Oxford Access 2022 Vol. 6 Issue 2

Oxford

ACCESS

2022

JULIO BARRETO’S AMERICAN DREAM CITY OF OXFORD TO HOST RUBATO INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION Page 52

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Oxford Parks and Recreation 2022 Youth Basketball more photos starting on page 44 2

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4 MESSAGE FROM THE MAYOR 8 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS 16 OXFORD CELEBRATES 170 YEARS 19 MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD POLICE CHIEF 20 OXFORD BASEBALL FOR YOUTH 24 COMMUNITY CENTERS AND PARKS 27 MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD FIRE DEPARTMENT 28 MESSAGE FROM THE OXFORD PUBLIC LIBRARY 32 STATE TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT COMING TO OXFORD 35 OXFORD PUBLIC WORKS UPDATE 36 MESSAGE FROM OPAC 42 EASTABOGA CREEK WATERSHED 44 PHOTO GALLERY: PARD BASKETBALL 52 JULIO BARRETO’S AMERICAN DREAM 58 RUBATO INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION 60 OXFORD COMMUNITY CHORUS CONCERT 62 LARRY K. MARTIN - THE ARTIST BEHIND THE PAINTINGS 66 HISTORIC MAIN STREET UPDATE 68 WELCOME TO OXFORD - NEW BUSINESS OPENINGS 74 5 TIPS FROM REPUBLIC SERVICES 76 EMA UPDATE: CALHOUN COUNTY LONG TERM RECOVERY 78 OXFORD PERFORMING ARTS CENTER 2021-2022 SEASON 86 CAR SHOW FUNDRAISER A SUCCESS 90 TRAFFICKING HOPE 92 OXFORDITE OR OXFORDIAN

2022 VOL 6. ISSUE 2

CONTENTS

Community conversations are important, and we encourage residents to engage directly with city staff—this is your city and your mayor and council are here for you.

Don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can help. Big or small, we’re happy and honored to listen.

City of Oxford Mayor Alton Craft Oxford City Council Phil Gardner Mike Henderson Charlotte Hubbard Chris Spurlin Steven Waits If you are a citizen living within the Oxford city limits and are not receiving an Oxford Access magazine and would like to receive them, let us know! We want all of our citizens to be able to have access to the Access.

You can pick up a free copy at the Oxford Public Library, Oxford Civic Center, Bynum Community Center, Friendship Community Center, and Oxford City Hall.

OXFORD ACCESS P. O. BOX 3383 OXFORD, AL 36203 WWW.OXFORDACCESS.COM

98 PHOTO GALLERY: BIKE NIGHT 100 WHY I TEACH: MEREDITH BARKLEY 106 OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS UPDATE 108 OHS AMBASSADORS 110 GREEN POWER TEAM & GREEN PRIX

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

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Message from the

Oxford Mayor Dear citizens, We are on pace for another record-breaking year in Oxford, and I am thankful that you, the resident, are helping us continue to be the pride of Alabama. We are growing, and I hope that you will join us as we reach new heights.

The Festival of Lights was a great success, and I hope that you and your loved ones were able to enjoy our third annual drive-through Christmas lights spectacular. We had visitors from all over the United States enjoy the show and Santa’s Village, and we are planning to add more exciting events throughout the year. With all that is happening in Oxford, we continue to set the bar across the southeast. I am thankful that you have helped us accomplish the lofty goals we set in our city.

We are preparing for another busy season at Choccolocco Park with spring approaching. We are excited to host the AHSAA Softball and Baseball State Finals, the Alabama Community College Conference Baseball Finals, the Southern Athletic Association Conference Softball and Baseball Championships, the OVC Softball Championships, the Gulf Coast Conference Softball and Baseball Championships, and the NJCAA Division II Softball Championships in April and May. Choccolocco Park is becoming the premier championship venue in the southeast, and I am proud of our city being named the host for these championships and other elite baseball, softball, soccer, and cross country/ track and field events. Your hospitality is one of the reasons we can secure these events, so I hope that you will join me in welcoming our out-of-town guests.

Speaking of Choccolocco Park, I am excited for baseball season to begin as we welcome the Choccolocco Monsters baseball team to Oxford for its inaugural season. I hope to see you out at the signature baseball field as we welcome the young men to our city. We will have a few announcements on the future of our park and other organizations that are

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looking to locate here, so I encourage you to be on the lookout for more news as we continue to expand our footprint across the nation.

We have many other opportunities for our residents and guests around Oxford. Firstly, I am proud that we have installed two more storm shelters for our citizens, one next to Friendship Community Center and the other at Highway 78 next to the Public Works Building. I am glad that our leaders have seized the opportunity to assist our residents during inclement weather. Now that I have mentioned public works, we have begun construction to add more lanes to Leon Smith Parkway, and I hope this will alleviate traffic congestion issues at Oxford Exchange and Oxford Commons. Be aware as you are traveling the parkway, as there will likely be road work going on for the foreseeable future.

We are still fighting back against the COVID-19 pandemic, and with new variants of the virus reaching the United States, rest assured that we are doing all we can to keep you, the citizen, as safe as possible. Our crews are still disinfecting and sanitizing our public areas nightly. Our police, fire, and health services take all necessary precautions when dealing with the public. I will encourage you to continue doing your part by practicing safe and sanitary habits when you are out at one of our many shopping areas, restaurants, or events.

In conclusion, I am happy that you have chosen to be a vital part of Oxford. You are the heart of our great city, and the reason that we are becoming a destination for sports, entertainment, and education is because of you. As we approach summer, I hope that you will continue to do what we do best, which is to help our neighbors and guests. Do not forget to call 311 for any non-emergency issues, and I hope you all have a great spring season.

Kindest regards, Mayor Alton Craft

Alton Craft Mayor

Phil Gardner Council

Mike Henderson Council

Charlotte Hubbard Council

Chris Spurlin Council

Steven Waits Council

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The bridge widening project on Leon Smith Parkway is underway. This will transform the bridge from two lanes into four lanes, and is the first part of a phased project plan that will eventually turn Leon Smith Parkway into a four-lane all the way south to Friendship Road. The project design manager with GMC has given us a project timeline of roughly eighteen months to complete this phase. Work is continuing to go smoothly on the substructure of the bridge, and we do not expect any lane closures until closer to April. We will communicate that information as it becomes available to us on all of our social media platforms.

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The second annual Festival of Lights at Choccolocco Park was a huge success.

The over one million lights on display attracted new and returning guests from across the country. We enjoyed spreading holiday cheer with all of you.

We saw over 20,000 carloads of excited guests this year, and over 40,000 people enjoyed Santa’s Village with food vendors, outdoor skating, pictures with Santa, inflatables, and all the must-have merchandise.

We want to express our warmest gratitude to our event sponsor, Alabama Power, and to our Santa’s Village sponsor, First Bank of Alabama. Special thanks to our Festival of Lights crew: Lamar Carter, Abbygail Owen, Billy Thompson, Jack Deal, Will Brown, Ike Purvis, and Charlie Williamon.

The Festival of Lights is one of the largest light shows in the southeast and is growing every year! Contact the City of Oxford if you want to be a part of this fantastic event.

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“

“WE HAD A BLAST AT THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS. HOT CHOCOLATE, SANTA, AND SKATING!”

“THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS IS FABULOUS! THEN AT THE END, ALL THE OTHER ACTIVITIES TO DO: ICE SKATING, PICTURES WITH SANTA, THE BOUNCY THINGS THEY HAVE ARE AWESOME! NOT TO MENTION OTHER FOOD/DRINK VENDORS! WELL WORTH THE TIME AND MONEY!” “I LOVE THIS FAMILY TRADITION.” “WE HAD SUCH A GREAT TIME. STAYED UNTIL CLOSING AND WALKED OUT RIGHT BEFORE SANTA WAS HEADED BACK TO THE NORTH POLE.” “PJS, HOT COCOA, AND CHRISTMAS LIGHTS FOR THE WIN! FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS WAS WORTH THE DRIVE.” “WE HAD SUCH A BLAST LAST NIGHT. DEFINITELY WORTH THE DRIVE AND WILL PROBABLY MAKE IT AGAIN. OUR DAUGHTER WAS SO EXCITED ABOUT THE LIGHTS. GREAT START TO CHRISTMAS.”

“WE HAD SO MUCH FUN LOOKING AT THE LIGHTS.”

“THIS IS THE BEST PLACE. THE LIGHT SHOW

PLUS ALL THE OTHER ACTIVITIES IS

A WONDERFUL THING THEY DO.

SUCH GREAT FUN FAMILY

MEMORIES MADE.”

”

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THE CITY OF OXFORD C E L E B R AT E S 1 7 0 Y E A R S

During Oxford’s January 25th city council meeting, Mayor Alton Craft issued a proclamation to Main Street Director Hunter Gentry declaring 2022 as “Oxford’s 170th Anniversary.”

Oxford Mayor Alton Craft says, “Oxford is a very special place to me, and I’m honored to lead this city into its 170th year. Hard work and perseverance by many before me must be remembered. They laid the strong foundation that allowed us to see the tremendous growth and many opportunities we now enjoy. As I reflect on years past and think about where we are today, we truly have been blessed. It continues to be my honor to serve the wonderful people and their families who have chosen to call Oxford, Alabama home.”

An act of the Alabama Legislature established the City of Oxford on February 7, 1852. The original limits of the town extended one square mile from the center of the male academy located on Second Street.

Historic Main Street Oxford and the Oxford Arts Council hosted a birthday party on Tuesday, February 8, 2022, at Oxford City Hall to commence the celebratory occasion.

Special plans are in the works to celebrate Oxford’s many decades of continued success. Look for upcoming announcements for things such as guided walking tours of Historic Downtown Oxford, media features on lifetime residents, tours of our historic cemeteries, spotlights on Oxford’s oldest businesses, a lecture series on the book Images of America: Oxford, plus many other activities.

