Issuu

Vol. 13, No. 12

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Opelika, Alabama

From the staff here at the Observer and LIVE Lee

Lee County doctors receive COVID vaccine By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver. com

Lee County might finally see the light at the end of the tunnel. At least, that’s what Dr. Ricardo Maldonado and Dr. Michael Roberts said Wednesday after receiving the

COVID-19 vaccine. The two were among the first East Alabama Medical Center employees to receive the vaccine. “[I’m] very excited,” Maldonado, who is EAMC’s infectious disease expert, said. “I think the whole country is tired of the

pandemic, and that includes every single one of us on the front line. We have seen so much pain and death in the last nine months and today I see, for me, that I can see a light at the end of the tunnel.” EAMC is one of 15 hospitals that received the vaccine in Alabama, and it began distribution Wednesday. “The vaccines arrived around 7 a.m. today,” said John Atkinson, EAMC spokesman, Tuesday. “After opening the

Z&Z Cigar Co. now open on Ninth Street By Will Fairless Associate Editor Z&Z Cigar Co., a cigar lounge, opened earlier this year at 108 S 9th St. The lounge opened in September in

a location that used to be a bakery. What space used to be a kitchen now accommodates a walk-in humidor, and the rest of the space is furnished in typical cigar-lounge

style: leather chairs, leather couches and a poker table. There is also a bar that is currently stocked with airplane bottles and beers, but See Z&Z CIGAR CO., page A6

See VACCINE, page A2

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

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

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY.A7 POLITICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B7 RELIGION. . . . . . . . . . . . . A13

PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . B11

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

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

MON

Monday Runs on Monday

TUES

Tuesday Runs on Tuesday

WED

WEDNESDAY & THURSDAY RUN ON WEDNESDAY

THURS

Christmas Eve City Offices Closed

FRI

Christmas Day City Offices Closed

A2 December 23, 2020

VACCINE>>

FROM A1

container, the vaccines were placed in a sub-zero freezer at negative 80 degrees Celsius within three minutes as required.” To receive the vaccine, employees must be with patients 25% of their time at the hospital. The vaccines are also first come, first served. Hospital employees call a number and join a queue. “There’s a lot of excitement over the vaccine distribution beginning in the United States, but we all have to remember that large-scale distribution is still a few months away,” Atkinson said. “I say that because the vaccines do not address the current situation that hospitals find themselves in. Many are low on beds and more still are short of ICU beds.” In fact, EAMC had 62 COVID-19 patients Wednesday, the highest peak since July, Atkinson said. “Now what we do with the vaccine is really up to us now,” Maldonado said. “Our job is to educate our people so we can build vaccine confidence, so we can seize this moment.” Both doctors said they hoped that by receiving the vaccines

themselves, public awareness could be raised. “If I’m telling you that I want you to get a vaccine and I’m not willing to get it done myself, well that doesn’t say very much for my credibility, does it,” Roberts said. Maldonado said that over the next 48 hours after receiving the vaccine, he could experience a bit of soreness in his arm, or low-grade symptoms like fever or body aches, which can be alleviated with over-the-counter pain medication. Both Maldonado and Roberts will receive a second injection in about two weeks, which is part of the Pfizer vaccine process. “This vaccine, this new, this first vaccine from COVID-19 presents the opportunity to

change the trajectory of the pandemic,” Maldonado said. Both Maldonado

pelika Observer

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

and Roberts said they understand why people are hesitant to take the vaccine. “There’s obviously some degree of fear, concern, that maybe there’s something out there that we didn’t pick up in the trials,” Roberts said. “This vaccine appears to

be very safe and very effective based on the science and based on the trials done by

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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216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801

CORRECTIONS

Pfizer.” Maldonado compared the Pfizer vaccine to other vaccines that have been proven effective, the polio vaccine, for instance. “We know, historically, that vaccines have changed lives, have changed the world,” he said. there’s hope, maybe we can stop doing all this, going to room after room, seeing people struggling to breath, watching people take their last breath, sometimes not with any family around because their family is sick,” Roberts said. Maldonado said there will need to be 50% of the population that is vaccinated before herd immunity comes into play. “It’s not time to stop the things that we know and that we’ve already put into place to help limit the spread of COVID-19,” Roberts said. Don’t stop wearing masks and social distancing, he said. “What we shouldn’t do is politicize the vaccine,” Maldonado said. “We have politicized enough of this problem and that hasn’t helped us at all. It’s time to believe our scientists. We have some of the best in the world.”

the potential to spread the disease. So getting vaccinated is still important. “We are seeing spread within families and so to really shut this thing down, it can’t just be people who are high-risk themselves but people who come in contact with people who are high-risk, which pretty much gets all of us,” Roberts said. The vaccine could be the beginning of the end to the pandemic, Maldonado said. “It feels like maybe

Roberts said that he knows what COVID-19 can do in a patient and the deaths it has caused. “If you want something to get concerned about and to be upset over, be upset about the death that we’ve seen, be upset about what Ricardo and I have seen and our whole staff at EAMC,” Roberts said. There are those who say they might not get the vaccine because they are low risk, but Roberts said that anyone still has

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A3 December 23, 2020

Lee County Association of Realtors makes a donation to the Lee County Youth Development Center Contributed by the Lee County Association of Realtors The Lee County Association of Realtors donated $5,000 to the Lee County Youth Development Center on Dec. 3. The $5,000 donation went directly to much-needed upgrades in the Learning Center’s computer and Distance Learning Lab,

replacing outdated modems and desktops. Realtors also donated clothing, household needs, bikes, toys and electronics to the center’s Therapeutic Foster Care and intensive In-Home Service Families. “Your gift allows us to make real-time purchases and adjustments so that our students will be both equipped for the 21st century world and

academically competitive when they leave our care. Without your gift, these purchases and upgrades could not have been possible at this time” said Center Director Laura Cooper. Visit www.lcydc. org/ for more information regarding the Lee County Youth Development Center. Follow the center on Facebook at www. facebook.com/leecorealtors/

The Esperanza House is changing lives By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

Odalys Silvera has not lived in Auburn all her life, but she’s made a lasting impact on Auburn residents for years to come. Six years ago she helped to found the Esperanza House, a ministry that works with low-income Hispanic Families in the Lee County area. The Esperanza House strives to meets the needs of families, whether by tutoring students or providing childcare, financial support and more. The ministry is faith-based. Silvera, now the executive director, said that the goal is for children and families to know the love of Christ. The program began six years ago with only five children, she said. Now, the Esperanza House serves more than 300. “I met a family, they needed help with the homework,” she said, describing how the ministry began. “They couldn’t speak English, so the kids needed help with their homework and I was able to help them.” One of the original challenges that the ministry faced was that Silvera was the only one who spoke Spanish. So all the other board members, or volunteers, had to rely on her to translate for the families. There are 75 fam-

SILVERA ilies partnered with the Esperanza House now, Silvera said, but there are many more in the county that need help. There is a waiting list to partner with the ministry. Education is a big part of the Esperanza House’s purpose. “We partner with the Auburn City Schools,” Silvera said. “Usually, the teachers let us know if a child might need some kind of help with the classes or if they have physical needs, that’s what we try to do.” Children can come twice a week for tutoring, either on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and

Thursday. Additionally, the organization is helping high school seniors apply to college, especially those who may be first-generation high school graduates or college students. “Having eight children be able to graduate from high school, first-generation high school students, being able to go to college … that’s very rewarding to see,” Silvera said. The Esperanza House doesn’t just help out with homework and call it quits. “When we take a family in, we try to help them all year round, like back-

to-school supplies, send them to camps, Christmas,” Silvera said. “We give them monthly food boxes as well.” An average day-today is very different, she said. For instance, there is tutoring four days a week, but on a random Tuesday, Silvera might have to take a child to the doctor because their family does not have health insurance. Two days later, she might be in a different family’s home providing furniture because they do not have any in the house. A big part of the program is providing a hand up. The material things may help a family, but Silvera said they want to see the families grow and succeed. “The idea is for them to grow with us, to know the love of Jesus Christ and to be able to help them,” Silvera said. “To be able to help them to

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church, but she would like to see them have their own space. Too, she would like to be able to serve more of the families on the waiting list. “Seeing some of these families getting to know Jesus Christ, we have had families come to faith with Jesus Christ, that’s very rewarding as a Christian-based nonprofit,” Silvera said. “For the families to come and learn about Jesus Christ and all that we do is not because we want to do it, it’s something that God has put in our heart to do in order to serve them.” Silvera is one of six lamplighter award winners Auburn Mayor Ron Anders named during the state of the city address in November. This is the third in a series that will highlight the work these lamplighter award winners have done for the city of Auburn.

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succeed in life.” Of course, to make all this happen, there have to be volunteers. Silvera said there are a lot of Auburn University students who volunteer with the ministry. They help with tutoring students. Additionally, the ministry needs funds. The Esperanza House has fundraising events and partnering organizations in the city. To donate, visit the website (esperanzahouse.org/donate), give supplies through Amazon (smile.amazon.com) by placing Esperanza House in Auburn as the charity or mail a check (Esperanza House P.O. BOX 1444 Auburn, Alabama 36831). Visit the website (esperanzahouse.org/ volunteer) for applications to volunteer. There are goals Silvera has for the ministry moving forward. Currently, they work out of a local

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“This project was supported by Subgrant #18-VA-VS-050 #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”

A4 December 23, 2020

Happy Holidays

emember the “War on Christmas”? Remember when folks got their knickers bunched when someone wished them “Happy Holidays” instead of “Merry Christmas”? Wasn’t much said about that this year. Maybe the “offended” did a little research and discovered that “holiday” comes from the Old English word “haligdaeg,” which was a combination of “halig” (holy) and “daeg” (day). Back in the 14th Century “haligdaeg” meant both a religious festival and a “day of

recreation.” So, someone wishing you “Happy Holidays” could mean they wanted your holy day to be a happy one. Whatever that holy day might be. December has a bunch. Jews have Hanukkah. Muslims celebrate the birth of the Prophet Muhammad. Buddhist have Bodhi day. Shinto takes a break for Gantan-sai. Druids have the Winter Solstice. And the Christians? Our list includes the First Sunday in Advent, St. Nicholas Day, the

By Hardy Jackson Feast of the Immaculate Conception, another Advent Sunday (we have four of them), Go Caroling Day and of course Christmas Day. We have December covered. Which is to say that

wishing someone “Happy Holidays” is not so much politically correct as spiritually secure. But don’t forget that in addition to the Holy Days, there are “days of recreation” that some folks take pretty seriously. Dec. 5 is Repeal Day, when drinkers celebrate the end of Prohibition (though there is evidence that the event is commemorated on numerous other occasions). Dec. 12 is Poinsettia Day, which is sorta Christmassy, but if you’re gonna have that I think we need a Christmas Cactus day.

Wouldn’t want to favor one deep winter blooming plant over another. Most of these celebrations explain themselves, but setting aside Dec. 15 as Cat Herders Day may seem a bit much to some. Ever tried to herd cats? Nuff said. Between Dec. 16 and Dec. 23 the “days of recreation” take on a distinct Christmas flavor. There is Chocolate Covered Anything Day, Bake Cookies Day, Roast Suckling Pig Day, Look for Evergreen Day, Oatmeal Muffin Day, Date Nut Bread Day and for those who are overwhelmed by the

Christmas spirit, there is Humbug Day. I’m not making these up. I got them off the internet, and we all know that everything on the internet is true. Then, on Dec. 23, there is Festivus. Festivus. For those left out when everyone else is celebrating something, Festivus is “the holiday for the rest of us.” Festivus first appeared on an episode of Seinfeld, and it has evolved into an as-yet-unrecognized-by-any-governmental-agency-state-or-federal holiday. Dedicated to See JACKSON, page A5

Is there a ‘War on Christmas’? Not exactly, but times are indeed changing.

ll of us have our own memories of Christmas. This is irrespective of religion, for in the United States people of divergent faiths often celebrate the season. Some celebrate Hanukkah, a Jewish Festival; others enjoy Kwanzaa, a celebration of African American culture. Not all Americans consider it primarily a religious

holiday; some members of other faiths love their own sacred days but enjoy the festive spirit of Christmas. One of my funniest memories from the season happened at work. While working in military history at Fort McPherson, near Atlanta, I was writing a memo outlining our monthly plans. I finished the memo, handed it

to our commander and he signed it, apparently before reading it. I went over it once more before sending it off and discovered he had signed a memo saying: “Request for Christmas.” I must have accidentally deleted the word “Party!” The “War on Christmas” idea has been around for perhaps 20 years, but it increased in velocity when conser-

By Greg Markley

vative talk radio icons Rush Limbaugh and Sean Hannity highlighted it as part of the culture wars. The use of Happy Holidays in stores and government buildings and the abominable “Xmas” (deleting the very purpose for the holiday: Jesus Christ) upset many Christians and conservatives. “The War on Christmas has turned things

like holiday greetings and decorations into potentially divisive political statements,” wrote Leon Stack in the New York Times. “People who believe Christmas is under attack point to inclusive phrases like ‘Happy Holidays’ as (liberal) insults to Christianity.” A new thing is people conflating the See MARKLEY, page A5

Thy Tender Care

er elderly father sits in a wheelchair in front of a television. It’s an old console TV. The kind every American family had back in the early 80s. A big bulbous screen. An archaic remote that looks like a gadget from a James Bond movie and probably interferes with air traffic. There’s a fancy flat screen sitting on top of the old television, blaring a daytime talk show. He doesn’t move a muscle. It’s been a very hard year. She is mid-fifties. Pretty. She sits on the sofa next to him. She talks to him. He can hear her, but he doesn’t say much in return. He grunts occasionally. “He’s in there somewhere,” she says. “I know it. Every now and then he recognizes me.” But not often enough. She touches his hand and says, “Daddy, are you ready for lunch?” He says nothing. He has Alzheimer’s.

He has good days and bad days. She lives with him. And the way it usually works for her is like this: —When he has a good day, so does she. —When he has a bad one, her day stinks. “It’s just part of the deal,” she says. “When you’re a caregiver, you spend every waking moment in his world, wiping his face, brushing his teeth, I bathe him, too. That took some getting used to.” But this column isn’t about Alzheimer’s. Not really. It’s about the big Douglas fir in the corner. This Christmas, she sprung for a real tree instead of a phony one. It sits beside his television, covered in lights, ornaments, and golden garland. They just put it up a few days ago. It was a spur-of-the-moment thing. She bought the tree because this year has been a miserable one. It all started one morning at breakfast when her father said, “Hey, Teresa.” And he said it just

By Sean Dietrich like that. No big deal. Except that this is a big deal. “I knew it was going to be one of his good days,” she says. “I had to hurry.” So she called her neighbor to help. They bought a tree. They brought the thing into the living room. It was so big that it touched the ceiling and they had to trim it. The old man saw the tree and his mood immediately shifted. He started shouting, “HEY! I’m not paying for that expensive tree, you good-for-nothing #&$$! Get that outta my house! I’m not paying! HELP!”

