Issuu

Oxford

ACCESS

2020

A LEGACY RENEWED

OXFORD'S PATH TO THE 2019 6A STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

Page 18

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

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4 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR 6 2020 CENSUS: OXFORD IS COUNTING ON YOU 10 SPOTLIGHT: JEANNA MCEWEN 18 A LEGACY RENEWED 34 ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT: KJ BRITT 36 DECISION TIME: ZAY BRITT AND ANDREW WARHURST 42 HEARD IT ON THE RADIO: CHASE ROBINSON 44 SAVORING THE MOMENT: MARK FULLER 48 OPAC 2019-2020 SEASON 54 KEEP OXFORD BEAUTIFUL 56 CITY OF OXFORD - CITY SERVICES 59 MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF 61 MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FIRE CHIEF 62 OXFORD BUSINESS LEAGUE UPDATE 64 SPOTLIGHT: SERGEANT JEFF BELL 68 OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE 70 OXFORD ARTS COUNCIL SPRING EVENTS 76 KEN ELKINS: A GENIUS IN OUR OWN BACKYARD 85 MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY 86 CALENDAR OF COMMUNITY CENTER EVENTS 89 CIDER RIDGE GOLF CLUB UPDATE 92 SPECIAL OLYMPICS AT CHOCCOLOCCO PARK 94 INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: AUTO CUSTOM CARPETS 96 WELCOME TO OXFORD: NEW BUSINESSES

2020 VOL 4. ISSUE 3

CONTENTS

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

100 SPOTLIGHT: DUCK’S INDOOR SPORTS MANIA 104 NOTABLE PEOPLE OF OXFORD: THE KELLYS 110 OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS UPDATE 112 WHY I TEACH - BRITTON YOUNG 116 MAGIC OF LIGHTS

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

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

Message from the

Oxford Mayor Dear citizens, First of all, I would like to thank you, the residents of Oxford, for helping to make 2019 another record-breaking year for our hometown. I am privileged to be your mayor, and on behalf of the city council and myself, we are proud that you entrusted us with the daily operations of the city. Magic of Lights at Choccolocco Park was a huge success. We had visitors from all over the country that went through the areaâ€™s only drive-through Christmas light show, and the comments my office received were positive. We are planning more exciting events at our nationally-ranked recreation complex, so we hope to keep you up-todate on the sporting and non-sporting occasions at Choccolocco Park. I would also like to congratulate the 2019 Oxford High School Yellow Jacket football team on bringing the state title back to our city. They had a great season, and we are looking forward to seeing what Coach Keith Etheredge and his teams have in store for us in the coming seasons. Much of this edition of Access is dedicated to state title run, and we are hoping to repeat these features around this time next year. Oxford is continuing to grow at a record pace, and we are excited to announce new industry and industry expansion within our city limits. This is also featured in this edition, and I hope that you are as excited as I am to welcome new industries and retailers to Oxford. The Quintard Mall renovation is about to begin its second phase, and new retailers and restaurants are preparing to come to the Oxford Exchange each day. We have more announcements to come in 2020, so stay tuned to our social media pages and Access for more information. The Historic Downtown Oxford renovation is almost finished, and we are looking forward to unveiling it upon its completion. The performing arts center is also adding on to its event schedule weekly, and I hope to see you at one of our many performances in downtown Oxford. New businesses are opening in our historic area, and we are preparing for a mixed-use development project to begin construction within the coming months. Finally, I would again like to you for all of your help in making Oxford the best place to stay in the region. We could not accomplish any of this without the support of you, the citizen. I am thankful to be your mayor, and I am looking forward to breaking new records in 2020. Kindest regards, Mayor Alton Craft

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Please continue to separate your curbside debris piles containing the following items: · Tree and shrubbery trimmings cut to a maximum of six feet in length · Loose Leaves (November–April) · Bagged Leaves and Grass Clippings · Eligible Household Items for Pickup A list of prohibited and eligible items may be obtained by calling 256-835-6124

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

THE 202O CENSUS

OXFORD IS COUNTING ON YOU

What do community services, schools, health care, jobs, public safety, construction, and roads all have in common? They are all affected by the information collected as part of the US Census every ten years. Follow along as we find out why completing the census in 2020 is essential for you, your city, your county, and your state. The census is a survey count of every resident in the United States, which happens every ten years. The census affects our voice in Congress, decisions and priorities for community services such as roads, schools, elderly care, and employment centers, and our fair share of over $800 billion in federal funds distributed each year for over 300 federal-assistance programs. Data from the census and other federal surveys determine the shape, size, and makeup of communities down to the neighborhood level. Census data impacts decisions that affect the everyday lives of residents, such as where to open new stores and banks or where to build homes, schools, and roads. The estimated value of federal funds based upon census derived statistics to the State of Alabama is over $7.6 billion annually and approximately $1,600.00 per person in the state annually. These dollars are distributed through programs such as medical assistance programs, highway planning and construction, school lunch programs, special education grants, low-income home energy assistance, health center programs and many other federally funded agencies and programs. By April 2020, all households will receive an invitation to participate in the census. There will be three options to respond: online, by phone, or by mail. When completing the census, the key date for the 2020 count is to note where you are living on April 1. What information will the census ask for? • How many people are living or staying at your home on April 1, 2020. • Whether the home is owned or rented. • About the sex of each person in your home. • About the age of each person in your home. • About the race of each person in your home. • About whether a person in your home is of Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish origin. • About the relationship of each person in your home.

By Alan Atkinson

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During the 2020 Census, the Census Bureau will never ask you for: • Your Social Security number. • Money or donations. • Anything on behalf of a political party. • Your bank or credit card account numbers. Your personal information is kept confidential. The Census Bureau is bound by federal law to protect your information, and your data is used only for statistical purposes.

THE CENSUS WILL IMPACT TEN YEARS OF YOUR LIFE. IT IS A SNAPSHOT THAT HAS SIGNIFICANT IMPLICATIONS. EVERYBODY NEEDS TO BE COUNTED. WHETHER YOU ARE COUNTED OR NOT COUNTED, IT WILL HAVE A DIRECT EFFECT ON YOUR COMMUNITY AND YOUR CHILDREN. WE NEED YOU TO SPREAD THE WORD AND ENCOURAGE EVERYONE TO BE COUNTED. There are several ways that you can contact the U.S. Census Bureau for support. • For general questions: Visit our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page, or call 301-763-INFO (4636) or 800-923-8282. • For information on services for people who are deaf or hard of hearing: Call the TTY number at 800-877-8339 to reach the Federal Relay Service. Questions About Employment For information about the application and hiring process for 2020 Census jobs, call 855-JOB-2020 (855-562-2020).

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

SPOTLIGHT

JEANNA MCEWEN ASSISTANT DIRECTOR AT THE OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

How long have you been working for the city? A little over two years. What made you want to work for the Oxford Public Library? Having worked in a previous career for over 25 years, I was ready to make a career change. The opportunity to apply for the Assistant Director position was posted, and I was blessed and honored to be chosen for the job. I have had the chance to further my knowledge of the library through workshops and online classes. From these classes, I have been able to achieve the paraprofessional status as well as the Consumer Health Information Specialist Certification, which is provided by the Medical Library Association, and classes are offered through the National Network of Libraries of Medicine. What does a typical day look like for you, and what are your responsibilities at the library? My responsibilities at the library are first to take care of any library patron needs, lead the Adult Literacy Program, work on archiving the Oxford Room, assist Miss Beth with Storytime, as well as assist staff in any events/services that help patrons. Every day is different, and it is always interesting to see what new ideas our team has to reach the needs of the community. What are some of the best memories you have from working at the library? One of the events that stand out to me since working at the library would be the Storybook Ball. We were able to reach out to the high school and have the drama club dress up and provide a “fairy tale” experience for the children. It was great to partner with the city schools and to offer them a community event to take part in as well. What would I like for the city to know about the library? The Oxford Public Library is growing and changing, and our list is getting longer daily. Here are a few of the services offered: our adult services librarian, Darlene, offers Tuesday activities at 10:00 from Bunco, Book Art, and Card Sharks. She also proctors exams from various universities and organizations. Our front desk librarians, Sarah and Barbara, offer creative displays, advice for books to read, or listen to and provide assistance to find resource information you might need. Our cataloger, Susan, prepares the materials for our computer system and helps out wherever needed. Our children’s librarian, Beth, works on all things from infants to youth, from preschool storytime, summer reading programs, and teen trivia time, maker space projects, and now first Saturday of the month storytime. Our reference librarian, Karrie, works on all things social media and works with patrons’ needs upstairs in the computer resource area. Our director, Amy, besides her director duties, works with patrons during Tech Talk or Bring Your Own Device Time for patrons to walk through tech issues. Greg and Lexie work on weekends and are always happy to help any patron. Our staff is varied in backgrounds, interests, and specialties. They each bring something unique to support our library and community. Check out our website and follow us on Instagram or Facebook to learn of all the free services offered during the week.

BY TAYLOR SLOAN 12

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

We Love Our Senior Adults Valentine Senior Adult Day

Come celebrate Valentine's Day with us! Bring a friend or a group to this free event hosted at the Oxford Civic Center. Entertainment will be provided by the Ryan Robertson Band and a free sack lunch is included. Enjoy a day of laughter, fun, and fellowship!

Monday February 10, 2020 8:00a.m. â€” Registration begins Live entertainment, lunch, door prizes, king and queen crowned!

Oxford Senior Dance Events FEBRUARY 28

DUO SONIX

MARCH 13

RYAN ROBERTSON

APRIL 17 SUNDANCE

MAY 15

DUO SONIX

JUNE 19

RYAN ROBERTSON

JULY

NO DANCE

AUGUST 21

DUO SONIX

SEPTEMBER 11

RYAN ROBERTSON

Oxford Civic Center 401 Mc Cullars Lane Oxford, AL 36203 Dance from 7:00p.m. - 10:00p.m. Admission is $5.00 per person

OCTOBER 9 SUNDANCE

For more information,

NOVEMBER 20

DUO SONIX

call 256-831-2660

DECEMBER 11

RYAN ROBERTSON

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

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A LEGACY RENEWED

OXFORDâ€™S PATH TO THE

2019 STATE CHAMPIONSHIP

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

THERE ARE DIFFERENT TYPES OF FOOTBALL TEAMS. There are good teams, fair teams, great teams, and to be honest, there are bad teams as well. Good teams, fair teams, and even great teams most likely will manage expectations for players and fans, and there will be few, if any, surprises throughout the season. Every now and then, we get to watch or even be a part of a team that is beyond all of that. Not only do they win, but they find ways to transcend the barriers of the gridiron and get an entire community to rally behind them. Yes, they win, and a legacy is renewed. I will tell you a true story about one of those teams that did just that – a team that rose to become champions. I will tell you a true story of a new coach that made an impact on his first day at Oxford and has raised the bar for Oxford football. I will tell you the story of the football team that rallied around him and their fellow players from day one, and I will tell you the story of the fans, former players, and alumni that are excited about what has happened and about what is yet to come. THIS IS THE STORY OF THE 2019 OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL FOOTBALL TEAM AND HOW THEIR NAMES ARE NOW IMMORTALIZED IN THE ARCHIVES OF OUR CITY’S HISTORY.

By Joshua Craft 24

oxfordalabama.org

When Coach Keith Etheredge and his family were introduced at an Oxford City Schools board meeting and press conference in May, the meeting room was at capacity to hear what the new head football coach had to say. His message was simple: the goal was to go undefeated every year and win the state championship. You could hear a pin drop in the meeting room when he said that. I was there, and I was considering the lofty goal he had set for the team. My next thought was that this man had moxie. When I got a chance to speak with Coach Etheredge after the press conference, my doubt turned into a belief that this coach could do what he said he was going to do. I was interviewing him after the season, and he had this to say: “I had great interviews and interview process. I just think it was a situation where I knew it was going to be a great move for me if it was possible. I just wanted to present what I could bring to the table for the City of Oxford, for the school system, and for these young men and women here at this school. I think that Oxford’s always been a great place. Oxford is a place that doesn’t have a roof. The sky’s the limit. There’s great leadership here. There are people who want it to be great. They want to grow, and they want it to be considered one of the mega school systems in the state of Alabama.” I want to point out that he said, verbatim, the sky was the limit. That may be a common thing to say, but what he meant by that was that he believed in Oxford from the moment he walked into the board office to accept the head football coaching position.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

I do not know if any of us were ready for what was about to happen in our hometown. I will take a less scientific stance and say that I believe that the “ghosts of Lamar Field”—the ones who have coached, played, or even stepped on the hallowed grounds—were pleased with the result. You could sense the excitement in the board meeting, and when I was walking by the school later that evening, it was almost as if you could hear them voicing their approval.

remember the three-a-day practices a few weeks before school started, and I remember being at the field house or on the practice field from dawn til dusk. This was over a decade ago, and I can tell you from first-hand experience that in order to be a great team, everyone has to work harder every day. That is the only way to perfect your craft. Is it difficult? Absolutely. It requires hard work, dedication, and a tough mentality, but the grind can pay off in the end, so you work harder each day.

I would like to begin this story by walking you through the life a high school football player. I am proud that I was able to play under the Lamar Field lights during my years in school. I will be upfront about my career: it was cut short in 2003 due to a traumatic brain injury I sustained and I was told by numerous doctors that my football career was over. This was a shock to me, who had been raised around it and had played the game since I was in elementary school. I will admit that I had no offers from colleges when my career ended, but I will say I was fairly decent; playing on the offensive line and a little on the defensive line was rewarding, and I developed a camaraderie with my teammates before and after my injury. I cannot speak for my junior and senior years on the team, but I do remember the early morning and late afternoon practices. I

I had the privilege of being invited by Coach Etheredge to watch some of Oxford High School’s practices, and I was amazed at how the coaching methods and drills had become more fast-paced since I played. I got to coach during the transition from a more methodical practice with full contact to the more drill-oriented, station-to-station football sessions that are common with today’s teams. Everyone on the Yellow Jacket football team – from the coaches to the equipment managers – had a specific task at each station, and it was a sight to see. My teammates were a hard-nosed bunch, but I am not sure if we could follow the demands of these types of practices.

