The Observer 10-06-2022 E-edition

CONTRIBUTED BY QT

OPELIKA —

QuikTrip (QT), one of the nation’s leading convenience and gasoline retailers, announced the opening of a new remote travel center in Opelika. The retailer has recently opened two other travel center locations in Calera and Cottondale, making this the third location to open in Alabama this year. The first customers were greeted on the opening day of business Sept. 29 at 3001 Gateway Drive, near Tiger Town. The Travel Center features a larger designed lot and a more spacious store than a traditional QT. The Travel Center has room to service 20 cars for gas and six

diesel bays for trucks.

“We are excited to intro duce our QuikTrip Remote Travel Center in Opelika,” said Amy Gulizia, division manager for QT’s Remote Store Network. “We look forward to introducing our

unique QuikTrip brand and culture to our new community. The Travel Center allows us to not only create meaningful connections with our new local customers in Opelika, but also serve

Key Media Releases Podcast Covering Lee County

travelers in this busy part of the country.”

QT’s new store model was created specifically for highly traveled areas of the country that are also within a reasonable prox imity to a QT Distribution

Center for access to fresh food.

For decades people have looked to QT for an onthe-go snack or sandwich. The company offers a full-service kitchen with fresh, made-to-order

snackles, as well as fresh food delivered daily through its bakeries and commissaries.

Opelika customers can enjoy the full line of QT snackles, including freshly-brewed coffee and fresh-brewed QTea, as well as its complete menu of grab-and-go items like fresh donuts, salads, wraps, QT’s signature pizza by the slice and roller grill items. The Opelika Travel Center also features an expanded QT Kitchens location, offering fresh, madeto-order food, premium specialty drinks and tasty frozen treats. QT Kitchens customer favorites include warm, soft pretzels, extra-large pizzas, custom

Hungry? In A Hurry? QuikTrip is Open in Opelika Communities Mourn Opelika Icon

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

It is hard to find the words to express the grief that the Opelika and Auburn communi ties share after the news of the death of Opelika icon, Lorna Roberts.

Roberts died at her home on Friday, Sept. 30.

WIL CREWS

LEE COUNTY —

Key Media Inc., the par ent company of The Observ er, Live Lee Magazine and Neighborhood Tour Home & Real Estate magazine, is proud to announce the release of its newest news medium, “The Lee County Listener” podcast.

Hosted by Sam DiChi ara and Garrett Martinez, the goal of the podcast is

to share the good news in Lee County. The first episode officially dropped on Monday, Oct. 3, covering the upcoming travel issue of LIVE Lee and Auburn football. Episodes can be expected weekly.

DiChiara is a journalist and photojournalist, an Au burn local and a graduate of Auburn University's English program. He's bringing his extensive backgrounds in both writing and public speaking together for Key Media's brand-new podcast.

Each week, he will be dis cussing the big events going on in the community he said he loves and calls home, and interviewing community members about everything listeners may want to hear about.

Martinez is a native of Dallas, Georgia, and grad uated Auburn University with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. His passions are writing and photography. Outside of his professional

Born to Loren and Elouise Sutton on March 28, 1957, Rob erts graduated from Opelika High School in 1975.

She married her sweetheart, Don Rob erts, at the tender age of 16. She and Don were married 44 years before Don died in September 2017 following a battle with pancreatic cancer.

The couple had two children, Michael and

Allyson, and four grandchildren, all of whom she adored.

The Roberts frequent ly dined at Cafe 123 in downtown Opelika — so frequent that owner John Robert Wood dedicated a booth to the couple.

“He [Don] always

sat at the same booth, and he wanted that last booth so that he could see the room … and that was just his booth," Head Chef Eron Bass told The Observer in 2017. "... He had a love for food that you don't

OPELIKA —

The Opelika High School (OHS) class of 1998 has inaugurated a foundation in hon or of the late Dr. Don Roberts, former OHS principal.

This need-based scholarship was es tablished to assist high school seniors at Opelika High who are planning to attend col lege. The criteria for the scholarship are as fol lows: high school senior with an identified need (based on a statement of need from the applicant, in 500 words or less); minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5; two letters of recommendation from a teacher or school administrator, one of which indicates service in the community of Opelika.

The scholarship ap plicants should submit their packets by Jan. 31, 2023. Applicants will be announced by March 30, 2023.

This scholarship was founded on the belief that the OHS Class of 1998 can make a differ ence in the community in which it was raised.

It is the Class of ‘98’s goal to facilitate the advancement of those

who may otherwise not have the opportunity to attend an institute of higher learning.

The class plans to continue its efforts of building up the Opelika community as a way of paying it forward for those generations to come.

Committee members of the OHS Class of 1998 have powered the initiation of this foundation by hosting a homecoming event, which will also serve as a fundraiser, to be held on Oct. 8, 2022, at the Bottling Plant Event Center in downtown Opelika from 6 p.m. to midnight. This is a free event and open to all who attended the Opelika school system under Roberts’ admin istration. The invite is extended to all his family members, friends and faculty. Donations for the foundation will be welcomed, but not required for attendance. Inside the event, there will be live streaming of various college football games, music and danc ing, a 360-degree photo booth and a photogra pher on site to capture more memories. Happy Times and Sweet Sadie food trucks will also be available.

Bureau Celebrates Graduates of Opelika DRC Lite Program

Stone Martin Builders Awarded Best Homebuilding Experience in Alabama

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA —

Stone Martin Builders

(SMB), one of the largest homebuilders across Alabama, is proud to be awarded “Best Homebuilding Experience in Alabama” by BUILD Magazine’s 2022 Construction & Engineering Awards.

The international annual awards honor companies that are excelling, achieving and innovating in the industry.

build homes that last generations and provide a sense of ownership right from the beginning. That is the Stone Martin Builders Difference.”

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER WRITTEN BY MATTHEW ESTES

OPELIKA —

On Friday, Sept. 23, seven participants from the Opelika Day Reporting Center Lite graduated from the program, celebrated by a commence ment ceremony at Southern Union State Community

College.

After a processional, Ope lika DRC Lite Administrator Robert Pritchett and DRC Lite District Manager Chris Causey acknowledged all guests for coming to support the graduates and thanked community partners.

A highlight of the event was a testimony from Gregory Nelms, a participant

in the program who found success and a desire to make positive life choices. Jeffery Smith, another participant, also spoke briefly to express his gratitude for the support of attending guests.

“The DRC Lite program is a life-changer,” Causey said.

The keynote speaker, Assistant Director for Field Operations Stacey

Brown, delivered a direct message of encouragement, emphasizing the need for con tinued positive choices after concluding the program.

“I am blessed to be a part of the bureau’s vision to transform lives through Day Reporting Centers,” said Pritchett, who was awarded a certificate of appreciation

See GRADUATES, page A6

“Earning this recognition is an incredible achievement that reaffirms our success in building strong communities,” said Frank Plan, CEO of SMB. “Choosing a homebuilder is one of the most important choices one can make, and we are so honored that we have built an exceptional experience across Alabama. We

The company’s dedication to customer service starts with an efficient, proven Path to Ownership that includes home buyers in every step of choosing, financing, designing, building and closing a new home. The Stone Martin Builders model helps customers navigate and overcome challenges in the home building/buying process such as financing, contracts and moving in.

Its commitment to excellence includes offering homes that are uniquely designed, granting future homeowners the ability to pick and personalize their home’s exterior from a variety of options and models including brick, doors and paint.

See STONE MARTIN, page A5

Local First Responders Get Well-Earned Recognition

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

breakfast tacos, hardwood smoked BBQ sandwiches, cold brew coffee and frozen treats like QT’s QuikShake. Since its inception in 1958, QT has become widely known for taking great care of its employees, earning national recognition creating and nurturing career em ployees and offering supe rior employee benefits. QT recently earned a Glassdoor Employees' Choice Award, recognizing the Best Places to Work in 2021.

QT is also known for its impact on the communities

it serves — with each store generating on average $1.3 million in annual local and state taxes. The company donates 5% of its annual net profits to charitable organizations. Among the organizations QT supports are United Way, Safe Place, local food banks, schools and Folds of Honor, a nonprofit whose mission is to provide educational scholarships to the military families of those who have been killed or dis abled while on active duty.

QT is now in its 64th year in business and employs more than 24,000 people across 16 states. Planning is underway for future Travel Center locations across the

country.

ABOUT QUIKTRIP

QuikTrip Corporation is a privately held company headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founded in 1958, QuikTrip has grown to a more than $11 billion compa ny with more than 900 stores in 16 states. QuikTrip gives back to the communities it serves, donating five percent of net profits to charita ble organizations in those communities. With more than 24,000 employees, QuikTrip has consistently been ranked as one of the top convenience store marketers in product quality and friendly service. To find out more about Quik Trip, visit www.quiktrip.com.

PHOTO

OBSERVER

Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles Director Cam Ward standing with the Opelika DRC Lite Graduates.

The Opelika Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual First Responder's Appreciation Breakfast Sept. 30. Auburn University basketball coach Bruce Pearl was the guest speaker. Pictured top row, left to right: Media of the Year — Ben Dough ty, Emergency Management Professional of the Year — Steven Holden and Lee County Sheriff's Office Deputy of the Year — Jason Reeves. Pictured bottom row, left to right: Opelika Police Officer of the Year — Grant Gow, City of Opelika Dispatcher of the Year — Kole Pagan and Opelika Fire Department Firefighter of the Year —Battalion Chief Dennis Hanson.

SEAN DIETRICH

The hotel park ing lot. Early afternoon. He was packing his truck. Slamming toolbox lids. Reorganizing luggage in the rear cab. Iowa plates.

I’ve never met anyone from Iowa before. Or if I have, chances are they were so timid I don’t remember them.

Midwesterners, in my experience, are quieter than your average folks. They don’t enter a room like my people. Yell ing, laughing, clapping everyone’s backs like a politician or a manure salesman.

They are humble people. Reserved. Kind hearted, but very hesitant to give away a free hug. In other words: They are Lutheran.

This man was late 40s. Wearing denim and boots. Quiet disposition. He talked a little like Jimmy Stewart.

His wife was with him. Reddish hair. Pretty. They looked like they just stepped off the alfalfa farm. Good people.

I noticed the gas cans and chainsaws in the back of his truck. The entire bed of his Ford was weighted in heavy

The Helpers

equipment.

The truck was towing an enclosed trailer with even more gear loaded inside. Lawn mowers, weed eaters, hedge trim mers, chains, axes, you name it.

There were garbage bags full of secondhand clothes, boxes of diapers and baby formula.

“I’m on my way to Fort Myers, Florida,” he said.

I asked what a mild mannered Iowan was doing traveling to Florida after a Category 4 hurri cane had just struck.

He shrugged. “Way I figure, what Florida peo ple need is help. I got the tools, I got the time, so I thought, why not?”

His wife added, “It’s what we’d want people to do for us.”

I can’t help but feel like heel. I am a Floridi an. And yet I have never — not once in my life — traveled to Iowa after a tornado to help tornado victims. I’ve never asked myself what I can do to help blizzard victims.

For shame.

“You must have family in Florida,” I said.

That must be why he was going.

He shook his head. “Nope.”

“Friends?” I asked.

Another head shake.

“We just wanted to come,” said his wife. “We just really wanted to help.”

He is a farmer. He rais es wheat. He comes from a long line of farmers. A long, long line.

“In Iowa,” says the man, “growing up, when something goes wrong, everyone helps each other.”

He tells a story. His grandfather’s barn burned to the ground in the 1930s, the height of the Depression. The fire spread to his grandfa ther’s home. The farm house burned down, too.

His grandfather had nothing left but a charred lawn and the family dog.

“He lost nearly ev er’thin’,” said the man, as he covered his truck

in a tarp. “Grandpa was destitute overnight.”

But that’s where his story gets good.

Because the next morning, a cavalcade of wagons and buckboards came loping up the long Iowan highway.

Local men drove horsedrawn carts, weighted with fresh lumber.

Women sat on tailgates of Model A trucks, carrying picnic baskets, casseroles and wrapped cakes.

The wagons circled.

The local men unloaded pinewood by the met ric ton. The sounds of hammers filled the air.

The rhythmic sounds of handsaws, razing across long spears of lumber.

The community rebuilt a brand new home in only four days. Then they built a new barn. A new fence. And they replanted crops, too.

“People loaned my grandfather everything he needed,” the man said.

“They rebuilt his life, no body charged him a dime.

It’s just what we do.”

Spectacular: Part 3

of the lawn and hug like long-lost besties.

Behind them stands a group of men who are deep in conversation about their composting techniques.

“It’s the eggs that are the key to good composting. Throw a few hard-boiled eggs in your bin, and your lilies will double in size.”

old friends. Standing on the edge of all the activity, just watching, feeds my soul. There’s enough good will and friendship here to heal a tired heart.

Mr. Bell, the owner of this lovely place, claps for everyone’s attention.

“It’s time for the action, everybody!” he calls out.

funny, self-deprecating, humble and hilarious. We spend as much time laugh ing together as a group as we do bidding on flowers.

next one that we’d like to bid on.

Every so often, the bid ding is interrupted with the giving away of door prizes.

Every woman in the community gave the needy family a single dish. The family had an entire collection of mismatched china, which the young man still owns today.

“It wasn’t about what they did,” said the man.

“It was about who they were. That’s the kind of man I want to be. I don’t want to be a taker, I want to be a giver.”

But this all happened a long time ago, I reminded him. America isn’t like that anymore. People don’t give to each other without sticking their hands out in return.

These days peo ple aren’t selfless and self-sacrificial. They are self-promoting and self-important. For cripes sake, doesn’t this man watch the news?

But the man just looked at me and smiled. He clapped my shoulder. “Man, you really need to come to Iowa sometime.”

I take back everything I said about Lutherans.

When last we met, I was standing on the hill overlooking the crowd gathered for the Daylily Spectacular at Bell’s Daylily Garden in Sycamore, Georgia.

Tim and I had made our purchases in the bargain line and bought our raffle tickets for the drawing that would be held at the end of the day. While Tim went for snacks, I took a few minutes to people watch.

“Nancy!” one round, lit tle lady calls from the other side of the snack pavilion.

“Ruth!” an equally round little lady calls back. They meet in the middle

“My wife can’t stand the smell. She’s delicate like that, so I use coffee grounds and ...”

A child’s cry interrupts the conversation, and all heads turn. A new grandba by is on the premises, and the women surge forward like a wave on the beach.

“Isn’t she adorable!” is repeated several times, along with “Look at those cheeks!” and “She looks just like her mama!”

The Spectacular is a reunion of sorts. The same groups of friends and die-hard daylily collectors attend every year. Some drive from as far away as Maryland or Indiana for the chance to snag some beauties and catch up with

Tim appears by my side, and we head down to the pavilion to take our spots in the same seats we occu pied last year and the year before. Tim’s mom sits to my right.

“I’m so excited,” she whispers.

“Me, too,” I whisper back.

This is the main event — the auction. We’ve been given several printed sheets of a couple hundred dif ferent varieties of daylilies pictured in rows covering the pages. The colors are as vivid as the names. Each type of daylily will be auctioned off at prices far below the usual cost. Mr. Bell is the best kind of auc tioneer on the planet. He’s

I peruse the sheet, decid ing which ones I want to bid on. So many catch my eye, but I have a budget. Tim and I confer and make a tiny check mark next to the ones we want to try to win. Our goals are modest; we have no illusions that we can actually win one of the $200 or $250 lilies. The bidding for those will sure ly go beyond our maximum bid of $40.

And so the bidding begins. The first daylily is bought, and the second, and the third. The chatter among the tables is low but excited. Next up is one I would love to have. It’s a deep purple beauty that is valued at $100. I raise my numbered sign in the air when the bidding starts. Within moments, the price has gone beyond my reach.

Shrugging my shoulders and smiling at Tim, I lower my card and wait for the

Registration numbers (the same number that’s on our bidding card) are placed in a Bingo-style tumbler, and Mr. Bell reaches in to grab a winning number.

“Number 95,” he calls out. “Number 99... Number 89.”

My number is 92. So close, and yet so far...

The bidding resumes. I turn to page three of the auction sheets, and right in the center is a picture of the most beautiful flower I’ve ever seen. Spiderman’s Nemesis. It is a deep burnt orange color with ruffled spider petals that are a pur ple so dark they’re almost black. It’s a $200 daylily, and I want it so bad it hurts.

