Oxford Parks and Recreation held its 43rd annual Mardi Gras 5K at Choccolocco Park in March
MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR BABY OCTOPUS FOR PREEMIES
OXFORD COMMUNITY CENTERS AND PARKS
JEWEL ELSTON DAY
VEX ROBOTICS AND VRC TOURNAMENT
MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT
MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF
OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY
OXFORD SUCCESS STORIES
2023 WORLD OF WORKS
UPDATE: OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS
PROTECT YOURSELF FROM HOME REPAIR FRAUD
OXFORD HEALTH PARAMEDICS
CHOCCOLOCCO CREEK WATERSHED
KEEP OXFORD BEAUTIFUL Q&A
WELCOME TO OXFORD - NEW BUSINESS OPENINGS
UPDATE: HISTORIC MAIN STREET
OXFORD SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER
SEEING AFRICA WITH LARRY MARTIN
OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER
OPAC SPRING SEASON PERFORMANCES
MASTERS GAMES: A RECREATIONAL MASTERPIECE
PARKS AND RECREATION SPORTS & ACTIVITIES
WHY I TEACH: PHILLIP JONES
EDIBLE EVENING
HISTORY: DR. BENJAMIN DUDLEY WILLIAMS
Community conversations are important, and we encourage residents to engage directly with city staff—this is your city and your mayor and council are here for you.
Don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can help. Big or small, we’re happy and honored to listen.
City of Oxford Mayor
Alton Craft
Oxford City Council
Phil Gardner
Mike Henderson
Charlotte Hubbard
Chris Spurlin
Steven Waits
If you are a citizen living within the Oxford city limits and are not receiving an Oxford Access magazine and would like to receive them, let us know! We want all of our citizens to be able to have access to the Access.
You can pick up a free copy at the Oxford Public Library, Oxford Civic Center, Bynum Community Center, Friendship Community Center, and Oxford City Hall.
OXFORD ACCESS
P. O. BOX 3383
OXFORD, AL 36203
WWW.OXFORDAL.GOV
Follow us for highlights of community news, city events, and special moments as they happen in our beautiful city.
Stacy Booth Director of Marketing, City of Oxford
Dear citizens:
As the winter season ends and we begin our spring and summer events, I want to update you on a few new and exciting events coming to Oxford. My staff and many volunteers are working to continue to make our city the leader in the area. We have many things on the horizon, and I hope you will be a part of them.
To begin, our emergency services are continuing to break new ground in safety, health, and fire prevention procedures in Oxford. Oxford Police, Fire, and Health Services provide our residents and visitors with quality care. Our state-of-the-art technology and equipment are decreasing our response times and ensuring our services are present throughout the city. Public safety and health are paramount to Oxford’s success, so I am pleased to report that we are continually setting a new bar when it comes to these services.
In historic downtown Oxford, we are making progress on many projects that have been years in the making. The Oxford Performing Arts Center has new shows being added each week, and we are becoming the hub for arts, culture, and entertainment in the Southeast. We also have many events that are coming up in the downtown area, so follow our social media pages for updates on those events. The Oxford Public Library continues to provide learning experiences for kids of all ages, from art class to yoga, so I encourage you to stop by and see for yourself what they offer to children and adults.
As we enter the spring season, Choccolocco Park is gearing up for another busy May. The Gulf South Conference Baseball and Softball Championships, the Ohio Valley Conference Baseball Championship, the Alabama Community College Conference Baseball Championship, the Alabama High School Athletic Association Baseball and Softball Championships, and the National Junior College Athletic Association Division I Softball Championship are being held again at
the park. We are adding more championship events to our award-winning complex weekly, so I am proud of our staff for providing a first-class experience that makes the tournament staffs return year after year. Additionally, our Oxford Baseball for Youth and PARD softball seasons are beginning soon, and we have had more athletes register this year than ever. I am proud that we provide our kids opportunities to develop their skills and make new friends through sports. As a footnote, please be aware of the construction along Leon Smith Parkway and around Choccolocco Park as we host these events. These projects are moving quickly, but some traffic delays may still be along the parkway in May.
The Oxford City School System is continuing to provide quality educational opportunities to our students, and I am proud of our superintendent, Dr. Shannon Stanley, and her staff for making sure that the future leaders of our city have many tools at their disposal to advance academically as they graduate and go into the workforce or college. The Vis1on Program (Vision One) – which began a few years ago – is proving to be a vital link between students and leaders in the community, and I believe that the future of Oxford is in good hands.
In closing, I want to thank you, the citizen, for doing your part in making Oxford a premiere tourist destination in the Southeast. We have so much to look forward to, but we do not forget how to be kind and helpful to our neighbors and guests. With your help, we will continue to grow, and it is an honor to be your mayor. Do not forget to call our non-emergency helpline, 311, during regular business hours if you have any concerns in Oxford.
Kindest regards,
Mayor Alton Craft
Alton Craft Mayor
Charlotte Hubbard Council
Phil Gardner Council
Chris Spurlin Council
Mike Henderson Council
Steven Waits Council
These soft toys, lovingly made and donated to Children’s of Alabama neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), are used as a form of therapy to help comfort and calm premature babies. What’s comforting about these octopuses are their soft tentacles, made from 100% cotton yarn, which remind babies of the umbilical cord and their mother’s womb. The premature babies receiving a colorful, hand-crocheted octopus often experienced better breathing and more regular heartbeats.
The group meets regularly at the Oxford Library and created over 35 octopuses to donate to the Birmingham hospital in February. They continue to crochet and make handmade items throughout the year.
Elaine Hubbard, Pat Yates, Laurie Strawn, Suzanne McKay, and Ann Washington. Chong Abbey (not in photo)
BANNISTER PARK
Located off Friendship Road Oxford, Alabama 36203
BYNUM COMMUNITY CENTER 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
FEBRUARY 22, 2023 - JEWEL ELSTON DAY
We extend best wishes to Jewel for a very Happy 100th Birthday! He was born on February 22, 1923, to Winmon Elston and Dora Young, and after the death of his mother, Jewel was raised by his grandmother, whom he loved dearly. At the age of 26, Jewel married the love of his life Mozell Cupe; Jewel and Mozell were blessed with nine children, 23 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.
Jewel has lived during the most eventful century of this nation’s history and has been a model and inspiration to his family and those who have known him. We join with his family, friends, and community in celebrating the life of this wonderful gentleman who we all love.
Congressman Mike Rogers attended the event on February 3, 2023. He spoke with instructor Mr. Kim Moore and several of the students competing that day in Oxford. Hosting events like the VEX Robotics Competition is continued proof of our commitment to provide our students every opportunity available for a successful future.
It’s SPRINGTIME. What does spring bring? It brings warmer weather, blooming trees, planted gardens, baseball and softball games, fishing, and many other outdoor activities. It’s the time of year when everyone wants to do spring clean-up around the house. It is legal to burn in the city limits of Oxford, but you are required to call Fire Station #1 at 256-831-3208 to obtain a burn permit.
Please remember these safety tips for a safe and enjoyable spring/summer.
GRILLING SAFETY: Always make sure that you have your grill outside and not in the garage or house. Make sure that you keep small kids away from the grill. If you use charcoal, make sure the ashes are cool before disposing of them.
POOL SAFETY: Never let small kids be in the pool area without adult supervision. An accident can happen in the blink of an eye.
FIREWORKS SAFETY: Fireworks are dangerous and should be used by adults only. Follow the directions on the fireworks and be mindful of where the fireworks will land. Grass fires are easily started by fireworks.
HEAT: As spring turns into summer, make sure you stay hydrated when you are out in the heat. Use sunblock and hats to shield your body from the sun.
If you like softball or baseball, Choccolocco Park is the place to be. Many games, including the AHSAA Baseball and Softball State Championships, are scheduled over the next three months. There are many other fun activities at both Choccolocco Park and Oxford Lake for the family to enjoy. As always, Oxford Fire Department, Oxford Police Department, and the Oxford Health System Paramedics will be here to ensure the safety of our citizens and the many guests who come to our city.
On a personal note: May 12, 2023, will be my 40th anniversary as a firefighter for the city of Oxford. I have seen a lot of changes in our department over the past 40 years. We have grown from one fire station staffed strictly by volunteers to a department with six fire stations, 44 full-time firefighters, seven part-time firefighters, seven volunteer firefighters, and two office personnel. We have the best firefighters in the state, and our firefighters genuinely care about our community and serving our citizens. I’m honored to be the fire chief and to have served my hometown for the past 40 years, but it’s the firefighters who put their lives on the line every day for our citizens who are true heroes and deserve our thanks and respect.
