OXFORD’S NEW BICYCLE JUMP TRACK AT CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX
Sweet treats can be found all around Oxford! Check out these made-fresh creamy iced drinks from La Michoacana Ice Cream Shop. Located at 2024 US Hwy 78 East Suite A in Oxford. Open 7 days a week.
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR
FREEDOM FESTIVAL CELEBRATION
MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF
OXFORD GOES TO THE POLICE AND FIRE GAMES
MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT
FIRE SCIENCE COURSE
LET’S RIDE - OXFORD’S BICYCLE JUMP TRACK
OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
OXFORD GOES TO THE NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES
WORLD CHANGERS
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: BRIDGEWATER INTERIORS
WELCOME TO OXFORD - NEW BUSINESS OPENINGS
SPOTLIGHT: MUSIC CITY BAGELS
HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD
HONORING HOMETOWN VETERANS
OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER - NEW SHOWS
LARRY MARTIN - STORIES BEHIND THE PAINTINGS
OXFORD AT ITS BEST CONTEST WINNERS
HISTORY:
PHOTO SPOTLIGHT: TRACK & FIELD AND MONSTERS
Community conversations are important, and we encourage residents to engage directly with city staff—this is your city and your mayor and council are here for you.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can help. Big or small, we’re happy and honored to listen.
City of Oxford Mayor Alton Craft
Oxford City Council
Phil Gardner
Mike Henderson
Charlotte Hubbard
Chris Spurlin
Steven Waits
If you are a citizen living within the Oxford city limits and are not receiving an Oxford Access magazine and would like to receive them, let us know! We want all of our citizens to be able to have access to the Access.
You can pick up a free copy at the Oxford Public Library, Oxford Civic Center, Bynum Community Center, Friendship Community Center, and Oxford City Hall.
OXFORD ACCESS
P. O. BOX 3383 OXFORD, AL 36203
WWW.OXFORDAL.GOV
Follow us for highlights of community news, city events, and special moments as they happen in our beautiful city.
Dear citizens:
MESSAGE from the OXFORD MAYOR
We have an exciting fall planned for you in Oxford. I hope that you will take part in some of the many events that we will have around our city.
To begin with, I would like to congratulate our city on another great championship season at Choccolocco Park Sports Complex. Without you, we would not be able to host these championship sporting events. Words I always hear are “friendly,” “caring,” and “helpful,” and these are the reasons these premier athletic competitions return every year.
I hope that you can participate in many of our fall events that we have around Oxford. Our city takes great pride in having family-friendly activities for our residents and guests. Oxford Parks and Recreation, Historic Main Street Oxford, the Oxford Performing Arts Center, and the Oxford Public Library have many events year-round, so please follow our social media pages for up-to-date information.
Our annual Public Safety Night Out is approaching. This event features first responders from around the area who provide vital services to our residents in many ways. Citizens will have a unique opportunity to see their jobs in action and witness how these departments work together to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors.
I would also like to wish all our students well as they begin a new school year. The school system and city have already done many great things through the Vis1on program and CREATE, and I am excited to see what new ideas our students have this school year. This is a great way for students to learn how they can serve and innovate in their community like the previous generations.
Last but certainly not least, it is a great honor to be selected as your mayor for another term. On behalf of the city council and myself, the vote of confidence we received when all of us were announced as “running unopposed” was a great display of the trust you have in us, as leaders, to continue to lead Oxford forward over the next few years. None of us could do this without your help, so thank you for the confidence you have in us to continue to make Oxford “Alabama at its best.”
Kindest regards,
Mayor Alton Craft
HONORING YEARS OF DEDICATION
We are proud to honor and celebrate the Oxford employees who are reaching milestone anniversaries of service. Their hard work, loyalty, and positive impact on our community are truly commendable. Their dedication plays a crucial role in making our city a better place for everyone, and we genuinely appreciate all that they do.
Congratulations on this milestone, and thank you for helping make our city a great place to live and work.
Mark Burcham IT 25 years
Bobby Butler Fleet Management 25 years
Kristi Durham Building/License 20 years
Emmitt Shake Fire 20 years
Jonathan Roberts Fire 20 years
Nicholas Cox Fire 20 years
Jacob Durham Police 20 years
Katie Nappier PARD 15 years
Thomas Austin PARD 15 years
James Halsey PARD 15 years
Tanya Mosley PARD 15 years
Corey Holcomb Police 15 years
Daniel Phipps Police 15 years
Kyle Benson Fire 10 years
Clinton Cochran Fire 10 years
Gerald Hovater Fire 10 years
Michael Harbin Fleet Management 10 years
Thomas Bruce Public Works 10 years
Tim Johnson Public Works 10 years
Ike Purvis Festival of Lights 10 years
Brian Norton Police 10 years
Michael Smith Police 10 years
Derrick Webb Police 10 years
Timothy Pate PARD 10 years
Todd Gauntt Public Works 10 years
Grant O’Kelley Cemetery 10 years
Brandon Greene OPAC 10 years
COURAGE, COMMUNITY, AND A WHOLE LOT OF SPIRIT
FREEDOM FESTIVAL
OXFORD’S JULY 4TH CELEBRATION
WWhat was once a small July 4th parade for the kids, originated 44 years ago by the Oxford Arts Council, has now blossomed into one of the area’s major Independence Day celebrations, as proven by the Oxford Police Department’s estimates of between 25,000 and 30,000 people who attended the 2025 edition of Oxford’s Freedom Festival.
The festival pulled out all the stops and pulled in the crowds as Oxford celebrated America’s 249th birthday with a day-long, fun-filled salute decked out in red, white, and blue.
Oxford Lake Park again served as the event’s host, having been readied through the hard work of the Parks and Recreation department team, members of the Oxford Arts Council, and with the vital support of the Oxford Police Department, the Oxford Fire Department, Oxford Health Systems paramedics, and Oxford Public Works Department.
The traditional opening parade of kids, cycles, and antique cars – all decked out for the occasion – came to an end at Liberty Park, where the Cheaha Winds Community Band provided a musical soundtrack for the event.
Hands covered hearts when Amari Ward sang the National Anthem as the American flag was presented with honors by members of Girl Scout Troop 20136.
Longtime festival coordinator Pam Harris of the Oxford Parks and Recreation Department, presided over the opening ceremony.
BY BRIAN GRAVES
“We are so thankful to the citizens of Oxford for being here to celebrate what makes our town and our country so special – courage, community, and a whole lot of spirit,” Harris said. “Grab your coffee, wave your flags, and get ready for a day full of patriotic fun.”
That fun included free carnival games, a petting zoo, tricycle and bicycle races, swimming at the pool, pool races, a pet show, and many of the area’s favorite food truck vendors.
“I want to thank all the men and women who served this country for 249 years,” said Mayor Alton Craft. “I thank all our first responders and what they have meant to us over the years and what they do for our community.”
“We say ‘God bless America,’” Craft added. “But, I will tell you that God has indeed blessed America. He has made us the greatest country on earth, and we should all appreciate the freedoms we enjoy.”
Oxford Arts Council president Cindy Williams presented awards to the winners of the organization’s “Oxford…Alabama at Its Best” essay contest, followed by the medal presentations to the best in show winners from the parade.
The day ended with a spectacular, 25-minute fireworks show lighting up the Oxford skies as the city concluded its celebration of America’s 249th birthday.
Praise from Mayor Craft and members of the city council for all those who worked on the festival glowed as bright as the fireworks. Council member Steven Waits summed up the appreciation.
“I don’t know how many work on July 4th, but I saw a couple of guys in the morning, and when I came back that night, they were still there – sweating in the morning and sweating at night,” Waits said. “These guys didn’t get to be with their families, but they love what they do and were proud to be there. That’s what makes Oxford so special – our people who make it happen and keep it special.”
A big thank you to the all-volunteer team that decorated the gazebo in Simmons Park for Independence Day. Violeta Gardner, Dwight Rice, Cindy Williams, and Sarah Graben generously shared their time and talents for this project, which they describe as a labor of love. Their goal is for everyone to enjoy the beautiful decorations.
Summer may be winding down, but there's still time to cool off with a chocolate and cookie treat from Below Zero Creamery located at 614 Hale St, Oxford.
Signature rolled ice cream and other delicious items!
Sweet & savory! People are drizzling olive oil over ice cream to enjoy its unique flavor and texture. The olive oil adds fruity, grassy, or peppery notes that enhance the sweetness of the ice cream while also contributing to a richer and creamier texture. Flavors made even better when paired with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.
Please bag all leaves and grass clippings. Please do not place any curbside pickup items in the street gutter, as rain washes them into our storm sewers, disrupting the drainage system. Whenever possible, please place them behind the curb.
As always, please continue to sort your piles into the following categories:
• Bagged vegetative items (leaves and lawn clippings)
• Limb and brush trimmings
To ensure that your curbside items are picked up on time, please place them on the right-of-way the evening before your scheduled route day.
You can reach city of Oxford Public Works Department at 256-835-6124 to find out when your items will be picked up each week. You can also call 311, Oxford’s City Service Helpline, which operates Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
We thank the dedicated men and women of the city’s Department of Public Works for their tireless service. From maintaining our streets to responding to weather emergencies, their behind-the-scenes efforts keep our city safe, clean, and running smoothly. We’re grateful for the pride and commitment they bring to our community every day.
Robbie Bruce Jamison Bruce
Victor DeJesus
Shane Worthy
Robert Carothers
Tommy Bruce (not pictured)
Josh Thomas
Corey Casey
The annual Law Enforcement Torch Run for Special Olympics ran its Oxford leg down Main Street on Wednesday, May 21, 2025. The Torch Run has been held in all 50 states for over four decades as law enforcement’s way to bring awareness to the work of the Special Olympics.
Oxford Police Department
600 Stanley Merrill Drive, Oxford, AL 36203
A MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF
Dear Citizens of Oxford,
As the summer days draw to a close and our children return to the classrooms, it is imperative that we unite as a community to ensure their safety. This time of year brings about excitement and anticipation, not just for the new academic challenges ahead but also for the thrilling fall football games that unite us all in spirited cheer.
The beginning of the school year is a pivotal moment and presents both opportunities and responsibilities. As parents, educators, and community members, we must stay vigilant and proactive in our efforts to provide a secure environment for our children. This means teaching them about safe commuting practices, encouraging them to remain aware of their surroundings, and fostering an open line of communication regarding any concerns they may have.
As we look forward to the excitement of our local football games, let us also ensure that these events are safe and enjoyable for everyone. We can help by adhering to safety protocols in crowded settings, establishing clear meeting points, and ensuring that children understand they should always stay with trusted adults. It is also important to model responsible behavior during these events, promoting sportsmanship and respect among fans.
This year marks my 38th year, and I’ve seen many school years come and go. Together, we can create an immersive and nurturing environment for our children, enabling them to thrive in both their academic and social lives. As we cheer for our teams and celebrate this vibrant season, let us prioritize safety as a collective goal.
Thank you for your commitment to helping keep our community safe and encouraging our children to flourish.