“Preserving Oxford’s history is crucial. As each day passes, more and more of our history is lost.

I am thankful to live in a community that supports strong preservation efforts ranging from helping save historic properties to writings about the earliest origins of Oxford’s establishment,” says Main Street Director Hunter Gentry.

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City of Oxford Mayor Alton Craft and Main Street Director Hunter Gentry

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Oxford Police Department

Message

600 Stanley Merrill Drive, Oxford, AL 36203

from the

Oxford Police Chief

I hope each of you has enjoyed your 2021 holidays. As we make our way into 2022, I want to express how proud I am of the dedication of the men and women of our agency. Throughout the recent holiday season, the members of the Oxford Police Department worked tirelessly to ensure the safety of our citizens and visitors. Most all sacrificed time from their families as we provided a presence at the many holiday events hosted by our city. Please be mindful of how hard our members work and the sacrifices they must make while providing the service that you all deserve.

Over the course of the next few months, we will be heavily focused on internal training. This is nothing new for our law enforcement officers and support staff. Training is one of the most integral facets of law enforcement. It allows us to provide the best services possible while keeping our personnel safe. Many of our specialized units, such as Emergency Services and Aviation, will be conducting joint training throughout the city and region. These units, for example, are tasked with responding to very strenuous situations, and we must ensure they are prepared to adequately handle these calls. For us to minimize any concern, though, we will usually post a training announcement on our social media accounts. I understand that seeing the light from the aircraft may cause alarm, so please look for notifications on social media from my account or the police department accounts.

Facebook: oxfordpd chiefofpolicebillpartridge

Instagram: oxfordpd chiefbpartridge

Twitter: oxfordpd chiefbpartridge

As always, I wish you all the best and ask that you always remain safe and diligent. Please call any member of the agency or the police department if you ever need assistance. We are always here to help.

Respectfully,

Chief Bill Partridge

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

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2022 OXFORD BASEBALL FOR YOUTH

T

The 2022 regular season for Oxford Baseball for Youth (OBFY) begins on Saturday, March 12, 2022, and runs through May 6, 2022. Postseason All-Stars will play through June for regional and state tournaments. Our organization averages around 300 players in five leagues, ages 3-12.

We are excited to announce that this will be our first season to play under United States Specialty Sports Association (USSSA) recreation league baseball, one of the fastest-growing leagues in the state. Some of those changes mean that players now can use USSSA bats, allowing more opportunities regarding game formats, such as offering a mid-season tournament. That will enable every league team to compete with other league teams from our region in a tournament to crown a mid-season champion.

OBFY plays weekly games that typically fall on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings at the Earl Martin Baseball Complex and Choccolocco Park. Parents can get involved by being a team mom or dad or volunteering to coach.

We are excited to partner closely this season with Oxford High School Baseball Coach Wes Brooks and the Oxford High School Yellow Jacket baseball team. Coaching clinics and mentors for our players will help them develop their strengths and add a new ‘big brother’ feel to our program.

Opening day will be March 12, with OHS Coach Wes Brooks throwing out the first pitch.

We also will be recognizing our state championship team (A ball) from last season.

We encourage everyone on Facebook to follow our page, Oxford Baseball for Youth. Any changes to the schedule, as well as other important information, will continuously be updated there.

An elected volunteer board governs Oxford Baseball for Youth.

Commissioner, Todd Pate Associate Commissioner, Sam Ogles Treasurer, Tommy Woodward Sponsorship, Amanda Troup Auxiliary, Preston Woodard Ozone President, Chase Greenwood AAA President, Tommy Woodward AA President, Todd Humphries A ball President, Brian Ashley T ball President, Amado Ortiz Advisor, Scott Mims

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I am excited to work with the Oxford Baseball for Youth board members. I am looking forward to installing a Mastery Program that will allow our coaches to become learners, developers, and leaders.

At the core, we will focus on balance, rhythm and timing, and athleticism, which are the critical components of hitting, fielding, throwing, and running. The focus on development will provide coaches with goals and objectives and mentorship programs to use in weekly practices. It will redefine success by growth in mastery development vs. winning and losing.

We will be providing developmental nights where OHS coaches and players work with OBFY players and coaches. We are building a Big Brother Program where OHS players will be assigned to a team to hang out with at practices and games. Be on the lookout for coach clinics, videos, Zoom calls, YouTube channels, practice cards, and more while allowing the kids to have FUN. Go Big O and Go Oxford Baseball for Youth!

— Wes Brooks, Oxford High School Head Baseball Coach

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COMMUNITY CENTERS & PARKS The City of Oxford values the well-being of our visitors, staff, and community. We continually assess current conditions regarding COVID-19 and engage with federal, state, and local public health officials when making decisions. For the most up-to-date schedule, please call 256-831-2660.

BANNISTER PARK Located off Friendship Road Oxford, Alabama 36203 BYNUM COMMUNITY CENTER 200 Victory Dr, Eastaboga, AL 36260 (256) 241-2716 CHEAHA CLUBHOUSE 910 Boozer Drive, Oxford, AL 36203 256-831-2660 CHOCCOLOCCO PARK 954 Leon Smith Parkway, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 342-0174 OXFORD CIVIC CENTER AND OXFORD LAKE 401 McCullars Lane, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-2660 FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER 2930 Friendship Rd, Oxford, AL 36203 (256) 831-2679 LIBERTY PARK 401 McCullars Lane Oxford, Alabama 36203 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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C I T Y

O F

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CITY OF OXFORD | FIRE DEPARTMENT

Message from the

Oxford Fire Department It is my hope that each of you had a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Remember, we still have winter weather around, and the need to be extra careful with heating equipment is a must. Space heaters need space. Give at least three feet of clearance in all directions of a space heater, fireplace, wood-burning stove, or kerosene heater.

Also, remember if you need a free smoke detector, call Fire Station #1 at 256-831-3208, and we will come and install them for you.

The City of Oxford applied for a FEMA grant to put a storm shelter at Friendship Community Center and at Fire Station #6 on Highway 78. These state-of-the-art shelters will hold 95 people and should be available by the time of the severe spring weather season. These shelters and the shelters at Fire Station #5 in DeArmanville and the Oxford Health Systems Paramedic Station in Bynum will open any time a tornado watch is issued. We will also continue to use the basement of the Oxford Performing Arts Center as a safer location for those living in the downtown area.

As you will see from the graphic on the left, Oxford Fire Department has had a record year. In 2021, OFD ran a total of 2,514 calls for service, which is a 121% increase from 5 years ago. EMS calls accounted for 1,439 of that total in 2021 and has a 5-year increase of 401%.

You may ask why the fire department runs EMS calls. The answer is simple: by OFD having Advanced Life Support equipment on our 3 staffed engines, we can get life-saving equipment and procedures to our citizens and visitors faster. The Oxford Health System Paramedics do an excellent job. By having OFD there to support them, we can offer the best possible care in a medical emergency. Our EMS Division is headed up by Battalion Chief Kyle Macoy.

Our Inspection Division, along with our engine companies, inspected a total of 983 existing businesses and 61 new businesses in 2021. The Inspection Division is headed up by Lt. Rodney Ball, and also handles fire investigations.

Our Training Division is headed by Capt. Brandon Slick. OFD partnered with the Alabama Fire College and the Regional Training Center at Anniston Fire Department to host and train firefighters from around the state. In 2021, OFD trained 348 firefighters, of which 258 were from departments outside of Oxford.

Oxford Fire Department strives each day to provide the best possible service to our customers, the citizens and visitors of the City of Oxford. I am extremely proud of the firefighters that I serve with and consider them the best in the state.

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

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UPDATE OXFORD LIBRARY The Oxford Public Library has lots planned for the spring!

February brings one of the adult programs we repeat every year by popular demand, Blind Date with a Book! Our patrons love the surprise that they get to take home to enjoy.

Library staff pick out some amazing books, wrap them up with the book’s title hidden, and patrons take the book home for a surprise. The patron fills out a review bookmark to let the librarians know whether the blind date was enjoyable. The library staff then puts all of those bookmarks into a drawing for some amazing prizes from local businesses. We look forward to date night with you!

Money Smart Week is coming in March; this group of programs and resources helps consumers better manage their finances. Check out www.oxfordpl.org/msw to learn more, but here are a few of the programs we have scheduled to learn more about important financial matters: • Tuesday, March 22nd at 10:00 a.m., Reuben Johnson with Merrill Lynch will be here to discuss Financial and Investment Planning.

• Thursday, March 24th at 10:00 a.m., we will be showing a video that is approximately 1 hour-long published through credit.org on Budgeting 101.

Don’t forget about our computer classes, too! From basic level classes to classes that enhance your computer knowledge, we have something for everyone. Join us on Fridays to learn more about computers. View the schedule and register for classes at www.oxfordpl.org/computers, or visit the library to learn more!

• Beginner Computer Classes at 10:30 a.m. Computers can be intimidating! Please don’t feel overwhelmed. We have beginner classes that build on each other. They start at the first of each span of two months. The classes begin with learning how to turn the computer on and off, the difference between left and right-clicking, and learning terminology. Internet use, searching, and safety is addressed.

• Enhanced Computer Classes at 1:30 p.m. Once a user learns the basics, he or she is ready for enhanced knowledge. Enhanced class topics are determined by popular demand/ request. Microsoft Office programs (especially Microsoft Word and Excel) make regular appearances on our schedule, and Fake News is also a frequent return.

Check the schedule for current offerings.

• For more advanced users, check out Knowledge City, a collection of over 18,000 courses that cover a wide range of topics, largely on computers.

Visit www.oxfordpl.org/online-resources for more information about Knowledge City.

MONDAY - FRIDAY 9 TO 5 • SATURDAY 9 TO 1 • SUNDAY 1 TO 5 • (256) 831-1750 • 110 East 6th Street, Oxford

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For the kids, we have a fun bookmark contest that will run through the month of February.

