200 Victory Dr, Eastaboga, AL 36260 (256) 241-2716
CHEAHA CLUBHOUSE
910 Boozer Drive, Oxford, AL 36203 256-831-2660
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
LIBERTY PARK 401 McCullars Lane Oxford, Alabama 36203
SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER
424 Main Street, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-5900
SIMMONS PARK
Corner of Main Street and Oak Street Oxford, AL 36203
MESSAGE
STUDENT DESIGNS POLICE CAR WRAP
MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF
REMEMBERING LT. TOM BRADLEY
FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS - A HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT
RESTORING THE HEART AND SOUL OF DOWNTOWN
POSITIVE INFLUENCE - SHARRELL DORSEY
SARAH CAVENDER METALWORKS UNIQUE ARTISTRY
UPDATE: HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD
RICE AND RICE - THE BOYS FROM MAIN STREET
COTTON ANTIQUES - A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
THE BANK - OXFORD FALL SPECIALS
THE MAIN OLIVE HOLIDAY SLAW
HUBBARD’S OFF MAIN SOUTHERN BRUNCH
OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS
WELCOME TO OXFORD - NEW BUSINESS OPENINGS
SPOTLIGHT: LAURA MIZZELL
INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT: DONCASTERS
OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
COMMUNITY HEALTH AND WELLNESS
OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
SPOTLIGHT: JANE BATEY
COMMUNITY CHORUS HOLIDAY CONCERT
LARRY MARTIN - STORIES BEHIND THE PAINTINGS
ARTS & CULTURE SERIES: JINGLE ALL THE WAY
OXFORD CHRISTMAS DECORATION CONTEST
REMEMBERING CHARLES BATTLES
REMEMBERING AVERY ROBERTSON
CHOCCOLOCCO CREEK WATERSHED - QUAIL MANAGEMENT
TEACHER SPOTLIGHT - SHANNON COCHRAN
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
COMMUNITY AND STUDENTS COME TOGETHER
HISTORY - COPPER BUILDING
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
Follow us for highlights of community news, city events, and special moments as they happen in our beautiful city.
Dear citizens:
MESSAGE from the OXFORD MAYOR
We have an exciting fall and winter planned for you in Oxford. I hope that you will take part in some of the many events we will have around our city.
To begin, I hope that you were able to participate in our “Halloweek” events around the city. We had interactive experiences for kids of all ages, and I hope that you take as much pride as I do in the quality and safety of all our events in every season of the year. Our first responders work hard with our departments to create risk-free environments for all patrons, and that is one of the reasons why Oxford has become a benchmark for public safety in Alabama and surrounding states.
Speaking of public safety, I hope that you were able to attend our annual Public Safety Night Out, which featured first responders from around the area. Our responders – from street crews to helicopter pilots –provide vital services to our residents in many ways, and I hope that guests had an opportunity to see how these departments work together to ensure the safety and security of residents and visitors. I invite you to join me in thanking them for their hard work and dedication to their professions, respectively.
With Christmas just around the corner, our annual Festival of Lights Drive-Through Light Show and Santa’s Village will be opening soon, and I hope that you will get a chance to experience it this year. We have added new attractions to the light show and the village that I am sure you will enjoy. With that in mind, if you are at Choccolocco Park, please be mindful of our crews that are installing the attractions around the facility.
Downtown Oxford will also have many fun and educational activities for residents and visitors during the colder months as well. Historic Main Street Oxford, the Oxford Performing Arts Center, and the Oxford Public Library will be hosting many festivals, shows, and family-friendly events, so check out their sections in this issue of Access so you can stay up to date.
Many road construction projects in Oxford are nearing completion, but we will begin new projects in the next few months; our social media pages will provide you with updates on projects, road closures, and detours.
In conclusion, I would like to wish you and your family a blessed Christmas season. As we begin the new year, I am confident that with your help, Oxford will continue to be “Alabama at its best.”
Kindest regards, Mayor Alton Craft
CHRISTMAS SENIOR DANCE
Ryan Robertson with Alabama Rain performing Friday, December 13, 6:30 - 9:30 PM
$5.00 admission; light meal and live entertainment
Oxford Civic Center 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford 256-831-2660
AUDREY SAXON’S WINNING DESIGN
Audrey Saxon, a senior at Oxford High School, is the proud designer of the new wrap for Oxford police vehicles. A bold blend of reflective hexagons and the Oxford yellow jacket mascot wearing the police uniform, her creativity is now on display on the three Ford Explorers used by the school police officers in Oxford.
Earlier in the year, Captain Daniel Phipps approached Oxford high school graphic arts teacher Anna Wheeler and asked for student involvement in creating the artwork to showcase school and community collaboration. Students in Wheeler’s digital design class voted Audry’s artwork as the winner.
Principal Seth Taylor shared, “Audrey is very talented, and her design stood out. She did a fantastic job. It’s always encouraging to see students like Audrey use their creativity for the betterment of the community, and in this case, OPD.”
Photo L-R: Lt. Gerry Lyons, officer Zane Farr, Audrey Saxon, officer Elliot Carothers, and Capt. Daniel Phipps.
Oxford Police Department
600 Stanley Merrill Drive, Oxford, AL 36203
A MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF
As the festive season approaches, many of us are immersed in the joy of shopping, decorating, and celebrating. However, amid the excitement, it is vital to prioritize safety—both while shopping and at home. As a community, we should be proactive in ensuring that our holidays remain merry and secure.
SHOPPING SAFETY TIPS
When heading out to shop, especially during the busy holiday rush, it is essential to remain vigilant. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Be Aware of Your Surroundings: Always stay alert, especially in crowded areas. Avoid distractions like your phone when walking through parking lots or busy streets.
2. Secure Your Belongings: Use a crossbody bag or keep your wallet in your front pocket. Ensure your purchases are not visible in your car, which can attract unwanted attention.
3. Shop During Daylight Hours: Whenever possible, shop during the day. If you must shop at night, make sure to park in well-lit areas and avoid isolated spots.
4. Buddy System: Shop with a friend or family member whenever feasible. There’s safety in numbers, and it’s also more enjoyable!
HOME SECURITY TIPS
While we are out enjoying the festivities, it’s crucial to ensure our homes remain safe and secure. Here are some important precautions:
1. Lock Up: Ensure all doors and windows are securely locked before leaving home. Consider deadbolts or additional locks for added security.
2. Light it Up: Use timers for indoor lights to create the illusion of occupancy. Outdoor motion-sensor lights can deter potential intruders.
3. Don’t Advertise Your Absence: While social media is a great way to share holiday cheer, be cautious about posting vacation plans or photos until you return home.
4. Get to Know Your Neighbors: Building a sense of community can be incredibly beneficial. Informing trusted neighbors about your plans can help them keep an eye on your property while you’re away.
The holiday season should be a time for joy and celebration, and with a few simple precautions, we can ensure it remains that way. Let’s look out for one another and promote safety in our community.
And remember, the men and women of the Oxford Police Department are here if you need us.
Wishing everyone a safe and happy holiday season!
Warm regards,
Bill Partridge Chief of Police Director of Public Safety
Lieutenant Thomas “Tom” Michael Bradley
October 10, 1957 - September 10, 2024
With a heavy heart, we announce the passing of Lieutenant Tom Bradley, a dedicated member of our department and a beloved figure in our community. Lieutenant Bradley leaves behind a legacy of service, integrity, and compassion that will not be forgotten.
Lieutenant Bradley dedicated his life to protecting and serving our community. Throughout his career, he exemplified the values we hold dear—courage, commitment, and a profound respect for those he served. His leadership and unwavering dedication inspired countless colleagues, and his presence will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege to work alongside him.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom was a cherished friend to many. He had a unique ability to connect with people, always taking the time to listen and offer support. Whether it was through mentoring younger officers or simply lending a helping hand, Lieutenant Bradley made a lasting impact on everyone he encountered.
As we mourn his loss, let us also celebrate his remarkable life—a life characterized by selflessness and a steadfast commitment to making the world a better place.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Lieutenant Bradley’s family, friends, and all those he touched throughout his remarkable journey.
Rest in peace, Lieutenant Tom Bradley. Your legacy will forever remain in our hearts. Tom was not only a colleague but a friend.
Chief
Bill Partridge
2024 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS READIES FOR A “WOW” HOLIDAY EXPERIENCE
TThe 2024 edition of the Festival of Lights at Choccolocco Park is ready to brighten the holiday season with more lights and more fun than ever before, beginning November 22 and running through Christmas Eve.
After hosting more than 50,000 visitors in 2023, the festival is quickly becoming a mustsee stop for all who enjoy this most memorable and magical time of the year.
“We are really excited for this year’s show,” said Madison Gardner, special events and sponsorship coordinator for the city of Oxford. “We have added some new displays to our drive-through light show, increasing the number of bulbs to roughly 2.5 million.”
Gardner said there will also be snow settling on Santa’s Village during the weekends of the festival, as well as a new house for Santa and a new backdrop for pictures with the jolly old man. In addition, gift cards to Big Time Entertainment will be given out every night while supplies last.
“We are also bringing back the general store we started last year that everyone seemed to love,” she added. “Visitors will find new merchandise, including new shirts, coffee mugs, and toys for the kids.”
Food and holiday treats will be available from a number of vendors and the festival’s own unique concession offerings, which might be wanted after a walking tour of the village or a few turns on the skating rink.
continued on next page
“We want to especially thank all of our sponsors, without whom this festival would not have been possible,” said Gardner. “A special appreciation to First Bank of Alabama, which has been our main sponsor for the past three years and goes above and beyond with their support and assistance,” said Gardner.
