Oxord Access 8-1

OXFORD ACCESS Oxford, Alabama

2024

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City of Oxford City Council President, Chris Spurlin, Council member Phil Gardner, and Mayor Alton Craft at a city council work session.

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MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR

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OXFORD KEEPS MOVING

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MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT

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MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF

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OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY

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OXFORD HEALTH SYSTEMS

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HEALTH AND WELLNESS PROGRAM

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FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS-GROWING BRIGHTER

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WAY DOWN IN ALABAM

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EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY

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UPDATE: OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS

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TEACHING KIDS CAREER OPTIONS ARE LIMITLESS

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WELCOME TO OXFORD - NEW BUSINESS OPENINGS

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ECONOMIC REPORT

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UPDATE: HISTORIC MAIN STREET

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UPDATE: OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

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LARRY MARTIN - STORIES BEHIND THE PAINTINGS

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SPOTLIGHT: JACKIE HUMPHRIES

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OXFORD LIONS CLUB

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SPOTLIGHT: SENIOR CITIZEN CENTER

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PARKS AND RECREATION

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OXFORD COMMUNITY CHORUS SPRING CONCERT

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HISTORY: DOWNTOWN PLAQUE PROJECT

2024 VOL 8. ISSUE 1

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

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

ON THE COVER: APRIL LIVINGSTON

Stacy Booth Director of Marketing, City of Oxford

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MESSAGE from the OXFORD MAYOR Dear citizens: The new year is off to a great start, and I hope you are as excited as we are about the upcoming year in the city of Oxford. We have some exciting developments along with some annual traditions that have become a vital part of our culture in Oxford.

To begin, I hope that everyone had a great holiday season. I would like to commend you for showing our visitors from out of the area the hospitality that we have become known for. Our crime statistics are at an all-time low, and that was even true throughout the busy holiday season. Our police department is one of the best in the nation, along with our fire department and emergency medical services, and we are thankful for their service to our citizens and guests.

Festival of Lights at Choccolocco Park was a great success. Attendance is strong each year, so I hope you enjoyed the new attractions and additions to the light show. Our Festival of Lights and events teams work nonstop to bring new and exciting events to the city each year, so join me in thanking them for their tireless efforts.

Speaking of Choccolocco Park, we are gearing up for another record-breaking year at our premier sports facility. I would like to commend our parks and recreation staff for the hard work they do to keep our many recreational areas ready for events. Oxford and some of our regional partners are working to develop new learning experiences for our patrons that will add to the many things you can already do at our parks, and we will be releasing some information on those things very soon. We have many exciting things on

the horizon, so I hope to continue to have your support, as we continue to set milestones in Oxford.

In downtown Oxford, we are adding new businesses and events daily as well. The Oxford Performing Arts Center has some great shows lined up for the spring, and I hope you will check out their calendar and attend a show that interests you. The Oxford Public Library has learning experiences for kids of all ages and many different clubs and organizations that meet in their building, so if you would like to get plugged into one of the many activities they offer, give them a call or visit them in person. You can also check out our new businesses in the downtown area. Quintard Mall plans to add new stores to its shopping center this year. Additionally, the Oxford Exchange and Oxford Commons have many new retail and dining options for our residents and guests, so I hope you will take advantage of Oxford being a “one-stop shop” for your retail and dining needs.

Finally, I hope that we all have a great start to 2024.

Most of the roadwork at Leon Smith Parkway near Oxford Exchange is complete, and we are now starting some new infrastructure projects around the city, so please be mindful of new roadwork beginning; we will post updates on our social media pages on different projects that are taking shape. Don’t forget to call 311, our non-emergency helpline, if you have any questions or concerns.

Kindest regards, Alton Craft

OX F O R D C I T Y H A L L • 1 4 5 H A M R I C D R I V E , E A S T OX F O R D , A L A B A M A 3 6 2 0 3 4

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Alton Craft Mayor

Phil Gardner Council

Mike Henderson Council

Charlotte Hubbard Council

Chris Spurlin Council

Steven Waits Council

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OXFORD KEEPS MOVING “Standing in line” carries a negative connotation, commonly meaning frustration and impatience.

That is not the case when thinking back on all the lines Oxford experienced in 2023.

People were standing in line by the thousands to attend festivals, go to concerts, and explore the newest businesses and restaurants. There were also lines of architects renovating older buildings and engineers with machinery working to improve the ability to get to those festivals, businesses, and concerts.

Oxford continues to be a city on the move, and while looking back over a busy year in a few words can be futile, it’s worth a try.

The city continues to keep public safety at the forefront, and our police, fire, and health services departments did not disappoint in 2023.

The Oxford Police Department continued to add to its professional force and update the East Metro Crime Center as it continues to be proactive in preventing crime before it happens, with a seven percent drop in crime over the previous year as proof of their success.

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The Oxford Fire Department was also proactive in its efforts to protect residents from deadly fires as it maintained state-of-the-art equipment and training as well as education while offering free smoke detectors and installation to all citizens.

Oxford Health Systems continued offering its monthly Community Health Series and began a new Community Care Advisory Committee.

OHS has also added sports medicine care and community care to its paramedic services.

Historic Main Street Oxford picked up three “Awards of Excellence” from Main Street Alabama, hosted thousands during its annual “Trick Or Treat on Main” along with the “Howl-OWeen” for costumed dogs, debuted the new “Oxford-opoly” game featuring local landmarks and businesses, hosted the third annual Rivalry Run 5K, welcomed Succ It Up as a new downtown business, welcomed Le Coin des Artistes as a new restaurant, and saluted Hubbard’s On Main as it celebrated its 10th anniversary.

The Oxford Performing Arts Center was another Main Street venue celebrating its 10th anniversary. It did so with a gala performance featuring The Atlanta Pops Orchestra and guest performers, the second annual Rubato International Competition with performances by young pianists from around the world, a major upgrade to the lighting systems, and the most sold-out shows of any season in its history.

There are more opportunities for learning at the Oxford Public Library thanks to a grant that aids in teaching digital literacy skills and different classes that will continue through 2024.

The library also developed special programming for homeschoolers and created a new series of educational events for school-aged children in partnership with Oxford City Schools.

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Choccolocco Park continued to be a destination point for thousands as it hosted several championship games, welcomed the Smash It Sports professional softball team, added a new fitness court, continued improvements and additions to Signature Field, and welcomed 11,000 vehicles to Festival of Lights.

Oxford’s economy kept moving as ground was broken for the new Candlewood Suites and Wellborn Cabinets, Quintard Mall completed its renovation, RaceTrac opened its first EV charging station in the nation, and several new businesses opened their doors, including Blue Fin Japanese Steakhouse, Crumbl Cookies, and Campers Unlimited.

THE MAYOR AND THE CITY COUNCIL ARE WORKING ON CONTINUED ECONOMIC GROWTH FOR OXFORD. Public Works presided over the completion of the bridge expansion and traffic improvements at the Exchange and Commons, while improvements at Barry Street and Highway 78 got underway, with completion expected in 2024.

Oxford continues its move toward the future as 2023 marked the beginning of plans to improve downtown sidewalks and demolish dilapidated buildings that will lessen the threat of downtown flooding and create an area for the planned Alabama Children’s Museum.

“I am excited by the growth and success Oxford experienced in 2023,” said Mayor Alton Craft.

“I appreciate the support of our citizens, the enthusiasm of the city council, and the hard work by all our city departments in all they have accomplished, and I believe it foreshadows even greater things to come in 2024. This is certainly a city which has been showered with many blessings for which we should be thankful.”

