The Observer 10-27-2022 E-edition

Mayors Urge Alabamians To Vote Yes

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN — Alabama’s mayors are asking for citizens to vote “yes” on Aniah’s Law.

Aniah Blanchard was kidnapped from Auburn, Alabama, in 2019. She was 19 years old and attend ing Southern Union State Community College when she was murdered by her kidnapper.

“The fall in Auburn is a beautiful time,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “There’s new students, there’s lots of excitement, there’s football games, there’s relationships, there’s classes and it’s been a great fall here in Auburn. But this fall should have included Aniah Blanchard as well.

“Three years ago, Aniah Blanchard was simply going to the convenience store to get a late-night snack, and she was kidnapped and her life was taken by someone

who had no business being out of jail, much less being in Auburn.”

Aniah’s Law is something Alabama mayors are push ing for to allow judges to

Four Local Businesses Finalists for Alabama Small Business Awards

keep violent offenders from being granted bail.

“On Nov. 8 the citizens of Alabama have their chance to do something

The Future of Patient Education Begins in Lee County

CONTRIBUTED BY BCATODAY.ORG AND THE OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

LEE COUNTY —

The Alabama Small Business of the Year Awards presented by The Partnership of the Chamber of Commerce Association of Alabama (CCAA) and the Business Council of Alabama (BCA), recognizes the very best in Alabama small business.

This year, 46 Alabama small businesses have been named as

finalists for “Alabama’s Small Business of the Year” awards.

Presented annually by the CCAA and the BCA, the awards recognize businesses of merit based on a variety of civic endeavors, business success and community involvement.

All of the award finalists will be honored at The BCA/CCAA Partnership Annual Meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2022, in Birmingham. Three winners (Gold, Silver and Bronze) will be

awarded in each of the four categories.

The following businesses are to be commended for their success and consideration.

The 2022 finalists from the area are:

1 TO 10 EMPLOYEES

Christie Hill State Farm Insurance — Opelika

11 TO 50 EMPLOYEES

Piedmont Fertilizer Company — Opelika

51 TO 100 EMPLOYEES

Baumhower's Victory Grille — Auburn, and HL Mando America Corporation — Opelika.

Local Occupational Therapist Bettering Community One Patient at a Time

BY NOAH GRIFFITH CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA —

When Opelika’s Rehab Works occupational thera pist and Manager Mallory Payne dropped her daugh ter off for the first day of daycare, she had no idea she would run into one of her former patients.

“Cassie! Is that you?” Payne said.

And without another word, the two embraced in a hug.

Cassie Wyrick was 18 when her parents brought her into Rehab Works. Myrick had suffered a traumatic brain injury in a car crash, resulting in seven cracks in her skull. At the

time, doctors had given her a 4% chance to live, and even then, she would likely live in a vegetative state.

Now, just four years later, Wyrick is the daycare teacher of Payne’s daughter, thanks in part to Payne’s dedication to her patients.

“I’m able to change her

BY HANNAH LESTER

LEE COUNTY — Kermit Farmer, in honor of his late

Kermit Farmer (left) poses for a photo during the CarePaths launch in September.

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders speaks at an Alabama Big 10 Mayors press conference about Aniah's Law held on Oct. 24.

Mallory Payne (left) shares a smile during a session with her patient Mary Abery (right).

Southern

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — Southern Union State Community College (SUS CC) is holding free digital literacy courses for seniors in the community this semester.

“It’s an online computer class that basically gets peo ple familiar with comput ers,” said SUSCC Director of Education Connor Chauveaux.

Using a program called Northstar Digital Literacy, the goal of the course is to

enhance seniors’ essential computer and software skills, and increase their use of technology in daily life.

“It’s an overall computer class to get familiar with the computer, and then, obviously, if one of them was like ‘Oh I really need to know how to do a slide deck’ or ‘I need to know how to use Google Class room,’ we will build that in,” Chauveaux said. “They complete all the modules in Northstar, and then if there are other things they need to know, we can certainly help them with that.”

Throughout the course,

saying, ‘If you want us to do something differently, you need to change the state constitution,’” Stimpson said. “What that implied was that we had to go create an amendment, and we were able to do that through representative Chip Brown from Mobile.”

the seniors will earn North star Digital Literacy Cer

tificates by completing 14 modules in: basic computer

skills, internet basics, using email, Windows, Mac, Mic rosoft Word, Excel and Pow erPoint, Google Docs, social media, information literacy, career search skills, support ing K-12 distance-learning and how to increase their digital footprint.

“We offer standalone classes where anybody in the community can come, so we have an 85-year-old, two 75-year-olds and a 90-year-old gentleman in our computer class,” said SUSCC Career Pathways Coordinator June Abercrom bie. “They are amazing.”

This semester’s four

participants, who meet every Monday and Wednesday from 9 to 11 a.m., have their own particular reasons for taking the course, however.

Selena Daniel, a locally based 85-year-old real estate broker, is partly taking the class to further advance her business.

“I would like to be able to do some presentations, so I’m trying to do that,” she said. “I got tired of calling my grandchildren to ask ‘How do you do this?’ So I said, ‘Well, I’m going back to school and learn

mayors from Ala bama’s 10 biggest cities gathered for their quarterly meeting Monday morning in Auburn and, as part of that meeting, discussed Aniah’s Law.

“Public safety is our No. 1 responsibility,” said Mobile Mayor and Chairman of the Alabama Big 10 Mayors Group Sandy Stimpson.

Stimpson said that since 2019, the mayors have been working toward changing the state constitution in Alabama.

“It really all started be cause of a judge challenging one of our police chiefs,

Around this time, Aniah’s death also fueled the fight for change.

“[This will] give judg es the option of denying pre-trial bail to the most violent of offenders to keep them from [being] released where they would possibly re-offend,” Stimpson said.

“This is something that we know, as we look across this state, that will make a huge impact, but it also gives us an opportunity for that judge to understand this is something that the citizens of Alabama expect them to do in order to protect our citizens.”

Aniah’s family was pres

ent for the press conference and given the chance to speak; they urged citizens to vote for Aniah’s Law.

“We don’t want [others] to feel the same pain I felt when I woke up on Oct. 24 and my sister was missing, so please vote on Nov. 8, Amendment One,” said Elijah Blanchard Jr., Aniah’s brother.

The day before the conference was the three-

year anniversary of Aniah’s kidnapping.

“First of all, I’d like to thank everybody for coming and I most definitely want to thank the ones that actually support this bill,” said Aniah’s father, Elijah Blanchard Sr. “Our life, on Oct. 24, will never be the same, when we got a phone call. And to prevent any other parents [from getting] the same phone call,

we would like you guys to acknowledge the fact that this bill will change [things] … so other parents will not have to go through the same tragedy that we did.”

Elijah Sr. said the law is about prevention and not only their family.

“So, please, on Nov. 8, vote yes on Amendment One because we are the ones who can make a change,” he said. “And a change is what

we need.”

Walt Harris, Aniah’s stepfather, said the law will save lives and future pain for others.

“We need your votes,” he said. “Get out there. Make your statement known. Let these offenders know we won’t take it anymore. Stand up, take back the safety of these streets. And thank you for everybody, thank you all for your efforts.

Pictured left: Aniah Blanchard's family. Pictured right: The Big 10 Mayors speak about the proposed amendments.

Selena Daniels in class at SUSCC.

Alabama’s Challenge Announces Veterans Well-Being Town Hall

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF VETERAN AFFAIRS

ALABAMA —

The Partners of Ala bama’s Challenge an nounced that the River Region will serve as the next stop on a statewide tour of veterans well-be ing town hall meetings.

The Alabama’s Challenge Town Hall is scheduled for Wednesday, Nov. 2 at 2 p.m. at the Crump Senior Center (1751 Cong WL Dickinson Drive) in Mont gomery. The town hall will provide veterans an opportunity to learn more about services provided in the River Region. Attend ees will also have a chance

to ask panelists questions about relevant well-being topics. Panelists include representatives from the Central Alabama Veter ans Health Care System, CaraStar, the Montgomery Police Department, Ala bama Suicide Prevention and Resources Coalition, Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs, Alabama Department of Mental Health, Alabama Depart ment of Rehabilitation Services and more.

“The Partners of Alabama’s Challenge are thrilled to come to the Riv er Region, which has such a rich military history and one of the largest veteran populations in the state,” said Alabama’s Challenge

that a doctor can share with a patient.

Co-Chair Kent Davis, who also serves as the Com missioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs.

“The goal of these town halls is to hear from the community and learn how we can collectively better support veterans. We are looking forward to having those conversations on Nov. 2.”

Town halls organized by the Partners of Alabama’s Challenge aim to combat the continuing stigma veterans face with mental illness. Recently released data shows 143 Veterans in Alabama died by suicide in 2021. Previous town halls have been held in Dothan, Mobile, Tuscaloo sa and Huntsville.You can learn more about Ala

wife Linda Farmer, has started Village Paths, a service that allows phy sicians to better con nect with their patients through resources and tools.

“We’re providing medical clinics and medical providers the ability to create cus tom educational cur riculum for caregivers and for patients in a streamlined process for everybody to better learn how to manage diseases and conditions at home,” Kermit said.

These curricula are known as care paths and they include infor mation, videos, reading material, possibly sup port groups and more

“Imagine you find out you have cancer, or your loved one has cancer — let’s say that’s stomach cancer,” Kermit said. “After you’re given a diagno sis, it’s really hard to pay attention and focus on what the doctors are saying next. We’ve had too much innovation in health care over the last 50 years to have the output we have now in education. And I would argue it’s unacceptable, and that’s the purpose behind care paths.”

Kermit said that many physicians want to avoid burnout, and they also want to spend time with their patients.

“There’s not a lot of doctors that are happy with only spending five

to eight minutes per patient in an average setting because they have so much more that they have to offer,” he said.

Kermit said 12% of information given by a physician in an appoint ment will be retained and used by the patient later on.

Once a patient has an opportunity to slow down and take in infor mation, they often turn to outside sources — friends or Google, for example. This way, they have information from their doctor, Kermit said.

Both the patients and physicians can see how much of the informa tion is completed by a patient and know what may need to be discussed at the next

appointment.

“The common de nominator in all this is collectively, we know patient education can be improved,” he said.

Kermit and his wife, Linda, experienced an overload of information themselves after she was diagnosed with stomach cancer.

“It’s typical when you have something dramatic, like you have cancer, or in my case, most of my wife’s stomach was removed, that led to lots of com plications,” he said. “So, we battled kidney failure, we battled liver failure. We had 11 hos pital admissions within 10 months. And next to all of those were unrelated to the cancer itself, but it was other things that, we’ll say,

get in the way.

“… If a doctor has a hard time managing it, with all the social capital and all the intelligence and abili ties that she had, and I have a background with some NASA logistics … and it’s hard for me, [how’s] the aver age person supposed to navigate the very way that we do med icine with the limited amount of doctor and patient time that we have?”

Right now, Kermit said that the organiza tion is aiming for 10 physicians or practic es over the next six months. They are also seeking more partners.

Those interested can find more information at https://www.village paths.com/care. Physi

cians pay a monthly fee for the service.

In the future, Kermit said, “I envision people having accessibility to the information about their health or their loved one’s health at a very rapid rate that’s reliable and credible from the doctors that are providing the ser vices.”

Village Paths, and the idea of care paths, was an idea that Kermit was cooking while Linda was sick. He had the opportunity to share it with her, too, before she passed away on Feb. 15, 2022.

Kermit said that his wife valued education in her patients, and he is just carrying that on.

“If I can continue that … I’ll be proud of that,” he said.

kid’s diaper now, and I couldn’t even change my own clothes that well before [I worked with Mallory],” Wyrick said. “She goes above and beyond for her patients, and I would say that because even though I can’t remember much in detail, she remembers me. She still asks about me and calls me by name.”

Anyone who has walked through the doors of Rehab Works in the 11 years that Payne has worked there is sure to leave better than they came, and her coworkers and patients are a testament of that.

Payne, 36, has three children, works as an occu pational therapist and has recently added a manager title at Rehab Works. She still makes time to serve Cornerstone Church and the Opelika-Auburn community faithfully.

“I don’t use a cookie-cut ter approach to therapy,” Payne said. “[For example] I don’t treat all my patients that have had strokes the same. I do try to listen to what they’re telling me, and so I do client-centered thera py in order to help them the best that I can.”

Payne earned her undergraduate degree in athletic training at Troy University before receiving her master’s degree from the University of Alabama

at Birmingham (UAB) in occupational therapy. Grow ing up seeing her aunt battle the progression of multiple sclerosis — combined with her love for sports and her desire to follow in her mother’s footsteps — led Payne to want to become an occupational therapist.

Now, Payne is reaping the benefits of her work. Her diligence in her craft is rewarded by seeing her patients get better and regain their former abilities.

“I really enjoy seeing a patient that comes in on their first time, and they might not be able to use that body part that I’m working with them initially, but by the time they’re done, they’ve gotten back to doing mostly everything they could do before,” Payne said. “I like to know that they’ve gotten back to work: They’re able to make an income, and that is fulfill ing to the patient, so that’s fulfilling to me.”

According to one of her coworkers, physical therapist Jessica Ust, Payne shows her love for the community by sacrificing her own time to better serve others around her the best she can.

“If somebody needs a certain piece of equipment, she’ll do extra research on that when a lot of times people don’t take that extra time,” Ust said. “If we have a patient with a diagnosis we don’t see often, she’s

doing the extra work so that she knows what she can best do for that individual.”

Payne stays prepared for whoever might walk into Rehab Works on any given day — a necessary ingre dient to her extraordinary work. She is always ready for whoever comes to her in need, whether that be a teenager who was in a car accident, a 4-year-old in her Sunday school class or an older patient trying to main tain their abilities around the house.

In 2018, Payne’s eventual patient Markeyla Williams could not foresee she would need occupational therapy to be able to sit up straight at age 22.

But, after Williams finished doing her hair one afternoon at her home in Auburn, she went out to be with her family. When one of her cousins at the gathering asked for a lighter, Williams went to retrieve one from her car.

“It’s old,” Williams said. “It probably doesn’t even work.”

But she gave it a try anyways, and when she did, all Williams remembers is a “whoosh” of flames overtaking her face and spreading down her arms. The oils in her hair ignited the flame.

Williams ended up with severe burns on her face and arms, and it took eight surgeries and four months in the hospitals of Birming

ham before she could return home to her 1-year-old son.

When she did so, she still couldn’t use her arms or hands well, and she couldn’t sit up straight because skin was taken from her legs. But she was eager to start therapy.

While Williams is still recovering by the day, she is back to working for Capital One as a customer service representative after earning a degree from Alabama A&M University.

She can now extend her arms, grab things and walk comfortably; in addition, she is healing — mentally and emotionally. Williams has moved past her anxiety about being around heat and can now do things such as cooking and she said that wouldn’t be the case without Payne pushing her to do more than what she thought she was capable of.

One of Williams’ favorite hobbies before her injury was braiding hair. After her injury, she gave up on the idea of braiding again, but Payne never did.

One day at therapy, Payne pulled out yarn and tied it to the door, while Williams looked on with a raised eyebrow.

“OK, let me see you braid,” Payne said. “You said that you wanted to braid again, so let me see you braid.”

Williams credits that determination and Payne’s “motherly instincts” to what

makes her great at what she does.

“A lot of times we’d do minimal stuff like sitting at the table and writing or other little things, but she in corporated things into it that I was interested in and what I wanted, and that made it so much easier,” Williams said.

“She could’ve just made out her plan and stuck to it and just let me go on about my way, but no. She was just being very considerate, and I always appreciate her.”

One thing that sticks out about Payne is that she never simply does her job and goes her own way.

Several years after they quit therapy, Wyrick and Williams are both still in contact with Payne.

Wyrick sees her old therapist when

Payne picks up her daughter from daycare, and Payne asks about Wyrick when she runs into her sister at the Opelika soccer fields, where her children play.

Williams still updates Payne on her recovery and anything that’s going on in her life, and they both update each other on their children. The two are Face book friends, and Williams even stops by Rehab Works to see Payne whenever she passes by.

“She’s one of those peo ple that, if you write a book, she’s going to be a main character,” Williams said.

“Kind, gentle, compassion ate, strong, patient … if there was a word to describe all of that, that would be her.”

bama’s Challenge and vet erans well-being resources by visiting vetsforhope. com.

Markeyla Williams and her son, Montarious Hill Jr. (5), take a picture before a mother-and-son dance.

Lessons From A Blind Dog

on the earth, humans are the only ones who can be cruel.

— Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, you will end up peeing in the house. So just remember, if you DO pee indoors, try not to walk through your own puddle.

