The Observer 07-14-2022

Thursday July 14, 2022

Vol. 14, No. 40

Opelika, Alabama

FRED ERi CK-DEAN FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY

Covering Lee County, Alabama

Compassion • Integrity • Tradition

An award-winning publication created 'For local people, by local people.'

334-745-4667 On-site Crematory Coming Soon

Opelika Chamber of Commerce Welcomes 2022-23 20 Under 40 Class CONTRIBUTED BY THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OPELIKA –– The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce its 2022-23 class of 20 Under 40.

The 20 Under 40 program, under the direction of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, is a class comprised of 20 outstanding people under the age of 40 who live in Opelika, love Opelika and have a vested interest in shaping the direction of the city’s future.

The 20 Under 40 Board had numerous applications submitted making it a competitive application process. The purpose of the program is to bring together young professionals

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — The yearly tradition of Opelika Day in the Village will continue this year on Saturday, Aug. 4, at Covington Park and Recreation Center.

O-Day began back in 2017 with the help of Event Coordinator Teddy Houston and Opelika Main Street Board President Melissa Munford-McCurdy in hopes of promoting unity, diversity, anti-gun violence and anti-drug activity. This year, the messaging remains

consistent.

“I came from the same community that I’m working in, and by me growing up in the community, I know where it’s damaged,” Houston said. “The community needs to be

loved on more. The kids need to be able to come together, play and have fun.”

The fun will start at 10 a.m. with food and drinks, inflatables, games and music free See O-DAY, page A2

9 1 y l u J . m . p 7 at

y a rr Mu Band n w o Br

See 20 UNDER 40, page A5

City of Opelika Brings Back Financial Health Initiative

Fifth Annual O-Day in the Village Planned for Aug. 4

BY JUSTIN TRAUSCH FOR THE OBSERVER

from diverse professions and backgrounds on a regular basis to learn about the various aspects of the intricate workings of a city, school system, business, industry and public service to give them a better understanding of how all of these separate entities come together to create a working, viable community.

The 20 Under 40 Board of Directors and Opelika Chamber are pleased to announce the following class members: • Joel Alvarado, Baxter International • Walker Beams, Keller Williams Realty • Mary Katherine Brasher, Himmelwright, Huguley & Boles

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

OPELIKA — The city of Opelika is bringing back the Financial Health Initiative with Dr. Nathaniel Dunlap Jr. of the PRF Institute. This initiative focuses on helping residents of Opelika develop a healthy financial strategy to improve their life today and in the future.

Through the PRF Institute, the Opelika Financial Health Initiative invites you to sign up for a free, one-on-one virtual consultation to determine where you are in your financial

journey. The city will have no access to this information. The goal of the program is strictly to provide residents the resources they need to gain control of their life so that they can enjoy their life.

To sign up for a consultation, visit www. prfinstitute.org/.

The newest project, 50 days of Financial Empowerment, gives Opelika residents weekly events hosted by the PRF Institute. Upcoming events are listed below: • July 17 at noon, CST | La Quinta Inn, 3151 Capps Way, Opelika.\ ORGANIZING YOUR

FINANCES: Organizing your finances is the first step to budgeting, planning, saving and overall better stewardship. Give us some time to help you get organized and you’ll have more time to focus on your goals.

• July 18 at 6:30 p.m.

CST | Zoom | Domestic Violence Intervention Center (DVIC), Opelika ORGANIZING YOUR FINANCES: Organizing your finances is the first step to budgeting, planning, saving and overall better stewardship, especially See FINANCIAL, page A2

CONTENTS

OPINION ..................... A4 ENTERTAINMENT ........... A7 RELIGION ................... A12 OBITUARIES ............... A13 COMICS ....................... A16 SPORTS ........................ B1 POLITICS ...................... B9 PUBLIC NOTICES ........... B12 CLASSIFIEDS ................ B14 PUZZLES ..................... B15

A2 July 14, 2022

CONTRIBUTED BY FUZZY’S TACO SHOP

FINANCIAL >>

FROM A1

for those rebuilding their lives after a domestic violence situation. Give us some time to help you get organized and you’ll have more time to focus on your goals. (*** This event is closed to the public) Reach out if you need help: dviceastal.org/ contact-us/.

• July 19 at 6 p.m. CST | Clubhouse and Zoom

10am.

When guests enter the space, they’ll notice repurposed wood features with industrial Edison light bulbs adorning the ceiling and vintage custom piping shelving. Additionally, a

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Fuzzy’s Taco Shop, the popular Baja-style taco restaurant, opened its first Auburn location on Tuesday, July 12.

The 4,975-square-foot restaurant is located at 1678 S. College St. It is owned and operated locally by GARG, LLC, led by entrepreneurs Richard Maddox and Becky Retherford with restaurant industry veterans Craig Hacklander and David Sylvester.

With this newest opening, the Texas-based restaurant group has nearly 150 franchiseand corporate-owned locations in 18 states.

The Auburn location will be home to the first drive-thru for the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop brand and will offer drive-thru, dining room service and to-go ordering seven days a week.

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop serves delicious Mexican fare including its famous queso, made-inhouse guacamole and fire-roasted salsa, as well as main staples including Baja tacos, breakfast tacos, burritos, bowls, nachos, quesadillas, salads, traditional sides and drinks. Breakfast is served all day, and a childrens’ menu featuring entrees children will enjoy is also available.

The drive-thru will offer a modified menu, with the full menu available inside the restaurant for dine-in or to-go orders.

Additionally, the restaurant features a full bar serving margaritas, cocktails and ice-cold beer. The Auburn location will feature four frozen margarita machines

with classic flavors such as lime, strawberry and mango, as well as signature frozen margaritas including the Beerita, Fuzzy’s house margarita with a dunked Coronita bottle; Fuzzy Mosa, a Fuzzy Driver mango

margarita with a dunked sparkling wine bottle; Walk of Shameson, Fuzzy’s house margarita with a dunked Coronita bottle and a Jameson floater; and Island Sunset, a strawberry margarita with peach and Malibu coconut rum.

“We think the community is really going to love Fuzzy’s Taco Shop’s scratch-made food and chill vibes, and we are excited to open one in Auburn,” Maddox said. “Adding a drive-thru allows us to serve our guests even more conveniently, and we are thrilled to be the first Fuzzy’s Taco Shop to do so.”

To celebrate, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop hosted an official grand opening on July 12, where the first 50 guests in line for the dining room received free tacos for a year and a complimentary Auburn-themed Fuzzy’s T-shirt. Doors opened at DEBT PAYOFF PLANS & DEBT ELIMINATION: Join Dr. Nate Dunlap Jr. and Janel Pulley, MBA, author of Money Just Flew Out the Window for a robust dialogue about debt payoff plans and debt elimination. Catch a sneak peek here: www.moneyjustflewoutthewindow.com/ • July 20 at 6:30 p.m.

CST | Zoom SOLID STRATEGIES FOR REBUILDING YOUR CREDIT: There is a blueprint for

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

PUBLISHER: Michelle Key

climate-controlled patio bar with garage doors allows guests to enjoy the space year round.

The Auburn location will offer service seven days a week. The hours of operation for the dining room are Sunday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The drive-thru will be open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 7 a.m. to midnight on Friday and Saturday.

GARG and Maddox will also open a Fuzzy’s Taco Shop in Albany, Georgia, later this year, with plans to open up to four more units in the next 12 months.

“The new Auburn location is a true testament to how flexible the Fuzzy’s Taco Shop footprint can be,” says Paul Damico, CEO of Fuzzy’s Taco Shop.

“Richard’s experience rebuilding and repairing your credit. It all starts with understanding the five strategies and then taking the journey of a lifetime.

• July 23 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. CST | Covington Recreation Center, Opelika.

OPELIKA CITY WIDE BACK 2 SCHOOL BASH: Come join PRF Institute as we work alongside various organizations to provide free school supplies, education,

LIVE LEE EDITOR: Hannah Lester MARKETING: Woody Ross, Rená Smith PHOTOJOURNALIST: Robert Noles SPORTS EDITOR: Wil Crews SPORTS WRITERS: Rick Lanier, D. Mark Mitchell, Harrison Tarr STAFF REPORTER: Kendyl Hollingsworth

www.opelikaobserver.com 223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved.

The Observer is published weekly by Key Media LLC, 223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801.

Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to The Observer, 223-A S. 8th St.,, Opelika, AL 36801

CORRECTIONS The Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the editor at 334-749-8003.

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Fuzzy’s Taco Shop Opens First Drive-Thru in Auburn

with fast casual restaurants and franchised brands makes him the perfect partner to open our first true drive-thru.

We look forward to continuing to expand with Richard and making Fuzzy’s Taco Shop even more accessible to the Southeast.”

For any questions, please call Fuzzy’s Taco Shop at 334-310-1744.

Follow Fuzzy’s Taco Shop on Instagram and Facebook to keep up to date with specials and local happenings.

For a full list of locations, please visit www.

FuzzysTacoShop.com.

ABOUT FUZZY’S TACO SHOP Founded in 2003 near the Texas Christian University campus in Fort Worth, Texas, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop is a fast casual restaurant serving Mexican favorites with a splash of Baja. The laid-back atmosphere pairs perfectly with signature Baja-style tacos, famous chips and queso and icy-cold beverages always served at a chill price. With nearly 150 franchise- and corporate-owned locations in 18 states, Fuzzy’s Taco Shop was ranked a Top Food Franchise, Top Franchise for Culture and Top MultiUnit Franchise for 2021

by Franchise Business Review, recognized in Entrepreneur’s 2021 Franchise 500 Ranking and Nation’s Restaurant News’ #10 “Fastest Growing Chains” of 2018, and was included on Franchise Business Review’s “Top Franchises” list in 2017. For franchising information, please visit www.MyFuzzys.com.

tournament with the town of Loachapoaka.

It may be all fun and games, but the emphasis of O-Day will be about helping the youth of Opelika. To help spread the anti-violence message, Houston has worked side-by-side with State Rep. Jeremy Gray, former Opelika City Council Member Tiffany Gibson and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller to get the message across. They will be giving speeches all day, Houston included, to make an impact on the kids.

The festivities end at 7 p.m., so come grab a bite, play some games and enjoy the day.

For more information on O-Day, or to inquire about volunteering, contact Houston at 334275-8499 or Munford-McCurdy at 334- 559-8974.

O-DAY >>

FROM A1

for all in attendance.

Organizers will also be giving out school supplies free of charge.

“It’s diverse,” Houston said. “It’s for all races and all ages. It’s for everybody.”

Compassionate Hands of Hope and The Curtis House, local nonprofit community service organizations, will be sponsoring the event with food. Gentlemen with a Purpose, a social club based in Opelika, will also be helping with the food preparation.

Food truck vendors will be on location as well.

There will be flag football games, a basketball “back-to-school” game, a cheerleading camp for the girls and a softball

food, music and games to our community. There will be mini-classes and on-site financial consultations.

To RSVP to any of these events, please visit www.us02web.zoom. us/meeting/register/tZYsc-GorDIuGdFbssmgn7Do5SS-5sVjyTeU. ABOUT THE PRF INSTITUTE The PRF Institute is blessed to be the premier stewardship-based teaching ministry for families

and communities around the country. It offers a transformative teaching model that helps communities better understand the interconnected relationship between financial, spiritual and physical needs. For more than 13 years, it has been teaching individuals how to address matters of credit, debt, planning, saving and legacy building through better stewardship practices, while fulfilling their vision

to assist with the economic transformation of 200,000 people over the next seven years.

Website: www.prfinstitute.org Facebook (PRF Institute): @PRFPRF Instagram AND Twitter: @PRFInstitute - 334-7594884 admin@prfinstitute.org Facebook (DrNate DunlapJr): @ThePRFDr Dunlap@prfministry. org.

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A3 July 14, 2022

CONTRIBUTED BY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF EAST ALABAMA

OPELIKA –– The Community Foundation of East Alabama is pleased to announce its fourth Annual Opelika Giving Day raised a total of $24,150 for 10 nonprofit organizations in Opelika. Opelika Giving Day is a 24-hour online fundraising challenge which provides a safe and easy way for participants to give to support nonprofits that are doing great things throughout the Opelika community. Opelika Giving Day took place June 15 and 16 from noon to noon. The Community Foundation is grateful to the 176 donors who participated in Opelika Giving Day. The 10 nonprofits selected for Opelika Giving Day 2022 were all tasked with campaigning and raising awareness on social media as well as in the community. Barbara Patton, the

president of the Community Foundation of East Alabama, said, “the role of the Community Foundation leading up to and on Opelika Giving Day was to help promote each organization and their projects through social media, emails and media outlets in order to expand their online and social media presence and fundraising success. The Community Foundation also met with the organizations to give them recommendations for engaging donors to be successful in reaching their goals.”

Two organizations exceeded their goals this year: The Friends of the Wood Duck Nature Preserve, with a goal of $2,500 raised $2,820, and the Women’s Hope Medical Clinic, with a goal of $8,000 raised $8,200. The Friends will be replacing the staircase at the north and south viewing blinds and make repairs to the bridge over

Ken Ward, Opelika Main Street; Marty Moore, Opelika Theatre; Betty Johnson, Opelika Theatre; Sarah Istre, Women’s Hope; Anthony Bryant, Knee High Foundation; Barbara Patton, CFEA Back row: Rae Maher, CFEA; Libby Herring, Opelika Theatre; Larry Cook and Sarah-Beth Cook, Opelika Bicycle Advisory; Barry Fleming, The Friends of the Wood Duck Nature Preserve; Regina Meadows, Circles Opelika; NOT PICTURED: Creekline Trails of Opelika and 3-D Elite

Opelika Gives

the northside backwater.

Women’s Hope will be purchasing 10 new baby cribs, 31 new car seats and installing BrightCourse, an online parenting education system.

In addition, the Opelika Theatre Company raised $3,140 to purchase new LED spotlights for the stage, new sound front speaker monitors, licensing rights and scholarships for acting classes; Circles of Opelika raised $2,225 to fund the Robert E. Lofton Fund for educational assistance for its participants; the Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee raised $1,395 to go towards installing their second public repair station at the new Opelika Library; Creekline Trails of Opelika raised $3,045 for trailhead signage and to install a public viewing area on Waverly Parkway once the parking lot is in place; the Knee High Foundation raised $575 to go toward

supply-filled bookbags; Opelika Main Street raised $475 to assist with the purchase of sculptures for downtown; 3-D Elite raised $425 to assist in participation in the AAU Nationals for their basketball teams; and $1,850 was raised for the continued renovation of the interior of Southside Center (formerly the Brown School).

Since the inception of Opelika Giving Day, giving has totaled $149,880.09.

“All the projects this year will be valued additions to the Opelika community and/or serve a need for its residents,” Patton said. “A big thank you to all those who donated to make these projects a reality. I think you will see the impact your giving has made as these projects come alive.

Also, a special thank you goes to Rae Maher who stepped in to help with the social media fundraising implementation this year.”

Betty Johnson, Opelika Theatre Company (OTC); Marty Moore, OTC; Barbara Patton, CFEA; Libby Herring, OTC

The Community Foundation always has an evaluation at the end of every online event.

“The nonprofits gave good feedback and suggestions for next year, and those will be incorporated to make the fifth Opelika Giving Day even more successful,” Patton said. “If you missed your opportunity to participate this year, the next Opelika Giving Day will be held the first week in May with applications received in January 2023.”

For more information, email info@cfeastalabama. org.

ABOUT THE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION OF EAST ALABAMA The Community Foundation of East Alabama was incorporated in 2007 as a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization. As a local center for philanthropy, the Community Foundation works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and

nonprofit organizations to help them carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues. Donors to the Community Foundation also benefit from the Foundation’s combined assets which greatly reduce investment and administrative fees.

Our five-county region includes Lee, Chambers, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa counties.

Our Community Foundation is administered by a governing body of East Alabama citizens committed to building a vibrant community foundation. Through the generosity of people in East Alabama, our community foundation will continue to grow. Through grant making, we look forward to a brighter future by giving back to the place we call home. Visit www. cfeastalabama.org for additional information.

Larry Cook, Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee; Barbara Patton, CFEA; Sarah-Beth Cook, OBAC

Ken Ward, Opelika Main Street; Barbara Patton, CFEA

Rae Maher, Technical Director, Opelika Giving Day

Barry Fleming, Friends of Opelika Wood Duck Nature Preserve; Barbara Patton, CFEA

Sarah Istre, Women’s Hope; Barbara Patton, CFEA

Regina Meadows, Circles Opelika; Barbara Patton, CFEA

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Anthony Bryant, Knee High Foundation; Barbara Patton, CFEA

Fine Arts Academy Teaching Music To All Ages

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

back, not offering the end-of-semester recitals that the fall and spring offer.

Jackson may not be

actively teaching music for the academy right now, but she has the background for it. She received her bachelor’s dePHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — First Baptist Church of Opelika is encouraging music-lovers of all ages to pick up their instruments.

The church is the host of a Fine Arts Academy teaching a variety of instruments including piano, drums, voice, flute, trumpet, clarinet, violin and more.

Director of the academy, Kim Jackson, was hired almost exactly a year ago and said she has been trying to maintain the already four-year thriving academy.

“It’s a part-time job where I am in charge of the teachers who teach private lessons to the students,” she said.

The classes are held in three-semester increments: fall, spring and summer. The summer courses are more laid-

gree in music education and worked as a band director for 25 years.

“I still continue to teach a special-needs drum circle in several schools with Eufala City Schools,” she said.

In fact, the drum circle is something that Jackson said she would like to incorporate into the Fine Arts Academy within the next year.

Other goals for the future include adding more instruments.

“I feel like the more teachers that have the variety of instruments, the more we can do,” Jackson said. “Organ is something I would like, if there’s organ students, more brass instruments.

Right now, we’ve kind of got some woodwinds, we’re starting a few brass in the fall. “… With my music background, I can tap into a lot of resources [to get new teachers], a lot See MUSIC, page A5

A4 July 14, 2022

The Sandwich

D

SEAN DIETRICH

o this. Get a tomato. Not just any tomato.

A Slocomb, Alabama, tomato. Make sure the tomato is firecrackerred and softer than the hindcheeks of a 2-monthold. Find a serrated knife.

Cut said tomato into thick slices about the width of the unabridged edition of “Shogun.”

Tomatoes from Geneva County, Alabama, are different from common varieties. They are superior tomatoes.

In fact, top archaeology scholars at Columbia University now believe

that the original Garden of Eden was located just north of Highway 52 in Geneva County. And most experts agree that the forbidden fruit consumed by Adam and Eve was originally purchased from the Hendrix Farm Produce tomato stand.

Next, find two slices of Sunbeam bread. In a pinch, you can use Bunny Bread, Wonderbread or Colonial bread. But stay away from any bread with packaging labels that read something like, “59 whole grains and seeds!” or “3,234 grams of dietary fiber!” This isn’t real bread but an abrasive

material meant for sanding boat hulls.

Consequently, if all you have in your pantry is “gluten-free” or “keto” bread, please stop reading here and go back to California.

Once you have your white, floppy, flaccid, tasteless bread ready, open a jar of Duke’s mayonnaise.

Duke’s is the brand with the canary-yellow lid, manufactured and packaged by real evangelical seminary graduates so you know it’s sacred, mostly.

If you don’t have any Duke’s, you’re not totally out of luck. Blue Plate mayonnaise will also work nicely. Bama mayonnaise is also a winner.

Hellmann’s, however, isn’t fit for consumption by a golden retriever. Similarly, Miracle Whip is neither a “miracle,” nor a “whip,” but the brainchild of Communist sympathizers who don’t love the Lord. And Kraft mayo is industrial doorknob lubricant.

It bears mentioning, if all you have in your refrigerator is a kind of mayonnaise labeled “light” or “low fat”

please forfeit your tomato to someone who will use it correctly and resume doing Crossfit until your buttocks turn into tiny shriveled prunes.

Next, use a No. 8 masonry trowel to apply approximately one gallon of approved mayonnaise onto your limp, lifeless, nutrition-free bread. If the bread is still visible after mayonnaise application, you did it wrong.

Step Four. Carefully place slices of tomato onto your prepared bread.

If, by chance, your bread has already absorbed too much mayonnaise and tomato juices and is now disintegrating into a papier-mache-like puddle on your kitchen counter, and it no longer resembles bread, congratulations, you’re on the right track.

Salt and pepper to taste.

