Oxford Access Magazine 7:4 by City of Oxford

Oxford

ACCESS

2023

COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS GOAL IS SET TO MAKE OXFORD THE HEALTHIEST CITY IN ALABAMA Page 22

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

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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!

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

CHOCCOLOCCO KAYAK 5 YEARS OF ECOTOURISM

MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT

VETERAN’S DAY OBSERVANCE IN LIBERTY PARK

MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF

OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC PROGRAM

HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM

A SWEET STRANGENESS THRILLS MY HEART

UPDATE: OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS

SPOTLIGHT: TIMBERLINE GLAMPING CHEAHA

WELCOME TO OXFORD - NEW BUSINESS OPENINGS

SPOTLIGHT: ANNASTACIA JONES

UPDATE: HISTORIC MAIN STREET

THE KEY THAT’S UNLOCKING MUSICAL MEMORIES

UPDATE: OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

LARRY MARTIN - STORIES BEHIND THE PAINTINGS

LIFE LONG FRIENDS

PROTECT PEOPLE, PETS, AND PIPES THIS WINTER

SPOTLIGHT: AEROSPACE COATINGS INTERNATIONAL

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS

WHY I TEACH: ASHLEY WILSON

GREENPOWER

RUTH DAVIS - JOYFUL CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

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OXFORD COMMUNITY CHORUS HOLIDAY CONCERT

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2023 HOLIDAY DECORATING CONTEST

ON THE COVER: RUTH WHETSTONE AND CARLA JONES NRP, CP-C

2023 VOL 7. ISSUE 4

CONTENTS

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

Stacy Booth Director of Marketing, City of Oxford

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

Message from the

Oxford Mayor Dear citizens, I hope you are as excited about the year’s final months as I am. While we are getting back into our fall routine–with school, sports, and many family-friendly events going on–we are looking forward to seeing you and visitors from around the world during the last few months of the year. To begin, I would like to congratulate Oxford High School for being named one of the top 25 high schools in Alabama, according to an article from US News and World Report. That ranking reflects the leadership at Oxford City Schools. Our superintendent, Dr. Shannon Stanley, and her staff and the leadership at all the schools in the system are providing quality educational opportunities to students who are on many different career paths. The city of Oxford is committed to helping the schools provide these opportunities to our students, which is why I am proud that our Vis1on program continues to grow. I am glad that our students and leaders from around the city can meet and share ideas on how Oxford can grow and how we can use new innovations in technology, industry, and education to make growth happen. With winter approaching, don’t forget to mark our annual Festival of Lights drive-thru Christmas lights show at Choccolocco Park on your calendar. We will have more lights and more attractions in Santa’s Village, with holiday treats, skating, and fun for all ages. If you are traveling through the park, be mindful of our crews that have begun to put the lights and other attractions up around the walking track and the parking lots and roads around the area. Oxford is continuing to blaze new trails in emergency services as well. Our police and fire departments and health services are leading the way, and I am proud that our leaders are learning new ways to improve our response times and to keep our residents and visitors safe.

Oxford Parks and Recreation is gearing up for the 2024 athletic calendar, giving us more opportunities to highlight our recreational facilities to teams and organizations worldwide. We are getting ready to host more championships, tournaments, and events–from disc golf to dog mushing championships–at Choccolocco Park and Oxford Lake Park. Historic Downtown Oxford is continuing to be a vital part of the city. We have many events in our downtown parks, and the Oxford Performing Arts Center is attracting visitors from around the world for competitions, concerts, and other cultural events. There are many opportunities to learn in Downtown Oxford, especially at the Oxford Public Library. They have a chess club, along with yoga, art, and quilting classes, just to name a few of the services they provide to kids of all ages, so I encourage you to stop by, go online, or call them to see if they have something for you. Finally, I hope all our citizens will continue to do their part to make Oxford the gem of Alabama. Don’t forget to be mindful of the roadwork around the Oxford Exchange and Leon Smith Parkway. Work is nearing completion, and the traffic patterns are a little different, so make sure to pay close attention if you are driving in that area as we all get accustomed to the new routine. The city council and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season, and don’t forget to call 311, our non-emergency helpline, if you have any questions or concerns.

Kindest regards, Alton Craft

O X F O R D C I T Y H A L L • 14 5 H A M R I C D R I V E , E A ST O X F O R D , A L A B A M A 3 620 3 4

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Alton Craft Mayor

Phil Gardner Council

Mike Henderson Council

Charlotte Hubbard Council

Chris Spurlin Council

Steven Waits Council

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

CELEBRATION

PLEMER EAST On behalf of Mayor Alton Craft and the city of Oxford, we would like to congratulate Plemer East, who celebrated his 99th birthday in September. We were honored to have him and his family, Randy and Johnnie East, come visit us at city hall.

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

If you are an Oxford resident and need a smoke detector, contact Fire Station #1 at 256-831-3208, and we will be glad to come to your home and install free smoke detectors. 12

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Oxford Fire Department

Message from the

Oxford Fire Department October is Fire Prevention Month, and we were very busy providing fire prevention materials to our schools and participating in Oxfordfest. This year has been one of the worst— if not the worst—year in Oxford fire history for fire fatalities and injuries. The one thing that every home should have is working smoke detectors. If you need a smoke detector, contact Fire Station #1 at 256-831-3208, and we will be glad to come to your home and install free smoke detectors. The holidays are fast approaching, and in this edition are some very important safety tips to keep your holidays safe and happy. It is my hope and prayer that each of you has a very Happy Thanksgiving and a Merry Christmas. ‘Tis the season for family get-togethers, great food, presents, football, and many other things that come with this time of year, but never forget the real reason we celebrate Christmas: “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (ESV, Luke 2:11).

Chief Gary Sparks

FIRE CHIEF • ASSISTANT FIRE CHIEF • FIRE MARSHAL • 256-278-3290 OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

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

M IL L E RF U N E RA L H O M E OX F O RD.C O M

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THE OXFORD ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS VETERAN’S DAY OBSERVANCE NOVEMBER 11, 2023 The city of Oxford will observe Veteran’s Day on November 11, 2023 with the placement of American flags by the Oxford Arts Council on the markers at Liberty Park located at the Oxford Civic Center. The markers there bear the names of citizens who are veterans or public servants who have loyally served our community and country. The flags will remain through the Veteran’s Day weekend. Visitors are welcome.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

Oxford Police Department 600 Stanley Merrill Drive, Oxford, AL 36203

Message from the Oxford Police Chief I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits. As the holiday season approaches, I wanted to take a moment to discuss an important topic: holiday safety. With the increased hustle and bustle in the city and the festivities all around, it’s crucial that we prioritize our well-being and that of our community. First and foremost, let’s talk about road safety. During this time of the year, the streets of Oxford can be quite crowded, so it’s essential to exercise caution and patience while driving or crossing roads. Obey traffic rules, be mindful of pedestrians, and never drink and drive. Let’s ensure everyone reaches their destinations safely, allowing the joy of the season to flourish. When it comes to home safety, there are several precautions we can take. As we decorate our houses with lights and ornaments, let’s be mindful of fire safety. Ensure that electrical decorations are in good condition and never leave them unattended. It’s also wise to keep flammable items away from heat sources and to double-check that all smoke detectors are functioning properly. If you need a smoke detector, please get in touch with the Oxford Fire Department for a free one. Let’s stay vigilant against potential thefts. While shopping or enjoying the city’s attractions, be mindful of your belongings. Keep your wallets, purses, and valuable items secure, and avoid carrying large amounts of cash. If you notice any suspicious activity, report it to the police department immediately. By looking out for one another, we can help maintain a safe and secure environment for all. Lastly, let’s prioritize our personal health and well-being. The holiday season can sometimes be overwhelming, so managing stress and taking care of ourselves is crucial. Make time for relaxation, get plenty of rest, and cherish moments spent with loved ones. Remember, a healthy and happy you contributes to a stronger and safer community. Finally, as we embrace the holiday spirit in the city of Oxford, let’s not forget the importance of safety. By being mindful of road safety, securing our homes, staying vigilant against theft, and prioritizing our well-being, we can ensure a joyful and secure holiday season for all residents. Let us come together to celebrate in harmony, spreading warmth, cheer, and safety throughout our city. Wishing you all a safe and delightful holiday season! Best regards, Bill Partridge Chief of Police Director of Public Safety

INVESTIGATIONS 256-835-6136 • ANIMAL CONTROL 256-591-4103 • GENERAL (NON-EMERGENCY) 256-831-3121 16

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AT THE OXFORD EXCHANGE

OCT 24, 2023

FUN FOR ALL AGES

6:00 PM TO 8:00 PM

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

UPDATE OXFORD LIBRARY OPL’s library staff is here to help area residents be their best! Whether that help comes in the form of homework help, studying for a test, preparing for a job interview, printing out resumes or other documents, or any number of other ways, OPL is here for Oxford! There are lots of resources for kids. OPL is proud to partner with the Oxford City Schools to provide monthly events to enrich the classroom curriculum with fun and exciting programs and performances. The Discover Series of programs takes place on the first Monday of each month at 5:00 at the library. You won’t want to miss the fun here at OPL! Visit www.oxfordpl.org/discover to find out more. • Monday, October 16 at 5:00 – That Puppet Guy: Zany Zoo Among the myriad members in this marionette menagerie, you’ll thrill to the antics of a frog on roller skates, a weightlifting bear, a ball balancing dog, a ballerina bumble bee, and even a belly dancing bunny. • Monday, November 6 at 5:00 – The Montgomery Zoo Teaching about our animals and conservation efforts is key to ensuring that the next generation can enjoy every creature, large to small. The Zoo2Go program at the Montgomery Zoo will bring an array of animal ambassadors to the library! • Monday, December 4 at 5:00 – The Science Lady This exciting science show will make you want to leap tall buildings in a single bound! This show is filled with experiments about super strength, flight, managing matter, and much more! In addition to the Discover Series, OPL has a lot more programming and resources for children, both those in traditional school and those homeschooled, from preschool-aged children to teens. Check out some of the fun ways to get involved at OPL! For more information, please visit www.oxfordpl.org/kids. PICTURE BOOK CLUB – Books, history, and art projects. SCIENCE – Join us for some fun science experiments! STORYTIME – Join us as we dance, sing, read, and craft our way through the alphabet! Folktales and Fables – Enjoy stories and crafts from around the world! AVONLEA SOCIETY – A classy, classic book and film club for teens. Join us as we discuss our book for the month and watch an adaptation of the book!