“Daddy,” said his daughter. “Calm down, its just a Christmas tree.” He winked at her. “Aw, I was only kidding.” Then he laughed so hard his false teeth fell out and he almost choked. “I thought he was having an actual episode,” she tells me. “But he was just being the jokester he always was.” The tree is no cheapy. It’s lush and green. It‘s fragrant. When the old man first saw the tree resting in its final position, over in the corner, before the decorations, his face broke wide open.

“He cried,” she says. “But Daddy cries a lot these days. He cries at infomercials on the Home Shopping Network about air-fryers.” But this was different. She wheeled the old man to his tree. She let him touch it. Smell it. When he tried to eat it, she had to threaten him to quit fooling around. They listened to old records. His music. Nat, Bing, Frank, Perry, Elvis. “Music brings him out of his shell,” she says. “He was singing right along, he knew all the words. I got my phone out and recorded some of him singing, wanna see?” She sent me a cellphone video. The old man is wearing a hat with elf ears and jingle bells. He smiles at the camera and mumbles along to Mel Tormé’s “The Christmas Song.” On the video, it’s hard to understand his lyrics, his slurred words come out sounding more like: “Chesh-ruts woasting on an open fryer,

“Jack frost slipping on your toes… “Laah dah dee… HEY! TURN IT UP LOUDER! “I CAN’T HEAR! I’M HUNGRY!” So they decorated the tree. They laughed. They talked about her mother. He was giving her more than oneword grunts. He was saying full sentences. They were conversing like old times. They were father and daughter again. No longer caregiver and at-home patient. They spoke about happy days when the family used to go on summer vacations. About Disney World, the Grand Canyon. About how they ate hotdogs cooked over a campfire in Yellowstone National Park when she was ten years old. “He was always my hero,” she says. “I know that’s probably a little corny for your story, but it’s true.” When they finished decorating, she was See DIETRICH, page A5

What Will You Give For Christmas? By Michael J. Brooks I remember how angry the man was. He came to our hotel one evening with a confirmation number.

I pulled it up on the computer and discovered the reservation was for the following night. This particular night was a sell-out for us, so I knew we

had no rooms. He fumed and fussed and cussed, and insisted, “But I have a confirmation number!” He demanded I call the manager. I explained

to the manager what happened, and he told me to give the man one of the yet unclaimed but reserved rooms. He said when the last confirmed

guest arrived, I should give them a complimentary room at the hotel next door. I don’t think this angry guest ever “got it.” His reservation was

actually worthless that night, and the manager told me to be sure to apologize to him for his mistake! See BROOKS, page A6

A5 December 23, 2020

Opelika's Mando America Corporation investing additional capital and creating new jobs Contributed by the city of Opelika Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller announced today that an existing Opelika manufacturing company ¬– Mando America Corporation – will be investing additional capital for new equipment and creating new jobs. Mayor Gary Fuller stated, “Mando is one of our largest manufac-

MARKLEY >>

FROM A4

virus vaccines with the War on Christmas. The number of people who believe in God in the U.S. has declined noticeably since Gallup first researched religiosity in 1944. In 1944, 98% of Americans said they believe in God. By 2004, 93% were believers. Ten years later, only 87% declared a belief in God. It’s no stretch to conclude a person who doubts there is a God is happy to see the name of the December holiday expunged by weasel words (Happy Holidays). A 2019 survey by Pew

DIETRICH >>

FROM A4

about to place the topper on the tree and call it quits for the day. But before she could, her father made a gentle suggestion: “HEY! LEMME DO IT!” So she let him. She helped him out of his wheelchair. She stood behind him, holding him around the waist for support. She helped him use a mechanical claw grabber to place

JACKSON >>

FROM A4

de-commercializing Christmas, it includes a simple aluminum Festivus pole instead of a Christmas tree, a Festivus dinner (meatloaf, mashed potatoes, English peas, with a nice Merlot), and the ritual “airing of the grievances,” in which each attendee tells the others how disappointed they have been in them the past year. Unfortunately, the Festivus Pole became a point of contention a few years ago when one made of beer cans was erected on the grounds of the Florida state capitol in protest against the Nativity Scene that was there. Those faithful to the true meaning of Festivus bemoaned the politicization of the holiday and one could hear mutterings about a “War on Festivus.” Meanwhile, Chris-

turing employers here in Opelika. We are so pleased that they continue to invest in our community and add more jobs. We appreciate our local industries establishing roots in Opelika and continuing to push for growth and progress.” Mando currently has more than 500 team members in Opelika and with this new investment

of over $11.8 million in capital, they will be creating four new jobs. Mando’s Opelika operations continue to produce brake calipers and suspension systems to support the company’s customer base located throughout the U.S. Mando Corporation is one of the leading automotive parts manufacturers in the world, specializing in

internationally competitive state-of-the-art chassis components and systems. Through its extensive research and development, Mando has succeeded in becoming the first manufacturer in Korea to develop advanced products such as ABS (Anti-Lock Brake System), ESP (Electronic Stability Program), CDC (Continuous Damping

Control), ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and EPS (Electric Power Steering), which clearly demonstrates Mando’s ability to respond to customer needs on a global basis. Headquartered in South Korea, the company operates 20 manufacturing plants and 18 R&D centers in 10 countries. Mando employs over 12,400 associates worldwide.

Further information about Mando is available at: www.mando.com. City of Opelika Economic Development Director Lori Huguley added, “Mando is a great community partner. It is a great testament to their workforce and the business climate in Opelika that they continue to invest and grow here.”

Research determined that Protestantism is still the dominant religion in the U.S., dwarfing the 2nd place religion, Catholicism (20%). Next is a tie between Mormonism and Judaism, at 2% each. The fastest growing “faith” group is Unaffiliated at 26%. Thus, it’s no surprise that the legions of people who prefer “Seasons Greetings” over “Merry Christmas” are around. It’s obvious that the conservative talk radio and TV hosts are presenting The War on Christmas in a sensational way. It makes people angry and depressed all at once. But plucking a few excitable people from Toledo, Ohio, or

Jackson, Mississippi to use as examples in a conspiracy against God is shallow. When I hear people say, “There is a war against Christmas,” don’t they realize that Christmas products flood stores beginning in August? Not only are regular patrons tired of the holiday music; employees are, too. Many companies judge managers based on how successful the company’s Christmas season is. Managers get four months to shine, now; in the old days Christmas selling season was not 90-100 days. In this polarized time, one must be careful not to offend

anybody, because they are likely as frazzled as you. This is an outlier of a year, with many people getting home delivery, and those who shop and eat outside must wear masks and practice social distancing. According to the business website Statista, the winter holiday has a bunch of shopping occasions, including Thanksgiving weekend, which features Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday. There is also Super Saturday, the last Saturday before Christmas, and Christmas itself. More than 114 million U.S. consumers shopped on Black Friday.

Statista reports that holiday retail sales in the U.S. were expected to amount to about $755.3 billion. That was a conservative figure; retail sales over the holiday season are really projected to be between $755.3 billion and $766.7 billion. Humorist Dave Barry, who won the Pulitzer Prize for Commentary, has as usual a unique take on the names and activities of Christmas. He said: “In the old days, it was not called the Holiday Season; the Christians called it ‘Christmas’ and went to church; the Jews called it ‘Hanukkah’ and went to synagogue.” He continued: “The

atheists went to parties and drank. People passing each other on the street would say ‘Merry Christmas!’ or ‘Happy Hanukkah!’ or to the atheists ‘Look out for the wall!’” Not exactly kind to atheists, but this illustrates how Christmas was before little was scrutinized for matching to one’s religion. 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.

the figurine atop the tree. When it was in place, he said the most poignant words a daughter could ever wish to hear during the Christmas season from her father: “Take me to the bathroom.” Then they laughed until their faces turned flush. The jokester returns. Before bed, she washed him and helped him change into pajamas. And she wheeled her father into the den to get one last

view of the tree before bedtime. He looked at it for nearly forty minutes. Neither of them said anything. He finally told her, “That looks pretty good.” “Yeah, it does, Daddy.” Then, she tells me the old man placed a hand on her face and said, “What would I do without you? You’re my everything, Teresa.” Yes, indeed. It’s quite a tree.

tians keeps rolling along. On Dec. 24, Italian Americans have the Feast of the Seven Fishes, a wing-ding seafood dinner that marks “the vigil” they keep waiting for the Baby Jesus. If they are Catholic (most are) and not too sleepy, they go to Midnight Mass. Many Protestant churches also hold Christmas Eve celebrations and stay up until midnight, but those with small children have to get them home and in bed so Santa can arrive. Then it is Christmas Day. Does the celebrating stop there? Not hardly. No sooner is the Baby Jesus put in the manger than Christians begin getting ready for the Wise Men to come trotting in, and on Jan. 6, Epiphany is celebrated by different faiths in different ways. Squeezed in among all this is Kwanzaa, Dec. 26

to Jan. 1, during which descendants of those who were scattered in the great African Diaspora recall the heritage of their homeland. All of which is to say that during this joyous time of year there are more than a few holidays to wish those you meet to be happy in. As for a War on Christmas, and by implication on Christians for whom Christmas is a sacred celebration, by my count Christians have always dominated the season. Asking myself what Jesus would do, I go through December wishing my fellow man “Happy Holidays,” in hopes that whatever holiday they celebrate is indeed happy. Fa, La, La, La, La La, La, La, La Harvey H. (Hardy) Jackson is retired Eminent Scholar in History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail.com.

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A6 December 23, 2020

Goodwill Southern Rivers receives unsolicited $10 million gift Contributed to the Opelika Observer Goodwill Southern Rivers (GoodwillSR) announced last week it has received a significant, unsolicited gift in the amount of $10 million from author and philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. The gift is part of a large initiative funded by Scott through which 384 organizations received funding. The investment comes at a time when more than 100 million Americans are unemployed and urgently need help finding work to support their families. This gift will enable Goodwill to expand its efforts

Z&Z CIGAR CO. >>

FROM A1

which will fill out with more options as the business grows. Kamal Ali and his brothers, who own the Z&Z Tobacco and Spirits stores in Auburn, wanted to open a cigar lounge, as they saw a lot of people interested in the small humidor at one of the stores. However, they encountered some obstacles in Auburn. “[In Au-

BROOKS

FROM A4

One of the great villains of Christmas, other than King Herod, is the innkeeper. We customarily say that he

and deliver its mission locally to equip Americans with the skills they need to get back to work and onto sustainable career paths. The $10 million gift from Scott will help accelerate its plan to address growing workforce needs as demands for targeted skills in the labor market increase, which make it difficult for many people to compete for new jobs. Goodwill’s mission is to change lives through the power of work by offering a host of free services to support the employment-related needs of the community. These free services include job readiness

and skills training, including digital skills, certifications and credentials, GED preparation and testing, veteran’s services, free tax preparation and employment placement. With nine career centers and four training centers across their 50-county territory, approximately 30,000 individuals have used Goodwill’s services so far this year, including 4,200 individuals directly connected to jobs. These free services have historically been funded almost entirely by the sale of donated goods in its retail stores. As the country’s largest nonprofit workforce

development provider, Goodwill is dedicated to closing the skills gap and eliminating barriers that often stand in the way of securing meaningful employment. “This money will result in a direct infusion of capital into the 50-county territory we serve,” said Goodwill President and CEO Jack Warden. “This incredible gift will allow us to expand our services and do things we could only dream about before. Over the next few months, we will be working hard and collaborating on how best to use this gift in order to not only put people back to work

but equip them for the future.” Individuals who are in need of assistance with their job search, have career questions or need help with career skills to gain employment should contact the Goodwill Career Center nearest you and speak with a career center specialist. About Goodwill Southern Rivers: Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers (GoodwillSR) is one of 157 independent, community-based Goodwill nonprofits across the United States and Canada. Headquartered in Columbus, Georgia, GoodwillSR serves 50

counties throughout east Alabama and west Georgia. We provide employment readiness training, computer access, educational assistance, skills workshops and more to spur job placement and economic stability in the communities we serve. We can provide these and other programs thanks to the continued donations of giving patrons. We use the revenue generated in GoodwillSR stores to fund the majority of our community services. For more information about Goodwill Industries of the Southern Rivers, visit www. goodwillsr.org.

burn, there are] certain restrictions as far as drinking and smoking in one area,” Ali said. “This standalone building was something that caught our eye, and we thought it would be a perfect opportunity to get something rolling. There’s really nothing like this around here.” Although it is a unique business in the Opelika area, there have been fewer patrons than expected in its first months. “[We’ve had a] slow start because

of COVID, but local people that are here enjoy coming here, and I think it fits with this little historic area,” Ali said. He anticipates that there will be more traffic into the lounge once people get comfortable sharing an indoor space with each other again, and he added that there are some cigar connoisseurs in the area. “They’re just looking for somewhere to sit and smoke and not have to worry about the smell,” Ali said. “I know my wife would

not allow me to smoke inside the house or in the garage. [This is] a nice place to smoke a cigar and watch some sports.” Ali said that there was an event Z&Z did in collaboration with Red Clay Brewery and a cigar company, at which event those who bought tickets got to try some pairings of different cigars and craft beers. Each $40 ticket included a six pack of craft beer and a box of cigars. “It was a nice little

get together. We hope to do more of those planned events to get people more involved,” Ali said. One kind of event in the works is a poker night with prizes for the top finishers. Participants would play all night, puffing on selections from the walk-in humidor and sipping on drinks from the bar, and the winner would take home, for example, a variety box of cigars. Ali added that they plan to expand the lounge with an outdoor

patio, which could be booked for private events. Until then, the indoor portion can serve that purpose, but it is most often open for anyone of legal age to enjoy a drink and cigar. Z&Z Cigar Co. is open from 2-9 p.m. on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 2-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, and from 12-6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information about the lounge and its upcoming events, visit its Facebook page (Z&Z Cigar Co.).

denied Jesus a clean room for his birth. But if there’s no room, there’s no room! This isn’t the innkeeper’s fault; it’s the architect’s fault! A child chafed at

playing the innkeeper in his church’s Christmas play. His only line was, “There is no room in the inn.” However, on the night of the production, with the spotlight in his face

and Joseph and Mary standing in front of him, he said, “There is no room in the inn. But please come in for a cup of coffee!” The innkeeper isn’t a villain. He showed

compassion by offering the expectant mother what he had — a barn — so that Jesus wouldn’t be born outside. The barn smelled bad, as most barns do, but at least it offered shelter for the night. The innkeeper is a good example for us because we all need to offer what we have to Christ. As we grow older, most of us gain a new appreciation for “stuff.” We have so much of it — it seems to multiply in the dark! This is especially true for collectors. I’m in a collecting club and remember a friend who has since died telling me he slept in his easy chair because he had so many boxes of stuff that it was impossible for him to get into

his bedroom! The rest of us may not be that bad, but we often spend our lives collecting more and more things. This Christmas is a good time to consider a searching question: “What will you give for Christmas?” Whether it’s things or a bank account of $100 or $100,000, we all have something we can give to Christ for Christmas. The innkeeper, contrary to popular lore, was a man with an unselfish heart. Reflections is a weekly devotional column written by Michael J. Brooks, pastor of the Siluria Baptist Church in Alabaster, Ala. The church’s website is siluriabaptist.com.