“There’s no way I can win this one,” I whisper to Tim. “It won’t ever sell for as low as $40.”

“Nope. Not in a million years,” he agrees with me.

Still, I look at the picture

and calculate again what my budget is. If I don’t bid on anything else, I could maybe go as high as $60. That won’t be enough, I tell myself.

The bidding continues. Tim buys a beauty — “Christmas Pearl.” It’s so white it glows.

More door prizes are awarded.

“Number 90!”

Tim’s mom squeals. “That’s me!” She raises her card in the air, and one of the workers brings her a bulb. The label reads, “Zara’s Balloons.” We look it up in the catalog. It is a stunning, huge bloom er with a strawberry red border and a coral center ring. The throat is a lemon yellow. “That’s a $100 lily,” I tell her.

“Well, I’m in love,” she responds. I watch her tuck the bud in her canvas bag and smile knowing how happy she is.

Lunch interrupts the action, but it’s a welcome

WENDY HODGE

Opelika Chamber of Commerce to Host Upcoming Snopelika Christmas Parade, Tree Lighting

OPELIKA —

On Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, the Opelika Chamber of Com merce is kicking off the Christmas season in Opelika with a plethora of Christmas events all occurring on one magi cal night.

The night will begin at 5 p.m. with Opelika’s an nual Christmas Parade, sponsored by Jackson Services. The theme this year is “Winter Wonder land.” The parade route will end at Courthouse Square, where all can enjoy a snowfall fit for any winter wonderland. The snow will start at 5:45 p.m. and will be accompanied by Christ mas music, snowball

STONE MARTIN

“This achievement comes from the hard work, dynamic innovation and commitment from our incredible team members who make ‘dream homes’ a reality every day,” said John Manasco, COO of Stone Martin Builders. “We are always keeping our eye on the mission and always working to be there for

PODCAST >>

FROM A1

work, he enjoys hiking, coffee shops or a good run.

“Opelika, Auburn, Be auregard and the rest of Lee County have captured my heart as I continue to learn and enjoy the stories of those who call this place home,” Martinez said. You can find the podcast on Spotify by searching "Lee County Listener."

fights, food trucks, pic ture opportunities and a chance to visit with Santa Claus.

“We’re so excited for the parade to be at night this year,” said Opelika Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ali Rauch. “We’ve had over 70 parade entries ranging from floats to local marching bands.

We can’t wait to get into the Christmas spirit and celebrate the holidays.”

The parade will be followed by the Christ mas Tree Lighting. At 7 p.m., the Opelika High School Band will lead the community to the corner of 9th Street and South Railroad Avenue for the official Christmas Tree Lighting to watch as Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller flips the switch to

the community.”

Stone Martin Builders was ranked No. 69 on the 2022 Builder 100 list of top home builders in the United States, following a trend of impressive growth for the Alabama home builder. Stone Martin Builders was also named as a finalist for the Large Business of the Year award by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.

ABOUT STONE MARTIN BUILDERS

Based in Auburn-

illuminate the tree.

This year’s Snopelika will be a merriment of Christmas festivities aiming to bring together the community for a little Christmas cheer.

Businesses and organi zations interested in entering into the parade should do so at www. opelikachamber.com/ cultivate-community/ snopelika/ or by con tacting Mackenzie Poole at mackenzie@opelika chamber.com.

ABOUT THE OPELIKA CHAMBER

For more than 80 years, the Opelika Chamber has worked to strengthen the community as the champion of business by building bridges, culti vating community and elevating business in order to achieve excel

Opelika metro area, Stone Martin Builders is dedicated to developing aspirational communities throughout the state, including Columbus, Athens, Huntsville, Prattville, Montgomery and Dothan. Since its establishment in 2006, the company has quickly grown and in 2022 was ranked as one of the 100 largest home builders in the U.S. by Builder Online. More info at www. stonemartinbuilders.com

lence. Representing more than 900 businesses and over 20,000 employees in the region, the Opelika Chamber has been recog

HODGE

break. We have been smelling the barbecue for a bit now. We line up in four rows on either side of two tables and fill our plates with pulled pork barbque, baked beans, coleslaw and dinner rolls. Sweet tea is poured, and dessert is sliced up. A silence descends as 200 hungry folks take their fill.

It doesn’t take long for the lunch break to end. Tables are cleared, and the auction begins again. We are getting close to Spiderman’s Nemesis. Oh, how I wish I could win that beauty!

“It’s next,” Tim leans over to whisper.

“I know. No point in even trying, is there?” I ask.

He shrugs his shoul ders at me. Lunch has made his eyes heavy.

“Next up is Spider man’s Nemesis,” Mr. Bell

nized for its operational best practices among 501(c)6 not-for-profit Chambers of Commerce.

The Opelika Chamber is

calls out. “I have three of these. This is a $200 lily — a real stunner. The bidding starts at $20.”

My card is resting on the table. No way I will win this one.

But...

Maybe it’s the lunch-in duced torpor that has settled over the crowd. Or

one of only three five-star accredited chambers in the state of Alabama. Learn more at www. opelikachamber.com.

maybe it’s one of those weird moments that hap pen when an entire group of people is just not paying attention. Whatever the case may be, there are only a couple of hands in the air.

I grab my card and raise it high...

CONTRIBUTED

Photo from last year's Snopelika Christmas Parade. Attendees will have a chance to meet Santa Claus at the Christmas Parade.

see too many people have."

Lorna continued to visit the restaurant almost once a week, often inviting friends to join her.

In a Facebook post, Louisa Wood shared, "She loved everyone at the Cafe and we all loved her. She ate with us almost once a week for more years than I can remember and she knew everyone in the place ... Booth 5 at Cafe 123 will never be the same without Don and Lorna Roberts. Opelika will not be the same without them either."

She loved to travel and often did so with both family and friends.

Lorna is remembered for her infectious laugh ter and smiles. She is often described as being

GRADUATES >>

FROM A3

from Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles (ABPP) Director Cam Ward for lead ership and dedication. Ward also expressed his gratitude for the employees who dedi cate themselves to the success of the DRC programs.

The bureau said it acknowl edges with gratitude Southern Union State Community College, along with all

everybody's biggest cheerleader. She thrived upon serving others.

Lorna was well-loved by the Opelika com munity. Many of her friends posted sweet memories and tributes on her Facebook page.

"I’ve never had a friend like Mrs. Lorna. When I met her as a freshman in the theatre society at OHS, she told me 'you have an amazing voice! one day, you’ll be a star!' Our friendship continued through my years doing shows with OHTS; I would run out and see Lorna and talk to her for as long as I could after the shows. When she came through the drive through at O Town Ice Cream, I didn’t mind holding up the entire line to stick my head out the window and just talk and catch up. Her smile. Her laugh.

community partners, for their involvement in the DRC Lite program and this event. ABPP also thanks special guest Associate Board Member Darryl Littleton for attending the event.

DRCs provide counseling, educational training and supervision for probationers and parolees. With a focus on employment assistance, substance abuse treatment, mental health and cognitive restructuring needs, DRC

She was just so radiant all the time." - Celina Aleman

"One of the most im portant things a person can do is just "show up!" Be there for those you love. That was Lorna. If she was invit ed, she showed up. No matter the occasion (or no occasion at all), she was always happy to be there. She was a great friend. She was kind, fun, funny and just a joy to be around."- Kate Larkin

"Lorna Roberts came into my life and filled a

staff is committed to reducing recidivism rates and improv ing public safety through behavior change. Currently, full Day Reporting Centers are located in Birmingham, Huntsville, Mobile, Mont gomery and Tuscaloosa. Day Reporting Center Lites, condensed versions of DRCs offering similar treatment, are located in Albertville, Bay Minette, Fort Payne, Opelika and Jasper.

space that can never be taken by anyone else. She was part of my tribe. The laughs and the joy this beautiful friend brought into my world was something that is irreplaceable."Angela George

"I know if Lorna could tell us anything right now it would be:

1. Love Jesus 2. Eat the food

3. Take the trip

4. Drink the wine."

- Lindy White

Lorna had a long and successful career in banking. She retired in

November 2019, after having worked in the field for nearly 34 years.

She served on boards of several local organi zations, including East Alabama Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA).

She was awarded the Spirit of Opelika award from the Opelika Chamber of Commerce in 2019 and was often seen attending chamber events. She support ed local businesses throughout the commu nity, championing for them regularly.

Lorna is survived by her parents Loren and Elouise Sutton, her children Michael Roberts (wife Nicole) and Allyson Schnarr (husband Brian), her grandchildren Austin Roberts, Luke Roberts, Livi Schnarr and Charli Schnarr, and her sib lings Liz Sutton, Tim

Sutton (wife Glenda) and John Sutton.

A memorial service was held at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 4, at First United Methodist Church Opelika.

To honor Lorna, con sider donating to East Alabama FCA (www. eastalabamafca.org), Auburn-Opelika Young Life (www.auburnope lika.younglife.org) or the EAMC Foundation (www.eastalabama health.org).

One particular Face book post summed up what Lorna meant to the Opelika community:

"Mrs. Lorna was woven so deeply within Opelika and was truly a part of it’s heartbeat."Stephanie Pinckard

Opelika's heartbeat will continue, but will not be quite the same without Lorna's infec tious smile and joyous outlook on life.

Opelika DRC Lite Administrator Robert Pritchett (left) received a certificate of appreciation from DRC Lite District Manager Chris Causey (right).

P

~ Stephanie Pinckard

Food, ociety& News

S

Gayle

Thoughts On Love of Music, Cooking

Ann Cipperly

SHouthernospitality

With

a love for music from childhood, Gayle and Dr. Tom Smith both have enjoyed tremen dous careers, sharing their talents at schools in Ope lika and Auburn, Auburn University, Chattahoochee Valley Community College and Providence Baptist Church. At Auburn Univer sity, Tom started the AU Singers, who celebrated

their 50th anniversary this year, where over 300 for mer Singers came to sing together and present one more show. Looking back over their wonderful years in music, Gayle also talks about cooking for their family and sharing favorite recipes.

Gayle grew up in a musi cal family in Birmingham, where she enjoyed singing in choirs at school and at

church through high school and taking piano lessons. Tom, who grew up mainly in Decatur, was interested in music at an early age with church and school music programs. While his teachers thought he would be an engineer or accountant since he was good in math, his heart was in music.

Tom and Gayle met while they were attending

Tickets on Sale for Oktoberfest

CONTRIBUTED BY KATY HARPER DOSS

AUBURN —

The sights, sounds and tastes of Germany are making their way to Ag Heritage Park in Auburn, Alabama, for Auburn Oktoberfest’s tasty return.

The event will take place at the park on Saturday, Oct. 15, from 3 to 7 p.m. This year’s festival will fea ture 60- plus breweries showcasing more than 175 beers, three wine tents with 24 wines, 13 home brewers, food trucks with both local eats and traditional German fare, plus live entertainment from Kidd Blue and the War Damn Polka band.

Additionally, attend ees can participate in a variety of contests,

including keg racing, stein hoisting, Mr. & Mrs. Oktoberfest and, back by PUPular de mand, wiener dog rac ing. For football fans, plenty of TVs will be set up throughout the festival showing the day’s games.

Representatives from Auburn University’s Brewing Science will be on hand for demon strations.

“We are so excited

for the 11th annual Au burn Oktoberfest,” said Adam Keeshan, festi val organizer. “After cancelling in 2020 and 2021 due to the pan demic, we’re back and better than ever. This event has grown to be the largest Oktoberfest in Alabama, and we can’t wait to welcome everyone back to Ag Heritage Park.”

Smith

enjoyed a career

Samford University, where they majored in music and were both members of the A Cappella Choir. Tom received a degree in church music and taught at Fair

choral music, teaching at schools

and

field schools for five years before deciding to get his master’s degree in theory and composition from the University of Iowa, then a Doctorate of Musical

Arts in Choral Conducting and Literature from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Harvest Market Returns to Town Creek Park Oct. 15

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN

AUBURN— City Market will return for Harvest Market at Town Creek Park on Saturday, Oct. 15, 2022, from 8 a.m. to noon.

The Auburn Beautifi cation Council will have its annual fall plant sale,

mini merchants will be back, farmers will have Sweet Grown Alabama produce and artists will bring a variety of hand made goods along with fall-themed art and décor for purchase. There will be live music performed by Wesley Hill.

Parking will be available for all market

attendees in the gravel parking lot across from Town Creek Park or in the parking lot located in the park.

For more information regarding City Market, please contact citymar ket@auburnalabama.org or visit auburnalabama. org/parks/programs/ city-market.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Photo from a previous Harvest Market.

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

Theold cliché is true: The older you get, the faster time passes. For example, back when I was a kid grow ing up in Alexander City, summer vacation seemed to last forever, one terrible sunburn after another (the use of sunscreen wasn’t emphasized back then, unfortunately.). The next school year seemed a year away instead of just a few months.

However, by the time I became a teacher in La Grange, Georgia, the nev er-ending summers were no more. After my students

Making the Grade: Mikata Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar

feel as though I’m 25; I’m too young to be this old. However, my mirror, hip and leg beg to differ.

Thankfully, I look at aging as did my grand mother (Mother Mac — Mama’s mother), who lived to be 104. Mother Mac remained youthful her entire life, and I like her attitude. Therefore, I was fabulous in my 40s, nifty in my 50s and will be sen sational in my 60s. (Again, the Good Lord willing.)

I decided that a good way to turn 60 would be to buy a 2023 red Nissan Rogue a few months before my actual birthday in De cember. Therefore, Mike and I headed to Lynch Nissan and bought Scarlett (we are sentimental and name our cars.). Scarlett is beautiful and can do every thing except fly. Thanks again to Michael Willis, our sales representative, who gets an A+ in custom er service from this retired English teacher. Michael is

gift. Then in the after noon, we carried on the tradition we started with my sweet Mama a few years ago: We enjoyed Gigi’s Cupcakes, the

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE FOR THE OBSERVER

left and I packed up my classroom, the Fourth of July came barreling up in no time. Before I could turn around, a new set of students were looking at me.

Now, this year, unbe lievably, I will celebrate my 60th birthday, the Good Lord willing. How is this even possible? Inside, I still

the best car sales rep we’ve ever seen.

Now, Mike’s birthday was on Sept. 22. Even though he didn’t get a new car for his birthday, I will let him drive mine occa sionally. Also, Mike and I celebrated his birthday as he liked. First thing in the morning, he opened his

most amazing cupcakes in Lee County. As usual, Mike chose the vanilla wedding cake, while I selected the turtle cheese cake. Oh, my three times. I usually only have Gigi’s Cupcakes on our birthdays so that I don’t wind up at East Alabama Medical Center in a diabetic coma. As I’ve mentioned be

fore, Mike’s favorite food is Japanese. Therefore, we met our friends Jack and William for supper at Mi kata Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar at 323 Airport Road in Auburn. We’ve enjoyed all of the Japa nese restaurants, that I’ve reviewed for this column. However, Mikata is Mike’s favorite restaurant in Lee County.

We chose to eat at the hibachi grill, as we always do, because Mike and I love to watch the chef put on a show, whirling silver knives and other utensils. If I tried to do that, I’d have

a lawsuit on my hands. I’m dangerous enough just around a stove.

That night, Chef Richard Hagmann, who has worked at Mikata for 18-and-a-half years, pre pared our meals and kept us laughing because he was hilarious. Next time, we will request his table.

Mike and I ordered the Mikata Special for two: filet mignon and shrimp. Jack chose the steak and shrimp, while William selected the steak and chicken. As usual, before our main courses, we enjoyed miso soup and the

house salad, which were delicious, as always.

Also, the steak, shrimp and chicken were wonder ful, as were the generous portions of vegetables and fried rice. This is Alabama; everything tastes better fried. Since Mike was the birthday boy, he ordered a dish of sherbet for dessert; he really enjoyed it.

Besides our tasty entrees, Mikata also has a large selection of others, some of which include the seafood combo (shrimp and scallops); Mikata Im

BY STACEY PATTON WALLACE FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN — Alzheimer’s ... a frightening disease, which inevitably leads to death.