— There is no such thing as a little triumph.

his pillow and root around like you are searching for exotic truffles.

— There is no value in celery.

— Or spinach.

— Life is far easier if you have a bad memory.

— Follow the voice of someone who loves you and you will be OK.

make a lot of noise. The human who loves you will be there shortly.

— Lack of empathy is the same as abuse.

televised college football games, and they cuss a lot, too. This is very disturbing.

— Especially when Ten nessee beats Alabama.

SEAN DIETRICH

Lessons from my blind rescue dog:

— Wherever you are, find the dog-people.

— The only things in life that matter are people and food. Although not neces sarily in that order.

— You learn everything you need to know about a person by the way they talk

to you.

— When you are blind, friends are very important.

If you hang around the wrong ones, you’ll get lost.

— Food tastes SO good.

— But not broccoli.

— If you do enough of the things that scare you, you won’t be scared of those things anymore.

— Out of all the animals

— Being afraid is okay. Everyone gets afraid. But being afraid doesn’t have to slow you down. You can be afraid and be strong at the same time. In fact, some times the strongest creatures are also the most afraid.

— If you DO, however, walk through your own ginormous puddle of pee, and your feet become wet with puppy urine, whatever you do, DON’T climb onto Dad’s bed with your peefeet and put your paws on

— The most valuable possession you own is your trust. But trust has a shelf life. So give it to someone fast or it will spoil.

— Children are always nice to blind dogs.

— People in hotels do not like it when you sniff their butts at the communal coffee machine.

— If someone loves you, they will prove it to you with a treat.

— When you get lost in your own backyard, just

— The person who feeds you supper is probably your true friend. But the person who shares his Mexican takeout food with you, in cluding his queso dip, AND lets you eat on his bed, is the truest kind of friend there is.

— You can’t pay atten tion to bad things and good things at the same time.

— Squirrels are weird.

— Books are good for chewing. Especially the books your dad bought on Amazon about training dogs.

— Dogs were not created to poop on a leash.

— Sometimes, hu mans like to shout during

Spectacular: Part 4

holding the one daylily I nev er thought I’d possess. And I got it under budget.

I imagine myself at Christie’s auction house in London, raising my paddle to outbid the entire room, spending millions as if they were dollar bills ... Tim sees the gleam in my eye and slowly removes my bidding card from my hand the way you’d take a bottle of Wild Turkey out of a tipsy teenag er’s grasp.

He knows me too well.

Spectacular with a chance to take home the daylily of my dreams. ...

“Going for $40,” Mr. Bell calls out.

I look around. Tim has roused and is grinning at me. His mom sits wide-eyed next to me.

“Sold for $40 to number 103, number 68 and number 92!” I hear as if from a distance.

“You won it!” Tim said.

“I won it!” I answer back. “Holy cow!”

And just like that, I am

how to do it myself.’”

Ninety-year-old Jerry Hunt said one of his main reasons for taking the course was to learn Microsoft Word in or der to post daily devotionals to Facebook.

“I call it Bible commentary for the simple person,” he said. “That’s what I do main ly, plus I use Word to write a lot of articles on certain items

As the auction draws to a close, the two barrels of raffle tickets are brought to the tent in preparation for the grand finale. Grasping our red ticket stubs in both hands, we are ready to win. This year is the year.

The first number is called, and the winner jumps up in the back of the crowd. “That’s me!” she shouts.

There is a brief pause before the final number is called... and it’s the gentle man sitting directly behind me. “Hot dog!” he yells and

that I’ll take, have printed … So I mostly use email; I don’t really know how, so that’s why I’m here — to better learn how to use it.”

Lastly, the married couple of 74 and 75 years of age, James and Mona Waldrep, are taking the course mainly to acclimate to new technolo gy in order to stay in contact with their grandchildren, and for safety reasons.

“Well, we had to update our phones in July, and things had just changed so much,

leaps to his feet.

And just like that, the Spectacular is over. Folks begin to stand and gather their bags of goodies, tossing empty plates and Coke cans in the trash. Women hug each other while men shake hands and swap tips for navigating back to the interstate. New friends exchange numbers, and old friends promise to call soon.

Our little group is tired and weary from the heat, but we have that leftover euphoria of having spent the day sur rounded by beauty and good people. There’s also the in evitable letdown that comes when a much-anticipated day has come to a close.

We make our way to the truck and climb in.

“Well, that was just an amazing day,” Tim’s mom says. “I can’t wait for next year.”

“Me, too,” I answer. “Only 364 days until the next one.”

The ride home is quiet, punctuated by the Alabama game on the radio. The

and we got to talking about it to see if we could find some adult classes, and we found this, so we’re trying to stay up to speed,” they said.

“Our grandchildren live in Birmingham; we don’t have any young people around us. We live out in the country.”

Teaching the class is Arlene Godwin, an instructor with 21 years of teaching experience under her belt. She said the class is filling a need in the community.

“Many seniors feel discon

Crimson Tide is not doing well this Saturday, and Tim’s family has become nervous. Alabama fans don’t quite know how to deal with being behind in the score — they’re just not used to it. Us Auburn folks, though, well — that’s a different kettle of fish altogether.

I offer to drive so Tim can focus his entire energy on helping his team pull ahead, but he declines. He’s too wound up to be a passenger, he says.

With a few seconds left in the game, Alabama pulls ahead. And, as if they’re one person, the other occupants of the truck all exhale togeth er. Alabama wins, and all is right with the world. Bless their hearts.

Our new tradition is to stop at Carroll’s Sausage Outlet on the way home. We pick up a pound or two of the best sausage I’ve ever had, along with some apple butter and chocolate-covered pecans. Two perfect filets round out our purchase. That’s the

nected from the technology advances,” she said. “They feel like they are happening just around them. Because they are retired, they’re not really in the workplace and they’re not learning these new skills. And oftentimes their children and grandchil dren don’t live in the same place that they do, so they’re not having regular contact with the young folks that are kind of on top of these things. I think that this class is just meeting that need

dinner we’ll share when we get home.

The rest of the trip is just like the trip up. We laugh and talk and plan our next adven ture. Arriving at the lake, we say goodbye to Tim’s par ents, leaving them pondering where they are going to plant their new blooms. They stand side by side and wave as we drive off. Watching them recede in the rearview mirror, I smile with gratitude. They are two of my favorite people in this entire world, and I am so lucky to know them.

And then we are home. We unload the blooms we bought and fill buckets with water to soak them overnight. Tomorrow, we will spend the whole morning in the garden, planting and labeling the chart I’ve made for each bed. Names and heights and colors are noted, bloom times and frequencies. It’s a lovely language that I’m learning as the seasons pass.

This is my favorite time of this weekend — this time when the long, wonderful

for them in terms of them being able to enhance their computer skills and not fear technology as much.”

With the course going successfully this semester, Southern Union is already making plans to reach more seniors. Chauveaux said the school is trying to expand the class because seniors outside of the immediate, local com munity could also use this resource.

“Right now, it’s just this one class, but we are ex

— Occasionally, in the middle of the night, if you get scared, or disoriented or you can’t remember where you are, just find your best friend. Press your cold nose against your friend. And that friend will hold you tightly.

And even though you are frightened, and your world is so dark, and you sometimes wonder why all this bad stuff has happened to you, you’ll feel OK because you’re not alone. And ultimately that’s what scares dogs (and humans) the most, is being alone. But you’re not alone. Nobody is. Not ever.

— There is no such thing as an evil dog-person.

day is done and the thrill of gardening waits for tomor row. This is the golden time when it’s just the two of us, Tim and I. Tim cooks the steaks to perfection, and we eat “like kings and queens,” as Tim likes to say.

Curled up on the couch with a movie playing on the TV, we both begin to doze.

“I loved today,” I say quietly.

“So did I,” Tim whispers back.

“Thank you,” I tell him.

“For?” he asks.

“Everything,” is my answer. “All of this, our life... us. Thank you.”

He takes my hand and replies, “Thank you right back.”

Tomorrow we will plunge our hands into the dark earth and make a new home for so much loveliness that we will take care of and protect through the winter and mar vel at all spring and summer. For now, this right here, with this man I love so much, is — well — spectacular.

panding,” she said. “We are looking to form a partnership with Lanett Parks and Recre ation for their senior citizens over there, and we’ve been talking to Valley Public Library about doing one, and then we will obviously offer another senior citizen class over here after this one is done.”

To learn more about the course, or to register, call Ab ercrombie at 334-701-2724, or email juneabercrombie@ suscc.edu.

Haunted Walking Tours Underway in Opelika, Auburn

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA SPECTRAL INVESTIGATORS

OPELIKA —

By popular demand, the tour guides who brought the Haunted Auburn Walking Tour to the com munity for the last decade have collaborated to bring Opelika's Railroad Towns its newest fall event.

Alabama Spectral Investigators is proud to announce the Opelika Haunted Walking Tour. Join local folklorist, paranormal investigator, artist and professional actor Brandon Stoker (of “The Walking Dead” and “Zombieland 2”) and his investigative partner — accredited historian, local author and paranormal investigator John-Mark Poe.

With several decades of professional paranormal investigative experience

under their belts and al most a decade leading the Haunted Auburn Walking Tour, these experienced tour guides will lead par ticipants past downtown locations. They’ll share firsthand accounts from

those who've experienced genuine paranormal phe nomena that just couldn’t be explained. Many experiences reported have been verified by local professionals working in that district.

Stops include: The Spec tral Train, Phantom Switch Operator, Prohibition Era Voodoo Dr.’s shop, Ghost of Tandy Keyes, Former Clement Hotel location, The Phantom Horse and Buggy and Spook of the mansard house.

Weekly tours offered by the co-hosts occur every Friday and Saturday of October, as well as on Halloween night. This 6 p.m. tour is rated PG and is approximately 30 to 40 minutes long — perfect for ages 12 and up.

Please note that this is a walking tour, held in the event of no rain. Please wear appropriate shoes. Gather at the old train depot on the closest end of Railroad Avenue by the old wooden stairs — 1032 S. Railroad Ave. in Ope lika. Admission is always free. Love it? Give us a like and check us out on

Facebook. Donations are appreciated as well.

AUBURN — Join local folklorist, paranormal investigator, artist and professional actor Brandon Stoker (of “The Walking Dead” and “Zombieland 2”) and his investigative partner — accredited historian, local author, and paranormal in vestigator John-Mark Poe, as they lead you through Auburn’s downtown area recounting firsthand ac counts from people who've worked and lived in the “Loveliest Village on the Plains.”

Many have experienced genuine paranormal phenomena that they just couldn’t explain. Get the latest on several mysteri ous phantoms, such as the haints of Old Fraternity Row, the fiery omen of Hargis Hall and, of course,

Soppin' Up the Good Stuff

our most distinctive — Auburn University Chapel. In addition, participants will also hear about more recent sightings along the way.

Weekly tours are offered by the co-hosts every Friday and Saturday of October and Halloween night. This 8 p.m. tour is rated PG-13 and is approx imately an hour and a half long. Need to duck out early? No problem. We’re glad you came.

Please note that this is a walking tour, held in the event of no rain, which spans many city blocks. Meet across from Toom er's Corner within the Eagle Statues, around 112 S. College St. in Auburn. Just look for the signs. Admission is always free. Love it? Give us a like and check us out on Facebook. Donations are appreciated as well.

ociety& News

Ann Cipperly

30 years,

Tailgate Ladies have been gather ing together on the Plains prior to Auburn football games to share their favor ite dishes. Over the years, they have created themes for each game. Alice Bell, Julie Waugh, Anne Lee, Donna Goodlett, Mary Winkler, Karen Parker, Betsy Windle and Janet Phelps are sharing their favorite recipes they have

over the years.

Most of the ladies met when their children were at Wrights Mill Road Ele mentary School in Auburn, and they were actively in volved in PTA. Now, they have raised their children who have graduated from college and are parents themselves.

“For years, our tailgate was the place for the chil dren and adults to meet up with friends on game day,”

Phelps said. “During their college years, we were so happy to meet their new college buddies. There was always enough food to accommodate whoever showed up. We now enjoy each other’s grandchildren and have started back at square one.”

The ladies take turns or ganizing the tailgate menu for the games.

“We like to have a theme for our tailgate,” Phelps

said. “Which usually cen ters around the location of the team that we are play ing. We have Cajun food for LSU, and more tasteful setup with silver candle sticks and elegant dishes for hotty toddy Ole Miss.

For the Arkansas game this Saturday, we will serve

barbecue.”

For the last home game of the season, the ladies will serve a “Friendsgiv ing” meal featuring turkey, dressing and traditional seasonal sides. Another tradition they celebrate is getting together for a pre-Christmas dinner at

someone’s home. They ex change gifts and reflect on their many years together. This football season, the tailgate group has started providing bottled water for AU band members as needed.

“On one especially hot

Sundilla to Present Airpark Nov. 4

CONTRIBUTED BY SUNDILLA

AUBURN—

Sundilla Concert Series & Radio Hour will welcome the Nash ville-based brother duo Airpark on Friday, Nov. 4.

Showtime at Pebble Hill — located at 101 S. Debardeleben St. — is 7:30 p.m., and $20 ad vance tickets are avail able at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee and online at sundillamusic. com. Admission at the door will be $25.

Free coffee, tea, water and food will be avail able, and the audience is invited to bring their own favorite food or beverage.

Airpark was formed in 2017 by brothers Ben Ford and Michael Ford Jr. Their songs explore the wide expanse of forward-thinking music.

It's a sound that is both timely and timeless, rooted in sharp grooves one minute and dreamily rounded edges the next.

Over the course of four EPs, the Fords have cre ated music that is honest and ever-evolving, glued together by nuanced arrangements, an atten tion to melody and the refusal to make the same record twice.

On the precipice of the release of their debut full-length album, “Prehistoric Feeling,” Ben and Michael double down on their unique brand of pop. With this album, the Fords have created an effortless and joyous work that, with the passing of time, will take listeners back to the exact place they were when they first heard it.

For more information, including videos, go to sundillamusic.com.

The Tailgate Ladies and their families have been sharing food together for almost 30 years at Auburn football games. They are sharing their favorite recipes over the years. Pictured from left are Alice Bell, Julie Waugh, Anne Lee, Donna Goodlett, Mary Winkler, Karen Parker, Betsy Windle and Janet Phelps.

PHOTO

Airpark is a Nashville-based band consisting of brothers Ben Ford and Michael Ford Jr.

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

Asa child, from kindergarten through the sixth grade, after school I stayed with my Grandma and Granddaddy Patton until Mama and Daddy got off work. From fall of 1968 until late spring of 1975, my grandparents and I enjoyed each other’s company, had snacks and watched “I Love Lucy” reruns on their black and white television set. There fore, for 54 years, I have been a serious Lucy fan.

When I transferred to Auburn University as a junior in September of 1983, I was introduced to a popular sitcom from the 1960s. I moved into a one-bedroom apartment with an acquaintance I’ll call “Sue.” Unfortunately, Sue was the only child in her family, while I was the baby and only girl in mine. We almost killed each other. OK, I’m exagger ating, but we were both really spoiled, and it was a horrifyingly LONG school year.

However, at least Sue did introduce me to anoth er wonderful sitcom, “The Andy Griffith Show.”

Now, like “I Love Lucy,” “The Andy Griffith Show” premiered before I was born. My parents and much older brothers Jim and Mike watched the show, however.

Sue and her father, an excellent former teacher of mine, were “Andy Griffith Show” fanatics.

Within seconds of a show, they could identify which episode it was. Sue watched the show on MY television, so I did, too. Before long, I was also hooked.

Now, my husband Mike, who is three years older than I, can remem ber watching Andy and Barney, and he is a big fan as well. Therefore, we KNEW that we had to take

a road trip to Mount Airy, North Carolina, Andy Griffith’s hometown and the prototype for Mayber ry, the fictional town in the show.

Making the Grade: On the Road to Mount Airy, North Carolina PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE FOR THE OBSERVER

After devouring a delicious breakfast at the Hampton Inn in Mount Airy, Mike and I set out for The Andy Griffith Mu seum. It was even better than we had imagined, and Mike took lots of pictures. Also, we spent WAY too much money in the gift shop on a Christmas ornament, T-shirts, a book

and DVDs. In addition, Mike and I loved visiting the Mayberry courthouse and getting our pictures made in the jail cell. Also, we saw Floyd’s Barber shop and Wally’s Service Station. It was like visiting the past.

While we were enjoying the beautiful, quaint town of Mount Airy (population 10,676 as of 2020), a black and white police car from the Mayberry era drove around, the driver giving tours and firing up a blast on the siren. Small towns are the absolute best.

During our day in Mayberry, we met mother and daughter Gail and Rachel, and Blake and Tyler, Rachel’s little boys.

