Opelika Observer 12-09-2020 E-edition

VOL. 13, NO. 10

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

pelika Observer O

“An award-winning publication for local people, by local people.”

Opelika, Alabama

The city of Auburn held it's annual Christmas parade on Sunday.

For more photos from the parade turn to A15.

'Snow Much Fun Opelika' entertains community

Kasey Brown named interim police chief of Opelika Police Department Contributed by the Opelika Police Department

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Snow Much Fun Opelika was held last Saturday following thenon-traditional stationary Christmas parade. Turn to A9 for more photos from the events.

24 years in the making

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

Christmas in a Railroad Town has been a staple in Opelika for 24 years.

“It’s a great family-friendly event,” said Ken Ward, Opelika main street director.

“So we have Santa out there, we have miniature train rides, we have petting zoos, we have all sorts of different activities at the different shops and it’s just a great way for people to come on out and enjoy their community during the holiday season and there’s things for people of all

ages.”

The event this year will need to be altered slightly to comply with COVID-19 restrictions.

“The good thing about this is event is it is mostly outdoors,” Ward said. “So that is something that really benefits us.”

Christmas In A Railroad Town will take place on Dec. 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in downtown Opelika.

Normally, different businesses would set up craft stations or activities inside their shops. But, due to COVID-19 restrictions, businesses are

not encouraged to host activities, Ward said.

Don’t fret — the event will still include activities and crafts.

This year, they will be set up outside where social distancing can be observed.

“It will be just small, little Christmas-related crafts,” Ward said. “So things such as decorating reindeer ornaments with the candy canes.

Just little things like that, that don’t take very much time but are fun ways for children to get involved in the holiday spirit.”

There will be picSee RAILROAD TOWN, page A3

The city of Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller named Assistant Chief Kasey Brown the interim chief of police for the city of Opelika effective Dec. 1, following the retirement of Chief John McEachern.

Brown has been with the department for 26 years and has served in the traffic unit, patrol unit, canine unit and the vice/narcotics unit.

McEachern appointed Brown to the position of assistant chief in 2018.

“The city of Opelika is fortunate to have Assistant Chief Brown step in and take on the role as interim chief,”

KASEY BROWN Fuller said. “I am confident his experience and leadership will serve our community well.”

The city of Opelika is currently searching for a new police chief and has received applications both internally and externally. City officials anticipate hiring a new chief of police by the end of January.

Smiths Station family receives massive gift on The Ellen Show

By Will Fairless Associate Editor Jerwayne and Shawanda Terry, two Smiths Station residents, were featured on The Ellen Show in November. As part of “Ellen’s Hyundai Fundays,” the show recognized and did giveaways to people like the Terrys.

Shawanda was a registered nurse before quitting her job to have time to raise a group of children who were going to be put in emergency

foster care. “We found out about the children being placed in emergency foster care, so I decided to leave my job,” Shawanda said on the show on Nov. 3. “They were trying to separate the kids and put them in different homes, so we said, ‘Absolutely not.’”

Jerwayne, who now works as a firefighter and paramedic, said on the same show, “Basically, I went to work one day and I had two kids. And when I came home from that shift, I had a whole

bunch of kids. That’s basically what it was.”

The Terrys were invited to be on The Ellen Show via a remote video call, although they did not know they were on the show until some time after they saw Ellen DeGeneres on the other end of the call. Shawanda said that she thought they were looking at a photo of the show’s host until she (DeGeneres) addressed the couple directly, at which point the call’s audio had to be See TERRY, page A3

Index OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A4

SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . . . .A7

POLITICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B7

RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A13

PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . B11

COMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A16

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B12

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A2 December 9, 2020

City of Opelika honors Community Market Coordinator Contributed to the Opelika Observer The mayor of Opelika and the Opelika City Council honored Elsie Lott last week with a resolution recognizing her work at the Community Market in Opelika for the last 18 years. Lott is retiring from her position as coordinator of the program.

RESOLUTION Whereas, over the past 18 years, the Community Market located in Opelika, Alabama has proven to be a lifeline for thousands of food insecure citizens of Lee County, and it

is especially critical during the current pandemic and resulting economic downturn; and Whereas, the Community Market, an

outreach program of the Food Bank of East Alabama, last year distributed well over one million pounds of food to 2,772 separate

Opelika Community

households, 38% of which reside within the corporate limits of Opelika; and Whereas, in order for the Community Market to fulfill such a crucial role in the lives of the very low and low income citizens that it serves, it must have effective leadership that is committed to the Community Market’s mission of feeding those who otherwise face the consequences of hunger; and Whereas, in 2002, Elsie Lott joined the staff of the Food Bank of East Alabama as the coordinator of the Community Market, and during that time, she has touched liter-

ally thousands of lives with her kindness, compassion and generous spirit; and Whereas, Elsie was a true friend to everyone she met and that friendship extended to Community Market clients, co-workers and volunteers with whom she was never judgmental and always looked for the good in others; and Whereas, after creating a kind, welcoming and caring culture at the Community Market for the past 18 years, Elsie is now retiring.

Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the City Council of the City of Opelika: 1. Elsie Lott, a

resident of Opelika, is publicly recognized and commended for her enormous contributions to the citizens of Opelika, Auburn and Lee County, ensuring that the food insecure residents of our county did not suffer from the terrible effects of hunger.

2. Elsie will be greatly missed by the clients, the volunteers, her co-workers and indeed the larger community for her devotion to her calling and the feeding of the hungry in our midst.

We wish her the very best in her retirement.

Dated this the 3rd day of December, 2020.

Opelika Kiwanis Club to “ring the bells”

Christmas Celebration this Saturday The Samford Community Outreach group and Pastor Carolyn Morton will host the eighth annual Opelika Community Christmas Celebration on Dec. 12 from noon to 2 p.m. The event will

take place at Christian Care Ministries, which is located at 1000 Samford Court in Opelika.

The Opelika Police and Fire Departments will be in attendance, as will Ward 2 Council-

pelika Observer

O

Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

woman Erica Baker Norris. The public is invited and encouraged to come out and show some Christmas cheer for the holiday season of love and peace with the community coming together.

Photo contributed to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Kiwanis Club will be at the Tiger Town Kroger on Dec. 12, bellringing for the Salvation Army. They plan to man the kettles from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in hopes of breaking their previous record of money collected.

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Publisher: Michelle Key Associate Editors: Will Fairless and Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Wil Crews, Rick Lanier and D. Mark Mitchell

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A3 December 9, 2020

Business Council of Alabama launches initiative to "Keep Alabama Open" Contributed by the Business Council of Alabama The Business Council of Alabama launched the grassroots movement to “Keep Alabama Open.�

The new campaign comes in opposition to recent public calls for a nationwide mandatory shutdown, which would come from the federal government if instituted.

BCA fully supports the state of Alabama’s ability and right to manage its own affairs when it comes to the public health and well-being of its people.

Throughout the pandemic, Alabama business owners and workers have worked diligently to follow state health orders and best practices when it comes to keeping customers and themselves

safe, while continuing to earn a living and support their families.

Gov. Kay Ivey’s administration has proven that the state is perfectly capable and willing to make the tough decisions needed to save lives and livelihoods, utilizing Alabama solutions tailored specifically for our unique situation and needs.

Through Keep Alabama Open, BCA will

unite hardworking Alabamians in the earnest pursuit of protecting jobs and safeguarding self-governance. The message is simple: Alabama is best positioned to make decisions for Alabama. “Nothing is more important to BCA than the safety of hardworking families across Alabama,� said Katie Boyd Britt, president and CEO of the Business Council of Ala-

bama. “As this year has already shown, Alabamians are at their best when overcoming adversity. COVID-19 has stolen lives and destroyed livelihoods across our state, and these next few months will require all of us working together to win this fight. Now is not the time to mandate a nationwide, onesize-fits-all lockdown; instead, we must each renew our personal

commitment to combatting this invisible enemy in order to safely and responsibly Keep Alabama Open.

BCA commends Gov. Ivey and her administration for continuing to exercise thoughtful leadership in this unprecedented time.�

BCA encourages Alabamians to follow all health guidelines and orders. COVID-19 See COUNCIL, page A6

Cumberland Plastic Solutions set to expand Contributed by the city of Opelika Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller announced today that an existing Opelika manufacturing company — Cumberland Plastic Solutions — will be expanding. “We congratulate

Cumberland Plastic Solutions on this expansion,� said Fuller. “We very much appreciate them and the great jobs they have created here in Opelika.�

Cumberland will be adding a major addition to its existing

facility, which will increase its manufacturing capabilities.

Cumberland Plastics is widely recognized as a leading supplier of value-added injection molded plastic parts and assemblies.

Some of the industry sectors it serves include

Auburn businesses win at Alabama Small Business Awards Contributed by the Auburn Chamber of Commerce Four Auburn businesses were finalists at the Alabama Small Business Awards, and two of those businesses landed in the top three.

Awards were presented in the following categories: Emerging (operating less than 5 years), 1-10 employees, 11-50 employees and 51-100 employees.

Lucy’s, which was nominated in the Emerging category, was awarded the highest honor as the gold recipient.

Niffer’s Place, which

RAILROAD TOWN>> FROM A1

tures with Santa, too, though from a distance, he said. “You’ll be distanced during the part and be having to wear your

automotive, recreation, lawn and garden, agriculture and general industrial/commercial.

Cumberland will invest an additional $2.6 million in capital and create 10 new jobs at the completion of this new expansion.

Cumberland is a local-

ly-owned and operated company that has found great success competing in the global marketplace. “It is always great when an existing industry announces an expansion and is continuing to invest in our community,� said

the city of Opelika Economic Development Director Lori Huguley.

For more information, contact John Sweatman, economic development project manager for the city of Opelika, at 334705-5115.

SMITHS >>

children, that to do so during hectic times in the children’s lives is the Terrys’ calling.

To provide for his growing family, Jerwayne works as a firefighter, paramedic and teaches on the side. “We see him maybe once or twice a week,� Shawanda said.

After the Terrys told their story, DeGeneres revealed a massive gift box and invited the Terrys to come to the studio to open it. The Ellen Show provided the suitcases, the tickets for the children’s first plane ride and for all other expenses as the family made the trip to Los Angeles for the Nov. 11 show.

On that show, Shawanda said, “It means a lot.

It was just amazing, and we’re just so grateful.

We're so appreciative, and our hearts are so full of gratitude. We

couldn’t thank you enough.�

That outpouring of gratitude came before the Terrys’ gift from the show was revealed to them. The gift that required such an enormous box was a new Hyundai Palisade, the revelation of which produced a nine-person fit of excitement that must have been a nightmare for the show’s sound engineer.

A second wave of excitement was unleashed when DeGeneres opened the car’s trunk to reveal $50,000 in cash. “We’re just so happy we found out about y’all because you’re such an amazing family,� DeGeneres said.

To see the Terrys’ Nov. 3 appearance on the show, go to www. ellentube.com/video/ firefighter-and-familyopen-a-huge-life-changing-gift.html

“I think it’s really important to have this event during this time because the holiday season is a time for joy, happiness and to get together with friends and family and I think this has been a very difficult year for anybody in our community and so I think

we need the holiday season this year more than ever,� he said. “And it will be a great way to get together with members of the community in a safe and socially-distanced way while also enjoying all the beautiful decorations in our downtown.�

FROM A1

was nominated in the 51-100 employees category, was the silver award winner.

Hornsby Farms (1-10 employees) and Tacorita (11-50 employees) were both finalists in their respective categories.

Businesses were judged based on leadership and community support, chamber involvement and business success.

This past spring, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce invited the community to submit businesses in the four categories for the chamber’s Best of Small Business awards.

The top nominees were then presented for a community-wide vote. The Auburn Chamber then submitted the winners of each category to the Alabama Small Business Awards, which are presented by the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA).

The awards were announced at the Business Council of Alabama and CCAA’s annual meeting, which was held virtually on Friday, Dec. 4. Additionally, the winners of each category will be recognized at the Auburn Chamber annual meeting.

muted due to a prolonged outburst from the two long-time fans.

The Terrys have, since that initial adoption, become licensed foster parents so they could take in children in addition to their existing seven and an expected eighth. “It’s a big need, there’s a lot of kids that are homeless,� Jerwayne said. “Basically we want to be able to give back and give kids a home and surround them with love and give them something they are missing. They’re going through a rough time in their lives, and we want to give them that.�

Shawanda added that the couple feels blessed to be able to provide some stability to the

masks, which will, I think, be a good reminder of this year when you look back on it,� Ward said.

A live nativity scene will likely replace the annual petting zoo, too.

Christmas movies will play on a loop at Courthouse Square.

If that wasn’t enough,

there will be live music.

The event helps to support the restaurants and shops in downtown Opelika too. “We’re eliminating most of our outside food vendors here so that there’s not lots of long lines and things like that,� Ward said. “And to try to get

people to try and go toward our downtown restaurants and businesses, as well, during this time.�

Although businesses won’t host craft stations, Ward still encourages patrons to visit and maybe do some Christmas shopping.

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A4 December 9, 2020

T

is the season of traditions.

Like the cutting of the Christmas tree.

We lived out in the “country” — not as far out in the country as a lot of other folks, but far enough out that I had access to acres of woodland where potential Christmas trees grew.

Our family tradition involved me finding a tree, cutting it down and bringing it in.

In the fall when I was hunting, I would look for a likely cedar — our Christmas trees were always cedars.

Cedars were always found along old fence rows, and since much of the land I hunted had once been fenced

T

he human spirit of work and creativity in East Alabama is growing beyond measure and expectation. We are a community that has become driven by small business and entrepreneurs of all makes, models and sizes. The once small space I remember from childhood is now vast, and we see new people planting roots and popping up meaningful businesses almost daily, even during COVID-19.

We are a brave force of community that began with small works by locals, decades ago, wanting to create something new.

At the young age of

P

eople always said there would be no tears in this place. When she was still living on Earth, everyone said this. Preachers said it.

Sunday school teachers said it. There were songs written about it.

But she’s here now.

And she definitely sees people nearby who are having some tearful reunions. Interesting.

What a beautiful place, this heaven. It looks like a scene too grand for Hollywood to produce. Nobody could capture this. It would be like trying to fit the glory of Hawaii into a single postage stamp. And, hey, Hawaii looks like a municipal landfill compared to these digs.

She’s been imagining heaven ever since she lost her husband.

She hasn’t seen him in 30-some years.

When she first met him, she was a girl. It was World War II. He was skinny, handsome and his smile was 2,300 watts. It was a

Traditions and farmed, abandoned fence rows crisscrossed the property.

When I came across a likely candidate, I made a mental note of the location and about a week before Christmas I cut it down and lugged it out.

I also kept an eye out for mistletoe, which I would shoot out of the tree. Some folks shot it and sold it, but with my accuracy I would have spent more on shells than I would have earned from sales.

When the tree was in place, out would come the ornaments and lights — some predating my birth (and maybe Jesus’). On they would go in no particular order. Add a wreath here and there and the

By Hardy Jackson decorating was done.

A couple of days after Santa’s visit, we took off the ornaments and the tree went to the gully.

Tradition.

Another tradition was the annual trip to my Grandma Minnie’s.

Now, I liked Grandma Minnie. Daddy’s Mama. She was an

artist, a political junkie and a matriarch.

Most of these trips have blurred over time, except for one.

It was the Christmas after I turned twelve.

At home we rose early, unwrapped our presents, thanked everyone for what we had been given, put the presents away, loaded into the car and set out on the boring three hour journey to my father’s family home in the suburbs of Slapout Alabama (not on most maps, but you can Google it if you are curious, which you probably aren’t).

When we arrived, my Daddy immediately joined his brother and sisters and their spouses in the traditional

making and testing of the eggnog — a concoction that my brother, cousins and I were allowed to sample only in its non-alcoholic state. Since Christmas “dinner” was a mid-afternoon affair, by the time the turkey and trimmings were on the table, the adults were full of cheer and none too steady.

It was at that point that Grandma Minnie announced that a new family tradition would begin that very day.

Calling me up from the children’s table, she announced that since I was her oldest grandchild, I would carve the turkey.

She handed me a carving knife and a large fork and told me

to have at it.

I had never carved anything before, much less something as large and complex as a turkey, but full of myself and the honor bestowed on me, I went to work.

Though everyone applauded my effort, looking back I feel certain that the only person who did more damage to the bird than I did was the person who killed it.

As my reward, I got a drumstick.

Tradition.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is retired Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail.com.

Donna Young 31, Donna Young was pregnant, remodeling a house in Waverly, and was presented with a building in downtown Auburn. “It’s a really cool space, it’s big and two stories…” her friends told her. Donna had no real desire to start up something new. She had never been in retail and had no college business degree, yet she saw a space to offer something new.

“The whole store was to be an art experience, the music, the visuals…the space was big, and we didn’t want a name that was too definite,” she said.

“We wanted something with possibility. Art is

displayed behind glass and along with the big front window, we just picked it up, Behind the Glass, and it has evolved to whatever is seen behind there.”

Thirty-three years later, the iconic boutique, Behind the Glass, is thriving. Its lovely displays seen behind the large glass window continue to carry style and a visual appeal that speaks to all who pass by the endeavor of humble hard work and commitment to learn and grow in community.

Before graduating Auburn University as an Art and English major, Donna Young imagined she would

By Bradley Robertson move to a big city like New York to pursue life. On the contrary, Donna married just before finishing school and together the

couple decided to stay local and create whatever kind of business they could in Auburn.

“We both had that entrepreneurial spirit,” Donna said. “When my husband said we need to open a business, I was like ‘are you kidding me, I’m six months pregnant and we’re finishing a house’. We also didn’t have much money.

It was pretty scary because there wasn’t much in downtown Auburn. I got talked into it and we came up with the idea of a café to support the arts.”

Donna was in charge of the retail side of the business, sourcing books, art, gifts and

home décor, and her husband at the time was in charge of the café.

“We really had no idea,” Donna said.

“But Auburn took us really well. People were hungry for it. The merchandise we just adapted as we went along, and people loved the Café and loved the food.

It was different than what anyone else had and [people] loved the atmosphere. Back then we didn’t have all these locally owned restaurants like we have now, so people appreciated it. It was like a meeting place, See ROBERTSON, page A5

The Newest Arrival big dance. She wore a nice dress. The band started playing something uptempo and the young man asked if she would do him the honor. He presented his hand. She took it.

Her first words to the gentleman were, “Can you Jitterbug?”

He laughed. “Can I? You’d better believe it.”

That man. That beautiful man. They were married forever.

Then he died and left her alone. After his funeral she spent the rest of her life wondering about this divine realm.

Now she stands in a single-file line of souls, they are all waiting to get in the gates.

Funny. People on Earth used to call them “pearly gates.” And she always assumed they would look like the entrance to one of those snobby private neighborhoods. The kind with the golf courses, fitness centers, and electric carts.

But these gates are made of marbled light.

By Sean Dietrich The actually glow.

Something else she never realized was how dark Earth is compared to the brightness of heaven.