If you discover that you are tempted to add cheese or onions or lettuce or something else weird to your sandwich, thereby violating the Holy Trinity of tomatoes, mayo and bread, please step away from the

cutting board. Take deep breaths, open a can of Natural Light and start sipping until the urge passes.

Next, place both segments of your sandwich together slowly and softly.

Warning: Do not compress sandwich. Do not cut sandwich in half. Do not even blink or your sandwich will fall apart.

Now, gently lift your sandwich –– very gently –– as though you are assisting in a heart transplant operation. Walk across the kitchen and stand over the sink. Say grace silently.

Go ahead, we’ll wait.

To eat sandwich, open mouth wide, place one corner into mouth and bite firmly. Your tomato wedges should slip from between the pieces of bread, shooting forward, falling directly into your sink, leaving you with two naked pieces of bread. If this does not happen you did not use enough mayonnaise.

Retrieve tomato hunks from the basin of your nasty, crud-covered, salmonella-encrusted sink while cussing liberally.

Replace mangled remains of tomato onto sandwich and attempt to eat sandwich a second time, making sure to mash your soggy, glutenous, snot-like bread pieces together until they are indistinguishable from lumps of Elmer’s Glue.

After the third or fourth bite, the front of your shirt should be stained red, covered in tiny seeds and your kitchen should look like a hog killing has recently been performed on the linoleum.

When your sandwich expenditure is finished, you can slap yourself heartily on the shoulder because you have just eaten a proper tomato sandwich. You may now recite the ceremonial benediction uttered

by Alabamians statewide every summer: “Thank you, Lord, for bananas, “Granny Smiths and Tropicana, “But most of all, for all the ‘maters, “Raised in Slocomb, Alabama.”

Amen.

Sequel WENDY HODGE

L

ast weekend, Tim and I went to the movies. “Top Gun — Maverick” was playing on the Big D at the Tiger Town 13, and we had tickets for our date night. We don’t go to the movies very often because we enjoy the theater we have created at home, with shows we can binge-watch and unlimited popcorn and drinks that we don’t have to sell a kidney to finance. And the ability to pause any time we like for bathroom breaks — very important perk.

But this was one of those movies we just knew would best be appreciated on a massive screen surrounded by people as eager as we were to see if Tom Cruise still had “the need for speed.”

The movie did not disappoint. It was, in my opinion, even better than the first Top Gun. And that’s impressive.

Pulling off a sequel to a hit is no easy task. As the end credits rolled, we stayed in our seat watching the crowds file out, and it struck me that every single person in the theater was over 50.

More gray hair than your average Saturday movie crowd, more wrinkled faces, cardigans to fight the air-conditioned air, and even a cane or two … I was struck by a sudden wistful sadness.

We all, every person in that room, had been so young when Top Gun first premiered. We’d had the whole of our lives in front of us. And now, here we were, 36 years

down the road — no longer young, no longer close to the beginning of life.

Walking out of the theater, I got a text from my sweet daughter, just checking on me. And a memory washed over me. Abbey was my baby who loved to sleep. She actually used to ask me, in her 3-year-old voice, “Mama, can I go to bed?” Like I would say no. “Of course, sweetie,” I would answer. And then I would carry her to her room and snuggle her in her big-girl bed while the boys in the house continued to fight sleep and bounce off the walls.

The memory, though, that struck me in the parking lot of the Tiger Town theater was a warm summer night when Abbey was around 4 years old. We had just moved into our new house, and her room was still full of half-unpacked boxes and scattered treasures.

She’d spent the afternoon watching Barney Goes to the Circus Part 2 on her own little pink television. At her regular bedtime, I tucked her into a brand new big-girl bed, but instead of closing her eyes and drifting off she sat straight up and began to cry.

“What’s wrong?” I asked, reaching to hug her.

“I don’t want my eyes to go to sleep,” she answered.

“Why not? I know you’re so tired.”

“But, Mama, if my eyes go to sleep I’ll miss Part 2.”

“Part 2?” I asked.

“Of Barney, you mean?”

“No, part 2 of today.

I don’t want to miss what happens next.”

The best part of that memory is that we stayed up together, Abbey and I and her brother, and watched Barney and laughed until way past everyone’s bedtime. Part two of our day was just as good, if not better, than part one.

Wisława Szymborska,

a Polish writer, once said, “Every beginning is only a sequel, after all, and the book of events is always open halfway through.”

All those years ago, when Top Gun was a brand new story, my own story was really just beginning. And now, I’m in what I think of as my

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“sequel years.” And, I have to say, I’m loving it all. Despite the aches and pains of aging bones and the wrinkles and gray hair that have crept up out of nowhere, I am hopefully wiser and definitely more joyful and content.

I wouldn’t trade Part 1 for anything, but I am

cherishing Part 2 with every fiber of my being.

And now, I think, I’ll call my daughter and invite her for movie time in our home theater … something sweet and sentimental … we’ll need cookie dough and Kleenex.

A5 July 14, 2022

Lee County Commission and Alabama Rural Ministry Partner for Assistance Program

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA RURAL MINISTRY

LEE COUNTY — The Lee County Commission and Alabama Rural Ministry recently announced the launch of an Emergency Housing and Utility Assistance Program, which provides rental, mortgage and util-

ity assistance to citizens impacted by COVID-19.

This program is specific to residents of Lee County outside the city limits of Auburn and Opelika; however, Alabama Rural Ministry can still direct Auburn and Opelika residents in need of assistance to their city programs.

The Emergency Housing and Utility Assistance Program assists income-eligible households with past-due rental, mortgage and utility payments. The inability to cover these costs may result in an eviction of residence or the disconnection of utilities, leaving the individual(s)

without housing, power, water or gas. The total maximum award will not exceed $1,500 and can cover up to three months of past-due expenses.

Alabama Rural Ministry is a local nonprofit focused on affordable housing, home repair and children’s ministry. ARM coordinates

home repair efforts and children’s day camps in rural areas of Alabama.

ARM is a faith-based organization with a mission to extend love to all.

Funding for the program was provided to the Lee County Commission by the Alabama Department of Economic

and Community Affairs’ COVID-19 Grant Program.

For more information, including applications and eligibility requirements, please visit www. arm-al.org/covidassistance, or contact Lawton Vallely at 334-501-4276 ext. 500 or lawton@armal.org.

20 UNDER 40 >>

• Preston Winkles, The Bottling Plant Event Center •Tiffany Yelder, Opelika City Schools.

“We are excited for the 2022-2023 20 Under 40 Class,” said Rosanna McGinnis, chairman of the 20 under 40 Board of Directors. “This year features an excellent group of professionals who are prepared to learn more about Opelika and are committed to improving our already fantastic community.”

The 20 under 40 program has continued to be a success for the Opelika community since its beginning in 2006. This year’s class will undergo intensive training on all things Opelika from a governmental, economic and community centered perspective.

Throughout the year, the class will meet regularly and work collectively on a service project that will culminate with their gradua-

tion on May 23. We are proud of the work that this program does to help shape young leaders within the Opelika community.

ABOUT THE OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE For more than 80 years the Opelika Chamber has been working every day to build bridges, cultivate community, and elevate business. Recognized for their operational best practices among 501(c)6 not-for-profit Chambers of Commerce, the Opelika Chamber is one of only 3 5-star accredited chambers in the state of Alabama.

Representing more than 800 businesses and almost 20,000 employees, the Opelika Chamber connects businesses to each other and to new ideas, helps them grow and expands their influence, provides education & leadership development opportunities, and builds community among citizens and business owners alike.

Jackson said that new adult students will get frustrated with the instruments and process just as children do.

“The teacher is there to help,” she said. “Talk and communicate with the teacher, because they might find a different way to teach you than they would a kid, because you might be able to think in a different way than the kid.”

The number of students has been as high as 82 in the past, but this fall will see maybe 120, Jackson said.

Despite being located in First Baptist of Opelika, Jackson said that church or faith is not forced on participants.

However, there is the hope of meaningful conversations with students and the opportunity to share with them about faith.

“Our goal in that would be to have [students] go into the music ministry in the church, if they [are members] in our church, in choirs or orchestra,” she said. “We have children’s choir, we have youth choir, we have adult choir, we also

have some youth students who will play instruments with the youth choir, the student-led choir. Then we have an orchestra that plays with the adult choir on Sunday morning, and we would really like to see some of these students come through and end up performing with us, you know, the adults and the youth in the church. And a couple of them already have.”

In this new role, Jackson said she misses the connections she makes with students and tries to be intentional about meeting new students for the academy.

Over the last year, she’s been able to watch students grow and learn and see all of their progress at the recitals, she said.

Interested students can find more information online at https:// www.fbcopelika.com/ fine-arts-academy.

13-week fall and spring semesters are $400 for one 30-minute lesson a week, $600 for one 45-minute lesson a week and $800 for one hour-long lesson a week.

FROM A1

• Darin Brown, Garan, Inc. • Jacob Danford, Café 123 • Savannah Douglas, Golden State Foods • Natalie Downs • Leif Espelund, Heritage House • Karen Gilmore, AO Tourism • Stephanie Graham, Alfa Insurance •Jessica Henderson, Lee County Sheriff's Office • Courtney Jones, City of Opelika •Anna Jones, Opelika Public Library •Taft Ledbetter, The Talons Group • Tamarcus Milner, Opelika Learning Center •Catherine Olen, Opelika Chamber • Eric Perry, Machen McChesney • Austin Puckett, East Alabama Health • Meghan Taylor, Ferguson Enterprises •Antez Tolbert, Golden State Foods

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

MUSIC >>

FROM A3

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of friends, or friends of friends, This fall, we’re already adding three new teachers.”

The next semester, fall, will begin Aug. 8, 2022.

These classes are not just for children, but adults as well.

“We have a gentleman right now who started on bass guitar, who had the instrument for three years, never touched it and came, and now he even has his granddaughter on piano lessons,” Jackson said. “While he’s taking that, his granddaughter is taking piano.”

Some of the oldest students are in their 70s, the youngest is 5.

Jackson encouraged parents with younger students to have their children try an instrument. If they don’t like it, the semester only lasts 13 weeks. There are also renting programs for some instruments that make it less expensive, she said.

For older students who have played an instrument before, Jackson said that they’ll find it comes back to them rather easily.

“You just need pointers on what to remember and just know, take your time getting back into it,” she said. “Set yourself some goals so you can reach those. Make them small goals, though; don’t try to shoot for the moon yet.”

A6 July 14, 2022

PfmanceSies 2 0 2 2 - 2 0 2 3

WE’LL MEET AGAIN

MARIACHI HERENCIA DE MĖXICO

KYIV CITY BALLET Swan Lake

AUGUST 30, 2022

OCTOBER 5, 2022

OCTOBER 20, 2022

As Julius Hagedorn, a Jewish merchant in Opelika, Alabama, began to see the storm clouds of World War II gathering over Europe in the 1930s, he set about helping the family of his young nephew, Henry Stern, escape the Holocaust just in time for a new life in America. We’ll Meet Again celebrates Henry’s growing up in a small and welcoming Southern town on a journey through life that held surprises at every turn!

Cesar Maldonado’s Mariachi Heritage Foundation has created music education programs for over 2,100 students throughout Chicago, culminating in the now acclaimed, Latin Grammy-nominated youth ensemble, Mariachi Herencia de México.

Joined by Lupita Infante, granddaughter of Mexican icon Pedro Infante, Mariachi Herencia de México honors the legacy they inherited with an unforgettable experience of Mexican music and culture.

Kyiv City Ballet came to international attention having arrived in Paris for a tour just as Russia commenced its invasion of Uk Ukraine. With the company stranded and unable to return home, the City of Paris, in collaboration with the Théâtre du Châtelet, arranged pr to provide lodging and rehearsal space for the dancers for as long as they remain in exile. In September, the Kyiv City Ballet will embark on its premiere tour of the United States, showcasing its llavish new production of Swan Lake.

LVIV NATIONAL PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA OF UKRAINE

ORPHEUS CHAMBER ORCHESTRA

CHANTICLEER An Orchestra of Voices

GENTRI The Gentlemen Trio

JANUARY 21, 2023

FEBRUARY 23, 2023

MARCH 2, 2023

MARCH 30, 2023

From the Medieval city of Lviv on Ukraine’s western border with Poland, an orchestra dares to do the unthinkable: carry a message of hope across the world during a period of war and instability.

Led by the dynamic Ukrainian-American conductor Theodore Kuchar, and joined by Ukrainian pianist Stanislav Kristenko, this will surely be a concert to inspire and a night to remember!

Orpheus Chamber Orchestra is a radical experiment in musical democracy, proving what happens when exceptional artists, generally performing without a conductor, gather with total trust in each other and faith in the creative process. At home for its annual seasons at Carnegie Hall, Orpheus is touring the nation in celebration of its 50th Anniversary, joined by Italian pianist, Alessio Bax.

The Grammy Award-winning vocal ensemble Chanticleer has been hailed as the “world’s reigning male chorus” by The New Yorker, and is known around the world as “an orchestra of voices” for its wideranging repertoire and dazzling virtuosi virtuosity. Founded in San Francisco in 1978, Chanticleer quickly took its place as one of the most prolific recording and touring ensembles in the world, selling over one million recordings and performing thousands of live concerts to audiences around the world.

Gentri features three h dynamic tenors who have pioneered a signature sound they term “Cinematic Pop”, infused with lush orchestrations and three-part harmonies, all composed by the group’s producer and directo Stephen musical director, Nelson. Their acclaimed music videos have amassed over 200 million views on YouTube and Facebook, and they have shared the stage with world-renowned talent including Tony Award-winning stars Kristin Chenoweth and Idina Menzel.

James R. Harris

RANKY TANKY GULLAH MUSIC OF THE CAROLINA COAST

NOVEMBER 14, 2022 This Grammy Award-winning, Charleston, SC-based quintet performs timeless music born from the Gullah culture of the southeastern Sea Islands. Playful game songs, ecstatic shouts, and heartbreaking spirituals can all be found on their latest release Good Time, which also offers the group’s first original songs inspired by Gullah tradition.

Mark Hayes

Theodore Kuchar, Principal Conductor

Stanislav Kristenko, Pianist

Alessio Bax, Pianist

FOR TICKET INFORMATION CALL (334) 749.8105 O R V I S I T W W W. E A S TA L A B A M A A R T S. O R G

E vents, Food, & SocietyNews

UPCOMING EVENTS: JULY 17: PRIDE POOL PARTY, SAMFORD POOL AT 6 TO 9 P.M. JULY 19: O GROWS FARMERS MARKET AUG. 5 THROUGH 14: AACT PRESENTS "HANDS ON A HARD BODY" AUG. 5 THROUGH 14: OCT PRESENTS "NEWSIES"

Create Savory Pies, Other Dishes From Tomatoes In Season PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

F

resh vegetables are among the joys of summertime, especially tomatoes. Juicy, sliced tomatoes are the best accompaniment to fresh cooked vegetables, and they are scrumptious in savory pies and other dishes, as well as making the best sandwiches. If you didn’t grow up in the South, you may think a sandwich with Duke mayonnaise and sliced tomatoes is missing something. It is best just by itself without any meat.

Both of my parents grew up on farms and learned how to garden at an early age. They nearly

always had a garden and used those skills in their own garden as their vegetables were the best, especially the Heirloom tomatoes.

Mom canned tomatoes to have year round and made the best pear preserves with big chunks of the fruit. After Mom passed away, I saved her last jar of pear preserves for as long as I could because I knew there would never be another jar that good. I regret not being in the kitchen with her every time she was making the preserves so I could see exactly what she did. Unfortunately, we get busy

and always think we have time.

If you don’t have a bounty of tomatoes in a garden, you can get plenty at markets. You can use them in a variety of dishes, including salads, pasta, casseroles, salsas and savory pies. I have made numerous tomato pies over the years, but one of the best I tasted was at Chef Rob McDaniel’s restaurant, Helen, in Birmingham. You may remember that he was the executive chef at SpringHouse at Lake Martin for several years.

When Rob first attended Auburn University, he had

The Springer Opera House in Columbus to Open Season CONTRIBUTED BY SPRINGER COLUMBUS –– You know what dragons really love?

Tacos, of course!

A boy and his dog are watching a TV show about dragons when they unexpectedly get caught up in the "do's and don'ts" of what to serve to dragons to eat. Based on the wildly popular children’s book

by Adam Rubin, this show will be the best dragon taco party ever — just watch out for the spicy salsa!

“Dragons Love Tacos” will open the Children’s Theatre Season at the Spring-

If you don’t have a bounty of fresh tomatoes in a garden, you can find plenty at local markets during the summer months. While fresh tomatoes are good as an accompaniment to vegetable dishes, they are also excellent in salads, casseroles, pastas, salsas, tomato pies, and of course, sandwiches. Pictured are tomatoes at the Opelika Farmers Market. planned to become a chiropractor like his grandfather and other members of his family.

“My grandfather told me not to become a chiropractor because it was long hours, so I went into the restaurant business instead," he said. "I laugh about that when I remember my grandfather.”

While attending Auburn University, he worked in a

“Dragons Love Tacos” is performed by the Springer Theatre Academy’s company class of graduating seniors. The rehearsal process is a unique one.

“We have the show set in about two days,” Tweed said.

“Rehearsal is from See SPRINGER, page A9

how his grandmothers had cooked and their influence on southern cooking.

The chef’s restaurant Helen is named after his grandmother, who was a talented cook. The chef remembers his grandmother had a grill inside her house next to a large fireplace.

“I can close my eyes," he said. "And see the table set See CIPPERLY, page A10

Sundilla Concert Series to Present Nicholas Edward Williams CONTRIBUTED BY SUNDILLA

er, and it holds a special message.

“Never give up.

Even though you might be unsure or scared of certain challenges, you should always keep trying. You never know what’s on the other side when you let life do what life is going to do,” said Director Maddie Tweed.

restaurant and discovered that he loved it. As he worked at different restaurants, Rob decided to attend culinary school. He graduated from Auburn University in hotel and restaurant management in 2002.

While attending the New England Culinary Institute, he began working with local farmers and said he remembered

AUBURN –– Sundilla will welcome a true traveling troubadour to town when Nicholas Edward Williams plays on Friday, July 15. Showtime at Pebble Hill is 7:30 p.m., and advance tickets are available for just $15 at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee and online at sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door will be $20. Weather permitting, this will be an outdoor show.

Williams has his own brand of satire, simple honesty and vivid imagery that translates into energetic live shows, harnessing rhythmic fingerpicking,

soaring vocals, rolling harmonica, heart-thumping stomp box and charismatic whistling. All of which is backed with engaging descriptions and infectious personality between songs.

More than ever before, a wealth of people are writing songs and playing the acoustic guitar. So much so, that it can be perceived as a tired idea. But every once in a while, there are artists that come into the fold who are living the unique music they create. Such is the case with Williams, a Seattle-born fingerpicking stomp box rover.

Williams was injected with a bohemian lifestyle during a nomadic child-

hood. By the time he was 12 years of age, his family of four had already moved across four states and nearly ten houses from the west to the east coast.

He had no idea that he was being unconsciously groomed to live the Kerouac condition one day; destined to ramble, tell stories of nature, moral ground and singing about the great people and the multiple levels of the human experience in travel.

“My Grandparents took my sister and I from California to Hershey, Pennsylvania, and back a few times through the summer, and we took difSee SUNDILLA, page A9

FOOD TRUCK FRIDAYS I N

D O W N T O W N

O P E L I K A

JULY 15TH

JOIN US FROM 5PM-12AM! VISIT @OPELIKA.CHAMBER ON FACEBOOK TO SEE THE FOOD TRUCK LINEUP!

brought to you by the

A8 July 14, 2022

Making the Grade: The 19th Hole Restaurant & Sports Bar PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE / FOR THE OBSERVER

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

M

y husband Mike and I are certainly not the athletic type. Instead, we are quite clumsy, but loveable. This tendency to be less than graceful often made for interesting situations when we were teachers at Long Cane Middle School in LaGrange, Georgia.

For example, one day in his computer class, Mike stood up from his rolling chair, unknowingly pushing it back with his leg. Moments later, he sat down, missing the chair entirely and landing on his backside.

Momentarily stunned, Mike sat there for a minute. Then he started shaking his head as if to say, “Are you kidding me?”

That did it; his students erupted in laughter.

Also, one day in our school’s lunchroom, I went to get some more sweet tea. Someone had spilled chicken noodle soup on the floor and had failed to clean it up. I didn’t see the soup, but my foot found it. I slipped and fell flat on my back, right in front of my students’ lunch table.