PAINTING WITH LEXI – Join Lexi as she teaches us how to paint fun holiday scenes. Don’t forget to register at www.oxfordpl.org/paint! ART CLASS – Learn more about artists and their work and try out some of their techniques! RECITATION AND PROJECT FAIR – Do you have a craft project that you have been working on that you would like to show off? Have you memorized a poem that you would like to share with others? OPL is the place for you!

(256) 831-1750 • 110 EAST 6TH STREET, OXFORD

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The in-house events and programs at the library are fantastic, but don’t forget the online resources available! Homework help with live tutors, test preparation, reliable research resources, and much more are available, all for free, at www.oxfordpl.org/online-resources. While plenty of events and resources exist for kids and teens at the library, adults are not to be left out! Exercising with OPL has been a big hit, so join our adults as they care for their bodies and health: • Chi Kung – Mondays at 9:00 Designed to re-activate your internal Energy (Chi), Scott Cole’s renowned sequencing of ancient breath-filled Chinese Chi Kung, combined with modern stretches and applications, allow you to truly lighten up, loosen up, and let go of tension and stress while centering your Chi, bringing your body back to life. • Yoga – Wednesdays at 9:00 Stretch, let go of stress, and prevent injury. Combining standing and seated yoga poses, slow breath-filled stability exercises, energizing movement therapy, and innovative stretching, yoga is great for all activity levels and especially helpful for beginners and seniors. • Disco Dojo – Thursdays at 9:00 Enter the Disco Dojo, where dance meets martial arts in the ultimate low-impact cardio fat-burning workout! Punch, kick, laugh, move, and groove your way into a healthier you while exercising to a funk-inspired retro-groovy soundtrack. Disco Dojo concludes with a “Chi” inspired cool-down stretch. • Tai Chi – Fridays at 9:00 Guiding you through a delectable continuum of breath, movement, Tai Chi, Chi Kung, Stretching, and Chair Exercise, this class delivers easy-to-follow practical exercises to help prevent falling while improving overall balance, strength, flexibility, and mobility. The Oxford Public Library is proud to be among 215 public libraries nationwide awarded funding by the Public Library Association (PLA) this year to conduct digital literacy workshops using new Digitallearn.org resources. Many in our community are sometimes uncomfortable using the digital tools available, whether from the library’s resources or daily internet use. The library is increasingly concerned about the information the general community receives from online resources, especially regarding health information. By becoming more familiar with the digital world around them, community members will know how to find legitimate information to make smart, informed decisions in their lives. Community is always our focus at the Oxford Public Library. Digital Literacy is important to our community members; the way they access and ingest information from digital sources influences the decisions they make in their lives. Computer class workshops will be on Wednesdays at 12:00 at the library. Attendees will also receive a gift! For more information or to register, please visit www.oxfordpl.org/computers or call the library at (256) 831-1750. October 4 – Computer Basics (Windows 10) October 11 – Video Conferencing (Zoom) October 18 – Mobile Device Basics (Android) October 25 - Mobile Device Basics (iOS) November 1 – Internet Basics

November 8 – Cybersecurity Basics November 15 – Computer Basics (Windows 10) November 29 – Mobile Device Basics (iOS) December 6 – Mobile Device Basics (Android) December 13 – Alabama Virtual Library

Don’t forget that the library is there for you at every stage of your life! With resources in the library and online, there’s something here for everyone. There is much more available at the library than you think! Visit www.oxfordpl.org/calendar for a schedule of events and programs.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

Health screenings are offered once a month at the Oxford Senior Citizens Center

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OXFORD HEALTH SYSTEMS-PARAMEDICS

COMMUNITY PARAMEDIC PROGRAM

Oxford Health Systems - Paramedics now has several nationally certified community paramedics. A community paramedic is a paramedic with an expanded scope of practice in health promotion, wellness, primary care, and the management of chronic conditions. Providing community paramedic services allows us to better care for all citizens of Oxford, even in non-emergency situations, such as through home visits. Patients seen by the community paramedics are often those patients who lack primary care, are at higher risk for illness and injury, have had to call 9-1-1 for frequent falls or similar health risks, or otherwise must access care through the 9-1-1 system because they lack health insurance or other resources. The main goal of the Community Paramedic Program is to care for our citizens in their homes by helping them find outside resources that meet their needs. We will work with many other community partners to coordinate resources to ensure our citizens have access to special programs and services that will improve their quality of life and health. Also, as part of their responsibilities, the community paramedics will provide health education to the public and roll out our new Community CPR courses in October 2023. We look forward to your feedback and suggestions on best meeting your health needs. One recent community initiative we would like to announce is that the community paramedics and Oxford Health Systems partnered with The East Alabama Planning Commission and the Alabama CARES Program in March of this year to form The Community Health Series. We have free events once a month at the Oxford Civic Center that focus on a different health awareness topic each month. Please join our Facebook page, Oxford Health Systems Paramedics, for more details on how to sign up for these programs. For more information on community paramedic services, contact us at 256-474-7900. We look forward to seeing you in the community and stay healthy!

Carla Jones, NRP, CP-C Health Care Authority of the City of Oxford Oxford Health Systems Paramedics Community Paramedic Program Coordinator

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

OXFORD SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER

SEVERAL TIMES A WEEK: Grocery and other local shopping trips. Transportation is provided.

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

FRIDAY: A free biscuit breakfast is served on Friday mornings and sponsored by area businesses.

The Senior Citizen Center has various events going on daily.

MONTHLY: A dinner outing for the seniors. Transportation is provided.

Lunch meals are provided through a state-wide program through East Alabama Planning and Development Commission. Free / Donations only.

ACTIVITIES: Bingo Art class Singing performances Penny auctions Games Monthly holiday parties

C I T Y 24

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O F

O X F O R D

UPDATE OXFORD HEALTH SYSTEMS HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM

As shared in the last issue of Oxford Access, your healthcare authority recently added an athletic trainer to cover sporting events at the parks and improve the community’s overall health. Our holistic sports medicine approach seeks to restore function to injured patients and preventative care. This program strives to promote awareness and encourage improvement toward a healthy lifestyle; it includes the support of regular checkups and early illness and disease detection. Obtaining a primary care physician and having a yearly physical is paramount to an individual’s healthcare outcomes. A primary care physician who knows you individually allows the patient to develop an open line of communication with their healthcare provider and promotes better understanding and a clear knowledge base of the patient’s needs. We will offer fitness classes at the Oxford Senior Center twice a month to promote mobility and strength for our seniors. Our fitness classes will be individually customized to the needs of the participants and help increase their independence. We look forward to working with each of our citizens to address community health and wellness needs and make Oxford the healthiest city in Alabama! We are very sincere in that we desire to provide care to every person we encounter, as we would want to be provided for our own families. In an emergency, call 9-1-1. For all non-emergency matters, please call 256-474-7900. Non-emergency correspondence may also be sent to info@ohsparamedics.org.

Katie Neece, ATC Health Care Authority of the city of Oxford Oxford Health Systems Sports Medicine Health & Wellness Manager

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

THE OXFORD ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS

THE FALL ARTS AND CULTURE SERIES

Celebrate Alabama A Sweet Strangeness Thrills My Heart: The Journals of Sallie Independence Foster, 1861 – 1867 Tuesday, October 24, 2023 7:00 p.m. The Studio at the Oxford Performing Arts Center 100 East Choccolocco Street, Oxford, Alabama Dolores Hydock, Storyteller Bobby Horton, Musician Sallie Independence Foster was twelve years old and living in Florence, Alabama, in 1861 when The War Between the States began. She kept a diary at the time and recorded her experiences for 26 years. This performance, based on Sallie’s diaries, papers, and letters from her brothers off at war presents a funny, touching, and uniquely personal look at the life and times Sallie shared with her paper “Dear Companion.” Storyteller Dolores Hydock and music historian Bobby Horton interweave Sallie’s story with camp songs, period favorites, and original tunes to create a poignant, powerful, humorous, and honest picture of a world of innocence turned upside-down. Sallie’s diaries and other papers are now in the safekeeping of the University of North Alabama Archives, thanks to the generosity of Sallie’s great-grandson and great-granddaughter.

TICKETS AVAILABLE ONLINE OR AT BOX OFFICE 100 East Choccolocco Street, Oxford, Alabama • (256) 241-3322 Oxford Performing Arts Center 100 East Choccolocco Street, Oxford, Alabama 256-241-3322 oxfordpac.org 26

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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 banjo-playing 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 fifty-plus years. He has also produced and performed music scores for nineteen PBS films by Ken Burns, including The Civil War and Baseball, two films for The A&E network, twenty-three films for the National Park Service, and many others. Historical organizations and publications throughout America and Europe have acclaimed his series of recordings of authentic period music. Horton is recognized as one of the country’s leading authorities of music from the Civil War period. Bobby Horton also holds the distinction of performing with the Alabama Symphony in the Inaugural Concert opening the Oxford Performing Arts Center on May 17, 2013.

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, vivacious style of presenting personal stories, oral histories, medieval adventures, and traditional tales fills the stage with wit, energy, and a swirl of characters. Dolores is originally from Reading, Pennsylvania, where she won her first blue ribbon in storytelling in a local contest at age five. She now lives in Irondale, just four blocks from the Whistle Stop Café. If the wind is just right, she can stand on her front porch and smell the aroma of fried green tomatoes.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

UPDATE OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS Dear Citizen, I hope this letter finds you well. It’s an honor to come to you again with a quarterly update on Public Works projects in our great city! The time has come for the completion of the first phase of widening along Leon Smith Parkway. The main objective of this project is to improve the traffic flow along Leon Smith Parkway, along with reducing traffic backup leaving the Oxford Exchange and Oxford Commons. I want to address a topic related to traffic flow changes with the two main objectives. I know one of the major changes will be met with mixed feelings by a few. We ask that you trust the expertise of the professionals that do these designs. Numerous traffic studies and signal timing analyses have been conducted over the past several years by engineering firms with extensive backgrounds in this type of problem. The largest factor impeding traffic flow along the parkway was the proximity of the signals to each other. There simply was just not enough time to clear all the signals because they were too close together. In order to rectify this situation, the studies revealed that the crossover movement from Oxford Exchange Blvd to Commons Way needed to be removed in order to allow more time for a green signal along the parkway. This will allow traffic to move more freely. The other objective was improving traffic flow from the Oxford Exchange and Oxford Commons. Studies also revealed that additional right turn lanes were needed leaving the Exchange along with additional left turn lanes leaving the Commons. Due to limited space for the widening of the entrances and utility conflicts, the crossover movement had to be eliminated. Both shopping centers may still be accessed by crossing over at their southern entrances or by turning out the respective center onto the parkway and into the desired center. There are other traffic flow changes incorporated into this project, but this is the major one we felt needed to be addressed the most. We understand there will be a slight adjustment period to the traffic flow changes, but we appreciate your patience and understanding. The second phase of widening along Leon Smith Parkway will begin in the near future. It will include additional lanes in both directions from Boiling Springs Road southward to Friendship Road. This project will also include turn lanes and widening of Friendship Road at the intersection of the parkway. The turning lane additions and widening of the intersection at Barry Street and Highway 78 have begun, and utility relocations are now underway. This project will create additional lanes at the intersection and provide dedicated left turn lanes onto Highway 78 in order to improve traffic flow at the intersection.