Rachel said that she took her mother somewhere each year for her birthday.

Since her mother is such a fan of “The Andy Griffith

Show,” to make this trip even more special, Rachel booked Andy Griffith’s home for their lodging. These two ladies from West Virginia were so sweet. They let us come to the house and take pictures. Again, one of my favorite parts of traveling is meeting new people.

Mount Airy’s residents have certainly profited from Mayberry. There are 32 businesses whose names are affiliated with the show. Some of them include Opie’s Candy Store (The fudge was amazing.), Aunt Bea’s Barbecue, The Loaded Goat Restaurant, Barney’s Café and Walker’s Soda Fountain.

For lunch, Mike and I had to eat at the Snappy Lunch, a local diner, which opened in 1923. Andy Griffith ate there often as

a boy. Also, this diner is the only business in Mount Airy, which was actually mentioned in the show. We had to stand in line outside at the Snap py Lunch, but we didn’t mind. The weather was glorious, the wait was short and we chatted with some great fellow fans.

When we entered the Snappy Lunch, I loved the small town, cozy, casual atmosphere. We also en joyed looking at all “The Andy Griffith Show” pic tures on the wall. I laughed at the sign, which said, “Mind your own biscuits and life will be gravy.”

Kayla, our server, was

really sweet and helpful. However, she was shocked when we didn’t order their “famous pork chop sand wich.” Kayla said, “You have to have one.” We politely declined; Mike ordered a grilled cheese sandwich, while I chose the all-meat cheeseburger with mustard, onions and tomato (I passed on the slaw and chili and asked for ketchup.) with a bag of barbecue chips.

Our sandwiches were really good. However, I began to feel guilty about not ordering their “famous pork chop sandwich.” In fact, a nearby magazine entitled “Our State: Down Home in North Caroli na” proclaimed that this sandwich was “the one sandwich every North Car olinian must eat.” There fore, we broke down and ordered one to split. Kayla smiled and said, “I told y’all that you had to have one.” She was right.

Not ordering that pork chop sandwich would be like me going to Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar and not ordering my chili cheese dog with onions. That’s just wrong.

When our pork chop sandwich arrived, Mike cut it up evenly, and we began to eat it. Oh, my two times. That pork chop sandwich was a thing of beauty, a delicious, dif fering concoction of pork, little diced onions, tomato,

chili and coleslaw. And to think we almost missed it.

This Alabama boy and girl think that this North Carolina culinary treasure rocks. We only wished we’d listened to Kayla and had ordered two pork chop sandwiches. Oh, well. Live and learn.

Besides our great choic es, the Snappy Lunch also serves a variety of sand wiches, including BLT, boiled ham, bologna, bo logna and cheese, ground steak, ham and cheese, hot dogs and sausage.

The Snappy Lunch also serves breakfast plates or a variety of biscuits. Believe me, take a visit to Mayber ry. Run and do not walk to the Snappy Lunch.

The Snappy Lunch is closed on Sunday. The diner is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 1:45 p.m.; Thursday and Sat urday from 6 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. (all times Eastern).

The Snappy Lunch makes the grade with an A+ from this retired En glish teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEV ER 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 retiredlangartsteach er2020@gmail.com

CIPPERLY >> FROM A7

day,” Phelps said, “we noticed a couple of band members had fainted while waiting in their heavy uniforms to perform. The bottled water has been much appreciated, and we have enjoyed interacting with these amazing, dedicated

CIPPERLY RECIPES >>

APPLE BROWNIES

Janet Phelps

½ cup butter or marga rine, room temperature

1 cup brown sugar

1 cup white sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 cup chopped Granny Smith apples

1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts

Topping For After Baking:

1/2 cup sugar

1 1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix topping ingredi ents together. I half the topping to ¼ cup sugar and 3/4 tsp. cinnamon.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Cream butter and sug ars. Add eggs and vanilla; beat until fluffy. Blend in dry ingredients, then apples and nuts. Spread mixture in a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake for 30 min utes or until toothpick in serted in center comes out with moist crumbs or dry (no dough). Remove from oven and sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar mixture. Cool and cut into bars. These bars freeze well.

CRISPIX MIX

Karen Parker

8 cups Crispix cereal

2 cups pecans

10 oz. can cashew pieces (I use regular, not low salt)

½ cup butter

1 cup firmly packed brown sugar

½ cup light Karo syrup

½ tsp. vanilla extract

¼ tsp. baking soda

Line two baking pans (half-size pans) with nonstick foil. Preheat oven(s) to 250 degrees

Mix cereal and nuts in a very large mixing bowl.

Bring butter, sugar, and Karo to a boil in a medi um saucepan (1-1/2 or 2 quart), stirring constantly. Reduce heat and simmer 1 minute. Add vanilla and soda, stirring constantly, and continue to simmer 1 minute.

Pour syrup over cereal mixture and gently stir to coat thoroughly.

Spread mixture evenly into prepared pans. If you have double ovens, put pans on center rack in oven. If you have a single oven, place pans on upper-middle and low er-middle racks.

Bake at 250 degrees for 15 minutes. Remove pans from oven and stir mix ture; redistribute evenly on pan. Rotate pans in oven so that the pan that was on top is now on the bottom.

Repeat stirring and rotating every 15 minutes

students.”

Among the Tailgate Ladies’ recipes, look for Parker’s Crispix Mix em bellished with pecans and cashews. The snack can be prepared a day ahead and stored in airtight containers. Save this recipe to serve at a tailgate, and also to prepare for Christmas gifts.

Bell is sharing a recipe

until mixture has baked a total of one hour.

Remove pans from oven. Carefully remove foil (with mixture still spread on it) and slide it onto a flat surface to cool. Cool completely, break up big pieces, and store in an air-tight container. Can be made a day in advance.

STICKY ASIAN PLUM WINGS

Betsy Windle Rachael Ray

3 to 4 lbs. wings, split, tips removed, or drummers

1½ cups plum pre serves

Zest and fruit of 1 orange

⅓ cups Tamari soy sauce

1 Tbsp. sesame oil

1 two-inch piece ginger root, peeled & grated

Pinch of salt

5-6 scallions, whites & greens, thinly sliced on bias

3 Tbsp. sesame seeds, toasted 1 lime, cut into wedges

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Bring a large pot of water up to bubble and par-cook chicken for about 5 minutes.

Whisk together pre serves, orange juice and zest, Tamari, sesame oil, ginger and salt in a medium saucepan.

Bring to a boil over high heat. Cook until sauce is reduced and is syrupy with a glaze, about 7 to 8 minutes. Remove from heat.

Place wings on a baking pan and roast for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.

Transfer wings to a large bowl. Pour sauce over the top and toss.

Sprinkle coated wings with scallions and sesame seeds to garnish.

Serve with lime wedges.

Serves 6 to 8 as a snack. For tailgate, I tripled the recipe.

SLOPPY JOE SLIDERS

Betsy Windle Alix Traeger

1 lb. ground beef

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

½ white onion, diced

1 clove garlic, minced

¾ cup ketchup

2 tsp. mustard

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp. brown sugar

1 pack dinner rolls

½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

2 Tbsp. butter, melt ed

Sesame seeds

Preheat the oven to

for Spicy Pimento Cheese Appetizers that is an easy way to serve the popular cheese spread without using crackers or making into sandwiches. Pimento cheese is placed in phyllo pastry cups, topped with tomato preserves and garnished with bacon. Alice says there are never leftovers. If you have problems finding the

350 degrees.

In a saucepan over medium heat, add ground beef and sprin kle with salt and pepper.

Using a spoon, break up the meat and stir un til browned.

Add onion and garlic and continue to cook until onions are trans lucent.

Add ketchup, mus tard, Worcestershire and brown sugar.

Stir until meat is fully cooked and sauce is evenly combined. Set aside.

Cut the dinner rolls in half horizontally and place the bottom half in a baking pan.

Top with meat and sprinkle with cheese, then place tops of rolls over filling.

Brush rolls with melt ed butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Bake for 10 minutes, or until rolls are toasted and cheese is melted. Cut into individual sliders.

Serves 6. For Tail gate, I tripled the recipe.

MINIATURE TOMATO SANDWICHES

Janet Phelps

1 French baguette (Panera Bread has the best, and I have them slice it.)

1/4 cup mayonnaise

3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, room tempera ture

2 tsp. chopped fresh basil or dill

1/4 tsp. salt, divided 1/4 tsp. pepper, di vided

4 plum tomatoes, sliced

Cut baguette into 16 slices.

Stir together may onnaise, cream cheese, basil, 1/8 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. pepper. Cover and chill 8 hours, if desired.

Spread cheese mix ture on 1 side of each baguette slice. Top evenly with tomatoes.

Sprinkle with remain ing salt and pepper. Makes 16 appetizer servings.

PUMPKIN CRISP SQUARES

Alice Bell

Filling: 15-16 oz. canned pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling)

3 eggs, slightly beaten

1 can sweetened con densed milk

1/2 cup sugar

1/2 tsp. cinnamon Crust:

1 box yellow cake mix

1 cup chopped peans 2 sticks butter, melted and cooled to room tem perature

Coat a 9x13 pan with non-stick cooking spray.

Mix all ingredients for the filling. Pour into

tomato preserves, try anoth er preserve or pepper jelly. Sliders are popular for tailgating since they are small and easy to eat.

Windle makes Sloppy Joe Sliders in a flavorful sauce and serves the filling with cheese in dinner rolls.

Goodlett and Phelps both prepare tasty Ham Rolls with a sauce that is drizzled

prepared dish.

Mix dry cake mix with nuts. Sprinkle evenly over pumpkin filling.

Pour melted and cooled butter over cake mix.

Bake at 350 degrees for 50 to 60 minutes.

Remove from oven and cool for 15 minutes on rack.

Carefully invert onto a cookie sheet. Cool completely. Cover and refrigerate.

The next day cut into squares. Great as they are, but you may top with a dollop of whipped cream and or a pecan half to “dress up” presentation.

SPICY PIMENTO CHEESE APPETIZER

Alice Bell

Phyllo pastry shells 3 boxes with 15 per box 1 lb. or qt. of your preferred spicy pimento cheese

Tomato preserves (Hornsby Farms is best, but hard to find so try others.)

Crisp bacon strips, 1 per serving; each about 1.5 inches long

Crisp shells per pack age directions and cool to room temperature. Spoon about 1 tsp. pimento cheese into each shell. Top cheese with dollop of tomato preserves.

Insert bacon strip vertically into each shell.

Note: Bacon is your choice. I use precooked bacon and crisp it in the microwave. I cut oft ends that are not crisp and only use the part of the strips that is crisp and will hold its shape. Folding a strip in half also gives it “body.”

Serve within a couple of hours of preparing so shells remain crisp once filled.

Goes together easily and there is never any leftover!

FRIED OKRA

Karen Parker

Peanut oil

24 oz. bag Pic-Sweet cut okra, completely thawed White Lily Butter milk Self-Rising Corn meal Mix

Salt Use a Dutch oven. Pour enough peanut oil in Dutch oven to be at least 3-inches deep. (Used oil can be strained when cool and reused.) Heat oil to 350-375 degrees.

Place a wire rack in a large sheet pan. Cover wire rack with one lay er of paper towels.

Pour thawed okra into a large bowl. Add a generous amount of

on top before baking.

Choose from several des sert recipes. Three recipes featuring fall flavors are Phelps’s Apple Brownies with a cinnamon and sugar topping, Bell’s Pumpkin Crisp Squares and Win kler’s Caramel Brownies, a recipe she received from Alyssa Northcutt. Other good dessert choic

cornmeal mix and stir with a slotted spoon. Okra should be thor oughly coated. (Contin ue to toss this mixture occasionally throughout cooking process making sure there is enough coating; you may need to add more cornmeal.) Cook okra in three batches, using slotted spoon to shake excess cornmeal back into the bowl before you trans fer it to the hot oil.

After okra has been in the oil for a few min utes, carefully stir to separate pieces. Contin ue to stir occasionally so that all pieces cook evenly. Using a spider or clean slotted spoon, remove okra to pre pared pan. Immediately, sprinkle with salt.

Allow to cool until next batch is ready. Re move to serving bowl and replace paper tow els on wire rack. Con tinue to cook remaining batches.

This makes enough for most tailgates.

SAUSAGE BREAKFAST

CASSEROLE

Mary Winkler (from Tracy Hill)

10 white bread slices (remove crust and cut into cubes)

1 lb. mild pork sausage, cooked and crumbled

1 lb. hot pork sau sage, cooked and crum bled

8 large eggs

2 ½ cups half and half

8 oz. whipping cream

3 cups grated cheddar cheese

2 cups hand grated mozzarella cheese

2 Tbsp. dry mustard

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. pepper

Grease 9x13 Pyrex dish. Place bread in dish. Top with sausage and cheeses.

Beat together eggs, half and half, whipping cream and dry mustard.

Season with salt and pepper. Pour over sau sage mixture. Prepare one day ahead and chill.

Cook at 350 degrees for 45 minutes or until done.

CARAMEL BROWNIES

Mary Winkler from Alyssa Northcutt

1 box German choco late cake mix

1 ½ sticks butter

1 can evaporated milk

1 bag caramels

1 small bag chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter. Mix German chocolate cake mix, butter and 2/3 cup evaporated milk.

es are Chocolate Toffee Bars and Bread Pudding with Vanilla Sauce.

“We all enjoy cooking and sharing recipes,” Phelps said. “We joke that our group could put together a large catered event in a matter of a day by just mak ing a few phone calls. We look forward to many more years of tailgating.”

Spread half of mixture on bottom of 9 x 13 pan. Bake 8 minutes. Melt caramels and 1/3 cup evaporated milk in microwave. Stir caramel mixture. Pour bag of chocolate chips on top of baked brownies.

Pour caramel mixture on top of chocolate chips, and then “plop” the rest of cake mixture on top of caramels.

Bake 20 minutes.

Let cool if you want to cut squares or serve hot with ice cream. Good cold from refrigerator too.

CHOCOLATE TOFFEE BARS

Janet Phelps Donna Goodlett

½ cup butter or mar garine

2 cups crushed choco late Teddy Grahams (or chocolate graham crack ers)

1 pkg. Heath Brickle Bits

1 pkg. Heath Milk Chocolate Brickle Bits

1 cup semi-sweet choc olate chips

1 to ½ cups chopped pecans/walnuts

14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk

Line a 9x13 dish with non-stick foil. Pour melted butter in bottom of dish; stir in chocolate crumbs and press firmly for bottom layer. Bake at 325 degrees for 5 min utes.

Layer next 4 ingredi ents, pressing down. Pour condensed milk over top. Bake at 325 degrees for approximately 30 min utes, or until edges are slightly brown. Cool com pletely in pan. Lift by foil out of pan. Cut into small bars (1 to 2 inch squares) These can be easily frozen. Makes approxi mately 4 dozen.

HAM ROLLS

Janet Phelps Donna Goodlett

1 pkg. dinner rolls (in aluminum pans)

8 oz. ham slices

12 oz. sliced Swiss cheese

½ cup margarine or butter, melted

1 ½ Tbsp. poppy seeds

1 ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce

1 ½ tsp. prepared mus tard

1 tsp onion flakes

Sesame Seeds

Do not separate rolls; slice tops in one piece and place bottoms in pans. Layer ham and cheese and replace tops. Com bine next 5 ingredients; mix well; drizzle over rolls. Refrigerate until firm; best if refrigerated overnight. Sprinkle with sesame seeds; bake cov ered with foil at 350 de grees for 20 minutes. Cut into desired pieces; serve hot or cold.

Vision Awareness Week a Huge Community Success

• Monday, Oct. 17

BY BETH PINYERD FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY — Vision Awareness Week, held from Oct. 17 through 21 and sponsored by the Al abama Institute for Deaf and Blind, was an outreach to the le gally blind and low-vi sion residents in our community. Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind at Auburn Institute for the Deaf and Blind (AIDB); Shiquita Fulton, vision therapist for Alabama Rehabilitative Ser vice; and staffs at both agencies coordinated the vision awareness events. The events in cluded:

RECIPES

FROM A10

OLYMPIA SALAD

Janet

1 package broccoli slaw

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 bunch green onions, chopped

2 packages chicken fla vored Ramen Noodles

1 cup sunflower seeds

1 cup slivered almonds

cup sugar

1/3 cup white vinegar

½ cup salad oil

1 package dried cranber ries

Break noodles into small pieces and mix with almonds. Bake on cookie sheet for 5 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool. Then mix with broccoli slaw, red pepper, onions, sunflower seeds and cranberries.

Mix sugar, chicken-fla vored packets from noo dles, vinegar and oil. Pour over broccoli mix.