Amazingly, my sixth

graders didn’t burst out laughing; they didn’t even snicker. Instead, they just froze; maybe they were afraid I was dead. Trying to be cool, which was impossible in that situation, I got to my feet, took several bows for my unplanned gymnastics routine, and said, “Thank you, thank you!”

I also told my kids, “I’m okay; you can laugh.”

They did, at least a little bit. I really admired their restraint. I’m afraid that I would have laughed had my short, “Pooh-sized” English teacher crashed right in front of me.

Last week, Mike and I had a unique dining experience: a delicious meal and the opportunity to play at a nine-hole putt-putt golf course, a challenge for our lack of athleticism. We had lunch (dinner) at The 19th Hole Restaurant & Sports Bar at 1120 S. College St. in Auburn.

The restaurant, which offers indoor and outdoor dining, is locally owned by Jonathan Davis and was formerly The Country Club of Auburn. Mike and I really liked the restaurant’s sports motif. There was even a cardboard cutout of

Phil Mickelson, Mama’s favorite golfer and a golf-related video game.

Izzy, our server, was a delight, being sweet, helpful and attentive. The menu was cleverly written using golf terminology.

For our appetizer, called the Practice Round, Mike and I chose the masters of pimento. This was housemade pimento cheese served with bacon and pita points. Oh, my two times.

The pimento cheese had a wonderful flavor. Also, the portion was very generous.

The pita points were warm and complimented the pimento cheese perfectly.

Mike and I enjoyed this appetizer so much, we almost filled up just on it.

For his entrée, Mike chose the wings and fries.

He said that his meal was fresh and really good.

I ordered the club quesadilla, which included chicken (or steak) with chilled sweet corn, chips and salsa. It was great, too. I loved the contrast between the cool corn and the warm quesadilla.

Besides our amazing masters of pimento appetizer, The 19th Hole also offers diners a great selection of other appetizers,

GENEALOGICAL SOCIETY OF EAST ALABAMA The quarterly GSEA meeting will be held on Saturday, July 16 from 11 a.m. to noon at the Museum of East Alabama, located at 121 S. 9th Street, in Opelika.

The program will be by Jane Worthington on "A Village Not Forgotten" — Pepperell Memories.

Admission is free and the public is invited.

SUMMER SWING - EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT

July 19: Murray Brown Band Concerts are held at Municipal Park at 7 p.m.

Hamburgers and hotdogs provided by Opelika Band Boosters and lemonade provided by SouthState Bank will be available from 6:15 to 7:30 p.m.

Camp Hill Marketplace

Come out and buy your fresh produce, honey, jams and hand-crafted items at the Camp Hill Marketplace, a state-certified farmers market Every Thursday, 8 to 11 a.m., June 2 through Oct. 20, rain or shine, at Mount Lovely Baptist Church at 21900 Senator Claude Pepper Dr., Camp Hill, (AL Hwy 50). Potential vendors contact Sharon at 256-749-5100 to apply to join.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

VFW Post 5404, 131 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn (next to Ray's Collision off of S. College St.) will be open on Wednesdays 0800 - 1100 with coffee, donuts, cake and conversation about service and benefits for all veterans and spouses to stop by.

some of which include: the 19th hole charcuterie board, cream cheese golf balls, bacon spinach artichoke dip, fried Wickles Pickles and 19th Hole nachos.

The 19th Hole Restaurant & Sports Bar also serves salads, sandwiches, burgers and pizzas.

Believe me, there is something for every diner.

The masters of pimento by itself was worth the trip. We resisted dessert, but the selections were tempting: fried cinnamon strawberries, deep fried Oreos, cinnamon apple pizza, cheesecake of the week, beignets and top flight of dessert.

Now, Mike and I aren’t skillful with a golf club; I know you’re shocked.

Once at a driving range, Mike swung his club and hit the golf ball. However, instead of going straight, the ball went sideways and hit his friend’s golf club.

Also, I once swung a golf club and completely missed the ball. Lastly, this past May, Mike and I were playing putt-putt golf in Orange Beach. I failed to notice that the green

carpet sloped up; I fell over it, hitting the ground hard.

The green carpet ate the skin on my knee, drawing blood. I may be the only person in the world to sustain an injury while playing putt putt golf. I now have a scar as a souvenir. Mike almost tripped over the slope, too, but he fortunately caught himself with his golf club.

Since that injury was still fresh in my mind and because the heat index could melt steel, we didn’t play the nine-hole course at The 19th Hole this time. However, when the memory of that humiliating injury fades, and the weather gets cooler, we’d like to give it a shot.

The 19th Hole Restaurant & Sports Bar is open on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; on Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; on Friday

and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (kitchen) and from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (bar/course).

The 19th Hole Restaurant & Sports Bar makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Poohsized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!

Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner.

Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in The Observer.

Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@gmail.com

NAMI OF EAST ALABAMA TO MEET NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet at 7 p.m., on Tuesday, July 19, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn. NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing.

The public is invited.

THE MARKET AT AG HERITAGE PARK Every Thursday from 3 to 6 p.m. at AG Heritage Park located at 620-A S. Donahue Dr. in Auburn O GROWS FARMERS MARKET Every Tuesday from 3 to 6 p.m. outside the Southside Center for the Arts located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika.

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

will meet every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional center on 355 Dunlop Dr. in Opelika. Every month there will be different topics discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision.

“Alone we can do so little: together we can do so much.” – Helen Keller Contact: Shiquita Fulton, M. ED/Vision Rehab Therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, Melody Wilson, Case manager for the blind at (256)-368-3258

A9 July 14, 2022

AACT Opens New Season All-American Musical, “Hands on a Hardbody” CONTRIBUTED BY AACT

AUBURN — Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) is starting the engine on its 19th season with a unique show: the all-American musical “Hands on a Hardbody.”

The show will open at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center on Aug. 5 and run for two weekends, closing on Aug. 14.

Based on the real-life documentary by the same name, this musical centers on a days-long

SUNDILLA >>

FROM A7

ferent routes each time to see various landmarks and plenty of gravestones of people I’d never met,” he said. “Needless to say, the desire to move around is in my blood.”

Williams began living a life on the road full time in 2012 to pursue his music. First in a Honda Element, and later a self-converted Sprinter Van, carrying everything he owned inside a 20-foot vessel with his wife for three years. The simplistic lifestyle of spending ample amounts of time in nature and meeting various characters enabled Williams to focus his writing on the evolving self and observations of his surroundings, as opposed to the over-saturated topic of

SPRINGER >>

FROM A7

9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., so we’re able to get a lot of work done.

We have eight days total to put the show together, and while

endurance contest in which one person will win a Nissan Hardbody pickup truck by keeping a hand on it the longest.

Each contestant has their own vision of the American dream that winning the truck can bring them.

A new lease on life is so close they can touch it, but if you let go, you lose. This modern musical is driven by various musical styles with tuneful melodies and soulful lyrics by Amanda Green and the band Phish’s lead guitarist, Trey Anastasio.

“This is one of the most unique and complex shows that Auburn Area Community Theatre has brought to the stage,” said Carter deShazo, AACT board member and cast member of the show.

“We had picked this show and were planning auditions before the pandemic hit, and we have waited three years to bring it to life,” added Artistic Director Andrea Holliday. “This show has a lot of heart. You’ll laugh, you might cry, and we definitely think

you will leave with a smile on your face and a song in your head.”

The cast of 16 stage performers, the directors, the choreographer and all tech crew are local volunteer talent. The cast and crew offered thanks in part to Autosport Bodyworks of Opelika for the addition of a real Nissan Hardbody on stage, dubbing it the “17th cast member.”

Performances will take place at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center on 222 E.

Drake Ave. in Auburn on Aug. 5, 6, 11, 12 and 13 at 7 p.m., and Aug. 7 and 14 at 2 p.m.

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and seniors. Saturday, Aug. 6, offers a “Pay What You Can” night, with ticket prices in any amount serving as donations. Call 334246-1084 or visit www. auburnact.org for ticket purchases and more information. Email info@ auburnact.org for group rate information.

AACT is a non-profit volunteer organization.

AACT offers multiple opportunities to get involved and depends on the time and energy of many wonderful people from within the community. There’s something for everyone. Please visit www.auburnact.org to find the volunteer interest form or email info@ auburnact.org to get involved. Follow AuburnACT on Facebook or keep up to date at www.

AuburnACT.org for the latest information on auditions, volunteer opportunities, tickets and more.

love and heartbreak that have dominated airwaves for decades.

“For me, there is an unrivaled freedom in allowing life to unfold in front of you, rather than trying to grab life by the horns so you can feel like you’re in control,” Williams said. “There are hardships of course on the road, but nothing that isn’t already a part of the process if you’re a career musician. You just have to adjust accordingly if you want longevity.”

The sound that you hear from Williams now isn’t exactly the same as it used to be. The bones were there, though the style he was destined for has only been recently discovered.

From 2007 to 2018, Williams performed under the folk-soul moniker

“Whetherman”. During those years, he independently released eight full-length albums while continuously touring across the U.S., as well as throughout the U.K. and Western Europe. Williams was also afforded opportunities to open for acclaimed acts such as Taj Mahal and The Wood Brothers. He owes his success to being exposed to roots and string music early on, forever shaping his career.

“I essentially ‘grew up’ as a musician at a very special place called The Spirit of Suwannee Music Park in Live Oak, Florida,” Williams said. “I had the pleasure of performing at roots music festivals there since 2010, and that’s where I was first exposed to Bluegrass, Old Time and Traditional Folk

Music.”

This opened his eyes to a whole new world of possibilities for the direction of his music, though it wouldn’t be fully realized until many years later.

By mid 2017, Williams had hit a wall in his personal life and musical career, after nearly six years without a reasonable break. He decided to cancel two months of tour and move to Central America for seven months, by far the longest step back since launching the project. His goal was to reframe his mentality, and find a spark. This led to an evolution in musical style, dropping the “Whetherman” moniker and a desire to set forth under his full name starting in 2019.

With a fresh thirst for

learning fingerpicking techniques, Williams dove in depth to school himself in the history of American music, from Appalachian folk, country blues, Piedmont Blues and deep rooted Mississippi Delta blues from the likes of Doc Watson, Mississippi John Hurt and Elizabeth Cotten. His affinity for songwriting also grew and matured from an unfeigned love for storytellers like John Prine, Paul Simon and Jim Croce.

“I’ve become a student again,” Williams said.

“I’m absolutely fascinated with tracing American music back to its immigrant roots, and how these styles have woven the fabric of roots music as we know it today.”

The troubadour tells stories of the silent, simple perils of the average

Joe. He plays on the cliché rhythms of married life, the age of convenience, the footprint of our generation, paying homage to his musical heroes, imagery of men drinking to the follies of America and good old-fashioned murder ballads.

Williams has his own brand of satire, simple honesty and vivid imagery that translates into energetic live shows, harnessing rhythmic fingerpicking, soaring vocals, rolling harmonica, heart-thumping stomp box and charismatic whistling. All of which is backed with engaging descriptions and infectious personality between songs.

For more information, go to www.sundillamusic. com.

challenging, it makes the process fun, and gives the students room for spontaneity.

They are always moving and engaged, coming up with great character work and ideas. It’s been fast, but so much fun and

very efficient.”

The show runs July 8, 15 and 22 at 7 p.m., July 9, 16 and 23 at 11 a.m. and July 10, 17 and 24 at 2:30 p.m. in the McClure Theatre.

Runtime for the show is approximately 45 minutes. Tickets are

$18 for adults and $15 for children and can be purchased online at springeroperahouse. org or by calling 706327-3688.

The Springer Box Office is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5:30

p.m. and two hours prior to the show. Arts in Education performances provide professional theatre experiences for students at a reduced rate of admission, which is only available to groups.

“Dragons Love Ta-

cos” Arts in Education performances are July 13, 20 and 21 at 10 a.m.. To make your group reservation for "Dragons Love Tacos", call 706-3241100 or email education@springeroperahouse.org.

AUBURN AREA COMMUNITY THEATRE PROUDLY PRESENTS

AUGUST 5-14, 2022 6 SAT AUG

JAN DEMPSEY COMMUNITY ARTS CENTER TICKETS $15/$12 STUDENTS & SENIORS (334) 246-1084 OR AUBURNACT.ORG

HANDS ON A HARDBODY IS PRESENTED BY ARRANGEMENT WITH CONCORD THEATRICALS. WWW.CONCORDTHEATRICALS.COM

A10 July 14, 2022

CIPPERLY >>

FROM A7

with wooden bowls and my Nanny in the kitchen.

When I walked in the door, the smell of steaks cooking on the grill was the most wonderful thing.”

Both of his grandmothers cooked every dish from scratch. His Grandmother Mac would prepare biscuits and salmon croquettes for breakfast.

“Those are the kind of things I think about,” he said. “In culinary school, you used what was fresh and local. I took that part from school and my grandmothers.

“I grew up in a family that did not eat out a lot.

We always had a garden.

My father made breakfast every morning, and my mother had dinner on the table. We sat down as a family to eat every night.

There has always been this deep southern vein that I associate with food in the south.”

After graduating from culinary school, he worked

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> MINIATURE TOMATO SANDWICHES Ginelle Weissinger Great for showers and appetizers for summer parties ¼ cup mayonnaise 3 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 tsp. chopped fresh basil ¼ tsp. salt, divided ¼ tsp. pepper, divided 1 baguette 4 plum tomatoes, sliced Stir together, mayonnaise, cream cheese, basil, 1/8 tsp. salt and pepper. Cover and chill 8 hours, if desired.

Cut baguette into 16 slices.

Spread cheese mixture on slices. Top with tomato slices and sprinkle with remaining salt and pepper.

TOMATO PIE WITH TWO CHEESES Diane Wages 5 tomatoes, peeled and sliced (Roma work best) 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped 1/2 cup chopped green onion or red onion 9-inch pre-baked deep dish pie shell 1 cup grated mozzarella 1 cup grated cheddar 3/4 cup mayonnaise (or half mayo, half Greek yogurt) 2 Tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese Salt and pepper Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Place tomatoes in a colander in the sink in 1 layer.

Sprinkle with salt and allow to drain for 10 minutes. Use a paper towel to pat-dry tomatoes and make sure most of the excess juice is out. (You don’t want juicy tomatoes or your pie will turn out soggy).

Layer tomato slices, basil and onion in pie shell. Season with salt and pepper. Combine the grated cheeses and mayonnaise together. Spread mixture on top of tomatoes and sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top. Bake for 30 minutes or until lightly browned.

Serve warm cut into slices.

TOMATO PIE WITH BACON AND CHEDDAR

for Chris Hastings at the Hot and Hot Fish Club in Birmingham for three years. In 2007, he left the restaurant and went to work for Jim ‘N Nick’s Barbecue in Birmingham.

After two years, he was ready to move on and became the executive chef at SpringHouse.

While Chef Rob enjoyed being at SpringHouse, he and his wife Emily had a dream to one day open their own restaurant. In February 2019, the McDaniels came up with a game plan for their restaurant and moved to Birmingham a few months later.

The chef remembers that when the country closed down, it was “nerve racking” for them.

“We didn’t know how long our funds would last, but we leaned on our faith that God was going to take care of us, and everything was going to be alright.”

In early June 2020, the McDaniels opened Helen restaurant in downtown Birmingham.

“We opened at the Frances Palmer 1 frozen 9-inch deepdish pie shell 2 medium tomatoes 1 medium onion, sliced and sautéed Salt and pepper 6 slices bacon, cooked crisp and crumbled ½ cup mayonnaise ½ cup sour cream 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese Bake piecrust 6 to 7 minutes, according to package directions, until crust begins to brown.

Place sliced tomatoes into crust and top with onions.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste over top.

Top with crumbled bacon. In a bowl combine mayonnaise, sour cream and cheese; spread mixture over bacon to cover completely. Bake at 400 for about 25 minutes.

TALLAPOOSA COUNTY TOMATO PIE Lucy Little 1 unbaked pie crust 10 fresh basil leaves, chopped 1 clove garlic, chopped 1/2 cup green onion, chopped 4 tomatoes, sliced 1/4 cup mayonnaise 1/2 tsp. black pepper, freshly ground 1 tsp. salt 1 cup sharp cheddar, grated 1 cup mozzarella, grated Bake pie crust for no longer than 10 minutes at 375 degrees.

Slice tomatoes on a paper towel, and sprinkle with salt to draw out the liquid. Let sit for 10-15 minutes and pat dry.

Combine basil, green onions and garlic in bowl.

In separate bowl combine cheeses, mayonnaise and black pepper.

Layer 1/2 of tomatoes on bottom of crust. Sprinkle half of the basil-onion mixture over top. Layer remaining tomatoes and sprinkle remaining basil-onion mixture on top.

Spread cheese mixture on top of pie.

Bake pie at 300

craziest of times, a lot of people would say, but God asked us to have faith before the pandemic started," he said. "I never questioned if that was the right thing to do or not. During the pandemic, I was able to hire a talented staff as where they were working closed.”

The Helen restaurant is housed in a 1920s shotgun style building and furnished with antiques and curated southern art. Custom church-style pews were made for seating.

The restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.

Guests have the option of dining in the downstairs or upstairs dining rooms. degrees for 30 minutes, uncovered, until cheese is lightly browned.

Let rest for 10 minutes.

Serve warm.

ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES WITH HONEY Debbie Purves 1 lb. cherry tomatoes 2 - 6 (to your taste) fresh garlic cloves Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper 3 Tbsp. olive oil 1 Tbsp. honey Crostini (or toasted rustic bread) Heat oven to 375 degrees.

Lightly grease foillined roasting pan. Cut tomatoes in half and place them cut side up in the roasting pan with no space between them.

Crush garlic and mix with salt, honey, olive oil and pepper. Spoon over tomatoes. Roast for about 30 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let cool for about 10 minutes and spoon on crostini and sprinkle with sea salt on top.

JANINE’S SPAGHETTI WITH FRESH TOMATOES, GARLIC AND HERBS 2 lb. very ripe tomatoes 1 small onion, finely minced 1 clove garlic, minced 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely minced 1/2 tsp. dried basil (or use finely chopped fresh to taste) 1/4 cup olive oil Wine vinegar Salt and pepper to taste 1 lb. spaghetti Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Peel and dice tomatoes; add onions, garlic, parsley, basil and olive oil. Season to taste with vinegar and salt and pepper. Set aside.

Boil spaghetti until al dente; drain. Toss hot spaghetti with tomato mixture. Serve with Parmesan cheese. Serves 4 to 6.

Tomato mixture can be prepared ahead and refrigerated, but bring

We dined at lunch in the casual downstairs with an open kitchen.

The menu is seasonal and changes depending on what is fresh from nearby farmers. I had heard so much about the tomato pie that I had to try it for an appetizer. It was scrumptious with ripe tomato slices topped with a layer of pimento cheese in a rich, buttery crust.

Other dishes we enjoyed and recommend include iceberg and bacon salad with toasted pecans tossed with a tasty buttermilk basil dressing, a top-notch crispy catfish sandwich with lettuce and tartar dressing on a potato bun and a delicate Sunburst to room temperature before mixing with pasta.

SARAH’S FRESH TOMATO SALSA Beth Brewer cups chopped peeled fresh tomatoes 1/4 cup finely chopped onion 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1 Tbsp. olive or vegetable oil 1 Tbsp. vinegar 1 tsp. ground cumin 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. garlic salt Mix all the ingredients together.

Serve with chips.

Store in the refrigerator.

TOMATO, AVOCADO AND FETA SALAD Ginelle Weissinger 2 large tomatoes, sliced into thin wedges ½ red onion, thinly sliced 2 avocadoes, peeled, seeded and sliced into wedges ½ cup crumbled feta cheese ¼ cup. extra virgin olive oil ¼ cup red wine vinegar Sea salt and freshly ground pepper In a bowl combine tomatoes, onion, avocado and feta. Drizzle with oil and vinegar. Gently toss.

Add sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste.

PANZANELLA SALAD Carol Duncan Only make this in the summer when the freshest tomatoes are available.

8 oz. day old baguette, cubed Water 4 small fresh tomatoes 1 small red onion, small dice 1 cup fresh basil, snipped with scissors 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ¼ cup good quality extra virgin olive oil Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste Place bread in a me-

trout paired with a lemon butter sauce garnished with an olive relish.

We also savored angel biscuits that were the best we have tried. They were served with whipped unsalted butter and cane syrup, then drizzled with syrup and a sprinkling of flake sea salt to give it a little crunch and saltiness.

The chef shared where I could get the recipe, but I can’t publish it since it is copyrighted. If you would like to have it, let me know.

