Oxford Access Volumn 5 Issue 2 by City of Oxford

Oxford

ACCESS

2021

CHOCCOLOCCO GREEN PRIX OPENING RACE FOR THE GREEN POWER USA SERIES’ 2020/2021 SEASON

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

ON DISPLAY IN THE OXFORD ROOM AT THE OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY Dresden Plate Patterned Oxford Quilt Constructed of 1940’s vintage black and gold fabric Hand pieced by The Lick Skillet Quilt Guild Hand quilted by The Oxford Library Hand Quilters Presented in appreciation to The City of Oxford and to The Oxford Arts Council 2

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4 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR 6 EMA UPDATE 10 SPOTLIGHT: JASON WEBB 14 OXFORD CITY WEBSITE 16 CHOCCOLOCCO GREEN PRIX 20 TEAM CHAD STRONG 26 MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY 29 MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT 30 SECOND-GENERATION FIREFIGHTER 34 2021 NJCAA SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 37 BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: BUSINESS INCUBATOR 39 MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF 42 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 57 CIDER RIDGE GOLF CLUB UPDATE 58 SPOTLIGHT: MAKING A DIFFERENCE 61 OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE 62 WELCOME NEW BUSINESSES 66 HISTORIC MAIN STREET UPDATE 70 COMMUNITY CENTERS AND PARKS 74 WHERE DID THAT URGE TO PAINT COME FROM 85 MESSAGE FROM OPAC 86 A BRIEF HISTORY: MARCH 1885 90 WHY I TEACH: TERRI DOKES 94 OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS UPDATE

2021 VOL 5. ISSUE 2

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

101 KEEP OXFORD BEAUTIFUL UPDATE 102 HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS

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 | 2021

Message from the

Oxford Mayor Dear citizens, 2021 is off to an exciting start in Oxford, and I am confident that we will continue to break records in our great city as we continue into the new year. With your support, we are being recognized across the region as a leader in recreation, police, fire, emergency medical support, education, theater, and many more areas. As we continue into 2021, we are still in the middle of a pandemic that has hit many of us close to home. The City of Oxford is working hard to keep your safety and health a priority. Our Recovery Task Force and emergency personnel are doing a great job creating policies and protocols with your health in mind. As we slowly get back to normal, please bear with us as we continue to try to stay ahead of the COVID-19 Coronavirus pandemic. On a much brighter note, our second annual Festival of Lights Christmas Light Show at Choccolocco Park was a tremendous success. We had a record-breaking number of patrons attend our event, and I was pleased to see that we also did our part to sanitize and disinfect all activities in the Holiday Village throughout the show. Be on the lookout for more exciting and family-friendly events soon. We also had a successful football season at Oxford Parks and Recreation, and we are currently planning on our winter and spring sports to start on a limited basis. I have consulted with the Recovery Task Force and PARD personnel, and we are looking into ways to have sporting events in the City of Oxford safely. At the time of this letter, Oxford Performing Arts Center and Oxford Public Library are still operating at a limited capacity. At OPAC, we had many successful holiday movies that our residents and visitors enjoyed, and we did it safely, with social distancing in effect and limited seating. We hope to have concerts and other entertainment at OPAC soon, so be on the lookout as we navigate the pandemic. Our library is still open, but we are also limiting some of the events and meetings that we have in our rooms there, so please call ahead before you go so you can be prepared for any changes that we make to visit one of our many facilities. In closing, I want to thank you for being a part of Oxford. Without your help, we would not be where we are today. As a reminder, please call any of our facilities before you plan to visit them or call our 311 non-emergency helpline for more information as well.

Kindest regards, Mayor Alton Craft

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Alton Craft Mayor

Phil Gardner Council

Mike Henderson Council

Charlotte Hubbard Council

Chris Spurlin Council

Steven Waits Council

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

HEALTH

EMA UPDATE

Throughout 2020, municipalities and organizations within Calhoun County came together to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic in the best way possible through the Unified Command. Simply put, this is a structure that brings together many organizations across jurisdictional lines to coordinate an effective response to an event. Through this unified command, the entire county has been able to solve and plan for whatever COVID-19 may bring. We are proud of this county and all the hard work each municipality and organization has put in to serve the Calhoun County community. Since February 2020, the unified command has held weekly conference calls to stay updated on what is going on in the county. We were able to host 16 testing sites throughout the county and provided over 750,000 pieces of PPE to agencies in need. Once COVID-19 vaccines were ready to distribute, over 15 agencies and organizations facilitated a site to help the Alabama Department of Public Health and Northeast Regional Medical Center distribute their first doses of vaccine to over 2500 community members. As the health department and other facilities in the county receive vaccine allotments from the state, the unified command will continue to help assist in any way and serve the community to our best ability. For up-to-date information in Calhoun County, please consider checking www.calhounema.org or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Best, Tiffany DeBoer Public Information Officer Calhoun County Emergency Management Agency

BY TIFFANY DEBOER

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COVID-19 testing site at Oxford Civic Center

Oxford Police Chief Bill Partridge and former EMA Director Michael Barton

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COVID-19 testing site at Oxford Civic Center

Alabama Department of Public Health and Northeast Regional Medical Center distribute their first doses of the vaccine.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

SPOTLIGHT

JASON WEBB OXFORD POLICE DEPARTMENT

We had the pleasure of sitting down with City of Oxford’s Sergeant Jason Webb. Sergeant Webb has been a quintessential member of the Oxford Police Department since 2007 and an investigator for just under ten years. The Alexandria native started his policing career in Talladega but is proud to say that he now bleeds black and gold as the Intelligence Sergeant for the Oxford Police Department and East Metro Area Crime Center. Listed below are some questions we asked Sergeant Webb, but it’s important to note that his work goes far beyond his day-to-day duties. Webb plays an integral part in advancing the intelligence unit of the Oxford Police Department and East Metro Area Crime Center while also working with the Metro Crime Center in Jefferson County and other institutions across the state and nation. His profession in face detection software for solving crimes has led him to speak at several conferences and teach other officers in the state. Along with his investigation skills, he has also served as the sole administrator of the Oxford Police Department Facebook page for the past eight years. Being the Facebook administrator, he developed a skill to keep the people of Oxford updated on current crimes, advancements in technology, and sharing important messages to the world. He takes this job seriously, dedicating each Sunday afternoon to update the criminal listings and adding an extra four hours to each workday to answer messages and do research on the Facebook algorithms. Needless to say, Sergeant Webb goes above and beyond to protect and serve our city. Get to know him below:

What would you say is the best part of your job?

What is the most recent thing you have worked on?

I enjoy the fact that I get to treat every case and every person with dignity. A property crime might not seem like that big of a deal to some, but to the individual or family affected, it is the biggest and often most dramatic thing happening in their life right now. And just taking the time to sit down and talk to them can make all the difference, even if there are no workable leads in the case, explaining to the victim that when someone invades one’s home, the criminal(s) usually commit other, separate crimes as well. If caught in connection to a different case, we may interview them, connect them to the invasion, and solve the case.

We have been using our facial recognition technology to assist the FBI with identifying Capitol protesters. We have been using this facial recognition technology to solve local crimes. So the best thing to do is make it suitable for media release, which is to blur out the victim and blur out the other bystanders. When identifying a suspect, we want to focus on the suspect and highlight any noticeable features like scars, moles, or tattoos. Once we get a good, clear image, in this case we send it to the FBI case agent as a strong suspect lead. I think that everybody would want to do anything they could do to get criminals identified. Finding a matching image is not enough to arrest a suspect. They still need something to corroborate it.

What has been the most rewarding project you have worked on?

That is a difficult question to answer. I have worked lead on multiple homicide cases, so when we can give people answers, that is rewarding. I would say that the most emotionally satisfying case was the 2015 Quick Med robbery that resulted in two convictions. The reaction and gratitude that we received were amazing.

What would your words of advice be to someone thinking about pursuing a career in your field?

Even though you might hear negative things about law enforcement, law enforcement has been a blessing to me. It’s a great career and a gratifying career. I would advise you to work hard and keep your record clean.

Thank you to Sergeant Webb for your devotion to your job and the City of Oxford. We are proud of the work you have done and the attention you have brought to the East Metro Area Metro Crime Center. 10

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

UPDATE OXFORD CITY WEBSITE CITY WEBSITES PRESENT A UNIQUE PLATFORM FOR MUNICIPALITIES TO ENGAGE WITH THE COMMUNITIES THEY SERVE. THEY SHOULD FUNCTION AS A CENTRALIZED HUB OF HELPFUL INFORMATION SO THAT WHETHER SOMEONE IS A FIRST-TIME VISITOR OR A LONG-TIME CITIZEN, THEY CAN FIND EXACTLY WHAT THEY NEED WHEN THEY NEED IT.

The City of Oxford recently hired The Nine–a web development, design, and digital marketing agency out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama–to provide Oxford residents, business owners, and visitors a “user-first” design that will help them access the resources and information they need to thrive. Stacy Booth, an administrative assistant for City of Oxford Marketing and Communications, said that the previous version of the site was out-of-date and falling short of serving the community well. “The City of Oxford is a special place full of fun and family-friendly activities,” Booth said. “We are a thriving city that continues to push boundaries, with countless resources at our disposal. For years, however, our city website did not reflect who we are.” The new design was inspired by the city officials’ desire to create a website for its citizens that is as exciting to look at as it is informative. This included a color rebrand that took subtle hints from the city’s previous branding to create a fresh, contemporary look. “We wished for a website the city could be proud of now and in the future,” Booth said. “We weren’t merely looking for a website that met today’s standards, but one that would make us the best municipality on the web.” Specific functions that website visitors may find most useful are a calendar of upcoming events and an easy-to-use 311 system that allows users to interact directly with the city. This system lets residents submit a city services request form for animal control issues, street and sidewalk repair, malfunctioning street lights, garbage collection, and much more. Reports for service are entered into a computer program, sent to the responsible department, and tracked to a resolution. Citizens are notified by text, phone call, or email when the situation is resolved. “We want people to use the website as a tool to learn more about the beautiful city we call home, what we have to offer, and as a medium to communicate with us,” Booth said. The new website is also ADA compliant and can be easily translated to multiple languages. Its colors and type sizing were explicitly chosen for legibility and readability so that the website can be accessible to all.

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Because The Nine’s custom content management system lets its clients easily manage their own website, city officials will be able to easily update and manage the site to ensure that it remains a relevant, reliable resource for visitors and residents alike. The city will maintain an ongoing partnership with The Nine, so website visitors can expect to see even more features and improvements in the future. “Working with the dedicated team at The City of Oxford was a great experience,” said James Bates, Creative Director at The Nine. “Their team knew what they wanted and had experience that helped facilitate their vision coming to life in the city’s new website.” To check out the new website and discover all there is to love about the City of Oxford, visit www.oxfordal.gov.