Although it does make sense when you think about it. Earth is only lit by a distant ball of hydrogen and helium that floats 91.766 million miles away in outer space. Which is like trying to illuminate Cleveland by using a single flashlight.

Ah, but this place.

It puts the Earth to shame. Not just the scenery. Although certainly, it’s pretty here — it looks like Yosemite on steroids.

But there is something

else. The people. They look more at ease.

More rested somehow.

Then it dawns on her. Life on Earth was never about rest.

It wasn’t about ease, either. It was about survival. That’s what our species does.

From the moment we are born we’re programmed to survive. Breathe. Eat. Drink. Make children.

Jockey for a good position. Win, baby, win.

Trudge. Labor. Eke. Fight. Scrape. Fuss, fuss. Work, work.

Humans are incapable of understanding life without this struggle. Our minds are not ready. It would

be like a duck trying to comprehend the rules of Scrabble. We never stop straining.

Our heart never takes a break from beating.

Our brain always fires.

We blink 19,200 times per day, for crying out loud.

But in this place there is no effort. No labor. No earning a living, no doing dishes, no laundry.

There is no money to be made. No lack. No hunger. Thus, there is no anger, avarice, pride or daytime television.

And even though she was vaguely aware of all this ooey-gooey love on Earth, now she’s INSIDE it. It’s no longer a concept here. It’s real. It’s the difference between looking at a postcard of the Great Barrier Reef, versus swimming through it as an anemone-fish.

Here, sounds are sharper. Smells are so thick they swallow you. Her vision is so crystalline that she can see for 10,000 miles.

Which is how she is

able to see him.

There he is.

Oh, dear.

She recognizes him right away. Even though he’s far off she sees him standing near the gate, hands in his pockets, like he’s waiting for someone.

Look at him. He’s as handsome as he always was. She’s been living without him for a lifetime. She never remarried because, why would she? He was everything to her.

He had always been everything. And she had missed him something awful.

All of a sudden emotion takes over. She can’t control herself.

She breaks away from the long single-file line of souls. Now she is running toward him — which is probably against celestial rules, but she doesn’t care.

She’s been waiting a long time for this.

She notices that her knees don’t hurt, her hips feel brand new and her feet aren’t aching. Mid-stride her See DIETRICH, page A5

A5 December 9, 2020

Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System to open additional clinic in Columbus Contributed by Central Alabama VA A new veterans outpatient clinic will open in downtown Columbus at 2100 Comer Ave. in Columbus, Georgia, in the spring of 2021.

This clinic will be an addition to the existing Community Based Outpatient Clinic at 1310 13th Ave., which will be replaced by a $64 million state-of-art VA clinic expected to be completed in late 2022.

The Columbus Downtown VA Clinic will be approximately 10,000 square feet and include 24 exam rooms/offices and one minor procedure room. The new clinic will also offer five consult treatment

ROBERTSON

>>

FROM A4

with different ages.

That’s what I really missed when we closed the café, that community spirit.”

Although the initial idea of art didn’t make much money, it was the art that gave the store its character and made the space into an experience. “Art was always changing, so that kept it interesting.

That’s always been the part that I liked the most, the visual and the atmosphere.”

Eventually, the retail side took much higher sales than the café, so the café was closed sometime in the late ‘90s to become the full retail space that Behind the Glass is today. The home décor and art became less and less, but the fashions and styles that hold the roots of the business today grew and grew.

“Honestly, when we started selling clothes, I didn’t even know what was in style,” Donna said. “I’d been living out in Waverly, gardening and wearing the same old clothes. It was a learning curve…I always wanted it to be eclectic and different. I had traveled to New York, so I knew I wanted it to be more like a big city store. I wanted it to have more of that cosmopolitan feel.”

DIETRICH >> FROM A4

hair begins changing from coarse silver into flaxen. Her eyes become younger until they are like a baby’s.

Her figure changes.

Soon, she is lean and lithe, like a little bird.

Like a teenager.

He’s only a few feet away now. He sees her running like a fugitive

Auburn moves forward during pandemic

rooms and 12 administrative areas for homebased primary care and HUD-VASH program staff.

The downtown clinic will provide access to the following services: • Home-based primary care • Homeless Patient Aligned Care Team (H-PACT) • Housing & Urban Development/VA Supportive Housing (HUDVASH) services for homeless veterans • Laboratory blood draws/specimen collection (laboratory courier services will be utilized to process specimens) • Telehealth services • Visiting subspecialists The Fort Benning VA

Clinic will continue to provide primary care services to our veterans, ensuring maximum care opportunities. Additionally, VA offers a comprehensive set of travel and transportation programs for veterans.

“The Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System will continue to improve health care access and quality, making it easier for Veterans to get the care they need and deserve,” said Health System Director Amir Farooqi.

Updates regarding clinic operations will be available at www. centralalabama@ va.gov or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/ VACentralAlabama.

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders delivered the second annual state of the city address in November and discussed how Auburn has responded to the coronavirus pandemic.

The city streamed the address live because it was not able to have a normal occupancy in the Jay and Susie Gogue Center, where the event was held.

“Last year I began by telling you how unexpected and challenging 2019 had been for the city of Auburn,” Anders said. “I talked about how we came together as a community after the Lee County tornadoes and the tragic loss of a police officer.

Frankly, a year ago I hoped that I would stand before you tonight to talk about the state of the city in a year where things were back to normal. But 2020 has been anything but normal.”

Anders honored those whom the community lost, including Lee County Commissioner Johnny Lawrence, former Auburn Head Coach Pat Dye and Medal of Honor recipient Bennie Adkins.

“We’ve all been affected by this virus,” he said. “I’ve only named a few of the many who have been ill or lost among us. The Alabama Department of Health currently reports 65 confirmed deaths from COVID-19 in Lee County so far. My condolences to all of you

Opening the store and taking big steps allowed Donna to grow in business and people skills, but she said the greatest growth was in herself.

“I remember in the beginning I didn’t even like to call people and I quickly got over that,” she said. “When you have a business there are like 20 million things that need to be done. You have to learn to prioritize, especially if you have a family and children.

I learned early on to let go. Having young children helped me a lot, even though it was stressful to balance, I had to leave, I had to go home, I had to trust people to manage it when I wasn’t there…I didn’t know what I was doing starting out, but it’s all helped me to be more confident in myself.”

Donna’s growth in skill and work moved seamlessly alongside her curiosity in fashion and style. These strings together are what took Donna from a young, new entrepreneur into the woman of leadership and success she is today.

“With fashion, we’re still always trying to figure out, ‘Where is it going, what are people wearing, why are people picking this or that?’ I learned to keep up,” Donna said.

“Fashion is something that never sits still. It was true then and it’s

true now. Clothes are really important for women. Clothes are something that make you feel like you can be yourself, be who you are and do your job or your life with confidence.”

Donna said that fashion is more about wearing items that make someone feel good than having styles speak for themselves.

“You wear the clothes not the clothes wear you, and then you can accessorize it and add on different things to give it personality. I feel like getting dressed and picking out your clothes should be fun,” Donna said. “We like to encourage women to step out of their comfort zone and try new things to find their own style… that’s what the experience of shopping in person should be about. You don’t have to go with your safe choice, you can try something that you would never try on and you may be surprised!”

Donna has shaped Behind the Glass to offer a variety of attire that can be fit for the youngest lady looking for something trendy, or for wardrobe basics that are timeless and can work for years to come.

“It is a big store and there are a lot of choices so it can be overwhelming, and we

don’t want to dictate a certain style. We try to have different kinds of things for different people,” she said. “We have fun little tops for a college girl but we’re also going to have things that work for all ages. A lot of women go shopping and feel bad about themselves, I want [women] to feel that there is something there for them…I hope for them to feel confident. Our style should make us look good, so we can speak for ourselves and be prepared for life.”

In building a wardrobe, Donna encourages younger women to make choices that are not just on-trend but to buy pieces that will last and are practical.

“Simple things like a good black dress that fits really well and you wear it for years.

Or a nice blazer and a good pair of jeans,” she said. “You want things that are a little bit better quality, and things you can wear multiple ways. It’s worth spending a little more money for things that will last.”

Since opening Behind the Glass, Donna has not only seen fashion evolve and move but also the southern woman, and the way in which she has changed through time and style. “[She] is less stereotypically southern. We are more sophisticated and more aware of fashion. It used to be

southern women love color, and that’s still true, but we are not as floral and as bright as we used to be,” Donna said. “There’s more choice. Women are stepping into more roles of power.

Political, governors, senators, congress people, I think that is where we need to be heading. More women are running their own businesses. It’s definitely happening.”

Donna Young wears a kind and humble smile at work and in our community. She has a quiet and generous spirit that speaks volumes to East Alabama in business and in giving back.

“I feel really grateful for the success the business has had,” Donna said, “that it has thrived for all these years. It’s a pleasure being downtown, and I’m proud to be a part of it. I have loved being part of this community and I’m really happy with what I’ve done. It’s afforded me a lot of privileges.

I have gotten to travel for the business, and I have made my own little world here, and the community has supported me.”

Donna has been a strong advocate for The Boys and Girls Club for many years and shared that giving back to kids is one of the greatest contributions we can make to our area.

boxcar. He smiles. She leaps toward him and throws herself into his arms. There are tears falling from her eyes.

And from his eyes, too. Big, huge, sopping, drippy, soaking, wonderful tears that wet the 24-karat streets like a miniature Mississippi River. The tears keep coming so strongly that she cannot see through them.

Then. Music in the

far-off distance begins to play. A fanfare.

They are announcing her arrival into the Great Beyond with French horns, bugels and trombones. The trumpet call is incredible. The whole sky turns into sound.

The young man presents his hand.

She takes his hand.

She gives him a watery smile that is filled with decades of pent-

up sadness, loneliness and always wearing a brave face. And the words just come easily. Like she’s been waiting 50 lifetimes to say them.

“Can you Jitterbug?” she asks.

He wipes her cheek.

And well, the look on his face says that he most certainly can.

Rest in Peace, Miss Hilda.

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

who have lost family or friends to COVID-19 this year. But the worst pandemic in a century was not the only hallmark of 2020.”

Lee County has seen its share of the social unrest, injustice and protests that the entirety of the nation experienced this year, Anders said.

“In response to what has happened in our nation, I have engaged Auburn in a community-wide conversation called ‘One Auburn’ to help strengthen the bonds between us,” he said.

The mayor also thanked and commemorated healthcare workers in Lee County and city of Auburn employ-

“The kids are so precious, and I just want them to have every opportunity that other kids have,” she said.

“Our community cares a lot, but there is still a lot of competition between people’s money and people’s interest, and sometimes it gets forgotten. The money and time we invest in our kids just gives back multiple times.

They want to give back to the community too. We just have to let them have the tools to do that.”

Donna’s greatest accomplishment is having two of her children alongside her today to help run Behind the Glass. Laughing, she told me, “you can’t do better than having your own kids work in your business. That’s been such a blessing.”

Behind the Glass is iconic to Auburn-Opelika, and the lady behind the small endeavor has grown our community in time and style.

“You have to know that you’re going to have things that don’t go well, but you can overcome them. You have to be ok with the unknown,” Donna said. “I believe it’s better to take a gamble and fail than to always play it safe… and when we get dressed and go out the door, know that we can handle whatever life throws at us.”

See AUBURN , page A6

WORKERS and EMPLOYERS: Need help with

Unemployment Claims related to COVID-19?

Contact the Alabama Department of Labor to

Ɠ OH FODLPV DQG JHW more information.

LABOR.ALABAMA.GOV Funding provided by the USDOL, ETA, Federal WIOA. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

A6 December 9, 2020

AUBURN

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FROM A5

ees who helped keep the city running.

There were accomplishments in the city for 2020 that were undeterred by the pandemic, including the completion of the new public safety building, the new Indian Pines skate park, the Auburn Public Library Outdoor Classroom and work on the Boykin Community Center to complete the medical clinic and pharmacy.

More plans are underway, including a free-standing emergency medical clinic in the research park, The Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, a grocery store on South Gay Street and the Auburn Bank redevelopment, Anders said.

Finally, Anders honored six community members with the annual “lamplighter awards.” The awards highlight the service of people in Auburn who make the city a better

COUNCIL

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poses a serious health threat to our citizens and communities.

Personal responsibility and buy-in is needed to Keep Alabama Open. This campaign strives to highlight our shared commitment to the rest of the country.

Alabama cannot afford to shut down, and,

place to live.

Katie Basden “Our first lamplighter has been a relentless servant … As a mother of two children with special needs, she has moved mountains every day to provide a normal life for them and to support her other child and her husband, who owns his own practice,” Anders said.

Katie Basden helped to found the Eagles Foundation, which works to provide scholarships for students attending the Eagles Program at Auburn University.

The Eagles Program gives students with special needs the opportunity to not only attend college, but to learn more about how to live an independent life.

about downtown are its beautiful hanging baskets. Always blooming.

Always communicating that Auburn is a unique village.”

Colleen Jennings adopted the task of watering these 35 baskets every day and in the summer, twice a day.

“Her attitude can be summed up in this quote, ‘I do occasionally have a lizard leap out of the baskets. When one lands on me, I’ll be screaming, other than that, it’s a day in the sunshine,’” Anders said.

Kam is the director of the Auburn University Medical Clinic, Anders said, and has served thousands of students and parents.

Recently, he has taken on the responsibility of COVID-19 updates for the community as well.

Colleen Jennings “How much time does it take to make a city beautiful,” Anders said. “The effort to keep Auburn beautiful is ongoing … One of my favorite aspects

Fred Kam The third lamplighter winner has become a little better known because of the pandemic.

“A recent student from Auburn University wrote this email to me, ‘[Fred Kam] is much more to me and to others than just an advisor,’” Anders said. “‘He is a spiritual advisor and a loving friend.

The impact he’s had on my life and this campus is astronomical. It’s too astronomical to put into words.’”

Odalys Silvera “Asylum,” Anders said. “A unique word that sounds dramatic.

It’s used to describe the actions of those who are physically leaving all that they have ever known to come to a place that they know nothing about. These people are courageous and desperate in the same instance.”

Odalys Silvera came to the United States in 1980 and settled with her family in Auburn.

She is the founder of the Esperanza House.

“In 2016 the Esperanza House was founded,” Anders said. “This is a ministry that seeks to improve the quality of life for low-income hispanic children. Currently there are over 75 families with over 200

working together, we can save lives and jobs at the same time.

Many Alabamians depend upon their jobs for their health insurance and the means to support their families: to feed them, pay for medical treatment and medicines, and provide shelter. At the end of the day, a shutdown could not only put Alabamians

in severe financial distress, it could also produce adverse health outcomes, even deaths. This threat is particularly acute to small businesses in the Yellowhammer State.

Britt emphasized that BCA is proud to stand arm-in-arm with fellow pro-jobs advocates at the outset of this campaign, including the Chamber

of Commerce Association of Alabama, National Federation of Independent Business, Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association and Alabama Retail Association.

“As we have seen throughout the pandemic, businesses have found ways to innovate, allowing them to safely and responsibly keep their doors

children being served.”

Karen Turner The last lamplighter award winner has numerous credentials in the area; she served as the chairperson of the Auburn Beautification Council, served on the city of Auburn’s Board of Zoning and Adjustments and as the chair of the Auburn Chamber

of Commerce Board of Directors.

“But we’re not here tonight to recognize her for all those accomplishments,” Anders said. “Recently, when a need was presented, she stepped in to become the president of the Board of the Auburn/ Opelika Habitat for Humanity.”

She did so during a pandemic to help provide the Lee County Community with the Habitat for Humanity services.

“As a long-time member of the finance team at St. Michael’s Catholic Church, she is called

by Father Michael Farmer an 'effervescent personality,’” Anders said. “‘Filled with joy and optimism, her trust in God and her trust in people is admirable.

She has a giving heart and she deeply loves her community.’”

This is the first in a series of four stories that will highlight the work these lamplighter award winners have done for the city of Auburn.

open for business. The Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama is excited to join BCA in the effort to ‘Keep Alabama Open,’ ensuring those businesses and families can continue to prosper in the great state of Alabama,” said Jeremy Arthur, president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama.

NFIB Alabama State Director Rosemary Elebash said, "NFIB is pleased to join the 'Keep Alabama Open' campaign to encourage Governor Ivey and elected officials to let businesses continue to operate as long as they continue to follow public health guidelines to protect their customers and their employees.

Small businesses are determined to get through this, but they can't keep the doors open without customers. Small businesses account for 99.4% of all businesses in the state and employ 47.5% of Alabama's private-sector workforce. When we help small businesses, we help everyone."

“Restaurants and hotels have historically operated under highly regulated safety guidelines and now have taken new steps to meet additional sanitation and social distancing guidelines required by state officials. As Alabama’s second largest employer it is important to us to Keep Alabama Open and its citizens employed.

The National Restaurant Association estimates over 45,000 restaurants had closed due to the virus as of September. Our industry simply will not

survive another shutdown,” said Mindy Hanan, president and CEO of the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association.

“Alabama retailers have been devastated during the ongoing pandemic, and a shutdown would wipe out countless local, community-oriented retailers throughout our state who are working day in, day out to keep their doors open as it is,” said Rick Brown, president of the Alabama Retail Association. “Our members are proud to be operating as safely and responsibly as possible to support their employees, customers, families and communities. With the Christmas season quickly approaching, now is the time to Keep Alabama Open and shop local – not lockdown.”

Members of the public wanting to Keep Alabama Open can join the movement on social media, as well as with new window signs and bumper stickers. For more information visit keepalabamaopen. com.

The Business Council of Alabama is Alabama’s foremost voice for business. The BCA is a non-partisan, statewide business association representing the interests and concerns of nearly 1 million working Alabamians through its member companies and its partnership with the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama. The BCA is Alabama’s exclusive affiliate to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers

Charles Smith Charles Smith uses his position as the president of Auburn City School’s Board of Education to advocate for the children of Auburn. “‘Humble but aspirational,’ is a quote from a coworker and a friend,” Anders said. “‘He wants the best for all those he works for without the recognition of his efforts.’”

Smith is a retired reserve member and worked on the Lee County Youth Development Board, the Auburn Parks and Rec Advisory Board and the city of Auburn Planning Commission to help make the city great.

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS Dec. 9 Victorian Front Porch Driving Tours begin Dec. 10 VFPT - Bike Tour Night Dec. 11 - Christmas in a Railroad Town Dec. 12 - Breakfast with Santa and Opelika Theatre Company Dec. 13 - OTC's Winter Showcase

Collinwood prepares for Luminaries, shares recipes for Christmas ANN CIPPERLY

Southern

Hospitality

A

long sloping streets in the Collinwood neighborhood, hundreds of flickering candles will glow for the 53rd annual Luminaries Friday, Dec. 18 from 5-9 p.m. or on the rain date Saturday, Dec. 19. The tradition, featuring scenes along the path and a live nativity, has remained popular over the years and was featured in Southern Living magazine. The neighborhood and its gift of the Luminaries have an interesting history woven with community leaders over the years.