Tickets are available at the gate or by visiting the website at oxfordlights.com. The website also provides a complete price list of concessions and extra festival activities.
Weekday tickets (Mondays - Thursdays) are $25 per carload and weekend tickets (Fridays - Sundays) are $30 per carload. Ticket prices include admittance to both the drive-through and Santa’s Village.
Festival hours are weeknights from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m. and weekends from 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. through December 12. Beginning December 13, the hours each night will be 5 p.m. through 10 p.m.
GIFT CARDS TO BIG TIME ENTERTAINMENT WILL BE GIVEN OUT EVERY NIGHT WHILE SUPPLIES LAST.
Oxford Fire Department
A MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FIRE CHIEF
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year are my favorite times of the year. It is a time of giving thanks for another year of life, spending time with family and friends, worshiping the birth of our Savior, watching a lot of football, and ringing in a new year of hope for our families, city, state, and country.
As we approach the holiday season, your safety is the Oxford Fire Department’s top priority. The last thing we want is to have to make a fire call to your house. Remember, by following some simple safety tips, you can help ensure a very successful and happy holiday.
• Don’t leave candles burning after going to bed or leaving the house.
• Make sure your smoke alarm is working properly.
• Don’t overload electrical circuits.
• Don’t leave cooking unattended.
• Completely thaw and dry your turkey before putting it in the deep fryer.
• Use your deep fryer outside and away from any combustibles.
I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to the residents of Oxford for their cooperation and vigilance in fire safety. I also want to thank the employees of the Oxford Fire Department for their service to our city every day; this is especially true during the holidays. Our firefighters miss time with their families to ensure that if you and your family need our services, we are available.
Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year,
Chief Gary Sparks
RESTORING
THE
HEART AND SOUL OF DOWNTOWN
D HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD
Downtown Oxford was born for business in the late 1860s and flourished as the thriving cotton and iron industries were serviced by a new railway connecting the city to the rest of the nation.
Goods and people were regularly transferred through the depot on Spring Street, from which sprouted other businesses and developed a strong economic base. Many were housed in the unique architecture of the day.
Changes in the city’s economy, society, and growth slowly moved its focus away from downtown, which began to suffer within the shadow of those changes.
The depot, which was once the hub of activity, became a shell of itself – boarded up, vacant, and deteriorating for decades and becoming a faint echo of better days. That is why the Spring Street Depot may be the perfect metaphor for how the pendulum has swung back, signaling a new and vibrant downtown while retaining its historic significance.
In February 2024, local business owner Charlotte Hubbard broke ground on a restoration project to make the depot into a new restaurant and event venue designed to restore the historic landmark and make it a point of social and economic activity once again.
Hubbard’s efforts are not the first seen in recent years on Main Street, and officials are optimistic it will not be the last as the number of active downtown businesses has doubled over the last ten years.
The spark of much of this revived interest in downtown has been through the efforts and assistance of Historic Main Street Oxford (HMSO), which celebrates a decade of work in 2024.
BY BRIAN GRAVES
“Your downtown is your original town,” said HMSO director Hunter Gentry. “It was Oxford for decades until we started expanding and annexing in the 1960s and 1970s.”
“Your character, your charm, and your sense of place can’t be replicated. People try to replicate downtown, but you can’t,” Gentry said. “It is the heart and soul of the city.”
Gentry said while current landmarks such as the Oxford Exchange may not exist after 100 years, “Downtowns were built to last. That’s what people took pride in. These were the stores and churches of the pioneers. Their houses were a few blocks away. It’s important we continue to preserve that.”
Gentry said a significant number of downtown buildings have already been lost, making it even more important to preserve what remains.
“There was at one time federal funding for demolition offered to blighted communities with lots of vacancies and dilapidated buildings,” Gentry said. “There were plans in place to demolish all downtown Oxford and construct new buildings – basically a shopping center – at the edge of the railroad. That would have been detrimental to Oxford, and we would have lost our identity. We help protect those which remain and bring attention to preservation efforts while trying to get new business in there now,” he said. “It is economic development combined with historic preservation.”
“If I could go back in time, the one thing I would do is tell them not to tear down those buildings,” Gentry said.
What perhaps saved downtown during those bleak years, according to Gentry, was the fact that the city government was located downtown.
“That did help people come there in a limited sense,” he said. “Then, when city hall moved, that begat the creation of the Oxford Performing Arts Center (OPAC), which really spurred downtown development,” he said. “Downtown redevelopment began earnestly with OPAC and grew more when it became a Main Street community. I attribute both of those initiatives to the revitalization we now see. We must be forever grateful to our city leadership who saw that need.”
Oxford has been a Main Street Alabama community since 2014 and later accredited by Main Street America. Gentry says those affiliations have played an important role in providing various direct resources, making preservation and business viability possible.
“YOUR CHARACTER, YOUR CHARM, AND YOUR SENSE OF PLACE CAN’T BE REPLICATED. PEOPLE TRY TO REPLICATE DOWNTOWN, BUT YOU CAN’T,” GENTRY SAID. “IT IS THE HEART AND SOUL OF THE CITY.”
That combination of OPAC, Main Street accreditation, façade grants, and a new streetscape made Oxford’s Main Street attractive and welcoming once again for visitors and businesses. Gentry said there are business owners who want to be downtown and like the idea of “being next to your neighbor and the sense of community.”
He adds that businesses have been greatly attracted to the older buildings downtown. “That brings a lot more challenges, but these are people who have an appreciation for the history and architecture,” Gentry said. “They love those buildings and want to be in a downtown setting. They don’t want to be in a sheet metal building on the highway. There’s no charm in that.”
“People want to be in Oxford,” Gentry said. “We are pro-business. We want to see businesses succeed in Oxford and try to make it easier for them to grow and stay in business. Our departments help make that process easy and keep our businesses here.”
HMSO has also amplified downtown’s community aspects with an annual calendar full of events, including the popular Market On Main series and the fun-filled Halloween week.
“I believe we are seeing a greater appreciation and affection for being in downtown Oxford,” Gentry said.
“Through the efforts of director Hunter Gentry, the HMSO Advisory Board of Directors, the city council, and downtown businesses, this program has revitalized our downtown area by making it once again a centerpiece of economic development, historic preservation, and community life,” said Mayor Alton Craft. “The city council and I are appreciative of Historic Main Street Oxford proving everything old can be new – and even better – again.”
POSITIVE INFLUENCE
SHARRELL
DORSEY HELPED SPARK OXFORD’S MAIN STREET’S RENAISSANCE
IIt may seem to many that the market at the corner of Main and Snow Streets has been there forever, just as the way people refer to it has lasted more than a decade after the store’s adopted namesake sold the business.
If you haven’t bought an item at Dorsey’s, you probably haven’t lived in Oxford.
It is a store that, in many ways, began an invigoration of business and people coming to Main Street. Its success was based on putting the people who shopped there over the store itself.
A successful career in the grocery business first led Sharrell Dorsey to Anniston in 1978 before he set his sights on what, at that time, was a decaying corner store in Oxford.
“I walked into the back room, and there were beer cans all over the place,” Dorsey recalled. “It wasn’t doing any business, and some of the older ones around here said I was crazy. But when I saw the old McCord store, it reminded me of one I had gotten off the ground in Huntsville that became the place to go.”
Dorsey acquired the store in 1979, and the hard work and challenges began.
He said the first days of operation were lean times as he “threw my children under the bus,” having them do chores to get the store running.
“I learned what it took to repair a bad reputation because nobody was going to go there,” Dorsey said. “It was dirty, and I ended up firing everybody in the store except a young lady who had been friendly with the customers, and we didn’t need but one cashier.”
BY BRIAN GRAVES
He said the bank refused his request for money, with a banker telling him the best thing he could do would be to “shut that place down.”
Dorsey can tell that part of the story with a chuckle as the store, during his last year of ownership in 2014, generated more than $7 million in sales.
“It was all a matter of seeing where the positive influence comes from. There is plenty of the negative, but find the positive.”
“I had learned over the years to find out who were the finest of leaders in a community,” he said as he began to speak of his friendship with the late Mayor Leon Smith.
“We became the best of friends,” Dorsey said. “We could have it out but then shake hands.”
He said Smith came to the store to offer help and introduced him to Ellen Bennett.
Bennett and her husband had owned a business across the street, and she “demanded and got a lot of respect.”
“She got in front of me, put her hand on her hips, and asked, ‘Where do you live?’ I told her I lived in Anniston. She said, ‘No, you don’t. If you want to be in this store, you’re going to live here.’”
Dorsey explained to Bennett that he was at the store 12-14 hours a day, “which made my permanent address here in this store.”
“We turned out to be the best of friends,” Dorsey said. “There came a time when Mrs. Bennett told me, ‘You all may be okay. I’m going to start calling this my store,’” he said. “And she started doing a lot of promotion for us.”
“It was all a matter of seeing where the positive influence comes from,” he explained. “There is plenty of the negative, but find the positive.”
All that led to other people lending their positive influence throughout the city to the new store, making Dorsey’s Super Market the place to go in Oxford.
Along with opening the store, Dorsey had another vision for Oxford: a downtown festival for the community.
“Billy Grizzard and Joe Lett came to me one day and said people had tried to have a festival, but they couldn’t get anybody together,” Dorsey said. “They said they didn’t want to stir up trouble, but I told them, ‘We’re going to do it.’”
He began explaining to people his experience organizing similar events and how it would work and be successful.
“We’re going to have a festival, and there will be no admission,” Dorsey said with a determination made stronger by seeing “calloused hands cash a check, get $250, and a child looks up and wonders why they can’t afford to take him to Six Flags.”