“

I consider it a great privilege to lead our city as we achieve our goals that will be passed on through the generations. Our goal is to make everything accessible to our residents and visitors, and I hope you can find valuable resources on our website. I am sure you will find that Oxford is full of activities. You can shop, dine, exercise, play a sport, and even learn in our library, all within our city limits. You can do all of this safely because our police, fire, and emergency services are ready to serve our citizens and visitors. If you want to learn more about our events or city departments, just click on a link! I hope that you can find valuable information on our new and improved website. Do not forget about our 311 non-emergency helpline, which you can call or report an issue on our website. — Alton Craft, Mayor of Oxford

”

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

CITY OF OXFORD

CHOCCOLOCCO GREEN PRIX All had a great time at the second annual Choccolocco Green Prix. This year, the Choccolocco Green Prix was the opening race for the Green Power USA Series’ 2020/2021 Season. Several teams were excited to be back on the series’ fastest course and by far nicest venue. While the competing field may have been smaller, the competition was no easier due to travel restrictions related to COVID. In attendance were several national champions and runners up from the 2019/2020 Season. In attendance in the middle school division were 2020 Modified Champion Long Cane Middle School’s 999, 2020 Modified Runner-up Long Cane Middle School’s 000, Long Cane Middle School’s Stock 555, and our very own Modified Oxford Middle School’s 70. In attendance in the high school division were 2020 Modified National Champion Oxford High School’s 888, 2020 Stock National Champion Wetumpka’s 106, 2020 Stock Runner-up Oxford High School’s 777, and James Clemens’ Custom 88 and 41.

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Collectively there were 250 miles driven by the teams during the event. Oxford Middle School set a new lap record with a time of 2.17.737 around the one-mile course. Oxford High School’s 888 placed first in the Advanced Modified Division. Oxford High School’s 777 placed first in the Advanced Stock Division, defeating last year’s returning champion Wetumpka. Oxford Middle School placed second in the Intermediate Modified Division, just edging out over the returning runner up, Long Cane’s 000. Following this event’s performance, Oxford High School is ranked first nationally in both Advanced Modified and Stock, while Oxford Middle School is ranked second nationally in Intermediate Modified. If you missed this year’s Choccolocco Green Prix, keep an eye out for it returning for the third year in January of 2022.

BY BRITTON YOUNG OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

TEAM CHAD STRONG

For most of the world, the storm came in 2020. However, the storm made landfall a few days before 2020 and right before the COVID-19 pandemic hit for one Oxford family. It was December 2019 when Chad Ray and his family got the news. Chad was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. Gathering a game-plan for Chad to fight ALS amid the pandemic has been challenging. Still, through their faith, family, and community support, and hope in science moving forward, the Ray family believes in healing for Chad. For one to understand Chad’s fight, it’s essential to take note of what ALS is. Every ninety minutes, someone is diagnosed with ALS. Chad is one of 30,000 people fighting the disease today. ALS is a progressive, fatal neuromuscular disease that slowly robs the body of its ability to walk, speak, swallow, and breathe. The life expectancy of a person with ALS averages two to five years from the time of diagnosis. Symptoms of ALS can begin differently in each person, but for Chad, his family started noticing slurred speech. This disease does not have a specific test to reach a diagnosis, so he went through multiple tests to rule out other sicknesses such as multiple sclerosis and Lyme disease. After ruling out all other possibilities, he was diagnosed with ALS. Then, as Chad’s wife Shellie stated, “Now we are fighting for Chad’s survival.” The past two years have brought incredible advancements in ALS research, expanded access to care for people living with ALS, and enabled legislation that impacts people’s quality of life with ALS and their families. Unfortunately, there is still no cure for ALS. There are two medicines Chad is on that are supposed to help with slowing the progression of the disease, but nobody knows if these medicines make a significant difference. Right now, what is needed for Chad and the other 30,000 people and families fighting ALS are funds to keep research moving forward. To make that happen, it takes family and community support. This past October, the Ray family, and their “Team Chad Strong” community had the Walk to Defeat ALS at Choccolocco Park. Over 200 people came out to support Chad in his fight, and an impressive $24,450 was raised and donated to the ALS Association for ALS research. This was made possible as the community graciously donated, shared the Chad Strong social media posts, had personal Facebook fundraisers, sold cookies, and created and sold face masks, all to raise money for Chad. Because of the tremendous community effort, the Ray family left that day by saying, “Our hearts are full!”

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

Over the past couple of months, the Oxford Access staff has gotten to talk with Chad and Shellie on a few different occasions. After getting to know them, it is evident that their family is rooted in God’s faith and believe in finding joy every day. Though navigating ALS amid a global pandemic has been challenging, the Ray family has not let that stop them from living fully. Within the last year, the Rays have cheered for their son Jackson who plays baseball for the Oxford High School Yellow Jackets, celebrated their daughter Kayli marrying her husband Cody, and watched their grandson Hudson turn three years old. They are about to celebrate their 28th wedding anniversary and have just marked off a bucket-list trip to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The most important part of all these events and trips is that they are together, because together is their favorite place to be. Shellie and Chad have shown so much gratitude to their Oxford family. We can continue to support Chad in his fight to defeat ALS by donating to the ALS Association or the Ray family. The average cost of caring for a family member with ALS is $250,000 per year. There are many medical bills and equipment the family has to have to provide continued care for Chad. We can also show our support by lifting the Ray family in prayer, contributing to different ALS events, and sending them words of encouragement. Until there is a cure to end ALS, we will remain Chad Strong and fight along-side you, Ray family!

Team Chad Strong held a Walk to Defeat ALS at Choccolocco Park in October, 2020. Over 200 people came out to support Chad in his fight.

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

UPDATE OXFORD LIBRARY The pandemic has affected many parts of all of our lives, and the library is no exception. We have taken extra steps in-house and online to continue to provide library services to our community in as many ways as we can. We want to welcome you to use your library safely. In this issue, I intend to let you know some of the changes we have implemented to keep you safe. Stay tuned as well, because there are more updates in the works! While most libraries across Alabama and the country are/were closed, I am proud to say that OPL never fully closed to the public, and we do not intend to do so. We adjusted almost every facet of the way we operate; we used reliable information to guide our procedure changes during this time. We also expanded our online presence and added more online resources. Books returned to the library must quarantine for seven days before returning to the shelves for the next check out. If you search our online catalog from our website, www.oxfordpl.org, you might notice that a book is listed as an “In Quarantine” status instead of the typical “In” or “Checked Out” status. That means that the book has been returned and is in the library, but it rests on our separate quarantine shelves until it is safe to return to the main shelves. When you check out, you will notice clear guards placed at the circulation desk (and in other desks throughout the building). This is to protect you and our staff. Library staff will be wearing masks when they safely interact with you, and we expect you to wear masks to interact with us safely. There are hand sanitization stations on both floors, and library staff regularly sanitize high-contact areas. When upholstered chairs are used, library staff sanitize the chairs to protect future use of the chairs by other patrons. Of course, some patrons would prefer to continue to use our curbside service to check out materials, and we welcome them to do so. Simply reserve materials from our online catalog and indicate in the comments that you would like to use the curbside pickup. One of the high-use, frequent-touch spaces in the library is the computer labs upstairs and downstairs. We are very aware of the imperative need to protect our patrons and staff in this area. After every session concludes, the library staff sanitizes the keyboard, mouse, desk area, and chair to prepare for the next use. There are steps in place to reduce touch-points when retrieving prints, copies, or faxes, as well. In-person programming is reduced to only include types of events that can be safely conducted, and those events have significantly changed since our pre-pandemic world. Knitting and crocheting can continue as usual in the Oxford Room upstairs because the individuals who attend are working on individual projects that do not require close contact. Quilters are now working on projects that do not require multiple hands on one quilt simultaneously. Story Time now requires registration beforehand, available at www.oxfordpl.org/storytime. The frequency of available times has been expanded to accommodate smaller groups at each time. Story Times now meet every Thursday at 9:00, 10:00, 11:00, and 2:30. This season also brings tax preparation. The library has provided free tax preparation for decades in partnership with community volunteers. The United Way works with sites throughout Calhoun County to offer this free service utilizing IRS-trained community volunteers, and OPL is proud to be one of these sites. This very important free service will continue, but necessary changes will be put in place to protect the patrons and volunteers MONDAY - FRIDAY 9 TO 5 • SATURDAY 9 TO 1 • SUNDAY 1 TO 5 • (256) 831-1750 • 110 East 6th Street, Oxford 26

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involved. In years past, patrons would wait in-house for their turn for taxes to be prepared and then interact with the preparer when it was their turn. This year, the volunteer preparers are only accepting tax information as a drop-off service. When more information is needed or when the tax preparation is complete, the volunteer preparer will communicate with the patron in the matter that is decided at the time of drop-off. This protects all involved! This also allows the preparers to spread out to ensure that they are always observing social distance from one another, further protecting each other so they can safely provide this much-valued service. OPL appreciates the time that volunteers put in to help our community! Don’t forget our online services! OPL’s website, www.oxfordpl.org, offers many online materials and resources and ways to connect. Because we have not been able to have in-house programming in the same way we did before, we moved many children’s programming online. Our social media platforms have videos of Digital Story Time, Get Crafty, Bed Time Stories, puppet shows, and parody songs posted regularly. Check us out on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! Just as importantly, subscribe to our YouTube channel to see new videos and watch your favorites again. instagram oxfordpubliclibrary

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E-books are an excellent way to enjoy your favorite authors without leaving your house. Check out www.oxfordpl. org/ebooks to see collections of books available to be downloaded to almost any device you have. Camellianet offers nearly 60,000 titles to choose from, including e-books, e-audiobooks, magazines, and videos. ABDO Digital, Big Timber Media, and Capstone all provide exceptional children’s books, as well. OPL also provides you with links to other fun services that encourage reading and storytelling. For those needing to learn a new skill or brush up on proficiency, check out Knowledge City. It offers over 15,000 free courses in computers, business, safety, compliance, and finance. When you complete a course, you will be awarded a certificate of completion. You will also find resources to increase your test-taking skills at the Learning Express Library, which offers tutorials, practice exams, and e-books to help you. Find these resources (and a whole lot more) at www.oxfordpl.org/online-resources. Sometimes kids need a little help with homework. Sometimes parents need a little help helping with homework, too! Homework Alabama offers free online tutoring to help with those tough homework problems that seem to elude you. They also provide a writing lab and drop-off reviews, and for the adults who need a little career assistance, their Career Center is amazing! Find a link to this free resource at www.oxfordpl.org/online-resources or go directly to www.homeworkalabama.org. I could fill this whole magazine with information about what OPL offers, online and in-house, but I won’t right now. What I have outlined above is just the beginning. Come check us out! See you soon! Amy E. Henderson

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

NEED A SMOKE DETECTOR?

Go by Oxford Fire Station #1 located at 70 East 6th Street, and receive one for free. You can also call them at 256-831-3208 if you would like for a firefighter to come out and make sure your smoke detector is working properly and/or does not need new batteries.