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS

Dec. 23 Movie Marathon at Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library

Christmas dinner 2020

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

s Christmas approaches, many of us are focused on the reason for the season more than ever. We are not busy planning or attending parties or other events. The dinner on Christmas day will be just for those who live in our home or a few family members who have been staying safe. Even with empty chairs at the table, plan to celebrate the birth of Christ with a special meal. However small Christmas will be this year, it will be much grander than what my parents experienced growing up during the Depression years. The seventh child in his family, my father

was born when his mother was in her 40s and his father was 53 years old. When Dad was 7 years old, he came home from school to learn that his mother had severe rheumatoid arthritis and would never walk again. He began then to help take care of his parents. Dad loved books but only had a few as a child since his parents were poor farmers. His favorite thing in life was school, and he skipped at least one grade. He regretted the days he had to work the farm and missed going to school. Dad looked forward to Christmas. A few days before, his crippled mother would manage to get around in the kitchen

enough to bake a chocolate cake. She placed the cake in a pie safe. Dad would walk by the cabinet several times a day thinking about how good that cake would be on Christmas day. Christmas morning he woke up to find his gifts that he treasured. There were apples, oranges and nuts for his gifts, and this was the only time of year he had those. Dad would smile big, and his eyes would sparkle while telling stories of finding those delicious fruits and nuts on Christmas morning. Years later, I realized Dad was happy with the meager gifts because he focused on what he had and not on what he did not have or get. He

Never fear; the Girl Scout Cookie program is almost here

Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Announces Details for the 2021 Cookie Season!

Contributed by Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama is excited

to kick off the 2020-21 Cookie Program with a new cookie. Joining the lineup this year is the Toast-Yay!™, a French toast-inspired

Blake Henry

See COOCIES, page A9

• Have your investments been run through and passed a stress test? Laurel Callaway

carried this attitude his entire life, and he taught us kids to be thankful to God for everything in our life, no matter how small. This Christmas, I am carrying on Dad’s tradition of focusing on what we have and not that which we don’t have or what we are not able to do this year. Recently, as I was putting apples in a wire basket on the kitchen island, I thought of Dad being so happy to have them at Christmas. We almost always have apples in

the kitchen and don’t even think about them being anything special. A great deal has changed since the Depression, but this year has been uncertain and caused many of us to stay home, realizing that every day is precious. Most of us have more stuff than we need, and we don’t even think about it. This year more people in our community are hurting with the loss of loved ones or their job. Christmas will be very different from last year.

Now is the time to think about giving more than ever this year to those in need. Although we can’t have as many people in our homes now, we can think of those not able to cook much or who are lonely without any family. We can pack up covered plates to leave at their door. Whatever Christmas is like at your home this year, may you focus on the good things in your life and find peace and hope in celebrating the birth of Christ.

Collinwood Luminaries brings crowd to view live Nativity

cookie dipped in delicious icing and full of flavor in every bite. Also new this year,

Does the election have you concerned? We can help you prepare for any scenario that could occur this November. • Do you have a written market downturn plan?

Photo by Ann Cipperly Perfect Beef Tenderloin and Stuffed Baked Potatoes with Horseradish Cream make a stunning entrée presentation for Christmas dinner.

William Cole Operations Manager

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer For more photos turn to A8

A8 December 23, 2020

Merry Christmas

A9 December 23, 2020

FROM A7

consumers will be able to order Girl Scout cookies through the Grubhub app and have them delivered directly to them. Amid challenging world events and a global pandemic this year, Girl Scouts created moments of joy by donating cookies to thank frontline workers and using the cookie earnings to support their communities. When Girl Scout Cookie season returns

on Dec. 27, Toast-Yay! will give consumers a new way to celebrate, alongside other favorites like Thin Mints® and Caramel deLites®. And though social distancing measures may keep families and friends apart, cookie customers will be able to share a little happiness and stay connected this season through direct ship and contactless delivery options. This means consumers will again be able to get their hands on the mouthwatering cookies that power unique and

amazing experiences for girls with every purchase. In the 2021 season, Girl Scouts in southern Alabama will embrace their entrepreneurial spirit by selling cookies through online platforms and innovative “virtual cookie booths” on social media (with parental supervision). Many girls will offer socially-distant or contactless sales and delivery options. If local guidelines allow, in-person booth sales may also be available in certain areas, keep-

ing girls’ safety top priority. Consumers will also delight in knowing that their cookie purchase is an investment in girl leadership in their own community. With every sale, the Girl Scout Cookie Program teaches girls to think like entrepreneurs as they run their own small businesses and learn skills like goal-setting, people skills and decision-making, which are imperative for any leadership role. And girls decide how to use their portion of the

proceeds for unforgettable leadership experiences and community projects, while GSSA depends on the funds to deliver life-changing Girl Scout programming to more than 5,000 girls in southern Alabama. To learn more about the Girl Scout Cookie Program, and to find out when Girl Scouts will be selling near you, visit girlscoutssa.org. About Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama serves more than 5,000 girls,

ages 5-17 and 2,500 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) to change the world. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls for more than 100 years. With programming across 30 counties, GSSA offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure and success. To volunteer, reconnect, donate or join call 800239-6636 or visit www. girlscoutssa.org

One Accord Social Club hosts toy giveaway

Photos by Robert Noles//Opelika Observer

A10 December 23, 2020

RECIPES MULLED CHRISTMAS CIDER Hayley Welsh Berry Women’s Club Cookbook 2-quart apple cider 1 ½ quart cranberry juice ½ cup light brown sugar, firmly packed 8 to 10 cinnamon sticks (3 inch) 10 to 15 whole allspice 20 to 25 whole cloves Combine all ingredients in a 6-quart pot. Bring to a boil. Simmer, uncovered, for 30 minutes. Strain; discard spices. Refrigerate cider until needed. Reheat for serving. Serve warm or well chilled. Makes 12 cups. CHRISTMAS TREE SHAPED CHEESE SPREAD Fran Plott Cheese Spread: 2 pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar 1/4 cup minced onion 1/4 cup chopped red bell pepper 1/4 cup chopped green bell pepper 1/2 tsp. garlic powder or more to taste 1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper 1/8 tsp. salt Mix all together and form a ball. Chill in refrigerator an hour or up to 3 days. To make tree shape: 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans or chopped fresh parsley 3 to 4 thinly sliced green bell pepper rings or chopped Chopped red pepper Roll cheese ball in chopped pecans or parsley, fully coating surface. Flatten the ball and form a triangle, turning the bottom points up and elongating the top point to make it look like a tree. Decorate the tree with green pepper strips and chopped red pieces or with chopped red and green peppers. Serve with crackers of choice. JANET’S CHRISTMAS WREATH APPETIZER Kathryn W. Whetstone Two 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened ½ cup Miracle Whip (or other mayonnaise) 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese Combine above and add: 10 crisply cooked bacon strips, cooled and crumbed ¼ cup sliced green onions Chill. Can be frozen. If desired, shape into a wreath garnished heavily with parsley. Use pimento or red bell peppers to create a bow. Janet received recipe from Bette Walker. Perfect Beef Tenderloin Kathy Barrett Sometimes Kathy will sprinkle a small amount

of Dale’s sauce over the beef before baking. Whole beef tenderloin Salt and pepper to taste Salt and pepper tenderloin. Cut in half if needed to fit pan. I usually use a broiler pan with rack. Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Cook the tenderloin at 500 degrees for 5 minutes per pound. Example: for a 6-pound tenderloin, cook at 500 degrees for 30 minutes. Turn the oven off and leave for 2 hours - DO NOT OPEN OVEN DOOR. Note: If you cut tenderloin in half cook for 4 minutes per pound at 500 degrees then turn oven off.

STUFFED BAKED POTATOES WITH HORSERADISH CREAM 6 large baking potatoes 6 Tbsp. butter ½ cup sour cream 2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish, drained (optional) Salt and pepper to taste Horseradish Cream: ½ cup sour cream 2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish, drained 2 to 3 Tbsp. fresh dill, chopped (or 2 tsp. dried) Salt to taste Bake potatoes in 400-degree oven for 1 hour or until fork tender; cool 10 minutes. Carefully slice top of each potato and scoop out pulp, leaving a wall of pulp around potato. Mash pulp with butter, sour cream and horseradish; salt and pepper to taste. Spoon mashed potatoes back into shells. May be prepared a day ahead at this point. For a milder flavor, omit horseradish in stuffing. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake potatoes for 35 to 40 minutes. In a small bowl, combine Horseradish Cream ingredients (can be prepared day ahead). Remove potatoes from oven, place on serving platter; spoon cream topping on each. Garnish with additional fresh dill, if desired. Serves 6. GRATIN OF YUKON GOLD POTATOES WITH BACON Linda Letlow Can make this a day ahead and reheat. 12 oz. bacon slices, chopped 2½ cups whipping cream 1½ cups whole milk 3 ½ lb. Yukon gold potatoes, peeled and thinly sliced 1½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. freshly ground pepper 2 cups grated Gruyere cheese Preheat oven to 375. Butter a 13 x 9

baking dish. Cook bacon until crisp. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels and drain. Mix cream and milk in a 4 cup measuring cup. Layer 1/3 of potatoes in baking dish, overlapping slightly. Sprinkle with ½ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. pepper. Top potatoes with 1/3 cheese and 1/3 of bacon. Pour 1 cup cream mixture over. Repeat layering. Top with remaining potatoes. Sprinkle with ½ tsp. salt, ½ tsp. pepper, remaining cheese and bacon. Pour remaining cream mixture over. Bake gratin uncovered until potatoes are tender and cream mixture thickens, about 1 hour 15 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes before serving. You can make this one-day ahead. Refrigerate and reheat covered with foil in a 375 oven for about 30 minutes.

RONNY’S PRIME RIB ROAST Libba Herring 1 (8-10 lb.) boneless ribeye roast Garlic slices ½ cup port wine ½ cup Dale’s steak sauce ½ cup olive oil Dry rub: ¼ cup kosher salt ¼ cup coarse black pepper ¼ cup garlic powder 1/3 cup coarse oregano 4 garlic cloves (sliced into 8 pieces each) For best results, the roast may be prepared the night before, but if not, at least 6 hours before cooking. With fat side (convex) up, use a thin filet knife to make 4 punctures about 1-1 ½ inches deep per row. Alternate punctures on each row approximately 1 inch apart down the length of the roast inserting garlic slices as you work. Mix wine and Dale’s, adding ¼ - ½ cup water to dilute slightly. Using an injector syringe, inject 1½ cups liquid into roast from topside. Wrap roast in plastic wrap and refrigerate. Remove from refrigerator and coat generously with olive oil. Sprinkle dry seasonings on in this order: salt, pepper, garlic powder and oregano. Roast uncovered at 450 in oven or on grill for 15 to 20 minutes, then reduce temp to 300, and roast for 2 ½ to 3 hours or until center registers 145 (medium rare). Ends of roast will be medium well. Remove from oven and cover with foil. Let roast rest for 15 minutes to absorb juices. Pour off remaining juice while slicing. This makes the au jus. Skim off fat from au jus, add water and bring to a boil in small pan. Serve with roast.

SOUTHERN GLAZED BAKED HAM Amanda Wunderlich 1/2 cup Dr. Pepper (regular-not diet) 3/4 cup light brown sugar 2 Tbsp. fresh orange juice 2 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 spiral sliced bonein half ham (7-10 lb.) Bring first 4 ingredients to a boil in a saucepan. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer about 8 minutes until syrupy and measures 3/4 cup. Bake ham according to directions on package and apply cooled glaze last 10 minutes. With ham end up (largest part flat on the pan), apply half of glaze over ham. Cover with foil; return to oven for final 10 minutes. Remove from oven. Carefully turn ham on its side, and brush with remaining glaze.

1 tsp. finely minced shallot 1/3 cup canola oil 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil 1/3 cup fresh raspberries In a medium bowl, whisk together jam, vinegars, vanilla, sugar, thyme and shallot. Season liberally with salt and white pepper. While whisking, slowly add the oils, and whisk until the dressing thickens. Stir in the raspberries. This dressing is best if made at least 2 hours in advance, and will keep refrigerated up to one week. (Note: you can make the dressing in the blender for a smoother texture before adding the fresh raspberries.)

HELEN WHATLEY’S AMBROSIA Kathryn W. Whetstone 20 navel oranges, peeled and sectioned 2 cups shredded coconut 1 ½ cup fresh pineapple chunks 3 oz. Maraschino cherries with juice 1 cup sugar or to taste Combine and serve in crystal bowl.

ARTICHOKE STUFFED MUSHROOMS Trudy Baker 1½ lb. fresh mushrooms ¼ cup chopped onions 2 garlic cloves, chopped 1 Tbsp. olive oil ¼ cup dry white wine ¼ cup soft breadcrumbs 14 oz. can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped 3 green onions, chopped ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese ½ cup mayonnaise ¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper Rinse and pat mushrooms dry. Remove stems and chop; set mushroom caps aside. Sauté mushroom stems, onion and garlic in hot oil in skillet over medium heat 5 minutes until onion is tender. Add wine and cook 2 minutes or until liquid evaporates. Stir in breadcrumbs. Remove from heat; let cool. Combine onion mixture, artichokes and next 5 ingredients. Spoon 1 tsp. into each mushroom cap. Place on a lightly greased rack on a roasting pan. Bake at 350 for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden. Makes 25 to 30.