“We are going to put together a program where he can bring that child down, and the vendors are going to pay enough so it will be worth their time and ours. There will be no beer, and we will have sponsors,” he said. “Nobody gets paid, and the only pay you get is that child’s smile and the candied apple all over their face.”
Despite initial skepticism, and the refusal of a $10,000 sponsorship by a major beer company, Oxfordfest started its annual run in 1987.
“The stage was 2x8 feet in front of the old city hall, and we couldn’t get any musicians,” Dorsey said. “Someone found some fiddlers from Heflin with a banjo player and guitar player. They sang the old country songs and put on a good show.”
Dorsey said in announcing Oxfordfest, “We told everybody we would be broke when it was over because anything left over would be donated to a needy cause.”
“I was outside that first morning when the phone rang,” he said. “It was the police department saying people were lined up to the bridge.”
continued on next page
Despite initial skepticism, and the refusal of a $10,000 sponsorship by a major beer company, Oxfordfest started its annual run in 1987.
Oxfordfest has become one of the region’s most significant events, routinely attracting visitors and vendors and raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for charitable organizations and people in need.
“That first year, there was an eight-year-old girl scout who was number one in everything she did,” Dorsey said. “She was selected to go to Florida, but her family didn’t have the money. Peggy Kirby found out it would cost $541. We went to the scout meeting where the mother had been asked to attend.”
“Peggy gave the mother a cashier’s check for $541,” he said. “Everybody was crying, and it made us want to do it again.”
Dorsey resigned from his Oxfordfest duties after more than two decades and handed over those responsibilities to current committee president Bull Crosson.
“I recently told Bull we wouldn’t allow beer and some other things, and this success is the return on the investment,” he said. “That’s what it’s all about.”
“This is what Dorsey’s Super Market was all about,” Dorsey said. “Working as a consultant, I always found the owners of failing stores were selfish people. It always pays dividends if you quit thinking of yourself and begin to look at the other person’s situation.”
SARAH CAVENDER
BRINGING UNIQUE ARTISTRY TO MAIN STREET
SSarah Cavender Metalworks is celebrating 30 years at its 500 Main Street location, and its owner says her work comes from a passion and impressions she has developed in her education and travels over the years.
The sculptor and artist has made a name for herself using the craft of metal forming, creating one-of-a-kind jewelry and accessories.
“I graduated from the Philadelphia College of Art studying sculpture and jewelry making, with a primary major in metal sculpture,” Cavender said. “But I spent a lot of time in the jewelry department.”
Cavender said she had observed metal materials being used for crafts during her time living in the Philippines and traveling to the mountains in the area.
“The Philippines was once occupied by Spain, and because of that influence, there was filigree jewelry [a form of intricate metalwork],” Cavender said. “I was exposed to a lot of different art in Asia when my father was stationed in the Philippines for two years. I remember seeing how they made filigree jewelry when I was about 10 or 11 years old, and that had a definite influence on me.”
Attending college in Philadelphia, an industrial city, proved to be an ideal spot for finding interesting materials and learning to craft jewelry from them.
“I discovered a cool factory where I could go and get mesh screening scraps to make jewelry,” Cavender said. “I continued to buy materials from them for many years.”
continued on next page
BY BRIAN GRAVES
When Cavender’s parents retired to Oxford, Alabama, to be near family in Heflin, she moved to Oxford too and “set up the biggest shed we could find in my backyard.” She continues,“I set up shop in Oxford and the wholesale business I had started after school kept growing.”
Cavender said a Main Street location became available “for a great price,” prompting her to buy the building where her business has now been located for three decades. In addition to wholesale, she has a retail shop and sells online.
“There wasn’t much foot traffic happening then,” she said. “When I bought this building 30 years ago, I thought the downtown area would grow, but it didn’t immediately. But today, Main Street revitalization has happened, and it’s still happening,” Cavender said.
You can browse her hand-crafted artisan pieces in her shop Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and by appointment. She suggests you call before stopping in because they are busy working on orders and can’t always hear the doorbell!
(256) 831-6241
sarahcavendermetalworks.com
shopsarahcavender.com
UPDATE
HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD
Hunter Gentry, Director of Historic Main Street Oxford
The past few months have been a remarkable period of growth, celebration, and recognition for Historic Main Street Oxford (HMSO). We proudly marked our 10th anniversary as an organization accredited through Main Street, Alabama, and Main Street, America. Over the last decade, HMSO has worked tirelessly to build a stronger, more vibrant, and inclusive downtown community. Since our establishment by the Oxford City Council on July 22, 2014, we have embraced the Four Point Approach strategy of Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality, leading to many significant achievements.
Among these accomplishments, we’ve welcomed 31 new or relocated businesses, with 17 continuing to thrive today. Our Façade Improvement Grant program funded 25 projects, resulting in over $30,000 in public investment and over $130,000 in private investment. Additionally, HMSO has commissioned two murals, adding vibrant artwork to our downtown, and it has proudly received 18 Awards of Excellence from Main Street Alabama. We’ve also introduced new events such as the Historic Walking Tours on Main, Second Friday on Main, Christmas on Main, Witches Ride & Walk on Main, and rebranded popular events like Trick-or-Treat on Main and Market on Main. Our commitment to historic preservation continues with the Downtown Historic Plaque Project, marking ten key landmarks.
Looking ahead, we are excited to announce Christmas on Main, which is planned for Saturday, November 16, 2024, from 12 PM to 6 PM. The event will feature special sales, promotions, and Christmas Open House events for our downtown merchants. There will also be live performances by the Oxford High School choir and band, an artisan and craft vendor market, and a special tree lighting ceremony to kick off the holiday season. We invite everyone to join us for this festive celebration as we welcome the spirit of Christmas to downtown Oxford!
As always, we are incredibly grateful for your support of Historic Main Street Oxford. Your involvement is what keeps our downtown thriving, and we look forward to seeing you at these exciting events and sharing in the continued growth of our community.
mainstreet@oxfordal.gov • 256-241-6667
Bruce and Dwight Rice
RICE AND RICE
THE BOYS FROM MAIN STREET
DDwight and Bruce Rice could have taken their law degrees and headed to the bright lights of a big city, but for them, there was never any place like home.
That is why when it came to finding a spot for an ever-increasing practice, they chose the one on Choccolocco Street, where they have been for 30 years.
It’s a neighborhood in which they are very familiar, having been raised on Main Street by long-time Oxford City School educators, high school librarian Juanita Rice, and elementary principal Charlie Rice.
And while they take their practice seriously, a conversation with the Rice brothers can sometimes be more like a conversation with the Smothers brothers.
“I remember as a kid, when they opened the mall, chasing ping pong balls as they dropped out of a helicopter,” Bruce said. “That was a big deal.”
“I remember when Hardee’s came to town – that was a big deal,” Dwight added.
Bruce was the first to go to law school after beginning his studies in medicine, noting that his father “for some reason” always wanted him to go into law, while Dwight says his decision “just sounded good to me.”
“We still haven’t decided what we are going to be when we grow up,” Dwight adds with a laugh. “We haven’t found a real job yet.”
What they do have is a real passion and love for downtown Oxford.
BY BRIAN GRAVES
Both worked with attorney John Phillips in Anniston before forming their own Oxford practice in 1988 and then moving into their current location in 1992.
“The attraction for us being downtown is this is home,” Bruce said. “We grew up on Main Street. We go to church at First Baptist. We played ball at Oxford, and we wanted to build an office downtown.”
That location became available when a mobile bank once there moved.
“This empty lot was available, we needed more space, and this was home,” Dwight said. “Oxford has been very good to us.”
“We’ve always done a lot of work in Oxford,” Bruce said. “These are folks we went to school with, friends, and neighbors. It was a no-brainer to us to be here.”
Bruce said the biggest thing he has seen downtown over the last three decades is the willingness of the city to spend money to make the necessary improvements for revitalization.
“OPAC has obviously been a big impetus to the growth we’ve seen here,” Bruce said. “That’s been the start of everything, and now there are plans for the children’s museum. There has also been growth in the schools.”
“The biggest thing is there has also been a continuity of leadership with the city council,” he added. “These are folks who have grown up in the system and want Oxford to do well. That continuity has led them into wanting to re-do the downtown and having a commitment to do that.”
Dwight said, thinking back to his college classmates, that most of them wanted to move off to big cities. “That never was my goal,” he said, “My goal always was to come back home.”
The Rices aren’t concerned about getting lost in an expanding and busier downtown. “I think more traffic and more folks are a good thing for all of us,” Bruce said.
Rice and Rice, PC (256) 831-0098
403 Choccolocco St, Oxford www.ricerice.com
OXFORD-OPOLY A FUN GAME CELEBRATING OXFORD, AL!
$20
On sale at the Oxford Civic Center 401 McCullars Lane Oxford, AL 36203 256-831-2660
Work your way around the board collecting your favorite properties: Oxford Lake, Cider Ridge Golf Club, Choccolocco Park, or Main Street. Draw a Community Card and you may advance around the board to Oxford High School for the big football game! Draw a Big Fun Card, which you can use to get out of a traffic jam.
It’s full of Oxford landmarks, attractions, traditions, and holiday events!
COTTON ANTIQUES
A MEMBER OF THE FAMILY
RReverend Oscar Cotton bought a furniture store at 518 Main Street in 1981 after the gentleman he had worked for at the store decided to retire.
“He did extremely well with it because he didn’t up the prices too much,” recalled his daughter, Nancy Burnell.