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A&I TAX & ACCOUNTING

BLUE FIN

PICKETTE’S

CHEAHA TIMBERLINE GLAMPING

BRIGHTSTAR CARE OF NORTHEAST ALABAMA

SUCC IT UP

RACETRAC EV CHARGING STATIONS

THE WINE BARREL

LE COIN DES ARTISTES

CRUMBL COOKIES

RESULTS PHYSIOTHERAPY

GOSOCIAL MARKETING

VERONICA WILLIAMS UNIQUES

STEADFAST PHYSICAL THERAPY

CHEVALIER PRODUCTIONS

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ULTI MUTT BAKERY

FUJI JAPANESE CUISINE

CAMPERS UNLIMITED

TEAM REHABILITATION

B INN B KENNEL

TRAVELIN’ TOM’S COFFEE OF OXFORD

HEIFER PLEASE HOME DECOR

REALLY REAL REAL ESTATE

GADSDEN PELVIC REHAB

CORE PHLEBOTOMY TRAINING

CHEAHA CHEER AND TUMBLE

URBAN RUSTIQUE

THANK YOU FOR INVESTING IN OUR COMMUNITY

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C O N G R AT U L AT I O N S TO THE OX F O R D F I R E D E PA R T M E N T

F O R M A I N TA I N I N G T H E I S O C L A S S 3 R AT I N G

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THANK YOU OXFORD

Together with the Vis1on One students from Oxford High School, we installed over 1,000 free smoke alarms for residents.

PHOTO: Caleb Sanders-Oxford High School Senior; Holley Harmon-Assistant Principal, Oxford Middle School, and Vis1on Facilitator; Battalion Chief Kyle Macoy-Oxford Fire Department; Firefighter Trey Arnold-Oxford Fire Department.

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Oxford Fire Department

A MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FIRE CHIEF Oxford Fire Department had a busy year. We responded to 2,230 calls to service in 2023 and worked on numerous events in our city. We also tested almost 1,000 fire hydrants, inspected and pre-fire planned every business, and tested every section of fire hose and every fire pump. We conducted numerous hours of training at our Captain Lynn Elliott Training Center for our firefighters as well as firefighters from all over the state.

In June 2023, we were re-graded by ISO (Insurance Services Office), and I’m pleased to announce that we maintained our Class-3 rating. ISO ratings are 1-10 with 1 being the best. This rating is used to determine your insurance rates on your home or business. Our department ranked in the top 6% of departments in the United States.

I’m very proud of all the hard work our staff put into preparing for this inspection.

Unfortunately, 2023 started out in a bad way. There were five house fires that resulted in six fatalities in the first few months. We take this personally and set out to try to stop this trend. We conducted two Smoke Alarm Blitzes by going door to door and installing over 1,000 free smoke detectors in Oxford and Hobson City homes.

I encourage you to have a working smoke detector in your house, and if you need assistance, please give us a call at 256-831-3208.

Winter weather is here, and just a few tips to help keep you safe.

• If you use space heaters, make sure there is a clearance of at least 3 feet in all directions.

• Make sure the screen is in place if you use a fireplace.

• Make sure you have your fireplace cleaned.

It has been and will always be the goal of our department to be servants to the citizens of Oxford. Please call us if we can assist you; it is our pleasure to serve you.

Chief Gary Sparks

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

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

A MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF As we step into a new year, I extend my warmest wishes to each of you for a safe and joyous 2024. May this year bring us all good health, prosperity, and moments of profound happiness.

I am delighted to share with you the encouraging news that crime rates in our city have significantly decreased during the last year. This remarkable achievement is a testament to the dedication of our law enforcement officers, mayor and city council, and the support of our community.

Let us continue to work together to foster a culture of peace and harmony, and may this positive trend inspire us to build an even stronger and more harmonious city for the years to come.

Wishing you all a wonderful year ahead,

Bill Partridge Chief of Police Director of Public Safety

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

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Every child deserves the opportunity to play sports A League of Our Own is designed to enrich the community by providing leadership, facilities, and administration for soccer and baseball programs for children with physical and/or mental disabilities in a manner consistent with cooperation and community values: every player hits, every player gets on base, every player scores, and EVERY PLAYER WINS! A League of Our Own Oxford P.O. Box 3650 Oxford, AL 36203

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UPDATE OXFORD LIBRARY The library always has our community in mind when planning events, creating content, and directing to resources.

Kids can let their creative juices flow in a Bookmark Contest in February! Young artists can create their own bookmark design; the winning designs will be distributed as bookmarks to be given to Summer Reading Program participants. The designs must be inspired by this year’s Summer theme, Adventure Begins at Your Library. Contest entries will be accepted through the month of February. Visit the library to pick up an entry sheet or print one off from the library’s website. Please visit oxfordpl.org/bookmark to find out more!

Children are always welcome in the library, and we have special programming in March and April to inspire fun, learning, and community involvement. The library will have special fun programs to do during spring break, too, so stay tuned at oxfordpl.org/calendar.

The library partnered with Oxford City Schools to create the Discovery Series, an exciting grouping of performances and programs encouraging discovery and learning. So far, the library has had animal shows, science shows, magic shows, musical performances, and more as a part of this fun series of events. We expect to have a lot of learning fun in March and April with The Berman Museum and the McWane Center. Join us on the first Monday of each month at 5:00; the library will also give free clear plastic backpacks to attendees!

One of the most important functions that the library provides to the community is informational resources. Regular internet searching simply doesn’t provide accurate information. Use library resources to ensure that the information you find is information you can use. Please visit oxfordpl.org/online-resources for online access to legitimate information.

• There are over 100,000 ebooks to choose from! Download or stream directly to your device. E-Book availability is for ages ranging from early childhood through adulthood.

• Newspaper Archives offers access to newspapers from 1607 to today! Research news topics that are important to you.

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

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• Knowledge City offers over 18,000 online courses to help build core competencies, computer skills, and education. A certificate of completion will be awarded at the end of every course!

• For more than 100 years, Chilton Library has set the standard for automotive enthusiasts and professionals. This database offers manuals for most makes and models.

• The most powerful medicine in the world is knowledge, but the wrong information can be hazardous to your health. The Merck Manuals allow you to cut through the clutter and find information to help you.

• Gale Legal Forms welcomes you to the most extensive free forms site available to library patrons. Thousands of legal forms are available, with more forms being added daily. Official, State Specific, Federal, Business, Personal, Real Estate, and General forms covering hundreds of legal subjects and issues.

• What’s unique about Health InfoNet? It’s the expertise of librarians all over Alabama, ready to help you keep from drowning in a sea of health information while searching for the information you need.

• Achieve your educational and career goals with educational resources—including more than 1,000 tutorials, practice exams, and eBooks—for basic skills mastery, academic success, job preparation, and career advancement with the Learning Express Library.

• The Alabama Virtual Library provides teachers, students, and citizens with online access to essential library and information resources. It is primarily a group of online databases with magazine, journal, and newspaper articles for research. Through the AVL, an equitable core of information sources is available to every student and citizen in Alabama, raising the level of excellence in schools and communities across the state.

• Ancestry Library Edition allows you to search for information about your family or other people of historical importance to you.

All of these resources, and so much more, are available to you for free by using your Oxford Public Library! We look forward to seeing you soon, both in the library and online; if you have any questions, please allow our friendly library staff to help you.

Amy E. Henderson Library Director Oxford Public Library

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OXFORD HEALTH SYSTEMS-PARAMEDICS 2023 YEAR IN REVIEW

• Handled approximately 6,800 calls for medical assistance.

• Further developed our community paramedics program that provides intervention and resources for people in the community who require assistance with their chronic health problems and to improve their overall health.

• Stood up a staffed ambulance dedicated to emergency and critical patient transport locally and when our citizens find themselves at a local hospital and need emergency transfer to a hospital in Birmingham or Atlanta. The ambulance operates 24/7 and assists with 911 calls during busy times.

• Completed our goal of adding an emergency nurse to each shift. We are the only EMS service in Alabama that responds to 911 calls with paramedics and emergency nurses 24/7.

• Completed the process to ensure Oxford Paramedics will have emergency blood available for transfusion to patients in the field at all times.