CHRISTMAS SALAD WITH RASPBERRY VINAIGRETTE Amanda Wunderlich 2 bags mixed baby greens 1/2 pint fresh raspberries 1 small log goat cheese, crumbled 1 cup toasted walnuts Combine ingredients in salad bowl. Serve with the vinaigrette. Raspberry Vinaigrette: 3 Tbsp. raspberry jam 1/4 cup raspberry vinegar 1 tsp. balsamic vinegar 1/4 tsp. vanilla extract 1 1/2 tsp. sugar 1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves, finely minced

HOLIDAY BROCCOLI RING Nancy Whatley Two 10-oz. pkgs. frozen broccoli flowerets ¼ cup chicken broth 3 Tbsp. butter 3 Tbsp. flour 1 cup sour cream 4 or 5 green onions, chopped 3 eggs, beaten 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese ½ tsp. salt 1/8 tsp. white pepper ½ tsp. grated nutmeg ½ cup slivered almonds Green food color-

SLOW COOKER CRANBERRY PORK ROAST Karen Anderson 2 1/3 lb. to 3 lb. boneless rolled pork loin (not a tenderloin) 16 oz. can jellied cranberry sauce 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup cranberry juice 1 tsp. dry mustard 1/4 tsp. ground cloves Place pork roast in a slow cooker sprayed with Pam. In a medium bowl, mash cranberry sauce, stir in sugar, juice and spices. Pour over roast. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours (I like 8). Don’t take lid off at all while it is cooking.

ing, optional Sautéed mushrooms, optional Cook broccoli until tender; drain. Place in blender with chicken broth; blend well. Do this in two batches with half of the broth each time. Melt butter in a skillet and add flour. Add green onions and sour cream. Stir until thick; add eggs. Stir in cheese until melted. Add broccoli, seasonings and almonds. Add a little food coloring. Spoon into greased one-quart ring mold. Cool; wrap and freeze. On day of serving, remove from freezer two hours ahead. Place mold in pan adding one to two inches boiling water. Bake at 350 degrees for 1½ hours. Insert knife to test if set. Remove mold from water. Let stand for 5 minutes and then unmold. Fill center with sautéed mushrooms, if desired.

CREAM CHEESE COCONUT PECAN POUND CAKE Cora Reames 1½ cups butter, softened 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 3 cups sugar 6 large eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp. salt ¼ cup milk 1½ tsp. vanilla ½ cup sweetened shredded coconut 1 cup chopped toasted pecans Cream butter and cream cheese with electric mixer until smooth; slowly add sugar and beat at medium speed until mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time until yellow disappears before adding another. Sift together flour and salt; add to butter mixture alternately with milk, beginning and ending with flour. Stir in coconut, pecans and vanilla. Pour batter into 12-cup greased and floured tube pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1½ hours or until long wooden pick comes out clean. Cool in cake pan on racks for 15 to 20 minutes. Remove pan to cool completely on rack. Glaze: Mix together 2 cups powdered sugar, 3 to 4 Tbsp. milk and 1 tsp. vanilla, stirring until smooth. Add another tsp. of milk, if needed, until spreading consistency. Spoon over cake top. ROULAGE Carol Dillard This recipe was passed down from my mother. When I taught catering at Auburn University, this recipe was used on numerous occasions when we served a dinner. It was always a favorite among See RECIPES, page A12

A11 December 9, 2020

The Light from Bethlehem

saw just a piece of a program on the Discovery Channel recently. The show’s opening promised fearless exploration—they would leave no stone unturned and question everything. It featured a scientist and a paranormal researcher who were dressed like Indiana Jones. They were “searching for answers to the world’s most extraordinary mysteries.” I was doing something else at the time, so I didn’t see much after that, but what little I did see looked like it was as much entertainment as exploration. Still, it made me think about the debt we owe to men and women who give their lives to better understand the world we live in. I’m speaking of those people whose passion it is to discover new truths and make known the unknown whether it is in science, mathematics, history or some other field. They help us to exercise dominion over our

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

world (Genesis 1:26). Where would we be, for example, without the people who have tirelessly worked to produce a vaccine for the coronavirus? Such people are used by God to bring blessings to all of us. And yet, maybe because God has enabled us to know so much, we sometimes become overconfident about our knowledge and ability to understand things. We lose our perspective and fly too close to the sun. For all we know (and that’s substantial), there is so much more that we don’t know. Think about how every few months there is a new idea about how the universe began. Or to bring it down to earth, how many times have we been told a certain food wasn’t good for us only to be later told it’s not so bad after all (or vice versa)? My point is simply that being human means we are subject to limitations so that even those who have their head in the clouds must live

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

with their feet on the ground. While there are many mysteries we can solve, there are also many that we must learn to embrace. This all fits in with what we find in the biblical witness. Job questioned God a little too much until finally the Almighty began posing questions to him. Job was reminded that man is not in the same area code as the Almighty. We are told through Isaiah that this separation is like the gap between the heavens and

the earth (55:9). All of this sets the table for John’s presentation of Jesus as the light of the world (8:12, 9:5). A solid sense of humility will help us understand that for all the blessings they bring to us, medicine, space exploration, agricultural advancements, etc., cannot meet our deepest, greatest need. That’s because our ultimate need isn’t about health, natural resources or even the food supply—it is about a relationship with God. To paraphrase Augustine, we were made for Him and we are restless until we allow ourselves to be found by Him. What we need is the light that Jesus brings. We have the ability to see, but we need light to make it happen. If history has shown us anything, it's that this light is not within us. It must come from a source outside us. Maybe that's why it's a star that leads the wise men to Bethlehem. A light leads them to the One

who is The Light (see the aged Simeon's words in Luke 2:29-32). All of this is beautifully conveyed in the story of Jesus giving sight to the man who was blind from birth (John 9). After the man's eyes were initially opened, Christ appeared to Him a second time and revealed His identity to him. In the same way, Peter was told that his understanding of Jesus' identity had not been revealed to him by flesh and blood, but by God Himself (Matthew 16:17). And if we've come to believe in Jesus, it's no different for us. God has opened our eyes to see the glory of His Son. Bethlehem is all about the healing, life-giving Light that has come into the world in the person of Jesus. May we see His light and rejoice! You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

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

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706

"Wicked men are overthrown and are no more, but the house of the righteous stands firm." — Proverbs 12:7

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

Church Directory

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

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

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

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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603 Pleasant Pleasant Drive 603 Drive Opelika, Opelika, ALAL 36801 749-1333 749-1333 Mon-Sat - 8pm Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm

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

A12 December 23, 2020

First Baptist hosts live nativity

Photos contributed to the Opelika Observer

RECIPES

FROM A10

the guests, and it is also a family favorite! 6 egg whites 1/2 tsp. cream of tartar 1/2 cup granulated sugar Beat egg whites until stiff. Add cream of tartar and sugar. Beat 6 egg yolks well. Add: 1/2 cup sugar 4 Tbsp. all-purpose flour 4 Tbsp. cocoa 1/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla Fold mixture into egg whites. Spread into a

jellyroll pan that has been greased and lined with wax or parchment paper and then greased again. Bake 325 degrees for 25 minutes. Turn onto a clean towel that has been generously dusted with confectioners’ sugar. Remove paper from cake and carefully roll the cake in the towel. More confectioners’ sugar may be added if cake seems to stick to the towel. Let cake completely cool in the towel. Whip: 1 cup heavy cream 1/4 cup confection-

ers’ sugar 1 tsp. vanilla (can substitute 3 Tbsp. Kahlua or Amaretto) When cake is completely cool, unroll and spread the above mixture over cake. Then carefully re-roll without the towel. You may sprinkle with confectioners’ sugar, pipe with whipped cream or sprinkle with sliced almonds or chocolate coffee beans. Refrigerate. When ready to serve, slice 1/2 inch thick. If you have any leftovers, wrap well and freeze.

BIRTHDAY CAKE FOR JESUS Holly Muncie This is a Christmas Eve tradition for us to make together as a family, and all of the kids help frost it. 1 white cake mix 1 cup whole milk 1 stick butter, melted 3 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla Preheat oven to 350. Line muffin tin with cupcake holders or prepare cake pans with Pam with flour. Place all ingredients in mixing

bowl. Beat on low for 1 minute; scrape sides. Beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Divide evenly among cupcake holders or cake pans. Bake according to cake mix directions or until golden. Remove from oven; cool in pan 5 to 10 minutes. Remove and continue cooling on a rack. Do not frost until completely cool. Vanilla Frosting: 1/2 cup solid Crisco

4 tsp. vanilla 6 cups powdered sugar 1/3 to 1/2 cup milk Mix Crisco, vanilla, sugar, and 1/3 cup milk until smooth. Beat this for a long time to get it fluffy -you cannot over beat it. Add remaining milk, if needed. If it looks too thin, add more sugar. Too thick, add more milk. Mix in food coloring, if desired. Pipe onto cupcakes with a star tip (32 or 1M) in a Ziploc or piping bag. Keep refrigerated for an hour or two before serving.

loved his family and friends dearly and touched everyone’s life that crossed his path. He is preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Faye Howard, brother, Kenny Howard, grandparents, Arthur and Nina Howard, Ellis and Arbena Garrett. As well as many dearly loved Aunts, Uncles, and friends. He is survived by his devoted wife and faithful partner of 19 years, Joyce Howard, 6 children, Lisa Chappell (Eddie), Josh How-

ard (Taylor), Jessica Howard, Cassi Howard, Thomas Price, Ellisa Miller (Justin), 26 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren, 1 brother, Guinn Howard (Cyndee), 1 sister, Cheri Grainger (Micah), 1 niece, Brandy Evans (Wade) and 1 nephew, Rambo Howard (Ayla). A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. (cst), on Dec. 18, 2020, at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika. After the service, family and friends gathered at Warren’s home in Camphill.

OBITUARIES Lucile Wallis Armstrong

Mrs. Lucile Wallis Armstrong, daughter of the late Fletcher and Vera Wallis, was born on Sept. 3, 1924 in Lee County, Alabama. She attended Opelika High School and was a graduate of the Class of 1942. She was united in holy matrimony to the late Robert Newman Armstrong on Jan. 24,1942 in Opelika. The union was blessed with a daughter Barbara Renie. She is preceded in death by her parents and late

husband. Mrs. Lucile was an active member of many organizations including the Eastern Star, Pilot Club of Opelika. In addition, she volunteered at EAMC and Trinity United Methodist Church. She was employed over her lifetime at Opelika Manufacturing and East Alabama Medical Center and Armstrong’s Grocery that she ran with her late husband. Her beautiful life will be forever cherished in the life of her daughter Barbara (Bob) Renie;

Granddaughters, Tonya (Chris) Lazzari and Kim (Kevin) Jordan; Great Grandchildren, Kyndl (Will) Folmar, Gage Young, Cole Lazzari, Aubree Jordan, and Drew Jordan; Great-Great Granddaughter, Sutton Wallis Folmar. There was a celebration of her life on Dec. 17, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church in Opelika, Alabama. Donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church or East Alabama Medical Center in her name.

Ellis Warren Howard

Ellis Warren Howard, 58, of Camphill, Alabama, formally a lifelong resident of Opelika, passed away in his home Dec. 13, 2020. Warren was born March 16, 1962 to Robert Earl Howard and Shirley Faye Howard. Warren lived and worked his whole life in Opelika. He was well known to so many who knew him to have a free spirit and the biggest fun, loving heart. He

A13 December 23, 2020

Christmas in Camelot

Photos contributed by Robert Noles / Opelika Observer

A14 December 23, 2020

COMICS

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

Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

Auburn Narrows Search Still without a head coach, rumors swirl By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell

AHSAA offers athletics amid COVID-19

labama High School Athletic Association Exucutive Director Steve Savares made a decision in July that shaped high school athletics in the state. Savarese was scheduled to lead off the "High School Media Days presented by the Orthopedic Clinic” on FOX Sports 910-1310 and WOTM TV. Savarese always leads off our media day and agreed to again earlier in the year. Day one of high school media days was one day ahead of a press conference scheduled by the AHSAA to allow Savarese to announce the decison to play, delay or cancel fall sports. Georgia already announced they would delay the start of fall sports for two weeks, then reevaluate. Savaeres wasted no time. After thanking everyone involved in the high school media days, he told numerous media outlets gathered to cover the two-day event (print, social media and TV ) “Tomorrow, I will release the AHSAA decision. . . to play, not delay!"

This was a major statement that gave us all hope for the fall athletic season. Savarese, the AHSAA Central Board of Control, Alabama Department of Health, the medical advisory committee and Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey all agreed the decision to play high school sports was the right decision. Savarese told everyone: learn to live with COVID, be flexible and open to new things if it helps make the season possible. As August approached, AHSAA member schools implemented all the guidelines sent out by the AHSAA. Everyone involved needed to do their part to ensure sports would continue to play. The decision was not liked by all; a few schools chose to not play fall sports and were allowed to do so. Contracts would be terminated with no forfeit cost by that school. As the season progressed, some teams forfeited games due to some positive cases but mostly See SPORTS , page B6

“Maybe all one can do is hope to end up with the right regrets.” Right now, these words from American playwright Arthur Miller are painstakingly relatable to anyone who has an inkling of passion for Auburn University and its football program. It has been 10 days since Auburn ﬁred former head coach Gus Malzahn. Since then, the football program has been clouded by rumors of deceit, different agendas and an unsettling amount of directionless inactivity. The university appears to be closing in on the guy they want, but it appears that Auburn is on plan B, C or even

D of the hiring process. And there is disturbing reality that has come to light: no one really knows who’s pulling the strings (more on that later). So will Auburn have the right regrets when they look back on the Malzahn era? Will it be that he missed bringing Auburn its third national championship in program history by just 13 seconds? That could be reconciled. Or will it be that they had unrealistic expectations that led them to ﬁ re a coach who was a good recruiter, loved by his players and perfectly ﬁ t the mold of an ‘Auburn Man’? That would be a harder pill to swallow. Nonetheless, the search for a new head coach is ongoing and

there are still plenty of good options out there to lead the Tigers. But the whole state of the program seems unfamiliarly fragile and, dare I say it, unappealing. The latest reports of candidates turning their backs to Auburn back up that claim. In fact, the ﬁ rst to deny was reportedly Auburn’s main target, Oregon head coach Mario Cristabol. However, apparently he really likes ﬂ ashy uni-forms and is reported to have agreed to an extension that will keep him in Eugene until 2025. Hugh Freeze was another hot name that was being thrown around a week ago. But the former Ole Miss head coach and cur-rent Liberty head man

replied with “good” in a since-deleted a tweet that insinuated he was not wanted on the Plains. He comes with baggage and is honestly too similar to Malzahn, therefore it’s believable that there was never any real interest from either side. Continuing along with the trend of denial, it was just re-ported Monday that Billy Napier, current Louisiana head coach and a former assistant under Nick Saban, is committed to the Rajun Cajuns and has no interest in taking the Auburn job. I was never a big proponent of ﬁ ring Malzahn – especially this year – but once it was done, Napier was the guy highest on my shortlist. The 38-year-old has See AUBURN, page B5