A fancy gate that opened and closed automatically for carriages once led the way to the Collins’ plantation, nestled on the edge of 160

wooded acres, “Collins’ woods,” where school teachers took children for picnics, Boy Scouts camped out and Shriners held barbecues.

Helen Collins had vivid memories of moving to the plantation as a child when her father, Robert Henry Collins, purchased the house.

Their previous home was located in the country on West Point Highway where her great-great grandparents from Edgefield, South Carolina, had settled.

Miss Collins remembered when they moved that many items were left behind, including a spinning wheel and an old trunk with a Confederate uniform

and many letters. The abandoned house later burned, and she regretted not speaking up as a child to take the trunk.

A sofa and chair that were moved to the house had been hauled on mules from South Carolina as a wedding present by her great-great grandfather. Some furniture was from her aunt’s home at Highland Hall in the historic district in Columbus, Georgia.

The Collins’ house was built in the style of a New England country home by a New Englander named Du Val. While no one knows the exact date, it is believed to have been constructed around 1881.

A unique feature of

Photo by Ann Cipperly An Opelika Christmas tradition, the 53rd annual Luminaries will be held in the Collinwood neighborhood Friday, Dec. 18 from 5-9 p.m. The event features scenes along the path with scriptures on signs and a live nativity. Pictured are Ruth Torbert, left, chairman of the event, and Martha Hill, who has been a resident since the first Luminaries in 1967.

the house is a coffin door that lifted up on the side of the house, which was the custom for New England homes at that time.

Miss Collins remembered that the Shepherd family lived in the house before them. They would come back to the house to reminisce and tell stories. Helen had wonderful memories of growing up at the plantation.

When Helen was 13 years old, she recalled going to visit her cousin Sally Ferrell

whose garden was considered among the best in the South. It is now the Hills and Dales Estate, a garden and house museum in LaGrange, Georgia.

When Collins’ woods were just country, the closest house was the McCall house, located across from the Church of Christ on Tenth Street. School teachers who boarded at the Collins’ home would leave their good shoes at the McCall house.

It was a long walk to the school, Palmers’

Hall, the present site of City Hall.

Helen’s father was a farmer and also ran a trucking business.

He married Maud Sanders, and they had four children. One of those children was T.S. (Frosty) Collins.

When the father retired, he spent a great deal of time working in the grounds around the house.

Miss Helen taught school and was a librarian at the junior high school.

See CIPPERLY, page A10

Larger-than-life An Opelika tradition Christmas cards

By Will Fairless Associate Editor

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver. com

For years, residents throughout Lee County have looked forward to driving through the Camelot Subdivision for “Christmas in

Camelot.”

Larger-than-life Christmas Cards that showcase the art of Opelika High School students are placed in the subdivision off Rocky Brook Road.

The cards are by no means new. They

were painted many years ago under the tutelage of Art Teacher Roslyn Stern.

“Mom was always very community oriented,” said Roslyn’s son, J. “I am See CARDS, page A10

The Victorian Front Porch Tour is one Opelika Christmas tradition that will not be affected

by COVID-19. The tour will go on exactly as scheduled, as its format is already conducive to adhering to social distancing guidelines.

“There was the briefest of moments when they said, ‘Should

we do the Victorian Front Porch Tour,” said Rosanna McGinnis, director at the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library and in charge of the porch tour. “I said, ‘Of course we should.

You’re already outside, you already come with your family. We said this is the one thing we can do no matter what.”

It is McGinnis’ first year in charge of the tour (she replaced Roger

Bell, who retired), and she said she wanted to be in this position because she loves Christmas and the tour was part of her introduction to Opelika in 2016.

“I am definitely surrounding myself with people who love Christmas as much as I do,” she said.

More of a challenge than COVID-19 and one See TRADITION, page A10

A8

CITY OF OPELIKA

PUBLIC MEETING PLEASE JOIN US FOR A PUBLIC MEETING TO DISCUSS AHIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROJECT: HSIP-4119(250) INTERSECTION IMPROVEMENTS ON COLUMBUS PARKWAY AT 4TH STREET, 6TH STREET, AND 7TH STREET Tuesday, December 15th 5:30-6:30 P.M. City of Opelika Municipal Courtroom 300 ML King Boulevard The City of Opelika has received a Federal grant for a Highway Safety Improvement Project (HSIP) Ä¨Ĺ˝ĆŒ ƚŚĞ Ĺ?ĹśĆšÄžĆŒĆ?ÄžÄ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ĺ?ĹľĆ‰ĆŒĹ˝Ç€ÄžĹľÄžĹśĆšĆ? ŽŜ Žůƾžbus Parkway from South 4th Street to South 7th Street/McCoy Street. This project is in the design ƉŚĂĆ?Äž ĂŜĚ Ç Ĺ?ĹŻĹŻ Ĺ?ĹśÄ?ůƾĚĞ Ĺ?ĹśĆšÄžĆŒĆ?ÄžÄ?Ć&#x;ŽŜ ĂŜĚ Ć?ĂĨĞƚLJ Ĺ?ĹľĆ‰ĆŒĹ˝Ç€ÄžĹľÄžĹśĆšĆ?͘ &Ĺ˝ĆŒ ĹľĹ˝ĆŒÄž Ĺ?ĹśÄ¨Ĺ˝ĆŒĹľÄ‚Ć&#x;ŽŜ Ä?Ä‚ĹŻĹŻ ^Ä?ŽƊ Parker, City Engineer, at 334-705-5451. If you Ä?ĂŜŜŽƚ ĂƊĞŜĚ͕ Ĺ?ŜĨŽ Ä?Ä‚Ĺś Ä?Äž ĨŽƾŜĚ Ä‚Ćš ŚƊƉĆ?Í—ÍŹÍŹÇ Ç Ç Í˜ opelika-al.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=379.

Merry Christmas Expressions Design Gallery SECOND SATURDAY

SALE FRIDAY - SATURDAY - DEC. 11 AND 12 New and Unique furniture items to choose from.

1801 MARKET STREET OPELIKA, AL 36801

334-787-9900 EXPRESSIONSDESIGNGALLERY.COM

A9 December 9, 2020

Snow Much Fun Opelika held Saturday

Photos by Robert Noles//Opelika Observer

A10 December 9, 2020

Open auditions for AACT’s Young Performers’ production of “Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone” Contributed by the AACT Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) invites youth ages 13-18 to audition for a parody

by Dean O'Carroll: When Sally falls asleep while reading books about a certain juvenile wizard, she dreams that she is a student at Frogbull Academy of Sorcery.

But danger is lurking, and it is up to Sally and her new friends Dave and Harmonica to save the day. Will

CIPPERLY

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FROM A7

While some people would not want to see their family homeland turned into a subdivision, Helen was pleased and named the neighborhood “Collinwood” when it began in 1950. She would say, “I think we have some of the loveliest people in town living here.”

In the beginning, parties were held in homes and everyone in the neighborhood would be invited. This tradition and friendliness led to the neighborhood offering the Luminaries as a gift to the town.

Except for the Collins’ house and the tree where Boy Scouts carved their names, there are no other signs of Collins’ woods. Homemade gas lanterns and water tanks are long gone, and the fish pond is covered in ivy.

Miss Helen would still be proud of the neighborhood today, as the residents prepare to once again offer the tradition of Luminaries to the community.

THE COLLINWOOD LUMINARIES While the entire neighborhood participates in the Luminaries, the first effort included only a few

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of the many tasks McGinnis realized contributes to the final product she and so many others love, is maintaining the Santa “mannequins” displayed along the tour route.

“They’re papier mache, so there’s maintenance that goes into making sure they look fresh,” McGinnis said.

Another challenge has been securing entertainment for the five days of the tour (Dec. 9-13).

The Victorian Front Porch Tour began in 1993 with just a few homes participating;

she become the hero like the one in her favorite series? And who is the mysterious Censor who keeps rewriting the story as it goes along?

This parody of a certain well-known and well-loved book series will keep you laughing the whole way through.

Auditions for this non-musical will take place on Dec. 7 and 8 from 4-6 p.m.

Auditions will be held virtually over Zoom. Those interested should prepare a

one-minute comedic monologue. Callbacks, by invitation only, will be held Dec. 9. This show will be directed by Brantley Waller. Brantley is a senior in the Auburn University Theatre department and was assistant director when AACT staged High School Musical last year. Please visit www.auburnact.org to find links to a form that must be filled out for auditions and to sign up for an audition slot. There you will also find audition

tips, our rehearsal attendance policy and more.

There will be a readthrough on Dec. 14.

Rehearsals will be on Mondays and Wednesdays (4-6 p.m.) and Saturdays (9 a.m. to 12 p.m.) between Jan. 4 and Feb. 17. There will be an additional Saturday rehearsal on Feb. 20 from 9 a.m. to 4. Tech and dress rehearsals are set for Monday, Feb. 22 through Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 4-9 p.m. Performances are Feb. 25-27, March

1, and March 4-6. At this time, in-person rehearsals and performances are planned to take place at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center with masks and distancing as well as small groups whenever possible. However, alternative virtual rehearsals and performances will be considered and used as needed.

Auburn Area Community Theatre is a non-profit organization that exists to serve the Auburn/Opelika Community. Its

purpose is to provide an opportunity for education and participation in the world of theatre and present a quality, entertaining and thought-provoking theatre experience.

AACT is actively soliciting new members who have an interest in helping the growth of community theatre. AACT members and the community-at-large are encouraged to participate.

For more information please visit www. auburnact.org.

houses on East Collinwood Circle. In 1966, Mrs. J.R. Fuller of the Twilight Garden Club suggested the idea to the club after seeing luminaries in Europe.

The following year, with 15 families in the neighborhood at the time, the Collinwood residents undertook the project. Aileen Samford and Lucy Salter were instrumental in organizing the event. Mrs. Salter received information on the details of luminaries from friends in St. Simons Island, Georgia.

During the first few years, the residents of East Collinwood used an assortment of bags and candles. After West Collinwood Circle and Collinwood Street were added to the Luminaries, the event became more organized. Paper bags and candles were ordered and distributed to be consistent throughout the pathway.

“The neighborhood has always seen the Luminaries as its gift to the community,” said Martha Hill, a Collinwood resident who has participated from the beginning when the first candles were lit in 1967.

“It makes Christmas special for children,” she added. Martha, whose children grew up looking forward

to the annual event, served as chairman several times over the years and feels the event keeps the neighborhood close.

In 1984, Martha and I visited Southern Living magazine with information and pictures of the Luminaries. Southern Living sent writers and photographers to cover the event and neighborhood party, which was held annually at Jane and Jacob Walker’s home for many years. The following year, the event and recipes from the party were featured in the magazine’s Christmas issue.

The preparation in setting up the candles involves the entire family. Yards are raked and neatly groomed. Children in the neighborhood

assist older residents.

A few days before the event, sand is delivered to several locations around the neighborhood. Three to four inches of sand is placed into a plastic bag, then into a paper bag, with the top folded down two inches to add rigidity.

The day of the Luminaries, over 1,200 bags are placed 20 inches from the curb and spaced evenly for uniformity.

Along the candlelit drive, homes are decorated for Christmas, signs display Bible verses, and scenes throughout the neighborhood tell the Christmas story.

Living scenes feature shepherds, wisemen and angels, and at the end of the path, a live nativity scene resonates the message of

Christmas.

Since 1982, Rick Lane of First United Methodist Church has worked with youth to provide live scenes and the nativity. Live animals are included in the nativity scene.

The programs passed out at the entrance have an insert with a QR code to scan with your phone camera, and it will play Luke 2:1-20 while driving through the candle-lit path.

Ruth Torbert is chairman of this year’s event. This is her third year in a row as chairman, and she has served four other times in the past decade.

City sanitation and power employees assist in getting ready for the event by cleaning streets and turning streetlights off.

The Collinwood tour is also supported by the Opelika Mayor and City Council, Public Works Department of Opelika (ESG), Opelika Power Services, Opelika Police Department and Boy Scout Troop 858.

The Luminaries begin at 5 p.m. at the corner of Tenth Street and Collinwood Street. Motorists turn off headlights as they slowly drive one way through the neighborhood and end at McLure.

Collinwood residents invite all east Alabama residents to come and enjoy the Luminaries, as they light the path on the “journey to the manger.” The tour is free.

are closed to non-foot traffic Dec. 13: Driving tour 5 to 9 p.m.

McGinnis said that the future of the Victorian Front Porch Tour looks bright.

“I always want to make it bigger,” she said. “I want to see more people in costumes. We actually have access to many hundreds of costumes that people can borrow and dress up and walk around for the tour. I have a lot of plans.”

For more information about the tour, visit www.opelika-al. gov/804/Victorian-Front-Porch-Tour.

CARDS

naries in Collinwood, but something that could be up longer than just one day. It has grown and expanded so much, and it has become a part of Christmas and Opelika.”

Drive-throughs are encouraged in the neighborhood from

4:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. each night in December.

“I’ve always loved to see my mother’s artwork in the city,” J said. “Especially something like this.

It just shows her legacy, this has lasted and grown over the last 34 years.”

this year, 60 homes on North Eighth and Ninth streets will be decorated with life-size Santas, angels, toys, carousel horses and other Christmas-themed figures, according to the city’s website.

The tour begins at Heritage House on North 8th Street and 2nd Avenue. The 2020 schedule of events is as follows: Dec. 9: Driving tour 5 to 9 p.m.

Dec. 10: Driving tour 5 to 9 p.m. and bike tour 6 to 9 p.m.

Dec. 11: Driving tour 5 to 9 p.m.

Dec. 12: Walking tour 6 to 9:30 p.m. Streets

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sure that someone approached her about doing the cards and she jumped all on it.”

Traditions run strong in Lee County, and the cards have been displayed for over 30 years by friends and neighbors.

Roslyn began painting the cards with students in 1986 or 1987, J said.

“They were very well received,” he said. “I think they were looking to do something that accompanies the Lumi-

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.

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A11 December 9, 2020

Art Haus hosts Sweet Homemade Alabama Art Show

Photos by Robert Noles//Opelika Observer

Wreath workshop and buggy rides at Pioneer Park

Contributed by the Lee County Historical Society Harvest wreaths go back to ancient Greece.

Round, evergreen Advent wreaths go back to 16th Century Europe as symbols of life and eternity with no beginning and no end.

The Lee County Historical Society will honor this holiday tradition by offering a handmade wreath workshop during Second Saturday, Dec. 12, at Pioneer Park in Loachapoka, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Everyone is invited to try their hands at making wreaths from local materials. Traditional grape vine wreaths are easy to weave and can be decorated with fruit, nuts, grains, evergreen sprigs, ribbons and holiday ornaments.

Evergreen wreaths are a little more involved. They can be made from Frazier fir twigs, native eastern red cedar, holly, bay laurel or magnolia and are traditionally decorated with red holly berries.

All materials will be supplied for you to make a very special wreath for yourself or as a gift.

Teresa Paglione and Peggy Mitchell with the Lee County Historical Society are organizing the workshops inside the newly re-opened

Fred’s Pickin’ Parlor in Loachapoka.

Cost for materials will be $40 per evergreen wreath; the workshop is limited to 10 participants. Leave a message and your contact information for Peggy Mitchell at 334-821-8860 or email at charlespeg-

gymitc@bellsouth.net to preregister for the workshop.

The Lee County Historical Society cannot offer sleigh rides for the holidays, but children visiting Pioneer Park on Second Saturday can enjoy real horse and buggy rides in a decorated

buggy with jingle bells.

Pioneer Park will be decorated for the holidays in traditional greenery, and all the museums, historic buildings and venues will be open for visitors. A traditional southern meal will be served at noon. All activities at Pioneer Park

require face masks and social distancing.

Pioneer Park is a project of the Lee County Historical Society, a non-profit organization dedicated to local historical preservation, presentation and education. Learn more at its website, www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/

A12 December 9, 2020

Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship to hold 28th annual auction Contributed by AUUF Looking for exotic, one-of-a-kind or just plain fabulous gifts for your loved ones?

Or perhaps you need to treat yourself? A unique shopping experience awaits you. Every year in December, the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (AUUF) holds a fundraising auction in its sanctuary, which raises a portion of its annual

budget. Over the past two-plus decades, the auction has become an area tradition, ushering in this most festive of months with food, fun and fellowship. This year, due to health and safety precautions in place because of COVID-19, the auction is going digital.

“It’s fun to bid and fun to watch the auction,” said AUUF member Teresa Rodriguez. “There is

something for every size of pocketbook.

We usually have over 100 attendees from the community, and many of them have been coming for years. This is our big fundraiser for the year, and we invite everyone to be a part of it.”

The 28th annual AUUF auction will be held in two parts: a silent auction taking place online Dec. 7-11 and a live auc-

tion taking place on Dec.11 at 7 p.m. This free and festive event, open to the general public, offers items like fancy champagne, art work, housewares, books, jewelry, meals (including a dinner for eight on the terrace from Ursula’s Catering), quilts, homemade bread, pottery, services such as yardwork and more!

"There's a ‘good will' element to the

auction," said AUUF former minister Rev. Diana Jordan Allende. "It strikes me as an opening into the season of joy and sharing.”

AUUF will be using the platforms Auctria and Facebook for the auction components.

Additionally, two public Zoom meetings will be held on Friday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. and Sunday Dec. 6 at 4 p.m. for those inter-

ested in learning more about how the virtual auction will operate and for questions. For more information, auction links, and information on how to access the public Zoom meetings, visit www.auuf.org.

“We look forward to this event annually and are excited that the tradition will continue online this year,” said AUUF Auction Chair Laura Kloberg.

and helped develop the Hawk Missile System. He was a heavily decorated Vietnam War veteran who proudly and selflessly served his country. He traveled the world during his time in service and one of his favorite Active Duty Stations was in Germany. One of his favorite pastimes was recalling all of his war stories, the people he met through the military, and the places he visited during his years in service. He also was highly educated and considered himself a student for life as he regularly attended college courses throughout his military career. He was determined to keep his mind and memory sharp, often called a “walking almanac and encyclopedia”. He thoroughly enjoyed his crossword puzzles and sudoku and was an avid reader.

Papa Jay’s philosophy of life was to always pay it forward. He lived with an open hand and an open heart, constantly giving and expecting nothing in return except that we pay it forward as well. He always told us the 3 duties of every man were to worship God, be just to all men, and be willing to die for your country. Papa Jay did not have any

natural born children but he always said “ I have 12 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and 3 great-great-grandchildren, so don’t you think that’s pretty good for a man who didn’t have any children?” He adopted every single one of his wife, Mary Kathleen Long’s family members as his own and cherished them beyond measure. He told everyone who would listen just how proud he was of his family.

They are his legacy and his walking trophies in life. In his final days he spent much of his time recounting their successes and triumphs, and said they were his victories as well. He made sure everyone he knew felt unconditional love and support. He prayed for every single family member by name daily. His walk with the Lord was unparalleled and he made sure to instill that faith in God into the heart of his family. He is greatly treasured and will be deeply missed.