Cotton Furniture remained in business until Cotton’s death in 2002, when it was rented out to a gentleman who kept it as a furniture store.
“When he decided to get out of the business, I rented it to someone who wanted to do an antique store who stayed for a couple of years,” Burnell said.
The building went empty for a while until Burnell decided she would do something with it.
Not wanting to part with “a member of the family,” Burnell kept the building and focused on antiques—a seemingly appropriate business for a structure more than a century old.
“The elevator here, which was installed in the early 1900s, still works,” she said.
“With $4,000, I opened it up in 2008, and it has really grown,” Burnell said. “Melissa and Ron Houck are the managers now and are doing a great job. They live two doors up, so anytime they need to open early or stay late, they can always do that.”
Having the Houcks on board brings a closure of sorts to a historic circle leading back to Rev. Cotton.
BY BRIAN GRAVES
“Years ago, a gentleman and his fiancé came to my dad’s house at 10 o’clock at night and wanted to get married in their car,” Burnell said. “My daddy gets my mother out of bed. He had his pastor’s manual, and she had on her pajamas and a robe. She held the flashlight so he could check the license. Five minutes later, they were married. One of our managers, Ron Houck, is that couple’s son.”
The store has had to be renovated and repaired many times through the years.
“When my dad still owned the store, we had a fire which destroyed one side,” Burnell said. “He had to totally renovate that side. After that, a large water break in the back of the store flooded everything. Since I’ve had it, there have been a couple of problems here and there. The city has fixed the water problem, and we’re installing a new air conditioner. It’s been painted inside and outside, and I have tried to keep it as updated as possible and still be an antique store.”
Burnell praised the renovations the city has done on Main Street.
“Main Street wasn’t a welcoming place back then, but the store was already a big part of the town, and people trusted the way my dad conducted business,” she said. “Dad was a prominent property owner and a minister. If he saw someone in need, he would help them. I have tried to take on that same trait.”
“God really blessed Daddy, and He has blessed me,” Burnell said. “This last year was the best year the store has ever had. We now have a waiting list for people to come in for booths.”
Rev. Cotton also built the building which is now The Tackle Box, helping to add another active business to the Main Street landscape.
“Oxford has succeeded in keeping the ambiance of Main Street,” Burnell said. “I think people have a pride in Oxford and there is such a variety of good businesses here now. It’s also great to see the other historic buildings find a new life. I do appreciate what the city has done to make Main Street better.”
Cotton Antiques
(256) 835-6000
518 Main St, Oxford
Wednesday 9 AM–4 PM
Thursday 9 AM–4 PM
Friday 9 AM–4 PM
Saturday 9 AM–4 PM
Fall Specials
THE BANK - OXFORD
430 Main Street, Oxford
336-253-6963
Thursday 5-9 PM
Friday 5-10 PM
Saturday 5-10 PM
Pear Sage Martini – The herbaceous notes of our gin dances perfectly with the earthy subtleness of sage. Gently pushing the mild sweetness of the pear forward to create the perfect clean cocktail for a fall evening.
Honey Apple Crisp – A wonderful reminder of the flavors of fall. Reminiscent of days of your youth sipping apple pie moonshine from a mason jar, with an added touch of sophistication. Our owners have taken their old moonshine recipe and elevated it to create an amazing vodka cocktail. The crispness of the first sip, and the sweetness that follows is like biting into a freshly picked honey crisp apple.
Maple Old Fashioned – This is the most comforting cocktail we have created yet. It will have you longing to be sitting around the table with family and friends reminiscing about days gone by. Our homemade maple cocktail syrup blends beautifully with the warm spice notes from Clyde Mays Alabama Whiskey. The bad news about this cocktail is we do not serve a hot, buttery stack of pancakes with it!
Gourmet food & gifts
HOLIDAY SLAW
Vinaigrette
6 tbsp The Main Olive Garlic Infused Olive Oil
2 tbsp The Main Olive Green Apple White Balsamic Vinegar
2 tbsp real maple syrup
2 tbsp dijon mustard
The Main Olive Pink Himalayan Mineral Salt
Freshly ground Premium Tellicherry Peppercorns
Slaw
1/2 head cabbage, sliced or chopped
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup dried cranberries
1 cup almonds, sliced or slivered
1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 apple, thinly sliced or chopped
THE MAIN OLIVE
508 Main Street, Oxford 256-444-8498
Tuesday 10 - 5:30 PM
Wednesday 10 - 5:30 PM
Thursday 10 - 5:30 PM
Friday 10 - 5:30 PM
Saturday 10 - 4 PM
Prepare vinaigrette first. Place oil, vinegar, syrup, mustard, salt and pepper in a glass jar with a tight fitting lid. Shake or stir until well combined. Let rest in the fridge for a minimum of 1 hour.
Toss cabbage, onion, cranberries, almonds, parsley, and apple in a large serving bowl.
Once vinaigrette has rested, pour over slaw and toss well. Place salad in the fridge until ready to serve. Toss again just before serving.
Substitution options:
The Main Olive Red Apple Balsamic Vinegar
The Main Olive Sel Gris French Sea Salt
HUBBARD’S OFF MAIN 16 Choccolocco Street, Oxford 256-403-0258
Tuesday
8 AM - 10 AM and 11 AM - 2 PM
Wednesday - Thursday
8 AM - 10 AM and 11 AM - 2 PM and 5 - 9 PM
Friday
8 AM - 10 AM and 11 AM - 2 PM and 5 - 9:30 PM
Saturday
8 AM - 2 PM and 5 - 9:30 PM
Sunday 11 AM - 2 PM
Southern brunch
JORDAN’S BLUE BERRY MUFFINS
1 ½ cup AP flour
¾ cup sugar
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoon baking powder
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1 egg
1/3 cup milk
1 cup fresh blueberries
Topping
½ cup white sugar
1/3 cup AP flour
¼ cup cubed butter
1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
JEFF’S THREE EGG OMELET
Shredded cheese
Bell pepper
Red onion
Tomato
Mushrooms
Spinach
Cavender’s seasoning
Love!
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!
As you know, fall is upon us, and winter is quickly approaching. Our curbside leaf vacuum pickup begins in early November and will continually progress through the city. This service only collects loose, non-bagged leaves. We will provide this service through early April 2025. Leaves that are bagged will be picked up year-round by our weekly curbside service. Due to demand, please keep in mind that our leaf vacuum trucks move at a different pace than our weekly curbside service. Our service begins on the western end of our city and progresses eastward. The route is repeated multiple times throughout the season, but it takes some time to complete a full circuit. Due to the operational nature of our vacuums, loose leaves must be placed in their own pile and not mixed with limbs, brush, or other curbside pickup items. Leaves will not be vacuumed if there are other objects mixed with them.
Please continue to separate your curbside debris piles containing the following items:
• Tree and shrubbery trimmings cut to a maximum of 6 feet in length
• Loose leaves (November –April)
• Bagged leaves and grass clippings
• Eligible household items for pickup (a list of prohibited and eligible items may be obtained by calling 256-835-6124 or by visiting www.oxfordal.gov/departments/publicworks).
We take great pride in our beautiful city and work diligently to keep it clean. One of the biggest challenges we face is loose material blowing out of the garbage collection trucks as they travel the highways, contributing to litter on our streets. To help combat this problem, we ask that you place all trash inside a closed bag before disposing of it in the wheeled blue receptacle that is picked up. Your cooperation in this matter is greatly appreciated and contributes to the beauty of our city.
Stay informed and connected by liking and following us on Facebook. Search for City of Oxford Department of Public Works or @oxfordpublicworks. Thanks for your support, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season. God Bless.
Sincerely,
Rusty V. Gann, P.E. Public Works Director/City Engineer
WELCOME TO OXFORD
Our leadership is eager to continue growing our business community and treats each project as a unique opportunity. With a supportive local government, a skilled workforce, excellent municipal services, and a great location, it is easy to understand why businesses choose Oxford. As one of the most popular retail hubs of northeast Alabama, we continue to grow with I-20 Exit 188 and Exit 185 rapidly becoming a vital aspect of the city of Oxford.
If you are interested in bringing your business to Oxford, contact city officials to arrange a site visit. See firsthand why everyone is talking about Oxford, Alabama.
MARKETING’S RECENT 10TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION WAS HELD AT THE OXFORD CIVIC CENTER
MIZZELL
LAURA MIZZELL
PROVIDING ENDLESS POSSIBILITIES
The chances of encountering the work of Laura Mizzell are very high. If you have picked up a pen in an office, enjoyed coffee in a branded mug, or passed by banners at a special event, they have likely been designed using Mizzell’s expertise. That list could also include tumblers, t-shirts, and key rings.
“We had someone want us to put their branding on bottle openers that looked like shotgun shells,” Mizzell said. “It took a little doing, but we did it and did it within their budget.”
Mizzell has taken what was once a hobby and made it into a profession, recently celebrating a decade of Mizzell Marketing.
“What we do is marketing—any promotional items from pens to electronics,” she said. “We design and have them branded so everything is imprinted on those items. If you are setting up for any event, I can provide everything you need—from the display to what you will give to the people attending.”
Mizzell volunteers with the city of Oxford, Main Street Anniston, and is an ambassador for the Calhoun County Area Chamber and Visitors Center, providing her with an ever-growing network of contacts.
“I try to be very involved and know a lot of the community events, so when I know something is coming up, I can lead my clients in that direction and let them know how to get out there and market their products,” Mizzell said.
“I love helping others. I love watching them take their dreams, make them a reality, and grow from there,” she said. “I look forward to getting up every day. I love my job. It’s hard to stop some days because I am so into what I am doing. I want to finish it and make sure it’s right.”
