homebound program. OPL is happy to partner with hospice caregivers in Oxford, such as Alacare, to deliver library materials to those patrons who need services and materials but who are no longer able to come into the library. Audio books are especially useful for those who cannot see as well as they once could. The comfort of books or audio books is often helpful to those, young or old, who have lost mobility.

Look for two new serviceable databases available through the library’s website: Ancestry and Chilton. Ancestry will allow genealogical research for patron’s families. The site is accessible on the library’s computers and will provide

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records of use when searching for family histories and stories. Ancestry is the world’s largest online family history resource; it provides access to Census records, military records, vital records, tax records, and city directories, among many other resources. Chilton provides quick online access to repair, maintenance, and service information on most popular cars, trucks, vans, and SUVs on the road today. With more than fifty years of information on actual tear-downs provided in step-by-step procedures, work on the engine, chassis, electrical, drive train, suspension, and more is made easier for mechanics of any experience. Photos, illustrations, and repair procedures help to simplify even the most arduous tasks. In order to access these online services, just go to www.oxfordalabama.org, hover over Public Library on the left panel, and click on Online Resources.

Oxford Public Library’s patrons are the best! We learned how spoiled our computers keep us when they went down recently. Overdrive (Camellianet) only lost functionality briefly, but other computer services were down longer. Thank you for being patient with us as we recover from data loss. We are increasing functionalities back to normal all the time and offering new services as we can. We look forward to seeing you in the library!

Amy E. Henderson

project update from the public works director Rusty V. Gann, P.E.

It’s an honor to come to you again with a quarterly update on Public Works projects in our great city. The excavation and backfill work in Pinewood Subdivision is nearing completion and is ahead of schedule thanks to the dry weather. The dry weather has allowed us to expedite the construction process; however, with every upside there is a downside. This just so happens to come in the form of dust. We are aware of this and appreciate the patience and understanding from the residents. The only component remaining prior to paving is to replace several hundred feet of storm drain pipe. We have recently awarded a bid for paving of the subdivision. We hope to start this work in mid to late November and conclude prior to year’s end. I understand that the dusty conditions can be frustrating at times, but, hopefully, the finished product will be worth it. We will continue these type repairs throughout the city in the coming months and years.

We are working on several other projects in the city also. We will be replacing an undersized storm drain pipe with a properly sized concrete box culvert on Northwood Drive. There are a few utilities that must be relocated prior to construction. We hope to start that construction in the near future. We are also working on an improved intersection design at the intersection of Cheaha Drive and County Line Road. This project will extend storm drain pipes to allow for increased turning radii at the corners of that intersection.

Construction is soon to be underway on Fish Hatchery Lane in the western end of the city. This project will greatly improve sight distance on Fish Hatchery Lane as well as add turning lanes on US Highway 78. This will improve safety for this intersection that serves many citizens and an industrial development.

The City of Oxford also has a large scale downtown renovation project under design.

Construction is expected to start in the first quarter of 2017. The existing overhead utilities will be relocated to the rear of the buildings in an area along Main Street. from Snow Street to Oak Street. They will also be relocated along Choccolocco Street from Main Street to Whiteside Street with ADA-compliant sidewalks and crosswalks.

It will also feature decorative sidewalks, landscaping, and pedestrian lighting. This project aims to help revitalize our downtown area as well as provide a safe and welcoming environment for our residents and businesses. As a city, we are extremely excited about this project, but know that with any improvements there must be some level of inconvenience. We thank you all in advance for your cooperation and understanding as we progress through this project.

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US

JOIN

3 WHAT:

FREE SENIOR CITIZEN EVENT, INCLUDING ENTERTAINMENT BY RYAN ROBERTSON BAND, A SACK LUNCH, CROWNING OF A KING & QUEEN, AND DOOR PRIZES!

WHO:

ALL SENIOR CITIZENS

WHERE:

OXFORD CIVIC CENTER

TIME:

REGISTRATION BEGINS AT 8:00 A.M. THE EVENT IS SPONSORED BY OXFORD PARD. FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE CALL 256-831-2660 OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

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2017 SENIOR DANCE JANUARY 20

RYAN ROBERTSON

FEBRUARY 10

SUNDANCE

MARCH 17

DUO SONIX

APRIL 21

RYAN ROBERTSON

MAY 12 SUNDANCE JUNE 9 DUO SONIX JULY

NO DANCE

AUGUST 18

RYAN ROBERTSON

SEPTEMBER 18

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OCTOBER 13

SUNDANCE

NOVEMBER 17

DUO SONIX

DECEMBER 15

RYAN ROBERTSON

DANCES ARE HELD AT OXFORD CIVIC CENTER FROM 7-10 P.M. ADMISSION IS $5.00 PER PERSON. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CALL 256-831-2660.

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SCHEDULE

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MAKING JUNIOR GOLF FUN

At Oxford’s Cider Ridge Golf Club WRITTEN BY DOUG WERT, PGA Over the past 25 years, I have had the experience of providing instruction to people in many walks of life. The most enjoyable group to help is junior golfers. I enjoy introducing them to a wonderful lifetime game and making it fun for them to learn. For the past 18 years, I have had 30

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the privilege of serving as an adjunct faculty member for the PGA of America’s Apprentice Training Program. In this program, we focus on all aspects of the business of golf, including instruction.

In this issue, I want to share some of the topics in junior golf that we teach future

members of the PGA of America as well as our approach to junior golf at Cider Ridge Golf Club.

One of the main topics that we focus on is making sure to keep the learning process for kids fun. By making learning fun, we

our PGA apprentices understand how to approach different age groups. The 5-9 age group is looked at as the “FUNdamentals” group of golfers. This is an age where the kids need to play and have fun. We focus on motor development activities, help them learn by discovering, and encourage parents to have their children in multiple sports to develop more skills. You will definitely see this approach at Cider Ridge. This age group is provided an enjoyable atmosphere of learning as well as the occasional water balloon fight to soak the instructors.

The 10-12 age group is considered the “Learning to Train” group of junior golfers.

This group is still a group that needs to play but is one that can begin to learn more as well as additional physical movement skills that will benefit their own physical development. This is a group that still learns by discovering new things, but with a progression of activities that helps the learning process. At Cider Ridge, you will see us use this approach by starting the group in putting, then using that basic movement to develop their swing for chipping, pitching, and full swing.

In the 12-16 age group, we are at a point of training this group to train and learn themselves. This is a point where they start choosing one or two sports of choice and if they will be a recreational or competitive player. We get more specific and advanced with the areas that we provide instruction with all facets of the game of golf. At Cider Ridge we introduce more advanced aspects of the golf swing, putting, and short game, as well as golf course management and the rules of golf.

keep them engaged and generate future interest in playing the game. At Cider Ridge Golf Club, our junior programs include not only instruction but also games that stimulate learning what we have taught. As a Certified US Kids Golf instructor, I have been trained to deliver a

“gaming” approach to learning the different aspects of the game of golf. We have found that this keeps our juniors engaged as well as helping them learn how to play and enjoy the game.

The main thing to remember is to keep the learning process fun for all ages. The approach to each age for fun is different, but the fundamentals of the game are always the same. We work hard at Cider Ridge Golf Club to provide an enjoyable and challenging environment for the junior golfers that we develop. If you would like more information about our fall, spring and summer programs, as well as our private instruction, please give me a call at (256) 831-7222. We look forward to helping you introduce your kids to the game of a lifetime!