Visitation was held on Dec. 4 at Jeffcoat Funeral Home. Funeral Services were held at 11 a.m. on Dec. 5 in the Jeffcoat Funeral Chapel and was followed by a graveside service at Garden Hills Cemetery.

OBITUARIES Adalene Myers Manning (Ada)

Myers Manning (Ada), 74, of Opelika, Alabama died on Dec. 2, 2020 at East Alabama Medical Center.

Ada was born on April 13, 1946. She graduated from Opelika High School, class of 64. She was a medic for the United States Air Force and served in Japan and Alaska during the Vietnam War. Ada married her soulmate, Timothy Clyde Manning (Tim) on December 8, 1973.

Together they raised three children in the Opelika area. Ada was also known as a mother to many others throughout the years.

Ada had a passion for her family and friends.

Her home and pool were always open and she never let anyone go home hungry. Ada loved to bowl and travel

with her husband, Tim. She was an avid Alabama football fan and loved being hostess to gatherings and their famous April Bash. She loved to shop because she loved giving people gifts. Thanksgiving was her favorite holiday because she loved to cook and spend time with her family and friends.

Ada worked at the Pediatric Clinic in Opelika. She also worked her way up from being a Dispatcher at Opelika Police Department to the Supervisor over Communications, where she retired in 2014.

Many of her coworkers became lifelong friends.

Ada is preceded in death by her mother, Ardell Blackmon, her sister Maxie Bruce, beloved aunts Adell Fowler and Mabell Heptinstall and in-laws Clyde and Janice Manning.

Ada is survived by her husband Tim Manning; and children, Darrell Manning, Robin Manning and Derek Manning Sr. Also, her sister Sandra (Gene) Manning, sister-in-law Shelia (Jim) Elkins, seven grandchildren: Alyssa (Marty) Gresham, Tyler (Ashleigh) Manning, Dalton Manning, Samantha Engelman, Zeta Ballish, Brayden Aikens-Manning and Derek Man-

ning Jr, great-grandchildren: Ryleigh Gresham and Kooper Manning, nephew Lewis (Teri) Bruce and nieces Patsy Bruce, Susie (Mike) Lawley, Amie (Joel) White and Christal (Jimmie) Prater. She is also survived by many cousins, great nieces and nephews, and special friends whom she considered family.

We would like to extend thanks to the Doctors, Nurses and staff at EAMC for taking care of our beloved Ada during her fight against the complications of COVID-19.

She fought very hard for many months but is now healed with a new heavenly body. Although there is a huge hole left here on Earth without her, we have faith we will all see her again.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Dec. 5 at Jeffcoat-Trant Chapel with Reverend Mack Ballard officiating.

Burial was in Garden Hills Cemetery.

Jay Kenneth “Papa Jay” Long Mr. Jay Kenneth “Papa Jay” Long, age 91, went to his heavenly home to be with

his Lord and Savior on Dec. 2, 2020 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born on Aug. 3, 1929 in Spokane, Washington and was the oldest of three children. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. Arthur Loy Long and Mrs. Sadie Bell Young Long, as well as his brother Gary Long, and his sister Lilace Hamilton. He was also preceded in death by his first wife of 37 years, Ruby L. Taunton Long and grandchildren, Eric Champion and Jacqueline Dumay. Survivors include his beloved wife of 32 years, Mary Kathleen Pratt Long, daughters Karen Prince (Wesley) and Dianna Lynn Foxx, son Charles Champion (Renee), his grandchildren Robert Prince (Leah), Chris Champion, Amy Spraggins, Ashley McClain-Lyons (Julie), JT McClain (Maggie), Jeremy Prince (Mandy), Matthew Champion (Elan), Jonathan McClain (Jane), Kee McClain (Brooke), Travis Champion, and Alana Kathleen Cool (Brent).

19 Great-Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Papa Jay was a retired CW-4 of the US Army. He served in the Vietnam War

A13 December 9, 2020

U

nder the law God had given through Moses, Jewish people like Nicodemus entered into a covenant relationship with God by virtue of their physical birth into the nation (there was more to it than that, of course, but that was where it began). With the coming of Christ, covenant relationship no longer came through the flesh—it came through birth of the Spirit (John 1:12-13).

This is exactly what John the Baptist brought to Israel—the opportunity to be born from above. He showed up in the wilderness and was baptizing many people in connection with Christ

Church Calendar • Church of Christ at Cunningham - meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

• St. Marys Catholic Church/ St. Michael’s Church SMCC is having Daily Mass on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. and on weekends they are distributing holy Communion on Sundays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Mass is also held on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Church over in Auburn. For more information people can call the office at 334-749-8359 or go to the parish website: stmarysopelika.org.

• Union Grove Baptist Church In-person gathering with social distancing. Masks are available.

Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m.

Services are streamed live on Facebook — the page is UGBChurch • First Baptist Church Opelika The following are held in-person and online on Sundays.

8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship and Message at The Worship Center 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Hour 11 a.m. Contemporary Service at The 3:16 Center 6 p.m. Evening Worship and Message at The Worship Center 6:30 p.m. Church on Chadwick at Chadwick Lane in Auburn To watch services online, go to fbcopelika.com/media

Born From Above and His coming kingdom.

The Jewish leaders were suspicious and sent out a deputation to question the authority behind him baptizing (v. 19-28). Despite John’s testimony, they remained skeptical and rejected John and his baptism (Matthew 21:24ff).

John then baptized Jesus, who, through His disciples, baptized even more people than John (3:2226, 4:1-2).

In the middle of all of this, John (the writer of the gospel), wants to tell us the story of one of those Jewish leaders who came to Jesus at night.

McGuiggan notes that, “Nicodemus wants to talk with Jesus about the kingdom. Jesus talks about water and Spirit.”

By Bruce Green Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

There was a reason for this. Nicodemus was part of the group that had not accepted the baptism “from heaven” (Matthew 21:24ff) so many others had embraced.

By doing so, they had “rejected God’s purpose for themselves” (Luke 7:30). Nicodemus had the credentials of flesh, but not those of faith. Like

the woman at the well, he wanted to talk about theology, but Jesus wanted to talk about obedience (theology that doesn’t become biography isn’t worth much).

But it simply can’t be true that dipping a penitent person in water can be that important, can it?

Jesus seemed to think it was. It can’t really make a difference in where we stand with God, can it? Jesus said, “No one can enter the kingdom of heaven unless they are born of water and Spirit” (John 3:5). Luke spoke of those refusing baptism as rejecting “God’s purpose for themselves.”

But it’s just water— there’s nothing magical about it. That’s absolutely

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN

true, but isn’t it also true that God has chosen the foolish things of the world

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

to shame the wise? It is foolish as well as futile to try to evaluate the spiritual from a humanistic perspective. Naaman fell into this trap until he finally decided to just do what

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the Lord had told him to do (2 Kings 5). We can’t empirically deduce how the Spirit works any more than we can see the wind.

We only see its results.

To deny that the Spirit works through water puts us at odds with Christ and Scripture (Titus 3:3-7).

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

"Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm."

— Proverbs 12:7

Church Directory APOSTOLIC HOLINESS God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 HIghland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D 334-758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta 334-742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy 334-749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. 334-749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. 334-745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy 334-749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B 706-4421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. 334-444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave 334-742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. 334-745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd 334-745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. 334-745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. 334-745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. 334-742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr 334-749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. 334-887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika 314 S. 9th St. 334-745-6143

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E 334-741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. 334-703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue 334-742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. 334-749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. 334-363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-745-5340 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd 334-749-2773 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. 334-745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd 334-741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. 334-821-7238 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy 334-742-9721 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. 334-745-6015 CHURCH OF GOD

Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700

Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319

METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist

PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889

Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court 334-745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. 334-749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. 334-745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. 334-826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. 334-742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A 334-745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 334-745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 334-749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. 334-745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. 334-745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 334-7418675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. 334-749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. 334-749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-7495386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd 334-749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. 334-745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. 334- 749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad 334-749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd 334-749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd 334-7411006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy 334-741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 334-741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy 334-737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy 334-745-7770

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Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.

603 Pleasant Drive Opelika, AL 36801 749-1333 Mon- Sat 7am-8pm Sun 12pm-6pm

Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003

A14 December 9, 2020

RECIPES AMISH SUGAR COOKIES Ruth Torbert 1 cup granulated sugar 1 cup powdered sugar 1 cup butter, room temperature 1 cup vegetable oil Add 2 beaten eggs and mix well.

Sift together: 4 1/2 cups flour 1 tsp. cream of tartar 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. baking soda Gradually add dry ingredients to liquid.

1 tsp. vanilla 1 8 oz. pkg. Heath Milk Chocolate English Toffee Bits Chopped pecans, optional Drop on ungreased cookie sheet, press with fork, sprinkle with granulated or colored sugar. Bake at 375 degrees for 10 to 12 minutes. These cookies freeze well! Makes about 10 dozen.

PEANUT BUTTER TREATS Martha Hill About 40 Reese's Peanut Butter cups miniatures 1/2 cup (1stick) butter or margarine, softened 1/2 cup granulated sugar 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar 1/2 cup Reese's Creamy Peanut Butter (or peanut butter of choice) 1 egg 1/2 tsp. vanilla extract 1½ cups all-purpose flour 3/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. salt Heat oven to 375 F. Remove wrappers from candies. Line small muffin cups (1-3/4 inches in diameter) with paper bake cups, if desired.

Beat butter, granulated sugar, peanut butter, egg and vanilla until fluffy in a large bowl. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to butter mixture, beating until well blended.

Shape dough into 1-inch balls; place one in each paper lined or ungreased muffin cup.

Do not flatten.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes until puffed and lightly browned; remove from oven. Immediately press a peanut butter cup in the center of each cookie. Cool completely in the muffin pan. Makes 3 ½ dozen GRITS FOR CHRISTMAS MORNING Edith Walker We always serve this with Capps sausage, fruit and usually a Christmas pastry or poppy seed bread on the side.

1 1/2 cups grits 3 cups water 3 cups milk 1/2 cup butter cut in

small pieces 3 tsp. Lawry's seasoned salt 8 oz. Velveeta, cut in small pieces 8 oz. sharp cheese, grated 3 eggs, beaten 1/2 cup chopped onions sauteed until lightly brown 2 Tbsp. chopped pimentos Follow directions on package for cooked grits using water and milk. Do not add salt.

Add remaining ingredients slowly, stirring to blend after each ingredient. Pour into buttered casserole.

Bake in preheated 350-degree oven for 1 hour. May need to lightly cover with foil for last 20 minutes to prevent overbrowning.

MARY’S CRANBERRY RELISH AND MOLDED CRANBERRY SALAD Deborah Williams Cranberry Relish 1 lb. fresh cranberries 1 orange (Choose one without a thick rind. Leave rind on, and cut into about 4 pieces.)

1 apple (Core apple, leaving skin on, and cut into about 4 pieces.)

3/4 cup sugar 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped To make the relish: Using a food processor, coarsely (and separately) chop the cranberries (emptying into a bowl), the apple (adding to the bowl) and the orange (adding to the bowl).

Stir in the sugar and pecans and refrigerate overnight. This makes a sweet/mildly tart and crunchy side dish.

Molded Cranberry Salad To make a molded salad, add ingredients below to the Cranberry Relish ingredients: 1 (3.25 oz. pkg.) lemon-flavored gelatin 1 Tbsp. unflavored gelatin (mixed into 3 Tbsp. cold water) 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1/2 cup heavy whipped cream Make the relish and refrigerate overnight.

In 1 cup boiling water, dissolve the lemon-flavored gelatin, and unflavored gelatin in cold water.

Add gelatin mixture to relish ingredients and pour into mold.

Refrigerate until set.

Mix mayonnaise and cream together and garnish, if desired.

RED VELVET COOKIES Nell Samford 1 box (18.25 oz.) red velvet cake mix

2 eggs ½ cup vegetable oil 2 Tbsp. water 1 cup white chocolate chips 16 oz. container cream cheese frosting Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat baking sheets with nonstick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, combine cake mix, eggs, oil and water.

Mix well. Stir in white chocolate chips. Drop by spoonfuls onto prepared baking sheets.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly browned around edges. Cool slightly and move to wire racks.

When cooled, pipe cream frosting in center of each cookie.

CHRISTMAS CRACK Annslee Hillyer Feel free to add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts or coconut flakes on top once you have poured the melted chocolate.

28 to 35 saltine crackers (about one sleeve, enough to line your pan) 1 cup packed dark brown sugar 2 sticks unsalted butter 1/4 tsp. kosher salt 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2 cups (10 to 12 oz.) semi-sweet chocolate (darker chocolate could become brittle and separate from cracker layer) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Completely cover a 10 x 15-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick aluminum foil or regular foil spray lightly with baking spray. Place saltine crackers in a single layer.

To make caramel sauce, place brown sugar, butter and salt in a medium-sized saucepan. Cook on medium heat, stirring frequently, until butter melts.

Continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for another 3 to 5 minutes, just until the mixture comes to a boil and starts to darken. Remove from heat; stir in the vanilla.

Pour hot brown sugar mixture over saltine crackers, spreading to evenly coat.

Bake for 5 minutes.

The caramel will be hot and bubbly.

To melt chocolate, microwave in 30-second intervals at full power, stirring between each cook time, until the chocolate has melted.

Let crackers cool for 1 minute until caramel is no longer bubbling. Then pour melted chocolate over the crackers, using a spatula to spread evenly over the top.

Let crackers cool to

room temperature, then place in refrigerator overnight.

Crackers will form a single sheet once cool. Remove from pan and gently peel the foil away, being careful not to tear the foil. Cut into snack-sized pieces using a chef’s knife (you can use your hands, too, but I find it easier with a knife).

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week.

GRANDMOTHER RUTH'S 1924 PUMPKIN CAKE Deborah B. Lindsey This was my maternal grandmother's recipe handed down from her grandmother. My parents were David and Jo Marion Bentley at 1126 E. Collinwood Circle.

1 1/2 cups vegetable oil 4 eggs 3 cups flour 1 tsp. salt 3 top cinnamon 1 cup pecans 2 cups sugar 2 cups pumpkin 2 tsp. baking powder 2 top baking soda 1 top allspice 1/2 cup raisins Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Brush a Bundt pan with butter, then dust with flour, tapping out excess.

Mix vegetable oil, sugar, eggs and pumpkin; set aside.

Sift together flour with baking powder and baking soda, plus spices and salt.

Combine nuts and raisins and stir into flour mixture. Then stir all of that into first batch. Stir well.

Pour in Bundt cake pan. Bake at 300 degrees for 45 minutes.

Let cool on a wire rack 15 minutes.

ROASTED PECANS Colleen Alsobrook 3 cups pecans 1/2 cup butter, melted Salt to taste Spread pecans out in roasting pan. Pour melted butter evenly over pecans. Salt with shaker.

Bake at 275 degrees (this is key).

Stir every 15 minutes so that all pecans are coated and turned.

Cook for 1 hour.

Re-salt pecans once you have placed them on paper towels to cool and drain excess butter.

QUICK FRUIT DROP SCONES Peggy Tipton 1 pkg. (7.5 oz.)

Bisquick Buttermilk Biscuit Mix (or any brand) ½ tsp. backing powder 1/8 cup sugar 1/8 cup pecan

pieces ¼ cup Sun Maid Fruit Bits (Piggly Wiggly always has these) ½ cup whipping cream (do not substitute) ¼ cup water Mix dry ingredients together. Add fruit and nuts, and stir well making sure fruit and nuts are coated with dry ingredients.

Add liquids ¼ cup at a time stirring well after each addition. Dough should be thick.

Drop by heaping Tbsp. onto baking sheet sprayed with Pam. Bake in a pre-heated 400-degree oven for 12 to 15 minutes or until very golden brown.

While scones are still warm top each one with one tsp. of the following glaze.

Glaze: ¼ cup powdered sugar 3 tsp. whipped cream 1 tsp. water 1/8 tsp. vanilla flavoring Mix in small bowl until smooth and spoon over scones.

Makes 8.

CHRISTMAS GEMS Robin Governo These are time consuming to make but have always disappeared quickly at every Christmas party. ½ cup butter, room temperature 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla ½ cup sweetened condensed milk ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans 1 cup raisins, currents or dried cranberries Combine all ingredients except nuts and raisins and beat well with an electric mixer. Then stir in nuts and raisins.

Crust: Can use purchased rolled crusts.

1½ cups flour ½ tsp. salt ½ cup shortening (lard) ¼ cup ice water Mix flour and salt together. Work in shortening with fork. Moisten dough with cold water until just moistened. Pat gently into a ball, wrap in waxed paper and chill. Then cut in half. Roll out each half on a floured board.

Use a cup to cut crust circles. Put crusts in a wellgreased and floured mini muffins tins. Fill pastry cups with raisin and nut mixture.

Bake at 400 for 10 minutes or 300 for 20 minutes or until pie dough turns golden.

After removing the gems from the pan, set them on a cooling rack.

Let the pan cool, wash it, re-grease and flour, and then roll out more dough for another batch.

BROCCOLI CASSEROLE IN CREAM CHEESE SAUCE Kristie Barlow Two bunches broccoli 4 Tbsp. butter or margarine, divided 2 slices bread (cut up into cubes) 3 Tbsp. flour 1½ cups milk (add 1 Tbsp., if needed) ¼ cup cream cheese ¾ cup cheddar cheese, grated Cook broccoli in water until tender crisp.

Drain and put in an oblong 9x13-inch pan.

Microwave 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine in bowl. When melted, place bread (cut up into cubes) into bowl and mix. Set aside in a small bowl and use the microwave bowl again.

Microwave 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine in bowl. When melted, place flour in bowl. Mix well. Pour in milk. Mix well. Add ¼ tsp. salt and dash of pepper.

Microwave and stir until thickened (if too thick add 1 Tbsp. of milk).

Remove from heat and add cream cheese.

Pour sauce over the broccoli. Top with 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese and then sprinkle the homemade croutons (bread cubes).

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes or until croutons are golden brown.

JANE WALKER'S OYSTER CASSEROLE Edith Walker Not everyone is a fan of oysters in our family, but the ones who are always make sure this is on the menu! I got this recipe from Jane when she made it for Christmas Day after Jake and I married.

1-2 pints of oysters (I prefer smaller oysters) 6 Tbsp. half and half 6 Tbsp. oyster "liquor" 1 ½ to 2 cups Ritz cracker crumbs 1/2 cup melted butter Salt and pepper to taste 3 pieces of bacon fried till crisp and crumbled in fine pieces Place half of the oysters in a buttered casserole. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

Drizzle half the oyster liquor and cream over oysters. Stir butter into cracker crumbs.

Sprinkle half cracker crumbs over oysters.

Repeat with another layer of oysters, salt and pepper, liquid, and cracker crumbs.

Sprinkle bacon pieces on top.