For dessert, we shared a salted caramel budino with homemade pecan sandies.

The silky, creamy pudding topped with the caramel was sublime. Desserts are prepared by the executive pastry chef Kristen Hall.

If you are a fan of steaks, a Bear Creek Farm Coulotte is available on the lunch and dinner menu. “Coulotte” is French for a tender top sirloin steak that is a triangle cut of meat with fat on the top. It is smoked for about an hour while remaining rare. The steak

is cooled and finished on the grill. The dinner menu also includes a bone-in ribeye, New York strip, lamb, duck, chicken and seafood.

Chef Rob is a five-time James Beard Foundation Best Chef: South semifinalist and was honored as Auburn University’s 2012 Outstanding Hotel and Restaurant Management Program Alumnus.

I didn’t ask Chef Rob for the tomato pie recipe, but he recently shared it with Garden and Gun magazine, and they posted it on Facebook. It is good and so are the yummy tomato pie recipes in the recipe section from wonderful local cooks.

For a light supper, try the Pasta with Fresh Tomatoes, Garlic and Herbs.

You can add grilled chicken or shrimp. Serve with a green salad and crusty bread.

Look over the recipes and try a few his week, including one or two of the tomato pie recipes, while tomatoes are in peak season.

dium mixing bowl and cover with water. Soak bread 3 to 5 minutes.

In small batches, remove bread in handfuls from the water and wring it out without mashing or tearing bread.

Combine tomatoes with onions and basil in a second bowl and dress with vinegar, oil, salt and pepper.

Add bread to tomato salad and combine. Adjust seasonings and serve.

Serves 4.

cheese Balsamic reduction (recipe follows) Extra virgin olive oil Fresh basil leaves, chopped Slice tomatoes and layer with mozzarella.

Drizzle with balsamic reduction and olive oil and sprinkle basil leaves over top.

Balsamic Reduction: In a saucepan, pour 1/2 cup balsamic vinegar over high heat. Stir until it thickens. Remove from heat and cool (will get thicker when it cools.

TOMATO, GOAT CHEESE AND ONION TART Jo Anne Woodall 9 inch piecrust 3 Tbsp. olive oil 1 large onion, thinly sliced Salt and pepper 6 oz (1 1/3 cups) goat cheese crumbles, mild soft variety 1 lb. plum tomatoes, thinly sliced crosswise Fresh basil leaves for garnish Preheat oven 375 degrees. Bake piecrust in a 9 inch tart pan or pie plate; cool.

Heat 2 tablespoons oil in heavy skillet; sauté onion; season with salt and black pepper.

Preheat broiler. Spread onion in baked shell, then add 1 cup goat cheese.

Arrange tomatoes in concentric circle over cheese; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Salt and pepper to taste; drizzle with remaining olive oil. Cover edges of crust with foil so it does not overbrown.

Place tart on baking sheet; broil about 7 inches from heat until cheese starts to brown slightly.

Garnish with fresh basil leaves. Serves 6-8 as a first course or 4 as a main course.

CAPRESE SALAD WITH BALSAMIC REDUCTION Janine Simmons 6 summer tomatoes using a mix of Heirloom and regular Fresh mozzarella

TOMATO CASSEROLE Diane Wages Casserole is delicious with string beans, field peas, pork, ham or fish.

6 to 8 medium-sized fresh tomatoes or can use 1 1/2 can tomatoes 1/2 tsp. salt Dash of pepper Dash of oregano 1 tsp. sugar 2 cups Pepperidge Farm bread stuffing 2 onions, cut in thin rings 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese Mix tomatoes and juice with 1/2 tsp. salt, dash of pepper, dash of oregano and 1 tsp. sugar. Place alternate layers of tomato mixture, bread stuffing, onion and cheese in casserole and top with bread crumbs.

Bake at 350 degrees until well done. Can be prepared ahead.

FRESH TOMATO SALAD Cissy Yarbrough Thick sliced fresh tomatoes Dressing: ¼ cup oil 2 Tbsp. wine vinegar 2 tsp. prepared mustard 1 clove chopped garlic 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. sugar ¼ tsp. black pepper ¼ cup chopped parsley Combine dressing ingredients. Pour over thick sliced fresh tomatoes no more than one hour before serving.

A11 July 14, 2022

Downtown Auburn to Host ‘Cheers on the Corner’

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN — Just around the corner is another opportunity for the community to enjoy an evening of food, drinks and fun.

The Downtown Auburn Merchants Association will host its sixth annual “Cheers on the Corner” event Friday, July 22, from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Auburn.

The area will be closed to through traffic at that time.

Dubbed “one of the most popular annual events on the Plains,” guests will be able to get a taste of what downtown Auburn has to offer while enjoying live music and good company.

“This is a fun event, and our merchants really enjoy it, too,” said Downtown Coordinator Jessica Kohn.

This year’s event will

feature live music from the Front Seven Band, vendors and more than 20 “stops” along the trail, according to Kohn.

Each stop will showcase a bite of food from a different local business such as Acre, The Hound or Drafthouse. These bites will pair with a sample of an alcoholic beverage, which Kohn said could be wine, beer or a cocktail.

Guests must be at least 21 years old and pur-

chase a ticket to sample the food and beverages, and food samples are limited to one per ticket holder. Tickets are $45 in advance and $50 the day of the event. Attendees will also receive a souvenir wine glass.

“You only have to purchase a ticket if you plan to sample the food and beverages, but downtown is still open to the public, and anyone can come and enjoy the live music, extended shop-

ping hours and street vendors,” Kohn said. “I do encourage everyone who plans to participate in the event to purchase their ticket ahead of time. Last year and in 2019, we sold out before the event started.”

Kohn said this is the first year guests will have the option to check in early to Cheers on the Corner, which will aim to cut down on long lines after the event starts.

Cheers on the Corner is the largest annual event put on by the Downtown Auburn Merchants Association.

Profits from the event will help fund other downtown events, live music during football season, marketing efforts and more, Kohn added.

The event will happen rain or shine. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit downtownauburnonline. com/events.

Kidding Around Goats Ahead!

Pick Home Instead!

CONTRIBUTED BY NATALIE DOWNS LEE COUNTY — Have you ever heard the saying, “GOAT” (Greatest Of All Time)? Well, Home Instead Senior

Care Auburn-Opelika brought goats and it was truly the GOAT! Home Instead of Opelika/Auburn partnered with Auburn Assisted Living to provide a little fun for their residents.

Residents did not have to go far to beat the heat and go to the farm. The residents enjoyed the facilities’s back porch sitting area with rocking chairs, beautiful flowers and rock wall water

fountain.

Along with the beautiful scenery from the porch, Home Instead’s Community Outreach Coordinator, Natalie Downs, and her daughter, brought their family goats,

Zeke and Twig, for a visit.

The residents had a wonderful time and shared stories from when they were younger and had goats in their own homes.

Some residents had

never held or fed a goat, making the event truly the GOAT. There was delicious summer fruit and cool lemonade beverages with many goat snuggles.

Dajialyn

Heart Transplant Survivor

The path to mending her heart began Dajialyn was born with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and at 3 PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

months old was placed on the waiting list for a heart transplant.

When her foster parents got the call to care for her, they never hesitated – and in July 2021, they received the call with the news she would get her new heart. Within hours she was at Children’s of Alabama in surgery. Her transplant was a success, and Dajialyn is walking, talking and doing all the things that keep parents of any toddler on their toes.

Learn more at ChildrensAL.org/heart

CV-0001_Here_Dajialyn_Ad_4.88x10-B&W-PROD.indd 1

7/1/22 3:19 PM

A12 July 14, 2022

The Main Thing

WALTER ALBRITTON

T

he popular Baptist preacher Peter Lord got an “Amen” from me when I heard him insist that churches need to “make the main thing the main thing.” Jesus, he said, is the main thing and should be the central focus of ministry and preaching.

I could not agree more. Nothing is more important than lifting up Jesus so

people may understand the absolute authority of Jesus as the Son of God. Christ alone is worthy of our love and our worship because he reflects and represents God himself. God has fully revealed himself in the Son. Jesus himself said, “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).

All the scriptures point to Jesus. Their overarching goal is to make Christ known.

Look, for example, at the well-known 23rd Psalm. David wrote, “The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want….” Hundreds of years later, a man is born who is known as “The Lord.” That man was Jesus, who said, “I am the good

shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me….” (John 10:14). Inspired by the Holy Spirit, the early disciples said, “Jesus is Lord, and He is our Shepherd!”

And that Gentle Shepherd was sent by the Father to become our great Guide, Protector and Provider.

The writer of Hebrews, in chapter one, hammers home the superiority of Jesus.

In the beginning, he said, God spoke.

Over the centuries God spoke again, many times. God is not remote and indifferent. His love moved him to make himself known. He did that supremely when he sent his Son to be born in a stable.

In the coming of Je-

sus, God spoke again, decisively. He made it clear he expected people to listen and heed the word he proclaimed in Jesus.

Remember God’s words spoken during the transfiguration of Jesus: “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. Listen to him” (Matthew 17:5).

Consider, according to the writer of Hebrews, what God said about Jesus.

He is the “heir of all things,” having shared in the creation of all things. So everything belongs to Jesus. This is consistent with the teaching of John and Paul that all things were created by Christ, and for him. All things are held together by the “powerful word” of Christ. Christ, then, is the “glue” that holds us together.

Without him, we are constantly coming apart at the seams.

With him, the pieces of life fit and stay together.

Christ radiates the glory of God because he is “the exact representation” of God. He took care of our sins by taking them to the cross so we have re-

demption through his blood. When his work was finished, Christ returned to heaven where he was granted the place of highest honor by being seated at “the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

The early Christians, recent converts from Judaism, were at risk for slipping away from the faith. So the writer of Hebrews issued them a warning which we today need to heed: “We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away” (Hebrews 2:1).

The fire of our faith can dim when we become absorbed with mundane affairs. Like the early disciples we need to become aware of the grave danger of ignoring our “great salvation.”

We can become so busy with endless activities, work and recreation that we slowly drift away from keeping Christ first in our lives. Many “good” things can thwart us from keeping “the main thing the main thing.” Parents can use so much energy helping their children become “All Stars”

that there is no energy left to help them embrace basic biblical values. Neglect, more than evil deeds, can rob us of our love of Jesus and prevent us from teaching our children the value of regular worship and Bible study.

Today is a good time to remember what God said when he spoke, and to pay more attention to doing what pleases Him. Wise parents can get off the merry-go-round, gather the children for prayer, and resolve to put Jesus first in the family. Doing nothing may be to neglect “the main thing” until it is too late.

While life remains, we can choose to listen to God, give Jesus his rightful place of honor in our lives, and make new priorities out of gratitude for the great salvation God has offered us in His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Answer the question: Is Jesus the main thing in your life?

If not, start today!

It’s never too late to start making the main thing the main thing in your life.

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Just Like Our Bank.

115 years ago AuburnBank was founded on the principles of sound money management and putting the customer first. As we’ve opened our new home in downtown Auburn, those principles still drive everything we do. Come by and help us celebrate our most recent success, and let’s talk about helping you achieve yours.

A13 July 14, 2022

OBITUARIES CARRIE LOU CLINE GOSDIN Carrie Lou Cline Gosdin, known by so many as Gigi, passed away on July 7, 2022.

She was born on 26 July 1926 in Greasy Cove, Alabama to George Cline and Emma Starling Cline.

Survived by her daughter Robin Gosdin Farrell (Joel) and grandchildren Revin Farrell (Brittany) and Jordan Farrell. She has two surviving siblings Bobby Cline (Patsy) and Janie Pannell. Her 10 siblings blessed her life with numerous nieces and nephews, whom she loved, adored, and doted on.

She was preceded by her husband Revin “Rebe” Gosdin, her parents, and siblings LG Cline, Christine Lancaster, Dick Cline, Leo Cline, Clara Collett, Frank Cline, Bernice Sullivan, Mac Cline.

She served as a Dietician and School Lunch Manager for the Montgomery Public Schools, including Morningview Elementary and Brewbaker Elementary, as well as substituting at various schools after her retirement.

She had a wealth of experiences in her 95 years. As a child she lived through the Great Depression. She also grew up on the Goodyear Golf Course in Gadsden where her father constructed and managed the course.

During World War II, she was nicknamed Lil’ Bit while working at Goodyear because she could crawl inside rubber fuel bladders for bombers to inspect for leaks. After she

married the love of her life, they traveled for USO shows with her husband’s gospel bluegrass group Rebe and Rabe and the Sunny Valley Boys. She continued to travel with her husband’s group to small communities across the South. With her husband’s career in music and working at WBAM she often had to host and entertain at the last minute when her husband called to say he was bringing special guests/new entertainers on the circuit to the house for lunch or dinner.

She was a wonderful cook and won a ribbon at the Alabama State Fair cooking/baking contest. Carrie and her husband were involved in the campaign for Governor John Patterson and were also instrumental in the Governor increasing funding for foster and adoption agencies after they adopted their daughter, Robin.

She began her married life in Bessemer, Alabama prior to moving to Montgomery. She was a founding and active member of Evangel Temple Assembly of God. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. She played bridge weekly with a local group of ladies and was also involved with her daughter’s school activities. She enjoyed chaperoning and hosting activities for the JD Band and Mr. George Hammett from 1976 to 1980. After retirement, she served as a tour guide for several senior church groups. They traveled to Nova Scotia and other venues.

She moved to Auburn in 2005 to be closer to her daughter, son-in-law and her

grandsons who were the light of her world.

She was an active member at Cornerstone Church and attended regularly until her physical mobility limited her attending.

While in Auburn, she was involved in her grandson’s school activities as well as later in their sports and band performances. She attended a weekly ladies Bible study and played weekly bridge until the pandemic. She was an avid Atlanta Braves fan and an Auburn University football fan.

Visitation, Service and Graveside were held on 12 July 2022.

Visitation was held from 11:30 to 12:45 at Jeffcoat-Trant in Opelika, AL. Funeral service was held at 1:00 PM in the Jeffcoat-Trant Chapel.

Graveside Service will be in Montgomery, AL at Greenwood Serenity Memorial Gardens at 3:30 PM. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations in Gigi’s memory as listed on the Jeffcoat-Trant site www. jeffcoattrant.com.

Auburn University College of Nursing Memorial gifts for Carrie Lou Cline Gosdin may be made to the “Auburn University Foundation” to the Carrie Lou Cline Gosdin Annual Fund for Excellence in the College of Nursing to support students in the Family Nurse Practitioner Program and mailed to: Gift Processing 317 S. College Street Auburn, AL 36849 Mercy Medical Ministry and Clinic: www. mercymedicalauburn. org/ Baby Steps: www. babysteps.org/ Agape: /www.agape-

forchildren.org/ Women’s Hope: www. womenshope.org/

PERRY WAYNE MEZICK Perry Wayne Mezick, 59 of Opelika, passed away July 7, 2022 at EAMC. He was born December 23, 1962. Visitation was held from 5:00pm until 7:00pm, Saturday July 9, 2022, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

Mr. Mezick is preceded in death by his brother Michael Frank Mezick. He is survived by his wife Lisa S. Mezick; children: Shayna Roberts, Amanda Mezick, Brent Fraser, Anderly Mezick, Angela Fraser; siblings: Robbie (Eric) Jackson, Marty Mezick, Chris (Danni) Mezick; mother Doris A Mezick; father Franklin (Diana) Mezick; 12 grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

DAVID W. KNUTSON, SR. David W. Knutson, Sr., of Opelika, was born on Nov. 18, 1957 and passed away on July 7, 2022. He was 64 years old.

Siblings for David Knutson: Bob Knutson, wife Brenda, Alma Center WI; Frank Knutson, wife Sharon, Stanley WI; Susan Bryant, husband Paul, Notasulga Alabama,; Joy Henry, husband Jim, Oregon; Karla Byess, Valley, Alabama..

Visitation was held Sunday, July 10, 2022, in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 1 until 3

p.m.

Funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Sunday, July 10, 2022 at 3 p.m.

Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

KATHERINE (DUCHESNE) DECESARE Katherine DeCesare was a caring mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She left this world after a courageous battle with cancer on July 2, 2022.

She was born to Irene and Thomas Duchesne on September 27, 1942 in Lawrence, Massachusetts.

Katherine is survived by her daughters Wendy DeCesare (Portsmouth, NH), Lori Doyle and husband Jim (St. John, IN), and Lynn Weaver and husband Greg (Opelika, AL). Her grandchildren Jimmy Doyle and fiancée Mikaylah Levenson, Haley Spivey and husband Gage, and her sister Dr. Lillian Arleque and husband Wayne.

Kathy loved spending time with her family, especially at the beach in New England, where she spent most of her life before moving to Auburn, Alabama.

She was a trusted and loving friend. Her family is saddened by her passing, but joyous at the blessings she has provided them.

No services are planned, but please take a moment the next time you are at the beach on a sunny day and join Katherine’s family in remembering and celebrating her life.

In lieu of flowers please consider donat-

ing to Woof Avenue Rescue in Auburn, Alabama or the American Cancer Society.

JOHN "JOHNNY" F. DAVIS, JR. John "Johnny" F. Davis, Jr., of Opelika was born in the Lee County Hospital on July 5, 1943, and passed away at his home on July 10, 2022. He was 79 years old.

He was a member of Northside Baptist Church. He retired from the United States Air Force as a Tech Sergeant after serving 20 years. Johnny was the inventory officer for the Alabama Department of Conservation for 21 years before retiring. He was proud of his two sons, he loved family, old cars and Alabama Football.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Annie Ruth Cherry and John F. Davis, Sr. Johnny is survived by his wife of 55 years, Sara F. Davis; children, Chris Davis, Jason Davis (Misty); grandchildren, Shelby, Jacob, and Andrew; sister, Jan Roller (Tom); brother, Danny "Boone" Davis (Vicky); special nephew Craig Ray, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.

Visitation will be held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Thursday, July 14, 2022 from 1 until 2:30 p.m.

Graveside will be held July 14, 2022 at 3 p.m. in the Garden Hills Cemetery with Pastor Johnny Coker officiating.

THE SHEPHERDS LIFE TOUR Saturday, July 16 at 6 p.m.

Family group singing mainly Southern Gospel - most music written by Debra Shepherd – appeals to a diverse group of audiences.

Check them out at theshepherdsonline.net.

First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th Street on the corner of 1st Ave. in Opelika

Pre-Need Services Available Call 334-749-8700 for an appointment.

Your Full-Service Funeral Home

A14 July 14, 2022

This is Liberation!

BRUCE GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

L

ightning is an example of electricity in a raw, uncontrolled form.

We all understand the importance of respecting it or suffering the consequences. We are also mindful of electricity in more controlled forms –– say an electric fence or a power line. However, thanks to the work of Ben Franklin and others, we also understand that electricity is not something we have to

be terrified of. Under the right conditions, we can minimize its hazardous potential and harness its great power.

This understanding has liberated us in regard to powering our world and pushing technological advancements (Whether we have always used those wisely is another question for another post).

Electricity is not a perfect analogy for God. It is an impersonal power, while God is a personal being. Electricity can be controlled and manipulated by us, while God cannot. But what I’m after in this comparison is the idea that revering God is like respecting electricity in that both bring us liberation. God wants to be our friend (John 15:13-15), but He can’t be our buddy or pal –– He can only be our

Holy Friend. Revering God makes it possible for that wonderful relationship to happen.

This is why the writer of Proverbs tells us, “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding” (9:10). You can miss some beginnings and still move on (like the beginning of a ballgame or a song).

Other beginnings aren’t quite as forgiving. If you miss the beginning of a novel, you need to go back and read it so you will fully grasp its trajectory. That’s also true in academic studies –– if you miss the fundamental principles, you won’t be able to understand more advanced levels because they are built on those principles.

It’s very much that

way with revering God. You simply cannot have wisdom if you don’t have reverence for God because wisdom is built upon it. Without reverence for God, we inevitably drift into making God into our image rather than allowing Him to make us into His –– and there’s nothing wise about that.

Proverbs 9:10 is worth a deeper look. One of the features of many of the proverbs is parallelism –– repeating the same truth in a slightly different way.

For example, wisdom and understanding are obvious synonyms. So also are the phrases “the fear of the Lord” and “knowledge of the Holy One”. What is fear of the Lord? It is knowledge of the Holy One. Proverbs 22:4 adds another layer to this when it tells us, “Humility is

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN the fear of the Lord; its wages are riches and honor and life.” It all adds up. Fear of the Lord is knowledge of the Holy One, which is humility.