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

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As you know, fall is upon us with winter quickly approaching. Our curbside leaf vacuum pickup began 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 2024. Leaves that are bagged will be picked up year-round by our weekly curbside service. Due to demand, please remember that our leaf vacuum trucks do not move at the same pace as 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 does take 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 pride ourselves on having a beautiful city and strive to keep litter picked up throughout the city on a daily basis. One of the largest contributors to the litter on our streets is loose material blowing out of the garbage collection trucks as they travel the highways. In an effort to help combat this problem, we kindly ask that you help us by placing all trash inside a closed bag prior to disposing of it in the wheeled blue receptacle that is picked up. Help us spread the word and help yourself stay informed by liking and following us on Facebook. Search city of Oxford Department of Public Works or @oxfordpublicworks. Thanks, and I hope you have a great holiday season. God Bless.

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

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

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When you’re glamping at Cheaha (the highest point in Alabama), you can swim in the lake or the pool, hike the popular trails with the most amazing views, go fishing, and grill out with family and friends.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

SPOTLIGHT

TIMBERLINE GLAMPING CHEAHA

Newly opened inside Cheaha State Park are eight glamorous camping or “glamping” experiences. These incredibly spacious safari tents are situated at the Upper and Lower Improved Campgrounds, each featuring 240-400 sq. ft. of luxury space, with queen- or king-sized beds with comfortable bedding (some also have bunk beds for the kiddos), an A/C and heating unit, indoor and outdoor seating, mini-fridge, coffee maker, rugs, fans, and outlets. All sites have covered porches where you can grill, play games, relax, and watch the view. Perfect for families, groups of friends, group retreats, and romantic getaways, they also offer amenities to customize your experience, including games like cornhole and Jenga, s’mores kits, dinner gazebo, and charcuterie boxes. Timberline Glamping Cheaha is veteran-and-women-owned by Mark and Aimee Bennett. They first fell in love with this business idea from their own anniversary experience glamping. Now they want to provide families, friends, and couples a way to make lifelong memories like they did while glamping! They both grew up going to Cheaha for camping, hiking, and swimming; they are thrilled to be back in a more permanent way now, bringing economy to the local area and more visitors to Cheaha. Mark is a Navy veteran currently serving in the Navy Reserves, and Aimee works full-time as dog mom, Marketing Automation Manager, and owner of Timberline Glamping Cheaha. “We are incredibly grateful to our Cheaha State Park officials and staff, including Shonda Borden (Superintendent), Robert Barske (Asst. Superintendent), and the entire park staff, without whose help we could not have accomplished this,” Aimee said. “We want to give special recognition to our immediate family and close friends, including Joan Shallenberger, Conway & Marcia Bennett, Chris Shallenberger, Riah Yarnall, and our church family at Believer’s Church for showing up, working long days to make this happen, and cheering us on.”

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

Add-on amenities like charcuterie boxes by Lagniappe Grazing & Baked Goods can be requested by guests. 38

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

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.

Oxford Business League • 256-241-6667 40

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HEIFER PLEASE HOME DECOR 1108 Jones Road, Oxford, AL 36203 • Affordable home decor and gifts

BRIGHTSTAR CARE OF NORTHEAST ALABAMA 1998 U.S. Highway 78 East, Oxford, AL 36203 • In-home care to medical staffing OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

RESULTS PHYSIOTHERAPY 112 Spring Branch Road, Oxford, AL 36203 • Leading provider of outpatient physical therapy services

GOSOCIAL MARKETING 27 West Choccolocco Street, Oxford, AL 36203 • Social media management for companies of all size 42

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REALLY REAL REAL ESTATE 316 Snow Street, Oxford, AL 36203 • Real estate brokerage helping people buy, sell or invest in real estate

STEADFAST PHYSICAL THERAPY 1720 Hamric Dr. East, Suite 7, Oxford, AL 36203 • Physical therapy treatment focused on the whole individual OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

GADSDEN PELVIC REHAB 1825 Day Street, Oxford, AL 36203 • Pelvic health and physical therapy

CHEVALIER PRODUCTIONS 423 Hamric Dr. W, Oxford, AL 36203 • Retail musical instrument sales, service and backline rental events

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SPOTLIGHT

ANNASTACIA JONES OXFORD-OPOLY - A FUN GAME CELEBRATING OXFORD, AL! Oxford-opoly was designed by Anastasia (Anna) Jones as part of her project to earn the Girl Scout Gold Award. Anastasia Jones attended Coldwater Elementary, C.E. Hanna, Oxford Middle School, and graduated from Oxford High School in 2023. She is in the Navy ROTC program at Jacksonville University in Florida, majoring in Aviation Management and Flight Operations. After college graduation, she plans to serve as a full-time officer in the Navy. Anastasia has been in Girl Scouting since Kindergarten – Troop 20136. The Girl Scout Gold Award is the highest achievement within the Girl Scouts of the USA. It is earned by Senior and Ambassador Girl Scouts, who develop and carry out meaningful, sustainable solutions to challenges in their communities and the world. The Gold Award is a prestigious honor demonstrating a high commitment to improving the world for good. Only 5.4% of eligible Girl Scouts successfully earn the Gold Award. Anastasia’s Gold Award project was to create and produce a board game for Oxford as a fun way to teach others about our great city! She wanted to highlight some of our historic areas, businesses, and parks. She hopes it will encourage people to get out and visit these places in person for themselves. Games are $20 and can be purchased at the Oxford Civic Center, 401 McCullars Lane Oxford, AL 36203.

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

UPDATE HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD WITCHES RIDE & WALK ON MAIN 4th Annual Friday, October 27, 2023 (6 PM) Witches Ride & Walk is a spirited stroll through historic downtown Oxford along Main Street, Snow Street, Choccolocco Street, and Oak Street. Participants must dress in their favorite witch, warlock, or goblin attire and are asked to bring candy to pass out to spectators. Men and children are encouraged to join in the fun! Tickets are required and include a tee-shirt and complementary gift. Tickets are $25 for adults & $10 for children. TRICK OR TREAT ON MAIN 9th Annual Tuesday, October 31, 2023 (5 PM – 6 PM) Trick or Treat on Main is our annual Halloween event for families to enjoy, sponsored by Historic Main Street Oxford, the city of Oxford, and downtown merchants. The event includes bounce houses, slides, carnival games, food trucks, live entertainment, costume contests, and FREE candy! In years past, attendance has been recorded as between 20,000 - 25,000 attendees. CHRISTMAS ON MAIN 4th Annual Saturday, December 9, 2023 (2 PM – 7 PM) Christmas on Main is our annual downtown holiday open house. Festivities for the day include holiday sales, promotions, horse and carriage strolls, a winter market, live entertainment, a movie at Simmons Park, and a Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony.

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. VISION STATEMENT: Historic Downtown Oxford will become northeast Alabama’s destination for arts, dining, entertainment, shopping, and special events. MISSION STATEMENT: 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.

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Witches Ride & Walk ON MAIN

OCTOBER 27

6 PM

Ticket required! Adults - $25 | Children - $10 Scan here to purchase tickets!

Located at Simmons Park, 400 Main Street, Oxford, AL 36203

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

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The Key That’s Unlocking Musical Memories in Oxford

There is more to Dr. Jason Altieri than the bold, bedazzled jackets he dons or the conductor’s baton he wields with such dynamic precision. It is not every day one is handed the key to the city. It wasn’t mere pomp and circumstance that prompted the city of Oxford to bestow that precious gift to the conductor of the Atlanta Pops a few year ago. Under Altieri’s direction, this famous pop orchestra has enchanted audience ears with a superb fusion of timeless classical, jazz, and popular standards for almost a decade. Yet, they have blended their more traditional repertoire with evocative contemporary music by modern, innovative artists that push the creative envelope in genres like Celtic, bluegrass, rock, Latin, and country. Artists that have joined forces with the Atlanta Pops to put on spectacular shows at Oxford Performing Arts Center have included opera singer Timothy Miller, Zac Brown Band member John Driskell Hopkins, Broadway’s Sutton Foster, Styx legend Dennis DeYoung, Grammy-nominated vocalist Oleta Adams, Big Band trumpeter Joe Gransden, Dove and Grammy Winner David Phelps, and a beloved OPAC favorite–having performed there five times–Celtic Woman vocalist Chloë Agnew. Altieri was generous in his praise of The Atlanta Pops’ limitless versatility. “We have collaborated with every kind of artist imaginable, from rock to classical to country. That’s why I love working with the Pops so much. They are just the best musicians around. I often joke that we can do anything from Tchaikovsky to Led Zeppelin–you name it, we can do it all.” From their first holiday show at OPAC in 2015–Christmas With The Atlanta Pops Orchestra & John Driskell Hopkins–through 2018, The Atlanta Pops were a huge hit with patrons of OPAC, inspiring the organization to create the “Bernardi Pops Series,” officially cementing the Oxford Performing Arts Center as the official Alabama home venue of the Atlanta Pops Orchestra.