Growing Pains Southern Christian rolling with the punches

he Southern Christian Patriots are in the dawn of their first ever basketball and, the growing pains are real. The middle school teams and the varsity boys and girls played last week. Facing Wynnbrook Christian School on Dec. 15, the middle school girls nearly captured their first win, and the middle school boys eked out a hard fought victory. Coach Jason Scott said the girls game was “evenly matched,” but his middle school girls

lost to Wynnbrook 14-10. The leading scorers for both team were tied as center Lauren Gooden led the way for the Patriots with 4 points and seven rebounds. It was the girls’ first real game and Scott said the game provided “good experience.” The boys middle school team enjoyed more success against Wynnbrook, beating them in a nail bitter, 23-21. A fourth quarter rally helped the Patriots get their first win. “It was a big deal for us,” Scott said. “That was huge

for the boys.” Jagger Scott led the team with a double-double, scoring 12 points and pulling down 12 rebounds. And his brother, Jed Scott added 8 points and eight rebounds. Next up on the Patriots’ schedule was Wiregrass Homeschool in Dothan. Along with the middle schoolers, the varsity teams were in action. However, unlike the close games before, the growing pains that were featured in this game had to be hard to swallow. The middle

school boys played Wiregrass the closest, losing 36-46. “This one was encouraging,” Scott said. Jagger again led the way with a double-double and Jed put in 13 points himself – that was about it on the scoring. The middle school girls had the definition of a “learning” game. It was the press that outdid them as the girls only got off 12 shots and fell by 35 points. “This team pressed the entire game, all their teams,” Scott See PAINS , page B6

B2 December 23, 2020

A successful early national signing day for Auburn By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

With the uncertainty surrounding Auburn’s head coaching vacancy at the forefront of everyone’s mind, some Auburn recruits decided to push their decision to February, but for the most part, the Tigers improved their position on early national signing day Wednesday. “This is an exciting day for Auburn,” said interim Auburn Head Coach Kevin Steele in his press conference Wednesday. “When you’re trying to sign a class without a head coach, it’s certainly a challenge, but the staff did a great job in being relentless in their pursuit in keeping the class together and representing Auburn in a way that people at Auburn would be proud.” Going into the day, the Tigers had the No. 45 recruiting class in the country, with 12 total commits. The Tiger’s recruiting class climbed to No. 40 by the end of the day, but it ranks No. 19 if you rank classes by average player rating. “These 12, they showed a commitment to Auburn University that is the kind of commitment you want in the fourth quarter of the Iron Bowl,” Steele said. The interim head coach went on to say that a 13th recruit will join the Tigers on Friday and that Auburn only lost one player to an unsuspected decommitment, although three prospects pushed their signing to February.

Looking at the positives, Auburn landed their top target recruit of the 2021 class, four-star dual-threat quarterback Dematrius Davis. Davis, a star from Houston (Texas) North Shore, is the winningest QB in Texas high school record with a record of 45-2. The 5-foot10, 200-pound QB has North Shore still competing in the Texas Class 6A Division 1 playoffs, with a shot at capturing their third straight title. “He’s a very athletic, strong-armed, accurate, can beat you with his legs, can beat you with his arms, extremely competitive and he’s won championships,” Steele said of Davis. “For him to do what he did was huge. You can’t operate in this business without a quarterback.” After Davis, Auburn continued their harvest of Texas recruits, garnering commitments from tight end Landen King and wide receiver Hal Presley. King signed from Beaumont, Texas, where the 6-foot5, 220-pound tight end had 39 receptions as a senior and 53 as a junior. King, a three-star commit, is rated the No. 9 tight end in the country according to ESPN. The 6-foot-3, 197-pound Presley is a three-star commit who had 32 catches for 775 yards and 13 touchdowns in his senior year at Mansfield Summit in Arlington, Texas. Presley is rated among the top 60 overall prospects from Texas according to 247, ESPN and Rivals.

Interim Auburn Head Coach Kevin Steele held a press conference Wednesday afternoon to discuss the Tigers’ early national signing day period. Other players who signed their letters of intent to the Tigers on Wednesday include: Lee Hunter, a 6-foot-5, 292-pound defensive tackle and Auburn’s highest-rated recruit of the 2021 class out of Mobile, rated as the No. 7 player at his position according to 247; Marquis Robinson, a four-star, 6-foot-3, 300-pound defensive tackle out of Florida, rated as the No. 15 prospect nationally at his position by ESPN; Ahmari Harvey, a four-star safety out of Tallahassee, Florida, rated as the No. 4 safety prospect nationally by ESPN; Garner Langlo, a three-star, 6-foot-7,

270-pound offensive lineman out of Ocala, Florida, rated as the No. 22 offensive guard in the nation by PrepStar; Kamal Hadden, a threestar JUCO cornerback out of Independence Community College rated as the No. 5 prospect at his position by 247; Armani (A.D.) Diamond, a three-star defensive back and Hunter’s teammate, rated as the No. 56 overall prospect at his position in Alabama; Grant Calcaterra, a four-star graduate transfer tight end and former first-team All-Big 12 selection at Oklahoma as a sophomore; Tobechi Okoli, a three-star, 6-foot-5, 225-pound defensive

end from Lincoln Prep in Kansas City, rated as the No. 7 prospect at his position in his state according to 247; Ian Matthews, a three-star, 6-foot-5, 270-pounder out of Columbus, Georgia, rated among the top 60 overall prospects in his state. The big losses for the Tigers come in the form of: George Wilson, a three-star defensive end from Virginia Beach who committed to Florida State over the Tigers; Jaeden Roberts, a fourstar offensive lineman, who decommitted because of “the recent decision to hire a new coach,” he said; and Armani Goodwin, a 5-foot8, 190-pound running

back from Hewitt-Trussville High School, who was rated as the No. 5 RB in his class nationally and one of the Tigers’ prized targets. Grad transfer Eric Wilson, a 6-foot-4, 280-pound Harvard offensive lineman has not provided an update to his commitment status following the firing of Malzahn. “So on defense that’s seven signees; we will add one Friday for the eighth and then we have two holding,” Steele said in summation. “We singed 12, technically speaking there is 11 more spots on the books that could be filled. That would be up to the next head coach.”

Auburn ranked No. 14 in preseason poll that our competitors Courtesy of AU Athletics/Kendra Willard believe we will be The 2021 Auburn gymnastics team will open the year at No. 14, the Women’s Collegiate Gymnastics Association announced Thursday. “It is exciting to see

even more competitive this year after a crazy offseason and the departure of a large senior class,” said Head Coach Jeff Graba. “I feel very good about our team this year and we are very much

looking forward to finally competing again after such an abrupt end to the 2020 season.” Two Southeastern Conference teams are ranked in the top 5, while all eight schools are among the top 20. Defending SEC

champion Florida is on top of the list at No. 1, while LSU ranks No. 3. Alabama stands at No. 6 with Georgia (No. 10), Kentucky (No. 12), Arkansas (No. 15) and Missouri (No. 16) all being among the top programs nationally. The 2021 regular

season will feature an all-SEC schedule, seeing the Tigers face a top-25 team each week. Auburn kicks off the 2021 campaign against the top-ranked Gators as the Tigers host Florida in Auburn Arena, Jan. 8. The meet is set for 7 p.m.

CST and information on attendance will be announced at a later date. For the latest on Auburn Gymnastics, follow @AuburnGym on Twitter and visit the team’s Facebook page at facebook.com/ AuburnGym.

B3 December 23, 2020

Heartfelt gifts for children

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

ver the past few weeks during the Advent Season for Christmas and the New Year, I have been singing “The Little Drummer Boy,” by Katherine Kennicott Davis, with the preschool children I teach. The song is about a poor little boy who does not have a material gift that he can bring to the Christ

child in the manger, but he does have a heart gift of playing his drum for the Christ child. Young children truly identify with the young drummer boy as they sing and repeat the chorus – “pa rum pump um pum” – in realizing that it is not the material gift we give to someone we love but it is the heart gift. As I have listened

and sung “The Little Drummer Boy” with the preschoolers, as a teacher, I have reflected on young children’s heart needs and asked myself: what gifts can we as teachers and parents give to our children as this year comes to an end and we embark on a new year? The following list is very simple and to the point to grab when sharing heart gifts with our children daily. Heart gifts equal LOVE! Infants, toddlers, twos, threes, fours and on up in age just know the emotionally secure, peaceful feeling of being loved unconditionally. They love to hear their names said or called out and to be accepted for how God made them. During this past year with the pandemic we have had to show love to our young children through our eyes and what we say and do for them. 1 Corinthians 13:13: And now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest

of these is love. During this holiday season, take advantage of this extra time to really listen to your young children. Come together face to face, make eye contact and totally focus on what they are saying. We as parents and teachers can learn a child’s thought process as we truly listen to what they are sharing with us. Plan easy, simple chores for your young children to help you with over the holidays. Children love to help when they are instructed on what and how to do so, like picking up toys after play, cleaning up their room, helping set the table for meals with parents’ oversight, folding laundry, simple dusting, etc. Confidence is another heart gift that emerges when children accomplish a task and praise is offered. Too, we have to gently remind ourselves that we praise children as the unique person whom God has created. Praise is a

simple heart gift that brings true joy and happiness to a child and that is a solid foundation for a child to spring from when things get tough. Allowing children to play and use their imaginations is another heart gift we can give our children. Allowing young children to dream and to use their creativity to explore their world is a wonderful heart gift that encourages enthusiasm for life and what it has to offer each and every day. I love to look at the excitement children display when playing in centers as well as outside. We teachers and parents definitely see that play is a child’s work. This year, with everything being so different and at times challenging, flexibility, resilience and contentment are heartfelt gifts that we can model and encourage for our young children to experience. Even though there have been

disappointments, setbacks and stress during this pandemic, providing love, support and understanding is a gift for young children so they are able to cope. One of the greatest heartfelt gifts we can provide for our children is an age-appropriate discipline plan. When simple rules are explained to young children, this is a heartfelt gift. Too, they clearly understand the consequences if they don’t abide by school or family rules. The greatest heart gift we can extend to our young children is HOPE! This gift encourages our young children to be optimistic no matter what the circumstances are. Children with the gift of hope look at the bright side of circumstances. Young children’s smiles as they delight in life is a heartfelt gift that we can all embrace. Classroom Observer, Beth Pinyerd

Lee County Alabama A&M University Alumni Chapter donates to the Darden Head Start Center Photo contributed by AAMU Alumni Chapter Jeffrey Webb, chapter president (R), presented Catina Chambers, head start coach (L) gifts for students at the Darden Center. The donation included caps, gloves, socks, underwear, jackets, coloring books, crayons, pencils and backpacks. Darden Head Start has been one of the chapter’s community service projects for several years. Lee County AAMU scholarship applications for high school seniors will be available in March, 2021. Alumni and individuals interested in supporting the chapter can call 334444-7682.

B4 December 23, 2020

AU Panhellenic raises money for AO Habitat for Humanity Contributed by Mark Grantham

The Auburn University Panhellenic group presented Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity (AOHFH) with a check for $58,356 to sponsor building Habitat homes #69 and 70 in Auburn. Each year Auburn Panhellenic members fundraise through a talent competition known as Greek Sing. All proceeds raised during this event go directly to help Auburn Opelika Habitat build more homes and improve the lives of our partner families. This year Panhellenic was unable to have the traditional Greek Sing fundraiser due to safety concerns and COVID-19 restrictions. Though they were forced to cancel the completion talent show this year, they were still able to successfully raise funds for Auburn Opelika Habitat.

“This goes to show that the pandemic did not stop Panhellenic, as they overachieved by raising even more than the amount raised last year,” said Karen Turner who is the president of Habitat of Humanity Board of Directors. “The dedication that this group of amazing ladies has for this organization is truly a blessing, and we are very grateful for their hard work in helping Habitat succeed. Thank you Sarah Benton and Anna Sayers for your leadership.” Panhellenic also volunteers each spring to work on Habitat homes. Earlier this year, Panhellenic partnered with Habitat and The Way2Serve Ministry to repair and rebuild homes in our community. Approximately 40 students from different sororities worked with Habitat construction leaders to repair a deck and wheelchair

ramp, clean and prep floors for repair, build a shower access step, and repair a back door on a local home. Over 100 Panhellenic volunteers also partnered with Habitat for Humanity to assist with volunteer projects this year during February. Additionally, last year, they helped frame Auburn Opelika Habitat

home #67 and were also a major sponsor on Habitat home #68, both in Opelika. AO Habitat for Humanity Director Mark Grantham offered the following statement: “We would like to say thank you to the Auburn University Panhellenic for consistently supporting Habitat each

year. Your partnership is valuable to this ministry. We truly appreciate your dedication to helping Habitat fulfill our mission, your efforts to exceed last year’s fundraising total, and everything you have contributed to this organization. Together we build homes, community, and hope.”

Pictured are Briaunna Jones - Habitat Home #69 Partner Owner, Anna Sayers - Assistant Director of Greek Sing, Sarah Benton - Auburn Panhellenic Greek Sing Director, Lindsay Holden - Greek Life Coordinator, Karen Turner - AOHFH Board President and Drake Martin - AOHFH Board Member.

Kelsey Wynne raises funds for AO Habitat for Humanity Contributed by Mark Grantham

Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity would like to say thank you to Kelsey Wynne and to all of her team. Last Friday, Wynne presented Habitat construction leaders Richard Rogers, Gatz Riddell, Jim Newton and Gary Keever with checks for $600 to purchase a much-needed RIGID table saw. This presentation took place in front of Habitat home #69 which was completed and dedicated last week. Wynne is a 5th year thesis student in Architecture from Dallas, Texas. She has volunteered with H4H in Dallas and was part of a team of AU Architecture students who helped design and build highly energy effi-

cient homes for Auburn Opelika Habitat. She also serves as President of Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction Ambassadors. She has volunteered on worksites with AU Panhellenic, who is another one of our community partners. Wynne is a Top 5 Candidate for AU Miss Homecoming 2020. Each candidate chose a platform and cause to support. She chose Habitat for Humanity because of her passion for volunteering with, and advocating for, this organization. Her efforts included promoting awareness of Habitat and fundraising with students, AU Alumni, friends and family to raise $600 to purchase the new table saw for Habitat construction.

“Thank you, Kelsey Wynne, Professor David Hinson, and Auburn University for helping us build homes, community, and hope,” said Mark Grantham, Executive Director of Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity. Pictured are Wynne’s campaign flier that includes information on Habitat for Humanity and a picture of the house she helped design and build with Professor David Hinson’s AU Architecture student team. Wynne and her campaign manager Sasha Cohen. Wynne and members of her campaign team, including Sam Hinson.

B5 December 23, 2020

Lee-Scott Boys Basketball finding consistency By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver. com

The Lee-Scott Varsity Boys basketball team improved its record to 4-5 after splitting two games this past week. The Warriors began the week by travelling to face Lakeside High School. From start to ﬁ nish it was a dominant performance from LSA, who secured a statement 53-29 win. The Warriors started the game on ﬁ re and stretched their lead to 17 after one quarter.