This is why Jesus begins the beatitudes with “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God” (Matthew 5:3).

There are more blessings from the fear of the Lord (the phrase is found a dozen times in Proverbs). It is a “fountain of life” (14:27), it leads to “life” (19:23), where “one rests content, untouched by trouble.”

All of this is reason for us “to always be zealous for the fear of the Lord” (23:17).

That is liberation!

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-ofgrace-with-bruce-green. com

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website:www. a-taste-of-gracewith-bruce-green.com

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

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away. — Matthew 24:35

CHURCH DIRECTORY

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

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672

334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117

334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika

BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528

Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487

10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181

Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184

AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH Good Sheperd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608

EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054

Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika

METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St.,

Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949 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 Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

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A15 July 14, 2022

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A16 July 14, 2022

COMICS

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

S

INSIDE B1 - B8: • AUBURN CITY SCHOOLS • AUBURN UNIVERSITY • COMMUNITY SPORTS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS • SUSCC

S

Tee Time Golf Studios is Eager to Serve Opelika-Auburn

D. MARK MITCHELL

Dixie Boys Baseball State Tournament PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

O

OPELIKA — Bobby Reaves is a golf fanatic.

Within the last year, rumors of Topgolf coming to the AuburnOpelika area got Reaves and the community excited. Turns out, the party venue/sports bar/golf experience eluded Lee County. That’s when Reaves turned his love of golf and inspiration into action to bring his business, Tee Time Golf Studios, to the area.

“I looked at doing this probably close to two years ago, right before COVID,” Reaves said.

“We saw that Topgolf was trying to come in … but the timing was not good and so on and so forth.”

Tee Time Golf Studios

Team-Opelika President Michael Hilyer, First Baptist Church Pastor Dr. Jeff Meyers, Minister of Music Bruce Hill, AO Tourism’s Anthony Terling, Opelika Parks & Recreation Athletic Director Missy Martin and Auburn University baseball coach Butch Thompson.

Each guest made comments; Meyers gave the invocation; Hill sang the national anthem; Fuller, Smith and Anders welcomed fans; and Thompson was the guest speaker.

I met Thompson shortly after he was named as Auburn’s head baseball coach. He made a trip to iHeartRadio station to be a guest on my morning sports show, On the Mark. The three-hour show starts at 6 a.m. and ends at 9 a.m. Thompson had to get up early and drive to the Orthopaedic Clinic Studio, where he

AUBURN — Auburn men's basketball head coach Bruce Pearl and his daughter Jacqui Pearl, who is the executive director for the nonprofit The Koinonia Foundation, have partnered with Down Syndrome Alabama to bring the Hoops for Hope camp to Neville Arena.

The camp is for individuals 12 and older who have Down syndrome and will be hosted by the Auburn basketball program on Friday, July 29.

“It’s about showing these kids and adults with Down syndrome a good

See SPORTS, page B8

See HOPE, page B4

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

ON THE MARK

OPELIKA — pelika hosted the 2022 Alabama Dixie Boys Baseball (DBB) State Tournament at West Ridge Park last weekend. Ten teams representing their city and league gathered Friday night for opening ceremony and first round of games.

As the state director over DBB for ages 13 to 19, I oversee the tournament and make sure all teams' credentials are correct, games are played in order and if rain occurs, the games which must be rescheduled. Opening ceremonies is another item that must be planned by the state director.

Friday’s opening ceremony involved several community members including: Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, Opelika City Council President Eddie Smith, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, ESG

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS OPELIKA: JULY 28 AT 4:30 P.M. LEE COUNTY: AUGUST 9 AT 6:30 P.M. AUBURN: AUGUST 9 AT 6:30 P.M.

is located at USA Town Center on Fox Run Avenue in Opelika, Suite 215. The interactive, indoor golf studio features five individual swinging bays, with plans to add a putting bay in the near future.

Tee Time Golf offers customers an interactive, authentic and immersive place to play golf, with data-driven feedback.

“It’s a ton of data — face angle, launch angle, back spin, etc.,” Reaves

said. “This will give them a means of seeing tangible data to better themselves — plus the fun factor,” Reaves said.

“As long as you can interpret the data on the screen, you can easily teach yourself to be better at golf.

Tee Time Golf Studio allows visitors to virtually play 18 holes on some of the country’s most famous golfing venues like Pebble Beach and St. Andrews,

to name a few.

“It’s professional courses you are playing,” Reaves said. “It’s very authentic.”

At Tee Time, aspiring golfers and the sport fanatics alike receive the benefit of playing the same courses as PGA professionals, however, without the worry of environmental hazards like heat, wind and rain.

A core difference between places like Topgolf and Tee Time Golf Studios is the hyper-realistic golfing experience. Whereas Topgolf focuses on driving for distance and accuracy, Tee Time puts the golfer on the course where all aspects — driving, chipping and putting — are factors.

“You’re playing real golf, inside,” Reaves said.

See GOLF, page B4

Auburn Aims to Hoop for Hope

BY JAKE GONZALEZ FOR THE OBSERVER

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B2 July 14, 2022

Auburn Athletics Unveils the SPIRIT Exchange as Part of NIL Program CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN ATHLETICS AUBURN — Auburn Athletics, in conjunction with INFLCR, has announced the launch of the SPIRIT Exchange to expand its ongoing Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program for student-athletes. The SPIRIT Exchange is the latest innovation to help Auburn student-athletes maximize NIL opportunities.

This streamlined, easy-to-navigate platform is a free service to both student-athletes and third parties. It serves as a directory and customized portal to connect businesses, collectives, donors, alumni and fans with student-athletes to explore, negotiate and enter into NIL transactions.

“At Auburn, we

remain committed to leading in the NIL space by providing additional resources for our student-athletes to maximize their NIL potential,” said Director of Athletics Allen Greene.

“As the NIL landscape continues to evolve, we are committed to evolving as well. Unlocking this marketplace functionality through SPIRIT Exchange enhances our partnership with INFCLR and more importantly, provides student-athletes with a turnkey one-stop shop for all things NIL." The SPIRIT Exchange is a custom-designed student-athlete NIL business registry for businesses, collectives, donors, alumni, fans and others wishing to connect specifically with student-athletes at Auburn University.

After a business,

collective or individual registers on the SPIRIT Exchange, they can access a searchable database of Auburn student-athletes and filter that database through a variety of criteria.

They can message the student-athlete directly in the application or request the student-athlete's contact information (or that of their representative) to start a discussion about an NIL transaction. INFLCR and Auburn will not be involved in any of the negotiations.

Once an NIL agreement is reached, a customized reporting form that is compliant with the Auburn Athletics’ Name, Image and Likeness guidelines, is generated and forwarded to the institution.

The platform also includes a payment processing tool to securely pay the student-athletes

and will be consolidated into a 1099 form that lives in the student-athlete's INFLCR app for more efficient tax reporting.

Businesses, collectives or individuals can register now at auspiritexchange.com. Auburn will opt in all student-athletes, who may opt out if they choose not to participate.

"The Auburn Tigers were one of INFLCR's first clients back in 2017, and more recently provided key input on what was needed of the INFLCR+ Local Exchange as it was being built, so we're thrilled to finally announce the SPIRIT Exchange, an expansion of their NIL program,” said Jim Cavale, president of INFLCR. — “A year after announcing Auburn’s INFLCR powered SPIRIT NIL program, it's important

for us to continue providing best-in-class resources to that program, including the exchange platform for student-athletes to capitalize on the personal brands SPIRIT has helped them build with no burdening transaction fees.”

ABOUT SPIRIT In 2021, Auburn Athletics announced the launch of SPIRIT, a comprehensive Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) program designed to educate and empower student-athletes and prepare them to optimize NIL opportunities. For additional information, visit auburntigers.com/spirit.

ABOUT INFLCR INFLCR, a Teamworks product, is the leading athlete brand-building and NIL business management app for elite athletic organizations. The

INFLCR athlete app educates student-athletes, coaches and staff for the NIL era in a safe and compliant environment, all powered by best-in-class content delivery for student-athletes to access and share content to their social media channels. INFLCR works with more than 250 collegiate and professional sports organizations.

Impactful features like the INFLCR Local & Global Exchange provide local and national companies with the ability to find, communicate, pay and report NIL transactions with student-athletes, maximizing their NIL earning potential with streamlined reporting for their institution and their personal tax returns.

Visit inflcr.com for more information.

Heart of the Tigers: Auburn Football’s Most Important Players in 2022 AUBURN — Football, as much as any sport, is a complete team game. All 11 guys have to work as a cohesive unit to execute the game plan and win the game.

More often than not, a few guys out of the 22 that step on the field can make the difference.

As Bryan Harsin heads into his second season on the plains, there are more question marks than ever before: The quarterback battle, the entire wide receiver core and offensive line, the schemes that will be used on both sides of the ball following the departures of both coordinators and whatever actually occurred in the offseason involving him and the board of trustees and vice versa.

With all of that happening, this is truly a make-or-break season for Harsin, and these are the five players that will be at the heart of the Tigers' success or failure in 2022.

ZACH CALZADA OR T.J. FINLEY OR WHOEVER ELSE LINES UP UNDER CENTER This is probably the most obvious take on this entire list, but it doesn’t make it any less important. If Auburn is going to have success, it needs to see better production out of Finley or Calzada.

I believe that Calzada will be the one that starts at quarterback when Auburn takes the field against Mercer on Sept. 3.

In reality, whoever lines up behind Nick Brahms and next to Tank Bigsby needs to be prepared to utilize the few weapons that surround him. That includes their legs, and

Calzada is much better in that department than Finely.

Last season with Texas A&M, Calzada completed 56% of his passes for a little over 2,100 yards and 17 touchdowns.

That was with one of the worst offensive lines in the SEC last season. The Tigers' line may not be much of an improvement over the Aggies last season but with a little bit more time Calzada can perform better.

OWEN PAPPOE Coming into the 2022 season, Auburn has lost two of its three starters out of the linebacker room. The only returning starter is Owen Pappoe. The former five-star was ranked No. 25 in the nation coming out of high school and the best outside linebacker in the class.

Since arriving on campus, Pappoe has been a day-one starter.

If not for injury last season, he very well could have been daytwo draft pick alongside Roger McCreary.

Pappoe being healthy this year will be a massive boost for a very young linebacker room.

With new linebacker coach Christian Robinson, Pappoe’s veteran presence will be a wonderful addition to the young group. If he is able to stay healthy, Pappoe can be the leader and presence in the middle of the field that former Auburn players, K.J. Britt and Deshaun Davis were and more.

DERRICK HALL Hall is on this list for what he brings along the edge of the defensive line but also for what he brings in terms of leadership in the locker room. It is no secret that Hall

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

BY JAKE GONZALEZ FOR THE OBSERVER

Auburn junior running back Tank Bigsby (No. 4) rushes in the 2021 Iron Bowl.

was Harsin’s biggest supporter this past off-season and took a leadership position among the Tigers.

That might be the most important thing that Hall can bring to this roster. True leadership. For the last couple of seasons under Malzahn, the Tigers never truly had a good leader on the team. If Hall can succeed as a leader, this team’s potential can be infinitely higher than anyone expects.

As edge rusher last

season, Hall provided the Tigers with nine sacks and 54 total tackles. Thirteen of those tackles were for a loss. Hall had a season-high three sacks in the Iron Bowl last year.

TANK BIGSBY The next player that will make this list is none other than Tank Bigsby himself.

Everyone knows what Tank can do when given the time and the space. We’ve all seen it. Get him the ball and more often than not he is going to pick up

positive yards. Even if there is no lane for him to run through.

If Bigsby can get back some of his freshman performance and new offensive coordinator Eric Kiesau can utilize him to his full potential, this Auburn offense gets exponentially better. At the end of the day just give Bigsby the ball and he will do good things.

THE OFFENSIVE LINE — YES. THE WHOLE UNIT. In the last years of the Malzahn era, Auburn failed to be

able to recruit any offensive lineman directly out of high school. Most of the current members of the offensive line were from the class of 2017 or transferred in.

The only exception to the list is junior Keiondre Jones who signed in the class of 2019 out of Callaway.

The makeup of the line this year should be the same as last season with Austin Troxell at right tackle, Jones at right guard, Nick Brahms at center, Brandon Council at left guard and Killian Zierer at left tackle.

This is a group with a ton of experience.

Three of the five are super seniors, and all five played together last season.

Experience isn’t always a recipe for success, though. For the past couple of seasons, we have seen this same group struggle and struggle at protecting the quarterback and creating running lanes for the running back group. If this Auburn team is to succeed in 2022, the entire offensive line has to improve.

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B3 July 14, 2022

State Youth Take Center Stage on the Diamond

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The Dixie Boys Baseball State Tournament took place in Opelika at West Ridge Park last weekend. For more information about the play, read D. Mark Mitchell's column on B1

Gearing Up for the Future Assessing Auburn’s Progress in Class of 2023

AUBURN –– The Auburn University football program has seen a multitude of highs and lows over the course of the past year; a season of promise seemingly crashed and burned following the injury to starting quarterback Bo Nix, rumors swirled regarding first-year head coach Bryan Harsin and

personnel turnover has been the only constant.

Since the drama began to die down surrounding the program, Harsin and company have been able to go to work on preparing for the upcoming campaign and — more importantly — building for the future. That future begins with the precise assembly of commitments from the class of 2023.

As it stands, the Tigers

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have received just four commitments in this year’s recruiting cycle, placing them at No. 68 in Division I, per 247 Sports. With that being said, there is a long time between now and the early signing period; very few expect Auburn to pull a recruiting class ranked outside of the top-25.

For now, the orange and blue need to concentrate on assembling the

right pieces.

Despite speculation surrounding Auburn’s ability to win games in 2022, most agree that the team’s strong point lies on the defensive side of the ball; Owen Pappoe and Nehamiah Pritchett will return for their senior seasons, Jaylin Simpson will likely round out the cornerback position and the majority See FUTURE, page B4

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer and Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, Alabama 36801 334-745-5706

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

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B4 July 14, 2022

SUSCC Recognizes First FAME Graduates CONTRIBUTED BY SUSCC

GOLF >> FROM B1 “It’s an arcade experience, but it’s still real golf. [At Topgolf] you aren’t playing golf. It’s the amusement of it, like an arcade, but for the serious golfer, it’s very tough.”

Apart from seeing the need for more entertainment-based activities in the area, Reaves said he wanted to open Tee Time, in part, to help grow the game of golf locally. Reaves has future plans to involve local schools and youth organizations to provide aspiring golfers a place to hone their craft.

enjoyed learning about the day-to-day aspect of the workplace and appreciated the chance to

“My experience with the FAME program was great,” he said. “In addition to learning about

culture of manufacturing. Students graduate with the tools to not just fill open jobs, but to be PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA –– Two years ago, nine students entered the FAME program at Southern Union State Community College.

This past May, three members of that cohort became the first graduates of the program.

The FAME program is an earn-and-learn apprenticeship where students spend time in the classroom and on the job at their sponsoring company. Upon completion of the program, students graduate with an Advanced Manufacturing degree, and usually a job opportunity. Originally developed and refined

by Toyota, stewardship of the FAME program has recently transitioned to The Manufacturing Institute, the workforce and education partner of the National Association of Manufacturers.

FAME chapters are currently operating in 13 states with nearly 400 partner companies.

Hayden Aderholt, Jordin Roysdon and Andrew Williams are

now employed by their sponsoring company, (RAPA, West Frazier and Baxter, respectively)

Pictured at Southern Union’s Spring Commencement are recent FAME graduates Hayden Aderholt of Auburn, Jordin Roysdon of Roanoke and Andrew Williams of Beauregard.

after spending a minimum of 24 hours a week at their respective companies, and 16 hours a week in class at SUSCC over the past two years.

The students said they

“I have a passion for growing the game and furthering everyone else’s abilities, so that’s why I wanted to put this in,” Reaves said. “I’m planning to get a PGA professional in here to give lessons.”

Tee Time Golf Studio is set to open on Aug. 4.

A ribbon cutting with the Opelika Chamber of Commerce is planned for a later date. Initially, the business will only be open to the public on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, with the other days reserved for local school teams to come practice.

Customers can play

gain insight from a wide range of coworkers.

Roysdon said the program showed him that there is a lot more to manufacturing than just producing a product.

18 holes and immerse themselves in some of the most legendary golf courses in existence for $35 an hour. In the future, Reaves hopes to offer memberships in a similar fashion to other golf courses.

For more information on Tee Time Golf Studios, visit its Facebook page Tee Time Golf Studios.

“We needed something like this,” Reaves said. “Everyone was super pumped about Topgolf coming in, but I am a fan of the momand-pop kind of places.

Come check us out.”

industrial maintenance as a whole, I learned speech and leadership skills, as well.”

The FAME apprenticeship program teaches the skills and the

HOPE >> FROM B1 time through basketball,” Jacqui said. “It really gives the players and coaches an opportunity to interact with a community they wouldn’t normally be able to. I’m really excited.”

The camp participants will be able to run drills with the Tiger players and be able to even play a little basketball with them, according to the flyer that Down Syndrome of Alabama released on July 6.

This event began back in 2007 when Bruce was the head coach at Tennessee. This is

FUTURE >> FROM B3

PHOTO S CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

of the remaining Tiger secondary has more than one year of eligibility.

With a solid returning core behind the front, Harsin and company will likely look to add two or three linebackers for future depth; Jaiden Ausberry remains at the top of the itinerary. The four-star Baton Rouge native could be a makeor-break for the 2023 defensive class.

When it comes to the defensive line, the orange and blue has its work cut out for it.

As it stands, Auburn has no commits at the position and has yet to show a definitive game plan for filling future holes. Three-star Joshua Horton has remained among the Tigers' list of targets; other names have been listed as on and off the list periodically.

There are currently more question marks

successful leaders in the manufacturing industry.

Roysdon and Aderholt said they were teamed with other technicians and were exposed to various departments

within the plant.

“It was nice to have the other employees show you the normal routines of what goes on in the plant,” Aderholt said. Roydson added, “I had a variety of people who were willing to help me learn the ropes.”

As a whole generation of skilled workers is retiring, there is a gap left for employers. The FAME program helps students get an education while helping to fill this gap.

“I’m very glad that I had the opportunity to participate in the program,” Aderholt said.

“I am proud of these guys for believing in the program since they started it during the COVID year (2020) and stuck with it through all the challenges,” said Tim Beasley, FAME coordinator at SUSCC. “It’s a small group of graduates, but they are quality young men who represent SUSCC and their high schools well.”

For more information about the FAME program at SUSCC, visit www.fameontheplains. com, or contact Beasley at tbeasley@suscc.edu.

the first time that the Pearls have done the camp since Bruce left Knoxville and took the head coaching job on the Plains.

“This guy, David Sexton and his son, had this idea of doing a basketball camp for kids with Down syndrome,” Jacqui said. “They had this idea and contacted the Tennessee basketball program and it kind of started from there. A couple of years back they contacted me to see if we wanted to start it back up at Auburn.”

The Pearls originally planned to start this back up right before the start of the COVID pandemic, but the virus shut down

the camp and everything else.

The camp will be free for participants, and registration is on a firstcome-first serve basis with members of Down Syndrome Alabama being able to register first. Registration for the event can be made on Down Syndrome Alabama’s website, www.downsyndromealabama.org/inspire_ events/hoops-for-hope/, as well as more information about the Pearls and the event.

The camp is open for the public to come and watch as the participants play some basketball with members of Auburn men’s basketball team.

than clear answers on the offensive side of the ball; the receiving core is certainly the biggest unknown of them all. With the likes of Shedrick Jackson, Ja’Varrius Johnson and Ze’Vian Capers all set to depart after this season, there are plenty of snaps for younger players to earn.

Granted, Auburn did acquire both Dazalin Worsham (Miami) and Koy Moore (LSU) through the transfer portal and earned a commitment from CentralPhenix City’s Karmello English, relieving some stress to build for the future. Another addition may prove beneficial.

More important than just filling up a receiving room, Auburn is making strides to set itself up for success at the tight end position. After adding Micha Riley-Ducker from Bellevue West in the 2022 class, all attention turned towards earning the commitment of four-star Jelani

Thurman. According to many, Thurman has — and continues to be — the Tigers' first-choice in the TE department and have set themselves up to land a commitment from the Langston Hughes standout.

As for the current state of the offensive line, Auburn has earned just one commitment: Auburn High School’s Bradyn Joiner. Beyond that, the orange and blue are in desperate need of help in protecting their backfield.