Mizzell said she takes very seriously the importance of working within a budget and the product quality she uses to aid in promotion. “I want them to give out something on which they will get a return,” she said.
“The possibilities of what I can do are endless,” Mizzell said.
Mizzell Marketing hosts a website at mizzellmarketing.com and can be reached by phone at 256-591-5487.
BY BRIAN GRAVES
ELEVATING OXFORD
THE IMPORTANCE TO INDUSTRIAL PARTNERSHIPS
WITHIN THE COMMUNITY
DDoncasters Structural Castings of Oxford (DSCO), formerly known as Southern Tool, is not just a manufacturer; it is a proud pillar of the Oxford community with a rich history. A global leader in high-precision alloy components and superalloys for the aerospace, energy, and automotive sectors, DSCO plays a pivotal role in advancing manufacturing excellence. With nearly 250 years of operational experience and a presence in six countries, Doncasters is at the forefront of investment casting technology, specializing in small to medium-sized castings for OEM customers worldwide.
Over the years, the Oxford facility has experienced growth, marked by the expansion of its production capabilities through cutting-edge technology. Among its impressive advancements, Doncasters utilizes some of the largest FANUC robots in North America, elevating automation and innovation to new heights. Technological advancements not only strengthen DSCO’s market position but also ensure the creation of high-quality components vital to sectors such as aerospace and industrial gas turbines.
Sustainability is a cornerstone of Doncasters’ operations by continuously refining its environmental practices to exceed industry standards. Integrating sustainable practices into the company’s manufacturing processes, DSCO is dedicated to reducing its environmental footprint while fostering a culture of safety and well-being for its employees.
Moreover, Doncasters recognizes that a successful business is intertwined with the community it serves. The company actively engages with local initiatives, demonstrating its commitment to social responsibility. This year, Doncasters will match 100% of employee donations for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, showcasing their
dedication to impactful causes. Locally, DSCO has partnered with nursing homes to provide comfort to the elderly, organized blood drives to address local shortages, and collaborated with a local restaurant to support the Oxford High School “Sound of Champions” marching band.
Education and workforce development are also key priorities for Doncasters. The company works closely with institutions like Jacksonville State University and Gadsden State’s Ayers Campus to provide pathways for local students. Through programs such as FAME and Parallel Co-op Ed, Doncasters equips the next generation with essential technical and professional skills, empowering them to achieve their goals and seamlessly aligning with the Alabama Workforce Pathways Act, which aims to enhance academic and vocational opportunities for students across the state.
Don Hopper, Executive Director of the Calhoun County Economic Development Council, shares, “Doncasters continues to demonstrate their commitment to Calhoun County through job creation and company growth. Their partnerships throughout the community speak volumes to our future workforce and the promise of continued innovation.”
The continued success of Doncasters is a collective responsibility that will yield lasting benefits for generations to come.
Want to learn more about how you can join the Doncasters team? Visit www.doncasters.com/careers/join/
UPDATE
OXFORD LIBRARY
Our community is very important to the Oxford Public Library. Library services help people in our community every single day. Job seekers use library computers to start new careers; students use the same library computers to complete coursework; the computers are also available for a multitude of other purposes that community members use in their daily lives. One of the ways that the computer lab is helpful is for printing, faxing, and scanning. If a printer is not available at home, patrons can come to the library and print for a reasonable price. Using the internet and software available on the library computers is free! Also, scanning a document to email is easy, free, and immediate. Fax services are also available for a reasonable price. Patrons are now enjoying our mobile printing service. Print directly from home or from a phone, then pick it up at the library at your convenience. To find out more about mobile printing services, please visit www.oxfordpl.org/print.
One of the important populations in our community is our veterans. The Oxford Public Library would like to thank all veterans in our community for their service to our country. We would also like to help those veterans get the services they deserve. Join the library on November 14, 2024, from 10:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. for a Veteran Information and Resource Fair. Veterans who attend can be helped on the spot! Representatives from the VA’s different services will be available to help, from educational benefits, to health care resources, to filing compensation and pension claims, to much more.
As school winds down this semester, students may need a little help understanding topics that are challenging. Let the library help! With resources like Homework Alabama, Learning Express Library, the Alabama Virtual Library, and books available in the library and online, students have the tools to be successful. All of these resources are free, and they can really make a difference in understanding.
• Homework Alabama is a great resource for understanding and completing assignments. Live help is available daily to help work out problems, answer burning questions, and make writing better.
• As students prepare for the ACT, SAT, or other standardized tests, the Learning Express Library can help! Achieve testing goals with tutorials, practice exams, and eBooks.
• Let the Alabama Virtual Library connect you to a world of knowledge! Instead of relying on search engines with dubious quality results, utilize the AVL to find resources that are peer-reviewed, timely, and reputable. The AVL even provides tools that will cite the sources for you!
• Of course, a main part of the library’s resources is the book collection. With tens of thousands of books available to check out from the library in person, school assignments are made easier, and concepts
are reinforced. On top of the library’s paper book collection, there are thousands of eBooks that are also available at www.oxfordpl.org/ebooks. Fiction and nonfiction books, including biographies and instructional books, are available in many formats.
In addition to paper and online resources, the library provides ways to turn learning into experiences. OPL has partnered with the Oxford City School system to provide a series of programs to engage kids in fun ways of learning! This series is called the Discover Series, and it is in OPL’s Community Room on the first Monday of each month at 5:00. Join us for animal shows, magic shows, movement classes, science experiments, and more! Please visit www.oxfordpl.org/discover to see upcoming shows. We will also be giving out free clear backpacks at the shows!
In addition to the Discover Series, OPL has other programs to enrich students’ educational experiences. Each is designed to bring learning to life by adding hands-on experiences. To learn more information and time, please visit www.oxfordpl.org/calendar.
• Join OPL on the second Wednesday and Saturday of each month for Folktales and Fables, where students enjoy stories and crafts from around the world! Join us and learn a little about a country, hear one of their folktales or fables, and learn about some of their folk art. Participants even get to try some of the art themselves!
• Also, don’t forget about Book Explorers, a story and activity time aimed at kids 6-12. They read a book about a specific place, historical event, person, or era. As a group, they spend a little time diving into the historical or scientific aspects of the topic. Then, they have an activity or craft that explores the topic further.
• The Avonlea Society is a classic book and film club for teens and preteens. They meet once a month to discuss the book they read, watch a film adaptation of it, and compare the two. There are Literary Experience packets that go along with each book. These packets contain information about the author as well as envelopes to open while reading the book, which will enhance the experience of reading the classic book.
• In Art Class, young artists learn more about an artist and their work each month. They even get to try out some of the techniques themselves! This program is meant for ages 6-12.
• Fun with Science allows children to learn about a science topic. They will have the opportunity to experiment with different materials in a safe setting and see how those materials react.
The Oxford Public Library has programs and resources for all stages of life. Tools are available at the library to help make decisions, learn or increase skills, connect with the community, and discover new experiences. Learn, connect, and explore at your library!
COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS
The Oxford Health Systems Community Paramedic Program has been very busy in the community the last few months. We have received many referrals and added to our list of Oxford citizens we visit weekly. Over the past quarter, we have visited approximately 125 households, with most visits requiring follow-up appointments at a later date.
During community paramedic visits, we focus on assessing the overall well-being of our citizens. We ensure they have the proper medications and prescriptions, address home necessities such as food and home maintenance, and identify and work to fix home safety hazards, such as trips and falls.
These visits benefit both our citizens and Oxford paramedics. Checking in on people after we have helped them is essential for their well-being and improving our service. We take great pride in this program and aim to provide all our patients with information and resources tailored to their needs. Many of the citizens we visit live alone and may not have family in the area; this program ensures our citizens have a resource should they need any assistance with their health care needs and, if nothing else, someone who checks in on them regularly.
We also look to improve the experience our citizens have when accessing emergency care. On one community paramedic visit, our community paramedic learned that a patient was frustrated because she had a history of falls, and every time she had fallen in the past, emergency services would have to break open her door to reach her. After hearing this, we installed a lockbox on her door with the key inside and informed 9-1-1 dispatch of the lockbox code so this would not happen again.
Whether the need is assistance with health care concerns, connecting our citizens with other resources, like assistance with food and medications, following up to ensure our paramedics delivered exceptional care during a 911 ambulance call, or just taking time to visit with our seniors, we love caring for the citizens of Oxford through our community paramedic program. If you or anyone you know would like to schedule a visit with our community paramedic, please call 256-474-7900.
Taylor Hardin
Health Care Authority of the city of Oxford
Oxford Health Systems Community Engagement Manager
For all non-emergency matters, please call 256-474-7900. Non-emergency correspondence may also be sent to info@ohsparamedics.org.
Purchase tickets online at OXFORDPAC.org with no convenience fees!
Charge by phone by calling 256-241-3322
Purchase at the OPAC Box Office in advance: Tuesday– Friday from 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Purchase at the door beginning 90 minutes prior to most ticketed events.
Dear Friends and Supporters of the Arts,
As we approach the holiday season, we are thrilled to announce a spectacular lineup of Christmas events at the Oxford Performing Arts Center in December 2024. This festive season will be filled with unforgettable performances and family-friendly activities to bring the magic of Christmas to life. Just a few of our Christmas shows are detailed below, and we invite you to view the full lineup at oxfordpac.org.
On Sunday, December 8, experience A Classical Christmas with Julio Barreto and Timothy Miller. Their extraordinary blend of classical piano and operatic vocals will deliver a stirring and festive program, perfect for getting into the holiday spirit.