In our PGA seminars we focus on helping OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

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Oxford Police Department

A ROLLING POLICE DEPARTMENT Written by Oxford Access Staff In the City of Oxford, nothing trumps keeping citizens, employees, and visitors safe. With the recent arrival of the 15,500 lbs., 40-foot-long Mobile Operations Center, the Oxford Police Department is able to execute all operations away from its station.

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Oxford Police Chief, Bill Partridge, refers to the 2016 Freightliner chassis as a “rolling police department,” with a communications center, computer automated dispatch, camera and phone systems, a conference room, and sections designed for their SWAT and negotiation units.

According to Partridge, the Mobile Operations Center provides added safety and security in many ways.

“It gives our negotiators a place that is climate controlled where they can negotiate with the individuals without being exposed to outside elements. It also allows them to communicate securely with no interference from other people at the scene listening in,” Partridge said. “When the truck is out on details such as the Freedom Festival, Oxfordfest, and Oxford High School football games, it takes all of the communications away from the dispatchers at the main station on Highway 78, and we are able to do everything out of this truck while at the scene. As a result, we avoid clogging up regular daily operations.”

The Mobile Operations Center will be utilized when challenged with armed barricaded suspects, hostage situations, SWAT operations, or anything that is going to require officers at a scene longer than one hour. The Oxford Police Department will also employ it in cases where other agencies need help.

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HVTVM CEHECARES MY UNFORGETTABLE WEEKEND WITH NEW FRIENDS FROM THE MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION

By Hunter Gentry

During the weekend of October 15 and 16, I was privileged to travel with Oxford’s Muscogee (Creek) Nation guests to Etowah State Park in Cartersville, Georgia. I felt an array of emotions, but was mostly honored that complete strangers would allow me to spend time and get an intimate glimpse into their culture. As I climbed into the bus, I was greeted with the smiling faces and the open arms of the Muscogees, especially by a lady named Etta. For an hour and a half, I listened and observed. While listening to two ladies speak, I learned the proper pronunciation of Etowah: “EH-DOWAH.” As we approached the site, I could not help but feel anxious. The park included a fifty-four acre compound composed of five earthen mounds and a central plaza with a mound over sixty feet above the ancient site.

It has been suggested that the Native Americans at this site were closely related to the Native Americans at Choccolocco Park.

During our time at the park, we toured the museum that included artifacts that had been excavated from the mound and plaza sites. The western portion of the property included a creek that immediately reminded me of our own at Choccolocco Park. The museum included two statues, one a male and the other a female, which were found on the site. The most fascinating aspect of the one-hundred twenty-five pound effigies is that they were both hand carved from solid pieces of marble and contained some original pigments that were applied many centuries ago.

After spending a few hours exploring the grounds at the park, we enjoyed lunch together and journeyed back to Oxford. Later that evening, the Muscogees gathered with various city employees and officals as well as others involved with Choccolocco Park for a joined dinner.

Over the past few months leading

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to the Choccolocco Park opening, I have learned much about the people that inhabited the lands in the Boiling Springs and Friendship communities of Oxford. Natives have called Choccolocco Park and surrounding area home since about 8,000 BC, known today as the Archaic Period. Through the excavation and research completed in the past eight years, it is known that in about 100 BC work started on the mound at Choccolocco Park.

Although the original mound was lost to time, archeologists were able to recreate the mound from historical accounts and research.

The Muscogee Nation, commonly known as the Creek Nation, organized themselves into a confederation in about 1730 AD for the purpose of negotiating with new arriving European settlers. At that time, most of the Muscogee population was split geographically into two areas: Upper Creeks and Lower Creeks. The Upper Creeks lived along the Coosa and Tallapoosa Rivers, while the Lower Creeks lived along the Chatahootchee and Flint Rivers. These are the residents that many modern-day Muscogees can trace as their ancestors.

During the native removal period of the 1830s, four chiefs, Selocta Chinabee, Menawa, Opotheleyahola, and William McIntosh governed the natives of the Muscogee lands.

The most fascinating aspect of the ceremony was listening to one of the Muscogee speakers address the crowd in the ancient Muscogee language.

I am grateful that our great city and the Muscogee people have worked closely to create such a marvelous park that can be enjoyed for generations to come.

“Hvtvm Cehecares” was the last thing that I was greeted with before leaving Choccolocco Park. Trying to recite the words back and forth in my head, I finally mustered the courage to politely ask what it meant. “I will see you again,” she kindly said with a smile on her face.

Relationships

Our People and Our Service is What Makes Our Business

It all started with Charles W. Newman’s basic philosophy of putting the customer first and doing whatever it took to meet their needs.

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The staff is amazing and always willing to help me find what I need. The store is clean, organized, and easy to get in and out of.”

Oxford Lumber and Ace Hardware serves do-it-yourselfers, remodelers, builders, and industrial accounts. Our customer will find most anything he or she needs in hardware, paint, plumbing, electrical, power tools, millwork, building materials, and lumber. What makes us different is how we enthusiastically provide total customer satisfaction within a positive and self-fulfilling employee relations environment.

TOTAL CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Oxford Lumber understands that customer service and satisfaction are critical to the success of any business or program. While every customer is different, we believe that each and every one is equally important.

Contact us to learn how we can provide all your building supplies and materials!

(256) 831-0540 | 1400 Barry St, Oxford AL | info@oxfordlumber.com | www.oxfordlumber.com OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

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ALTON CRAFT LEADS OXFORD INTO A BRIGHT FUTURE NEW MAYOR ALTON CRAFT INTENDS TO BUILD ON SUCCESSES IN WHICH OXFORD GREW FROM A TOWN OF 6,000 TO A CITY OF 24,000 UNDER PREVIOUS MAYOR LEON SMITH. HIS VISION FOR OXFORD IS TO BUILD IT INTO A FUTURISTIC METROPOLIS WHICH INCLUDES FIBER OPTICS THROUGHOUT THE CITY AND WELCOMES CONTROLLED GROWTH FOR BUSINESS AND INDUSTRY, AND WHICH ALSO BECOMES A HAVEN FOR RETIREES AND FOSTERS A CITY GOVERNMENT THAT COOPERATES ACROSS DEPARTMENTAL LINES TO SERVE ALL OF THE CITIZENS OF OXFORD.

Written by Charles Hill Photography by Bill Partridge

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Mayor Craft has been employed in various capacities in the finance department for 32 years. This is his first term as Mayor of Oxford, which we won unopposed. He unabashedly calls Mayor Leon Smith a “father figure.” Craft was one of Smith’s first employees hired when he took office in 1984, and he was not given a job title but tasked with learning everything about the finance department, where he worked at virtually every job, from payroll clerk to accounts receivable.

Craft says, “One day, Mayor Smith was talking about going to Florida. I said ‘That’s great. I’ll never get to go.’” That night, his mother got a call from Smith, and the next day, Alton was on the way to Florida with Smith and his family.

Craft recalls being summoned into Mayor Smith’s office one morning and was asked to serve as Oxford’s Finance Director.

Mayor Craft remembers his childhood fondly, in spite of a few stumbles. His parents, Madelyn and Ed, moved a few times because of his father’s job with Bell Brothers (from Tuscaloosa to Rome, GA, to Anniston). He was named for his grandfathers Troy (Craft) and Alton (Lewis). The family, now with three children - Valrie, Bridgett, and Alton finally moved to Cheaha Acres, where Alton’s first memory was of being evacuated from a flood.