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CJ FOSTER

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

Altieri expressed fond reflections looking back at the memories shared with patrons of OPAC in their 20+ shows performed there to date. “I found a long time ago that I got addicted to the energy of an audience that just really loves what you’re doing. And Oxford–they are among the best audiences we have anywhere.” When asked why Oxford stands out in particular, he elaborated: “It’s a sophisticated audience. That’s one thing. So we’re able to do a variety of different shows, and the crowd at Oxford seems to really enjoy any of the different programs we offer. That’s a real testament to the leadership of OPAC. They’ve got one of the busiest stages in Alabama, if not the busiest stage. For the Atlanta Pops to be part of what you guys have created here is very exciting. And I know the community of Oxford is very proud of this stage and what they’re hosting.” The multi-talented Dr. Jason Altieri, a Georgia native, hails from a musical family, with both of his parents having been members of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. His impressive music education, coupled with his gifted conducting skills, launched him to countless opportunities in his career. Besides directing the Atlanta Pops since 2010, he’s the current associate conductor for the Reno Philharmonic and teaches conducting at the University of Nevada. His illustrious conducting resume also includes national tours with the New Sigmund Romberg Orchestra, tours of China and Japan with the Hollywood Film Orchestra, and several North American tours with London’s Royal Carl Rosa Opera Company, to name a few. However, his affableness and sense of humor are endearing, which often evoke laughter from listeners at Pops shows. Rather than hearing a list of his accomplishments, you might catch him joking (as he did in our interview), “I’m a chicken wing junkie. I like walks on the beach. Strike that. I’m a real city slicker. I don’t like sand in my toes.” Of course, humor, vivacity, and charm aren’t all the tricks up Altieri’s sleeve. His expert musical sensibility has guided his undertakings and allowed the Atlanta Pops to flourish and expand. His particular love of directing the orchestra is apparent. “I’ve enjoyed our relationship for close to 15 years now. I’m only the third music director they’ve had. I’m really proud of the work we’ve done together. It’s been a beautiful partnership.” He shared that Maria Janice, their manager, helps generate ideas for program development and collaboration with new artists. He conveyed their desire to continue working with the bluegrass group Balsam Range, as combining bluegrass with the Atlanta Pops creates a unique pairing. He also expressed pleasure over the Latin show brought to OPAC this past April–Fiesta Orquesta: A Celebration of Latin Music with the Atlanta Pops featuring pianist Julio César Barreto. “Oxford has given us the opportunity to explore a lot of different things. I was thinking of the collaboration we had with Julio Barreto. We did a live concert with him that we really had a great time with. Once we did the show, they said, ‘Oooh, we’d like to do it again to really make it tight!’”

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Dr. Jason Altieri will conduct the Atlanta Pops when they bring another of their enchanting holiday shows to OPAC on December 14. Candlelit Carols and Classics with Mark Vincent and the Atlanta Pops will introduce Pops fans to the acclaimed Australian vocalist who won the hearts of listeners with his amazing rendition of “Nessun Dorma” on Australia’s Got Talent. On what patrons should expect, Altieri said it would be many of Mark Vincent’s own tunes blended with old classics–“the faves,” as he put it. “He has a tremendous voice. It’s always fun to work with singers because everyone has their own kind of personality and biorhythm that they bring to a show.” Altieri won’t be conducting the Pops in Johnny Mathis - The Voice of Romance Tour with The Atlanta Pops Orchestra, slated for October 15 at OPAC, as Johnny Mathis brings his own conductor who has toured with him for years. However, Altieri couldn’t hold back in his praise for the legendary pop icon. “Johnny Mathis–his history is so rich as an entertainer. I’ve actually had occasion to perform with him as a trombone player in Reno, and my parents have played for him several times in Atlanta. It’s kind of funny, but the people who play the Johnny Mathis orchestra books sign their names in them. So it was a special moment for me to sign my name in the Johnny Mathis orchestra books and see my parents’ names in there as well.”

“

OPAC has found the arts to be a worthy investment. It’s creating excitement for Oxford, and I tell ya, I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it.

”

“He’s been in the business so long, but he still rehearses all of these songs that he’s done hundreds of times. He’s still trying to attain that perfection that any musician will tell you–it’s not attainable. But he’s still trying to find the musical truth. He’s not resting on his laurels at all.”

Certainly, the “key” to finding that musical truth, so aptly vocalized by Altieri, also drives him in his own unstoppable quest to bring his best to the Atlanta Pops while guiding them to realize their highest potential. He circled back around to Oxford, grateful for the appreciation and admiration the city has shown to the iconic popular orchestra. “Oxford gave me the key to the city a few years back, and I couldn’t be prouder. It’s just a part of what the community and the City of Oxford have been creating through the arts. Some take the arts for granted, but OPAC has found the arts to be a worthy investment. It’s creating excitement for Oxford, and I tell you, I couldn’t be prouder to be a part of it.” It’s undeniable that OPAC is eager to welcome the Pops back to its stage and with the band’s wealth of creatively inspired shows under the direction of Dr. Jason Altieri, we’re confident that they will continue to create musical memories for their Oxford fanbase for years to come.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

The 2023 Rubato International Piano Competition brought many incredible performers to Oxford for a week of master classes, networking, and intense competition in the categories of Jazz and Classical music. These competitors are among the most talented young pianists globally and were proud to share their abilities and skills with the region.

Rubato founder/director Julio Barreto and OPAC Director of Development Crystal Hancock pictured with the 2023 Rubato winners.

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Dear Friends and Supporters of the Arts, We are gearing up for an exciting fall season here at OPAC. We have events for the entire family to enjoy, with performances across a range of musical genres. Also, stay tuned this November for the announcement of our Spring 2024 lineup of shows. We will announce thirty incredible performances, including major touring Broadway musicals and country, rock, and pop headliners. In August, we celebrated the return of our Rubato International Piano Competition. The 2023 competition brought eighteen highly talented pianists to our stage to compete for the gold medal! Through the generosity of our donors and sponsors, we awarded over $40,000 to winners in the classical and jazz categories. As Rubato grows in scope and prestige, sponsors play a critical role in helping our community pull off such a high-caliber international event. We invite you to visit rubatopiano.org to learn more and to discover how you can play a role in future Rubato events. Later this fall, we will announce additional developments regarding the Alabama Children’s Museum. Demolition is beginning soon to prepare the site for the future museum complex. By the end of 2023, we will announce the architectural and exhibit design teams that will lead us through the development of the Alabama Children’s Museum. Visit alchildrensmuseum.org to learn more. With OPAC headed into its eleventh year of operation, we are grateful to our sponsors, donors, and ticket buyers who make our venue viable and sustainable. Your support has helped us to operate the busiest stage in Alabama as we present more touring artists than any other venue in our state. We look forward to seeing you soon at your Oxford Performing Arts Center.

Warm Regards, John Longshore Executive Director Oxford Performing Arts Center

OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER • 100 CHOCCOLOCCO STREET, OXFORD, AL 36203

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An Elephant Named “Handsome” (pencil study for use in painting,“Remembered” © LKM2023, All text and images are protected by copyright. 58

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Stories Behind the Paintings PART II:

Gentle Giant or Invincible Adversary? The elephant’s reputation for having an acute and long memory is well deserved. A world of anecdotal history has recorded its ability to remember places, people, and events for a full lifespan of a half-century or more. An elephant can remember human enemies and friends and fellow kin and elephant individuals from its past. They have been known to pick an individual human from a group to attack, and then it is discovered by the group that, decades before, that person had harmed that elephant or its family. In contrast, there are countless filmed accounts of the behavior of an adult elephant upon being reunited with a human from its days as a calf. This is common among other animals, especially dogs, who are very expressive with their body language. But when it comes to memory and emotion, nothing compares to an elephant in its unique tradition of paying homage to deceased friends and family. Before leaving on one of our photo safaris, I was offered an artist’s dream of a commission. Bill Ireland, a long-term friend and collector of wildlife art, told me that I could create a painting of my choice relating to the safari, and he would commission the work. During that trip, I decided it would be an elephant painting, and it should symbolize something unique and special about the species.

Part I was in Oxford Access 7:3

WORDS AND ART BY LARRY MARTIN OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

It was observed long ago that elephants exhibit a great curiosity when they encounter the bones of a departed member of their species. Such is the attention shown by a passing herd, that it far exceeds any idle, momentary interest. It’s more like a human memorial service, only more intense and personal. Each member of the visiting herd begins to touch and caress the bones, as though they’re remembering as much detail as possible of that deceased individual. This recognition, sometimes described as a homage, might last for hours as each member takes turns picking up and examining each bone. My painting features such an event. During that safari, I looked for specific individuals to fit into the image. At Amboseli, many choices can be viewed, with well over a thousand elephants being encountered of the 1600 or more individual pachyderms who trek daily and migrate in and out of the park to the foothills of Kilimanjaro. I had built a sizeable collection of references. Still, I wanted to feature a remarkable bull—one that was visually impressive and known for its gentle demeanor. On one of our game drives, I noticed a huge elephant slowly approaching through a stand of mixed grass and small trees. He paid us no mind as he emerged into the sunlight. I tapped our guide, Felix, on the shoulder. “Let’s stop. I wanna get a close look at this one.” He whispered through a laugh, “Don’t you think we’ve seen enough elephants for one day?” “No. There’s something different about him.” As he continued to glide almost directly toward us, the uniqueness of his tusks became more apparent—the right one being well beyond average size. Still, it was the left tusk that blew us away. Felix exclaimed, “This one is different. I’ve never seen him before, or any like him,” I replied. He casually browsed as he eased past us. I could see why his walk was more like a glide than with other elephants. The left tusk was so long that it came within inches of the ground with each step. “This is what I want for the focal point of a painting,” I told him. The resulting rendering was titled “Remembered,” a portrayal of that social event of a herd paying its respects to a long-departed comrade. Mr. Ireland donated the original painting to the Anniston Museum of Natural History, where it is displayed in their Africa Savannah exhibit area. Bill Ireland will always be, for many people, well remembered. I’ve since seen this elephant in two documentaries. Cynthia Moss, Africa’s most famous elephant expert, wasn’t in Kenya during our next trip, but I left a giclee for her at our favorite tented camp, Tortilis, where she often stayed. I suggested the camp manager ask Cynthia whether she was familiar with this particular bull. She left word after her next stay at Tortilis that she had named the bull Handsome. (Complimentary, but I don’t think that particular adjective best describes the tusker we admired that day.) If Gentle Giant wasn’t so overused, I believe that she might have named him that.

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“INVINCIBLE” On a South African safari, our Canadian guide drove through a vast area where several herds were merging, all under the command of a majestic bull. There were hundreds of elephants converging from three different directions. We were on a vehicle trail in an open-roof, opensided Rover with about eight safariers plus the driver/guide. At a point where the animals were converging, a monstrous bull was doggedly pushing with its head and tusks against a lone, very huge tree. As the tree finally yielded and fell with a crash, he continued stripping even the largest limbs from the tree to distribute to the waiting cows and young. Then he began slowly plodding in the same direction we were headed, still some distance from our vehicle. I noticed that some groups of hundreds of elephants had already gone beyond us and were rapidly blocking every avenue for our travel in that direction. At the same time, other groups were passing on each side of our vehicle, and others were coming toward us from behind. Our guide was suddenly very concerned, muttering curses to himself. Then, to top it off, I looked again behind us, and the huge male was towering above all other bodies, his head raised as he made his way toward us. I tapped the guide on the shoulder and motioned for him to look back. Then his look became extremely serious, and he whispered to all of us, “Be very still and don’t make any noise. No flash pictures!”