Look for an increased presence in this department both at the high school level as well as the transfer portal.

In the midst of the recruiting dead-period, Harsin and his staff have the opportunity to reevaluate where they believe they stand in terms of the class of 2023. As mentioned already, there is a wealth of time between now and the beginning of a signing period which may prove crucial to the second-year coach’s success at Auburn.

B5 July 14, 2022

Junior Disc Golfers Vie for Glory

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The Alabama Junior Disc Golf Championship took place in Opelika, Saturday, July 9, at the Opelika SportsPlex. Thirty-four athletes from age 6 to 18 competed in the PDGA sanctioned event.

SOUTHERN CHRISTIAN LOOKING FOR HOMESCHOOL VOLLEYBALL, FOOTBALL PLAYERS Southern Christian Athletics still has some room for junior varsity and varsity players for this year’s eightman football program and volleyball team. Southern Christian provides athletic opportunities for homeschool students and students attending private schools without sports teams. Girls’ volleyball is also currently having tryouts, and the winter will feature both boys’ and girls’ basketball.

The varsity’s first football game is against Lafayette Christian on Aug. 19 at Moore Stadium in Opelika.

Practices for both teams are held at Providence Baptist Church, 2807 Lee County Road 166, Opelika, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please call (334) 750-2794 for further information.

Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys Announces “Call Me Alabama Scholarship” CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BIRMINGHAM — Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys, a leading and influential national personal injury law firm based in Birmingham, Alabama, has launched the inaugural “Call Me Alabama Scholarship” to support the next generation of Alabama attorneys. The scholarship will provide three law students in Alabama with financial assistance for the 2022-2023 academic year.

“As a born and raised Alabamian, I am passionate about the future of our state and the next generation of judicial advocates,” said Alexander Shunnarah, founder and president of Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. “I’m urging all law students in Alabama to call on me for an investment in their future, so I can help equip them with additional resources and tools to serve our great state.”

Three “Call Me Alabama Scholarship” winners will

receive up to $5,000. Upon selection, scholarship funds will be paid directly to the winners’ schools, as it must be used for tuition or education expenses.

Entries for the “Call Me Alabama Scholarship” close on July 31, 2022. Winners will be announced by Sept.

15, 2022.

Detailed application information and eligibility requirements can be found at www.shunnarah. com/call-me-alabamascholarship/.

B6 July 14, 2022

Students, Recent Graduates Learning on the Job Via Impactful Summer Internships CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY

AUBURN –– While summer is a time of leisure for many, a number of Auburn University students and recent graduates are spending their time getting crucial experience via summer internships.

The on-the-job training they are receiving through these opportunities not only is giving them quality experience they can build upon, but also could serve as springboards to long and successful careers.

Auburn students are utilizing the summer months to pursue a variety of passions and serve several varying roles at businesses and offices around the country.

Three of those Tigers — Tyler Ward, Sydney McCurley and Angel Cagle — are hard at work in Washington, D.C., Montana and Florida, respectively, this summer as they gain valuable experience and represent their university well.

MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN D.C. Ward’s innate desire for helping others and making a difference fueled his passions on the Plains while pursuing an education and shaping his experiences at Auburn.

From his time as a Student Government Association, or SGA, senator for the College of Liberal Arts or serving as the SGA’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion chair, Ward worked to expand representation for marginalized groups on campus during his time on the Plains. Ward — who graduated this spring with a degree in political science—also served as the executive vice president for the Black Student Union and assistant vice president of media operations for the SGA. He now has embarked on a journey to Washington, D.C., where he is interning for Rep. Terri Sewell, who represents Alabama’s 7th District. Ward learned of the internship opportunity through Auburn journalism advisor Letitia Gulley-Smith.

“It was getting down to

the wire of me not being sure what I was going to be doing after graduation, so it came at just the right time,” Ward said.

Sewell’s commitment to improving voting rights for all citizens struck a chord with Ward and is a big part of what made him want to work in her office.

“Civil rights and voting rights issues have been huge for me and very instrumental in why I wanted to do politics in general,” Ward said.

“Rep. Sewell passed the John Lewis Voting Rights Act of 2021, and I thought that not only was a great way to commemorate a leader that I looked up so much to like John Lewis, but also expressed a lot of the same things I felt when it comes to voting rights.

She’s big in my district, and it’s been great to see all the work she’s done and implement it toward educational resources.”

Ward is learning all facets of working in a major political office and is enjoying the chance to experience a wide array of duties and responsibilities.

“They really break us up into different phases in the office, and we will do things with speech writing, press releases, a little toward the administrative side of answering the phones and writing constituent letters and even a little toward the legislative side in researching policy, understanding how a bill gets to the floor and who can co-sponsor different things,” said Ward, who traveled to Washington, D.C., in the past with a civil engagement class.

“So, looking around to see what areas speak to us the most and then carrying that to the rest of our internship in specific areas. It’s just really, really, really cool.”

The experience Ward is getting in the nation’s capital this summer will be instrumental, he feels, in helping guide the next few years of his academic and professional life.

“It’s a great launching pad,” Ward said. “Even if I don’t want to specifically do this job and work on the Hill, it’ll give me opportunities to do other things too, which is cool

to see. I think I want to go back to school at some point and get more education under my belt.

This job is really helping me understand what kind of master’s or Ph.Ds I might want to pursue and is giving me a way to see up close the different jobs I’ve heard about to help me see if they’re something I would like or enjoy.”

Ward said he feels his Auburn experience working in student government and with other organizations, coupled with the instruction he received as a political science major, gave him a great foundation upon which to build.

“Liberal Arts and [political science] really prepared me a lot, whether it’s from the educational stance and being able to experience things as a student, but also in knowing the fundamentals of bills, history and how things work,” Ward said. “Things like SGA and my extracurricular activities really gave me a good landscape of politics in general because learning how to reach across the aisle and gather constituent support are things we talked about a lot that we use every day up here [in D.C.]. So, it’s really cool to see the things we learned [at Auburn] and what we took away from our experiences really do make such a huge, huge impact.”

MOUNTAINS OF EXPERIENCE McCurley, a senior from Dothan, Alabama, is majoring in hospitality management, on the event management track.

Her internship at The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana, runs from May 15 to Aug. 5.

McCurley learned about The Ranch at the annual hospitality career fair. It was the first time The Ranch recruited students at Auburn.

McCurley said Associate Professor David Martin encouraged her to consider The Ranch for an internship since he was familiar with its reputation.

McCurley also had a little familiarity with The Ranch herself, which likely gave her a leg up

in the interview process.

The Ranch is a Relais & Chateaux property, meaning it is one of about 600 boutique hotel and fine-dining restaurants across the world known for luxury.

McCurley’s internship last summer was at a Relais & Chateaux property.

“I felt that experience helped me get the job since I was already familiar with the luxury standards of its properties,” she said. “I interviewed twice for the position before receiving it. They appreciated my events background.”

That background also included serving as one of the hospitality management students charged with planning and executing this year’s Hospitality Gala, which was held in person in April for the first time in three years.

In Montana, McCurley has two roles: PM server and event liaison.

At The Ranch, AM servers oversee breakfast and lunch, and PM servers handle dinner. As a PM server, McCurley works in the Granite Lodge serving multiple-course meals and interacting with guests.

The other role has her working on events at the property, including private dinners and such.

The Granite Lodge is one of four places for guests to stay at The Ranch. It features nine one-of-a-kind rooms, each adorned in iconic western themes. Its dinner menu features a different culinary tour of western Montana each night.

McCurley noted that The Ranch strives to offer personal experiences for its guests so servers like herself are deliberately matched with the same people during their stay. This way, McCurley will know guests’ preferences and can provide a more unique experience for them.

“We are expected to deliver high-quality service at all times, no matter our job,” McCurley said. “Events at The Ranch are executed according to the Forbes Five Star Standards.”

The Forbes Five Star is an award a hospitality

business can achieve by delivering the 900 Forbes Standards in daily operation. It is renewed every year.

“A five-star rating makes this property very high class, even as a ranch. In fact, it was the first five-star ranch in the country,” noted McCurley.

McCurley is certain Auburn’s hospitality management program prepared her to be successful in any internship.

She said the knowledge gained in class is easily understood when it can be applied in the field. An example is the Hospitality Gala.

“We really had to think about every aspect of that event, like the color scheme and how to make it work. I can use that knowledge when I am asked about the decor for events here,” she said.

“I came prepared to learn and fulfill my roles at The Ranch.”

When McCurley returns to Auburn for the fall semester, it will be her last on the Plains.

She’ll add The Ranch to her resume in hopes of landing a job in event management following graduation in December.

“I am getting to work on events far more intimately than I have before,” she said. “An internship like this has been an opportunity to apply what I have learned in class, creating a holistic education of the hospitality industry.

“I believe my experiences and Auburn education will help me get the right job for me. I would like to be the one planning the events, or at least work my way up to that.”

INTO THE WOODS Cagle, a senior studying forestry in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, is spending her summer as an intern in Pace, Florida, with Resource Management Services, or RMS, a global timber investment firm headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama.

The company is involved in every aspect of timberland investing, including forest management, timber merchandising,

environmental stewardship and wildlife management.

“I am performing duties like cruising timber and marking SMZs [streamside management zones],” said Cagle, a member of the college’s Forest, Environment and Wildlife Leadership Academy. “I am also shadowing RMS employees to learn more about their business and their day-to-day responsibilities.”

Cagle lined up the internship through Auburn’s Forestry Club, which provides students with opportunities for interviews and the chance to network with professionals in the field.

“This internship will build a foundation of real-world, hands-on experience that will enhance my education at Auburn,” Cagle said. “My classes have provided me with the knowledge I need for this internship. The field experience I gained at the college’s summer practicum has been especially invaluable.”

Cagle, a native of Haleyville, Alabama, will graduate in spring 2023 and plans to work in land management.

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs.

Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.

PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION

Tyler Ward –– who graduated from Auburn this spring with a bachelor’s in political science—is putting his degree to use in Washington, D.C., where he is working in Rep. Terri Sewell’s office.

Sydney McCurley — a senior from Dothan, Alabama, who is on the event management track in hospitality management — is thoroughly enjoying her summer internship at The Ranch at Rock Creek in Philipsburg, Montana.

Angel Cagle, a senior studying forestry in the College of Forestry, Wildlife and Environment, is interning with Resource Management Services in Pace, Florida, this summer. Her duties involve cruising timber and marking streamside management zones.

B7 July 14, 2022

Auburn Engineering Alumnus Named CIO at U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY AUBURN — Saving lives: That’s the mission of Karl Mathias, newly appointed chief information officer, or CIO, at the Department of Health and Human Services, brings to his Washington, D.C., office every day.

“You can trace everything the department does straight back to keeping people healthy, getting sick people well and saving their lives,” Mathias, who earned his doctorate from Auburn University’s Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering in 1999 — commuting daily from Montgomery while serving at Maxwell Air Force Base, said.

“When I talk to my staff, I remind them not to forget why they’re here. Whether it’s IT governance, fixing computers or system administration, if systems don’t run well then someone might not get the health care they need.

“Then guess what happens? We don’t save their life. That’s why I’m here. I love this job and I love our mission.”

As HHS CIO, Mathias provides oversight of the information technology systems and cybersecurity activities for a workforce of more than 83,000, leads the department’s efforts in developing and implementing IT policies, managing high priority projects and planning strategic IT investments. He also oversees the department’s $7 billion IT portfolio.

HHS is comprised of multiple well-known federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services and the Food and Drug Administration, to name a few.

“HHS probably touches every single American,” Mathias said.

Comfortable in his previous role at the U.S. Marshals Service, Mathias was responsible for providing IT services and support to 7,600 employees, contractors and task force officers across 475 locations in the U.S. and eight overseas.

What changed?

“You hear about people struggling,” said Mathias, whose sister worked 20 years as a nurse practitioner and daughter who works as a nurse on a rapid response unit in Columbus, Ohio. “You hear about loved ones who are sick, people with terrible diseases who are in danger of not being able to pay medical bills. These things are just tragic.

I thought to myself, ‘I can keep doing what I’m doing at the Marshals Service, which was a great job, or I can do something about it. I decided to do something about it.”

Mathias, a U.S. Air Force veteran, said his management philosophy is simple. He leads by enabling.

“When you’re a department-level CIO and you work for a cabinet-level official, you really need to get into the nuts and bolts of making strategic planning, governance and oversight machine run properly,” he said.

“We have operating divisions like the CDC and FDA, and their managers develop the systems that are going to track infectious diseases and monitor the food that’s coming into the country, and so forth. My job is

to ensure those projects are viable, are well-managed and are an effective use of taxpayer funds.

“My philosophy is to enable the operating divisions to do their missions — not get in their way and not overregulate them. Instead, I look to spot potential issues and help head them off. You don’t just point out problems and say, ‘fix it.’ You help get them the resources needed to solve the problems.”

Lessons learned at Auburn — technical, organizational and fundamental approaches

to digging for knowledge — are applied toward decision-making and problem-solving at the federal level.

“Recognizing the difficulty of a problem and understanding the technology and resources required to solve that problem can be traced back to my time at Auburn,” said Mathias, who was attracted to the university in the mid1990s while stationed in Montgomery after reading a research paper published by James Cross, former chair of the computer science and software

engineering department. “Some of the things we really get into here at the HHS are data analysis algorithms, data storage technology and retrieval techniques. These were disciplines I learned at Auburn.

“Through its technical preparation, Auburn helps students recognize the complexity of each problem you’re going to face.

There’s great value in the technical education. People want to downplay the stuff we’re all required to learn in computer science with data structures and algorithms, but you will use it again.

“Part of the reason I hated to leave Auburn was the university instilled in me a desire to learn how to research, how to analyze problems, how to develop solutions and how to implement and maintain complex systems. When you take the totality of what I learned in my doctoral program at Auburn, I’m putting it to use every day. I know how to analyze a problem and

find a solution. I know where to point people.

I know how to organize. This came from Auburn.”

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none.

Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.

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files/documents/USDA-OASCR%20 P-Complaint-Form-0508-0002-50811-28-17Fax2Mail.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 6329992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by: 1.mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or 2.fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 6907442; or 3.email: program.intake@usda.gov This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

05/05/2022

B8 July 14, 2022

Kind Acts and Music Beat the Heat

T

gone out of their way to help each other. This just naturally puts a smile on our face. Last week I was so encouraged as a senior adult when a young man saw me struggling in the heat to put my grocery cart back in the cart lot. I was far from the lot, but the young man came out of his way to put my cart back where it belonged. Also, after purchasing my annual car tag from Lee County courthouse, a young man helped me to put my new tag on my car free of charge. I told him he was a lifesaver and gave him a handful of Lifesavers.

Being a recipient of these simple kind actions encouraged me so much with a great big smile of true gratitude.

Kindness does not cost a thing, but the benefits kindness pays out for you and others cannot

be measured. Kindness can be shown too with a smile for others.

During this season of uncertain times, we can experience stress.

A smile even from our eyes from someone can ease stress and help us to be encouraged and give us hope. It takes less muscles to smile than to frown. Medical professionals tell us in overall health that smiling does help our immune system to function better by giving it a boost as well as lowering our blood pressure and taking away stress.

Smiling can trigger certain neurotransmitters to be released which help us to feel good all over.

Socially and emotionally, a smile from someone else can encourage us, too. This is a free gift that you can give to someone else.

One area that brings joy and a smile both physically and to our hearts is music. Young children simply delight in music and song. As parents and teachers of young children, we see how music can bring smiles, joy and happiness into the family as well as the classroom.

Even little babies and infants are very aware and sensitive to the rhythm, intonation and tempo of music. It’s such a joy to hear early childhood teachers rock and sing to the little babies. It’s even more special for mommies to sing to their babies. An infant quickly recognizes his or her mother’s

singing voice. Young children love to repeat familiar tunes.

When teaching toddlers, I learned quickly that they are great imitators. Toddlers love to do songs that involve motions with their hands and feet.

Preschool children ages 2 through 5 enjoy music just for music. They are not concerned about pitch or right key. This age group loves to clap, dance, skip and do the motions with the songs.

They simply love to sing and hum when they are playing and doing their little jobs. Playing music in your home or car is thoroughly enjoyed by your young child.

There are so many ways for parents to share the gift of music with their children. Singing directions are done in the early childhood classroom as children move through the transitions from subjects, centers, snacks and cleanup.

Singing directions with young children to clean their rooms or help with household chores will make the tasks more colorful and fun. Wake up your child with a song on your heart.

This will bring a smile for both of you, as well as plant a song in your heart. Young children are great imitators of models of kindness.

In sharing some acts of kindness with the preschoolers that I am so very blessed to help teach, I have asked their opinions on how to do something kind

replied, “Absolutely! What time do I need to be at the park?” This was not shocking to me; that’s his nature, helping kids.

Thompson is coming off another successful season, guiding the Tigers to the World Series in Omaha.

Thompson’s speech resonated with everyone in attendance. He spoke about playing baseball as a child and what his father taught him about baseball and life. The tough losses and the good wins. It was inspiring and made everyone –– players and fans –– think about life and baseball. Fuller summed up the speech with one word: powerful.

While Thompson was speaking at West Ridge

Park in Opelika, over 300 young players were at Plainsman Park participating in his camp.

Yes, Thompson left his own camp to speak to 10 teams made up of 13- and 14-year- olds. Auburn University is blessed to have Thompson leading its baseball program. He is one incredible person, father, coach and friend.

I appreciate everyone that was a part of the opening ceremony. Each person took time out of their schedule to attend and play a part in the ceremony.

As the Alabama DBB state director, I am proud to see the support from my friends, Fuller and Anders, my pastor, music minister, Smith, Hilyer, Terling and

city officials who gathered last Friday night to give their time for the 10 teams playing the state tournament.

The tournament finished late Sunday. Dothan won the 13U State and Auburn won the 14U State. Each will represent Alabama at the DBB world series in Sterlington, Louisiana, on July 22.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

BETH PINYERD

his past week in summer preschool, I had the pure joy of reading “The Very Lonely Firefly” by Eric Carle to the children. The very lonely firefly is about belonging. We all want to belong to a group. The preschoolers were so attentive because children young and old love to chase, catch and let go of fireflies better known as “lightning bugs.” Even when visiting my son in Michigan where it is a little cooler, we sat out on the porch with family in the evenings to observe the fireflies flitting about. Fireflies truly bring a smile to our face and into our hearts. Smiles and kindness truly bring us into a group of glowing love.

During this very hot season in our community, people have truly

SPORTS >> FROM B1 arrived punctually. He made it clear when the interview was set up that time was not a factor and it was important for him to speak to local Auburn fans and baseball lovers. We have remained friends since that day, and Thompson is a regular guest during baseball season. The DBB State Tournament was a perfect setting for Thompson to be our guest speaker during opening ceremonies. I reached out to Thompson after the season ended. I told him what was going on and asked if he would be a part of opening ceremonies. Coach quickly

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that brings on a smile.

Here are a few suggestions from our “Sit and Chats” that I would like to share from the hearts of young children.

Compliment and say something nice to family and friends. As young children would say, “Make another person feel happy and smile.” Recently I was reading a story to a class. I was wearing an old, faded shirt of summer colors that was just comfortable and cool. Without even prompting or probing, a 3-year-old preschool girl spontaneously complimented my old shirt. I had been personally having a hard day, and this compliment truly elevated this teacher’s mood and won my heart as I continued to read a book with a big smile.

Share with others. I love to see young children share their toys in center time. As children mature, they want to share and give.

Give something nature-made to a person.

As we early childhood classes head outside for recess, especially in the summer, year after year I have seen smiles and eager little eyes preparing something, and in this case, a gift to the teacher. I just love to see my little guys and gals go run, bend over in the grass and pick me a little wildflower and come running to me to put it in my hand. This always brings a smile of feeling loved to us teachers and

parents.

Holding the door for someone else is a suggestion that preschoolers said. This definitely brings on a smile.

Say “thank you” when someone does something nice for us. I love to hear young thankyous after preschool children are given a simple snack.

Pick up trash, clean up and do classroom and home chores without being asked to do it. This brings a heartfelt smile.

Drawing pictures and sending cards to our elderly friends truly bring a smile to our senior friends. I thank young moms for taking extra time with their children in having them draw happy pictures and mailing them, even to me, their teacher.

Refrigerators become a display of pictures and love art hung by magnets to reflect love and time spent in making a simple gift to bring a smile.

Tell someone you are sorry if you have done something wrong.