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Then the regular season starts. All the preparation we have put into practice will now hopefully pro-

duce wins. Oxford has an expectation of winning the first game so the season can begin with a high note. I am sure that all coaches have similarities in their opening speeches to their teams. “Let’s go out there and win!” is probably the most common phrase one will hear in the locker room on Friday night, and I am almost positive that the Coach Etheredge said something to that effect. On that night, Oxford defeated Munford 42-7, and the season was off to a great start. Fast-forward four weeks, and Oxford is undefeated in the regular season at 4-0 and 1-0 in 6A, Region 6. Now, they have to travel to face the top-ranked team in 6A and the two-time defending state champion Pinson Valley Indians. I remember arriving at their high school in Jefferson County and already seeing the visiting side of the stadium at standing-room only. I had two travel partners on this trip, Tull Wigley, who grew up in Oxford and now lives out-of-state with his wife, Linda, and John Tolsch, who has been with me to countless football games through the years, and we all stood near the end zone and watched the game from there. I remember looking at the crowd in amazement as they were cheering for the Yellow Jackets, even when they were down 19-0 and were able to put a touchdown on the scoreboard near the end of the first half. Oxford came roaring back in the third quarter and took a 27-19 lead into the fourth quarter, but Pinson Valley did not become the two-time defending state champion by a fluke; they have been here before, and they were able to grab the lead late in the game, 33-27. Many fans may have counted Oxford out after the series of unfortunate events that led to the Indians retaking the lead, but there was some magic left for the Yellow Jackets. With under two minutes left to play, quarterback Trey Higgins heaved a ball to end zone, it was tipped by a defender, and then it somehow ended up in the hands of Oxford’s Miguel Mitchell. After the extra point, Oxford was ahead 34-33 and would go on to be the first 6A team to defeat Pinson Valley since 2016. Tull, John, and I were celebrating all the way back to Oxford. For the second time in the season, you could hear the ghosts of Lamar Field crying out, but louder this time. It was as if they had been patiently waiting 26 years for this team.

Even though the win against Pinson Valley put Oxford in first place in the region, there was still work to be done. After two wins against region opponents Huffman and Shades Valley, it was time for the Yellow Jackets to return to Lamar Field and face regional foe Clay-Chalkville, a team that Oxford had not beaten in the last five games they played against each other. After a hard-fought game that came down to the wire, Oxford was on the losing end of a 26-21 battle that extended the losing streak to the Cougars to six games. This also put our hometown team in an awkward situation, because there was still one region game left to be played against Gardendale, who had beaten Clay-Chalkville earlier in the season, and the region championship would be decided against them. If we win, we finish first; if we lose, we finish fourth and have a much tougher battle getting to the finals. The ghosts of Lamar Field were again crying out; they have been patiently waiting since 1993, and now they know that Oxford has to win, and they are rallying their spirits to help the team recover quickly from defeat.

“

We thought we were really good,

and I knew that we were, but we needed something before the playoffs that would check us. No one wanted to lose; I hate losing, but a little

”

humbling can break you up or wake you up, and we woke up after that game.

The next Friday night, Oxford defeated Gardendale and secured the top spot in 6A, Region 6. They did not do it easily, and even Coach Etheredge said that his team needed to be humbled after the loss to Clay-Chalkville. “We thought we were really good, and I knew that we were, but we needed something before the playoffs that would check us. No one wanted to lose; I hate losing, but a little humbling can break you up or wake you up, and we woke up after that game.” After the win against Gardendale, Oxford could start preparing for the most hardfought and entertaining five game set that I have ever seen.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

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The Yellow Jackets coasted through the first two rounds of the playoffs, defeating Chelsea and Cullman with relative ease. The quarterfinals were upon us, and we were about to face the team that had been the albatross around our necks, the Clay-Chalkville Cougars. We could end the losing streak on this night, and the stands were filled with fans who wanted to see victory. Our opponents jumped out to an early lead to make it 13-6 at the half, but the defense, with shades of the notorious “Black Death” defense that helped win the 1988, 1989, and 1993 state titles, did not allow a point in the second half, and Oxford had finally defeated the Cougars in a hardfought 20-13 victory. The ghosts of Lamar Field were again crying out, but this time they were voicing their pleasure. Maybe they had some insight of what was about to happen. There was only one game to go before the Yellow Jackets could finally return to the state championship game, which would also be their first appearance in the 6A title game. The team had to play another familiar opponent, the Pinson Valley Indians. As someone who has coached before, I can say this as a matter of fact: it is difficult to beat a team that is the caliber of Pinson Valley once, but twice? It does not happen often. You have already thrown the kitchen sink in to beat them the first time, so you have to work twice as hard to claim victory once more. The semifinal game was a magical ride of ups and downs for both teams. Retired coach and administrator Wayne Caldwell and I always perch up in the press box for the home games, and we love to break down the plays and give each other insight into what the teams are doing. We have fun up there, but we also critique each play and give our thoughts to each other. Pinson Valley was up 21-17, and it was late in 4th quarter, and it was 4th down and goal to go to for the Oxford Yellow Jackets from the 13 yard line. Coach Caldwell and I, along with everyone in the press box, were on our feet and discussing how great the season has been. We were aware of the moment that was quickly fleeting. A win would take two miracles: a touchdown on this play and a defensive stop or a turnover. Then, it happened. Quarterback Trey Higgins threw a prayer up to all-state wide receiver Roc Taylor in the end zone, and he brought it down for a touchdown. It was a classic play that we have all seen, a “rub” play, in which one receiver’s route causes them to collide with a defender covering another receiver, and it could not have been scripted any better. The score was now 24-21 after the extra point. Now, the defense had to stop the Indians. With just under a minute to play, Trequon Fegans intercepted a pass and returned it 40 yards for a touchdown, and Oxford had a little breathing room as the scoreboard changed to 31-21. Pinson Valley was not done yet. There was a reason they won the previous two 6A state championships, and they tested our mettle with under a minute to play. After the kickoff, they scored quickly and brought it to 31-28 with seconds left in the game. A failed onside kick attempt put Oxford in position to take a knee and run out the clock. The crowd has not been that wild since our run

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

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to the semifinals in 2011, when Oxford defeated Mountain Brook in the third round in a three-overtime thriller. At this moment, we were – for the first time ever – headed to the 6A state championship game. You could sense the ghosts of the past football teams rallying around this team. They were preparing for one final game, one final moment of glory. I got the privilege to speak to the team a couple of days before the title game. I gave them one word to remember, which was “legacy.” I implored them to leave their legacy on the field. If they win, the names on this team would be etched in stone so all of Oxford could remember them. This team could accomplish what no team before them could accomplish, and that was to bring the 6A football title to Oxford. This was their moment, and the Yellow Jackets had a chance to catch this moment of glory that awaited them in Auburn. The ghosts of Lamar Field were crying out in earnest; they were yearning to have their legacy restored. To be honest, this was my first time to give a speech to a team preparing to go and play for a state championship. I never got to give that speech as a coach nor did I ever hear it as a player, but I felt as though this was for all of us who had stepped on Lamar Field on a Friday night. It was their time to shine, but it was greater than that. It was our time. It was Oxford’s time.

Oxford was slated to play Spanish Fort on the next Friday night at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Oxford. My co-worker, Emil Loeken, and I had the opportunity to capture these moments on the sidelines with cameras in hand. I took my travel partners Tull Wigley and John Tolsch down to Auburn for the state championship game, and they watched the game from the press box or the stands. I met Emil in the press area a few minutes before kickoff, and I remember seeing a sea of black and gold and red and black as fans from both teams filled the collegiate venue. With a record-breaking 30,000 fans that were there to watch the final game of the Alabama Super 7 Football Championships, you

“

could sense the excitement of what was about to happen. As Emil and I walked down from the press area to the field, I basked in the moment. I never got to experience this as a player or coach, so I was determined to soak it in, if only for a brief moment, so I could try and catch just a small glimpse of what it was like to be part of a team that was 48 minutes away from a title crown. It was amazing to have that feeling again. They were ready. I could feel it. I could sense the legacy being renewed. The ghosts were there, and they were ready for it, too. It had been raining in Auburn throughout the week of the championships, but the field was in surprisingly decent condition for the final game of the Super 7. Oxford was able to score in the second quarter and took a 7-0 lead into halftime, but the Spanish Fort Toros were not going to give up that easily. They tied the game up, and then took a 13-7 lead late in the fourth quarter, but they missed their extra point, which happened to be a very important mistake by the 6A finalists. After Oxford quarterback Trey Higgins was injured in the third quarter, Zay Britt, the all-purpose back who was instrumental in many wins throughout the season, was called to take his place. I remember two things that happened to me in the fourth quarter. I was with Emil for most of it, and he was asking me my thoughts on the game. When Spanish Fort took the lead, I remember telling him “I don’t like this. I don’t like this at all.” I was worried for the first time in a long time about our chances to win. After they took the lead, there were a few drives by each team that resulted in no points. With under two minutes left to play, with Oxford trailing by six and Britt still leading the offense, Emil came to me again. We had to score a touchdown on this drive or we would lose. He knew that. I knew that. He asked me how I was feeling then. I remember saying with confidence “I am fine. We are going to win. We have come back before; we were made to do this.” He looked at me with a little doubt, but I reassured him that it was Oxford’s moment. Several big plays

It was their time to shine, but it was greater than that. It was our time. It was Oxford’s time.

”

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

Coach Keith Etheredge

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later, and Oxford is on the 5-yard line with 23 seconds to go. Britt handed the ball to Trequon Fegans, who ran it in for the game tying score. The crowd was going wild, and Emil approached me again. I remember telling him that we still had to make the extra point, and seconds later, Andrew Warhurst, with the weight of Jordan-Hare Stadium on his shoulders, kicked it square through the uprights to give the mighty Jackets a 14-13 lead with seconds remaining. Spanish Fort fumbled the kickoff a few moments later, and Oxford recovered. Trey Higgins, though wounded, came out to take the final knee of the game, and the celebration began. Oxford had risen to the top of the mountain and could finally proclaim that they were 6A state champions. Though they were almost 100 miles away, you could hear them, you could feel them; the ghosts of Lamar Field were celebrating a legacy renewed.

What a ride it was in 2019. We had highs and lows, and we never quit. The community gathered around Coach Keith Etheredge’s team, and it became Oxford’s team. There was a motto that Etheredge told me he uses with his teams, and that is simply “G3: Give God the Glory.” I believe that this team honored Him, and they honored us. They honored the ghosts of Lamar Field, and they brought the coveted “blue map” back to Oxford. If you are in Oxford on a Friday night during football season, listen for the Lamar Field ghosts crying out to the team; listen for them rallying around the legacy they created. They are patiently waiting for the next season. They are waiting for the legacy to continue, and they know the truth: the sky is the limit.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

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Alumni Spotlight:

KJ Britt Inside Linebacker, Auburn Tigers

KJ Britt, a 2017 graduate of Oxford and current Auburn football starter, was there to support his high school at the state championship game. His Auburn Tigers had just beaten the Alabama Crimson Tide six days before in dramatic fashion, so Britt was ready for his alma mater to win at Jordan-Hare Stadium. “I was so proud of my high school. It was an incredible six days. I was able to go out there and watch my alma mater win a state championship. That is not something you just wake up and do, which is what I told them before the game. I told them to make the most of it and to get the job done.” KJ said the that last minute was the most exciting bit of football he has seen. “All the fans were feeling it, and we had to score. That’s what we did. I knew they were going to do it.” When asked about this team, Britt said, “They honored the foundation that people have set in front of them, but at the same time, they left their own legacy. They were the first team to win a 6A Football Title, and they did it with hard work week in and week out.”

By Joshua Craft

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

Andrew Warhurst Zay Britt

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Decision Time: Interview with Joshua Craft and Oxford seniors

Zay Britt and Andrew Warhurst

Craft: I’m here with Zay Britt and Andrew Warhurst and we’re going to talk about their season, especially the state championship game. So, what was the defining moment of this year?

Craft: Let’s talk about history. Andrew, you’re an army brat. So, let’s talk about your history. Where have you lived? How long have you lived in Oxford? How do you like it here?

Britt: I believe it was the Pinson Valley win because that just showed us as a team that we’re really better than we think we are, and it just showed all of us what we can do when we play. We didn’t even play our best game at all during the Pinson Valley game, so if we play our best game, who can beat us?

Warhurst: I’ve lived all over. I’ve lived in Texas, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee. I moved to Oxford my sophomore year. I originally wasn’t going to play football, but I had a big soccer background. One of the coaches found me and asked if I wanted to try out for kicker and that’s how it all started.

Warhurst: Yeah, I think that Pinson Valley game was the point we realized we can win, and it gave us some momentum when we went into Clay-Chalkville and then to keep going into the playoffs.

Craft:: So, do you like it here in Oxford? Warhurst: I like it here, yeah. Craft: Zay, what about you?

Craft: What was the mindset after you all beat Pinson Valley in the regular season? I’m sure there was some celebration, but I am sure one of the coaches said that this was a great win, but we need to get ready for next week. Britt: Coach Etheredge kind of told us that after the game when we were celebrating that we’re not done, that this is just the beginning of something great that’s about to happen. And he was right.

Britt: I started out in kindergarten and first grade at Lincoln Elementary School because at the time we were living in Lincoln. Then, my mom, brother, and sister, we moved to Munford and that’s when I started playing football and getting into stuff. Really, it was fun at Munford. Then, our house burnt down and I actually wasn’t even in the state. I was at South Carolina’s football camp and after the camp a coach I was with he called me over and was like “Your mom called me, and your house burnt

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

down.” I wasn’t really listening, and I just ignored it and afterwards I’m walking, and I was like, our house burnt down. He was like “If you want to go back to Alabama we can, if not then we can keep going” because we were going to Clemson the next day, so I was like I’m just going to keep on going.

Britt: We were either going to be the first seed or the fourth seed, so we knew if we won that game it’ll be perfect. Play at home, have home field advantage in the playoffs. Gardendale was when we were getting everyone back from injuries. J.B. [Carlisle] came back, Peyton was out, he came back. Peyton Heard, our left tackle, left guard. It was like it was all coming back together.

Craft: The house was total loss, right? Britt: Yeah. Craft: Let’s talk about the loss to Clay-Chalkville in the regular season. How did that affect you? Was that just a time to refocus like, okay, we are beatable? Britt: I think as a team we needed to see that if you don’t come out and perform every Friday you can get beat because that’s how it’s going to be in the playoffs. Every week in the playoffs you face somebody. But I’m glad that we got that off of our shoulders because I feel like if we didn’t, we would have run into something early in the playoffs, like Cullman. We were only up seven to zero at Cullman during halftime. Cullman could’ve come out during the second half and killed us, but because we had already been in tight games and we already knew the situation, and we already faced adversity like that early in the season, we just kept our heads down because everybody knows that we come back in the second half and we’re going take care of business. Craft: Let’s talk about, besides of course the state championship win and beating Pinson Valley twice, what was the most important thing that happened during the season? When did you all know it was your time, when you knew that the championship was within reach? Warhurst: I think it was when we found out Coach Etheredge was about to be our coach. He has a lot of state championship rings so we realized that he’s a good coach he can take us to a championship. Britt: I feel like we figured it out like, hey, we really can go win state when we found out we were playing Gardendale here for the region championship. That just seeded us perfectly. Craft: Yes, because you all were playing for first or fourth.