Refrigerate. (Best if it is served soon after mixing as the noodles get soggy.)

10 to 12.

BREAD PUDDING WITH VANILLA SAUCE

Janet

3 large eggs, lightly beaten

1½ cups sugar

2 Tbsp. light brown sugar

½ tsp. ground nutmeg

2 ¾ cups whipping cream

cup butter, melted

— Chick-Fil-A spon sored a brunch.

• Tuesday, Oct. 18

— a Sensory Walk at Dinius Park was held.

• Wednesday, Oct. 19 — The Lee County Low Vision Support Group met at AIDB for its monthly meeting.

Leisa Askew, Alabama Cares coordinator of Lee-Russell Council of Governments, spoke of the many services pro vided by the Agency on Aging.

Askew also ad dressed questions posed by the Low Vision Support Group and guided them to resources. Julia Hanna, a member of the Lee County Low Vision

4 cups French bread cubes

3/4 cup raisins Vanilla Sauce

Combine first 4 in gredients; stir in whip ping cream and butter. Gently stir in bread cubes and raisins. Pour into a lightly greased 2-quart soufflé or deep baking dish.

Bake, uncovered, at 375 for 50 to 55 min utes, shielding with aluminum foil after 30 minutes to prevent excessive browning. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Vanilla Sauce: 1 cup whole milk

½ cup light brown sugar

Support Group, spoke of new and different coping skills offered by Alabama Reha bilitative Services and AIDB. The Delta Gamma sorority at Auburn University provided AIDB with hands-on support by helping blind and low-vision citizens during the meeting and also assisted the bingo game played during the meeting.

• Thursday, Oct. 20 — an Independent Living Workshop was sponsored by AIDB.

• Friday, Oct. 21 — Delta Gamma of Auburn University set up and provided a Trunk or Treat for the community.

2 Tbsp. butter, melted

1 egg

1 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

1 pinch ground cinna mon

1 pinch salt

1 Tbsp. vanilla extract

Whisk together milk, brown sugar, butter, egg, flour, cinnamon and salt in a heavy saucepan until smooth. Cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, until sauce is thickened and coats the back of a soon, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in vanilla extract.

Pour sauce over warm bread pudding or serve on the side.

Auburn University's Delta Gamma sorority members assisted in Vision Awareness Week, Oct. 17 through 21.

PHOTO

What's Happening in Lee County

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Oct. 27: Ghoulish Gala At Auburn Public Library

Oct. 27: Trunk Or Treat At Pepperell

Oct.

Oct.

Oct.

Nov.

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet on Nov. 15 at 7 p.m.

NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy.

There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. Meetings are held at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

O GROWS — SATURDAYS AT THE GARDEN

Every Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon outside the Southside Center for the Arts, located at 1103 Glenn St. in Opelika. Activities will include planting, storytime, crafts or art projects for children and hanging out with the goats.

TRUNK-OR-TREAT

Join us at Pepperell Baptist Church on Thursday, Oct. 27 from 5 to 7 p.m. for a community trunk-or-treat co-hosted with Auburn-Opelika MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers). This will be a great expe rience for the whole family. The children get an early start on candy, parents can pick up a treat at our “parent’s corner” and the whole family can snap a picture with Aubie (who will only be available from 5 to 6 p.m..). We look forward to meeting you. Pepperell Baptist Church is located at 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika.

MOPS International encourages and equips moms of young children to realize their potential as mothers, women and leaders in relationship with Jesus, and in partnership with the local church. Preschool mothers learn to take time out for motherhood during MOPS meetings around a theme and discussion. MOPS helps moms share their experiences and learn more about children’s unique needs from infants to kindergarten.

During MOPS’ meetings, a Moppets program is available for children. This program is taught and facilitated by volunteer childcare teach ers. This program allows little ones to work on lessons, activities, arts, crafts, and play. While the mothers are making friends, their children are too.

Auburn/Opelika MOPS meets twice a month on the first and third Thursday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. at Pepperell Baptist Church at 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika. MOPS’ autumn schedule is Sept. 15; Oct. 6, 20; Nov. 3, 17 and Dec. 1 and 15.

The MOPS theme this year is "coming together as friends." You can contact Coordinators Rachel Elrod at 706-244-5620 and Kaela Sexton at 719-351-8093, or you can email auburnopelikamops@gmail.com.

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

The 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 Drive in Opelika. Every month there will be different topics discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision.

Contact Shiquita Fulton, M. ED/Vision Rehab Therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

VFW Post 5404, 131 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn, next to Ray's Col lision off of South College Street, will be open on Wednesdays 8 to 11 a.m. with coffee, donuts, cake and conversation about service and benefits for all veterans and spouses to stop by.

Camp Lejeune Toxic Water Claims

- 1987 and suffered a serious health problem or death, you may be entitled to compensation. Chemicals found in the water supply at the base have been linked to many cancers, ALS, birth defects and other illnesses.

now for a free case review.

CAMP HILL MAIN STREET FALL HARVEST DAY

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdaym Nov. 12, come to Main Street in Camp Hill to buy some yummy food and wander around checking out the market while you listen to some good light music. We are bringing farmers, hot food vendors, artisans and musicians into downtown to give you a chance to buy fresh goods and have a good time.

We will have 20 vendors selling vegetables, homemade baked goods, jams and jellies and more. Bring the kids for a picture with Spidey and friends. Parking is near the storm shelter on South Main or along Holley Avenue.

Vendors please direct questions to the Rev. Joanne Finley at 334.332.5070 by Nov. 2.

CHRISTMAS MARKET 2022

Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022

Auburn United Methodist Church 137 S. Gay St. in Auburn from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

There is no admission to attend. Park ing is available in the church lots on Magnolia and on Gay streets.

Shop local arts, crafts, food, traditional baked goods, frozen soups and casseroles.

For more than 50 years the United Women of Faith at Auburn United Meth odist Church have used all proceeds from their annual Christmas Market to support local area missions.

ST. LUKE AME CHURCH IN OPELIKA HOSTING FALL FESTIVAL OCT. 29

St. Luke AME Church in Opelika is hosting its Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 29, noon to 2 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Games and activities, free food, fellowship, candy and music will be available for all attendees.

The church is looking for as sistance purchasing food, candy and prizes, setting up (starting at 11 a.m.) and inviting community members.

St. Luke AME Church is located at 1308 Auburn St. in Opelika.

AUBURN/OPELIKA MOTHERS OF PRESCHOOLERS (MOPS) UNITE FOR A NEW YEAR!

What Are You Doing?

• Maybe it’s because they know someone who is a legalist. Instead of having the obedience of faith that Paul talks about in Romans 1:5 and 16:26, the legalist has faith in their obedience. They think they can be good enough to be good enough. That’s a poison pill if ever there was one. Knowing that’s wrong, how many people over correct and decide that any serious attempt at obedience is automatically legalism?

• Maybe it’s because they think obedience is not “spiritual.” Everyone is supposed to submit to and obey God, but some people want to do something different, something special. King Saul fell into this trap (1 Samuel 15). Paul told the “spiritual” Corinthians (see 1 Corinthians 4:10ff),

that what he was writing was the Lord’s command and anyone who thought they were “a prophet, or spiritual” (14:37 ESV), should acknowledge and obey it.

• Maybe it’s because they are holding on to something. For the rich, young ruler, it was his material wealth. For Demas, it was “because he loved this world” (2 Timothy 4:10). Some people start to squirm when someone talks about obedience because they know they are withholding from God.

• Maybe it’s because they fail to realize God works with us. I had a professor in college who on exam day would walk into the room reminding us that “the weak die along the way.” Sadly, some people see God that way. To them,

He’s nothing more than a deity who throws a book at them and tells them to get with it. Paul told the disciples at Philippi to “work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you both to will and to act in order to fulfill His good purpose” (Philippians 2:1213). As any good parent knows, children learn obedience as their parents work with them.

• Maybe it’s because they fail to personalize their obedience. If Jesus walked into the room you are in right now and told you He needed a volunteer to do something for Him, you’d jump at the opportunity, wouldn’t you? Then what if said, “I need you to keep God’s commands.”

From that point on, your attitude about keeping

God’s commands would be totally transformed. Instead of feeling burdened by them, you would be enthusiastic and excited about the opportunity to do something for Jesus. There’s an old story about two men working on St. Paul’s Cathedral. One was asked what he was doing, and he said something to the effect of, “I am doing the backbreaking work of hauling, cutting and dressing stones.”

Another man doing the same work was asked the same thing, and he replied, “I’m helping Christopher Wren, the world’s greatest architect, build a cathedral for God!”

Well, what are you doing?

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

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

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

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

Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270,

Valley 334-705-0538

AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

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

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

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

High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750

Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108

Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166,

Opelika 334-745-4608

Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181

Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721

Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

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

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

BRUCE GREEN

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.

Good News If You Can’t Carry a Tune in a Bucket

RELIGION —

When I was a boy, I noticed one Sunday that whenever our pastor asked us to “stand and sing,” my dad stood beside my mom, but never sang. He may have quietly hummed the tune, but I don’t think he even did that. I never asked why, and he never explained his silence. He worshiped God but without singing.

While I admired Dad, I must have gotten my genes for singing from Mama. I have loved and

HAZEL SMITH PLUMMER

Mr. Douglas H. Edmondson passed away on Friday, Oct. 21, 2022. He was born on May 29, 1936, to Burty and Homer Edmondson in Randolph County, Alabama.

There was a graveside service at Rock Springs Baptist Church Cemetery, Oct. 24, at 3 p.m. The family received guests at the graveside one hour before.

Mr. Edmondson is survived by his loving wife, Sylvia; their two children: Pam Powers of Valley Grand, Alabama and Danny Edmondson of LaFayette, Alabama. He is also survived by four grandchildren and five great grandchildren, one brother, Ronnie Edmondson and, one sister, Carol Scott Fredonia.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that all donations be made to: Auburn Bethany House 1171 Gateway Drive Building 100 Auburn, AL, 36830.

CAROLYN (CAROL) JOHNSON GRIFFIN

Carolyn (Carol) Johnson Griffin age 80 passed away

enjoyed singing all my life, especially songs of faith. I like many different types of songs, from country songs that “tell a story,” to the great hymns of the church. I also like some of the new contemporary worship songs, as well as spirituals and simple choruses. (Pop and rock songs may be the most popular in the world, but they do nothing for me.)

Now that I live almost alone (My dog Buddy is still with me.), and many songs are in my memory bank, I sing a lot at home. Buddy has gotten used to my eruptions in song; he doesn’t jump like he once did when I suddenly begin singing “Thou art worthy, Thou art worthy, Thou art worthy O Lord, to receive glory, glory and honor, glory and honor and power; for Thou hast created, hast all things created, Thou hast created

all things; and for Thy pleasure they are created — Thou art worthy, O Lord.”

That song may not do anything for Buddy, but it stirs my soul to give God glory for creating all things, even me, for His pleasure. For me, singing chases away the dread of loneliness and frees me up to enjoy the gifts that God keeps giving me, especially the gift of life and rich fellowship with fellow servants of Jesus. Singing helps me affirm my faith in the goodness of God, and that’s pretty needful in this world so filled with brokenness, violence, evil and suffering.

Since our “days are numbered,” and none of us knows when our number is coming up, it blesses me to face the brevity of life by singing a song like “One day at a time sweet Jesus, that’s all I’m

asking of You, just give me the strength to do every day what I have to do. Yesterday’s gone sweet Jesus, and tomorrow may never be mine. Lord, help me today, show me the way, one day at a time.”

Because we don’t know how many days we have left, it’s important to live every day to the fullest.

If I had asked my dad why he didn’t sing, he might have given me the excuse I have heard often from others: “Son, I can’t carry a tune in a bucket.” That excuse means a person is musically challenged and sings very poorly. But what has a bucket got to do with it? I found out that to “carry a tune” is to sing correctly. So admitting the inability to carry, or transport, a tune in a bucket is to say, “Even if I had my head in a bucket, where the acoustics are more favorable, I could

OBITUARIES

at home Oct. 18, 2022.

Carol was born Nov. 19, 1941, in Newell, Alabama, to James Monroe Johnson and Runnel Green Johnson. She was predeceased in death by her father and her husband, Frank Davis Griffin, of 35 devoted years until his death in July 2012.

She graduated from LaGrange High School in LaGrange, Georgia, in 1958, and attended LaGrange College for one year. She traveled several times to Europe as a chaperon after graduation for LaGrange youth. She joined the Army January 1963 and was stationed at Arlington Hall in Arlington Virginia, as a clerk for one year and then moved to California. While there she worked as a comptroller for a large bank in California before returning to LaGrange in the late 1970s. She married Frank Davis Griffin May 15, 1977, and they lived in LaGrange, Birmingham, Alabama, Fairhope, Alabama and finally Auburn.

Carol’s hobbies were gardening, sewing, baking and volunteering. Where every Carol lived she was volunteering her time to the church, hospital and neighbors.

She was a platinum level master gardner, a lifetime member of Presbyterian Women and her gift was acts of service. She was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother and pet parent to her beloved Sydney and best friend.

She is survived by her daughter Adrienne Griffin of Grantville, Georgia; daughter Monya Griffin Barnes and son-in-law Vance of Cumming, Georgia; brother Jerry (Louise) Johnson of LaGrange, Georgia; one grandson Ashley Griffin Miller of Columbia, South Carolina. Nieces Ashley (Gene) Johnson Adams of LaGrange, Marilyn Griffin Prather (Robert) of Carrollton, Georgia; Elizabeth Griffin of Arlington, Virginia; Mary Gayle Griffin of Kensington, Maryland; and nephews Jay Raymond Johnson, LaGrange, and Mark Griffin and Jordan Griffin of Carrollton.

A celebration of life for Carolyn Johnson Griffin was held at noon Oct. 24, 2022, at First Presbyterian Church of Auburn with Nick and Kathy Reed officiating. A reception followed the service in Conway Hall. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial

contributions be made to: First Presbyterian Church 143 E. Thach Ave. Auburn, AL 36830.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

O. T. HANNA JR.

O. T. Hanna Jr. of Opelika, Alabama, was born on Dec. 11, 1942, and passed away on Oct. 18, 2022. He was 79 years old.

He was preceded in death by his parents, O.T. Hanna Sr. and Wilene Ray Hanna, brothers Robert Hanna, Donald Hanna and Bobby Hanna.

He is survived by his wife, Glenda Hanna, children, Belinda Nelson and Ervin Hanna, and three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one sister, Debbie Hanna Johnson (Ray).

Visitation was held in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022 from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m.

Funeral services was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Saturday, Oct. 22, 2022, at 1 p.m. with Brother Larry Doster officiating, and burial

not sing correctly.”

Well, I have good news for Christians who can’t carry a tune in a bucket. In heaven you will have a new voice for singing.

How do I know this?

Because of the way John describes heaven in the Book of Revelation.

John says he heard a great multitude singing, “Hallelujah! For our Lord God Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory.” (19:67). That great multitude, whose singing sounds, John says, like “great peals of thunder,” will surely include everybody. Nobody will have to hum or lip-sync the words. So, praise God, my dad has a new voice and I can’t wait to hear him singing praise to God.

In the meantime, until I join my dad in singing with that great multitude, I can enjoy singing songs

like the one composed by Charles Parkin: See the morning sun ascending, radiant in the eastern sky; hear the angel voices blending in their praise to God on high! Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to God on high! So may we, in lowly station, join the choristers above; singing with the whole creation, praising thee for thy great love. Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to God above! For thy loving kindness ever shed upon our earthly ways; for thy mercy, ceasing never, for thy blessing day by day; “Wisdom, honor, power, and blessing!” with the angelic host we cry; round thy throne, thy name confessing, Lord we would to thee draw nigh. Alleluia! Alleluia! Glory be to God on high!

Yes, indeed; Glory be to God for the privilege of singing.

followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

KYLE STANLEY DRAKE JR.

Kyle Stanley Drake Jr., long time resident of Opelika, died peacefully on Oct. 15, 2022, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama. He was 89 years old. Born on Aug. 3, 1933, to Kyle S. Drake and Lorene Henderson Drake in Camp Hill, Alabama, he and his family became residents of Opelika in 1936. He was married to Mary Ann Shippey Drake on Aug. 30, 1952, and was blessed to have Mary Ann as his wife for sixty-two years, until her death on Feb. 12, 2015.

He is survived by their three sons and their wives: Randall (Renee) of Brentwood, Tennessee, Russell (Jay) of Hoover, Alabama, and Kyle (Pam) of Auburn, Alabama; grandchildren Justin Drake, Melissa Drake, Christian Drake, and Mallory Britt. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Corrie Drake.