The disease has three stages: mild, moderate and severe. According to the Alzheimer’s Association’s website, in the mild stage, “people experience memo ry loss, difficulty complet ing normal everyday tasks, and undergo personality and behavior changes.”

In the moderate stage of the disease, “damage occurs in areas of the brain that control language, rea soning, conscious thought and sensory processing.

Memory loss and confu sion worsen, and people begin to have problems recognizing family and friends. Also, in this stage, people have trouble learning new tasks or car rying out multistep tasks. In addition, people may experience hallucinations, delusions and paranoia and may behave impulsively.”

In the severe stage, “people can’t communi cate and have to receive total care from others.

Near the end of life, the

WALLACE >>

perial Dinner (filet mignon steak and lobster tail); King salmon, shrimp and scallops; lobster and King salmon; vegetable dinner; lobster tail dinner

Walking to End Alzheimer’s

person may be in bed most or all of the time as the body shuts down.”

The statistics regarding Alzheimer’s are alarming.

The Alzheimer’s Associ ation’s website lists the following examples: 1. Alzheimer’s kills more people than breast can cer and prostate cancer combined. 2. More than 6 million people in the Unit ed States have the disease, and 11 million people are providing unpaid care. 3.

Between 2000 and 2019, deaths from Alzheimer’s have more than doubled.

4. One in three seniors dies with Alzheimer’s or an other form of dementia. 5. In 2022, Alzheimer’s will cost the U.S. $321 billion. This number is projected to rise to nearly $1 trillion in 2050.

Many families have been impacted by Alzhei mer’s. During her 30-year education career, Brenda R. was a reading specialist, a pre-k director and an assistant director of Title I in Georgia. Fifteen years ago, she and her husband moved to Auburn to be near their children and grandchildren. Brenda R. lost her maternal grand

(two lobster tails); chick en and calamari; and steak and calamari. All dinners include a salad, steamed rice, vegetables and dessert. Diners may request fried rice with an egg and mixed vegeta bles for an additional

mother, father and oldest brother to Alzheimer’s.

Once, her brother managed to get out of his locked house and wandered out to the highway. Thankfully, he was found unharmed, but it was a terrifying experience for his wife.

“It’s hard to imagine anything worse than Alzheimer’s,” Brenda said.

“Every 65 seconds, some one in the U.S. is diag nosed with the disease. It’s the sixth leading cause of death in our country, and 96,000 people in Alabama have it.”

The Alzheimer’s Associ ation’s “Walk to End Alz heimer’s” is the world’s largest fundraiser for Alz heimer’s care, support and research. Kay Powell, the

senior walk manager, is in charge of the eight walks in Birmingham, Auburn, Montgomery, Jacksonville, Mobile, Huntsville, Mus cle Shoals and Tuscaloosa.

This year’s walk will be held in Auburn on Sunday, Oct. 23, at Auburn Univer sity on the campus green space close to the parking lot of Jordan-Hare Stadium at 500 Heisman Drive.

Registration will be at 12:30 p.m., and the cere mony and 2.5-mile walk will begin at 1:30 p.m. Powell said participants can register to walk right up to walk day by going to alz.org/walk.

As of writing, Powell said 175 people have registered to walk. One of those people is Brenda

R., who will be walking with her team, Alpha Delta Kappa, which is a teach ers’ sorority.

In addition, Powell said that people who wish to join the walk must be reg istered to do so. However, everyone in East Alabama is invited to come out to the event even if they aren’t walking.

During the ceremo ny, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders will speak. Also, an Army color guard from Auburn University will be posting the colors.

In addition, D.J. Ozz will provide entertainment, and the Tiger Rhythm Dance Team of Auburn University will perform. Powell said this will be a family friendly event; a kid

zone and a pet zone will be provided.

All donations to the Alzheimer’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s are tax-de ductible as allowed by law. According to Brenda, Alabama raised $783,837 last year.

Donations may be sent using the QR code in this article or by donating online on the Alzheimer’s Association’s website. In addition, donations will be collected in envelopes at the walk in Auburn on Oct. 23.

There hasn’t been an Alzheimer’s survivor… yet. Therefore, join the Alzheimer’s Association and help find a cure for this disease so that one day, there will be one.

cost.

Mikata also has an extensive selection of sushi with combinations, as well as a long list of small or classic rolls.

If you love great food and a lot of laughter, run and do not walk to Mika

ta. We’ll see you there.

Mikata Japanese Steak House & Sushi Bar is open Sunday through Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., and on Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m.

Mikata Japanese

Steak House & Sushi Bar makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remem ber, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food.

Enjoy!

Stacey Patton Wal lace, who retired from

teaching language arts for 30 years, is a profes sional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in The Observer. Sta cey may be reached at retiredlangartsteach er2020@gmail.com

CIPPERLY

After Tom received his doctorate in 1972, the Smiths came to Auburn University, where he accepted the position as director of choral activities.

While at Colorado, part of his doctorate assistantship was to direct a show choir. After coming to Auburn, he saw how a show choir could expand the offerings of the music department and founded the Auburn Uni versity Singers.

The AU Singers’ spring and fall shows became popular with performances sold out. The group went on trips to Europe to present their music. The first trip was with the Friendship Ambassadors organization in 1973, going to Romania. Other trips included Russia, Poland, Hungary, Czech

CIPPERLY RECIPES

GAYLE’S CHEESEBALL

1 lb. cheddar cheese, grated

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup mayonnaise

Dash of salt

Dash of pepper

2 dashes tobacco sauce

2 green onions or scal lions, finely chopped

Additional pecans for covering cheeseball

Mix all ingredients together and form into ball and roll in additional chopped pecans. Form an indention in top and fill with strawberry preserves. Serve with your favorite crackers.

HOLLY’S CHILI

1 lb. ground beef

¼ cup ketchup

2 – 3 Tbsp. chili powder

1 can tomato soup

1 can diced tomatoes

1 can light kidney beans

2 Tbsp. sugar, optional or adjust to taste

Toppings: sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese and Fritos.

Brown ground beef in skillet. Add remaining chili ingredients and heat for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve with toppings.

Apple Muffins

Sift together: 1½ cup sifted all-purpose flour

1¾ tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. nutmeg

½ cup sugar

Cut in 1/3 cup butter with pastry blender.

Add 1 egg and ¼ cup milk.

Mix in 1 grated Granny Smith apple

Topping for rolling in muffins:

Melted butter

1/3 cup sugar mixed with 1 tsp. cinnamon

Place batter in greased muffin pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until test done. Remove muffins and roll in melted butter, then dip into the sug ar and cinnamon mixture.

CRACKER SNACK MIX

1 box cheese crackers

1 box white cheddar crackers

Republic, England, France, Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Guatemala.

When the Smiths’ two children were little, Gayle only went once without them, but as they grew the family travelled together. Their daughter Marisha (a name they found on a trip to Poland) and her husband, Roby Robinson, live in Knoxville, Tennessee, and have two children: Ella, who is 17, and Luke, who is 16. Both Marisha and Roby were Auburn Singers.

The Smiths’ son Eron is teaching the choirs at Au burn High School, and his wife, Mary Miller Smith, is also a musician and leads the Summer Showoffs camps each year. Mary is also the director of the East Alabama Children’s Choir, which Gayle founded in 2008.

Both Eron and Mary were Auburn Singers. They

1 pkg. oyster crackers

1 pkg. pretzels

Mix together: ¾ cup vegetable oil ¼ tsp. dill week

¼ tsp. lemon pepper

¼ tsp. garlic powder

¼ cup Ranch seasoning

Pour seasoning mixture over crackers in a large bowl.

Put cracker mix into a 2 gallon Ziploc bag. Turn the bag every 15 minutes several times. Bake at 180 degrees for 2 hours.

GRANDMA’S OATMEAL CAKE

Lauren Allen 1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats

½ cup butter

1 ½ cups boiling water 2 large eggs 1 cup light brown sugar

1 cup granulated sugar

1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 1 tsp. baking soda

½ tsp. ground nutmeg ½ tsp. salt

For the topping: 6 Tbsp. butter, room temperature

1 cup shredded sweet ened coconut

½ cup evaporated milk ½ cup light brown sugar

l cup nuts 1 tsp. vanilla extract Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a 9x13” pan with non-stick cook ing spray.

Add the oatmeal and butter to a bowl and pour boiling water on top. Set aside.

In a mixing bowl combine the eggs, brown sugar and white sugar and mix well.

In a separate bowl sift together the flour, cinnamon, baking soda, nutmeg and salt.

Add to the bowl with eggs and sugars and stir to combine.

Add the oatmeal mix ture and stir to combine.

Bake for about 35 min utes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of the cake comes out clean.

While the cake is bak ing, make the topping by combining all the ingredi ents in a bowl.

Remove the cake from the oven and turn the oven to high broil.

Spread the topping evenly over the warm

now have four children: Zoe, 11; Juliette, 9; River, 7; and Oaklen, 5. Eron and Mary are active in the music ministry at Parkway Baptist Church in Auburn, where Eron is the music minister.

In 1976, Gayle received her master’s degree in vocal performance from Auburn before continuing her teaching career at Opelika Junior High and Opelika High School for nine years. She then came to Auburn Junior High and taught for 15 years.

Tom became head of the AU Music Department in 2000. He and Gayle both retired in 2006. Then, in the fall of 2006, Gayle, who didn’t stay retired long, began teaching the choir at Chattahoochee Valley Community College and worked there 9 years.

While Gayle and Tom were working in schools, they were also in the music

cake and place under the broiler for 2-4 minutes or until the coconut is golden brown.

Notes

This cake tastes great made 1-2 days in advance. It’s perfect for bringing to potlucks and parties.

PORK TENDERLOIN

WITH CHERRY SAUCE

Sauce:

1 cup or more cherry preserves 1 Tbsp. lemon juice

1 Tbsp. ketchup 2 Tbsp. wine vinegar ¼ tsp. dry mustard ¼ tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. cloves Pork tenderloin Olive oil

Black pepper to taste Heat sauce ingredients. Rinse pork and slice off any fat. Coat with olive oil and sprinkle with black pepper. Brown the tender loin in olive oil then place in baking dish.

Pour half of cherry sauce over meat and bake 45 minutes at 350 degrees uncovered. Serve the re maining sauce.

CHEDDAR CHEESE

GRITS CASSEROLE

Christy Stanfield

4 cups milk

¼ cup butter 1 cup uncooked quick-cooking grits

1 large egg, lightly beaten 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper

2 cups (8 oz.) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish: parsley sprigs

Bring milk just to a boil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat; gradually whisk in butter and grits. Reduce heat, and simmer, whisking constantly, 5 to 7 minutes or until grits are done. Re move from heat.

Stir in egg and next 3 ingredients. Pour into a lightly greased 11- x 7-inch baking dish. Sprin kle evenly with grated Parmesan cheese.

Bake, covered, at 350 degrees for 35 to 40 min utes or until mixture is set.

Serve immediately. Gar nish, if desired.

ministry at Providence Bap tist Church. At this point, Tom has served as Minister of Music for 48 years. Gay le is the interim organist and enjoys directing the drama productions.

Currently, Tom is working on the Festival of Christmas music with combined choirs that will be presented during the Christmas season. Special seasonal programs are held every Sunday night during December.

Being a busy working mother over the years, Gay le has a love of cooking. She was influenced by her mother, who was a won derful cook who was intent that her family would eat well. Gayle has many of her Mom’s recipes; her favorite is Mama’s Fluffy Rolls.

Gayle enjoys sharing and gathering recipes from friends. One of her favorite recipes is Holly’s Chili that

CASSEROLE

This is a great recipe for a crowd as it makes two 9 x 13 pans. May want to cut this recipe in half or freeze in smaller foil pans. I also added just a little freshly grated Parmesan cheese while they were baking.

1 lb. vermicelli noodles cooked drained.

16 oz. sour cream

Mix above together and lay in bottom of pans.

Mix the following:

2 large jars spaghetti sauce

16 oz. small cottage cheese

1 lb. and ½ cup for top of mozzarella cheese

2 lbs. ground beef cooked and well drained

Pour on top of noodles. Cook uncovered between 30 to 40 minutes. Can place foil over casserole the last 10 minutes to prevent becoming too brown.

MAMA’S FLUFFY ROLLS

2 pkgs. yeast 1 cup warm water

1 tsp. sugar

1 cup Crisco ½ cup sugar

1 tsp. salt

2 eggs

6 cups flour, divided 1 cup boiling water

Dissolve yeast in warm water and add 1 tsp. sug ar. Let stand 15 minutes. If it does not expand, throw it out. (Mama’s words exactly!)

Cream shortening and sugar, add eggs and mix well. Add salt and 2 cups sifted flour. Mix in then add cup of boiling water and 2 more cups of flour. (Never add boiling water to eggs. (Mama’s words exactly!)

Now, add yeast mix ture and “rest of the flour.” (I only add enough to make the dough really soft and not dry. I have never used all six cups!) Dough will be soft. If it is too stiff rolls will be heavy.

Place dough in greased bowl and cover tightly with foil and place in warm place to rise for 2 hours. Do not knead.

Roll the dough out and make Parker house rolls or cinnamon rolls or whatever rolls you like.

Bake at 400 degrees for

Tom calls “sweet chili.”

While the recipe calls for a small amount of sugar, Gayle said the chili doesn’t taste too sweet and the sug ar blends the spices really well. She keeps chili in the freezer to pull out on a rainy or cold night when she needs it, and serves it with sour cream, shredded ched dar cheese and Fritos.

One of Gayle’s most pop ular recipes during the holi days is peanut butter fudge. She makes the fudge from the recipe on the back of a jar of marshmallow crème, but substitutes peanut but ter chips for the chocolate chips. It is popular at their church.

“Our church has some of the best cooks ever,” Gay le said. “When they give you the recipe, you always remember the person who made it. That makes it meaningful for me because some of those people are no

15 minutes.

SHARON REID’S

SHRIMP

Melt butter in bottom of dish.

Arrange lemon slices all over.

Cover with shrimp.

Sprinkle Italian sea soning.

Bake at 350 degrees 14 minutes or until shrimp are cooked.

CHOCOLATE CREAM PIE

1 cup sugar

1/3 cup flour

¼ tsp. salt 2 cup milk

3 slightly beaten egg yolks (save whites for meringue)

2 Tbsp. margarine 1 tsp. vanilla

8 or 9 inch pie shell

1 recipe meringue, reci pe follows Preheat oven at 350 de grees.

In saucepan, combine sugar, flour and salt; grad ually stir in milk. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture boils and thickens. Cook 2 minutes longer over a lower heat. Remove from heat.

Stir a small amount of hot mixture into yolks; return to hot mixture; cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add margarine and vanilla; cool to room temperature. (To prevent a crust from forming, put clear plastic wrap or waxed paper directly on top.) Allow it to cool a little and then pour into a baked pie shell.

Meringue: 3 egg whites

¼ tsp. cream of tartar ½ tsp. vanilla

6 Tbsp. sugar Beat 3 egg whites with cream of tartar and vanilla until soft peaks form. Gradually add sugar, beat ing until stiff peaks form and all sugar is dissolved. Spread on top of pie, seal ing to pastry.

Bake in moderate oven about 12 to 15 minutes or until lightly golden brown.

Variation: I use 2 whole eggs instead of 3 yolks and top with Cool Whip.

longer with us.”

Gayle treasures a hand written recipe from Frances Hillyer at Providence, who was famous for baking a huge container of dressing for dinners at the church.

“She had made it so often that she could make it by sight and taste. Everyone looked for Mrs. Frances’s dressing. She always went home with an empty pan.”

When each of their children got married, Gayle gave them a small cookbook of their favorite recipes.

“Music has been such a good life for us,” Gayle said. “Music gives won derful experiences to those who hear and those who participate in choirs, wheth er at school, church or com munity. It has always been a source of joy for us. Being able to have a life in music has been very rich and re warding.”

POPPY SEED CHICKEN

3-4 boneless chicken breasts, cooked, chopped and shredded 2 cans cream of chicken soup 8 oz. sour cream 2 Tbsp. poppy seeds Mix all of the above together well and put in a greased casserole dish.

Topping: 1 tube Ritz crackers, crushed and mixed with 1 stick melted margarine Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

Broccoli and Chicken Casserole

Variation: add chopped, cooked broccoli to chicken mixture.