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Craft:: What about the buildup to the state championship? The week before, especially after the great win against Pinson Valley which was, you know, Oxford had to come back twice from Pinson Valley who was in the lead for most of both games. But, was the buildup from Friday night after the semi-final win to Friday afternoon at the Jacket Walk? Britt: I feel like the reason we were prepared for state was because we just treated it like a regular week. I can’t say that any of the coaches hyped up practice any more different. Nobody made it feel any different. We were just out there. It just felt like a regular week. It didn’t even feel like week fifteen. It felt like we were out there about to face Sumter Central, or somebody. It was just another week for us. Warhurst: For me, it made me work harder because every win we got, that put us closer to a state championship and that made it that much more important for everything to be perfect. So, that made me practice more. Craft: Let’s talk about, especially on Friday night of the state championship, your pregame mode. What was your thought right before you all ran through the banner? What were you thinking? Britt: Our coach told us not to walk out there on the field big-eyed, looking around, but it was just still high stakes. When we ran out for warmups, I was like dang, I’m really here. I came out to warmups and I wasn’t even fully dressed. Craft: Well I guess with warmups, that would be a good time to go and check everything out. Britt: By the time we were going to run through the banner, I was like man, we’re here now. We might as well not even lose. We’re about to go out here and win. That’s what I’m thinking like, let’s just go, let’s do it.

Warhurst: It was definitely a surreal experience. Looking in the crowd and seeing almost like everyone from Oxford there to support us. It felt special. Craft: I could not remember how many people were there for the last game. Britt: A whole bunch of them. Craft: What about during the game? What happened, especially with you Zay? You’re playing receiver, punter, and then in the third quarter you have to play quarterback. Is there anything else that you were doing during that game? Britt: I was the holder. Craft: You were the holder? Okay, so talk about being the man of so many hats in one night. How did that feel? Was the weight of the world on your shoulders? Did you feel a burden?

Warhurst: It was just disappointment. Craft: What happened? Center snaps the ball; holder puts the ball on the ground. What are you thinking when you are going to kick the ball? Are you seeing them coming? Are you knowing that it is going to be blocked? Warhurst: I just focus on the ball. I can’t really see anything. I know my snapper Camden [Etheredge], he’ll get it to Zay, and Zay always gets it on the tee perfectly. I don’t ever have to worry about that. I just run through my steps and swing. That’s all. Craft:: Also, when you have to kick the go ahead point, what were you feeling then? Were you even present with us or were you just in a daze? Warhurst: I mean, I don’t know it’s hard to explain but, I was sort of prepared for this because I knew once their kicker missed, it was going to come down to me. Craft: So, you had about three minutes to prepare, total.

Britt: No, I wouldn’t say I felt a burden. I’ve always done a whole bunch of stuff. At Munford, I did a whole bunch of stuff. I came to Oxford and it’s kind of the same thing. Coach Herring trusted me to be the holder and the punter last year and it just transferred over to this year. So, I feel like all the years leading up to this moment kind of had me ready, so it wasn’t even a burden. Craft: Walk me through this. Trey goes down, you’re thinking he might be out for a play. That’s your first thought, but then, when the training staff’s out there for a while, and you realize that you’re about to have to be the quarterback. So, at that moment, what’s going on through your mind? Britt: Really when I saw Trey on the ground I was like dang. Anytime I see Trey go down, Trey’s helmet comes off, I’m taking my gloves off automatically. Either he has to come out a play, or anything. So, I was just thinking it’s one play so I’m like he’ll be fine, he just needs a breather. And then, he went back in one play and he was like “Bro, I can’t.” He looked at me and was like, “Bro, I can’t go” and I was like, “I got you bro.” Craft: Andrew, what was your thought after they blocked the your field goal?

Warhurst: I was prepared for it and I know Zay’s going to get it on the tee, so, all I have to do is swing my leg. Craft: When did you know you were going to hit it? Warhurst: When I hit it. I don’t remember much of the kick because it was a lot going on. Britt: I don’t even remember holding it. Craft: So Zay, the last drive. There is 1:28 left in the game, we don’t have any timeouts, what did the coaches tell you? Britt: Nothing, actually when we went out there for the punt return, Coach Etheredge looked at me and said, “Take this thing to the house.” So, I knew they weren’t actually going to give me a chance to return it, so I knew, fair catch it, then, really, they were just like, let’s go. That’s all. They were just like, let’s do it, and I was like, I got you coach. Craft: So, the first play was a four-yard run, and the second play was the fifteen-yard run. Who made the call to give the ball to Fegans? Was that a play or was that you?

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

Britt: It was actually Coach Etheredge and Coach Wagnon.

Craft: Zay, how did it feel after the game, especially to be the MVP?

Craft: You guys got a timeout on that one too because the Spanish Fort coach called timeout right there.

Britt: It was a whole bunch of excitement and emotions.

Britt: We got a pass interference the play before to Roc [Taylor.] Actually, we didn’t even plan on having that play. We were just going to throw it up to Roc and let him do what he does. Craft: That’s what I probably would have done, too. Britt: In my eyes, the Spanish Fort coach called a timeout and I was like, we’re going to come right back to it. Just throw the fade again. We had the first down inside the five. I was ready to throw another fade.

Britt: I couldn’t even tell you. I don’t even know. I kind of picture myself in that moment a whole bunch of times. I’ve always dreamed of going to the state championship. Our coaches tell us, picture what you’re going to do on the field on Friday nights. I would just picture me having a big game, or something, and holding up the MVP trophy. I don’t know, I guess it just came true, kind of.

Britt: That’s what I was thinking we were going to do.

Craft: You’re both seniors. Let’s talk about your legacies. What would you want to tell next year and the years after that? Say let’s go to 2050 or so, what would you want the football teams for the next fifty years to remember? In one word, how did you all do it?

Craft: Roc is going to catch one out of those four.

Britt: Dedicated.

Britt: Yes. Well, Coach Etheredge we come to the sideline, he said we’re going to run Oregon, which is really just, stretch right and I looked at J.B. [Carlisle] and I was like, “I know you got it bro.” J.B.’s not a person you’re going to have to tell to go do something. J.B. looked at me, I looked at him, I looked at Trequon [Fegans], I said “just run.” J.B. made a great block.

Warhurst: Dedication and hard work pay off if you stick to it.

Craft: I would’ve faded it to him four times, to be honest.

Craft: J.B. picked up a block that probably would’ve stopped him on the two-yard line. Britt: J.B. made a great block and Trequon just did what he does and got in the end zone.

Craft: What were you thinking when they called your name for the MVP?

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Britt: We were just dedicated. We just love the game of football. Warhurst: If you set your heart to something, you’ll get it done. Craft: Thank you guys. It’s been fun.

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Chase Robinson 97.9 FM WVOK Oxford High School Football Radio Commentator 44

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Heard It On The Radio: A Sportscaster’s Journey to the State Championship Game

Every player dreams of playing on a team that wins a state championship. Every coach dreams of coaching a team that fights their way to end of the season to win a state championship. What most people do not realize is that every radio broadcaster’s dream is to have the opportunity to call their team’s state championship game. That dream came true for me this season. Every Friday night, I had the privilege of helping paint a picture to those listening to what was happening on the field along with my partner, Ty Parnell. This was a season I don’t think anyone in Oxford will forget. We knew coming into the season this was a very talented team, and that we had a very successful coach taking over the program, Keith Etheredge. This was the most talented team I have ever seen in this area in my six seasons of covering high school football in east Alabama. We could tell this team was starting to click after the first few games, and night I will never forget is the week five match-up on the road at Pinson Valley. Ty and I were there to broadcast the game, and we ended up calling the game from the top row of the Pinson Valley section of bleachers, with fans all around us and the band playing to our right. When Oxford was down 19-0 in the first half, it was tough to be on the home side of the stadium. The second half was a different story; I have never seen a team come together to make the plays that Oxford did to win that game. That was indeed a special night, but we knew we would probably see them again, and that was precisely the case 10 weeks later when Pinson Valley came to Oxford to decide who was going to play in the state championship game. Once again, the Yellow Jackets put together the big plays to win that game. Then came the day of the championship. You can call it whatever you want to call it: “ring chasing,” “dream chasing,” “title run,” but it was a reality at that moment. The Jacket Walk outside the stadium was packed with fans cheering on the team as they walked into Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, and it was one of the best games I have ever watched. Spanish Fort did everything they could to stop Oxford, and they were successful, but once again, it came down to Oxford making big plays. With Zay Britt replacing an injured Trey Higgins at quarterback, he led the charge with under two minutes to go in the game and the Jackets down 13-7. As Britt handed the ball off to Trequon Fegans and he ran into the end zone for the game-tying score, and Andrew Warhurst kicked the extra point to make it 14-13 with under a minute left, I could not help but to get a little emotional at what I witnessed. This was a dream come true for many people. Hopefully, those who were listening to our radio broadcast could hear that emotion coming from their radio. I cannot say enough about this team and the coaching staff, and I am thankful that I had the opportunity this season to watch dreams come true, and for a dream of mine to come true. This was the best ending of any story I could have written. Go Big O!

By Chase Robinson OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

Savoring the Moment: An Oxford teacher reflects on the Oxford High School state football championship game

Among the 15,000 of us Oxford fans who attended Oxford High’s football state championship game at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn on December 6th, I wonder how many brought with them the sweet memory of any of the previous championships of 1988, 1989, or 1993. Those of us who did had the special pleasure of mingling the “new wine” of Oxford’s 14-13 victory over Spanish Fort with the “old wine” of those previous title games. As I stood on Auburn University’s football field under the Friday night lights a few weeks ago, I could not help but remember standing on Lamar Field the night of the state championship game against Greenville in 1993. At that time, I was a reporter for a weekly newspaper that my friend and mentor, John Childs, had started in Oxford just one year before. “Cover the churches and the schools and you will do well here,” then-mayor Leon Smith had suggested to Mr. Childs just before we’d cut the ribbon on Choccolocco Street signaling the launch of the new community newspaper, which we called The Oxford Independent, which emphasized that we had no connection with any other newspaper in the area. And cover the community we did. In that first year, when we arrived at church suppers and family reunions, band camps, and beauty pageants—snapping away with our cameras—people did not know what to think. But before long, we were an accepted—and expected—participant in Oxford community life. So there was no question that I would be standing on the sidelines of every Yellow Jacket football game during the 1993 season, taking notes of the plays, interviewing coaches and players after each game, and writing up the story each week. It was our first year to cover an entire football season, and it turned out to be a state championship season. I can still remember the names of many of the players from that year, many of whom I still hear are in the community today, even on the roster of names of the 2019 state championship team…

By Mark Fuller 46

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The circumstances that brought me to the sideline in 2019 were indeed different from those in 1993. The Oxford Independent stopped going to press five years ago, a casualty of our changing media landscape as well as the passing away Mr. Childs’ wife, Barbara, who had been such an integral part of the publication. Mr. Childs’ own health issues have greatly curtailed his participation in the community events he loves. This time, in 2019, I was not attending the game as the reporter for the local paper, but as a teacher at Oxford High School. This time, I know some players not just because I see them on game night and perhaps interview them about the game, but because several of them are my students. And I stood on the sideline not to get the game story but as an honorary team captain–one of four teachers from the Oxford school system who would walk out with the four team captains for the coin toss at the beginning of the game. How I was chosen I did not know, but I was quite aware of how far I was from being the OHS faculty member most deserving of the honor. Marci Hall, former history teacher and now a counselor at Oxford Middle School had a similar feeling about her selection, saying that she thought it was a mistake and dared not tell anyone about it (except her husband) until the day of the game. At precisely 7 p.m. that night at Jordan Hare Stadium, I walked out onto the field in line with four Oxford football players and three other teachers, our arms locked together, coming to a stop at midfield where we faced our counterparts from Spanish Fort High School. I remember thinking that the teacher across from me looked radiant and proud. When we shook hands, she thanked me for what I did and taking her cue; I thanked her in turn. The referee gave the players a little pep talk, reminding them of the honor of being a team captain, that the honor came with a responsibility of leadership, and that the best way to lead was by setting a good

example of sportsmanship on the playing field. I was impressed with the speech, and when I later told someone about it on the sideline, he said, “They give that same speech every time.” “Well,” I thought, “I have never been a team captain on a football team, and it was special to me.” The words spoken in honor of teachers, by the announcer and referee, were to the effect that we should be thankful for teachers, who teach and coach us in skills and qualities we need for the larger game of life and the more important trophy of living it well. Words we have heard before. But when you are one of eight people representing thousands of others far better than yourself, and you are standing at midfield of a major college stadium with all those lights shining down, arm-in-arm with people who sat in your classroom that day, you might remember the choices you made that got you there, or the Hand at work that put you there–and you might ask for the grace to be more faithful to the calling being honored there. The other Oxford teachers standing in that line–Mrs. Hall, C.E. Hanna Elementary reading teacher Shannon Cochran, and teacher Allison Etheridge seemed to have similar thoughts and emotions–although having true teacher souls, their thoughts were directed more toward their students than themselves.“I am a coach’s wife as well as a teacher,” Mrs. Cochran said. “My husband’s players are part of our family. It was amazing to be able to a part of this momentous occasion with them.” “I was proud to see them finally reach the ‘ship’ after years of striving to get there,” Mrs. Hall said. “I was proud to see how they played with heart from the beginning of the season right up to the final seconds of the game. And more importantly, I was proud to see how much they have grown socially and emotionally since their middle school years.” continued on next page

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After the coin (a white plastic disk with the state championship logo engraved in black) was tossed, and we returned to the sideline, the game began. And what a game it was. The more it progressed, the harder I pulled for those players and those coaches to win this one, to crown their special season with a championship. Like all great games, it came down to the final minutes. During those long minutes as disputed calls by officials were being reviewed and when the tension seemed greatest, the faces of our players on the jumbotron seemed calm, happy, confident. They were enjoying the moment. I was glad for that. The ring would go to some, but the moment belonged to all who were willing to receive it.

I was told afterward that the Yellow Jackets had spent the year focusing on not “playing the scoreboard” but instead on “playing the next play.” Perhaps that is why they seemed so calm on that final winning touchdown drive. Indeed, they’d been in a few tight spots during the season that had given them practice at sharpening that focus–a skill that if they can keep it will be more valuable than a ring.