Warm regards,
Bill Partridge Chief of Police Director of Public Safety
OXFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT
Investigator Michael Green
Softball - Silver medal
OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT
Battalion Chief Curtis Cupp
Mountain Bike
Capt. Brandon Slick
Softball - Silver Medal
Officer Miranda Schoening
Weightlifting - Bronze medal
Lt. Eric Lamons Bowling
Jiu Jitsu
FF. Cole Herron Bowling
OXFORD REPRESENTED AT THE 2025 WORLD POLICE AND FIRE GAMES
TThe 2025 World Police and Fire Games brought more than 8,500 members of police and fire departments from around the world to Birmingham in June for its biennial event, showcasing the athletic prowess of first responders from over 70 countries.
The Oxford Police Department and the Oxford Fire Department both sent members of their teams to compete and have fun while representing their city with pride.
OXPD Investigator Michael Green, OXPD Officer Miranda Schoening, OFD Battalion Capt. Chief Curtis Cupp, OFD Capt. Brandon Slick, OFD Firefighter Cole Herron, and OFD Lt. Eric Lamons participated in competitions ranging from mountain biking to bowling and weightlifting.
“Our battalion chief, Curtis Cupp, did this in 2001,” Lamons, who also competed in jiu-jitsu, said. “He said we ought to do something, so two years ago we decided we could get good at bowling. Our team consisted of Eric Lamons and me from Oxford and two from Jacksonville –Seth Graham and Darrin Stillwell— bowling as doubles and a four-man team.”
The Oxford scorecard was finalized with a bronze medal won by Schoening in the bench and deadlift category. Slick and Green were members of a softball team that won a silver medal.
BY BRIAN GRAVES
Oxford Fire Department
A MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FIRE CHIEF
As summer ends, I hope each of you had a great summer.
As school starts back, it would be a great time to support the following sports at OHS: boys’ football, girls’ flag football, volleyball, band, cheerleading, and cross country. These kids have worked hard all summer and deserve our support. Remember, watch for school buses stopping to pick up our precious kids.
October is Fire Prevention Month. This year, our firefighters will be out again going door to door to install free smoke alarms. The free smoke alarms are a joint effort of the Alabama State Fire Marshal, the Alabama Fire College, Turn Your Attention to Fire Prevention, Get Alarmed, Alabama, and the Oxford Fire Department. I encourage you to give us a call at 256-831-3208 if you need free smoke detectors in your house. We will even come and install them for you. We also have some free weather radios. If you need one, go by Station 1 on 6th Street.
Fall also brings dry weather and outside burning should be done with special care. If you live in the Oxford city limits, you should call 256-831-3208 to receive a burn permit prior to burning.
If I can ever be of assistance to you, please give me a call.
Chief Gary Sparks
OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT FIRE SCIENCE COURSE
“When a man becomes a fireman, his greatest act of bravery has been accomplished. What he does after that is all in the line of work.”
— Edward F. Croker, Chief of Department, FDNY (1899–1911)
M
Many kids dream of becoming firefighters—strong, brave, and heroic, wearing 60 pounds of gear, riding in fire trucks, rescuing people and pets, and bringing joy to children in Sparky the Fire Dog or Marshall costumes.
Beyond the thrill of breaking through walls, climbing burning buildings, and saving lives, students at Oxford High School have the opportunity to explore what firefighting truly involves. Thanks to a partnership between Oxford City Schools, Alabama Fire College, and the Oxford Fire Department, senior students can apply for the Fire Science Program.
This program introduces students to careers in emergency services, focusing on core skills essential to firefighting and emergency medicine. Students learn decision-making, teamwork, problem-solving, fire behavior, firefighter safety, emergency medical response, and public safety telecommunication.
Battalion Chief Kyle Macoy, who has served the city of Oxford since the mid-1990s, rising from paramedic to Battalion Chief, shared, “Students participate in training fires and receive emergency medical responder and CPR instruction. Training is conducted in partnership with the Alabama Fire College and is accredited by the Pro Board Fire Service Professional Qualifications System and the International Fire Service Accreditation Congress.”
BY THE OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT
The program began in 2016, when Oxford City Schools sought to expand career exploration opportunities. In response, the Oxford Fire Department designed a custom program aligned with Alabama Fire College standards. The first cohort graduated that same year, earning not only a high school diploma but also certification as State Certified Volunteer Firefighters.
Fire Chief Gary Sparks emphasized that this program requires dedication. “We teach in a structured environment. Students must be accountable and committed. During the application process, we evaluate discipline, GPA, and attendance. They must be successful in school before joining the program.”
Graduates of the program may qualify for what Chief Sparks calls “rookie school” or the “Bridge Program,” where they can earn Firefighter I and Firefighter II certification in just six weeks. Successful completion allows immediate entry into the workforce as fully certified Alabama firefighters.
Much of the hands-on training takes place at the Lynn Elliott Training Center— often referred to as the fire tower or drill field—where students train in a controlled environment.
“You don’t put a new recruit in a house and set it on fire. That may be realistic, but it’s unsafe,” says Chief Sparks. “At the Lynn Elliott Training Center, we run no-heat scenarios. A smoke machine can blacken the four-story building in five minutes, and we have burn rooms with controlled flames and heat.”
Today, 11 of Oxford’s 47 full-time firefighters are graduates of the Fire Science Program. Several more are serving in departments throughout the region. The program is currently overseen by Battalion Chief Kyle Macoy and Captain Brandon Slick.
LET’S RIDE! OXFORD UNVEILS
BICYCLE JUMP TRACK
The Oxford Parks and Recreation Department inaugurated its latest facility, the Oxford Jump Track, with an official ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 26, 2025, on the grounds of Oxford Lake Park and Civic Center.
These new tracks feature three different levels—beginner, intermediate, and expert—each with a circuit of rollers, berms, tabletops, and features designed to be ridden using momentum from up-and-down body movements.
PARD Director Don Hudson greeted a large host of cycling supporters and enthusiasts, eagerly waiting to try out the new venue once the ribbon was cut.
“The Parks and Recreation staff did an outstanding job getting this ready, and a special mention goes to Van Hollingsworth and the street department, and Steve Hale and the Hale Building Company,” Hudson said. “We worked with Marc Webb, our safety director, and Chris Callahan, building inspector, so we know we have a safe facility here. This was truly a cooperative effort among our city departments. I’m proud of it. It really looks great, and I know it will be very successful.”
“There are a lot of words you can use to describe what we see behind us,” said Kanda Floyd, Oxford High School mountain bike director. “But it’s teamwork that got us here.”
Floyd said the idea began after taking her son to courses in Knoxville, North Carolina, and Arkansas.
“I had a little sixth-grade boy in my ear, drawing pictures of dirt jumps on the back of his schoolwork, saying he wanted to do that, so I wondered why I couldn’t just take him to Oxford,” Floyd said. “Having this here in our backyard is such a blessing, and we owe a huge ‘thank you’ to our city officials – and everyone here. We are lucky to be part of a city that supports us.”
Mayor Alton Craft and members of the city council expressed gratitude to all the individuals involved in the planning and construction of Oxford’s newest recreational facility.
Members of the Oxford Mountain Bike Foundation and the Oxford High School mountain bike team stood ready to take their first jumps on the courses after Mayor Craft said he would keep his speech short so he could give the order, “Let’s Ride!”
Craft later said it has been amazing to see how many people are taking advantage of the city’s newest recreational opportunity.
“I’ve been out there and watched as people of all ages have tried out the tracks,” Craft said. “It seems like someone is always out here trying one level of difficulty, then moving on to the next. You see those bikes flying through the air, and it’s really incredible.”
The track is open to the public from dawn until dusk. Riders are advised to wear appropriate protective clothing and adhere to the posted safety protocols.
BY BRIAN GRAVES
ABIGAIL DOWLING TRAVIS SMITH CONNER MOORE
UPDATE
OXFORD LIBRARY
Fall in Alabama is remarkable, and Oxford is Alabama at its best! Your library is here to enhance your fall plans, whatever they may be.
School has started for the fall, and your library is here to help! Resources are what you need to be successful, and the library has plenty of those! Of course, all of the resources provided by the library are free. These free resources, online and inside, are available for all levels of school, from preschool to elementary, middle school, high school, college, and for lifelong learning through adulthood:
• Paper books are available on a multitude of subjects. Complete your school reading lists by selecting from over 70,000 books to check out in the library. Of course, there are other physical materials to choose from, as well, including audiobooks, DVDs, and CDs.
• If you prefer to read on a device (e-reader, phone, tablet, etc.), we’ve still got you covered! Over 50,000 E-books and E-audiobooks are available for all ages and most devices.
• Don’t forget to check out the OPL Advantage Collection in CamelliaNet, which is a special collection of books just for Oxford library patrons! Ask the library staff about this!
• If you need some assistance on school topics that give you trouble, Homework Alabama is available for free! Through Homework Alabama, you gain no-cost access to one-to-one tutoring and drop-off review services, test prep and self-paced resources, and job search assistance. All tutors are rigorously vetted subject-matter experts. They ask questions, they encourage, and they empower. They’re available every day from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. so that learners of all ages and stages can get help anytime, anywhere, from any internet-connected device.
• Knowledge City offers over 18,000 courses for you to learn new skills in computers, business, finance, safety, and compliance. They will even provide you with a certificate of completion!
• Test preparation, career resources, and skill-building help are available through Learning Express Library to help you achieve your personal and career goals.
• Of course, you can’t leave out the Alabama Virtual Library (AVL). The AVL provides all students, teachers, and citizens of the great state of Alabama with 24/7 online access to premier library and information resources free of charge. Users can select resources by category – such as grade level (elementary, middle, or high school), college and university, or adult resources – or from a general list. Resources include various consumer and research databases, e-books, and online encyclopedias.
• Historical research often requires access to historical newspapers. OPL provides free access to Newspaper Archive, which offers newspapers from 1607 to today, including over three billion articles and photos that you can view, print, save, and share.
Find all of the online resources listed on the library’s webpage at www.oxfordpl.org/online-resources. Of course, find the paper books and physical materials in the library building at 110 East 6th Street.
What’s the biggest indicator of school success in early childhood? Reading! The more books a child reads (or has read to him), the more his language and other essential skills are developed before starting school. OPL offers several programs to encourage parents to read aloud to their children. One important program is called 1,000 Books Before Kindergarten. How many books should a kindergartener have read? At least 1,000! That may seem like a lot, but it is easily achieved with time to spare by simply reading 20 minutes each day. Reading only one book per day, reaching 1,000 books would take just under three years. By designating 20 minutes of reading time per day, many days will see more than one children’s book, thus shortening the three years further. OPL wants to celebrate the milestones with you! For every 100 books read, Miss Beth puts the child’s star on the wall in the children’s department, calling attention to the child’s proud accomplishment. We want to help you succeed! Just talk to Miss Beth when you visit the children’s department. She’ll get you started! To learn more about this program, please visit www.oxfordpl.org/1kbb4k.
OPL has partnered with Oxford City Schools to provide a series of programs to engage kids in fun ways of learning! This series is called the Discover Series, and it is in OPL’s Community Room on the first Monday of each month at 5:00 pm. So far in the series, we have seen animal and science shows, magic shows, and a visit from a historical figure. Please visit www.oxfordpl. org/discover to see upcoming shows! We will also be giving out free clear backpacks at the shows! Join us for the following upcoming programs in the Discover Series:
• Tuscaloosa Barnyard will bring a selection of small animals to learn about on August 4.