Oxford Fire Department 149 East Hamric Dr., Oxford, AL 36203 28

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CITY OF OXFORD | FIRE DEPARTMENT

Message from the Oxford Fire Department As we enter 2021, I hope and pray that it will be one of the best years ever. 2020 was a challenging year for everyone. COVID-19 has affected everyone in one way or another. The virus shows no partiality–it does not matter whether one is young or old, male or female, or rich or poor. Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones to this virus. Now is not the time to let our guard down. We need to continue to wear our face masks and social distance. As more and more people receive the vaccine, we will be able to return to normal. In the meanwhile, it is crucial to continue to do our part by following current safety guidelines. COVID has been especially hard on our fire department, but we have endured, and we are still here to respond to and protect our citizens. At the beginning of 2020, OFD started running EMS calls to assist our ambulance service and provide needed medical assistance to our citizens quickly. This caused an increase in our call volume compared to 2019. In 2019 we ran 1,427 calls, and in 2020 we ran 2,137 calls, a 710 call increase.

On a personal note, 2020 has been a very challenging year for me. I have battled some serious health issues since July. I’m not fully recovered, but I’m getting better each day and have returned to work for partial days. I want to thank each of you who have sent messages, offered prayers, brought meals, cut my grass, and so many other things to support Monica and me. You will never know what it meant to me after I came off the ventilator and was able to read all the messages of support and prayers on Facebook. I want to thank Mayor Craft and the Oxford City Council for their support during this time. Oxford Fire Department didn’t miss a beat, and that is because of the leadership of Assistant Chief Ben Stewart and the excellent staff we have. Remember to be safe during these cold winter months. Ensure that you have at least three feet of clear space around the heaters if you are using space heaters. Ensure that your smoke detectors are working correctly; if you need smoke detectors and can’t afford them, please call Fire Station #1 at (256) 831-3208. We will come out and install one for free.

Take care and be safe. Chief Gary Sparks

FIRE CHIEF • ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF • FIRE MARSHAL • 256-278-3290

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

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SECOND-GENERATION FIREFIGHTER

SONNY SMALLWOOD

Born Eugene Tolbert “Sonny” Smallwood Jr., Sonny grew up in Oxford in the 1940s and lived two blocks from the fire station where his father was a volunteer firefighter and drove the firetruck. As a teenager attending Oxford High School, Sonny started going with his dad when he was called out to a fire. By the early ’60s, Sonny, too, was a volunteer fireman for Oxford. At that time, the fire station, the police station, and city hall were all located in what is now the Oxford Performing Arts Center. The all-volunteer fire station was located in the back of the building. Sonny said, “I was attending Jacksonville State University during the day and working at Oxford City Hall at night. I was the dispatcher, jailer, and I would drive the fire truck. There were two of us. We each worked every other night.” Like the other selfless volunteers who made up the fire department, Sonny was proud to serve his community. “Back then,” Sonny reminisced, “after a fire, you could take your clothes to Bentley at Oxford Cleaners, and they would clean them, and that was all we got. Later, they started paying us a stipend of $2 per fire.” Over the years, Sonny went to work for AT&T, and he and his wife Joann had three children. But his passion for helping others as a first responder never faded. Sonny continued as an Oxford volunteer firefighter and dispatcher. In 1980 he attended Gadsden State Community College for his paramedic’s license, and later, he was a part-time paramedic instructor at the college. At age 47 and a 30-year veteran of the Oxford Fire Department, he succeeded the late Chief Kenneth Henson in 1991 when the Oxford City Council named him the city’s new fire chief. For 16 years, Sonny led the department, and as the city grew, so did the fire department. Improvements were made, more trucks were purchased, and additional stations were staffed. In the early 2000s, the city maintained the downtown station staffed by two to four part-time firefighters. It kept trucks at four other locations in DeArmanville, Friendship Road, Coldwater, and at the Oxford Emergency Medical Services.

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In 2002, the fire department received an improved rating from the Insurance Services Office (ISO), the agency that rates fire departments on their effectiveness and performance for insurance companies. Oxford’s volunteer department received a four, down from a five, and the decrease meant insurance savings for Oxford’s homeowners and businesses. Oxford’s continued growth in size and population prompted fire chief Sonny to work with Mayor Leon Smith and the city council to grow from volunteer status into a full-time fire department. Gary Sparks, then a captain in the department and working alongside Sonny, said, “Oxford’s volunteer fire department was about as good as you could get. We couldn’t get any better without hiring full-time people to be there ready to go all the time.” Sonny, Gary, and all the staff worked to make improvements to the department that the city still benefits from today. In addition to purchasing new pumping trucks, designing and overseeing the construction of Fire Station 1, Sonny also implemented new technology to map all the hydrants using a GPS program. Current fire chief Gary Sparks says, “Oxford wouldn’t be where we are today without Sonny laying the groundwork. He started the transition to bring us where we are today.” Underneath his era, the Oxford Fire Department grew and flourished to become one of the Southeast’s best fire departments. Today the department operates out of six stations with 41 full-time firefighters, eight part-time firefighters, and nine volunteer firefighters and covers approximately 33 square miles and 21 miles of interstate. The Oxford Fire Department currently has a “Class 3” ISO rating and responds to over 2,100 calls per year. They offer non-emergency services, including new construction fire code inspections, in-service fire inspections, pre-fire plans, and fire prevention training. Sonny Smallwood retired in 2007 after 45 years of fighting fires for Oxford. When asked to look back on his time with the department, he shared, “I enjoyed it. I missed it when I left. I don't miss getting up in the middle of the night going to fires, but I miss the interaction with people. We had a family atmosphere, and it made it enjoyable. Although you were doing something serious, and in many cases dangerous, it was still enjoyable.” Sonny is enjoying retirement and still stays in contact with Gary Sparks, Oxford’s Fire Chief. He served his community honorable for many years and was instrumental in creating a safe, thriving City of Oxford.

TOP Officers of the department in 1970. R-L: Chief Dewey Webb, Asst. Chief Carl Byrd, Capt. Kenneth Henson, Lt. Bill Prestridge, Sgt. Sonny Smallwood, Sgt. Lewis Graben, Sgt. Dale Baxter. BOTTOM Group photo from 1979. Sonny Smallwood is third from the left on second row.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

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In June 2020, the National Junior College Athletic Association (NJCAA) announced upcoming championship bids for 16 of the association’s 28 sports. Among those, a number of new locations were selected, including Choccolocco Park Sports Complex in Oxford, AL, to host the NJCAA DII Softball Championship from 2021-2022 and the NJCAA DI Softball Championship from 2023-2024. Through the bid process, the NJCAA National Office and Championship Events Committee carefully vetted potential hosts by evaluating key aspects such as venue facilities, lodging availability, and overall ability to provide an outstanding championship experience for student-athletes. Choccolocco Park and the City of Oxford emerged as an exceptional choice to host four NJCAA national championship events in four years. In May 2021, 16 teams from 16 regions across the nation will travel to Choccolocco Park and the City of Oxford. The five-day event will feature 30 games, all of which will be streamed live on the NJCAA Network, the association’s home for digital content. Topnotch talent and a first-class championship experience will be on display to viewers around the country. The NJCAA DII Softball Championship comes to Oxford after being hosted at Traceway Park in Clinton, MS, since 2012. The NJCAA DI Softball Championship will be hosted at the Pacific Avenue Athletic Complex in Yuma, AZ, in 2021 and 2022 before coming to Oxford in 2023. “On behalf of our championship staff, I’m excited about this great group of future championship hosts,” said Rod Lovett, NJCAA Director of Championships and Sports. “It is a nice mix of former and first-time hosts, and I think our student-athletes and coaches will enjoy playing in these venues and communities. This was a very competitive bid process, and we think we have some excellent sites for the next several years.” The 2021 NJCAA DII Softball Championship will begin on Tuesday, May 25, culminating with a national champion being named on Saturday, May 29.

ABOUT THE NJCAA Since 1938, the NJCAA has served as the nation’s premier governing body for two-year collegiate athletics, providing student-athletes opportunities to PREPARE, COMPETE, SUCCEED and ACHIEVE in their academic and athletic disciplines. The NJCAA is the second-largest national intercollegiate athletic organization in the United States, with over 500 member schools in 44 states. Each year over 3,400 teams compete in 28 different sports across multiple divisions in the NJCAA, and the organization sponsors 52 national championship events and sanctioned bowl games.

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BUSINESS INCUBATOR THE NORTHEAST ALABAMA ENTREPRENEURIAL CENTER Northeast Alabama Entrepreneurial System 1400 Commerce Blvd., Anniston, AL 36207

The Northeast Alabama Entrepreneurial Center (also known as “The Incubator”) is a place for new and existing business to get started in the local economy. Designed to help start-ups get on their feet, The Incubator also provides possibilities for existing companies to grow. With both office and manufacturing spaces available, the Northeast Alabama Entrepreneurial System can provide opportunities for a variety of businesses to start, grow, and succeed in the local economy. Contact Lucas Gockel at the Calhoun County EDC for more information on how to grow your own small start-up.

Lucas Gockel, Director of Research and Special Projects Calhoun County EDC lgockel@calhouncountyedc.org

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

December 2020 — The Oxford Police Department and our local Oxford Target teamed up for Cops ‘N Kids. Police officers were paired with children from the community to buy gifts. 13 children were recommended for many different reasons, some just needed a Christmas blessing. Through local donations made possible by Target managers, Brittany Boyd and David Reed, we were able to give out nearly $2,000 in gift cards that the children spent on everything from toys to clothing. 38

oxfordal.gov

Oxford Police Department

Message

600 Stanley Merrill Drive, Oxford, AL 36203

from the

Oxford Police Chief

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas season. I am pleased to report that crime in our city has continued to drop, and we continued to see a decrease in crime during the holiday season as well, something that in years past hasn’t always occurred. Our officers worked long hours during the Christmas season, and it paid dividends. We have a lot of good things happening in the department. The East Metro Area Crime Center had a busy 2020 even during the pandemic, working over 1500 new cases with our regional partners. Investigators have made progress in helping reduce crime not only in Oxford but across our region. I always note that crime doesn’t know jurisdictional boundaries, and we must continue to work together to keep our communities safe. The EMACC does just that. Our Cyber Crimes unit at the EMACC assisted our federal partners in investigating the Nashville bombing on Christmas Day and the assault on the US Capitol in January. As we move into 2021, please stay safe and call us if you need us. We are always here to assist in any way possible.

Chief Bill Partridge

INVESTIGATIONS 256-835-6136 • ANIMAL CONTROL 256-591-4103 • GENERAL (NON-EMERGENCY) 256-831-3121

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

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The City of Oxford’s Festival of Lights brought more than just Christmas Spirit to its visitors. It brought a sense of community during a time in need. With so many anticipated events being canceled this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Festival of Lights staff worked tirelessly to ensure a “COVID-friendly” drive-through lights show and Santa’s Village, filled with food vendors, inflatables, and the crowd favorite: synthetic ice skating. The show’s success was made possible with the gracious support of this year’s event sponsor, Alabama Power, and the village sponsor, First Bank of Alabama. “We are proud to be a supporter of the Festival of Lights. During a year that brought so many unknowns to our community and state, Mayor Craft and his team were able to keep traditions alive for so many families. Being a partner in this endeavor is something we are privileged to do” - Terry Smiley, Alabama Power Eastern Division Vice President. The Festival of Lights saw over 20,000 carloads of people from all across the southeast. The event had attendees from as far as North Carolina coming to see the spectacular displays of lights. The public’s unbelievable response is making the event staff even more excited to begin planning for next year’s light show.