Craft replied, “Yes sir, I would love to be the Finance Director, but I don’t know if I am ready. I don’t want to fail you.” Mayor Smith just replied that they had a bond issue to work on that day, and that he wanted Alton to know everything about bond issues by that afternoon.

The new mayor attended Friendship School for the first three years, and then attended Oxford. He ran track and played football and baseball at Oxford. His best sport was track. His relay team won State, and he remembers de-throning Anniston as the county track king.

Mayor Craft says that he had no He struggled at reading for the “It’s not how hard they hit you, but clue about bond issues and didn’t first few years, and remembers how long it takes you to get up.” even know where to find out the pain of being laughed at. about them. He then sat down As with almost everything in and prayed, ‘Lord, I really need his life, Mayor Craft credits you. I’m not going to make it at this job if you don’t help others—in this case a teacher—with being kind and making me.’ Twenty minutes later, a FedEx truck pulled up and he a difference in his life. In spite of this start, he was, for the remembers that there was a package from the Bond rest of his schooling, a straight-A student, which he Council. “It was a preliminary statement that had attributes to his sisters. He also remembers his father telling everything you would ever want to know about the bond him that “It’s not how hard they hit you, but how long it issue—when it was going to be done, who to talk to— takes you to get up.” everything about the bond issue,” Craft remembers.

Craft enrolled at Jacksonville State and graduated in 1983 One of the most visible things about new mayor Alton with a degree in finance (after doing almost as much Craft is that he is a truly nice person who, in spite of some coursework in computer science). He later went back and tough times, remembers almost everything joyously. He tells took several accounting classes for a broader learning of a Christmas in which there were no presents, and experience. remembers the joy of drinking eggnog with his mother and sisters.

Craft met Margie his wife of 32 years when he was in the eighth grade. He vividly remembers meeting her at his Craft lovingly reflects on the people in his life. At times, his locker and turning to his best friend and saying, “I’m going mother worked all day and left him in the care of his sisters, to marry that girl.” Apparently her reaction was not the Valrie and Bridgett. He speaks glowingly of his sisters in same, and he says that she obviously thought that he was spite of their encouraging him to ride a bike off the roof both weird and a nerd. Ultimately, they married and had of the house and pushing him against a tree and having twin boys, Joshua and Aaron (now 30) and a daughter to be stitched up at the hospital. His sister Valrie is now Hannah (now 26). principal of Cleburne County High School in Heflin, and Bridgett, who was a nurse, passed away in a tragic hit and When not serving the citizens of Oxford as mayor, Craft run accident a few years ago. He credits most of his success enjoys movies and an occasional video game. He and his to these sisters, saying, “They would never let me fail. I love wife spend time exercising. They enjoy travel, and have been my sisters.” to Las Vegas, Alaska, the Dominican Republic, and New Orleans. He has more recently enjoyed the performing arts Following closely behind the love that Mayor Craft has that are presented at the Oxford Performing Arts Center, for his family, the person most dear to him is Mayor Leon although he admits that the ballet may be a bit beyond his Smith. Smith coached him on the peewee and 7th and 8th grasp. grade football teams and took a special interest in him.

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The following are questions and answers with Mayor Craft on one of his first days in the Mayor’s office.

QUESTION: What are your short-term goals for Oxford?

CRAFT: I want employees to work better as a team. I want things to work faster and better as we respond to the residents of Oxford. One of the things we are working on is a 311 helpline that will allow citizens to call and be directed to the right department and right person who can solve their problem. This is working in 40

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Tuscaloosa and some other cities. A citizen can call 311 and the operator can route the call. What has happened in the past is that someone will call the mayor or a council member or a department, and the problem doesn’t always get referred to the correct person. Citizens remember that they reported a problem, but that problem didn’t get a response. The 311 system will allow someone to report a problem, for us to fix the problem, and then call back saying that we have fixed the problem.

Mayor Smith was a hands-on person who was able to personally handle a lot of the

city’s problems, but we have grown. We now have 24,000 people, and we have to work across lines, to communicate better, and to work in a system where ideas flow freely. This is about being friendly, about helping people, about solving problems. If you are a government official, your job is being here to help!

One of the best examples of this is the Ohio Valley Conference tournament.

When the people at the tournament left, they talked about how helpful the people were. Of course, they thought that the facilities were beautiful, but they talked

this as the highway to communicate on.

For instance, right now, we install conduit that will carry the fiber optics every time we repair or install any cable.

I also see a time that 3D printers pretty much replace box stores. If we order a new television from Amazon, they’ll send a few components and we get some software that “prints” the item.

Oxford needs to be ready for these changes.

We already have a background in technology. We were one of the first cities to have a webpage. Of course, that webpage was pretty much obsolete six months later as everyone else established one, but we have embraced technology and what it can do. We need to make sure that we continue to do this. It’s right for the citizens of Oxford, and it’s right for business and industry.

I want to bring more business and more retail to this area. We, however, need to make sure that we are selective and continue to develop. The City and the Council needs to come up with good policies and good laws that plan for this future. We don’t want the turmoil that some cities have when new officials come in. We need to be able to advance no matter who is mayor or who are council members, because our policies and laws allow for smooth transitions. A good example is that we build a wonderful Performing Arts Center, but we didn’t really have the management vision to operate it.

Thank goodness, we solved that problem quickly, and we now have one of the best facilities and programs anywhere around, but excellent planning could have made us successful more quickly. about the people and how helpful we were.

They gave a standing ovation to the people that cleaned the field. I want all of our departments and personnel to work across lines to help each other and to help our citizens.

QUESTION: What are your longer term goals for Oxford?

CRAFT: In the long run, I’m looking at technology for our city. For instance, we want to determine if fiber optics is right for the entire city. We will need the speed for our computers and to communicate. I see

QUESTION: What challenges do you see for Oxford?

CRAFT: The immediate challenge is in our finances. Don’t get me wrong, the City of Oxford is in excellent financial shape.

However, there is a short-term money flow problem. When we did the bond issue back in 2007, the bond people told our Council that we didn’t have to pay until 2013-2014. In my opinion, “if you can’t pay for it now, don’t buy it.” However, a lot of people thought that a huge recession was coming. Now that that bond has come due, the general fund has had to take on this

bond. The city has absorbed this, but we have a cash flow problem because of this.

Also, we were making a huge amount of interest on our money—about $5,000,000 a year. Now, the interest rate means that we are only making about $250,000 a years.

In the next year, we will be able to address these problems and get the debt down to a reasonable level. So, we don’t have a money problem; we have $73,000,000 in the bank, but this money is tied up for the next year.

QUESTION: What did you learn from working for 32 years for Mayor Smith?

CRAFT: Mayor Smith was like a father to me. He taught me more about government than anyone ever could have. He did not consider himself a Republican or a Democrat, but a true independent. People think that he lined up with Democrats, but he always said, “Talk to the person.

Are they honest? Are they dependable. He could tell a lot about a person. I remember in this very office, he was talking to Governor Siegelman and said, ‘Governor, those SOB’s that you have advising you are going to have you put in prison.’ Years later the Governor saw me and said, ‘Alton, if I’d listened to Mayor Smith, I’d have stayed out of prison.’ He told the truth. I hope I can do that. Leon Smith will always be “Mayor”—not me.

QUESTION: I see that a daily devotional book is on your desk. Could you address the role that God plays in your life?