He attended Northside Elementary School and graduated from Clift High School in 1951.

He graduated from the University of Alabama with a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1955 and later that year entered the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers and served on active duty for two years. He was released from active duty in 1957 and served with the U. S. Army Reserves until 1964 when he was honorably discharged with the rank of First Lieutenant.

He entered the private mechanical engineering and contracting business in 1957 and operated that business until 1983. During that period he was privileged to serve as President of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, member and chairman of the Opelika Water Board, member of the AmSouth Bank city Board of Directors, and member and president of the Opelika City Commission.

In 1983, he became affiliated with Auburn University as a mechanical engineer tasked with developing a campus-wide chilled water system to provide air conditioning to university facilities. In 1985 he became Director of its Physical Plant and later that year became its

WALTER ALBRITTON

Youth For Christ Holds 37th Annual Golf Classic

BY EAST ALA BAMA YOUTH FOR CHRIST

AUBURN —

The Samford-Cannon Foundation presented East Alabama Youth for Christ’s 37th annual Golf Classic on Mon day, Oct. 17, at Auburn University Club.

Numerous local businesses, restaurants,

donors and YFC sup porters in the commu nity contributed to the success of the ministry fundraiser to further the Youth for Christ minis try efforts.

The lucky winner of the ball drop contest was Jerry Schwarzauer. His golf ball landed clos est to the target when dropped from a helicop

ter. The ball drop was sponsored by Byerly and Associates, CPA. Lunch for all involved was sponsored by Chuck’s Bar-B-Que. All team prizes and door prizes for the golfers were donated from many gen erous businesses around the area.

The Youth for Christ team was pleased to

have another great turn out for the annual event.

“We are so grateful for the many donors, golfers, volunteers and supporters of this year's Golf Classic,” said YFC Executive Director Tabitha Vasilas. “The proceeds from this event will go towards further enabling us to reach more youth for Christ

across East Alabama.

“As the executive di rector, my heart rejoices over the many kind and generous people the Lord sends to help us fulfill His mission of ad vancing the gospel. Je sus is the hope and light of the world. Because of that reality, we will continue to let his light illuminate brightly from

within EAYFC. That continues to be possible because of our generous partners.”

To partner with East Alabama YFC in reach ing the youth in the community by getting involved or becoming a giving partner, visit eastalabamayfc.org or email yfc@eastala bamayfc.org.

Assistant Vice-President for Facilities. He was later honored to serve as Acting Vice-President for Administration. He retired from Auburn University on Sept. 1, 2000.

He became a member of First United Methodist Church in 1945 and served as member and chairman of a number of its boards and committees. He was honored to serve as a church school teacher, Stephen Minister, and certified Lay Speaker for many years.

Throughout his life, Kyle sought out adventure. He became a pilot in middle age and flew his plane all over the country; always realizing a peaceful calm while flying. He also had a passion for sailing and he and Mary Ann often sought the comfort of the sea. He also had hobbies such as photography and woodturning. Each hobby was accompanied by a spirit of determination to excel. It is what drove

him to be so successful in his life. His true gift was his generosity. He never wanted anyone to know of his countless acts of kindness and philanthropy.

A private burial service was held Oct. 21, 2022, at Garden Hills Cemetery (with a memorial service at First United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

The family respectfully declines the gift of flowers and suggests that memorial gifts be directed to the:

Kyle S. Drake Jr. Memorial Fund at the University of Alabama, Advancement Services Box 870101 Tuscaloosa, AL 35487 First United Methodist Church or to the charity of your choice.

DAVID PAUL WHITLOW

David Paul Whitlow, 61, passed away Thursday, Oct. 6, 2022.

David was preceded in death by his parents, George Whitlow and Bettie (Jerry) Bradford,

and his sister, Billie Barnes. He is survived by his stepmother, Norma Whitlow; two brothers, Gerald Whitlow and Randy (Kim) Hallman; three sisters, Paula (Tommy) Gunn, Shannon Whitlow (Todd) Ogle and Dawn Whitlow; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.

David was a 1980 graduate of Childersburg High School. He had a short career in the Marines and served in the National Guard. He was most proud of his work as Counselor and Houseparent at the Boys and Girls Ranches in Birmingham, Alabama. David loved and served the Lord with a humble heart.

He touched many hearts and will truly be missed by all.

There will be a memorial to celebrate his life at Marvyn Parkway Baptist Church in Opelika, on Saturday, Oct. 29 at 11 a.m. CST. Following the service, everyone is invited for refreshments in the Fellowship Hall.

COMICS

OPELIKA —

T he Dothan Wolves end ed Opelika's football season with a 14-7 win at Rip Hewes Stadium last Friday night, eliminating OHS from making the 2022 AHSAA football playoffs. The Bulldogs started the season with four wins, then lost five of the last six games, including four region opponents. Opelika finishes the year with a 5-5 over all record, and 4-4 in class 7A region 2. The highlight of the year for the Dogs was a 1714 overtime win over Central at Bulldog Stadium.

Friday night against Dothan, Opelika took a 7-0 lead after Caden Cooper ran for a 25-yard TD on the opening drive. Dothan running back Raymond Blackmon tied the game by scor ing on a 2-yard run with nine seconds left in the first half.

Blackmon sprinted 57 yards for the win ning touchdown with 2:14 left in the fourth quarter. The Wolves intercepted an Opelika pass on a Hail Mary on the final play of the game. Blackmon end ed the night with 237

yards on 19 carries and scored both TD's for the Wolves.

Opelika ended its first season in class 7A with a 4-4 Region 2 record.

OHS LADY BULLDOG FLAG FOOTBALL

The Opelika Lady Bulldog flag football team defeated Dothan (12-0) and and Russell County (24-0) last week, improving to 13-6 overall.

OHS played Booker T. Washington in the first round of the AHSAA State Playoffs last night at Duck Samford in Auburn. The results were not available at press time. THE ROAD TO SUPER 7

The AHSAA foot ball playoffs begin Nov. 4 for all seven classifications. Thirtytwo teams make the playoffs in class 1A, 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A and 6A. Sixteen teams make the playoffs in class 7A because there are only 32 teams in class 7A.

The playoffs last five rounds for class 1A through class 6A, and four rounds for class 7A. This year’s Super 7 State Football Championship will be held in Auburn's

Area Football Roundup: Week 10

BY JERRY BALLAS FOR THE OBSERVER

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

The 2022 high school football season is rapidly approaching its zenith. For area private schools LeeScott and Glenwood, wins last Friday night secured a first-round AISA Class 3A playoff

bye week on Friday, Nov. 4. Public schools Auburn, Loachapoka and Beauregard contin ued to stack wins with just one loss on their records; Opelika was officially eliminated from the playoffs; and Beulah and Smiths Station suffered similar fates in defeat.

The following is a breakdown of how area

teams fared in week nine of the 2022 high school football season. All stats were compiled firsthand, by school sources or by www.

Maxpreps.com

AHSAA

AUBURN 37 | PRATTVILLE 29

The varsity Auburn High football team (81, R6-1) bounced back from its first defeat of the season to defeat

region foe Prattville (6-3, R4-3), 37-29, last Friday night. The win kept AHS at No. 2 in the AHSAA Class 7A Region 2, and clinched at least two rounds of home-field advantage for the Tigers in the playoffs, which begin Nov. 4. Junior receiver Ean Nation led Auburn with 10 catches for 110

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN —

What happens when a college basketball team sets a program record for wins in a season, sees its best player se lected No. 3 overall in the NBA draft and loses a 7-foot-2-inch defen sive anchor who led the NCAA in blocks?

You call them the Auburn Tigers and rank them No. 15 overall in the first AP Poll of the next season, of course.

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES THE OBSERVER

Senior Beauregard quarterback AJ Wallace drops back for a pass in the team's Friday, Oct. 21, home game against Jemison.

joke, the 2022-23

See AUBURN, page B7

Auburn head basketball coach Bruce Pearl on the sidelines in a game last season against Yale.

two touch downs while the Tigers

season-ending loss, the Bulldogs allowed over 200 rushing yards.

SMITHS STATION 17 |

LEE 22

up 206 passing yards in total. Auburn finishes its regular season

Oct. 18,

a home, region game against Smiths Station

R1-6) on

Oct. 28.

OPELIKA 7 | DOTHAN

varsity Opelika football team (5-5, R4-4) fell, 14-7, on the road to region foe Dothan (6-3, R4-3) last Friday, eliminat ing the Bulldogs from playoff contention in their first season in 7A — the highest divi sion in AHSAA sports — and ending their 2022 season. Senior running back Kaden Cooper was responsible for the lone Opelika score, a 25-yard rush ing touchdown in the first quarter. Opelika had a chance to tie the game on a final play Hail Mary, but the pass fell into the hands of a Dothan defender. In the

The varsity Smiths Station football team (1-8, R1-6) lost its se nior night game, 22-17, to region foe Lee (1-8, R1-6) last Friday night. Senior quarterback Jackson Greer led the Panthers, going 8-of-15 passing for 121 yards and one TD, while racking up another 22 yards rushing and one TD. The Panthers have been out of playoff contention for several weeks now, but have one final chance to salvage their season with a would-be upset over region foe Auburn (8-1, R6-1) on Friday, Oct. 28.

BEAUREGARD 54 |

JEMISON 14

The varsity Beauregard Hornets (8-1, R4-1) racked up 452 total yards en route to a 54-14 win over Jemison (2-7, R1-4) last Friday night. The win kept the Hornets at No. 2 in the AHSAA Class

5A Region 4 rank ings, behind Central of Clay County (who beat Beauregard, 283, on Oct. 14). Senior quarterback AJ Wallace led the Hornets with 19 completions on 22 attempts for 247 yards and one touchdown. His favorite target during the contest was junior receiver Corday Stinson, who hauled in nine catches for 111 yards. The Hornets were committed to the rush just as much as to the pass Friday, totaling 205 yards on the ground. Beauregard has one final non-re gion regular season game against Lincoln (4-5, R2-4) on Friday, Oct. 28.

BEULAH 14 | WEAVER 30

The varsity Beulah Bobcats fell to 1-8 on the season (1-6 in the region) with a 30-14 home loss to region foe Weaver (2-7, R1-5). The Bobcats totaled just 181 yards and com mitted six penalties for 60 yards and six turnovers, ultimately contributing to their

downfall. Quarterback Noah Higdon posted the best day offensive ly, completing 7-of-16 passes for 111 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for 15 yards and the only other Beulah score. Sophomore Demarion Foreman was his favor ite target, catching four balls for 63 yards and a TD. Beulah finishes its season Friday, Oct. 28 at home against non-re gion Horseshoe Bend (3-6, R1-6).

LOACHAPOKA 40 | BILLINGSLEY 6

The varsity Loachapoka football team (8-1, R6-1) defeat ed Billingsley, 40-6, last Friday to maintain the No. 2 ranking in the AHSAA Class 1A Region 4 standings. The standout on the night was eighth-grad er Cortez Cooks, who took both of his car ries to the end zone and totaled 65 yards. The win closed out Loachapoka’s regular season. The next time Loachapoka will be on the field is Nov. 4, at

home, for a first-round playoff matchup against Keith (5-4, R4-2).

AISA LEE-SCOTT 49 | FORT DALE 14

The last undefeated team standing in Lee County, the varsity Lee-Scott Academy Warriors (9-0, R7-0) capped off a perfect regular season with a 49-14 victory over Fort Dale (3-6, R2-5). The Warriors allowed 203 total yards against the Eagles, compared to gaining 251 themselves.

Quarterback Pelzer Reaves and four differ ent receivers accounted for 63 passing yards, while seven rushers accounted for 188 yards on the ground. The Warriors have a firstround bye in the AISA Class 3A playoffs, with their second round, semi-final matchup set to be against either Monroe or Valiant Cross Academy — two teams Lee-Scott beat by a combined mar gin of 87-7 earlier this season. From there, Lee-Scott would need

just one more win to secure the state cham pionship at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery on Nov. 17.

GLENWOOD 63 | MORGAN ACADEMY 32

The varsity Glenwood Gators football team clinched a first-round bye in the AISA Class 3A playoffs with a 6332 win over Morgan Academy last Friday night. The performance from the Gators was buoyed by the perfor mance of senior run ning back JT Banks, who tallied over 150 rushing yards and five touchdowns in the game. Glenwood next faces a prospective matchup against either Morgan or Autauga Academy — who it beat by a combined margin of 112-45 ear lier this season — in the semi-final round of the playoffs on Nov. 10. From there, the Gators would need just one more win to secure the state champion ship at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery on Nov. 17.

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

The Opelika City Schools Board met for its regularly scheduled meet ing Tuesday, Oct. 25, and vote to approve a resolu tion to send to the Opelika City Council for the 11 mil school tax renewal.

“We’re very thankful to our community and the support that it provides to our schools and our children and one way that that’s done for us is through a local tax,” said Opelika Superintendent Dr. Farrell Seymore.

Seymore said it is time for a renewal but another won’t be required for a long time.

“[We need to] petition the city to renew this tax,” he said. “This is not a new tax, it is a renewal and it is for $11 mil. It would be a substantial continuation of our funding from the city.”

The next step is that the resolution will appear before the Opelika City Council for its vote, which Seymore said he hopes will be soon.

This tax has not expired yet but Seymore said they wanted to be ahead of the game.

In other business the board: - approved consid eration of personnel recommendations - approved consideration of a bid for shelf stable milk for the child nutrition program. - heard the month ly financial report for August, 2022 - heard the monthly child nutrition report for August, 2022

The Opelika City Schools Board meets regu larly on the fourth Tuesday of every month at 4:30 p.m. However, the next meeting will be a com bined one for November and December on Dec. 8.

JERRY

The varsity Beauregard football team (8-1, R4-1) won its home game against Jemison, 54-14, on Friday, Oct. 21. For more information about the game, read "Area Football Roundup: Week 10" on page B1.

The varsity Smiths Station football team (1-8, R1-6) lost its final home game of the year on Friday, Oct. 21, falling to region foe Lee, 22-17. For more information about the game, read "Area Football Roundup: Week 10" on page B1

PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN / FOR THE OBSERVER

PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN / FOR THE OBSERVER

Auburn Names Woltosz Football Performance Center, Creel Family Development Lab

Dye Society, Auburn Athletics’ highest level of giving.

AUBURN —

Auburn’s new football training facility will be known as the Woltosz Football Performance Center, and the weight room will be named the Creel Family Player Development Lab in recognition of lead ership gifts. Auburn University’s Board of Trustees approved the new names on Sept. 16.

The named spaces honor Walt and Ginger Woltosz, and Keith and Ginger Creel, members of Tigers Unlimited Foundation’s Pat

AUBURN

FROM

Auburn basketball jour ney will be anything but straightforward.

Losing five-star freshman Jabari Smith and UNC transfer center Walker Kessler to the NBA draft after just one spectacular season on the Plains, the Tigers have some big shoes to fill heading into the new season.

The transfer of threeyear role player Devan Cambridge to Arizona State also leaves a void, but the Tigers return a number of last season’s lineup staples to help guide the team this year.

Starters K.D. Johnson (SG) and Zep Jasper (PG) return as last year’s starting guard duo; Wendell Green Jr. (PG) came off the bench

“Once again, the Woltosz and Creel fam ilies have demonstrated their leadership and commitment to Auburn by their transformational giving,” said interim Director of Athletics Rich McGlynn. “These named spaces will serve as permanent reminders to football student-ath letes, coaches and the Auburn family of their steadfast dedication and inspiring generosity.”

In 2019, the Woltoszes committed what was then the largest gift in Auburn Athletics history

last season and is touted as one of the top-20 point guards in all of the NCAA; Allen Flanigan (SF) is injury-free and looking for a bounce-back year; and key rotational players Jaylin Williams (PF), Dylan Cardwell (C) and Chris Moore (SF) are in-line for increased playing time.

The returners from last year’s team alone are enough to compete in the SEC and for a berth into the NCAA Tournament, but Auburn is in the business of chasing banners, champion ships. In truth, it’s the new comers to Auburn which raise this team’s ceiling and expectations.

Most notably, sophomore Johni Broome comes to the Plains as one of the most coveted transfers in all of the NCAA. The 6-foot-10-inch Ohio Valley

for the football perfor mance center that now bears their name.

“We love Auburn,” Walt said. “You look for things you can do to make the world a better place, and certainly, to help make Auburn a

Conference Defensive Player of the Year last sea son averaged 16.4 points, 10.5 rebounds and 3.85 blocks (ranked No. 3 in the nation) per game. While it's inherently hard to replace someone with the defen sive capabilities of Kessler, Broome is about as close as it gets. Plus, the former Ohio Valley Conference Freshman of the Year (2020-21) brings with him an offensive game that is more well-rounded than Kessler’s, and suits head coach Bruce Pearl’s system well.