• The Maynard, Magic, and Music program will provide music, magic, ventriloquism, and comedy on September 8.
• Join a fun-filled story time with Alabama’s literacy mascot, SHORT the Squirrel, on October 6! Together we’ll use our imaginations to read one of his favorite books and learn how reading can take you anywhere!
Computers can be intimidating! Please don’t feel overwhelmed; let the library help you. OPL offers computer classes every Wednesday at noon to help you feel more comfortable when using the computer. Please see the schedule below:
• August 13 – eBay Basics
• August 20 – Selling on eBay
• August 27 – Android Auto/Apple CarPlay
• September 3 – Questions
• September 10 – Google Tools
• September 17 – Gmail
• September 24 – Google Lens
• October 1 – Questions
• October 8 – Google Calendar
• October 15 – Alabama Virtual Library (AVL)
• October 22 – Library Online Resources
• October 29 – Health Resources
All of the resources, classes, and events listed above are completely free, and there are many more! Some resources access requires a library card (which is also free).
Amy E. Henderson, MLIS
NATIONAL SENIOR GAMES
The city of Oxford, Alabama, sent a dynamic duo to the National Senior Games this summer, highlighting the growing popularity and talent in its local table tennis and pickleball communities. Mike Harris and Kip Chappell traveled to Des Moines, Iowa, from July 30 to August 3 to compete on a national stage.
In Iowa, Harris and Chappell competed in Singles, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles in both table tennis and pickleball. Although they also qualified for tennis, scheduling conflicts prevented them from participating in all three sports. Still, their packed schedule showed their commitment to making the most of their opportunities at the games.
Several other players from Oxford table tennis and 256-Pickleball joined them, forming a strong team representing the region. This team spirit highlighted the supportive atmosphere within these local organizations.
For some time, both men had been instrumental in growing the sport of pickleball within Calhoun County. As ambassadors, they were actively involved in expanding access to the sport, advocating for new courts, and providing invaluable support to players of all levels. From assisting with equipment selection to leading “Pickleball 101” training sessions, they fostered a welcoming and thriving environment for newcomers and seasoned players alike.
Their commitment went beyond pickleball. Harris and Chappell also qualified for the National Senior Games in both table tennis and tennis, showcasing their versatility and athleticism. The National Senior Games, held every two years, required athletes to compete in qualifying tournaments the previous year – a challenge both men successfully met in 2024.
The success of Harris and Chappell, along with the rising popularity of pickleball and table tennis in Oxford, highlights the advantages of accessible and inclusive sports opportunities. Organizations like 256-Pickleball and Northeast Alabama Table Tennis play a key role in encouraging healthy lifestyles and building a sense of community.
“It was a real honor to represent Alabama and the city of Oxford at the National Senior Games,” said Harris, echoed by Chappell. “We were proud to showcase the hard work and dedication of the players in our local communities.”
OXFORD BLACK 12U
Coaches:
OXFORD BLACK 8U
Macray
Diego
Nolan
Tyler Mizzell
Ryder
Keigan
Stetson Pruitt
Ryker Johnson
Coaches:
Mizzell
Chase
Anthony McClellan
USSSA 7A STATE CHAMPIONS
USSSA REC LEAGUE STATE CHAMPIONS
COMING TO A CHILD’S AID
WORLD CHANGERS MAKE OXFORD FAMILY’S LIFE A LITTLE EASIER
TThere are numerous and often unreported stories of volunteers – armed with hammers, nails, paint, and food – who offer themselves when people of all ages need help.
That is what World Changers do every year and have done again during their most recent visit to Oxford in June, bringing dozens of volunteers representing 12 churches from across the country to perform home improvement tasks for those who are unable to do it themselves.
One particular volunteer team was assigned a special project for eight-year-old Lily Bussey, the daughter of Courtney and Chelsea.
“Lily has had eating issues since she was two,” Courtney said. “It took us a few months to get her into Birmingham. She continued to lose weight. We knew something was going on.”
Lily had a nasogastric tube inserted in July of 2024 to help with her feeding and had a gastronomy tube inserted through the abdominal wall into the stomach in September. Her diet consists mainly of French fries, rice, and baby food.
“The head of the children’s GI department said he didn’t know what else he could do for her,” Courtney said. “He referred us to the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center.”
As if the stomach problems were not enough, Lily began to have leg pains, originally written off as growing pains, until it progressively got worse. “Some days she has to be carried out of bed or carried up the steps,” Chelsea said. “It can be very random in its timing.”
Courtney said she once saw Lily in the kitchen when suddenly her legs turned to spaghetti. “There are moments when her legs go numb,” Courtney said. “They burn. They tingle. She cannot feel her feet half of the time.”
Lily is now on a four-month rotation schedule to visit the doctors in Cincinnati who are working with the Busseys, trying to pinpoint the causes of the leg and stomach problems. During her scheduled visit in August, she will see four specialists in three days.
Despite the health obstacles, Lily continues to be as active as possible as she participates in “A League of Our Own” softball program and continues to work with “a very phenomenal and patient ballet teacher.”
“We have a wagon we always pack in the back of our van; she can ride in it when her legs fail her,” Courtney explained. “The first time we went to Cincinnati, it was hard to fit everything into a onerow SUV. The Oxford Police came out and gave her a big sendoff, helping to pack. We must have that wagon on these trips because it is easily a 25-minute walk from the Ronald McDonald House to the hospital. There are some days she can, and some days she can’t.”
The Busseys feel that doctors are getting closer to an answer, but for now, getting Lily into the van remains complicated, mainly because of the challenge of moving the wagon down the steps and into the vehicle.
They were encouraged to apply for the World Changers program and were accepted. Now, at least the trip to the van will be a much easier one.
“This new ramp will replace the steps and, when we pull up the van, she can get right in,” Courtney said. “It will meet up at the door so there is no lip on it. This is a life-changer for us, and all I can say is, ‘Thank you, Lord.’”
Courtney also thanked Anniston United Methodist Church and First Baptist Church of Oxford for providing snacks and lunches for the volunteers, and Ace Hardware for supplies.
WORLD CHANGERS HAS ALREADY SCHEDULED A RETURN TRIP TO OXFORD ON JULY 13-18, 2026
APPLICATIONS FOR THE 2026 VISIT SHOULD BE AVAILABLE IN JANUARY
Meagan Medley, World Changer organizer, said there were 12 groups working at 13 different sites during their visit to Oxford.
“We are sharing the love of God we have received from other people,” Medley said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to show kids that doing that is not as hard as they think, and the truth is we get more out of it than the people we help.”
World Changers has already scheduled a return trip to Oxford on July 13-18, 2026, and Medley said volunteers for that project have already begun to sign up. Applications for the 2026 visit should be available in January.
Courtney said their children have been raised to “give back no matter what.”
For that reason, they are collecting aluminum pop tabs from soda cans, soup cans, or pet food to take to Cincinnati, which are used to help fund the Ronald McDonald House Charities. Those can be dropped off at First Class Pizza or Josh’s Service Station on Highway 202 in Wellborn or at the Oxford Police Department headquarters.
BRIDGEWATER INTERIORS
BBridgewater Interiors is one of the leading automotive seating manufacturing companies in the United States, specializing in just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing, sequencing, and delivery of seating, overhead, and center console systems. Since 1998, our highly skilled and diverse workforce has supplied automotive manufacturers with some of the highest quality products in the industry.
In 2015, Ron Hall, Jr. was appointed president and CEO of Bridgewater Interiors, succeeding his father. He previously served as vice president and general counsel for the company. Prior to Bridgewater, he worked at Johnson Controls as an attorney and in positions in operations and program management. Before joining Johnson Controls, he practiced corporate law in the Detroit offices of a national law firm. Mr. Hall began his professional life as a U.S. Army officer and was decorated for meritorious service in the Persian Gulf.
Bridgewater began production at its third facility in Eastaboga, Alabama, in 2004, producing seats for the Honda Pilot. In 2012, the company expanded the building and launched the Acura MDX. Later in 2018, production of seats for the Honda Passport was launched. Groundbreaking for the last expansion occurred in August 2022 with the addition of a warehouse, which was a $10 million investment. After celebrating over twenty years in the community, the company continues to service Honda and has had many successful launches.
The Alabama plant employs over 460 employees and has long been recognized as a pillar in the community, embodying the values of excellence, innovation, and community spirit. The company takes pride in being a responsible and proactive corporate citizen, participating in various events. Beyond our business achievements, Bridgewater Interiors is deeply committed to making a positive impact in the community.
We believe that a thriving community is essential for the success of any business, and we actively engage in various initiatives to support local development. From sponsoring educational programs to participating in community events, our efforts are aimed at fostering growth and enhancing the quality of life for all.
Our employees are the backbone of Bridgewater Interiors, and we invest in their growth and well-being. We offer career development opportunities and a supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and creativity.
As we look to the future, Bridgewater Interiors remains steadfast in our commitment to excellence and community engagement. We are excited to continue our journey, building on our successes and exploring new opportunities to make a difference. Together with our community, we will strive to create a brighter and more prosperous future.
Bridgewater Interiors was founded in 1998 as a joint venture between Epsilon Technologies, a Detroit-based entrepreneurial partnership, and publicly traded Johnson Controls, Inc. (NYSE: JCI) to manufacture automotive seating systems for General Motors Corporation.
President and CEO Ronald E. Hall, Sr., was identified to lead the organization after a long and successful career in corporate management, entrepreneurship, and economic development, including a distinguished tenure heading the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council.
Bridgewater quickly established relevance in the automotive supplier space, as its initial five-year GM contract was the largest contract ever awarded to a racial minority-owned business by an automaker.
Today, the company is a joint venture between Epsilon and publicly traded Adient plc (NYSE: ADNT) and has expanded from one Detroit location with 133 employees to four facilities in two U.S. states with over 2,000 employees. Its customer list, meanwhile, has expanded from one automaker to four, including GM, Honda Manufacturing of America, Ford Motor Company, and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, supporting eleven different vehicle models.
SPARK BY HILTON
COLONIAL DRIVE
J&P BOUTIQUE 1330 BARRY STREET, SUITE A
Aldo Stassi’s Music City Bagels
HHere in northeast Alabama, it used to be that you couldn’t get a decent bagel, certainly not with capers, good cream cheese, and top-quality lox. Finally, that is no longer the case, thanks to the arrival of Music City Bagels and the tenacity and imagination of its owner, Aldo Stassi.
When I first walked into his restaurant, he gave me a look that was at once bracing and friendly. He was sizing me up, even while he was calling out orders to his staff and ringing up the two customers in front of me. It was clear that he was capable of doing several complicated things at once, but that penetrating look was strangely familiar. It reminded me of my relatives and neighbors in northeast Ohio, who had left their native Italy in search of a place that would reward hard work, brains, and drive. Aldo, whose name I saw on the business card on the counter that day, was, so I guessed, of the generation that had been born in Italy.
When I got to the cash register, I placed my order—a sesame seed bagel with lox and all the rest— then looked at Aldo and asked him, in what turned out to be, in fact, his native language, “Lei è italiano?” “Sì,” he said, “nato a Palermo.” From the capital city, then, of Sicily, to this small town in the American South, Anniston, Alabama: how I wondered, had that unlikely journey happened? I would soon find out.