On Friday, December 13, we invite you to enjoy Christmas with Jim Brickman: Comfort & Joy. Known for his heartwarming piano compositions, Jim Brickman will bring a soulful performance filled with love, togetherness, and all the warmth the holiday season has to offer.
Join us on Thursday, December 19, and don’t miss Nashville Noel: A Country Christmas Spectacular, a festive celebration featuring country music holiday classics.
For movie lovers, we are excited to present the Tenth Annual Christmas Movie Festival, featuring free screenings of beloved holiday films. From December 21 through 24, you can catch classic favorites like It’s a Wonderful Life, How The Grinch Stole Christmas, Elf, and National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation. Admission is free, and we encourage attendees to bring non-perishable food items for local charitable organizations. It’s a great way to enjoy the holiday while giving back to the community.
We are grateful for the support of our members, sponsors, and patrons who make these events possible. Your enthusiasm and participation ensure that the arts continue to thrive here in Oxford. I encourage you to explore these events and more at oxfordpac.org, where you can purchase tickets and learn about other upcoming holiday performances.
We look forward to celebrating this joyous season with you and your loved ones at the Oxford Performing Arts Center.
Warm Regards,
John Longshore Executive Director Oxford Performing Arts Center
NOVEMBER 14
NOVEMBER 19
December 10
December 17
NOVEMBER 15
NOVEMBER 24
December 13
December 19
NOVEMBER 17
December 8
December 15
December 20
Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer: The Musical
Oxford Community Chorus Holiday Concert
Behind the Scene Tours
A Rockin’ Christmas Dallas String Quartet
Stars & Stripes with the Atlanta Pops Orchestra
Forever Simon & Garfunkel
Jim Brickman Comfort & Joy
Nashville Noel
Clay Walker
A Classical Christmas: Barreto & Miller
Christmas with the Pops
An Olde English Christmas Peter Noone
JANE HAMRIC BATEY DAY DECLARED FOR NOVEMBER 19
Jane Batey, daughter of the late Oxford Mayor Alvis A. Hamric, was honored for her many years of service to the community as an educator, founding member of the Oxford Arts Council, founding member of the Oxford City Schools Education Foundation, a long-serving musician in her church, and an instrumental part in forming the Oxford Community Chorus.
The date coincides with the chorus’ annual Christmas Concert to be held at the Oxford Performing Arts Center that evening beginning at 7 p.m. with free admission.
THE OXFORD ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS OXFORD COMMUNITY CHORUS
HOLIDAY CONCERT
NOVEMBER 19, 2024
This delightful evening will feature the talented voices of the Oxford Community Chorus as they perform a selection of traditional Christmas classics and other favorites that are sure to fill your heart with holiday cheer. From timeless carols to beloved festive tunes, the concert promises a repertoire that will evoke nostalgia and create new cherished memories. 7:00 PM. Oxford Performing Arts Center.
“THE EDGE OF WINTER”
AMERICAN BISON PAINTING BY LARRY K. MARTIN
Stories Behind the Paintings
TO THE BriNK...AND BACK
Two species of gigantic wildlife—One African and one American—had been driven to the edge of extinction, but they were saved by the patient efforts of resolute people, and now they continue the process of making a comeback. A two-part story - Black Rhino was in Oxford Access 8:3
AAs illogical as it might sound, the likelihood of extinction or near-extinction of a species is often directly proportional to its total population. In other words, the most plentiful populations in nature are more likely to die off and even disappear.
That is well illustrated by the American passenger pigeon, which flew in flocks so massive that they darkened the skies. There were multi-millions of these birds in the eastern and central parts of this country, including the deep south. From time immemorial until the mid-1800s, when it was discovered that they were easy to kill and tasty, pigeons became a preferred food source for many farmers. The sport of pigeon shooting became a source of income for market hunters. But apparently, this was not the only cause of the demise of the passenger pigeon. Their migrations were so expansive (darkening the skies for hours as they
WORDS AND ART BY LARRY K. MARTIN
migrated) that they might have exhausted their food source of mast (acorns) and probably starved in large numbers. The advent of rail travel in this country also influenced the speed of their die-off as pigeon market hunters could easily use rail travel to keep up with the dark clouds of the migrating birds. Birds could be slaughtered and rapidly shipped to all parts of the country.
Speaking of dark, what is that dark part of the human psyche that makes one want to shoot lots and lots of birds (or other animals) just because there are large numbers of them in existence? I’ll never understand that.
The last passenger pigeon, named “Martha,” died in 1914 in the Cincinnati Zoo.
The only passenger pigeon I’ve ever seen was a taxidermy mount that I was tasked with cleaning and “sprucing up.” I was the curator of the Anniston Museum of Natural History. As I worked on that specimen, I found it unbelievable that these beautiful birds had once filled the skies as they migrated en masse.
Whether the passenger pigeons died out because of habitat loss, from market hunters, or a combination of both is not yet clear, but for the American bison (or buffalo), the answer is obvious—the buffalo were massacred by humans with guns, who shot into the herds for sport or profit. The hides were heavy and protected against the coldest cold. The skins were shipped from the great plains where the great slaughter took place to all parts of America. Maybe the wanton butchery by individual buffalo hunters was driven by ego: wanting to be the man who killed the last buffalo, or who killed the most. It was a dirty, bloody business. Most of us have seen the sickening photograph; a mountain of thousands of buffalo skulls stacked to a height of 30 or 40 feet with a base as broad as half a football field.
Some evidence suggests that the massive bison slaughter in or near Indian lands was intended to starve out Indian tribes to the point of surrender. It is an obvious fact that many native tribes relied on buffalo for their survival. Native Americans killed the bison in organized hunts, and the harvest was sometimes massive—enough of the “big shaggies” to sustain large groups of indians throughout the brutal winters. Yet
nothing was wasted. The meat was dried and smoked, and the hides were dressed to make warm, supple clothing and blankets. Their relationship with the great herds was stable over countless generations until the great slaughter began.
But this is a story of redemption. Even the worst of human behavior can sometimes be redeemed through luck, hard work, and the passage of enough time (even generations of waiting). There are records of individual ranchers who managed to save and maintain a few bison as the big herds vanished. Buffalo were bought or traded and pooled into cohesive mini-herds. Eventually, breeding on a larger scale allowed the numbers to grow, and the converging groups began to resemble the massive herds that had roamed the hills and plains before the European settlers and soldiers arrived.
The most successful modern herds seem to have been those amassed by Ted Turner, the wealthy businessman with both money and a love for the species, plus the intellect to put it all together. He houses 45,000 buffalo on his 14 ranches (Nebraska and five other states) that total about two million acres. In the classic movie Dances with Wolves, the dramatic hunting scene of the Sioux chasing the seemingly endless buffalo herd was so riveting that I could close my eyes and see it as vividly as though I’d seen the movie just this morning.
Okay, I saw it this morning... and it was as memorable as the first time I saw it on the widescreen.
The American bison is a magnificent animal. When I decided to paint the subject, I thought about using this as an excuse to travel toward Yellowstone, but time was too pressing. Then, one day, as I drove through Alexandria, Alabama, of all places, I did a double-take. There, in a secure pasture, was a gorgeous herd of bison, and near the center of the 30-35 animals was the most magnificent bull bison that I had ever seen. I began to ask around, and found that an old friend of mine, Ronnie Carr, owned that herd. It took a matter of minutes to arrange a visit to take reference photographs and thumbnail sketches, and my painting was on its way. I spent days there with Ronnie and enjoyed that research time as much as I had on an African safari. Then, the work began. Weeks of painting that was fun at times and grueling on occasion. A couple of times, I thought I had lost the essence of the big bull, but I was able to bring it back, almost like the story of the bison itself.
The Edge of Winter sends me back in time to the days of following the small herd of Ronnie’s bison and the quiet, matter-of-fact conversations with that remarkable man. He was inclined to do things a bit differently from what most folks would do, like buying a small herd of buffalo just to enjoy them. Ronnie Carr was a quiet, very smart man, and one of the most likable people I have known—a good friend. May he rest in peace.
LKM2024. All text and images are protected by copyright.
Photo credit: Big Swede Media
THE OXFORD ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS ARTS AND CULTURE SERIES
IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ALABAMA HUMANITIES ALLIANCE ROAD SCHOLARS SPEAKERS BUREAU
JINGLE ALL THE WAY: STORIES, SONGS, AND SINGALONGS WITH DOLORES HYDOCK AND BOBBY HORTON
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 3, 2024 7:00-8:30
The Studio at the Oxford Performing Arts Center 100 East Choccolocco Street, Oxford, Alabama
Join us as storyteller Dolores Hydock and musical master Bobby Horton blend happy holiday stories, favorite Christmas songs, and jolly singalongs into a sparkling mix to jump-start your holiday season. The singalong songs are familiar, the usual Christmas tunes are hand-picked by Bobby Horton, and there are heart-warming, heartfelt, and sometimes hilarious stories about a confused cowboy, a ‘perfect’ Christmas that’s not quite so perfect, and a master class in writing Christmas thank-you notes. It’s a magical mix of Christmas delights!
Tickets are $10 and available online at oxfordpac.org or at the box office at OPAC.
Oxford Performing Arts Center 256-241-3322 oxfordpac.org
Photo credit: Big Swede Media
DOLORES HYDOCK
Dolores Hydock is an actress and story performer whose work has been featured at conferences, festivals, and special events throughout the United States, including the National Storytelling Festival in Jonesborough, Tennessee. She has been a featured Teller-in-Residence at Jonesborough’s International Storytelling Center and has won Resource Awards from Storytelling World Magazine for her twelve CDs of original stories. She has collaborated with the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and the Birmingham Museum of Art to blend stories and music.