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

Planning and setting up the Festival of Lights took much more effort and time than most people realize. Discussions concerning layout, themes, decorations, budgets, and personnel to handle the deployment of such a large undertaking started back in March of 2020. Many departments and personnel dedicated large portions of their workdays and often after regular business hours to make all of this happen. In conjunction with the City of Oxford’s event staff, Fleet Services started with the layout of the drive thru light display and the Christmas village located in Choccolocco Park’s five-pod. Several meetings were conducted to determine budgets, outside vendors, ticketing management, material acquisitions, event staffing, and necessary deployment resources. Many departments were heavily involved in planning and executing the Festival of Lights at different points in time. Special thanks have to be given to a handful of people who proved to be critical in getting the lights and village erected and decorated. There was a concerted effort by these dedicated and talented employees of the City of Oxford, with most of them working nearly three weeks straight and often 12-hour days. During and after the event, we have been dedicated to listening to citizens who attend the festival. We have appreciated the positive comments, and all should be assured that any constructive criticism will be carefully considered during the planning of next year’s festival. We hope that both the city’s employees and its residents are proud of the result.

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“WE ARE BLOWN AWAY BY THE SUPPORT AND POSITIVE RESPONSE WE HAVE RECEIVED FROM THE PUBLIC. THE STAFF CAN’T WAIT FOR EVERYONE TO SEE WHAT WE WILL ADD TO ENHANCE NEXT YEAR’S SHOW. I WANT TO THANK THE CITY EMPLOYEES THAT WENT ABOVE AND BEYOND TO MAKE THIS POSSIBLE. WE COULDN’T HAVE DONE IT WITHOUT ALL OF YOUR EFFORTS” – LAMAR CARTER

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

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UPDATE CIDER RIDGE Greetings from everyone at Cider Ridge! Spring will soon be here bringing with it the year’s best weather for golfing. Everyone with Cider Ridge is excited for the upcoming year. Throughout 2020, golf gave many people a reason to get outside and be active. We know it has been a tough year. For those who took advantage of getting on the course, we feel blessed to have been part of your respite. We are looking forward to a much better 2021 for everyone! In anticipation of a more relaxed 2021, we’re excited once again to be a host club for PGA Jr. League this summer. PGA Jr. League is a more relaxed junior golf program that will run the duration of the summer. It will incorporate instruction, on-course practice, and golf matches. It’s a great way to introduce your kids to the game in a fun and light atmosphere. Leagues can be created for both 13 and under and 17 and under age groups. For more information on the program or to register, please visit pgajrleague.com or call us at 256.831.7222. For anyone looking to test your skills and play some tournament golf this year, be sure to check out the Cider Ridge website at www.ciderridgegolf.com. This year, we will be adding a monthly calendar with golf events. There will be information on each event and sign-up links to allow you to sign up online, or you can always call us and sign up over the phone. Also, if you’re looking for great deals on golf, make sure to become a member of Troon Rewards if you haven’t already. It’s a free program through Troon Golf that allows you to accumulate points for every round you play at Cider Ridge or several of our courses across the country. Points can be redeemed from discounted or even free golf. If you or someone you know is looking for great rates at Cider Ridge, please pass along the Troon Southeast Card. There are options for Twosome or Foursome golfers and get both players a discount every time they play at a participating course in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, Florida, or North Carolina. More information on both of these programs is available at troonrewards.com or trooncard.com, respectively. Lastly, the course is in great shape right now. If you’re looking to host an event or charity event, we strongly recommend doing so ASAP. With so many groups postponing events last year, everyone is excited to get back on the course, and tournament dates are filling up fast. We’re excited to see everyone back out after the winter and can’t wait for a great 2021!

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 | 2021

oxfordal.gov

SPOTLIGHT

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

The City of Oxford, in partnership with United Way of East Central Alabama, is pleased to be once again a host site for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program. VITA is a service designed for low and moderate-income individuals and families to help them prepare and file their taxes at no cost.

Friendships with clients and teamwork with each other are key to why Edna, Shirley, Jane, and Kathy return year-after-year to assist with VITA. They work independently and as a team. “Someone always double-checks the work that another volunteer has done once complete. The IRS requires a second review of the information for accuracy,” Kim explains.

Funded by grants and staffed with volunteers trained by the IRS, this program has helped citizens in Calhoun County for over 30 years. The Oxford Public Library is one of three host sites, and last year, it helped 618 residents file their taxes and receive over $680,000 in refunds. The program is entirely free and even covers the expense of filing the refunds online. “Our clients are excited that they get their full refund,” explains Kim Robertson with UWECA.

“

Helping residents find out about the program is the job of Jessica Smith, Marketing & Programs Director with UWECA. She sends out press releases, social media posts, and explains that word of mouth is a big part of how people find out about the program. “You have one person that comes, and they have an excellent experience, and they go and share that with all their friends.”

United Way welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds. You do not have to have professional experience in accounting or finance to help. Volunteers undergo tax-preparation training classes and have access to reference material of frequently used tax law.

Longtime volunteer Edna Brown has seen many changes and improvements during her time. She remembers when she would fill out forms by hand and what a great improvement it was when they were able to purchase computers. She has formed long-lasting relationships with individuals she helps and shared, “I look forward to seeing people I may only get to see once a year. They talk and share with me about their lives.”

There are not enough thank-yous

for the volunteers. I can’t express how much we depend on them. We are thankful for all the time they put in.

— Kim Robertson

”

Helping others can be rewarding. “I enjoy it more than I thought I would,” Kathy shared. She must mean it because she is back for her second year as a volunteer. To find out more: www.uweca.org/vita What is different this year: Clients will not be allowed to wait in line inside the building. They will accept drop-offs only.

Who Qualifies for VITA—Must meet ONE Requirement: Income less than $57,000, Over the age of 55, Disabled, Veteran

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oxfordal.gov

UPDATE OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS Dear Citizen, I hope this letter finds you well. It’s an honor to come to you again with a quarterly update on Public Works projects in our great city. The plans to improve Leon Smith Parkway’s traffic flow from the I-20 interchange southward to Choccolocco Park are now complete. This project will include additional lanes and bridge widening on the two bridges just south of the Oxford Exchange. Leon Smith Parkway will remain open to traffic during construction but will certainly require caution while traversing the corridor. The rights-of-way acquisitions are finally coming to a close and will begin the bid advertisement process very soon. We hope to start construction in the first quarter of 2021. The construction plans for turning lane additions and widening of the intersection at Barry Street and Highway 78 have been completed. We are currently in rights-of-way negotiations with one remaining property owner and hope to have that project under construction within the next several months. Our citywide street light upgrade project is still ongoing. Many of you may have noticed the bright LED street lights along Hwy 78 & 21 installed recently. We are in the process of upgrading all street lights within the city limits from the standard incandescent bulb to the much brighter and more energy-efficient LED bulb. Our leaf vacuum curbside service will soon come to an end for the season. Our Leaf Vac Trucks run from November thru April 1. Beginning April 1, 2021, one must bag all leaves and grass clippings 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 following 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 and are collected by different trucks due to our landfill license requirements. They are disposed of in different locations. City of Oxford Department of Public Works Curbside Pickup Ordinance: NON-PICK-UP ITEMS: • New construction/Remodel debris • Car batteries / Car parts • Household garbage, food, etc. • Chemicals or containers • Liquids • Paint cans • Tires • Trees cut by Tree Service • Light bulbs • Treated lumber • Tree stumps • Tree trunks 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). Three Corners Regional Landfill is located at 2205 County Road 6, Piedmont, AL (256-447-1881). All 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. 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 Oxford’s City Service Helpline. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm. You may also visit www.oxfordal.gov to file a request online.

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

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The Oxford Business League’s purpose and mission is to promote the growth, prosperity, and partnership among all businesses within the City of Oxford. The Oxford Business League is responsible for recruiting new businesses, assisting openings, ribbon cuttings, and groundbreakings, promoting available properties for business expansion, coordinating with City of Oxford Marketing Department, and catalyzing future partnerships among independent and franchise businesses.

Jalisco Taqueria & Grill 1783 Hamric Drive East Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 403-0856 jaliscotaqueriaandgrill.com

Blackbird Emporium 502 Main Street Oxford, AL 36203

Monday - Thursday 11 am - 9:30 pm Friday & Saturday 11 am - 10 pm Sunday 11 am - 9 pm

Sunday: Closed Monday: Closed Tuesday: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Wednesday: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Thursday: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Friday: 2:00 pm - 5:00 pm Saturday: 10:00 am - 5:00 pm

We are locally owned and operated and our goal is to bring you the freshest and most authentic Mexican cuisine in the area.

JALISCO TAQUERIA & GRILL

oxfordal.gov

blackbird502main.com

Art, Handmade Crafts Adult Painting Classes Kid Paint Classes

H&H Home Team Keller Williams Realty Group 324 Snow Street Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 624-6341 info@handhhometeam.com H&H Home Team is Calhoun County’s most innovative real estate team. We are experienced agents in the Calhoun county and surrounding areas, and real estate is our passion! Let us lead you HOME today! Connect with us on Facebook, Instagram, and witter

BLACKBIRD EMPORIUM

H&H HOME TEAM - KELLER WILLIAMS REALTY GROUP

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

PLANET FITNESS

SMOOTHIE KING

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REALLY REAL REAL ESTATE

Planet Fitness 140 Spring Branch Road Oxford, AL 36203

Smoothie King 108 Spring Branch Road Oxford, AL 36203

Really Real Real Estate 84 Ali Way Oxford, AL 36203

256-558-9540

256-403-6707

256-474-7836

planetfitness.com

smoothieking.com

reallyrealagents.com

Open 24 Hours

Monday - Friday: 8 am - 9 pm Saturday: 8 am - 9 pm Sunday: 10 am - 8 pm

Really Real Real Estate is a new brokerage in thriving Calhoun County! Excited to bring knowledge and experience with in-house agents for all of your real estate needs. Wanting to buy, sell, or invest in real estate? Give us a call!

Tons of variety in cardio and strength equipment. Free fitness training for our members. Masked-up team members. Squeak-clean and spacious gym.

We use whole fruits and organic veggies, and never any syrups or artificial flavors, colors or preservatives.

oxfordal.gov

UPDATE HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD Settled in the 1830s and incorporated in 1852, Oxford is located in the southernmost region of Calhoun County and parts of Talladega and Cleburne Counties. Oxford has a population of over 21,000 residents. In 2014, Oxford was one of three Alabama cities selected to become a designated Main Street community. Since then, we have been working diligently to make downtown the hive of activity it once was. Historic Main Street Oxford’s mission is to bring prosperity and vitality back to our historic downtown and celebrate our past while keeping an eye on the future.