• Enrolled 12 students into EMT and paramedic education, several of whom were part of our recruitment campaign to provide healthcare training and job opportunities for young people here in Oxford.

• Successfully piloted a community health and wellness program that will roll out in 2024 as a permanent program aimed at improving the health status and wellness of Oxford citizens in efforts to make Oxford the healthiest city in Alabama!

• Successfully applied for and received a grant from the Alabama Dept of Public Health/ Alabama EMS Council to place automatic defibrillators in police cars and fire trucks in Oxford; a total of 26 AEDs were granted.

For all non-emergency matters, please call 256-474-7900.

Non-emergency correspondence may also be sent to info@ohsparamedics.org.

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UPDATE OXFORD HEALTH SYSTEMS HEALTH & WELLNESS PROGRAM

W

With the anticipation of the new year already in motion, Oxford Health Systems Community Health and Wellness is eager to lend its support to the city of Oxford in achieving its New Year’s resolutions by sharing valuable information on various health topics, enabling the community to pursue and conquer their personal goals effectively.

It typically takes approximately 66 consecutive days for a habit to solidify. However, statistics show that only about 36% of individuals are able to persist with their resolutions beyond January.

Meanwhile, Oxford Health Systems is focused on community health and wellness and is invested in preparing for the upcoming sports seasons. Oxford Health Systems Sports Medicine has been diligently working to enhance protocols and provide educational training to ensure that an elevated level of care is provided to all individuals seeking assistance in the realm of sports medicine. By combining expertise in health and wellness with a commitment to patient care, Oxford Health Systems is excited to aid the community of Oxford in all facets of their well-being. From transforming resolutions into long-lasting habits to providing comprehensive support in sports medicine, the healthcare professionals remain steadfast in their pursuit of fostering a healthier and thriving community.

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

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“

Our friend recommended Festival of Lights to us in 2021 when we first moved to the area and we’ve been coming every year since.

It’s a family tradition for us now!

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FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS GROWING BRIGHTER EVERY YEAR

What started in 2019 as a drive-through Christmas light show has now grown into something even more magical and brighter.

The 2023 version continued to give the magic a more festive flavor as the annual Christmas event continued to offer more than just a drive-through light show and became a true festival of holiday spirit.

The latest edition of Festival of Lights welcomed more than 11,000 vehicles through its multi-colored entrance at Choccolocco Park between Nov. 17 and Dec. 24, 2023. Many of those visitors took the opportunity to have a more interactive experience by making a stop at Santa’s Village.

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“I think the village is what makes our festival unique,” said event coordinator Lamar Carter. “I can’t think of many other events like this which expands the experience to include ice skating, holiday movies, and food vendors.”

Carter said there are now almost two million lights along the illuminated drive, and planning for the next festival begins almost from the moment the lights are officially switched off for the season.

“We try every year to find new things to do with the lights as well as with the village,” Carter said.

First Bank of Alabama was the festival’s primary sponsor for the third straight year, and its president said the festival was the subject of his first discussion with Mayor Alton Craft.

“Giving back to our community is what we have always been about,” said First Bank President and CEO Chad Jones. “I told the mayor if he would allow us to be a part of this, he would be proud of what we do.”

“It has become a great partnership, and we love seeing how this brings tourists to the area, knowing they shop here, eat here, and spend their money here,” Jones said.

Council President Chris Spurlin said the festival has become something people look forward to every year and praised the city employees “who have worked so hard to make our city what it is.”

“This has turned into a year-long project of replacing lights and building new scenes to celebrate Christmas,” Spurlin said.

Festival of Lights has gradually become one of those traditions many families mark on their Christmas calendars, and Craft says that is the festival’s purpose.

“Spending time with family and friends and creating new memories is the highlight of each holiday season,” Craft said. “Creating an event for residents and visitors alike to do just that is what Festival of Lights is all about.”

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“

We truly enjoyed every minute of being there.

Took kids on Christmas Eve. Kids skated, did all the activities, and had their photos taken with Santa. It was an awesome night!

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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

THE SPRING ARTS AND CULTURE SERIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ALABAMA HUMANITIES ALLIANCE ROAD SCHOLARS SPEAKERS BUREAU

WAY DOWN IN ALABAM:

Finding Old-Time Fiddlers and Their Tunes Joyce Cauthen Folklorist and Musician Thursday, March 21, 2024 2:00 p.m.

THE STUDIO AT THE OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 100 East Choccolocco Street, Oxford, Alabama (256) 241-3322

JOYCE CAUTHEN Joyce Cauthen is Director Emeritus of the Alabama Folklife Association, a statewide organization that sponsors research, promotion, and preservation of Alabama’s folk culture. She is also the author of With Fiddle and Well-Rosined Bow: Old-Time Fiddling in Alabama, published in 1989 by the University of Alabama Press and has served as the producer of numerous recordings of traditional music of Alabama, including “Possum Up a Gum Stump: Home, Commercial and Field Recordings of Alabama Fiddlers.”

In her presentation, the early fiddles of Alabama, the musicians who played them, and the popularity of this music in their communities will be discussed. Use of the banjo, “straws” (a technique in which broom straws or knitting needles were beat on the strings as the fiddler played), and guitar in backing up the fiddle will be demonstrated. Fiddler Jim Cauthen will demonstrate fiddle tunes that have been specifically mentioned in historical writings, slave narratives, and early newspapers of Alabama. The program will also feature Dr. Jimmy Triplett, professor at JSU. 38

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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

THE SPRING ARTS AND CULTURE SERIES IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ALABAMA HUMANITIES ALLIANCE ROAD SCHOLARS SPEAKERS BUREAU

EVERY PICTURE TELLS A STORY: The Storytelling of Norman Rockwell

Dolores Hydock, Storyteller Thursday, April 25, 2024 2:00 p.m.

THE STUDIO AT THE OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 100 East Choccolocco Street, Oxford, Alabama (256) 241-3322

DOLORES HYDOCK Dolores Hydock is an actress and storyteller whose presentations highlight the “story” behind a variety of topics from history, art, and literature. Her work has been featured at conferences, festivals, and special events throughout the United States. Her 12 CDs of original stories have all received awards from Storytelling World magazine for excellence in storytelling.

She has collaborated with the Birmingham Museum of Art to blend stories with art, and her Christmas Story special airs annually on NPR affiliate WBHM in Birmingham.

Norman Rockwell didn’t just paint pictures; each painting told a story. This program shares a behind-the-scenes look at how Rockwell created his one-image stories in some of his best-loved covers for The Saturday Evening Post. Rockwell’s early career, his first surprising encounter with the editors of The Saturday Evening Post, and the techniques he used in his long and successful career as an illustrator and artist will be described. Slide images of his sketches, models, paintings-in-process, and finished work provide insight into the step-by-step process Rockwell used in becoming “America’s Painter”and storyteller on canvas.

The Alabama Humanities Alliance is a nonprofit offering educational and cultural programming to all Alabamians. Founded in 1974, AHA serves as a state affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. AHA supports programs that encourage storytelling, lifelong learning, and civic engagement. The Road Scholars Speakers Bureau includes more than 30 historians, professors, authors, and other experts who assist local organizations in promoting arts and cultural activities in Alabama communities.

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Oxford PARD Senior Dances Dances held at the Oxford Civic Center, 6:30-9:30 PM. Admission is $5.00 per person and includes light meal/drinks.

For more information, call (256) 831-2660.

March 8, 2024 Ryan Robertson April 19, 2024 Duo Sonix May 10, 2024 Ambush Band June 7, 2024 Ryan Robertson August 16, 2024 Ambush Band September 13, 2024 Ryan Robertson October 18, 2024 Duo Sonix December 13, 2024

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UPDATE OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS

Dear citizen, I hope this letter finds you well. It’s an honor to come to you again with a quarterly update on public works projects in our great city!