As always, we are here if you need us.
Chief Gary Sparks
MILLER FUNERAL HOME
50 Hamric Drive East, Oxford, AL 36203 256-831-4611
MILLER MONUMENT & LASER COMPANY Dogwood Trail Memorial Gardens 34 Hamric Drive East, Oxford, AL 36203 256-835-3001
MILLER FLORIST & GIFTS Ask about Miller Event Center 38 Hamric Drive East, Oxford, AL 36203 256-835-0911
MILLERFUNERALHOMEOXFORD.COM
I want to thank the citizens of Oxford for their continued support of the Oxford Police Department. With each passing year, it seems to become stronger and more heartfelt, and for that, I am truly grateful, unlike what is sometimes seen in other parts of our country. I like to think our agency, along with the EMACC, provides a large impact on our seemingly small corner of the world. We continue to see crime reductions each year.
Throughout the past months, our department has taken huge strides towards the continued successful operation of the department. We are continually impacting our city as we consistently engage with our citizens. I understand the importance of the community's trust, and we will do whatever is necessary to continue to build strong relationships with you all.
We are not a police department for the light-hearted, though. Even though we strive to ensure our community has full confidence in us, we still have the fundamental obligation to keep you all safe and to safeguard your property. Most times, police work isn’t glamorous. Our officers work tirelessly, see things we would wish on no one, and experience the cries of those in need. In short, your support is always appreciated.
Our officers thrive on the fact that we are making a difference and, even more, that you, the citizen, support our efforts. In closing, this message is to commend the officers and employees of the Oxford Police Department and the East Metro Area Crime Center as well as those in our community who show your support daily. You all are an integral part of the success of Oxford, Alabama.
As always, we are here to defend, protect, and serve you.
Bill Partridge Chief of Police Director of Public Safety
The Oxford Public Library is happy to encourage reading and provide resources to our community.
Curbside service is still happily provided to our patrons. Just request the books (or DVDs or audiobooks) you would like, and let us know if you would like to pick them up curbside. We will prepare them for you. Then just call us to let us know you are in the parking lot, and we’ll bring them to your car. This is a service that many of our patrons have found helpful; please take advantage of it!
As schools are winding down to the last parts of the semester, remember that your library is here to help. Providing access to resources is one of the things we do best, and we love to help students make it through papers, exams, or anything else! Use the free resources available from the Oxford Public Library, as well as additional free resources available from the Alabama Virtual Library and the Alabama Public Library Service. All of these can be accessed through our website at www.oxfordpl.org/online-resources.
Summer is coming, and that means Summer Reading Program fun at the Oxford Public Library! Summer is one of the most memorable times at the library, and this year’s will be the best yet! The theme for this year’s program is All Together Now, where we celebrate how each of us is a valuable part of our community and world. The library will have fun programming to go along with this theme as we encourage reading in our community. The program starts on Tuesday, May 29, with our opening party on Friday, June 2. Join us for lots of fun through the summer! We will watch movies, learn about Alabama’s history, explore folktales, create beautiful art, and laugh with fun performers. All of the events and activities are free!
Health is important to all of us; your library can help keep you healthy, too! Join us for yoga and tai chi on Mondays and Wednesdays at 9:00 for a safe way to increase your strength and health. These classes are designed for all levels, including beginners and seniors. If an in-person class isn’t for you, don’t forget the resources provided to you through your library. When you make health decisions, use reputable resources to ensure you are doing good, not harm, for your body. When you actively participate in your own healthcare, your body benefits.
Computer Classes are a huge help for our patrons, as well. Join us on Tuesdays at 11:30 for topics that deal with mobile devices and at 1:30 for topics that deal with computers. See our schedule at www.oxfordpl.org/computers.
Happy reading!
Amy E. Henderson
CColorful. Chic. Cool. Current. These are four “C’s” that could describe The Shop on the Corner, one of Oxford’s newest female-run businesses. With a dream location sandwiched between Hubbard’s Off Main, OPAC, and other prominent downtown businesses, it’s already making an impression on the women in town. Owned and operated by Anne McNickle, this modish women’s clothing boutique is celebrating its first six months, the grand opening having occurred only last November 25 (Black Friday) of 2022. Anne recalled it was a very successful opening, with the store extending its hours from 3 pm to 6 pm to accommodate all the visitors that day.
Walking into the store, there’s a feeling of relaxed spaciousness with the natural light from the oversized windows and minimal inventive decor (such as an old door utilized for showcasing necklaces). Displays of brightly-colored solid and patterned blouses, dresses, and slacks bedeck walls and tables from brands like Sugarlips, THML, Karlie, Crosby, and Intro. The clothing, ranging in sizes XS-Large, carry price tags that vary from $60 to $200. Other items one can purchase include women’s shoes, handbags, costume jewelry, and gift items like candles, beauty, and home care products from Capri BLUE.
While the store gets plenty of foot traffic from folks eating out at Hubbard’s Off Main, attending a show at OPAC, or simply street shopping, Anne also makes plenty of online sales. The business has been steady in spite of the winter months after Christmas. “I was on a really big high in December when everyone was out buying gifts. The reality of January really hit me in the face. It was a lot slower, and as much as people told me that, that was the one thing I was shocked by.”
— BY ABBY PARKS —
Anne McNickle The Shop On The Corner
Anne’s desire to own a boutique originated from shopping with her mother and sister on the streets of Auburn, where her family lived for a while. She would often express interest in owning her own clothing shop. “It was always a dream, but I never thought it would be a reality. About a year ago, I was talking to my husband, and he said, ‘Let’s do it!’ and here we are.”
She credits her mother with raising her to believe she can accomplish anything. “My mom would say, ‘Be tenacious, Anne, be tenacious. Learn the definition of tenacity!’’’ Equipped with an education in restaurant and hospitality management, plus seven years of work experience in corporate event planning, Anne put that tenacity to the test. She and her husband Tyler laid out a plan of action, then set about finding a space. As they drove around one day, Anne spotted a specific storefront and exclaimed, “That’s the one I want!” to which Tyler replied, “That’s good, Anne, that’s not for sale.” But with the aid of a realtor friend, they were able to negotiate with the owner of the building and purchase it.
The Shop on the Corner has tremendously impacted Anne’s life. “I think the support that I got from opening this was overwhelming. I never thought this would be a reality. It’s just interesting to watch your dreams come true. I can honestly say I’d do it all over again.”
FFrom a young age, Anjuli Thompson had the makings of a gifted counselor. Though she came from a chaotic background, she had a sensibility and trustworthiness about her that caused fellow high school peers to view her as their “keeper of secrets.” Fueled by a desire to help others, Anjuli pursued a career in counseling, specializing in Family Therapy, Child Play Therapy, Assessments, and APOSTC Law Enforcement New Hire Evaluations. She first opened House Counseling in November 2016 in a rented space that was part of the Maniscalco Law Firm. Her business has since grown to employ a total of seven counselors, two assistants, and interns at two locations–one at 333 E. Choccolocco St. in Oxford and the other in Rainbow City.
Anjuli expressed that she goes against the grain in having more than two specialties. “I feel like the more diverse my caseload is, the less likely I am to get burned out.” She juggles easier work like assessments or law enforcement evaluations with more difficult cases like custody battles, capital murder mitigation, and therapy.
Not only is Anjuli married to a police officer, but she has a broad network of connections with law enforcement, judges, attorneys, and firefighters that made her a natural choice for her services, once she opened her business. One of her favorite types of work is new hire evaluations for law enforcement officers, which are mandated in the state of Alabama. Anjuli developed a protocol that she pushed to agencies to complete these evaluations in support of a state standard. Through these evaluations, she has also educated new hires on the resources available to them and how to reach out for help to cope with difficult situations. As a part of the ALLEAPS Peer Support Team, she works with agencies to help diffuse the officers who respond to critical incidents.
Anjuli Thompson House Counseling
Robbie Hicks Ginn and Renee Hicks Rice
R&R Travel Service
Tying into her work is Anjuli’s involvement with the FOP (Fraternal Order of Police). She founded FOP Auxiliary #4 in Anniston in 2011 and has been the president of it ever since. They've hosted the Policeman’s Ball, an annual gala event to raise funds to donate to a chosen law enforcement family in need. They also host memorial services for fallen officers in Calhoun County. Developing that non-profit gave Anjuli experience that helped her structure her private practice later on.