CHRISTMAS SPICED TEA 27 oz. Tang ¾ cup instant tea 3 cups sugar 1 tsp. ground cloves 1 tsp. ground allspice 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ½ pkg. plain lemonade mix

Combine all ingredients. We served this at our Taste of Christmas Tea at church.

QUICHE LORRAINE

9 inch pie shell 1 cup grated Swiss cheese ½ cup chopped ham 1/3 cup chopped onion, sauteed 4 eggs, beaten 1 ½ cup light cream or milk ¾ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. sugar

Place grated cheese in bottom of pie shell. Sprinkle onion and ham over cheese. Mix eggs, cream and sea sonings together and add. Place pie shell on a baking sheet with a rim. Bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes and then lower temperature to 300 degrees for another 30 minutes.

To freeze ahead: Bake for 15 minutes less and freeze. Thaw to room temperature then cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

NANIES’S PUMPKIN

BREAD

2½ cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. baking soda 3 cups sugar

1 tsp. salt

2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp. nutmeg

Ian Mulder to Perfom at AUMC Oct. 11

BY ANN CIPPERLY FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

Internationally re nowned Dutch pianist and composer Ian (Jan) Mulder will be the guest artist with the Festival Orchestra for the Music Ministry Gala on Oct. 11 at 7 p.m. in the sanctuary at the Auburn United Methodist Church.

Following the Gala benefit concert, a cele bratory reception will be held in the Mathison Lobby.

Mulder has recorded 20 solo piano albums featuring famous or chestras, including the London Symphony Orchestra and Royal Philharmonic, London Philharmonic, Amsterdam Symphony and Moscow Symphony.

His award-winning inspirational “Love Divine” CD series has been the bestseller in strumental at Amazon.

Mulder recently com posed and recorded a 12-part orchestral work, based on the hymn “Crown Him with Many Crowns.”

Born into a Dutch family of pastors and musicians, Mulder at tended church services with his family. His grandfathers were both pastors at large Dutch Reformed churches.

His uncle was one of the Netherlands’ most famous organists,

A7

Festival tickets and hotel packages are cur rently on sale and may be purchased online at auoktoberfest.com.

GENERAL ADMISSION

TICKETS

$60 per person

Last-Minute (Oct. 1 through 10) $65 per

½ tsp. cloves

tsp. allspice

oz. can pure pumpkin

eggs 1 cup oil

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and coat pans with nonstick spray with flour. Sift dry in gredients together. Add wet ingredients to dry ingredients. Mix well and scraping the bot tom and “corners” to be sure it is mixed really well. Can add raisins and pecans or walnuts. Only fill the pans about half full. Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes or until doneness with a toothpick placed in the cen ter. Can also use the batter for making muffins.

Hint: Small loaves will manage better if placed on a sheet pan with an edge so you can put them all in the oven at the same time and remove them easily.

MULDER

conductors and compos ers of his day. Mulder studied piano, organ and composition at the Rotterdam conserva tory. He moved to the United States in 2007.

The award-winning pianist said he sees his talent as a gift from God. He recorded more than 200 albums in the first decade of his ca reer. Most of these were with orchestras. Mulder composes Christian mu sic that is a mix of tradi tional and contemporary well-known hymns. His classics include “Amazing Grace” and “How Great Thou Art.”

“We are thrilled to welcome the inter nationally renowned

person — Includes entry into the festi val, tasting mug and lanyard.

This year’s Auburn Oktoberfest is present ed by Ithaka Hospi tality Partners. The festival team extends a special thank you to the beer distributors, AlaBev, United John

1 large cherry Jell-O (6 oz. or two 3 oz.), can use sugar-free

jar Bing cherries, sliced

large can crushed pineapple

canned Coke or 6 oz. water

cup chopped pe

Dutch pianist and com poser, Jan Mulder, as our guest artist for the Music Ministry Gala,” said Gary Klarenbeek, director of music at the church. “He is an ex traordinary talent.

“There is no charge for the performance, but a reservation is re quired. During the per formance we will also announce the upcom ing Christmas Season musical performances provided as a gift to the community. It’s a stellar lineup this year.”

To make a reser vation for the Gala Benefit Concert, email Klarenbeek at GaryK@ aumc.net.

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

son Brothers, Pinnacle Imports Fine Wine & Craft Beer, Premium Beverage Company, International Wines and Craft Beer, Alabama Crown and Adams Beverage.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit auoktoberfest. com.

Drain pineapple and cher ries into saucepan; add coke. Bring to a boil.

Jell-O and stir until dissolved. Chill until just slightly congealed, just cooled but not set. Add pine apple, cherries and pecans.

Our New Home Is Built on a Solid Foundation... Just Like Our Bank.

Every Wednesday in October at Courthouse Square.

What's Happening in Lee County

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Oct. 4 through 8: Lee County Fair

Oct. 14 through 16: Opelika Songwriters Festival in downtown Opelika

Oct. 15: Changing Hearts and Destiny and True Deliverance Health and Resource Fair and Fall Festival

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet on Oct. 18 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.

CAMP HILL MARKETPLACE

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

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.

K

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

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.

Y

A Y S

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.

FISH FRY & BAKE SALE

The Standing Rock, Alabama Fish Fry & Bake Sale is set for Oct. 22, 2022, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Central Time at the old Standing Rock Community Center on Chambers County Road 278 in downtown Standing Rock, Alabama. Tickets are $15, and plates consist of fried catfish fillets, french fries, hush puppies, coleslaw, lemons, pickles and onions. Plates are available for dine-in or carryout, rain or shine. For tickets, call 706-333-8559 or 706-586-0252.

Proceeds benefit the Standing Rock, Alabama Community Center Building Project.

For the Bible Tells Me So

news (This was especially true in the days before social media.). And, especially when it was one generation writing another, they wrote to pass on life lessons — that might well include a warning of potential dangers.

And it could be quite deadly.

when people wrote letters, they did so for lots of reasons. They wanted to stay in contact with a loved one from whom they were separated (This was especially true in the days before there were phones, and later when people had phones but long-distance calls were expensive.). They also wrote to share

I think all of these would be reasons for John writing his letters. He certainly wants to stay in touch, he has things he wants to share and he definitely wants to pass on important truths that include warnings of potential danger.

The danger John is primarily concerned with is what we refer to today as Gnosticism. It’s probably helpful to think of Gnosticism as being something like a spiritual version of COVID-19. It was a (spiritual) virus. Its origins were unknown. It popped up in places in slightly differing variants.

The central thread of Gnosticism was its conviction that everything spiritual was good, and everything material was evil. Material didn’t simply include possessions as we tend to use the word — it was everything tangible.

All created things were evil — from the planet they lived on to food they ate to the human body. As you might imagine, this had staggering implications. The Gnostics believed the world couldn’t have been created by God, and Jesus couldn’t have been a human. No creation, no incarnation.

John takes clear aim at this throughout 1 John (as well as in his gospel). He starts the letter with a clear rebuttal of any notion that Jesus was not flesh and blood. He tells us in

BIBLE

no uncertain terms that what they had 1) heard, 2) seen, 3) looked at (as in pondered) and 4) touched — “this we proclaim” (v. 1). The Gnostics liked to speak of Jesus as a phantom or apparition of some kind, but the one who was personally there with Him won’t have any of that.

This is eyewitness testimony, but it’s not the kind where someone had a brief glimpse or quick look, and as a result is unsure or possibly mistaken in what they think they saw. John and his companions were with Jesus for three years. They knew what they had seen and experienced, and they weren’t going to allow disciples to be bullied into believing something less by people who weren’t there.

Twenty centuries later, John’s words continue to speak powerfully

to disciples. Though Gnosticism has come and gone, it’s important that we understand that our faith today isn’t based on speculation or wishful thinking any more than it was in the time of John. Our faith is based on the historical and theological record of what His followers witnessed. Thousands of manuscripts and copies verify it.

Historians like Will Durant and H. G. Wells affirm Jesus’ historicity. But perhaps most impressive: Multitudes of the disciples’ contemporaries — people who had lived when and where the recorded events happened — not only embraced the good news, many of them suffered and died for it.

John knew what he was talking about, and we can too.

OF THE WEEK

CHURCH DIRECTORY

334-705-0538

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

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

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION —

Later, Jesus appeared again to the disciples beside the Sea of Galilee. This is how it happened. 2 Several of the disciples were there—Simon Peter, Thomas (nicknamed the Twin), Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two other disciples.

3 Simon Peter said, “I’m going fishing.”

“We’ll come, too,” they all said. So they went out in the boat, but they caught nothing all night.

4 At dawn Jesus was standing on the beach, but the disciples couldn’t see who he was. 5 He called out, “Fellows,[c] have you caught any fish?”

“No,” they replied.

6 Then he said, “Throw out your net on the righthand side of the boat, and you’ll get some.” So they did, and they couldn’t haul in the net because there were so many fish in it.

7 Then the disciple Jesus loved said to Peter, “It’s the Lord.” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put on his tunic (for he had stripped for work), jumped into the water, and headed to shore.

8 The others stayed with the boat and pulled the loaded net to the shore, for they were only about a hundred yards from shore. 9 When they got there, they found breakfast waiting for them—fish cooking over a charcoal fire, and some bread.

SARA HILL BANKS

Sara Hill Banks, 91, of Opelika, passed away Sept. 27, 2022, at Arbor Springs.

Mrs. Banks was born to Perry Sanford Hill and Martha Bruce Thomas Dec. 16, 1930. She is preceded in death by her husband Theron “Teddy” Banks, parents: Perry Sanford Hill, Martha Bruce Thomas; siblings: Olene Hill and Ed ward A. Hill. She is survived by her daughter: Hope Lollis (David); grandson: Jacob H. Lollis; brothers: Randell

As Dawn Was Breaking

10 “Bring some of the fish you’ve just caught,” Jesus said. 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net to the shore. There were 153 large fish, and yet the net hadn’t torn.

12 “Now come and have some breakfast.” Jesus said. None of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?” They knew it was the Lord.

13 Then Jesus served them the bread and the fish. 14

This was the third time Jesus had appeared to his disciples since he had been raised from the dead.

15 After breakfast Jesus asked Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?”

“Yes, Lord,” Peter replied, “you know I love you.”

“Then feed my lambs,” Jesus told him.

— John 21:1-15

Jesus’ earthly ministry lasted about three years.

Then he was arrested, treated like a common criminal, beaten cruelly, crucified and buried in a borrowed tomb. But that was not the end of the story. On the third day, as dawn was breaking, His Father said to one of His angels, “Roll that stone out of the way so my Son can walk out of that tomb.” And Jesus walked out. He walked out. He was alive. He walked out as the dawn was breaking. So I come today to celebrate what almighty God can do as the dawn is breaking in our lives. Let me explain why that is so important.

The word "nothing" explains it all. Nothing is what we get when we walk away from Jesus and focus entirely on the things of this world. Only days before this scene on the beach, Jesus had appeared to his disciples in the Upper Room. There, he had replaced their anxiety

with His peace and said to them, “As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” He promised them the power of the Holy Spirit for their work.

So what do the disciples do? They go fishing. And they caught nothing. Now, dear friends, the same thing happens to us when we turn aside from his command to make disciples and focus only on potato salad, collard greens, cornbread, fried chicken and banana pudding. Hear me now: The Lord is not unhappy when we enjoy good food. He just wants us to let the good food strengthen us to serve Him by loving people into the Kingdom. But thanks be to God, our Father does not give up on us, as John reminds us with this story. He finds us. He comes to us. And when does He come? As the dawn is breaking. For He is always giving us a new day in which to serve Him.

Nothing is the reward of the night. Night and Nothing are partners. It is in the night of life that we wrestle with the devil, when our dreams become nightmares, when we yield to the powers of darkness and sin takes over, and in our captivity to sin we begin to cry for the morning light. The dawn is the first emerging light just before the sun appears. In our nights filled with nothing, we long for the light to overcome our darkness and for the Son of God to come and break the chains that have bound us in the darkness. There is a yearning in our souls to see Jesus coming to rescue us as the dawn is breaking.

When Jesus comes at dawn, he comes not with condemnation but with forgiving love. He could have stood on that shore with his hands on his hips and shouted, “You faithless

disciples, how dare you give up on me and return to fishing. Shame on you.” But praise God, that is not his attitude. The breakfast he had prepared for Peter and the disciples was His way of saying, “The night of nothing is over; a new day has dawned. Your sins are forgiven, so let’s talk about the new life I want to give you.”

Two things we should note about the breakfast:

1) Jesus was not helpless. While he asked them to bring some of the fish they had caught, He had already fried fish of his own. We should remember this when we are tempted to say foolishly, “Christ has no hands but our hands to do His work today.” Never, never think that our Risen Lord is helpless without our hands on the job. Witness the way He can touch our lives with His Hands and change the direction and the destiny of our lives. His mighty works of grace are constantly before us. Of course He welcomes our hands; He invites us to become partners in the work He is doing — but He is not standing before us with no hands. The early church grew because “his hand was upon them.”

2) We are not ready to serve Him until we have allowed Him to serve us. John says, Jesus served them the fish and hushpuppies. You and I are not able to serve Jesus until we have admitted we can do nothing on our own, without Him. The song by Mylon LeFevre says it well: “Without Him, how lost I would be.”. I was speaking in a retreat up at Mt. Cheaha when I heard this song for the first time. A man took the mic and explained that he had wasted his life with alcohol until he

OBITUARIES

Hill (Heather), Tommy Hill (Debbie); niece: Merilane Hill (Tony).

Mrs. Banks was a lifelong resident of Lee County. A long-time member of First Baptist Church where she served 15 years in the church nursery and served for years in WMU. She was an avid greeting card sender to all her friends.

Funeral services were held on Friday, Sept. 30, 2022, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Interment followed at Garden

Hills Cemetery. Dr. Jeff Myers officiated.

DALE LEROY TINDLE

Dale LeRoy Tindle, 88, of Opelika, passed away on Sept. 25, after a stroke and battle with cancer.

Dale was born in 1934 to Pearl and Lester Tindle and was one of seven brothers and sisters: Don, Elsie, Bob, Crystal, Bud and Marianne in Big Rapids, Michigan. He is survived by his son, Craig

(Wendy) and Dale’s grand son Jackson. He met the love of his life, Barbara Gail Hazenburg in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Dale and Barbara went on to enjoy 52 years of marriage.

After Dale graduated from high school, he was drafted in the army where he was stationed in Germany post World War II. Upon returning stateside, he started a job with a well-known grocer in Mich igan. Dale had several fond memories of raising his family

met Jesus. Jesus changed his life. He said, “Jesus took my nothing and gave me everything worth having.”

As he sang that song, I realized that without Jesus, we have nothing. Let these words stir your heart as they stirred mine:

With Him, I could do nothing

Without Him, I’d surely fail

Without Him, I would be drifting

Like a ship without a sail

Without Him, I would be dying

Without Him, I’d be enslaved

Without Him, life would be worthless

But with Jesus, thank God I’m saved Oh Jesus, Oh Jesus Do you know Him today?

Please don’t turn Him away Oh Jesus, my Jesus Without Him, how lost I would be

Without Him, how lost I would be

Get this now: Until Jesus serves you, you have nothing to offer anyone. How do we allow Him to serve us?

By giving Him — and His Word — our attention, so He can teach us what we need to know. Then, by giving Him our willingness to receive the power of His Spirit to become a blessing to others.

The dawn breaks. The light comes. He sets us free. We enjoy breakfast. He serves us. What then?

Then comes the big question before we rush off to serve Him. He asked the question of Peter, but the other six disciples on the shore realized He was asking them the same question: “Do you love me more than these?”

And dear friends, He is asking you that same question right now: “Do you love me more than these?”

It is not clear what Jesus meant by “these.” He may have been asking Peter, “Do you love me more these other disciples love me?”

Or he may have been asking Peter, “Do you love me more than you love these disciples? Or do you love me more than this food, the breakfast, the fish and bread?” Or He may have been asking, “Do you love me more than the things of this world, these earthly things?”

Whatever it was, the bottom line is clear: Jesus is forever asking you and me, “DO YOU LOVE ME MORE THAN ANY OF THE THINGS OF THIS WORLD?” And if you and I say, “Yes, Lord, we love you,” as Peter replied, Jesus has but one way of asking us to prove it: by caring for others — His sheep, His lambs.