CRAFT: Above everything, I credit The Lord for my life. I have always sought his guidance, and I have seen him work actively in my and my family’s life. I will continue to ask Him for guidance during my years as Mayor of Oxford.

QUESTION: This is the “What do you want on your tombstone” question.

When your time in government is over, how do you want to be remembered?

CRAFT: Abraham Lincoln supposedly said, “If you want to predict the future, create it.” If I am remembered for anything, I would hope that it is that I helped create a better future for Oxford and its citizens and that they would feel more comfortable with their lives.

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What’s better than listen favorite musician live?

- Doing it right here at home.

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ning to your

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THE GRAND OPENING Come Enjoy Your Park!

CHOCCOLOCCO PARK CELEBRATED ITS GRAND OPENING ON OCTOBER 16TH. THE HISTORIC EVENT–WHICH INCLUDED THE CHIEF, SPEAKERS, AND ELDERS OF THE ARBEKA CEREMONIAL GROUND OF THE MUSCOGEE (CREEK) NATION WHO ONCE CALLED THIS LAND HOME–CELEBRATED THE DEEP CULTURAL HISTORY OF CHOCCOLOCCO PARK WHILE LOOKING FORWARD TO THE FUTURE WITH HOPE AND OPTIMISM FOR OXFORD’S NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART SPORTS COMPLEX.

www.choccoloccopark.com

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PICTURES OF CHOCCOLOCCO PARK FROM THE GROUND AND AIR.

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WRITTEN BY BARBARA FRANCOIS

The “In Death,” police procedurals written by Nora Roberts under her pseudonym J. D. Robb, starts with Naked in Death, a futuristic story set in New York City in the mid-21st century. The series features a New York City Police and Security Department Homicide policewoman, named Lieutenant Eve Dallas, and her husband, Roarke. The stories also regularly feature other characters, including Captain Ryan Feeney, Detective Delia Peabody, Detetive Ian McNab, and Dr. Charlotte Mira.

This “In Death” series is also just as strong as a mystery as it is a romance. The mysteries are well plotted, dark, suspenseful, and keep you guessing.

Although this is classified as a romantic mystery, it is also the masterful crafting of a relationship between two broken people who are trying to find their way to a mended life both individually and as a couple. Both Eve and Roarke come from abusive parents and horrendous childhood conditions. Eve struggles to overcome her demons and learns to build friendships, and relationships.

Rich, handsome, gorgeous, and walking the line for Eve, Irish-born Roarke is the dark bad boy thief turned good for the love of a good woman. Together they learn to navigate life and their relationship while solving murders with a whole cast of quirky supporting characters.

Overall, this series is definitely worth the read. If one is intimidated by sci-fi, this is just sci-fi enough to have the interesting gadgets and societal changes in laws and lifestyles while being relatable to daily life in today’s world.

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The futuristic aspects of this series bring an entertaining component to the stories: flying cars, robot servants, an autochef that delivers up fresh cooked food ready to serve, off-world business meetings, and plenty of clever new cop toys.

This series currently consists of 44 full length novels with several in-between novellas and at least two more books are in the works.

Also, an audio book version exists. Susan Erickson, the audiobook reader, does an excellent job of bringing the cast of characters. This series can be checked out at the Oxford Public Library in book, audiobook, and e-book formats.

Book Review Zeke Meeks vs. the Horrifying T.V. Turn-Off Week by D.L. Green

Big Nate Flips Out

by Lincoln Pierce

Zeke Meeks is an amazing book! It is so funny. I love reading it. Every character has a unique personality.

I enjoy that at the end of everybook there is an activity. It’s funny reading about how Zeke has to find other things to do besides watching T.V.

Big Nate Flips Out is amazingly awesome. It’s funny and hilarious. I couldn’t put it down! Nate is always getting into trouble. You should definitely read this book to find out what he’s done this time.

--Jordan Buck, age 9

--Hayleigh Buck, age 10

NEW HOURS! Monday – Friday: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm Sunday: 1:00 pm – 5:00 pm

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E E E Z FR

S E R I F Y A D I INTER HOL

PUT A ON

W

oliday r holidays, but h te in w e th r fo te re. As you deck fi e It’s fun to decora m o h a r fo sk increase your ri decorations can art. ason, be fire sm se is th s ll a h e th

Read manufacturer’s instructions for the number of light strands to connect.

2

1 31 of every

reported home Christmas

out of

5 The top

tree fires resulted in death.

home decoration fires are started by candles.

3

days for home candle fires are

Keep candles at least

12

inches away from anything that burns. oxfordalabama.org

For more information on how to prevent winter fires, visit:

A heat source too close to the Christmas tree causes

1 4 in every

Christmas, New Year’s Day and Christmas Eve.

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Although live Christmas tree fires are not common, when they do occur, they are dangerous.

On average,

Make sure your tree is at least

3

of the fires.

feet away from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles or heat vents. Also, make sure your tree does not block exits.

Get rid of your tree after Christmas or when it is dry.

Message from the

Oxford Fire Chief Construction on the New Fire Station #2 located on Friendship Road has begun with a completion date scheduled for May, 2017. We are excited to get this next phase of our strategic plan implemented.

As we head into the Thanksgiving/Christmas season we urge everyone to obey simple fire safety messages.

• • • • •

Don’t ever leave cooking unattended.

Keep anything that can catch fire: oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains away from the stovetop.

Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are the peak days for kitchen fires.

Make sure you have working smoke detectors in your home.

If using candles, keep them at least 12 inches from

• • • • • •

anything that can burn.

Never leave home or go to sleep with candles burning.

If using a real Christmas Tree, make sure you water it daily.

If using an artificial tree, be sure it’s labeled certified as flame retardant.

Make sure your tree isn’t blocking an exit and keep it at least three feet away from any heat source.

Use Christmas lights that have a label of a recognized testing laboratory and make sure you know if they are designed for indoor or outdoor use.

Don’t overload electrical circuits

The Oxford Fire Department would like to wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas.

Gary Sparks

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

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PERFORMING ARTS CENTER UPDATE

BY JOHN LONGSHORE, OPAC DIRECTOR The Oxford Performing Arts Center has experienced an incredible fall season. After four sold-out performances in a row, our team is gearing up for another exciting Christmas. As we near the 2016 holiday season, we invite you to join us for great arts and entertainment in downtown Oxford.

Our Christmas schedule begins with Christmas on Ivory, a concert featuring talented local pianists. Admission is free.

More great music will follow on December 15 with Grammy Award-winning artist Jim Brickman in Comfort & Joy. Joining Brickman on stage will be American Idol winner, Kris Allen. Tickets are available from $19 and may be purchased at oxfordpac.org or from our box office.

Christmas at OPAC would be incomplete without a performance with the Voices of the South. This group, a chorus comprised of forty talented male choristers, will present a free concert on December 16. The Christmas season draws to a close with the third annual Christmas Movie Festival from December 19 through December 23.

For more details on these and other Christmas events at OPAC, visit us online at oxfordpac.org!

We hope to see you soon at your Oxford Performing Arts Center.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

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WHAT’S GOING ON the marvin gaye experience

2

DECEMBER

tickets: $15 - $29 | 256-241-3322

As one of the pioneers of Motown, singer-songwriter and producer Marvin Gaye helped shape the sound of R&B music and is considered one of the greatest artists of all time.

of today. His refined style combining classic soul with a slightly modern touch is why audiences everywhere are calling him the new voice of American soul.

Soul man Brian Owens is often referred to as the “second coming of Marvin Gaye.” Owens, who has performed at the White House for First Lady Michelle Obama, dazzles audiences with performances that are full of soul and love well beyond his peers

The Marvin Gaye Experience is Brian’s tribute to the legendary artist and includes music selections that span Gaye’s music-making career.

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COMFORT & JOY with Jim Brickman

15

DECEMBER

tickets: $19 - $39 | oxfordpac.org

Jim Brickman’s latest holiday release, Comfort and Joy, celebrates the warm feelings of the holiday season with a collection of Christmas classics and brand new original songs. Featured performers include Anne Cochran, Tracy Silverman, Leslie Odom Jr., Sandi Patty, John Oates and the legendary Johnny Mathis. Brickman’s best-known compositions include the chart-toppers “Valentine,” “The Gift,” “Love of My Life,” “Simple Things” and “Peace.” He has established a reputation for his collaborations with many gifted

musical artists that include: Martina McBride, Gerald Levert, Lady Antebellum, Michael W. Smith, Kenny Loggins, Carly Simon, Herb Alpert, Collin Raye, Michael Bolton, Sara Evans, Donny Osmond, and Olivia Newton-John. Brickman has received worldwide acclaim as a performer. His concerts have been enjoyed internationally and in over 125 cities across the U.S, including shows at Carnegie Hall and the White House.

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Christmas at the Oxford Performing Arts Center Oxford Community Chorus Holiday Concert

Nov. 15, 7pm – Free Admission

Christmas on Ivory

Dec. 10, 7pm – Free Admission Dec. 11, 2pm – Free Admission

Comfort & Joy with Jim Brickman

Dec. 15, 7pm - $19 to $39

Christmas with the Voices of the South

Dec. 16, 7pm – Free Admission

Elf (movie)

Dec. 19, 7pm – Free Admission

Christmas Vacation (movie)

Dec. 20, 7pm – Free Admission

It’s A Wonderful Life (movie)

Dec. 22, 7pm – Free Admission

Dr. Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas (movie)

Dec. 23, 7pm – Free Admission

Please consider helping others celebrate the season by bringing a non-perishable food item or new toy with you to OPAC this December. Our Box Office will be collecting these donations for local charities. #OPACgivesback 56

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opac presents

THREE DOG NIGHT

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JANUARY Legendary music icons, Three Dog Night, now in its 4th decade, claims some of the most astonishing statistics in popular music. In the years 1969 through 1974, no other group achieved more top 10 hits, moved more records or sold more concert tickets than THREE DOG NIGHT. Three Dog Night hits wind through the fabric of pop culture today, whether on the radio where they are heard day in and day out, in TV commercials or in major motion pictures -- songs like “Mama 58

oxfordalabama.org

tickets: $29 - $49 | 256-241-3322 Told Me (Not To Come)”, “Joy to the World”, “Black and White”, “Shambala” and “One” serve to heighten our emotions and crystallize THREE DOG NIGHT’s continuing popularity.

Boasting chart and sales records that are virtually unmatched in popular music, Three Dog Night had 21 consecutive Top 40 hits, including three #1 singles, 11 Top 10’s, 18 straight Top 20’s, and 7 million-selling singles.

opac presents

42ND STREET

10

FEBRUARY 42nd Street is the tap dance extravaganza that is essentially Broadway’s “reality show” filled with backstage drama centered around the American dream of becoming a star. Musically, it includes some of the most notable standards ever written, including “We’re In The Money,” “Lullaby of Broadway,” “Shuffle Off To Buffalo,” “Dames,” “I Only Have Eyes For You” and of course “42nd Street.”

The original production of 42nd Street was produced in 1980 on

tickets: $29 - $49 | oxfordpac.org Broadway by David Merrick and featured direction and dances by Gower Champion. It played on Broadway for 3,486 performances, winning 1981 Tony Awards for Best Musical and Best Choreography. The Broadway revival, which opened in 2001, played for 1,524 performances and earned two Tony Awards including Best Revival of a Musical.

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From the Arctic to the Tropics The Oxford Performing Arts Center’s Martin - Lett Gallery of Art is pleased to announce its next exhibition, “From the Arctic to the Tropics,” created by artist Larry K. Martin. The exhibition features Dr. Martin’s newest work with a theme celebrating the winter season.

About Dr. Larry K. Martin: Exactly forty years ago Larry Martin left his career as a Lt. Colonel in the U.S. Army Medical Service. His years in tropical medicine field research had offered unique opportunities to travel throughout South America, and to spend significant time in the Amazon basin of Brazil. Those years also offered Martin indelible visual memories of the wildlife and the tribal cultures of the tropics… and a resolution to begin attempts to capture these subjects with brush and pencil. In 1976 he changed professions and location, moving with his family back to his home state of Alabama, and beginning a long, self-taught career in Wildlife Art. During the past three decades Larry’s original paintings, collectibles, prints and Giclees* have been offered to the public through The Wren’s Nest Gallery and art retailers throughout the U.S. Licensed images are on products marketed worldwide by The Bradford Exchange and other collectibles manufacturers. His work is familiar on greeting cards, puzzles, calendars, and gift items. During the past year the local retail gallery has been replaced by an expanded Wren’s Nest Inc. presence on the internet,

THE ART OF LARRY K. MARTIN RETURNS TO THE OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER and retail and dealer sales through social media. ”The art world has changed considerably during the recent past,” Larry says. The digital age has revolutionized the art reproduction process, and we’re’ pleased to see these exciting changes.” Wren’s Nest art productions became a familiar presence years ago in the art market, and they experienced most of the changes first hand.

“Offset prints on paper still have a role, but

a smaller one, with the advent of digital printing. The Wren’s Nest was among the first wildlife art distributors to offer Giclees*” said C.D. Hancock, President of Wren’s Nest Inc. “A large-format Giclee printer was purchased some two decades ago, and we became one of the first single-artist galleries to offer these state-of-theart editions. A well-proofed Giclee is the most faithful reproduction from original artworks.”

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For almost thirty years Martin’s work has been exhibited in national and international art shows throughout the country, but with the advent of international social media, artists spend less time traveling to distant venues, and more time at the easel (and the computer).

In days past, it seemed important to publicize an artist’s credentials- awards, collectors with recognizable names, competitions, and other superlatives to promote a resume’. This often is still the case, but of much lower priority to Larry. “It is more satisfying to think that your painting technique has improved, than to know that a celebrity or government leader has one of your paintings or prints in their office. My

focus now is still to ‘tweak’ brushstrokes and discover new and improved painting techniques… and secondly, to find more ways to interact with conservation efforts for wildlife throughout the world. It was flattering, years ago, to be presented with the award ‘Living for America’, because it emphasized contributions to conservation causes…but I felt undeserving. Almost all wildlife artists generously promote conservation through their artwork. I resolved to expand this facet of the Wren’s Nest, and find myself painting more subjects of endangered and threatened species. After about 15 years of travel to Africa, I have enough reference material to last a lifetime, painting wildlife. We work with conservation groups connecting art collectors to

legitimate organizations pledged to protection and rescue of international wildlife.

We soon will be adding a unique feature to our on-line marketing*- linking collectors to a number of important wildlife-oriented causes, and supporting their efforts with percentage contributions from related sales.” *Giclees. Art reproduced by digitally scanning original paintings or drawings, and printing directly onto canvas or fine-art paper by use of large-format printers equipped with permanent pigmented inks of 12 or more colors (as contrasted to conventional 4-color printing). The resolution, or fineness of detail is about 3 times greater with Giclees.