The winning bookmark’s design will be posted on social media, our website, and OPL will make a special bookmark to be featured in our 2022 Summer Reading Program. To get your bookmark template, drop by the library or visit www.oxfordpl.org/bookmark.

OPL’s Super Spring Break gives us an opportunity to spend some additional time with the kids in our community, and we plan to have some fun! During the week of March 21-25, we will make crafts, watch movies, experiment with science, tell stories, and enjoy a fun game of trivia.

Also, we have new Bedtime Stories available, along with Early Literacy videos to help our young ones learn the power of reading and storytelling. There’s nothing quite as special as a good bedtime story; Miss Beth tells stories designed to encourage sweet dreams to our youngest patrons we love so much. Interact with the stories with matching coloring sheets to calm young minds for bed. Once awake and ready to learn, Early Literacy videos introduce preschoolers to the letters of the alphabet and concepts needed to turn stories into reading. Each video has an accompanying printed page to encourage learning.

I would also like to introduce a new service from OPL that will help patrons of all ages! The OPL Academy features tutorials online to help patrons learn about lots of helpful subjects.

Easily navigate the videos to find tutorials about subjects that interest you. Learn about computers, library services, popular online services (social media outlets, Google services, etc.), listen to stories, and much, much more. Many of the tutorials have accompanying text documents to further enhance learning activities. Getting there is easy, too! Simply go to any page on the library’s website and look for the blue tab on the right of the page that says OPL Academy. You can also go directly to https://my.nicheacademy.com/oxfordpl.

Other avenues of literary adventure live on OPL’s website, too! Online escape rooms let you solve puzzles or mysteries with some of your favorite characters. From classic favorites like Sherlock Holmes, The Lord of the Rings, and Narnia to more modern picks like Harry Potter, Hunger Games, and Twilight, join OPL to have some bookish fun.

Visit www.oxfordpl.org/bookishfun for more!

There’s always something going on at OPL! This spring is no exception, and we are getting prepared for an awesome summer, so stay tuned!

Amy E. Henderson Library Director Oxford Public Library

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OXFORD PARKS & RECREATION 2022 STATE TABLE TENNIS TOURNAMENT COMING TO OXFORD, ALABAMA On March 26, 2022, the City of Oxford will be hosting the State Table Tennis Tournament at Friendship Community Center, a sanctioned tournament by USA Table Tennis.

The history of state tournaments for this sport goes back to 1965. State tournaments are hosted by cities with an official club and the facility and equipment for roughly sixty players. With the recent purchase of Joola professional tables, the City of Oxford has landed hosting the event along with North East Alabama Table Tennis Club.

From 2004 to 2019, the state tournament was held at the Physical Fitness Center on the Anniston Army Depot. The state tournament was canceled with the pandemic happening in 2020 and 2021. This year, all the players are eager to get back to the table for competition.

We will have teams from the University of Alabama, Auburn University, UAB, and UAH. There will be players from Mobile, Montgomery, Huntsville, Birmingham, and local area players.

During the week, we have practice sessions at Friendship Community Center on Thursday, starting at 4:30 p.m. and playing till 8:00 p.m. We will start the tournament at 9:00 a.m. on March 26, and play should be finished about 6:00 p.m.

For the state tournament, we have many events a player can register for: Singles, Doubles, Juniors- under age 18, Seniors- over age 40, Women’s and Esquires- over age 60.

The winner of the Singles Open event will hold the title of the Alabama State Champion 2022.

Kip Chappell, the event planner, and Mike Harris, club organizer, have worked hard to plan this event for the City of Oxford.

We hope several spectators will be on hand to watch this event to see how talented these players are around the state.

Questions regarding the state tournament or regular weekly practices, please contact: Kip Chappell kip.chappell@oxfordal.gov or Mike Harris 238mikes@gmail.com

Mike Harris, club organizer, and Kip Chappell, event planner

BY MICHAEL HARRIS 32

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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!

• Construction activities along Leon Smith Parkway from the I-20 interchange southward to Choccolocco Park have begun. This project will include additional lanes and bridge widening on the two bridges just south of the Oxford Exchange. Leon Smith Parkway will remain open to traffic during construction but require caution while traversing the corridor. We anticipate construction to be completed in approximately 18 months.

• The construction plan for turning lane additions and widening of the intersection at Barry Street and Highway 78 should begin in late summer 2022.

Our leaf vacuum curbside service will soon end for the season. Our Leaf Vac Trucks run from November through April 1. Beginning April 1st, 2022, 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 pick up 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 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’ lengths or smaller) • Household items (excluding items listed) These items must be separated and collected by different trucks due to our landfill license requirements and disposed of in different locations.

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

• Chemicals or containers • Liquids • Paint cans • Tires • Trees cut by tree service • Light bulbs • Treated lumber • Tree stumps • Tree trunks Make arrangements to dispose of any non-pick-up items to one of these other locations. The Calhoun County Landfill is located at 3625 Morrisville Road, Anniston, (256-236-2411) or Three Corners Regional Landfill located at 2205 County Road 6 Piedmont, (256-447-1881).

All above is to comply with ADEM’s permit issued to the City of Oxford. If you have any questions, call the Department of Public Works at 256-835-6124 Monday - Friday, 6:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

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, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Sincerely,

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

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Dear Patrons, We have an exciting slate of artists headed to our stage. Stay tuned to oxfordpac.org along with our social media pages for the most up-to-date information about our great line-up of shows. Below you will find highlights from each of our seven series of performances.

Enjoy learning more about these artists and consider joining us soon at your Oxford Performing Arts Center.

THE VERONA QUARTET Presented as part of the COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST ALABAMA Chamber Music Series February 27, 2022 Acclaimed for its “bold interpretive strength, robust characterization, and commanding resonance” (Calgary Herald), the Verona Quartet has firmly established itself amongst the most distinguished ensembles on the chamber music scene today. The group’s singular sense of purpose most recently earned them Chamber Music America’s coveted 2020 Cleveland Quartet Award and a reputation as an “outstanding ensemble… cohesive yet full of temperament” (The New York Times). The Verona Quartet has appeared across four continents, enchanting audiences at Carnegie Hall and Lincoln Center. The ensemble’s “thoughtful, impressive” (Cleveland Classical) performances emanate from the spirit of storytelling, and the name “Verona” pays tribute to William Shakespeare, one of the greatest storytellers of all time.

THE QUEEN’S CARTOONISTS Presented as part of the POTTS CHILDREN’S THEATRE SERIES March 1, 2022 The Queen’s Cartoonists play music from classic cartoons and contemporary animation, synchronized to video projections of the original films. Their virtuoso, multi-instrumental performance is filled with laughter and mayhem. The band is on a musical mission of equal parts performance, preservation, and education, with many comedic anecdotes about the cartoons and their composers. Expect the unexpected from this repertoire that includes the Golden Age of animation, cartoon classics, modern animation, and elements of a musical circus! The Queen’s Cartoonists (from Queens, New York) are world-class professional musicians who have brought their unique sound to performing arts centers in over 20 states

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in just six years. See for yourself why their unique talent has propelled them to be the opening act for the New York Philharmonic and has earned them national recognition in The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Mashable, and on NPR.

FIFTY MORE YEARS OF ROCK & ROLL Presented as part of the EDWARD JONES LEGENDS SERIES March 3, 2022 With a cast consisting of both stars from Broadway’s greatest rock musicals and incredible Rock and Roll singers, Neil Berg shares the often unknown stories from the fifty-year history of the music that changed the world forever! From the progenitors of Rock and Roll in the 1940s, through the glory years of the ’50s, ’60s, and ’70s, up until MTV in the early ’80s, Neil Berg’s 50 Years of Rock & Roll uses fascinating stories and groundbreaking music, with tributes to such important and iconic rock stars/groups/genres as Chuck Berry, Little Richard, Elvis Presley, Ray Charles, Buddy Holly, Bob Dylan, Frankie Valli, The Beatles, Beach Boys, Motown, Aretha Franklin, The Who, Janis Joplin, Woodstock, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Stevie Wonder, Billy Joel, Aerosmith, Linda Ronstadt, Bruce Springsteen, Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, Disco, New Wave, Journey, and others!

SOUTH PACIFIC, THE BROADWAY MUSICAL Presented as part of the NOBLEBANK & TRUST BROADWAY SERIES March 10, 2022 On a South Pacific island during World War II, Ensign Nellie Forbush, a spunky gal from Arkansas, falls in love with French planter Emile de Becque and confronts and conquers prejudice in the face of war. Based on Tales of the South Pacific, James Michener’s collection of short stories, South Pacific opened on Broadway at the Majestic Theatre on April 7, 1949, starring Mary Martin. South Pacific received the 1950 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, and for the first time, the committee included a composer in the drama prize. The show received ten Tony Awards (including Best Musical), a Grammy Award, and countless other accolades.

THE SOUNDS OF STAGE & SCREEN WITH THE ATLANTA POPS ORCHESTRA Presented as part of the BERNARDI FAMILY POPS SERIES April 10, 2022 Join The Atlanta Pops Orchestra and conductor Jason Altieri for an evening of the best music from the cinema, stage, and small screen, past and present. The Atlanta Pops Orchestra walks you down the great white way, into the cinema, and straight to your living room’s small screen with your favorite movie themes, TV scores, and musicals; highlighting the popular Marvel Movie Series from Atlanta’s own booming film industry.