Young children are so free in giving hugs to each other in asking for forgiveness. Hugs bring young children into the group of glow.

Last but not least is to tell a person you love them. This truly brings a lifegiving smile.

1 Corinthians 13:13 states, “And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.”

Classroom Observer, Beth Pinyerd

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L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

Nov. 24, 2021

Thursday, July 14, 2022

Inside the Statehouse Women and Young Folks Prevail in 2022

STEVE FLOWERS

I

OPINION — n my observations of Alabama politics, every election year brings an underlying election year surprise or two. The underlying prevailing theme emerging from the Alabama political arena this year is that women have arrived politically in the Heart of Dixie.

Gov. Kay Ivey is only the second female elected governor of Alabama, Lurleen Wallace being the first in 1966. Ivey won a decisive second-term nomination as the Republican nominee in May. She will face another female Democratic nominee, Yolanda Flowers, in the November general election. This is the first time two women will face each other for governor.

In fact, the first and second place finishers in both the Republican and Democratic primaries were women. Ivey was followed by Lindy Blanchard, who finished second in the GOP primary. Flowers, a retired Birmingham educator, was in a runoff with second place Democratic female State Sen. Malika Sanders Fortier in the Democratic primary.

Katie Britt emerged victoriously from the Republican U.S. Senate contest and if elected in November, as is expected, she will be the first female elected to the U.S. Senate from Alabama. Britt is the brightest young star in Alabama politics. She is the new rock star of the state. Not only will she be the first female senator, but she is also the headliner for the second theme of 2022. That is, we have a pair of new youthful stars arriving on the scene as the dust settles from the June 21 runoffs. Wes Allen and Andrew Sorrell have become the new stars on the scene.

Allen defeated veteran politico, Jim

Ziegler, in the secretary of state race.

Andrew Sorrell bested Stan Cooke and Rusty Glover to become state auditor. Both Sorrell and Allen were about to become freshmen members of the Alabama House this time four years ago. Now, they are the new stars on the statewide political block.

They will be joining Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth as young constitutional officeholders with a future.

You have four young stars on the horizon in the state. The rockstar Britt is 40, superstar Ainsworth is 41, Allen is 46 and Sorrell is 36.

Another young superstar has arrived on the behind-the-scenes political consulting arena in Alabama politics.

Twenty-seven-year-old Sean Ross ran the Britt campaign masterfully. He is absolutely brilliant. He ran one of Twinkle Cavanaugh’s campaigns four years ago, when he was just graduating from the University of Alabama.

Britt did a good day’s work when she acquired his services with a recommendation from Cavanaugh. He is the hottest item in Alabama political consulting.

There were four vacancies in the Alabama State Senate. State Rep. Merika Coleman, a Bessemer attorney, won a very impressive victory for the seat of retiring Priscilla Dunn. She is young and brilliant and is going to be a star in the Alabama State Senate.

Lance Bell won the seat of retiring state Sen. Jim McClendon. Bell beat his opponent 73% to 27% in this Republican seat.

Keith Kelley emerged victorious over Wendy Ghee Draper in the Anniston-based Republican seat of retiring veteran state Sen. Del Marsh.

In probably the biggest upset surprise of the 2022 primary season was the victory of Josh Carnley to fill the Republican Southeast Alabama senate seat held for decades by the powerful and popular Jimmy Holley. This district is comprised of Coffee, Covington, Pike and part of Dale counties. Twelve-year veteran, State House member, Mike Jones of Andalusia was expected to waltz to victory having every business group's endorsement. Carnley carried his home county of Coffee, overwhelmingly, and veteran political consultant David Mowery did a masterful job with Carnley’s ads.

Deputy Coroner Appointed Coroner Following Harris’ Death

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM LEE COUNTY — The Lee County Commission approved Deputy Coroner and Smiths Station Deputy Fire Chief Daniel Sexton to act as Lee County Special Coroner during the Monday night meeting.

Coroner Bill Harris passed away on June 29 while on vacation with his family.

Harris had served as coroner in Lee County, and previously as chief deputy for over 30 years.

Probate Judge Bill English, in a letter to

Sexton last week, said that by law Sexton will serve until Ivey appoints a coroner or the next election.

The term ends January 2023. He was appointed Wednesday, July 6.

English also said that Sexton will need to appoint another deputy coroner, as he only has one right now.

“By this letter, you have full authority to act in the role of special coroner for Lee County,” English said.

Originally, Sexton said, one of Harris’ other deputy coroners, Chief Deputy Coroner Gene Manning, was appointed, but he resigned from his position.

“Obviously, I’m honored to continue to serve the

citizens,” Sexton said. “I’ve served the citizens of Lee County for a really long time. Bill also served in the coroner’s office for close to 30 years, and he had an uncanny ability to be able to connect with people and show compassion in what’s oftentimes a very bad day for them, the worst day that they’ve had sometimes in their entire life, having lost a loved one.

“So, obviously, we want to continue Bill’s legacy of compassion and care for the citizens of the county, and I’m happy to be nominated to be able to do that.”

Sexton said that when See CORONER, page B10

Jeremy Gray Selected for Prestigious CSG Henry Toll Fellowship CONTRIBUTED BY STATE REP. JEREMY GRAY

ALABAMA — The Council of State Governments has announced that Jeremy Gray has been selected to participate in the 2022 CSG Henry Toll Fellowship. Bringing together 48 individuals representing 32 states from several sectors of state government, the Henry Toll Fellowship is the nation’s premier leadership development program for state government officials.

"My hope is that I continue to build upon and cultivate the leadership qualities I already possess," Gray said.

"It will be pertinent to our democracy that as

See FLOWERS, page B10

NOW OPEN

GRAY lawmakers we continue to work across the aisle to get a consensus to move our respective states forward inclusively. A sign of a great leader is he or she

understands the need to be amongst other leaders to learn and grow."

Each year, the CSG Henry Toll Fellowship brings up to 48 leaders See GRAY, page B11

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B10 July 14, 2022

A ‘Hot’ Issue in 1977, Abortion Divided Our College Newspaper Staff

GREG MARKLEY

I

OPINION –– t was November 1977, four years after the controversial Roe v. Wade decision of the Supreme Court. That landmark decision essentially legalized abortions in the U.S. woman could have an abortion based on the right to privacy in the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Three weeks ago, after 50 years, the court ruled there was no longer a constitutional right to an abortion.

That decision, Dobbs v.

Jackson (MS) Women’s Health Organization, brought joy to pro-lifers

FLOWERS >> FROM B9 Popular first-term state Sen., Dan Roberts, was challenged by a self-financed urologist in Roberts’ silk stocking Jefferson/Shelby district, but Roberts won handily.

For the first time in 40 years, there will not be a Sanders representing the Black Belt in the Alabama Senate.

Veteran Sen. Hank Sanders failed in his bid to take back his seat he loaned to his daughter, the aforementioned Malika Sanders Fortier.

Hank had served nine terms as the Black Belt’s senator. He was defeated by Robert Stewart of Selma.

Jay Hovey won

and angst to pro-choicers.

It reminded me of the feud the issue brought to the college newspaper in Rhode Island where I was the assistant editor. Bill Baird, a fiery reproductive rights pioneer, was set to speak.

He was called the “father” of the birth control and abortion-rights movement. He was jailed eight times in the 1960s for lecturing on abortion and birth control. Our editor put an announcement of Baird’s visit on page 7 or 8 of the Rhode Island College Anchor.

This was despite the fact Baird was

the coveted Lee/ Tallapoosa/Russell County state senate seat, prevailing over incumbent Tom Whatley by one vote.

For the most part, the powerful 35-member state senate will return intact with only a few new faces.

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.

well-known and merited better coverage. His talk was O.K. in attendance but not as well-attended as some would like. For example, our main copy editor was vehemently pro-choice, and she harangued him about “hiding Baird’s visit because of your own views.”

Steve, the editor inchief, had six brothers and sisters. His father was a geography professor at the college and his mother was chairwoman of the state’s largest pro-life organization. I sometimes ate dinner with them at their long dinner table, but I didn’t have a fully formed opinion on Roe v. Wade and the ancillary issues such as protecting the woman’s health and abortions after a rape.

We had a staff meeting where Steve was voted out for using his power to weaken coverage for a speaker he morally opposed. This was sad because I was a friend of his. Yet, his misusing his influence in that case disturbed me as a budding journalist. Steve left the newspaper and I didn’t see him on campus for a month. But we eventually made amends.

I was ambitious, but getting the top editor job

was a consequence of his error in judgment, not part of a scheme of mine.

Let’s forward to 2022. In anticipation of the Dobbs decision, after the famous leak with intriguing details, The Economist explained that the justices face a crisis of legitimacy.

“The Supreme Court lacks an Army; it relies on others to give life to its decisions,” the newspaper said. “So far, whenever the court’s legitimacy has been questioned, it’s authority has held. Yet the justices would surely like their judgments to inspire more than acquiescence.

And it does not seem implausible that grudging acceptance might at some point devolve into defiance.”

The article notes that legendary Associate Justice Robert Jackson, who served from 1945 to 1954, was concerned that a favorable perception of the court’s legitimacy was essential.

“We are not final because we are infallible,” he said. “We are infallible only because we are final.”

While living in Texas in the early 1980s, after a Bible Study, a church member said she had to tell us something

important. Myself, another man and a second woman from class heard the speaker describe her having had an abortion choice. She was worried that if we found out, we would banish her from the church.

I said, “Of course not.

We are all in this tough world together.” The others agreed and we all hugged the woman.

Here in July 2022, a disappointment to me as Dobbs was being decided was the leak from Associate Justice Samuel Alito’s chambers.

Observers said it was likely a liberal trying to stir things up before the announcement. But I suspect a conservative might have done the leaking. Why? Because anti-Roe justices might have been afraid that the relatively moderate Chief Justice John Roberts might tamper down the final decision. He has done that before and has been praised for doing it. The Wall Street Journal reported that originalism played a role in Dobbs.

“This isn’t a partisan Court looking for preferred policy outcomes,” according to the WSJ. “It’s a Court that hews to

the tenets of originalism, with different shades of emphasis by different justices. The Court’s jurisprudence is focused more than anything else on who under the Constitution gets to decide policy, not what that policy should be.”

In the movie "Breach", a young FBI agent asks senior agent Robert Hannsen (a Russian spy) why he never sought personal publicity.

“I am in this career not for making headlines, but making history,” he said. Abortion rights activist Bill Baird, whose visit to my undergraduate college in 1977 led to my elevation to newspaper editor-in-chief, is 90 years old. He must be angry the way things turned out — with Roe v. Wade relegated to history.

Greg Markley moved to Lee County in 1996.

He has masters degrees in education and history.

He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 14 years.

He is a member of the national Education Writers Association (focus on Higher Education).

CORONER >>

Legislative Committee.

The Alabama County Commission Association includes a representative from each of Alabama’s 67 counties.

“The work of the 67-member Legislative Committee is essential to the policy success of all Alabama county governments,” said a memorandum to the Lee County Commission from County Administrator Holly Leverette.

The commission voted to nominate and approve District 2 Commissioner Ross Morris for the position.

“I did it for 2021-2022, and it’s a lot of learning to be done there, and Ross is a new commissioner.

I’d nominate Ross to be the legislative commissioner for our district, for our county,” said District

1 Commissioner Doug Cannon.

The commission also discussed a representative for the Investing in Alabama Counties’ Operations Council.

“The Council was established by ACCA’s Board of Directors as a 43-member team to direct the IAC program, with members representing each of the 41 participating counties,” said another memorandum from Leverette.

The Investing in Alabama Counties program was formed to help participating counties know how to spend allocated funding from the federal government legally.

Leverette shared with the commission that most counties participating chose the county administrator. The commission did not approve anyone at the

Monday night meeting.

OTHER BUSINESS: The commission heard a report from Dream Day Foundation Executive Director Marion Sankey.

The commission heard a report from Erica Norris on the IPMA-HR Southern Region 2022 Dayana Petete Outstanding Chapter Award for Lee County’s chapter.

The commission adopted a resolution for a leveling, resurfacing and striping project on Lee Road 137 (Wire Road).

The commission approved revisions to the Lee County Parks Rental Agreement to no longer require written proof of Lee County participants for tournament use; that lights will turn off at 10 p.m.; the time limits on fields and costs for tournaments; among other changes.

FROM B9 the next election takes place, he plans to run for the role. He still serves with the Smiths Station Fire Department and will be juggling both roles from now on.

“The coroner’s office will have to obviously become my primary role at that point, but I’ll continue to help [the fire department] as I can,” he said.

To read more on Harris’ life, check out The Observer’s story here: https://opelikaobserver. com/bill-harris/ REPRESENTATIVES The Lee County Commission voted to approve a representative during its commission meeting Monday night for the Alabama County Commission Association’s

ANGEL’S ANTIQUE & Flea Mall

Now Offering Gift Certificates

Home Furnishings & More 334-745-3221 • www.angelsmall.info 900 Columbus Parkway, Opelika, AL 36801 HOURS: 10 to 6 Monday - Saturday 1 to 5 Sunday

B11 July 14, 2022

GRAY >> FROM B9

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN AUBURN — Save the date for the city of Auburn 2022 Neighborhood Conference — an event geared toward neighborhood groups and all residents interested in the quality of life in Auburn’s neighborhoods.

The Neighborhood Conference is a free event that will take place on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Harris Center and Frank Brown Recreation Center.

It will include work sessions and a keynote speech along with opportunities to meet fellow neighbors who work to make Auburn safer, friendlier and lovelier every day.

The conference will begin with a presentation from City Manager Megan McGowen Crouch who will speak on Auburn’s council-manager form of government, its history and how the city relies on an engaged community.

Each participant will have the opportunity to attend three work sessions during the conference.

Preregistration is required to attend, and attendees will select their work sessions during the signup process. Registration will open on Monday, July 18, and close Friday, July 29. Space is limited, and preregistration is required.

The work sessions will provide valuable

information about city services and resources for neighborhoods. They will tackle topics like neighborhood safety and neighborhood engagement as well as information and tips from different city departments on things like water quality, recycling and general maintenance issues. For the full work session list, visit auburnalabama.org/neighborhood-conference.

“After last year’s event being canceled due to the pandemic, we are excited to give it another go," siad Allison Blankenship, neighborhood specialist and event coordinator. "We

See AUBURN, page B16

from all three branches of state government to the CSG national headquarters in Lexington, Kentucky, for an intensive, five-day leadership boot camp. The program’s sessions are designed to stimulate personal assessment and growth while providing priceless networking and relationship-building opportunities.

“While the CSG Henry Toll Fellows come from every region of our nation, from both political parties and all three branches of state government, they share one thing in common — they are all people of purpose with a passion for public service,” said CSG Executive Director/ CEO David Adkins, a former Kansas state senator and 1993 Toll Fellowship alumnus. “Toll Fellows are selected based on their demonstrated commitment to solve problems, to work collaboratively to get things done, and their

belief that state government can and must be a force for good.”

The CSG Henry Toll Fellowship encourages participants to evaluate and adapt the way they interact with each other and the world around them, providing an opportunity unlike any other in the nation. Providing a variety of exercises and sessions, the content of the program is different each year.

There are more than 1,300 graduates of the Toll Fellowship, which began in 1986.

Distinguished alumni include five state/territorial house speakers, three sitting state supreme court justices, 10 sitting members of Congress, five sitting governors and 200 Toll alumni currently serving as state/territorial legislators.

"Congratulations to the 2022 Toll Fellows for being selected to participate in the premier state government training program in the country,” said Washington state Sen. Sam Hunt, who serves as CSG National Chair for

2022. “As part of a very selective group chosen from state governments across the country, they are in for a rewarding experience. As a former Toll myself, I know they will sharpen their skills in making government more effective."

For more information on the CSG Henry Toll Fellowship, visit: csg. org/leadership or email leadershipdevelopment@ csg.org.

ABOUT THE COUNCIL OF STATE GOVERNMENTS The Council of State Governments is our nation’s only organization serving all three branches of state government. CSG is a region-based forum that fosters the exchange of insights and ideas to help state officials shape public policy. This offers unparalleled regional, national and international opportunities to network, develop leaders, collaborate and create problem-solving partnerships.

For more information about The Council of State Governments, visit csg.org.

SHOP EARLY AND SAVE

Alabama’s Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday JULY 15-17, 2022 3 DAYS ONLY! NO SALES TAX ON:

$100 or less

$50 or less

$750 or less

$30 or less

per item of clothing

per item for certain

on single purchases of

on any book.

(including diapers) or footwear

school supplies

computers/computer equipment

$50 or less on textbooks

alabamaretail.org/alabamasalestaxholidays

*4% state sales tax waived statewide; cities and counties can opt into the tax holiday, for savings up to 10% on covered items

B12 July 14, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES Notice of auction of abandoned vehicles.

BEST 4 LESS will be auctioning off The below mentioned vehicles on AUGUST 12, 2022. This Auction will be held at 2509 LAFAYETTE PARKWAY, OPELIKA, ALABAMA, 36801 at 10:00 a.m. If you have any questions in regards to either of the vehicles please give call at 334-705-0000.

VIN# 1N6AD0ER6DN733935 – 2013 NISSAN FRONTIER 3A8FY48B08T125474 – 2008 CHEVROLET PT CRUISER Legal Run 05/26/22 & 07/14/22 --------------IN RE. ESTATE OF GEORGE OMAR MENDEZ NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Michelle Aviles on the 7th day of July, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

(Lee Co. Probate Case No. 2022-328) Legal Run 07/14/22, 7/21/22 & 7/28/22 --------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF GERALD L. POUNCEY, SR., DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 7th day of July, 2022, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand and seal this 7th day of July, 2022.

SANDRA R. POUNCEY Legal Run 07/14/22, 07/21/22 & 07/28/22 --------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE THAT Letters of Testamentary were granted to Lauren Ashley Chambers as Executor of the Estate of Henri F. Davidson deceased, on the 21st day of June, 2022. Bythe Hon. Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN tat all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Alston E. Lyle Morgan & Lyle P.C. P.O. Box 2056 Columbus, GA 31902 Legal Run 07/14/22, 07/21/22 & 07/28/22 --------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF STANLEY AUSTIN MULLINS, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2022-294 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 1st day of July, 2022, 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.

RUSSELL A. MULLINS Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 07/14/22, 07/21/22 & 07/28/22 --------------STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1242 N Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, July 21, 2022 at 10:00AM Unit 223 Unit 311 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.

Run date is 07/14/2022 --------------STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY DOCKET NO. 2022-367 RE: ESTATE OF CAROLE ANN MCLAUGHLIN, DECEASED: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 1st day of July, 2022, by the 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 time allowed by law or the same will be barred. /s/ Gerald J. McLaughlin, Jr. Gerald J. McLaughlin Jr., Executor Attorney for Executor: Jacob J. (Jake) Key, Esq. Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 7/14/22, 7/21/22 & 7/28/22 --------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF ARTHUR HODGE METCALF, II DECEASED CASE NO. 2022-290 PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of ARTHUR HODGE METCALF 11 are hereby granted to Jean Hughes Metcalf on the 22 nd day of June, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Jean Hughes Metcalf Legal Run 07/14/22, 07/21/22 & 07/28/22 -------------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA HARDWOOD, LLC, Plaintiff, v. Case No.: CV-2022-900172 A tract or parcel of land designated as Parcel “C” containing 1.500 acres, as shown on a plat of survey of part of Section 5, Township 17 N, Range 29 E, Lee County, Alabama, prepared by F. Wayne Allen, Registered Land Surveyor, Ala. Reg. No. 9534, dated 12/26/96, and being more particularly described as follows: COMMENCE at the northeastern corner of the NW ¼ of said Section 5 and run thence South 70 deg. 08 min. 59 sec. East a distance of 146.69 feet to an iron stake found; run thence South 56 deg. 56 min. 08. sec. West to a distance of 14.72 feet to an iron stake found; run thence South 56 deg. 56 min. 08.sec. West for distance of 135.30 feet to an iron stake found; run thence South 42 deg. 43 min. 47 sec. East a distance of 390.63 feet to an iron stake found; run thence South 42 deg.

43 min. 57 sec. East a distance of 283. 66 feet to an iron stake set; run thence South 42 deg. 43 min. 51 sec, East a distance of 489.87 feet to an iron stake set which marks the POINT OF BEGINNING. From said POINT OF BEGINNING run thence South 42 deg. 43 min.