DOWNTOWN OXFORD OFFERS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE FOR EVERYONE: • First class performing arts center that accommodates 1,130 guests • Locally owned and operated coffee shop, ice cream shop, and peanut food stand • Variety of interior design and specialty shops • A Southern home-cooking restaurant also locally owned and operated • Three art galleries, two of which are located at the Oxford Performing Arts Center’s Martin-Lett Gallery of Art and Wren’s Nest (Home gallery of Larry K. Martin) • Three historic churches - Baptist, Methodist, and Presbyterian • Walking distance to four historic homes located on the Alabama Register of Landmarks and Heritage and National Register of Historic Places

2020 - 2021 MAIN STREET MEMBERS Cotton Antiques & Collectibles HOUSE Counseling Hubbard's Off Main Mark Lee Insurance Oxford Cleaners Parnell Insurance Pastime Peanuts Ra-Lin & Associates Rice, Rice, & Yates PC Sarah Cavender Metalworks The Terrortorium The Vine Chiropractic

Best Regards, Hunter C. Gentry, Director Historic Main Street Oxford & Oxford Business League Oxford, AL 36203 256-241-6667, 256-403-8052

THINK LOCAL. SHOP LOCAL. BUY LOCAL. HUNTER GENTRY • HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD • P.O. BOX 3383, OXFORD, AL 36203 • 256-241-6667 OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

GWEN PARRISH, BOARD CHAIR FOR HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD, RECEIVED THE MAIN STREET HERO AWARD

MAYOR ALTON CRAFT AND HUNTER GENTRY 68

oxfordal.gov

AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR PLANNING THE CITY OF OXFORD RECEIVED THE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FOR PLANNING & PUBLIC SPACE FOR OUR DOWNTOWN STREETSCAPE PROJECT

In November 2020, Main Street Alabama officials presented two Awards of Excellence to Historic Main Street Oxford. Annually, Main Street Alabama hosts a reception for designated communities for projects and persons that impact their city. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s reception was canceled. Gwen Parrish, board chair for Historic Main Street Oxford, received the Main Street Hero Award. Parrish has been an active member of our organization since 2017. She has been instrumental in our holiday window decorating contest, Trick-or-Treat on Main, Downtown Christmas Open House, Cash Mob, and Merchants Committee. She and her husband, Dr. Ryan Parrish own The Vine Chiropractic. The City of Oxford received the Planning and Public Space Award for the downtown streetscape project. In November 2017, the city broke ground for a planned downtown revitalization project. Over the next three years, Oxford’s historic downtown district transformed into an inviting, pedestrian-friendly destination. The project was a part of the ongoing investment towards the revitalization and preservation of our historic downtown.

2019 – 2020 YEAR-END REPORT • • • • • • •

Completed a three-year, $3 million renovation along Choccolocco and Main Street Welcomed the Blackbird Emporium Added a “Welcome to Historic Main Street Oxford” mural Accepted two Awards of Excellence from Main Street Alabama Main Street Hero—Gwen Parrish Excellence in Planning & Public Space- Downtown Streetscape Project Received grant funding from Walmart Foundation and Alabama Power Foundation Walmart Foundation: $1,000 Alabama Power Foundation: $3,500 • Continued façade improvement grant program Private Investment- $36,965 Public Investment- $5,879.50 • Raised $5,173 through sponsorships and memberships Investing in Historic Main Street Oxford supports local businesses and entrepreneurs, creates jobs for our residents, preserves one-of-a-kind buildings, and creates local conveniences and additional shopping and entertainment choices.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

OXFORD LAKE

oxfordal.gov

COMMUNITY CENTERS & PARKS The City of Oxford values the wellbeing of our visitors, staff, and community. We continually assess current conditions regarding COVID-19 and engage with federal, state, and local public health officials when deciding whether to postpone, cancel, or reduce the number of attendees (if possible) for gatherings. Please call 256-831-2660 for the most up-to-date schedule.

BYNUM COMMUNITY CENTER 200 Victory Dr, Eastaboga, AL 36260 (256) 241-2716 CRAY-FIT Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm Led by Rachael Cramer. $3 per class or $25 for a 10 class punch card.

CHOCCOLOCCO PARK 954 Leon Smith Parkway, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 342-0174

OXFORD CIVIC CENTER AND OXFORD LAKE 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-2660

FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER 2930 Friendship Rd, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-2679 YOSHUKAI KARATE Monday and Wednesday 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm Instructor Mike Mangham. Ages 7 to adult. $45 per month. YOGA Led by Holly Box (256) 473-4475 Tuesday and Thursday from 9:30 am-10:30 am

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

C I T Y

O F

O X F O R D

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2021 Oxford PARD Girls Softball for Youth Registration will be February 20 - March 20 at the Oxford Civic Center Ages 5-12 Registration Fee: $60 Slow Pitch: Ages 5-6, 7-8 Fast Pitch: Ages 9-10, 11-12

Questions Call 256-831-2660

oxfordal.gov

CHOCCOLOCCO PARK SPORTS COMPLEX

5-6

SPORTS MARCH ALABAMA OFFICIALS

2021

AND

FOUNDATION SOFTBALL TOURNAMENT

21-25

APRIL 2021

ALABAMA SPORTS OFFICIALS FOUNDATION SOCCER TOURNAMENT

SOUTHERN ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION CONFERENCE SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

6-9 MAY

7-11 MAY

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

GULF SOUTH CONFERENCE BASEBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

10-16 MAY

12-16 MAY

ALABAMA HIGH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION REGIONAL SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

OHIO VALLEY CONFERENCE SOFTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

25-29 MAY

24-30 JUNE

NATIONAL JUNIOR COLLEGE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION SOFTBALL NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

DIXIE BASEBALL STATE ROOKIE TOURNAMENT

2021

954 LEON SMITH PARKWAY, OXFORD, AL 36203

(256) 342-0174 OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

Baobab tree with Hadzabe family camped beneath. Pencil drawing by LKM © LKM2021, All text and images are protected by copyright.

oxfordal.gov

WRITTEN BY LARRY K. MARTIN

WHERE DID THAT URGE TO PAINT COME FROM?

THE COMPULSION TO CREATE GRAPHICALLY PREDATES HUMAN HISTORY, AND IT’S REBORN

IN EVERY GENERATION.

SILHOUETTED AT THE BASE of a towering Baobab tree, a tiny family cluster of Hadzabe hunter/ gatherers hover around a campfire in the pre-dawn chill of the semi-desert landscape near Lake Eyasi, Tanzania. A dozen young men (none appears to be older than about fifteen years) gather at their rock shelter some fifty yards away. As the sun begins to rise, they simultaneously grab their bows and a handful of small arrows and urge their dogs with a nudge; these tough-as-nails hunters are ready for the morning hunt. With a yelp, they set out like a pack of African Hunting Dogs, fanning out in a coordinated effort to sweep the dry hills of almost anything that moves. They must kill to eat, which means anything from small squirrels and birds to baboons and Kudu and even an occasional specimen of Africa’s gigantic mammals. There is no margin for error nor mercy; their very existence depends on using every possible protein source. Throughout the ages, in the daily lives of hunter/gatherers, there has been little time for leisure activities, including creativity. “What does this have to do with art?” you might ask. In the drawing entitled Like the First Morning borrowed from a favorite song, “Morning Has Broken,” I suggest that this scene has been repeated thousands, maybe millions of times, beginning long before recorded history. There still exist a few remnant clusters of the Hadza tribal culture in East Africa, just as there are a dwindling number of their distant cousins, the San people, or Bushmen, of southern Africa. These two groups of hunter/gatherers represent the very last of tribal life, which predates humans’ first efforts to raise crops or livestock before even incipient agriculture had begun. Tribal groups that depend on day-by-day hunting and gathering, generally had little leisure time to experiment with such elective activities as drawing or painting. When living above this barest subsistence level, culture tends to find enough free time to exercise symbolic, creative thought and expression.

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Our small group of “eco-tourists” had prearranged this day to “run with the Hadzabe,” that is, to have the privilege of witnessing a primal hunt with these young adult hunters, all armed with bows and arrows, some with poisonous arrowheads. As each hunter makes a kill, the animals are thrown directly onto an improvised campfire and roasted whole. A few of the hunters will share the small game animal consuming it ad libitum as the hunt continues.

As we returned to the Baobab and rock shelter, I began to look for signs of primitive artwork. The shelter was not too spacious but plenty big enough to have been used countless times by Hadza generations. I kept wondering, “Did the Hadzabe create cave art, as the Bushmen did?” Bushmen are the only other remaining African tribe with a glottal click language; but not closely related in genetics. Geneticists have demonstrated that the Hadza DNA lineage precedes that of the San culture on the human family tree. So, why didn’t we find cave art at the little clearing that had been in continual use for hundreds of generations? The answer was obvious. This place was such a convenient and efficient site for continual use by Hadza families and hunters that it would not have been secluded enough to serve as a holy place. As I learned, the Hadza do have rock shelter artwork in selective, sequestered caves. After “running with the Hadzabe,” I had a chance to see how an isolated tribal hunter viewed his world. I handed my clipboard with paper and pencil to one of the 15-year-old hunters. Our Datoga guide could speak the click language, and he translated my simple request to “make something.” The pencil drawings slowly emerged. This was serious stuff for someone who’d never seen a pencil. The results were not surprising, nor was it the work of a tribal Norman Rockwell. It was a childlike, piecemeal depiction of his hunts’ essential elements—weapons and game. It included a touch of wishful thinking, two prized species that we didn’t see that day—an ostrich with a chick and a Lesser Kudu. The drawing, while not holding any surprises, suggested a hint of abstract thought. It spoke of an “ideal” hunt.

Hadzabe hunter in process of making his first drawing. Top artwork: Hadzabe hunter drawing by LKM © LKM2021, All text and images are protected by copyright.

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Finished drawing by Hadzabe hunter.

AS LONG AS HUMANKIND HAS WALKED THIS PLANET and been sheltered in caves, we’ve been on a quest to expand our communication skills. Before written words, there were pictures. It’s a natural, spontaneous move to pick up a soft clump of richly-colored red ochre or a black charcoal stick and make a, perhaps tentative, gesture drawing on a cave wall. Fortunately, not everyone would be inclined to take that first action, or the walls would be desecrated with worthless graffiti. Fortunately, it was the lone purpose-driven individual that became obsessed with the idea of making something symbolic, meaningful, and beautiful with that chunk of pigment. It was left to a very select individual for millennia, the village shaman (or medicine man), to create a permanent, symbolic record of their culture’s existence. These respected elders were specialists—a link between the people and their Creator. In many African savannahs, rocky outcroppings known as kopjes offered hidden shelters for these holy men, as well as dens for leopards and snakes and other furtive wildlife. During long, solitary visits, the shaman meditated and often experienced symbolic visions, many with wildlife images and some with human figures. Some of the most beautiful cave art in Africa were created by spiritual leaders rather than ordinary hunters or wanderers. In South Africa, a cave painting sometimes called Spirit Men or Vapor Trail Figures is regarded as one of the most beautiful and symbolic examples of tribal art. The three mystical figures are thought to be humans in the spirit world, each with a long, tail-like vapor trail, to illustrate their flight. The rock walls are a gallery of red-ochre drawings of wildlife and hunters and enigmatic, symbolic signs. Stylized animals are omnipresent, but it’s the Spirit Men who captivate our imagination and transport us back thousands of years to share the journey of one remarkable human into the mystical spirit world. We will never know this holy man, nor his small band of hunter/gatherers, but he has left us something beautiful and mind-boggling. If not for this singular San-culture Michelangelo, there would be no visual evidence of the hundreds of generations of San People who lived and died there. It seems perfectly natural that the shaman often became a specialist in wildlife art. I’ve often thought that all artists who paint natural subjects, wildlife, and landscapes, are trying to emulate the Great Creator, who might well be regarded as the Great Artist. Perhaps that’s why artists sometimes champion conservation causes—even the Great Artist doesn’t likely appreciate the desecration of his masterpiece.