PHONE 256-241-3322 • ONLINE OXFORDPAC.ORG

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CHRIS JANSON Presented as part of the WEBB CONCRETE & BUILDING MATERIALS COUNTRY SERIES April 15, 2022 Breakout country music star Chris Janson is a platinum-selling recording artist, high-octane entertainer, multi-instrumentalist, and award-winning singer/songwriter who Bobby Bones has named among the greatest six live performers in country music. The ACM Award-winner has collected prestigious accolades that place him amongst country music greats. Both his inspiring hit “Drunk Girl” and his chart-topping, 3x Platinum smash “Buy Me A Boat” were named among NSAI’s “Ten Songs I Wish I’d Written” lists – making Janson one in a handful of the industry’s most elite artists to earn the title multiple times. “Good Vibes,” the flagship single from his 2019 album Real Friends, and follow-up “Done” each topped the country charts, bringing his total of No. 1 songs to four – and now the hit-maker is entering a new chapter with “Bye Mom.”

DON FELDER Presented as part of the REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER CONCERT SERIES April 23, 2022 Famously the songwriter of the international smash hit “Hotel California” and an inductee in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Don Felder will rock OPAC with his musical talents.

Following nearly thirty years as a lead guitarist with the Eagles, he has toured with rock bands (and former OPAC headliners) Styx, Foreigner, and REO Speedwagon. His music helped craft the feel of dozens of movies, and he contributed solo tracks on Fast Times at Ridgemont High, The Big Lebowski, and Heavy Metal. He has also been a guest performer on albums including the Bee Gees’ Living Eyes, Stevie Nicks’ Bella Donna and Wild Heart, Diana Ross’ Eaten Alive, Bob Seger’s Distance, Joe Walsh’s There Goes the Neighborhood and You Bought It, You Name It, and Robin Zander’s eponymous release. Lately touring with his own group, the Don Felder Band, his recent albums include Airborne, Road to Forever, and American Rock’ n’ Roll.

This will be a night to remember!

We hope to see you at the show!

John Longshore Executive Director Oxford Performing Arts Center

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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 4:00 p.m.

Purchase at the door beginning 90 minutes prior to most ticketed events.

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EASTABOGA CREEK WATERSHED A Project of Partnerships What is the Eastaboga Creek Watershed Project?

The Eastaboga Creek Nonpoint Source Project will launch this year to establish environmental practices to protect Eastaboga Creek and the lower Choccolocco Creek area from non-point source pollution.

What is Nonpoint Source Pollution?

Non-point source pollution (NPS) is generated when water moves over land then picks up sediment and other pollutants that are eventually deposited into nearby waterways. Non-point source (NPS) pollution can potentially be harmful to drinking water supplies, recreation, fisheries, and wildlife.

Where is the Eastaboga Creek Watershed Project?

The Eastaboga Creek Watershed is located inside the Eastaboga and Bynum communities, and the creek itself is a tributary to Choccolocco Creek. The watershed area lies within Calhoun and Talladega counties, and the creek flows southwesterly for approximately 6 miles, where it then flows into Choccolocco Creek.

The land map of the area is approximately 18,280 acres and includes both urban and agricultural lands.

What conservation assistance is available?

The project is a partnership to advance conservation efforts in the surrounding communities.

The Choccolocco Creek Watershed Conservancy District will implement conservation plans for landowners, and these plans will address environmental concerns. Conservation partners will provide additional funds, technical assistance, and educational workshops that will be available to area residents.

Cost-share assistance for conservation practices is available for landowners in this watershed area.

Practices eligible for cost-assistance include: • Grass planting for erosion control • Cross fencing for rotational animal grazing • Streambank protection / planting • Alternative water source for livestock • Septic tank pump-out assistance What are the project goals?

The goal is to reduce the effects of pollution and to improve water quality in Eastaboga Creek, a tributary to Choccolocco Creek. Combined with other efforts, this program will assist the watershed in maintaining water quality standards for the Fish & Wildlife use classification. This venture has all the key components for success: partnership funding, landowner participation, and environmental education for the entire community.

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Who are the partners?

Partners include Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Choccolocco Creek Watershed Conservancy District, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service, Calhoun County Soil & Water Conservation District, City of Oxford, and Eastman.

How do I apply?

For more information about this project or to apply for conservation practices, please contact our office: Choccolocco Creek Watershed 428 Main Street, Oxford, AL 36203 or 1413 Hillyer Robinson Industrial Parkway, Anniston, AL 256-835-7821, Ext 3 www.choccoloccocreek.org

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Oxford Parks and Recreation had another successful youth basketball season. With record participation, 27 teams with kids from Kindergarten to 6th grade were able to practice and play from December to February.

For more information on PARD sports, go to oxfordal.gov or visit us on Facebook at “Oxford Parks and Recreation”

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256-241-4311

The City of Oxford, Alabama

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Julio Barreto Director of Music Education, Oxford Performing Arts Center

Photographer: CJ Foster

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THE AMERICAN DREAM MADE MUSIC

THE KID WHO PLAYS THE PIANO In Entre Rios, Argentina, Julio was born into a working-class family with very few resources.

He began his music studies at the age of 5, supported by his parents, Julio Sr. and Ana Maria, who got their child a small 5-octave keyboard for Christmas. He became obsessed with those black and white keys, immersing himself in the world of sounds. Both parents became aware of the young child’s exceptional musical skills and soon found a piano teacher to help him develop his abilities and natural talent.

Like many children his age, Julio went to school and played basketball with his friends from the neighborhood. All the while his passion for the instrument, hard work, and discipline led him to start his professional career as a keyboardist and pianist at the age of nine. He performed a vast music repertoire, including Jazz, Rock/Pop, Latin, and Argentine music. While accompanied and protected by his father, Julio began working in luxury hotels as a piano bar entertainer on weekend nights and at weddings.

Before turning 15, Julio had already built a reputation as a professional musician. He was hired as a session pianist and keyboardist in recording studios, musical theater productions, and performances, becoming one of the most relevant musicians in his state. The vast and rich culture of Latin American music, especially Argentine music, nourished and endowed Julio with a broad and diverse musical background during all these years. He developed skills as an arranger, composer, and improviser, which primed him internationally for the future.

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When Julio turned 16, he fell in love with American jazz music and classical composers such as Chopin, Rachmaninov, and Bach. He realized that to interpret and access this repertoire, he would need the guidance of a teacher. He needed someone who would provide him with the tools to access a technically, stylistically, and interpretively challenging corpus of music. With this motivation, Julio prepared an audition for the prestigious classical pianist and educator, Graciela Reca (a pianist who has played alongside classical music legends such as Martha Argerich). He was fortunate enough to be accepted among her select group of students. He became her disciple for ten years while he began his formal studies of classical music at the Universidad Nacional del Litoral in Argentina.

Julio graduated from UNL, earning a degree in Classical Piano Performance. Two months after obtaining his degree, he applied for and received a full-time position as a faculty member in the piano department of his alma mater. He also served as Director of School Extension and Outreach, organizing 140 concerts, 69 conferences, 61 workshops and masterclasses, and a dozen music festivals. In addition, he served as a piano accompanist for the Choral Institute of Santa Fe School of Music and taught piano at Isidro Maiztegui School of Music (Argentina). At the same time, he worked as a pianist and arranger for “Santa Fe Jazz Ensemble” Big Band, the group “Picante Latin Jazz,” and produced music for radio and TV. These experiences led him to meet academics, professional musicians, performers, and producers, enriching his knowledge thanks to the collaborative work with these colleagues and friends worldwide.

THE AMERICAN DREAM Julio explains, “The United States is the first country of choice for all those people like me, who were born in developing countries, and who desire to achieve their personal dreams and professional goals. Anyone who commits to pursuing the best version of himself can achieve anything in America. This country has shown me from the very beginning that everything is possible with patience, perseverance, effort, and discipline. I thank God every morning for the enormous blessing of being able to wake up in this wonderful place to pursue a meaningful life and help other people like me to fulfill their dreams and goals.”

From an early age, Julio was always fascinated by art, music, and American culture. He learned to speak English by listening to American music and movies. Julio became a highly respected jazz musician, learning to play the style and improvise on his own by listening to the big names in American jazz. His biggest dream was to graduate from one of the most prestigious music schools in the world, The Berklee College of Music (Boston, MA). He wanted to start a career in the US, reach his full potential as an artist, and provide a more dignified life to his parents.

Julio’s dream came true when he received the Herbie Hancock Celebrity Scholarship in recognition of his academic achievement and earned the Master Certificate in Arranging and Orchestration in 2016. In 2019 he graduated Summa Cum Laude from Berklee College of Music with a Master of Music in Music Production, under the guidance of world-class professionals of today’s music industry such as Susan Rogers (Prince), John Storyk (Jimmi Hendrix), Sean Slade (Lou Reed, Radiohead), Jonathan Wyner (David Bowie, Aerosmith) and David Bendeth (Paramore). He also studied piano and participated in workshops at Berklee

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with Neil Olmstead, Russell Hoffmann, Kevin Harris, Robert Christopherson, Utar Artun, Leo Blanco, and Vladan Milenkovic.

Julio moved to the US permanently in 2018. He worked as Visiting Assistant Professor at Jacksonville State University, teaching Class Piano, applied piano lessons and creating new courses in Latin American Musical Styles and Music Production. Julio also worked as an accompanist for the JSU Civic Chorale, the JSU Chamber Singers, and the JSU Opera Theatre. He states, “During my years in Argentina, I had the opportunity to meet and perform alongside the talented Dr. Tony McCutchen at the International Percussion Festival in Santa Fe. Later, Dr. McCutchen became Music Department Head of JSU and offered me the Visiting Professor position.”

Since arriving in the US, Julio has become part of the community as a pianist for Jacksonville First United Methodist Church (since 2018) and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church of Jacksonville (Since 2019). “I like to joke that I am a Methodist every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., and then I become a gospel music keyboardist from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. worshiping in the tradition and heritage of the Afro-American culture. I feel very blessed to call both churches my family,” Julio shared.