When asked about what she considers a “high” in her work, Anjuli referenced custody battles. “One of the biggest rewards for me, personally, is that when everyone is so messed up and hates each other–they come to me. That, number one in itself, is rewarding because people know that if this one [case] is really messy, Anjuli will fix it.” But ‘fixing’ the situation can be challenging, as she has to work hard to gain the trust of people who have suffered and lack trust in anyone. Her objective is to guide them to a place of repair, healing, and effective communication. The process can take a year or longer, but reaching a place of resolution is very satisfying for Anjuli. “Sometimes it makes you want to quit, but when it all resolves, you know you were staying in there for a reason.”
RR&R Travel Service has served travelers in Calhoun County and the greater Southeast for nearly four decades under the ownership and management of twin sisters Renee Hicks Rice and Robbie Hicks Ginn. Their mission has been clear from the beginning–plan travel experiences for their clientele that are safe, stress-free, and memorable. Their customers range from families, honeymooners, traveling athletic teams, and missionary groups. These sisters have invested years of time and energy into researching the hoteliers and tour companies they recommend. Because of their efforts, they are one of the top travel agencies in the Southeast.
The “R&R” initials, chosen back in 1987 upon incorporation, had a dual meaning. They stood not only for “Renee and Robbie” but also for “rest and relaxation,” a term associated with the military (i.e., Fort McClellan). Renee had racked up years of experience in the travel industry, first with AAA through a high school employment program and later with Cheaha Travel Service in Talladega. The owner, Mary Elizabeth McGehee, helped Renee learn the ins and outs of operating a quality travel business. In 1986, Renee became the youngest CTC (Certified Travel Counselor) in the nation at the age of 23.
Meanwhile, Robbie obtained a business degree from Jacksonville State University and work experience in that field. In 1986, both sisters found themselves between jobs. With encouragement from their mother, they went through the SBA (Small Business Administration) at JSU to open their own business. After that, a series of fortunate small miracles and divine connections set them up to begin their journey of building R&R Travel Service into what it is today. Renee expressed that they had a lot of community support from the Chamber of Commerce, Economic Development, and other local businesses. Even Farley Berman, the local famed ex-WWII spy, would park one of his collector’s Rolls Royces in front of their business on occasion as a further nod to the initials “R&R.” As Renee put it, “The Lord had a calling on our lives, and from that point on, we felt like this was what we were called to do, and He went along with us every step of the way.”
Leah Cleghorn
Southern Girl
Coffee Roasting Co.
From that time to the present (including relocating in 1994 to a historic house at 407 E. Choccolocco St. in Oxford), R&R Travel Service has flourished. The sisters have traveled around the world to meet the owners and operators of various facilities to provide their clients with a more personalized experience that allows them to become immersed in the travel destination’s culture. The top locations they book for are Europe, Alaska, and the Caribbean. They have a close relationship with Sandals and Beaches, offering all-inclusive Caribbean vacations for families and couples that feature exciting activities beyond the world-class food and accommodations like snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, water skiing, and glass bottom boat excursions.
R&R Travel Service provides free webinars that introduce clients to potential travel packages. In these webinars, folks are offered an incentive to sign up for the trip by a certain date, such as a shipboard credit, a unique excursion, or a discount. For example, they hosted one for Norwegian Hurtigruten Cruise Line, which offers an innovative cruise experience aboard a ship outfitted with labs run by scientists bound for Antarctica. After a sales rep gave information on the trip, Robbie shared her experience, having taken the same trip herself.
They’ve weathered times that threatened the survival of many small businesses, such as 9/11, the Recession of 2008, and COVID. Demonstrating their desire for members of the JSU football team to feel safe when flying post-9/11, they arranged for a minister to board their chartered planes preflight and lead the group in a prayer for safety. Robbie summarized, “I think that if you’re called to do something, the Lord gives you whatever it takes to see it through. During the different ups and downs that we’ve had, it’s been essential to hold on to that.”
SSouthern Girl Coffee Roasting Co. is a comforting fixture in historic downtown Oxford. The quaint, vintage caravan tucked behind a block of buildings that Leah Cleghorn and her husband Bradley own is the place where coffee magic is practiced. There’s an outdoor patio in front of it with seating for customers to relax, chat, and even bring their pets. In fact, one welcoming pet is always present–Bella, the adorable German shorthair pointer. Other family members who work at this unique coffee shop include Leah’s husband, Bradley, and sisters, Ryleigh Sparks and Makenzie Mintz. But the inception of this dream Leah has pursued for a decade originated with others.
Leah explained that her journey into roasting coffee began in her parent’s basement in 2013. She was interested in roasting as there weren’t many roasters in Alabama. Her father helped her build a roaster from a gas grill in his garage so that Leah could experiment. While brainstorming over what to name her business with one of her sisters, Leah said, “I’m just a southern girl who likes coffee.” That name stuck.
Her vision unfolded as she sought creative ways to package and sell the coffee or give free samples at local farmer’s markets. That first year, she set up at Oxfordfest and unwittingly sold a cup of coffee to her future husband. They began dating, and Bradley became another supporter of her dream, helping her roast coffee late into the night (as they both had day jobs). They jokingly referred to themselves as the “3rd Shift Roasters.”
Worldwide Copyright ©2022 Daylon Barr Photography
Leah’s goals were clear. “I wanted to bring that feeling of drinking coffee with your family, community, slowing down and enjoying life. I feel like we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle that we never really slow down, but people do with coffee. People will even put down their devices and have meaningful conversations with each other.”
Events in Oxford like Downtown After Sundown helped grow awareness for Leah’s business, and in 2015 she purchased the trailer and went in full-time, opening for limited hours Tuesdays thru Saturdays. She even planned special activities on the square like free movie nights, concerts, and worship events, coordinating with Charlotte Hubbard of Hubbar’s Off Main to provide food.
Local businesses like Hubbard’s, Heirloom Taco, The Coffee Bean in Ashland, and Betty’s Cafe in Lincoln sell Southern Girl Coffee. In turn, Southern Girl Coffee sells fresh pastries from Artisanal Baked Goods in Anniston as complements to their coffee.
Leah’s business purchased a Guatemalan roaster in 2014, further perfecting their process. They roast beans from Tanzania, Indonesia, Colombia, Costa Rica, Brazil, and Guatemala. Leah mentioned the interesting flavors of the beans. She prefers serving Ethiopian brews in the spring for their light raspberry or strawberry undertones, whereas beans from Sumatra can have cedar, licorice, or molasses undertones. Leah’s crew creates their own coffee syrups in-house.
This spring will mark the 10th anniversary of Southern Girl Coffee Co. Remarking on the challenges of running a female-owned business, Leah expressed gratitude to the community and her loved ones. “My mom raised us to be very strong-willed women. My dad and my grandfathers have so supported me. My husband always says that owning a business takes a lot of grit, and I think that when the going gets hard, you just have to push harder.”
I wanted to bring that feeling of drinking coffee with your family, community, slowing down and enjoying life.
2023 Career Expo presented by East Alabama Works
Sponsored by Eastman
Hosted at the Oxford Civic Center
The three-day event had 8th-grade and 11th-grade students exploring career programs in agriculture, automotive and manufacturing, communications and marketing, construction, education and training, energy and utilities, engineering, healthcare, public safety, transportation, distribution, and logistics.
The hands-on event allowed students to explore the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in a particular field and gain a better understanding of the job market and the skills employers were seeking.
Over 8,000 students attended the 2023 expo.
City of Oxford departments participating in World of Works: Oxford Public Library, Oxford Health Paramedics, Oxford Police Department, Choccolocco Park Grounds Crew, Oxford Public Works, and Oxford Fire Department.
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 have probably noticed, construction activities are progressing nicely on Leon Smith Parkway. The project is currently on schedule, and we anticipate completion to occur later this year. A future phase will continue the widening southward to Friendship Road. Please be advised that all current traffic will continue to flow as it is today during construction. The turning lane additions and widening of the intersection at Barry Street and Highway 78 will begin in the near future. Please stay tuned for updates on these projects.
With warm weather upon us and people out working in yards, I would like to shed some light on an issue we are encountering. As most of you know, our department runs a weekly curbside pickup service for grass clippings, leaves, and tree/shrub trimmings. This service is not intended to be an entire tree pickup service, and we have an ever-growing problem with entire trees being placed along the roadside for pickup. There are a number of reasons that we are prohibited from this. The main reason is because it is against our city ordinance. This ordinance may be found on our website, www.oxfordal.gov, under the Chapter 36 link of the municipal code section. Another reason is that the rubbish we pick up is placed in our open-air incinerator and cannot handle large tree trunks and stumps. Most large trees are too difficult and dangerous to cut by homeowners and therefore result in the hiring of a tree removal entity. As a word of advice to the homeowner, we want to make sure that you are aware that the removing entity must dispose of the tree. We are more than happy to provide our curbside service. We just want to make everyone aware of this issue so that we can continue to maintain this service in the most effective way.