The other high-impact additions appear to be the talented freshmen who were recruited to the Plains this offseason. Both highly rat ed four stars, Yohan Traore (PF) and Chance Westry (SG) boast the versatility to play multiple positions,

better place.

“Athletics are often the front door to the university to people who don’t know much about Auburn. Academically, we’re at a very high level, but many only come to know that first

and will be a major part of Auburn’s hypothetical suc cess this season. Freshman Tre Donaldson was also a highly rated recruit, but the point guard may find it diffi cult to break into the lineup year, with Green Jr., Jasper and Johnson firmly ahead of him at the guard spots.

The Tigers face a few important questions as they near the season opener on Nov. 7 at home versus George Mason. One press ing matter is the lineup – who starts and who sits. Realistically, Pearl has 11 guys who will expect to get impactful playing time in his rotation: Broome, Green Jr., Johnson, Jasper,

through the athletic programs.”

“The Woltoszes and the Creels have a passion for supporting Auburn — and specifically Auburn student-ath letes — that is second to none,” said Tim Jackson, executive associate ath letics director of Tigers Unlimited. “Their gener osity toward this project is a game changer for our football program, con tinuing their broad sup port for many Auburn Athletics programs.”

Walt earned bache lor’s (1969) and master’s (1977) degrees in aero space engineering from Auburn University’s

Cardwell, Williams, Moore, Traore, Westry, Flanigan, Donaldson. And that might be leaving out a couple of guys. Pearl has a good problem on his hands with a strong mix of returning, transfer and first-year play ers – many of whom would be immediate starters on lower-caliber Division 1 schools.

With all this talent, how ever, there comes an issue with determining the leader of the team, the Alpha. Who is the closer? There was no debating Smith was that guy last season, but the smart money is on either Green Jr., Johnson or Broome to be the guy with

Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, and was later awarded an honor ary doctor of science by the university in 2021.

Ginger graduated with a degree in business ad ministration from San Jose State University and earned an MBA from the University of Phoenix.

Married 41 years, Walt and Ginger founded Words+ Inc. in 1981, creating communication tools for persons with se vere disabilities, includ ing Professor Stephen Hawking. Words+ products have been used by thousands of people around the world and

the ball in their hands when it matters most this season. But it may be that this team doesn’t simply have one “Alpha” … and that’s OK… for now, at least. The Tigers will need that “go-to guy” when the it matters most.

The time of Auburn surprising its opponents with its quality and vaunted home-court advantage is over. The Tigers are getting everyone’s best shot, each game. As the fourth-high est ranked SEC school in the initial AP Poll, behind Kentucky (No. 4), Arkansas (No. 10) and Tennessee (No. 11), Auburn basketball expects to compete with the nation’s best.

FROM

Jordan-Hare Stadium, Nov. 30, Dec. 1 and 2.

The three-day event will feature eight championship games, including the second girls’ flag football championship game in the history of AHSAA.

The Super 7 is a joint effort between the cities of Auburn and Opelika, along with AO Tourism. This is the seventh time the AHSAA Football Championships will be playing at Jordan-Hare

Stadium.

The AHSAA moved the Super 6 out of Legion Field after the 2008 champion ships. The Super 7 was played at BryantDenny Stadium in 2009, and Auburn held its first Super 7 in 2010.

The cities of Auburn-Opelika, Tuscaloosa and Birmingham signed a 12-contract with the AHSAA in 2021. Each site will host four Super 7 cham pionships in 12 years and will be played at

Protective Stadium in Birmingham, BryantDenny Stadium and Jordan-Hare Stadium.

I will continue to update you on the behind-the-scenes of Super 7 in the coming weeks.

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.

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Auburn University's new Woltosz Football Performance Center is located at Lem Morrison Drive.

T h a n k y o u f o r y o u r c o n s i d e r a t i o n i n s u p p o r t i n g t h i s e v e n t I f y o u h a v e a n y q u e s t i o n s p l e a s e c o n t a c t o u r F u n

u n C h a i r p e r s o n H e a t h e r I r v i n a t h i r v i n 0 8 @ g m a i l c o m S i n c e r e

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have been recognized by the Smithsonian Institute.

Early in his aerospace career, Walt developed simu lation and modeling software for rocket motors used in key space and military systems.

In 1996, the Air Force vet eran and his wife founded Simulations Plus Inc., apply ing similar technologies in health care to create software used by more than 200 phar maceutical firms, including the world’s top 25, helping to analyze new products and saving millions of dollars in research and development costs.

In addition to Pat Dye Society membership, the Woltoszes belong to Auburn’s 1856 Society’s President’s Circle, Petrie Society, Foy Society and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering’s Keystone Donors. Walt is also a founding member of On To Victory, the nonprofit col lective for Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) supporting Auburn student-athletes.

Keith Creel, a graduate of Jacksonville State University, serves as president and CEO of Canadian Pacific Railway following his military ser vice as a commissioned U.S. Army officer. Ginger Creel graduated from the University of Montevallo and later earned a master’s degree in special education.

Native Alabamians, Keith was born in Anniston and Ginger is from Leeds.

Their daughter, Caitlin, graduated from Auburn

University’s Harbert College of Business and contributed to two equestrian national championships in 2016 and 2018 while earning SEC and national academic honors.

Their son, Tanner, was a goaltender for the University of Connecticut hockey team, earning academic and athlet ic accolades.

The Creel family’s philan thropic support for Auburn equestrian and football earned them membership in Auburn’s most prestigious giving societies.

“Our commitment is to partner as much as we can, supporting the athletic pro gram, to help Auburn to con tinue to develop student-ath letes to become productive members of society, both in business and outside of busi ness,” Keith said. “It’s an in vestment in the university so they, in turn, can invest in the students, enabling and equip ping them to better serve society and the world, which is what Ginger and I believe we’re all truly called to do in our lives on this earth.”

Dedicated in August 2021 and set to house Auburn’s football operations at the conclusion of the 2022 sea son, the Woltosz Football Performance Center features 233,428 square feet and in cludes indoor and outdoor practice fields. The $92 million facility is the largest athletics project in Auburn history.

The Creel Family Player Development Lab boosts 25,000 square feet of strength and conditioning equipment and training space.

L

labama Politics ee County & A

Inside the Statehouse

General Election is Upon Us

Letters to the Editor: Responses to Anti-Union Letter

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

Believe it or not, our 2022 general elec tion is upon us, Nov. 8 to be exact. It seems to be going under the radar screen of most Alabama voters. There will be a record-break ing low voter turnout because there are really no contested statewide races. Why? Because we are a one-party state when it comes to state offices. All 21 of our state elec tive offices are held by Republicans. The Democratic Party does not field serious can didates because it is a foregone conclusion that a Democrat cannot win in elective state wide races in the Heart of Dixie. The best they can hope for is 40%.

Thus, the Democratic candidates have no money to spend be cause nobody takes them seriously, and the Republican can didates, who are flush with campaign cash, do not want to waste their money because it is a foregone conclusion that they are going to win. Therefore, with not much money being spent for advertising, the average voter may not realize there is an election, which equals a very low turnout.

The real 2022 elec tion was held in May

and June when the Republican Primary took place. Winning the Republican Primary is tantamount to election in Alabama. Just because the re al 2022 election was held in May instead of November does not mean it is not an im portant election. It is a very important elec tion. All of our consti tutional statewide of fices are being elected for the next four years, including governor, attorney general, state agriculture commis sioner, lieutenant governor, secretary of state, state treasurer and state auditor.

Gov. Kay Ivey is the Republican nominee for governor. She is seeking her second full term. This will proba bly be Ivey’s last hur rah in Alabama. She will win 60 to 40.

State Agriculture Commissioner Rick Pate is the Republican nominee for this im portant Alabama post. He will be reelected 60 to 40. He did not even have an oppo nent in the Republican Primary.

Attorney General Steve Marshall is seek ing his second term. He is a solid conser vative Republican and will win easily.

Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth is going to be reelected to his second term on Nov. 8. Like Marshall, there is no doubt that he is conservative.

Marshall and Ainsworth are young and formidable. They are also from the same county. It would be in teresting if they faced off against each other in the 2026 governor’s race.

Young Boozer will

be elected to his third term as state treasurer. He served two consec utive four-year terms, waited three years, took over from John McMillan a year ago and will win another full term on Nov. 8. He has done a tremen dous job as treasurer and is probably the most qualified person to ever serve as trea surer in my lifetime. He will more than likely have the longest tenure as state treasur er in state history.

Two young Republicans were elected to consti tutional offices in June — Wes Allen as secretary of state and Andrew Sorrell as state auditor. Both have bright futures in Alabama politics.

Even though he is only 46, Allen has already spent 15 years in elected office. He was probate judge of Pike County for 11 years and state rep resentative for Pike and Dale counties for four years. Secretary of state is an im portant post in state government.

There will be jockeying among Ainsworth, Marshall, Pate, Allen and Sorrell to see who gets the most votes on Nov. 8, as all are eyeing the 2026 races. All have Libertarian opponents.

Forty-year-old Katie Britt will be elected to her first of many to come six-year terms as our United States senator. She will more than likely be the top vote-getter on Nov. 8. She is already being touted as a superstar in Washington.

For those of you

CONTRIBUTED BY LEE COUNTY NAACP BRANCH #5038

OPINION—

In1931, Florence Reece wrote a song in Harlan County, Kentucky, while organizing with her husband and the United Mine Workers entitled “Which Side are You On?” Since that time, various musicians and workers have continued to ask this question. This week in Lee County, it was made clear that our elected officials are not on the side of workers.

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller wrote a letter to the editor in support of General Electric and opposed to the individuals who work there. To use their term, this should be “distressing” for all workers.

Shortly after Anders' and Fuller's letter made it to

print, we reached out to the workers organizing at GE to bring it to their attention. The first response back was “they (Anders and Fuller) do not have our best interest in mind.” This was already true of the company they worked for but it’s even more concerning when the individuals who are elected to represent them engage in the same anti-union rhetoric and union busting efforts.

It is easy for the Lee County NAACP to stand with the workers unionizing at the GE plant in Auburn because workers’ rights are civil rights. Examples include The March on Washington (1963), which full name was the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. In addition, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated while supporting 1,300 black sanitation workers on strike in Memphis.

Unfortunately, the struggles for workers rights and civil rights continue today in Lee County.

To learn more about this struggle at the GE plant, look no further than what the workers themselves have had to say. In doing so, you will learn that GE has removed a list of titles and opted for a common title of “manufacturing associate” — this change in work title has resulted in lower pay in a devaluation of the skills and experience that many of the workers have. Every worker is feeling the tightening of finances as a result of rising inflation but when workers at the GE plant asked for better pay and benefits, as well as the recognition of their union, the workers were met with anti-union videos in an attempt to break up the union they

Lee County Youth Can Be Sheriff For The Day

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

Ever wanted to be sheriff? The Lee County Sheriff’s Office is offering youth in the area a chance to be “sheriff for the day.”

“‘Sheriff for a day’ is a program that we are initiating to give two different age groups here in the county, actually, but to make it a chance for young people in our county to get a chance to literally hang out with the sheriff and the sheriff’s office for a portion of the day, and learn about how we operate, learn what sheriffs do," said Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones. In this day and time, sometimes there’s confusion over the exact responsibilities and duties of different types of criminal justice agencies that are involved in our

system.

“And we want to make sure that we provide an opportunity for our young people to learn about our system of justice and how the different agencies work together, and how we function as a whole — as a team — that makes up our system of justice here in the United States. We thought this would be a good way to do that, to make sure young people have a chance to learn

the role of the sheriff.”

There will be two age groups offered the chance to spend a day with the sheriff — children aged 7 to 12 and 13 to 16.

A few months back, Jessica Henderson, Lee County’s media specialist, came up with the idea, Jones said.

“We’ve always been wanting to do, or make it part of our operation, to work with

built. Perhaps the worst story coming out of the GE plant in Auburn is that they recently fired one of the workers who is organizing their colleagues despite having a highrisk pregnancy; prior to her termination, she was expected to continue to lift over 60 pounds despite GE knowing that her pregnancy was high-risk. You can read these stories and others by visiting www.geworkers. org.

at the Lee County NAACP cannot support the actions of GE and are disappointed that Anders and Fuller apparently can.

It's also important to note that the letter from Anders and Fuller comes at the 11th hour of the workers campaign to have their union recognized by GE as they are slated to begin voting on Oct. 27. We at the Lee County NAACP stand with the workers at GE and are looking forward

to celebrating alongside of them when they win their union recognition and can bargain a fair contract to improve their pay, benefits and working conditions.

We also recognize the right of all workers to organize a union and call on Anders and Fuller to do the same.

Lee County NAACP Branch #5038

CONTRIBUTED BY JOHN COCHRAN

OPINION —

In a recent letter to the editor referencing employees of GE Aviation forming a union, the mayors of Auburn and Opelika came out against the working people of our community.

There is a number of reasons union membership has been declining, but it certainly isn’t the fantasy one they mentioned. In fact, the majority of adults see the decline of union membership as bad for the U.S. and working folks in general. (Reference Pew

and Gallup polls)

We all can agree that higher wages are not just better for the wage earner, their families, but also for the community. In a BLS report released this year the median wage difference, union vs. non, for all wage and salary workers is

about $200 a week, $1,169 vs. $975. The non Union worker on average made 17% less. In fact, workers in RTW states make 15.2% less annually.

There are safety factors also, increased rates of accidents and fatalities in non-union, RTW states vs.

union, non-RTW states. Workplace deaths are 37% higher in RTW states according to a BLS report.

It is no coincidence the middle class grew when union membership was higher.

If the two mayors really wanted to support the

people of the community they would support the workers as they unionize. Perhaps we should ask them who they support more, the corporate citizens or the living, breathing working local tax-paying citizens?

John W Cochran Auburn, Alabama

Celebrating

Proposed Amendments on Upcoming Ballot

COMPILED BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

ALABAMA —

The following information is from the Alabama Secretary of State website, www.sos. alabama.gov/alabama-votes/ voter/ballot-measures/state wide.

These are the ballot stat ments for each of the 10 proposed amendments that will be on the ballots for the November general election.

BALLOT STATEMENT FOR STATE WIDE AMENDMENT 1: (1) The text of the statewide ballot measure, including sponsors, cosponsors, and the text of the question that will appear on the statewide ballot: Proposed by Act No. 2021-201 (House Bill 131, 2021 Regular Legis lative Session) Bill Sponsor: Representative Brown (C) Cosponsors: Representatives Stringer, Wilcox, Lovvorn, Estes, Oliver, Robertson, Simpson, Sells, Treadaway, Collins, Sullivan, Ellis, Blackshear, Whitt, Moore (P), Kitchens, Pettus, Ball, Wheel er, Marques, Gaston, Sorrells, Baker, Reynolds, Allen and Shedd “Proposing an amend ment to Section 16 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing as Sec tion 16 of the Official Recom pilation of the Constitution of Alabama 1901, as amended, to create Aniah's Law, to provide that an individual is entitled to reasonable bail prior to conviction, unless charged with capital murder, murder, kidnapping in the first degree, rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, sexual torture, domes tic violence in the first degree,

human trafficking in the first degree, burglary in the first degree, arson in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, terrorism when the specified offense is a Class A felony other than murder, and aggravated child abuse of a child under the age of six." Proposed by Act 2021201. This description shall be followed by the following language: "Yes ( ) No ( )." (2) A summary of and the text of any implementing legislation directly related to the state wide ballot measure: There is no implementing legislation directly related to this state wide ballot measure. (3) The placement of the statewide ballot measure on the state wide ballot: This proposed Constitutional Amendment will appear on the Ballot after election of federal offices, statewide offices, local offic es, the Proposed Constitution of Alabama of 2022 and will be the first constitutional amendment for voter consid eration. The proposed Consti tutional Amendment will be listed as “Statewide Amend ment 1.” (4) A plain language summary of the statewide ballot measure, which shall include, at a minimum, the legal or constitutional authori ty for its passage, the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is passed, including its cost and source of funding, and the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is defeated.

This amendment will change Section 16 of the Alabama Constitution. Currently, Sec tion 16 provides that before a person is convicted they shall be granted bail, except for a capital offense, and that a person shall not have to pay excessive bail in any case.

This amendment will change Section 16 to add crimes for which bail can be denied, to include murder, kidnapping in the first degree, rape in the first degree, sodomy in the first degree, sexual torture, domestic violence in the first degree, human trafficking in the first degree, burglary in the first degree, arson in the first degree, robbery in the first degree, terrorism, and aggravated child abuse of a child under the age of six.