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Julio’s musical tenure includes a wide range of experience as a session musician, composer, arranger, producer, as well as teaching in public and private institutions. His extensive professional experience in musical genres such as classical, jazz, and pop music has allowed him to work with artists such as Paquito D’Rivera, Atlanta Pops Orchestra, David Phelps, Timothy Miller, Chloë Agnew, Jose Davila (Ray Charles and Marc Anthony’s Trombone), John Driskell Hopkins, Sandoval Moreno de Oliveira, Thomas McCutchen, and Nilsinho Amarante.

Numerous times he has been invited as a clinician, performer, and artist-in-residence in different venues and colleges around the US, including the University of North Texas (TX), Jacksonville State University (AL), Texas Woman’s University (TX), Universidad Nacional del Litoral (ARG), Texas Christian University (TX), Concordia University (NE), and Texas A&M University-Commerce (TX) among others. Julio has been an active member of the Music Teachers National Association (MTNA) and the National Association for Music Education (NAfME) since 2021.

Currently, Julio works as Artist-In-Residence for the Atlanta Pops Orchestra (Atlanta, GA), performing, arranging, and writing original music. He is touring and performing with Irish pop singer/songwriter Chloë Agnew (Celtic Woman) as her new pianist and arranger.

JULIO IN OXFORD Julio expresses, “After performing around the US as a pianist and working as a professor for different universities, an opportunity opened for working at the City of Oxford. Mayor Alton Craft, with his motivation and innovation for expanding the arts in our community with not only the Alabama Children’s Museum but also a future School for the Arts, made this possible.

A board member, Cheryl Potts and her husband Greg, who are also OPAC sponsors with The Potts’ Children’s Series, introduced me to the Executive Director John Longshore, who knew me from previous performances at OPAC. John, supported by the mayor’s office, offered me a position as Director of Music Education, to start developing programs that will bring the dream of a School for the Arts to realization.”

Julio’s debut to the Oxford community as an artist and performer was the grand finale for OPAC’s 2021-2022 Season Reveal show last summer. Julio wrote, arranged, and performed an original piece named “1921” with digital technology and five pianos and synthesizers on stage to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the building. He composed a piece that musically illustrated the spirit and style of each decade behind a screen in which the OPAC tech team shared a slide presentation of photographs for each decade. The performance ended with a standing ovation from a packed house, filling the theater with energy which announced that “OPAC was back.”

He said, “After the warm welcome that evening, I focused my time and energy on developing new strategies and ideas to expand the arts in the community. I am thinking of what to do to create opportunities for young people who want to come to this country to pursue their dreams. I know our mayor, city council, OPAC’s Advisory Board, and its Executive Director all have a passion for the arts and children. This motivates all of us to build a legacy for generations.”

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CELEBRATING BOTH CLASSICAL AND JAZZ MUSIC AT THEIR FINEST

RUBATO INTERNATIONAL PIANO COMPETITION The City of Oxford will host its inaugural Rubato International Piano Competition on August 8–13, 2022. The competition will draw young talents, ages 14–26, from Europe, Asia, South America, and prestigious schools, universities, and conservatories around the United States.

This competition will be the first of its kind since it will integrate classical and jazz music at a single event.

The OPAC team had the idea of calling it RUBATO, a musical term that refers to changes in phrasing and tempo in music and is inherent to any musical style, not just classical music, but also jazz and other musical traditions and genres around the world.

The Rubato International Piano Competition (RIPC) will give competitors countless opportunities to expand their professional careers in the international arena. This event will achieve a new level of community engagement with cultural variety and highlight the musical arts.

Competitors, schools, and universities’ engagement will cultivate experiences with international networking opportunities education programs and ignite an exciting passion for piano in our communities.

The competition will be professionally juried by Steinway Hall of Fame artists, experienced judges from the prestigious Van Cliburn International Piano Competition, and renowned artists and professors from universities including Fullerton College, Berklee College of Music, Texas A&M University-Commerce, University of Georgia, and the University of Alabama at Birmingham. These amazing artists are Dr. Janet Landreth, Dr. Yakov Kasman, Dr. Luis Sanchez, James Weidman, Jeremy Siskind, and Nando Michelin.

JAMES WEIDMAN

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JEREMY SISKIND

NANDO MICHELIN

“We expect to engage the community and for young people to be involved with our innovative ‘Audience Favorite’ category. The audience will vote for their favorite artist in each musical style. An award category that no other competition of this kind has offered,” Julio explained.

STEINWAY & SONS: THE “ROLLS ROYCE” OF PIANOS Steinway pianos are considered the best instruments globally by both professional performers and music educators. It is no coincidence that the best and most prestigious auditoriums, theaters, conservatories, and music schools worldwide choose this instrument as their favorite.

These pianos can capture all the nuances of a performance, making every sound that the performer imagines come alive in a perfect communion that exceptionally inspires the pianist.

From Martha Argerich to Yuja Wang, George Gershwin to Brad Mehldau, Cole Porter to Billy Joel, Steinway pianos have been the favorite instrument of many music legends throughout the entire musical spectrum for almost two centuries of history.

“A few months ago, I had the opportunity to contact Steinway & Sons Company,” Julio shared.

“Thanks to Jon McClaran, representative of the brand in the southeast of the US, we arranged for them to be involved with our competition shortly after they visited Oxford. While giving them a tour of the Oxford Performing Arts Center, we had a positive discussion about our competition and other projects for the future. Our new Steinway friends were impressed with our OPAC venue and team, but they were most impressed by our passion for all the projects.”

After that first meeting, Steinway & Sons became the official piano of our competition. They will deliver five of their pianos during the week of our August competition. The young talented competitors will enjoy performing on these elite pianos in their practice rooms as well as the main stage of the show.

Julio expressed, “We truly believe that this event will allow young pianists from other parts of the world to continue their professional and artistic development in the United States of America. The tremendous opportunities provided by this event will open doors for the students traveling from abroad to our great state and for the Oxford community alike. This competition will be a platform which will endure and expand our community’s art appreciation, enriching the lives of all who participate.”

If you want to learn more about the Rubato International Piano Competition and how to be a part, whether a sponsor or volunteer, please visit the website at rubatopiano.org

DR. YAKOV KASMAN

DR. LUIS SANCHEZ

DR. JANET LANDRETH

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THE OXFORD ARTS COUNCIL PRESENTS

OXFORD COMMUNITY CHORUS SPRING CONCERT APRIL 5, 2022 The City of Oxford, The Oxford Performing Arts Center, and the Oxford Arts Council are pleased to announce the Spring Concert of the Oxford Community Chorus. The concert is scheduled for Tuesday, April 5, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. at OPAC. This performance contains popular standards and favorites loved by many people through the decades. It is one of the many activities planned for the city during its 170th birthday celebration this year.

Don Gober serves as Director of the Chorus. Accompanying the Chorus will be a jazz ensemble.

Rehearsals are Tuesday evenings from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. at OPAC. Area vocalists are encouraged and welcomed to be a part of this group.

The Fall Concert is scheduled for November 2022 at the Oxford Performing Arts Center.

2021 Oxford Community Chorus Photographer: CJ Foster 60

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LARRY K. MARTIN The Artist Behind the Paintings HIS PAINTING TECHNIQUES ACHIEVE A DETAILED BUT SUBTLE, REALISTIC

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RENDERING OF WILDLIFE, PEOPLE, AND LANDSCAPES.

As with most self-taught artists, Larry Martin’s painting techniques were developed from years of trial and error (and with plenty of the latter, as he readily points out). Self-taught is neither an insult nor a reason for boasting. As he says, “It simply implies a penchant for doing things the hard way. I don’t highly recommend it to young, aspiring artists since I sometimes describe it as (tongue-in-cheek) ‘being taught by an amateur.’ I do think that the self-taught process of painting offers some great opportunities to add creativity to your work.”

Although Martin’s original paintings can be mistaken for watercolors, almost all are created with acrylic paints and occasional gouache touches. His drawings with graphite pencils are also popular, especially as studies for paintings or as final renderings for the popular “American Characters” series.

IN HIS WORDS—MARTIN DESCRIBES HIS TECHNIQUES: Some of my original acrylic paintings are developed with multiple (as many as 50) thin layers of water-diluted acrylic paints (washes or glazes). The soft effect is achieved by blending the layers with wide (3/4" to 1 ½") flat chisel brushes. Small, finely-pointed round brushes can add exquisite detail, which works naturally with the smooth gradient of paint layers from the flat chisel brushes. It takes many repetitions of alternating broad, then fine brush strokes to complete a painting. Equally important as the brush, canvas, or paint are the brush strokes themselves. It is important to know that, even with only two or three brush types, you can develop as many as twenty to thirty different techniques based on how the brush is applied.

This is not meant to discourage an aspiring artist. It is simply to encourage you to experiment with the infinite possibilities that exist with any brush. In time, you learn to sense your own progression, and it can be exciting to watch your paintings come to life from these unlikely-looking moves. Sometimes, after I’ve been away from an original for a while, I’m pleasantly surprised to see the depth and subtle tones that have culminated into a rather detailed painting.

Paintings have to speak for themselves. I’ve never been inclined to “hard-sell” any painting when observing it with a potential client. The last thing I’d want to do would be to oversell a piece. I’ve been known to undersell, or even “unsell” a few. It’s always a good feeling to observe a viewer becoming ‘tuned-in’ to a painting or drawing, on their own.

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“Maasai Herd” (above) and “Apparition” (below) Both paintings are examples of Martin’s technique that features a small, detailed focal point (the human figures) that stand out from the soft, subtle backgrounds. This provides a simple, pleasing effect for the viewer, with emphasis on the tiny, colorful subject.

Martin is often asked whether he prefers to work on a single painting versus keeping several pieces going, working on each in tandem. “Yes, I like to keep several paintings going at any given time unless there is a firm deadline involved,” Martin answers. “Rotation works well when one tires of looking at the same image or palette for days at a time. In fact, some originals take decades to complete. Yep, a decade is not an exaggeration. I’m working on a piece now that I started about 30 years ago. I pick it up every few years and work on it. Actually, I’m beginning to see an end to the marathon with that painting.”