My drive out of Auburn that night did not take me home but to a motel southeast of Montgomery. There, 12 other Oxford High students were staying so that they could participate in another state competition, the Walter Trumbauer State Theater Festival at Troy University. OHS theater teacher Megan Boozer had shepherded them to this state competition, which brought together more than 1,000 students from some 100 high schools throughout the state. Oxford High students have been participating in this event for more than ten years now, performing plays, soliloquies, or group scenes in front of judges who score their performance much like a band or choral competition. Oxford’s one-act plays have won best-of-show trophies at the district level three times in the last ten years. The purpose of the festival is really to foster a love for this timeless art form, which has its own rules and skills, its enthusiasts, and great performers, its own eternal appeal to every generation. Anyone who has seen the performances put on by these Alabama high school students would be amazed at what they can accomplish. The festival was started more than seven decades ago by a visionary educator at the University of Montevallo named Walter Trumbauer and is one of the great treasures of this state. Every team is asked to bring a certain number of people who can help judge the events, and that has been my role since Oxford High students began attending the Trumbauer Festival in 2009. Experience in theater is highly valued in a judge, but the most important quality is something else: the ability to offer both constructive comments and encouragement to young people as they try their wings in life. In other words: to be a teacher. Because that is what these competitions are really all about.

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OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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2019-2020 SEASON

OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

2019-2020 SEASON

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

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

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OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

2019-2020 SEASON

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

BERNARDI FAMILY POPS Valentine’s with Oleta Adams and the Atlanta Pops February 14, 2020

RMC CONCERT SERIES REO Speedwagon February 27, 2020

SEASON EXTRAS Jim Stafford

SEASON EXTRAS Zofo

February 16, 2020

March 1, 2020

POTTS CHILDREN’S THEATRE SERIES Dinosaur World

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION CHAMBER MUSIC Berlin Philharmonic Piano Quartet

February 18, 2020

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION CHAMBER MUSIC Akropolis

March 5, 2020

RMC CONCERT SERIES Gladys Knight March 7, 2020

February 21, 2020

FOOTHILLS STAGE COMPANY Cat In The Hat

BERNARDI FAMILY POPS An Irish Heart with Chloë Agnew and the Atlanta Pops

February 22, 2020

March 14, 2020

POTTS CHILDREN’S THEATRE SERIES Cat In The Hat

NOBLEBANK & TRUST BROADWAY SERIES Finding Neverland

February 22, 2020

March 26, 2020

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SEASON EXTRAS An American in Paris: The Broadway Musical National Tour April 3, 2020

WEBB CONCRETE COUNTRY MUSIC SERIES Rodney Atkins April 9, 2020

EDWARD JONES LEGENDS SERIES 50 Years of Rock & Roll 2 May 2, 2020

SEASON EXTRAS Spongebob Squarepants: The Broadway Musical National Tour May 5, 2020

WEBB CONCRETE COUNTRY MUSIC SERIES Homefree

NOBLEBANK & TRUST BROADWAY SERIES Waitress

April 16, 2020

June 25, 2020

EDWARD JONES LEGENDS SERIES Simply Sinatra with Steve Lippia April 17, 2020

RMC CONCERT SERIES Rick Springfield April 24, 2020

TICKETS ON SALE

NOW OXFORDPAC.ORG

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SEASON EXTRAS The Heart Behind the Music April 25, 2020

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

KEEP OXFORD BEAUTIFUL

Lorriane Busby, Shawn Jones, Bill Bunn, Nancy Burnell, and Leigh Ann Beshears

The Keep Oxford Beautiful (KOB) Board was established by Ordinance No. 2019-33 on October 24, 2019, by the Oxford City Council. The board members are appointed by Mayor Alton Craft and advise the mayor on areas of recycling, beautification, and reducing litter. Current board members are Robin Leonard, Shawn Jones, Nancy Burnell, Leigh Ann Beshears, Lorriane Busby, and Bill Bunn. The board members will plan projects and coordinate volunteers during projects. The mission of the board is to inspire and educate citizens to take action every day to improve and beautify the Oxford environment to be a clean, green, and beautiful place to live. KOB will be an affiliate of Keep America Beautiful. This will provide KOB with access to resources such as training, grants, and networking opportunities with nearly 1,000 affiliates throughout America. Soon, KOB will have information posted on the cityâ€™s website and other social media platforms to keep our citizens informed of projects and chances to volunteer.

BY BILL BUNN 56

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

CITY OF

OXFORD The City of Oxford prides itself in being one of the friendliest and most service-oriented areas in the nation Not only are we a major retail, recreation, and performing arts center for the state, we also provide many services at no charge to our citizens and to residents from around the area and visitors from across the country. On these pages, you will find a list of services that the City of Oxford offers at no charge. Please continue to use these services that we offer, and if you have any questions about how to enroll in one of the many programs, call our 311 Customer Service Helpline (256-241-4311) for more information.

311 CUSTOMER SERVICE HELPLINE FREE PRESCRIPTION DISCOUNT CARD FOR ALL OXFORD RESIDENTS OXFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT • Open locked car doors within the City limits • Take back drugs dispenser located at the police department • Coffee with a cop • Ring doorbell raffle • School traffic • Law enforcement training site • Gave high school a monitor for lunchroom • Active shooter drills for businesses/churches • Battery service (jump off) • Funeral escorts • Motorcycle ride escorts • Bank escorts for businesses • Public Safety Night Out OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT • Free smoke detectors to City residents in need of one • Child car seat installation • Fire prevention talks to schools and community groups • Public Safety Night Out

OXFORD CITY HALL • 145 HAMRIC DRIVE E., OXFORD, AL 36203 58

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OXFORD GARAGE DEPARTMENT • Seasonal mosquito spraying OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS DEPARTMENT • Weekly curbside pickup (limbs, leaves, etc) WEEKLY HOUSEHOLD GARBAGE PICKUP (contracted out) OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY (more services may be found at oxfordpl.org) • E books • Adult Literacy Class • Book Art • Book Club • Books to share • Bring your own device to learn to use • Tech Talk • Driver’s license books upon request • Crochet, Knitting, and Quilting classes • Homebound program for citizens • Access to online programs and information (Merck Manuals, Ancestry.com...) • Notary public services • My Library Bag for special needs patrons • Oxford Room – documents and pictures of the history of Oxford • Story time for children • Study rooms and homework help • Free wifi • Express check out services offered • Scanning services • Volunteer programs • Provide location for free tax services during tax season OXFORD MARKETING AND PUBLIC COMMUNICATIONS • Oxford Access magazine mailed to city residents OXFORD MAIN STREET • Main Street Farmers and Makers Market • Trick or Treat on Main OXFORD BUSINESS LEAGUE • Assistance with ribbon cutting, grand-opening, and ground-breaking • Business workshops

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CITY OF OXFORD

OXFORD PARKS & RECREATION • Halloween Carnival • Easter egg hunt • Freedom Festival • Splash pad at Freedom Park • “League of Our Own” baseball and soccer leagues • Tennis courts/walking trails • Fishing in Oxford Lake and Choccolocco Park Lake • Shows at Civic Center – quartets, quilt shows, job training • Christmas decorations – downtown • Free play basketball in the community centers and civic center • Playgrounds • Free use of weight room at Friendship with Driver’s License and proof of insurance • Senior Adult Day – twice a year • Free senior aerobics (Civic Center and Bynum) OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER OPAC used at no charge by the Community and Schools (see detail listing below)

• Barbershop Harmony Society • Community Chorus Rehearsals • Oxfordfest (OPAC is open for restrooms, tours and ticket sales) • Christmas Parade (OPAC open for restrooms and hot chocolate) • Community Chorus Christmas Concert • GSCC Adult Edu. Graduation • Community Chorus Spring Concert • Jacket Sings Spring Choir Concert (space used by city schools at no charge) • OHS Spring Choir Concert (space used by city schools at no charge) • OMS Spring Choir Concert (space used by city schools at no charge) • OCS Band Spring Concert (space used by city schools at no charge) • Scholarship Banquet (space used by city schools at no charge) • Baccalaureate (space used by city schools at no charge) • Kindergarten Graduation & Rehearsal (space used by city schools at no charge) • City Schools Institute (space used by city schools at no charge) • Jacket Singsations Christmas Choir Concert (space used by city schools at no charge)

• OHS Christmas Choir Concert (space used by city schools at no charge) • Dancing Through the Decades- Rehearsal & Performances (space used by city schools at no charge)

• City Schools Band Exhibition (space used by city schools at no charge) • OMS Christmas Choir Concert (space used by city schools at no charge) • City Schools Bands Christmas Concert (space used by city schools at no charge)

OXFORD CITY HALL • 145 HAMRIC DRIVE E., OXFORD, AL 36203 60

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Oxford Police Department

600 Stanley Merrill Drive, Oxford, AL 36203

As we move forward to 2020, I would like to provide a few updates and progressions at the Oxford Police Department and the East Metro Area Crime Center. I would also like to give a few tips to help keep you and your family safe, even after the holidays have passed. First, the Oxford Police Department and I would like to congratulate the Oxford High School football team with their win over Spanish Fort for the Alabama 6A State Championship, “Go Big O”! Many of you who visited “Magic of Lights” may have seen numerous officers, cameras, and equipment there to help ensure your visit was a safe and enjoyable one. I want to thank all of the men and women of the Oxford Police Department for their hard work to help “Magic of Lights” be successful. The EMACC continues to advance in technology and recently acquired new equipment to help combat Cyber Crimes with a Card Skimmer Detection Device. The device will be used to detect skimmers placed on gas pumps and ATMs that are used to steal your bank account and credit card information. Our goal is to detect and track these criminals and hold them accountable. As we have done in the past–and will continue to do in the future– here are some safety tips we would like for you to keep in mind: • Clearly mark your residence and/or business. It helps public safety officials find you faster in case they need to respond. • Always be aware of what your children are doing online. There are many apps, websites, etc. that victimize children. • When dating legal or important documents, do not abbreviate 2020. It can be modified to a different year. (2018, 2019, etc.) Protect yourself. • Lock it, Hide it, Keep it. Do not leave guns, gifts, wallets, and other valuables in your car, and don’t forget to lock it! We at the Oxford Police Department look forward to 2020 as we continue to progress into a new decade and stay at the forefront of technology. We strive in every way to ensure our citizens, businesses, and visitors are provided a safe environment to live, work, and play.

Message from the

Respectfully, Chief Bill Partridge

Police Chief

INVESTIGATIONS 256-835-6136 • ANIMAL CONTROL 256-591-4103 • GENERAL (NON-EMERGENCY) 256-831-3121 OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

2019 OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT AWARDS

Firefighter Martin Boyles Volunteer Firefighter of the Year

Captain Lynn Elliott Full-Time Firefighter of the Year

Chief Dewey Webb Fire Officer of the Year

Assistant Fire Chief Donald Heard

Firefighter Chris Hawkins

Lieutenant Kyle Benson

Firefighter C. E. “Sparky” Sparks Humanitarian of the Year

Firefighter Jordan Haynes

oxfordalabama.org

Fire Chief ’s Award

Administrative Assistant Jan Hayes

Calhoun County 911 Executive Director Kevin Jenkins

CITY OF OXFORD | FIRE DEPARTMENT

Message from the

Oxford Fire Chief I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season and is ready to take on the year 2020. 2019 was an excellent year for our city and the Oxford Fire Department, and we are excited about what will happen in 2020. I hope everyone was able to go to Choccolocco Park and drive through the Magic of Lights. This unique event is just one more thing that makes Oxford, Alabama, such a special place. I want to thank all the city employees that took part in the setup and running of Magic of Lights and especially my Assistant Fire Chief Ben Stewart, who played a huge role in the planning and success of this event. Congratulations to the 2019 Oxford Yellow Jacket football team on winning the 6A State Championship. Special thanks to our coach Keith Etheridge and his staff, Mr. McDaniel and the Oxford Yellow Jacket Marching Band, Mrs. Honaker and the Oxford cheerleaders and all the support staff that made this such a special season. Also, to the Oxford fans who showed out and filled our side of Jordan-Hare Stadium for the championship game. 2020 promises to be one of the best years ever in the life of the city of Oxford. How can you, as a citizen, help us to achieve that goal? First, fill out your 2020 Census information. Many things are tied to this census, such as representation in Washington D. C., online sales tax revenue, federal funding, and many other essential things that will help our city over the next ten years. Second, shop locally. When you buy locally, you help fund our city services such as fire, police, PARD, public works, library, and the Oxford City Schools. Remember, we still have some cold weather ahead for our area, so always be fire safe when dealing with how you heat your home. Chief Gary Sparks

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

UPDATE OXFORD BUSINESS LEAGUE The Oxford Business League’s mission and purpose are to promote the growth, property, and partnership among all businesses within Oxford. The Oxford Business League is responsible for, but not limited to: hosting dynamic and professional development workshops annually, encouraging communication between Oxford businesses, recruiting new businesses, assisting with openings, ribbon cuttings, and groundbreakings, promoting available properties for business expansion, coordinating with the city of Oxford Marketing Department, and catalyzing future partnerships among independent and franchise businesses. Topic: Generation “THEM”: Managing a Multi-Generational Workforce by GenWHY Speaker: Kristin Scroggin Date: Wednesday, February 12, 2020 Time: 9 AM – 10 AM Location: Oxford Performing Arts Center- 100 Choccolocco Street, Oxford, AL 36203 Topic: Business Basics: How to Start a Business in Oxford Speakers: City of Oxford Finance Department, City of Oxford Building & Permit Department, and JSU Small Business & Development Center Date: Wednesday, April 8, 2020 Time: 11 AM - Noon Location: Oxford Civic Center (Room 122), 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford, AL 36203 *Light refreshments, coffee, and water will be available Topic: Enhancing Safety in Your Business Speaker: Oxford Police Department Date: Wednesday, June 17, 2020 Time: 11 AM - Noon Location: Oxford Civic Center (Room 116), 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford, AL 36203 *Light refreshments, coffee, and water will be available Topic: Growing Your Business by BB&T now Truist Bank Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2020 Time: 11 AM - 1 PM Location: Oxford Civic Center (Room 116), 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford, AL 36203 *Lunch will be provided Topic: Customer Service Development by Five Star Customer Service Speaker: Rita Suiter Date: October 2019 (more information TBA)

OUR NUMBERS:

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POPULATION ..............................................21,136 JOBS ...............................................................12,896 LABOR FORCE .............................................10,222 BUSINESSES ......................................................966 MEDIAN HOUSEHOLD INCOME..........$56,652

*Data collected from Auburn University Government & Economic Development Institute- December 2019 For more information, please contact Hunter Gentry at hgentry@mainstreetoxford.org or 256-241-6667.