Sincerely,
Rusty V. Gann, P.E. Public Works Director/City Engineer
Before any work begins you should:
• Ask to see their Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board card
It’s a small credit card size issued every year. It has the licensee’s name, address, current license or file number. The card ensures contractors have a work history and complete contracts.
• Ask to see proof of workers comp (when applicable) and liability insurance
• Insist on a written contract:
— Ensure the contract is specific, including details about size, colors, materials, brands, and models
— Agree on a start and finish date and put the dates in writing
— Include any warranties or guarantees
— Agree on a payment schedule
• Verify the contractor’s name, address, and phone number
• Don’t rush into repairs or hire the first contractor that comes along, no matter how badly you need them. Be wary of people who solicit repair work door-to-door.
• Explore the market and ask for references of work the contractor has completed in the local area. Then check their references. This takes time, but saves money and aggravation in the long run.
• Check with Oxford Building Department to verify the worker’s record
We are always happy to talk to Oxford residents and help them avoid dishonest contractors and repairmen.
256-831-9685
Monday-Friday 7:00 am to 3:30 pm
Email: mike.roberts@oxfordal.gov
The main priority of Oxford Paramedics is to provide the highest level of quality care available to the citizens of Oxford! We take it very seriously and hold significant responsibility for the care we provide. We fully appreciate that your hard-earned tax dollars fund the care we provide to you, your family, your neighbors, and our friends. With that in mind, we don’t compromise when it comes to quality. We want to tell you about our advanced care and quality initiatives in this edition of Oxford Access. We often treat patients suffering from critical illness or significant trauma in answering emergency medical calls. Over the last two years, through direct municipal support from the mayor and city council, Oxford Health has implemented various programs to ensure we bring the best care available directly to you, the citizens of Oxford!
An example of direct care improvements is the implementation of blood product administration and ultrasound as part of our care. While it is easy to forget that we are considered a semi-rural community in terms of the U.S. Census Bureau standards, transport time by ambulance to a trauma center is about an hour. Early on, Oxford Health recognized the need to provide improved care for trauma patients that needed emergency surgery. We wanted to ensure we could give the same lifesaving services on a day when a helicopter could not fly, such as due to bad weather, as we could on a clear and sunny day. We are happy to report that as of April 2023, Oxford Paramedics will be one of the first emergency medical services (EMS) in Alabama to carry blood products on ground-based EMS units, independently of a hospital. In addition to giving blood to patients with life-threatening hemorrhages, our paramedics can now use point-of-care ultrasound. We now have the best-in-class ultrasound for identifying internal bleeding and other severe conditions. While having the best supplies and equipment available is essential, having the right people is paramount. Oxford Health paramedics and registered nurses must obtain additional advanced education and specialty certifications. Many of our paramedics are board-certified as flight, tactical, critical care, and community paramedics; our registered nurses are board-certified emergency nurses.
Even the best care and health care providers cannot substitute for immediate lifesaving care provided by family, friends, or bystanders. In addition to improving services available to the community in terms of emergency care and personnel, we recognize the need to ensure that the public can provide immediate lifesaving care at the same time as placing a call to 9-1-1. Oxford Health is committed to ensuring your preparedness for a medical emergency and provides avenues for emergency training for the public. Starting in May 2023, we will offer a “First on the Scene” emergency education session on the first Saturday of each month. We ask that you register for the course so that we can accommodate every participant. To register for the course, please email community@ohsparamedics. org. In addition to First on the Scene emergency education, we provide CPR education to the public and emergency and health preparedness planning assistance, both available by emailing community@ohsparamedics.org.
The First on the Scene course covers the following topics:
• Activating the 911 system
• Hands-only CPR and AED
• Administering naloxone
• Administering epinephrine
• Responding to life-threatening bleeding
• Penetrating chest trauma
• Moving patients to safety
• Positioning injured patients
The advanced care discussed with you in this article, along with genuine care and love for people, is part of our sincere commitment to working to be the best part of many worst days. While there is an EMS service for every city and town in America, we endeavor to ensure that Oxford has the best. Unless we have a community that is healthier and safer tomorrow than it was today, we are not achieving our goals. As highlighted in each update to the community, we could not deliver our services without the strong support of the healthcare authority board, Mayor Alton Craft, and the city council. Equally, your support, advice, and comments, as the community we serve, are critical in continually adjusting and improving the care we deliver. We can only provide world-class emergency medical care and related health services through a strong community partnership. As part of that partnership, emergency or not, we are here for you and your loved ones. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. For all non-emergency matters, please call 256-474-7900. Our healthcare continuous quality improvement process relies heavily on public feedback, so we ask for your feedback on how we can improve our services. You may send non-emergency correspondence, questions, advice, and concerns to info@ohsparamedics.org.
Our paramedics and nurses value our community partners and the citizens in providing a healthy Oxford. As the weather gets warmer, we hope to see each of you at one of the parks or a community event! As always, please don’t hesitate to call; our job is to ensure you are well cared for!
Tom Dixon Director, Health Care Authority of the City of Oxford Oxford Health Systemstdixon@oxfordhealthsystems.org
FOR ALL NON-EMERGENCY MATTERS, PLEASE CALL 256-474-7900
As spring arrives, we are gearing up to create lush green lawns and establish native flowers in our yards. Knowing your soil health recommendations is one of the first steps to a healthy lawn and beautiful flowering plants.
Gathering a soil sample is an easy process and can identify deficiencies in your soil. Routine soil samples are analyzed for pH, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Soil sample boxes and directions on how to collect the soil samples can be found at your local extension office, local soil and water conservation office, or by visiting the Auburn University Soil, Forage, and Water Testing Laboratory website at aaes.auburn.edu/soil- forage-water-testing-lab for information and forms for testing.
A soil test report detailing soil test values, ratings, lime, and fertilizer recommendations will be sent to the customer by email and/or mail within one to two days after the lab receives the samples. The routine soil analysis price is $10 per sample.
As warm weather approaches, it is important to prepare your lawn. To prevent annual summer weeds from infesting your yard, it is recommended to apply a pre-emergent herbicide; these can be purchased from local hardware or co-op stores.
Always consult the label for instructions on using these products, and be aware that some products may also have a fertilizer blended in along with the herbicide.
After the application is made, it is usually best to wait 24 hours before watering the grass. Also, make sure that within seven days of the application, the product has been watered into the soil by rain or sprinkler to ensure the best results. It is much easier to handle summer weeds before they germinate rather than after they become established.
Healthy, fully functioning soils provide an environment that sustains and nourishes our plants, soil microbes, and beneficial insects. So, unlock the secrets of your soil to create the home lawn of your dreams!
Q. Why should Oxford have a recycling program?
A. Recycling has an impact on two areas. The first area is the environment. Recycling reduces the need for raw materials, and recyclable items are not placed in a landfill. Using landfills is very expensive, so when recyclable material goes into the recycle stream, it will reduce the city’s cost for landfill use.
The second area is jobs. Recycling creates jobs in collecting recyclables, processing the recyclables, making and selling new products, and transportation.
Q. Does Oxford have a recycling program?
A. Keep Oxford Beautiful is working to develop a recycling program in Oxford. There is currently a recycling collection container located on 2nd Street beside the railroad track, across from the side of the Oxford Water Department.
Q. What is being recycled?
A. Currently, only cardboard, mixed paper, and aluminum cans are being collected.
Q. Why is plastic not being collected?
A. Collecting plastic requires a place to sort the different types and a baler to compact the plastic into bales. There is a plan within the next two years to have a facility to sort, bale, and temporarily store recyclable materials.
Q. Are there any special requirements for placing recyclable items into the container?
A. Yes. The cardboard should be flat-folded or broken down. This will allow more cardboard to be placed into the container. If the box is not flat-folded, then the worker must take time to flatten it before loading it onto the trailer for transport. All items should be clean, with no food, liquid, Styrofoam, plastic, or packing material. Brown packing paper is recyclable with the cardboard. If shredded paper is placed into the container, it is acceptable to leave it in a closed bag.
Q. Will there be curbside pickup?
A. Curbside pickup will depend on the number of residents that want to participate. At least 75% of the residents must participate to make the program viable.