Over the years, Martin has held art workshops for travelers on the Wren’s Nest’s safaris. He attempted to help others avoid some mistakes and impractical moves that he had taken decades to sort out. Each workshop participant was given a yet-unpublished, partially-complete booklet, “Painting with a Soft Acrylic,” which provides a guide for achieving soft, smooth acrylic paintings while adding realistic detail.

Martin plans to describe many of his multiple brush moves and show their effects when he gets back to writing the little how-to book. © LKM2022, All text and images are protected by copyright.

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CHOCCOLOCCO PARK

“Great park. Amazing view. Amazing track to walk.

Very family-friendly and has a kids play place.”

“Great place to take children fishing or play at the park.”

“This is my favorite place to run! The walking track is perfectly made for the 5K, so you end very close to where you started. It is always clean and I always see at least one friendly employee of the park and know that they are there should I need anything.”

“The water is breathtaking to see especially as the sun is going down.”

“Quiet and peaceful. Especially early in the morning.”

“My brother and I played disc golf, a nice course for beginners. What a gem off the interstate.”

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UPDATE HISTORIC MAIN STREET OXFORD The mission of Historic Main Street Oxford is to bring prosperity and vitality back to our historic downtown, to celebrate our past while keeping an eye on our future.

Historic Main Street Oxford (HMSO) is a department within the City of Oxford and a member of Main Street Alabama and Main Street America. HMSO is an economic and community development organization that focuses on a Four Point Approach strategy of Organization, Promotion, Design, and Economic Vitality. HMSO was established in 2014 to become a Main Street Designated Community. Since then, we have welcomed over fifteen new businesses, successfully implemented a facade improvement grant program, commissioned two murals, received ten Awards of Excellence from Main Street Alabama, and completed a $3 million streetscape renovation. We truly believe that investing in downtown supports local businesses and entrepreneurs, creates jobs for our residents, preserves on-of-a-kind buildings, and creates local assets and additional choices for shopping and entertainment.

Historic Main Street Oxford Board of Directors. Pictured left to right is Robin Leonard, Debbie Nothdurft, Gwen Parrish (President), Hunter Gentry (Director), Jeremy Farr (Vice President), Kristen Bobo, and Haley Helms.

Board members not pictured are Corey McWhorter, Tonikos Vandiber, Ben Stewart, Charlotte Hubbard, Brad Cleghorn, Karen Grammer, Grace Jancsek, and Gerry Lyons.

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2021 YEAR-END REPORT NEW BUSINESS • Stepping Stones to Success Counseling 320 Snow Street, Suite C • Choccolocco Creek Watershed 428 Main Street • Onyx & Opal 502 Main Street

EVENTS • Market on Main • Witches Ride & Walk on Main • Farm to Fork on Main • Trick-or-Treat on Main • Main Street Rivalry 5K Run • Food Truck Friday on Main

FACADE IMPROVEMENT GRANT • Public Investment - $3,349 • Private Investment - $11,197

PROJECTS • “Oxford” Mural • “Legend of Lick Skillet” Historical Marker • Welcome Sign • Halloween Pumpkin

AWARDS • Excellence in Building Design (Non-Historic) The Vine Chiropractic • Main Street Hero Debbie Nothdurft

NEW BOARD MEMBERS • Brad Cleghorn — Southern Girl Coffee Co. • Karen Grammer — The Main Olive • Grace Jancsek — Succ It Up

For updates on upcoming events, please visit our website and Facebook!

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WELCOME TO OXFORD!

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

Oxford Business League

• 256-241-6667 • P.O. Box 3383 • Oxford, AL 36203

GROOME TRANSPORTATION 160 Colonial Drive • 205-719-0469 • Transportation services between Birmingham and Atlanta 68

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ALABAMA TEACHERS CREDIT UNION 2020 U.S. Highway 78 East • 256-831-2112 • Financial and banking services

KIN EXPRESS 1982 U.S. Highway 78 East • 256-654-1333 • Hibachi and sushi food truck OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2022

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MT BEAUTY 1801 US HWY 78 East, Suite B • 256-453-6462 • Salon

ONYX & OPAL BY WESTON GRAY • 502 Main Street • 256-403-2052 • Lifestyle shop featuring clothing, handmade jewelry, accessories, floral, home decor, and locally made goods 70

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Hungry Yet? OUI! Quintard Mall Food Court, 700 Quintard Drive • 256-624-7942 • Restaurant

VIVE SALON & BARBERSHOP 1907 U.S. Highway 78 • 256-403-6767 • Salon and barbershop OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2022

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AUTO CUSTOM CARPETS, INC

TEXAS ROADHOUSE

CALLED COFFEE

STEPPING STONES TO SUCCESS COUNSELING

SERVETECH

BAREFOOT MERCANTILE & CO.

PLANET FITNESS

STOREEASE

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H & H HOME TEAM

BUFF CITY SOAP

REALLY REAL REAL ESTATE

OXFORD GAMING CENTER

SIGN GYPSIES OXFORD

OXFORD STORK LADY

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HUBBARD'S OUT BACK

OXFORD SENIOR CENTER

LEGACY BOTTLING GROUP

GROW PEDIATRIC THERAPY

MILLER FUNERAL HOME - AQUAMATION SERVICES

CHICK-FIL-A

SMOOTHIE KING

GROOME TRANSPORTATION

KIN EXPRESS

VIVE SALON & BARBER SHOP

KATIE BUG BOUTIQUE

DUNKIN'

VA OUTPATIENT CLINIC

PELICAN'S SNOBALLS

ALABAMA TEACHERS CREDIT UNION

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW

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2022

FEBRUARY 25 PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

CELTIC WOMEN — 7:30 pm —

2022

APRIL 23 PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM REGIONAL MEDICAL CENTER

DON FELDER — 7:30 pm — 78

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MARCH 10 PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM NOBLEBANK & TRUST

SOUTH PACIFIC — 7:00 pm —

2022

MARCH 31 PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM NOBLEBANK & TRUST

HAIRSPRAY — 7:00 pm — OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2022

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW

2022

APRIL 15 PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM WEBB CONCRETE & BUILDING MATERIALS

CHRIS JANSON — 7:30 pm —

TO BE ANNOUNCED We are almost ready to announce this artist for the series. We think you will love this major touring artist.

Stay tuned for more details.

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256-241-3322

OXFORDPAC.ORG

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2022

MARCH 25 PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM SHARON & VESTER MARTIN

GET THE LED OUT — 7:30 pm —

2022

APRIL 8 PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM SHARON & VESTER MARTIN

WE’VE ONLY JUST BEGUN THE CARPENTERS REMEMBERED — 7:30 pm — OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2022

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2022

MARCH 1 PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM GREG & CHERYL POTTS

THE QUEEN’S CARTOONIST — 6:00 pm —

2022

MARCH 20 PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM GREG & CHERYL POTTS

PADDINGTON GETS IN A JAM — 6:00 pm —

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2022

APRIL 10 PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM THE BERNARDI FAMILY

THE SOUNDS OF STAGE & SCREEN — 7:00 pm —

2022

MAY 22 PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM THE BERNARDI FAMILY

REMEMBRANCES — 7:00 pm — OXFORD ACCESS MAGAZINE | 2022

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Kentucky Headhunters

Colt Ford

That Golden Girls Show

Scotty McCreery

August 27, 2021

September 16, 2021

October 28, 2021

November 18, 2021

Brass Transit

The Beach Boys

Rudolph

Menopause

November 21, 2021

December 10, 2021

December 14, 2021

February 4, 2022

Black Violin

Vienna Boys Choir

Cameron Carpenter

Mnozil Brass

February 10, 2022

February 12, 2022

March 6, 2022

March 28, 2022

SEASON EXTRAS TICKETS ON SALE NOW OXFORDPAC.ORG

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The Righteous Brothers

Madagascar

April 24, 2022

May 26, 2022

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TICKETS ON SALE NOW

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2022

FEBRUARY 27 PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST ALABAMA

VERONA QUARTET — 7:00 pm —

2022

MARCH 15 PRESENTED WITH SUPPORT FROM COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF NORTHEAST ALABAMA

DOMINIC CHELI — 7:00 pm —

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The First Annual Freedom Fest Car Show was held on July 3, 2021 at the Oxford Civic Center, and raised over four thousand dollars for A League of Our Own and Rainbow Omega.

Mr. Kip Chappell organized the event and has plans for more car shows in 2022.

Photo: Mr. Chappell presented a check to League of Our Own board member, Jordan Turner.

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APRIL 16 SATURDAY AT THE

FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY CENTER

EASTER EGG HUNT Starts at 9:00am!

Bring your own basket Age divisions & prizes for each group For ages 0-12 years old

2930 Friendship Rd, Oxford, AL 36203

(256) 831-2660

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Moving, downsizing, or cleaning out?

Before you have a yard sale, make sure you comply with City Ordinance No. 2017-13 regulating these sales.

The Oxford City Council passed an ordinance on June 13, 2017 regulating yard sales within the city with Ordinance No. 2017-13 (Article XII, Section 26-301 through 26-305). The intent was to minimize the disruption to neighborhoods and to keep individuals from turning yard sales into a sideline business.

Get Your Permit. It’s Free.

Obtain a permit from the City by calling 311, or (256) 241-4311, or you may click on the Oxford 311 icon on the City’s website www.oxfordal.gov.

You will be given an ID number which is your permit number. There is no cost for a yard sale permit.

What You Need To Know: When requesting your permit, please state the date(s) and location of the yard sale.

Signs and the-right-of-way: • Yard sale signs are permitted on private property only.

• No signs are permitted on stop signs or utility poles.

• No signs are permitted in the public right-of-way.

Generally, this is the area between the sidewalk and the curb, but can range from 10ft, to 50ft, to 125ft depending on the location in Oxford.