Bake in preheated 325-degree oven for 20 to 30 minutes until crumbs are golden brown.

A15 December 9, 2020

Christmas on parade in Auburn

Photos by Hannah Lester/Opelika Observer Auburn held its parade downtown Sunday while encouraging social distancing and wearing masks. The parade welcomed characters such as Santa and Aubie and had parade entries from businesses and groups like the girl scouts, boy scouts, Spicer’s Music and Auburn High School.

A16 December 9, 2020

COMICS

“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

S

S

Lee-Scott Academy Girls stack back-to-back wins

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikobserver.com

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Upset spectator causes a scare during OHS basketball game

T

he unthinkable happened in the Main Street gym inside Opelika High School. An upset spectator, watching Opelika and Smiths Station play basketball, created a major issue by approaching the Bulldog bench during a timeout.

The gentleman, obviously upset, walked on the court yelling at the Opelika coaches during a timeout. He walked onto the court from the opposite end of the bench, stopping near the free throw line. After several seconds went by, two Opelika Police Officers approached the gentleman professionally.

This cannot happen at any event, let alone a high school basketball game. Many things come to mind: what was he doing? Why is he angry? I could go on and on. The answer does not matter. This behavior is unacceptable at a high school basketball game.

I did not reach out to Opelika High Principal Dr. Farrell Seymore for a statement, because I trust he will do the right thing. Seymore and the administration are

faced with a tough task: making sure those in attendance stay off the court and act right. This should not have happened. The gentleman could have caused chaos if he had gone closer to the bench. Having security at basketball games is expensive.

The officers deserve extra pay for working these games on their off time. The Opelika police are the best around and can handle the job. At the same time, why do we need police patrolling high school basketball game?

The answer: think what could have happened if the officers were not present. I imagine the situation would have turned ugly. The players for Smiths Station and Opelika deserve to play a game, emphasis on “game,” without issues with spectators.

I am proud the two Opelika police officers were in the gym and handled this ugly situation in a professional way.

Please think about how you are acting while watching our See SPORTS , page B6

Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

Lee County School Board Meeting Dec. 8, 2020 at 6 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/92257244605?pw d=dE5BTVNHdUpyV0d0M3dTcHFuZ nVjdz09 Meeting ID: 922 5724 4605 Password: 2410

The Lee-Scott Academy Varsity Girls basketball team went 2-0 over this past week with wins over Evangel and Pike Liberal Arts Academy.

The Lady Warriors began their week with a 39-25 win over Pike on Dec. 1. LSA struggled to open the game and trailed 6-1 after one quarter. The second quarter was better offensively, but the Lady Warriors went

into halftime trailing 13-7. It wasn’t until LSA exploded for a 20-point fourth quarter that they gained the lead. While the offense clicked, LSA shut down Pike’s offense, holding it to just 2 points in the final period. The Lady

Warriors were led by a dynamic duo of Sterling Tucker and Emma Frances Zellner, who finished with 16 and 10 points, respectively.

Tucker pulled down a team-high 11 rebounds See LSA GIRLS, page B5

OHS Girls Basketball honors seniors

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer OHS Seniors Amia Vaughns, La'dajah Huguley, and Kaitlyn Bryant were honored during last week's game.

Xtreme Athletics hosts battle at XA

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Xtreme Athletics, located at 3766 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika, is an athletic facility that provides girls ages 5-15 with the opportunity to participate in recreational and competitive gymnastics.

The athletic group decided to host its own meet recently in lieu of COVID-19 related cancellations to the gym’s competitive season.

Teams from Xtreme Athletic’s sister gym in Troy joined the Auburn competitive teams in the meet. The intra-squad meet was an important event for the

girls, who have had at least half of their season already cancelled due to COVID-19.

“At the beginning of all this we didn’t know what competition would look like,” said Miranda Sexton, Xtreme Athletics Auburn Gymnastics director/co-manager.

“We struggled to even figure out what we were qualified for and what we were allowed to do.”

Sexton said the older girls missed half of their season already in the spring, so it was imperative that the gym give the athletes a chance to See ATHLETICS, page B5

Photos contributed by Xtreme Athletics

B2 December 9, 2020

Opelika City Schools announce Teachers of the Year

Hannah Holladay - Secondary Breeana Boyd - Elementary Teacher of the Year and Opelika Teacher of the Year and Morris High School Teacher of the Year Avenue Intermediate Teacher of the Year

Amanda Massey - Opelika Middle School Teacher of the Year

Mary Torrance - Jeter Primary Teacher of the Year

Tori Gooden - Southview Primary Teacher of the Year

Robin Cobb - West Forest Intermediate Teacher of the Year

Kelly Allain - Carver Primary Teacher of the Year

Denise Glenn - Northside Intermediate Teacher of the Year

B3 December 9, 2020

Young Children Equal JOY at Christmas

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

D

uring Advent, being around young children brings JOY to hearts of teachers as well as parents. Their JOY and excitement are contagious in bringing us HOPE even during a challenging year.

As I enter early childhood classrooms in the community, I love the ways the teachers are allowing their children be children in creating simple holiday memories with their own hands and hearts.

Children find great joy and pleasure in making and creating their own gifts to give. Children truly exemplify the quotation, “it is more blessed to give than receive.”

As I glance across the different classrooms, I have observed closely as the children express themselves through drawing pictures, finger painting, cutting shapes, making objects out of unusual materials, etc. Children have the basic need to be creative, and I am awed at what they produce.

They love to create from the heart, which

expresses their love.

During the regular school year schedule, whether it be virtual or in class, we families truly have to multi-task in order to meet the needs of our children.

Over the holidays we look forward to our schedule slowing down.

But to be honest, the holidays are busier than regular days. In our families, we may have different-age children with many different needs because of different personalities.

We love to celebrate the holidays with seasonal-delicious foods, cheerfulness, singing, bright lights and gifts.

But as parents of young children we have to balance all this in order not to push our young children into sensory overload and anxiety.

We want our families to enjoy the holidays as memory-makers.

During Christmas this year, many of us will be celebrating Christmas on a shoestring budget. But we want our children to learn and internalize during the advent of Christmas that it is not

about material gifts but about people, family and relationships. Here are a few ideas and resources that I would like to share during this Advent.

Provide the gift of time with your child.

Plan out a slot of time during this busy holiday season where your undivided attention can be focused on your child or children. Time spent with children spells love and nurtures creative memories.

Our community offers beautiful sightseeing adventures downtown, in our parks and in our neighborhoods. Taking time to walk, bicycle or drive your children around is a memory-maker. The holidays provide opportunities for you to talk with your children. Make productive the time you spend with your children by really “focusing in” on what they are saying. Listening to our children as they express themselves is a gift to them of love and significance. Find joy and happiness in your children and grandchildren. Children who enjoy each day are those who feel loved and accepted for who they are. Taking time in noticing what your child is doing spells LOVE. Verbalize how much you love them.

Keep materials around the house to be creative. Someone else’s trash is an early childhood teacher’s treasure.

I am not talking about garbage, but things like scraps of material, yarn, toilet paper and paper towel tubes, giftwrap, buttons, etc. Children of all ages hop on the creative train when it comes to creativity

during Christmas.

Also it is a parent’s treasure to encourage their children to be creative. When it comes to creativity during Christmas, creative food crafts such as icing and decorating sugar cookies, building gingerbread houses, making food ornaments out of simple sugar cubes, marshmallows, pretzels, etc., is fun. Their little hands enjoy making Christmas decorations to display through the home. Allowing them to freely create builds cherished memories.

Free yourself up and play with your child.

Spend time playing with toddlers with a blanket or quilt spread out on the floor. Spending time with your infant or toddler increases their verbal and curiosity skills. Elementary-age children love to do pretend play, but they also love to engage in board games or computer games.

One gift that seems to be loved by parents is the task and chore Christmas Coupons books. As a teacher I have seen my young students love making and drawing coupons of chores that they will do in helping the family over the holidays.

Examples are cleaning their room, simply wiping tables or chairs, sweeping, setting the table for meals, etc.

A parent tears off a chore for each day that needs to be done. This is a gift of love from young children to their families.

During the Christmas season, invite your children to help you make Christmas cards to send to family and friends. Allowing

children to help you mail letters stresses giving love to others.

When children ask “why” and “what” questions, be sure to spend time answering them. Children ask so many times why we do certain Christmas symbols. I have shared these with Classroom Observer readers in earlier years, but I would like to review them, as they provide a wonderful learning time for children and adults.

Children love to hear about the origin of the Christmas tree, which is attributed to Martin Luther, the leader of the Reformation. It is said on Christmas Eve, Luther was walking through the wooded forest near his home.

He was awestruck by the snow-covered branches of the trees shining brightly in the moonlight. He wanted to recreate this beautiful scene for his family, who was waiting for him at home. He cut down the tree, set it up in his home and decorated it with candles. As we see, Christmas trees are usually the very center of a home and community’s celebration of decorations.

Young children love to squint and gaze at the beautiful lights that surround us during the Christmas season.

“You are radiant with light, more majestic than mountains rich with game. God is resplendent with light and the true light who came into the world is Jesus Christ,” Psalm 76:4.

Candy canes are a delicious treat for children and others. The cane is shaped as a shepherd’s

crook, which reflects that Jesus is the Good Shepherd. The red represents the blood that Jesus shed for us and the white represents His purity.

The beautiful Christmas wreaths that we see everywhere demonstrate the never-ending symbol of eternal love that God connects.

Gifts tied with a bow reminds us of gifts that the wisemen brought to Jesus. The ribbon that is tied around gifts symbolizes that all people should be tied in bonds of love and unity during the holiday season.

Poinsettias are seen everywhere during Christmas. The Poinsettia is a native plant of Mexico and is called “Star Flower.”

Their star-shaped leaves remind us of the star of Bethlehem and Christ who is called the “bright morning star.”

At Christmas we usually see the colors of red and green. The color red is used at Christmas to represent the blood of Jesus when he died on the cross. The color green signifies light and life.

All of us love to hear Christmas music; children love to sing Christmas music such as Jingle Bells. They learn quickly the simple songs of the season and they sing with excitement and a gleam in their eyes as they realize that Christmas has arrived in our community.

I hope these few suggestions help you get started in celebrating Christmas in our community. Enjoy the gift of each day.

Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer

Complementing curriculum with 3D printers Contributed by ACS

Auburn City Schools recently participated in the GE Additive Education Program, a grant program funded

by General Electric to increase the equity and access of 3D printing.

By enabling access to polymer 3D printers in all 13 schools, this effort will help accelerate the adoption of additive manufacturing and prototyping within Auburn City Schools, preparing students for the future.

GE has also provided the school system access to www.polar3d. com, a cloud-based platform equipped with lessons and designs, training for proper management of the printers and even the opportunity to create fundraisers for printed

items.

The comprehensive bundles are designed for easy integration into the classroom and lessons are digestible for teachers as well as students who may not be well acquainted with the technology.

“We are excited about this because now a student can experience 3D printing at all grade levels in ACS,” said Drew Morgan, coordinator of secondary curriculum and professional development.

“Doing so will boost STEM experiences for students K-12 and increase the number of students who could potentially enter STEM careers.

We are very grateful to GE for partnering with ACS, and we look forward to

utilizing all the applications these printers offer.”

Morgan added that schools could also potentially have “make sales” where the community could purchase items designed and printed by students.

GE’s Additive Education Program

launched in 2017 to provide 3D printing solutions and educational curriculum to schools across the world. As part of the initiative, GE Additive pledged $10 million over five years to deliver polymer 3D printers to primary and secondary schools.

B4 December 9, 2020

Opelika school system in-person attendance rising

By Will Fairless Associate Editor

The Opelika school board met last Tuesday for a combination of the regularly scheduled November and December meetings, and heard an update on virtual and traditional attendance in the school system.

Some students, 103 to be exact, have moved from traditional (or in-person) learning

to virtual; most of those 103 are high school seniors. On the other hand, 813 students have moved from virtual learning to traditional learning (for a net change of 710 students in favor of traditional learning).

As of the meeting, 85% of the system’s students are participating in traditional learning. There was a question raised as to whether that uptick would present

challenges to maintaining social distancing in the classrooms.

“Just need to stretch the room out,” said Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors.

“And we’ve pretty much cleaned out as many things that we didn’t have to have in the room.”

Each grade level had one virtual teacher, said Jeanie Miller, assistant superintendent of

curriculum.

“Now we have three of those teachers going back into their grade level at whatever school they were in,” she said. “What the principals have done is they’ve gotten a report from the virtual teachers on what the child’s participation was, how did the child do, so now they are placing the children … into hopefully good spots.”

Neighbors added that they are trying to avoid restructuring existing traditional learning classes so that students can remain with the teachers they’ve already formed relationships with.

In other business, the board: -approved personnel recommendations, including one special education teacher -heard the monthly

financial reports for September and October -heard the monthly child nutrition reports for September and October The Opelika city school board meets on the last Tuesday of each month, unless otherwise stated, at the Opelika City Schools central office at 300 Simmons St. The next meeting of the board is scheduled for Jan. 21, 2021.

Amid challenges, Southern Christian begins inaugural basketball season

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Southern Christian Academy provides an opportunity for homeschooled children to play sports. This fall, they opened the book on the program’s athletic history with a successful football season. Now, despite facing numerous challenges that stem from the global pandemic, the Patriots begin their first-ever basketball season.

“I have high hopes for this season,” Southern Christian Athletic Director and Coach Jason Scott said.

“I’m a basketball guy at heart.”

For the last month, Scott has been getting his middle school, junior varsity (girls and boys)

and varsity boys teams ready to play.

However, it hasn’t been the cut-and-dry process of practice, scrimmage and game. For the last two weeks, Southern Christian — with all four teams practicing together — has been faced with almost unfathomable circumstances. The Patriots have been practicing without goals.

“We’re doing some of the old Pistol Pete Maverick ball-handling drills,” Scott said, with a laugh.

“We practice all together.”

At the beginning of the pre-season, the Patriots were practicing inside the gym at Union Grove Church in Beauregard. But when the pastor recently contracted COVID-19, the church shut down

and so did Southern Christian’s indoor practices. Since then, the Patriots have been practicing in the parking lot of Providence Baptist Church in Opelika.

“The last two weeks I’ve had the team practicing outside,” Scott said.

“It’s a lit parking lot . . . I’m going to drag some heaters out there to try and keep everybody’s hands warm.”

Southern Christian has undeniably started behind the curve, but Scott has been unwavering in his commitment to have his teams ready to play — focusing on the fundamentals and good team basketball. When the varsity boys played their first game on Tuesday night, they nearly pulled off an astonishing win.

Facing the Grace

Lee-Scott Varsity Boys split two games for the week

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Starting the season 1-2, the Lee-Scott Varsity Boys basketball team went 1-1 in their two games this past week to move to 2-3 on the season.

“Our team is growing each time out and gaining much needed experience as we push for January,” Lee Scott Head Coach William Johnson said. “We are learning a new system with very young guys. Last we improved each game out which is what we are looking for right now. I thought out guys competed and fought hard last

week.”

The Warriors began the week with a 38-31 win over Evangel. The game was highly contested after three quarters, with LSA leading 29-27. The Warriors used a 9-to-4 fourth quarter to put some separation between them and Evangel before ultimately emerging victorious. Senior center Carson Alexander led the Warriors in both scoring and rebounds, with 14 and 7, respectively. Fellow big Jason Horne, a sophomore, was right behind Alexander, finishing with 13 points and four rebounds in the win.

The Warriors got to the line early and often against Evangel, making 12-of-18 free throws compared to Evangel’s 3-of-10.

LSA also turned the ball over four fewer times than its opponent, which combined with a better overall field goal percentage, proved to be the difference in the game.

The second game of the week for the boys did not go as well as the first.

LSA found more success on offense but fell to Pike Liberal Arts Academy 66-49. Horne led the way this time See LSA BOYS, page B5

Christian Crusaders from Columbus, Georgia, the Patriots trailed by just one with two minutes left in the game. At the half, Southern Christian was down 2411. However, the Patriots owned the third quarter — outscoring Grace Christian 15-3 — and gave themselves a fair shot to win the game. In the end, two crucial Southern Christian turnovers led to easy Crusader baskets and the Patriots lost their season opener, 3126. It was a truly valiant effort for a team that hadn’t even had a scrimmage to date. Pete Moore led the way with 11 points and seven steals. Luke Humes also had a solid opening act, adding 8 points.

“We haven’t had any scrimmages … so that was our scrimmage last night,” Scott said.

“I was going into the game thinking it might be a really long night for us. But all in all, I’m super proud of them.”

The Patriots varsity boys have 15 more games on the schedule, but Scott said, “I’ve called all the way to the other side of Atlanta,” to try to find games for his girls team, which has only eight games on the docket to date.

With a number of newcomers who have never even played basketball, Scott said he looks forward to the challenge ahead this season.

“I love coaching,” he said. “I love the chess match.”

He also said he looks forward to scheduling intown rivalry games against Trinity Christian and The Oaks, although the Patriots will have to wait until next season at least for that to begin.

“We couldn’t work it out to get on the schedule together,” Scott said of this season. “I’m going to try and do that a whole lot earlier next year.”

Scott said he hopes to get back into a gym soon, but if not, he, his three assistant coaches and his teams will continue to prepare in the elements.

“We’ve had some real hurdles to overcome,” Scott said. “We’ve already got a lot of stories to tell from this first year.”

Trinity Christian falls to Lafayette Academy

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

The Trinity Christian Varsity Boys basketball team lost, 57-47, to Lafayette Academy of LaGrange, Georgia last Thursday.

It was the third game that the Varsity Boy Eagles have played, taking their record to 0-3.

The Eagles fell behind early in the game as Lafayette Academy outscored them 20-9 in the first quarter. It was a valiant effort in the next two quarters and Trinity managed to cut the lead to six. But the fourth quarter went Lafayette Academy’s way as they handed Trinity its third

straight loss to start the season.

The Eagles were led

by Brandon Riddle, who went 8-of-14 on field goals, and 3-of-7 on three pointers, finishing with 20 points and two rebounds. Jackson Washburn was feeling it on offense, going 5-of6 from the field for 10 points. Lewis Reeves, Daniel Adams and James Middleton rounded out the scoring for Trinity with 9, 5 and 3 points.

Trinity lost their season opener to Ezekiel Academy, 69-36, according to MaxPreps.

Ezekiel jumped out to a 18-5 first quarter lead but Trinity battled back with 15 points in

the second quarter. The game was officially put out of reach in the third where Ezekiel were outscored Trinity 23-8.

The Eagles played their second opponent, LaGrange Academy, much closer. Trinity outscored LaGrange in both the first and fourth quarters. However, a 17-10 second quarter and 15-9 third quarter, both in favor of LaGrange, would be too much for Trinity to overcome as they lost 51-43.

According to the school’s online schedule, Trinity played a game Tuesday night against Evangel. The results were not available at press.