My plate arrived, and a couple of minutes later, so did Aldo. “How’s the bagel?” he asked. “Incredible,” I said, “the best bagel and lox I’ve had in years.” Then he gave me what sounded like a command, “I want you to try something special.” And he disappeared for a moment into the kitchen, then reappeared before me with an offer I couldn’t refuse.
It was a glorious cannoli, with freshly made, sweetened ricotta filling, dusted with crushed pistachio nuts; the cake tube, or “canna,” was crisp, flaky, and divine. It was better than any cannoli I had ever tasted, here or in Italy. “The recipe,” he said, “is over a hundred years old—it’s my mother’s.”
And this is Aldo Stassi through and through: a chef and host with a big heart who wants you to have the best meal you’ve ever had and be at home as you’re having it. Home, to Aldo, is his enduring memory of his mother’s cooking, and he wants you to feel what that memory makes him feel. This is why his customers, here at the foothills of the Appalachian mountains, come back to Music City Bagels again and again and are growing in numbers day by day.
BY CARMINE DI BIASE
Aldo, who is in his seventies, has the energy of a thirty-year-old. He arrives at 3:00 a.m. to do the first bake of the day and is ready to start serving customers at 6:00 a.m. The shop closes at 3:00 p.m., sometimes a bit earlier if it sells out, which it often does. But now, at its new location in Oxford, just off Interstate 20 (101 Hamric Drive East), the shop is even open on Sundays. You would think that only a seasoned restauranteur could do this—and you would be wrong. Music City Bagels is Aldo’s first restaurant.
He arrived from Italy as a young man in October of 1950 and took a job in New York City making sausages and trained to be a butcher. Soon after that, he began working in the airline industry as a reservations agent. He mastered one task after another and rose up through the ranks. When he retired, he was the head of marketing and oversaw three states. But retirement was not, and never has been for Aldo. He went into retail for a few years in Nashville and eventually moved to Alabama to be closer to his wife’s family. And that is the short version of how he came here, where his dream restaurant—his grandest adventure—has become a reality.
The idea for Music City Bagels was actually born many years ago and far away from Music City or Nashville. Aldo’s first impressions of New York City have never faded. “It was a better time,” he said, a time when people and their food were genuine. “Those first smells!” he said as he remembered the aromas that wafted out from the Jewish delis; he just shook his head in a gesture of speechless, exquisite nostalgia. “And you could take your girlfriend to a malt shop. Everyone would know your name there. You had a community, you know. Remember Norm from Cheers? How he’d walk in and everyone would yell out his name—‘Norm!’ New York was like that.” And that, really, is the origin of what would become Music City Bagels.
While he was living in Nashville, with those sensory impressions fermenting in his mind, the concept for the restaurant came to him in his sleep, in a dream. It woke him up, and he went straight to his computer and purchased the trade name, Music City Bagels, including the Internet address, “MusicCityBagels.com” and all the other social media versions of it. He left Nashville for Anniston before he could open the restaurant, but he has kept the name that came to him in that dream and has made it materialize right here, where fate has landed him, in northeast Alabama.
Aldo wants to change the culinary landscape of the South. If biscuits are a staple of Southern cuisine, bagels are their starchy New York City counterpart, and he offers a dizzying variety of them. Aside from the classic sesame seed bagel, there is the onion, the poppy seed, the asiago, the garlic salt, the cinnamon crunch, the plain, the everything, and the list goes on. And what to put between the two halves of a bagel fresh from the oven is limited only by one’s imagination. There are Aldo’s spreads, or “schmears”: honey walnut, strawberry, blueberry, jalapeño, or veggie. And
WAKE-UP CALL:
HAM, EGG, CHEESE, JALAPENOS, MUSHROOMS, ONIONS
for those with a greater hunger, there are more substantial choices: eggs, cheese, sausage, grilled chicken, cold cuts, tomato slices, and spinach. My favorite topping is Aldo’s roasted red bell peppers, the sweetest and most savory you will ever taste. There is only one best way to roast them so that their natural sugar comes out: that is, slowly. I am quite sure that this, too, is something Aldo learned his mother.
But Aldo also hopes to enrich Southern cuisine with a characteristically Italian offering. Not many Americans are familiar with a panini: a sandwich made with flatbread, which Aldo makes in-house fresh every day. This is filled with whatever ingredients you want—meat or vegetables or both— then placed in a special press and squeezed between two hot griddles. The bread is toasted, and the ingredients are cooked and blended together. What emerges from that press, especially on a cold day, is to die for. My favorite is the Nina Panina, named after Aldo’s mother, Giuseppina. It contains those amazing roasted red peppers. But these paninis, like the bagel sandwiches, can be ordered in a wide variety of ways. Panini has become popular elsewhere in the United States, but I never thought I would see them here, where they are making their way onto the southern palate.
At the heart of Aldo’s success is his spirit of generosity. He donates regularly to a local church to help feed the hungry. The restaurant is imbued with this spirit. It animates not only Aldo himself but his staff, with their genuine hospitality and welcoming manner. They clearly love their work and their customers and know how to make them feel like they have a home away from home at Music City Bagels.
My conversations with Aldo and his staff are always interrupted, in the most pleasant way. The customers who walk in, the regulars especially, are greeted by name, but it’s always more than a greeting. “How’s your husband?” or “How’re the kids?” or “Did you get that car fixed?” The last time I picked up my take-out order—I get two dozen sesame bagels every couple of weeks and freeze them—the two bags had my name written on them, with a big hand-drawn heart underneath. And the mood is always jovial. Once, when a new customer came in and said that I had recommended the place, Aldo looked at him with feigned sternness and said, “Charge this guy double then!” How can you resist becoming a regular customer right then and there, on the spot?
Now, more than ever before—and not only in the south—this is exactly what Oxford needs.
On Saturday, May 31, 2025, the community gathered at Simmons Park for a special unveiling ceremony, Heroes on Main. A total of 47 veteran banners are now proudly displayed throughout historic downtown Oxford along Choccolocco Street and Main Street. These banners honor and celebrate our hometown heroes who have served with distinction and sacrifice.
June Land Reaves
Steven and Kala Waits and family
Violeta Gardner and Dwight Rice
Stories Behind the Paintings
DUCK STAMP COMPETITIONS
No Sour Grapes Here—They Are a Grand Tradition
IIt always seems like a no-brainer for any young, experienced wildlife artist. Paint a duck… and become a millionaire and national icon. Just win the Federal Duck Stamp Contest.
Sounds pretty good, but there’s plenty of work involved. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service publishes the stringent contest rules each year. They might seem to be trying to discourage any artist from competing—and understandably so. From this contest, the
government essentially gains the same rewards with the stamps printed from the winning entry, regardless of the number of entries, and a contest with more than two thousand entries is more cumbersome to plan and execute than an event with half that number. (The $125 entry fee is inconsequential for the program, considering that the stamp program has generated more than a billion dollars since its inception in 1934.) The funds from stamp sales to hunters and collectors are devoted to the purchase of waterfowl-breeding wetlands.
I’ve heard the contest described as a “million-dollar crapshoot”, but that is somewhat misleading. Technically, the grand prize is zero dollars. It’s one subtly stated paragraph that causes an artist’s eyes to bulge when the rules casually mention that the artist is entitled to create a print edition with his/her exclusive right of ownership. Those prints can be sold to an enthusiastic following of duck hunters and art collectors.
The competition is fierce, with the top 100-200 paintings predictably belonging to some of the best-known artists in the United States, including past winners of this competition, and many of whom are painters of ducks, exclusively. These specialists have the advantage of spending many weeks becoming familiar with their selected species in exciting settings, depicting them with anatomical accuracy, and in dramatic compositions.
The duck stamp routine represents a different mode for me, in contrast to my usual routine: I like the goal of depicting a subject anatomically correctly and in detail. However, finding a composition that is interesting and different presents a daunting challenge. Winning pieces must be striking, something not easily achieved. Usually, in the middle of a painting, I want to try a slight variation on at least part of the subject. Deadlines make this difficult—there’s no time for the ideal habit of laying the piece aside for a couple of weeks and then revisiting it with fresh eyes. You just have to “plow on through” to finish. One of my few entries, and my last, was the year in which I seemed to compound all my mistakes. My subject was the Blue-Winged Teal, a magnificent duck I wanted to do justice to with an in-flight portrayal.
Action is almost always much more difficult than a static pose. One really needs video or film for flight reference, or a frozen bird which can be thawed and posed for flight depiction. I didn’t have those advantages, so I used a “Frankenstein” technique—putting the wings, head, tail, and other body parts together by sketching each separately from whatever reference I could find or imagine. From the composite sketches, I positioned the paired birds and made studies by trial and error. That can work to a degree, but it takes forever. I felt the entry deadline approaching and made myself a promise: I won’t stop what I’ve started; I’ll paint ’til the last drop-dead minute, and I will send it in ready or not.
continued on next page
The plan seemed to allow me to focus, but I failed miserably in completing the piece. As I had promised myself, I sent it in. As expected, it didn’t score well and ended up with the hundreds of “also-rans”. Several months after that contest, I completed the painting and was very satisfied with the result. I signed the piece (since that species was not eligible for the following years).
The year I submitted the entry for “Pintails,” I felt more optimistic. It reached the next-to-final echelon in the judging. I had been able to observe a pair of these ducks in close-up for a whole afternoon, and so, I had a full composition in mind from the start. The entry scored as a tie for sixteenth or seventeenth place. I was pleased with that result and decided to leave it unsigned for the following year and enter it again. It scored the same, which was fine with me.
The poster boys of all time in the Federal Migratory Bird Stamp Competition are, no doubt, the Hautman brothers—Jim, Joe, and Robert—each of whom has won the contest multiple times. They began their Blitzkrieg in 1990 when the youngest winner ever, Jim, was twenty-five years old. They remain the hallmark for even America’s best waterfowl painters.
Although conducted on a smaller scale, each state has its own duck stamp competition, and Alabama’s program has always been a very attractive endeavor for an Alabama artist. When my “Wood Ducks” was selected in 1985, it was marketed by the Wren’s Nest Gallery, Inc. as being of interest to collectors on a national scale, due to a few notable features, including the Bi-Level design, in which the ducks were depicted with their submerged feet. We created a Standard Edition of 1000 traditional format prints, plus we added a larger-format Executive Edition of 380 prints. Both prints were remarkably successful editions. Bas-relief mini sculptures were cast in bonded bronze, or porcelain, providing more creative fun for the artist, plus a newly accepted form of duck-stamp remarques. The porcelain reliefs were offered as hand-painted remarques by the artist.
For young and upcoming Alabama artists, I would suggest participating in this state’s duck stamp contest. Although I haven’t participated in the competition since 1985, other than as an adjudicator for the 1986 contest, I believe it’s a valuable opportunity. The Alabama Duck Stamp Competition is an exciting way to be creative in both wildlife art and marketing.
OXFORD
Alabama at its best
The Oxford Arts Council sponsored an adult writing contest, and these are the top winning entries.
Thank you to everyone who worked hard on this project and to the talented writers for their terrific work. Oxford is truly Alabama at its best!