There is a recycling survey on the city of Oxford web page that KOB would like for all Oxford citizens to complete; it will only take about 3 minutes. Follow the instructions below to access the survey. Go to: www.oxfordal.gov, then scroll down to the bottom of the page to “I Want To…” and select: Keep Oxford Beautiful. Click on: Recycle Survey 2023. It is a short survey and will assist in planning for the recycling program. KOB thanks you for taking the survey.
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.
Historic Main Street Oxford (HMSO) is an economic and community development organization that focuses on the Four Point Approach strategy of organization, promotion, design, and economic vitality as outlined by Main Street America. The Four Point Approach makes Main Street an effective tool for a community-based, volunteer-driven, grassroots revitalization effort. HMSO was created in 2014 when Oxford became a Designated Main Street Community by Main Street Alabama.
Historic Downtown Oxford will become northeast Alabama’s destination for arts, dining, entertainment, shopping, and special events.
The mission of Historic Main Street Oxford is to enhance downtown vibrancy, preserve its history, empower its community of business, and foster a center of activity for residents and visitors.
The Shop on the Corner
30 East Choccolocco Street
Women’s clothing and accessories boutique
Succ It Up
426 Main Street
Various succulents, houseplants, and gifts
Market on Main
1st & 3rd Saturday, April - September 2023
8 AM - 1 PM
Simmons Park, located at 400 Main Street in Historic Downtown Oxford
Seasonal artisan and craft vendor market
Food Truck Friday on Main
2nd Fridays, April - October 2023
4 PM - 9 PM
Simmons Park, located at 400 Main Street in Historic Downtown Oxford
Mobile food vendors, live entertainment, lawn games, a bounce house, and a free movie for the family!
ALFA Insurance Thomas Shelton Agency - 501 Main St.
Edwin Financial - 7 Snow Street
JB & Co Salon Barber - 504 Main Street
The Shop on the Corner - 30 East Choccolocco Street
Visions Salon - 128 Snow Street
FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT
Public Investment- $3,631
Private Investment- $11,931
7 Snow Street
128 Snow Street
426 Main Street
428 Main Street
EVENTS
Market on Main
Spring - Fall 2022 - 6,500 attendees
Food Truck Friday on Main
August 2022 - 600 attendees
Oxfordfest
October 2022 - 30,000 attendees
Witches Ride & Walk on Main
October 2022 - 500 attendees
Trick or Treat on Main
October 2022 - 20,000 attendees
Main Street Rivalry 5K
November 2022 - 30 attendees
Main Street Hero Award
Earl & Kay Glass
Main Street Alabama
Excellence in Public / Private Partnerships
Main Street Rivalry 5K
Main Street Alabama
Excellence in Preservation
DAR & Daughters of 1812
Marker Dedication
Main Street Alabama
HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD
Hunter Gentry, Director
hunter.gentry@oxfordal.gov
256-241-6667 256-403-8052
Facebook & Instagram @HistoricMainStreetOxford
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.
SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK: Grocery and other local shopping trips. Transportation is provided.
FRIDAY: A free biscuit breakfast is served on Friday mornings and sponsored by area businesses.
MONTHLY: A dinner outing for the seniors. Transportation is provided.
ACTIVITIES:
Bingo
Art class
Singing performances
Penny auctions
Games
Monthly holiday parties
CITY OF OXFORD
“Seeing Nature through the eyes of an Artist” Larry photographing a subject for his next painting – photo by Pam Smith
ARTIST LARRY MARTIN HAS LED PHOTO SAFARIS IN AFRICA FOR OVER 20 YEARS. FOR THIS ISSUE, HE ASKED ONE OF HIS FELLOW TRAVELERS, SHERRY KERR, TO RELATE SOME STORIES FROM THEIR 2017 SAFARI IN TANZANIA.
Few things in my life have made me feel as privileged as seeing Africa with Larry Martin. As old friends, we’d been talking about my joining one of his photo safaris since his first, but time and commitments had never allowed it. In 2017, it finally worked out that my husband and I could join a small group of travelers assembled by Larry and his Wren’s Nest Gallery partner, Crystal Hancock. It was everything I’d hoped for and much more—unforgettable, but every moment was so full it’s impossible to talk about it all.
— BY SHERRY KERR —
Larry’s painting demonstration – photo by Pam Smith
Watching how Larry sees the world is a reminder that being an artist is about more than using a paintbrush well – he simply sees things many of us don’t see. He sees the nuance and the details we might miss. He sees the bigger picture and how the details fit into it. As a scientist, however, Larry adds a knowledge of the natural world that seems almost impossible to fit into one brain. Like most people going to Africa, I had large mammals and big cats on my mind. Soon, though, his fascination with colorful and interesting birds and other small creatures that are easy to overlook when there are elephants or lions around had me looking for and photographing them.
You can’t think of Africa without picturing elaborate camps sheathed in mosquito netting straight from a movie scene. Those became real to us, though “camp” seems too plain a word for the wood-and-canvas structures, cabins, and lodges we spent our time in. We moved camps every few days as we proceeded on our journey, each one looking as if Ernest Hemingway might be staying in the next tent or Karen Blixen might greet us when we returned to the lodge in the evening.
Our first full day in the bush set the tone for our safari, literally epitomizing a surprise around every bend. After a morning in the Range Rovers, spotting and photographing wildlife and a mostly brown terrain, we went around a bend into an opening bursting with color and a service staff awaiting our arrival for a gourmet lunch.
One of the areas we toured early in the trip was the Ngorogoro Crater – surely, this was the original Garden of Eden. The variety of animal species seemed limitless, the terrain lush with color, and you never knew what you’d see in unexpected
juxtaposition. Not only did we see an extremely rare black rhino in Ngorogoro, but our photos show the same frame with the black rhino, an ostrich, and several other species. Once, as we started to proceed on our trek in Ngorogoro, my husband commented that he wanted to photograph a nearby wildebeest. Our delightful guide waved him off and said, “Oh, he’s not so special. There’ll be lots more.”
Oh, and were there ever. One morning soon after dawn, we left camp and headed out to see what adventure awaited us in the Serengeti that day. I think we felt it before we saw it – the Great Migration of wildebeest, one of the great natural wonders of the world, as millions of wildebeest make their way from Tanzania to Kenya in search of grasslands that have just been nurtured by the rainy season. From the dirt path we were on to infinity, as far as the eye could see, was a river of black, stomping its way west to east, and we were almost in the middle of it. Every sense was piqued – the roar of millions of hooves, the rank smell of their bodies, the taste of the air, the vibrating earth. Any attempt to describe it is an understatement; it can only be experienced.
Larry’s first painting from our trip is called “Apparition,” which Larry has written about in an earlier article. The moment he depicted was something that gives me chills to this day — expect to get chills often when you travel with Larry — when a young Maasai girl appeared seemingly out of nowhere on the “shifting sands,” a desert place as mysterious and fascinating as the girl’s sudden appearance. We were eager to see how he interpreted this scene in a painting. Larry’s painting wasn’t a portrait of the young girl, for her significance in the story was tied to the location; it took in the entirety of this mysterious locale and the apparition that appeared before us. None of us will ever forget it.
I am thrilled to share some exciting updates from the Oxford Performing Arts Center, including a significant milestone in the history of our venue. OPAC turns 10 this year, and we are immensely proud to have been your home for top-notch performances and entertainment experiences for the past decade. We owe this special milestone to the amazing support and loyalty of our patrons, and we are truly grateful for your role in making OPAC what it is today.
We are pleased to share that our Fall 2023 Reveal Celebration will be announced soon. During the reveal, we will announce all performances set to take the stage from August to December 2023. This year’s celebration will be particularly special as we take a moment to reflect on the past ten years and celebrate all the successful performances and events that have brought us to where we are today. We are committed to expanding and improving our offerings to better serve our community, and we invite you to join us. Visit oxfordpac.org/OPAC10 to learn about our last decade as well as all events celebrating this wonderful occasion.
In addition to our upcoming season, we have several exciting events and programs planned for the coming year, including our second annual Rubato International Piano Competition. Rubato 2022 was a huge success as it brought twenty-one piano students from nine countries together, and the event was filled with incredible masterclasses, rehearsals, and competitions. We are excited to announce that Rubato will continue to be a platform for expanding our community’s appreciation for the arts and will be held again this year from August 8-12.
— You can learn more about the competition at rubatopiano.org
OPAC will also be hosting our annual Spotlight Summer Theatre Camps this year, where young performers can learn and grow under the guidance of seasoned professionals.