In a Five-Year report compiled by director Hunter Gentry and the Main Street Board of Directors, down-

HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD

town has a total of 60 businesses comprised

NEW BUSINESS, 2014-2019 Above & Beyond Home Décor 2014 Southern Girl Coffee Coffee Shop 2014 Tracy Bonner Salon Professional Service 2014 Ra-Lin & Associates Professional Service 2015 House Counseling Professional Service 2016 Store-It Storage Facility 2016 The Main Olive Specialty Food 2017 Wren’s Nest at OPAC Art Gallery 2017 Alabama Casa Non-Profit 2018 First Class Ice Cream Specialty Food 2018 Main Street Mercantile Home Décor 2018 Pastime Peanuts Specialty Food 2018 Horn Law Firm Legal Services 2019 Matter of a Pinion Specialty Shop 2019 Newman Law Office Legal Services 2019 Tammie Shaddix-State Farm Professional Service 2019 The Vine Chiropractic Professional Service 2019

of retail, business, entertainment, and professional services. Since the creation of Historic Main Street Oxford in 2014, there has been a total of 17 new businesses open in downtown. In 2018, with the creation of the Façade Improvement Grant, there has been a private investment of over $10,000 and a public investment of less than $4,000.

UPCOMING EVENTS Downtown Ribbon Cutting & Grand Reopening — Spring 2020 More information to come! Please check out our Facebook Page and website. Farm to Fork Fundraiser — Spring 2020 Five-course dinner fundraiser featuring local farmers and restaurants, dancing and live music. More information to come! Please check out our Facebook Page and website. Monthly Cash Mob Cash Mob is a local downtown effort to gather friends, families, and residents of Oxford with the purpose of supporting small business and building community. On a specific date, the community gathers together and spends $20 at a specific downtown location and time. Check out our Facebook page at Historic Main Street Oxford for more details. Why Invest in Historic Main Street Oxford? • Support local business & entrepreneurs • Creation of jobs to our residents • Preservation efforts to one-of-a-kind buildings • Creation of local conveniences and additional choices for shopping & entertainment

THINK LOCAL. SHOP LOCAL. BUY LOCAL. Historic Main Street Oxford | P.O. Box 3383 | Oxford, AL 36203 | 256-241-6667

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

SPOTLIGHT

SERGEANT JEFF BELL OXFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

Sergeant Jeff Bell has been a devout public servant to the city of Oxford and the Oxford Police Department for 38 and a half years. Sergeant Bell served the citizens of Oxford as a patrol officer for 25 years before transitioning into a role as a Warrant Officer assigned to the Criminal Investigations Division. The Weaver, Alabama native began his career in his hometown in 1981 before joining the Oxford Police Department in 1983 under the leadership of Chief Stanley Merrill. Current Oxford Chief of Police, Bill Partridge, said, “Chief Merrill saw something special in Sergeant Bell, and he was right. Sergeant Bell has dedicated his life to the citizens of Oxford. He is a true public servant whose dedication is unmatched.”

The Oxford Access team had the chance to talk with Sergeant Bell and learn more about his career, a career he describes as ‘gratifying.’ What got you interested in a career in law enforcement? It is a desire to help people and the community. Once you do it, it gets in your blood, and you want to help as much as possible. How does being a patrol officer differ from being a Warrant Officer in the Criminal Investigations Division? Doing patrol entails a wide variety of things while working as a Warrant Officer allows you to specialize in what you do. You get to gain interest and sharpen your skills in that interest. What does a day-to-day workday look like for you? We deal with a lot of theft and drug cases. Most of the thefts stimulate from drug cases. continued on next page

BY TAYLOR SLOAN 66

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

SPOTLIGHT: SERGEANT JEFF BELL

What has been one of your most memorable moments while working at the Oxford Police Department? Wow, that is a tough one. The first thing that comes to mind includes apprehending a bank robber. A call came through dispatch to be on the look-out for a bank robber, so I began patrolling around town, watching the different banks. I happened to drive up on the suspect walking into a bank. I called dispatch to get in touch with the bank, and right when I did, the bank alarm went off. The guy came out of the bank through the drive-thru, and I was blocking it. As he came walking out, I had him at gunpoint. He dropped the money and took off running around the bank, initiating a foot pursuit. I was able to communicate with another unit as I was chasing him on foot, and they stopped him. That was one of the most memorable moments I have had. What brings you the most joy being in law enforcement? It is all about people. I enjoy being around the people I work with and the people we get to help. What is the greatest struggle being in law enforcement? Well, things have changed a lot since I started in the early ’80s, but it used to be raising a family on a police officer’s salary. Police officers make more of what they deserve now, and I am happy for the younger officers because they deserve it. What advice would you give to someone thinking about going into law enforcement or someone new in law enforcement? I encourage people when they come in to do right and be careful because there’s a lot of bad folks in the world now. It wasn’t as bad when I came in, or at least it didn’t seem to be. So I tell young officers to work smart and watch their back. What has been the most significant change since you began your career? Technology is, by far, the most significant change. We even have the East Metro Area Crime Center here in Oxford now, and I marvel every time I go there. Who would you like to thank in regards to your career? My parents always encouraged me to go after this dream, so I am thankful for them. Of course, I couldn’t have done it without my wife and kids; they have always supported me. Then Chief Merrill for giving me a job and Chief Partridge for giving me opportunities to advance. What would you like to add about the Oxford Police Department? We have a lot of great people that work for this department, and I want them to stay safe.

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

UPDATE OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS Our leaf vacuum curbside service will soon come to an end for the season. Our Leaf Vac Trucks run from November through April 1. Beginning April 1, 2020, all leaves and grass clippings must be bagged in order to be picked up by our weekly curbside service. Please do not place any of your curbside pickup items in the gutter of the street. Rain washes these items into our storm sewers, disrupting the drain systems. Please place them behind the curb, if possible. Thanks for your cooperation. #commitedtocommunity #neverstopimproving Other household items will also be collected unless they are on the below list of prohibited items. As always, please continue to separate your piles into the following categories: • Loose Leaves (November through April 1) • Bagged vegetative items (leaves and lawn clippings) • Limb and brush trimmings (cut to 6' minimum lengths) • Household items (excluding items listed) These items must be separated as they’re collected by different trucks due to our landfill license requirements. They are also disposed in different locations. City of Oxford Department of Public Works Curbside Pickup Ordinance: NON-PICK-UP ITEMS: • New construction/ Remodel debris • Tires • Car batteries/ car parts • Trees cut by tree service • Household garbage, food, etc. • Light bulbs • Chemicals or containers • Treated lumber • Liquids • Tree stumps • Paint cans Please make arrangements to dispose of any non-pick-up items to one of these other locations. The Calhoun County Landfill is located at 3625 Morrisville Road, Anniston, AL (256-2362411), or Three Corners Regional Landfill is located at 2205 County Road 6, Piedmont, AL (256-447-1881). All the above is to comply with ADEM’s permit issued to the City of Oxford. If you have any questions, please contact the Department of Public Works at 256-835-6124 Monday-Friday, 6 am-2:30 pm.

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Rusty V. Gann, P.E. Public Works Director/City Engineer

Please do not place any of your curbside pickup items in the gutter of the street. Rain washes these items into our storm sewers, disrupting the drain systems. Please place them behind the curb.

To ensure your curbside items are picked up on time, please place them on the right of way the evening before your scheduled route day. If you are new to the area, we welcome you to our beautiful city. You may contact our office at 256-835-6124 to get the day your items should be picked up each week. You may also dial 311, which is Oxfordâ€™s City Service Helpline. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. You may also visit www.oxfordalabama.org to file a request online.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

Cahaba Lilies on the Cahaba River Dr. Bill Deutsch Alabama Rivers, A Celebration and Challenge 72

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Celebration

THE OXFORD ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS

OF THE ALABAMA BICENTENNIAL

SPRING LECTURE SERIES CELEBRATE ALABAMA

SPRING LECTURE SERIES The Studio CELEBRATE ALABAMA Oxford Performing Arts Center 2:00 p.m.

THE STUDIO OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 2:00 P.M.

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020

John Dersham, Master Photographer THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020 “My Alabama: John Dersham Photographs a State”

John Dersham, Master Photographer John Dersham Photographs a State FRIDAY, MARCHMy 6, Alabama: 2020 Dr. Bill Deutsch, Research Fellow Emeritus at Auburn University “Alabama Rivers, A Celebration and Challenge”

FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2020 Dr. Bill Deutsch, Research Fellow Emeritus at Auburn University Alabama Rivers, A Celebration and Challenge Fred Hunter, Meteorologist THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

“Absolutely Alabama”, Fox 6, WBRC-TV

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

SPECIAL CHILDREN’S LECTURE Fred Hunter, Meteorologist DEARMANVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

“Absolutely Alabama” Fox 6, WBRC-TV

MARCH 19, 2020 Claire Datnow, Children’s Book Author “Eco Mystery Series” SPECIAL CHILDREN’S LECTURE

DEARMANVILLE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL MARCH 19, 2020 Claire Datnow, Children’s Book Author Eco Mystery Series

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

THE OXFORD ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS SPRING LECTURE SERIES

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 2020 John Dersham, Master Photographer “My Alabama: John Dersham Photographs a State” 2:00pm at The Studio 100 East Choccolocco Street Oxford Performing Arts Center

JOHN DERSHAM John Dersham is an internationally recognized, award-winning photographer whose art photography and commercial work have been featured in galleries and other exhibits nationwide. He is one of the most sought-after photography instructors and speakers on the subject of photography in the Southeast. His photography career began on November 1, 1960, when he took the first pictures of his life on his father’s 1930 Kodak Brownie. Fifty-eight years later, his art has continued without pause for many years. He has served as a manager at Eastman Kodak for thirty years, where organizing gallery exhibits and teaching photography has allowed him to foster a new love for photography in fledgling artists as well as rekindle his own passion for the craft. His peers awarded him the Award of Excellence in the tourism industry at the Alabama Governor’s Conference on Tourism in 2018. After a lifetime of shooting photography coast-to-coast in cities, towns, parks, rivers, mountains, and byways, John has returned to Alabama to capture the essence of the Sweet Home state. Today, John is President of DeKalb Tourism. John is adding to the celebration of Alabama’s 200th birthday by publishing his first book devoted to his work: My Alabama: John Dersham Photographs a State. This book is a selection of 200 images of the state from his vast catalog of over 50,000. These photographs—each one a testament to John’s compositional and lighting skills—offer a unique and stunning portrait of Alabama’s diverse natural, topographical, and cultural assets. The release of this new book, which carries a foreword by Bo Jackson, is made possible with the support of the Alabama Bicentennial Commission. Randy Grider, Executive Director, Mentone Arts & Cultural Center, says, “John Dersham’s breathtaking and inspirational photography is getting its long-deserved recognition in a collection that only he could master. My Alabama: John Dersham Photographs a State is sure to be a treasured photography book for the ages.”

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FRIDAY, MARCH 6, 2020 Dr. Bill Deutsch, author “Alabama Rivers, A Celebration and Challenge” 2:00pm at The Studio 100 East Choccolocco Street Oxford Performing Arts Center

DR. BILL DEUTSCH Dr. Bill Deutsch is an aquatic ecologist and Research Fellow, Emeritus in the Auburn University School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Science. He co-founded Alabama Water Watch in 1992 and directed this citizen science program for 20 years before his retirement in 2013. More than 7,000 Alabamians have participated in Alabama Water Watch, and have monitored water quality at 2,500 sites on 900 waterbodies statewide, providing valuable data to agencies and the public. Alabama Water Watch is now in its 27th year, with a growing 4-H Water Watch program for youth, and other initiatives (www.alabamawaterwatch.org). Since retirement, Bill has worked part-time with Alabama Water Watch and Global Water Watch through the AU Water Resources Center. He and his wife Janet live in the woods along Hodnett Creek in west Lee County. Bill enjoys hiking, birding, and floating in canoe or kayak. He is active as an instructor and also a student in many courses at the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University. Bill’s book, Alabama Rivers: A Celebration & Challenge, was published as a softcover edition in 2018, and two hardcover and eBook editions were published in 2019. The book celebrates the amazing human and natural history of our rivers, and challenges us to become more aware of their beauty, value, and need for protection. Bill has enjoyed traveling the state and giving more than 50 book talks to a variety of audiences. With grants from the Alabama Bicentennial Commission and the Mid-South RC&D Council, a curriculum called An Educator’s Guide to Alabama Rivers has been developed, based on the book and endorsed by the Alabama Math, Science and Technology Initiative (AMSTI). Seven educator workshops were conducted throughout Alabama in 2019, and three are scheduled for 2020. A Library Campaign is underway so individuals, families, and groups can donate Alabama Rivers: A Celebration & Challenge to school or public libraries at a discount and free shipping. More information may be found at www.alabamariversbook.org). Dr. Deutsch’s Alabama Rivers features about 100 color photographs and an engaging, information-packed narrative about the history of Alabama’s vast network of rivers. “Alabama is a river state, and my goal with the book is to inspire the kind of awareness and appreciation of our abundant water resources that leads to their restoration and protection in ethical, practical, science-based ways,” Deutsch said.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

THE OXFORD ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS SPRING LECTURE SERIES

THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020 FRED HUNTER, Meteorologist "Absolutely Alabama” Fox 6, WBRC-TV 2:00pm at The Studio 100 East Choccolocco Street Oxford Performing Arts Center

FRED HUNTER WBRC First Alert Meteorologist Fred Hunter was born in Alabama in the historic town of Fort Payne. He has lived, attended school, raised his family, and worked in the South all his life. A graduate of Fyffe High School, Fred went on to attend college at the University of Alabama. He finished with undergraduate and graduate degrees in Broadcast-Film, Journalism, and Public Relations. Fred then graduated from the meteorology program at Mississippi State University and became certified by the National Weather Association. Before his position at WBRC, Fred worked in Austin, Texas; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; and in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. Fred has called WBRC home since 1997. He is married to the former Ivy Jean Bullard, a native of Sylacauga, Alabama. Together they have four girls: Stephanie, Stacey, Katherine, and Rebecca. Fred also produces “Absolutely Alabama,” a series of stories about people, places, and things from, about, or related to his home state. Over the years, Fred has visited many places throughout the state of Alabama, from rodeos in West Alabama to Polk Salad Festivals, to restaurants like Buttermilk Hill in Sylacauga, and to Janney Furnace in Calhoun County. Fred has covered many places that make up what is “Absolutely Alabama.” Don’t miss his episodes on WBRC Fox 6 to catch up on our state’s culture and history.