Yvette Meadows - 3rd Place
Connie Davidson - 1st Place
Linda Rogers - 2nd Place
Becky NeSmith - 3rd Place
Danny Freeman - 2nd Place
Tanner Faulkner - 1st Place
Rachel Dietrich - 2nd Place
Billy Dempsey - 1st Place
Hometown Hero Essay
Memories Essay Poetry
Oxford Memories
by Billy Dempsey (Memory essay)
My memories of growing up in Oxford began when I entered the first grade. Parents and children assembled in Fulton Hall. Mr. West gave a welcoming speech, and the teachers called out the names of their students. My elementary education began with Mrs. Stanford, and my high school education was completed with her husband, Mr. H.T. Stanford, who was the high school principal. He presented our diplomas. Along the way, I was nurtured by Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Hamric, Mrs. Coalson, and Mrs. Lamar. I was given a glimpse of the real world by Coach Adams, Coach Grizzard, Shade Williams, Mr. Boozer, and many others. Our teachers taught us to be respectful, try our best, and always be kind to others.
During my high school years, students were allowed to leave the school campus for lunch. Stewart Street would be full of students walking to the Silver Maple for a sandwich and socializing with our friends. A lunch would normally cost less than fifty cents. Some students would buy a cigarette for a nickel.
Weekends were a special time in Oxford. Friday night football games, the band playing “In the Mood” and “Tweet” walking the sidelines, were special. Teenagers drove around Buck’s restaurant, looking for a parking spot where we could talk and analyze the football game. On Saturdays, families came to town and bought groceries at the Jitney Jungle store, which became Dorsey’s and is now Fresh Value. Some families went to the C&H store for clothing. Every Saturday was “picture show”, day for the younger folks. The theatre was located at the corner of Main and Spring Street. A quarter covered admission, popcorn, and a drink. Mr. Powell took your ticket at the door. We were excited to see movies that included Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Sky King, and Superman. Superman eliminated the bad guys. After watching a movie, we walked down Main Street to Service Drug or Butenschon Drug Company for a milkshake at the soda fountain. Durwood’s Cafe stayed busy with locals looking for a good meal. The 5 and 10 cent store had a great collection of comic books, bubble gum, and baseball cards. Lybrand’s Barber Shop was very busy on Saturday. Listening to the men converse was fascinating. You could also get your shoes repaired at the shoe shop. Moore King Hardware had a good supply of building materials, along with vegetable and flower plants.
Sunday was a day for worship. People gathered at the Baptist, Methodist, or Presbyterian churches each Sunday in Oxford. It was a day when families came together for dinner and conversation. Sometimes, the conversation would lead to a little gossip.
Oxford holds a special place in the hearts and minds of so many people. My greatest memories are of William, Dot, and Beth Dempsey. It will always continue to be Oxford, Alabama at its best.
Mr. John Childs
by Connie Davidson (Hometown hero)
Beginning in the early 90s, before iPhones, selfies, and social media platforms were in existence, our community was blessed to be served by a true pioneer. One who valued and understood the positive impact to be made by sharing only positive news and documenting celebrations among families, friends, schools, and churches throughout our community.
Through The Oxford Independent, Mr. John Childs, his wife Barbara, and Mark Fuller, our community received a gift that will never be duplicated.
In my heart, Mr. Childs was social media before social media was a thing. His devotion to The Oxford Independent a fforded our community a most special gift in time not likely to ever be duplicated. Receiving The Oxford Independent each week was a much-anticipated day for you, as you couldn’t wait to see who was celebrating what, going where, receiving recognition, etc. It was stocked full of celebrations, sporting events, etc. – all positive, happy times happening throughout our community because Mr. Childs was everywhere each day of the week. There was no happening too small or too big. He tried his best to document it all – taking pictures and telling the stories of the families and events in Oxford. He listened, made everyone in his path feel important, and never asked for anything in return.
When reflecting and looking through saved copies of The Oxford Independent, one quickly realizes more and more the lessons to be learned from this most special man. Lessons about the importance of serving others, finding joy in the simple pleasures of life, celebrating and lifting up others, but yet expecting nothing in return, showing love, empathy, and giving grace to those you encounter – being the hands and feet of Jesus. I know my family was richly blessed by Mr. Childs and will forever be grateful for the friendship and love he so graciously gave to us through both happy and sad times experienced by our family over the years.
An Ode to Oxford
by Tanner E. Faulkner (Poetry)
Ode to Oxford we love thee. Thy mountain walls and melting trees. Thy open skies and southern nights. The warmth of home when all grows quiet.
Ode to Oxford a prouder kind. None more nobler can you find. Search the hills and valleys over; Oxford is a four-leafed clover.
Ode to Oxford we give to thee; Our time for your prosperity.
Our commitment to preserve todayThis home we built in Cheaha’s way.
Ode to Oxford our heritage be.
To Leon Smith, to old Snow Creek. To Oxford Lake, to old Main Street. To the bustling of the interstate.
Crossroads we shall always be. True to our home eternally.
Ode to Oxford proud and true. Promised land, we love you.
Loyce “Gerald” Owen
by Rachel Dietrich (Hometown hero)
On March 15, 1947, a long-awaited baby boy was born. The skies were clear, and with a temperature of 48’F, it was considered a beautiful day that marked the beginning of Spring. Little did anyone know the significant and lasting impact this child would have one day on the city of Oxford, shaping its story, exceeding expectations, and adding to its legacy of greatness.
In 1971, my dad, was sworn in as an Oxford police officer and pledged to protect and serve the citizens of Oxford. After three years, he was promoted to sergeant. Following Mayor Adams’ election to a second term in 1976, my dad was nominated and approved as police chief.
As police chief, my dad led with integrity, fairness, and a deep sense of responsibility to protect the community he loved. His commitment to public safety included revoking pistol permits from dangerous individuals and shutting down notorious bars that posed serious harm to the community. Because of his courageous leadership, my dad became a target of some of the most dangerous criminals. In November of 1976, “The Contract to Murder the Police Chief of Oxford, AL,” crafted by Mr. H. Smelly, became a horrifying reality, events so shocking that they will never be forgotten. Only by the grace of God and the heroic actions taken by local, state, and federal law enforcement, and a daring plan to fake his death to receive the $25,000 bounty, is why my dad is alive today to tell this harrowing story.
In January of 1979, while serving as police chief, my dad was selected and successfully completed the prestigious three-month training at the FBI National Academy in Quantico, VA. After the election in 1980, the city’s leadership changed, which transformed my dad’s career too. Over the next fifteen years, he continued to demonstrate remarkable bravery in the face of pure evil, leading some of the most treacherous missions with the FCI-Talladega as a correctional officer / S.O.R.T, and case manager. Unfortunately, his lifelong career in law enforcement came to an end in April of 1995, after he was viciously attacked
by a violent inmate who wasn’t properly restrained.
From childhood memories that started on McCullars Lane, to graduating in 1965, my dad’s roots run deep in Oxford. Fifty-two years ago, he and my mom built a house that quickly became a home filled with love, and they raised three children. Throughout his fascinating career, his love and commitment to our family and Oxford never wavered. Being a coach for the Oxford Little League baseball team brought him immense joy. I’ll never forget the time he surprised me and followed the bus to Montgomery for my 4th-grade field trip, disposable camera in hand. He was a dedicated member of the Kiwanis Club, supporting countless projects and fundraisers until he became the best granddaddy in 2011. He and my mom are active contributors to OPAC.
Oxford has always held a special place in my dad’s heart, and he’s proud to call it home.
Oxford- More than a City, A Way of Life
by Danny Freeman (Memory essay)
When I thought about writing about one story or example of Oxford, I found I couldn’t stop with just one.
You see, being in Oxford, Alabama, involves her unique and special people. Leaving Calhoun County in my youth and then returning to Oxford with my family has brought us home.
Oxford has and always will be about the people and the friends who make up her true spirit.
The spirit of this beautiful city between Atlanta and Birmingham is friends like Oxford’s very own Bruce and Dwight Rice, who are pillars of our community. The camaraderie I share with them is awesome. From sharing Sunday School, to the Rice brothers’ annual cookout at their law office. It draws hundreds, if not thousands, every year for the fellowship and the food. If you have ever had Dwight’s many flavors of homemade ice cream, you know it is a wonderful treat. The event says, “Thank you,
Oxford,” and “y’all come and enjoy and enjoy a southern lifestyle that is fading like the sunset.
Sal and Pam Gardner were amazing friends of our whole family. Who can ever forget Sal and the many memories of him and the ball field. No one was more proud than Sal to wear the Black and Gold.
Oxford is a proud people who understand the traditions of a small town in Alabama and love their city.
Oxford is Cindy Williams, whose love for her city matches her beauty and creativity. It’s business owners like Charlotte Hubbard, Ronnie Smith, and Bill Newman whose resilience and hard work make Oxford proud.
Oxford is Jane Batey and her love for the arts and the community. It’s the mayor and the city council.
It’s Jeremy Cruse who has brought part of the past to the future with his incredible Terrortorium. There are so many others whose contributions make Oxford great.
Oxford is so much more than a town; it’s the people, the traditions, and the love all rolled into one, that make it more than a city- it’s a way of life.
Oxford, Alabama - Home Sweet Home
by Linda Rogers (Poetry)
Oxford is a great place to be Like sipping on a big glass of sweet tea. It’s full of hometown people And churches with tall steeples. There's places to eat and shops galore, And the friendly Oxford Police Corps. The schools are rated the best Because the kids score high on their tests. Our parks are full of tournaments to play And fans come here to watch and stay. Teams come from many places to be Part of Oxford’s offerings you see.
You can walk around Oxford Lake
Or use the park trail within the Choccolocco Gates.
Cider Ridge is a great place for golf to play
And make it an outing for the day.
There’s a theater in the mall with comfy seating
And lots of candy and popcorn for eating.
The Civic Center at the lake has a gym
And exercise equipment for your limbs.
It has lots of rooms for people and clubs to use.
There are many hotels for travelers to use
The mayor and city council take care of us
And provide paramedic and ambulances for us.
Firemen are always ready to help us out.
This town has everything without a doubt.
The Oxford Performing Arts Center brings
Us plays, music, comedy and lots of things
To keep us busy and entertained.
There’s the mall and exchange with many shops And restaurants and shops downtown are really tops.
Come join us here in Oxford on Main
We’ll welcome you whether there’s sunshine or rain.
Billy Beck
A Community Asset to Oxford, Alabama
by Becky NeSmith (Hometown hero)
Bill Beck embodied the spirit of service that makes Oxford, Alabama, thrive. Beck demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Oxford through military service, public safety, and youth mentorship that left an indelible mark on Oxfordians’ lives.
Beck’s dedication began with his military career as a US Marine. He quit Oxford High School and enlisted in the Marine Corps when the Korean War began, and the Corps instilled in him the values of honor, courage, and commitment that would guide his entire life. His military service provided him with a deep sense of duty that he carried into every role he undertook. He spent many hours working for Toys for Tots. This speaks to his character and lasting impact he had on those around him. Following his military service, Beck completed high school and continued his commitment to serving others
as a firefighter, demonstrating his dedication to public service and his willingness to prioritize the needs of his community over his own comfort and safety.