— Learn more about these opportunities at oxfordpac.org/camp
We are pleased to share that the design phase of the Alabama Children’s Museum project is in full swing. As you may remember from our Fall 2022 Season Reveal, we have successfully acquired a dozen or more parcels of property in Historic Downtown Oxford, all thanks to the support of the Oxford City Council. Now that property has been secured, we are enthusiastic about ramping up this project and making it a reality. Our detailed planning process will guarantee that we create a museum that will be an asset to the community, region, and state. We sincerely appreciate the support as we work to build a museum that will inspire and educate children and families for generations to come. To learn more about this thrilling endeavor, please visit alchildrensmuseum.org
As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we would like to take a moment to thank you, our loyal patrons and supporters, for making it all possible. Your generosity and support have allowed us to become the BUSIEST STAGE IN THE STATE OF ALABAMA as we now present more touring artists/acts than any other venue. We remain committed to ensuring that OPAC continues to be a place where people can come together to experience high-quality arts and entertainment.
Thank you for your continued support, and we look forward to many more years of providing unforgettable experiences at YOUR Oxford Performing Arts Center.
Warm regards,
John Longshore Executive Director Oxford Performing Arts CenterApril 1, 2023 - 7:30 PM
The Fab Four - The Ultimate Beatles Tribute
April 2, 2023 - 7:00 PM
The Commodores
April 6, 2023 - 7:00 PM
Balourdet Quartete
April 13, 2023 - 6:00 PM
The Perondi's Stunt Dog Experience
April 14, 2023 - 7:30 PM
Fiesta Orquesta / Atlanta Pops Orchestra
April 21, 2023 - 7:30 PM
SOLD OUT: Dwight Yoakam
April 23, 2023 - 7:00 PM
Grand Funk Railroad
April 28, 2023 - 7:30 PM
SOLD OUT: An Evening with The Oak Ridge
May 2, 2023 - 7:00 PM
Annie: The National Broadway Tour PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE AT OXFORDPAC.ORG Charge by phone by calling 256-241-3322
May 7, 2023 - 7:00 PM
Ruben Studdard & Clay Aiken in Concert
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 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Purchase at the door beginning 90 minutes prior to most ticketed events.
A statewide recreational event for senior citizens had its birth in Oxford more than 30 years ago.
AAs the redbuds bloom and spring rains soak the ground, and thoughts bend toward summer, plans are stirring across Alabama for a revival of one of its signature events, first organized a generation ago and still of passionate interest to many older citizens and those who love, serve and advocate for them.
“It will come back with a vengeance,” says Vestavia Hills Parks and Recreation Department Superintendent Sandi Wilson, current board president of the Masters Games of Alabama.
Her prediction is based on a “testing of the waters” that Vestavia Hills hosted last October, a one-day, slimmeddown version of the state Masters Games intended to see if there was anyone out there after two years of pandemic shutdown who still wanted to square off for a friendly game of dominoes, horseshoes, or pickleball with van loads of other seniors from other parts of the state.
— BY MARK FULLER —
Once plans were announced, “people just kept asking about it,” Wilson says, and on the day of the event, more than 200 showed up.
That bodes well for a fully restored state Masters Games, which is scheduled for this October in Valley, AL. In good years, a state game draws as many as 600 to 800 participants who enjoy meals, games, and ceremonies over the course of 3 to 4 days.
Getting that many senior citizens active and involved in healthful activities is worth the effort it takes, organizers say.
“Masters Games is a very important part of our local program for seniors because it is getting them out and getting them active,” says Amanda Vingers of the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission’s Area Agency on Aging. As part of her duties, Vingers serves as a state board member for the Masters Games and organizes the summer district games for the six-county region that includes Calhoun County. Those district games will take place June 13-15 at the Oxford Civic Center and the Anniston Senior Center.
“It will be our first district games in three years (due to pandemic shutdowns),” Vingers says.
Summer games will be taking place in the other eight districts across the state, as a way of recruiting participants for the state games in the fall.
“[The return of district games] is an excellent thing,” says Cindy Roberts, Aging Director at the Northwest Alabama Council of Local Governments in Florence. “People have a spirit of welcoming each other back.”
Roberts is vice president of the Masters Games of Alabama and has been involved with the games for almost 30 years. She remembers the first board president of the state Masters Games and gives him credit for being instrumental in its founding.
“I give kudos to Don Hudson,” Roberts says. “He deserves a lot of credit.”
continued on next page
Oxford Parks and Recreation Director Don Hudson
Oxford Parks and Recreation Director Don Hudson remembers vividly what pushed him to organize a competitive games event for senior citizens.
“It all started in 1989 when [then-Oxford city councilwoman] Norma Martin saw a picture in the newspaper of a 75-year-old man jumping over a high-jump bar at the Senior Olympics,” Hudson says. “She came to me and pointed at that picture and said, ‘Why can’t we do something like this?’”
“When Mrs. Martin wanted to do something, you got busy,” remembers Belva Durham, program director at the city recreation department at the time. Hudson and Durham discussed the idea and began making phone calls.
Already familiar with many local seniors who came to programs at the city’s senior citizens center and to senior dances at the civic center, Hudson and Durham knew that the competition would need a wide range of activities, from athletic events like basketball, softball, and track, to mid-range activities like shuffleboard and horseshoes to table games like Rook, checkers, and dominoes.
“It would be patterned off of Senior Olympics but not as competitive, focusing on getting seniors to participate,” Hudson says.
Durham found enthusiastic support at the East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, which agreed to promote the event among their senior citizen clients in the region. Neighboring city recreation departments also responded positively - one detail Durham remembers is that “Pat Holmes with the Sylacauga PARD was artistic and created our first logo.”
Recruiting participants was one of the first challenges, and Hudson, who had grown up in Oxford, remembers encouraging “older people who had been good athletes” to organize teams and begin practicing for the events. He also remembers people like “Norma Martin and Gladys Bagley and a great group of volunteers out of First Baptist Church of Oxford worked themselves to death” to help put the event together.
Another challenge was money.
“If First Alabama Bank had not sponsored us, Masters Games would never have gotten off the ground,” Hudson says.
The hard work began to pay off, and the idea started to catch on. The pattern began to replicate across the state: regional agencies on aging partnered with local municipal parks and recreation departments to organize Masters Games in their districts, which would lead naturally to a state game.
By 1991, Oxford was hosting a Masters Games in October that drew more than 500 participants from around the state. The next October, during an election year, then-Gov. Guy Hunt made a campaign stop in Oxford to officially open the 2nd Annual State Masters Games. A decision was made to form Masters Games into a statewide nonprofit organization with board member representation from nine regions in the state. Hudson was named board president.
“It was successful because the parks and recreation people and the area agency on aging people worked hard recruiting participants and organizing the games,” Hudson says.
Looking back over three decades of Masters Games, Hudson says that “it has accomplished its goal: to get seniors more active.” Many of today’s parks and recreation senior leagues grew out of participation in Masters Games, he says.
At the Friendship Community Center in Oxford last week, Frances Nelson sits at a table playing dominoes with a friend. At the other end of the room, her husband of 68 years, Eudean, sits in a circle of half-a-dozen men playing old-time music on their guitars and banjos. Mrs. Nelson speaks of her 24-year participation in Masters Games.
“I do it because it’s fun,” she says. “I have played dominoes, checkers, nerf ball/frisbee throw, softball throw, basketball free throw, horseshoes - and I have won first place in every event.”
Mrs. Nelson says that as much as she enjoys the games themselves, the friendships she has made with people from other parts of the state are even more special. continued on next page
“You meet so many people, and they get to be family after a while,” she says. “I am a people person. I love to keep up with the people I meet. I became friends with a lady who lives below Prattville, and we exchange gifts. I keep a scrapbook with pictures of the people I meet and their names.”
Mrs. Nelson says she grew up in Oxford and Heflin and now lives near Hollis Crossroads. She worked for 30 years as a reweaver at the Sewell Clothing Plant in Heflin. She enjoys gardening, and the yearly trip to the state Masters Games has always been special to her.
“Don [Hudson] always makes sure we travel together in a van, which is a big part of the fun,” she says. “After playing games all day, we go back to the hotel and play cards til midnight. It’s good fun - no drinking and no cussing.”
The games have banquets and rituals, too, that many enjoy. The opening ceremonies include a procession where the participants walk behind their district banners, wearing their district t-shirts.
“I had the honor of lighting the torch in 2013,” Mrs. Nelson says. “To me, it was a big honor.”
Though admittedly, her knees and shoulders don’t work like they used to, and she may limit her events to less active ones these days, Mrs. Nelson says she plans to attend both summer district games as well as state games this year.
“I just enjoy it,” she says. “I look forward to it every year.”