I couldn’t help wondering whether that holy man, fortuitously had been so artistically creative. Perhaps some reclusive hunter had become a shaman after his peers discovered his creative talent. The site was protected only by a chain-linked fence, and the gate was unlocked. It could easily have been pillaged, and I was relieved to see signs that it was intact. I brushed my hand across the dirt floor under the painted menagerie and found that chipped flint gravers and a sizable round stone pecking tool lay just under the surface. I suggested to our guide that we put them back in place and cover them with the dusty soil. Later, I met an expert rock art researcher, Conraad da Rosner, who stayed at our camp. I talked at length with him, and he was excited when I told him about the stone tools. “There are many priceless sites and it’s very difficult and expensive to protect them all,” he explained. San (Bushman) drawing of “Spirit Men” in ancient rock © LKM2021, All text and images are protected by copyright.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

“

I brushed my hand across the dirt floor under the painted menagerie and found that chipped flint gravers and a sizable round stone pecking tool lay just under the surface.

”

Guide and LKM in rock shelter, discovering ancient tools. Prehistoric “pecking tool” used in cave etchings.

SOME 4,600 MILES WEST of Africa’s hunter/gatherers, on another continent, and in another tropical wilderness, the Amazon Basin of Brazil, live an even-more reclusive tribe, the Kayapo Indians. The most reclusive village of this tribe was called Mekranoti (or MKNT, home of the “People of the Great Painted Faces.” It sits almost centered in the massive Amazon Rainforest. They flourished under a category of cultural development known as incipient agriculture. The forest is opened by slash/burn clearing, and an ingeniously selected assortment of crops are planted and thrive in the red clay soil. Conventional, modern farming procedures would deplete the nutrients within a year or two. Such a near-perfect adaptation of this tribal group to its harsh environment has allowed the Mekranoti to flourish. This early agricultural level of cultural evolution provides that essential element: leisure. The presence of multiple rudimentary gardens, combined with efficient hunting with primitive weapons (bows, arrows, and clubs) plus a few guns from non-Indian victims in past raids, provide a continual cache of food beyond the subsistence level. This allows more time for ceremonies, feasts, and the creation of feathered adornment and elaborate tribal weapons. In 1972 I had the good fortune to spend two months making epidemiologic studies throughout the Amazon basin, including a two-week live-in experience with the Mekranoti. And there was sufficient time scattered among the medical testing and treatment procedures for me to become acquainted with many of the people and even conduct a spontaneous art experiment. Before the field trip began, I had bought a box of colored pencils and a pack of rice paper sheets. One evening in the lantern light of a missionary’s hut, I gave out the art supplies to several men. According to the missionaries, there had been no history of representational artwork among the Mekranoti or the Kayapo villages. Yet, this village, thanks to a few highly-skilled female practitioners, was likely named for the bright-orangish facial patterns painted from the achiote (or ucuru) plant. Other tribes also used these paints, but the MKNT villagers sported intricate black geometric patterns from genipap tree sap, skillfully applied to the face and body, using a nib from a limb of buriti palm. A few women were the skilled painters, and their work was flawless. The men were equally proficient in their own artistic specialty—weaving. Using only their fingernails, the artisan would strip thin,

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MKNT Indian girl with facial decorations. First drawings by MKNT warrior—by Bep Kum.

THE MOST RECLUSIVE VILLAGE OF THIS TRIBE WAS CALLED MEKRANOTI (OR MKNT, HOME OF THE “PEOPLE OF THE GREAT PAINTED FACES.” uniform ribbons of bark from a particular bush and weave them into stunning patterns to finish the handles of war clubs and other weapons. Feathers were incorporated into many decorative items, most notably the bright headdresses worn in village ceremonies. Yet, with all of this creative expertise, there was no evidence that anyone had ever experimented with graphic artwork, certainly no drawings of any subject. The missionary, Mickey Stout, translated my instructions, being careful not to offer any gratuitous suggestions. Mickey instructed a few of the men. She had already told me, “If you want this to work, you should first ask only the men. Otherwise, no one will participate.” A can with pencils was passed around, and a sheet of paper was handed to each man. Then we watched as each warrior, sporting a greatly painted face and body (and wearing nothing else, except a large wooden disk inserted into the lower lip), became a wildlife artist. But no one moved–nothing but empty stares. “O.K., let’s ask each one to make something,” I suggested. Nothing… no more than a few tentative pencil strokes and the same blank stare. “What now?” she asked. “Tell them to make an animal,” I suggested. A brief pause, and then every man was bent forward, engrossed in the mission of drawing his first animal. Many impressive primitive wildlife drawings were created that evening, even a few masterpieces, such as the fish shown in this article. A couple of things were evident: there was a lot of artistic ability lying dormant in this little village. There was a wide range of innate ability to express themselves with this medium. If there had been any rock shelters or caves in this vicinity of the Amazon Rainforest, their smooth walls probably would be, by now, fully decorated. Mickey, the linguist/missionary, said, “You know what? I think I can use this technique in my work. My ostensible reason for being here is to translate the Bible into the Kayapo language.” Occasionally, long after returning home, I would receive an occasional note and a drawing or two. I discovered just last year something exciting that had been stored for almost a half-century. From the Assurini Tribe, Mickey had sent a few very advanced, stunning drawings. These are symbolic, possibly representations of the fresh-water, “Pink Dolphin of the Amazon.”

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

FROM ALL OF THESE LITTLE EXPERIMENTS that I’ve made with various cultures, it appears that the patterns are similar. A tiny percentage of any group will show an extraordinary degree of interest in art and animal life. There will be a small proportion among these enthusiasts who extend their interest beyond a few days or months. They can be blessed, not cursed, with this lifetime obsession. Whether created by a child or an adult tribal man (or woman), the first stage in animal art seems to be the same as that of a child. The simple, stylized, naïve or primitive creation comes from a part of the brain that strives to keep things simple. First graders have this gift. When a child advanced to the second grade, that innocent style was lost, as the little artist looked around and saw what the older people were drawing. I think of two individuals who never lost this innocence because neither cared an iota what other people were doing. One was an old hermit friend named George Dunn, who lived on a farm near the Talladega National Forest. When I visited him, we would trade our drawings of animals. His were almost identical to the simplistic figures in my collection of tribal artists, almost identical to those of the Hadzabe hunter. Likewise, my long-time friend, Ches McCartney, the Goat Man, drew a few pictures for me. One depicted three crosses (Calvary, I’m sure), and a bird, and one figure that looked like a space alien. Mr. McCartney was able to express himself artistically and when life from another planet is actually discovered, I already have a drawing of it. When I cross paths with former classmates from elementary and junior high school, they seem to recall that I often had a sheet of paper hidden within a school book and sometimes sketched rather than taking notes. The same is true for my cohorts in college and even graduate school. It was embarrassing to be seen by fellow scholars, doodling on a sheet of paper and inserting it back into a book called Theory of Statistics. Once when I was interviewed on television, I was asked about this compulsion to draw and paint. My spontaneous answer was, “I guess it’s just some genetic flaw.” That might not be as glib as it sounds. This schizoid mindset of mine doesn’t always seem to serve a person well. In every environment, I’ve been able to appreciate people’s expertise whose interest is always focused on one discipline. I admire them immensely, but envy them, I don’t. The compulsion to create is impossible to define. The child who sits with a hidden sketch in his or her book and blushes when it’s discovered might be a Rembrandt, or an Einstein (taking a break), or just an ordinary, struggling student. If the drawing is of an animal, he or she is a genius. If the drawing is of a spaceship, send him down the hall… to a math class.

GALLERY: WREN’S NEST AT OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 100 E. CHOCCOLOCCO STREET, OXFORD, AL 36203 256-238-0710 • 800-833-9736 • WWW.WRENSNESTOPAC.COM

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OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

2019-2020 SEASON

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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2019-2020 SEASON

OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

2019-2020 SEASON

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

100 Choccolocco Street Oxford, Alabama The Oxford Performing Arts Center is the region’s primary arts and entertainment venue located in the heart of downtown Oxford, Alabama. The venue is comprised of a 1,200 seat main theatre, a 200 seat Studio theatre, and two art galleries.

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UPDATE OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

Thank goodness 2021 is here, and we can focus on a bright future for the Oxford Performing Arts Center stage and our community. We plan to come back from the shutdown with an even more dynamic and exciting slate of events and performances. Our calendar is set to get busier as we move towards 2022. OPAC just opened in 2013, and we are still a growing arts and cultural destination. While 2020 was a strange time for the performing arts sector, it was also a year for innovation. We were fortunate enough to stay open and serve the community with free outdoor movies, our inaugural Halloweek Festival in Downtown Oxford, and playing a larger role in the Festival of Lights event at Choccolocco Park. As always, we are grateful for the continued support of our dedicated patrons and city. Our goal going forward this year is to open when it is entirely safe and prudent to do so. We believe that when a vaccine is readily available to the public, things will begin to return to normal for us. While we are closed, our staff is working on various tasks throughout the venue to ensure our venue will be in top condition when we can re-open. Some of these projects include painting, deep cleaning, repairs and improvements, sanitizing efforts, and improving the guest experience. We look forward to welcoming the community back to a safe and clean OPAC. While the Oxford Performing Arts Center will be closed to the general public, if you need to meet with someone on our staff or would like to tour one of our galleries, please visit our website www. oxfordpac.org to schedule an appointment. Thank you, John Longshore Executive Director Oxford Performing Arts Center

OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER • 100 CHOCCOLOCCO STREET, OXFORD, AL 36203 256-241-3322 • OXFORDPAC.ORG OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

“Mr. Russel Oxanna’s artiste came down and photographed several views of the streets of Oxford last Wednesday morning while they were literally covered with country wagons.”

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Photo courtesy Oxford Public Library

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

A BRIEF HISTORY

MARCH 1885 IN OXFORD, ALABAMA

Recently, an Oxford citizen contacted me about the 1885 photo of Oxford taken at the intersection of present day Spring and Snow Streets looking north up Main Street. The person asking was interested in the businesses shown. During the post-Civil War South, Oxford boomed as a cotton trading center due to its convenient location to the surrounding Talladega, Clay, Cleburne, and counties. In the 19th and 20th Centuries, Sanborn Company produced detailed maps of cities and towns. They were published for insurance companies to access liabilities of the individual properties. The Sanborn Company created the first official map of Oxford in 1885, the same year the photo in question was taken. An article in the Jacksonville Republican stated, “Oxford is rapidly coming to the front and will soon lay aside her village vesture and don the robes of a Metropolis.” The population included 1,500 residents. In February of the same year, the state legislature passed an amendment to Oxford’s 1860 charter to change the mayoral and council election from the first Monday to the second Monday in March. On March 9, 1885, the citizens of Oxford held a vote with 190 votes cast. The election results favored Dr. John B. McCain (93 votes) and Charles T. Hilton (92 votes). Council members elected to office included Joshua Draper, Jr., John B. Ingram, L.C. Humphries, Tilman A. Turner, Xerses H. Bagley, and Oliver W. Cooper. Due to the closeness of votes between McCain and Hilton, McCain resigned. Another election was scheduled for the following Monday. Since records were not adequately taken, the second election results are not known at this time. The Hot Blast, the predecessor to The Anniston Star, recorded on March 14, 1885, that the Oxford Fire Company purchased a fire alarm bell. The bell was used to alarm the town citizens during times of distress, specifically in a fire. Today, the bell sits in the cupola atop the Oxford Performing Arts Center. An entry in the paper that day also states, “Mr. Russel Oxanna’s artiste came down and photographed several views of the streets of Oxford last Wednesday morning while they were literally covered with country wagons.”