As you have probably noticed, construction activities are progressing nicely on the southern section of Leon Smith Parkway. The project is currently on schedule and we anticipate completion to occur later this year. This project will add additional lanes along the parkway as well as turning lanes on Friendship Road at the intersection of Leon Smith Parkway. The turning lane additions and widening of the intersection at Barry Street and Highway 78 will begin in the near future. Please stay tuned for updates on these projects.

Our leaf vacuum curbside service will soon come to an end for the season. Our Leaf Vac Trucks run from November through April 1. Beginning April 1, 2024, all leaves and grass clippings must be bagged in order to be picked up by our weekly curbside service. Please do not place any of your curbside pickup items in the gutter of the street. Rain washes these items into our storm sewers, disrupting the drain systems. Please place them behind the curb if possible.

Thanks for your cooperation.

Other household items will also be collected unless they are listed on the following list of prohibited items. As always, please continue to separate your piles into the following categories: • Loose leaves (November through April 1) • Bagged vegetative items (leaves and lawn clippings) • Limb and brush trimmings (cut to 6’ minimum lengths) • Household items (excluding items listed) These items must be separated as they are collected by different trucks due to our landfill license requirements and are disposed of in different locations.

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City of Oxford Department of Public Works Curbside Pickup Ordinance: NON-PICK-UP ITEMS: • New construction/ remodel debris • Car batteries/ car parts • Household garbage, food, etc.

• Chemicals or containers • Liquids • Paint cans • Tires • Trees cut by tree service • Light bulbs • Treated lumber • Tree stumps • Tree trunks Please make arrangements to dispose of any non-pick-up items at one of these other locations.

The Calhoun County Landfill is located at 3625 Morrisville Road, Anniston, AL (256-236-2411) or Three Corners Regional Landfill is located at 2205 County Road 6, Piedmont, AL (256-447-1881).

All of the above is to comply with ADEM’s permit issued to the city of Oxford. If you have any questions, please get in touch with the Department of Public Works at 256-835-6124, Monday-Friday, 6 am-2:30 pm.

To ensure your curbside items are picked up on time, please place them on the right of way the evening before your scheduled route day.

You may contact our office at 256-835-6124 to get the day your items should be picked up each week.

You may also dial 311, which is Oxford’s city service helpline. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday, 8 AM to 4:30 PM. You may also visit www.oxfordal.gov to file a request online.

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

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SPOTLIGHT APRIL LIVINGSTON TEACHING KIDS CAREER OPTIONS ARE LIMITLESS

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“What do you want to be when you grow up?” is the question universally asked of children of elementary age.

The answers have been just as universal – doctor, nurse, teacher, fireman, or policeman.

However, times have changed, and opportunities to branch out from those original basic answers have become more varied just as the different types of careers have multiplied.

Enter April Livingston. The veteran Oxford elementary teacher and counselor has been appointed to become the state’s first active elementary career coach.

Although it is a position approved by the state, there are currently no districts that, for a variety of reasons, have taken advantage of such a post.

Oxford City Schools Superintendent Dr. Shannon Stanley began her term in office as a strong proponent of Career Tech, and that has been backed by the Oxford Board of Education, leading to the new position being established to serve Oxford students.

In her new role she began at the start of the 2023-2024 school year, Livingston will help students from kindergarten through sixth grade discover the importance of work and careers by exploring and learning about different types of work, careers, and skills that are in high demand.

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Students from Coldwater Elementary School went to visit the Oxford High School Jacket Media department.

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The program will also explain how the pathways to those jobs are provided to them by Oxford City Schools through the academies at Oxford High School.

Livingston explains there is a push from business and industry for more career exploration and “soft skills” they need to find in good employees.

“I think they are telling us students need to start hearing this at a young age,” she said. “National data is showing industries are not looking for math, reading, and science, although those are important.

It’s critical thinking skills. It is working well with others. It is communicating well with others. Those are things we can teach in kindergarten.”

Livingston said it is important for the kids starting in kindergarten to know of the many career opportunities that may be available to them.

“There are so many jobs out there that, even as an adult, I didn’t know about,” Livingston said.

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The elementary schools have begun presenting “Workforce Wednesdays,” when people come to speak to the student body about their jobs.

“We’ve had the K-9 officer with the Oxford Police and someone from Oxford Water speak about the water treatment plant,” Livingston said. “The one job I had not heard of came from our speaker from Kronospan, who is a timber buyer. It was amazing, and the kids were going, ‘You get to do that all day? That’s a job?’”

“I think the more our students can hear about jobs in our region, they learn they don’t have to go to Birmingham or somewhere else to have good paying jobs with good benefits that have room to grow – as well as how you can get those jobs,” she said.

“And, every job opportunity does not require a college degree.”

Livingston said after working with the students this year, she is seeing kids want to be YouTubers or athletes – things they are aware of in their worlds.

“But, every time we have introduced these kids to different jobs you can hear them going, ‘I want to do that!” she said. “Every job may not stick with them, and I tell them the best way to find a job is to think about what they really love to do and how they can do that. If it’s animals, discover the jobs associated with animals.”

Livingston sees the priority of her job as teaching them what they will see once they enter the programs offered at Oxford High School.

Livingston said the passion to do this job comes from personal experience.

Her husband, Marty, is the district’s director of Career Technical Education for the school district and they have a son and daughter.

“When my two kids came through Oxford High School, I had no idea about the opportunities they had,” she said. “I was an educator and a parent, and I still didn’t know.”

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Their son is successful performing industrial maintenance in Birmingham and their daughter just graduated with a doctorate in occupational therapy.

“I can tell you with 100 percent certainty they are where they are because of the opportunities they had at Oxford High School,” Livingston said. “I want all our kids to know it. I want all our parents to know that. I want all our educators to know about all these academies at Oxford High. If we can get them started in kindergarten and even pre-K, then we’re ahead of the game when they get to high school with all this knowledge and will be able to make a good, informed decision about what they want to do and how it will help them in their career.”

Livingston said one of the most powerful tools in her toolbox is getting the current generation of Career Tech students at Oxford High School to aid as mentors and teachers.

“They look up to our high school students as rockstars, and they are,” Livingston said.

“I saw that when I took a group from Coldwater Elementary to visit the OHS Jacket Media department, where they study television production.”

“It was one high school student to each elementary student, and they taught them in an hour how to work the cameras and write the scripts,” she recalled. “It was amazing and a really, really good day.”

Livingston said getting the Oxford program started has meant having a lot of meetings and experiencing a learning curve on how to make things work as they should for the student’s best interests.

“Next week, I’m going in to work with the fourth graders, and I’m so excited,” Livingston said. “Every aspect of this has been fun and exciting – just knowing we might be helping students be successful.”

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Livingston shared that one of the most powerful tools in her toolbox is getting the current generation of Career Tech students at Oxford High School to aid as mentors and teachers.

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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.