If Mrs. Nelson enjoys the social aspects of Master’s Games, a person like Frank Stewart of Piedmont cherishes the competition. At 88, Stewart remembers the early Masters Games, when local teams were being formed and hoping to win.
“We were in our late 50’s and early 60’s, and we were pretty competitive,” Stewart recalls. Back then, Stewart had just retired from his government job and was raising cattle. He knew he needed to improve his lifestyle, so he started running, and went on to run in several marathons, including the Boston marathon. It was around that time that Hudson approached him and asked him to be a part of the mile relay team for Masters Games.
“There was a team from Birmingham that Don [Hudson] wanted us to beat at the state competition,” Stewart says. “He was pretty competitive back then, too.”
Stewart and three other men, encouraged by Hudson, formed a relay team and practiced passing the baton enough, so they were pretty confident. On the day of the state Masters Games track competition, the local team won easily—and Stewart was hooked into the Masters Games. He went on to compete on the men’s basketball team as well. He has even taken up pickleball recently, though he doubts he will continue competing at this point.
Looking back, Stewart says that Masters Games helped motivate him to stay active, and he appreciates the effort Hudson made to bring it all about.
“The biggest thing Don did, he ran the show,” he says. “We were fortunate to have him orchestrating it.”
Belva Durham, who went on to direct the Elderly Nutrition Program at East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission before retiring a few years ago, says that the founding of the Masters Games was a highlight for Oxford.
“It put us on the map. From an aging and recreation standpoint, it put us on the map,” she says. “I still run into people today who recognize me because of my involvement with the Oxford Masters Games. It means a lot.”
Basketball
December – February
Softball
April – August
Church League Men’s and Coed Softball
June - July
Senior Men’s Softball
June - August
Youth Flag Football
August - October
Cheerleading
September - October
Soccer
September - October - November
Call the Oxford Civic Center for information
256-831-2660
Oxford Cheer Registration:
MAY 9 — 3:30 PM TO 5:30 PM
JUNE 6 — 3:30 PM TO 5:30 PM
OXFORD CIVIC CENTER
401 McCullars Lane, Oxford AL 36203
Registration fee is $135 which includes complete uniform, poms, and hair bow. Fee is $60 if child already has a uniform. Child must be 4-12 years old.
Cheer registration is in person only, so they can be sized for their uniform.
Oxford Civic Center
SENIOR AEROBICS: Free, low-impact class with Lyn Brown (instructor) on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM.
TENNIS: Individual and group lessons for all ages and levels are offered at the 8-court tennis complex. For more information, contact Jack Totherow at 256-452-3661.
Oxford Lake Courts
6 lighted Courts
Sunday 3 PM - 8 PM Thursday 5 PM - 8 PM Check their facebook page “256-Pickleball” for updates.
SWIMMING POOL
Memorial Day to Labor Day
June & July hours: Mon - Sat 11AM to 4 PM Sunday 1PM to 4 PM August days and hours vary.
Admission $2.
DAY CAMP: Every summer, spring break, and fall break we offer camps for children ages 6-12. Summer registration starts February 1st.
Bynum Community Center
FITNESS AND FLEXIBILITY CLASS: This is a free low-impact senior aerobic class offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 3:15 PM to 4:15 PM. For more information, call our certified instructor, Lyn Brown 256-241-2716.
FREE PLAY: Time varies. The gym is available for basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard.
SENIOR CARD GAMES: Mondays 5 PM to 9 PM
THE ARC OF CALHOUN AND CLEBURNE COUNTIES: Every summer, the Arc conducts two 3-week summer camps for special needs children at Bynum Community Center. The Arc of Calhoun and Cleburne Counties is a 501(c)3 non-profit that serves individuals with intellectual /developmental disabilities and their families through support, education, advocacy, and public awareness so that they can reach their chosen goals.
Friendship ART CLASSES:
Several times per year, art instructor Jack Hadder offers four-week courses in various types of art. The art classes are held on Mondays in Room B from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM.
KARATE: Mondays and Wednesdays from 6:30 PM to 8 PM Testing on Saturdays. Instructor Mike Mangham offers karate classes for those interested. Participants must be at least 7 years old.
BLUEGRASS JAM SESSION:
In our kitchen area, we invite the public to a free and fun jam session on Tuesdays from 4 PM to 7:30 PM Bring your favorite instrument!
SENIOR CITIZEN VOLLEYBALL:
Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM and Sundays from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. (or later) All senior citizens are welcome to play volleyball in our gym. The activity is free so come out and bring a friend!
PRE-SCHOOL:
Classes are on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 AM to noon; For 3, 4, and 5-year-olds. Must be potty-trained. Immunization Blue Slip Required. Space is limited. Call for availability. 256-405-5088. Teacher: Mary Wood. $120 per month. $50 Registration and supply fee.
CANASTA AND BUNCO:
Bunco is on the first and third Wednesday at 11 AM and Canasta is on the first Wednesday at 9:30 AM.
BASKETBALL INSTRUCTION:
Meet in the gym Tuesdays from 5:30 PM. to 7:30 PM.
BASKETBALL FREE PLAY: Monday and Wednesday from 3 PM to 5PM.
INDOOR PICKLEBALL
Tuesday and Thursday Noon to 5 PM.
Friday 7 AM til 12:00 noon
Dear readers,
Just days after conducting our interview with Mr. Phillip Jones, he passed away in an automobile accident. We send our deepest thoughts and condolences to his family, friends, and co-workers.
He was a well-loved teacher at Oxford Middle School, and we were honored to be able to spotlight him and his many accomplishments.
He was passionate about teaching 8th-grade science and coaching the Greenpower teams. He impacted countless lives over his decades of service at Oxford City Schools and will be greatly missed.
Phillip Jones and his three brothers were born and raised in Etowah County (Gadsden and Hokes Bluff). His father was a full-time Alabama National Guardsman and part of the State Area Command.
He had a Master of Arts in Education (M.A.Ed) from UAB, majoring in Teaching English as a Second Language. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.Ed.) from Jacksonville State University with dual biology and history certifications. He was working on a National STEM Certification.
This was his 23rd year with the Oxford City School System, and he described himself as “first and foremost, an 8th-grade Physical Science teacher.” In addition, Phillip was an Alabama Mentor Teacher and an Alabama Math, Science, and Technology Initiative (AMSTI) trainer, and an AMSTI lead teacher. He rounded out his time by serving as a Greenpower USA coach and as a member of the Teacher Leader Program.
A man of many talents, Phillip shared, “I’ve had the opportunity to teach a wide variety of enrichment classes throughout my career, including robotics, beginning piano, songwriting and music production, design and modeling, STEM, and Greenpower USA.”
Phillip and his wife, Elaine Jones, lived in Jacksonville, and he was looking forward to celebrating their 27th anniversary. Elaine is also an employee of Oxford City Schools and works at Oxford Middle School as a Transitional Education teacher.
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What made you want to become a teacher?
I was raised in a home that placed a high value on education. As a result, I have always enjoyed learning in school and out. Growing up, I found myself trying to teach everyone around me whatever I had just learned. It was just a natural progression.
What is the most satisfying thing about teaching?
In the classroom, I love seeing students’ eyes light up when they make connections or get excited when they perform well and exceed their own expectations. As their Greenpower USA coach, I love seeing them learn to solve problems and overcome challenges. It’s also really fun to work with the Greenpower team students outside of the traditional classroom setting because they are some amazing young people.
What do you look forward to most at the beginning of each year?
I always look forward to seeing my class rosters. Each class has its own unique personality, so discovering that about each class is also enjoyable.
What’s the most challenging part of being a teacher? Keeping abreast of the rapidly changing education initiatives and tools.
How do you want former students to remember you?
Obviously, I want to be remembered as a good teacher, but students don’t remember lessons and teaching strategies. What they do remember is whether or not their teachers cared about them and had their best interest at heart, so I hope that’s how they remember me. I hope they remember me as someone who was kind and caring and who challenged them always to do and be their best.
What methods do you use each day to bring out the best in students?
I try to use a constructivism or inquiry approach as much as possible. This approach requires students to learn to do science rather than just learn about science.
Everything I do, though, comes down to three goals. I want my students to learn HOW to think, learn ALWAYS to do their best, and to treat everyone with respect. If they can master those three things, they can be successful no matter where life takes them.
When you see former students who are now older, what’s one thing they typically say they remember about your classroom?
Most say that my class was challenging but fun. Greenpower members always talk about all the challenges they overcame and how much fun the program is.
What other extracurricular activities/groups are you part of?