Perhaps his most visible and lasting contribution to Oxford came through his work as a volunteer tennis coach at Oxford High School and a coach for the city of Oxford, in which he spent countless hours developing young athletes, teaching fundamentals of tennis and the importance of perseverance, sportsmanship, and teamwork. His commitment to youth extended beyond coaching; he provided tennis lessons at Oxford Lake for young and old. He spent countless hours practicing with and driving his athletes to scholarship tryouts, organizing Saturday Fun Days, and trying his best to keep Oxford’s kids and adults happy and healthy.
Beck’s dedication to inclusive athletics was evident in his work with special needs athletes. He took a team to Special Olympics to compete in tennis, demonstrating his belief that all young people deserve the opportunity to participate in sports and expounding on further when his own grandchildren were born with special needs and he was a “buddy” at A League of Our Own ballfield. This approach reflected his spirit and his understanding that sports can be transformative for all participants.
I have spent my life listening to people who speak of my granddaddy’s impact. He is remembered as someone who never missed an opportunity to be interested in others. This care for his neighbors and his ability to connect with people from all walks of life made him a beloved figure in Oxford. His influence was so significant that years after his death, people continue to speak of the positive impact he had on their lives.
Bill Beck’s life exemplified the best qualities of community service. Through his roles as Marine, firefighter, and tennis coach, he consistently put the needs of Oxfordians before his own. His legacy lives on in the young athletes he mentored, the lives he protected as a firefighter, and the community spirit he fostered throughout Oxford. Bill Beck proved that one person, committed to service and caring about others, can indeed make a profound difference in his community.
Aspects of Oxford High School
by Yevett Meadows (Poetry)
OHS on campus in Oxford; overheads
Projecting theoretical and practical understanding on the board.
Students collaborating to absorb knowledge. Graduates parading across the field in black and gold. This is academic OHS.
OHS in the classroom on the hill, the students
Read with intensity. Where goals are achieved with concentration.
Through the sounds of bells ringing in the halls, a friend with work in hand, invites new ideas. Here’s where fun meets accomplishment, OHS.
OHS marching at halftime, supporting the team. OHS playing the fight song, OHS practicing hard. OHS
Saying, “Drum Majors are you ready? Get ready for the ‘Sound of Champions’!” OHS ready for the next show.
OHS athletics, winning, triumphant OHS
On the field with determination. OHS at playoffs; Decisions: win or die trying? Where the trophies Shine, OHS in gold and black uniforms, eyes toward the goal. Where the game ends, OHS strives for perfection in all sports.
OHS on the hill overlooking the baseball and football fields,
Black lockers line the walls and stairs that climb so high, The large and busy campus that towers over the city; from the
College Building to the halls of the Career-Tech wing and Main Building, All revealing its proud and spirited heart, fierce as a Yellow Jacket!
1962 OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM # 11 Ray Vinson #66 Andy Landers #80 Charles Padgett #67 Billy Grizzard #55 Ronnie Rinehart #60 Wayne Livingston #81 Ken Bussey #82 Billy Kelley #87 Hal West #39 Lathaniel Hicks #85 Richard Bentley #54 Jerry Warren #75 William Norton #70 Jimmy Henson #47 Donnie Cates #25 Max Hiett #89 Rodney Owens #77 Paul Williams #27 Barry Britt #69 Michael Beard #84 Wayne Bowman #50 Jacky Sparks #40 Johnny Henson
Head Coach Jack Grizzard
Asst Coach Buddy White
THE BOYS OF ’62 AND THE GAME THAT CHANGED OXFORD
TTHE UNFORGETTABLE YELLOW JACKETS
As a parent, I have always been more proud of my children’s accomplishments than what I personally had achieved - except for this one thing,” said Bill Grizzard.
That one thing was an Oxford football game against Anniston in 1962. No, it was THE football game, forever to be remembered in Oxford’s history, and one many believe helped to catapult the direction of Oxford’s progress for the better.
It was the night David finally slew Goliath. The drought came to an end. Oxford defeated Anniston by a score of 13 to 7, and nothing has been quite the same ever since.
Grizzard was a senior member of the Yellow Jackets football team that fateful night, and he and some of his football teammates recently reunited to reminisce about that game and the events surrounding it. Sitting together at the reunion table were Richard Bentley, senior; Hal West, sophomore; Don Lindley, junior; Jackie Sparks, junior; Wayne Livingston, senior; Billy Dempsey, senior; Grizzard; Lavoy Jordan, sophomore.
Also along for the ride was a Bulldog, senior Phil Snider. Snider was the one who fumbled a punt with 2:59 left in the game, which was recovered by Sparks and halted any chance the Bulldogs might have had to score a comeback.
“We’ve loved him ever since he dropped that ball,” Sparks quickly interjects, with all the men noting their friendships have crossed city borders long ago.
BY BRIAN GRAVES
Front row seated, left to right: Lavoy Jordan, Barry Britt, Jacky Sparks, and Don Lindley Standing, left to right:
Billy Dempsey, Billy Grizzard, Wayne Livingston, Richard Bentley, and Hal West
THE GAME
The date was Friday, September 14, 1962. The place was Anniston High School’s football stadium, reported to have been overflowing with spectators, and ruled by a Bulldog program which had dominated the Oxford Yellow Jackets for as long as anyone could remember. At the time, Oxford’s football field had only bleachers, giving Anniston an excuse to insist that games be played in their much larger stadium. “We were thinking we had beaten them every year,” Snider said of the Anniston sideline. “Oxford was more or less a warm-up game for us and was the only county team we played.”
Having been on the losing side for so many years, the former Yellow Jackets said they don’t really recall game preparation being much different than any other game.
“I think the coach got our team in better shape, because he almost ran us to death,” West said.
“When Jack Grizzard took over as head coach, there was a joke about Oxford getting beat if we crossed the viaduct going into Anniston for the game,” Bill Grizzard said. “So each year, Jack would take us in different directions. That year, we went up Main Street to the railroad tracks, and Jack said we’d be walking over the railroad track. So, we got out of the bus, walked across, and got back on the bus to go to the game.”
The Oxford team had started the season with a win over Heflin, 13-6, and took to the field with the wind at their backs. The Jackets led 6-0 at the half, but any happiness was subdued. “I don’t remember any jubilation,” West said.
The second half put seven more points on the board for Oxford and a touchdown for Anniston, and that’s where the game ended.
But the night had just begun.
The scene was described with everyone “running and screaming,” and the team essentially making a quick detour through the dressing room as the celebration spirit increased.
continued on next page
“We started hanging around, and there was a place called The Goalpost on 14th and Wilmer Avenue,” Sparks said. “We ran from the stadium, en masse, in our cleats and uniforms, and ran around it like we would do in our cars.”
“There were people on Quintard that started picking us up, and we were riding on fenders and hoods of cars all the way back to Oxford,” Livingston said. “The jubilation was unreal and it was quite a night.”
“There was a group of people who went up and took the goalpost down, then dragged it down Quintard,” Livingston said.
Sparks shared, “We climbed the fence, tore down the goalpost, tied it to the truck we had borrowed, and dragged it back to Oxford. Oxford had to buy Anniston a new goal post. I went on to be involved in three state championship games, but that night was a lot more exciting.”
The Anniston Bulldogs had to navigate through the celebration that had taken over their stadium and streets. “We had to walk two blocks to the high school where our dressing rooms were,” Snider said. “Needless to say, the team was upset over what had just happened. It was dead silence, and I don’t remember our coach having anything to say.”
West explained the emotions for the Oxford boys, “Every one of us was from this little bitty town, Oxford. And they had beat us over and over. We wanted to beat them worse than Alabama wants to beat Auburn. It was in our souls.” West reflected, “We did, and I’m happy I happened to be around at the time that it happened.”
THE LEGACY
“They did promise us a stadium if we beat Anniston,” Livingston said.
Bill Grizzard said the coach told him the week after the game that several individuals had pledged $25,000 towards construction of a new stadium, “and they hired an architect right then.”
Today, the 6A Yellow Jacket football team plays home games on a top-notch field with seating for 7,600 fans and visitors. A new 63,000 sq. ft. Champions Athletic Center opened in 2023.
Coach Jack Grizzard went on to coach wins over Anniston for six of the next eight seasons.
The Boys of ’62 still have a wealth of stories, pride, and laughs to share that will last long after they are gone.
Another member of the team, David Estes, is a prime example.
Estes passed away in June 2025 and had a list of impressive life achievements in his obituary, which included one unique and special notation: “Mr. Estes was a graduate of Oxford High School, where he played on the first football team that beat Anniston High School.”
fall Senior Adult Day
Monday September 8 th
A OXFORD’S QUILTING GROUPS
Amid fabric, patterns, binding, and nimble fingers, there’s a common thread that unites two quilting groups in Oxford. Whether the sewers quilt by hand, by machine, or by computer, the personal reward for each lady, it seems, is piecing together an artistic coverlet for a purpose.
The Lick Skillet Quilt Guild meets the second Monday evening of each month at the Oxford Civic Center to “Show and Tell” about quilts they have finished and to share new ideas. Organized in 2009 with 26 original members, it now includes 40 ladies, and formerly men, who do their work by machine stitching, by hand, or by computer. Nine area communities are represented in the guild’s enrollment.
The Oxford Public Library’s Hand Quilters gather on Wednesdays at the library with eight members. “Our craft takes more time than the machine and computer method,” admits Sandra Jones, a member of both guilds. “But the results of both are unique.”
The group got its start in 2013 with encouragement from Amy Henderson, Library Director at the Oxford Public Library, and Linda Brooks, whose idea it was to bring hand quilters together at the library.
Sandra Jones sits across from Karen Jones as they plan what’s next for their projects. They proudly show visitors their “row by row” coverlet, explaining that each row is different and made by a different member or members of their group. ”We are not related by last name, but by our interest,” said Karen Jones. “Quilts unite us.”
With its decorative top pieces, batting (or padding), and bottom pieces, quilts have made winter nights for families warmer for generations. However, the current trend, at least in Oxford, is to create quilts for deserving individuals and organizations within the community. At Lick Skillet’s June meeting, a donation of $1,100 was made to The Right Place, an organization that provides housing for those in need. The dollars were raised by selling tickets for a drawing for a quilt, especially pieced for this project. The Valor for Veterans project has resulted in five nominations for deserving veterans so far. Lap quilts for nursing homes and
BY HERVEY FOLSOM
placemats for Meals on Wheels continue to be made. “And, we are talking with Sav-A-Life in Calhoun County about providing quilts for newborn babies,” said Angie Fortner, president of Lick Skillet Guild.
Fabrics are donated to the Oxford Hand Quilters Group, and in turn, its members donate quilts to hospices and victims of fires, which are then delivered by Oxford firefighters. Both groups raise money through quilts for public school necessities throughout the year. A Prayer Quilt by the Hand Quilters is displayed each May by the City of Oxford during the National Day of Prayer ceremony.
“When we hear of a need, we band together and get to work,” Karen Jones said.
CREATIVITY
Quilters enjoy the freedom of expression the craft allows. There are traditional and contemporary patterns. One quilt, for example, using the basic “My Grandmother’s Garden” pattern by Brenda Mayfield and Cheryl Harvey, evokes a quiet, sentimental appeal. While Angie Fortner’s “Butterflies Fly Free,” an extremely busy modern design, is the “wow” moment in Lick Skillet’s collection.