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ULTI MUTT BAKERY Quintard Mall, 700 Quintard Drive, Oxford, AL 36203 • Pet treats

FUJI JAPANESE CUISINE 218 Davis Loop, Oxford, AL 36203 • Casual, modern eatery and bar OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2024

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RACETRAC EV CHARING STATIONS 204 Grace Street, Oxford, AL 36203 • Electric vehicle charging station

CAMPERS UNLIMITED 2029 Oxford Exchange Blvd, Oxford, AL 36203 • RV dealership 56

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TEAM REHABILITATION 320 Snow Street, AL 36203 • Pediatric assessment and therapy

B INN B KENNEL 284 Old Highway 202, Oxford, AL 36203 • Boarding, grooming and day care services OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2024

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PICKETTE’S 1829 US HWY 78 E, Oxford, AL 36203 • Animal feed, animal supplies, boots, and apparel

BLUE FIN 1200 Oxford Exchange Blvd, Oxford, AL 36203 • Japanese sushi & steakhouse 58

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TRAVELIN’ TOM’S COFFEE OF OXFORD Oxford, AL 36203 • Mobile coffee truck

A&I TAX & ACCOUNTING 4890 U.S. Highway 78 West, Oxford, AL 36203 • Tax accounting and bookkeeping services OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2024

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LE COIN DES ARTISTES 12 East Choccolocco Street, Oxford, AL 36203 • Bistro and bar

THE WINE BARREL 2111 U.S. Highway 78 East, Oxford, AL 36203 • Wine, beer and spirits store 60

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2023 YEAR- END ECONOMIC REPORT

Population: 22,069 Total Number of Business Licenses in 2023: 2,348 Total Number of brick & mortar Businesses in 2023: 644 Total Number of New Businesses in 2023: 25 Labor Force: 10,664 Median Household Income: $59,258 NEW BUSINESS: B Inn B Kennel Club Bachus Bibles & Books Blue Fin Japanese Sushi & Steakhouse Brightstar Care of Northeast Alabama Camper’s Unlimited Cheer Wine & Spirits Core Phlebotomy Training Crumbl Cookies GoSocial Marketing Got Roots Heifer Please Le Coin des Artistes New You Massage Results Physiotherapy Southern Comfort HVAC Succ It Up Taco Bell TEAM Rehabilitation The Wine Barrel Travelin’s Toms Coffee of Oxford Ulti-Mutt Bakery Urban Rustique Veronica Williams Uniques

RELOCATION OR EXPANSION: Bridgewater Interiors Chavalier Productions Cheaha Cheer & Tumble Fuji Japanese Cuisine Gadsden Pelvic Rehab & Physical Therapy Kronospan Phoenix Hair Salon Pickette’s Feed & Pet Supply Really Real Real Estate GROUNDBREAKINGS: Candlewood Suites Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. POPULATION: 2000- 14,592 2010- 21,348 2020- 22,069

Sources of information: City of Oxford Finance Department, Auburn University- Government & Economic Development Institute, U.S. Decennial Census Prepared by Hunter C. Gentry- Director of Historic Main Street Oxford

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UPDATE HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD 2023 was a year of successes and achievements for Historic Downtown Oxford.

We welcomed five new businesses to our district, funded five façade improvement projects, coordinated six annual events, hosted three business development workshops, sponsored ten bronze plaques, and much more! 2024 marks the 10-year anniversary of our Main Street program, and we have much more planned to accomplish.

Hunter C. Gentry, Director

MARCH 2024 Downtown Litter Cleanup Day Saturday, March 16....... 9 AM Canva Workshop for Businesses Thursday, March 28....... 6 PM APRIL 2024 Historic Walking Tour on Main Saturdays, April 6, 13, 20, & 27....... 9 AM

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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THINK LOCAL. SHOP LOCAL. BUY LOCAL.

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2023 YEAR-END REPORT NEW BUSINESSES • GoSocial Marketing: 17 West Choccolocco Street Marketing, print, and design firm • Le Coin Des Artistes: 12 East Choccolocco Street Bistro and bar • Really Real Real Estate: 16 Snow Street Real estate brokerage firm • Succ It Up: 426 Main Street Succulents, houseplants, and gifts • TEAM Rehabilitation: 320 Snow Street Pediatric occupational therapy

RETURN ON INVESTMENT (ROI) PRIVATE – $157,055 PUBLIC – $8,868 Private investment is the documented work or improvements done by private business owners in the downtown district (interior work, roofing repairs, signage replacement, etc.). Public investment is the documented work or improvements done by the city of Oxford (new garbage receptacles, benches, landscaping, etc.).

FAÇADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT PRIVATE – $37,927 PUBLIC – $8,182 In 2019, the Oxford City Council created the façade improvement grant program to assist property and business owners with an incentive to improve their respective properties. Since the creation of the program, the private investment has greatly exceeded the public investment. As of January 2024, the total of private dollars expended has been $135,261, and the total of public dollars expended has been $31,640.

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VOLUNTEER HOURS January – December 2023: 596.5 hours AWARDS • Main Street Hero Award: Oxford Cleaners • Excellence in Creative Promotion Idea:Sips & Succs (Succ It Up) • Excellence in Reinvestment: $10 Million-Oxford BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOPS • Downtown Resources & Incentives: July 2023 • Small Business Marketing Plan: August 2023 • How to Use Canva 101: March 2023 Historic Main Street Oxford sponsored ten bronze plaques on historic buildings that exemplify Oxford’s history based on character, preservation, and style.

• Cooper Building 506 & 508 Main Street–ca. 1875 • Hubbard Piano Company Building 12 East Choccolocco Street–ca. 1880s • Butenschon Drug Company Building 426 & 428 Main Street–1884 • First National Bank of Oxford, 430 Main Street–1884 • Gray Building 8 East Choccolocco Street–1890 • Whiteside – Williams Medical Office 128 Snow Street–ca. 1890s • Cotton Building 518 Main Street–ca. 1890s • Oxford Cleaners Building 520 Main Street–ca. 1890s • Gwin Building 16 East Choccolocco Street–1901 • Oxford Post Office 501 Main Street–ca. 1915

145 HAMRIC DRIVE EAST | MAINSTREET@OXFORDAL.GOV | MAINSTREETOXFORD.ORG | 256-241-6667

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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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Dear Friends and Supporters of the Arts, Our Spring 2024 season is underway, and we have over thirty exciting performances for you and your family to experience. On stage from now through this summer are major touring Broadway musicals along with country, rock, and pop headliners.

Registration is now open for our 2024 Spotlight Summer Theatre Camp, which will culminate in a performance of Sleeping Beauty this June. During our Theatre Camp, you will see your child’s creativity soar as they explore the realms of dancing, singing, acting, and visual arts. Through engaging activities, they will develop their expressive skills, discovering new ways to communicate and shine. The pinnacle of their camp experience will be an unforgettable main-stage performance, giving friends and family a chance to witness and celebrate their remarkable growth and talent. Visit oxfordpac.org/camps to learn more and to sign up your camper.

Work is ongoing for the planning and fundraising for the Alabama Children’s Museum and Discovery Center. Visitors to historic downtown Oxford will notice some major changes on the east end of Choccolocco Street as demolition and site preparations get underway.

Visit alchildrensmuseum.org to learn more.

With our Spring 2024 season in full swing, we express gratitude to our sponsors, donors, and ticket buyers who contribute to the sustainability and viability of our venue. Your support enables us to maintain the busiest stage in Alabama, showcasing more touring artists than any other venue in the state. We eagerly anticipate your presence this spring and beyond at the Oxford Performing Arts Center.

Warm Regards,

John Longshore Executive Director Oxford Performing Arts Center 256-848-7893

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

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February 23, 2024 - 7:30 PM The Cher Show - Broadway Musical Tour

February 27, 2024 - 7:00 PM Come From Away - Broadway Musical Tour

March 1, 2024 - 7:30 PM An Evening with Marie Osmond

March 3, 2024 - 7:00 PM Floyd Nation

March 22, 2024 - 7:30 PM Sons of Serendip / Atlanta Pops Orchestra

March 26, 2024 - 6:00 PM Dinosaur World Live

April 6, 2024 - 7:30 PM Iam Tongi - Winner American Idol 2022

April 9, 2024 - 7:00 PM Escher Quartet

April 12, 2024 - 7:30 PM An Evening with Amy Grant

PURCHASE TICKETS ONLINE AT OXFORDPAC.ORG April 19, 2024 - 7:30 PM Music of the Drifters, Coasters, & The Platters

Charge by phone by calling 256-241-3322

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Stories Behind the Paintings THE LEOPARD Man’s Timeless Fascination with the Beauty and Lethal Power of Africa’s Most Stunning Feline Species

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For centuries, perhaps millennia, this rock shelter was a favorite haunt of humans as well as Africa’s big predators, such as the big cats and leopards in particular. Leopards had, no doubt, inhabited this shallow cave off and on for eons long before any humans discovered it.