B5 December 9, 2020

Auburn accepting by GPA not ACT

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

The pandemic has affected a lot of different processes, college admission being one of them.

Most students did not take the ACT this year, to either avoid COVID-19 or because the tests were not offered or canceled, said Joffrey Gaymon, vice president of enrollment services during a Board of Trustees work session in November.

“Forty-two percent of students and 53% of low-income students indicated that they had not taken any standardized tests,” Gaymon said, referencing a recently released survey.

“And then 36% of that population referenced that if they did take the test that they did not plan to send their scores to the institution with their application.”

Students can still send their test scores in, Gaymon said, but many have not. This

means that the criteria for admissions had to change.

The second round of admissions was just completed, she said, and the university is on track to keep its goal of 60% in-state students. So far, the university has received over 14,000 applications.

The school has also increased the amount of applications it has received from in-state students. Students have applied from 63 Alabama counties, Gaymon said.

“We guaranteed admission for the top two students at any school with 50 or more students enrolled,” she said.

“And so we actually have 268 students we’ve offered admission that are ranked within the top five, which is great.”

If the school is not looking at the ACT, however, that means it has to look at GPA. Specifically, the school is looking at weighted GPA. Some of the

trustees had questions about how this will work given that some high schools award weighted points differently.

“We only are pulling specific courses [for the GPA],” Gaymon said. “So we have a certain number of core classes that are factored into the GPA, so this year, because not everybody has access to the SAT or ACT scores, we have more of a f lexible model.

During the evaluation, we’re looking at the core GPA, so it’s a combination of the academic courses.”

This will even the playing field a bit, in terms of different high schools, Gaymon said.

One trustee, Charles McCrary, questioned whether students had been made aware that Auburn was not looking at their cumulative GPA. He said he has had concerned parents reach out with questions.

“So I understand that you actually,

you may have a student that has a 4.0 let’s say, and fills out an application to Auburn,” McCrary said. “You look at it and you say ‘hmm, nope it’s not a 4.0, because we’ve looked at the core courses and the student actually had a 3.5.’”

Gaymon confirmed this and said that the school is looking at courses such as math, science, English, social studies and foreign languages.

Other courses, such as home economics, while ref lected in the cumulative GPA, would not be considered in the core GPA. Gaymon also said that students had been made aware of the process and need to enter the information themselves on the application.

“There’s not usually that much of a huge difference, it’s usually probably a half a point variation between the core and the cumulative GPA,” she said.

“They’re usually very close together.”

Trustee Wayne T. Smith said that he and other trustees were concerned that Auburn was lowering its standards by accepting based on GPA and not by a standardized test score.

“Is there any difference in terms of the standards for admission using this f lexible way of doing it versus still ACT or SAT way,” he asked. “Is it too early to tell whether there’s any difference in terms of standards for admission?”

Gaymon said she expects there will be more solid data available soon, but she believes standards are not lowered by accepting through GPA. This method does require more work on the university’s part in looking through a student’s record, however.

“Everyone understands that this is a different year, of

course, and things, and there’s not access to all these standardized tests but what the trustees want is to make sure that we do not lower our standards for admission and we want that assurance,” Smith said.

“That’s what we’re after here, regardless of how it’s done. We’re not the experts, you’re the expert. You can do it however you want to do it, but so we get some assurance that we’re not lowering our standards for admission.”

The students who have already been admitted to Auburn this year are comparable to previous years’ admitted students, Gaymon said.

Eventually, this pandemic will end, and Auburn will go back to accepting based on ACT scores, Gaymon said, but this new process was necessary to accommodate an ever-changing world due to COVID-19.

ATHLETICS>>

there are other health benefits that come with the gym’s efforts to return to normalcy.

“I think it’s important for mental health too,” she said. “This is what they love to do, they lost it for 90 days. It was important for us to try and get them back to where they were be-

fore we were forced to take a break.”

Though things were being shut down and masks were becoming the new normal, Sexton knows that without the gym, her girls were being deprived of a basic need.

“We have a pandemic, but that doesn’t

mean you don’t need to exercise,” she said.

Furthermore, the gym is a second home for many of the girls, and the camaraderie and competition that the girls would lose without it cannot be understated.

“We are a big family,” Sexton said.

“We’re focused on getting better and challenging ourselves. I think the girls feed off that — from each other, from their coaches.”

Xtreme Athletics merged with another local gym during the dog days of the pandemic that was also forced to shut its doors due to

COVID-19. The merge doubled the size of the gym and elevated the need for a competitive meet even more.

“It’s a little different and weird, but we’re going to make the best of it and I think that’s what we’ve done,” Sexton said.

Now, Xtreme Athletics turns its eyes to the future, with the determination to give the girls the closest thing to a safe and normal competitive season as possible.

“I think it’s important to keep their gym sisters and be able to keep going in whatever form we can keep going in,” Sexton said. “Whether we end up back on Zoom or we’re able to keep practicing inside the gym.”

Sexton said she doesn’t know what the new year will look like, but that Xtreme Athletics will do all it can to help the girls compete.

“We’re planning for competition season to return to normal in the spring,” she said.

“But our plan B is we will host more meets ourselves if we have to.”

>> FROM B4 with 11 points and six rebounds, and Payne Weissinger had his best game of the year, finishing with 10 points

and four rebounds.

Alexander had a rare off day, going 3-of14 from the field and finishing with just 7 points. LSA fell into an eight-point hole

after the first quarter, and Pike then broke the game open in the second, outscoring the Warriors by nine, giving them a 17-point lead at half. LSA can

take some positives from how the game ended. The fourth quarter was the only period in which they outscored Pike. Overall, the loss can be chalked

up to the rebound battle, as Pike pulled down 44 missed shots compared to LSA’s 29.

According to LeeScott’s online schedule, the Varsity Boys’

played a home game against Macon-East, who are 4-2 according to maxpreps.com, on Tuesday night. Results were not available at press time.

LSA GIRLS>>

against Evangel, but the Lady Warriors used another second-half swing to take control of the game. This time, LSA outscored Evangel 11-4 in the third quarter to extend what was a narrow

2-point halftime lead to 9. The fourth quarter was tight, but LSA won that too, outscoring Evangel 13-12 in the final period to secure the 37-27 win. Tucker was once again the team’s

leading scoring, finishing with 12 points and four rebounds. Madison Davis added 10 points and was a monster on the defensive side of the ball, recording five steals.

Zellner had an off night

offensively but filled up the stat sheet with 9 points, four rebounds, one assist, one block and six steals. Mary Kathryn Harris was also critical to LSA’s win as she pulled down 10

rebounds to go with 5 points.

The wins move the girls to 4-2 on the season.

The Varsity Girls played Macon-East at home lon Tuesday; results were not available at press time.

FROM B1 compete. Since gymnastics doesn’t qualify as an AHSAA sport, Xtreme Athletics provides one of the only opportunities in the area for budding gymnasts to try a new hobby or pursue a passion.

“It’s important for them to get scores,” Sexton said. “And also to just show progressions and the ability to move through levels and perform in front of judges — just that aspect of our sport.”

Xtreme Athletics made the meet fit COVID-19 guidelines by social distancing and limiting spectators to two per competitor. However, Sexton said that they offered a livestream so that extended family could tune in.

"We were able to provide a safe atmosphere that also felt as normal as it could for the kids,” she said.

The meet fulfilled the obvious competitive needs that the girls had been lacking, but Sexton said she believes

LSA BOYS

FROM B1 and Zellner was second with 8.

The Varsity Girls’ second game of the week was a closer affair

B6 December 9, 2020

Auburn overwhelmed by Texas A&M

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Leading by six with 13:31 left in the fourth quarter, Auburn’s Zakoby McClain had a potential interception tip off his hands and into the hands of a Texas A&M receiver who was conveniently placed in the end zone. The score put the Aggies up by one and the Tigers never saw a lead again, losing to Texas A&M 31-20 on senior day.

“Yeah I mean, you’re playing a good team,” Auburn Head Coach Gus Malzahn said in his post-game press conference. “It’s going to come down to just a few plays if you’re going to have a good chance to win. Give the guy credit. We thought we picked it off. We didn’t. It got tipped and he kept his eye on it and he made a touchdown.”

The could-havebeen interception f lipped the game’s momentum on its head. Although Auburn was behind 14-10 at the half, the Tigers came out of the break and put up 10 points in their first two drives of the third quarter to take a 20-14 lead.

After A&M regained the lead in the fourth quarter, the Auburn offense resigned quietly with two threeand-outs and then a turnover on downs that effectively ended the game.

Unfortunately for McClain, the missed opportunity at a turnover stained an otherwise great performance. The junior linebacker led the team with 17 total tackles, and he was the one bright spot on an Auburn

SPORTS>> FROM B1 youth play sports. The game is for the student athletes and coaches, who are doing their best to win!

In other basketball news, the Opelika Girls Basketball team defeated Smiths Station 58-21 last week in Mainstreet Gym. Haley Sanders continued dominating the scoring with a gamehigh 17 points. Kaitlyn Bryant continued her steady play, adding 13 points. The 3-2 Lady Bulldogs played at LaFayette Tuesday night.

Results were not available at print time. OHS hosts Pike Road Saturday, Dec. 12 at 3:30 p.m.

The OHS Boys Team dropped to 0-3 under

defense that struggled mightily against the No. 5 ranked Aggies.

In total, the A&M offense put up 509 yards and gashed the Tiger defensive line at will, rushing for 313. The Aggies’ rushing attack was clearly the difference, as they violated an Auburn rush defense that ranked No. 10 in the SEC coming into the game. Isaiah Spiller led the way for the Aggies with 20 carries for 120 yards; Devon Achane added 99 yards on nine carries; and quarterback Kellen Mond added 60 yards and two scores with his legs.

“Well, it was just a matter of stopping the run, that’s pretty simple,” Malzahn said about the defense’s struggles.

“We couldn’t stop them. They did a good job. The offensive line is good, their back is good.

We couldn’t stop the run. That was a big factor to this.”

The combination of Texas A&M’s commitment to the run and Auburn’s porous third-down defense is ultimately what undid the Tigers.

It’s no secret that Auburn has struggled getting off the field this season; the Tigers defense ranked No. 125 out of 130 in third-down defense coming into the game. Forcing red zone turnovers had often been the saving grace for the Tigers. On Saturday, however, the turnover never came, and A&M went 7-for-11 on third downs, contributing to the Aggies’ massive 16-minute advantage in time of possession.

“We couldn’t stop the run. We couldn’t get off the field.

They kept the ball away,” Malzahn said in his post-game opening statement.

While the Auburn defense struggled to stop the A&M rushing attack, the Tigers offense found some unlikely success against the second ranked SEC rush defense of the Aggies.

The emergence of Tank Bigsby has been one of the most encouraging parts of the season for Auburn, but with the freshman running back clearly still not at 100% he carried the ball only nine times against A&M. Bigsby still churned out a teamhigh 76 yards, but most of that came on a 42-yard run in the third quarter.

“He broke the long one and I think if he would have been healthy, he would have house-called that,” Malzahn said.

Shaun Shivers matched Bigsby with nine carries – which he turned into 68 yards – and Nix added 49 yards on the ground, including one spectacular Houdini-like escape act where he avoided multiple A&M pass rushers and covered about 40 yards of field on a five-yard touchdown run.

While Nix looked adequately f leet of foot, where Auburn really struggled was in the passing game.

Seth Williams and Anthony Schwartz were both held to just three catches, and Bo Nix was efficient but ineffective, finishing 15-of-23 for just 144 yards.

We didn’t even get to see JJ Pegues touch the ball,

adding to the day’s disappointment.

The loss puts Auburn at 5-4, locked into a seventh straight season with four or more losses and without a win against a top-25 team this year. The excuses about lost spring and summer practice time have faded and the team still looks bereft of any consistency. It was a disappointing day overall and a loss that will leave a nasty taste in the mouths of the 18 seniors who played their final home game on Saturday.

“Like I said earlier,

the big thing for me is I’m disappointed for our seniors,” Malzahn said. “We had a chance to play a top-5 team at home on senior day and win, and we didn’t seize the moment.”

Interesting choice of words there, “seize the moment.”

The inability to do just that is beginning to define the Auburn teams under Malzahn. It’s undeniably wearing on the fans’ image of the head coach and this loss was a missed opportunity to salvage a decent season.

The Tigers can

finish the year on a positive note with a win next week at Mississippi State. Is Malzahn coaching for his job? Can we discount this year because of COVID? Do fans have unrealistic expectations for an Auburn coach in the Saban-era?

All these things have to be considered. But, a loss Saturday against the Bulldogs would be Malzahn’s lowest point at Auburn.

And it would certainly push the fan base – if not already there – over the edge.

first-year head coach Emanuel Brown. The Bulldogs lost at home to Smiths Station 64-60.

The Boys host Pike Road Saturday, Dec. 12 at 4:45 p.m.

You can purchase tickets for Opelika basketball games at gofan.co WRESTLING The OHS wrestling team traveled to Prattville and hosted Benjamin Russell last week.

OMS joined OHS for the trip to Prattville last Tuesday. The Bulldog grapplers won the match, 60-24. Prattville was not at full strength due to several Lion wrestlers being out due to COVID issues.

The following student athletes won matches: Derrick Hoyett (106 lbs.), Pedro Cabrera (113), Brayden Wilson

(120), Trace Gaither (132), Adam Phillips (145), Keon Brazier (160), Ari Brogdon (182), Jack Pritchard (195), Zayne Lackey (220) and heavyweight Jaylin Thomas.

The OMS Wrestling Team slipped by the Lions 43-42. The following earned points for the middle school: Brodie White (75), Jake Campbell (95), Tyrese Pitts (130), Trell Anderson (135), Brady Campbell (145), Brandon Denson (165) and Mansa Seymour (175).

OMS wrestles Gardner-Newman and Calloway Middle School Thursday, Dec. 10 in OMS gym. Tickets can be purchased online at gofan.co The Opelika varsity hosted Benjamin Rus-

sell last week in a dual match. The Widcats led by one point, 37-36, but received an unsportsmanlike penalty, costing the team a point. This made the score 36-36, but Opelika won the tie breakers resulting in one point, threfore giving the Bulldogs the win.

Adam Phillips started the scoring for Opelika after trailing 12-0. Phillips pinned his opponent while Logan Sheridan pinned his, making the score 12-12. Keon Brazier scored a pin, and Jack Prichard pinned a Wildcat wrestler. The toughest match of the night featured Opelika’s 106-pound freshman, Derrick Hoyett, who came back to win the match with a pin despite trailing 12-8 in points.

OHS wrestled Pike

Road and Russell County Tuesday night in the Mainstreet Gym. The results were not available at print time.

SUPER 7 The Alabama High School Athletic Association completed another successful Super 7. The three-day event drew 42,301 in attendance.

The 7A game, Wednesday night, drew 13,583 fans. Thursday’s games, 3A, 1A and 5A, drew 13,061 people, and Friday’s 2A, 4A and 6A games drew 15,647 fans.

The games were played in Bryant-Denny Stadium on the University of Alabama’s campus.

The following is each game’s result: 1A: Linden (15-0) defeated Pickens County (11-4) 31-8 2A: Mars Hill Bible (13-

2) 56-14 over Abbeville (12-2) 3A: Fyffe (15-0) won 21-16 over Montgomery Catholic (12-3) 4A: Handle (12-1) beat Gordo (13-2) 35-20 5A: St Paul’s (15-0) 2921 over Pleasent Grove (11-3) 6A: Pinson Valley (12-2) beat Spanish Fort (11-4) 23-14 7A: Thompson (14-0) beat Auburn (11-2) 29-28.

The Super 7 Championship returns to Birmingham in 2021. The seven championship games will be played in the brand new stadium being built next to the Civic Center, Protective Stadium.

Super 7 returns to Auburn-Opelika in 2022.

The games are played in Jordan-Hare Stadium on the AU Campus.

Gus Malzahn talks with his players before the Texas A&M game Shanna Lockwood/AU Athletics

Auburn linebacker Zakoby McClain tackles a Texas A&M runner Shanna Lockwood/AU Athletics

B7 December 9, 2020

Opelika Varsity Girls dominate the court; Boys fall to Smiths Station

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

B8 December 9, 2020

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

December 9, 2020

Wednesday, December 9, 2020

P

Donald Trump has a profound Legacy in Presidential History

residential historians and most astute national political observers and chroniclers have concluded that the most profound legacy a president can achieve is the appointment of United States Supreme Court Justices. Presidents serve fouryear terms. Justices serve for their lifetimes.

The Supreme Court of the United States is the ultimate final word on law and public policy in the United States. After they are appointed by the president and confirmed by the U.S. Senate, its justices are impregnable to political whims or influence.

They are sovereign and omnipotent.

They are treated royally and usually serve on the high tribunal for over two decades.

Therefore, whether you like Donald J. Trump or not, he has a legacy.

Most presidents are fortunate if they are able to name one justice to the court. Trump, over his four-year term appointed and had confirmed three. This feat by President Trump makes him one of the most bulwark conservative presidents in history. He has cemented his legacy forever and changed the judicial philosophy of the court for the next generation.

Trump’s three appointments are not only well qualified, polished, distinguished, moderate conservatives; they are also young. Justice Neil Gorsuch is 53. He replaced Justice Anthony Kennedy, who retired. Justice Brett Kavanaugh is 55. He replaced arch conservative Justice Anton Scalia.

The most consequential appointment

by President Trump is the appointment and confirmation of Justice Amy Coney Barrett. She is only 48 and a solid conservative.

Trump’s appointment of Judge Amy Barrett is truly historical. This appointment changed the entire ideology of the court to a solidly six-tothree conservative majority. Barrett’s appointment is the most pivotal block in Trump’s rebuilding of the court.

In the Gorsuch and Kavanaugh ap-

Opelika City Council recognizes Opelika Dawg Pound

Photo contributed by city of Opelika Opelika Dawg Pound shows off their trophy for their recent tournament win

By Michelle Key Publisher

STEVE FLOWERS pointments, conservatives replaced conservatives. In Barrett, a woman is replacing a woman, but more importantly potentially one of the most conservative justices in history is replacing one of the most liberal. In addition, at 48 Barrett will preside for the next three decades, as will probably Gorsuch and Kavanaugh.

Along with these three conservative justices to the Supreme Court, President Donald Trump has been able to appoint nearly 300 federal judges to the lower federal courts throughout America. Trump could not have accomplished this generational change of the court without the advice and consent of a Republican majority United States Senate.

The Republican conservative stamp is also indelibly planted on the federal courts in Alabama. Sen. Richard Shelby, in congruence with the Trump administration, has completely reshaped Alabama’s federal judiciary with very young, extremely qualified, conservative judges.

Speaking of our United States Senators, Shelby was granted the omnipotent power to select all of our new, young, conservative judges throughout all of our districts – southern, middle and northern – not only because of his power, prestige and See FLOWERS, page B13

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The Opelika Dawg Pound visited the Opelika City Council last week and was recognized for their win in the 2020 Carpet Capital Bowl Tournament, Ward 2 Councilwoman Erica Norris said.