If the majority of the voters vote “yes” on Amendment 1, Section 16 of the Alabama Constitution will be changed.

If the majority of the voters vote “no” on Amendment 1, Section 16 of the Alabama Constitution will not be changed. There are no costs to Amendment 1. The Consti tutional authority for passage of Amendment 1 is set forth in accordance with Sections 284, 285 and 287 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. These sections outline the method a constitutional amendment may be put to the people of the State for a vote.

BALLOT STATEMENT FOR STATE WIDE AMENDMENT 2: (1) The text of the statewide ballot measure, including sponsors, cosponsors, and the text of the question that will appear on the statewide ballot: Proposed by Act No. 2022-117 (House Bill 255, 2022 Regular Legis lative Session) Bill Sponsor: Representative Shedd "Pro posing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to authorize the state, a county, or a municipality to grant federal award funds or any other source of funding designated for broadband infrastructure by state law

Opelika Kiwanis Hears from Airport Assistant Director

to public or private entities for providing or expanding broadband infrastructure.”

Proposed by Act 2022-117

This description shall be followed by the following language: "Yes ( ) No ( )." (2) A summary of and the text of any implementing legislation directly related to the state wide ballot measure: There is no implementing legislation directly related to this state wide ballot measure. (3) The placement of the statewide ballot measure on the state wide ballot: This proposed Constitutional Amendment will appear on the Ballot after election of federal offices, statewide offices, local offic es, the Proposed Constitution of Alabama of 2022 and will be the second constitutional amendment for voter consid eration. The proposed Consti tutional Amendment will be listed as “Statewide Amend ment 2.” (4) A plain language summary of the statewide ballot measure, which shall include, at a minimum, the legal or constitutional au thority for its passage, the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is passed, in cluding its cost and source of funding, and the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is defeated. This amendment will make clear that the state, a county, or a city/town may grant federal funds or other state funding to any public or private organization to expand access to high-speed Internet (broadband). If the majority of the voters vote “yes” on Amendment 2, it will be clear that the state, a county, or a city/town will be allowed to grant federal funds or other state funding to any public or private organization to

expand access to high-speed Internet (broadband). If the majority of the voters vote “no” on Amendment 2, the state, a county, or a city/town may not be allowed to grant federal funds or other state funding to any public or pri vate organization to expand access to high-speed Internet (broadband). There are no costs to Amendment 2. The Constitutional authority for passage of Amendment 2 is set forth in accordance with Sections 284, 285 and 287 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. These sections out line the method a constitu tional amendment may be put to the people of the State for a vote.

BALLOT STATEMENT FOR STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 3: (1) The text of the statewide ballot measure, including sponsors, cosponsors, and the text of the question that will appear on the statewide ballot: Proposed by Act No. 2022-256 (Senate Bill 196, 2022 Regular Legislative Session) Bill Sponsor: Sen ator Livingston Cosponsor: Senator Givhan "Proposing an amendment to the Consti tution of Alabama of 1901, to require the Governor to provide notice to the Attor ney General and to the vic tim's family prior to granting a reprieve or commutation to a person sentenced to death, and to void the reprieve or commutation if the Governor fails to provide notice.” Pro posed by Act 2022-256. This description shall be followed by the following language: "Yes ( ) No ( )." (2) A sum mary of and the text of any implementing legislation directly related to the

statewide ballot measure: There is no implementing legislation directly related to this statewide ballot measure.

(3) The placement of the statewide ballot measure on the statewide ballot: This proposed Constitutional Amendment will appear on the Ballot after election of federal offices, statewide offices, local offices, the Pro posed Constitution of Ala bama of 2022 and will be the third constitutional amend ment for voter consideration.

The proposed Constitutional Amendment will be listed as “Statewide Amendment 3.”

(4) A plain language sum mary of the statewide ballot measure, which shall include, at a minimum, the legal or constitutional authority for its passage, the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is passed, including its cost and source of funding, and the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is defeat ed. Currently, the Governor has the power to postpone or reduce a death sentence to life in prison. This amend ment will require the Gov ernor to notify the Attorney General and the victim's family before postponing or reducing a death sentence.

Failure of the Governor to provide notice will void the Governor’s action and allow the Attorney General to seek a new execution date from the Alabama Supreme Court.

If the majority of the voters vote “yes” on Amendment 3, the Governor will be re quired to provide notice to the Attorney General and to the victim's family prior to postponing or reducing

SAR Holds Revolutionary War Program

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA ELIJAH POPE, Plaintiff, v. JACALVIOUS MARQUEZ RICKS, WINGS ETC., DAVID DELANEY, KEENAN DAUGHTRY, et al., Defendants.

Case No.: 2021-9004400

NOTICE BY PUBICATION

Attention Jacalvious Marquez Ricks, whose whereabouts are currently unknown. On December 23, 2021, a lawsuit was filed against you in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Case No. CV2021– 9004400. Said case is related to an incident between yourself and the plaintiff, resulting on or about the

date of January 17, 2021. The plaintiff has filed a lawsuit against you alleging damages for the personal injuries they sustained during the incident. Per Rule 4.3 of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure, as the Circuit Court of Lee County, has granted service by publication, this publica tion serves as proper notice to Jacalvious Marquez Ricks of the aforementioned legal claim. Therefore, Jacalvious Marquez Ricks has thirty (30) days on or before Oct. 27, 2022, (the last date of pub lication) to file an answer in response to this lawsuit in the Lee County, Circuit Clerk’s Office.

Legal Notice 10/06/2022,

PUBLIC NOTICES

10/13/2022, 10/20/2022 & 10/27/2022

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BERRY CARL DUDLEY, DECEASED Case No. 2022-565 NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

In the Matter of the Estate of Berry Carl Dudley Letters of Testamentary on the Estate of Berry Carl Dudley, Deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the2 9 th day of September, 2022, by Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having

October Declared Alpha Delta Kappa Month By Auburn Mayor Ron Anders

claims against said estate, are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

Carolyn Prince Dudley 1604 Oakbowery Road Opelika, Alabama 36801 Legal Run 10/13/22, 10/20/22 & 10/27/22

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Notice of auction of an abandoned vehicle. The Only One, Inc will be auctioning off the below mentioned vehicle on NOVEMBER 9, 2022. This auction will be held at 3601 PEPPERELL PARKWAY, OPELIKA, ALABAMA, 36801 at 10:00 a.m. If you

have any questions re garding this vehicle, call 334-745-2166.

VIN# JH2AF60022K000957– 2002 Honda CHF50 Legal Run 10/13/22 & 10/27/22

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IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT H. WALKUP, JR., DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2022-582 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 7th day of October, 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.

JOHN KNOX WALKUP Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 10/13/2022, 10/20/2022 & 10/27/2022

The Opelika Kiwanis Club speaker for the last week was Adam Foutz (middle), AU Regional Airport assistant director. He spoke on upcoming projects for the airport. Next week, Nov. 3, will feature Martha Henk with the Food Bank of East Alabama.

The Alabama Society Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard Commander Joe Barker and Captain of Firelocks Martin Brady presented a program on the clothing and weapons American Revolutionary War soldiers wore and utilized at its October meeting. Pictured from left to right are Chapter President Bob Harris, new chapter member “Randy” Wayne Tucker, Compatriots Barker and Martin and chapter member Walter Dorsey, who was award ed the Liberty Medal for his service in recruitment of new members into SAR.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Members of the Beta Phi chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, an international honorary organization for women educators, recently celebrated Founders' Day during a dinner at the Moore's Mill Club. The keynote speaker for the event was Beta Phi member Kim Johnson, who told her fellow members about the exciting year she spent as the 2021 Alabama Teacher of the Year. At another event, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders also signed a proclamation declaring October as Alpha Delta Kappa month in Auburn.

Pictured far left: members of ADK who attended the signing of the proclamation. Those in attendance were Sandi Williams, Gayla Sellers, Shawn Roman, Mayor Ron Anders, Katie Rainer (president) and Jeri Earnest. Pictured left: Kim Johnson.

AMENDMENTS

a death sentence to life in prison. If the majority of the voters vote “no” on Amend ment 3, the Governor will not be required to provide notice. There are no costs to Amendment 3. The Consti tutional authority for passage of Amendment 3 is set forth in accordance with Sections 284, 285 and 287 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. These sections outline the method a constitutional amendment may be put to the people of the State for a vote.

BALLOT STATEMENT FOR STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 4: (1)

The text of the statewide ballot measure, including sponsors, cosponsors, and the text of the question that will appear on the statewide ballot: Proposed by Act No. 2021-284 (House Bill 388, 2021 Regular Legislative Session) Bill Sponsor: Rep resentative Carns Cosponsor: Representatives Mooney, Drake, Standridge, Wingo, Garrett, Faulkner, Farley and Treadaway "Proposing an amendment to the Consti tution of Alabama of 1901, as amended; to provide that the implementation date for any bill enacted by the Leg islature in a calendar year in which a general election is to be held and relating to the conduct of the general election shall be at least six months before the general election." Proposed by Act 2021-284. This description shall be followed by the fol lowing language: "Yes ( ) No ( )." (2) A summary of and the text of any implementing legislation directly related to the statewide ballot measure: There is no implementing legislation directly related to this statewide ballot measure.

(3) The placement of the statewide ballot measure on the statewide ballot: This proposed Constitutional Amendment will appear on the Ballot after election of federal offices, statewide offices, local offices, the Pro posed Constitution of Ala bama of 2022 and will be the fourth constitutional amend ment for voter consideration.

The proposed Constitutional Amendment will be listed as “Statewide Amendment 4.”

(4) A plain language sum mary of the statewide ballot measure, which shall include, at a minimum, the legal or constitutional authority for its passage, the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is passed, including its cost and source of funding, and the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is defeat ed. This amendment requires any bill passed by the state legislature during an election year which affects how a general election is held must take effect at least six months before the general election.

If the majority of the voters vote “yes” on Amendment 4, any bill passed by the state legislature during an election year which affects how a general election is held must take effect at least six months before the general election.

If the majority of the voters vote “no” on Amendment 4, any bill passed by the state legislature which affects how the general election is held can take effect any time before the general election.

There are no costs to Amend ment 4. The Constitutional authority for passage of Amendment 4 is set forth in accordance with Sections 284, 285 and 287 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. These sections outline the method a constitutional amendment may be put to the

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9 who do vote, we have some important consti tutional amendments on the ballot. Our orig inal 1901 Constitution may be one of the most flawed and is the most amended in the nation. There is outdated, overtly racist language in our Constitution that has no relevance in to day’s world and needs amending out.

The Alabama

Citizens for Constitutional Reform, a group of outstanding Alabama leaders, has

people of the State for a vote.

BALLOT STATEMENT FOR STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 5: (1) The text of the statewide bal lot measure, including spon sors, cosponsors, and the text of the question that will ap pear on the statewide ballot: Proposed by Act No. 2021202 (Senate Bill 68, 2021 Regular Legislative Session)

Bill Sponsor: Senator Bar foot "Proposing an amend ment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to delete a provision giving the probate court of each county general jurisdiction over orphans' business.” Proposed by Act 2021-202. This description shall be followed by the fol lowing language: "Yes ( ) No ( )." (2) A summary of and the text of any implementing legislation directly related to the statewide ballot measure: There is no implementing legislation directly related to this statewide ballot measure.

(3) The placement of the statewide ballot measure on the statewide ballot: This proposed Constitutional Amendment will appear on the Ballot after election of federal offices, statewide offices, local offices, the Pro posed Constitution of Ala bama of 2022 and will be the fifth constitutional amend ment for voter consideration.

The proposed Constitutional Amendment will be listed as “Statewide Amendment 5.” (4) A plain language sum mary of the statewide ballot measure, which shall include, at a minimum, the legal or constitutional authority for its passage, the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is passed, including its cost and source of funding, and the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is defeat ed. If the majority of the voters vote “yes” on Amend ment 5, the outdated words “orphans’ business” will be removed from the Alabama Constitution. If the majority of the voters vote “no” on Amendment 5, the outdated words “orphans’ business” will remain in the Alabama Constitution. There are no costs to Amendment 5. The Constitutional authority for passage of Amendment 5 is set forth in accordance with Sections 284, 285 and 287 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. These sections outline the method a consti tutional amendment may be put to the people of the State for a vote.

BALLOT STATEMENT FOR STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 6: (1) The text of the statewide ballot measure, including sponsors, cosponsors, and the text of the question that will appear on the statewide ballot: Proposed by Act No. 2021-327 (House Bill 178, 2021 Regular Legislative Session) Bill Sponsor: Representative Ball "Pro posing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, each mu nicipality authorized under Amendment No. 8 to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, now appearing Section 216.01 of the Recompiled Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, to levy and collect the ad valorem tax pursuant to Amendment No. 8 for the purpose of paying bonds and the interest thereon, and may also levy and collect such ad valorem tax and utilize such funds for capital improvements on a pay-as-you-go basis at a rate not exceeding the rate then lawfully permitted for the municipality to directly pay the costs of public capital improvements, as well as to pay the principal and interest on bonds, warrants, or other securities issued to finance

worked diligently to update our antiquated constitution. I would encourage a “Yes” vote for the first constitu tional amendment on the November ballot.

Hope all of you get a chance to vote.

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.steveflow ers.us.

or refinance the costs of the improvements; and to ratify, validate, and confirm the levy and collection of such tax levied and collected for any of these purposes prior to the ratification of this amendment." Proposed by Act 2021-327. This descrip tion shall be followed by the following language: "Yes ( ) No ( )." (2) A summary of and the text of any imple menting legislation directly related to the statewide ballot measure: There is no implementing legislation directly related to this state wide ballot measure. (3) The placement of the statewide ballot measure on the state wide ballot: This proposed Constitutional Amendment will appear on the Ballot after election of federal offices, statewide offices, local offices, the Proposed Constitution of Alabama of 2022 and will be the sixth constitutional amendment for voter consideration. The proposed Constitutional Amendment will be listed as “Statewide Amendment 6.” (4) A plain language summary of the statewide ballot measure, which shall include, at a minimum, the legal or constitutional au thority for its passage, the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is passed, in cluding its cost and source of funding, and the effect of the statewide ballot mea sure if it is defeated. This amendment provides that cities/towns already allowed to collect a special property tax may use those tax dollars to directly “pay-as-you-go” for construction projects instead of going into debt.

If the majority of the voters vote “yes” on Amendment 6, “pay-as-you-go” will be al lowed. If the majority of the voters vote “no” on Amend ment 6, “pay-as-you-go” will not be allowed. There are no costs to Amendment 6. The Constitutional authority for passage of Amendment 6 is set forth in accordance with Sections 284, 285, and 287 of the Constitution of Ala bama of 1901. These sections outline the method a consti tutional amendment may be put to the people of the State for a vote.

BALLOT STATEMENT FOR STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 7: (1) The text of the statewide ballot measure, including sponsors, cosponsors, and the text of the question that will appear on the statewide ballot: Proposed by Act No. 2022-286 (House Bill 458, 2022 Regular Legislative Session) Bill Sponsor: Representative Sorrells “Proposing an amendment to revise Amendment 772 to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, as amended, to specify that all counties and munic ipalities may exercise the authority and powers granted by Amendment 772 to pro vide for economic and indus trial development; to permit notice for Amendment 772 projects to be published in any newspaper in circulation in the county or municipal ity; and to ratify all actions and agreements of any coun ty or municipality done un der Amendment 772 unless subject to pending judicial proceedings on the date of adoption of this amendment.”

Proposed by Act 2022-286.

This description shall be fol lowed by the following lan guage: "Yes ( ) No ( )." (2) A summary of and the text of any implementing legislation directly related to the state wide ballot measure: There is no implementing legislation directly related to this state wide ballot measure. (3) The placement of the statewide ballot measure on the state

wide ballot: This proposed Constitutional Amendment will appear on the Ballot after election of federal offices, statewide offices, local offices, the Proposed Constitution of Alabama of 2022 and will be the seventh constitutional amendment for voter consideration. The proposed Constitutional Amendment will be listed as “Statewide Amendment 7.” (4) A plain language summary of the statewide ballot measure, which shall include, at a minimum, the legal or constitutional au thority for its passage, the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is passed, in cluding its cost and source of funding, and the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is defeated. Currently, the Alabama Constitution pro vides that some counties and cities/towns may use public funds to sell public property, lend their credit, or become indebted for economic devel opment purposes. Amend ment 7 will give all counties and cities/towns those same powers. Currently, the gov erning body is required to give notice of its proposed action in the newspaper hav ing the largest circulation in the county or city/town. Amendment 7 will allow the public notice to be given in any newspaper in circulation in the county or city/town. If the majority of the voters vote “yes” on Amendment 7, the Alabama Constitu tion will be changed. If the majority of the voters vote “no” on Amendment 7, the Alabama Constitution will not be changed. There are no costs to Amendment 7. The Constitutional authority for passage of Amendment 7 is set forth in accordance with Sections 284, 285, and 287 of the Constitution of Ala bama of 1901. These sections outline the method a consti tutional amendment may be put to the people of the State for a vote.