GALLERY LOCATION: OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER AT 100 CHOCCOLOCCO STREET, OXFORD GALLERY HOURS: MONDAY-FRIDAY FROM 11:00 A.M. UNTIL 6:00 P.M. AND DURING OPAC EVENTS OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

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hand quilted with OXFORD pride At the first quilt show at the Oxford Civic Center in 2014, the Lickskillet Quilt Guild purchased vintage blocks. The block pattern was the Dresden Plate in black and gold. The Guild ladies machine-pieced the blocks for the quilt top. After putting the layers of a quilt together, they passed the quilt to the Oxford Public Library Quilting Group to hand quilt.

In appreciation for the city’s support of the Quilt Guild, the finished quilt was donated to the city to be displayed at the Oxford Performing Arts Center.

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With the holiday season upon us, I think it’s important to emphasis the significance of safety during these fun, but vulnerable times. Unfortunately, as we think of this season as a time to give, many criminals use this as an opportunity to take. Be assured, however, that the Oxford Police Department is working tirelessly as usual to ensure you are comfortable and safe.

Here are the top five safety tips I have compiled that will help solidify a happy and safe holiday.

1. KEEP YOUR DOORS LOCKED: Criminals are notorious for checking vehicles and homes in hopes of finding any which are unsecured. The reason they do so is because people do not follow this one simple rule. If you lock your access points they are more likely to move on to the next home or vehicle.

2. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING: Many of our criminal cases are based on reports of suspicious activity. Without the public reporting it, however, we are oftentimes unaware. Regardless of how trivial you think the report may be, it’s always best to call it in. It’s always better safe than sorry, right? RIGHT! 3. DRIVE WITH CAUTION: Our city experiences an influx of traffic during the holidays. Anyone who has driven in our area during this time understands that. For this reason, it is very important that motorists pay attention to their responsibilities as drivers and not their phones or other distractions–in or out of the vehicle. Accident rates increase during this time of year because everyone is too caught up in the world around them and not the vehicles in front of them. Please be a responsible driver this year and pay attention.

4. ALCOHOL IMPAIRMENT: Everyday almost 30 people in the U.S. die in alcohol related motor vehicle crashes. This equates to one death every 51 minutes. I understand that everyone enjoys having a good time during the holidays, but please be responsible with your time. This year, please call a friend or a cab if you’ve had too much to drink.

Don’t strip a family of a joyful holiday season because you are too selfish to drink responsibly.

5. BE CAUTIOUS ABOUT YOUR TRASH: Most don’t think about the trash at the end of the road being a good indicator for criminals. After the holidays we are all prone to leave our boxes which contained valuable items for trash pick-up. When criminals see your flat screen TV box, for example, it easily indicates what is in your home.

Be assured that the Oxford Police Department will have extra patrols at our retail establishments as we want you to have a safe experiencing while in Oxford. As always, if you need us for any one reason please give us a call.

Message from the

Police Chief

I wish for you all to have a safe and happy holiday and a very Merry Christmas this year.

Thank you all again, Chief Bill Partridge

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Coldwater Media Center and Outdoor Classroom Construction WRITTEN BY ERIC BURRAGE Renovations and new construction began this summer at Coldwater Elementary School. The plans included a complete renovation of the Media Center, a covered outside learning area adjacent to the cafeteria and library, and the construction of a new outdoor classroom. The Media Center was completely reconfigured in order to be more welcoming to students. A school broadcast room was added to give the students a place to produce videos and broadcast live news to the classrooms. New book shelves, computer stations, collaborative tables, chairs and circulation desks were installed in the Media Center to facilitate the open concept. The outdoor classroom will feature a covered learning area, a greenhouse, planters, and a pond. The additional landscaping to be added later will include trees and plants native to the Central Alabama region. The project was designed

by Shawn Calma of Lathan Associates Architects and constructed by J.F. Morgan Construction Company of DeArmanville.

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Teachers and students have been excited about the new outdoor classroom. It is a wonderful addition to support the curriculum at Coldwater Elementary.

Teachers will be able to develop lessons and learning opportunities for students to have hands-on experiences in various subject areas. Students will be able to explore the outdoors and create lifelong experiences while applying things they have learned in the classroom to real world experiences. The space will also provide opportunities to involve parents and the community. The school is currently brainstorming activities to involve parents and community members to continue our partnerships.

Christy Shepard, Principal of Coldwater Elementary said, “Big plans are being made for these new additions. Everyone at the school is excited about the completion of our new Media Center and outdoor learning spaces.”

She added, “The renovations and additions will provide a more open and collaborative environment for the students.” She explained that with the addition of individual style tables that may be placed together for collaborative grouping, students will be able to work together on activities or work independently.

The project is scheduled to be completed in December.

Student Led Conferences In Oxford City Schools this year, we are extremely excited to be able to implement student led conferences on two designated early dismissal days. These days provide an opportunity for students to lead their parents in a conference. The student led conference is very different than the traditional conference in that the students are leading the discussion with their parents, whereas in the traditional conference the teacher is doing most of the talking.

After holding our first student led conferences on November 4th, I am excited to say that they were a huge success. The students’ hard work in preparing for their conferences was evident as they led their parents in conversation and dialogue while the teachers observed. Students presented their digital portfolios, which included their strengths and areas of needed growth in regard to their learning targets. Students were able to set goals and discuss their goals with their parents.

The majority of feedback from parents and students was extremely positive. Parents seemed to like this method and learned more about what their children are learning as the children explained each subject or learning target and the goals they set for growth.

Based on feedback from the students it, appears they agree. Upon asking several seventh grade students about their experience, I received the following responses:

“I think it’s better to have the student leading the conference where we are doing the talking and not just the teachers or parents. I was able to talk about my strengths and weaknesses,” said Tasia Phillips.

Cameron Miller stated, “In the past when my parents have asked me about school I usually answered with ‘It’s fine’ or when asked what we have been doing, I have answered ‘Nothing.’ Now I was able to actually discuss what I am doing and my strengths and weaknesses.”

In regard to the students focusing on their learning, Cole Painter said, “The learning targets helped because I was able to show my parents and discuss my self-reflection of how I am doing on my learning targets.”

As a principal and parent of Oxford students, I am very elated and proud to hear students discussing their learning and actually setting goals to get better. I look forward to the future as we continue allowing our students to take ownership in their learning and lead their parents in student led conferences.

Michael Maniscalco

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THE JACKET SING-SATIONS Making Music and Memories WRITTEN BY KRISTINA SISCO The Jacket Sing-Sations have been invited to perform at the Alabama Association of School Boards 2016 Convention in Birmingham, Alabama. The students will be opening the convention with the National Anthem, followed by a twentyminute set of holiday favorites. The convention performance will be on December 9th, 2016.

The Jacket Sing-Sations Elementary Choir is made up of 4th, 5th, and 6th-grade students from all four of our elementary schools in the Oxford City School System: Coldwater Elementary (K4), DeArmanville Elementary (K-4), Oxford Elementary (K-4), and C.E. Hanna Elementary (5-6). Choir members are selected through an audition process each spring. The earliest a student can audition is the spring of their 3rd-grade year. The audition process is comprised of two parts: solo audition and group song and dance.

Students are asked to prepare a solo, to be performed a cappella. They are scored on pitch accuracy, control, projection, and showmanship. Students are also asked to perform various pitch recognition exercises and sight-read a new piece of music. Finally, the students perform a song/dance number learned prior to the audition. This portion of the audition is done in a small group.