Her award-winning, upbeat style of presenting personal stories, oral histories, medieval adventures, and traditional tales fills the stage with wit, energy, and a swirl of characters.
BOBBY HORTON
Bobby Horton was born and raised in Birmingham, Alabama. His life-long passion for music and history began at an early age. With a trumpet-playing father, a banjoplaying grandfather, and a piano-playing grandmother, he was exposed to a varied menu of music – from the sound of the big bands, jazz combos, R&B, and classical to the old-time sounds of Southern gospel, sacred harp, and hillbilly music.
A seasoned performer, Horton is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, producer, and music historian. He has performed with the musical–comedy trio Three on a String throughout the United States and Canada for over 50 years. He has also produced and performed music scores for 19 PBS films by Ken Burns, including The Civil War and Baseball, two films for the A&E network, 23 films for The National Park Service, and many others. His series of recordings of authentic period music has been acclaimed by historical organizations and publications throughout America and Europe.
Bobby Horton also holds the distinction of performing with the Alabama Symphony in the Inaugural Concert opening the Oxford Performing Arts Center in 2013.
2024 CITY OF OXFORD
Christmas Decorating Contest
The annual city of Oxford Christmas Decorating Contest has been sponsored for many years by the Oxford Arts Council. Awards will be presented by Mayor Alton Craft, and will include certificates, yard signs, and two tickets to “Christmas with the Pops: A Holiday World Tour.”
The awards presentation to announce winners will be at the Oxford Performing Arts Center in The Studio on December 15, 2024. A reception for the winners will be at 5:30 pm. The awards presentation will be at 6:00. The Atlanta Pops presenting “Christmas with the Pops: A Holiday World Tour” will be at 7:00 upstairs in the theater.
Lifetime Honor Achievement Awards will be presented to past winners who have consistently contributed to the holiday beautification of the city each year.
Nominations for the 2024 contest begin on Saturday, November 23 and will be taken until Friday at noon on December 6.
Nominations for homes or businesses to be considered can be made by calling 311 or by sending an email to: oxfordartscouncil@gmail.com
You can nominate yourself or someone else. Please give the name, address, and phone number of the nominee.
The community will have a chance to vote for their favorite decorations on the Oxford Arts Council facebook page from Saturday, December 7th until Monday, December 9th.
Citizens can ride around our beautiful city and see the decorations and vote for their favorite!
THE CATEGORIES ARE:
BUSINESS
BEST LIGHTING
DOWNTOWN OXFORD RESIDENTIAL
MOST BEAUTIFUL
MOST CHRISTMAS SPIRIT
MOST CREATIVE
MOST TRADITIONAL
REASON FOR THE SEASON
WINTER WONDERLAND
Thanks to all participants in the annual Christmas decorating contest, which creates a beautiful holiday spirit in Oxford.
Winter Wonderland—Michael and Gayle Tyler
Traditional-Kim Thrower and Kyle Daugherty
Reason for the Season—Amy Ledbetter
Main Street—Oxford Senior Citizen Center
Most Creative—Natalie and John Testrake
Historic Oxford—Rick Roxlee Clardy House
Most Beautiful—Anthony and Merlyn Roland
Best Lighting—Adam and Katie Bailey
Most Christmas Spirit—Elaine Kirkland
A CHARLES BATTLES
THE PERSONIFICATION OF SANTA’S HEART
All the kids – and adults – who hugged Santa during visits to Oxford over the last several years may not have realized underneath that red suit and beard was a man who took more joy out of their hugs than they did his.
Charles Battles, who, along with his wife Judy, took on the roles of Mr. and Mrs. Claus two decades ago, passed away on September 12, 2024.
The Battles became regular fixtures at the Oxford City Schools Foundation’s “Breakfast with Santa” and Christmas events at the Oxford Performing Arts Center.
“He always let everyone know the real meaning of Christmas,” Judy recalled. “He would read a poem about that to everyone whose houses he visited. He loved that poem.”
She said Battles retired from TCI in Anniston in 2012, which is when he went “more full-time” with Santa while helping take care of his mother.
“About 18 years ago, one of his co-workers had two little boys, and he had already started growing his beard,” Judy said. “His co-worker asked if he had a Santa suit and if he could drop by to see the boys, and he did.”
That turned out to be the first of many such home visits, most of which were more personal, with the couple reading to the children and getting them to sing along. Many didn’t know Santa was also an accomplished musician and singer who had played in bands throughout the years.
“Our son, Barry, was making some pictures at a convention in Birmingham where they were doing Christmas pictures with only a tree,” Judy said. “He told them he knew where there was a good Mr. and Mrs. Santa if they wanted them. We went, and from there, it grew like wildfire.”
BY BRIAN GRAVES
Charles took his Santa seriously, eventually serving as vice-president of the Cotton State Santas Organization from 2015-2023.
“He loved being with the children, even though sometimes it could be heartbreaking,” she said. “There would be those who would want their friend with cancer cured. He would tell them he knew someone who could help, then pray with them. A lot of them didn’t ask for themselves, they would ask for others.”
Judy also remembered a funny moment when “he burst out laughing but didn’t mean to.”
“There was a little girl with her Christmas list,” Judy said. “As he got to the end of the list, the girl said she also wanted a checking account and a credit card. She was just six years old. Santa started laughing and said, ‘Yeah, I want one, too!’”
Charles got a Christmas-themed farewell as GrayBrown Funeral Home honored Santa Charles with Christmas decorations and trees for his services.
“It was unbelievable the number of people who came through and said they had their picture made with him,” Judy said. “We couldn’t believe it - seeing just how beloved he was.”
Through the years, Charles made it clear the pleasure was all his.
“I feel it is almost like a calling,” he told an Anniston Star reporter in 2023. “Getting a hug from a young child will certainly warm your heart and put a smile on your face.”
KNEELING SANTA PRAYER
The sleigh was all packed, the reindeer were fed, But Santa still knelt by the side of the bed.
“Dear Father,” he prayed “Be with me tonight. There’s much work to do and my schedule is tight.
My sack will hold toys to grant all their wishes. The supply will be endless like the loaves and the fishes.
I can do all these things, Lord, only through You; I just need your blessing, then it’s easy to do.
I do this only to honor the birth of the One, That was sent to redeem us, Your most Holy Son.
So to all of my friends, lest Your glory I rob, Please Lord, remind them who gave me this job.”
Credit to Warren D. Jennings / Santa’s Prayer
AVERY ROBERTSON
FRIENDSHIP IN A RED SUIT
IIt is uncommon for a person to become a tradition, but Oxford had such a person.
He became as much a tradition as stopping by his house near Choccolocco Park, usually between “Black Friday” and December 23, to marvel at the hand-crafted, brightly lit symbols of the season—always displayed with Mr. Robertson sporting a familiar white, flowing beard, a red suit, a wave, a hug, and a smile.
Even if it was snowing.
Avery Robertson was determined to ensure no child would ever do without a visit from Santa at Christmas, and he made his front yard - along with himself - into a can’t miss opportunity.
“Daddy had been Santa for 20 years,” recalled his daughter, Syprina Brown. “It began when he was at the mall with us one day and there was a child who was turned away because they didn’t have the money they were charging to visit with Santa. Daddy had a huge heart, and that just broke it. He wanted to make sure if there was a child who wanted to see Santa, they didn’t have to pay to see him. That was something he always believed in.”
Brown said things started small, with a cheap suit and “a very small set of reindeer.”
“When we went to his house, he would wear the suit and peek around the house and make my son giggle,” she said. “After a while, he would just stand out there a wave, and it grew from there.”
That was the start of “Friendship Santa.”
Robertson began meeting with fellow representatives of Santa “and talk about what they could do.”
BY BRIAN GRAVES
“Daddy wanted to get bigger and bigger,” Brown said. “And he absolutely loved it.”
Being a carpenter, building the displays came naturally, and decorating would start on September 1.
“It started off with his yard, and after my grandparents next door passed away, that became “Santa Land,” Brown said. “I live on the other side, so he went all the way down and around the corner. Then, our neighbor, who our mom grew up with, the Flemmings, said to go ahead and use their yard. That gave him four properties and he loved it.”
There were nights when as many as 1,000 people were driving by or stopping to visit. All ages made those visits.
“He was proud that he once had a baby that came straight from the hospital to see him before they went home,” Brown said. “And he once had someone 101 years old that sat in his lap.”
Robertson annually welcomed various groups, including Rainbow Omega and the School for the Blind. He was Munford’s official Santa, “where he loved riding on top of the fire truck. He also paid visits on behalf of the Talladega Department of Human Resources and delivered donated gifts to Oxford City School students who might not have experienced Christmas otherwise.
Brown said anytime he was recognized as Santa, he never disappointed and offered special coins or cards as evidence of a visit – always taking more joy from the encounters than those he met.
Robertson was usually booked solid during the season and remained Santa to the very end.
“A week before Daddy passed away, we were at Top Golf for his birthday,” Brown recalled. “We were sitting there, and there were some teenagers. Daddy walked by, and they asked if they could have pictures taken with him. He lit up and loved it.”
Brown said the family plans to put some out some of the displays this year, but acknowledges “it’s not going to be the same at all.”
“Rudolph will be there,” she said. “He loved Rudolph and had just repainted the nose.”
Avery Robertson passed away on January 29, 2024, but he left behind Rudolph with a shiny new nose and a million happy memories.