“Invincible” by Larry K. Martin © LKM2023, All text and images are protected by copyright.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

We sat, frozen, as he strode right up to the side of our vehicle, towering above us. He studied us for a moment and reached down into the thick layer of dry-dirt vehicle tracks. Grabbing a trunkload of dirt, he threw it high into the air to land in a heavy cloud just at the Land Rover. Then he gave a deafening trumpet and shook his head with vigor. Dust went in all directions. After a pause, he began to move slowly around the vehicle. He positioned himself directly across from where he had been and then repeated the process, grabbing a trunkful of dirt and throwing it vertically. The dust partially masked his head, and he repeated the trumpeting, slowly wheeled about, and led the herds away from us. We sat for an anxious ten or fifteen minutes, still unable to drive away from the elephants until the whole herd had left. We all looked at each other and tried to laugh, or at least smile, but for most of us, it was forced, and we all looked a bit embarrassed, as though having just been stopped and blessed out by a state trooper. We had all been soundly lectured. Only, rather than a ticket and fine, we had faced the possibility of being lifted and the big vehicle emptied of its human cargo. As we sat there, the guide apologized profusely for being negligent and not foreseeing what was developing. “I allowed this to happen,” he said, “and I’m so sorry.” I kept the image of that angry, dusty elephant in my memory and incorporated that visual effect into the features of the up-close view that was portrayed in the painting “Invincible.” The painting became “An Invincible Tide” when it was approved for licensing for the University of Alabama, and limited editions of prints, posters, and giclees were produced. The original painting was on loan to the Bear Bryant Museum in Tuscaloosa for ten years. We recently retrieved the painting, which is now exhibited at the Wren’s Nest Gallery at the Oxford Performing Arts Center. Although I have been fortunate enough to create a good number of elephant paintings and drawings, I have mental images of this imposing animal that will always haunt me because I’ve never gotten around to rendering an image to describe the subject in that particular pose or circumstance. I finally realize that all those possibilities with this absolutely unique creature can’t be captured in a human lifetime, but it is a worthy goal, and it’s the journey that counts most.

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

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CIDER RIDGE GOLF CLUB | 200 APPLE BLOSSOM WAY, OXFORD, AL 36203 | 256-831-7222 CIDERRIDGEGOLF.COM

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Terry Davis’ dream job was to return to his hometown of Oxford, Alabama, and be the principal of Oxford High School. His dream job would become a reality in May 2003 when the Oxford City Board of Education approved his appointment as the new principal. However, his excitement was to be short-lived when he received devastating news that forced him to resign before his first day of work. Terry’s family moved to Oxford in 1970, the summer before our ninth-grade year. His dad, Verlon Davis, was to be the new store manager for Elmore’s 5 & 10 store in the newly opened Quintard Mall. Terry became friends with David “Bean” Bennett, Greg Lester, “Jiffy” Jeff Cobb, Mike “The Kel” Kelley, and me. Along with Mike “Hendu” Henderson, we all played football for Coach Bill Burgess. Also, Bean, Greg, Hendu, and I played for the Oxford Lumber Peewee football team. Jiff joined us on the Oxford Lumber Bronco league baseball team. Our coaches for both football and baseball were brothers Wayne and Charlie Livingston. Wayne also coached for our Oxford Lumber basketball team. Playing team sports has led to some life-long friendships.

In 2003, while preparing to move to Oxford from Meridianville (just north of Huntsville), Terry received a phone call from his physician with the news that he had adenoid cystic carcinoma. When Terry called all his Oxford friends, we were stunned and devastated. Bean suggested that we meet at Terry’s house in Meridianville before his surgery to pray over him and follow the Biblical scriptures in the book of James of laying hands on him for healing. In June 2005, after extensive surgery and months of radiation and chemotherapy, Terry called to inform us that his physicians declared him cancer-free. To celebrate his recovery, Bean wanted all of us to go on a football weekend trip. Since Bean graduated from UAB medical school, we decided to attend the UAB at Tennessee game Labor Day weekend of 2005. To celebrate his recovery, Bean wanted all of us to go on a football weekend trip.

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Neyland Stadium is a beautiful setting for a game as it sits on the banks of the Tennessee River. As we exited the interstate, Bean made up a sign that read “PRESS” as this was the way his uncle would do back in the 60’s and 70’s to get to park closer to the stadium. It did not work for us. We parked a mile and a half from the stadium. I saw Tennessee fans with t-shirts that read “Got 112,000,” which boasted of the stadium seating capacity. Our seats were in the upper deck on the last row of seats. I noticed that the bleachers had been repainted to move seats from 24-inch size to an 18-inch size. We were really crammed in there. We were fortunate that a couple of fans did not show up, giving us a little room. We were all sitting cheek-to-cheek, which is not how I wanted to get to know the Tennessee fan next to me. Fortunately, there was a covering on the upper deck that shielded us from the sun, but there was a pole right in front of me. So, all during the whole game, I had to move my head back and forth around the pole. The game was surprisingly close, as the third-ranked Volunteers struggled with UAB all game. The Vols won 17-10, but only after UAB’s quarterback Darrell Hackney’s fourth-down pass sailed over the head of UAB’s wide-open receiver Lance Rhodes in the end zone with less than four minutes left in the game. On Sunday, we found a church nearby with an early service in Cleveland, TN. After the church service, we headed to Ocoee River for a five-hour whitewater rafting trip. We enjoyed the weekend so much that we decided to plan another weekend the next year. Our next boys’ trip was during the weekend of September 15-18, 2006, to watch the UAB at Georgia game “between the hedges” in Athens, Georgia. Stanford Stadium is very pretty, with a capacity of 92,000, most of whom are Bulldogs fans. Since we were seated on the lower deck and not pulling for Georgia, Bean said, “We need to walk around the track, act tough, and then coward down right before kickoff.” It was not much of a game as Georgia won 34-0; however, the Bulldogs had a freshman quarterback named Matt Stafford. We all knew he was going to be a great quarterback. In 2007, we attended two games. Bean, Terry, and I attended the Arkansas at Alabama game in Bryant-Denny Stadium with an attendance of 92,138. This was Nick Saban’s first year at Alabama. Twice, Alabama blew a 21-point lead. Arkansas scored with 2:13 left in the game to take a 38-35 lead. I noticed many Alabama fans leaving to beat the crowd, which they would later regret. With one last chance, Alabama’s quarterback, John Parker Wilson, led the team down the field and hit a leaping Matt Caddell with a 4-yard TD pass to cap a 41-38 Alabama win. Greg joined us for Alabama at Ole Miss on October 13, 2007. The game (an early morning kickoff) at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium had 59,791 in attendance. Our seats were in the Alabama section. The game was very close. A 41-yard Ole Miss completion to the Alabama 4-yard line with seven seconds left in the game was later overturned to end a Rebel rally in a 27-24 Alabama win. A replay on the giant stadium screen showed that the Ole Miss player had run out of bounds and come back onto the field to catch the pass. The Ole Miss fans were extremely upset, as you would imagine. We were sitting at the end of the stadium where an Ole Miss female fan, in protest, threw her high-heeled shoe onto the 15-yard line, which appeared on the front page of several Sunday morning newspapers. Greg graduated from Auburn University, so we decided to attend the Auburn at Vanderbilt game in Nashville on October 4, 2008. Located in downtown Nashville, Vanderbilt University is the smallest college in the SEC conference. The game was between 19th-ranked Vanderbilt and 13th-ranked Auburn. Auburn jumped out to a 13-0 lead, but Vanderbilt came back to win the game 14-13, which snapped a 13-game losing streak to Auburn.

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ry (L-R) Mike Henderson, Ter

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After the game, Head Coach Tommy Tuberville fired offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, and by the end of the year, Tuberville resigned as Auburn’s head coach. In 2009, we traveled to the beautiful state of Kentucky for the October 3rd Alabama-Kentucky game. Alabama won the game 38-20, but the game was not without controversy. During the first half of the game, Alabama running back Trent Richardson took a handoff in his own end zone and instantly found himself surrounded by guys wearing Kentucky blue. It looked like a safety for Kentucky; however, to the boos of Wildcat fans, the official ruled that Richardson had managed to get the nose of the ball out of the end zone. That year, Alabama went on to win the national championship. In the fall of 2010, we traveled to Columbia, South Carolina, to watch the No. 1 ranked Alabama team play the Steve Spurrier-led 19th ranked South Carolina Gamecocks. It was the best football atmosphere you could ask for, as “ESPN Game Day” was on campus. Of course, we went to “Game Day” and took in all the sights. Later, we walked around the campus. After getting back to where we had parked our rented van, it was not long until Bean told us he could not find the keys. Bean had lost the only set of van keys somewhere on our two-hour walk around campus. The next turn of events led to a much-told story. Bean told us that a “Game Day” worker had found a set of car keys and put them in the ESPN trailer. The ESPN trailer was surrounded by movable, temporary metal fences, which several guards were guarding. Bean approached the man guarding a break in the fence. The guard was quite a large man. Bean told him we had lost our car keys, which were found by a clean-up worker who had put the keys in the ESPN trailer. The