AUBURN>> FROM B1 southern connections and has brought a small-scale Crimson Tide model of excellence to the Bayou State. Getting rejected by a mid-major coach who only makes $800,000 a year has to put a huge dent in the ego of whoever is running this coaching search for Auburn. He could have been the young, charismatic recruiter and program builder to take Auburn to the next level, but there are still other options. Namely, both Clemson coordinators. The only thing is, programs have been trying to pry defensive coordinator Brett Venebles away from Clemson for years, yet he’s remained loyal to Head Coach Dabo Swinney. Offensive Coordinator Tony Elliot seems more likely, but he’s also more of an unknown and far from a splash hire.

PAINS>> FROM B1 said. “We just could not the ball down the court. So we were not ready.” The JV boys played next and saw similar unfortunate results. The Patriots played

The scoring slowed a little in the second quarter, but LSA’s lockdown defense helped the Warriors increase their lead to 28 points. After the halftime break, the Warriors let their foot off the gas and were outscored in the second half. But the lead the Warriors built in the fi rst half was out of harm’s way as LSA held Lakeside to just 17.8% shooting from the field. The Warriors spread out the scoring as Joseph Horne led the way with 12 points

and added a team-high five rebounds and two assists to his stat line. Hutch Sprayberry shot 50% on his way to 10 points, and Carter Blackmon followed right behind him with 9 points on 80% shooting. John Wang fi nished with 8 points. Dylan Hickman put in 5 points – making his only three-point attempt – and four rebounds. Carson Alexander had an off night offensively, fi nishing with just 4 points, but he led the team with three assists. Payne Weissinger

chipped in 3 points and Conner Burnett 1 to ﬁ nish the Warriors’ scoring. Next, the Warriors hosted Southland High School from Georgia in their second game of the week. The hard-fought game was ultimately decided in the third quarter, and LSA lost 46-40. The warriors held a twopoint advantage going into halftime, but were outscored 13-5 in the third period to surrender their lead. Neither team could separate any more in the fourth quarter,

as the Warriors and Southland matched each other with 10 points. The difference in the game was the turnovers. Southland turned over the Warriors 22 times, and committed just nine themselves. While LSA shot better from the field overall (41.9% compared to Southland’s 31.2%) the extra turnovers afforded Southland more possessions and in turn, more points. Alexander led the way for the Warriors in the losing effort with 24 points and

eight rebounds on 70% shooting. Sprayberry was second in scoring with 9 points; Horne was next with 6; Weissinger ﬁnished with 3 points, four rebounds and a teamhigh 3 assists; and Wang rounded out the scoring making one of his two free throw attempts. According to the school’s website, the LSA Varsity Boys basketball team played in a tournament at Fort Dale Academy on Dec. 18-19. Results were not available at time of press.

Additionally, Lane Kiffin is an interesting candidate who has come up. However, the Ole Miss coach has a reputation synonymous with distraction and – in my opinion – his off hand mannerisms outweigh any offensive genius that he possesses. Another Saban assistant, current Alabama offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian, made an incredible sales pitch for the Auburn job last weekend in the SEC championship game versus Florida. He makes sense for the Tigers. If anything, you’re taking one of the nation’s best assistants away from your arch rival. However, it was recently reported that he too is off the university’s shortlist. Regardless of if that’s true, approach with caution. Saban assistants have a less than stellar record (0-23) against the Alabama head coach. Next there is UAB Head Coach Bill Clark, a relative newcomer to

college football. He would probably be better suited to go to a smaller university – along the lines of South Carolina – where he could prove his mettle in a power 5 program. But Clark managed to guide UAB through the shutdown of their football program in 2014 and has since led them to multiple conference titles, proving that he can build a program. That said, it would be an enormous risk for Auburn to go with him. Finally, there are other names like Iowa State’s Matt Campbell and Cincinnati’s Luke Fickell, but mainly, there is Kevin Steele. Surprising to most, reports have said that Auburn’s current defensive coordinator has been in pole position for the job all along. Furthermore, he is at the center of the deceit and different agendas that I referenced earlier. Rumor has it that some big name boosters on the board of trustees are

backing Steele. As to why? It can only be assumed that the boosters believe they have a yes man on their hands. There are even rumors that Steele and other defensive assistants have been planning a coup for two-plus years to remove Malzahn – and they were almost successful in 2017. To be fair, I don’t really believe that, and my position on that issue would only change if Malzahn himself came out and said he felt undermined by Steele. However, it is believable that members of the board are undermining Auburn Athletic Director Allen Greene’s authority and autonomy to appoint a new head coach – with the goal of putting Steele in charge. The search committee is believed to be a farce and Steele would likely be the cheapest option out of these aforementioned names – and by far the easiest to control. If you want proof,

a lack of control is reportedly exactly what turned Napier away from the job. Look. I love what Steele has done for Auburn’s defense. But the 62-year-old onetime head coach (he finished with a 9-36 record at Baylor from 1999-2002) is not the leader to take Auburn to the next level. The Tigers already rank behind Alabama, Georgia and LSU in both recruiting and facilities. An inventive and charismatic new coach would be a quick way to cover up those areas in which Auburn is lacking. Who really believes Steele is the guy to out recruit Saban? Much less Kibry Smart at Georgia, Ed Orgeron at LSU, Jimbo Fisher at Texas A&M or even Dan Mullen at Florida. The ascension of the Auburn brand over the last three decades has been real and now it feels as if it’s teetering on collapse. That may be a bit of an exaggeration, but if Steele

gets the job, then it’s clear the decision to f ire Malzahn was not about winning; it was about control. However, if Allen Greene brings in his guy from the outside, then there’s a believable chance that a tangible culture shift will be in the works. Unfortunately for Auburn fans, at this point, there may not be a clear upgrade to Malzahn. But the Auburn athletic department’s main priority has to be ﬁ nding a head coach with the right mix of accountability and likeability. Maybe that’s impossible when you have an administration with seemingly unchecked accountability themselves. Maybe they already had that guy. But the clock is ticking. Patience is wearing thin. And Auburn’s rivals are only lengthening the gap between them. Ten days after ﬁring their head coach of eight years, I wonder what Auburn regrets now.

through injuries. Middle schooler Brandon Williams stepped up to play for the JV and while his contributions of eight rebounds were noticeable and admirable, it wasn’t enough, as Southern Christian fell 51 points.

“I only have two kids on the JV that have ever played basketball before,” Scott said. “We got tore up.” The varsity boys were up next, and the results continued to go against the Patriots. They again

struggled against the press and were outclassed despite their effort. “It was a long hard night,” Scott said. The week moves the varsity boys record to 0-2. Southern Christian plan to be back in

action on Jan. 5 against Wiregrass once again. The game is supposed to be held at the Covington Rec Center in Opelika, but the gym may not be ready in time due to some vandalism that occurred recently. If the game

against Wiregrass in cancelled, the Patriots will next be back in action against Wynnbrook on Jan. 7. “You take your wins and take your losses, and you have to be able to swallow both pills,” Scott said. “It’s going to get better.”

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B6 December 23, 2020

Auburn Golf announces 2021 spring slate Courtesy of AU Athletics/Cody Voga

The Auburn men’s golf team has set the remainder of its 2020-21 schedule. The Tigers are slated to take part in five tournaments that are all hosted by Southeastern Conference schools, but will feature both league and non-league opponents. “We are extremely excited to announce our spring schedule

that will feature outstanding competition at some fantastic venues,” said Head Coach Nick Clinard. “We are grateful to the Auburn administration, our medical team and SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey for the opportunity to compete next spring. Our team is looking forward to returning to competition and representing Auburn University.” Auburn begins the spring in Gainesville,

Florida, for the Gator Invitational, hosted by Florida, on Feb. 12-14. The Tigers then head to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, to take part in the LSU Invitational from Feb. 26-28. Auburn is set to host the Tiger Invitational presented by Jason Dufner, March 15-17 at Grand National in Opelika. The Tigers are scheduled to face a loaded field that features 13 of the top 16

teams in the country, according to Golfstat’s final fall rankings. Next, Auburn heads to Starkville, Mississippi, for the Old Waverly Collegiate, March 2628. The Tigers wrap up the regular season April 5-7 when they host the Shoal Creek Invitational in Shoal Creek, Alabama. The 2021 SEC Championship returns to St. Simons Island, Georgia., April 21-25. Auburn is the reigning

stroke play champion. NCAA Regionals are set to take place at predetermined campus sites May 1719, while the NCAA Championship is slated to take place May 28 to June 2 in Scottsdale, Arizona. The Tigers competed in three tournaments during the fall, all involving the 14 SEC programs. Auburn wrapped up the fall with a team title at the Jerry Pate

National Intercollegiate. The Tigers were one of three teams to end the annual three-round event at 19-under, and defeated Georgia and Vanderbilt in a playoff to earn the trophy. Auburn had five golfers average under 72 strokes per round, highlighted by Graysen Huff at 67.7. Jovan Rebula was close behind at 70.3, followed by J.M. Butler (71.2), Wells Padgett (71.7) and Alex Vogelsong (71.7).

Auburn Swimming & Diving wrap up semester By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Divers from the Auburn University swimming and diving team competed in the Auburn Diving Invitational last week. The meet featured six events, in which the host Tigers, LSU, North Carolina and South Carolina all competed from Wednesday to Saturday. Due to COVID-19, no spectators were allowed inside the aquatics center, but a total of 10 Tigers – including five freshmen – still put on a show. On Wednesday, junior Conner Pruitt kicked off the invitational by pacing the Tigers with 343.95 points to finish third in the 1-meter event. He was followed by Skip Donald, who took fourth place with 323.85 points. Senior Logan Andrews and freshmen David Vargas and Hunter Kebler finished seventh, ninth and 10th respectively in the

11-man field. Day two of the event featured both men and women Tigers. The men competed in the 3-meter and the women debuted in the 1-meter. Pruitt led the way again for Auburn with a season-high 409.55 points, good enough for another third place score. Andrews and Donald again performed well, finishing sixth and seventh, respectively. For Andrews it was a season high. “I was pleased with Logan’s progress and Skip,” said Auburn Head Diving Coach Jeff Shaffer. “Skip Logan and Conner all had Zone qualifying scores, so that was a really strong performance.” For the Auburn women, two divers placed in the top 10 among a field of 17 divers. Sophomore Ashlynn Sullivan scored a team-high 249.10 points to finish eighth, and freshman Maia Goldstein placed ninth. Fellow freshman

Megan Ewoldt set a career high with 213.5 points in the finals. Day three of the event was the most successful for the Tigers. Pruitt paced the field on platform with 402.9 points to close out the meet; it was the junior's first time breaking 400 and

first win on platform since his freshman year. “I was real pleased with Conner’s performance,” Shaffer said. “Anytime you go over 400 that’s a solid effort. That’s one of our goals. One of his really strong dives was a back three-and-ahalf, which we did just

Photos contributed by Shanna Lockwood/AU Athletics

SPORTS>> FROM B1 because of contact tracing. As I write this column, all AHSAA fall sports completed the season and held championship events at neutral sites as planned. Winter sports are underway; schools are wrestling and play-

ing basketball. These sports are a bit different than fall sports because they are held inside, and athletes' bodily fluids could be exchanged by bumping each other. Nonetheless schools are participating. BASKETBALL ATTENDANCE 20% The AHSAA, after request from ALDPH Health Director Dr.

Scott Harris, issued a memorandum to all superintendents, principals, athletic directors and head basketball coaches last week. The memorandum called for schools to reduce attendance to 20% capacity, dropping from 25%. Coach Savarese addressed several items in the letter, including: participants playing

sports with hand-tohand contact should sanitize their hands each time they enter or leave the court; host schools should make announcements throughout the night, asking spectators to maintain 6-foot distance between those not in their households, encourage players, their families and coaches to refrain

sparingly last year. It’s a dive he needs to do to compete at this level and at the Olympic Trials.” Pruitt’s teammates were hot on his heels as the Tigers placed 1-2-3 on platform with Vargas placing second and Donald taking third. On the women’s side, Sullivan recorded a personal best 326.45 points, good enough to finish third in the 3-meter. Two other Tigers placed in the top 10; Sophomore Gretchen Wensuc placed ninth with 275.32 points and Goldstein took 10th with 270.25. The invitational wrapped up on Saturday with the women’s platform event. Competing on platform for just the second time, Ewoldt set a new personal best – and team-high – with 233.5 points to finish third in the contest. Sullivan finished fifth and freshman Kendall Minter placed ninth. Goldstein didn’t compete, and Wensuc, an SEC medalist on

platform last year, bowed out of the competition due to a wrist injury after just four dives. The women’s platform wrapped up the invitational, in which Auburn placed third or better in five of the six events “It was a really strong competition with quality teams,” Shaffer said. “It showed where we are, it showed what we need to work on, and I think it was an outstanding way to end the fall semester. “Now we can just take a few days off and recover, regroup and hopefully be able to train without incident when we return back after the holiday break. I think everybody is looking forward to a few days' rest, being home with family and getting ready for the championship part of the season.” The Auburn swimming and diving teams will return in January when they open the spring season with a dual meet at Georgia Tech on Saturday, Jan 8.

from organizing nonsport related social activities that increase the risk of transmission; spectators must keep a mask on inside the gym and outside until leaving the venue completely; if a player or official is diagnosed within two days after an event, the opposite team and officials should be contacted. The department asked

those in charge of the event to delay if someone is not following these guidelines. Hopefully, as the vaccine becomes available, COVID-19 will not be on most people's minds. Maybe things can go back to somewhat as normal as possible. PERSONAL I want to wish all my readers a very MERRY CHRISTMAS!