Christmas Parade December 12, 2024 6:00pm
WHY I TEACH
OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: SHANNON COCHRAN
THE CITY OF OXFORD IS PROUD TO HAVE SOME OF THE STATE’S BEST EDUCATORS AND HIGHEST-RATED SCHOOL SYSTEMS. RECENTLY, WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW SHANNON COCHRAN.
SShannon Cochran always knew she wanted to be a teacher.
However, thinking she could make more money with a business degree, she graduated from the University of West Alabama with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree and a marketing minor. Soon realizing she would not be happy working in business, she returned to school two years later and earned her Master’s in Elementary Education and a Master’s in Educational Leadership from Jacksonville State University.
She has been married to her high school sweetheart, Chad, for 28 years. They have three children: Breanna (married to Dan), Madeline (married to Brett), and Brayden (who plays golf for Snead State), and three grandchildren, Easton, Rylee, and Taylor.
What is your position at CE Hanna Elementary School?
I am a 6th-grade social studies and writing teacher. I am the lead social studies teacher for 6th grade. I serve on the CIP team (since 2022) and the CHAMPS team (since 2020). The CIP team develops the Continuous Improvement Plan for our school using input from all faculty members. CHAMPS is the acronym for all the possible methods of communication in a classroom and how each technique is used during each type of classroom activity. The CHAMPS team also works on faculty morale and putting together teacher handbooks. I am also the Junior United Nations Assembly (JUNA) sponsor. We have three teams representing three different countries.
How long have you been part of the Oxford City School System?
This is my 8th year at the Oxford City School System. I have been at CE Hanna for all eight years. I taught 5th grade ELA for three years. I served as head 5th-grade teacher and lead 5th-grade reading teacher for one year. I taught 6th-grade ELA and Social Studies for four years. I was the lead social studies teacher for one year and the lead ELA teacher for two years. This year, I teach social studies and writing and am the lead teacher for social studies. I was Teacher of the Year for the 2021-22 school year. I was the Greenpower sponsor for two years, and I am in my 3rd year as the JUNA sponsor.
Who influenced you to become a teacher?
When I was in 3rd grade, I asked for a chalkboard and teacher supplies for Christmas. At the end of my 4th-grade year, my teacher gave me an Alabama History teacher edition, and that summer, I taught all of my dolls about Helen Keller. In 6th grade, I had a teacher who would do fun activities with us. Her name is Martha Schussler. I remember organizing her classroom library and setting up a checkout system.
What were you like as a student?
I was an average/above-average student. I always wanted to help the teacher and participate in creative activities. I didn’t really get into trouble. I wanted to please my teachers.
What was your favorite subject in school?
Math was my favorite subject. I loved figuring out the problems. I have always loved to read, but I didn’t really love reading class. My grandmother was the public librarian in our town. I lived in a small town and was her helper every summer.
What is the most satisfying thing about teaching?
The relationships I have with my students. I love getting to know them and supporting them. I go to their extracurricular activities outside of school. My most important goal every year is for each of my students to know how much I care about them.
What methods do you use daily to bring out the best in students?
Relationships: I greet them at the door each day. I ask how they are doing.
Structure: Having structure in the classroom is important for me and my students to function. The students know my expectations. They know the procedures.
Compassion: Sometimes, a child is hungry. I can’t learn if I’m hungry; neither can they. They know if they need something to eat, I will provide them with a snack. Sometimes, they have rough mornings and need a hug or a few minutes to get themselves together. I try to treat them how I would want my own child to be treated.
Love: I love the children I teach. I genuinely care about them.
What would be your advice for upcoming teachers?
Develop relationships with your students. It is so rewarding for you, but those kids will do anything for you if they know you care about them. If they feel like you don’t care about them, they will sometimes make class difficult for you. Also, find your tribe with the people you work with. Teaching is extremely rewarding, but it is also hard at times. You need friends who are in the same boat as you to help you through the hard days.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My family. Being a wife and mom is the most important thing in my life and my proudest accomplishment. We raised all three of our children to be good spouses, parents, and hard workers. Seeing them succeed in life is so rewarding.
Tell us about your likes & hobbies. It makes me so happy to do things for other people. I love to create things. I love to cook for people. I love to plan parties. My daughters are in their early-mid twenties. All of their friends are getting married and having babies. I love to host showers for them. Our two daughters were married within six months of each other. We were busy for a couple of years planning weddings. We only hired a photographer and a DJ. We did all of the other work ourselves. I host Easter and Thanksgiving dinners at our house.
Of course, spending time with my family is one of my favorite things to do. I love decorating for seasons and holidays, especially Christmas. We have several Christmas traditions, and our house is always full of people during December.
What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family?
I try to cook a family meal at least once a month. I love having everyone at our house together. The gingerbread house competitions and cooking decorating at Christmas are lots of fun.
If you could travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?
That’s hard. I love to visit new places. Anywhere as long as my husband is with me. We love to visit the New England states, especially Maine. We love the small towns and the lobster shacks. We love going to the beach. We love finding good restaurants everywhere we visit. As long as there is good food and shopping, I will probably love it.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS
OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION
TThe Oxford City Schools Education Foundation was created to assist the Oxford School System in continuing a strong tradition of educational excellence and outstanding student achievement by providing supplemental resources and strengthening community engagement. Since the beginning of the foundation in 2008, volunteers have been the workhorse of the foundation’s success. The foundation is governed by an all-volunteer board of directors, and many citizens, teachers, and students have volunteered for events.
The board of directors publicly acknowledges outstanding student volunteers each year. The volunteers’ names are displayed on a plaque in the hallway of Oxford High School. The recipients have selflessly given their time and talents to events of the Oxford City Schools Education Foundation without receiving monetary compensation. They have a positive attitude and are considered mentors to others based on their volunteer efforts.
This award is named in honor of Mrs. Jenny Howell. Mrs. Howell is a remarkable woman with a heart for serving others.
The 2024-25 Oxford City Schools Education Foundation Jenny Howell Volunteer of the Year Award recipients are:
COMMUNITY AND STUDENTS COME TOGETHER TO START THE SCHOOL YEAR
TTwo of Oxford’s most unique programs designed to better enrich the community came together as the Oxford High School Vis1on (Vision One) program students met for their first meeting of the year on Tuesday, September 17, 2024, at the new Choccolocco Research, Education, Arts, and Technology Experience (CREATE) facility located in the former Honeywell building.
Vis1on allows students to interact with Oxford city staff and local business leaders to discuss ways to improve the city’s quality of life.
OHS Principal Seth Taylor officially welcomed the students, noting, “There are very few communities that have what we have going on here.”
“Vis1on is my very favorite thing that we do,” said school superintendent Dr. Shannon Stanley. “This showcases our student leadership, and I’ll be the first to say we have amazing school leaders in our district.”
Stanley also thanked city and community leaders “for bringing what you have to the table and allowing our students to invest in our community and make Oxford a better place to live, grow, and work.”
During the morning, the students formed into groups discussing ways to foster economic development, ideas to better outreach to the community, and plans to make Vis1on a regional program.
Plans are to increase the program’s participation to 16 other high schools as the CREATE program begins to offer classes to a larger region of students in 2025.
CREATE is the first-of-its-kind high school workforce development program in Alabama, utilizing partnerships with schools and local industries.
There are 277 Oxford High School students in CREATE programs and ninety adults are currently taking advantage of courses offered at night, resulting in state certifications for carpentry, electrical, and plumbing.
Students, city staff, and city leaders meet together once a month as part
of Vis1on.
CREATE programs include Greenpower, Computer Science, Robotics, Comprehensive Commercial Construction, and Modern Manufacturing.
LOOKING AHEAD - NEW PROGRAM IN THE WORKS
On November 10, 2024, officers from the Oxford Police Department and staff from CREATE and the Oxford School System visited the Madison County Career Technical Center in Huntsville. The visit aimed to learn about the law enforcement program offered by Madison County. Its goal is to educate students about career opportunities in law enforcement.
The Oxford School System, through the Choccolocco Research Education and Technical Experience (CREATE) Center, plans to launch a similar law enforcement program for the 2025-2026 school year. Like many other fields, law enforcement has recently faced a shortage of qualified candidates. Through this new initiative, we aim to inspire students in our region to consider local law enforcement careers and successfully advance along their chosen paths.
OXFORD SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER
424 Main St, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-5900
The Senior Citizen Center has various events going on daily.
Lunch meals are provided through a state-wide program through East Alabama Planning and Development Commission. Free / Donations only.
HISTORY
COOPER BUILDING
506 & 508 Main Street
Built in 1875 by Calhoun County’s first wholesale grocer, Charles J. Cooper, the Cooper Building has been home to several businesses and has a rich history.
The unique construction of the building saved the town from burning to the ground multiple times in the 1880s and 1890s. It went on to serve as a mercantile store, hardware store, general store, dry goods store, and furniture store.
In the 1950s and early 1960s, the building served as the Oxford News Stand; in the 1960s, it was Stinson’s Rug House, and later, it became The Tackle Box and Stinson’s Fishing Tackle.
In 2015, it underwent extensive restoration by lawyers Adam Maniscalco and Alyssa Enzor Baxley.
Research by Hunter Chase Gentry and written by Julie Skinner Mangham, November 2023
Cooper Building on Main Street, ca. 1980. The three buildings located to the left burned in 1990. Courtesy of Lindblom Photo Collection.
Deep Local Roots. Modern Banking Convenience.
At First Bank of Alabama, we’ve been serving Talladega and surrounding communities since 1848. Needless to say, we have deep local roots. However, we’re a local bank with a strong digital presence, meaning you don’t have to be local to bank with us. You just have to want to bank with a strong, established financial institution that’s growing, serving and extending its reach every day.