Retired Oxford Elementary School music teacher, Mrs. Lorraine Busby, conceived the idea for the choir. The choir was founded in 2008. “Oxford’s elementary schools are blessed with students who excel in many areas, including music. My love for teaching music to elementary children led me to want an auditioned choir for our elementary students. My vision and dream for the Jacket Sing-Sations were to provide these students, who love and enjoy music, a greater opportunity to learn more about reading music, about performance, music competitions, and to foster their love for music. I also envisioned the choir as an ambassador for the Oxford City School System. The choir continues to have more members each year, which is very exciting, “ Mrs. Busby said. The Jacket Sing-Sations perform for various community and school system events throughout the year. They perform two large concerts each year at our Oxford Performing Arts Center.

The choir had the distinct honor of being invited to perform at the 2012 Alabama Music Educator’s Association Conference, held in Montgomery, AL. The 4th and 5th-grade members attend the AMEA Elementary Music Festival at Samford University, annually. Other yearly events include the Jacksonville State University Honor Choir, Breakfast with Santa, Oxfordfest, and the Young Voices Festival. The Jacket Sing-Sations rehearse once a week after regular school hours. They perform a variety of choral literature 66

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and styles. The choir is currently under the direction of Michael Melton, Lacy Taylor, and Kristina Sisco.

This choir would not be possible without the tremendous support from our administrators, teachers, parents, and community. The children remember their time as a Jacket Sing-Sation for the rest of their lives. We make a lot of beautiful music together, but most importantly we make wonderful memories together. It is such a joy to hear from students who have graduated and still remember their experiences as a member of the Jacket Sing-Sations Choir.

If you have never seen this group perform, you have plenty of opportunities coming up this holiday season! The Jacket Sing-Sations will be performing their annual winter concert on Thursday, December 1st at the Oxford Performing Arts Center. The concert begins at 6pm and admission is free. The choir will also be providing music entertainment at the Oxford Education Foundation’s annual Breakfast with Santa event on December 3rd. They can also be found singing Christmas carols around our community on December 17th.

OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION

2016 Breakfast With Santa OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION PRESENTS THE 8TH ANNUAL BREAKFAST WITH SANTA. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2016 AT THE OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL CAFETERIA. PHOTOS WITH SANTA MAY BE PURCHASED AT THE EVENT FOR $10.00.

Three sessions available: 1) 8:00-9:00, 2) 9:15-10:15, and 3) 10:30-11:30 • IHOP pancakes and sausage served by Christmas Elves • Entertainment by Jacket Sing-Sations and Christmas Carolers • Visiting with Mrs. Claus, Frosty the Snowman, Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer, Elsa, Olaf, the Grinch, and more!

• Handmade ornaments available for purchase • Every child will receive a Christmas book • Tickets for this event are $10.00 each and everyone must have a ticket to enter the event. No refunds.

• Tickets can be purchased at: www.ocsef.ticketbud.com/breakfastwithsanta

We Appreciate our Sponsors: Gold Sponsor:

Bronze Sponsors:

Webb Concrete and Building Materials

Drs. Angela & David Bennett, Borden, Harris Mckay Insurance, Ihop, Martin’s Pharmacy, Mccormick Refrigeration, Art & Libba Moore, Cal & Ginger Munroe, Regional Produce, Skinner’s Cash & Carry, & Starbuck’s

Silver Sponsors: Ken & Jenny Howell, Ted & Debbie Nothdurft, Samco, Whorton Engineering, & Bill & Cindy Williams

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CLASSROOM CEO WRITTEN BY THERESA SHADRIX All teachers are Chief Executive Officers (CEO’s) in their classrooms. Like business leaders, teachers have set goals to achieve and are accountable for production of each student.

“Classroom CEO” partners business leaders and active classroom teachers for reciprocal teaching during one school year.

Each two-person team develops a monthly lesson and the business leader teaches the students to one of the teacher’s classrooms.

There is no monetary obligation from the business as the investment is time and teaching real-world skills. In pairing the teachers and business leaders, the focus is on soft skills areas, such as time management, communication skills, attitude, teamwork, problem-solving, critical thinking, professionalism, and community involvement.

Teach to Lead® Oxford City Schools understands the value of collaborating with business leaders to equip students for college and career. So, with the approval of Dr. Jeff Goodwin, superintendent, and Dr. Chris Cox, assistant superintendent, and Heath Harmon, Oxford High School principal, I began to develop an idea I had about partnering business leaders and classroom teachers.

Last year, I submitted the “Classroom CEO” concept to the Teach to Lead® Baltimore, MD. Summit held February 13-14. Teach to Lead® is an initiative of the Department of Education, National Board for Professional Teaching Standards, and ASCD that assists active classroom teachers in developing ideas and incorporating them to action plans.

My idea was one of two schools from Alabama invited to the Baltimore Summit.

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It was my first visit to Maryland, as well as my first experience at an education meeting of this nature. To be honest, in the business world, I was accustomed to sharing ideas that might be critiqued in a negative style.

However, the experience changed my entire view of the education profession. Working with expert educators, Amanda Trimillos and Mike Bruno, I was able to transform the idea into a plan of action. The feedback from them, as well as from experienced teachers from all over the nation, enabled me to relate everything to the impact Classroom CEO can have on students.

Classroom CEO at OHS When I returned home from Baltimore, Oxford City School and Oxford High School administration had immediate buy-in to piloting the plan this school year.

I reached out to the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce. Lisa Morales, who recently left her position at the Chamber as director of leadership and is now the Regional Workforce Council director of region 2, and Kelley Pearce, Gadsden State McClellan campus director and Chamber board of director’s vice-chair of program development, worked with me to collaborate with five business leaders.

“My vision for CEO’s in the classroom is to connect our chamber members to the classroom, develop relationships, and provide resources to our public school systems,” Pearce said. “When you have a strong school system it is the best tool in attracting businesses and people to our community.”

At Oxford High School, we selected a team of five Oxford High School teachers who teach Career Technical Education, English, and math.

Cade Somers, who is paired with Webb

Pictured on top: Jay Hinesley Pictured above: Shad Williams

Concrete owner Phil Webb, chose one of his tenth-grade English classes as his CEO classroom. He sees value in the project because of the merging of business and classroom instruction for student success beyond high school.

“It isn’t that Classroom CEO offers brand new instruction; it’s that it contextualizes

Pictured above: Phil Webb

practical soft skills vital for both business and academic environments and predicates the greatest achievement for all stakeholders on a merging of the two,” he said. “The most efficient businesses and schools understand the continuum of professional training begins in the classroom instead of the graduation stage.”

Pictured above: Julia Segars

Pictured above: Gayle Macolly

Houston said another benefit about having Macolly in the classroom is that it has given the female students a positive role model. “She is inspiring girls in my class to push themselves beyond what they thought was possible.”

Holley Harmon, who teaches AP literature students, is paired with Julia Segars, eastern division vice-president at Alabama Power.

Harmon said the project has added another dimension of preparing her students to enter a rapidly changing economy and evaluate educational and career goals.

Health Science teacher, Lindsey Webb, said that before Jay Hinesley, Stringfellow Memorial Hospital CEO, came into her classroom, her students had never met a real CEO. “I think they were intimidated at first. Not many of them have met a CEO. But he is so down to earth and tries to have fun by putting it on their level.”