Specifically, the 12U team won three games on their way to the championship in the tournament which was held on Nov. 14 and 15 in Dalton, Georgia.

Last weekend, the Dawg Pound travelled to Chattanooga to play in another tournament – the Choo Choo Bowl.

The 12U team placed third, but the 8U team, led by head coach Terez Thomas, placed second, winning two games on the opening

day before being defeated in the championship game. It was quiet the feat for 8U team which had previously been 0-5 in league play before the tournament, Thomas said. The accomplishment is made even more impressive by the fact that the 8U team traveled with only 12 players available – the bare minimum to enter the tournament, according to Thomas.

“You have about 18 boys that are on my roster, couldn’t but 12 go. Everyone else had 30-plus boys on a team,” Thomas said. “But we got up there and we actually played some big boys out of Tennessee and some big boys out of Huntsville, and they looked over there at them and was like ‘coach, we’re going to

do it for you’. . . They did their thing.”

Congrats to the Opelika Dawg Pound for all their recent exploits.

In other business, the council: approved the purchase of CivicClerk software for the IT department approved an agreement with AVENU Insights & Analytics LLC approved an agreement with Johnson Controls, Inc. approved an agreement with NRC, Inc. for arborist services approved tax abatements and exemptions for Cumberland Plastic Systems, LLC. The company is planning to implement capital investments of See COUNCIL, page B13

Opelika Fire Chief to retire Contributed by The city of Opelika

The city of Opelika announced last week the retirement of Opelika Fire Chief Byron Prather effective Jan. 31, 2021. Chief Prather was appointed OFD Chief in June of 2015 and has served as OFD Chief for

5 1/2 years.

“Byron has been a huge asset to the city for many years,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. “His leadership to the men and women of the OFD, and his service to our community, will be greatly missed.

See CHIEF, page B10

B10 December 9, 2020

Word of the Year, 2020: “Pandemic” What a surprise! It’s all around us.

A

t a 2010 gathering of a Catholic group in Washington, DC, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, herself a Catholic, spoke of the Word of the Lord, but with a certain remove.

“My favorite word is the Word. That is everything. It says it all for us. And you know the biblical reference, the Gospel reference of the Word. Isn’t it a beautiful word when you think of it? It just covers everything. The Word.”

Recently, the nerdy lexicographers at Oxford University Press could not find a winner as “Word of the Year” for 2020. Just as Mrs. Pelosi in 2010, they stumbled around for a good way to summon up The Word but didn’t succeed. The team, trying to find one word to describe our busy, fraught year, failed because this year was “unprecedented” with a “seismic shift in language.”

“The English language, like us, had to adapt rapidly and repeatedly this year,”

Oxford University Press’s report explained.

“Given the phenomenal breadth of language change and development in 2020, Oxford Languages concluded that this is a year which cannot be neatly accommodated in one single word.”

Well, okay. Yet, in studying certain words this year, the Oxford English Dictionary team noted that some words that were not so prominent in normal years became ubiquitous in 2020. They included “bushfire,” “impeachment,” “acquittal,” “coronavirus,” “COVID-19,” “lockdown,” “social distancing,” and “reopening.”

The word-pickers at Merriam-Webster were not as thrown by the wide array of new or strengthened words as were the Oxford wordsmiths. They chose “pandemic” as their undisputed Word of the Year, 2020. “Pandemic” is defined as a disease outbreak that happens to a wide swath of an area, usually over a group of countries and

affecting a majority of the people of each region or country affected.

“Sometimes a single word defines an era, and it’s fitting that in this exceptional — and exceptionally difficult — year, a single word came immediately to the fore as we examined the data to determine what our Word of the Year will be,” per a company statement. It is in the article “MerriamWebster’s 2020 Word of the Year Is One You Definitely Know,” by Samantha Schnurr, in E! News.

The article continues: “What is most striking about this word is that it has remained high in our lookups ever since, staying near the top of our word list for the past ten months — even as searches for other related terms, such as ‘coronavirus’ and ‘COVID-19,’ has waned.”

Before revealing the top word of 2019 at Merriam-Webster, I am reminded of a 1930s Abbott and Costello comedy sketch called

By Greg Markley “Who’s on First?”

In that sketch, confusion erupts at a baseball game when Lou Costello asks Bud Abbott who plays where. The answer is disorienting as all players have double-entendre names such as “What” at second base and “Tomorrow” for the pitcher.

In 1999, “Who’s on First?” was chosen

by Time as the Best Comedy Sketch of the 20th Century. It illustrates that sometimes the names people have since childhood, or names they wish to be called later on, can be confusing. But above all, these names must be respected, not turned

into insults or part of a game.

This is true with the word “they,” 2019’s word of the year for Merriam-Webster. Used singularly, “they” is a pronoun that refers to a person whose gender identity is non-binary.

This gender-neutral pronoun is used instead of “he or she.” (Nonbinary is a spectrum of gender identities that are outside the gender binary.)

Melissa Locker, in Time, quotes the dictionary’s statement for clarification: “English famously lacks a gender-neutral singular pronoun to correspond neatly with singular pronouns like everyone or someone, and as a consequence “they” has been used for this purpose for over 600 years.”

Oxford University Press not only had “climate emergency” as its Word of the Year in 2019, but spotlighted other climate-related words. The Guardian’s editor-in-chief Katharine Viner said: “We want to ensure that

we are being scientifically precise, while also communicating clearly with readers on this very important issue.

The phrase ‘climate change,’ for example, sounds rather passive and gentle when what scientists are talking about is a catastrophe for humanity.”

In 2020 “pandemic” was Word of the Year for one dictionary and nothing was chosen for another dictionary’s Word of the Year. Just like with the U.S. House Speaker in 2010, describing The (precise) Word was a challenge.

Maybe we should adopt poet Robert Frost’s philosophy: “In three words I can sum up everything I’ve learned about life: It goes on.”

Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for 21 years, on and off. He has master’s degrees in education and history.

He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. He was U.S. Army Europe Journalist of the Year (1993) for articles from Croatia, Germany, and Macedonia.

Auburn’s Environmental Services and Public Works Department to relocate

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

The Auburn City Council approved a contract for the relocation of Auburn’s Environmental Services and Public Works Department during its Tuesday night council meeting.

The contract authorizes the city to purchase 62.91 acres on Wire Road for over $1.8 million.

“The new Environmental Services and Public Works Complex will provide much-needed space for both departments and include office/warehouse space, pole barns for equipment, vehicle maintenance facility, nursery, fueling station and materials storage,” the city’s e-packet said.

Assistant City Manager Megan Crouch said that this purchase will cost $30,000 per acre for the property.

“I want to caution you, the $30,000 an acre is a maximum,” she said.

“That is still subject to appraisal and it’s the lesser of the two. So if it comes in at $27,000 an acre, that’s what we’ll pay.”

Crouch said that the search for this property was extensive throughout

CHIEF>> FROM B9 I along with the city council and the entire Opelika family wish him the best as he starts the next phase of his life.”

The city will soon

Auburn, and although it is perhaps farther out than ideal, it is the best site price wise.

“We have searched the city high and low, and we had to go out Wire Road,” she said. “Yes, we looked at a number of things closer in. The challenges with closer-in properties, it goes from $30,000 an acre to $100,000 or $200,000 an acre. And we need a massive site.”

The assistant city manager said that the city hopes to complete the project by Fiscal Year 2022.

The council also approved a contract with Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, Inc. to provide architectural/engineering services for the relocation project for over $867,000.

The relocation of the Environmental Services and Public Works Complex will allow the Boykin Campus Improvements project to move forward as well.

The Boykin Campus improvements include the construction of an African American History and Culture museum, both an outdoor and indoor pool, two basketball courts, a fitness center, locker rooms and more parking.

Auburn citizens have waited anxiously for the construction at Boykin.

Last January, when Health Plus closed its main facility and moved into an Auburn Mall storefront, several citizens asked the city to prioritize the construction.

“As previously discussed over the last year, that project has been moved up to accommodate some things particularly needed at Boykin and also to accommodate the indoor swimming pool, new library, other things,” Crouch said.

Crouch said that the city hopes to begin construction on the Boykin Campus by Fiscal Year 2023.

“We have about $14 million budgeted for Boykin right now,” she said. “A million for design and $14 million for those improvements. Of course that cost is expected to increase, but that will hit the next biennial budget process and we’re monitoring that carefully.”

SiO2 Medical Products Tax Abatement for Coronavirus Aid The Auburn council approved a tax abatement for a new building for Si02 Medical Products, Inc.

Si02 has made headlines recently for its work in creating vials to transport the COVID-19 vaccine, and it is based in Auburn.

“Si02 is a company that’s basically helping save the world by developing these vials that the vaccine will be contained in,” said City Manager Jim Buston.

The company had been in the process of creating these vials long before coronavirus made its way to the United States, according to a press release from Gov. Ivey about the company in July.

“Over the last 10 years, SiO2 has developed its patented vial platform, which combines a plastic container with a microscopic, pure glass coating on the inside that is ideal for biological drugs and vaccines,” the release said. “The product, developed in Auburn with help from experts from four major U.S. research institutions, combines the benefits of both glass and plastic without drawbacks.”

Of course, thanks to the coronavirus, the need for these vials is much more prevalent and time sensitive.

“[Si02 is] ramping up production, seven days a week, 24 hours a day,” Buston said. “They need additional facilities, and they have an option to put that facility pretty much anywhere they want to do it.”

Buston explained that if Si02 builds in Auburn, the city would reap the benefits; the tax abatement incentivizes the company to do so.

Tax abatements apply only to city tax and would not hurt the education fund, for instance, Buston said.

“We do not abate school taxes, we do not abate hospital tax and we do not abate then children’s home tax,” Buston said. “So when we talk about tax abatement that means only the property tax that the city would get.”

The abatement will be provided to Alabama Industrial Development Body, LLC, the project developer.

The capital investment for the building will be over $5.8 million.

Other Business: The council approved alcohol beverage licenses for Maruti Mart, LLC and Om Mojila, Inc. The council approved

a tax abatement for YC Manufacturing, LLC for new equipment.

The council approved a contract with Bodine’s Landscaping Services, LLC for landscaping at the Boykin Community Center for a little over $26,800.

The council approved a contract with Dell EMC Corporation for two expansion licenses for the Dell Data Protection 4400 appliances for just under $60,000.

The council approved a contract with the Northeast AL Law Enforcement Academy to provide training to five officers for $21,500.

The council approved a contract with Southland Transportation Group to purchase vehicles for the Environmental Services department for just over $358,000.

The council approved a contract with McNeilus Truck and Manufacturing Inc. to purchase a refuse collection body for the Environmental Services Department for over $279,000.

The council approved a working capital loan and interest subsidy program with Troy Bank and Trust for the Auburn Day School.

begin the search for a new fire chief, accepting applications from both internal and external applicants. All open positions are posted on the city’s website. Applications may be completed at

ss.opelika-al.gov/MSS/ employmentopportunities/default.aspx.

Chief Prather was hired as a firefighter on Sept. 9, 1985, promoted to Sergeant in 1989, Lieutenant in 1994, Captain in 1997 and

Assistant Chief in 2004.

“I will forever value the 35 years I have spent at the Opelika Fire Department and the numerous agencies with which I have had the pleasure and opportunity to work alongside,

making my upcoming retirement bitter-sweet,” Prather said. “I will always be grateful to Chief Smith for hiring me and affording me the opportunity to serve the citizens of Opelika. I am thankful to Mayor

Fuller for allowing me the privilege of leading the Opelika Fire Department. It has truly been an honor to have served with the countless courageous firefighters of the Opelika Fire Department.”

B11 December 9, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY F. BOTSFORD, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2020-461 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Thomas M. Botsford III,

Representative Jeffery A. Hily er 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0030 Legal Run 12/02/2020, 12/09/2020 & 12/16/202 --------------

Bill English, Judge of Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 11/25/2020, 12/02/2020 & 12/09/2020

IN RE THE ESTATE OF LYNDA KAY HORNSBY, Deceased.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2020-485 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 24th day of November, 2020, by Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate ae hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

RICHARD NOLAN HORNSBY Co-Personal Representative ROGER LAMAR HORNSBY JR. Co-Personal Representative Legal Run 12/02/2020, 12/09/2020 & 12/16/2020

--------------

--------------

I N RE THE ESTATE OF: GEORGIA MAE MOFFETT, Deceased IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2020-474 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of November, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

ANNIE PLUMMER Executrix Legal Run 12/02/20, 12/09/20, 12/16/20

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Elizabeth Botsford Nolan and Regions Bank, personal representatives, on the 6th day of November, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County , Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present same within the time allowed by la w or the same will be barred.

Attorney of Record: Richardson B. McKenzie Ill, Esq. Gilpin Givhan, PC Post Office Drawer 4540 Montgomery, Alabama 36103-4540 (334) 244-1111 – Telephone This 16th day of November, 2020

-------------STATE OF ALA BAMA CASE #: 2020-467 LEE COUNTY PRO BATE COURT ESTATE OF ANN PRUITT LISENBY, DECEASED NOTICE OF AP POINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRE REPRE Letters Testamentary of said Ann Pruitt Lisenby, deceased, having been granted to William Wayne Lisenby this25th day of November 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

William Wayne Lisenby, Personal

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JO ANN COLEMAN, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Vivian Jo Womack Cooper, as Executrix of the Estate of Jo Ann Coleman, deceased, on the 23rd day of November, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

Vivian Jo Womack Cooper, Executrix Of the Estate of Jo Ann Coleman, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 12/02/20, 12/09/20 & 12/16/20 -------------ORDINANCE NO. 031-20 AN ORDINANCE APPROVING THE LEASING OF A TRACT OF REAL PROPERTY OWNED

BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA TO LEVEL-UP TOWERS, LLC, FOR THE PURPOSE OF ERECTING, INSTALLING, OPERATING AND MAINTAINING A COMMUNICATIONS TOWER AND RELATED EQUIPMENT AND GRANTING TO LEVEL-UP TOWERS, LLC, A NON-EXCLUSIVE ACCESS AND UTILITY EASEMENT TO PROVIDE ACCESS TO THE TOWER COMPOUND

BE IT OR-

DAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows: Section 1. It is hereby established and declared that the following described real property of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) is not currently needed for public or municipal purposes, to-wit: All that tract or parcel of land, lying and being in the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 12, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at an open top iron being the Southeast corner of a parcel identified as PID# 43-09-01-12-4001-013.000 located at the intersection of the North right of way line of Elliott Avenue and the West right of way line of Westwood Street, and having Alabama State Plane Coordinates (East) of N: 782250.41 / E: 792345.98; thence N 68° 20’ 42”W a distance of 263.57’ to a 5/8” capped rebar (Bailey Land Group CA 899LS) and the Point of Beginning of the following described lease area; thence S 42° 16’ 24”W a distance of 40.00’ to a 5/8” capped rebar (Bailey Land Group CA 899LS); thence N 47° 43’ 36”W a distance of 62.50’ to a 5/8” capped rebar (Bailey Land Group CA 899LS); thence N 42° 16’ 24”E a distance of 40.00’ to a 5/8” capped rebar (Bailey Land Group CA 899LS); thence S 47° 43’ 36”E a distance of 62.50’ back to the Point of Beginning.

Said tract contains 2,500 square feet (0.06 acres), more or less.

Section 2. That the City, having received an offer from Level-Up Towers, LLC, a Georgia limited liability company, to lease the real property described in Section 1 above, it is hereby declared to be in the best interest of the public and the City, to lease said real property (the “Premises”) to Level-Up Towers, LLC, for the following terms and conditions, to-wit: The Lease of the premises commences on the date Level-Up Towers, LLC gives written notification to the City of its exercise of the option to lease, which Commencement Date shall occur no later than two (2) years after the date of the Option and Lease, but said option to lease may be renewed for an additional two (2) years.

The lease provides for the lease by the City to Level-Up Towers of the premises described in Section 1 above for an initial term of ten (10) years commencing on the Commencement Date, with five (5) renewal options of an additional five (5) years each, for a maximum term (including renewal terms) of thirty-five (35) years.

Beginning as of the Commencement Date, rent is payable by Level-Up Towers to the City in equal monthly installments of $1,500.

Rent is subject to an annual increase of two percent (2%), such increase to take effect on each anniversary date of the Commencement Date and continuing

throughout the remainder of the term of the Lease (including the renewal terms). In addition, commencing with the installation of the second subtenant on the tower and each subtenant thereafter, the City shall be entitled to receive an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the second and subsequent subtenant’s monthly rental fee actually received and collected by Level-Up Towers, LLC. Level-Up Towers, LLC may use the premises for the purposes of erecting, installing, operating and maintaining communications towers, antennae, related equipment and communication equipment shelters or cabinets.

The City grants to Level-Up Towers a 30-foot wide non-exclusive access and utility easement from Elliott Avenue to the leased premises as more particularly described in the Option and Lease Agreement.

Section 3. That the proposed Option and Lease Agreement to be entered into between the City and Level-Up Towers, LLC, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk, be and the same is hereby approved, authorized, ratified and confirmed in substantially the form submitted to the City Council.

Section 4. Pursuant to the authority granted by §11-47-21 of the Code of Alabama, 1975, the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute and deliver said Option and Lease Agreement in the name and on behalf of the City.

Section 5. That the officers of the City and any person or persons designated and authorized by any officers of the City to act in the name and on behalf of the City, or any one or more of them, are authorized to do or cause to be done or performed in the name and on behalf of the City such other acts and to execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered in the name and on behalf of the City such other notices, certificates, assurances or other instruments or other communications under the seal of the City or otherwise, as they or any of them deem necessary or advisable or appropriate in order to carry into effect the intent of the provisions of this Ordinance and the Option and Lease Agreement.

Section 6.

That this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.

Section 7. That the City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to cause this ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper published in and of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 1st day of December, 2020.

/s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR this the 2nd day of December, 2020.

/s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 2nd day of December, 2020. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal Run 12/02/2020 -------------ORDINANCE NO. 030-20 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows:

Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a R-1 District (Rural District) to a R-2 District (Low Density Residential District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: All of the following described property lying to the south of the section line dividing Sections 3 and 10, 19N, Range 27E in Lee County, Alabama, to wit: From the Northeast corner of the Northwest Quarter of Section 10, Township 19 North, Range 27 East, in Lee County, Alabama, thence run Westerly along the North Section line of said Section 10 for 435 feet; thence run South 570 feet; thence run West 395 feet to said point of beginning; thence continue Westerly for 1,750 feet, more or less, to the Easterly margin of North Uniroyal Road; thence run Northerly along the Easterly margin of said road for 2,430 feet, more or less, to the intersection of Ridge Road with North Uniroyal Road; thence leaving said margin of said road run South 37 degrees 32 minutes East for 610.3 feet; thence run South 54 degrees 10 minutes East for 135.6 feet; thence run South 87 degrees 29 minutes East for 674.6 feet to the Southerly margin of Ridge Road; thence continuing along said margin of said road run South 59 degrees 21 minutes East for 565.2 feet; thence along a curve to the left, the radius of said curve being 867.05 feet for 205.2 feet; thence leaving said margin of said road run South 29 degrees 25 minutes West for 107.6 feet; thence run South 44 degrees 00 minutes East for 260.0 feet; thence run South 50 degrees 00 minutes East for 600.4 feet; thence run South 1 degree 10 minutes East for 542.2 feet; thence run South

18 degrees 15 minutes East for 2,233.5 feet; thence run West for 1,599.3 feet; thence run North 1,869.9 feet to said point of beginning.