Stone-age Bushman people of southern Africa probably first saw this cave-like shelter two or three thousand years ago as a small tribal group or a single hunter meandered along the hillside.

The centuries rolled by, and this site became more specialized in purpose: a sacred place or a sanctuary for meditation and worship by holy men or shamans of the San (or Bushman) culture of southern Africa.

One might first think of the rock shelter artwork as graffiti, but it’s almost the exact opposite.

Graffiti is defined by its being unauthorized and in public view. This Cave Art, or Rock Shelter Art, is “authorized”—sanctioned by the highest of all authorities—the Great Creator. It is not intended to be in public view, and in many cases, such sequestered sites were reserved for only a single, specific individual—the shaman. The most amazing facet of historic cave art is that it is comprised of remarkably consistent, high-quality renderings of human and other animal figures in a simplistic, stylized fashion.* For the most part, rock shelter art is now protected from human graffiti or vandalism. It is fortunate for posterity that so many of these “Holy Men” were also good artists. They probably spent many solitary days, months, or longer, living among the boulders that formed their mesmerizing grottoes.

In the painting A Timeless Place, I took the liberty of bringing together evidence of two legitimate inhabitants of this sequestered and solitary sanctuary. If a human of the ancient Bushman tribe happened upon a leopard, it could be a matter of life or death, depending on the circumstances.

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“A Timeless Place”

© LKM2024, All text and images are protected by copyright.

Still, it’s almost a foregone conclusion that the cat would win any sudden close encounter. It might be that the Bushman would get off a quick shot with a bow and arrow, but even then, the leopard would make short work of the tiny hunter. If the arrow were tipped with poison from the desert rose or other source, the encounter might be lethal, eventually, for the cat as well. But the leopard is notoriously difficult to kill, even with a high-powered, modern weapon. Yet, the typical rock-art shelter likely was utilized by generations of San Bushman holy men. I mentally attempted to bring the two potential enemies together in a setting of such a rock-shelter background, and it is likely that, as furtive and swift as the leopard is, that any encounter would have been precluded by the cat escaping unseen as the man approached the cave. One can imagine the aging shaman climbing the foothills to reach his own sacred place that was already adorned with a visual gallery of his own artwork, along with that of his shaman/artist ancestors. Would the man be anticipating the opportunity to add another rendering to the cave wall? Probably. It’s just as likely that he would be, with concern, searching the dusty cave floor and crevices for signs of a cat or other threat. It would be a good place for ambush, as a leopard would likely hide on an overhanging boulder, especially if the leopard were to be caught by surprise. More likely, after a

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brief but intentionally noisy inspection, the artist/holy man could eagerly resume his work on the visual menagerie that he had already created in his mind. But I suspect that he wouldn’t proceed without an occasional look back over his shoulder as he worked.

In the painting, A Timeless Place, I wanted to think of both man and leopard in terms of this secret location. I had begun the preliminary drawing with just that pose of the leopard and had been thinking of a setting that might add depth and context to the painting. It seemed that a background of a cave art shelter would be an interesting, if not unique, approach to the subject.

As I’ve mentioned in previous articles in Oxford Access, the experience of exploring any real, isolated site has been unforgettable for me, and we always attempt to add such a special feature to each photographic safari.** In particular, the depiction of three soaring human-like figures with apparent vapor trails was especially intriguing. I was fortunate to stay in the same safari camp as an expert on the subject. Conraad De Rosner of Kuru Art Development Trust was leaving just as I arrived back in camp but was kind enough to let me describe the shelter. He wrote a note explaining the prevailing theory about that particular drawing (painting), “The vapour trails are like jet airliners leave …and suggest out-of-body journey to the Spirit World (Astral projection).”

This explanation seemed very logical, yet it would have been even more unforgettable to be there and hear that Holy Man, himself, describe his vision that led to this remarkably riveting image.

No African species have captivated the human mind (except, maybe, the elephant and the lion) to the degree that the leopard has. It is not the largest African predator, by far, nor the swiftest (the cheetah holds that honor, hands-down). But it is, arguably, the most beautiful and extraordinarily courageous and just downright strongest, at least pound for pound, of the larger African mammals. It is always considered one of “Africa’s Big Five”: Elephant, rhino, cape buffalo, lion, and the diminutive leopard. For generations, this distinction has been based on the relative danger from each species as a coveted trophy for the big-game hunter. That is despite the fact that there are much larger animals that might be expected to be included. Hippos kill more people each year, but they are not regarded as being a lofty “Big Five” trophy. The combination of fearlessness, toughness, quickness, and an impressive appearance lift the leopard to such an exalted title. The old-time hunters from previous generations have attested to the respect that a leopard has earned during hunting safaris, time and time again.

Felix Wambugu, a veteran guide, told his personal story about two lions treeing a leopard. While the lions, one a big male and the other a lioness, milled around the tree, the leopard pounced out of the tree and batted the lioness several times with both paws, and leaped back into the tree, unmarked. The lions left immediately. Fear is not a word practiced by this spotted buzzsaw of a cat.

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“The Sound of Silence”

© LKM2024, All text and images are protected by copyright.

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You’ll likely hear the Leopard’s Swahili name, “Chui” (pronounced “Chewy”), as travelers become more infatuated with the sometimes plentiful but usually elusive prize. Most sightings are not much more than a shadow under a bush or a disappearing pattern of spots among leaves and blades of grass. Because they are semi-nocturnal, they often appear during the low-light periods, just at dawn or before sunset. One might see a napping cat stretched out on a branch like an aerial throw-rug, sometimes with the dripping carcass of a herd animal on a nearby branch.

The ideal sighting of a leopard, or any animal, is an up-close or in-action episode. That will add tremendously to one’s own “National Geographic” memories. For that, few places match Kenya’s small trickle of a river, the Talek (a tributary to the Mara River). One day, when our Land Rover had just crossed the Talek, I was looking back from my mid-vehicle seat to caution the back-seat riders to hold down the noise (on safari, anything louder than a whisper is noise), when suddenly all I could emit was a whispered “Holey Moley!” There, at the right-rear wheel, was a gorgeous leopard, easing around us, oblivious to the six passengers and guide. Even Felix hadn’t seen the cat until it was so near it could have chosen any one of us to pounce upon. Of course, this was the last thing on the mind of that leopard. It was intent on hunting and finding its next (nonhuman) meal. One camp guard that evening said that he had to “shoo” away a leopard who was chewing on a tire of our vehicle as it sat in the parking area. That leopard was later removed to another area of the Mara, due to its newly-found affinity for humans. Since that safari, there have been countless leopard sightings on almost every safari, some encounters lasting for more than an hour. In the protected sanctuaries like the Mara and the greater Serengeti, most wildlife tends to learn to disregard all humans enclosed in those mobile iron “animals” like the Land Rover or Land Cruiser. To each normally-elusive, large wild game species, the vehicle becomes a non-entity, neither benevolent nor a threat. The people inside are just part of the vehicle. Even the motor noise is usually ignored.*** The reward for patience can be dramatic for members of a serious photographic safari. On one trip, we encountered a female leopard that weighed maybe 110 pounds. She casually claimed a leaning, slanted tree and rested at our eye level as she calmly observed each individual in the Rover. She preened and posed as gracefully as one could ever hope to capture on camera, and each stare seemed to penetrate one’s own eyes, directly into the soul, almost as though she could read each mind.