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THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2020 Claire Datnow, author “Eco Mystery Series” 2:00pm at The Studio 100 East Choccolocco Street Oxford Performing Arts Center

CLAIRE DATNOW Claire Datnow was born and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa, which inspired her love for the natural world. She immigrated to the United States in 1965 and has taught in California, Minnesota, and Alabama. She and her husband live and pursue their hobbies—nature and travel photography and videography—on a mountaintop in Birmingham, Alabama. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and visiting her children and six granddaughters. Claire has taught creative writing, history, and drama to gifted and talented students in the Birmingham Public School. She launched the first computer school for students in the Birmingham area in the 1980s. She earned an MA in education and a second MA in public history from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. Her published books for middle schoolers include The Adventures of the Sizzling Six, Eco Mystery Series, and Edwin Hubble Discoverer of Galaxies. Her books for adults include a memoir and historical fiction. She received the Warren S. Katz Award for Juvenile Fiction at the 2017 Alabama Writers Conclave. Claire has received numerous scholarships and awards, including The Blanche Dean Award for Outstanding Nature Educator from the Alabama Conservancy, Beeson Samford Writing Project Fellowship, a Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Scholarship, and Birmingham Public School Teacher of the Year. Claire has presented workshops for the Alabama Wildlife Federation, Huntsville Botanical Gardens, Environmental Education Association of Alabama, Birmingham Botanical Gardens, and Alabama Writers Conclave. She enjoys visiting libraries and schools to inspire people of all ages to become wise stewards of our precious natural resources, and even to write and research their own eco-mysteries. Claire says, “Being an author is special because I get to create worlds in which my feelings, experience, adventures, and dreams come alive. Best of all, I open windows into new worlds for my readers. I am awed by the technological innovations that are expanding and enriching our experiences. This is an exciting time to be a writer and reader!”

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

Photograph of Ken Elkins and Mr. and Mrs. Willard Watson

KEN ELKINS

“Genius in Our Own Backyard” BY LARRY K. MARTIN

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We met on the mountain, in the woods. It sounds suspicious, maybe like a scandal. Hardly; the meeting was innocent happenstance, but it initiated a lasting friendship. It was back in the 1970s; I was hiking alone on a ridge of mountainside land, among oldgrowth hardwoods and a small stream that threaded its way through an 80-acre tract of land. My brother, Stan, and I had bought the property for the express purpose of creating an “authentic pre-civil war village”… a collection of log cabins, an old grist mill, covered bridge, shoemaker’s shop, etc. But that’s another story. The figure was slowly making his way among the huge, weathered rocks and ancient hardwood trees, but he seldom looked around to see where he was going. His head was tilted back, then to the side. After every few steps, he paused, took a knee, or leaned against a boulder. He seemed to be aiming something at one of the rustic old log buildings that were perched on the hillside. ‘Well, I thought, he’s not a surveyor.’ I’ve never seen a surveyor sit on his rear while he was working, and I don't think a surveyor with a tiny transit telescope would be interested in these cabins. He was a bit stunned when I walked up to him. I paused, and he smiled and said, “Boy, this old town must’ve been something when it was young. I never knew that we had anything like this around here.” I felt pretty proud and laughed. “This old town wasn’t here last year. We’re just getting started, trying to make a village. The cabins range in age from about 1800, on up to the Civil War period.” He

said, “Hope you don’t mind me taking some pictures. These old buildings are great for photographs. I’m a picture taker from the Anniston Star…Ken Elkins.” He got an immediate response. “If you’re Ken Elkins, you can take all the pictures you want” I'd known the name for years. His photography was already recognizable as extraordinary work with evidence of near-perfect timing like I’d never seen, whether the subject was a group of children, a chicken or dog, or some old geezer that he’d just discovered. I had been following a non-art profession with the US Army, and was planning to move back from Washington, D.C. to Alabama, to start a new career–something based on a crazy notion that I’d harbored for some time–that art might be a nice career choice. Although I'd long been fascinated with photography, from traveling in the tropics, and from frequent rambling in the Appalachian foothills of Alabama, I had no intention of becoming a photographer but had not yet begun to “paint for a living.” My chance meeting with Ken seemed to signal that there is, indeed, another world out there, waiting to be captured on film or canvas. Our conversations almost immediately filtered down to an image or a subject that would make a perfect image, and how much fun it was to pursue those perfect images. Even more compelling were what might be called “mini-adventures” brought to memory when one of us would say, "You’ve gotta meet this old geezer…(or this old couple living in Cherokee County, just like in the 1800s) or “you’ve gotta see this old mill (or

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

Ken Elkins “Genius in Our Own Backyard”

bridge), or (old-timey chicken coop).” And we would be off to Clay County, or places as far away as the mountains of Kentucky or Tennessee or North Carolina. We always seemed to be fortunate, with the great fortune of the right timing. I always suspected that this was the secret behind the genius of Ken Elkins’ photography–and I didn’t mind if a bit of that good timing or providence (much greater than just luck) rubbed off on me. If we seemed to strike out, there always seemed to be an equally interesting subject nearby… waiting. Occasionally there would be a knock at my studio door. Ken would be standing there, grinning. We’d both laugh a while before saying a word, but I knew that a trip was on. I guess you’d say that Ken was frugal. One day he visited my studio for an hour or so, before I noticed that he was wearing a prosthetic shoe, with an extra couple of inches builtup heel. When he started to leave, there was a pronounced limp that I’d never observed before. “Ken, I didn’t even notice that you had a gimpy leg.” He looked down as if seeing it for the first time. “Oh, I don’t. I’m just wearing these shoes that old Willie gave me. He’s crippled, but these didn’t fit him, so he let me have them. They don’t work for me, either. Think I’ll go by the shoe shop and get them to cut this heel off.” We worked in two completely different “genres” (although that sounds a bit pretentious for either of us). Ken’s old, battle-scarred cameras could be capturing a subject in magnificent composition and light. I would be dawdling around, taking snapshots of a shoe, or hat or ear, or a candid quick shot that might make a poor photo, but a good subject for a drawing or painting. Ken’s results were essentially immediate. He could meet a subject one day and see his photo-creative interpretation the same afternoon, and a published version within a couple of days. I envied that.

Pencil drawing “Eye of the Beholder” (Ken Elkins) by Larry K. Martin All images and text are protected. Copyright by Larry K. Martin

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BY LARRY K. MARTIN

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Pencil drawing "Mr. Willard Watsonâ€”Mountain Toymaker" by Larry K. Martin All images and text are protected. Copyright by Larry K. Martin

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In-progress painting of Mr. Willard Watson by Larry K. Martin All images and text are protected. Copyright by Larry K. Martin

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One of our best road trips was a “spur of the moment” ride to Deep Gap, North Carolina. In Southern Living, I’d seen a postage-stampsize photo of a man there, living at the crest of a high mountain ridge–Mr. Willard Watson. He was described as the one remaining man who had retained the same lifestyle and skills of the southern Appalachians of the 1800s. An impulsive telephone call reached a soft-spoken drawl, a friendly voice. After a quick introduction, I said, “Mr. Watson, I’m an artist, and my friend here is a photographer. We’d like to drive up from Alabama and visit with you if that’s all right.” He replied, “O.K., yep–just come on to Deep Gap, and turn on that road up the mountain. That road doesn’t stop, and I'll be here.” The next morning we were off. As we crossed the Georgia line, Ken suggested we stop at McDonald’s for coffee. As we got out of the car, he began to search the floorboard, and soon came up with a McDonald’s coffee cup. As we walked in, I said, “Ken, you’re not going to try for a free refill, are you?” He stopped for a minute and said, “I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking.” He walked back to the car, but held on to his empty cup. After searching his car again, he triumphantly held up another cup. “I forgot to get you a cup, he muttered.” I said, “No, I’ll go ahead and buy one–and besides, that's a Burger King cup.” He was unfazed. “Oh, they don’t care. Probably won’t even notice. Let me switch with you.” I said, “Yeah, and I can just imagine the newspaper headline–‘Anniston Star’s chief photographer charged with theft from major restaurant franchise.’” The long drive to the mountains of NC was one of the most entertaining rides that I can

remember. “Ken, did you remember your camera?” “I think so. Look under that stuff in the floorboard.” I could really identify with that circumstance. The two Nikons were under everything else, but intact. For every crazy anecdote either of us came up with, the other tried to top. Ken was the master of people stories. “Did I tell you about the guy that kept two pigs in his house and let his wife sleep on the porch?” Or “I took pictures of a two-headed cat one time, but I don’t think one of the heads worked." That sort of thing. When we reached Willard Watson’s home, it soon became apparent that we had found a treasure of visual documentation and personal stories from this modest octogenarian, Mr. Watson. It was more than we could mentally process in a couple of hours or days. The old, unpainted frame house stood on the hillside, with tall posts supporting the full-length front porch. One room was their smokehouse–a walk-in (from the living room) source for country hams any day of the year. Across the road was his workshop. Willard was a skilled toymaker, who carved only the primitive, traditional toys of the early mountain folk, like my favorite, his “jumping pig.” They were simplistically beautiful, hand-powered mechanical toys. We noticed that in his open work-shed, there was a gorgeous copper whiskey still, about two feet tall, perfectly made, and having a history of actual use. “Mr. Watson, are you concerned that the law will see this whiskey still, and maybe arrest you?” we asked. “Oh, not really, he smiled. I came home one day, and three FBI cars were sittin’ here. But I finally dug out

ALL IMAGES AND TEXT ARE PROTECTED. COPYRIGHT LARRY K. MARTIN STUDIO: 256-235-2120 • WWW.LARRYKMARTIN.COM

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a letter from the Smithsonian, inviting me to build the still and display whiskey-making at the big Bicentennial Celebration on the Mall, in Washington. They brought me up there for a week, and I made whiskey, and they filmed me. They asked me lots of questions about life in the mountains.” (A year or two later, I happened to turn the TV on just as they began a Smithsonian Special, called–as best I remember–“The English Language in America.” It featured accents from across the country. They saved the best for last. It was the “most authentic region with an unchanged American accent–the Appalachian English.” It featured a voice that represented the best example that they had ever located–Mr. Willard Watson.) Mrs. Watson was a quilter who adhered to the old patterns of Appalachian quilt design. She brought out one of the quilts that she was finishing, and we stretched it across a porch railing. Ken became so enthralled with the Watsons, and conversely that for a while, he seemed to forget his camera. Most of the photos that I took were of the Watsons and Elkins, sitting on the porch steps, all seemingly lost in conversation. Ken was in his element. I was struck by the way he and the Watsons eased into an everyday conversation. It wasn’t an interview. They were just neighbors, visiting together. As we learned, we weren’t the first to “discover” this American living treasure. As we were leaving, Willard showed us the large kitchen, with a long country table and pie safes and wide pine flooring–everything vintage 1850, although not regarded as being antiques. “We used to have Saturday night dances for the

Deep Gap folks, right here in the kitchen.” “Can you buck-dance?” we asked. He moved a chair, and performed for us. He casually recalled, “I had a feller call and asked to come up and film me buck-dancing. He took lots of movie pictures of me. His name was something like Charles Kuralt.” In his final episode of the classic series, “On the Road with Charles Kuralt,” they concluded with Willard Watson… buck-dancing. We shared our “people.” It was like Christmas-times-ten when I showed Ken the photos of my newly-rediscovered Ches McCartney. Elkins and I both made countless trips to Jeffersonville, Georgia, and each found our niche in the life of what has become one of America’s legendary folk figures, The Goat Man. One day I told Ken, “You look more like one of our subjects than someone who’s trying to interview them. If I live long enough, you’ll have to be one of my ‘Characters,’ and I’ll try to draw you.” He grinned and said, “Any time.” Eventually, we did. Ah, what I’d give, to go fishing with Ken Elkins, and Rick Bragg, and Rick’s brother, Sam, and my three sons, who can fish and who greatly admire both Rick and Ken. Rick and I would probably be at the very bottom, when it came time for the fish weigh-in (based on what Rick has already admitted to in print). That trip won’t ever be possible, but if it were possible...The stories they would tell…

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

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

Oxford Public Library

Community Room RECEPTIONS BIRTHDAY PARTIES FAMILY REUNIONS BABY SHOWERS BUSINESS MEETINGS SMALL GROUP MEETINGS LARGE ROOM 46’ x 60’ Room Fee $300.00 Cleaning deposit $100.00 HALF ROOM 30’ x 46’ Room Fee $150.00 Cleaning deposit $75.00 QUARTER ROOM 23’ x 30’ Room Fee $75.00 Cleaning deposit $35.00 256-831-1750 oxfordlibrary@cableone.net Call us or email us to talk about your event

Facebook: Oxford Alabama Public Library Instagram: Oxford Public Library Twitter: @Oxford_Library or OxfordPublicLibrary

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UPDATE OXFORD LIBRARY FEBRUARY All month Feb 1-19 Feb 11 Feb 20

Blind Date with a Book Dr. Seuss Art Contest Veterans’ Service Fair at 10:00am The Cat in the Hat, Foothills production

MARCH March 7 March 23-27

Storytime celebrates Dr. Seuss’ birthday! Come hangout with The Cat and his pals, Thing 1 and 2, and enjoy the party. SPRING BREAK WEEK Tuesday — Weird Science Wednesday — Crafts Thursday — Storytime Friday — Movie

RECURRING EVENTS Mondays 9:30am Crochet 3:00pm Teen Study Time Tuesdays 10:00am Tatting Class 10:00am Adult Bunco, Book Art, Card Sharks, and Dominoes 1:00pm Tech Talks Wednesdays 10:0am Quilting 3:00pm Teen Study Time Thursdays 9:00am Storytime / 10:00am Storytime / 12:00pm Storytime 9:30am Knitting 7:00pm Bedtime Stories with Beth (Facebook) Fridays 1:00pm Card Sharks 3:00pm Teen Study Time Monthly:

Grief Counseling – 1st Tuesday at 1:00 TAB (Teen Advisory Board) – 2nd Tuesday at 3:30 Book Club – 3rd Monday at 3:00 Saturday Storytime – 1st Saturday at 10:00

Adult Tuesdays

1st Tuesday - Bunco 2nd Tuesday – Book Art 3rd Tuesday – Card Sharks 4th Tuesday – Dominoes / Card Sharks These and so many more resources are available to you here at the Oxford Public Library. OPL is here to help our community, and we are eager to show you what we have to offer. Come check us out! I look forward to seeing you at the library! Amy E. Henderson, Library Director

MONDAY - FRIDAY 9 TO 5 • SATURDAY 9 TO 1 • SUNDAY 1 TO 5 • (256) 831-1750 • 110 East 6th Street, Oxford OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

COMMUNITY CENTERS CALENDAR BYNUM COMMUNITY CENTER

FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER

DANCE FITNESS Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 5:30pm – 6:30pm Led by Rachael Cramer. $3 per class or $25 for a 10 class punch card.