PUBLIC RIGHT OF WAY

You may hold one yard sale every 30 days, not to exceed six (6) per year.

Each yard sale may last a maximum of four (4) days.

If you do not own the property where you are having the yard sale, you must have written permission from the owner.

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HUMAN TRAFFICKING PROCLAMATION At the January 25th council meeting, the city issued a proclamation designating Oxford as a Trafficking Free Zone, ensuring our community is prepared to recognize signs of human trafficking and know what to do.

In May of 2021, Junior League of Anniston Calhoun President and City of Oxford employee Jaclyn Willis asked the Oxford City Council to take a stand against human trafficking. She also is a volunteer with Trafficking Hope, an anti-human trafficking advocate group. During the May 2021 council meeting, the city committed to implementing processes to become a Trafficking Free Zone. Since that time, Oxford has made great efforts to follow up on its commitment. Every city employee has received Human Trafficking 101: Community Member Certification Training as part of the Trafficking Free Zone program with the U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking.

Currently, the city is providing in-depth training with the help of the Child Trafficking Solutions Project for our first responders and the Parks and Recreation Department staff to be fully equipped when encountering human trafficking situations.

Oxford’s Chief of Police Bill Partridge states, “The East Metro Area Crime Center created the Human Trafficking and Crimes against Children Task Force (HTCC) in early 2021 and has made an impact in Oxford and across the region and state.”

We are proud to announce that this task force has been successful in operations that focused on arresting and prosecuting the trafficking buyers instead of victims.

Willis says, “The Junior League of Anniston-Calhoun along with Trafficking Hope have trained every administrator employed by the Oxford City School System by providing them resources and tools to help recognize

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children that may be vulnerable to human trafficking. We placed awareness signs in many restrooms across the city to educate the public on signs of human trafficking and give potential victims a phone number to call for help.

The Junior League and Trafficking Hope recently sponsored free community awareness events. On January 15, the first annual Human Trafficking Awareness Walk took place at Choccolocco Park. Last week, we organized Removing the Blindfold: A Human Trafficking Information and Resource Fair at the Oxford Civic Center. Removing the Blindfold offered guest speakers from Homeland Security as well as a trafficking survivor. It provided organizations onsite that offer services ranging from mental health, Bible studies, childcare, and other to resources for parents and children in need.”

“I am genuinely honored to work for a city that has chosen to fight against any and all types of human trafficking actively. With tonight’s proclamation to be acknowledged as Trafficking Free Zone, we are one step closer to ‘Demolishing the Demand’ and helping to end human trafficking. What a fantastic way to end Human Trafficking Awareness month and start 2022 with a core motto from the Junior League, ‘We are unstoppable and better together,’” continues Willis.

The City of Oxford is proud of our commitment to work diligently to educate others, ensuring all front-line industries are aware of this issue and how to recognize it.

We applaud the work of Police Chief Bill Partridge and his team at the EMACC for the work they continue to do to put a stop to every type of human trafficking. We also greatly appreciate the passion and hard work by Jaclyn Willis along with the Junior League of Anniston-Calhoun and Trafficking Hope.

City of Oxford Mayor Alton Craft and Junior League of Anniston Calhoun President and City of Oxford employee Jaclyn Willis

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Oxford College Class of 1889 Photo courtesy of Tull Wigley 92

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OXFORDITE OR OXFORDIAN A few months ago, an old acquaintance approached me again with the question, “Are we Oxfordians or Oxfordites?” She stated that her elementary school teacher at Oxford always referred to citizens of Oxford as “Oxfordites.” The year 2022 marks Oxford’s 170th anniversary, so it is only fitting that I research more into this question.

It appears that the earliest reference to “Oxfordite” is from the Anniston Hot Blast in an article published on April 12, 1884. The article tells of an invitation-only event planned at the Noble Opera House for the following Monday evening. The program included a total of 18 dances performed by a variety of guests from Anniston, Jacksonville, Talladega, and even Birmingham and Rome, Georgia. Near the end of the program, “Our Oxfordites” were to perform “Quadrille,” a square dance typically performed by four couples.

It does seem, though, that the term “Oxfordite” faded away after the early 1900s when “Oxfordian” appeared in local papers.

OTHER OXFORDs

Oxford, Alabama, is located centrally between Oxford, Mississippi, and Oxford, Georgia.

Mississippi’s Oxford was founded in 1837. Shortly after in 1839, Georgia’s Oxford was founded. Our Oxford was founded in 1852 and a second time in 1860.

Oxford, Mississippi, was named for the university town of Oxford, England. In 1848, Oxford, Mississippi won the bid to house Mississippi’s first state college, the University of Mississippi. Oxford, Georgia, was originally home to Emory College, founded in 1836 by the Methodist Episcopal Church. Emory College is presently a two-year undergraduate division of Emory University. Though now long gone, our Oxford was once home to the Oxford College, founded in 1867 by Dr. John L. Dodson from the principles and beliefs of the Presbyterian Church.

Other Oxfords throughout the United States include Oxford, Maryland, established in 1683; Oxford, North Carolina, established in 1816; and Oxford, Arkansas, established in 1945. There are also several unincorporated Oxfords located in Florida, Michigan, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

BY HUNTER C. GENTRY

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Oxford was once home to the Oxford College, founded in 1867 by Dr. John L. Dodson from the principles and beliefs of the Presbyterian Church 1899 Oxford College Football Team Photo courtesy of Public Library of Anniston-Calhoun County

OUR OXFORD

The Muscogee Creek Nation has called the Choccolocco Valley home for 12,000 years. In 1540, Hernando de Soto crossed the region on behalf of Spain in search of riches. France claimed the lands in 1699 after successfully establishing settlements at Mobile, New Orleans, and Biloxi. Even though France controlled the area that would later become Oxford, it was still inhabited by the Creek Nation.

England gained possession of the lands after signing the Treaty of Paris at the end of the Seven Years War. In 1789, the entire northern portion of Alabama was owned by Georgia. The lands were given to the federal government in 1802 as part of the Mississippi Territory.

Alabama was admitted to the Union on December 14, 1819. Benton County was incorporated on December 18, 1832 and included present-day Calhoun, Cleburne, and portions of Cherokee and Talladega Counties. At the time of incorporation, the only incorporated towns of Benton County were Jacksonville and White Plains. During the early 1830s, the Snow and Simmons families were two of the first families of European descent to settle among the Creek natives of the area. Snow owned the land south of present-day Choccolocco Street, and Simmons owned the land north of it.

The boundary line separating the lands was a creek that flowed parallel to Spring and Snow Streets.

An early legend recalls that the southern area was called Skace Grease, and the area to the north was called Lick Skillet. Local folklore states that a traveler was passing through and needed a place for rest and food. As he was visiting a local, her suggestion was to “lick the skillet” because they were “skace of grease.”

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Due to an influx of families migrating to the area, a post office needed to be established in the community. The first post office was located at the home of Dudley Snow. In 1849, the post office’s name officially changed from Snow’s Creek to Oxford. On February 7, 1852, the town of Oxford was incorporated by an act of the Alabama State Legislature. Stipulations of the incorporation included a certain number of council members, an intendant (mayor), and the limits appropriated within a certain distance from the male academy. It is not clear if the name Oxford was chosen due to the oxen that were brought to ford the creek or if someone suggested it based on the Oxfords in Mississippi and Georgia or Oxford, England.

After decades of continued growth for Oxford, the city began to annex neighborhoods and communities that had existed since the time Oxford was established.

BYNUM, located west of Oxford, was a community of farms in the early years, including a vast amount of pig farms. Eli Bynum came to Benton County (presently Calhoun County) from Blount County in the 1830s and established a large farm.

EASTABOGA, located west of Oxford on the Talladega and Calhoun County lines, was named McFall until June 23, 1912. Eastaboga is a Muscogee Creek word derived from isti, meaning people, and apoga, meaning dwelling place. It was also referred to as Shakerag. A post office was established there in 1854.

COLDWATER, also located west of Oxford, was established by Chesley Hughes around 1834.

The name is derived from the nearby creek that constantly flows with cold water. A post office was established there in 1879 and originally called Marthadell; the name was changed to Coldwater in 1894. The post office was discontinued in 1907.

DeARMANVILLE, located east of Oxford toward the Choccolocco Valley, was established by John W. DeArman around 1833. It is said that DeArman traded ponies for the land between Oxford and White Plains with Chief Oconee. The area was originally called Center but had to change due to another nearby town with the same name. It was named DeArmersville in 1873 when a post office was established and changed to DeArmanville in 1878.

Oxford’s other unincorporated communities include Boiling Springs, Hicks, Friendship, Knoxville, Lardent, Trinity, and Boozerville. Boiling Springs was named for a continuously flowing spring; a post office was established there in 1846 and discontinued in 1854. Hicks is named for the Hicks family that purchased 100 acres in the area in the 1960s. Friendship is named for the reputation of hospitality in the area. Knoxville is a community of families—specifically, the Knox family. Lardent was named by the railroad for the area between Anniston and Oxford.

Trinity is named for the church and school established in that area. Boozerville, located in the southern portion of Oxford, is named for Judge Simon E. Boozer, who owned the land.

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Pictured from left to right at the dedication for the historical marker of Oxford College are Nannie Smith Whiteside, Ada Thompson Vann, and Rosa Wilson. All three ladies were graduates of Oxford College.

Photo courtesy of Oxford Public Library-Oxford Room Archives

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Cole Champion attends DeArmanville Elementary School. He has been riding for four years and racing for two.

Cole has 10 first-place finishes in his age group. He loves to ride along when his sister has NICA practice for Oxford High School Mountain Biking Team and regularly rides six to eight miles at a time.

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AREA MOUNTAIN BIKING TEAMS RIDE THE FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS ROUTE AT CHOCCOLOCCO PARK The groups present that night were Jacksonville High School Mountain Biking Team, Oxford High School Mountain Biking Team, Donoho High School Mountain Biking Team, and the Cheaha Composite Mountain Biking Team.