A leopard is small compared to most other well-known wild felines. A prime male rarely reaches 200 pounds, and a female typically reaches just about 125 pounds. This puts it below that of its genetically-nearest relative, South and Central America’s jaguar. Because they evolved in very different environments, their body shapes are a bit different. A jaguar is larger and bulkier, with relatively short legs and a more massive head. The spots are superficially similar but still distinctive. Strikingly different but extremely beautiful, the patterns of the jaguar’s spots are larger, with each having an open center enclosing two to three small spots. Surprisingly, the leopard has, relative to size, stronger legs because tree-climbing is an important function. It is known to carry prey carcasses weighing twice as much as the leopard itself high into a tree. Jaguars spend most of

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their time on the ground or in swampy water. They also have tremendous body strength and the strongest bite of all the big cats. This is essential when this jungle cat kills huge animals such as tapirs and wild peccaries (that may live in herds of 50 or more), and they even eat huge turtles.

They can also stalk and kill caimans (The South American version of our alligator). The jaguar must make a sudden lethal attack on this huge and vicious adversary.)

The Swahili name Chui indicates that the leopard is identified with stealth, and that identification is well deserved. Just as the hallmark of a cheetah (or “Duma”) is speed. A leopard is quick, but it is easily outdistanced by a cheetah. However, in close quarters, nothing beats quickness for maneuverability and fighting. A leopard ambushes from a short plunge or rush. The cheetah typically ambushes at a distance and then runs down its prey. The prey often runs until exhausted in an almost inevitable race.

Cheetahs and leopards are in close competition as to beauty, but without the spots, they would hardly be confused. The physiology of a cheetah is all about speed, and the anatomy is, accordingly, more like that of a greyhound.

On one of our safaris, we witnessed a fascinating drama in the African world of competition. We were parked on an open plain with a vast expanse of savannah in the foreground and a small hill or two to our left rear. A large cheetah was casually lying near us, and there were distant herds of both impala and Thomson’s gazelles, both already being watched by the cat. Then, on one of the hillsides, two prime impala males began fighting, and they became oblivious to anything around them. The cheetah soon took a sudden interest, seeing something in the fight that indicated an all-out battle. Knowing that the impalas were distracted, he lit out, straight as an arrow, toward them. He was virtually upon them when they glimpsed the figure closing in, and they separated and ran, full-tilt in opposite directions. He chased the larger impala just past our position and on down across a huge field of sage. Passing a small stand of trees, the impala suddenly veered to the left. A leopard had been hiding among the saplings, watching all the action, and he wanted to be part of it. He joined the chase, just behind the cheetah, and when the prey had escaped the tiring cheetah, the leopard kept chasing—not the impala, but the cheetah—for another fifty yards.

As the cheetah and leopard finally veered in opposite directions, we all were left wondering how that rivalry would have ended had the exhausted cheetah slowed down further. Almost for sure, the leopard would have gotten the better of the larger cheetah, who is known for speed rather than aggression.

“The Sound of Silence” is probably the nearest thing to a leopard portrait I’ve painted. It contains elements from memories of a number of African leopard sightings over several years. I don’t know for certain just what I hoped to capture, except maybe a personal amalgam of memories to help me attempt a tribute to the sheer beauty and enigmatic behavior of this magnificent creature.

But, as I often acknowledge, an artist needs only to see the real creature, wild and yet up close and personal, to realize this task is always daunting and humbling. But to attempt it, one must adopt some of the attitudes of a San tribal shaman and believe that his endeavors are inspired

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and purposeful. As with most animal paintings, after the initial sketches and/or color studies, I usually begin by painting within the sketched outlines, always paying much attention toward first capturing the eyes (If you mess up the eyes at this early stage, it’s easier to start over.) Looking closely into the eyes of a wild leopard is an unforgettable experience. There’s an icy indifference that is always there, but at the same time, one can almost imagine a genuine interest—a curiosity as to your purpose in being there. But it’s the translucent jewel-like greenish hue in the iris of a leopard’s eye that has the magic. (The beautiful amber of a cheetah’s eye is equally intriguing.

I can hardly think about one of these spotted cats without thinking of both. It’s amazing how dissimilar the cheetah and the leopard are, and yet we seem to think of them together).

In a hunting mode, Chui takes on another look, one of intense concentration, as it eases down into the stalk. Then, the predator is completely focused on the quarry. The cat’s patient, silent forward movement is hardly perceptible. As the attack comes, it is so quick that the observer can hardly believe that it happened. In “The Sound of Silence,” it is this moment of the stalk that I’ve tried to capture. In the real and fictional adventures of Hemingway and Ruark and other hunter-writers, it’s the leopard hunt that is most dramatized. The would-be shooter often gets a case of what Teddy Roosevelt called “buck fever.” Maybe they should have called it “leopard fever.”

Footnotes: * I’ve seen only one or two exceptions to this impressive quality of cave painting artwork. In one rock shelter in the Serengeti, a Maasai tribesman, at some later date, had proceeded to add a slightly different element to the gallery: a simple drawing of a human figure on a bicycle! ** The writer’s travels include about “fifteen or so” African photo safaris. ***There are, of course, exceptions, such as when cheap one-star safaris in many popular natural places parasitize the professional outfitters and doggedly follow the legitimate vehicles as they locate prize game sightings. Then, these small vehicles or Volkswagen buses violate the rules by pulling ahead of the lead vehicle.

Lord help them when they attempted such behavior when Felix was at the wheel of an Origins Safari vehicle.

He never failed to verbally chastise rude behavior. “Hey, crazy people, get back, get back!”

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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Jackie Humphries

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OXFORD LIONS CLUB

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By 2040, nearly 650 million people are expected to be living with diabetes. Every two minutes, a child is diagnosed with cancer. Each night, more than 800 million people go to bed hungry. By 2025, half the world’s population will live in water-stressed areas.

Today, 253 million individuals are blind or visually impaired. But there is good news: Lions are here to help. Lions want to be part of the solution by working together and implementing common goals of improvement.

VISION - HUNGER -DIABETES - ENVIRONMENT - CANCER Lions Club International was formed in 1917. Our organization has a long history of being a global leader for more than a century. It is a story of bringing the needs of our communities to the forefront and meeting those needs head-on with real solutions and a desire to improve lives. There are over 1.4 million of us in communities all over the world. Through the support of our Lions Club International Foundation (LCIF), Lions can make an even greater impact through grants that fund large-scale projects.

The Oxford Lions Club has proudly served the city of Oxford for over thirty years. In the past, the Lions have helped people in need with eyeglasses and collected food for local food banks. The Lions have helped to support childhood cancer and diabetes, more specifically, by sending youth to Camp Seale Harris, where they learn to manage their diabetes and make better food choices.

Our newest projects include meeting our local veterans’ needs, providing breakfast for our senior citizens center, handing out gift bags to the elderly in nursing homes who have no family, and assisting with delivering beds for needy children in our area through the Sleep in Heavenly Peace Project.

The Oxford Lions Club is an active part of the Oxford community, where 100% of the funds donated go back to the community and service projects. We promote sight conservation programs and vision screening at local schools. You probably saw a group of folks with bright yellow vests walking around Choccolocco Park this past November.

We are easy to spot! Our goal was to raise awareness for diabetes. We truly appreciate the support from our local government and the citizens of Oxford. When you support Oxford Lions Club, you are pouring support right back into your community.

Weserve.org Lionsclubinternational.org

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The Oxford Lions support Oxford police officers, fire fighters, and first responders.

Oxford Lions Supports State Projects: Alabama Lions Sight Foundation Camp Seale Harris for Youth Helen Keller Foundation Oxford Lions Annual Fund Raisers: OxfordFest Mop and Broom Sales Boston Butt Sales Pecan Sales President, Levi Gamble Vice President, Judy Pritchett LCIF Coordinator, Sheila Jones Treasurer, Cheryl Webber Chair Marketing & Membership, Jimmy Sparks Secretary, Kellie Martin

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SPOTLIGHT SENIOR CENTER GOAL IS TO PROVIDE “GOOD DAY”

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Legendary comedian Jack Benny remained an eternal 39 years of age throughout his 80-year lifetime with the philosophy: “Age is mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.”

That is also the philosophy of the Oxford Senior Center’s eight-member staff, who make it their job to provide golden moments for those in their golden years.