“Julia Segars has offered a realistic workforce experience for my students. She has modeled time management skills and expectations. She has shared the importance of effective communication and the power of the student’s individual voice.”

She said the experience has been very positive and Hinesley is building relationships with the students. “I believe he loves it as much as the students do. They always look forward to him coming.”

Tyler Houston, whose algebraic connections class is paired with Gayle Macolly, manager of remedial projects with Eastman Chemical Company, also sees the impact on the education and career goals for the juniors in her class.

Webb said the experience has been especially beneficial to senior Landree Harris, who has a goal to become a hospital administrator.

Harris is currently interning with Hinesley at Stringfellow Hospital.

“The Classroom CEO project has been an amazing experience so far. I think the students have really enjoyed learning about skills from someone that has been so successful. She knows what employers are looking for, so my students are gaining knowledge that can give them an upper hand when they get ready to enter the work force,” Houston said.

“I feel that all the seniors in my Classroom CEO class can relate to the soft skills topics because many of them have jobs and it gives them experience with time management, and communication.

They are able to practice what they’ve been taught in their internships.”

TEACHERS Holley Harmon, English Tyler Houston, Math Kim, Math Cade Somers, English Lindsey Webb, Health Science

BUSINESS LEADER/CEO Julia Segars, VP Eastern Division, Alabama Power Gayle Macolly, Manager of Remedial Projects, Eastman Chemical Co Shad Williams, President, Cheaha Bank Phil Webb, Owner, Webb Concrete Jay Hinesley, CEO, Stringfellow OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | FALL 2016

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RECURRING CITY PROGRAMS MONDAY OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY •

Crochet-9:30 AM

OXFORD CIVIC CENTER • • •

Senior Aerobics-10:00 AM Yoshukai Karate-6:30 PM Zumba-6:00 PM

FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER • •

Art Class-10:00 AM Tumble Time-3:00 PM

BYNUM COMMUNITY CENTER • • •

Free Play Volleyball-6:00 PM Zumba-6:00 PM Yoga-6:00 PM

SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER •

Senior Games and Activities-10:00 AM

TUESDAY OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY •

Chess-5:30PM (Until Dec 27)

FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER • • •

Senior Volleyball-9:00 AM Tumble Time-3:00 PM Bluegrass-3:30 PM

BYNUM COMMUNITY CENTER • • •

Senior Aerobics-3:15 PM Senior Cards and Games-5:00 PM Free Play Basketball-6:00 PM

SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER • •

Senior Games and Activities-9:00 AM Arthritis Exercises-10:30 AM

WEDNESDAY OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY • • •

Quilting-10:00 AM Beginner Computer Class- 9AM & 2:00PM (Starting January 4, 2017) Enhanced Computer Class- 9AM & 2:00PM (Starting January 4, 2017)

OXFORD CIVIC CENTER • •

Senior Aerobics-10:00 AM Yoshukai Karate-6:30 PM

FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER •

Tumble Time-3:00 PM

SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER •

Senior Games and Activities-9:00 AM

THURSDAY OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY • •

Knitting-9:30 AM StoryTime-10:00AM

FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER • • •

Senior Volleyball-9:00 AM Tumble Time- 3:00 PM Yoga-6:00 PM

BYNUM COMMUNITY CENTER • • • • •

Senior Aerobics-3:15 PM @ Bynum Community Center Free Play Basketball-6:00 PM @ Bynum Community Center Free Play Volleyball-6:00 PM @ Bynum Community Center Zumba-6:00 PM @ Bynum Community Center Swinging Stars-6:30 PM @ Bynum Community Center

SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER •

Senior Center Sing-9:00AM

FRIDAY OXFORD CIVIC CENTER •

Senior Aerobics-10:00 AM

SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER • •

Senior Biscuit Social-9:00 AM Walking Exercises-9:30 AM

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December 2016

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“What’s Going On - the Marvin Gaye Experience”-7:30 PM @ Oxford Performing Arts Center

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TEDTalks at OPL 5:30pm

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“Christmas on Ivory”-2:00 PM @ Oxford Performing Arts Center

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Book Art at OPL 11am

19 Book Club at OPL 4pm “Elf ” Movie showing -7:00 PM @ Oxford Performing Arts Center (free admission)

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Christmas Train 20 Movie Storytime at OPL 4pm

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KidsTime at OPL 5:30pm “Christmas Vacation” Movie showing -7:00 PM @ Oxford Performing Arts Center (free admission)

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15 “Comfort & Joy with Jim Brickman”-7:00 PM @ Oxford Performing Arts Center

City Council Meeting-6:30 PM @ City Hall

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“Christmas on Ivory”-2:00 PM @ Oxford Performing Arts Center

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Senior Citizen Dance-7:00 PM @ Oxford Civic Center “Christmas with the Voices of the South”- 7PM @ Oxford Performing Arts Center (free admission)

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Amelia Bedelia’s Christmas Storytime at OPL 10am

“It’s a Wonderful Life” Movie showing -7:00 PM @ Oxford Performing Arts Center (free admission)

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“Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas” Movie showing -7:00 PM @ Oxford Performing Arts Center (free admission)

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24 Closed for Christmas Eve

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TEDTalks at OPL 5:30pm

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TEDTalks at OPL 10am

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Book Art at OPL 11am City Council Meeting-6:30 PM @ City Hall

OPL Closed

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OPL Closed

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Senior Dance at Oxford Civic Center 7-10 PM

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“Three Dog Night” 7:30PM @ Oxford Performing Arts Center

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“The McCartney Years-The World’s #1 Paul McCartney Concert Experience”-7:00 PM @ Oxford Performing Arts Center

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TEDTalks at OPL 5:30pm

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Storytime at OPL 10:00- Valentine Special

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Senior Dance at Civic Center 7-10PM

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KidsTime at OPL 10am

GameStop Night at OPL 10am

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“42nd StreetThe Broadway Musical”-7:30 PM @ Oxford Performing Arts Center

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Valentine Senior Adult Day at the Oxford Civic Center 8:00 AM

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Book Art at OPL 11am City Council Meeting-6:30 PM @ City Hall

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Book Club at OPL 3pm

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City Council 28 Meeting-6:30 PM @ City Hall

311 coming to oxford soon!

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HEALTHY SKIN IS IN

GREAT SKIN DOESN’T HAPPEN BY CHANCE. IT HAPPENS BY APPOINTMENT. Spa Bleu is Oxford’s premiere destination for day spa and expert aesthetic services.

Our goal is that every client experiences the highest quality service and attention while you are here. Our spa is conveniently located in downtown Oxford on the corner of Snow and Hale St. Come by and experience our calm, serene, and comfortable atmosphere.

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(256) 770-4728 | oxfordalabama.org

Our skin and facial treatments include: Peel Treatments, Smoothing Body Peel, Therapeutic Mask Treatments, Microdermabrasion, Dermaplane, Power Peel, Micropen, Aromatherapy Facial, Deep Pore Detox Facial, Clear Skin Mini Facial, Rosacea and Organic Facial, and Advanced Anti-aging Facials

Sunday: Closed Monday : Closed Tuesday: 10 am - 6 pm Wednesday: 9 am - 5 pm Thursday: 10 am - 6 pm Friday: 9 am - 5 pm Saturday: By Appt.

614 HALE ST, OXFORD AL | SPABLEU.SHAY@GMAIL.COM | SPABLEUOXFORD.COM