BY BY HUNTER HUNTER C. C. GENTRY GENTRY 88

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The business community of Oxford in 1885 included several general merchandise stores, hardware stores, livery stables, grocery stores, a shoe repair and cobbler, millinery shop, dry goods store, tin shop, drugstores, jewelry stores, bank, post office, harness and carriage shops, freight depot, three churches, hotel, and a masonic lodge. There were more than one of each hardware, grocery, and dry goods shops in most cases. The economy of Reconstruction Oxford thrived with business from traders across the region. CENTRAL HOTEL The earliest references to a hotel in Oxford date to the mid 1850s. An advertisement from April 1855 in the Jacksonville Republican stated that Samuel H. Likens, Attorney at Law and Solicitor in Chancery, is located in the Selma and Tennessee Hotel’s corner office. The hotel was later described as being “20 steps from the depot.” Records indicate that the hotel burned at least three times during 1883, 1888, and 1890. Just after midnight, in the early morning hours on December 8, 1885, a fire originating from a lamp within the hotel burned the Central Hotel. C.J. Cooper & Sons’ concrete building stopped the fire from spreading along the west side of Main Street. The Cooper building is presently home to The Main Olive and Enzor & Maniscalco Attorneys at Law. William A. Orr, chief of the fire department at the time, fell from the hotel’s roof and broke his hip. A few other members of the department sustained injuries from the fire as well. Throughout the life of the hotel, it changed hands in ownership and was known as the Arlington Hotel, Oxford House Hotel, Kelly Hotel, and Clardy Hotel. KELLY’S LIVERY Samuel C. Kelly and his brother, James S. Kelly, were the first to operate a livery business in Oxford. The Kelly brothers, Franklin County, Tennessee natives, came to Benton County, Alabama, in the 1830s and settled in the Alexandria Valley. They made their way to Oxford and became involved in the community due to the boom in trade and business. The Kelly Livery was located at the corner of Main and Snow Streets. Samuel served in the Mexican War and the Civil War and worked

into the captain’s ranks while in the Confederate State Army. He was the paternal grandfather to Maud McLure Kelly, the first female to practice law in Alabama. James surveyed Texas during statehood in 1845, served as Justice of Peace, and was known as “Sam Slim” for his columns in the Hot Blast and Weekly Times.

LIVERY AND SALE STABLES, OXFORD, ALABAMA. CONVENIENT TO CENTRAL HOTEL. I am prepared to furnish first-class teams, from a cart to a four-horse wagon. Good drivers and gentle horses. Will contract to haul engines or any heavy machinery. I have just received a brand new HEARSE, and am ready to serve funerals at short notice. Don’t mistake the stables. S.C. KELLY.

Tip Bagley’s Cash Store Xerses H. Bagley, known as “Tip,” owned and operated a cash store at the corner of Main and Spring Streets. Bagley was a veteran of the Civil War that served in the Confederate State Army and a farmer. His cash store operated for a short period and is today’s equivalent to a payday loan company.

Sources of Information: Newspapers.com and Ancestry.com OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

WHY I TEACH

Oxford City School System Teacher Spotlight — Terri Dokes

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 TERRI DOKES, WHO WAS AWARDED AND RECOGNIZED AS “EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH” BY THE OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION.

Dokes grew up in Hobson City and attended Oxford City Schools K-12 with her sisters Tenille and Timberly. She has two sons–Treyvion, age 15 (who is part of the Yellow Jacket varsity football team,) and Tristian, age 11. After graduating from Oxford High School, Dokes attended Jacksonville State University, initially majoring in Computer Science. She then changed her major to Elementary Education. Dokes graduated from JSU in 2006 and was soon asked to interview for an Oxford City Schools position. Dokes shares that she wasn’t a bit nervous during the interview, as there were two very familiar faces interviewing her–Dr. Goodwin and Mrs. Nothdurft. Dokes was hired to teach kindergarten at DeArmanville Elementary School and is now teaching second grade in her fifteenth year as an Oxford City Schools employee. She also earned a Master’s degree in Elementary Education while teaching. We invite you to join us in congratulating Ms. Dokes with the employee of the month recognition and hope you enjoy getting to know her better in the Q&A that follows:

What made you want to become a teacher? I wanted to become a teacher after reflecting on the great teachers I had in school. My favorites were Mrs. Moore, Mrs. Free, and Mrs. Berry. They made you feel that where you came from or the color of your skin didn’t matter. You were special to them, and they loved you. That’s what I wanted to do for kids if I had my own classroom. What is the most satisfying thing about teaching? Seeing my students realize that they have reached the academic goals that they have set for themselves.

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

Thank you

BECAUSE OF THE GENEROUS COMMUNITY SUPPORT OCSEF HAS BEEN ABLE TO INVEST OVER $540,000 IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS:

Advanced Placement Testing Archery Team Fine Arts Program Green Power Team National Championship Rings Outdoor Classroom Piano Lab

Robotics State Championship Football Rings STEM Student Instructional Support Teacher Instructional Support Technology VEX Robotics Kits

ANNUAL EVENTS BREAKFAST WITH SANTA DANCING THROUGH THE DECADES EDIBLE EVENING FOR EDUCATION LEVELS OF GIVING Diamond $10,000 • Platinum $5,000 Gold $2,000 • Silver $1,000 • Bronze $500

oxfordcityschoolseducationfoundation.org

Oxford City Schools Education Foundation partnering with Oxford City Schools and our community to enhance learning experiences for all students. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR JUDY MUNCHER

DIRECTORS KEN HOWELL, PRES.

SHANNON PAGE

BRAD WILLIAMS, V.P.

TREY PILKINGTON

JANE HAMRIC BATEY, SEC.

KENDALL POOL

TIM WILSON, TRES.

THOMAS PRATT

WAYNE CALDWELL JACKI LOWRY

256-282-9158

ADAM MANISCALCO

HONORARY

JUDYMUNCHEROCSEF@

JIMMY NEWMAN

DIRECTORS

GMAIL.COM

DEBBIE NOTHDURFT

DR. DAVID BENNETT

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Teacher Spotlight

What do you look forward to most at the beginning of each year? I enjoy getting new students and meeting them where they are at academically. This allows me to build relationships with each one. What’s the most challenging part of being a teacher? The most challenging part about being a teacher is multitasking. Sometimes you are your student’s mom, dad, counselor, nurse, etc. All while teaching them what they need to know academically. How do you want former students to remember you? I want my former students to always remember me as someone who loved them for who they are and wanted nothing but the best for them. What methods do you use each day to bring out the best in students? At the start of the year, I teach my students that as a class, we do not say or use the word “can’t.” I teach them that they can do anything they want, but they must first try. If I hear the word “can’t,” I follow it up with –“but did you try?” What are your thoughts on receiving the teacher/employee of the month award? It was very unexpected! I don’t come to my classroom every day for the accolades. I was very honored and humbled that my principal, Ms. Copeland, thought about me for the award. When you see former students who are now older, what’s one thing they typically say they remember about your classroom/team? The first thing my former students do is usually yell my name, “Ms. Dokes, Ms. Dokes!” They most often tell me that they miss me being their teacher and how they wish they could come back to my classroom and me be their teacher again! Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do when not teaching? When I’m not teaching, I’m usually fully involved in whatever my two boys are doing at the time/season. My hobby has become them full time. It is never-ending! Do you have anything else you would like to add? Yes, COVID has changed the way we as teachers are teaching our students. This year has been filled with curveballs, roadblocks, and plenty of the unknown. One thing I can say, however, is that it has not changed the love and passion I have for teaching.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS

OXFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS

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OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS

OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS Promoting The Arts in Oxford City Schools During a Pandemic As a school system dedicated to developing the “whole student,” Oxford City Schools takes great pride in various art programs (fine arts and performing arts). OCS offers a well-rounded art curriculum with many options in both fine arts and performing arts. The district’s vision statement highlights the importance of being the leader in all aspects of education, and these programs are definitely a part of that vision. Since the onset of the pandemic, things have looked very different for our teachers and students. Although many changes and adjustments had to be made, the creativity of the arts programs still exist. There are still many great things taking place in our schools during these unprecedented times. DR. CHRISTY SHEPARD, STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES COORDINATOR

OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR DURING THE PANDEMIC — Holly Luke When asked, “How are you able to continue to teach choir during the pandemic?” The answer from Oxford High Choir Director, Holly Luke, is “How can we not?” Singing requires the use of our bodies, which is a direct connection to our emotions. While the process of singing is an individual thing, choral music unites and combines those individual voices into one voice...One community of people working together for one unified purpose. In a time of fear, uncertainty, and isolation, music has never been more essential and crucial for our students' social and mental wellbeing. She explains she is very thankful for a supportive administration and school system that understands choral music’s importance in our schools and community. The trust and support allowed her the opportunity to research

and build a plan that has continued choral music opportunities for our students in a safe environment. There are many aspects to teaching choral music skills: music theory, ear training, vocal technique, breathing technique, diction, understanding and interpreting a variety of texts (some in other languages), expressivity, and so forth. But in addition to that, it is just as necessary to focus on teaching critical skills such as teamwork, respect, work ethic, versatility, and leadership. Being a member of this community, Mrs. Luke wants to see these students serving our community one day and being a valuable contributing member of our city. While teaching, she focuses on both sets of skills. Logistically things have had to change due to the pandemic–smaller class sizes, singing in masks, and social distancing being some of those changes. Despite the many challenges of teaching choral music during this crisis, OHS has still had many positive accomplishments this year.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

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OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS

These are just a few of the many exciting things accomplishments from the Fall 2020 Semester and current events: • We have collaborated with band and tv production students to create a virtual recording of “The Star-Spangled Banner” for our school’s Veteran’s Day program. • Kierra Charles, Emma Dunaway, and Megan Warhurst were selected for the 2021 Alabama All-State Show Choir. • Emma Dunaway, Sarah Ashley Edwards, Aiden Kostecke, McKinnlee Mata, Kimara Parki, Ella Payne, Megan Warhurst, and Tori Williams were selected for the 2021 Alabama All-State Choral Festival. • The Oxford High School “Sound” Show Choir is gearing up for competition season! The competitive show choir typically competes across the southeast each year during January and February. This year due to virtual competitions, they will have the opportunity to participate in contests across the United States. They will film and share their virtual competition performances with the community during late January and February this year. Be sure to follow the Oxford High School Choirs Facebook and Instagram pages for details on how to watch their performance videos and cheer on the Oxford High School show choir!