Faculty sponsor for the Fellowship of Christian Students (FCS); and I have served as a bi-vocational Youth Pastor, Music Minister, and Associate Pastor.
Tell us about your likes and hobbies: Playing piano, writing music, reading, and playing paintball.
What are your thoughts on receiving the award for teacher of the month?
I am completely humbled. I work very hard to be the best teacher I can be, but so does everyone else, so I’m not sure what I did to deserve the honor. I’m very grateful and humbled.
OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION’S ANNUAL EDIBLE EVENING
Edible Evening is supported by local restaurants providing food samples for attendants to enjoy.
2023 vendors were Olive Garden, Jim ‘N Nicks BBQ, Chicken Salad Chick, Cutters’ Pizzeria, Texas Roadhouse, Honey Baked Ham, Small Cakes, Chick-fil-A, Mason’s BBQ, Kin Express, and Coca-Cola.
It has become a popular night out where everyone can enjoy a variety of savory dishes and desserts and be entertained by the Oxford High Jazz Band and the Jacket Sing-Sations.
Dudley Williams’ Early Account of Oxford was initially published in The Hot Blast, the predecessor to The Anniston Star, in 1901. Williams, a native of Oxford, was a researcher, writer, public figure, and medical doctor. A handful of his writings exist, mostly to be found in newspapers. His early account gives readers a glimpse of Oxford from his perspective recounting the Legend of Lickskillet, early education, business, and prominent families.
Benjamin Dudley Williams, son of Stephen Coleman Williams and Mary Ann Eliza Whiteside Williams, was born on January 11, 1851, in Oxford, Alabama. He was reared at his family home at the corner of Main Street and Oak Street, presently the location of Oxford City Schools Board of Education. He attended Oxford College and later earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine. While at Louisville, Williams studied Allopathic Medicine, which is science-based modern medicine through drugs, radiation, or surgery. After completing his education, Williams returned to Oxford and practiced medicine as his father did.
Williams served as Oxford’s city health officer and was a Calhoun County Medical Society member. He was regarded as an expert and researcher on the hookworm. He was one of three physicians to attend The Rockefeller Sanitary Commission for the Eradication of Hookworm Disease. In 1910, during an address to the Calhoun County Medical Society, he read a poem he wrote simply entitled “The Hook-Worm.”
He was a member of the Hartwell Masonic Lodge No. 101 and the Lodge of Alabama, serving in the highest capacity in both organizations. Many of his papers and personal library collection are housed and owned by the Hartwell Lodge.
He married Miss Mary Tranquilla Williams on December 14, 1881, in Calhoun County, Alabama. The two remained married until his death on March 12, 1911, in Oxford, Alabama. He succumbed to pneumonia at age 57 and was buried at Oxford Memorial Gardens. Williams left behind his wife and three children, Allie Jane Williams, Benjamin Dudley Williams, Jr., and Helen Williams Culberson.
It should also be noted that Williams served as editor for the Oxford Tribune, council member, school board member, and devout member of the Oxford Baptist Church. During President Grover Cleveland’s Administration, he was appointed medical agent to the Utah Territory. Williams was highly known and revered in political and professional circles across the state. continued on next page
“LICK SKILLET, BENTON COUNTY, ALABAMA,” is the way it was written back in the early ’40s. Now it is “Oxford, Calhoun County.” The one, an unpretentious hamlet of a dozen or so widely scattered families amid primeval forests, the other hustling city of two thousand souls—the metropolis of the peerless Choccolocco valley, and the logical trade center of a large agricultural and mineral territory, embracing the thriftiest portions of a half dozen counties to the southeast.
Following closely upon the heels of the departing Creeks, Sylvanus Simmons, and Dudley Snow moved here and entered the lands upon which the town of Oxford now stands. They were the first settlers of this portion of Alabama, while Snow was a Tennesseean.
They disposed of a goodly part of their holdings to their immigrants at nominal prices. Simmons gave away many acres to such as would occupy and improve the land. In this way, a village was established in the haunts, lately vacated, of the wily Red Men. Simmons’ lands lay north of Choccolocco Street and Snow’s south, each extending westward to the mountains.
At the time the first post office was established, there was a small store run by Simmons, who lived where Mr. L.B. Miller now resides, the present building being the same with the exception of some additions to the rear side. This is perhaps the oldest house in the town, having been built in 1838 or 1839.
The second house erected was that on Main Street, so long the home of Major Abner Williams. It was a hotel in those days, or in the parlance of that period, a “tavern” and was occupied by Mr. Pyles, a prominent citizen, one of whose daughters married Esquire L.L. Allen, and is living, her home being at DeArmanville. Another daughter became the wife of Dr. Smart who was a leading physician of Oxford up to the close of the war, when he moved to Arkansas.
I have been told that the place received its former quaint name from a little incident of this sort. One day a gentleman passing through the hamlet stopped at the store to inquire where he could get dinner. He was directed to a certain place, kept by one Edge, a shoemaker who cared for travelers, and on his return, in reply to an inquiry as to whether he had found anything to eat, said, “yes, but I had to lick the skillet.”
It may or may not be true that such an incident gave rise to the name “Lick Skillet.” Simmonsville or Persimmons would have sounded better. However, from authentic accounts, the name chosen was significant and not all together inappropriate. Clothing was scarce and men were to have been seen plowing, clad in a hat, shoes, and shirt, even with snow on the ground. It is easy to infer that food was equally scarce, and that “lick-skillet” was by no means an uncommon act.
With industry and perseverance, however, the community soon became thrifty. A building was erected on the hill just southeast of where the Alliance cotton warehouse now stands, and an academy opened by Wilson and Chambliss, teachers of high attainments for that day.
This school has as pupils many who afterwards became honored citizens, some of them distinguished in civil and political life. Among them were Hons. G.C. Ellis and W.M. Hames, of Jacksonville. In 1848 a two-story frame building was erected on a site about one hundred yards continued on next page
northeast of the present Southern (E.T.V. & G.) depot, lower floor being occupied by the school (academy) and the upper by Hartwell Masonic lodge, which was organized in 1849.
About this time, on a petition of the citizens, the post office department changed the name to Oxford. The post office was located in a small office building, just erected by Dr. S.C. Williams, who was Oxford’s first postmaster.
Among those who were here or came in about this time were, in addition to those already mentioned, the Pyles, Cunninghams, Harrisons, Turnipseeds, DeArmans, Clarkes, Mattisons, Williams, Smartts, Allens, Bush, Johnsons, Gunnels, Shufords and others. Of the original settlers, all are dead, and only a very few of their immediate descendants live hereabouts.
At the close of the war, there were five or six business houses here. Dudley Snow had erected a large two-story brick block building at the southwest corner of Main and Snow Streets, now occupied by the warehouse and stable of Haynes Brothers, in which were a hotel (something the present town cannot boast) and three stores. These were all burned in the early part of 1865 by the Yankees, during the Wilson raid. The Yankees made a clean sweep, and the good people of the village had a second experience of “licking-the-skillet.”
The E.T.V. & G. railroad was extended through Oxford to Blue Mountain, five miles to the north, in 1864. The town was incorporated in 1867. Dr. S.C. Williams was the first mayor and was chosen to the place many times, as long as he would consent to serve. His successors in that office, as accurately as I can recall, have been S.C. Kelley, W.J. Borden, J.S. Kelley, C.T. Hilton, J.B. McCain, E.H. Hanna, R.P. Thomason, W.H. Griffin, John N. Gunnels, and T.A. Howle.
After the passage of the “Blue Coats” in ‘65, only a few cheap frame buildings were left in the “business district,” and notwithstanding the greater portion of the business houses have three times been destroyed by fire since that time, there are now in the place more than thirty substantial brick business houses.
During the last twenty years, railroads have been built hither and thither, other towns, some of them at her very doors, have sprung up and struggled hard for her trade, yet this plucky little city by the Choccolocco moves serenely along in the even tenor of her way; progressing slowly and steadily, boasting not, yet proud of her cast and hopeful of a glorious future.
The history of Oxford since the war is well known. I have sought to make a cursory mention of some facts connected with its earlier history, known to but few. I may no claim to absolute accuracy.
Friday-Saturday 9am-5pm and Sunday 1pm-5pm End of May - Early August .
A FUN EVENT FOR ALL AGES
TUESDAY, JULY 4
STARTING AT 8:00 AM
AROUND THE LAKE RAMBLE PARADE
OPENING CEREMONIES
PETTING ZOO
TRICYCLE & BIKE RACES
CARNIVAL
SWIM RACES
FOOD TRUCKS
9:00 PM
FIREWORKS SHOW