So the two most important words you can utter to Jesus as the dawn is breaking in your life are the two words Peter said to Jesus: “YES, LORD”.

A new day has dawned. We have survived the night of nothing. We have drowned our nightmares in the sea of His forgiving love. We are alive, filled with new joy and new hope. He has exchanged our nothing with His everything. Jesus is here — on this beach with us, wherever we are, ready to serve us and send us out to care for others. Will you say, “Yes Lord.” Will you say it again, out loud? Will you shout it?

Yes Lord.

Yes Lord.

Your words are never the last words. He will always have the last word. Hear Him say it as you go — "Take care of my sheep. Take care of my sheep. Take care of my sheep."

in Kentwood, Michigan, re calling how the neighbours were more like family continu ing to be for the rest of his life.

After several other placements Dale took on a role in produc tion control with Dexter Lock which when the factory was relocated, eventually led him and his family to Auburn.

Dale and Barb soon met new people in the Auburn area meeting on Friday nights at the local eatery owned by their newly found friends’ son and forged a friendship

that is treasured by all of Dale’s family still today. Dale enjoyed sitting out front of his house in the later years of his life talking to his neighbors reminiscing about his time in Germany and the many unusu al jobs he worked in his life. Services were held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home in Opelika on Oct. 5. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The American Cancer Society, an organization the family feels strongly about.

COMICS

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

‘Little Things’ Haunt Opelika Amid Three-Game Skid

OPELIKA —

Opelika's Cross Country team ran in the “Jesse Owens Classic” at Oakville Indian Mounds Park last Saturday in Oakville, Alabama. This is the same course at which the AHSAA State Cross Country Championship is held.

The results are listed below for the girls and boys that participated in the meet.

5000 METER RUN

GIRLS: 21:14.50 — Paola Torres, 62nd, Girls Silver 21:28.70 — Margaret Bice, 72nd, Girls Silver 22:24.30 — Violett Alcorn, 116th, Girls Silver 23:03.90 — Joanne Smith T, 157th, Girls Silver 24:24.30 — Susan Gaston, 208th, Girls Silver 25:29.24 — Carlie Moates, 111th, Girls Red 26:29.88 — Frida Cruz Valdez, 142nd. Girls Red 26:52.61 — Ellie Kendrick, 151st, Girls Red 28:01.87 — Kaitlyn Brown, 171st, Girls Red 28:21.51 — Kiley Brooks, 181st, Girls Red

5000 METER RUN

BOYS: 16:11.41 — Brantley Turnham, 55th, Boys Gold 16:50.21 — Chas Brewer, 101st, Boys Gold 17:57.32 — Michael Hart, 179th, Boys Gold 18:38.39 — Trey White, 209th, Boys Gold 18:52.35 — Zane Sexton, 215th, Boys Gold 19:08.75 — Zalen Shaw, 225th, Boys Gold 19:37.91 — Amari Bynum, 237th, Boys Gold 19:44.97 — Burch Harris, 232nd, Boys Silver 19:59.03 — Ben Bell, 245th, Boys Silver 20:14.72 —Murphy Williams, 256th, Boys Silver 20:32.9 — Tripp Campbell, 264th, Boys Silver 21:04.35 — Alexander Burgess, 273rd, Boys Silver 22:55.50 — Benjamin Owens, 285th, Boys Silver 24:19.75 — Kadenden Hua, 390th, Boys Red 25:28.55 — Justin Watson, 414th, Boys Red 27:07.29 —Daylan Sanders, 433rd,

The varsity Opelika High School football team lost, 51-29, to rival Auburn High School at Duck-Samford Stadium in Auburn on Friday, Sept. 30.

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN —

The Auburn High Tigers emerged victo rious, 51-29, over the Opelika Bulldogs Friday night at Duck-Samford Stadium in Auburn.

“We can’t be upset about this one very long, because the way this region sets up, if we can get in the playoffs, then we are probably going to see these guys again,” said Opelika head coach Eric Speakman postgame.

Auburn’s 51 points

were the most it has scored in a rivalry game since the very first meeting in 1917, and deadlocked the series all-time at 47-47-3.

For Opelika, the loss means the Bulldogs have dropped three straight games since starting the season 4-0.

“I thought the kids played hard in certain areas, but again, it's these little mistakes,” Speakman said. “We said that during this four-game stretch, if we make those [mistakes], we won’t win many of these games.”

OHS Announces Homecoming Court

Congratulations to the 2022 Opelika High School Homecoming Court. Pictured left to right: Kennedi Davis — Freshman Sara Kate Speakman — Sophomore, Roniyah Lilly — Junior, Susannah Couey — Senior, Italy Slaughter — Senior, McKay Yountz — Senior, Aimee Alcantara — Junior, Kamyra Jackson — Sophomore and Tarlasia Higgins — Freshman. The 2022 Homecoming Queen will be announced during halftime of the OHS vs. Smiths Station football game on Friday, Oct. 7.

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES THE OBSERVER

PHOTO

OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY —

Four area high school football teams remained undefeated after another round of games concluded Friday night. Auburn (7-0), Beauregard (60), Loachapoka (6-0) and Lee-Scott (6-0) once again established themselves as the lead er in their respective regions.

Glenwood improved to 3-3 with a win; Beulah (0-6) remained winless with another loss; Opelika (4-3) fell to rival Auburn; and Smiths Station enjoyed a week off.

The following is a breakdown of how area teams fared in week seven of the Alabama high school football season. All stats were compiled firsthand, by

school sources or via Maxpreps.com.

AHSAA

AUBURN 51 | OPELIKA 29

The varsity Auburn High School Tigers outscored rival Opelika 30-8 in the second half to move to 7-0 on the 2022 season. Senior wide receiver Ean Nation, quarter back Clyde Pittman and running back DV Williams led the way for the Tigers on of fense. Nation caught 11 passes for 208 yards and one touchdown, Pittman caught a fake field goal touchdown pass to swing momen tum just before the half and Williams finished with 12 carries for 69 yards and one touch down. The Tigers won the turnover battle, 1-0, and amassed 475 total yards in the win. Auburn will now enjoy two weeks off before a colossal 7A road

matchup against the Central Phenix Red Devils on Oct. 14.

BEAUREGARD 38 | SYLACAUGA 7

The varsity Beauregard Hornets (6-0, R3-0) defeat ed region opponent Sylacauga (0-7) by a score of 38-7 Friday night. Senior quar terback AJ Wallace led the Hornets’ offense, going 10of-15 passing for 231 yards and two touchdowns, while adding 73 rushing yards and one touch down on the ground. Javonn Holman was Wallace’s favorite target on the night, bringing in four passes for 186 yards. Senior defensive back Kyan Malloy led the defense with one in terception, and added a 72-yard kickoff

Southern Christian 'Maturing' Through Losses

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

The Southern Christian Patriots fell, 33-18, to the East Central Patriots on the road last Friday night.

The loss moves the hometown Patriots to 1-3 on the season. The memory of the loss will no doubt frustrate the players and head coach Jason Scott, as the Patriots blew a fourth quarter lead for the sec ond straight week.

“This is the second game in as many weeks that we had control of the game going into the fourth quarter, and then through a string of ques tionable calls we end up losing the game,” Scott said. “It really gets your guys down when it is so one-sided.”

Southern Christian held an 18-10 lead

heading into the final quarter of Friday’s match up. The Patriots were led by a connection from Josiah Frick and Jagger Scott. Frick finished 4-of8 passing for 159 and two touchdowns, while Jagger hauled in four passes for 108 yards and one touch down. Other statistical leaders included: sopho more Auron Tanguma — who caught the second of Frick’s touchdown passes — and Jedd Scott, who tallied 36 reception yards.

Ultimately, a 23-point fourth quarter from East

Central spelled the end for Southern Christian. And despite some grief from the questionable calls that resulted in 11 penalties for 73 yards, the Patriots will look to grow from the loss.

“My boys played to the bitter end and didn’t let off those guys until that buzzer hit zero,” Scott said. “I’m really proud of them and their character for coming through such a tough storm and keeping it all together. We’re still very young, but we have matured dramatically these last two losses.”

Tigers Outlast Bulldogs in Rivalry Clash

Lady Dawgs Down Auburn High

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The varsity Auburn High football team defeated rival Opelika, 51-29, inside Duck-Samford Stadium in Auburn last Friday night. For more information about the game, read "Area Football Roundup: Week 7" page B3, or "Little Things Haunt Opelika Amidst Three-Game Skid," page B1.

The varsity Opelika flag football team defeated rival Auburn, 26-7, on Sept. 28. The Lady Bulldogs then defeated Loachapoka High, 21-8, Oct.

The team is 10-4 as of that game, as results from

game against Central were not available come press time.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES/THE OBSERVER

Opelika received the ball to begin the game and immediately marked its statement of intent, capping a 75-yard drive with a 1-yard touch down rush from junior quarterback Roman Gagliano.

Buoyed by the frantic enthusiasm of the home crown, Auburn respond ed on the next drive with a 40-yard touchdown pass from senior quar terback Clyde Pittman to senior receiver Ean Nation. The ensuing ex tra-point attempt was no good as Opelika clung to its 7-6 lead at the end of the first quarter.

The Tigers took their first lead of the night

Hornets Handle Visiting Aggies

with 9:49 in the second quarter when senior run ning back D.V. Williams carried the ball 15 yards through the thick of the Opelika defense for a touchdown.

Trailing 13-7, Opelika continued to rely on the arm of Gagliano as the stout Auburn defensive front seven limited the Bulldogs’ run game. Gagliano returned Opelika’s lead when he found senior receiver Bryce Speakman with no defender within 15 yards of him for a 21-yard passing touchdown midway through the second period.

The Opelika defense then forced a quick punt on Auburn’s next drive, resulting in its best field position of the night. Gagliano took the next

snap and launched a pass behind the Auburn secondary as he found his receiver for a 42-yard gain. Inside the red zone, Opelika needed just two more plays for senior Caden Cooper to take a wildcat formation snap and scamper into the endzone from 7 yards out. With a successful extra point, Opelika led the Tigers 21-13 with 4:02 remaining in the first half.

On the final drive of the half, Opelika ap peared to have limited Auburn to a field goal as the Tigers lined up for a kick on a fourth-and-10 with 18 seconds remain ing. Unbeknownst to Opelika, Auburn High left an uncovered man — Pittman — along the sideline, and faked the

kick to find him wide open in the end zone for 20-yard touchdown. Auburn converted the ensuing two-point-con version to tie the game at 21 at the break.

While there was little to split the two teams in the first half Friday night, Auburn High took control of the contest in the final two periods, outscoring the Dawgs 30-8.

Auburn took the lead and never looked back on its first drive of the third quarter when Pittman broke contain on a dropback, broke three Opelika tackles and clattered into the end zone on a 19-yard rushing score.

Opelika tried a little trickery of its own on the next drive, as the

Bulldogs attempted a fake amid Auburn run ning its special teams units onto the field. The snap went over every one’s head, however, and bounced into the end zone where Gagliano fell on the ball to give up a safety. The Tigers would follow that up with a stop, and another scoring drive to take a commanding, 37-21 lead over the Bulldogs.

“We don’t cover the guy on the fake field goal to end the half, and then we snap it over our head when we have them on a trick play,” Speakman said as he lamented his team’s mistakes. “It was just the little things again that we will con tinue to work on.”

The mishaps clearly deflated the Bulldogs’

sideline as Opelika’s next and final score didn’t come until there was 5:09 in the fourth quarter. Sophomore defensive end Malik Autry ripped the ball away from an Auburn ball carrier and ran 20 yards in the other direc tion for the touchdown. The Tigers would add one final score to close out the win and remain undefeated.

Opelika returns home Friday, Oct. 7, for its Homecoming Week game against region foe Smiths Station (1-5, R1-3).

“Hopefully we will get better at it,” Speakman said. “We still have three games ahead of us in the region, and we will come back and start getting ready for Smiths.”

The varsity Beauregard High School football team defeated Sylacauga, 38-7, last Friday to move to 6-0 on the season. For more information on the game, read "Area Football Roundup: Week 7" page B3.

PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN

FOR THE OBSERVER

Second Half Collapses Continue to Plague Auburn BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN —

Another second-half collapse doomed Auburn Saturday.

The Tigers dropped their second game of the season, falling 2117 to LSU inside of Jordan-Hare Stadium.

After opening up a three-score late in the second quarter, Auburn’s downfall began just before the break, in fact.

A fumble by quar terback Robby Ashford that was scooped up and returned for a touchdown made it 177; and a series of ques tionable timeouts from the Auburn coaching staff — and a thirddown penalty that ne gated the end of LSU’s drive — gave the Bayou Bengals just enough time to score again

before the halftime break, making it 17-14.

Auburn would fail to register any more points in the contest, and a third quarter touch down from LSU — af ter a turnover on downs from Auburn — proved to be enough to secure the contest.

The story of the second-half collapse is all-too familiar to Auburn fans at this point. In their last eight second halves against Power 5 opponents, the Tigers have failed to score more than six points, and failed to score any points on four occasions.

The overall stats per taining to Saturday’s contest make this loss all the more egregious.

For starters, the Auburn offense may have played its best game of the season against LSU. Ashford definitely did. The

sophomore quarter back did put the ball on the ground multiple times, but only lost the one fumble and threw for 337 yards and two touchdowns, while add ing 19 rushing yards.

In total yards, Auburn outgained LSU on the night, 438 to 270. The Auburn defense stepped up in a big way, holding LSU’s quarterbacks to just 85 passing yards.

Additionally, Auburn created 11 “explosive plays” that accounted for 328 of the team’s total yardage. However,

therein lies the problem … Auburn was dom inated in the margins Saturday night.

The Tigers’ struggles in the run game contin ued Saturday against LSU. Eight of running back Tank Bigsby’s 12 carries went for two yards or less, and 30% of Auburn’s rushes went for zero or negative yards on the night.

The players did make a few costly mistakes: Kicker Anders Carlson missed a field goal in the second quar ter, Ashford threw an

interception late in the game and receiver Koy Moore threw an interception of his own on a trick play half way through the final quarter.

The blame for Satuday’s loss however, mostly resides on the coaching staff.

The decision by head coach Bryan Harsin to go for a fourth-and-10 on LSU’s 37-yard line with 2:44 remaining in the third quarter was questionable at best. Over its first five games, Auburn has shown little-to-no abil ity to convert in pres sure-filled moments.

With Auburn’s defense performing well up to that point, playing for field position — in hindsight — would have been the correct move.

Harsin had a chance to correct his mistakes on the next drive, when

Auburn was in a sim ilar spot on the field facing another fourthand-long. Leading 17-14 still, the Tigers went for it again, only to be bailed out of an incomplete pass via a LSU defensive holding penalty. Auburn looked to be taking advantage of the call until seven plays later receiver Koy Moore took a jet sweep on second-and-goal and, with the intention of throwing it to an other Auburn receiver, ran out of room before throwing it right into the hands of a LSU defender. The decision to take the ball out of Rashford’s hands — when he had practically been Auburns entire offense on the night — was baffling.

The Auburn defense gave the offense one more opportunity to win the game, however,

PHOTOS BY TODD VAN EMST AU ATHLETICS

Warriors Remain Perfect

return for touch down on his night. Beauregard is on the road again Friday, Oct. 7, facing region foe Elmore County (4-2).

BEULAH 0 | DADEVILLE 55

The varsity Dadeville Tigers (6-0) scored on the very first and last plays of the contest against Beulah (0-6, R0-3) Friday night, coming away with a 55-0 shutout win. The Bobcats were never really in the game as they were outscored 43-0 in the first half due to multiple turn overs and missed

opportunities. Beulah will continue its search for the first win of the season Friday, Oct. 7 when it takes on Childersburg (1-7) at home.

LOACHAPOKA 50 | CALHOUN 0

The varsity Loachapoka football team improved to 6-0 (R4-0) Friday night by defeateing the home Calhoun Tigers (1-5) by a score of 50-0. The Loachapoka defense opened the game with a safety and the team never looked back. Repeatedly put into good field position via punt returns from Auburn commit JC Hart, running back

Jamaroun Satterwhite punched in three first-half rushing touchdowns to help Loachapoka pull away. Hart made an impact of his own with a 60-yard punt return touchdown. Loachapoka will look to continue its best start to a season in nearly two decades when it takes on region foe Autaugaville, on the road Friday, Oct. 7.