Oxford Middle School Choir The OMS Choir is also working hard during this pandemic and making creative adjustments. OMS Choir students had the opportunity to audition for Alabama All-State Choir this fall. Students were responsible for learning seven songs at a difficult level and recording them for a virtual audition. Fourteen students submitted videos, and eleven of them were accepted into the All-State Choir for Spring 2021. The Festival is tentatively scheduled for the first weekend in March at the BJCC. These students have displayed excellent work ethic and determination to achieve such an honor amid these trying times. The entire OMS Choir was invited to sing Christmas Carols at the Oxford Christmas Parade. Students graciously endured the current guidelines for singing amid a deadly pandemic to prepare for and complete this performance. This masked outdoor performance was the first time many of these students had sung together with a group in a very long time. These students are commended for their efforts and the quality of their performance. OMS Choir plans to attend the Alabama Vocal Association Solo and Ensemble Festival in February, where small groups

of students will perform for a judge and receive a score. We also hope to take those eleven students to the All-State Festival in March. The State Choral Performance Assessment is scheduled in April, and should that Festival take place, students will participate in large choir performances and sight-reading for a score. OMS hopes to have a spring concert in May to showcase student learning and achievement this year.

Oxford Middle School Band The OMS band is split into 7th and 8th-grade members. OMS 8th grade band members had the opportunity to march with the high school marching band during the fall semester. The students practiced on their alternating days in which they had to learn very difficult music, especially since they had missed almost an entire semester of instruction. The students went on to perform at their assigned games and did a fantastic job! In the spring, we will have several students audition for the all-state band virtually. The 7th-grade band students have spent the fall semester basically re-learning everything from beginning band. The students only received a few months’ worths of instruction on playing their instruments, yet these 7th-grade students have come tremendously far since the beginning of the semester. A majority of these students can dissect our exercises and play them correctly with teacher assistance. In the spring, we hope for them to have a performance to showcase their abilities and how far they have come. Since OMS was unable to have a concert in person for the fall semester, the different classes of 8th-grade students learned a song that was recorded and edited together to have a virtual performance. The students had to be independent and confident in each of their parts for the song to come together. Both 7th and 8th-grade band students will hopefully have the opportunity to perform an in-person concert this spring or participate in solo and ensemble. As OMS enters this spring semester, they are hopeful that large indoor events such as concerts will be allowed once again. They hope that the competitions and festivals tentatively scheduled will be allowed to take place and showcase these students’ remarkable talents. However, if they must continue socially distanced rehearsals and virtual performances, they are sure our students will continue to give their best efforts in an attempt to spread joy and hope through their craft.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2021

SIERRA WEEKLY Roses on a barbed wire fence in acrylic

ANTHONY CALLOWAY Mixed media guitar

ANDY PEREZ Landscape

TORI WILLIAMS Mixed media depiction of a cow ALYSSA CASEY Character design digital media

CARMEN MORAN An exploration of identity digital media

SYDNEY WHITESIDE Visual brainstorming collage created with digital media 98

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KAYLIN THORNBURG Landscape in acrylic

OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS

OXFORD MIDDLE SCHOOL VISUAL ARTS — Anita Armbrister Art teacher Anita Armbrister acknowledges that at OMS, technology has been an invaluable tool to keep the program up and operational in the visual fine arts department. Students have used various software this year to accomplish success in their art. With students attending virtually on some days, technology has allowed access for the learning to continue. Mrs. Armbrister also uses equipment to demonstrate screen techniques, which allows each student to see up close, whether virtual or in class, with social distancing. Mrs. Armbrister is impressed with the level of work students have achieved with balancing between fewer studio days (face to face) instruction and virtual.

OHS VISUAL ARTS IN THE PANDEMIC — Michal Taylor-Phillips Teaching visual art during a pandemic seems like it would be full of challenges. OHS visual arts teacher Michal Taylor Phillips explains that she is frequently asked with disbelief, “How are you going to teach art this year?” She confidently answers “with flexibility.” At Oxford High School, visual arts are taught with the Teaching for Artistic Behavior (TAB) approach, a student-directed approach that teaches art by promoting choice, agency, and flexibility. While many programs focus on subjects and materials, TAB allows students to choose their subjects and materials for every artwork, focusing instead on creativity, planning an artwork, experimenting with materials, visual problem solving, and self-reflection. The purpose of TAB is to engage students better by leveraging their interests. It also provides opportunities for students to build mastery of a single material for the year rather than learning

She feels that the fact that students could keep creating and fostering their independent choices using the programs put in place by the school system has been excellent. When reading online in teacher forums how so many schools either cut out art classes or only did simple pencil or ink drawings, Oxford City Schools has kept up our instruction standard. Their favorite project was a “pop” art project based on the work of Peter Max. Students were able to make generational comparisons. Students were asked to create what was popular to them now. Art reflects the time and place along with the artist's personality. Mrs. Armbrister hopes that the chance to reflect on 2020 and how it changed their lives was a meaningful and memorable project for her students.

only a little about various materials. A great deal of the learning that happens in the classroom happens as students must solve the visual problems that manifest in their work. Mrs. Taylor-Phillips supports each student with individualized instruction that acknowledges their own art goals and gives them the information they need to achieve those goals individually. It is perfect for differentiation from an instructional perspective because students define their starting point, and individualized instruction is built into their progress. Mrs. Taylor-Phillips believes that the visual arts program at OHS proves a larger truth, that art persists. Circumstances do not restrict art; it changes to reflect circumstances. She sees the same truth in her students who are not allowing this pandemic’s restrictions to prevent them from achieving their own goals. “I have watched many of them rise to the challenge within their families, with their school work, and in their new normal. These pieces are some of their artwork from the first semester.”

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PLAN AHEAD Having a plan means deciding on something in advance. It is especially important to have a plan in place when there’s a threat of severe weather. In Oxford, we want you and your family to have a plan. The Oxford Access team had a chance to talk with the Oxford Fire Chief, Gary Sparks, as well as Chief Partridge from the Oxford Police Department. We asked them to tell us what kind of steps and plan the residents of Oxford need to take when preparing for a severe weather threat. Chief Partridge gave us a four-step plan: 1. Make a family plan. Have a safe place to go. If severe weather hits your home and you get separated from other family members, know where to meet each other. 2. Get a weather radio. 3. Make sure your phones are charged. 4. Follow Chief Bill Partridge, the Oxford Fire Department, and the City of Oxford on all social media for real-time updates. Chief Sparks added, “The most important thing is for them to know where their safe place is. For those not aware, there are two storm shelters located in the City of Oxford.” One shelter is located in the Bynum area and the other in the DeArmanville area. The Oxford Civic Center also serves as a storm shelter. The storm shelters open when a tornado watch has been issued or the weather bureau or Calhoun County EMA think they should be opened. There is a red light on the side of both of the shelters to help indicate they are open. Chief Sparks also wants to emphasize the importance of not relying on the tornado sirens. He stresses that they are not a reliable source during weather events. Instead, he encourages people to watch the weather on television and follow the same social media accounts Chief Partridge mentioned.

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KEEP OXFORD BEAUTIFUL • AFFILIATE OF KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL

What’s Happening at Our Landfill?

“Sorry folks, park’s closed. The moose out front should’ve told you.” That iconic line was delivered by John Candy in the movie Family Vacation when the Griswold family arrived at their amusement park destination. Anytime I think of something being closed and people being disappointed, my mind instantly plays this scene. I find myself wondering if our local landfill will one day have a security guard that turns people away, saying, “Sorry folks, landfill’s closed.” You see, landfills don’t last forever. The size of the landfill dictates how much it can hold. How fast that capacity is reached is determined by the amount of trash you and I send there. The more waste we send to the landfill, the sooner it will reach maximum capacity and be forced to close. Have you ever considered what happens to a community once their landfill reaches capacity? One logical conclusion is that a new landfill must be constructed. Where will it be located? What will it cost? Can it be built with minimal environmental impact? For the sake of future generations, the proactive measures we take now will preserve land if we can do our part to promote the longevity of the current landfills by filling them with fewer recyclables. Besides the obvious question of where to locate the next community landfill, we must also ask ourselves questions like: What will it cost? Estimates vary widely on such projects’ cost, but one thing is sure, future costs will almost certainly be higher than they are today. Today’s cost is between $336,000 to $774,000, but what about the price 50 or 100 years from now? What if environmental groups decide to take legal action to stop the construction of a new landfill? There are many reasons that such a project’s cost would be nearly impossible to gauge, but it’s sure to be expensive.

Two-thirds of landfill waste contains biodegradable matter. As the materials decompose, it releases methane gas into the air. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) states, “methane gas traps up to 20 times more heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide.”* This is contributing to our world getting hotter. The rate of decomposition of items depends on landfill conditions. Plastic waste takes a very long time to decompose. It is estimated that plastic bags and plastic bottles, things we use every day, can take ten to 1,000 years to decompose. Cardboard will decompose in approximately two months. Aluminum cans take 80 to 200 years to decompose completely in a landfill. They are not only made of aluminum, but they are coated with a thin layer of a plastic-like material to make sure they will not leak.* The good news is there’s something we can do. We can help prolong the life of our existing landfill. We can significantly reduce the amount of trash sent to the landfill by practicing recycling. Recycling is a great way to take trash that would typically go to a landfill and send it elsewhere to be turned into products that we can use again. Recycling a large percentage of our waste would help us ensure the longest life possible for our existing landfill. This will help us now and will save our environment for generations to come. Stay informed concerning recycling by visiting keepalabamabeautiful.org and the Keep Oxford Beautiful Facebook page. *John Newton, 2018, Sciencing.com *Rick Leblane, 2019, The balance small business: The Decomposition of Waste in Landfills

SUBMITTED BY LORAINNE BUSBY — KEEP OXFORD BEAUTIFUL

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We celebrate the winners in the annual City of Oxford Christmas Decorating Contest sponsored by the Oxford Arts Council. The awards presentation for the announcement of winners was held at the Oxford City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 8, 2020, at the Oxford Performing Arts Center. Thank you so much everyone for your hard work and spirit of Christmas. Your contribution to the City of Oxford is so appreciated.

BUSINESS Cider Ridge Golf Club and Community Entrance

200 Apple Blossom Way

BEST LIGHTING Mark and Janet Weems 1330 Greensboro Drive MAIN STREET Cotton Antiques 518 Main Street Nancy Burnell MOST ARTISTIC Michael Cobb and Shanna

3490 Bobwhite Street

MOST BEAUTIFUL Danny and Charlotte Hubbard

4 Heritage Way

MOST CHRISTMAS SPIRIT Mark and Carrie Cook 2106 Douglas Drive MOST CREATIVE Amy Hammett and Corey Nabors 294 Coweta Trail MOST TRADITIONAL Tom and Linda McKleroy 66 Woodcreek Crossing REASON FOR THE SEASON Clay and Janet Goff

32 Mallard Circle

WINTER WONDERLAND Creekside Farms

Off McIntosh Road

LIFETIME HONOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Greg and Alice Thrower 2072 Littlejohn

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