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guard told Bean, “Don’t come inside the fence,” to which Bean replied, “I just wanted to see if they have my keys.” The guard repeated in a louder voice, “YOU ARE NOT GOING ANY FURTHER, NOW LEAVE OR I WILL CALL CAMPUS POLICE.” Bean came over and told us the guard would not let him go to the trailer to get the keys. What were we going to do? It was about that time ESPN reporter Erin Andrews came up surrounded by a large entourage. The guard that Bean had encountered moved slightly out of the way to get a glimpse of Ms. Andrews. Bean took the opportunity to slip past him and entered the ESPN trailer. Bean said someone left some keys in the trailer, and he thought they may be his. Bean was told that no one left keys and to leave or that they would call campus police. Bean turned to leave and saw a set of keys he thought may be for the van. He grabbed the keys and headed out. Fortunately, they were the van keys. When I tell this story, I always say Erin Andrews helped us find our car keys. At the stadium, we watched the Alabama team warm up, and we all made comments that the team seemed flat and that the Gamecock fans were all fired up. It appeared that the Tide was in trouble. Gamecock quarterback Steve Garcia had the game of his career as he led his team to a 35-21 takedown of the No. 1 ranked team in the nation. In 2011, we headed down to “The Swamp” to see UAB take on the Florida Gators. Ben Hill Griffin stadium was packed since it was the first game of the 2011 season for both teams. Of course, the home team fans did the famous gator-bait chop during the whole game. The first half was somewhat competitive, but in the second half, Florida played like an SEC team and beat UAB 39-0. Fall 2012 brought significant changes to the SEC as the conference added two teams—Texas A&M and Missouri. In 2012, Alabama played both of these teams. We traveled to Columbia, MO, to watch Alabama take on the Missouri Tigers. “Jiffy” Jeff Cobb joined our band of brothers for our trip this year. With a CBS audience watching, Alabama beat Missouri 42-10; however, the story of the day was that the game was halted at 8:40 in the 2nd quarter because of a series of severe thunderstorms. Due to the weather, Memorial Stadium was emptied. As we were leaving the stadium, with the Tide owning a commanding 28-0 lead, one optimistic Missouri fan shouted to the Alabama fans, “Y’all better be glad they stopped the game because we are a second-half team.” The game did resume, but the rain was coming down hard, so we decided to drive to our hotel and watch the game there. As we pulled into the front of the hotel, a car pulled in behind us with an Alabama Crimson Tide tag. I asked the guy, “Where are y’all from in Alabama?” He said, “Ah, you wouldn’t know the place. It’s a little town called Munford.” To which I replied, “Are you kidding, I live in Oxford.” Mike “Hendu” Henderson joined us in 2013 for our trip to see Auburn vs. LSU. Auburn made two critical mistakes in the first six minutes of the game with a fumble that led to an LSU touchdown and then a blocked punt that led to a 14-0 LSU lead. However, for the rest of the game, Auburn played even with LSU but lost 35-21. As you may remember, Auburn went on to win the SEC championship and play for the BSC National Championship, only to lose to Florida State. Our 2014 trip took us to “The Loveliest Village on the Plains” to the Auburn-San Jose State game. We were in the upper deck of Jordan-Hare Stadium for the 6:00 PM kickoff. Auburn overwhelmed San Jose State 59-13. The first time Oxford’s Roc Thomas carried the ball for Auburn, he scored on a 3-yard touchdown run.

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(L-R) Terry Davis, Phil

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Bain, Greg Lester, David

Bennett, Mike Henderson,

Jeff Cobb

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We traveled to Atlanta on Sunday morning to tour the newly opened College Football Hall of Fame. It’s a $68.5 million, 95,000 square foot, state-of-the-art tribute to 977 players and 211 coaches. We thoroughly enjoyed the College Football Hall of Fame. In October 2015, we traveled to the game that had the best game day experience, with Alabama visiting the Texas A&M Aggies. We were fortunate that one of Jiffy’s fellow sales representatives parents were Texas A&M alumni. We were invited to join them in tailgating, which was about 100 yards from the stadium. The game day pageantry was very impressive, with the cadets, the cavalry, and the wagon train all on display. To make the experience even better, the SEC Nation game day was broadcasting from the tailgating area. Due to the large crowd, we could only get glimpses of Paul Finebaum, Tim Tebow, and Marcus Spears. We did watch Finebaum and Tebow try to stay on a mechanical bucking bull. The Aggie fans were probably as welcoming as any fans we had encountered. We were continually met with “Howdy, glad y’all could come, have a good day.” A CBS audience and 105,733 fans in the newly expanded Kyle Field witnessed the No. 10 ranked Tide beat the No. 9 ranked Aggies 41-23. Alabama returned three interceptions for touchdowns, and Derrick Henry, on his way to the Heisman Trophy, had 236 rushing yards. Even in defeat, the Aggie fans were very cordial with, “Y’all be safe going home, glad y’all came, y’all come back again.” Alabama would go on to win the National Championship that year. October 7-9, 2016, we had a memorable trip to Fayetteville, AK, to watch the No. 1 ranked Alabama take on the No. 16th ranked Arkansas Razorbacks. It was not only the game day experiences but the side trips we took that made each trip fun and unique. For this trip, we left on Friday and traveled to Fayetteville, stopping in Little Rock, the capital of Arkansas. Bean had rented a cabin overlooking a lake, and it was a great place to enjoy nature. The cabin porch was a perfect setting for our Sunday morning devotional time. Since it was a 6:00 PM kickoff, we had time on Saturday to see some sights. We drove over to Bentonville, the town known for Walmart. During the fall, downtown Bentonville’s city square becomes a marketplace with vendors, food trucks, and various other activities. Also located in the square is Walton’s 5 & 10, Sam Walton’s first store. The store is now a museum dedicated to Mr. Walton and the Walmart legacy, and on display is his well-known old truck. We visited the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, a world-renowned art gallery celebrating the American spirit, founded by philanthropist and arts patron Alice Walton, and the best part, free admission. The University of Arkansas has a beautiful campus, and we really enjoyed the picturesque Razorback Stadium. Of course, we enjoyed seeing many Razorback fans wearing their razorback hog hats and hollering “Wooo pig sooie, razorbacks” all throughout the game. Led by freshman quarterback Jalen Hurts, the Tide beat the Razorbacks 49-30. On our trip in 2017, we took a break from visiting an SEC stadium and traveled to Clemson, SC, and watched the 3rd-ranked Clemson Tigers play the 13th-ranked Auburn Tigers. Memorial Stadium was packed with 81,799 for the night game. The game was very entertaining, with Clemson winning 14-6. During the first half, Auburn drove deep into Clemson territory three times but only came away with two field goals instead of touchdowns.

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(L-R) Mike Henderson,

Phil Bain,David Bennett,

Greg Lester, Terry Davi

s, Jeff Cobb

Our trip on October 6, 2018, brought us to our last SEC stadium to visit. We only did a one-day trip to Mississippi State’s Davis-Wade Stadium to watch Auburn take on Mississippi State. Starkville, MS, is a true college town, as the city seems to be a part of the campus. We intentionally bought tickets in the upper deck, as we did not want our ears ringing from all the cowbells clanging. Even in the upper deck, the clanging of the cowbells was deafening. The No. 8th ranked Tigers lost the night game 23-9. With the trip to Mississippi State, we have completed our trips to see all 14 SEC stadiums and tour the college towns. With Oklahoma and Texas entering the SEC conference, we have two more stadiums to visit. In 2024, it has been reported that Alabama will travel to Norman, OK, to play the Oklahoma Schooners, which is on our itinerary. Also, we hope to travel to visit some of the non-SEC iconic football stadiums and other sports venues. Finally, we want to pay a special tribute to the “sweetheart” of the OHS class of 1974, Kathy Bentley Hall, who passed away in December 2022. Kathy always headed up our class reunions, and she was loved by all. On several of our trips, we would call Kathy, who would be traveling to an Auburn home or away game with her sister Margie Craft, the mayor’s wife. She was always interested in our trips and plans for the weekend. She will be greatly missed. As you can imagine, we have numerous stories from our 60+ year friendships that started way back in Oxford youth sports programs. When retelling an absolutely 100-percent true story, the Bean rule is that it is more important to be entertaining than factually accurate. David is a VA doctor for the Hawaiian Islands and Guam. He and his wife, Angela (OHS 75), have been married for 42 years and have 2 children and 1 grandchild. Greg retired as president of Dynectics and lives in Huntsville. He and his wife, Sue, have been married for 37 years and have 2 children and 3 grandchildren. Terry retired as superintendent of the Madison County School System and lives in Huntsville. He and his wife, Kim, have been married for 47 years and have 2 children and 2 grandchildren. Jeff retired as a Abbott Labs sales representative and works for Brooklere Pharmacy. Jeff is entering his 37th year of high school football officiating and his 5th year as an SEC football review official and lives in Pelham. He and his second wife, Kellye, have been married since May 2023. Jeff lost his first wife of 39 years, Denise, to Covid-19 in November 2020. He has 2 children and 6 grandchildren. Mike retired as city president of F & M Bank (Oxford) and currently serves on the Oxford City Council. He and his wife, Cyndy (OHS 78), have been married for 43 years and have 2 children and 5 grandchildren. I retired as the Dean of Financial Affairs of Ayers State Technical College (Gadsden State Community College) and, currently am a partner in Kemp & Associates, CPA PC. I have been married to Charlene (OHS 75) for 47 years. We have 2 children and 2 grandchildren.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY LUCAS GOCKEL

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OXFORD INDUSTRY SPOTLIGHT

AEROSPACE COATINGS INTERNATIONAL AN FAA CERTIFIED REPAIR STATION

In 2002, a company with a select market formed to serve as a repair station for airline components. From what began as a family business that supplied industrial plating components in the late 1960s, Aerospace Coatings International (ACI) was passed down and evolved into one of Oxford’s finest industries today. ACI was privately owned until 2012, when it was acquired by Wencor Group, an aerospace conglomerate. After many successful years as an organization, the company was acquired by HEICO in August of this year. HEICO (NYSE: HEI) is a successful and growing technology-driven aerospace, industrial, defense, and electronics company with facilities around the world. The aerospace repair sector uses leading technology combined with engineering, advanced materials, chemistry, machining, and very sophisticated minds to provide sustainability and functionality for aerospace operations. This dynamic and ever-evolving sector plays a pivotal role in shaping the future of aviation. With a diverse international customer base that includes several major airlines, military, and Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) as well as many other Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) organizations, ACI specializes in the removal and restoration of aerospace-grade coatings such as electroplating of chrome, nickel, cadmium, and a variety of other coatings. The company also employs a very skilled workforce in precision machining and grinding, as well as a variety of inspection techniques in repairing hydraulic, pneumatic, and landing gear components. These processes ensure safety by identifying and rectifying any potential issues or wear and tear that could compromise the aircraft, as well as help with cost-effectiveness due to the ability to extend the longevity of expensive parts.