B7 December 23, 2020

Cyclists enjoy Front Porch Tour

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

B8 December 23, 2020

…AND THEY WILL CALL HIM IMMANUEL, WHICH MEANS

‘GOD WITH US.’ MATTHEW 1:23

Not since the beginning of humanity had God chosen to simply “be” with his people. The people of God had long worshipped the One whose name simply meant “I am.” Now, this great “I am,” the Creator of all the world and all things good, was saying “I am with you.” He had come as a man to be with us, to bear for us, and that would change everything. As you experience this Christmas season, may you and your family remember – may you live in the reality – that He is with you, and that can change everything. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, Your Friends at Point Broadband

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

December 23, 2020

Wednesday, December 23, 2020

Republican Majority in the U.S. Senate is more important to Alabama than the Presidency

s this 2020 Presidential election year comes to a close, allow me to share some final thoughts on the results with you. As you might expect, with this being the year of one of the worst pandemic viruses in human history, that virus would have an effect on politics. Surprisingly, given the fact that people were told to not go out and be around others, you had a massive turnout nationwide. In Alabama, the voter turnout was unprecedented and record breaking, especially among Republican voters. Donald Trump’s popularity in the state drove the turnout. He eclipsed his 62% landslide against Hillary Clinton. He garnered 63% of the amazing vote and provided coattails for Republican Tommy Tuberville and allowed the Coach to annihilate Democrat Doug Jones by a whopping 60 to 40 margin. This year’s vote confirms the fact that a Democrat cannot win a statewide race in the Heart of Dixie. If Democrat Doug Jones can outspend Republican Tuberville $25 million to $7 million, a 4 to 1 advantage, but only manage to get 40% of the vote, that ought to tell you something. Forty percent appears to be the maximum threshold for a well-financed, articulate Democrat in the state. Currently we have 38 elected statewide officeholders in Alabama and all 38 are Republicans. Therefore, winning the Republican nomination for a statewide office in Alabama is tantamount to election. The nation is divided politically in a deep chasm. Most of rural, middle America in the Heartland of the country is colored Republican red. The east and west coast metropolitan states, primarily New York and California, are liberal blue states. If you take out the large runup of votes in California for Democrat Biden, then the race was close to being 50/50 between Trump and Biden. However, the national popular vote is irrelevant, as we elect our president under an electoral college system.

STEVE FLOWERS This election confirmed that there are 10 battleground states where the election is decided. In the other 40 states, the hay is in the barn. Alabama is reliably Republican, and California is solidly Democratic. Therefore, sophisticated, pinpoint campaigning is focused on Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and now the sunbelt states of Arizona, North Carolina and Georgia. Campaign strategists can even determine the zip codes, neighborhoods and locales that will determine the outcome in these swing states. It was obvious that Democrats knew all along that the race would boil down to Michigan, Wisconsin and especially Pennsylvania. Democrats had lost these three states by a razor-thin margin to Trump in 2016 and they were the reason Trump edged Hillary Clinton. The key to victory was turning out the Democratic African American vote in Philadelphia and Detroit. Early voting and especially mail-in voting helped accomplish this mission. Another proven political maxim applied: “Primarily, more people vote against someone than for someone.” More people voted against Donald Trump than voted for Joe Biden. One final thought on presidential politics. The national television networks are unabashedly and See FLOWERS, page B11

Opelika’s City Council denies alcohol license for Cracker Barrell By Michelle Key Publisher

The Opelika City Council denied Cracker Barrel’s application for a retail liquor and beer license last Tuesday night. The vote was tied 2-2 as Ward 1 Councilmember George Allen was not present for the meeting. With a tie vote, the application was denied. Ward 2 and Ward 3 councilmembers Erica Norris and Robert Lofton were the nay votes with Wards 4 and 5 councilmembers Eddie Smith and Todd Rauch voting yes. Neither Lofton or Norris were able to be reached for comment regarding their vote against the application. In other business, the council voted to: – approve a resolution for the demolition of 203 Raintree St. – approve a resolution for the demolition of

513 Ave. C. – approve a resolution to amend the zoning ordinance and map for the rezoning of 6.23 acres located in the 2000 Block of Cunningham Drive. – approve a bid to purchase uniforms for the fire department. – approve a bid to purchase flood lights and mounting adapters for Opelika Power Services. – approve a resolution for tax abatements and exemptions for the Mando America Corporation. – approve the installation of electronic school speed zone warning signs. – approve a contract for required cancer insurance for firefighters. – approve the resolution for the construction of a balcony on the building owned by Cannon Real Estate Holdings, LLC, located

at 100 S. 8th St. in downtown Opelika. – approve reappointment of Honorable John Wesley McCollum, Jr. as the municipal judge and M. Joanne Camp as the public defender for the municipal court for two-year terms beginning Jan. 2, 2021. – approve the annual appropriation contract with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce for $65,000. Rauch abstained from voting on this resolution due to his wife’s position as the president and CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. – approve an appropriation to AO Discover for $500. – approve an appropriation to the Dream Day Foundation for $2,500. – approve the reappointment of Sutricia Johnson to See OPELIKA, page B11

Auburn council rezones land, takes next step in larger plan By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com

The Auburn City Council annexed and rezoned 1.9 acres for the Weber Farms South Extension during its Tuesday night meeting, despite backlash from citizens. The property is located at the eastern terminus of Sutherland Lane and the planning commission recommended unanimous approval since the property met all city requirements. The action to rezone

1.9 acres was part of a long-term plan to rezone more in the future by the applicant, Donahue Land, LLC. “I think there’s been quite a bit of discussion today— there is some concern about what happens after these items are approved, assuming both of them are approved, in terms of long-term in the area that’s between this subject property and Donahue,” said Ward 2 Council-Member Kelley Griswold. The city’s land-use plan designation specifies that the area is

low-density residential, meaning four dwelling units per acre, according to the city’s land use plan designation. The types of homes that could be built include single-family detached and duplex units. Stacy Couch, who lives on Sutherland Lane, the road that will attach to the new development, said she does not understand why an entrance to the subdivision off North Donahue was abandoned. Katie Robertson, with See AUBURN, page B11

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B10 December 23, 2020

Sen. Doug Jones honors the life and service of Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins Contributed by the office of Sen. Doug Jones

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones of Alabama honored the life and service of Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins, an Alabama resident who received the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony in 2014 for acts of heroism during the Vietnam War. Adkins was buried at Arlington National Cemetery last Wednesday after passing away from COVID-19 complications in April. You can read Jones’ tribute, which was submitted into the Senate record yesterday, below. JONES: Mr. President, it is with sadness and humility that I ask this body to pause for a moment to remember and honor a great American and a citizen of my home state, Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins, who died of complications related to the COVID-19 virus on April 17, 2020. He was laid to rest with full military honors this morning after a funeral service in the chapel at Arlington National Cemetery. Command Sergeant Major Adkins, known to friends and family as “Bennie,” received the Medal of Honor at a White House ceremony on September 15, 2014, for acts of heroism during the Vietnam War. Although Bennie was recommended for the Medal of Honor at the time, he was instead given the next-highest award, the

Distinguished Service Cross. In 2002, the Army began reviewing Distinguished Service Cross awards for possible upgrades, and finally, forty-eight years later, President Obama bestowed a well-deserved Medal of Honor upon Bennie Adkins. Mr. President, as you know, the Medal of Honor is the nation’s highest medal for valor in combat. According to a statute passed in 1918, the President is authorized to present this award to “each person who, while an officer or enlisted man of the Army, shall hereafter, in action involving actual conflict with an enemy, distinguish himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty.” Other legislation authorizes the award within the other military Departments as well. In the history of this country, the Medal of Honor has been awarded 3508 times. Fewer than 70 of those recipients are still alive today. I point this out because I believe that when these heroes leave active duty and come home to live among us in our communities, their very presence in our midst lifts us all up. They inspire and embolden countless other acts of courage and sacrifice, both great and small, many of which we’ve seen in the recent weeks and months our nation and our world have been battling the very virus that took

Bennie Adkins’ life. So it is with gratitude and a deep sense of loss that we remember this extraordinary man. The facts of the events that led to Bennie Adkins’ recognition bear mention. However, as President Obama said when presenting Bennie with the Medal, “I have to be honest, in a battle and daring escape that lasted four days, Bennie performed so many acts of bravery we actually don’t have time to talk about all of them.” I will, therefore, attempt to summarize, combining information from the citation that accompanied the award, media accounts of the events, and quotes from Bennie’s memoir. When Camp A Shau was attacked by a large Viet Cong force early on March 9, 1966, then-Sergeant First Class Adkins rushed through intense hostile fire to man a mortar position. Although wounded himself by incoming fire, Bennie briefly relinquished his mortar to a comrade and ran through exploding mortar rounds in order to drag several wounded Americans to safety. During the battle, Bennie later recalled, bullets hit and killed one man he was carrying on his back. At another point, Adkins, a former baseball catcher, caught a North Vietnamese hand grenade in mid-air and flung it back at the enemy. Over the course of four days, Bennie repeatedly exposed

himself to hostile fire while rescuing and helping evacuate his fellow soldiers, retrieving additional munitions, and repelling repeated waves of attacking enemy soldiers. Bennie suffered 18 wounds - including to an eye and his torso – but managed to kill an estimated 135 to 175 enemy troops. Because of his efforts to carry a wounded soldier to an extraction point rather than leave him behind, Bennie and his group were unable to reach the last evacuation helicopter. Running extremely low on ammunition, he returned to the mortar pit, gathered additional ammunition, and ran through intense fire back to the communications bunker. After being ordered to evacuate the camp, Adkins and the remaining small group destroyed all signal equipment and classified documents, then fought their way out of the camp and into the jungle, where they evaded the pursuing North Vietnamese Army for two days. Their escape was aided by the sawed-off shotgun Bennie carried as a sidearm and by the unexpected intervention of an Indonesian tiger. Trapped in the jungle, the group’s radio damaged in the battle, Adkins managed to rig his shotgun as an antenna, enabling him to communicate their location to friendly forces. As the group endured a second night in the jungle waiting for help to arrive, the

tiger, which had been hunting nearby, frightened off the enemy, giving Adkins and the others an opportunity to create a makeshift landing pad for a rescue helicopter the next morning. The Medal of Honor citation concludes, “Sergeant First Class Adkins’ extraordinary heroism in close combat against a numerically superior hostile force was in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflects great credit upon himself, his unit, and the United States Army.” Extraordinary indeed. Remarkable as those details are, the facts of Bennie’s post-service life are equally worthy of note. Bennie and his wife Mary were married for more than 60 years – until she passed away in 2019. They don’t give medals for that, but I know from observing my own parents’ 60-plus years together that, no matter who the couple are, that kind of dedication, loyalty, and commitment are special. After 20 years of service in the Army, Bennie retired and went back to school. He earned three degrees from Troy University – a bachelor’s in finance and two master’s degrees – and opened his own accounting firm in Auburn. Then, Bennie began deploying his charisma, his wit, his way with people, and his resources to help others pursue their goals through education.

For several years, Bennie taught night classes at Alabama’s Southern Union Junior College and Auburn University, as well as GED classes at the local jail. Later, he established The Bennie Adkins Foundation, which to date has provided about 50 educational scholarships to noncommissioned Special Forces officers. Bennie’s dedication to the service of his country and to his fellow Americans never waned. For many years he traveled extensively, in what he described as his fourth career, “trying to instill patriotism in our young people.” And according to President Obama in 2014, “the first thing you need to know is when Bennie and I met in the Oval Office, he asked if he could sign back up. His lovely wife was not amused.” I know that for Bennie’s family and his community, this is a loss impossible to describe or to measure. My wife Louise joins me in sending our sincerest condolences to Bennie’s daughter Mary Ann Adkins Blake (David), to his sons Michael Adkins (Christine), and Keith Adkins (Jaime), and to his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. To paraphrase his Medal of Honor citation, Bennie Adkins’ extraordinary life reflects great credit upon himself, his family, and his country. May he rest in peace and may God bless the United States of America.

COVID not the only reason for unfinished business in legislature Contributed by Mike Ball

As a politician, I could blame the mountain of unfinished business before the Alabama Legislature in 2021 on the COVID pandemic. There’s some truth to it, but well-crafted propaganda combines a grain of truth with a convenient scapegoat. If money is the mother’s milk of politics, then propaganda is the baby itself. The pandemic is not the primary reason we fail to make progress on difficult and complex issues year after year. The main culprit remains the same as always: pure politics and its never-ending struggle for power over one another. Politics is a necessary evil. Our fears make it necessary and arrogance makes it evil. The

founders of our country must have known this when they cleverly devised a process of governance that distributes political power among various branches and levels of government. They recognized that the greatest danger to a republic is the conceit that drives certain people to accumulate power and the vanity that causes them to abuse it. Our deliberately cumbersome political system was designed to limit the ability of politicians to abuse their power by playing the arrogance of politicians against one another. Those who engage in politics would do well to recognize their own ego as their greatest adversary. But they seldom, if ever, do. I entered the political arena several decades ago with the perception

that most of the problems within our state government existed because those in control were self-centered and self-righteous. I was hopeful that a regime change would make our political process in Alabama more transparent, effective and trustworthy. While we proudly took our victory laps when we swept the old guard out of power in the Alabama State House a decade ago, our newly elected Republican supermajority quickly hammered through major changes to the state ethics law. To our credit, some of the hastily passed changes were successful steps toward imposing limitations upon public officials who would improperly utilize the powers of their office for personal gain.

But I was oblivious to the inherent danger of our failure to include safeguards in the enforcement mechanism of our ethics law to help deter the politicization of these investigations. The result was the flagrant abuse of investigative powers in collusion with political operatives during the 2014 election season. Without humility, power invariably corrupts the human soul. We did not eliminate corruption, we just shifted it around. I saw what happened to House Speaker Mike Hubbard, and it is well and good that he has been and is continuing to be held accountable for his actions. My issue is not, nor has it ever been, that Speaker Hubbard was investigated or prosecuted. But others who

abused their authority have been largely ignored. Truth is supposed to cut both ways, like a two-edged sword. I saw how the lead prosecutor repeatedly used the Hubbard investigation to illegally influence multiple political actions that included illicitly colluding with political operatives to orchestrate an ambush of then-State Rep. Barry Moore with a grand jury that resulted in an arrest weeks before his primary election, followed by an apparent attempt to taint the jury pool by timing the arrest of Speaker Hubbard one week before Rep. Moore’s trial. When I spoke out about it, I witnessed the machinations of an arrogant bully trying to keep his unethical behavior hidden. It was followed by years of

being methodically protected by an apparently corrupt political system. I saw how the obsession of certain members of the media with Hubbard’s shortcomings and Gov. Bentley’s titillating peccadillo was also used to obscure the corruption that did not match the narrative they wanted to promote. It is hard to resist the temptation to portray the one who is taking on your favorite villain as a hero, regardless of what they do or how they do it. That is what politics does to people, and it has driven me to the same conclusion about politics that the computer in the 1983 movie “War Games” reached about nuclear war: my only winning move is to stop playing. Those most See COVID, page B11

B11 December 23, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICES 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 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF JAMES AND DONNA SHORT CASE NO.: 2020-466 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Kristin Williams, address unknown. Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee

COVID>> FROM B10 responsible for the ethical collapses during that sordid chapter in Alabama history have moved on to other things and managed to avoid being held accountable for their misdeeds. But the systemic ﬂaws that allowed the investigative power of our Attorney General’s Oﬃce to be turned into a political weapon have

AUBURN>> FROM B9 the Auburn Planning Department, said that a portion of Weber Farms, lot 2, is located in the county, and that there was no annexation request to the city of Auburn. Robin Wilborn, a resident located nearby the proposed area, said that she is disappointed the annexation and rezoning were considered oﬀ of Sutherland. “Just because something is legal and meets the requirements doesn’t necessarily mean that it is what is best,” she said. “… Who is looking out, who on behalf of the city is looking out for the

FLOWERS>> FROM B9 unashamedly biased – all of them – and polling may be dead. Very few people, especially Republicans, will trust poll numbers again. One ﬁnal day poll had Biden beating Trump by 18 points in Wisconsin. He carried the state by less than 1%. More important for

County, Alabama by James and Donna Short on November 6, 2020, for the adoption of J.M.S. born on June 17, 2010 in Valley, Alabama to Kristen Annette Williams and Dustin Short. A hearing has been set for the 11th day of February, 2021 at 9 o’clock am Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Ben Parr, 830-A Avenue A, Opelika, AL 36801 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition. Dated on this the 30th day of November, 2020. HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 12/16/20, 12/23/20, 12/30/20 & 01/06/21 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF JAMES AND DONNA SHORT

yet to be addressed. Since joining the Marine Corps in 1973, followed by 25 years in law enforcement and nearly 20 years in the legislature, I have reached the point in my life at which it seems all that is left for me to give are some songs and a few nuggets of wisdom to those who care to listen. But my conscience will not allow me to quietly ease out of oﬃce during the remaining

CASE NO.: 2020-465 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Torrence Terrell Avery a/k/a Torrance LerreB Avery, address unknown. Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by James and Donna Short on November 6, 2020, for the adoption of N.AA. born on February 5, 2008 in Valley, Alabama to Jessica Anne Short and Torrance Lerrell Avery, also known as Torrence Terrell Avery. A hearing has been set for the 1 I th day of February, 2021 at 10 o’clock am Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Ben Parr, 830-A Avenue A, Opelika, AL 36801 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition. Dated on this the 30th day of November, 2020. HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 12/16/20, 12/23/20, 12/30/20 & 01/06/21 --------------

two years of my current term. I am working on an ethics bill that could go a long way toward exposing and correcting some of the ﬂaws in our system that resulted in the ﬂagrant abuse of investigative power for political purposes and the continuing abuse of authority to keep that corruption concealed. If it does not pass, I will know the culprit was not COVID.

STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION ONE FACILITY – MULTIPLE UNITS Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, January 7, 2021 at 10:00AM Mark Brumbeloe - Unit 256 194 Winterset Ln Notasulga, AL 36866 Books and boxes Brianne Laureen Atkinson Unit - B25 420 N Dean Rd Apt 106 Auburn, AL 36830 Paintings and small furniture, boxes Corgan Lunsford - Unit 224 1244 East University Drive Auburn, AL 36830 Household items, furniture The auction will be listed and advertised on www.storagetreasures.com. Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 12/16/2020, 12/23/2020

State Rep. Mike Ball is a retired major crimes investigator for the Alabama Bureau of Investigation and has served in the Alabama House of Representatives since 2002. He chairs both the Ethics and Campaign Finance and Madison County Legislation committees and holds a seat on the Judiciary and State Government committees.

-------------IN RE THE ESTATE OF: ELLIS CLYDE JENKINS, Deceased. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUN-TY, ALABAMA CASE NO.2020-499 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 11th day of December, 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 are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. June E. Jenkins JUNE ELIZABETH JENKINS, Executrix Legal Run 12/23/20, 12/30/20 & 01/06/20 -------------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

OPELIKA>> FROM B9 the LRCOG / MPO Citizen Advisory Committee for a term ending Jan. 1, 2023. – approved the reappointment of Ken Ridley to the LRCOG / MPO Citizen Advisory Committee for a term ending Jan. 1, 2023. The Opelika City Council meets the first and third

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 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA In the Matter of: David Sumners, an alleged incapacitated person TO: Any relatives or interested parties: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian for the person of David Sumners. It is ordered that the 26th day of January, 2021,at 1:00 p.m. be appointed a day on which to hear such a petition, at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL at which time all persons interested can file their notice of appearance and contest the said petition if they deem it proper. Done this the 21 day of December, 2020. Bill English Probate Judge Margaret A. Mayfied Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 12/23/2020, 12/20/2020 & 01/06/2021

Tuesday nights of every month. The next scheduled meeting is Jan. 5, 2021, and will be held at the municipal court building located at 300 Martin Luther King Blvd. in Opelika. Work sessions are held prior to the 7 p.m. meetings and all meetings are livestreamed to the city’s YouTube channel. The public is welcome to attend or view online.

overall plan? It just does not seem like this is well planned or well thought out to do things 1.8 acres at a time rather than a big picture kind of deal.” City Manager Jim Buston said that while it may seem like there was no plan, the plan has been in place for many years, although it may be slow. “There are plans out there, there is the Auburn 2030 plan that looks at all of our area within our growth boundary and kind of puts a spotlight on diﬀerent areas and says this is what we’d like this to be should it come into the city,” he said. “… Even in this particularly property you see there is a [portion] coming from

Sutherland Lane … That was put there as a plan eventually that will connect to the property next to it.” Bryan Elmore, another resident of the area, said the concerns for residents lie mostly in safety for the connection. “This cul-de-sac, this area, is loaded with kids, we have major concerns about that because there would be increased traﬃc to this area,” he said. He also said that the homeowners were concerned their property values could be aﬀected by the new development. Elmore asked if the council would answer Wilborn’s questions about who is looking out for the overall plan and

whether it is best for the community. Buston said that the council and city is obligated in some ways to approve projects that meet all city requirements. “It doesn’t have to be approved but it will be approved because then there is the option for the developer to go to court and when the court looks at it and says, ‘all of the laws were followed,’ then they will give them approval,” he said. Mayor Ron Anders also said that if the city did not annex the property, the houses could also be developed easily in the county. Other business: The council adopted

CDBG amendment recommendations to distributed CDBG-coronavirus funds in the amount of $441,324. The council approved a contract with Pioneer Technology Group, LLC for license summary agreements. The council approved a contract with Alabama Power Company for work on South College Street, Samford Avenue, Gay Street and Reese Avenue for over $428,000. The council granted a utility easement and temporary construction easement to AuburnBank. The council approved an annexation of 18.31 acres on Moores Mill Road.

The council approved a resolution for conditional-use approval of Auburn Community Church, Inc. The council approved a resolution for conditional-use approval for the Auburn Industrial Development Board. The council approved a resolution for conditional-use approval for RT Holdings, LLC. The council approved a resolution for conditional-use approval for RWP Properties LLC for pest control services. The council approved a resolution for conditional-use approval for SiO2 Medical Products, Inc. for a warehouse/distribution center.

Alabama is that the Republican party will more than likely keep the majority in the United States Senate. In the Senate the majority party makes the rules and gets all the committee chairmanships. Our Senior Senator, Richard Shelby, will retain the chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee as well as Chairman of

the subcommittee on Defense Appropriations. If you do not think federal defense dollars are important to Alabama, you best think again. No state in the nation beneﬁts more from federal defense dollars than Alabama. Shelby’s prowess at bringing home the bacon to Alabama

is legendary. His chairmanship of the Senate Appropriations Committee is probably Alabama’s number one economic engine. Therefore, Tuberville’s defeat of Jones was good for Alabama because it allowed for a Republican pickup over a Democrat and probably ensured the Republican majority in the Senate.

The current Senate count is 50 Republicans and 48 Democrats. There are two seats in Georgia that will be decided in Special Election runoﬀs on January 5. The Republicans will be favored to keep these two seats. In closing, for Alabama’s sake economically, it is more important that the U.S.

Senate is majority Republican because of Richard Shelby than who won the presidency. 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.

B12 December 23, 2020

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B13 December 23, 2020

Letter to the Editor

labama’s healthcare organizations are pleading with the public to stay home and stay safe during the holidays to avoid an even worse COVID-19 catastrophe. On Thursday of last week, there were 2,425 hospitalized COVIDpositive patients and 3515 newly confirmed cases in our state. With only a limited number of healthcare workers vaccinated, we simply cannot have the gatherings of friends and family that typically occur during the holiday season. While those are important and treasured times, the true spirit of the season is not dependent on those gatherings, but what we celebrate in our hearts. Protecting those we love so we can all be together again next year is the most precious gift we can give right now. We are certainly excited that some of our healthcare workers began receiving vaccinations this week; however, this will not begin to reduce

the spread of the virus in the general population. Hopefully, vaccine will be more widely available by spring or early summer, paving the way for community-wide immunity and the return of some normalcy. In the meantime, we need all Alabamians to fully understand that our healthcare system is being stretched to the limit. Alabama was listed this week as one of the top five states in the country in terms of limited ICU bed capacity, with almost 90 percent of all ICU beds full; forty percent of these beds are filled with COVID-19 patients. Our doctors, nurses and other staff are exhausted, and many of them have been affected by the community spread of the disease. While we struggle with the increasing numbers of COVID-19 patients that need our care, we are also caring for the other medical needs in our communities, treating injuries from accidents, heart attacks

and all other medical conditions that need attention. Our healthcare system is stressed to capacity and adding another holiday surge could have dire consequences. To help limit the spread of COVID-19 we must have your help. Because the virus is so rampant in the community, any interaction outside your home is risky. For that reason, we ask that you evaluate any departure from your home by weighing the importance of your journey against your possible exposure and the risk of an adverse outcome should you become infected. If you do leave your home, please remember the three essential rules to lower, but not eliminate, your risk. Mask wearing is not optional, it is foundational in protection and must cover both the mouth and nose to be effective. Next, six feet of distance is a minimum distance of separation, and it applies in all four directions. Lastly, hand sanitizing, hand

washing and not touching your face are also critical steps. If we all take these precautions, we can prevent the tragedy of increasing deaths in January. We are all tired of this pandemic and of the precautions we have been asked to take; nevertheless, it would be much better to reduce this year’s holiday gatherings than to celebrate the holidays next year with an empty chair at the table. As we together face this pandemic, may we with Tiny Tim say “God bless us everyone” Alabama Hospital Association, Don Williamson, MD, president Alabama Nursing Home Association, Brandon Farmer, president and CEO Alabama State Nurses Association, John C. Ziegler, D.Min, MA, BA, executive director Medical Association of the State of Alabama, Mark Jackson, executive director

WHEN WILL WE STAND UP! SPEAK OUT! TELL THE TRUTH!

want the reader to know from the beginning of this article that “I Am A Proud Member of the Democratic Party”. A Democrat that has Christian Love for Republican, Democratic, and Independent citizens of these political parties of this United States of America. This is the truth and not….”fear-spreading as a certain party”. When will we Stand

Up! Speak Out! Tell the Truth! It is very disturbing that 59% of voters polled thinks that this presidential election 2020 was tainted as unfair, rigged; officials wasn’t given proper access to observe ballot counting, and the process was coupled with election fraud….70% believe the election was unfair or was stolen from President Trump….This belief probably was based on an earlier declaration by

President Trump. While votes were being counted, President Trump falsely proclaimed that he had won the election. The Truth is, he lost the 2020 presidential election. Lawsuit after lawsuit filed with no evidence of voter fraud has occurred…Resulting in none won by the Trump legal team…After this we continue to support and believe all the conspiracy theories of this president… When will

we Stand UP! Speak Out! Tell the Truth! To hold this president accountable for his actions. President Trump in my opinion understands what’s at stake, and that’s what he has to do to benefit his re-election. In times when Coronavirus cases are on the rise, this President is more concerned with law suits, recounting votes, and overturning the result of the 2020 presidential

election than saving lives, protecting the health and well being of the American Citizens… What makes it more interesting is that he is surrounded by countless lawyers, political leaders, and business leaders, evangelicals, with their own personal interest…And at the same time turning a blind eye to the faults of the President…Such as selfishness, self-centered, refusing to cooperate with the transition

team of the PresidentElect, delaying, denying certification of votes, stopping count of votes…This overall undermine Faith In Our Democracy. When will we Stand Up! Speak Out! Tell the Truth! The 2020 Presidential election is over. PresidentElect Joe Biden, and Vice-President-Elect Kamala Harris won. The “American people’s voice is heard”. Dwight E. Howard Opelika, Alabama

SiO2 is changing the world, by providing a means to transport COVID-19 vaccines the world who could make it. This is just the beginning of a whole industry in Auburn, and the science developed there is protected by 300 worldwide patents and 6,000 patent claims.” The vial is made with both plastic and glass. Glass coats the inside and won’t break, the release said. The coronavirus vaccine is different

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

Just as the coronavirus pandemic will one day be taught in history books, the city of Auburn will be found among those pages too — as the home of SiO2 Materials Science. The Auburn-based company is producing the vials that are used to transport the COVID-19 vaccine. Gov. Kay Ivey cut the ribbon Monday during SiO2’s official ribbon-cutting ceremony for its production facility. “Storage and distribution of this incredible feat of health-care innovation would not be possible without the hard work and the dedication of the folks here at SiO2,” Ivey said. “… This Auburn-made company answered the call.” Ivey was joined by Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Auburn University President Jay Gogue, Auburn Board of Trustee Member Bob Dumas, city council members, state senators and other officials. “We are excited to celebrate the expansion of SiO2 Materials Science,” Anders said. “And we are proud to

be the home of such an innovative company that is contributing to the fight against COVID-19.” Not only does SiO2’s production benefit citizens across America, including Auburn, by helping with vaccine distribution, but the company has opened job opportunities in Auburn, 220 new jobs to be exact, Anders said. SiO2 located to Auburn in 2012 and although production of the vaccine vials has been in the works a long time, when the pandemic began, and

struck the world with full force, the company began working even harder. “That SiO2 chose to invest in Auburn all those years ago, shows how tr uly special our community is,” Anders said. Over the summer, it launched a $163 million expansion project. The city council recently granted a tax abatement to the company. “Today is very unusual and a great day, not only to SiO2 but really, distinctly, the state of Alabama,” Abrams

said at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Without all the help that we’ve gotten from this state, this could not have occurred and this invention very possibly, never would have been finalized.” The new expansion has also opened more job opportunities in Auburn, hopefully a workforce of 500, the city of Auburn said in a release. “This contract gives SiO2 the ability to accelerate its production and packaging of the COVID-19 vaccine,” Anders said.

The new facility has 10 production lines and can create 15 million vials and syringes per year, the release said. “The container that this vaccine is in has to be so pure and perfect that it doesn’t have a negative effect on the vaccine,” Abrams said in a statement provided by the city. “It’s a very complicated product. There is no one else in

than those seen before it, Abrams said, and needed a particularly clean container. He said that SiO2 has not invented a new vial or syringe but a new material inside the vial. Ivey said she is proud of how the state of Alabama has responded to this pandemic, providing PPE, and vaccine vials, to the nation as a whole.

B14 December 23, 2020

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