Landon Cartwright from the Northeast Alabama Bicycle Association provided a hot chocolate bar for all to enjoy.

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WHY I TEACH OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS TEACHER SPOTLIGHT: MEREDITH BARKLEY

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 MEREDITH BARKLEY, WHO WAS AWARDED

AND RECOGNIZED AS “EMPLOYEE OF THE MONTH” BY THE OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS EDUCATION FOUNDATION.

M

Meredith Barkley teaches Ninth-Grade Biology and Advanced Placement Biology. Her husband, Ryan Barkley, serves as an Assistant Principal at Oxford High School. They have two boys, Grady (12) and Parker (10), who are active in Oxford’s robotics programs, various sports, and Boy Scouts. The family resides in Glencoe and commutes to Oxford each day to be part of the Oxford City School System. Meredith and Ryan were inspired by the district’s commitment to excellence in education and the support of both students and employees. They are happy that their boys get to experience the academic support and extracurricular opportunities Oxford provides.

Meredith attended Gadsden State Community College on athletic (basketball) and academic scholarships. After earning the Presidential Transfer Scholarship, she transferred to Jacksonville State University, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Secondary Science Education.

Meredith continued her education at The University of Alabama and earned a Master’s and Educational Specialist degrees in Secondary Education with a concentration in Biology. She has since earned her National Board Certification in Adolescent and Young Adulthood Science.

We hope you enjoy getting to know her better in the Q&A that follows:

What made you want to become a teacher?

My college major was not a simple selection until a devotional removed the mystery of my purpose in life by helping appropriately detach the concept of purpose from the choice of the “perfect career.” I decided I should focus less on “what” do you want to be, which referenced a career choice, and instead should direct my thought toward “who” do I want to be known as, regardless of my position or employment. The freedom in that moment allowed me to reflect upon people that had significantly impacted my life and were examples of “who” I wanted to be more like. These people were passionate, caring, and tough. These people were superheroes; these people were my teachers and coaches. I grew up in a home with adults I could trust and surrounded by teachers who had also poured their time and energy into me. I wanted to make the most of their investments… Ultimately, my decision to pursue teaching was built out of a desire to pattern my work after my own teachers and coaches, most noticeably Coach John Blackwell, who modeled a life of service that glorified God.

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Teacher Spotlight

What is the most satisfying thing about teaching?

Knowing that you are making a difference in someone’s life is humbling and the most satisfying part of teaching young people. I absolutely love watching students evolve as leaders who take care of others and begin to take ownership of their learning. As a science teacher, I enjoy designing learning experiences for students that help them develop their natural curiosity and learn alongside them as we problem-solve together.

What do you look forward to most at the beginning of each year?

At the start of each year, I look forward to developing new relationships with my students, growing as an educator, and working with my colleagues.

What’s the most challenging part of being a teacher?

The most challenging part of teaching is meeting the diverse needs of my students. Each day, I remind myself to look deeper at my students’ behaviors as clues to their needs and ask God to equip me with the grace needed to patiently guide students in their growth. We, as teachers, constantly multitask while trying to make sure our students are the center of our focus. Adding a global pandemic to this task has been challenging to say the least, but it has strengthened my resolve in the importance of the work we do as educators to support our students.

How do you want former students to remember you?

I want my students to remember me as caring and full of joy. I want them to remember me as a teacher who cared about them, gave them my best, and was genuinely excited to engage with them each day.

What methods do you use each day to bring out the best in students?

Three methods I use to bring out the best in my students include inquiry lab activities, quality questioning, and student-engaged assessment practices. Lab activities are not only a student favorite but provide students with first-hand opportunities to experience science as they make sense of biology topics together. (One of my students’ favorite labs this past semester was investigating the relationship between photosynthesis and respiration with live organisms, including snails and Elodea plants.) Quality questioning has been a system-wide initiative we have collectively committed to using to help students take a more active role as questioners in the learning process and increase the level of engagement and discussion between learners. I have personally committed to using quality questioning to increase students’ use of exploratory questions in my classroom. Student engaged assessment is a variety of practices that position students to become leaders of their own learning. An important aspect of this practice is the use of data with students and student use of proficiency scales to self-assess their understanding against daily learning targets and broader unit goals. These methods support my goal to ensure students are connected to the world around them as they learn how to learn and tap into their curiosities.

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Teacher Spotlight

When you see former students who are now older, what’s one thing they typically say they remember about your classroom?

My former students often say they remember all the hands-on activities and share a memory from a lab experience or field trip.

What are your thoughts on receiving the teacher of the month award?

I am both humbled and excited to represent Oxford High School as one of their teachers of the month.

What groups are you part of?

I have been a member of various professional groups at Oxford High School. I am currently a member of our school’s Continual Improvement Plan team and our Project 2025 team.

I have also served on our school’s Powerful Conversations Network Team, which turned around training to faculty on developing powerful tasks for students. I am also a member of the National Association of Biology Teachers and Alabama’s Science Teacher Association.

Awards/Achievements since coming to Oxford: • Oxford High School Teacher of the Year (2021-2022) • Oxford High School Teacher of the Month (December 2021) • Classroom Instruction Featured in Jackie Walsh’s Book, Empowering Students as Questioners: Skills Strategies, and Structures to Realize the Potential of Every Learner (2021) • Named “Alabama Outstanding Biology Teacher of the Year” by National Biology Teachers Association (2019) Do you have any hobbies?

Our family shares a love for the outdoors and recreational adventures. We enjoy camping, hiking, biking, swimming and have goals to visit as many national parks together as possible.

I enjoy exercising and am currently training for a triathlon sprint event. We also love taking care of our three guinea pigs, Pepper, Pickles, and Pinto.

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OXFORD CITY SCHOOLS

OHS AMBASSADORS: FINDING JOY IN SERVING OTHERS

BY MICHELLE SHELTON Three years ago, I became aware that the Oxford High School Ambassadors needed a sponsor.

At my previous school, I had been the sponsor of the Student Government Association and missed being involved in a service-oriented organization. I offered my services, was given the position, and now sit here with the opportunity to brag on the students who I have had the pleasure of leading for three years.

The OHS Ambassadors service organization consists of students selected through a rigorous application process. Each ambassador has to go through two phases during this process. The first phase requires the student to present a written proposal for a service project idea. The second phase of the process is a panel interview made up of several OHS teachers and led by upper-class Ambassadors. You can imagine that this phase is the one they dread the most.

Once concluded, we welcome our new OHS Ambassadors who are ready to represent our school and community.

Throughout the year, the ambassadors are called upon to serve in various capacities. Four areas of service we can almost always count on are helping with football games; dressing as characters for the Oxford City Schools Education Foundation’s Annual Breakfast with Santa; guiding students and parents during our spring advisement; and leading our upcoming freshmen on a tour of our gorgeous, sprawling OHS campus during the spring of their eighth grade year. In addition to those service opportunities, ambassadors volunteer their time in many other ways and ultimately strive to implement their service project proposal. This year alone, students have served throughout the school and community: • Helping teachers throughout the Oxford City School System prepare their classrooms for the school year • Serving food at the Calhoun County Arc banquet • Distributing candy to children at Trick-or-Treat on Main • Participating in a student panel at OCS’s new hire training • Serving at Farm-to-Fork on Main • Manning tables for Show Hope at the Steven Curtis Chapman concert at the OPAC • Greeting hundreds of people at Oxfordfest Word is getting out that if you need someone to step up to serve the community of Oxford, the Oxford High School Ambassadors do just that.

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BACK ROW: Stephen Wilson, Coby Bonner, Tide Gann, Score Bussey, Nico Gutierrez, JoQuez Shepard, Rylan Houck, Luke Turley, Jack Sprayberry, Hannah Fulmer, Joshua Baker, Katlynn Morrison MIDDLE ROW: Kimara Parki, Sophie Gillilan, Olliyah Kelley, Sydney Jones, Kaleah Taylor, Kinleigh Shaddix, Emma Aderholdt, Sawyer Brooks, Chaci Whitfield, Jaylen Santivasci, Anna Tapley, Lily Kizziah FRONT ROW: Emerson Maniscalco, Hannah Robbins, Megan Warhurst, Celia Lopez, Savannah Helms, Anna Abernathy, Saylor Stroble, Ella Wilson, Celia Maniscalco, Julia Roop, Yaretzi Blancas, Chloey Page, Emily Parrish

This year’s ten seniors have collectively volunteered over 750 hours during their high school careers. Anna Abernathy adds the most to that total, with 95.5 hours served since her freshman year. Rylan Houck joined the Ambassadors as a sophomore and has served 89.7 hours. Also joining as a sophomore, Ella Wilson has volunteered 82.85 hours. And, keep in mind that their senior year is not even over yet. The other seniors have also volunteered many hours over their time as Ambassadors: Coby Bonner, Nico Gutierrez, Emily Parrish, Anna Tapley, Kaleah Taylor, Luke Turley, and Megan Warhurst. In addition, they have led their fellow ambassadors by encouraging them, leading service groups, and making the new Ambassadors feel welcome. I am so very proud of each and every one of them and will miss them desperately next year.

I cannot brag enough about these young people, from the brand new freshmen to the experienced seniors. Many have told me they have learned that joy comes in serving others. I hope that they will continue to serve their communities wherever life may lead them after their time at Oxford High School.

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The Oxford High School Green Power Team spoke with Fox 6 Jeh Jeh Pruitt to promote the Choccolocco Park Green Prix

Left to right: Aiden Peterson, Britt Young, Diya Patel, Sarah Edwards, Ashley Paulson, Lily Kizziah, Bryant McCarney

Below: Connor Heaton and Anna Johnson

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CHOCCOLOCCO GREEN PRIX - GOBLIN CAR RACE 112

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