BALLOT STATEMENT FOR STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 8: (1) The text of the statewide ballot measure, including sponsors, cosponsors, and the text of the question that will appear on the statewide ballot: Proposed by Act No. 2021-199 (Senate Bill 74, 2021 Regular Legislative Session) Bill Sponsor: Sen ator Waggoner “Relating to Shelby County, proposing an amendment to the Constitu tion of Alabama of 1901, to bring certain privately owned sewer systems that use public rights-of-way of public roads under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission under certain conditions.” Proposed by Act 2021-199. This description shall be fol lowed by the following lan guage: "Yes ( ) No ( )." (2) A summary of and the text of any implementing legislation directly related to the state wide ballot measure: There is no implementing legislation directly related to this state wide ballot measure. (3) The placement of the statewide ballot measure on the state wide ballot: This proposed Constitutional Amendment will appear on the Ballot after election of federal offices, statewide offices, local offices, the Proposed Constitution of Alabama of 2022 and will be the eighth constitutional amendment for voter consideration. The proposed Constitutional Amendment will be listed as “Statewide Amendment 8.” (4) A plain language sum mary of the statewide ballot measure, which shall include, at a minimum, the legal or constitutional authority for its passage, the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it

is passed, including its cost and source of funding, and the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is defeat ed. This amendment applies only to Shelby County. If the majority of the voters vote “yes” on Amendment 8, certain privately owned sewage treatment plants in Shelby County will be regu lated by the Alabama Public Service Commission. If the majority of the voters vote “no” on Amendment 8, cer tain privately owned sewage treatment plants in Shelby County will not be regulated by the Alabama Public Ser vice Commission. There are no costs to Amendment 8. The Constitutional author ity for passage of Amend ment 8 is set forth in accor dance with Sections 284 and 285 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. These sections outline the method a constitutional amendment may be put to the people of the State for a vote.

BALLOT STATEMENT FOR STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 9: (1)

The text of the statewide ballot measure, including sponsors, cosponsors, and the text of the question that will appear on the statewide ballot: Proposed by Act No. 2022-288 (House Bill 148, 2022 Regular Legislative Session) Bill Sponsor: Representative Wingo "Re lating to Jefferson County and Tuscaloosa County, proposing an amendment to the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to bring certain pri vately owned sewer systems that use public rights-of-way of public roads in the city limits of Lake View under the jurisdiction of the Public Service Commission, begin ning January 1, 2023 and ending December 31, 2027.”

Proposed by Act 2022-288. This description shall be fol lowed by the following lan guage: "Yes ( ) No ( )." (2) A summary of and the text of any implementing legislation directly related to the state wide ballot measure: There is no implementing legislation directly related to this state wide ballot measure. (3) The placement of the statewide ballot measure on the state wide ballot: This proposed Constitutional Amendment will appear on the Ballot after election of federal offices, statewide offices, local offices, the Proposed Constitution of Alabama of 2022 and will be the ninth constitutional amendment for voter consideration. The proposed Constitutional Amendment will be listed as “Statewide Amendment 9.” (4) A plain language sum mary of the statewide ballot measure, which shall include, at a minimum, the legal or constitutional authority for its passage, the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is passed, including its cost and source of funding, and the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is defeat ed. This amendment applies only to the Town of Lake View in Tuscaloosa and Jefferson Counties. If the majority of the voters vote “yes” on Amendment 9, cer tain privately owned sewage treatment plants in the Town of Lake View in Tuscaloosa and Jefferson Counties will be regulated by the Alabama Public Service Commission. If the majority of the voters vote “no” on Amendment 9, certain privately owned sew age treatment plants in the Town of Lake View in Tus caloosa and Jefferson Coun ties will not be regulated by the Alabama Public Service Commission. There are no costs to Amendment 9. The Constitutional authority for

passage of Amendment 9 is set forth in accordance with Sections 284 and 285 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. These sections outline the method a constitutional amendment may be put to the people of the State for a vote.

BALLOT STATEMENT FOR STATEWIDE AMENDMENT 10: (1)

The text of the statewide bal lot measure, including spon sors, cosponsors, and the text of the question that will ap pear on the statewide ballot: Proposed by Act No. 2022177 (House Bill 319, 2022 Regular Legislative Session)

Bill Sponsor: Representative Coleman Cosponsors: Rep resentatives McCutcheon, Daniels, Garrett, Robbins and Drummond “Proposing an amendment to the Consti tution of Alabama of 1901, to authorize the Code Com missioner, contingent upon the ratification of an official Constitution of Alabama of 2022, to renumber and place constitutional amendments ratified before or on the same day as the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, based on a logical sequence and the par ticular subject or topic of the amendment, and to provide for the transfer of existing annotations to any section of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901, to the section as it is numbered or renumbered in the Constitution of Alabama of 2022.” Proposed by Act 2022-177. This description shall be followed by the fol lowing language: "Yes ( ) No ( )." (2) A summary of and the text of any implementing legislation directly related to the statewide ballot measure: There is no implementing legislation directly related to this statewide ballot measure.

(3) The placement of the statewide ballot measure on the statewide ballot: This proposed Constitutional Amendment will appear on the Ballot after election of federal offices, statewide offices, local offices, the Pro posed Constitution of Ala bama of 2022 and will be the tenth constitutional amend ment for voter consideration.

The proposed Constitutional Amendment will be listed as “Statewide Amendment 10.” (4) A plain language summary of the statewide ballot measure, which shall include, at a minimum, the legal or constitutional au thority for its passage, the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is passed, in cluding its cost and source of funding, and the effect of the statewide ballot measure if it is defeated. This amendment depends upon the approval of the official Constitution of Alabama of 2022. This amendment provides that any new amendments will be properly organized. This amendment will not change any court decision related to any provision of the previous Alabama Constitution. If the majority of the voters vote “yes” on Amendment 10 and the Constitution of Alabama of 2022 is approved, any new amendments will be properly organized into the new state constitution. If the majority of the voters vote “no” on Amendment 10, any new amendments on this ballot will not be automatically added to the new state consti tution. There are no costs to Amendment 10. The Consti tutional authority for passage of Amendment 10 is set forth in accordance with Sections 284, 285, and 287 of the Constitution of Alabama of 1901. These sections outline the method a constitutional amendment may be put to the people of the State for a vote.

SHERIFF >>

FROM B9

our young people, to establish relationships between our young people and our law enforcement agencies, to enhance the image and enhance the understanding that we are here as public

servants and to help them,”

Jones said. “Not as strictly an enforcement, engagementtype thing.”

The different age groups will have different days they spend with the sheriff’s office.

To apply, visit : www. leecountysheriff.org/

sherifffortheday.

There, interested children will fill out an application and answer questions about their interests and what they may like to learn about.

“They actually get to kind of give us an idea of what their specific interest is,” Jones said. “We’re going to

do a generalized program of education about what we do and who we are. But it also gives them a chance to say ‘Hey, I’m really particularly interested in,’ just, let’s say, ‘investigation.’ Or ‘I’m particularly interested in jail operations.’ Or ‘I’m particularly interested

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IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Lonnie Ray Jones NOTICE

FROM B12

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALICE T. WALKUP, DECEASED.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2022-583

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 7th day of October, 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 re quired to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

JOHN KNOX WALKUP

Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504

Legal Run 10/13/2022, 10/20/2022 & 10/27/2022

---------------

PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of WILLIE TAYLOR, Deceased. Case No. 2022-576

NOTICE OF HEARING TO: WILLIE R. TAYLOR (RODRIGUEZ) Address

Unknown AND ANY UNKNOWN heirs of WILLIE TAYLOR,. deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition To Probate the Last Will and Testament of the Estate of WILLIE TAYLOR, deceased has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office. A hearing has been set for the 15th day of December, 2022 at l0:00 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 to Probate the Last Will and Testament of the Estate of WILLIE TAYLOR, deceased.

Bill English Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 10/13/2022 & 10/20/2022 & 10/27/2022

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA

IN RE: The Estate of SANFORD M. HUSSEY, deceased

Case Number: 2022-571

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to RITA M. HUSSEY and SANDY N. HUSSEY, as Co-Executors of the Estate of SANFORD M. HUSSEY, deceased, on the 30th day of September, 2022, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH.

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.

RITA M. HUSSEY, Co-Executor of the Estate of SANFORD M. HUSSEY SANDY N. HUSSEY, CoExecutor of the Estate of SANFORD M. HUSSEY Legal RRun 10/20/22, 10/27/22 & 11/03/22

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 29th day of September, 2022 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons hav ing claims against said estate are required to present the same within the time allowed by law or they will be barred.

Pamela Jones Legal Run 10/20/2022, 10/27/2022 & 11/03/2022

--------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF FRED HEARD, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY, AL CASE NO.: 2022-493

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Sharn Washington on the 26th day of September, 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 pres ent the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Sharn Washington Legal Run 10/20/2022, 10/27/2022 & 11/03/2022

---------------

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF INELL P. TORBERT, deceased CASE NO. 2022-592

In the Matter of the Estate of INELL P. TORBERT, deceased Letters Testamentary as Personal Representative of the Estate of INELL P. TORBERT, deceased, having been granted to the under signed on October 12th , 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County,. notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

JAMES JEFFERSON TORBERT Personal Representative Legal Run 10/20/2022, 10/27/2022 & 11/03/2022

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF C. NEAL POPE, DECEASED.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2022-599

TO: JENNIFER LEE POPE CHRISTOPHER CHARLES POPE NOTICE: On the 13th day of October, 2022, a certain writing, purporting to be the Will of C. NEAL POPE was filed in my office for probate by VIRGINIA PITTS POPE and the 16th day of November, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. was appointed a day for hearing thereof at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper. Given under my hand, the 13th day of October, 2022

Bill English

JUDGE OF PROBATE Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 3683-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 10/20/2022, 10/27/2022 & 11/03/2022

in forensics.’ Or ‘I’m particularly interested in patrol operations.’”

The deadline to apply will be Nov. 20 and the days will be held Jan. 3 and 4.

Jones said the purpose behind the program is also to let youth know why the sheriff’s office does what it

does.

“The primary point is to increase their knowledge and a perspective that otherwise they may never would receive,” he said.

The sheriff said a goal would be to have this program held maybe twice a year.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

BETTY C. HODGE, Deceased.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA CASE NO. 2022-591

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of October, 2022, by Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

HAROLD THOMAS HODGE JR. Executor Legal Run 10/27/2022, 11/3/2022 & 11/10/2022

NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION

Jarvis S. Beasley, whose where abouts are unknown, must answer AubumBank's complaint for Breach of Contract, Unjust Enrichment, Open AccountNote, Account Stated, and Money Lent by November 30, 2022, or, thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against him in case number 43-SM-2022900331.00, Circuit Court of Lee County.

Done the 21st day of October, 2022.

Mary Roberson, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County Blake L. Oliver SAMFORD & DENSON, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Telephone (334) 745-3504 Facsimile (334) 745-3506 Email: oliver@samfordlaw.com Attorney for AuburnBank Legal Run 10/27/22, 11/03/22, 11/10/22 & 11/17/2022

STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2022-611Estate of: RE: SHIRLEY BELL KEMP, Deceased,

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Ancillary Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of October, 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 re quired to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

/s/ Charles Mark Kemp Charles Mark Kemp, Executor Jacob J. Key, Esq. Attorney for Executor Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 10/27/22, 11/03/22 & 11/10/22

---------------

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of MILLIE BERNICE CALLOWAY, DECEASED Case No.: 2022-595

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Thomas Elliot Calloway on October 13, 2022, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 10/27/2022

---------------

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of ELMER DONALD LEE SHEPPARD, DECEASED

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by RUTH MARIE SHEPPARD on August 31, 2022, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 10/27/2022

Opelika Self Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belong ing to those individuals listed below at the location and time indicated: 710 Columbus Pkwy, Opelika AL 36801 Friday, November 11, 2022 at 1:00PM CST Jakacia Smith - Unit 1222 3300 Boromville Rd, Hurtsboro, AL 36860 couches, beds, bed frames, dressers, misc furniture Laprincess Williams – Unit 1252 2015 County Rd 94, Auburn, AL 36879 Furniture, boxes, misc Charles Rougier – Unit 1080 2008 Hollywood ave, Eustis, FL 32726 Furniture, boxes, totes etc Tarika Butler – Unit 1038 3579 Independence Rd, Cleveland, AL 44105 Misc boxes, bags, totes The auction will be listed and advertised on www.lockerfox. com. Purchases must be made with a credit card only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Opelika Self Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any pur chase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 10/27/2022

---------------

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE

FORECLOSURE

WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms of the Mortgage executed on the 21st day of November, 2018, by Shermond Callaway, as Mortgagor in favor of Sanport Housing, LLC, as Mortgagee, as recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Real Property Book 4433, at Page 420, and said default continuing, the mortgagee, under power of sale contained in said mortgage will sell at auction for cash to the highest bidder on the steps of the Lee County Courthouse in Lee County, Alabama on Thursday, December 15, 2022, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate embraced in said Mortgage and Mortgage Modification, situated in Lee, Alabama, to-wit:

“Lots 5 & 6, Block 6,

MEADOWVIEW ACRES SUBDIVISION, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof record in Town Plat Book 13, at Page 173, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.”

THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN "AS IS,

and conditions. 1-877-323-5516

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VEHICLE TITLE Problems? We have a solution! Call Jason Steward Enterprises, We’re Alabama’s #1 Vehicle Title Problem Experts! Free tele phone consultation. North AL 1-256-850-0527, Central AL 1-205-267-5735, South AL 1-251-342-8538.

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

Graphic Designer Seek one with a Bachelor of Graphic Design, Design, or related. Duties include develop ing graphics and layouts, creat ing sample designs for catalogs and magazines, etc. Mail re sume with cover letter to: "KOAM, LLC” 2401 Industrial Blvd, Suite 2, Opelika, AL 36801.

WHERE IS" BASIS, SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, ENCUMBRANCES, AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND THOSE CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF THE COUNTY WHERE THE ABOVE-DESCRIBED PROPERTY IS SITUATED. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO.

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclo sure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you under stand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. Said sale is made for the purpose of foreclosing of said mortgage, paying the mortgage debt, the costs and expenses of foreclosure, including a reasonable attorney's fee. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid on the subject property. Said mortgage is a first mortgage and is not junior to another mortgage of record. Said sale is also subject to unpaid taxes or assessments whether of record or not. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

Sanport Housing, LLC, Mortgagee Brandon F. Poticny Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. Attorney for Mortgagee 724 N. Dean Road, Suite 100, Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 10/27/2022, 11/03/2022 & 11/10/2022

CITY OF OPELIKA ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING AGENDA

300 Martin Luther King Blvd. November 8, 2022 TIME: 9:00 AM

A.APPROVAL OF MINUTES

B.VARIANCE

1.John R. Coe, 211 N 30th Street, Request to exceed the 50% max imum size allowed for accessory structures in the VR-1 zoning

district (Village Residential - 1) “In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Opelika will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator 72 hours prior to the meeting at (334)705-5130.”

Legal Run 10/27/2022

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA THE ESTATE OF JACK GLEN WILLIFORD, JR., CASE NO. 2022-366

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to JUDITH A. WILLIFORD on 9-8-2022, by the HONORABLE BILL ENGLISH, Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons hav ing claims against said Estate are hereby required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Andrew G. MacKenzie, Esq 288 Bells Ferry Road NE Rome, Georgia 30161 706-442-3556

Legal Run 10/27/2022, 11/03/2022 & 11/10/2022

NOTICE OF SALE NOTICE

IS HEREBY GIVEN that the undersigned intends to sell the personal property described below to enforce a lien imposed on said property under The Self Service Storage Act. The undersigned will sell at public sale by competitive bidding on Friday the 25th day of November, 2022 at 10:00 AM on Lockerfox.com. Said property is iStorage, 3806 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika, AL, 36801 WilliamsBrown, Kristan 9 Household goods Boxes. Leak, Charita 12 Boxes, Plywood,Household goods. Spence, Jessica 77 misc household goods. Willie Torbert 45 Totes Washer Household goods. Purchases must be paid for at the time of purchase by cash only. All purchased items are sold as is, where is, and must be removed within 48 hours of the sale. Sale is subject to cancellation in the event of settlement between owner and obligated party.

Legal Run 10/27/2022