Perhaps the output of the bed coverings is so varied because quilting is a constant in the sewers’ lives. Classes, workshops, and retreats fill any serious quilter’s hours. For those who have time and for those who make time, the craft lures individuals of all skill levels and ages. For example, in Rice & Rice law firm in Oxford, a framed “Roll Tide” quilt displays the skill of Ida Mae Rice (Bruce Rice’s grandmother), who, at 90 years old, produced this salute to Bear Bryant.
A HISTORY HIGHLIGHT
Elizabeth Keckley, a seamstress for Abraham Lincoln’s wife, was ahead of her time in creativity. She was devoted to Mary Todd Lincoln and became a trusted friend and confidante. After Mrs. Lincoln left the White House following the former US President’s assassination, Keckley finished a quilt as a gift for her former mistress, featuring silk pieces from Mrs. Lincoln’s ball gowns. Keckley bordered the piece with a “My Grandmother’s Garden” border, a red silk fringe, and an American eagle in each corner. Sadly, her remarkable finger work was never seen by Mrs. Lincoln; she had moved to Europe and could not be located.
A passion for quilting is as much alive in Oxford as it was when the two groups originated. From all accounts, quilting has a strong presence here with its beauty and spirit of giving. Needle, thread, and agile fingers are still in motion.
Note: My source for the portion in “A History Highlight” is “Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker”, a novel by Jennifer Chiaverini
OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS
WELCOMES DR. TODD HAYNIE AS ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
OOxford City Schools is proud to announce the appointment of Dr. Todd Haynie as the district’s new assistant superintendent. A highly respected educational leader with more than 24 years of experience, Dr. Haynie brings a rich background in K–12 administration, classroom instruction, and higher education to his new role.
Dr. Haynie’s track record of success includes leading Boaz City Schools to nationally ranked student growth in both reading and mathematics, its highest-ever report card rating, and an increase in National Board Certified educators. In 2024, his leadership was recognized statewide when he was named District 9 Superintendent of the Year and a finalist for Alabama State Superintendent of the Year.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have Dr. Haynie join Oxford City Schools,” said Superintendent Dr. Shannon Stanley. “I’ve had the privilege of working with him before and know firsthand the loyalty, dedication, leadership, and passion he brings to education. He will be an incredible asset to our district and a perfect fit for the Yellow Jacket family.”
Dr. Haynie holds a Ph.D. in Educational Administration from Auburn University and is deeply committed to mentoring educators, supporting student achievement, and fostering innovation in instructional leadership.
But beyond the titles and accolades, family has always been at the heart of Dr. Haynie’s life. “Outside of my professional responsibilities, I’m fortunate to be part of a close-knit, supportive family that has shaped my values and fueled my dedication to service and education,” said Dr. Haynie. “My wife, Brittany, and I have shared a life grounded in faith, hard work, and community. We take great pride in our four children—Briley Kate, Briggs, Brooks, and Braxon—who are all very active in a variety of extracurricular activities.”
In his spare time, Dr. Haynie enjoys staying active in the gym each morning and taking evening walks with his wife. He’s an avid reader of leadership and history books, and he finds balance in moments spent traveling with family, volunteering locally, or cheering on his favorite college football team.
“My family is so excited to be joining Oxford City Schools and the Yellow Jacket family,” he added. “The district is known throughout the state for its academic excellence as well as its exceptional tradition. I am honored to help lead the school district and serve in the community as your new Assistant Superintendent. Go Big O!”
BY ASHLEY SISKEY STILWELL
SPOTLIGHT
OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS STAFF SPOTLIGHT: ANNETTA ACKLES
THE CITY OF OXFORD IS PROUD TO HAVE SOME OF THE STATE’S BEST SCHOOL STAFF AND HIGHEST-RATED SCHOOL SYSTEMS. RECENTLY, WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW ANNETTA ACKLES.
AAnnetta was born and raised in Clay County and graduated from Lineville High School. She attended Alabama State University but had to leave before completing her degree due to personal reasons. Annetta worked for Washington Inventory Service (WIS), where she drove and supervised inventory crews across various states. She is the proud mother of four sons and has seven grandchildren. Among her family, her youngest son and three of her grandchildren graduated from OHS; one of them, Damious (DK) Wilson, broke several track records at the school. While Annetta raised all boys, she has a twin sister who is the mother of all girls. Additionally, she has a brother whose daughter is the assistant principal in Clay County. Annetta cherishes her church family at Word Alive International Outreach.
Following in her mother’s footsteps, Annetta began driving a school bus and subbing in the classroom in 2005 in Clay County. She handled her regular bus route as well as field trips, football games, and other special events as needed. In 2016, she moved to Oxford and began driving for Oxford City Schools, where she continues to cherish her connection with the Oxford School System family.
What does a typical school day look like for you?
A typical day for me involves meeting my Nurse/Aide at the school bus to start my early morning and late afternoon routes, performing pre- and post-trip inspections, cleaning the bus, refueling, and completing necessary paperwork. Each day, I also meet with the other H-Bus drivers, Tina Kilgore and Betty Skinner, to exchange our K-12 students. I also assist my coworker with her second route if needed or drive students to field trips.
How do you build positive relationships with students and their parents?
I build positive relationships with students and their parents by communicating with them frequently and showing them I care. I greet students when they board and leave
the bus, wishing them a good day. We strive to maintain a welcoming environment by actively listening to concerns and creating opportunities for open communication with the students.
What is your approach to discipline, safety, and managing traffic or delays?
Most of my students have special needs, but are very good students, and I have an amazing nurse/aide who helps me tremendously. So, to discipline them, we simply seat them alone or with a student they feel comfortable sitting with. As for managing traffic or delays, we start our route early enough to allow for any emergency time.
What do you see as the most challenging aspects of this job?
The most challenging aspect of my job is maintaining the safety of students while getting them to school and back home. School bus drivers have a huge responsibility, and I have much respect for my coworkers who don’t have a nurse/aide to help them.
My experience from driving K through 12 and helping to raise several children on my own, aside from my birth children, is that each age group presents unique challenges and accomplishments. Elementary students need engaging, hands-on activities and a clear, consistent structure. Middle schoolers navigate social dynamics and hormonal changes, which require patience and understanding. High schoolers, though more independent, still need guidance as they prepare for the future. But it all comes down to having love, compassion, and firm discipline for all students.
What do you find most rewarding about being a school bus driver?
The most rewarding aspect for me as a bus driver is that I get to be a positive influence on all of the students, especially by helping them to begin their daily school journey.
What would be your advice for anyone interested in driving a school bus in Oxford?
Driving a school bus is an extremely significant responsibility, and it takes a special blend of skills and temperament to do it well. I often tell my children and others, “Whatever goal or job you choose in life, make sure it’s doing something you love.” That way, you won’t be stressed getting up every day to succeed in it. I can definitely say I love driving the H-Bus for Oxford City Schools.
Milan Patel and his family have been proud residents of Oxford for over 20 years, and they wholeheartedly consider the city their home. Following recent improvements to the La Quinta, Mr. Patel wanted to celebrate the community by showcasing scenes from Oxford—especially the beauty of Choccolocco Park. To bring this vision to life, he commissioned a designer to create a mural crafted from mosaic tiles. The mural was completed and installed in 2024, serving as a vibrant tribute to the city they love.
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham 100 Colonial Drive, Oxford
Samantha Lee
Miraly Marin and Everliegh Cruce Jackson Smith
BIG O’ RACING
OXFORD’S STUDENT-BUILT RACE TEAM WINS 4TH GREENPOWER USA NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP
OOxford’s own Big O’ Racing team has done it again, claiming their 4th National Championship in the Greenpower USA racing series in May 2025, at none other than Talladega Superspeedway. The win caps off a season filled with grit, teamwork, and high-speed innovation from a group of high school students who have been turning heads across the country.
What makes this win even more impressive is that it’s all student-powered. Big O’ Racing is comprised of 40 students in grades 9 through 12 who design, build, and race electric cars they engineer themselves. They’re part of the CREATE Center, a regional career tech center that continues Oxford’s tradition of excellence in STEM education.
The Greenpower USA series isn’t just about who can drive the fastest; it’s about engineering, problem-solving, and applying classroom learning in real-world ways. Over the course of the 2024–2025 season, Big O’ Racing competed in seven races across the Southeast, racing against other top student teams from Texas, Georgia, Tennessee, and Alabama.
When the final checkered flag waved at Talladega, Big O’ Racing had racked up:
• 1,152.1 total race miles
• 23 podium finishes
• 9 first-place wins
“This year wasn’t easy,” said Miraly Marin, a two-year veteran and driver for the team. “We hadn’t been placing as well as we had last year, so we knew it was going to be tough. But we worked hard, found another 5%, and with God’s help, we did it!”
That kind of perseverance is what sets this team apart, especially under pressure. “I could not be more proud of my team,” added Susannah Wood, a three-year veteran and the team’s Crew Chief. “We worked hard and executed nearly perfectly in the Championship Race.”
Coach Britt Young, who has led the team since its early days at Oxford High School, sees the bigger picture. “I love getting to give students the opportunity to develop skills for future career paths. And when they also get to prove they’re the best in the nation, it’s just incredible.”
Cade Mason Choccolocco Monsters
The Choccolocco Monsters, the reigning champions of the 2024 Sunbelt Baseball League, play their home games at Signature Field in Choccolocco Park. The team’s name is inspired by a 50-year-old hoax involving a local teenager dressed in a cow skull. The Monsters are part of a wood bat baseball league formed in 2022. The city of Oxford is proud to offer this exciting summer sporting experience in our expanding recreational park.
Melvin Blocker Choccolocco Monsters
PIONEERS IN LEADERSHIP
OXFORD’S MAYORS & THEIR LEGACIES — PART III
As Oxford moved into the 20th century, the city entered a transformative era marked by modernization, evolving political dynamics, and rising civic expectations. During the first quarter of the century, Oxford made significant strides in infrastructure, including the establishment of a municipal waterworks, sewerage system, electricity, and natural gas service.
Part III of Pioneers in Leadership: Oxford’s Mayors & Their Legacies explores this critical period through the lives and administrations of seven mayors. Their stories reflect a time when tradition met progress and leadership was shaped by both opportunity and adversity, collectively defining a pivotal chapter in Oxford’s municipal history.
Maj. WILLIAM ANDERSON ORR — 1902 to 1903
A native of Talladega County, Alabama, W. A. Orr moved to Oxford in 1873. He became a respected businessman and prominent citizen, well-known among Oxfordians for several generations. He served as mayor from 1902 – 1903.
Before entering business, Orr worked as a salesman. In 1882, he partnered with Thomas H. Barry and Dreadzil P. Haynes to form Barry & Company, which specialized in dry goods, clothing, hats, boots, shoes, and groceries. The Oxford News once described Haynes and Orr as “two of the cleverest, most energetic, and thoroughly reliable young men in the county.” Orr sold his interest in the business in 1885, but in 1901, he rejoined Barry and William R. Norton at Barry & Company. Additionally, he worked as a bookkeeper for both the Thomason Grocery Company and the People’s Bank of Oxford.
Orr began his public service career in 1884 as a charter member of the Oxford Volunteer Fire Company. He served as fire chief from 1885 – 1888 and again from 1892 – 1893, fighting some of the city’s most destructive fires. During the devastating fire of 1890, he fell from the rafters of the Oxford Hotel, breaking his hip.