AISA

LEE-SCOTT 42 | AUTAUGA ACADEMY 0

The varsity LeeScott Academy Warriors (6-0) scored in all four quarters Friday, defeating the Autauga Academy Generals (3-2), 42-0.

The Warriors racked up 430 total yards of offense while allow ing just 188 to the Generals. Junior run ning back Jonathan Meyers led the stout Lee-Scott defense with eight tackles. On of fense, senior running back George Meyers continued his strong season with seven carries for 100 yards and two touchdowns.

Junior running back Andrew Hahn spelled Meyers often Friday night, carrying the ball eight times for 136 yards and one touch down. Backup quar terback, sophomore Pelzer Reaves, finished his day 7-of-12 passing

Great Rates For Business Owners

for 122 yards and one touchdown in his sec ond start of the season.

Senior Landry Cochran was his favorite target on the night, pulling down four catches for 69 yards. LeeScott goes on the road Friday, Sept. 7 to face Bessemer Academy (15) as it looks to remain perfect on the 2022 season.

GLENWOOD 43 | VALIANT CROSS 13

The Glenwood Gators Friday night shut out Valiant Cross (1-4) on the road for three quarters as they secured a 43-13 win to move to 3-3 on the year. Quarterback Dallas Crow led the

Gators’ offense, go ing 6-of-8 passing for 160 yards and three touchdowns. While Crow dominated with the passing game, senior running back Aaron Burton carried the ball 14 times for 60 yards and three touchdowns of his own. Crow found three different receivers for his three touchdowns: Mason McCraine, Thett Morris and Jaxon Milam. The Glenwood defense racked up four sacks as it kept Valiant Cross quiet for most of the game. The Gators return home Friday, Oct. 7 for a match up against Monroe Academy (2-5).

PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER

4-H Clubs and Programs Offer Students Unrivaled Experiences

CONTRIBUTED BY ACES / WRITTEN BY TANNER HOOD

LEE COUNTY — School is back in session and 4-H agents have worked diligently to prepare for another 4-H club year. Students have many opportunities to get involved with 4-H clubs and in their communities through programs offered this year.

WHY 4-H?

4-H is designed to pro vide students with oppor tunities to develop skills and learn to be the next

Boys Red

The OHS cross coun try teams will compete in the "Smiths Station Panther XC Meet” at Smiths Station High School.

*Opelika did not host any home cross country meets this season.

generation of leaders.

“Alabama 4-H helps young people see them selves as unique, resil ient, life-long learners who actively participate in their own future–set ting personal goals and practicing self-deter mination," said Molly Gregg, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System's assistant direc tor for 4-H programs.

Gregg said Alabama 4-H strives to offer amaz ing learning experiences for a growing and diverse population of young people. The programs

GIRLS FLAG FOOTBALL

The Opelika High flag football team (10-4) beat Auburn 26-7 last week at Bulldog Stadium. Auburn took a 6-0 lead after returning an inter ception for a TD. Lady Bulldog quarterback Cherdi Daniel threw three TD passes: two to Z Fanning and one to

offered by 4-H challenge young people and adults through modern experi ences to be the best ver sion of themselves.

WHO CAN JOIN?

One of the best parts about 4-H programs is that anyone from ages 9 to 18 can join. There are also Cloverbud programs for kindergarten through second-grade students.

“4-H believes that all young people, as mem bers of families and com munities and citizens of a global society, should have the opportunity to reach their full potential,”

Kahliya Cloud. Jasmine Smith returned an in terception for the fourth TD. OHS head coach Jaqlyn Button praised her team for playing solid football and men tioned the players above and Ashley Hilyer for their effort.

AHS BEATS OHS 51-29 Auburn defeated Opelika 51-29 last Friday at Duck Samford Stadium in Auburn. It was the Dogs’ third straight loss after beat ing rival Central.

Gregg said. “4-H also values results-driven ed ucational opportunities and experiences based on cutting-edge youth devel opment research and best practices proven to have an impact."

The programs allow students to expand their knowledge outside of the classroom and into re al-world situations. To be as effective as possible, the programs are geared toward young people to reach those goals of de veloping future leaders.

WHAT TYPES OF PROGRAMS ARE AVAILABLE?

The two teams battled to a 21-21 tie at halftime, but the Tigers scored 30 points in the second half while holding the Dogs to 8 points. Auburn rolled up 515 yards on offense, 154 yards rush ing and 361 yards pass ing while OHS gained 193 yards passing yards and 112 yards rushing.

Opelika's points came from a few play ers: Roman Gagliano's 1-yard run for the first TD and 21-yard TD pass to Bryce Speakman;

Currently, Alabama 4-H offers over 50 dif ferent types of programs and clubs throughout the state. These programs fall under eight different categories: animals and agriculture creative arts environmental education healthy living outdoor education leadership and citizenship science and technolo gy and Alabama 4-H Science School.

Kaden Cooper ran 7 yards for the third score; and Malik Autry re turned a fumble for the final Bulldog TD. Will Carroll made all three PATs.

host Smiths Station Friday, Oct. 7, at Bulldog Stadium for their Homecoming game. SSHS enters the game with a 1-5 overall record and 1-3 in region play. OHS and SSHS have not played since 2017, a 51-0 Bulldog victory. Opelika has

PROGRAM OPPORTUNITIES

4-H programs are de livered in five different ways.

There are 4-H clubs that meet outside of school and meet regularly for most of the year.

Enrichment is also an avenue that focuses on an organized group of youth receiving a sequence or one-time learning expe rience in different pro grams. 4-H camping is another recognized mode of delivery. It is a form of organized camping with

dominated the series with 21 wins and only two losses.

The Panthers beat Prattville 30-21, lost to LaGrange (4930), Central (38-0), Enterprise (58-14), Dothan (57-43) and Benjamin Russell (46-28).

Opelika can finish second in the region and host a playoff game by winning the final three region games against SSHS, Enterprise and Dothan.

You can purchase tickets on gofan.co and listen to the Opelika broadcast on WKKR 97.7 KICKER FM, starting with the pregame show at 6:30 p.m.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 9101310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

"We Support You"

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA —

My husband Donald Carr and I would like to send a big shout out to our grand sons: Derrick Maddox, Jr. and JarMarius Oliver, Jr. They are cousins who will square off against each other on Friday, Oct. 7, 2022 for the Opelika High School football homecoming game. Derrick (Dee) is a sophomore

at Opelika High and plays in the band. JarMarius (JJ) is a junior at Smiths Station High who plays football (No. 55) on the defensive line.

Regardless which team wins, we love them both and will continue to support them in their endeavors. Go Bulldogs and go Panthers: Grandmama and Granddaddy ("AKA") Nannan and Pawpaw

the turnover.

Ashford’s throw across the middle was ripped from the hands of Moore into the hands of LSU’s Greg Brooks,

effectively ending the game. In a post-game interview, Brooks said Auburn ran the same play six times before his interception, leav ing little blame for Ashford or Moore on

Running the same play six times in a row might work against high school compe tition, or even in the Mountain West while Harsin was at Boise

State, but the SEC is college football’s highest level of com petition. Put plainly, Harsin and his staff have continuously let the Auburn faithful down in terms of game

the purpose of teaching young people the values of nature and caring for it.

Individual study allows students to focus on their specific needs in an athome, tailored learning environment.

In-school clubs are one of the most important modes of delivery for 4-H.

In-school clubs are offered to students in grades 4 through 8. A trained, regional Extension agent visits the school and leads the program for no less than 30 minutes.

“In-school 4-H pro grams are a great way 4-H is introduced to students

management and play calling.

It appears Saturday’s game could be some thing to build off of, although there is plenty still holding this team back. The Tigers will

in hopes they will love it and engage out of school throughout their academic careers in various 4-H clubs locally,” said 4-H program director Nancy Alexander.

In-school clubs give every student the opportu nity to be a part of a larger organization and find community. These clubs elect officers and allow students to meet members of the community. The clubs also provide them with more opportunities outside of school.

MORE INFORMATION

To learn more about the different clubs and programs offered through Alabama 4-H, visit aces. edu.

have to correct their many mistakes quickly as the schedule doesn’t get any easier going forward. Up next is a road test against the No.2- ranked Georgia Bulldogs.

Celebrating 31 Years

Autumngreetings to Classroom Observer readers. This teacher-mom has just flown back from Grand Rapids, Michigan, where my son got married. I told my Alabama friends that I would pack the cool, fall air of Michigan and bring it back to Alabama to let it blow on our hot temperatures. Sure enough, when I landed back in Lee County, cool fall weather had arrived. I know my efforts really did not help, but autumn is here.

Children absolutely love the coolness and beautiful colors of fall. What teachable moments we have for our young children as squirrels bus tle around for acorns and migratory formations of birds fly by.

By the way, Oct. 9 is recognized as World Migratory Bird Day. Explain to your young children that migration is when birds, ducks and geese are moving to a warmer climate as the cold winter approaches. And yes, around Lee County we do see a lot of ducks and geese. Our bushy-tailed squirrels present young children with lessons, too. Point out how the squirrels gather nuts and acorns. They can use their count ing skills to count the number of acorns and nuts the squirrels gather. Observe the different places the squirrels climb and rush to. Children can also exercise their memory skills by recall ing with you where the squirrel has been. You and your child can list

LeeCountyWelcomesFall

these places or even draw a simple “squirrel map.”

Take time to notice how the sunflowers seem to celebrate this season with their bright yellow petals. Every fall, I love to read the “Sunflower Parable” by Liz Curtis Higgs, illustrated by Nancy Munger. Young children identify with the young gardener who hopes to grow sunflowers that reach heaven.

Families, take nature walks around the house, the neighborhood or ride to one of our many beau tiful parks. Rivers, lakes, streams and ponds begin to reflect the changes of this beautiful season. But, you have to take time with your young child to observe these chang es. Time spent with our young children reflects warmth and love. As you take these family nature trips, collect items like fall leaves, acorns and nuts, safely picking up pine cones to put in a bag. These nature items present many early child hood lessons such as classifying color of leaves or sorting acorns from largest to smallest.

October is a month which celebrates seasonal delights. We celebrate apples during the month of October as National Apple Month. In an ap ple lesson just this past week, I taught young

preschoolers, who were fascinated by the star which appears in the pulp when I cut the apple hor izontally. The children loved seeing and counting the seeds of the apple. Also, you and your child can plant the seeds to see what happens. While eating apples, children can learn about the parts of the apple, which are skin, stem, flesh and seeds. Some farms allow families to come out and pick apples from their orchards. Stopping by curb markets to allow children to select a basket of delicious apples is an other good learning expe rience. We have so many kinds of American ap ples: McIntosh, Fuji, Red Delicious, Gala, Crispin, Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, etc. Children enjoy drink ing apple juice, as well as making simple apple sauce. Baking apples gives them math lessons in measuring, and lessons on smelling, seeing and tasting.

Don’t we all love the way Lee County has many fall carnivals and fairs? As a young child growing up in Lee County, I can still remember holding my father’s hand as each year we would go and enjoy the games, activities, rides, foods and whole some entertainment.

Another fall excursion that I have always done as a teacher is, on Fridays, to simply take my class outside at the end of the day and enjoy the rich, blue autumn sky — and yes, to safely play leaves angels in the mounds of colorful leaves. Parents with “leaves angels” should just be sure there are no small animals or any dangers hidden in the leaves. As a class, we would enjoy snacks, talk about what we saw and reflect upon our class week outside. Families, this simple lesson can be done at dusk when the sun is going down. Sunsets in the fall are just simply beautiful. A simple lesson could be “where does the sun go after it goes down?”

This coming Friday, Oct. 7, is “You Matter To Me Day.” With this day, I want to put in a plug for spending time with our young children. We give gifts to our children on birthdays and holidays, but there are special gifts that are not materialistic, yet fully tangible. These are special gifts that re quire time. These gifts are joy, love and peace.

1. Joy is an inward hap piness that comes when a child senses a bonding and security with their caregivers and parents. Reaching out to your child on a daily basis is

Local Heritage Groups Hold Joint Meeting

such a blessing and an appreciated gift to young children. An optimistic spirit is contagious and brings joy. Life is not go ing to be a bowl of cher ries, but it is how we han dle the circumstances of life that count. Teaching children early in life how to live life no matter how tough it gets, is a valu able lesson not only for a child, but adults as well.

2. Love is extended to a young child when we realize each child is very unique. Your uncondi tional love toward your child is planted into their hearts when you accept them for how they are made and who they are. This is accomplished by spending time with young children, encouraging them and praising them.

3. Peace for your child is them being confident, comfortable and secure in their hearts and minds of who they are. When chil dren are at peace, they learn better and interact better with family and friends.

I hope the few sug gestions I offer from the heart give families a har vest full of fun, memories and relationships with family and friends. As we approach autumn 2022, let’s stop in gratitude of this beautiful season that God provides.

Classroom Observer, Beth Pinyerd

BETH

The Richard Henry Lee SAR Chapter and five local DAR Chapters hosted a Joint Constitution Week meeting on Sept. 21. Pictured left is speaker John Eidsmoe, author of “Christianity and the Constitution: The Faith of Our Founding Fathers”, Richard Henry Lee, chapter founding member Walter Dorsey and chapter President Bob Harris. Pictured right is SAR along with DAR members.

L labama Politics ee County & A

Inside the Statehouse GOP Poised for Congressional Gains

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

For more than 100 years, po litical history has revealed without deviation that when a Democrat wins the pres idency in a presidential year, that in the follow ing midterm congressio nal elections two years later, Republicans make gains in the U.S. House of Representatives. That truism has become more pronounced in the last few decades.

This history will be repeated in the upcom ing Nov. 8 general elec tion. Every indication and polling suggests that the GOP gains in this year’s general elec tion will be significant.

In talking with peo ple in the know in Washington, it appears to be a foregone conclu sion that there will be major Republican gains in Congress. This prog nosis is not only antic ipated by Republican strategists but is even being acknowledged by Democrats on the Hill and throughout the nation. Moreover, even the liberal mainstream media is cognizant of this GOP sweep on the horizon.

Currently, the Democrats have a very slim, 221 to 214 major ity in the U.S. House. For some reason, prob ably because the tea

leaves indicate a GOP takeover of the House, there is an inordinate number of Democratic congressmen retiring this year. This makes the pick-ups for the GOP more sustainable. Incumbency and se niority are omnipotent in Congress. Therefore, the likelihood of the GOP taking over the majority is enhanced by these retiring Democrats.

The conservative es timate by most experts is that there will be a 30 to 36 seat swing to the Republicans in November. If that estimate is accurate, that would change the House from a 221 to 214 current Democratic ma jority to a Republican majority of 250 to 185.

This solid Republican majority would change the philosophical tilt in the national arena. In today’s polarized, toxic, partisan environment, both parties’ members of Congress vote lock step along party lines. You may as well have a robot voting their congressional voting machines. It would be more efficient and eco nomical. You would not have to have millions for congressional staffs or offices, which costs millions per congress man, and their only duties anyway were to work to ensure the con gressman’s reelection every two years.

The early prognosti cation of a 30 to 36 seat pickup in Congress by Republicans has been tempered somewhat with the Supreme Court decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This issue is not a winner for the GOP. Most Independent, a good many Republican and

almost all Democratic female voters are prochoice. The striking illustration of this pro-choice leaning was revealed earlier this year when voters in ruby red Republican Kansas voted 60-40 against outlawing abortion in their state. This issue, along with the Democratic social ist bailout money, may have tempered the an ticipated GOP congres sional landslide.

However, Democratic President Joe Biden’s approval ratings are abysmal. He is at historically low polling approvals, especially among all important Independent voters. The primary reason for Biden’s de mise and the obvious elephant in the room is the out-of-control economic inflation rate on consumer spending in the country. It is ap proaching a 10% level. This is devastating politically for Biden and the Democrats. Americans vote their pocketbook, especial ly in congressional elections.

Another detriment to Democrats is Biden’s first-year decision to completely disregard immigration laws and create carte blanche open southern borders for every undocument ed immigrant to invade the country and offer them all of the welfare and government priv ileges and services of state tax dollars. This open door infringe ment does not sit well with Republicans or Independents, and probably not with some minority Democrats.

The liberal social

Opelika Council Repeals Rental Registration Ordinance

BY MICHELLE KEY AND HANNAH LESTER

OPELIKA —

The Opelika City Council voted unanimously to repeal the Residential Rental Registration and Inspection ordinance during Tuesday night's city council meeting.

The ordinance was up for first reading, but the council voted to suspend the rules and vote on the issue during the meeting.

The ordinance was suspended in September of 2022, following a decision by the Alabama Supreme Court declaring that a similar ordinance in Center Pointe, Alabama could not stand against state law already in

place.

“The city of Opelika’s Residential Rental Property Registration and Inspection Ordinance was intended to keep residents of the city of Opelika in safe and comfortable residential rental dwelling units,” said a statement from the city following the suspension.

The program allowed the city to check rental properties before being rented for things such as heating, hot water, fire escapes and more.

“Whenever a residential rental dwelling unit becomes vacant, the property shall be inspected for compliance and a new rental occupancy certificate shall be issued,” the ordinance said. “No

residential rental dwelling unit shall be occupied if it does not have a valid rental occupancy certificate.”

Periodic inspections were also allowed under the ordinance.

“We are extremely disappointed and have deep concerns for the tenants in some of our rental properties,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller when the ordinance was suspended.

“We are grateful that we do have many landlords who do the right thing.”

On Tuesday night, Fuller also assured the community that the city will do everything it can legally do under the state's existing

Auburn Council Commends Auburn Bass Fishers

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN—

The Auburn City Council met Tuesday night and approved a commendation for the Auburn Anglers Bass Fishing Club.

The Auburn Anglers competitive bass fishing club won the Alabama BASS Nation High School State Championship.

“Today, we’re pleased to recognize some out standing young men who have brought honor and attention in a pos itive way to our com munity,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders.

There were 216 teams in the competition over the summer, which took place at Lake Eufaula.

Four two-person teams from the Auburn Anglers competed. Hudson Gilmore and

Spencer Grooms won the competition with 34.77 pounds. The two then competed in the national tournament and placed 116 out of 314.

“Congratulations guys,” Anders said. “We’re all very proud of you, thank you for what you do.”

OTHER BUSINESS:

- The council ap proved a special events retail ABC license for Ithaka Hospitality Partners Auburn Beverage, LLC d/b/a The Hotel at Auburn University at 620 Donahue Drive.

- The council ap proved a restaurant re tail liquor ABC license for KB 51 Management, Inc. d/b/a Hype at 675 Opelika Road.

- The council ap proved a restaurant re tail liquor ABC license for Naruto in Auburn, LLC d/b/a Naruto Cafe at 1145 S. College St.,

Suite 100.

- The council ap proved a restaurant re tail liquor ABC license for Nemeroff Foods, LLC d/b/a Mellow Mushroom at 128 N. College St.

- The council ap proved a supplemental agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for Project No. STPSUI085 for $88,750.

The council ap proved a traffic signal agreement with the Alabama Department of Transportation for the installation, operation and maintenance of traf fic signals at Alabama Highway 14 at Webster Road and Will Buechner Parkway.

- The council ap proved the purchase of two Life Pak 15 heart monitors from Cardiac Solutions, LLC for the

Book Lovers Enjoy Talking with Like-Minded Readers

mingham, England, wrote a book of cartoons in “Book Love”. A young man and woman are shown in a café where the man asks, “Can I buy you a drink?” The woman says, “No thanks. I already have one.” In a second sketch in a book store, another man says, “Can I buy you a book?” The woman responds by appearing to fall in love with the man.

cates (code INFJ); these are architects. “Highly logical, they are both very creative and analytical.”

This type reads 67 books per year, on average.

OPINION —

Auburn Uni versity’s his tory icon, Dr. Wayne Flynt — along with his late wife Dartie — spent many days with Pulitzer-Prize winning Alabama author Harper Lee in the final years of the writer’s life. Flynt, a professor emeritus of history at AU, is a distinguished author himself. Lee wrote the classic novel “To Kill a Mockingbird” in 1960. Flynt recently published

“Afternoons with Harper Lee”, his second book on the legend who died in 2016.

“When she died, on her ottoman in her little two rooms was the complete anthology of all C.S. Lewis’ books,” Flynt recalled. “It must have weighed 50 pounds.” He noted that Lee preferred the King James Version of the Bible for its lyr icism and had favorite authors including Lewis and Jane Austen.

Debbie Tung of Bir

What’s my point? When book lovers con nect, they share a special bond. The connection between the Flynts and Lee is a perfect example of a friendship growing when a common interest in books, or in a certain genre, turns strangers into confidantes. To quote musician Frank Zappa, “So many books, so little time.”

Of the 16 personality types delineated by the Myers-Briggs psycholog ical test, Mediators (code INFP) are “Idealistic with high values, they strive to make the world a better place.” This group reads an average of 68 books per year: astounding! In second place were Advo

Lee Co. Sheriff Jay Jones Speaks to Opelika

Club

On the low-reading side, Performers (code ESFP) are outgoing and spontaneous and enjoy taking center stage. The average ESFP reads eight books per year. Another type with a reading defi cit, in last place of the 16, is the Caregiver (code ESFJ). Soft-hearted and outgoing, they tend to be lieve the best about other people. They read sevenand-a-half books per year per person.

“Here is what great writing has always done for readers,” wrote col umnist Margaret Renkl in The New York Times. “It can transport us and delight us, yes, but it can also open our hearts. ... The only real way to walk in another person’s shoes is to read another per son’s story.”

Renkl said one of her favorite literary customs that was moribund for months was in-person talks with authors. This was derailed by the pan

demic, although Zoom was active and appreci ated. She is regretful: “I have so much missed sit ting in an audience with people who love the same author I love, to hear a conversation — perhaps even raising my hand and joining the conversation — about a book that has made me see the world, or myself, just a bit dif ferently.”

I recall two book sign ings at the Jimmy Carter Library that were very different. Salman Rushdie arranged for people seek ing his signed novel to send their book to his as sistant, so Rushdie could sign it in private. He was under a “fatwa” threat, after all.

By contrast, former President Jimmy Carter signed in person “A Re markable Mother,” issued right before Mother’s Day, in 2009. In less than eight hours before the signing began, he was in the Mideast. For him at age 85 to sign books with such abandon was great customer service.

In 2010, I was on a panel at a history confer ence with Flynt and Glen

Browder, a Jacksonville State University profes sor and former five-term Alabama congressman. I told a friend I wondered what would occur if Fly nt, Browder and I as a graduate student were in the same car and injured in an accident.

I told my friend: “My name would be in the fifth paragraph of any story, because of the two very distinguished men — Flynt and Browder.” My friend laughed. The Flynts were book lovers to an nth degree. So was Lee. With “Afternoons with Harper Lee”, she is shown to be much more than the hermit she was portrayed as.

Greg Markley moved to Lee County in 1996. He has master’s degrees in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-win ning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to The Ob server since 2011. He is a member of the national Education Writers Asso ciation (focus-Higher Ed ucation). gm.markley@ charter.net.

Alabama Power Makes Donation to AOHFH

Testamentary of said John Henry Askew, deceased, having been granted to Carol White Askew this 14th day of September 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Carol White Askew, Personal Representative Legal Run 09/22/2022, 09/29/2022 & 10/06/2022

OF DARRELL JULIUS MCCOY A/K/ DARRELL J. MCCOY, DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2022-517

TO CREDITORS

Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of DARRELL JULIUS MCCOY A/KIA DARRELL

MCCOY are hereby granted to Tammy Henderson f/k/a

Tammy Lorraine Watson on the 6th 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 present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Tammy Henderson f/k/a Tammy Lorraine Watson Legal Run 09/22/2022, 09/29/2022 & 10/06/2022

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

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LILA JO KENT EDWARDS, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No: 2022-540 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 15th day of September, 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.

JAMIE LEE EDWARDS

CONDON

Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL

36803-2345

Legal Run 09/22/2022, 09/29/2022 & 10/06/2022

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JOYCE FORD GIVHAN, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2022-536 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 14th day of September, 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.

JOYCE GIVHAN BEDSOLE

Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 09/22/2022, 09/29/2022 & 10/06/2022

NOTICE OF COMPLETION

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given the L&K Contracting Co., Inc. has completed the work on Proposed Booster Pump Station and Water Line

Improvements project for the Smiths Water & Sewer Authority; GMC Project No. CMGM190165(2). Any person(s) having a claim against the project should notify Wheeler Crook, P.E., Goodwyn Mills Cawood, LLC, 2660 EastChase Lane, Suite 200, Montgomery, AL 36117. All claims should be filed within 30 days of the first publication of this notice. L&K Contracting Co., Inc., 4506 Hartford Hwy., Taylor, AL 36305, AL License# 21631. Legal Run 09/29/2022, 10/06/22, 10/13/2022 & 10/20/2022

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY CIVIL ACTION NO: CV-2022-900189.00

VIOLA REID, Plaintiff, vs. From the southwest corner of the northwest quarter of the southwest quarter of Section 33, Township 19, Range 25, Lee County, Alabama, run north along the west line of saidSection 33 for 571.5 feet to the point of beginning of the property to be here described and conveyed; from said point of beginning run north along said western section line 295 feet; thence east 295 feet; thence south 295 feet; thence west 295 feet to

being a part

of the property conveyed to the said Josh Mathews, Jr., deceased, by warranty deed from William Baggett and wife, Miriah Baggett, dated December 4, 1913, recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Deed Book 108 at Page 45. AND MARGARET PRUITTE, KELVIN MATHEWS AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES, including any persons claiming any present interest therein and including any persons claiming any future, contin gent, reversionary, remainder, or other interest therein, who may claim any interest in the above described property, Defendants.

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

TO: Publisher, The Opelika Observer - Upon consideration of the Request for Service by Publication hereto filed by the Plaintiff in the above-styled cause of action, it is therefore ORDERED that service of

process upon the follow ing Defendants: KELVIN MATHEWS AND ANY AND ALL UNKNOWN PARTIES, including any persons claiming any present interest therein and including any persons claim ing any future, contingent, reversionary, remainder, or other interest therein, who may claim any interest in the above described property, shall be affected by publication. Therefore, you are hereby commanded to publish the following Notice of Action in accordance with Rule 4.3(d) of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure for four (4) succes sive weeks in The Opelika Observer.

DONE this the 26th day of September, 2022.

/s/MARY B. ROBERSON CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Legal Run 09/29/2022, 10/06/2022, 10/13/2022 & 10/20/2022

less,

more

GREG MARKLEY

Lee

Recently, Alabama Power Company Foundation presented Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity (AOHFH) with a check to sponsor affordable homes in our community. Pictured left to right: Rod Cater, Alabama Power community relations manager, and Mark Grantham, AOHFH executive director.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Support For Family Farmers

OPINION —

Harvest season is here, and farmers across the state are looking forward to reaping the rewards of their labor. They will spend many early mornings and late nights in the fields har vesting crops to be en joyed across the country and the world. We could not survive without their work. That’s why protecting their ability to produce is one of my top priorities in the U.S. Senate.

The fact is, food secu rity is national security, and the success of our farmers impacts all of us. Family farms are essential to our nation’s food supply — a 2018 report from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) found that 88% of our food production comes from family farms. These family-run operations account for about 98% of farms in the United States, and 97% in Ala bama. We must do what we can to ensure our farmers are able to make a livelihood, provide for their families and not get bogged down with undue restrictions.

To that end, I have joined efforts to remove barriers our government is trying to place on our farmers, including push ing for the reduction of trade barriers on peanut exports, and introducing legislation that enables banks to more easily and affordably lend capital to farmers and landowners.

But looming large is also a threat from over seas. According to the USDA, foreign investors now own approximately

37.6 million acres in the United States — an area larger than the state of Iowa. The largest foreign investors currently are Canada, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom. But America’s agricultural opportunities have at tracted the attention of an adversarial foreign competitor — China.

Members of the Chi nese Communist Party’s land ownership in the U.S. surged during the last decade, from 13,720 acres in 2010 to 352,140 in 2020. This foreign stake in our agriculture production can provide the Chinese Communist Party with leverage over our supply chains and access to sensitive in formation critical to our national security.

Nearly 2 million acres of agricultural land in Alabama is foreign-owned — the third-highest amount in the United States. While all of this is not owned by China, it still presents a huge opportunity for foreign adversaries who wish to do us harm. We do not want Alabama to be the open door for bad actors looking for a gate way into our domestic production.

That’s why Sen. Tom Cotton (R–Arkansas) and I introduced the Securing

Hanson as the Firefighter of the Year.

OTHER BUSINESS:

landlord and tenant laws to ensure that the citizens live in safe and decent housing.

The repeal also allows for the refund of the fees collected, some $13,865, since it was passed in September of 2021 and took effect in January of 2022.

Refunds will be issued from the unassigned fund balance, city documents said.

AWARDS AND RECONGITIONS

Several city employees were recongized with service awards during the meeting.

Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey recongized Kole Pagan as Dispatcher of the Year.

Opelika Fire Chief Shane Boyd recongized Phillip Bell and Michael Clifton as 2022 Firefighter of the Year and Battalion Chief Dennis

FLOWERS >>

FROM B11

agenda of House Democrats regarding LGBTQ issues appears over the top to most mainstream Christian

- The council approved a retail liquor and retail beer on premise license for Butcher Paper BBQ d/b/a Butcher Paper BBQ.

- The council approved a a retail liquor class 1 and retail beer on premise license for Rock N’ Roll Pinball LLC d/b/a The Jailhouse Lounge.

- The council approved a retail liquor and retail beer on premise license for The New Turning Point LLC d/b/a Zen Steak And Sushi Restaurant

- The council held a public hearing for and approved a weed abatement assessment for 1733 1st Ave.

- The council held a public hearing for and approved a weed abatement assessment for 504 S. 4th St.

- The council approved a bid for T&C Speciality Distributors Inc. for a 15KV primary underground

Americans. If truth were known, even Eastern religions are not com fortable with these overt favorable treatment to ward social mores. My observations of Southern African American peo ple are that they are very

America’s Land from Foreign Interference Act to prohibit members of the Chinese Com munist Party from buy ing land in the United States. This bill would also set minimum penal ties for foreign purchas es that do not comply with federal reporting requirements.

Additionally, I in troduced the Foreign Adversary Risk Man agement (FARM) Act to give the U.S. agriculture industry a seat at the table on the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFI US), which is tasked with vetting all foreign investments and acquisi tions of American com panies. Our agriculture industry currently does not have input in the committee’s review pro cess, even though they are directly impacted. By adding the Secretary of Agriculture to the com mittee, we can protect our agriculture industry from foreign control through transactions, mergers, acquisitions or agreements.

Our farmers and ranchers work hard for us, and we must work to make sure their work isn’t undone by exces sive government regu lations or bad foreign actors. As a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutri tion and Forestry, I will continue to advocate for Alabama producers so that they can feed our families for generations to come.

Sen. Tommy Tuber ville represents Alabama in the United States Sen ate and is a member of the Senate Armed Ser vices, Agriculture, Vet erans’ Affairs and HELP Committees.

distribution cable for Opelika Power Services.

- The council approved a bid for Howard Industries, Inc. for single-phase pad mounted transformers and single-phase pole mounted transformers for Opelika Power Services.

- The council approved expense reports for city of Opelika employees in various departments.

- The council canceled the purchase of a HD rotary cutter for the Public Works Department.

- The council approved the purchase of a 2023 Dodge Ram 1500 quad-cab truck from Stivers Ford Lincoln for more than $37,900.

- The council approved the purchase of a 2024 Mack MD7 Loader with Hardox boom extension from Gulf Coast Truck & Equipment Co. Inc. for more than $190,600.

- The council approved

Christian-oriented and are Bible-reading and do not adhere to this agenda either.

This congruence of economic, social and deficit spending is dove tailing into a devastating mid-term congressional

Smiths Station Presents Annual Law Enforcement Award, Passes Annual Budget in September Meetings

that Anderson had.

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

SMITHS STATION —

It’s been 13 years since Deputy Sheriff James W. Anderson was killed during a traffic stop in the Smiths Station area, and on Sept. 27 Deputy Sheriff Tyron Ponds received the annual award established in Anderson’s honor.

Smiths Station Mayor Bubba Copeland, along with Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones, presented the award at the Smiths Station City Council meeting.

“There are many things I get to do as the mayor of Smiths Station ... but this, by far, is the greatest,” Copeland said. “... For ... the officers of the sheriff’s department of Lee County, to receive this award is not something that is taken lightly. It is to be honored.”

According to Jones, the award is given to a deputy sheriff each year who goes above and beyond the call of duty and displays the kinds of characteristics

the purchase of 22 2023 Chevrolet Tahoes from Donohoo Chevrolet LLC for more than $769,600 and also approved the following equipment necessary to outfit the vehicles for use by the police department:

• police package emergency lighting by Haynes for more than $410,600,

• car radios from Motorola Solutions for more than $150,200,

• in-car camera systems for Motorola Solutions for more than $135,800 and

• Eagle 3 Radar Systems from Kustom Signals Inc. for more than $42,500.

- The council approved a resolution to convert four part-time library assistant 1 positions to two full-time library assistant 1 positions.

- The council approved a contract for Pepperell Creekline Trail Improvements with Alabama

wipeout for Democrats. This tsunami will prob ably spill over into the U.S. Senate, also.

The Senate is 50 Democrats and 50 Republicans, dead even. Republicans could win a majority in the upper

“He was selfless,” Jones recalled. “He was a person who put service above self, was very unassuming and just the type of person that would do anything he could for others instead of himself. Those character istics are what this award’s all about, and Tyron certainly demonstrates those characteristics in his everyday actions and ev erything that he does.”

Ponds was shot in the line of duty on Oct. 20, 2021, and has undergone several surgeries as a re sult, Jones said.

After receiving the award, Ponds expressed his gratitude to God, his family and his team for their support.

“It’s truly an honor to be a recipient of this award,” he said. “… Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your team.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS, THE COUNCIL APPROVED THE FOLLOWING:

• A special use permit for Verizon Wireless to modify the existing wire less telecommunications

Department of Economic and Community Affairs.

- The council approved a contract to waive building and construction permit fees related to the Indian Pine Golf Course improvements that will soon take place.

- The council approved annual appropriation contracts for FY 2023 with the following organizations:

• Alabama Cooperative Extension System,

• Art Haus,

• Christian Care Ministries,

• Christian Women’s Job Corps of Lee County,

• East Alabama Services for the Elderly Inc.,

• Envision Opelika Foundation,

• J.W. Darden Foundation,

• Lee County Humane Society,

• Lee County Rabies Officer,

• Lee County Youth Development Center,

chamber. It will be close.

The key senate battles will be in Arizona, Pennsylvania, Ohio and our neighboring state of Georgia.

We will see in less than five weeks.

Steve Flowers is

facility located at 8584 Mullin Road;

• A special use permit for Verizon Wireless to modify the existing wire less telecommunications facility located at 950 Summerville Road;

• The sale of 46.53 acres, which the city pur chased in 2008 for about $337,500, back to the original owner for about $359,000;

• Reimbursement to Parks and Recreation Director Jason Stewart for use of a cell phone provid ed by the city, for $37.50 per month;

• Halloween to be observed on Monday, Oct. 31.

“We have tried, we have begged ... we’ve done ev erything we can to have a school built there, but … the person that put the right of way would not change that,” Copeland said of the 46.53 acres being sold, but added he doesn’t know what the owner plans to do with the land.

• Opelika First Class Pre-K Academy, • Opelika Industrial Development Authority,

• Opelika Main Street and

• Valley Haven School.

- The council voted to approve a special appropriation for the The 2022 Nutcracker Performance by East Alabama Community Ballet.

- The council approved a special appropriation from Ward 2 Council Member Erica Baker-Norris's discretionary funds for the PACE organization.

- The council voted to suspend the rules and vote on an ordinance for a Bond Issue and Go Warrants for the new sixth grade academy to be built by Opelika City Schools. Approving the ordinance during Tuesday night's meeting allowed the city to lock in an interest rate of 4.11% on the nearly $10 million project.

Alabama’s leading po litical columnist. His weekly column is pub lished in more than 60 Alabama newspapers.

He served 16 years in the state legislature.

Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.

From left to right: Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones, Smiths Station Mayor Bubba Copeland, Deputy Sheriff Tyron Ponds. Ponds is this year's recipient of the James W. Anderson Award.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Sen.

AUBURN COUNCIL

Fire Department for more than $77,800.

- The council ap proved the purchase of a 2023 Ford F150 4WD Super Crew Pickup Truck from National Auto Fleet Group for the Water Resource Management - Collection System Division for more than $49,200.

- The council ap proved the purchase of 15 sets of Lion Apparel turnout gear from the North America

Fire Equipment Company for the Fire Department for more than $44,300.

- The council ap proved the purchase of two columbarium for Town Creek and one for Westview Cemetery from Postal Products, ICM for $41,900.

- The council ap proved the purchase of a 2023 Vactor Ramjet VRR 1500 from Samson Equipment Company for the Water Resource Management - Collection System Division for more than $287,100.

- The council ap proved the purchase of

traffic signal materials from Temple Inc. for the Alabama Highway 14 (Martin Luther King Drive) at Webster Road and at Will Buechner Parkway/ Annalue Drive and East University Drive Intersection Improvements Project for more than $108,400.

- The council ap proved a lease agree ment with The Water Works Board of the city of Auburn for the Bailey-Alexander Complex.

- The council ap proved a warranty deed and compensation of $2,415 with Tanger

Rentals Two, LLC for the North Ross Street and Harper Avenue Intersection Improvements Project.

- The council ap proved a street and utility easement and compensation of $5,672 with Tucker Brantley Brown for the North Ross Street and Harper Avenue Intersection Improvements Project.

- The council ap proved a small cell franchise agreement with Verizon Wireless.

- The council ap proved an outdoor cafe permit for Nemeroff Foods, LLC d/b/a Mellow Mushroom.

ALASCAN CLASSIFIEDS

SERVICES

SELLING a RV, Tractor or Golf Cart? ADVERTISE STATEWIDE or by region in over 100 Newspapers, reaching over 1 million readers each week! Run your ad in our Classified Network for just $210 per week! Make one call to this newspaper (participat ing Ala-SCAN newspaper) or call 1-800-264-7043 to find out how easy it is to advertise statewide!

BATH & SHOWER UPDATES in as little as ONE DAY! Affordable prices - No payments for 18 months! Lifetime warranty & pro fessional installs. Senior & Military Discounts available. Call: 833-449-1307.

BECOME A PUBLISHED AUTHOR! We edit, print and distribute your work interna tionally. We do the work… You reap the Rewards! Call for a FREE Author’s Submission Kit: 888-283-4780

LONG DISTANCE MOVING: Call today for a FREE QUOTE from America's Most Trusted Interstate Movers. Let us take the stress out of moving! Speak to a Relocation Specialist, call 844-925-3534

EDUCATION

ATTENTION ACTIVE Duty & Military Veterans! Begin a new career and earn your Degree at CTI! Online Computer & Medical train ing available for Veterans & Families! To learn more, call 866-475-1014 (M-F 8am6pm ET).

HEALTH/BEAUTY

ATTENTION OXYGEN THERAPY USERS! Inogen One G4 is capable of full 24/7 oxygen delivery. Only 2.8 pounds. FREE information kit. Call 844-322-9935.

ATTENTION: VIAGRA and CIALIS USERS! A cheaper

alternative to high drugstore prices! 50 Pill Special - $99 + FREE Shipping! 100% guaranteed. CALL NOW: 866-505-0828.

FOR SALE

DirecTV Satellite TV Service

Starting at $59.99/month! Free Installation! 160+ channels available. Call Now to Get the Most Sports & Entertainment on TV! 844-594-7108

NEED NEW Flooring? Call Empire Today to schedule a Free in-home estimate on Carpeting and Flooring. Call Today! 1-888-381-0916.

UPDATE YOUR HOME with Beautiful New Blinds & Shades. FREE in-home esti mates make it convenient to shop from home. Professional installation. Top qualityMade in the USA. Call for free consultation: 844-809-9165. Ask about our specials!

ELIMINATE ROACHES

GUARANTEED! Buy Harris Roach Tablets. Odorless, Long Lasting. Available: Publix, Hardware Stores, Home Centers.

GENERAC Standby Generators provide backup power during utility power out ages, so your home and family stay safe and comfortable.

SMITHS STATION >>

FROM B13

With the new fiscal year beginning, Smiths Station is finishing the previous year in the black.

The city’s net income for fiscal year 2021-2022 is nearly $713,000, City Clerk Morgan Bryce noted at the Sept. 27 meeting.

“We’re in a much better position than at least a doz en other cities in Alabama,” he said.

The city was in the red for the month of August 2022 at about negative $110,300, but Copeland said that’s because the city had to pay the state for work done on Lee Road 296, but

Prepare now. Free 7-year ex tended warranty ($695 value!).

Request a free quote today! Call for additional terms and conditions. 1-877-323-5516

AUTOMOTIVE

SUPPORT THE BLIND!

Donate a car to the American Council of the Blind. FAST FREE PICKUP. 24-hour response. Running or not.

the city will be reim bursed. That reimburse ment will be reflected at a later month.

The total general fund budget for fiscal year 2022-2023, which the council approved at its Sept. 13 meeting, is a little more than $2 million. The total will be used in four categories: public works, park, financial and admin expenses.

In addition, the council approved an environmental budget of $464,600 for the Solid Waste Co. for pro gram year 2022-23.

The council meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday each month at 2336 Lee Road 430 in Smiths Station.

maximum tax deduction and no emission test required! Call 24/7: 844-601-1342.

AUTO INSURANCE from $29 month Free 2-minute Quote! We Compare all Insurance providers offers for you! Lowest Rates! Call Now 866-450-0943

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS

NOW HIRING

Do you have a passion for animals? Want to make a difference in the community? We are looking for individ uals to join our animal care team! We have multiple part time positions* available: Morning Shifts (7am-1pm)*: 1 position available for Sunday-Wednesday

PUBLIC NOTICES

INVITATION FOR BIDS

22047 Sealed bids will be received, opened, and read aloud in public session for furnishing all labor and materials and performing all work required by the City of Opelika for DISASTER DEBRIS REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL, for the City of Opelika until 2:00 p.m., Local Time, Monday, October 24, 2022, at Opelika City Hall Conference Room 1st floor at 204 S. 7th St, Opelika, Alabama. Qualified con tractors are invited to bid.

The bidder expressly acknowl edges, to and for the benefit of the CITY, that this Agreement may be funded with federal monies and, therefore bidder expressly warrants and agrees that it shall at times comply with all applicable federal, state, local and municipal laws and regulations. For more information about the Federal regulations visit the website http://gpoaccess.gov/ index.htm

Emergency Debris Removal

The City of Opelika is soliciting bids to provide Disaster Debris Removal and Disposal Services following an event within the city limits and some rights-of-way that may be outside the corporate limits of Opelika, Alabama.

Plans, Specifications, Invitation to Bid, addenda, and other related documents may be obtained from the City of Purchasing Department located at 204 S 7th St., Opelika, Alabama, Monday through Friday from 8:00 A.M. until 4:30 P.M., or downloaded from the City’s web site at www.opelika-al.gov/292/ Purchasing. Questions or com ments pertaining to this proposal must be sent to the Public Works Director, Mike Hilyer before October 10th at 4:00 p.m. Guarantee will be required with each bid as follows: At least five (5) percent of the amount of bid in the form of a certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama. Contractor may be required to provide the following bonds: Payment and Performance, Labor and Material Bond. The right is reserved, as the inter est of the Owner may require, to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality in bids received. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing-Revenue Manager, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Ope¬li¬ka, Alabama, 36803. Attn.: Emergency Debris Removal The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General

Contractors” as set forth in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promul gated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted. All bidders must submit with their pro posal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license must be documented on the outside of the envelope of the sealed bid.

LILLIE FINLEY PURCHASING-REVENUE MANAGER

CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA

Legal Run 09/29/22, 10/06/22 & 10/13/22

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

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE.

The following occupants at Bent Creek Storage, 2357 E Glenn Ave, Auburn AL 36830, are in default of rent.

CONTENTS WILL BE SOLD AT AUCTION on StorageAuctions. com on 10/18/2022. Jada Boyd, Unit 3118 appears to contain mir ror, laundry hamper, 2 suitcases, 5 plastic containers, plastic bag, ironing board, iron, 2 cloth totes, hangers, over the door hanger, TV, step stool, bedding, toiletries, 3 pieces of art, bed frame, pillow, curtain rod

Legal Run 10/6/2022

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

ESTATE OF MARCUS DUNCAN MOREMAN, JR., DECEASED

COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 23rd day of September, 2022, by the Hon.

Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness our hands, and dated this the 23rd day of September, 2022.

MARCUS DUNCAN MOREMAN, III MELISSA A. KING

Legal Run 10/6/22, 10/13/22 & 10/20/22

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE

WHEREAS, default has been made in the terms of the Mortgage executed on the 9th day of

April, 2020, by Sylvia Tatum, 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 4561, at Page 914, and said de fault 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, November 10, 2022, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate embraced in said Mortgage and Mortgage Modification, situat ed in Lee, Alabama, to-wit: “Lot 12, Block 7, 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, 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 10/6/22, 10/13/22 & 10/20/22

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. CV- 2021–9004400. 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 sus tained 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 pub lication 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 publication) to file an answer in response to this lawsuit in the Lee County, Circuit Clerk’s Office. Legal Notice 10/06/2022, 10/13/2022, 10/20/2022 & 10/27/2022

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING

CASE NO: 2022-560 IN THE PROBATECOURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution IN THE ESTATE OF MARY LAVERNE CULPEPPER SMITH

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Court office by Neil W. Chase Jr., on September 26, 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 the decedent.

1 position available for Thursday-Saturday

*These can be alternating days or a set schedule if you prefer.*

Afternoon Shifts (12pm6pm)*: 2 positions available for Sunday-Wednesday 2 positions available for Thursday-Saturday

Legal Run 10/06/2022

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of CHARLES EUGENE PARKER SR. Deceased Case No. 2022-467

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to AMBER MCCOY, as Administrator of the Estate of TIMOTHY PAUL MCCOY, deceased, on the 28TH day of September 2022, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same with in the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA /S/ AMBER MCCOY AMBER MCCOY Administrator of the Estate of TIMOTHY PAUL MCCOY. Deceased Legal Notice 10/06/2022, 10/13/2022 & 10/20/2022

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

ESTATE OF FLOY DEAN GUANTT, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 30th day of September, 2022, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness our hands, and dated this the 30th day of September, 2022.

W. KAROL MORGAN ANDREW ALLEN PATTILLO Legal Run 10/6/2022, 10/13/2022 & 10/20/2022

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

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE:The estate of Jeffrey Dean Gilchrist, Deceased. Case No. 2022-569

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to Pamela G. Kenney as Administratrix of the Estate of JEFFREY DEAN GILCHRIST, deceased, on the3rd day of October, 2022.

NOTICE IS HEREBY

*These can be alternating days or a set schedule if you prefer.*

Starting pay is $10.50 per hour and we do have full time positions as well! (Full time positions do come with health benefits.) If interested, please send your resumes to re sume@leecountyhumane.org. No phone calls please!

that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same with in the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

Pamela G. Kenney, Administratrix of the Estate of Jeffrey Dean Gilchrist, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033

Legal Run 10/6/22, 10/13/22 & 10/20/22

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

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: The estate of Katherine Irene Welborn, Deceased. Case No. 343

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to Melissa Easterwood as Administratrix of the Estate of Katherine Irene Welborn, de ceased, on the 17th day of June, 2022.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same with in the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

Melissa Easterwood, Administratrix of the Estate of Katherine Irene Welborn, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033

Legal Run 09/22/22, 09/29/22 & 10/6/22

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF ROBERT O. BAXTER, DECEASED.

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Peggy Diane Baxter Cibulsky, as Executrix of the Estate of Robert O. Baxter, deceased, on the 13th day of September, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby re quired to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred.

Peggy Diane Baxter Cibulsky, Executrix Of the Estate of Robert O. Baxter, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033

Legal Run 09/22/22, 09/29/22 & 10/06/22