51 sec. East a distance of 494.43 feet to an iron stake found; run thence North 43 deg. 20 min. 53 sec. East a distance of 133.70 feet to an iron stake found; run thence North 42 deg. 43 min. 52 sec. West a distance of 485.29 feet to an iron stake set; run thence South 47 deg. 16 min. 08 sec. West a distance of 133.38 feet to the iron stake set which marks the Point of Beginning.

AND ALSO AN EASEMENT FOR THE PURPOSE OF INGRESS AND EGRESS: COMMENCE at the northeast corner of the NW ¼ of said Section 5 and run thence South 70 deg. 08 min. 59 sec. East a distance of 146.69 feet to an iron stake found; run thence South 56 deg. 56 min. 08 sec. West a distance of 14.72 feet to an iron stake found located on the easternmost right-of-way of Lee Road 425 which marks the POINT OF BEGINNING: FROM SAID POINT OF BEGINNING run South 56 deg. 56 min. 08 sec. West a distance of 15.00 feet to a point; run thence 42 deg. 43 min. 52 sec.

East a distance of 1626.73 feet to a point; run thence North 43 deg.

20 min. 50 sec. East a distance of 15.00 feet to an iron stake found; run thence North 42 deg. 43 min. 52

sec. West a distance of 1627.73 feet to the iron stake found which marks the Point of Beginning.

And Bonnie A. Bonner, and/or the unknown Heirs of Bonnie A. Bonner, And OneMain Financial Group, LLC Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.

You are hereby notified that on the 23rd day of May, 2022, a Complaint to Quiet Title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Hardwood, LLC, as Plaintiff; A Parcel of Real Property, described below, as Defendant; Bonnie A. Bonner, and/or the unknown Heirs of Bonnie A. Bonner, as Defendant; OneMain Financial Group, LLC, as successor in interest to American General Finance, Inc.; and unknown persons or entities who cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described herein.

All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 14th day of June, 2022. /s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Of Counsel, Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 324 East Magnolia Avenue Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 06/23/2022, 06/30/2022, 07/07/2022 & 07/14/2022 --------------ESTATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT - CASE NO. 2022-361 ESTATE OF JANICE B. WIGGINS, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Janice B. Wiggins, deceased, having been granted to J. Frank Wiggins this 30th day of June 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

J. Frank Wiggins, Personal Representative Legal Run 07/07/22, 07/14/22 & 07/21/22 --------------STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY OF AIKEN IN THE FAMILY COURT SECOND JUDICIAL CIRCUIT Case No. 22-DR-02-54 South Carolina Department of Social Services, Plaintiff Vs. Keith Bishop, Defendants.

SUMMONS, NOTICE AND PETITION FOR CENTRAL REGISTRY ENTRY TO: Keith Bishop YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Summons, Notice an Petition for Central Registry in this action, the original of which has been filed in the Aiken County Office of the Clerk of Court at 109 Park Ave., Aiken, SC 29801, on February 17,2022, a copy of which will be delivered to you upon request; and to serve a copy of your answer to the complaint upon the attorney, Susanna M. Ringler, for the Plaintiff at Post Office Drawer 1268 , Aiken,SC 29801, within thirty (30) days following the date of service upon you, exclusive of the day of such service; and if you fail to answer the complaint within the time stated, the Plaintiff will apply for judgment by default against the Defendant for the relief demanded in the complaint.

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that you have the right to be present and represented by an attorney.

If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will appoint an attorney to represent you. It is your responsibility to contact the Aiken County Clerk of Court’s Office, 109 Park Ave., Aiken, SC 29801, to apply for appointment of an attorney

to represent you if you cannot afford an attorney (take all of these papers with you if you apply). YOU MUST APPLY FOR THE APPOINTMENT OF AN ATTORNEY IMMEDIATELY. IF YOU DO NOT APPLY FOR AN ATTORNEY WITHIN THIRTY DAYS OF RECEIPT OF THE COMPLAINT, AN ATTORNEY WILL NOT BE APPOINTED FOR YOU. YOU ARE FURTHER NOTIFIED that a hearing will be held in this matter on August 16, 2022 at 2:00 p.m.. at the Aiken County Courthouse located at 109 Park Ave., Aiken, SC 29801. You should attend this hearing. If you do not attend, the relief sought may be granted in your absence.

Legal Run 06/30/22, 07/07/22, 07/14/22 & 07/21/22 ---------------

the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances.

Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said mortgage, as well as the attorney’s fees and expenses of foreclosure. This sale is subject to cancellation or postponement.

DONNA MONTGOMERY, Mortgagee-Transferee Donna Montgomery 1004 Lee Road 357, Valley, AL 36854.

706-905-5999 Legal Run 06/30/2022, 07/07/2022, 07/14/2022 ---------------

MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the terms and payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain mortgage executed by JAMES HOLLEY GRESHAM AND SUSAN MARIE GRESHAM, A MARRIED COUPLE, to DONNA MONTGOMERY on SEPTEMBER 29, 2005, said mortgage being recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of LEE County, Alabama, Mortgage Book 3270, Page 526, the undersigned DONNA MONTGOMERY, as mortgagee, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, at the entrance of the Lee County Courthouse, located at 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama, 36801, on July 29, 2022, between the legal hours of sale of 8:30 to 4:30 local time, the following described real estate situated in LEE County, Alabama, to wit: A tract or parcel of land lying in Section 31, Township 20 North, Range 29 East, Lee County, Alabama, being known and designated as PARCEL "A", according to a plat of survey prepared by Jack B. Shay, R.L.S. Ala. Reg. No. 15457, dated January 4, 2000, and being more particularly described as follows: COMMENCING at the Southeast corner of the Northeast Quarter of the Southeast Quarter of Section 31, run thence South 01 degree 11 minutes 32 seconds West a distance of 99.40 feet to an iron pin; thence run South 86 degrees 37 minutes 21 seconds West a distance of 278.12 feet to an iron pin located on the West right of way margin of Old Chattahoochee Valley Railway; thence run South 86 degrees 37 minutes 21 seconds West a distance of 505.00 feet to an iron pin marking the POINT OF BEGINNING; thence run South 86 degrees 37 minutes 21 seconds West a distance of 984.14 feet to an iron pin; thence run North 21 degrees 23 minutes 36 seconds West a distance of 698.74 feet to an iron pin located on the centerline of Lee Road 357 "Murphy Drive"; thence run along said Lee Road No. 357 "Murphy Drive" along a curve having a radius of 401.46 feet for an arc distance of 169.66 feet to an iron pin; thence continue along said Lee Road No. 357 "Murphy Drive" North 09 degrees 58 minutes 33 seconds East a distance of 74.44 feet to an iron pin which marks the centerline of a creek; thence continue along said Lee Road No. 357 "Murphy Drive" along a curve having a radius of 231.77 feet for an arc distance of 82.13 feet to an iron pin; thence run South 51 degrees 34 minutes 42 seconds East distance of 1446.14 feet to an iron pin and Point of Beginning. Situated in Lee County, Alabama.

ALSO SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, RESTRICTIONS, OR RIGHTS OF WAY WHICH MAY OR MAY NOT BE OF RECORD Subject to all zoning, easements, restrictions, restrictive covenants and reservations appearing of record. Said sale will also be made subject to any Federal Tax Liens, Ad Valorem Real Estate Taxes and\or Special Assessments of any nature, if any, which might adversely affect the title to the property.

The property is being sold "as is, where is". Said property is sold without warranty or recourse, expressed or implied as to title, use, enjoyment or condition. The mortgagee or transferee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the real estate and credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the real estate.

All bidders will be required to execute a bidding agreement prior to sale. Copies of the bidding agreement may be obtained prior to the sale. The successful bidder will be required to pay the bid amount at the time of sale in cash.

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF WANDA SZOSTAK CASE NO: 2016-A-168 NOTICE OF HEARING Notice is hereby given that an Annual Accounting for Partial Settlement for the Conservatorship of Wanda Szostak has been filed. A hearing has been set for the 3rd day of August 2022 at 9:00 a.m. central time, electronically via “ZOOM”.

Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing.

Bill English Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 07/07/22, 07/14/22 & 07/21/22 --------------INVITATION TO BID 22028 Sealed bids for the construction of the City of Opelika Fire Station #5 shall be received at the 2nd Floor Opelika City Hall Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on Tuesday August 2, 2022, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

There will be a Mandatory PreBid Conference on Tuesday July 26, 2022, at 2PM CST at 204 S. 7th St., 2nd Floor Conference Room, Opelika, Alabama 36801.

Any potential bidders must attend this mandatory pre-bid conference meeting.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule, or regulation for the performance of the work.

Options for obtaining Bid Documents are as follows: Hardcopy: Contact Auburn Reprographics, 660 North Dean Road, Auburn, AL 36830; (334) 501-8235; Attn: Greg Sellers; (E-mail greg@ auburnrepro.com) to obtain bid documents. Hardcopy sets are non-refundable. Bidders may view bidding document on the Auburn Reprographics digital plan room without charge. All bidding General Contractors must register with John Randall Wilson, Architect and Auburn Reprographics to receive updated bidding information including but not limited to potential Addenda, RFI’s and Changes to Bid Date.

Electronic (CD): Make check payable to Auburn Reprographics & Supply in the amount of $25. This amount is non-refundable. Shipping arrangements shall be made by the Contractor.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/ her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each

bid- refer also to Instructions to Bidders. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

As a condition for award, the business entity and its subcontractors shall not knowingly employ or hire an unauthorized alien within the State of Alabama.

The awarded business entity must provide documentation of enrollment in the E-Verify program. The business must participate in the E-Verify program for the length of the contract.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope¬li¬ka, Alabama 36803-0390. Attn: Opelika Fire Station #5 LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET 36801 (Delivery) POST OFFICE BOX 390 368030390 (Mail) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 07/07/22, 07/14/22 & 07/21/22 --------------INVITATION TO BID 22030 Sealed bids for the construction of the City-Wide ADA Improvements Project shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on day, August 9, 2022, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid.

All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-7055450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box.

The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/ her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted.

A Bid Bond in the amount of ten thousand ($10,000) dollars made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid.

Performance and Payment Bonds for one million ($1,000,000) will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities.

Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope-li¬ka, Alabama, 368030390. Attn: City-Wide ADA Improvements Project LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 07/14/22, 07/21/22 & 07/28/22 ---------------

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

B13 July 14, 2022

PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B12 CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, July 26, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting.

The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: Some items at this meeting will have a designated public hearing (noted below).

Individuals are limited to one 5-minute comment period per public hearing.

Approval of Minutes Update on Previous Planning Commission Cases IV. New Business Plat (Preliminary only) – Public Hearing A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Auston Shaw, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Shaw Estates subdivision consisting of 31 lots accessed from Oak Bowery Road.

A public hearing on a request by Brandon Bolt, authorized representative for Edgar Hughston Builder, Inc., property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the Fox Path subdivision consisting of 28 lots accessed from Highway 29 North.

Rezoning and Plat (Preliminary only) – Public Hearing (a) An agenda item related to a rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for 2.6 acres accessed from the 3250 block of Robert Trent Jones Trail from an Institutional land use category to a mixed use category. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the 2.6 acres and Council approves the rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved. (b) A rezoning public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Max Vaughn, authorized representative for Retirement Systems of Alabama, property owner, to rezone 2.6 acres accessed at the 3250 block of Robert Trent Jones Trail from an I-1 zone to a PUD zoning district.

A public hearing on a request by Max Vaughn, authorized representative for the Retirement Systems of Alabama, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the National Village Phase 6B subdivision consisting of 1 lot accessed from 3250 block of Robert Trent Jones Trail C. Plat (Preliminary and Final) – Public Hearing

A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, Barrett-Simpson, Inc., authorized representative for City of Opelika Water Works (Utilities Board of the City of Opelika) property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Opelika Utilities Property subdivision consisting of 5 lots accessed at 4055 Water Street.

D. Final Plat A request by Brooks Harris, authorized representative for Clayton Properties Group, Inc., property owner for final plat approval of Legacy Village Townhomes Phase 4 subdivision consisting of 20 lots accessed from Legacy Circle.

E. Conditional Use – Public Hearing A public hearing on a request by Edward L. Pettigrew Sr., authorized representative for Starr Group, LLC, property owner, for conditional use approval for a vehicle accessory installation business in the C-2, GC-P zoning district at 2417 Frederick Road, Unit 4 and 5.

Rezoning - Public Hearing (a) An agenda item related to a rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for 154 acres accessed from Sportsplex Parkway from a low-density residential land use category to a mixed-use category. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the 154 acres and Council approves the rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved. (b) A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Blake Rice, Barrett-Simpson, Inc., authorized representative of 280 Land Company, LLC. property owner, to rezone 154 acres on Sportsplex Parkway from R-3 to PUD. Old Business Conditional Use – Public Hearing A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Brookhaven Property Group, LLC, property owners, for conditional use approval to add 36 apartment units to Pinehurst Apartments in the R-4 zoning district accessed at 1500 Pinehurst Drive (700 block West Point Parkway).

(This item was tabled at the February 22nd PC meeting at the applicant’s request.)

A public hearing on a request by Blake Rice, Barrett-Simpson, Inc., authorized representative for Martin Burdette, property owner, for conditional use approval for an ATV (All-Terrain Vehicle) sales lot and maintenance shop in the C-3, GC-P zoning district accessed at 4800 Birmingham Highway (NW corner of Birmingham Hwy & Grand National Parkway).

(This item was tabled at the June 28, 2022 PC meeting.)

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/

public hearings.

The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council.

Please contact the Planning department at 334-705-5156 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 07/14/22 --------------SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district, as follows: From a C-2 District (Office/ Retail District) and a R-1 District (Rural District) to a C-2 District (Office/Retail District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: A tract or parcel of land located in Section 24, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the southeast corner of said Section 24; thence N89°58’22”W 783.90 feet to the west right-of-way limit of Society Hill Road, the point of beginning; thence leaving said rightof-way limit N89°58’22”W 2078.79 feet to the east line of Lot 1 of Broad Metro, LLC Plat No. 1 as recorded in Plat Book 42, Page 41 and 42, Probate Office, Lee County, Alabama, thence N42°46’46”W 381.76 feet along the east line of said Lot 1; thence N38°54’12”E 736.91 feet along the east line of said Lot 1 to the southwest corner of Lot 2 of Helen Mitchell Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 18, Page 160, Probate Office, Lee County, Alabama; thence along the south line of said Lot 2 the following bearings and distances: S88°59’08”E 478.12 feet; N88°53’53”E 237.89 feet; N88°59’08”E 291.63 feet; N88°08’11”E 500.42 feet; S89°08’39”E 89.83 feet to the northwest corner of Lot 2 of Elaine Subdivision as recorded in Plat Book 10, Page 221, Probate Office, Lee County, Alabama; thence S19°31’02”W 395.80 feet to the southwest corner of Lot 2 of said Elaine Subdivision; thence N89°04’03”E 589.63 feet along the south line of said Lot 2 to the west right-ofway limit of Society Hill Road; thence S19°28’48”W 538.21 feet along said rightof-way limit to the point of beginning.

The above-described property contains 40.0 acres, more or less, and is located on the west side of Society Hill Road and north of Gateway Drive, Opelika, Alabama.

Public Notice of this public

hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on July 7, 2022, in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Section 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975).

All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard.

Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-7055134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 14th day of July, 2022. /s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 07/14/2022 --------------SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, August 2, 2022, at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcels of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcels from one class of district to another class of district, as follows: From a R-1, GC-P District (Rural, Gateway CorridorPrimary Overlay District) to a C-2, GC-P District (Office/Retail, Gateway Corridor- Primary Overlay District), the parcels of land hereinafter described: PARCEL 1 Begin at the Southeast corner of the Northeast Quarter of Section 25, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama; thence North 89 degrees 25 minutes 00 seconds West, 1404.14 feet to a point; thence North 0 degree 45 minutes 12 seconds West, 345.09 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel to be described; thence continue North 0 degree 45 minutes 12 seconds West, 194.56 feet to a point; thence North 64 degrees 16 minutes 09 seconds West, 44.25 feet to a point; thence North 77 degrees 24 minutes 14 seconds West, 167.42 feet to a point on the Easterly margin of Lee County Road No. 43; thence along the margin of Lee County Road No. 43, South 28 degrees 07 minutes 20 seconds East, 165.31 feet to a point; thence leaving said margin of Lee County Road No. 43, South 72 degrees 41 minutes 47 seconds East, 301.54 feet to the point of beginning.

This description is taken from survey prepared by Boles Engineering dated September 3, 1991, and filed for record in Plat Book 15, at page 42, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

PARCEL 2 Commencing at the Southeast corner of the Northeast quarter of section 25, Township 19 North, Range 26 East in Lee County, Alabama, Run thence North 89 degrees 28 minutes West 2010.70 feet to a point; run thence North 44° 03’ East 82.80 feet to an iron pin found located where the Southeasterly margin of Lee County Highway 43 intersects the Northerly margin of a private drive; run thence along the margin of said Lee County Highway 43 North 35° 14’ 47” East 419.58 feet to a concrete right-of-way monument being PT 453 + 32.85; continuing along the margin of said highway run thence North 28° 07’ 20” East 21.30 feet to a point; continuing along said highway, continue to run North 28° 07’ 20” East 174.55 feet to an iron pin set and the Point of Beginning of the parcel of land to be herein described and conveyed: From said Point of Beginning continue to run along the margin of said highway North 28° 07’ 20” East 261.79 feet to an iron pin set; leaving the margin of said highway run thence South 68° 34’ 44” East 153.70 feet to a point; thence continue to run South 68° 34’ 44” East 238.98 feet to an iron pin set; run thence South 00” 01’ 20” West 195.70 feet to an iron pin set; run thence North 76° 33’ 03” West 289.39 feet to an iron pin set; run thence North 84° 16’ 09” West 44.25 feet to a point; run thence North 77° 24’ 14” West 167.42 feet to a point and the Point of Beginning.

Containing 2.252 acres, more or less, and being further described in that certain survey for John L. Riddle prepared on June 15, 990 by Walter Pryor White, Al. Reg. Land Surveyor No. 12504.

LESS AND EXCEPT: A part of Parcel V according to the survey of the Second Revision of Clay Subdivision the map or peat of which is recorded in Plat Book 14, Page 212 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama and being more fully described as follows: Commencing at a point on the present southeast rightof-way line of Society Hill Road, the southwest corner of said parcel; then northeasterly along said present southeast right-of-way line a distance of 76 feet, more or less, to a point that is southeasterly of, and at right angles to, the centerline of said road at Station 456‘00 and the point of beginning of the property herein to be conveyed; thence continuing northeasterly along said present southeast right-ofway line a distance of 185 feet, more or less, to the north property line; thence easterly along said north line a distance of 48 feet, more or less, to a point on a line which extends from a point that is 90 feet southeasterly of, and at right angles to, said centerline at Station 458’00 to a point on said present southeast rightof-way that is southeasterly of, and at right angles to, said centerline at Station 456’00; thence southwesterly along said line a distance of 195 feet, more or less, to the point of beginning and containing 0.10 acre, more

or less.

The above-described property contains 3.14 acres, more or less, and is located at 3373 Society Hill Road, Opelika, Alabama.

Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on July 7, 2022, in the Opelika Observer. This notice is given pursuant to Section 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975).

All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard.

Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-7055134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 14th day of July, 2022. /s/Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 07/14/2022 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA - THE ESTATE OF DERRICK LEROY YOUNG DECEASED NOTICE OF HEARING TO: Rodney Adams, Brittney Young, Derrick Young Jr., and Marques Young Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution for the Estate of Derrick Leroy Young.

A hearing has been set for the 28th day of July 2022 at 9:00 a.m. central time, electronically via “ZOOM”. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition for Summary Distribution for the Estate of Derrick Leroy Young.

BILL ENGLISH Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 07/07/22, 07/14/22 & 07/21/22 --------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of PEGGY L. ADAMS Case No. 2022-278 NOTICE OF HEARING Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Probate of Will for the Estate of Peggy L. Adams has been filed.

A hearing has been set for the 11th day of August 2022 at 11:00 a.m. central time, electronically via “ZOOM”. Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition for Probate of Will of the Estate of Peggy L. Adams.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 07/14/2022, 07/21/2022 & 07/28/2022

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B16 July 14, 2022

AUBURN >> FROM B14 designed sessions to provide helpful information to neighborhoods and see how we can work together to

care for our city. We hope people feel more connected to city staff and their neighbors through this event.”

A keynote speech will conclude the Neighborhood

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of being a good neighbor and how everyone has the ability to make a difference in their community. Find more information about the keynote speakers on the conference website.

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