He was an active member of the Oxford Rifles, Company I (later known as the Calhoun Rifles), where he rose through the ranks from lieutenant to captain and eventually major. The Oxford Rifles participated in scheduled drills, sham battles, and public ceremonies, including the inauguration of Alabama’s 28th Governor, Thomas Goode Jones, in 1890.
BY HUNTER C. GENTRY
Maj. WILLIAM ANDERSON ORR
WILLIAM CHEAVES GRAY
GEORGE WIRT EICHELBERGER
DREADZIL PACE HAYNES
Orr also served his community as a city councilmember from 1900 – 1902, during which he was appointed to the finance and auditing committees. Following the resignation of Mayor W. H. Griffin in 1902, shortly after Griffin was sworn in, the council appointed Orr to serve as mayor for the remainder of the 1902 – 1903 term.
His civic involvement extended further. He was a notary public, served as chaplain for the Knights of Honor Lodge No. 1533, and was an active member of the Hartwell Masonic Lodge No. 1, where he served as steward and treasurer. Additionally, he was a member of the Oxford Fishing Club. Orr was a prohibitionist and served on the Anti-dispensary executive committee.
Professionally, Orr was appointed Deputy Clerk of the Calhoun County Circuit Court and later served as Acting Clerk. In his faith community, he was a longtime Sunday School teacher and served as an Elder at Oxford Presbyterian Church (later renamed Dodson Memorial Presbyterian Church) for over 50 years.
GEORGE WIRT EICHELBERGER — 1903
A native of Chambers County, Alabama, G. W. Eichelberger moved to Oxford with his parents in 1869 during his childhood. He grew up in Randolph County and Oxford, where he attended school. Eichelberger began his career as a farmer, working in Silver Run, Alabama, and briefly in Effingham County, Georgia, before returning to Oxford in the early 1900s. He served as mayor in 1903.
Eichelberger dedicated over thirty years as the manager and president of the Farmers Union Warehouse, earning a reputation as a “friend to the farmer.” He also served as president of the Alliance Cotton Warehouse and was a delegate to the Cotton Growers Convention. Eichelberger was a member of the Methodist church.
He was a member of the Calhoun Rifles, where he attained the ranks of Second Lieutenant and First Sergeant. His father, Jacob Eichelberger, owned and operated a pottery manufacturing plant near the Boiling Springs community of Oxford. Following in his father’s footsteps, G. W. Eichelberger became vice president and general manager of the Dixie Tile & Pottery Company.
Eichelberger holds the distinction of being Oxford’s shortest-serving mayor, resigning just five months after taking office due to declining health. He served from April to August 1903.
WILLIAM CHEAVES GRAY — 1903 to 1906
A native of Fort Valley, Georgia, William Cheaves Gray moved to Oxford around 1882. He became a prominent merchant, owning and operating W. C. Gray & Company for nearly sixty years. He served as mayor from 1903 – 1906.
Gray first entered business in October 1883, establishing his dry goods store on the upper floor of the C. J. Cooper building on the west side of Main Street. In 1890, he constructed a large two-story building on East Choccolocco Street. His business specialized in clothing, shoes, hats, groceries, and other dry goods. He was an active member of the Calhoun Rifles, where he attained the rank of Second Lieutenant.
Gray also served as an election inspector, clerk, and manager. In 1904, he was a member and president of the Parker and Davis Club, a political organization formed to support the Democratic presidential ticket of Alton B. Parker and Henry G. Davis.
Gray held leadership positions in several civic and business organizations. He served as vice president of the board of directors for the Oxford National Bank, president of the Oxford Commercial Club, and chairman of the boosters’ club that organized and raised funds for the Oxford Elementary School, then known as the Loyal Loan School. Additionally, he was a member of the local Red Cross Committee, the Baptist Boosters Committee, and served as chairman of the Oxford Baptist Church Auditing Committee. In 1917, he served on the Defense Council formed to aid in the war effort.
Gray dedicated many years to public service, serving on the Oxford City Council for eleven years, 1886 –1888, 1894 – 1897, 1903, 1910 – 1912, and 1914 – 1918. After the resignation of G. W. Eichelberger in 1903, Gray was appointed to fill the mayoral term and subsequently served as mayor from 1903 to 1906.
DREADZIL PACE HAYNES — 1906 to 1908
A native of Lineville, Alabama, D. P. Haynes moved to Oxford in 1883. He was both a merchant and a farmer and served as mayor of Oxford from 1906 – 1908.
Upon his arrival in Oxford, Haynes entered into business with Thomas H. Barry and William A. Orr at Barry & Company. He later established his own firm, D. P. Haynes & Company, which sold buggies, wagons, harnesses, and dealt in livestock. Additionally, he owned the Haynes Livery Stable. In 1899, the firm became D. P. Haynes & Brother Company, also known as Haynes & Brothers Company.
In 1907, Haynes moved to Birmingham, Alabama, where he co-founded the Haynes–Donahoo Horse &
WILLIAM RUTLEDGE NORTON
DAVIS CLAY COOPER
Mule Company, serving as its secretary and treasurer. Two years later, in 1909, he relocated to Alexandria, Alabama, where he established the Valley View Dairy. He remained there until 1916, when he moved to Anniston, Alabama, where he lived until his death.
Haynes was active in civic and community affairs. He was a member of the Oxford Cemetery Association, served on the board of directors for the Anniston City National Bank, and was involved with the Calhoun County Fair Association. As president of the Calhoun County Public Highways Committee, he played an important role in local infrastructure. He also served on various special committees throughout the county and worked as an elections officer. In addition to his term as mayor, he served on the Oxford City Council from 1904 – 1906 and again from 1908 – 1909.
Notably, his grandson, Dr. Robert Hingson, became the first professor of anesthesiology at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine. Dr. Hingson developed several important medical devices, including the jet injector for inoculations. Additionally, Haynes was a first cousin once removed of Carl D. Pace, who served as mayor of Oxford from 1934 – 1940.
WILLIAM RUTLEDGE NORTON — 1908 to 1910
A native of Calhoun County, Alabama, W. R. Norton moved to Oxford in the late 1880s. He grew up in White Plains, Alabama, working on his father’s farm before becoming a salesman for the Thomason Grocery Company. He served as mayor from 1908 – 1910.
In 1901, he entered into business with Thomas H. Barry and William A. Orr at Barry & Company, a general merchandise firm. Norton later became a cotton buyer and cotton inspector for the State of Alabama, retiring after twenty-five years of service.
He was an active member of the community, serving as secretary of the Oxford Volunteer Fire Company No. 1, master of finance and keeper of records and seal for the Knights of Pythias Rathbone Lodge No. 68, president of the Oxford Cemetery Association, and a member of the executive committee of the Parker and Davis Club, which supported the Democratic presidential ticket of Alton B. Parker and Henry G. Davis. During World War I, he was appointed to the Calhoun County Defense Council and served as an elections officer and manager.
Norton served as mayor of Oxford from 1908 – 1910. He also served as a councilmember during the terms of 1903 – 1904, 1907 – 1908, and 1918 – 1920, acting as city clerk during his final term. He ran on the “anti-dispensary” ticket and was a member of the Anti-Dispensary League executive committee, campaigning against the opening of saloons in Oxford.
Norton worked alongside others to improve the Horse Block Mountain Road, connecting Oxford with Clay, Cleburne, and Randolph counties, and served on the committee to improve the Choccolocco Street wagon yard.
DAVIS CLAY COOPER — 1910 to 1930
A native of Calhoun County, Alabama, D.C. Cooper moved to Oxford in the 1860s. He was president of the First National Bank of Oxford. Cooper served as mayor of Oxford from 1910 – 1930. Cooper was actively involved in political, civic, and religious affairs in Oxford and Calhoun County for generations. He was a highly influential figure in the development of Oxford.
Cooper graduated from Oxford College in 1884 and immediately joined his father’s business, C.J. Cooper & Company, a wholesale dry goods and banking firm. In 1888, the firm merged with Draper, Son & Company, resulting in the establishment of the Bank of Oxford. This institution would later become the First National Bank of Oxford in 1903, with Cooper serving as president until the bank closed in 1932. At its height in 1890, the bank reported capital of $50,000, a significant sum for the time.
Early in his career, Cooper lived in Oxanna, a now-defunct municipality that once existed between Oxford and Anniston. While there, he served as city clerk and later as a member of the Anniston city council following Oxanna’s annexation into the City of Anniston in 1901. Cooper returned to Oxford in 1904 and was elected mayor six years later. His 20-year tenure as mayor marked a period of steady growth and civic engagement for the city.
In addition to his public service, Cooper was deeply involved in banking and business. He held leadership positions with several companies, including serving as secretary and treasurer of Blue Springs Mill and vice president of the Anniston Fertilizer Company. He also owned five cotton gins located across Calhoun County—in Weaver, Anniston, Oxford, Coldwater, and DeArmanville—and held real estate in Oxford, Anniston, and Birmingham. Cooper served on the board of directors for the Oxford Lake Line and the Anniston & Choccolocco Dummy Line.
Cooper's civic involvement extended well beyond business. He was a member of the Oxford Commercial Club, the Choccolocco Valley Hog Club, the Alabama Home Building Association, and the Woodmen of the World. He also chaired the Alabama Children’s Aid Society and served as vice chair of the 1924 Oscar W. Underwood Campaign Committee. Politically active throughout his life, Cooper was an election inspector, a delegate to both the State and Calhoun County Democratic Conventions, president of the Amendment Club, and a member of the executive committee for the Parker and Davis Club.
A man of strong faith, Cooper played a prominent role in religious leadership across Alabama. He was president of the Alabama State Board of Missions and the Calhoun County Baptist Sunday School Association. Locally, he served as superintendent and teacher of the Oxanna Sunday School, president of the board of deacons at Oxford Baptist Church, and chair of the executive board of the Alabama Baptist Convention. Remarkably, he served as moderator of the Calhoun County Baptist Association for an impressive forty-four years.
Cooper also held high-ranking positions in fraternal organizations. He was a charter member and trustee of the Knights of Pythias, Rathbone Lodge No. 68, and served as both Grand Vice Chancellor of the Anniston Lodge No. 91 and Grand Chancellor of the Alabama Grand Lodge.
Trick-or-Treat on Main
Friday, October 31, 2025 FALL-O-WEEN
Fall-o-ween
Celebrate all month with fun activities in Oxford
Fall Market on Main Witches walk & ride
SATURDAY, October 18
PUBLIC SAFETY NIGHT OUT
THURSDAY, October 23
Oxford Public Library
Trick-or-Treat
THURSDAY, October 30
HALLOWEEN
FRIDAY, October 31
Halloween Carnival at Oxford Civic Center Games, Candy, Hay ride
Trick-or-Treat on Main Bounce Houses, Slides, Games, Food Trucks, Candy
Visit the Great Pumpkin in Simmons Park! NEW EVENT inside OPAC!
Mystery Mansion & Great Pumpkin Party
FIRST ON THE FIELD.
First isn’t just in our name. We really were the first bank to open our doors, help grow the local economy and invest in our communities. We’re proud to have been this area’s hometown team for nearly two centuries. We have — and always will be — FIRST on the field to support our neighbors and customers.