BY LAUREL HARP, EDC Business Development Coordinator OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY LUCAS GOCKEL

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY LUCAS GOCKEL

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This one-stop shop for aircraft components requires highly skilled craftsmanship, which ACI is heavily dependent on. “The talent at this company is our greatest asset,” says General Manager John Bryant, who has been with the company since 2007. ACI employs close to 175 people, and their hard work does not go unnoticed. Maintaining a great family dynamic through a work-life balance helps achieve the company’s goal of a healthier and more productive pipeline and builds on the impact of strong relationships. In order to grow the next generation of machinists, ACI is active in the community by showcasing their company as a chosen career path and providing tuition assistance for the company’s employees. “Aerospace Coatings International strengthens our local economy by providing highly skilled job opportunities and contributing significantly to the growth of Calhoun County’s manufacturing and technology sectors,” says Don Hopper, the Calhoun County Economic Development Council Executive Director. “It is not just about maintaining aircraft; it’s about sustaining livelihoods and fostering innovation in our community.” This local company encompasses a wide range of repairs related to the design, development, and manufacturing of aircraft, which is essential for the role of sustaining safety, reducing costs, and minimizing environmental impact.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

PHOTOGRAPHY LUCAS GOCKEL

JEREMY PRUITT

“ Interested in joining the team at ACI or just want to know more, scan code below:

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In my sophomore year of high school, I began taking what would become a series of chemistry and physics classes, all of which were taught by the same teacher. This ultimately would steer me towards pursuing chemistry. At the same time, I also began taking precision machining classes at the Calhoun County Career Academy. While in the Precision Machining Program, we were privileged to go on tours of a couple of industry locations, one of which was Aerospace Coatings International. Since taking a chemistry class, I had become familiar with the concept of electrochemistry, the science behind the plating processes used at ACI. This part of chemistry had always fascinated me. When we were shown the laboratory, a few others commented about me being a future chemist at ACI. At the time, I was considering a precision machining career and simply brushed off those comments. Last year, however, things came full circle. After seeing a posting for a chemist position at ACI, I began to recall the tour from years prior and decided to apply. Now, as a chemist for ACI, I am employed by a great company and working in a field I thoroughly enjoy.

”

PHOTOGRAPHY LUCAS GOCKEL

CHRIS RUSSELL

“

I started at ACI almost 18 years ago as a chrome stripper. I had previously worked several jobs—some that I enjoyed and others that I hated. At that point, a job was just a job. It was a way to earn money, and that was about it. When I finally arrived here and experienced the culture, I knew this would be where I’d retire. I worked hard to be good at my job and make an impact, and management noticed. Eventually, they came to me and asked if I’d like to be a supervisor over a Chrome Plating line. I took the job and tried to accomplish the same thing in that role as I had in the previous role: make an impact. It wasn’t long before I was supervising the entire Chrome Plating Department. The occasional stress of the job didn’t compare to how great it was to work here. ACI treated me better than any company I’d ever worked for. They truly cared about the employee. Because of this, I stayed ambitious and continued to work hard to improve our processes. At the same time, ACI was paying for me to go to college and working with me on my schedule. After college, they paid for me to receive my Blackbelt in Lean Six Sigma. This allowed me to take a position with the company as a Continuous Improvement Specialist (CI). In this position, I was able to make positive impacts on all areas of the business. After spending some time in the CI role, I was offered a position managing one of our grind shops. I continued to strive to impact the business, listen to our employees, and do my best to continue making this one of the best places to work in the county. After a while, I was offered the role of Operations Manager. I’m not sure I would’ve experienced this type of success at another company. I’ve always wanted ACI to be successful because they’ve always shared the success with me. This is the first place I’ve ever worked where I didn’t feel as if I were just a name or a number. The people of ACI are what makes this company so special, and management has always recognized and appreciated that.

”

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

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PHOTOGRAPHY LUCAS GOCKEL

CHARLIE JONES

“

Not pictured

My journey began at Aerospace Coatings International LLC (ACI) in January 2007 when I started as jig grinder one, all while attending college at Jacksonville State University. As I progressed through college, the same ensued at ACI, where I became a veteran jig grinder. As I completed my first part of college, earning a bachelor’s degree in marketing and management, I also advanced at ACI, becoming part of the customer service team in 2010. In 2014, another door opened that allowed me an opportunity to become an Accounts Manager, where I performed regular customer service duties with the added adventure of traveling to different customers to secure relationships and obtaining more business prospects. In 2023, I received another blessing when I was promoted to Sales Director, joining the management team. Although my degree may have helped, ultimately, it was ACI who took a chance on me and valued me enough to encourage me to advance within the company as the company has for others. I am forever grateful for the opportunities given.

”

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

BREAKFAST OF CHAMPIONS Judy Muncher • Oxford City Schools Education Foundation, Executive Director

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The Oxford City Schools Education Foundation was thrilled to host its annual “Breakfast of Champions” for the employees of Oxford City Schools. This event is always anticipated with so much excitement! Smiling faces, laughter, and enthusiasm filled the room as we prepared to begin a great school year! The city of Oxford is blessed with amazing businesses that support our great school system, teachers, and students! Thank you, McDonalds and Southern Girl Coffee, for supporting this annual event! It is great to be an Oxford Yellow Jacket! We look forward to seeing the great things our schools will do this year! Go BIG O!

Oxford City School System school board president, Tony Bolton. OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

WHY I TEACH OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: ASHLEY WILSON THE CITY OF OXFORD IS PROUD TO HAVE SOME OF THE BEST EDUCATORS

AND HIGHEST-RATED SCHOOL SYSTEMS IN THE STATE. RECENTLY, WE HAD THE OPPORTUNITY TO GET TO KNOW ASHLEY WILSON.

Ashley Wilson was born in Anniston and spent most of her childhood in Eastaboga. She attended Wellborn High School and graduated in 2010. After high school, Ashley attended Jacksonville State University on a Leadership Scholarship and graduated with a Bachelor’s in Special Education for grades 6-12. She continued her education at JSU, graduating in 2017 with a Master’s in Special Education K-12. Shortly after, she was accepted into the University of Alabama to study school psychometry and graduated with a second Master’s degree in 2020. She has been at Oxford City Schools for nine years. Four of those years at CE Hanna Elementary School and she is currently in her fifth year at Oxford High School. Married to Justin Wilson for four years, she enjoys traveling, cooking, reading, and spending time at home with their two dogs, Koby and Scout.

Position/title/responsibilities at Oxford High School? Special Education Chairperson - support all special education staff at OHS Inclusion Teacher - attend multiple classes a day to help support students with IEPs in the general education classroom Member of the school’s CIP Team (continuous improvement) Member of the PST Team (problem-solving team) Serve as a mentor for new special education teachers in our building Oxford Cheer Coordinator and Head Varsity Cheer Coach

continued on next page 88

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OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

Teacher Spotlight — ASHLEY WILSON

Who influenced you to become a teacher? As far back as I can remember, I have wanted to be an educator. I have a picture where I am dressed as a teacher for career day in Kindergarten. I have had so many great teachers throughout the years who have influenced me in a positive way that I don’t think I could pick just one. When I was younger, my mother worked at Rainbow Omega, a home for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities in Eastaboga, AL. I spent my summers working there with the residents. My mom also filled in sometimes as a house parent, and I would go with her to spend my weekends there. I believe this is what first sparked my interest in becoming someone who works with people with disabilities, although I wasn’t sure in what capacity. It wasn’t until I was in high school and had more personal experiences with the special education students on our campus that I realized that is how I could be of service to this population. What were you like as a student? I have always loved learning, so school was one of my favorite things. As a student, I always strived to do my absolute best. I will always want to be able to consider myself as a lifelong learner.

What was your favorite subject in school? I really loved all subjects when I was in school, but if I had to choose, I would have to say English.

What is the most satisfying thing about teaching? The most satisfying thing about teaching is the feeling of accomplishment when you send students out into the world prepared to be successful adults. When students you have taught are excited to update you on what is happening in their lives, it reminds you of why you became a teacher. The relationships you build with students will last far longer than the time they spend on our campus.

What would be your advice for upcoming teachers? My advice for upcoming teachers would have to be to prioritize relationships with students. Being a teacher is not easy. There are hard days and difficult situations, but all of them can be made better by investing time in your students. If you show them you are willing to go the extra mile for them, they will do it in return. Relationships are key.

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Teacher Spotlight — ASHLEY WILSON

What methods do you use daily to bring out the best in students? Each day, I do my best to show my students that I care about them and want what’s best for them. The investment I make into each of them as people has proven to bring out the best in students, even on their worst days.

What is your proudest accomplishment? As a teacher, my proudest accomplishment is watching students who have struggled through high school walk across the field at graduation. It is such a hard thing to explain. I feel so much pride, such honor to know them, and even sometimes a little relief. As a special education teacher at the high school level, I feel like my main goal for four years is reaching graduation and making sure my students are prepared for life after high school. For some of our students, that can be quite a daunting challenge, so seeing that come to fruition allows my shoulders to drop and the pressure to release for just a few days until we start the process all over again. Knowing that as of that graduation day, I have done everything I can to help prepare each student to become a productive member of society and live a fulfilling life is such a proud moment for me. If you see any faculty member sitting on the field at graduation, standing up and cheering as students walk to shake Mr. Harmon’s hand and receive their diploma, that’s the special education staff. You will never meet a group more proud of their students and their accomplishments.

What’s your favorite way to spend time with your family? My favorite way to spend time with my family is traveling. My husband and I have traveled to multiple US cities, Australia, Peru, Cuba, London, Paris, and more. My family and I have planned an upcoming trip to France, and I could not be more excited. Travel forces you out of your day-to-day life and can push the limits of your comfort zone. I love trying new things, and experiencing that with my family is a favorite! But at the same time, some of my favorite memories with my family have been made around the dinner table. Something as simple as cooking a meal together and spending uninterrupted time with each other is also a favorite of mine.

Where would you go if you could travel anywhere in the world? Thailand. I would love to experience the culture, see their lively cities, and eat all of the Thai food!

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

GREENPOWER THREE TIME NATIONAL CHAMPIONS On May 6th, 2023, in the Greenpower USA National Championship held at Talladega Superspeedway, our Oxford High School’s Greenpower Team, Big O’ Racing, clenched their 3rd National Championship Title. This year’s championship event included 46 qualified teams from across the country. This past season was a dominant one for our speeding Jackets! They drove a combined total of 1202.3 miles in seven events. They earned sixteen 1st place finishes, three 2nd place finishes, and two 3rd place finishes. They earned the most points of any high school team with a total of 1167.845 out of a possible 1200. Will they bring home a 4th National Title next season? GO BIG O!

BY BRITT YOUNG 92

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UPCOMING RACES: Green Power November 3-4, 2023 Choccolocco Park Green Power January 19-20, 2024 Choccolocco Park

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

PHOTOGRAPHER BILL WILSON

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This holiday season, if one plans an evening drive through the Festival of Lights at Choccolocco Park, and if, say, one is of a certain age, then perhaps they may remember when there stood an old brick farmhouse in a decade not so long ago. A two-storied brick home said to have been around since before the Civil War stood on the property, in which lived an old widow whose personal passion for Christmas had been forged in hardship. The Davis property transformed itself every year with ever-greater displays of lights covering the house and yard so that travelers by the thousands would drive by in awe of the beautiful Christmas lights.