PRE-SCHOOL – Accepting new students Teacher: Mary Wood. 256-405-5088 For 3, 4, and 5 year olds. Must be potty-trained. Immunization Blue Slip Required. Classes are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 8:30am to noon; Throughout the school year $100 per month. $45 Registration & Supply Fee.

200 Victory Dr, Eastaboga, AL 36260 (256) 241-2716

2930 Friendship Rd, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-2679

FITNESS & FLEXIBILITY CLASS Tuesday and Thursday 3:15pm – 4:15pm A free, low impact class led by Lyn Brown.

YOGA Certified instructor: Holly Box Tuesdays and Thursday 9:30am. Bring your own yoga mat. $10 per class or 4 for $35 or 8 for $70

SENIOR DANCE 1st Saturday of the month 6:30pm – 9:30pm Featuring live music. $5 admission. SQUARE DANCE 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month 6:30pm – 9:00pm

YOSHUKAI KARATE Monday and Wednesday 6:30pm - 8:00pm Instructor Mike Mangham. Ages 7 to adult. $45 per month. SENIOR VOLLEYBALL Tuesday and Thursday 9:00am - 11:00am

OXFORD CIVIC CENTER

401 McCullars Lane, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-2660

BLUEGRASS Tuesday 4:00pm - 7:30pm. Bring your favorite instrument.

SENIOR LOW-IMPACT AEROBICS Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10:00am Free class. Led by Lyn Brown.

ART CLASS Several times per year, art instructor Jack Hadder offers four-week courses in various types of art. Cost: $60 per month. 10:30am to 12:30pm Call (256) 831-2679 for sessions and times.

TENNIS LESSONS & CLINICS Individual and group lessons for all ages and skill levels Contact Gene for pricing. 256-453-3037

SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER

424 Main Street, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-5900

2020 SENIOR ADULT DAY February 10, 2020. Ryan Robertson performing. Call for more details.

MONDAY: Travel to nursing homes sing/visit at 10:00am WEDNESDAY: Grocery shopping at 9:00am THURSDAY: Senior Citizen Center Sing at 9:30am FRIDAY: A free biscuit breakfast is served on Friday mornings and sponsored by area businesses. MONTHLY: A dinner outing on the second Thursday of the month. Transportation is provided.

Look for our ads or call for more information SENIOR ADULT DAY - FEBRUARY 10 MARDI GRAS 7K - MARCH 14 EASTER EGG HUNT - APRIL 11

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UPDATE CIDER RIDGE

Greetings from the staff at Cider Ridge Golf Club! We hope everyone had a great holiday season. Despite the colder weather, things are still running right along at the golf course. Now is the time to start planning your company tournaments or putting together your buddy outings for the year. The calendar is starting to fill up fast. Also, stay tuned to the Cider Ridge website (ciderridgegolf.com) or join our e-mail list to get updates on upcoming events, dates, and sign up information for events such as the Sunny King Charity Classic and the Oxford Invitational. You can also get updates by following us on Instagram (@ciderridge), Twitter (@CiderRidgeGolf ), or Facebook. Please remember that during the springtime, the golf course is often hosting tournaments and outings. If you would like to play, it’s best to call ahead and check our schedule for that day. You may very well be able to come out and play, but calling ahead to check for tee time availability is always advised. For those of you looking for new equipment to upgrade your game this year, remember that Cider Ridge has a great selection of clubs for you to try out. We have the full fitting systems available for Callaway drivers and irons–with several shaft options for each. We have TaylorMade Demo clubs and will be getting Cleveland/Srixon fitting systems as well. We also stock Titleist clubs and can order from nearly any vendor. Finally, remember that this is the time to get your game in shape for the upcoming season. Whether you’re interested in individual lessons, setting up group lessons with friends, or business team meetings, we are happy to assist with all of those. We will also be offering beginner group classes through the Get Golf Ready program and are working on finalizing our junior lesson programming as we approach summer.

Lee Shurden, PGA Director of Golf/Club Manager Cider Ridge Golf Club

CIDER RIDGE GOLF CLUB • 200 APPLE BLOSSOM WAY, OXFORD, AL 36203 LEE SHURDEN, PGA, DIRECTOR OF GOLF/CLUB MANAGER • LEE.SHURDEN@HONOURSGOLF.COM OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

CALHOUN COUNTY BASEBALL TOURNAMENT MARCH 6 - 7, AND MARCH 9, 2020 CALHOUN COUNTY SOCCER TOURNAMENT MARCH 31 - APRIL 4, 2020 CALHOUN COUNTY SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT APRIL 7 - APRIL 9, 2020

THE BEST PLAY HERE FOR A FULL LISTING OF EVENTS GO TO CHOCCOLOCCOPARK.COM 954 LEON SMITH PARKWAY, OXFORD, AL 36203

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COMING UP IN 2020

Gulf South Conference Softball Championship April 30 - May 3, 2020 Gulf South Conference Baseball Championship May 1 - May 5, 2020 TICKETS GO ON SALE APRIL 15, 2020 $10 PER DAY COLLEGE STUDENTS $5 PARKING $5

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CALHOUN / CLEBURNE ATHLETICS

SPECIAL OLYMPICS

The 2020 Special Olympics Calhoun/Cleburne Athletics (Track and Field) Events will be held Thursday, April 23, at the City of Oxford’s Choccolocco Park Sports Complex, 954 Leon Smith Parkway, Oxford.

The event is expected to attract over 160 athletes from prevocational (self-contained) classrooms from school systems across Calhoun and Cleburne Counties between the ages of 8 and 21. High school students from the Oxford, Jacksonville, Anniston, Piedmont, Calhoun County, and Cleburne County School systems will be on hand to assist and cheer on the athletes as they make their way between running, throwing, and jumping events. Staff from the City of Oxford’s Parks and Recreation Department, the City of Jacksonville’s Parks and Recreation Department, Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, and The Arc of Calhoun and Cleburne Counties will run the various events, assisted by volunteers from local school systems and the Calhoun County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Calhoun county program. The Arc will coordinate lunch for the athletes and volunteers with food and beverages donated by area restaurants, local vendors, donors, and the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. The event will begin at 9:30 a.m. with a parade of athletes. The athletes will then compete in up to three of the following events; 50 Meter or 100 Meter dashes, the softball, javelin or shot-put throws, standing long jump or long jump competitions and wheelchair and motor activities. The 4 X 4 relay will conclude the day’s events that afternoon. In case of rain, the events will be held on April 28, 2020, at Choccolocco Park. Special Olympics activities for youth are coordinated locally by The Arc of Calhoun and Cleburne Counties. For more information, please contact Pati Tiller at 256-236-2857. Photo credit: Steve Gross

SPECIAL OLYMPICS AT CHOCCOLOCCO PARK | THURSDAY, APRIL 23, 2020

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2020

CALHOUN COUNTY ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL

INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT AUTO CUSTOM CARPETS MOVES OPERATIONS TO OXFORD

>>>>>

Auto Custom Carpets, Inc. is the largest manufacturer of automotive replacement carpet in the world, and they are relocating to Oxford with a $5.13 million capital investment. ACC was landlocked at their current Anniston locations and desperately needed to expand. When they learned that the old Hager Hinge building on Hwy 78 W in Oxford was possibly available, work began between ACC, the Calhoun County Economic Development Council, and the City of Oxford to help keep ACC employees here in Calhoun County. Currently, the company is split into four separate locations across the county, as well as a warehouse located in Georgia. Due to the efforts of all three parties, Calhoun County is now able to keep those jobs, plus some, by consolidating into one large warehouse. According to Don Hopper, Executive Director for the Calhoun County Economic Development Council, the alternative could have been us having to watch them relocate to another county, or even state, to find adequate accommodations. “We are proud that ACC calls Calhoun County home. The EDC discussed the project, and we wanted to do everything we could to keep ACC in our area,” Hopper says. “This is just another example of how working with existing industry can help our area grow. The partnership with the company, the city of Oxford, and the EDC has worked seamlessly.” On December 17, 2019, ACC and the EDC asked the Oxford City Council to abate the noneducational sales and use taxes, as well as property taxes, for the next ten years. Because of this joint effort, 140 plus jobs are now staying in Calhoun County. Ken Howell, president and CEO of Auto Custom Carpets and president of the Oxford City Schools Education Foundation, explains that the improvements and updates to the old Hager Hinge building will be extensive. Still, the company hopes to have all operations under one roof shipping out product in less than three years. Keith Howell, vice-president of Auto Custom Carpets, explains, “Auto Custom Carpets, Inc. is a family and employee-owned company. We have family that are employees and employees that have become our family. We are very excited that the Hager Hinge property will provide the opportunity for all of us to be in one Calhoun County location. ACC is immensely grateful for the help we received from Don Hopper, Lorie Denton, and the Calhoun County Economic Development Council. We also appreciate the Oxford City Council’s assistance and support for our expansion. We look forward to our new Oxford home and the possibilities it will present.”

“We look forward to our new Oxford home and the possibilities it will present.”

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Ken Howell, president and CEO of Auto Custom Carpets

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W E L C OM E TO OX F OR D | N EW BUS IN E S S SP OT LIGH T

The Main Olive • Unique affordable gourmet foods store 508 Main Street, Oxford, AL 36203 • (256) 444-8498

First Bank of Alabama • Personal and business banking

815 Hamric Drive East, Oxford, AL 36203 • (256) 676-6790 oxfordalabama.org

W E L C OM E TO OX F OR D | N EW BUSIN E S S SP OT LIGH T

Duck’s Indoor Sports Mania • Sports, recreation, food

541 Davis Loop, Oxford, AL 36203 • (256) 444-3193

Pizza Hut • Family-friendly chain known for its made-to-order pizzas

202 Hamric Drive E, Oxford, AL 36203 • (256) 241-0850

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NOW OPEN IN OXFORD

DUCK’S INDOOR SPORTS MANIA

Family-owned and operated, Duck’s is happy to introduce state of the art golf and multiple sports simulators to the Oxford area. We offer a wide variety of options for you to plan a fun adventure with your family or friends. Our facility contains four simulator bays that include various game options as well as an individual TV for you to view the sporting event of your choice. Private parties are available at Duck’s. We offer several events to choose from for all your party needs. Our events include birthday parties, team parties, work/team building parties, and group or individual parties. Let us help with food and beverages from our snack bar to meet your party needs. We offer Nathan’s hot dogs, pizza, nachos, and popcorn, as well as Coke products and bottled water. We also offer wine and beer, including local craft beer. If you would like to have an event catered, we will work with you on different catering options. Our hours of operation are Tuesday-Thursday from 10:00 am-9:00 pm. Friday and Saturday hours are from 10:00 am-9:00 pm. Sundays and Mondays will be closed except for private parties. Contact us at 256-444-3193 to plan your visit. Also, like and follow us on our Facebook page. We look forward to seeing you at Duck’s. Duck’s Indoor Sports Mania is located at 541 Davis Loop in Oxford.

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DUCK'S contains four simulator bays that include various game options as well as an individual TV for you to view the sporting event of your choice.

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PEOPLE OF OXFORD

SAMUEL C. KELLY & JAMES S. KELLY

Samuel Camp Kelly, son of Sims Kelly and Mary Camp, was born March 25, 1825, in Franklin County, Tennessee, and died September 16, 1891, in Oxford, Alabama. On January 19, 1851, Kelly married Miss Amie Elizabeth Pace, daughter of Reverend Richard Pace and Amy Bussey of Alexandria, Alabama. Amie was born December 28, 1823, in Putnam County, Georgia, and died September 22, 1897, in Choccolocco, Alabama. They are both buried at Oxford Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Samuel and Amie had three sons, William T. Kelly, James Virgil Kelly, and Richard Bussey Kelly. Samuel Kelly served in the Mexican War from 1845 to 1847 and the Confederate State Army during the Civil War as first lieutenant and captain. Kelly moved to Oxford sometime before 1870 and worked as a livery keeper and innkeeper. The Kelly Brother’s Livery was located at the southeastern corner of Main and Snow Streets. The Oxford Hotel was conveniently located across the street at the southwestern corner of Main and Spring Streets. He also served as mayor of Oxford during the Reconstruction Era of the South. During that time, Oxford boomed in the cotton trading business. Kelly was brother-in-law to Prof. John L. Dodson, founder of the Oxford College, and paternal grandfather of Maud McLure Kelly, the first female to practice law in Alabama. At the time of Kelly's death in 1891, the Atlanta Constitution stated, “He will be remembered as the first man on foot in the procession at the unveiling of the hill monument in Atlanta.” continued on next page

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JAMES SIMS KELLY

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PEOPLE OF OXFORD

JAMES SIMS KELLY James Sims Kelly, son of Sims Kelly and Mary Camp, was born September 28, 1828, in Franklin County, Tennessee and died August 1, 1905, in Oxford, Alabama. In 1854, Kelly married Miss Elizabeth Hester Goodlett, daughter of Zion Goodlett and Harriett Hughes. Elizabeth was born on January 26, 1831, in South Carolina and died May 1, 1886, in Oxford, Alabama. They are both buried in Oxford Memorial Gardens Cemetery. James and Elizabeth had two sons, Thomas Hiram Kelly, who died in infancy, and Alfred Edwin Kelly. After the death of Elizabeth, Kelly married her younger sister, Miss Emily Harriett Goodlett. Emily was born May 1838 in Alabama and died March 17, 1913, in Oxford, Alabama. They had no children together. Emily worked as a homemaker and teacher. She is also buried in Oxford Memorial Gardens Cemetery. James, along with his parents and siblings, moved from Tennessee to Calhoun County, Alabama, then known as Benton County, about 1838 and settled in the Alexandria Valley. James did not serve in the Confederate States Army during the Civil War like his brother, Samuel, due to a snake bite. Kelly surveyed the Lone Star State and lived in Rusk, Texas, at the time of the 1850 U.S. Federal Census. He was known as the writer “Sam Slim” for The Hot Blast and Weekly Times. He worked alongside his brother as a livery keeper at Kelly’s Brother's Livery. James served as Justice of the Peace and an insurance agent. At the time of his death in 1905, the Anniston Star stated, “He was ever on the side of right and duty and never hesitated to strike at evil when it threatened his town or community.” Interestingly, his obituary referred to him as “Judge Kelly,” however, there is no evidence to support that he received a formal law degree.