“Our mission is to make sure everyone who walks through our doors has a good day,” says center director Hal West.

Each ‘good day’ at the center, located at 424 Main Street, includes a lunch provided by a state-wide program through the East Alabama Planning and Development Commission. There are also more than 30 people who enjoy a hot meal at home thanks to the center’s staff who deliver them to those unable to travel to Main Street.

Those ‘good days’ for those who come to the center might include games, crafts, and guest speakers.

“We also make sure once a month to have a ‘whoopdee-do’ day where we think outside of the box and have some fun,” West said.

The center recently held a Hollywood-style awards ceremony with all the familiar trappings, including a red carpet, statuettes, certificates, photos, and acceptance speeches. Kim Thomas, who assists West with the center’s operations, has a February calendar of events already full and planned by mid-January.

“We want them to know they are important and do not want them to be lost and forgotten,” Thomas said. “We want them to know they mean something, and somebody does care.”

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FEBRUARY 14: Cupid and Cupcakes sweet treats for our seniors at 10:00 AM MARCH 27: Easter Egg Hunt for our seniors at 10:00 AM APRIL 22: Earth Day Celebration at 10:00 AM ACTIVITIES: Bingo, art class, singing performances, penny auctions, games, and holiday parties HEALTH SCREENINGS are offered once a month at the Senior Citizens Center

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West said while many have enjoyed the games and special events in the past, “it’s more about being with each other.”

He noted some have either lost a spouse or may have family who live away from the area.

West and Thomas said being able to connect and communicate with others plays an important role in treating grief and loneliness.

“We open the doors at 8 AM, and by 9 AM, they are sitting here at the tables talking with each other and enjoying the conversation,” West said.

“Without exception, they all talk about how much they enjoy being with each other, and those who have become regular visitors are the happiest I have ever seen them.”

The center recently hosted students participating in Oxford High School’s Vis1on One program for the Christmas holiday.

“One of our senior citizens told me she was playing a game with one of the students, but they spent most of their time just talking to each other,” West said. “She said she had just as much fun talking with her student partner as she did playing the game.”

West hopes to continue to do more to bridge the generations with similar gatherings in the future and the potential of having the students available to help these more seasoned members of the city by helping with errands they might not be able to do alone.

“We’re proud of what we are doing at this facility, and we want more to come and take advantage of what we have to offer,” West said.

The center is open weekdays 8 AM until 3 PM and welcomes those interested to visit or call 256-831-5900.

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Oxford Parks and Recreation

CHEERLEADING REGISTRATION

MAY 10 — 3:00 PM TO 5:30 PM JUNE 11 — 3:00 PM TO 5:30 PM OXFORD CIVIC CENTER 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford AL 36203

$140: registration fee, uniform, briefs, poms, and hair bow $75: registration fee, briefs, poms, and hair bow $60: registration fee, poms, and hair bow

Child must be 4-12 years old.

Cheer registration is in person only, so they can be sized for their uniform.

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C I T Y

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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OXFORD PARD BASKETBALL

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OXFORD BATTING CAGES OXFORD LAKE / CIVIC CENTER COMPLEX

TOKENS 1 TOKEN = $2 BUY 3 TOKENS / GET 1 FREE! RENTAL 30 MINUTES = $25 1 HOUR = $35 FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO CHECK IF THE BATTING CAGES ARE OPEN, PLEASE CALL 256-847-0518

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY CJ FOSTER

THE OXFORD ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS

OXFORD COMMUNITY CHORUS

SPRING CONCERT APRIL 23, 2024

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The city of Oxford, the Oxford Performing Arts Center, and the Oxford Arts Council are pleased to present the Oxford Community Chorus Spring Concert on Tuesday, April 23, at 7:00 p.m. at OPAC. The music at this performance will center around songs from Broadway and Film.

Musical selections to be featured will include the following: On the Street Where You Live My Fair Lady My Favorite Things The Sound of Music Getting to Know You The King and I There’s No Business Like Show Business Annie Get Your Gun The Impossible Dream Man of LaMancha You’ll Never Walk Alone Carousel Climb Every Mountain The Sound of Music Over the Rainbow The Wizard of Oz Selections from West Side Story, Mary Poppins, and Phantom of the Opera are also included. Several choices are based on audience requests.

Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at OPAC or the Oxford First Baptist Church. All current and former chorus members and other vocalists who would like to be a part are encouraged to attend. Director of the chorus is Don Gober.

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HISTORY DOWNTOWN HISTORIC PLAQUE PROJECT

Historic Main Street Oxford launched its Downtown Historic Plaque Project in the fall of 2023. The goal of this program is to encourage the recognition and continued preservation of downtown landmarks based on the architectural style, era of construction, significance, and current state. This project makes Oxford’s history a vital part of our present community.

Butenschon Drug Company Building 424 & 426 Main Street

Gwin Building 16 East Choccolocco Street

Cooper Building 506 & 508 Main Street

Hubbard Piano Company Building 12 East Choccolocco Street

Cotton Building 518 Main Street

Oxford Cleaners Building 520 Main Street

First National Bank of Oxford 430 Main Street

Oxford Post Office 501 Main Street

Gray Building 8 East Choccolocco Street

Whiteside – Williams Medical Office 128 Snow Street

First National Bank of Oxford at the corner of Main Street and West Choccolocco Street.

Courtesy of the Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County (PLACC)

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Daniel Draper and his two sons, William W. Draper and James R. Draper, opened the first bank in Oxford in the fall of 1866–D.D. Draper & Sons. The Drapers were not only bankers, but merchants and cotton dealers, as well. A fire destroyed the building in December of 1883; it was rebuilt in 1884, and that building still stands today.

In 1888, D.D. Draper & Sons and Davis C. Cooper consolidated to form a state bank–the Bank of Oxford. In 1903, it became known as First National Bank of Oxford and was instrumental in Oxford’s financial stability and growth. The bank had branches extending to Cleburne, Randolph, Clay, and Talladega County.

In 1911, the building became a two-story and the marble façade was added. After the bank closed in 1932, several businesses were housed there. Today, it is the location of The Bank, a 1920s-themed restaurant and lounge.

Research by Hunter Chase Gentry and written by Julie Mangum Skinner, November 2023

Exterior view of the First National Bank of Oxford, ca. 1920s.

Courtesy of The Birmingham News, 18 December 1921

PHOTO LEFT: Interior view of the First National Bank of Oxford, ca. 1908.

Left to right is Davis C. Cooper, Elbert T. Allen, and Oliver W. Cooper.

Courtesy of Tull Wigley

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From the Anniston, Alabama Photo Archives Russell Brothers Collection Photograph of children participating in an Easter Egg Hunt in Oxford, AL circa April 19, 1957. Based on the date (which was written on the back of the photo), we believe this might have been taken at Oxford Elementary School.

A different photograph from the Oxford Elementary School Easter Egg Hunt was published in The Anniston Star on April 22, 1957 with the following caption: SUPER EGG-HUNT That’s what children of the four first grades at Oxford Elementary School enjoyed Friday afternoon.

The annual event sponsored by the teachers and Mayor H. G. Whiteside saw 129 children scampering happily after 2,100 eggs--1,500 of them candy.

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Saturday, March 30, 2024 9:00 AM Friendship Community Center 2930 Friendship Road, Oxford, AL

Several age groups, including a special needs area

AGES 0-12 ONLY! PRIZE EGGS IN EVERY AGE DIVISION For more info call 256-831-2660

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FIRST

CHOICE IN LOCAL BANKING FOR 2024!

The new year is always full of hope and excitement. As we get ready to turn the calendar to 2024, let’s resolve to make savvy choices with our money. Banking local is the smartest way to handle your finances. Whether you need to start building wealth or finally make that big purchase you’ve been dreaming about, First Bank wants to be your choice.

Happy New Year!

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