Joyful Christmas Memories Ruth Davis PHOTO The Anniston Star

For more than 40 years, Ruth Davis was the unheralded wife of a prosperous but eccentric farmer and land developer. She was largely unknown, except to her friends at Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she attended. Then her husband, Harry Glenn Davis, died in 1988. And the word got out. Not only had he been seeing another woman, he had placed her in a house in Tallahassee, Florida, and driven to see her every weekend, telling Ruth he was off hunting or gambling in New Orleans. This had lasted for 28 years. Davis had told the woman, whose name was Flossie, that he had divorced Ruth; he did not. Still, he and Flossie married, and they had two children. He had told his family in Florida that the reason he left every Monday morning and came back on Thursday evenings was to tend to his business interests in Alabama. “Harry was my client. I did real estate work for him,” recalls Ed Isom, a now-retired Anniston attorney. He described Davis as “short, about 60, with a 3-day growth of beard, dressed in rumpled pants and a white shirt with pens and pencils in the pockets, and wearing a striped railroad cap.” Isom says that sometime around 1985, he suggested that Davis make a will, but the developer, who was said to keep all of his business papers in the trunk of his car, never would. A few years later, Isom learned of Davis’s death when he received a call from Ruth, who had found his business card among her husband’s papers. With little education and no knowledge of her husband’s affairs, Ruth would depend on Isom to help settle the estate.

— BY MARK FULLER — OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

“Then I got a call from Tallahassee and found out there was another Mrs. Davis,” Isom says. “Wife number two.” Over the course of the following year, the women worked out a settlement that provided approximately $5 million in cash and assets to Ruth and some $2 million to Flossie and her children, though legal wrangling would continue for 10 more years. Over that time, Isom continued to work closely with Ruth in managing her affairs, and they became personal friends. “My wife and I would visit her on weekends. She needed somebody, and we were it,” Isom says. “I came to love and respect her and wanted to protect her.” With her newfound freedom and independence, Ruth Davis blossomed. She donated substantially to her church, entertained visitors in her well-maintained home, and decorated her house and yard every Christmas with ever-more elaborate displays of lights. Indeed, the lights became a symbol of Mrs. Davis’s new-found joy. “She had always said Harry Glenn would not let her decorate for Christmas,” Isom says. “And when he died, it was a release; she was unburdened and seemed to be inspired by a pent-up desire to do something, as if she were saying, ‘I can finally celebrate.’” Indeed, that was a part of her story that Ruth was not shy about telling: that through the many years of their marriage, she had asked her husband for permission to decorate the house for Christmas, and he had always refused. The only decoration she was permitted was a small porcelain Christmas tree that she placed on the mantle in the living room every year.

PHOTO The Anniston Star

After her husband’s death, when visitors were shown through a house full of Christmas decorations, they were always shown that modest little tree in its place of honor on the mantle.

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Lou Lindblom says she heard the story on the evening that she presented Mrs. Davis with her first award in the city’s annual Christmas Decorations Contest, perhaps in 1989 or 1990. As a member of the Oxford Arts Council, Mrs. Lindblom had started the annual contest 10 years earlier to encourage an already strong Christmas spirit in the community, and it had become quite popular. Some half-dozen plaques were presented to winning residents in a small ceremony every year.

PHOTO The Anniston Star

When Mrs. Davis arrived at the ceremony that year, Mrs. Lindblom recalls, “Her hair was fixed, she was wearing a dress, and she wore a 2-carat diamond pendant around her neck.” After receiving her plaque, she told the assembled winners how she had longed for years to decorate her house for Christmas and had not been allowed to - which made receiving the award truly meaningful to her. “There was not a dry eye in the room,” Mrs. Lindblom recalls. “After that, I went to her house every year, and we would drink tea, and she would show me the decorations in her house. And every plaque we gave her was mounted on the wall.” Through the decade of the 1990s, the lights on Mrs. Davis’s house and the decorations in her yard became a local tradition. To show off her decorations, Mrs. Davis had parties and hosted groups for special tours and was delighted with the stream of cars passing by at night. To make it easier for the motorists, she installed a large semi-circular driveway that conducted cars smoothly by the house and back onto the road. In 1998, a counter placed in that driveway recorded that 16,566 cars had driven by to see her decorations.

OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

The Anniston Star, 1998 Trent Penny

PHOTO left and above The Oxford Independent

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City councilman Chris Spurlin, an Oxford policeman at the time, remembers that officers working in the evenings during the Christmas season were sometimes asked to stay in the area of Mrs. Davis’s house to ensure traffic was flowing smoothly. A picture from a 1992 newspaper clipping shows him as a young officer helping Mrs. Davis to prepare for the daytime visit of 400 children from local Head Start programs. Spurlin remembers that she invited him to bring his wife and children back that night for a personal tour. “When we got there, she invited us in and took us through the house. She lit up explaining all the decorations to my children,” Spurlin recalls. “She had even fixed them goodie bags full of candy.” Spurlin also recalls that Mrs. Davis did not fail to mention the true source of her joy. “I remember her sharing the story of the birth of Christ and saying that she hoped each one that stopped to see the lights would realize the true meaning of Christmas,” he says.

She hoped each one that stopped to see the lights would realize the true meaning of Christmas The tradition could not last forever. Mrs. Davis passed away in 2001, and a decade later, the farmhouse burned down. Today, the development on Leon Smith Parkway’s west side occupies the land surrounding Mrs. Davis’s house. But Choccolocco Park lies just south of the old Davis house, and it is hard not to draw a connection between the millions of lights celebrating Christmas in the park and the thousands of lights that once lit up an antebellum home just across the creek from it. “It is certainly ironic that we are still able to continue her tradition on the property she owned,” Spurlin says. “Hopefully, those who come by will still see the true meaning of Christmas and enjoy the decorations.”

SPECIAL THANKS FOR THE PHOTOGRAPHS TO BILL WILSON, THE ANNISTON STAR, AND THE OXFORD INDEPENDENT

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Christmas on Main Saturday, December 9, 2023 · 2 PM - 7 PM

Location - Downtown Oxford

OPEN HOUSE FESTIVITIES MOVIES | PROMOTIONS HORSE & CARRIAGE STROLLS LIVE ENTERTAINMENT CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Follow us for upcoming details on Facebook & Instagram: FB: Historic Main Street Oxford IG: @historicmainstreetoxford

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OXFORD

Christmas Parade December 7, 2023 6:00pm

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THE OXFORD ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS

OXFORD COMMUNITY CHORUS

FALL HOLIDAY CONCERT NOVEMBER 7, 2023 The city of Oxford, the Oxford Performing Center, and the Oxford Arts Council are pleased to present the Oxford Community Chorus Fall Holiday Concert on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, at 7:00 p.m. at OPAC. This performance contains many holiday favorites designed to usher in the many exciting activities planned for the city during the holiday season.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CJ FOSTER

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Highlights of the concert will feature both Thanksgiving and Christmas standards. Focusing on blessings received daily are “With Thanksgiving” and “Sing to the Lord of Harvest.” The joys of Christmas will be expressed through selections including “It’s the Holiday Season,” “Happy Holidays,” “We Wish You a Merry Christmas,” “White Christmas,” and other favorites. A jolly surprise guest will be present at the concert to greet those attending. This very recognizable guest loves wearing red and receiving personally addressed letters. Rehearsals for the 2024 Spring Concert are Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. beginning on January 9, 2024, at OPAC. All current and former chorus members and other vocalists who would like to be a part are encouraged to attend. The director of the chorus is Don Gober. Accompanying the chorus is a small orchestra.

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T H E OX F O R D A RTS C O U N C I L P R E S E N TS

2023 CITY OF OXFORD

Holiday 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 the mayor of Oxford, Alton Craft, and will include certificates and yard signs. The Awards Presentation to announce winners will be at the Oxford City Council meeting on December 12, 2023, at 6:30 p.m. A reception for the winners will be at 6:00 p.m. before the awards presentation. The 2023 Contest begins on November 25 and ends on December 9. Nominations are encouraged and will be accepted at The Oxford Performing Arts Center at 100 Choccolocco Street in Oxford or with any Arts Council member. The Categories are: BUSINESS BEST LIGHTING MAIN STREET MOST BEAUTIFUL MOST CHRISTMAS SPIRIT MOST CREATIVE MOST TRADITIONAL REASON FOR THE SEASON WINTER WONDERLAND In addition, Lifetime Honor Achievement Awards will be presented to past winners who have consistently contributed to the holiday beautification of the city each year. Thanks to all participants in the annual Christmas Decorating Contest, which creates a beautiful holiday spirit in Oxford.

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2022 DECORATING CONTEST WINNERS

Business—BR Williams Trucking, Inc

Best Lighting—Tony and Debbie Piacenta

Main Street—Edwin Mortgage Company

Most Beautiful—Jackie Ross (Mrs. Bob)

Christmas Spirit—Richard and Kaitlin Barber

Most Creative—Daphanie Hurst

Traditional-Daren and Andrea Hartwell

Lifetime Honor—Boice and Connie Turner

Winter Wonderland—Creekside Farms OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2023

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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 FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER 2930 Friendship Rd, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-2679 LIBERTY PARK 401 McCullars Lane Oxford, Alabama 36203 256-831-2660 OXFORD CIVIC CENTER AND OXFORD LAKE 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-2660 SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER 424 Main Street, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-5900 SIMMONS PARK Corner of Main Street and Oak Street Oxford, AL 36203

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Cheaha Mushing Club will host their 2nd Annual Choccolocco Dryland Mushing Challenge at Choccolocco Park on January 13-14th, 2024. This year, they will be ISDRA-sanctioned as well as IFSS Accredited. The race was selected as one of only ten in the U.S. to hold IFSS Accreditation and be a qualifier towards the World Championships. If you have any questions or are interested in sponsoring the race, please reach out to Lauren Stierman (founder of Cheaha Mushing Club) at lauren.stierman@outlook.com.

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1 0 0 C H O C C O LO C C O S T R E E T, OX F O R D , A L A B A M A

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.

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1848 - 2023

Serving the community since 1848. First Bank of Alabama is the oldest, continuously operating bank in Alabama. Since 1848, we’ve supported the people and organizations that have worked to make our towns and communities stronger. We’re proud to say we were first to invest in this area and dedicate ourselves to helping it grow, and we’ll always be here to ensure the people and businesses of this area are able to take advantage of all the opportunities the future holds.

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