Sources: 1850 U.S. Federal Census, 1860 U.S. Federal Census, 1870 U.S. Federal Census, 1880 U.S. Federal Census, 1900 U.S. Federal Census, Alabama County Marriage Records, 1805 - 1967, Alabama Select Marriage Indexes, 1816 - 1942, History of the First Baptist Church of Oxford: 1836 - 1986, North America Family Histories, 1805 - 1967, The Atlanta Constitution, The Birmingham News, The Jacksonville Republican, The Montgomery Advertiser, The Piedmont Post

BY HUNTER C. GENTRY

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OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS

UPDATE OXFORD CITY BY DR. GOODWIN As we approach the midpoint of the 2019-20 school year and the beginning of another calendar year, it is always good to pause and give thanks as well as reflect. The 2019-20 school year has been filled with tremendous success for students in our classrooms and in extra-curricular activities. These successes include “A” report card grades at all of our PK-4 grade schools (Coldwater, DeArmanville, and Oxford Elementary), continued dominance by C.E. Hanna in competition Vex Robotics with four teams qualifying for the World Championship, Oxford Middle School’s national ranking (#11) in Greenpower USA’s Racing League, and Oxford High School’s State Championship in football, our first in the 6A classification. All of these accomplishments, generated by hard work and effort on the part of students, staff, and support by our community, represent what our schools and city are known for, excellence in all things. We are truly blessed to live in a city where our civic leaders and school board members value education and the success of our children at the highest levels. I am looking forward to the second half of the school year and new year 2020 with the excitement both will bring.

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Oxford City Schools’ Dr. Jeff Goodwin recognized as Alabama’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year On October 21, 2019, at the Fall Superintendent’s Conference in Florence, Alabama, Dr. Jeff Goodwin was selected as Alabama’s Superintendent of the Year 2020. Dr. Goodwin was chosen from among nine district finalists. He will be honored at the SSA Superintendent of the Year Luncheon on February 4, 2020, held during the association’s Legislative Conference in Montgomery and will compete for National Superintendent of the Year, to be recognized as part of the National School Administrator’s Conference in San Diego, California, February 11-15, 2020. Each state’s winner will be recognized during the Opening General Session, where the national winner will be announced. Nominations for this award were submitted and voted on by members in each SSA District. Each finalist is known as an outstanding leader and held in high regard by other superintendents as well as his or her board, staff, community, and parents, and has distinguished himself or herself through stable leadership, innovative ideas, student achievement, or leading through difficult situations. While serving in numerous capacities within education during the past 29 years, Dr. Goodwin has served the last 14 years as Superintendent of the Oxford City School System and is one of the longest-serving Superintendents in Alabama. His list of accomplishments, training, organizational memberships (including offices held), and various committees and professional presentations is extensive, and he is held in high regard among his colleagues. During Dr. Goodwin’s career, he has served as a Science Teacher and Coach in the Oxford

City School System from 1990-1995; as Assistant Principal of Childersburg High School in Talladega County from 1995-1996 and of Oxford High School from 1996-1998; as Principal of Oxford High School from 1998- 2003; as Director of Operations in Talladega County Schools from 2003-2005; and as Superintendent in Oxford City Schools from 2005 to present. He was named District 6 Superintendent of the Year in 2014, received the School Superintendents of Alabama Legislative award in 2011 and 2012, and served on the SSA Board of Directors from 2010-14.

to improve annually, Dr. Goodwin has also focused attention on enhancing high quality and relevant programs in athletics, the arts, and career preparation. Importantly, he strives to meet the needs of all of his students. Never content with last year’s results, Dr. Goodwin relentlessly researches the data and creatively motivates his educators and students so that by graduation day, each student will have the tools needed to achieve success in life. Congratulations to Dr. Jeff Goodwin for being recognized as Alabama’s 2020 Superintendent of the Year.”

Dr. Goodwin holds a Doctorate of Education (Ed.D.) degree in Educational Administration from The University of Alabama; Master’s (Ed.S. and M.S.) degrees in Educational Leadership and Educational Administration from The University of Alabama and Jacksonville State University, respectively; and a B.S. in Education from Jacksonville State University.

“I am deeply honored by this opportunity to represent the Oxford City School District and the State of Alabama as 2020 Superintendent of the Year. It is a team award, reflecting on the teachers and staff who work each day tirelessly in various capacities to provide the best opportunities for the children of our district. The wonderful things we do on a daily basis could not happen without a supportive Board of Education, the city government, and parents who partner with us to have the quality school system we enjoy in Oxford,” said Jeff Goodwin.

“Dr. Goodwin’s leadership has propelled Oxford City Schools to new heights, even as the poverty level of his students has risen. He is not afraid to challenge traditional practice and instead meets the needs of Oxford's students in non-traditional methods, choosing time and again to go down a different path to better serve every student in his district. Dr. Goodwin has been very active in SSA at both the state and district levels in various roles. He seeks out collaborative partnerships with others and develops initiatives in his community to directly impact student learning. Dr. Jeff Goodwin is well-deserving of this very prestigious award and will be a great representative for Alabama in the national competition,” says Mr. Ryan Hollingsworth, SSA Executive Director. Dr. Cynthia McCarty, who represents District 6 on the State Board of Education, had the following remarks upon hearing that Dr. Goodwin had been selected, “Dr. Jeff Goodwin is one of our nation’s premier educational leaders. Representing a district with a highly diverse student population, Dr. Goodwin consistently encourages his fine team of educators and staff to achieve excellence–every day. Although academic achievement at Oxford City Schools continues

Dr. Jeff Goodwin, 2020 Superintendent of the Year and Chris Spurlin, Oxford City Council President.

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WHY I TEACH

Oxford City School System Teacher Spotlight — Britton Young THE CITY OF OXFORD IS PROUD TO HAVE SOME OF THE BEST EDUCATORS AND HIGHEST RATED SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN THE STATE. RECENTLY, WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW BRITTON YOUNG, WHO WAS AWARDED AND RECOGNIZED AS “EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH” BY THE OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION.

Young was born and raised in Oxford, where he attended K-12 before graduating from Oxford High School in 2003. Following graduation, he enrolled at the University of Alabama, where he majored in biology with a chemistry minor. Young earned his Masters in Secondary Education from the University of West Alabama. Britton is married to his wife, Lauren, who teaches math at Oxford Middle School and is the head coach of the school’s VRC Robotics Teams. Together, Britton and Lauren have one son, Brayden, who is two years old. Young is in his fourth year of teaching at Oxford High School, and currently teaches freshman Biology and Introduction to Robotics. While in Oxford, Young has also taught Physical Science, Anatomy and Physiology, and PLTW’s Human Body Systems. He coaches seventh- and eighth-grade football, the VRC robotics team, the FRC Robotics team, and a Green Power USA team. We invite you to join us in congratulating Mr. Young with the employee of the Month recognition and hope you enjoy getting to know him better in the Q&A that follows:

What made you want to become a teacher? Teaching is a second career for me. My first career was in health care. I reached a point where the most satisfying part of my position in health care was teaching interns and training new staff. After years of watching my wife make such a significant impact in the community through teaching, I decided it was time for a change. What is the most satisfying thing about teaching? Sparking those light bulb moments, and getting to see the overall growth in students over a month, over a year, and multiple years as they grow up in high school.

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Teacher Spotlight — Britton Young

What do you look forward to most at the beginning of each year? I don’t. I stress out trying to get everything ready for students new to my classroom: establishing norms, polishing curriculum, altering tasks, and doing whatever I can to ensure that I provide a better learning experience than I did the year prior. What's the most challenging part of being a teacher? Engagement and developing relationships. It’s hard to have one without the other. Keeping students engaged is possibly one of the hardest jobs an educator has in the classroom. Developing relationships with students–letting them know they are not just another student in your room, but that you care about their learning and individual success–can also be challenging. However, when done successfully, it can help with the challenge of engagement, which is one of the things I like about extracurricular activities. Students are there because they want to be, and participation comes to a lot easier that way. How do you want former students to remember you? I hope that they remember a teacher who cared about them as an individual and that I didn’t just try to make sure they learned content, but that I tried to impact upon them skills that would help them be successful in life no matter their road. What methods do you use each day to bring out the best in students? Trade secret, Nabisco won’t give you the recipe to Oreos, will they? Just kidding, there is no secret sauce. I try to treat each student as an individual, identify each student’s needs, and do what I can to help them achieve their goals. What are your thoughts on receiving the employee of the month award? While I am honored, there are many teachers and coaches within the Oxford City School system working as hard, if not harder, and put in just as much time, if not more than me. Improving state assessment results, rising state report card grades, and the multiple champion level athletic programs is evidence of that very fact. What extracurricular activities are you part of? I am an assistant coach with Oxford Middle School’s seventh- and eighth-grade football teams. I have primarily coached the defensive line and linebackers. The seventh-grade team went undefeated, and the eighth grade only lost one of their six games this last season. I coach OHS robotics teams that compete in the Vex Robotics Championship. In my first year, we had one team qualify for the State Championship Tournament. In my second year, we had three teams qualify. This year, at only halfway through the season, we already have two teams qualified. Each year they have made it as deep as the quarterfinals in the state tournament. I am hoping this year they will win state and qualify for the Worlds Championship Tournament. I also coach an OHS robotics team that competes in the FIRST Robotics Championship–it is similar to the VRC format, but with much larger robots that can reach heights of up to nine

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Teacher Spotlight â€” Britton Young

feet. In this competition series, students manufacture much of the robot using raw materials. Students often compete against teams from across the United States and regularly encounter international teams and organizations as well. One of the things I enjoy coaching the most is OHSâ€™s Green Power USA team. In this racing series, students are responsible for designing, building, and racing an electric race car against other teams from across the country and occasionally from around the world. OHS has only been fully involved in this series for the last two seasons. They finished third in the nation last season, and following a recent event in Texas where they finished first, they are ranked number one in the country. We are also co-hosting a race, the Choccolocco Green Prix, with the city of Oxford at Choccolocco Park on January 24th and 25th.

Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do when not teaching? When I have that time away from students, I make the most of it enjoying activities (going to the movies, hiking, and taking road trips) with my wife and son. Do you have anything else you would like to add? Teaching at Oxford has been a wonderful opportunity. It is, unfortunately, a rare thing to see students who have the full support of their school system, and a school system that has the full support of its community. But Oxford does! #GoBigO #Vis1on #OHSRobotics #ChoccoloccoGreenPrix

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The Magic of Lights exceeded all my expectations. The response from the patrons was very positive, and we all learned a lot that we can use to make next year even better. I was also very proud of our City of Oxford employees from every department that pulled together to make this a success.

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— Gary Sparks

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MAGIC OF LIGHTS

Magic of Lights at Choccolocco Park had one primary goal: to create an unforgettable holiday experience for all. For many, spending quality time with family and friends highlights the holiday season, and making a space available for citizens and visitors to do just that–creating memories with another–is what Magic of Lights was all about. The one-mile drive-thru light show, which featured over one million lights, animations, and a light tunnel, was the perfect way to spend time with loved ones and get into the holiday spirit. But it didn’t stop there. There was also a Holiday Village. The Holiday Village featured Santa photos, synthetic ice-skating, food-vendors, and more. This one-stop-shop to holiday fun brought a smile to everyone’s face. It was truly… MAGICAL!

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”I want to thank all of the visitors who came out to the First Annual Magic of Lights at Choccolocco Park for the 2019-2020 season. I would also like to thank all of the dedicated City of Oxford employees, the Church of the Highlands, volunteers, League of Their Own Volunteers, part-time employees, sponsors, and vendors. Magic of Lights was a learning experience for those involved. I enjoyed working along with city staff and getting to know employees I usually don’t have the pleasure of working with. I was impressed to learn about the tremendous talent and capabilities of our staff. ” — Ben Stewart “Magic of Lights was a tremendous success in all aspects–the visitor experience, community buy-in, production, execution, and safety. Since Mayor Alton Craft took office, he has been stressing the importance of collaboration, team-building, and bridging any “gaps” between city departments. Our employees went all-in, and it made for remarkable experiences for those visiting Magic of Lights at Choccolocco Park. It was an honor working along with my coworkers, witnessing the many joyous moments and loving interactions between the visitors, vendors, volunteers, entertainment, and city staff. I want to thank Mayor Craft and the city council personally. This would not have been possible without their vision. Also, Magic of Lights would not have been possible without the tireless work and effort put in by Bill Lawley and his crew at the Fleet Service Department.” — Lamar Carter “Never in a million years would I have thought we could have pulled this off as flawless as we did. The concerns over traffic were very minimal to what we envisioned. The way the departments worked together was refreshing to see. Over three months of work from setup to tear down, though trying at times, was worth it because of the memories we created for kids, families, friends, and various church, youth, and special needs groups. Hats off to Bill Lawley’s group of employees. Their hard work paid off. Hats off to the Oxford Police Department and the Oxford Fire Department for being on-site every day of production. Hats off to Lamar Carter for being there every day and night, tracking the accounting, and handling the relationship between our co-host, Fun Guys, and the city.” — Billy Thompson

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Thank you to everyone for providing great entertainment at the Jolly Holiday Village: Anna and Elsa (Frozen characters) Blaise Adams & Resolution Ministries First Baptist Oxford Adult Choir First Baptist Oxford Children's Choir Jacket Singsations Miss Alabama 2013 (Chandler Champion) Miss Alabama Outstanding Teen 2019 (Zoe Champion) Oxford Community Chorus

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As city employees, working at the Magic of Lights was a great way for each department to work together to create an enjoyable experience for our citizens and visitors. It was a joy seeing volunteers and employees from across city departments collaborate with one common goal–providing a festive and magical holiday season for all of our guests. Magic of Lights was also a team-building event–working it made it possible for employees that typically do not work together to get to know one another outside of his or her department.

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— Bill Lawley and the Fleet Services Department

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I want to thank everyone that made Magic of Lights possible. Bringing a light show of this magnitude to Oxford was a challenge. Magic of Lights could not have happened without the cooperation and dedication from all City of Oxford employees–I have never seen an event where every department in the city had a hand in making it successful. The event was spearheaded by Mayor Alton Craft, Assistant Fire Chief Ben Stewart, and Lamar Carter. Their leadership brought every department together and played a significant role in ensuring our success. Magic of Lights brought families from all over to Oxford; our citizens and employees made it a great destination.

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— Gerry Lyons

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