The above-described property, lying in Section 10, Township 19N, Range 27E in Lee County, Alabama, contains approximately 89.5 acres and is located in the 900 Block of North Uniroyal Road, Opelika, Alabama.

Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 1st day of December, 2020. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 2nd day of December, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 2nd day of December, 2020. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal Run 12/09/2020 -------------ORDINANCE NO. 032-20 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE CONVEYANCE OF REAL PROPERTY TO SMB LAND, LLC BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama as follows: Section 1. It is hereby established and declared that the following described real property of the City of Opelika, Alabama, is no longer needed for public or municipal purposes, to-wit: PARCEL A Commencing at the southwest corner of Section 4, T-19-N, R-27-E in Opelika, Lee County, Alabama; thence N87°16’38”E, 1402.86 feet; thence N89%%D22’46”E, 500.03 feet; thence N89°22’36”E, 387.76 feet to a 1” open-top iron pin; thence N19°05’12”W, 457.42 feet to a 1/2” rebar and the True Point of Beginning of the Parcel of Land herein described; thence N19°52’48”W, 43.93 feet to a 1” open-top iron pin; thence N47°11’28”W, 461.61 feet to a 1” open-top iron pin; thence N7°38’45”W, 131.23 feet to a 1/2” rebar with cap marked LS26956; thence N8°26’13”W, 74.94 feet to a 1/2” rebar with cap marked LS26956; thence N8°18’23”W, 75.15 feet to a 1/2” rebar with cap marked LS26956; thence N8°12’10”W, 74.85 feet to a 1/2” rebar; thence N8°21’38”W, 147.44 feet to a 1/2” rebar with an unreadable cap; thence N81°44’34”E, 73.55 feet to a 1-1/2” x 2-1/2” angle iron; thence N81°32’08”E, 73.09 feet to a 1-1/2” x 2-1/2” angle iron; thence N81°31’48”E, 51.52 feet to a 1-1/2” x 2-1/2” angle iron; thence N69°38’21”E, 71.03 feet to a 1/2” rebar with cap marked LS11232; thence

See PUBLIC, page B12

B12 December 9, 2020

PUBLIC >> FROM B11 N69°35’40”E, 115.00 feet to a 1/2” rebar with cap marked LS11232;; thence N69°35’40”E, 89.96 feet to a 1/2” rebar;; thence N89°03’19”E, 75.72 feet to a set 1/2” rebar with cap marked LS18677 and the westerly R/W line of Douglas Street; thence, along said R/W line, southwesterly along a curve concave northwesterly and having a radius of 270.00 feet, an arc length of 23.17 feet, and a chord bearing and distance of S7°45’11”W, 23.16 feet to a 5’’ square concrete monument; thence S10°13’14”W, 198.80 feet to a 5’’ square concrete monument; thence southeasterly along a curve concave northeasterly and having a radius of 330.00 feet, an arc length of 380.10 feet, and a chord bearing and distance of S22°48’01”E, 359.43 feet to a 5’’ square concrete monument; thence S55°47’35”E, 460.72 feet to a 5’’ square concrete monument; thence southeasterly along a curve concave southwesterly and having a radius of 270.00 feet, an arc length of 198.84 feet, and a chord bearing and distance of S34°46’37”E, 194.38 feet to a set 1/2” rebar with cap marked LS18677; thence, leaving said R/W line, S89°05’29”W, 698.38 feet to the True Point of Beginning.

Containing 12.252 Acres, more or less.

PARCEL B Commencing at the southwest corner of Section 4, T-19-N, R-27-E in Opelika, Lee County, Alabama; thence N87°16’38”E, 1402.86 feet; thence N89%%D22’46”E, 500.03 feet; thence N89°22’36”E, 387.76 feet to a 1” open-top iron pin; thence N19°05’12”W, 457.42 feet to a 1/2” rebar; thence N89°05’29”E, 698.38 feet to a set 1/2” rebar with cap marked LS18677 on the westerly R/W line of Douglas Street; thence, leaving said R/W line, N89°05’29”E, 60.75 feet to a set 1/2” rebar with cap marked LS18677 on the easterly R/W line of Douglas Street and the True Point of Beginning of the Parcel of Land herein described; thence, along said R/W line, northwesterly along a curve concave southwesterly and having a radius of 330.00 feet, an arc length of 256.42 feet, and a chord bearing and distance of N33°31’39”W, 250.02 feet to a damaged 5’’ square concrete monument; thence N55°47’20”W, 460.48 feet to a 5’’ square concrete monument; thence northwesterly along a curve concave northeasterly and having a radius of 270.00 feet,

an arc length of 311.25 feet, and a chord bearing and distance of N22°45’54”W, 294.30 feet to a 5’’ square concrete monument; thence N10°12’01”E, 198.81 feet to a damaged 5’’ square concrete monument; thence northeasterly along a curve concave northwesterly and having a radius of 330.00 feet, an arc length of 63.97 feet, and a chord bearing and distance of N4°49’04”E, 63.87 feet to a damaged 5’’ square concrete monument; thence N1°12’58”W, 58.22 feet to a set 1/2” rebar with cap marked LS18677; thence northwesterly along a curve concave southwesterly and having a radius of 430.00 feet, an arc length of 34.39 feet, and a chord bearing and distance of N3°12’42”W, 34.38 feet to a 1/2” rebar, bent; thence, leaving said R/W line, N84°29’20”E, 145.32 feet to a 1/2” rebar, bent; thence N75°19’29”E, 119.26 feet to a point in the center of a branch; thence, leaving said branch, N89°01’04”E, 90.53 feet to a 1/2” rebar with an unreadable cap; thence N88°57’24”E, 79.96 feet to a 1/2” rebar with an unreadable cap; thence N89°02’26”E, 79.97 feet to a 1/2” rebar with an unreadable cap; thence N89°03’21”E, 79.85 feet to a 1/2” rebar; thence S0°56’33”E, 730.96 feet to a 1/2” rebar; thence N61°23’24”E, 200.00 feet to a set 1/2” rebar with cap marked LS18677; thence S0°56’33”E, 502.46 feet to a set 1/2” rebar with cap marked LS18677; thence S89°05’29”W, 191.11 feet to the True Point of Beginning.

Containing 13.304 Acres, more or less.

Section 2. That the City of Opelika, Alabama, having received an offer from SMB LAND, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company, to purchase the real estate described in Section 1 above, it is hereby declared that it is in the best interest of the public and the City to sell said premises to SMB LAND, LLC, for and in consideration of the sum of $250,000.

Section 3. That the Mayor and the City Clerk be and they are hereby authorized and directed to execute and attest, respectively, for and on behalf of the City of Opelika, Alabama, a warranty deed, whereby the City of Opelika does convey the premises described in Section 1 above to SMB LAND, LLC, for and in consideration of the sum of $250,000.

Section 4. That

a Real Estate Sales Agreement to be entered into between the City and SMB LAND, LLC, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk be and the same is hereby approved, authorized, ratified and confirmed in the form submitted to the City Council with such changes thereto (by addition, deletion or substitution) as the Mayor shall approve, which approval shall be conclusively evidenced by execution and delivery of said Agreement.

The Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute said Agreement in the name and on behalf of the City and the City Clerk is authorized to attest the same.

Section 5. That the Mayor, City Clerk and other appropriate officers and employees of the City are hereby authorized to take such further actions and execute and deliver such other agreements, contracts, documents, certificates and instruments as may be necessary or desirable to carry out and complete the transaction contemplated by this Ordinance.

Section 6. That this ordinance shall become effective immediately upon its adoption and publication as required by law.

Section 7. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to cause this ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper published in and of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 1st day of December, 2020. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR this the 2nd day of December, 2020. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 2nd day of December, 2020. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal Run 12/02/2020 -------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF SANDRA MANN BROWN, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-425 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted

to the undersigned on the 30th day of November, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

RICKY SCOTT BROWN Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 12/09/20, 12/16/20 & 12/23/20 -------------CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: 1. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for East Alabama Paving Co., property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Old Columbus Road/South Uniroyal Tract subdivision plat consisting of 324 lots accessed from Old Columbus Road & South Uniroyal Road.

2a. A public hearing on a request by the Foresite Group, LLC, authorized representative for Builders Professional, LLC, property owner, for major revisions to the Village at Waterford PUD (Planning Unit Development) Master Plan accessed from the terminus of Lismore Court and Arlee Avenue.

The plan revisions are from multi-family (apartments) to single family homes.

2b. A public hearing on a request by Foresite Group, LLC, authorized representative for Builders Professional, LLC, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Village at Waterford

Phase 4 subdivision plat consisting of 202 lots accessed from Old Columbus Road & South Uniroyal Road.

3a. An agenda item related to a rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for approximately 38.4 acres accessed at Fox Run Avenue & Douglas Street from a from low density residential, manufacturing, institutional land use to mixed use development land use category. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the property and Council approve the rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved.

3b. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for the City of Opelika/Opelika Industrial Development Authority, property owner, to rezone approximately 38.4 acres accessed at Fox Run Avenue and Douglas Street from a R-3, M-2, and I-1 zoning district to a PUD zoning district.

3c. A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for City of Opelika/ Opelika Industrial Development Authority, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Fox Run Extension subdivision plat consisting of 54 lots accessed from Fox Run Avenue and Douglas Street.

4.

A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Harper Family Partnership, LTD, property owner, for conditional use approval for commercial greenhouse operations and 19 residential condominiums located at 1702 Frederick Road.

5.

A public hearing on a request by Foresite Group, LLC, authorized representative for Clayton Property Group, Inc., property owner, for conditional use approval Legacy Village Townhomes Phase 2 (55 townhome units) at 1901 Century Boulevard.

6. A public hearing on a request by Opelika Warren, LLC, authorized representative for Cindy Espinoza et al, property owners, for conditional use approval for the exterior material a fast-food restaurant at 2501 Gateway Drive.

7. A public hearing to consider a recommenda-

tion to the City Council on a request by Gateway Development, LLC, property owners, to rezone approximately 38.4 acres accessed at Fox Run Avenue and Douglas Street from R-4 to C-2 zoning district.

8. The following agenda items are included as “Other Business” at the December 15th Planning Commission meeting: a. Jay Toland, property owner, 3500 block Birmingham Highway, C-3, GC-P zoning district, approval for Climate Control mini warehouses (410 units), Requesting extension of conditional use approval for 12 months or at the December 2021 Planning Commission meeting. b. Recognition of former Planning Commission members: David Canon, John McEachern, and Dale Vaughn All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/ public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings.

The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council.

Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-705-5132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 12/09//2020 -------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LEROY MCTIER, III, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2020-491 Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 3rd day of December, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

ROTH B. MCTIER Administrator Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal 12/09/20, 12/16/20, 12/23/20

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B13 December 9, 2020

City of Opelika receives grant to continue YIPP Contributed by The City of Opelika

The city of Opelika has received a $50,000 grant to continue its Youth Incarceration Prevention Project (YIPP). The grant was awarded to the city by Gov. Kay Ivey from the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA).

YIPP was created in 2019

by the Opelika Commission on Crime and Violence formed by Mayor Gary Fuller. The program addresses youth offender behavioral health issues such as substance abuse, enrolls participants in educational programs so they will graduate from high school or earn a GED and provides job skills training and a well-paying job in Lee County for those

completing the program.

The YIPP Pilot Program, also funded by ADECA, was successfully carried from July to September of this year. Under the Pilot, all 31 participants have remained out of the criminal system and have been making positive strides to stay out of trouble. All have continued their high school studies and are on track to be promoted

to the next grade level. The results of the Pilot are in shar p contrast to national statistics, which are that 57% of youth offenders are back in prison within the f irst year of their release.

“The YIPP effor t is making Opelika and Lee County safer by intervening in the lives of youth offenders and their families,” Fuller said. “I am happy to see that the pilot

program was successful and look forward to seeing more lives changed because of YIPP.” said Mayor Fuller.

Fuller applauds the participating YIPP partner organizations such as the Alabama Pardons and Paroles, Lee County Youth Court, the Lee County Youth Development Center, Southern Union State Community College and area churches.

A January YIPP 2020-2021 program celebration is planned. At the meeting, the 12-month action plan of YIPP youth offender behavioral health, education and job skills training and job placement programs will be reviewed and discussed.

For more information, please contact Joey Motley, city administrator, at jmotley@opelika-al.gov.

Attorney General Steve Marshall joins $86.3 million national settlement

Contributed to the Opelika Observer

Attorney General Steve Marshall has joined with 50 other attorneys general and other federal and state agencies to reach an $86.3 million settlement with Nationstar Mortgage.

Nationstar is the country’s fourth-largest mortgage servicer.

The consent judgment resolves allegations that Nationstar, which does business as “Mr. Cooper,” violated consumer protection laws during its servicing of mortgage loans.

The settlement provides restitution for a variety of harms that were identified in the investigation. Thousands of borrowers had problems when their loans were transferred to Nationstar, leading to foreclosure in some circumstances.

“This settlement will provide compensation to Alabama

COUNCIL>> FROM B9 $2,688,278, which is expected to create 10 new jobs for the area. approved a weed abatement for the property located at 3900 Marvyn Parkway in the

FLOWERS>> FROM B9 seniority, but also because he was our only Republican senator.

Our Junior U.S. Senate Seat has been held by national liberal Democrat Doug Jones

consumers who were harmed from Nationstar’s practices, mandates important reforms to the way this company handles mortgages and serves as a warning to others that they must conduct business in a manner that is honorable and fair to their customers,” said Marshall. “A family’s home is one of the biggest financial investments many may ever make, vital to wellbeing and security. Consumers deserve to know that mortgage servicers will abide properly by rules and procedures, that they will be responsive to complaints and honest in their dealings, and that they will be held to account if they do not.”

The consent judgment, filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, provides approximately $79.2 million in relief affecting 55,814 loans nationally.

It covers conduct

by Nationstar

occurring from Jan. 1, 2011, until Dec. 31, 2017.

In Alabama, the settlement affects 1,085 loans for a total of $1,093,203.

The consent judgment also requires Nationstar to follow a detailed set of rules or “servicing standards” in how it handles certain mortgage loans.

These servicing standards are more comprehensive than existing law and will be in place for three years starting on Jan. 1, 2021.

The settlement was signed by attorneys general from all 50 states and the District of Columbia. The state AGs negotiated the settlement with the state mortgage regulators and the federal Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, which filed separate settlement documents. The partners also collaborated with the U.S. Trustee Program, a component within the Department of Justice that seeks to promote the

efficiency and protect the integrity of the bankruptcy system. The USTP is finalizing a separate agreement with Nationstar to address historical servicing issues impacting borrowers in bankruptcy.

In 2012, Nationstar began purchasing mortgage servicing portfolios from competitors and grew quickly into the nation’s largest non-bank servicer. As loan data was transferred to Nationstar, borrowers who had sought assistance with payments and loan modifications sometimes fell through the cracks, the lawsuit alleged.

Borrowers in this category will receive a guaranteed minimum payment of $840 as part of the settlement.

Other borrowers suffered damages when Nationstar failed to oversee third-party vendors hired to inspect and maintain properties owned by delinquent borrowers and improperly

changed locks on their homes, the lawsuit alleged.

These borrowers will receive a guaranteed minimum payment of $250.

A settlement administrator will send a claim form to eligible borrowers in 2021.

Nationstar has already provided some of the relief outlined in the settlement.

The agreement also requires Nationstar to conduct audits and provide audit results to a committee of states to ensure compliance with the settlement.

The lawsuit alleged other unlawful acts and practices by Nationstar, including: • Failing to properly oversee and implement the transfer of mortgage loans; • Failing to appropriately identify loans with pending loan modification applications when a loan was being transferred to Nationstar for servicing;

• Failing to timely and accurately apply payments made by certain borrowers; • Threatening foreclosure and conveying conf licting messages to certain borrowers engaged in loss mitigation; • Failing to properly process borrowers’ applications for loan modifications; • Failing to properly review and respond to borrower complaints; • Failing to make timely escrow disbursements, including the failure to timely remit property tax payments; • Failing to timely terminate borrowers’ private mortgage insurance; • Collecting mont h ly modif ied pay ment a mou nt s on ce rt ai n loa n s whe re t he a mou nt s cha rged for pr i ncipal a nd i nt e rest exceed t he pr i ncipal a nd i nt e rest a mou nt cont ai ned i n t he t r ial pla n ag reement.

amount of $1,068.34 approved the designation of automobile allowances for city of Opelika senior management employees approved a resolution for an agreement for the N. Uniroyal Bridge gas line relocation

approved an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance & Map to rezone 89.5 acres located in the 900 Block N. Uniroyal Road approved an ordinance for a lease agreement with Level-Up Towers, LLC for the purpose of

erecting, installing, operating and maintaining a communications tower and related equipment and granting to LevelUp Towers, LLC, a non-exclusive access and utility easement to provide access to the tower compound

approved an ordinance for the conveyance of approximately 12.252 acres of land to SMB Land, LLC. Council meetings are held on the first and third Tuesday nights of every month unless otherwise noted. The next

meeting is scheduled for Dec. 15 and will be held in the Municipal Court Room, located at 300 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Opelika.

Meetings are open to the public and are livestreamed on the city’s YouTube channel.

for the past three years.

During his tenure, he toed the Democratic Senate line and wore the hat of the pawn and clone of the Democratic leadership in the Senate. Chuck Schumer told Jones to vote against judges Brett Kavanaugh and

Amy Barrett only because they were conservative Republican appointees.

His refusal to even meet with Justice Amy Barrett showed a total lack of class, southern civility and gentlemanly manners.

It was also revealed

to me that he was angling to appease his liberal Democratic brethren in order to be Joe Biden’s attorney general. Yes, folks, you heard me right.

Do not be surprised if Doug Jones is the next Attorney General of the United State in

the Biden Administration.

The bottom line is Donald J. Trump has a profound legacy in presidential history with three conservative appointments to the United States Supreme Court.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www.steveflowers.us.

B14 December 9, 2020

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B15 December 9, 2020

Black Lives Still Matter protest held Sunday

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Fifteen-year-old Kenzi Carroll organized a protest, “Black Lives Still Matter,” in the Opelika Courthouse Square Sunday afternoon. She said she believes that after George Floyd’s death, it became popular to join the movement. However, it is still important after the hype died down, she said.

B16 December 9, 2020

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This week’s puzzle answers: