The Observer 11-03-2022 E-edition

Opelika Will 'Glow' for Epilepsy Nov. 6

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — November is Nation al Epilepsy Awareness Month. To celebrate that, the local nonprofit Com passionate Hands of Hope Inc. is hosting its second annual Glow for Epilepsy event at Courthouse Square in Opelika this Sunday, Nov. 6, from 4 to 6:30 p.m. “Last year was great,” said Janataka Holmes, founder of Compassionate Hands of Hope Inc. and clubhouse director at Boys and Girls Clubs of East Al abama. “We just lit up the square to highlight the dis order of epilepsy because so many people suffer with it in our community.”

Epilepsy is a neurolog

ical disorder in which an individual experiences sei zures, which are caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can cause involuntary changes in body move

ment, function, sensation awareness and behavior.

One in 26 people will be diagnosed with epilepsy in their lifetime, and an esti mated 3.4 million people in the U.S. are living with

Auburn to Hold Veterans Day Ceremony Nov. 11

BY THE CITY OF

AUBURN —

The Auburn community is invited to honor those who have served our country at the 2022 Veterans Day Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 11. Beginning at 10 a.m., the city of Auburn will hold a ceremony at the Veterans Memorial located at the northeast corner of Ross Street and Glenn Avenue.

Mayor Ron Anders will officiate the ceremony, and U.S. Army veteran Maryshay Ray will be this year's speaker. Jeff Damron, a pastor from Union Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), will deliver the invocation, and the East Samford School Choir

will perform "The StarSpangled Banner" and "Land That We Love."

Attendees are encouraged to park at Felton Little Park, the East Glenn Avenue Municipal Parking Lot and at the Douglas J. Watson Municipal Complex. Parking for the disabled will be

available on Ross Street between Glenn Avenue and Harper Avenue, which will be closed to through traffic during the ceremony.

In the event of inclement weather, the ceremony will be held in the City Council Chamber at 141 N. Ross St.

epilepsy.

“The main goal of this event is to bring awareness and highlight the disorder of epilepsy,” Holmes said. “I want people to under

Opelika To Host Veterans Day Celebration Nov. 11

Opelika Community Archery Park Opens at Springvilla

tions.

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

OPELIKA —

Opelika Parks and Recreation is hosting a grand opening for the Opelika Commu nity Archery Park on Wednesday, Nov. 9 at 2 p.m.

The Opelika Com

munity Archery Park is located at Spring Villa Park. The archery park includes a shooting house with 12 covered bays and targets from 20 to 60 yards. The range also has a raised platform that provides bowhunters an oppor tunity to simulate tree stand hunting condi

The Archery Park is open year round from 7 a.m. until dark. Use of the park is free and open to the public.

This facility was built with grant money pro vided by the Alabama Department of Con servation and National Resources.

MARYSHAY RAY

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF OPELIKA OPELIKA —

The city of Opelika invites the public to join the mayor and

Ronald Douglass, pictured, will be the guest speaker at Opelika's Veterans Day Celebration.

This year's event will take place at Courthouse Square on Nov. 6.

A grand opening event for the new Opelika Community Archery Park is set for Nov. 9 at Spring Villa Park.

BY

SENIOR

OPELIKA — Home Instead Senior Care has been “adopt ing out” seniors in need in our area since 2003. “Be a Santa To A Se nior” was trademarked by its national franchise and has now delivered over 2 million gifts to 75,000 seniors.

Traditionally, its pro gram places wish lists from seniors in need on trees throughout Ala bama. The wish lists are then selected by gener ous individuals in the community who then purchase and return the gifts.

The wish lists are modest. Often the request is for bedding, linens, toiletries, food, books, puzzles, pet sup plies, cleaning supplies

and more. The seniors are limited to three requests. Each senior can be adopted for $50 to $100. However, this year things are not “tra ditional.” Home Instead Senior Care fears with less and less people leaving their home, its program could meet its greatest challenge thus far.

Even though a lot has been going on in our community with health concerns over the past few years, seniors still need us. Many seniors are feeling isolated and lonely. Some seniors do not have family regular ly checking in on them, or perhaps their families have been restricted from travel and access to their facilities. These are the seniors we want to reach.

Therefore, Home In

Be a Santa to a Senior

stead Senior Care needs the help of businesses and community organi zations more this year than ever.

What can you do to help?

• Adopt out 20 or more seniors within your organization. (We are working on a virtual adoption through

amazon.com, which does not require the volunteer to leave their home.) More informa tion to come on that soon.

• Give a monetary donation so volunteers can go out and shop for unadopted seniors. (We can accept donations requiring a tax deduc

tion through the Home Instead Senior Care Foundation’s 501(c) (3).)

• Have a collection drive for the most com monly requested items: - Toiletries - Blankets - Heated blankets - Socks (for men and women) and

- Non-perishable food items. If you are interested in working with Home Instead Senior Care to make Christmas happen for our most precious resource, our seniors, email Natalie Downs at natalie.downs@homein stead.com.

Opelika and Auburn Chambers Celebrate New Businesses

Left: The Little Art Collective recently opened in a micro-retail space at The Southerly Warehouse. The gallery features at least 10 local artists per month and now has 16. Center: The local chambers held a ribbon cutting for Good Dog Bar & Dog Park in Auburn last week. The space is dog- and people-friendly, but you don’t have to bring a dog to enjoy the bar. One percent of sales are donated to local animal-related charities. Right: The Opelika Chamber of Commerce held a three-in-one ribbon cutting celebrating POD (Party on Demand) LLC, Auto Spa and Always Forward Towing & Transport, LLC. All three businesses are veteran-owned and operated.

City of Opelika Partners with FTP to Provide Free Parenting Classes

CONTRIBUTED BY FRAZELMA LYNN/FTP

OPELIKA — In response to concerns from city and county officials, schools and par ents, the city of Opelika has entered an historic partnership with Frazel ma Lynn, Parenting911 coach and founder of FTP: Frazelma Teaching

Parents.

The goal is to give parents an outlet to get questions answered; offer parenting strategies; help develop and improve communication; encour age relationship building, structure and cooperation; as well as to help children improve academically, socially and behaviorally at home, in schools and

overall in life.

Some topics to be discussed are relationship building through trust, practicing cool-down tactics before handling situations, modeling good behavior, structured disci pline, effective family management and bonding exercises.

The program focus es on reorganizing and

restructuring the family culture so its members have a productive and success-driven mindset.

In these parenting sessions, Lynn said, "you will focus on creating goals and action steps to address structure, communication/relatabil ity and empowerment. These areas help build a strong, solid, trusting

family relationship where everyone is valued and all individuals have their needs met."

The parenting sessions will be held monthly on the first Saturday of each month beginning Nov. 5, and ending in September 2023. These sessions will be held at the Opelika Public Library, located at 1100 Glenn St., and

are absolutely free to the public. Parenting sessions are from 3 to 5 p.m. and are strictly limited only to residents and parents in Opelika city limits.

Whether you are the natural parent, adopted parent or foster parent, and live in Opelika, you are welcome to come out and take part in this ongoing event

HomeGoods to Open Auburn Store Nov. 10

CONTRIBUTED BY HOMEGOODS

AUBURN —

HomeGoods, the leading off-price home décor store in the U.S and worldwide, will open a new store in Auburn on Nov. 10, 2022.

The new store is lo cated in Flint’s Crossing Shopping Center at 1550 Opelika Road, Suite 14. The grand opening will take place Thursday, Nov. 10, from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. In celebration of its new store location, Home Goods will contribute to the Auburn community by presenting a $10,000 donation to Domestic Vio lence Intervention Center

OPELIKA >> FROM A1

city council on Friday, Nov. 11, as we host a Veterans Day Cele bration and pause to say thank you to our veterans.

“Veterans Day is a special day in Opelika,” said Mayor Gary Fuller. “It’s a day to truly hon or those who protected our nation so that future generations can enjoy a life of freedom.”

The morning begins with a breakfast at 9 a.m. for veterans and their families at Opelika Public Library, located at 1100 Glenn St. The breakfast is free for vet erans and their families.

At 10 a.m., the Vet erans Day program will

(DVIC). DVIC’s mission is to provide emergency shelter, advocacy, counsel ing and referrals to victims of domestic violence.

HomeGoods provides an ever-changing selection of high-quality merchan dise at excellent values. With prices generally 20% to 60% below fullprice retailers’ (including department, specialty and major online retailers) reg ular prices on comparable merchandise, the Home Goods shopping experi ence aims to be fun and inviting. From top brands and designers to exciting finds from all over the world, HomeGoods offers an inspiring selection in

begin in the Cooper Room at the Opelika Public Library.

Ronald Douglass will be the guest speaker. He is the commander of the Twin Cities Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) Chapter 95 in Opelika and is a 100% Disabled American Veteran. Douglass has been a member of the D.A.V. for 31 years. He assists veterans with their disability claims through the Veterans Administration system.

Douglass is mar ried to Melanie Renae (Stough) Douglass, a native of Opelika. They have five daughters and one son, who is a U.S. Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan. They also have two grand sons with another one

countless styles for every room of the house.

“Our amazing val ues, brand names and vast assortment make HomeGoods an exciting destination for shop pers,” said John Ricciuti, president of HomeGoods. “With a large variety of merchandise from around the world, customers will always find thrilling values in our treasure-hunt shopping experience. We are happy to provide Au burn, Alabama, with a new HomeGoods.”

HomeGoods merchan dise departments include furniture, rugs, lighting, decorative accessories, kitchen and dining,

on the way in January 2023.

Douglass was born in Hartford, Connecticut, while his father was in Vietnam serving with the U.S. Air Force. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in November 1984 as an infantry man from Manchester, Connecticut. In 1995, he changed his Military Occupation Specialty to Military Police. Then, in 1996, he changed to Military Intelligence.

Douglass’ assign ments include Basic Training & Advanced Individual Training at Fort Benning, Georgia; A Co. 3/35 Inf. 187 Inf. Bde. Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S. Army Reserve; 8th Army Special Troops Command Honor Guard

bedding, bath, pet acces sories, storage, workspace, outdoor, gourmet, wellness and more.

All stores, including the newest openings, have up dated health and wellness practices to help protect the health and well-being of customers and associ ates. To learn more, visit www.homegoods.com/ customer-info.

STORE FACTS AND FEATURES

· Location: Flint’s Crossing Shopping Center at 1550 Opelika Road, Suite 14, Auburn, Ala bama,

· Size: approximately 22,374 square feet

· Regular hours: Mon

South Korea; B Co. 2/327 Inf. 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault); B Co. 4/27th Inf. – Schofield Bar racks, Hawaii; HHC 4/27th Inf. – Scofield Barracks, Hawaii; 119th Military Police Com pany (CS) – Warwick, Rhode Island, RI ARNG; 281st Military Intelligence Company – Kent, Washington, WAARNG; C Co. 181 Spt. Bn. – Seattle, Washington, WAARNG; 248 R.A.O.C. – Port Orchard, Washington, WAARNG.

Douglass was honor able medical discharged in May 1992 due to injuries that occurred during his service. He continued his duties with the Army National Guard until they dis

day through Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Store hours may shift. For more up-to-date hours and additional Home Goods locations, please visit www.HomeGoods. com/locator.

· HomeGoods expects to fill approximately 65 fulland part-time positions.

ABOUT HOMEGOODS

HomeGoods operates more than 846 stores across the country and is a division of The TJX Companies, Inc., the leading off-price retail er of apparel and home fashions in the U.S. and worldwide. As of Jan. 29, 2022, TJX operated

charged him in Novem ber 1998 with an honor able medical discharge also. He worked for the Department of Navy, Air Force and Army as a federal employee, achieving the grade of GS-12. His federal as signments would trans fer him and his family from Submarine Base, Groton, Connecticut; Ft. Lewis, Washington; Offutt, A.F.B., Nebras ka; Ft. Lee, Virginia; Heidelberg, Germany; Presidio of Monterey, California; Ft. Benning, Georgia.

During Desert Shield/ Desert Storm, 4/27th Inf. sent half the bat talion to Desert Shield/ Desert Storm. He deployed to Iraq while stationed in Germany with V Corps Head

a total of 4,689 stores in nine countries, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Ger many, Poland, Austria, the Netherlands and Australia, and five e-commerce sites. TJX's press releases and financial information are available at TJX.com.

To shop HomeGoods online, visit HomeGoods. com and for more design tips, inspiration and more, visit us on Instagram at @ homegoods, Facebook at facebook.com/homegoods, Pinterest at pinterest.com/ homegoods and Twitter at @homegoods. Shoppers can also share their online and in-store finds on social with #HomeGoodsFinds.

quarters from Decem ber 2005 to December 2006. He has been awarded the Korean Defense Service Medal, Joint Service Commen dation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Ser vice Medal, Air Assault Badge, Driver’s and Mechanic Badge and other military awards.

OTHER VETERANS DAY WEEK NEWS:

All city offices will be closed on Friday, Nov. 11, including the Opelika Public Library.

The Opelika SportsPlex will be open from 5 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is no change to the weekly garbage schedule.

stand the fight that those with epilepsy have.”

The “glow” in the Glow for Epilepsy event — which is actually more of a festival featuring carnival games and competitions for youth — comes from the “tons” of purple glow sticks that will light up Courthouse Square once the sun sets.

The Opelika Fire & Rescue Department will be attending the event to give a demonstration on what to do in the event someone around you has a seizure, and the Opelika Police Department will also be in attendance to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the release of its “S.A.F.E.R.” (Special Assistance For Emergency Response) initiative — a voluntary program created to help first responders assist individuals with cog nitive, developmental or mental health disabilities in

the event of an emergency. Vendors will also be taking part in the festivities, pro viding tasty food options for all of those who attend.

“If someone has a sei zure, I want the community to be aware of the things to do and not to do,” Holmes said.

Before Sunday’s event, Compassionate Hands of Hope Inc. is also hosting a brunch at the Opelika Public Library on Saturday at 11 a.m. The brunch — called “The I Survived Brunch” — is free to the public and will feature shared testimonies pertain ing to epilepsy. Holmes is partnering with her sister Quantera Vidal for the brunch, and local singer Gwendolyn Butler Johnson will be emceeing the event. The brunch is something that Holmes has been wanting to do ever since 2018, when her son had to be resuscitated twice due to his epilepsy.

“It’s a day of testimony, purpose and empower

ment,” Holmes said. “I sur vived’ is just like my motto explaining that it doesn’t matter what storms in life you’re dealing with, as long you have that survived box checked, then you have purpose. It’s inspired by my son’s story.”

Lastly, Holmes said

she wanted to thank the numerous individuals and businesses sponsoring the event, and give a special thank you to Opelika May or Gary Fuller, Lee County District 5 Commissioner Richard LaGrand, Opelika Police Chief Shane Healey, Opelika Public Library’s

Rosanna McGinnis and Alabama District 83 Rep. Jeremy Gray. “We want to make this a day where we honor and recognize those who are

in the fight,” Holmes said. “We thank everyone for their support for a cause that is so near and dear to my heart.”

SEAN DIETRICH

Iwasdriving. I was hun gry. I had to pull over because I was about to eat my own steering wheel. The Tennessee autumn was in full swing. I had a long way left to go.

I found a meat and three in a strip mall. Lots of trucks in the parking area.

You can trust a place with trucks in the parking lot.

Everyone knows that if you see a throng of Fords and Chevys in a restaurant park ing lot, the said establishment has exceptional fried chicken. If you see Cadillacs and Buicks, they will also have excellent congealed salad.

The server behind the

sneeze guard asked what I wanted. He was tall, gaunt, wearing a hairnet. His neck and arms were painted in a gridwork of tattoos.

“Chicken or meatloaf?” he said.

“Chicken,” said I.

Fried chicken is a dying art in America. I was raised fundamentalist; fried chicken is my spiritual mascot. Fried chicken is holy food. And it is the only dish I don’t mind eating cold. Next-day chick en, straight from the fridge, is better than Christmas.

The server selected drumsticks that were roughly the size of a James Patterson paperback.

“You want veggies with it?” he said.

“Does the pope go in the woods?” I said.

The list of side dishes was plentiful: mac and cheese, fried green tomatoes, squash casserole, turnip greens, but terbeans, pintos, great north erns, zipper peas, cornbread salad, slaw, tater logs.

And don’t even get me started on the sweets. You had peach cobbler, lemon meringue, blueberry dump cake, caramel cake, chess pie and complimentary syringes of insulin.

When my foam box was loaded to capacity, I filled my cup from the tea dispenser. The man who served me was on break, waiting to fill his tea.

We started talking. After a few minutes of conversation, I learned that he had just gotten out of prison.

“I was turned down for 10 different jobs,” he said. “Most people don’t want a guy like me working at their business. But the owners of this place

Fried Chicken

gave me a chance.”

I asked how he was adjust ing to life outside.

He shrugged. “Honestly, it’s really tough. The world has changed since I first went in, back when I was young. I ain’t a kid no more.”

I nodded as though I under stood. Which I don’t.

“Only part of the world I ever saw was working on a prison road crew. They let me run heavy machinery and stuff because I kept myself clean. If you don’t cause no trouble in prison, sometime you get privileges.”

He talked about every thing. He spoke of friends: “It’s hard to make friends in prison.”

About religion: “It ain’t God I got a problem with, it’s preachers. They ain’t never tried to do [cuss word] for me.”

Our conversation took a few hairpin turns. He spoke of lost loves. Of double-cross ers. Of his estranged adult children. He had a lot to say, and apparently nobody but

me to say it to.

The man went on to tell me that a few years ago his moth er died. He was inside at the time. The experience almost killed him. He didn’t want to live anymore. A prison chap lain visited him frequently because they were afraid he’d try to take his own life.

He almost did. But a turn ing point came one afternoon when a fellow inmate’s little girl sent him a random Christ mas gift.

The gift arrived in the mail, gift wrapped. It was crayons and blank paper.

“I just felt warm all over,” he recalls. “Opening that package. Someone gave a [cuss word] about me.”

He has used every crayon in the box. He has drawn hun dreds of pictures with them. He still owns the crayons, but only three crayons are left in the box.

“And they’re all worn to little nubs.”

He reached into his pocket and showed me his phone. On the screen were his recent

drawings. One drawing showed an angel with scars all over his body. The angel’s wings were battered. His face was bruised.

He described the picture to me. “This is an angel who made a lot of dumb mistakes,” he said. “But God don’t disown anyone. So he’s still an angel, just trying to heal.”

The cherub is staring at heaven. There is pain in the angel’s eyes. Below the heav enly being’s feet is a scripture verse:

“When thou passest through the waters, I shall be with thee…”

“This was the verse my mom gave me,” he said. “I believe she can see me right now. That’s what keeps me going. My mom.”

Our conversation took a long time to come to a finish. By the time we parted ways, I hadn’t even eaten yet. My food had already grown cold. But as I say, cold fried chicken is better than Christ mas.

Today’s Headlines

Christmas.

you’re like me, the news is both a blessing and a curse. Every morning I weigh the desire to know what’s happening in the world against the certain sense of pessimism the news is sure to leave me with. It’s a struggle. Curiosity wins out today, and here’s what I learn from just a few brief minutes of scrolling through today’s headlines.

HEADLINE #1: NO WINNER IN SATURDAY’S LOTTERY DRAWING!

The Georgia Power Ball is up to $1 billion — the second largest amount in the history of the lottery. Tim and I have picked some numbers and asked a co-worker, who will be in Columbus today, to pick us up $10 worth of hopes and dreams. We spent a lovely half hour this weekend mull ing over exactly what we’d do with such an unfathom able fortune. Travel, boats, a lake home… those were the first and obvious choices. The more we talked, the better it sounded. No more early morning alarm clocks, no trimming down the grocery list to fit a budget, no socking away extra money to pay for

I think I would invest in a couple of businesses that I want to see expand and suc ceed. Tim would do the same. Maybe buy a restaurant or a bed and breakfast in a city we love to visit. We’d purchase an RV and visit every state of this great country… with a driver, of course.

I’d buy a hardback edition of every book I ever lay eyes on that looks even remote ly interesting. Tim would, undoubtedly, own every type of fishing rod and lure known to man.

And then there would be money set aside for his children and for mine. From there, we began to compile a list of friends we’d love to give a small fortune to — anonymously, of course. It turns out, that was the best part of our lottery fantasy. Knowing our kids would be taken care of, and their kids too, would be so wonderful. Imagining someone we care about, who’s been a true friend, logging into their bank account and discovering they have half a million dollars more than they did the day before ... that would be amaz ing. Lottery dreams — what a lovely thing.

HEADLINE #2: ANOTHER TIGER BITES THE DUST

Auburn University has fired football coach Brian Harsin after a disappointing season. Disappointing — not

TEXTILE MILLS ASBESTOS CLAIMS

sure that’s a strong enough word. It’s been a hideous sea son. We Auburn fans are used to the ups and downs that come with cheering for the orange and blue, but even us veteran, seasoned, long-time Tigers have struggled this year. We’ve not given up, but we have struggled mightily.

Each game has taken a little of the shine off our pom poms. The eagle is as majestic as ever, but the fight song has begun to sound just a bit strained. The stands at Jordan-Hare start out with a roar and seem to end with a whimper. The faces on the jumbotron look a little haunt ed. The smiles are forced. We’re just plain worn out.

Whether you agree with firing a coach mid-season or not, it’s a tough day. A little more of our spirit has been trampled on. And those poor boys — and boys they are, some so young that high school was yesterday and their first real shave is a distant hope — you know they must be feeling the strain in ways we can’t imagine. Day after day, they run and kick and pass and plan for the big day. And Saturday after Saturday, they leave the stadium with lead in their stomach, weighed down with disappointment and regret. That’s a lot for a young man to carry around. Add a fulltime course load at a tough university to that weight, and

you’ve got a busload full of guys who just need some good news and a lucky break.

Who knows what the future looks like for Auburn as a team or as a fan base, but I know one thing as sure as I know my dad died proud to be an Auburn fan: There will be brighter days ahead for our Tigers, and all us fans will be cheering again. We may just need some new pom poms and a stiff drink or two.

HEADLINE #3: SUSPECT AR

RESTED IN DELPHI MURDERS

Two little girls were killed in 2017 in Delphi, Indiana. I only know about the case because my son is a true crime buff. It was one of the things we bonded over when he was communicating with me, between addiction and rehab and angry isolation. I cherished those conversa tions, macabre though they were, because for a few minutes he would seem like himself — alert and interest ed, intelligent and intent on justice being done.

For years, there have been theories as to who murdered these two girls, these friends who met a stranger in the woods and died together. My son studied the psy chology of the killer and the details of the crime itself. I found an out-of-print book someone had written about the murders and gave it to him for Christmas, though he could have written a better

one himself after all the hours he’d spent documenting the case.

And now, they’ve made an arrest. Those families must be so relieved. And still in so much agony. And I wish that I could reach out and share the news with my son. Finally, the justice he appreciates so much will be delivered. But I can’t do that. I can’t reach out because we have reached another phase of silence. We haven’t spoken in months now, and I miss him. Every day, I miss him. Wherever he is, I hope he’s read the news and feels a sense of satisfac

tion that the monster who did this terrible thing may receive his just reward after all.

And so tonight, this day will end with another lottery drawing, another football coach with a multi-mil lion-dollar severance package to enjoy and two families with answers they’ve waited five long years to get.

If our numbers are called tonight, and we are suddenly mega rich, I think I’d give just about every penny of that fortune to have my son back.

And for the Auburn Tigers to have a winning season next year. Fingers crossed!

HODGE

Lee County went all out for Halloween this year, with events hosted throughout the area leading up to the big day. Children and adults donned costumes as they participated in the spooky festivities. Pictured are snapshots from the Opelika SportsPlex's Fall Festival and Children's Carnival, Tour de Fright and the Auburn University pumpkin carving event.

Members of the Auburn and Opelika communities also turned out to experience the local Haunted Walking Tours, hosted by Alabama Spectral Investigators. The tours highlighted several historical spots believed to be haunted.

S Food ociety& News SHouthernospitality

Queens Prepare Best Dishes For Fall Harvest Dinner

Ann Cipperly

Ona recent eve

ning at sunset in White Oaks, members of the Kitchen Queens began arriving at the home of Kay Yeager for a Fall Harvest Dinner. Yeager provided two dif ferent flavored pork tender loins for the menu, while members prepared their best fall dishes — from appetizers to desserts — with a special New Orleans beverage for the elegant

dinner party.

A stunning autumn ar rangement on the dining room table featured an urn overflowing with tiny pumpkins, sprays of cotton bolts, cattails and other fall foliage. Additional bolts of cotton, assorted pumpkins and Indian corn surround the base with tall, tapered candles flanking the centerpiece. Thanks giving-inspired china and pumpkin-patterned napkins

completed the festive look.

An overhead candlelight chandelier was festooned with grapevines, while a large, wrought iron candle holder in one corner dis played extra tall flickering candles.

As guests arrived, cham pagne corks popped in the butler’s pantry as chilled bottles of the bubbly bev erage filled glasses to serve with a variety of appetizers.

Members brought their fa

vorite beverages, including wine and sparkling water.

Members of the Kitchen Queens are Linda Letlow, Carol Duncan, Julie Fol mar, Kay Yeager, Macon Martin, Beth Ann Mitchell, Dawn Patterson, Celeste Dorman, Kathryn Black

Opelika Main Street Office Now Open Southern Crossing Reopens in Front

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

The new Opelika Main Street office is officially up and running.

The hybrid Main Street office and business incu bator, located at 108 S. 8th St. in downtown Opelika, has been in the works for about a year. It’s “still a little bit of an ongoing work in progress,” according to Opelika Main Street Execu tive Director Ken Ward, but it is already seeing plenty of foot traffic in its first few days.

The front of the new office is reserved for retail incubator space and is now housing Southern Crossing, which closed temporarily in July after the fire at Maffia’s destroyed its inventory and heavily damaged the store

space.

“It’s been great to have our space right in the center of downtown, where we serve, and it’s been amazing to be able to offer Southern Crossing a retail space for them to use after the tragic fire this summer,” Ward said.

Southern Crossing’s first day of business in the new space was Oct. 31. Owner Valerie Smith said that although the store has downsized — from about

4,000 square feet to about 1,200 square feet — it still offers a little bit of every thing.

“It’s going great,” Smith said during the first week of reopening. “We’ve had really great sales and a lot of positive feedback. We re ally like the look. I feel like it still looks like Southern Crossing … but we love the size.”

Because the store is smaller and more manage able, Smith said she and

her husband Mike are able to dedicate a little more of their time to family — something that had largely been lost as they grew their business at its previous location.

“As much as we appreci ated the growth, there was also growing pains,” she said. And while the Smiths don’t know yet whether they will end up back in the same space, they are taking things one day at a time. The best they can do now, she said, is to be more intentional about exploring that as they work to meet their own needs, as well as the needs of the community.

“The main thing that I want to let everybody know is that financially, and mentally, and emotionally and even physically, we are not prepared to come back just like we were, and

burn, Mary Helen Martin, Jo Ellen James, Debbie Frojo, Nancy Patterson, Julie Echols, Margaret Whittelsey and Marty Heideman.

Folmar served Gougeres, a popular appetizer from the Burgundy region of

France. Reggiano Parme san, or half Parmesan and Gruyere, are added to the batter of the cheese puffs. Folmar’s were especially tasty, being embellished with cheese she brought back from France.

The Kitchen Queens recently met for a Fall Harvest Dinner with everyone taking a favorite dish. Members pictured are, from left seated: Kay Yeager, Celeste Dorman, Mary Helen Martin, Julie Folmar, Carol Duncan and Macon Martin; standing from left: Dawn Patterson, Beth Ann Mitchell, Linda Letlow, Kathryn Black burn, Jo Ellen James and Debbie Frojo.

Making the Grade: In the Kitchen with Chef Jim Sikes

“As a chef, I can pre pare lots of dishes in a traditional and classical manner,” he said. “Then I can do it in an easier and more practical way for people to use. If they are willing, I can teach them. A chef is a teacher. That’s how a staff learns. Every chef can make a kitchen by coming in or by leaving. I worked at the first.”

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

AsI’ve men tioned quite a few times in this column, I love eat ing, but I really dislike cooking.

Also, my husband Mike isn’t fond of cleaning up the mess I make when I do cook.

In addition, as I’ve previously said, bad things sometimes happen when I cook. Again, in LaGrange, on separate occasions, I set fire to my stove eye and made “blackened” fried green tomatoes.

In Auburn, I have burned my fingers because I didn’t realize that iron skillets stay hot for a long time and shouldn’t be grabbed with a bare hand. There fore, Mike is always standing by with his trusty fire extinguisher if I do more than boil water.

While we worked as full-time teachers, Mike and I cooked once or twice a week and ate out the rest of the time be cause we were exhaust ed. Now, in retirement, we have more time and less money, so we cook at home four or five times a week. However, our cooking repertoire is somewhat limited, and we are getting bored with eating the same old dishes week after week.

Therefore, believe it or not, I stepped out of my comfort zone and signed up for October’s “In the Kitchen with Chef Jim.” I figured that since I know very little about cooking, I should learn from the best, and Chef Jim Sikes certainly qualifies.

Chef Jim has been studying food since he was a teenager. He’s read and worked through classic food lit erature and cookbooks.

Chef Jim also owned Jimmy’s, a Creole restaurant in Opelika, which featured New

Orleans cuisine plus a Southern meat and two for lunch. Gumbo and bread pudding were also very popular and quite good. I’m really sorry that I didn’t get to eat at Jimmy’s because friends have told me that the food was terrific.

Chef Jim started teaching cooking classes to a doctor from Ope lika, at his request. He and his wife Aimée lived in the Northside District for 35 years. Chef Jim has taught at their current home in Opelika for six years.

In addition, Chef Jim taught cooking and wine classes at Osher Life long Learning Institute at Auburn University for four years. The class es were quite popular; there was a waiting list.

Besides teaching,

Chef Jim also writes. He has written a week ly column for the O-A News for fifteen years. In addition, he has also done a little recipe de velopment for a chef in a national competition.

When I arrived at Chef Jim’s kitchen for his cooking class, I met four other students: Sylvia, Jesse, John and Mary Ann. I was a novice, and these folks were regulars. However, they, along with Chef Jim and Miss Aimée, his gracious sous chef, immediately made me feel welcome.

For October, the cooking theme for “In the Kitchen with Chef Jim” was “Yummy in Your Tummy.” And believe me, this class’s cuisine was well named.

That afternoon, we

learned how to prepare five dishes: Chicken with Vinegar, Baked Orzo and Cheese, Beef Short Ribs with Onions, Zurich-Style Pork and Mashed Potatoes. All of the dishes were too. delicious. for. words. I was happy to learn to make a new, tasty chick en dish since I’m such a chicken freak. Also, the Beef Short Ribs with Onions were literally fall-off-the-bone tender.

The Zurich-Style Pork and Mashed Potatoes made my mouth very

happy. Also, as a diabet ic, I was excited to find out that Orzo is a deli cious pasta that isn’t as high in carbohydrates as some other pastas, and it was really delectable.

Besides enjoying wonderful food, I was happy to find out that even I can cook these dishes. Also, Chef Jim gave us cooking tips that will be very helpful in the kitchen. It was a really fun, informative and delicious way to spend an afternoon.

Also, toward the end of the class, Chef Jim and Miss Aimée’s sweet cat Arabella, who goes by “Belle,” came to see us, and we enjoyed her visit very much. She’s as beautiful as she is friendly.

Whether you’re a fledgling cook like me or a more advanced one, sign up with Chef Jim to learn more about the culinary arts. I look for ward to another class. Who knows? Mike may be able to loosen his grip on his fire extin guisher.

Chef Jim has a Facebook page, “In the Kitchen with Chef Jim,” which is an easy way to contact him; he pub lishes the month’s class times there. He also

has a personal Facebook page.

Chef Jim has four to five group class es of 35 to 40 people each month. It’s the same class on different days at 1:30 or 6 p.m. Individual classes are available, and there is one for couples. There is another for a group of six involving a dinner. Sometimes, there’s a Young Chefs’ class for children ages 8 to 12. Also, there are individ ual classes for teens and a parent. I was certainly glad that Chef Jim even invites retired teachers to his classes.

“In the Kitchen with Chef Jim” makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy! Chef Jim, thanks so much. You are an outstanding chef and instructor.

Stacey Patton Wal lace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will ap pear each week in The Observer. Stacey may be reached at retired langartsteacher2020@ gmail.com

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE FOR THE OBSERVER

Walking the Walk to End Alzheimer's

community that we love and loves us.”

that that happens when you lose everything overnight,” Smith said.

Following the fire, Smith said the Opelika Main Street team jumped to help. They offered her the incuba tor space that morning, but at the time, Smith was still working to process what had just happened and what she and her husband wanted their next steps to be.

“After a lot of thought, prayer and a lot of encour agement from our custom ers and the community, we decided that we did want to try to come back,” Smith said. “Then we had to kind of sit down and figure out what that looked like.

“… As we decided what we were going to do, this was the logical answer because it allowed us to be right back down here in this

While the new retail space can’t hold as much inventory as Southern Crossing’s previous loca tion, Smith said customers can still expect to find most of their favorite merchan dise. Free gift wrap is still available as well.

“We’re buying back our bestselling, favorite brands,” Smith said. “… What I’m most proud about with this location is that we have still been able to keep some baby [items], some kids’ [items], some clothing, some home décor, food — the best of our best.”

Southern Crossing will be open in the Main Street office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the month of November, with plans to start opening on Saturdays in December. Southern Crossing will also be open

during downtown’s Holiday Open House, slated for Nov. 13 from noon to 5 p.m. For updates, check Southern Crossing’s social media pages: @southerncrossingal on Instagram and “Southern Crossing” on Facebook.

Behind the retail area, the Downtown Resource Center will serve to keep down town businesses, residents and community organiza tions connected. The center now houses Ward’s office, but it also touts intern work space, a meeting room and a communal area.

Ward said the meeting room will be open to small downtown businesses in the coming weeks.

“We’ll also be utilizing it for things such as merchant meetings, professional development sessions for businesses and various different things that can help downtown as a whole,” he added.

Some windows and doors in the back will soon be replaced as well, and a new awning will be installed out front in the next week or so.

The public will also be able to utilize three re strooms in the back, some thing Ward said downtown has needed for a while. They will be open during normal retail hours, as well as during events downtown. During those after-hours events, the restrooms can be closed off from the rest of the building.

Overall, Ward said he is looking forward to seeing downtown Opelika continue to grow and progress.

“We see this as a longterm investment in down town and in the businesses of downtown and Main Street, ensuring that our downtown continues to be successful going forward,” he said.

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE FOR THE OBSERVER

Auburn hosted a Walk to End Alzheimer's disease Oct. 23 at Jordan-Hare Stadium. The community participated in a 2.5-mile walk while enjoying musical entertainment, a performance from Auburn's dance team and a presentation from Auburn's color guard. Auburn Mayor Ron Anders also spoke. In total, 403 participants registered for the walk, raising $49,804.

PHOTOS BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH / THE OBSERVER

Top: The Opelika Main Street logo graces the front right window of the new office. Bottom: The Downtown Resource Center will be a shared space for downtown businesses.

CIPPERLY >> FROM A7

For her appetizer, Macon adapted a recipe for a col lards dip called Alabama “Spinach” Dip from Do than cookbook author and restaurant owner Kelsey Barnard Clark. She cooked the collards her way instead of following the recipe in “Southern Grit” but used the seasonings, cornmeal and breadcrumbs for the tasty spread.

Duncan took her pop ular Roasted Mushrooms Stuffed with Bacon, Feta and Cream Cheese. She makes the filling ahead and freezes it to save time. When ready to cook, she will thaw the filling, bake the mushrooms for about 20 minutes, then stuff them and finish baking until the cheese is melted.

An unusual appetizer was prepared with pumpkin and spices by Frojo. The South African dish was served with baguette slices.

As the appetizers were

CIPPERLY RECIPES >>

FALL HARVEST DINNER MENU

Gougeres

Mushrooms Stuffed with Bacon, Feta and Cream Cheese

Collard Green Dip Bourbon Glazed Pork Tenderloin

Orange Marmalade and Mustard Pork Tenderloin

Applesauce Sweet Potatoes

Corn Soufflé Artichoke Gratin

Lorene’s Squash Casserole

Applesauce Cake / Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting

Lemon Chess Pie New Orleans Milk Punch

GOUGERES

Julie Folmar

Gougeres are simple cheese puffs that are popular in the Burgundy region of France. They are good served as an appetizer with wine.

1 cup milk 1 stick unsalted butter 1 tsp. salt

1 cup sifted unbleached, all-purpose flour 5 eggs, divided 1½ Reggiano Parmesan cheese (or half Parmesan and half Gruyere)

Preheat oven 375 degrees.

Combine milk, butter and salt in a small saucepan and bring to a boil. Remove pan from heat and add flour all at once. Whisk vigorously for a few moments.

Then return pan to medium heat and cook, stirring constantly, until batter has thickened and is pulling away from the sides and bottom of the pan for 5 minutes or less.

Remove pan from heat and stir in 4 eggs, one at a time, making certain the first egg is completely incorporated before adding the second. Then stir in the cheese or cheeses.

Lightly butter a baking sheet.

being savored, Yeager’s husband was at the grill fin ishing the pork tenderloins.

Yeager served two choices — Orange Marmalade and Mustard Pork Tenderloin and Bourbon Glazed with Caribbean jerk seasonings.

An array of delectable sides included Blackburn’s creamy Corn Souffle, Mary Helen’s Artichoke Gratin laced with Marsala wine, Mitchell’s cheesy Squash Casserole and Dorman’s yummy Applesauce Sweet Potatoes. Each one was flavorsome and paired well with the succulent pork.

Desserts featured two scrumptious selections.

Letlow served Applesauce Cake with Bourbon Cream Cheese Frosting. The moist cake was enriched with pecans and golden raisins soaked in bourbon. Pat terson prepared a luscious Lemon Chess Pie.

The evening ended with sips of New Orleans Milk Punch by James. Milk, bourbon, vanilla and vanilla ice cream were blended

Drop batter by tablespoons onto baking sheet, spacing puffs at least 1 inch apart.

Beat remaining egg in a small bowl. Brush tops of puffs with beaten egg, and sprinkle with additional Parmesan, if using.

Set baking sheet on the center rack of oven. Reduce heat to 350 degrees, bake for 15 and 20 minutes, or until Gougeres are puffed and well browned.

ORANGE MARMALADE AND MUSTARD PORK TENDERLOIN ROAST

Kay Yeager 1-3 lb. pork tenderloin

Moore’s or Dale’s Marinade

1 jar orange marmalade 6-8 oz. French’s yellow mustard

Marinate pork in Moore’s or Dale’s marinade 2-12 hours in a zip lock bag in refrigerator. Remove from marinade and pat dry; let roast stand for 30 minutes.

Preheat grill 350 degrees. Grill roast 25 minutes or until it reaches 145 degrees. Combine marmalade and mustard. Baste last 10 minutes with mustard marmalade mixture.

BOURBON GLAZED PORK TENDERLOIN

Kay Yeager

½ cup lite soy sauce

1 Tbsp. Caribbean jerk seasoning 1-3 lb. pork tenderloin

¼ cup packed brown sugar

¼ cup bourbon

Stir together soy sauce and jerk seasoning. Place pork in a 2-gallon zip lock bag. Pour mixture over roast. Seal bag and chill 2-12 hours.

Preheat grill 350 degrees. Remove roast from marinade

until smooth. James made it the day before to allow the flavors to develop.

Some previous themes for the dinners have been: Comfort Food, Cajun/ Creole/Mardi Gras, Sail boat Cuisine (food that can be easily prepared on a sailboat), Mediterranean Cuisine, Christmas Cock tail Party with everyone bringing appetizers and Poinsettia cocktails, French Cuisine with a Kir Royal as a signature drink, Mexican Cuisine with Margari tas and Green Foods for springtime.

The Kitchen Queens began in February 2018 when Letlow saw a maga zine article on a cookbook club about a group who each prepared a dish from the same cookbook. Let low posted it on Duncan’s Facebook page, and several friends made a comment about it being a great idea. Then the group began to grow.

“I was invited to join right before COVID,”

and pat dry. Let stand for 30 minutes.

Stir bourbon and brown sugar in a microwave safe container. Cook in microwave on high setting for 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds.

Grill pork 25 minutes or until 145 degrees. Baste with bourbon mixture last 10 minutes.

LORENE’S SQUASH CASSEROLE

Beth Ann Mitchell

This is an old recipe from Patti Crew’s mother. We did the best we could to write it down. It’s very simple, but my children and grandchildren love it, and it has become a family favorite.

14 to 15 small to medium sized yellow squash

1 large onion, coarsely chopped Large “handful” of grated sharp cheddar cheese (mixture of white and yellow)

10-12 saltine crackers, crushed

1 stick butter

Crushed potato chips

Salt and pepper to taste

Thickly slice squash. Add chopped onion, salt and pepper in saucepan. Simmer covered in enough water to halfway cover squash. Simmer until squash is just tender. Drain well in colander.

Melt butter in pan. Add drained squash and onion mixture back to pan. Add crushed saltines. (Vary the number of crackers based on water to absorb). Stir in grated cheese. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.

Place in buttered casserole dish and top with crushed potato chips. Bake at 350 degrees until bubbly and edges start to brown approximately 30-40 minutes.

Yeager said. “When I left Birmingham, my friends worried about how I was going to like Auburn with out Highlands Bar and Grill and Bottega. I have always been a foodie. Since I have been invited, I have been able to share my recipes and culinary adventures from here to Birmingham to Paris and Rome.”

At first, they followed the rules of the cookbook club by selecting a cook book and everyone making a dish. They decided to meet every other month. Everyone had to purchase the cookbook or borrow one. After a while, they decided instead of cooking from a cookbook, they would pick a theme — cui sine or color — for their dinner.

The hostess selects the theme. The first themed dinner was French, and one month the theme was “green” for spring with all the food green in color. The theme can also be a holiday.

Letlow and Duncan de cided from the beginning that they didn’t want the dinner to be a stuffy affair. If someone wanted to use paper plates and paper napkins, that would not be judged. They didn’t want people to feel like they had to put on a show to have everyone over.

If a member has a busy day and doesn’t have time to make their dish, they are encouraged to attend anyway.

“We had rather they at tend than not,” Letlow said.

There is always a lot of food with many dishes. Even though there are 16 members, they don’t dou ble recipes. They make a recipe with four to six servings, which is always plenty since it is a tasting of each one. Macon keeps a list of who is bringing what so they don’t have a repeat recipe. Sometimes people bring a special beverage.

Many members enjoy entertaining. While some say they don’t have enough

powder

space at their home for all the members, there is always someone happy to have it at their home.

“It is a fun, diverse group,” Letlow said. “It is not like a group of friends who do everything togeth er, although some in the group get together.”

For those interested in starting a group like the Kitchen Queens, Duncan suggests having diverse members, not your best friends.

“As long as they have a passion for cooking,” she said, “everyone will bring something different to the table to make it interesting … We all share our love of food. But everyone comes from different experiences that makes it interesting to see who is going to bring what. We have different cultures and wish we had more of that.”

For a variety of wonder ful fall recipes for treating your family and to save for Thanksgiving, look over the recipes in the menu.

ROASTED MUSHROOMS STUFFED WITH BACON, FETA AND CREAM CHEESE

Carol Duncan

8 oz. bacon

1 cup onion, small dice 10 oz. baby spinach, chopped 4 oz. feta cheese 4 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 1 tsp. red pepper flakes 2-3 lb. cremini mushrooms about 48, wiped with damp cloth

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper Parchment paper Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Cook bacon, drain and crumble.

Discard all but 1/4 cup plus 2 teaspoons of bacon fat (add extra virgin olive oil to get this amount if needed).

Heat 2 tsp. fat in skillet; sauté onions until tender. Add spinach and sauté until wilted.

Mix onions, bacon, spinach, feta, cream cheese and red pepper; season with salt and pepper.

Line baking sheets with parchment paper. Toss mushrooms with 1/4 cup bacon fat (or olive oil); sprinkle with salt and pepper. Place mushrooms round side down on baking sheet in a singer layer. Bake until centers fill with liquid, about 15 to 20 minutes.

Spoon filling into mushrooms and bake 10 minutes or until filling is warm.

Note: The filling can be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen.

CORN SOUFFLE

Kathryn Blackburn

3 eggs

3/8 cup (¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp.) sugar

½ cup all-purpose flour

1 ½ tsp. salt 1 ⅛ tsp. baking

3 cups heavy cream 2 cups fresh or frozen (thawed) yellow corn 1 Tbsp. melted butter Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 2-quart baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In mixer bowl, beat eggs and sugar at medium speed for 3 minutes. Add flour salt and baking powder and beat an additional 3 minutes. Stir in cream. Add corn and melted butter; stir to combine.

Pour mixture into prepared dish. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, or until lightly browned and puffed on top and set in center. Cool on a wire rack for 15 to 20 minutes before serving.

APPLESAUCE CAKE WITH BOURBON CREAM CHEESE

FROSTING

Linda Letlow

¾ cup golden raisins 2 Tbsp. bourbon 10 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature, plus extra to grease pan

¼ cup granulated sugar

¾ light brown sugar, lightly packed 2 tsp. vanilla 2 large eggs, room temperature

1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour, plus extra for pan

1 ½ tsp. baking soda

1 tsp. ground cinnamon

¼ tsp. nutmeg

¼ tsp. ground cloves

1 tsp. kosher salt 1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce

½ cup coarsely chopped pecans

Cream cheese frosting, recipe follows

Pecan halves for decorating

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x2 round cake pan, line

with parchment paper, then butter and flour pan. Combine raisins and bourbon in a small bowl, cover, and microwave for 30 seconds. Set aside for 15 minutes. Place butter, granulated sugar, and brown sugar in the bowl of an electric mixer and beat on medium speed for 3 minutes, until light and fluffy. With mixer on medium, add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, and mix until smooth.

In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and salt. With mixer on low, slowly add flour mixture to batter, mixing until just combined. Stir in applesauce. Fold in raisins including liquid, and chopped pecans, and mix well. Pour into prepared pan and smooth the top.

Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, until top springs back when lightly touched and a cake tester comes out clean. Cool for 30 minutes, turn out onto a cooling rack, and cool completely. Spread bourbon cream cheese frosting just on top of the cake (not the sides) and place pecan halves on top. Serve at room temperature. The cake may be baked up to 3 days ahead and wrapped well. Frost before serving.

Bourbon Cream

Cheese Frosting: 6 oz. cream cheese, room temperature

6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, room temperature

1 Tbsp. bourbon

½ tsp. vanilla

½ lb. (about 2 cups plus 2 Tbsp.)

confectioner’s sugar, sifted

Place cream cheese, butter, bourbon and vanilla in a bowl and beat with electric mixer on medium speed until smooth. With mixer on low, slowly add the sugar and mix well.

ARTICHOKE CASSEROLE

Mary Helen Martin

Recipe Courtesy of Giada De Laurentiis

3 Tbsp. olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

1 lb. frozen artichoke hearts, thawed 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley leaves

¾ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. freshly ground black pepper

1/8 tsp. red pepper flakes

½ cup chicken broth

¼ cup Marsala wine

2 Tbsp. butter

1/3 cup plain breadcrumbs

1/3 cup grated Parmesan Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Warm olive oil in a heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add artichoke hearts, parsley, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes, and cook until artichoke hearts are starting to brown at edges, about 3 minutes. Add chicken broth and wine and simmer for 3 minutes. Transfer artichoke mixture to a 2-quart baking dish.

Melt butter in same skillet used to cook artichokes. In a small bowl mix melted butter with breadcrumbs. Stir in Parmesan and top artichokes with breadcrumbs. Bake until the top is golden, about 10 minutes.

SLOW COOKER APPLESAUCE SWEET POTATOES

Celeste Brassert

Dorman

3 lbs. sweet potatoes (about 5 medium), peeled and sliced

1 ½ cups unsweetened applesauce

2/3 cup brown sugar

3 Tbsp. butter, melted 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ½ cup glazed pecans, chopped, optional Place sweet potatoes in a 4-quart slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix applesauce, brown sugar,

melted butter and cinnamon. Pour over potatoes.

Cook covered on low 4 to 5 hours or until potatoes are tender. If desired, sprinkle with pecans before serving or serve separately. Serve with a slotted spoon. Serves 8.

LEMON CHESS PIE

Dawn Patterson

This is my motherin-law’s recipe.

9 inch pie crust

Beat together 2 eggs and gradually add 1 cup granulated sugar.

Add juice of 1 lemon and grated rind.

Add 4 Tbsp. melted salted butter.

After mixing all ingredients above, pour into pie crust and bake in a preheated oven at 450 degrees for 10 minutes, then reduce heat to 350 degrees until crust is golden. Watch pie closely so not to burn.

NEW ORLEANS MILK PUNCH

Jo Ellen James

This can be served right away but is best made the day before to allow it to “marinate.”

3 ½ cups milk

1 cup bourbon

½ to 1 tsp. vanilla extract

2 cups Breyer’s vanilla ice cream

In a blender, blend together milk, bourbon, vanilla and ice cream until creamy. Pour into glass and garnish with a bit of freshly grated nutmeg and/or a stick of cinnamon.

Option: Can add a little spice by adding some cinnamon to your punch.

COLLARD GREEN DIP

Macon Martin

Recipe is adapted from Alabama “Spinach” Dip in Southern Grit by Dothan author and restaurant owner Kelsey Barnard Clark. Since my collard greens are pretty perfect, I decided to make the dip using my own collards preparation.

1 bunch of collards made day before (see my recipe below)

2 cups grated Parmesan cheese

½ cup mayonnaise

1 cup shredded Gouda cheese

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 Tbsp. butter, melted ¼ cup fine ground cornmeal

Pork skins or pita chips for serving Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing

bowl, place Parmesan, mayonnaise and drained collards. Mix well. If too dry, mix in a little potlikker from collard green preparation.

In a separate mixing bowl, place panko breadcrumbs, gouda and melted butter. Toss to combine.

Grease an 11x7 dish and dust with the cornmeal.

Pour the collard mixture in the prepared dish, then top with panko mixture. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbling. Serve hot with pork skins or pita chips.

Macon's Collard

Greens: 1 bunch collard greens 2 boxes chicken broth 1 ham hock 2-3 strips bacon, diced

In a large pot, begin to brown bacon bits. After they have rendered, remove bacon bits and leave grease in pot.

Brown ham hock on all sides in bacon grease. Should be about 1 minute per side.

Turn heat down,

add chicken broth until it covers ham hock. Raise heat and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.

While stock is

simmering, clean collards. Begin by filling a large bowl or your sink with cold water. Remove the stem from every collard leaf. Roll leaves up and chiffonade. **If you are making the dip, chop chiffonade rolls even more for easier eating.** Place in sink or bowl to rinse dirt off. Drain well.

After 1 hour, place collard greens in pot and simmer for at least 1 hour.

What's Happening in Lee County

CAMP HILL MAIN STREET FALL HARVEST DAY

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

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

NAMI MEETING

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

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

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

O GROWS — SATURDAYS AT THE GARDEN

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

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.

The Lee County Remembrance Project and the NAACP Lee County Branch #m 5038 invite you to attend the Day of Remembrance ceremony in remembrance of the victims of racial terror lynchings here in Lee County.

Saturday, Nov. 5, 2022, at 10 a.m. CST Opelika Courthouse Square — Corner of South 9th Street and Avenue A in Opelika

Though limited, seating will be available if needed. A reception will be held at the Museum of East Alabama after the ceremony.

The museum is located across the street from the courthouse square.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

MEMORY CAFÉ

LRCOG Alabama Cares and REACH Community Respite are announcing a new adventure for care partners and those liv ing with cognitive decline or other forms of dementia.

A Memory Café event will be held at the Auburn University Regional Airport, 2150 Mike Hubbard Blvd., Nov. 4 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch will be provided, and attendees will be able to socialize while enjoying some aviation fun. Contact Leisa Askew for more information or to RSVP: 334-528-9215 or laskew@lrcog.com.

HAVE A COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT?

Email The Observer at Editor@OpelikaObserver.com to get your community announcement on this page.

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

RELIGION —

The Gnostic influencers John was opposing in 1 John were not known for their love. They were spiritual elitists. Anyone who was “in the know” as they were was OK, but everyone else was looked down upon in contempt. They were like some of the religious officials of Jesus’ day “who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everyone else,” (Luke 18:9).

The message to love each

This Is Love

other was one disciples had heard from the beginning (1 John 3:11). It was embedded in God’s love for mankind and embodied in the sacrificial death of Jesus. John goes back to another beginning to urge them not to be like Cain, who murdered his brother (v. 12). Initially this seems like a curious choice and a low bar (You’re to love each other, so don’t be like Cain and murder your brother) — but then John goes on to tell us that murder isn’t confined to a physical act — the person who hates their brother or sister is a murderer (v. 15). He has their attention now. He then goes on to remind them of what the essence of love is — it is Jesus laying down His life for us (v. 16). Gerald Paden told of a time he was teaching this text to a group of ministry students, one of whom had been a soldier. This student told the class of a battle he was in where he and his fellow soldiers were

pinned down by enemy gunfire. They quickly dug a trench for protection. Just when it looked like they might survive the situation, a grenade landed close to them. One of the soldiers threw himself on it and covered it with his body. The resulting explosion was fatal to him, but it saved the lives of the other soldiers. When the soldier-turnedstudent was asked how he felt about that, he said, “How should I feel? There I was, alive, covered with his blood.”

That’s our story too, isn’t it? At Calvary, Christ covered our sins with His body. It was fatal for Him but life for us. We are alive and covered with His blood.

Most people understand, sooner or later, that the meaning of life is somehow and, in some way, connected to love. And they look for ultimate love through their spouse, or family, or maybe in the love of a friend. These are

all glorious, wonderful things, but none of them can bear the weight of being ultimate love. There must be something bigger — something that reaches all people. And there is. Ultimate love is found outside Jerusalem on a little hill known as Golgotha, where the most loving person in human history laid down His life for the redemption of not just the best people in the world, but all people in the world.

I suppose it’s just a coincidence that this verse is found in the center of John’s letter. And it’s another coincidence that it’s 3:16, as in another well-known 3:16 that John wrote. But it’s no coincidence that the same John tells us in Revelation 5:6 that at the heart of the throne that rules the universe there is a lamb, “looking as if it had been slain.” At the center of everything is the sacrificial love of Jesus.

You can be like Ali

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

Hafed, who Russell Conwell tells us about in “Acres of Diamonds.” Seduced by dreams of wealth and riches, Hafed sold his large farming estate and traveled around the world in search of treasure. But he never found it. He died a broken and bereft man. Meanwhile, one of the largest clusters of diamonds ever found was discovered on the estate Hafed had sold to fund his search. He was sitting on top of acres of diamonds but never thought to look on his own land. It was too familiar. Like Hafed, we’re free to look anywhere and everywhere. But not only will we find nothing that eclipses the cross — we won’t find anything close!

The cross tells us that the God who knows us intimately loves us ultimately.

Bruce has written an entry-level book on Revelation called “The Thrill of Hope.” It is available through Amazon

ANGLICAN The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

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

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

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

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

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

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.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

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

I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God — this is your spiritual act of worship. — Romans 12:1

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION —

My father’s mealtime prayer came to mind when I overheard a disgusted father say to his young son, “For Christ’s sake, can’t you close the door without slamming it!”

Dad’s prayer ended with those three words: “Bless Heavenly Father this food

to our use and ourselves to Thy service, for Christ’s sake, Amen.” Strange, I thought, that those three words can have two different meanings.

When I examined the history of the phrase, I was surprised to learn that its use today is considered more vulgar than sacred.

Centuries ago, the words were used to acknowledge that our “service” is done “for Christ,” or “on account of” what Christ has done for us. The word “sake” has to do with the motivating cause of something we do, as in “For the sake of the poor, we serve hot meals every day at the Mercy House.” So, providing food for hungry people is

For Christ’s Sake

something we may do “for Christ’s sake.”

Sad it is that over time, “for Christ’s sake” has become a colloquial expression used to express disgust, outrage, contempt, surprise and even boredom and frustration. A gentler synonym that is heard sometime is “for heaven’s sake.” So, good people, without realizing it, are now guilty of blasphemy, using Christ’s name sacrilegiously, when they express their frustration or disgust by beginning a sentence with the words, “For Christ’s sake.”

On the other hand, if we love Christ because of what He did for us, we should be doing

things for Him; in other words, serving others “for Christ’s sake.” In one of his devotionals in “Morning By Morning,” Charles Spurgeon asks a disturbing question: “How will you feel when your Master comes, if you have to confess that you did nothing for Him, but kept your love shut up, like a stagnant pool, neither flowing forth to His poor or to His work?” He responds to his own question by declaring, “Who will accept a love so weak that it does not actuate you to a single deed of self-denial, of generosity, of heroism, or zeal!”

It is interesting that Spurgeon lived during

OBITUARIES

JAMES TIMOTHY (TIM) MCCLAIN

James Timothy McClain (Tim), age 76, passed peacefully on Friday, Oct 21, 2022, at his daughters’ home in Knoxville, Tennessee. He was born Aug. 15, 1946, in Birmingham Alabama. He graduated from DeKalb High School in 1964. He worked for Days Inn, Lighthouse Christian Bookstore, Wood You and Opelika Sewing Company.

He was a member of First Baptist Church since 1988, devout Christian of the Baptist faith and attended Providence Baptist Church. He served in the United States Army Reserves from 1968 to 1972. In his free time, he enjoyed gardening, listening to music and the joy of his family.

Preceded in death by Lois and Oscar McClain and granddaughter Jacqueline Dumay. Survived by Daughter Ashley Lyons (Julie), Son Jt McClain (Maggie), Son Jonathan McClain (Jane), Daughter Elisabeth Grimes (Stetson), Daughter Katie McClain.

Grandchildren: Charles Kenneth, Xavier, Tannon, Kolby, Lincoln, Ryleigh.

Great Grandchildren: Camden, Ledger, Odin; Brother Doug McClain (Donna), Sister Jenny Meadows (Kevin). Services were held at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home. Visitation was held on Friday, Oct. 28 from 6 to 8 p.m. Chapel Services were held Oct. 29 at 11a.m. and a

graveside followed. Family request in lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Judes Childrens Hospital in honor of Tim.

DONALD PARKER

Donald Parker, a follower of Jesus Christ and catalyst of three generations of graduates from the University of Alabama, passed away on Oct. 22. A Lineville, Alabama, native, he was 87 years old. He was the son of Emmitt and Maudie Parker. Don was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers; Harold, James, Robert, sister Wilma Poland, daughters Connie and Cecilia. He is survived by his devoted and loving wife of 63 years, Jean, and his caring son Steve, wife (Shelley) of Johns Creek, Georgia. His grandchildren were his pride and joy, Casey, husband (Alec) and Colin Parker.

Don was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Opelika for 64 years and a long-time member of the Berry Dudley Adult 8 Sunday school class. He was a graduate of Lineville High School before getting his degree from the Capstone. He began working for the Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company as office manager in Mobile, Alabama. He then moved to Opelika and was one of the first two employees hired by the then U.S. Rubber Company (Uniroyal) as it was being constructed. He began as

accountant on Sept. 23, 1963.

Don eventually retired as the accounting manager with 32 years of service from the last owner of the plant, the Michelin Tire Company.

Don had been a member of The Opelika-Auburn Elks Club, the Opelika Exchange Club and was an officer in the local chapter of the Alabama Alumni Association for more than 30 years. He was a loyal supporter of the University of Alabama and Crimson Tide athletics. He was a charter member of the Tide Pride program and was a member of the Alabama Alumni Association until his death.

In the fall of every year, Don and Jean followed the Crimson Tide to Tuscaloosa and other stadiums in the southeast along with their tailgating friends, Hails and Betty Taylor. Don’s connection to the university remained strong over the years as his son and grandson’s attendance allowed him to travel to Tuscaloosa several times. Don’s last on-campus visit was to attend Colin’s graduation in 2018.

A visitation service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Oct. 29, followed by a graveside service at the Garden Hills Cemetery.

The family respectfully declines gifts of flowers in lieu of memorial contributions in Don’s memory. Please send checks to:

First Baptist Church of Opelika 301 S. 8th St.

Opelika, AL 36801 or online to The University of Alabama at give.ua.edu.

WILLIAM WILEY (BILL) MAULDIN

William Wiley (Bill)

Mauldin, 79, formerly of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away on Friday, Oct. 28, 2022, in Auburn.

Born on Oct. 11, 1943, in Donalsonville, Georgia, and raised in Abbeville, Alabama, he was an exceptional athlete who excelled at baseball and football. Bill graduated from Abbeville High School and went on to earn an undergraduate degree from Auburn University. After graduating from Auburn University, Bill was employed by the state of Alabama, Department of Industrial Relations until his retirement. He was active in youth sports and coached girls’ softball for many years in Huntsville. In addition, he enjoyed gardening and fishing. Bill is survived by Angela Gray Mauldin; children, Liz Mauldin Tanaka (Clem); Wiley Mauldin (Pok) of Auburn; Gray Mauldin (Sunny) of Lyndhurst, Virginia; and grandchildren, Marissa and Tyler Tanaka. Bill will be interned at Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville.

MICHALA NICHOLE OWEN

Michala Nichole Owen was born on June 14, 1994, and passed away on Oct. 27, 2022. She was 28 years old.

the 19th century when “for Christ’s sake” was a sacred phrase, used often in prayers to invoke or seek the support of the Savior who redeemed us from our sins. Spurgeon even said “for Christ’s sake” can be like a “tongue of fire” that makes us “bold as lions and swift as eagles” in the Lord’s service. When we think of how Christ loved us, and gave Himself for us, the very power of His love should “give wings to the feet of service, and strength to the arms of labor.”

When I consider that Christ died on the cross for me, that He has forgiven my sins, that He has set my feet upon a

rock, that He has given me peace with God, that He has written my name in His book of life, that He has prepared a place for me in the Father’s House, that He has had mercy upon me every time I have failed Him, that He has blessed me with His strengthening presence for 90 years, that He has guided me patiently through the valley of sorrow, I should be ashamed not to constantly use every gift and resource at my command “for Christ’s sake” until my last breath. What, in these days, are you doing for Christ’s sake?

Michala is survived by her parents Alicia and David Tielking, her fiancé John Munroe, her son Zachary Tielking; her great-grandmother Annette Clanton, grandparents Ronnie (Gletha) Tielking and Margaret Owen. She leaves behind sisters and brothers: Barbara Mann, Victoria (Wesley) Trowell, Amber Owen, Nick (Faith) Owen and Charles Tielking; her great uncle and aunt Mike (Julie) Goodson, aunts and uncles Christopher (Tina) Garrett, Amy (Cory) Childs, Jonathan Tielking, Tonya (Johnny) Watkins, Josh (Addy) Tielking; nieces and nephews Abby, Clayton, Grace, Eli, Waylon, Tyler, and Faith; her special friends Emily Hickman, Summer Patterson, Paige Windsor and numerous cousins.

Michala was preceded in death by her greatgrandparents Margaret and James Goodson, and Claude Clanton, grandparents Deborah (Euguene) Mann, Richard Garrett, and Palmer Owen Sr. as well as her birth father Palmer Owen Jr.

Visitation was held on Oct. 31, 2022, in the parlor of Frederick-Dean Funeral Home and the funeral service followed at 1 p.m. in the Chapel with family leading the service. Burial was at Auburn Memorial Park.

PAMELA SAVARESE DAVIS

Pamela Savarese Davis, a longtime resident of Opelika,

went to be with her Heavenly Father on Oct. 30, 2022, at the age of 75. She was born in Gulfport, Mississippi, on July 4, 1947, to Alvin and Lucille Savarese.

She was a member of Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church in Opelika. Pam was the cornerstone of the family, giving selflessly as a devoted wife, mother, and Mimi. She was a friend and mother to all, offering wisdom and love with open ears and arms. She radiated love, joy, and touched the lives of everyone she encountered.

She is survived by her husband, Raymond T. Davis Jr.; children, Angy (Malek Eljiche), Tripp (Shelly) Davis; sister ,Janice (Dan) Goodwin; grandchildren, Zach, Avery, Brantley and Aiden; and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and family members.

Visitation and funeral service will be held at Wesley Memorial United Methodist Church located at 2506 Marvyn Parkway, Opelika, on Friday, Nov. 4, 2022.

Visitation will begin at 1 p.m. central time with service to follow at 2 p.m. Internment will follow at Garden Hill Cemetery in Opelika. Pastor Paul Ferrell will be officiating.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home & Crematory will be handling arrangements.

Pepperell Village Hosts Trunk or Treat

Harvest Evangelism Honors Community Members

On Thursday, Oct. 27, even though dusk was settling over Pepperell Village, bright lights of love and intergenerational outreach were celebrated through the Pepperell Baptist Church Trunk or Treat, sponsored by Pepperell Baptist Church and Auburn/Opelika Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS). The event was held from 5 to 7 p.m., and the trunks were creatively decorated to welcome young children and families into the community. The Opelika Fire Department visited and shared fire prevention tips with the children and families. The big red fire truck was a center of delight for all. Members spent much time with the children and families in the community and offered them treats. The Opelika Police Department also brought a police car to show and entertain the children. They shared many safety lessons and tips. Aubie, the mascot from Auburn University, had fun running and playing with the children through the many 'Trunk and Treat' amusements. Auburn/Ope lika MOPS provided pizza, chips and water for the families. It was a wonderful night of love, fun and fellowship. Thursday night was a reminder that “It takes a whole village to raise a child.”

Harvest Evangelism hosted a banquet Oct. 27 to celebrate the men and women who went through the Hosanna Home and His Place programs. Guests heard inspiring stories from the participants and enjoyed a wonderful dinner. Pictured left: Dr. Rusty Sowell, senior pastor of Providence Baptist Church and and Rick Hagan, pastor of Harvest Evangelism.

COMICS

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

Schools S

MARK

MARK MITCHELL

OHS XC Competes in Sectionals

OPELIKA —

O pelika's girls’ and boys’ cross country teams participated in the AHSAA Class 7A, Section 2 meet at Auburn’s Kiesel Park last weekend. The Bulldogs’ top two qualifiers were Brantley Turnham, who finished sec ond with a time of 16:49.32, and Chas Brewer, who placed third at 16:49.52. The final standings are listed below for the girls and boys. The top six qualifiers ad vance to the AHSAA State Meet, Saturday, Nov. 4, at Oakville Indian Mounds Park in Moulton, Alabama.

OHS GIRLS’ RESULTS: 22:01.61 - Paola Torres - 16th 22:09.64 - Violett Alcorn - 19th 23:02.26 - Caroline Couey - 29th 23:53.84 - Margaret Bice - 32nd 24:28.67 - Joanne Smith T - 36th 25:37.94 - Susan Gaston - 44th 26:24.22 - Carlie Moates - 48th 26:27.20 - Frida Cruz Valdez49th 27:01.06Ellie Kendrick

- 52nd 27:45.38 - Maddie Taunton - 53rd OHS BOYS’ RESULTS: 16:49.32 - Brantley Turnham - 2nd 16:54.47 - Chas Brewer - 3rd 19:06.08 - Michael Hart - 25th 19:14.01 - Trey White - 27th 19:35.63 - Zalen Shaw - 32nd 19:53.04 - Zane Sexton - 36th 20:06.43 - Ben Bell - 39th 20:51.01 - Burch Harris - 48th 20:51.42 - Amari Bynum - 49th 22:04.11 - Alexander Burgess - 54th AHSAA

The AHSAA foot ball playoffs begin Friday for 32 teams in class 1A through class 6A, and 16 teams in class 7A. The final two teams in each class will play in the Super 7 football champion ship at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn. Six defending cham pions qualified for the playoffs: Sweet Water, Clarke County, Piedmont, Pike Road, Clay-Chalkville and Thompson. One of the big gest highlights of

AUBURN: NOV. 8 AT 6:30 P.M.

LEE COUNTY: NOV. 15 AT 6 P.M.

OPELIKA: DEC. 8 AT 4:30 P.M.

Area Football Roundup: Playoffs Begin Friday

outlooks that lie ahead.

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

The 2022 high school football regular season came to its official end last Friday night. Lee-Scott shut out Edgewood to cap off an undefeated season; Auburn, Beauregard and Glenwood

continued their win ning ways; and the playoff picture became all the more clearer.

A number of local teams will be in action this Friday, Nov. 4, in the first round of post season play.

The following is a breakdown of how area teams fared in the final week of the regular season and the playoff

All stats were com piled firsthand, by school sources or by Maxpreps.com.

AHSAA

AUBURN 63 |SMITHS STATION 0

The varsity Auburn high school football team defeated Smiths Station, 63-0, last Friday night, im proving the Tigers to

9-1, 7-1 in the region this season. Smiths Station finishes its 2022 season with a 1-9 record, the lone win coming against region foe Prattville on Sept. 2. Auburn will host the Fairhope Pirates (8-2) at DuckSamford Stadium on Friday, Nov. 4, for its first round 7A playoff

Local Youth Fencers Take Top Honors

PHOTO BY JERRY BALLAS FOR THE OBSERVER

The varsity Lee-Scott Academy Warriors football team completed an undefeated season (10-0) Friday, Oct. 28, with a 55-0 win over Edgewood.

Members of the Auburn Fencing Club in Opelika, Alabama, recently attended a southeast region fencing competition in Tennesse and came back with four gold medals, sweeping the y12 women's foil podium along with numerous other medals. The following fencers medaled: Lina Park (1st place y12 women's foil and 1st place y14 women's foil); Zena Park (2nd place y12 women's foil, 7th place y14, 8th place Cadet); Julie Choi (3rd place y12 women's foil); Jeemin Lee (1st place y10 women's foil); Edward (Eunsong) Lim (1st place y10 men's foil); Benjamin Yoon (2nd place y12 men's foil); and Junwoo Choi (3rd place y10 men's foil).

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSREVER

SR

SR.

JR.

Beulah Wraps Up 2022

matchup. The Pirates have averaged 36.3 points, and allowed 26.8 points per game this season. Auburn has averaged 38.9 points, and allowed 17.3 points per game this season. The two teams have no common opponents. With a win, Auburn will advance to the sec ond round of the play offs on Nov. 11, where they will host either Foley (7-3) or Dothan (7-3). The Tigers de feated Dothan 42-14 on Sept. 2 of this season.

BEAUREGARD 28 | LINCOLN 17

The varsity Beauregard Hornets football team (9-1, R41) defeated Lincoln (4-6, R2-4) by a score of 28-17 last Friday night. The Hornets are set to host Marbury (4-6, R2-3) in a first round 5A playoff matchup this Friday, Nov. 4. Beauregard has averaged 28.8 points, and allowed 16 points per game this season. Marbury has averaged just 18.8 points, and allowed 27.6 points per game this season. Marbury lost to Jemison, Selma and Elmore County this season — three

teams that Beauregard beat by a combined score of 106 to 50. Both teams beat their other common oppo nent, Tallassee. With a win, Beauregard will advance to play either Headland (6-4) or UMS-Wright Prep (100) on Nov. 11.

BEULAH 13 | HORSESHOE BEND 16

The varsity Beulah Bobcats football team (1-9, R1-5) closed out their 2022 season with a 16-13 loss to Horseshoe Bend (4-6, R1-6) Friday night. Beulah totaled 130 yards on the night and its two touchdowns came from sophomore running back Demarion Foreman. The two-way standout finished with 62 rushing yards and two touchdowns, to go along with 70 receiving yards, one interception and a fumble recovery.

Senior quarterback Noah Higdon threw for 98 yards and recovered a fumble while making six tackles in his final game for the Bobcats.

LOACHAPOKA

The only local playoff team who was not in action last Friday night was Loachapoka (8-1, R6-1). The team has a home, first round 1A playoff matchup against

Keith (5-5) on Friday, Nov. 4. Loachapoka has averaged 32.2 points, and allowed 11.1 points per game in 2022. Keith has averaged 25.4 points, and allowed 23.7 points per game this season. The two teams have no com mon opponents. With a win, Loachapoka will advance to play either Millry (8-1) or Florala (7-3) on Nov. 11 in the second round.

AISA

LEE-SCOTT 55 | EDGEWOOD 0

The Lee-Scott Academy Warriors (10-0, R7-0) completed an undefeated sea son Friday night after defeating Edgewood (5-7, R3-1) by a score of 55-0. The Warriors’ defense allowed just 42 yards, while the offense totaled 393. Seven dif ferent players scored for Lee-Scott in total.

The Warriors’ plaudits this season earned them a first round bye this weekend in the AISA 3A playoff. Lee Scott awaits the winner of Monroe (4-6, R3-4) and Valiant Cross Academy (3-6, R3-4), who play Friday, Nov. 4, in the semi-final round. That game will be played at Judd-Scott field on Nov. 11. Lee-Scott

outscored both Monroe and Valiant by a com bined margin of 87-7 earlier this season. If the Warriors win the second round game on Nov. 11, they will need just one more win on Friday, Nov. 17, to be crowned state champions.

GLENWOOD 48 | CHAMBERS ACADEMY 7

The varsity

Glenwood Gators foot ball team (7-3, R6-1) defeated Chambers Academy (7-3, R4-0) by a score of 48-7 last Friday night. The win closed out the regular season for Glenwood, who has a bye in the first round of the AISA 3A playoff this Friday. Glenwood awaits the winner of Morgan (64, R4-3) and Autauga

Academy (3-6, R2-5), who play Friday Nov. 4, in the semi-final round. The Gators de feated both Morgan and Autauga by a com bined margin of 112-45 earlier this season. If Glenwood wins its sec ond round matchup, it will need just one more victory to be crowned state champion.

eauregard Hornets

PLAYER WEEK of the

JR. RB JACORI TARVER

RUSHES,

Lee

YARDS, TD

Office is proud to support

PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER

ROUNDUP >>

The varsity Beulah Bobcats (1-9, R1-5) football team finished its season with a 16-13 home loss to Horseshoe Bend on Friday, Oct. 28. For more information, read "Area Football Roundup: Playoffs Begin Friday" page B1.

Tigers Triumph Over Bulldogs in Playoffs

PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS FOR THE OBSERVER

The varsity Auburn High School flag football team defeated Opelika in the second round of the playoffs on Thursday, Oct. 27, by a score of 20-0. The loss ended OHS's season. For more information on the flag foot ball team's playoffs, read D. Mark Mitchell's column on page B1.

PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN FOR THE OBSERVER

Auburn Blanks Smiths in Regular Season Finale

The varsity Auburn High football team trounced Smiths Station on senior night, 63-0.

win clinched

spot

region

Tigers

up a home,

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / FOR THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN ATHLETICS/AUBURN UNIVERSITY

AUBURN —

The following is a com bination of three news releases from Auburn University athletics re garding changes to the football team and athletic department.

AUBURN ANNOUNCES CHANGE IN FOOTBALL LEADERSHIP

Auburn University has decided to make a change in the leadership of the Auburn University foot ball program. President Roberts made the decision after a thorough review and evaluation of all as pects of the football pro gram. Auburn will begin an immediate search for a coach that will return the Auburn program to a place where it is con sistently competing at the highest levels and representing the winning tradition that is Auburn

Harsin is Out; New AD, Interim Coach Selected

football.

JOHN COHEN NAMED DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY

John Cohen, who has more than two decades as a coach and adminis trator in the Southeastern Conference, has been named the 16th director of athletics at Auburn University, President Dr. Chris Roberts announced Monday. Cohen has spent the previous 14 years at Mississippi State in various capacities, most recently as the athletic director the past six years.

“John has a wealth of experience in college ath letics, particularly in the Southeastern Conference, and his resume and references are impecca ble,” Roberts said. “His leadership and success as a head coach and an athletic director speak for themselves. John will embrace Auburn and be a tremendous leader for our

athletics program as we move forward.”

Cohen’s career in college athletics began as a baseball player at Mississippi State before entering the coaching ranks for 25 years that included being a two-time SEC Coach of the Year at State. Named director of athletics at MSU on Nov. 4, 2016, Cohen led the Bulldog program to re cord-breaking success ath letically, academically and in facilities enhancement during his tenure.

“I’m extremely grateful to President Roberts for the opportunity to be the next director of athletics at Auburn University,” Cohen said. “Auburn is an incredibly special place, as is demonstrated by the hall of fame coaches and athletes that have been a part of its storied history. I understand the traditions and values at Auburn and look forward

to continuing those tra ditions. I’m humbled and honored to be joining the Auburn family.”

Cohen’s first directive as athletic director was to elevate Rich McGlynn to deputy athletics director, where the two will work together to further elevate the Auburn Athletics Department.

Athletically, Cohen oversaw arguably the greatest era in Bulldog athletics history, high lighted by a 2021 College World Series Championship for the school's first team national title in any sport. A total of five Bulldog programs turned in a program-best season with Cohen at the helm of the department, including softball (2022), baseball (2021), volleyball (2021), soccer (2018) and women's basketball (2017, 2018).

A nationally re spected leader within

intercollegiate athletics, Cohen serves on the pres tigious 10-member NCAA Division I Baseball Committee as part of a four-year term that began on Sept. 1, 2019. Cohen is one of 16 individuals who have played and coached in the College World Series and one of just two among that elite group, who have played, coached and later served as director of athletics for a participating school. He is one of three active SEC athletics directors to hire an eventual national championship-winning head coach in any sport.

Cohen, who spent more than two decades coach ing college baseball, was named MSU’s head base ball coach in July of 2008.

Nine years later, Cohen’s official role in adminis tration began when he assumed the role of asso ciate athletic director in addition to head baseball

Auburn Loses 4th Game in a Row

coach. Success shouldn’t come as a surprise, as it was never far removed from him during his 12-year run as a head coach in the SEC. His teams were suc cessful both on the field and in the classroom. At MSU, he led the Bulldogs to a College World Series finals appearance, an SEC regular season championship and an SEC Tournament champi onship. In the classroom upon his arrival in 2009, 133 players were selected to the SEC Academic Honor Roll, including three straight SEC Scholar Athlete of the Year win ners from 2013-15.

As a baseball player at MSU, Cohen was a key player on the Bulldogs’ 1989 SEC championship team and 1990 College World Series team. He graduated from MSU with

The Auburn Tigers (3-5) were defeated at home, 41-27, by the Arkansas Razorbacks (5-3) last Saturday, Oct. 29. The Tigers go on the road Saturday, Nov. 5, to face the Mississippi State Bulldogs (5-3).

PHOTOS BY ROBERT BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Auburn Board of Education Applications Available Through Nov. 21

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN

AUBURN —

The Auburn City Council is now accept ing applications to fill an unexpired term on the Auburn City Board of Education. The term will begin upon

appointment and end May 31, 2026.

The board of edu cation consists of five members who adminis ter and manage Auburn’s public schools. Members serve five-year terms and must:

• be an Auburn resident,

Southern Christian Gets Back to Winning Ways

• not be a city council member,

• be a person of good moral character,

• hold a high school diploma or its equivalent,

• not be employed by the board of education, • not be serving on the governing board of

SPORTS >>

FROM B1

the playoffs involve UMS-Wright head coach Terry Curtis, who is tied with Buddy Anderson for most wins (346 wins) by a high school football coach in Alabama. UMSWright will host Headland Friday night.

Locally, Dadeville, Auburn, Benjamin Russell, Beauregard, Lanett and Loachapoka made the playoffs.

a private elementary or secondary educational institution, • not be on the National Sex Offender Registry or the State Sex Offender Registry and • have not been con victed of a felony.

The board of educa tion meets on the second

fourth possession resulted in another touchdown off of a run from Daniels once again. The extra point was good on a pass from Daniels to KayKay Dowell, which put the Dawgs up 19-0 at halftime.

Tuesday of each month at 6 p.m. in the Auburn Junior High School Multimedia Room.

Those interested in serving on the Auburn City Board of Education are invited to apply online using the link at auburnalabama.org/ boards. Applications

AUBURN>>

FROM

a degree in English in 1990 and received a master's degree in sports management from the University of Missouri in 1994.

will be accepted until 5 p.m. on Nov. 21.

Once applications have been reviewed, final candidates will be interviewed by mem bers of the Auburn City Council. The city council will make an appointment at its Dec. 20 meeting.

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

The varsity Southern Christian Academy Patriots improved to 3–5 on the season with a 40-8 win against Meadowview Christian last Friday night.

The Patriots jumped on their opponents from the beginning of the game, taking a 26-0 lead after just one quarter. Southern Christian kept the mo mentum going in the second quarter as they ex tended their lead to 40-0.

“I believe our offensive line has finally found their purpose on the team and accepted their responsibilities,” said Southern Christian head coach Jason Scott on the impressive offensive performance. “I have told them from the beginning that if we are going to win, they are going to be the guys leading the charge. And I think they finally accepted that idea.”

Meadowview managed to score a touchdown and two-point conversion late in the game, but the damage was already do ne. Despite only earning

11 first downs compared to Meadowview’s 20, the Patriots played a clean game, committing just three penalties for 15 yards, and won the turn over battle, recovering one fumble en route to the win.

Offensively, freshman Jackson Dooley led the Patriots with 78 yards passing and two touch downs. No Patriot rusher managed to find the end zone, but the team tallied 77 yards on the ground.

Defensively, Junior Josiah Frick led the patri ots with 11 total tackles — four more than anyone else on the team.

The Patriots will close out their 2022 season with a game against Trinity in Pelham, Alabama, Friday, Nov. 4. Scott is expecting a good performance from his team as the Southern Christian junior varsity team defeated Trinity 460 last week.

“Ending the season on a win will mean a lot to our coaches and our guys,” Scott said. “It will inspire them to work harder in the offseason and hopefully give them some good stories to tell their family and friends. That’s what it’s all about in the end, anyways.”

The Alabama Independent School Association begins their football play offs Friday night. Lee-Scott made history Friday night by finishing 10-0 in the regular season. Head coach Buster Daniel's Warriors earned a bye to the semi-finals and will play the winner of the Valiant Cross/ Monroe game, Nov. 10 at LSA's Judd Scott Field. A win puts Lee-Scott in the Championship game at Montgomery's Cramton Bowl, Nov. 17.

OHS FLAG FOOTBALL

Opelika High flag football team opened the play offs with a 25-0 win over Booker T. Washington last Wednesday at DuckSamford Stadium.

In the first pos session of the game, Opelika drove down the field and quarter back Cherdi Daniels scored on a run play. The Dawgs went up 6-0. On the third time on offense, Jasmine Smith got a handoff from Daniel and ran the ball in for a touchdown. The

In the second half, Daniels found Z Fanning on a long pass, who ran it in to the endzone for a touchdown. The dawgs held strong on defense, not al lowing Booker T. to get over half field for the entirety of the contest. With the win, the Bulldogs ad vanced to the second round of the playoffs, where they played Auburn at DuckSamford Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 27.

The Bulldogs ul timately lost, 20-0, which brought their season to a close with a final record of 15-7.

OMS FOOTBALL

The Opelika Middle School eighth grade football team completed a success ful season with a 7-1 record. The middle school Bulldogs beat Wetumpka, Millbrook, Prattville, Auburn, Smiths Station, Central and Valley. Head coach Dustin Ferguson praised the mem bers of the team, on and off the field. Congrats OMS. D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

Following a six-year stint with Missouri as a graduate assistant and assistant coach, Cohen was the head coach at Northwestern State University from 19982001. Cohen spent two seasons as an assistant baseball coach at the University of Florida before becoming the head coach at the University of Kentucky in 2004, a position he held for five seasons before returning to his alma mater. Cohen guided the Wildcats to the program’s first SEC championship in 2006 with a remarkable worst-to-first finish in his third season.

While winning 284 games as a head coach at MSU, Cohen demon strated a keen ability to develop players and coaches. During his tenure, 138 MSU base ball players were select ed in the Major League Baseball Draft. His influence can be seen throughout the SEC, as four of his former assistants are now or have been head coach es — Brad Bohannon (Alabama), Gary Henderson (Kentucky/ Mississippi State), Nick Mingione (Kentucky) and Butch Thompson (Auburn).

Cohen is the only coach in SEC history to win an SEC champion ship, SEC tournament championship and advance to the College World Series both as a player and head coach. He and Ron Polk are the only two baseball coaches in SEC his tory to lead multiple

schools to SEC titles. His 2013 Bulldog club advanced to the CWS championship series for the first time in MSU history. Cohen also had the privilege of being a part of a College World Series as a player, head coach and three times as an athletic director (2018, ’19, ’21).

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

1992-94: Graduate Assistant, Missouri 1995-97: Assistant Coach, Missouri 1998-2001: Head Coach, Northwestern State 2002-03: Assistant Coach, Florida 2004-08: Head Coach, Kentucky 2009-16: Head Coach, Mississippi State July 2016-November 2016: Associate Athletic Director, Mississippi State November 2016-October 2022: Director of Athletics, Mississippi State

CARNELL WILLIAMS

HEAD COACH Carnell “Cadillac” Williams, who was an all-American running back at Auburn and has served as an assistant coach the previous four seasons, will serve as interim head coach for the remainder of the season.

As a player at Auburn, Williams helped lead Auburn to an undefeated season in 2004 while earning All-America honors that year. The 2005 NFL Rookie of the Year, Williams had a seven-year NFL career before entering the coaching ranks. The Auburn graduate is in his fourth season as an assistant coach, where he has served as the Tigers’ running backs coach.

Home + Auto = Savings

Stephanie

NAMED AUBURN INTERIM

As we enter this season of November, in which we can celebrate the whole season in gratitude, I drive down the streets of Opelika and out in the county and am awed by the beautiful autumn colors this year. It will take your breath away. You do not have to go to oth er states or other places to enjoy fall beauty — God has provided us a truly beautiful fall right here. We just have to slow down, be still and look at the beau tiful trees which line our roads and dot our landscapes everywhere. This kind of fall driving adventure is so good

for young children to see and experience. The evening sun shining through the beautiful fall leaves is a beautiful masterpiece.

I also know from our church nursery, when we have services, that our young children love to be picked up and look through our windows as the fall sky breaks out in pink and blue as the sun goes down. They absolutely love seeing the different colors spread across the sky.

As we enter this sea son of gratitude and harvest in all that God has done, many of our activities turn toward our homes in family celebrations. This is

Grateful For Young Helping Hands

such a special season to include your children as helping hands. Children love to help. I know as a teacher and parent that it takes time to guide little hands in learning to pick up and clean up. Sometimes, as adults, we want to go ahead and do it ourselves, but we must remember this is how young chil dren learn. Assigning age-developmental tasks that young chil dren can do truly gives our children a gift of feeling responsible and trusted when we allow them to help us at home and in the classroom. It may take a little longer to do a chore, but it is well worth it. It is a life lesson.

There are so many readiness and academic lessons to be learned through household chores that truthfully aid your child’s de velopmental learning. Sorting laundry into piles, like the family’s dirty or clean clothes, allows them to sort what belongs to mom, dad, brother, sister, etc. They can sort and pair up socks that are alike and different. They can sort silverware by put ting forks in one slot and spoons in another

slot. They can also help sort coins into proper stacks of pennies, nick els, dimes and quarters as you straighten up around the house.

Taking time to teach your child to set the table — like count ing how many family members you have and how many plates, cups, forks and knives will be needed for each fami ly member — teaches your child about pat terning and one-to-one correspondence.

When children help their parents to safely cook in the kitchen, they learn order and se quence by following the steps of a recipe. To let a parent know when the timer goes off teaches a child the concept of the length of time and using the clock to tell time. In the kitchen, the quanti ties of measurement can also be taught.

Fractions can be taught as you cut up fruits and vegetables. Comparing sizes and amounts is another math lesson learned.

Children, when they are taught and they ob serve their parents or teachers, love to clean. One of my rewards to my students if we have had a good week

is for us to clean the classroom on a Friday afternoon before going home for the weekend. The magic of SAFELY spraying a cleanser just fascinates young children. Their little hands will scrub and scrub as they feel like they are important in helping their family. I love to spray shaving cream on my classroom tables for the children to draw pictures in, as well as clean the table. Instruct them not to rub the cream in their eyes. This idea can be adapt ed in cleaning bathroom counters or other hard surfaces in the home.

Children love to sweep and mop with small toy brooms and mops in small areas where they can see re sults. This suggestion requires parent assess ment and guidance, but let your child (if not al lergic to dust) draw with their fingers in dust before safely dusting the furniture in different shape motions, like a circular or rectangular motion. Under parents’ guidance, furniture polish can be used. Children love to shine a table and see their reflection.

In their rooms,

spending time to show them how to pick up their toys and putting them in the same spot requires time, patience and clear directions. Again, children need routine and repetition so they can gain a sense of confidence when they put their toys back in the right spot. Also, taking the time to show your little ones how to make their bed, sort their books from smallest to largest and just straighten up their rooms teaches a child how to be proud of their own space. As an early childhood teacher, I have seen this happen over and over in the classroom when chil dren are taught how to help and clean up. We all like to be rewarded for the work we have done. With children, simply keeping a paper chart where they can see when you reward them with a happy face or sticker is all they need. This kind of sim ple reinforcement will encourage them to help you when they see a need!

Classroom Observer Beth Pinyerd

115 years ago AuburnBank was founded on the

As we’ve opened our new home in downtown Auburn,

principles still drive everything we do. Come by and help us celebrate our most recent success, and let’s talk

helping you

yours.

BETH PINYERD

L labama Politics ee County & A

Inside the Statehouse Election Year Observerations

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

This 2022 elec tion year in Alabama has been monumental and memorable. Any gu bernatorial year is big in the state. It is the brass ring of Alabama politics to be governor. However, the race to succeed our senior Sen. Richard Shelby has been the marquee contest. This year will be the last hurrah for our two leading political figures in the state.

Shelby is retiring af ter 36 years in the U.S. Senate at age 88. Gov. Kay Ivey will be elected to her final term as gov ernor at 78 years old.

An observation that occurred to me during the year that many of you may not know or realize is the power that Jimmy Rane, the legendary successful businessman from Abbeville, possesses. He is known to many Alabamians as the fa mous friendly giant sit ting atop a horse as the Yella Fella on the ads of yesteryear promot ing his Great Southern Wood Company.

In my years of observ ing Alabama politics, I do not believe there has been an individual that has been the closest confidant and friend to the two most powerful political people in the state.

Shelby and Ivey are unquestionably the two most powerful political people in the state, but they are arguably two of the most important political figures in mod ern Alabama political history. If you sat both Ivey and Shelby down and asked them to tell you their best friend and confidant, they both would probably say Rane.

Ivey and Rane have been friends and allies since their college days at Auburn University 60 years ago. Shelby and Rane have been bonded for at least 36 years.

As busy as Shelby has been as one of the most important leaders in Washington and world affairs, for the last 10 years a week does not go by that Shelby and Rane do not talk. Rane knows when Shelby has a cold before his wife Annette knows. Rane has been Ivey’s and Shelby’s benefactor and ally for not what they can do for him. He does not get anything out of his relationship with Shelby and Ivey. He is just their friend.

He is also loyal to his hometown of Abbeville and Henry County.

The Great Southern Wood is the main thing in Abbeville and a mainstay for the entire Wiregrass. His benevo lence to his hometown is unparalleled.

Another develop ment I have watched this year is some good old-fashioned, hardnosed hard work on the campaign trail by some of the 2022 candidates.

It is understandable that those running for office on this year’s ballot would be on the cam paign trail.

However, one Twinkle Andress Cavanaugh, the

president of the Public Service Commission, has canvassed the rural counties of Alabama more extensively than most of the successful candidates running statewide this year.

And, folks, her name was not even on the ballot this year. She runs for reelection to the PSC presidency in 2024. To say that she will be unbeatable for reelection to her post as head of the PSC would be an understatement.

Cavanaugh is prob ably the best-known political figure in the state going forward in the post Shelby/Ivey era. She has run state wide numerous times and has been success ful in most of those races. When you run that many times, you build a grassroots or ganization. Then, you add that she has been chair of the Republican Party and a loyal sup porter of popular past Republican presidents. She has not let any grass grow under her feet this year. She has watered that grassroots organization during this off year with oneon-one visits, especial ly to the remote rural counties of the state. Her diligence will pay off in future years. She is still young and a good bet to be governor or U.S. senator one day.

Folks in Montgomery and throughout the state are glad to see state Sen. Billy Beasley run again, successfully, for another term. He is one of the most wellliked and respected members of the upper chamber in the state capitol. Beasley is the only white Democrat in the Alabama Senate. Do not bet on his not

Floral Park Cell Phone Tower Plans Stall

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

The Opelika City Council held its regular work session before the 6 p.m. meeting on Tuesday night. The session started with a presentation by representatives from the cell phone industry — a presentation that included a photograph of the proposed site at Floral Park and that gave more detailed information as to why that location was deemed to be the best location for the tower. The presentation and discussion can be found on the city's YouTube channel.

The resolution for the proposed site was tabled during the last city council meeting in October. Several members of the community spoke out against the proposed tower, citing concerns such as safety,

aesthetics, lowered property values and more.

During Tuesday night's meeting, Ward 5 Council Member Todd Rauch made a motion to remove the resolution from the table and bring it back up for a vote.

However, there was no second for his motion, so the matter remains on the table for at least another two weeks.

PROCLAMATIONS

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and the council issued a proclamation declaring November to be National Epilepsy Awareness Month. The proclamation was presented to Janataka Holmes.

Fuller also issued a proclamation to Rick Lane, declaring Nov. 1 to be Rick Lane Day in honor of his 40 years of service with First United Methodist Church in Opelika.

OTHER BUSINESS

• Approved a request for a temporary street closure for the Younglife 5K event on Nov. 13.

• Held a public hearing on the amending of the Zoning Ordinance and Map to rezone 8.928 acres located at 1531 and 1617 1st Ave. This property would be rezoned from M-1 to a planned unit development (PUD). The council later introduced the ordinance for its first reading.

• Approved the purchase of a 2023 Chevy Tahoe from Glynn Smith in the amount of $60,741.60.

• Approved the purchase of gasoline and ultra-low sulfur No. 2 diesel fuel.

• Approved expense reports from various departments.

• Approved emergency repairs for garbage truck

Auburn Council Members Bid Farewell

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AUBURN— The Auburn City Council met Tuesday night and said goodbye to three of its outgoing council members: Jennifer Stevens (Ward 3), Steven Dixon

(Ward 5) and Jay Hovey (Ward 7).

“Tonight is the final meeting for this current council that was sworn in November of 2018,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “What an unusual four years it has been. Certainly, when we were all sworn in in November

of 2018, we didn’t expect how the pandemic would … force us inside and force us to meet virtually.”

Anders presented plaques to the three council members.

“Thank you for what you’ve done,” he said. “Thank you for the way

PHOTO BY HANNAH

LESTER / THE OBSERVER

Letter to the Editor: For Mayor Anders

—

Dear Mayor [Anders],

This is the last council meeting for this council, it has accomplished a lot for the city in ways of Brick & Mortar, but cit izens sometime feel that the council does not listen to their concerns.

Should this Ordinance revoking a business li cense that is before the council be decided in such a hasty manner. A decision that will affect every business from small to large that pro vides the majority of revenue for the City of Auburn.

This ordinance al lows the present and all future Auburn City Governments to revoke any license for any rea sons. If there is a specific need then state in this ordinance.

Has this council been given the proper data to decide the fate of this Ordinance.

1. Should the City of Auburn add another burden onto its business owners because Auburn is the only top 10 city in Alabama not to have a similar ordinance while shifting the burden of proof from the City of Auburn to the Auburn

Businesses? When did Auburn become a follow er instead of a leader?

2. Has the Council been given copies of all 9 ordi nances of the other top 10 Cities so they could com pare the languages?

3. How many busi nesses has each council member contacted in their ward concerning this ordinance in getting proper feedback?

4. How many of the Top Ten Alabama Cities revoked licenses under a similar ordinance in the last 10 months?

Quote: Auburn City Manager, October 18. 2022 Auburn City

Council Meeting "Opelika has had this in effect since 2007"....

"In the local area, I do not know how often Opelika has invoked this but I do not recall a time I read an article in the newspaper about it. So, I think it is an extreme rare circum stance that any city in vokes this. But it is just a tool in the toolbox, if and when necessary."

5. Has the City of Auburn utilized the Auburn Chamber of Commerce in contacting its members concerning this Ordinance?

6. How many busi ness licenses have been

revoked in Auburn in the last 10 months? How many in the last 5 years? How many business li censes has the city not been able to revoke in the last 10 months without this ordinance and their names?

7. Should the Mayor ap point a Task Force made up of businesses to give proper input by those that will be affected?

Without proper infor mation, great decisions will not be made!

As I have mentioned in other council meet ings this is not a Brick and Mortar decision but a decision that effects

individual owners and its employees of those businesses. Be prudent in your decision.

Maybe this council will give the responsibilities to the new council and a vision to put less burden on the Auburn Businesses and Citizens by evaluat ing many of its useless ordinances and dissolve them.

Let's become Leaders of Tomorrow! Not to be "just another tool in the tool box."

Robert H. Wilkins Auburn, Alabama

State’s Legal Service for VR Consumers Has Moved

CONTRIBUTED BY ADAP

ALABAMA — Alabamians with disabilities experiencing problems with employ ment or independent living services have a new — but familiar — agency they can go to for help.

As of Oct. 1, 2022, by designation of Gov. Kay Ivey, Alabama’s Client Assistance Program (CAP) has been placed under the auspices of the Alabama Disabilities Ad vocacy Program (ADAP).

The CAP is a federally funded program that pro vides information, advice and advocacy to people with disabilities who are applying for or receiving services provided by the Alabama Department of Rehabilitation Services, the state’s Independent Living Centers and other programs funded by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Through its new desig nation as the CAP, ADAP attorneys and advocates will support and advo

• Approved the purchase of a 87HP/480V/ Homa Pump for Public Works for a price not to exceed $31,528.64

cate for individuals who have questions about rehabilitation programs, are experiencing delays in application processing, who have been refused needed services or who disagree with eligibility determinations.

ADAP is Alabama’s federally funded protec tion and advocacy (P&A) agency and has more than 45 years of experience in protecting and pro moting the civil rights of people with disabilities. The agency provides

services agreement with Woolpert, Inc. for aerial photography services.

information and referral services, legal advocacy and outreach on a wide range of issues affecting persons with disabilities, including community access, special education, Medicaid, voting rights, assistive technology, Med icaid Waivers, alternatives to guardianship and abuse and neglect.

“We look forward to helping Alabamians with disabilities understand their rights and to address ing barriers in accessing vocational rehabilitation

resolution, but the motion failed to get a second.

and independent living services,” said James Tucker, Esq., ADAP’s executive director. “The CAP has found a perfect home; it joins ADAP’s seven other legal pro grams, providing yet another avenue for our staff to support the civil rights of Alabamians with disabilities and to foster their full integration into our communities.”

To connect with ADAP regarding its CAP services or to request help, call ADAP at 205-348-4928.

$6,000.

ABOUT ADAP

The Alabama Disabili ties Advocacy Program is Alabama’s federally fund ed protection and advoca cy agency whose mission is to protect and promote the safety, civil rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. The agency envisions a society where disabled people are val ued, exercise self-determi nation through meaningful choices and have equality of opportunity. For more information, visit ADAP. ua.edu.

No. 838 for just over $15,205.

• Approved the emergency purchase of two pumps at Saugahatchee Station for public works for nearly $88,000.

• Approved the purchase of a 2023 John Deere Gator for Public Works for just over $16,000.

• Approved the purchase of a Sulzer Submersible Pump for Public Works for a price not to exceed $25,270.

• Approved a resolution to accept Public Infrastructure and Utilities of Subdivisions.

• Approved a resolution to enter into an agreement with Davis Architects, Inc. for the Aquatic Facilities Project. The project includes a new swimming pool at Covington Recreation Center and an expansion of the Opelika Sportsplex facility.

• Approved a resolution to enter into a professional

• Approved a resolution to enter into a professional services contract with Seay, Seay & Litchfield, P.C. for renovations to the Denson Recreation Center.

• Approved a request for a Special Use Permit from AT&T for property located at 2605 Tower St.

• The resolution for an annual appropriation contract for FY2023 with the Arts Association of East Alabama remained tabled. Rauch made a motion to remove it from the table and vote on the

• Approved an annual appropriation contract for FY2023 with One Voice Shelter Coalition in the amount of $10,000.

• Approved an annual appropriation contract for FY2023 with Opelika Downtown Redevelopment Authority in the amount of $6,000.

• Approved an annual appropriation contract for FY2023 with Opelika Chamber of Commerce for the amount of $125,000.

• Approved an annual appropriation contract for FY2023 with Storybook Farm in the amount of

• Approved a contract for services with Esperanza House in the amount of $6,000.

• Approved a resolution to enter into a funding agreement with Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity in the amount of $250,000.

• Approved a resolution to enter into a funding agreement with The Fuller Center for Housing Inc. in the amount of $250,000.

• Approved a special appropriation to Opelika Main Street for the 2022 Christmas in a Railroad Town event on Dec. 9. in the amount of $1,250.

• Approved a motion to appoint Christie Hill to the Lee Russell Council of Governments MPO Citizen Advisory Committee for a term ending Nov. 5, 2024.

• Approved a motion to reappoint Sherri Reese to the Lee Russell Council of Governments MPO Citizen Advisory Committee for a term ending Nov. 5, 2024.

The next Opelika City Council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. with a work session taking place prior to the meeting. All council work sessions and meetings are open to the public.

Smiths Station Approves Contracts, Recognizes October As ‘Pro Bono Month’

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

SMITHS STATION —

The Smiths Station City Council approved a few items and pro claimed October “Pro Bono Month” during its regular meetings held last month.

In addition, the Smiths Station Government Center donned pink ribbons to commemorate Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

At the Oct. 11 meet ing, the council: • approved the pur chase of a utility trailer

for the city’s Public Works Department from Speaks Offroad and Trailer Sales in the amount of about $15,500 and • entered into a lease agreement with the Lee County Commission for the rental of office space at the Smiths Station Government Center.

The renewal of a rental lease agreement will allow the city to continue operating in its current building on County Road 430, also known as Panther Parkway.

Following the res olutions, Smiths

Station Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland issued a proclamation to observe October as Pro Bono Month.

Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere was present to acknowledge and re ceive the proclamation.

On its Facebook page, the city explained that the proclamation is intended to rec ognize the pro bono work attorneys pro vide to disadvantaged Alabamians each year.

“Attorneys with local bar associations state wide, including Lee County’s, provide thou sands of hours of free

legal service to disad vantaged Alabamians, and this proclamation is designed to recog nize and celebrate their services,” the post reads.

According to Ventiere, the Alabama State Bar works with local bar associations to highlight these ef forts each year. Pro Bono Month is com memorated in different ways throughout the state.

“This year, the Lee County Bar Association chose to celebrate Pro Bono Month by hosting a ‘Wills For Heroes’

event for all first re sponders serving Lee County,” she said.

“… More than 40 first responders received donated legal services covering the writing of wills, powers of attor ney and advanced med ical directives.”

Ventiere said anyone who needs help with le gal services should call the Volunteer Lawyer Program, part of the Alabama State Bar, at 1-800-354-6154.

On Oct. 25, the council:

• entered in to a contract with Phenix Paving and Maintenance, LLC for some asphalt patching to be done on certain parts of Jackson Drive (Lee Road 929), Lamb Road (Lee Road 242) and Station Drive (Lee Road 931), and • allocated $5,000 from the General Fund for the city’s an nual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony on Dec. 2.

The asphalt patching project is expected to begin in mid-Novem ber and will take about a week to complete.

“The portions need ing repairs will be like

brand-new roads when completed,” said City Clerk Morgan Bryce.

A statement about the general fund bud get for September indicated that the city finished the month at just over $12,600 in the black and finished the fiscal year at about $726,100. According to Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland, the reserves will be put toward infrastructure im provement projects, including a major proj ect to fully resurface and repave Cummings Road (Lee Road 294) from Pittman White Road (Lee Road 293) to Panther Parkway (Lee Road 430).

The council also went into an executive session closed to the public to discuss po tential litigation, but no action was taken.

The Smiths Station City Council meets at 6 p.m. Eastern Time on the second and fourth Tuesdays each month at the Smiths Station Government Center, located at 2336 Lee Road 430. The regular meeting is preceded by a work session at 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time.

$93,900.

you’ve served your community. We appreciate everything and we look forward to working with you in the future.”

OTHER BUSINESS:

- The council approved a contract with Beshears Tractor and Equipment for the purchase of a Kubota B26 Tractor for over $36,600.

- The council approved a contract with Coblentz Equipment and Parts Company Inc. for the purchase of a Ventrac 4520Z Tractor with Contour Mower and Boom Mower for over $54,400 for the Public Works Department.

- The council approved a contract with Deere &

- The council approved a contract with Don H. Allen Construction Inc. for renovations at Yarbrough Tennis Center for $115,000.

- The council approved a contract with the National Auto Fleet Group for the purchase of a 2023 Ford F‐150 XL 2WD Regular Cab pickup truck for the Inspection Services Department for over $35,500.

- The council approved a contract with the National Auto Fleet Group for the purchase of two 2023 Ford F‐150 Super Crew 4x4 pickup trucks for Public Works Department for over

- The council approved a contract with SealMaster for the purchase of one CrackPro 125 HH Crack Sealer for the Public Works Department for over $75,800.

- The council approved a sidewalk, lighting and utility easement for Mason Properties LLC, for the Miller Avenue Sidewalk & Lighting Project for over $18,400.

- The council approved two board appointments for the Building Board of Adjustments and Appeals.

- The council amended the city code, chapter 12 for the process to revoke a business license.

- The council approved an outdoor cafe permit for Mo'Bay Beignet Co. LLC. due to a change in ownership.

Company for two John Deere 5075E Cab Utility Tractors with RC8M Rotary Cutters for Public Works Department for over $112,700.

Left: Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere accepts a proclamation from Smiths Station Mayor Bubba Copeland acknowledging October as Pro Bono Month. PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION

the jay and susie gogue performing arts center at auburn university presents

Libertarians Get A Bigger Profile After Ballot Access Granted

offices, state legislature positions and state senate seats.”

A popular quip asks “How are Libertarians and National Socialists similar? Answer: They both follow Austrian economics.” The National Socialists in Germany were led by Adolf Hitler while Libertarians follow Austrian economists such as Friedrich Hayek. Ludwig von Mises Institute for Austrian Economics (Mises Institute) is a Libertarian nonprofit “think tank” based here in Auburn.

would be a pulse-pound ing ending.

Charles Temm, a re tired Army sergeant first class in Airborne and Light Infantry, is the party’s candidate for Alabama House District 38. He boosts the program: “We want to end the grocery tax, lower state income tax and advance the Second Amendment sanctuary movement.” He feels the county needs infrastruc ture upgrades, notably rural road improvements.

challenges recruiting for the Libertarian Party because Alabama (and only five other states) has Straight Ticket Voting (STV). And that is his biggest opponent. But he explained: “There is finally an awakening in Macon County.” He is working with several others for more respon sible and accountable government.

“I am more optimistic with this campaign for county commission than my previous three,” he said.

for the Lee County Libertarians, is running for the U.S. Senate 20 years after he was a candidate for governor. As an economist and a citizen, he will vote against any legislation that involves a deficit in the national budget.

OPINION —

Ballot access means not “crashing the gates” but being a fac tor in state elections. Libertarians often vote with the GOP, but now they can proudly pull the level for candidates in their own party.

Although close races between Democrats and Republicans are rare in Lee County and other Alabama places, it can happen. Libertarians might pull enough votes

from one side to decide the winner.

“Those two parties have been a very strong duopoly for a long time,” said John Sophocleus, a professor who has taught at Auburn University, Auburn-Montgomery and Clemson University and has led the move ment to reinstate ballot access. “The Libertarian Party in Alabama is on the ballot for the first time since 2002 and fielding candidates for most state constitutional

Libertarians dis courage intervention in free markets and the private lives of citizens. They support civil lib erty and say human beings possess free will. The 50-year-old Libertarian Party (LP) has almost 700,000 members. In the 2002 Alabama governor’s race, Republican Bob Riley won with 49.2% over Don Siegelman, a Democrat with 49% . But Sophocleus, a Libertarian, had 1.7%, without that total, there

Hense Ellis Speaks to Kiwanis Club on the Economy

“There was no par ticular moment or event that led me to become a Libertarian,” recalled Frank Dillman, the par ty’s candidate for Macon County Commission, District 4. “I never found the Republicans and Democrats home and voted all over the spectrum. Comparing my votes on statewide amendments in 2016 against the yellow sheets and talking heads, I realized I was more Libertarian than I thought and joined my first political party in 2017.”

Dillman has

Having been a “Doc” for 10 years, including in Vietnam as a 19-year-old medic, Dillman under stands public service. He is a frequent visitor to government offices in his county and commission meetings. As a private citizen, he developed a website for Macon County, as well as get ting it a Facebook page. He was responsible for moving morning work sessions to evenings; that allowed daytime workers to not miss what county officials were doing.

Sophocleus, perhaps the biggest organizer

His platform for the Senate is derived directly from Alabama’s State Constitution, Sect. 35: “That the sole object and only legitimate end of government is to protect the citizens in the en joyment of life, liberty, and property, and when the government assumes other functions it is usur pation and oppression.”

He said he supports the state adopting Initiative and Referendum (I&R), which would enable cit izens greater access to state government by use of their ballot.

“Citizens in 26 states have enabled this right, sadly not so in Alabama,” Sophocleus reflected. “As a federal candidate, I support Alabamians’ right to submit statutes

Lions Club Hears from Local Leader

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of SANFORD M. HUSSEY, deceased Case Number: 2022-571

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

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

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

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IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF Lonnie Ray Jones

NOTICE Letters Testamentary on the es tate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 29th day of September, 2022 by the Honorable Bill English,

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

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

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

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Sharn Washington on the 26th day of September, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

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

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IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF INELL P.

PUBLIC NOTICES

TORBERT, deceased CASE NO. 2022-592 In the Matter of the Estate of INELL P. TORBERT, deceased Letters Testamentary as Personal Representative of the Estate of INELL P. TORBERT, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on October 12th , 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County,. notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby re quired to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred.

JAMES JEFFERSON TORBERT

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

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF C. NEAL POPE, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2022-599 TO: JENNIFER LEE POPE CHRISTOPHER CHARLES POPE NOTICE: On the 13th day of October, 2022, a certain writing, purporting to be the Will of C. NEAL POPE was filed in my office for probate by VIRGINIA PITTS POPE and the 16th day of November, 2022, at 11:00 a.m. was appointed a day for hearing thereof at which time you can appear and contest the same, if

you see proper. Given under my hand, the 13th day of October, 2022 Bill English

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

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IN RE THE ESTATE OF: BETTY C. HODGE, Deceased. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA CASE NO. 2022-591

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

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

NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION Jarvis S. Beasley, whose where abouts are unknown, must

answer AubumBank's com plaint for Breach of Contract, Unjust Enrichment, Open Account-Note, Account Stated, and Money Lent by November 30, 2022, or, thereafter, a judg ment by default may be rendered against him in case number 43-SM-2022-900331.00, Circuit Court of Lee County. Done the 21st day of October, 2022.

Mary Roberson, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County Blake L. Oliver SAMFORD & DENSON, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Telephone (334) 745-3504 Facsimile (334) 745-3506

Email: oliver@samfordlaw.com Attorney for AuburnBank Legal Run 10/27/22, 11/03/22, 11/10/22 & 11/17/2022

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STATE OF ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2022-611

Estate of: RE: SHIRLEY BELL KEMP, Deceased,

NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Ancillary Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of October, 2022, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law

or the same will be barred.

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

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IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LINDA N. DOYLE, Deceased Case No.: 2022- 131

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said_de ceased having been granted to James V. Doyle, Personal Representative on the 31st day of October, 2022, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of 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.

James V. Doyle Legal Run 11/3/22, 11/10/22 & 11/17/22

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

The speaker at the Oct. 27 Opelika Kiwanis meeting was Hense Ellis. He came and spoke on the cur rent state of the economy and what to expect looking forward. The speaker for the Nov. 10 meeting has yet to be determined.

Joy Bazemore, left, founder of Refreshing Waters Respite, was the guest speaker at a recent Opelika Lions Club meeting. Refreshing Waters helps to relieve caregivers of their stressful duties and give them time to refresh their body and spirit. Anyone in need of assistance, or who wishes to participate in the program, can get further information at www.refreshing waters.org. Bazemore was introduced by Lion Jim Allen, right.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

GREG MARKLEY

Third Congressional District in Alabama is Only District in U.S. Allowed to Vote for 'SickofDC' Nov. 8

TO

OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY —

The people in the 3rd Congressional District of Alabama have a unique opportunity if they are tired of the sta tus quo in Washington D.C. Thomas SickofDC Casson (actual legal name) has qualified and will be on the ballot for

the election on Nov. 8, 2022. Casson decided to change his name in 2018 to reflect his disgust with the “D.C. Swamp.”

“Both parties in D.C. have let the American people down,” Casson said. “We are now $31 trillion in debt, crime and inflation are out of control and both parties seem to not care at all about the present or the

future.”

Casson is running against Republican Mike Rogers, who was first elected to Congress in 2002. “Since being elected in 2002, Rogers has never seen a budget increase he hasn’t liked,” Casson said. “The na tional debt has increased from $6 trillion to $31 trillion on Congressman Rogers’ watch with not

Ivey Supports Aniah's Law

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF GOV. KAY IVEY

ALABAMA —

Gov. Kay Ivey issued the following statement voicing her support for Aniah’s Law on the Nov. 8 general election ballot:

“Three years ago this week, the nation watched as Alabama learned the beginnings of an unjust tragedy that never should have taken place. While we prayed for a differ ent outcome, Aniah Blanchard’s untimely death revealed flaws in the judicial system. It is past time we fix those

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9

running again in 2026. He is the youngest look ing 82-year-old I have ever seen, and his broth er Jere is the youngest 85-year-old I have ever seen. They must have pretty good genes. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading po litical columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www. steveflowers.us.

issues, but because of the unwavering dedication of Aniah’s family and the unan imous support by the Alabama Legislature, Amendment One, al so known as Aniah’s Law, will be on the ballot this November.

I encourage every Alabamian to join me in voting yes on Aniah’s Law to ensure no family would have to go through the pain of preventable tragedy.

Public safety is a top priority, and Aniah’s Law won’t just bolster public safety, but al so, honor and allow for Aniah to redefine

MARKLEY >> FROM B12

and constitutional Amendments and being able to vote up or down the Alabama statutes, such as the gas tax, on Alabama general ballots.”

The Libertarian Party’s presence in Lee County and the state is now set for progress as ballot access has been largely resolved. Many voters will be delighted to see another party up there with The Big Duo (Republicans and Democrats). They will

Alabama’s judicial sys tem to help save lives across the state.” –Gov. Kay Ivey

If passed, Amendment One would allow judges to de ny bail to a person charged with a violent felony following a hearing. This power would be extended to 13 first-degree offens es, including murder, assault, kidnapping, rape, sodomy, domes tic violence, human trafficking, burglary, arson, robbery, sexu al torture, terrorism and aggravated child abuse.

a single cut to federal government spending.

Rogers has been on the forefront of the status quo in D.C., and I am glad to offer my name on the ballot as an alter native. If Rogers won’t leave office voluntarily as the father of our coun try George Washington did, I guess the people of District 3 will need to vote him out.”

Casson currently lives in Auburn and has resided in Lee County for over 35 years. He and his wife Lorra were licensed foster parents for Lee County, and they have adopted six chil dren through the foster care system. Their old est child, Anna, passed away from childhood cancer in 2007. The remaining children are

now 17, 15, 11 and twins at 10. Casson said he believes in smaller gov ernment, especially at the federal level, so that states can have freedom to innovate and prosper. He said he is thankful to the Libertarian Party for allowing him to have ac cess to the ballot without onerous restrictions.

Lee County Receives More Federal Funding

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — Lee County is receiving $100,000 from the feder al government from the American Rescue Plan.

County Administrator Holly Leverette let the Lee County Commission know Monday night that the county will receive $50,000 for 2022 and $50,000 for 2023.

county is already partici pating in that program.

The commission voted to apply for the funds Monday night.

BUDGET:

The commission also voted on some budget is sues Monday night.

The commission voted to replace the 2023 budget to include carryover funds from the FY 2022 budget.

Commissioners Robert Ham and Richard LaGrand were recognized for their service on the commission.

- The commission ap proved the FY2023 gas tax budget adjustment.

- The commission al located FY2023 outside appropriations.

be surprised to see Libertarians’ names, as just a few years ago none were there. It provides voters with a welcome third option.

Greg Markley moved to Lee County in 1996. He has a master’s in education from AUM and a master's in history from Auburn University. 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 Observer since 2011. He writes on politics, educa tion and books. gm.mar kley@charter.net.

"On Sept. 29 of 2022, treasury launched the local assistance and tribal consistency fund for eligi ble revenue-sharing coun ties," Leverette said. "This is part of the American rescue plan. They appro priated $2 billion to trea sury across fiscal years 22 and 23."

These funds can be used for "governmental purposes" other than lobbying.

"Upon application of these funds, we can expect to get the first $50,000 within four to five days," Leverette said, with the 2023 date of funding unknown.

She said that the IAC, Investing in Alabama Counties program, will as sist the county with spend ing the money within the regulations imposed. The

"This is basically for dealing with supply chain issues that have occured with items that have been purchased that were in the 2022 year budget that need to be rolled over, allowing these funds to be used as planned in the next fiscal year without the expen ditures causing adverse effects on the departments and their 2023 budgets," Leverette said.

These were from differ ent departments, including the Sheriff's department and IT department.

The commission also approved the capital to be used in the 2023 budget.

Finally, the commission also approved $1.5 million from the general fund to the capital improvements fund, to help finish proj ects such as the EMA building finalizations.

OTHER BUSINESS:

- Outgoing District 4 and District 5

- The commission ap proved a contract with American Financial Credit Services for delinquent personal property.

- The commission approved an ad-valorem for ADC200, LLC for a warehouse project at 253 Lee Road 2231. The new development will be a $10 million investment and create initially up to 20 jobs, with an outlook of close to 50 in upcoming years.

- The commission ap proved an education reim bursement request for the Sheriff's department.

- The commission ap proved a legal retainer for the Lee County Planning Commission.

- The commission ap proved a liability release for polling places in Lee County.

- The commission ap proved a replat of Lot 1 in the Palmetto Creeks Subdivision.

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PUBLIC NOTICES

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE

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

“Lots 5 & 6, Block 6, MEADOWVIEW ACRES SUBDIVISION, according to and as shown by that cer tain map or plat thereof re cord 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 inter est in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure pro cess. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand 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 foreclo sure, 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 wheth er of record or not. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

Sanport Housing, LLC, Mortgagee Brandon F. Poticny

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

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

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE

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

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

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

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Form of ADVERTISEMENT OF COMPLETION Legal Notice In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, no tice is hereby given that Crimson Contractors, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for Roof Replacement at Jeter Primary School for the Opelika City Schools, Owner, and have made re quest for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify: Stephen Ward & Associates, Inc. 128 Jet Plex Circle, Madison, Alabama 35758. Phone (256) 774-3565. Crimson Contractors, Inc. 1808 14th Avenue Tuscaloosa, Alabama 35401 (205)758-8659 Legal Run 11/3/22, 11/10/22, 11/17/22 & 11/24/22

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IN THE CIRCIDT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CV-2022-900301.00

WILLIAM A. JONES, Plaintiff, v. A Parcel of Land Lying in Lee County, Alabama, to wit: Lot 3, Block C, Oakview Subdivision, ac cording to and as shown by that certain map or plat of record in Town Plat Book 9 at Page 179, in the Office of

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the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama; and Tavarius Ingram; and Unknown persons who may claim an interest in said property whose identities are unknown and who can not by reasonable diligence be ascertained, Defendants.

NOTICE OF ACTION

To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are un known and which cannot be ascertained after the exer cise of reasonable diligence. You are hereby notified that on the 18th day of May 2021, a Bill to Quiet Title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding the following described real property:\ Lot 3, Block C, Oakview Subdivision, according. to and as shown by that certain map or plat of re cord in Town Plat Book 9 at Page 179, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. All persons having an in terest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien there on, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them it being in tended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.

Done this the 24th day of October, 2022.

Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County Benjamin H. Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801 Telephone Number: 334-749-6999 Fax: 334-203-1875 ben@benparrlaw.com Legal Run 11/3/2022, 11/10/2022, 11/17/2022 & 11/24/2022

COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)

Public Hearing Public Notice

The City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, November 21, 2022, at 4:00 p.m., in the Municipal Meeting Room, 300 MLK Boulevard, to discuss the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) activity and progress for the end of the year Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER) for program year 2021: October 1, 2021,

through September 30, 2022. Discussion about the program and how it benefited Low-Moderate income families in the City of Opelika will be heard and discussed;

A Public Hearing will also be held to discuss proposed Amendments to the CDBG Annual Action Plans for PY2020 and 2021. The proposed amendments will include reallocation of $4,511.19 from PY2020 and $149.89 from PY2021 in unspent funds from Emergency Home Repairs funding.

A copy of the CAPER will be available for public review and comment be ginning November 4, 2022, at Public Works, City Hall (Mayor’s office), Opelika Library, SportsPlex, and Covington Recreation Center. Copies of the CAPER may be obtained at the public hearing or by contacting the Planning Department. Public partici pation and comments are in vited either in writing or in person and will be accepted for a minimum of fifteen (15) days with the comment period ending on November 25, 2022. Comments may be sent to: Community Development CAPER Citizen Comment 700 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36801 Email: lthrift@ope lika-al.gov “In Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Opelika will make reasonable arrange ments to ensure accessibil ity to this meeting. If you need special assistance to participate, please contact the ADA Coordinator 72 hours prior to the meeting at (334)705-2083.”

LEGAL RUN 11/3/2022

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IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: CHARLES J. MARSHALL, SR. Deceased.

Case No.: 2022-606

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been grant ed to Benjamin H. Parr. Personal Representative on the 31st day of October, 2022, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all per sons having claims against said estate are hereby re quired to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BENJAMIN H. PARR

Legal Run 11/3/2022, 11/10/2022 & 11/17/2022

THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE ANSWERS: