Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller Earns Prestigious CMO Emeritus Designation
CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA
OPELIKA —
Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller has earned the prestigious professional designation of Certi fied Municipal Official (CMO) Emeritus, a highly regarded honor awarded to officials who have excelled beyond the requirements of the Basic and Advanced CMO programs. Fuller was recognized for his accomplishments during graduation ceremonies held in Orange Beach, Alabama, on Nov. 8.
To achieve this third level of the Alabama League of Municipal ities’ CMO training program, a municipal official must earn the designation of CMO by
Honoring Our Veterans
held
BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
AUBURN — The city of Auburn
Opelika Chamber of Commerce Awards Grants
OPELIKA —
The Opelika Chamber of Commerce hosted a reception and press con ference to announce and honor this year’s Small Business Grant recipients on Nov. 7, 2022.
Eight local small busi nesses received grants at this year’s recipient press conference.
“Our partnership with the city of Opelika and the Economic Devel opment Department are what makes these grants possible,” said Opelika Chamber CEO and Pres
ident
“I want to thank and applaud them for investing in small businesses in our commu nity, to make such a big impact.”
The
ebrate National Rural Health Day, a time to re member your friends and neighbors in Alabama’s rural hospitals. Alabama’s rural hospitals are an essential part of our com munities. Over 12,000 people are employed by these hospitals. In many communities they are among the largest employers.
VETERANS
Monument.
“We’re honored to gather here today,” said Auburn Mayor Ron An ders. “… I’d like to start by thanking each of you for taking time out of your schedule to be with us, on this Friday morning. This is truly such an important holiday. It gives us time to take a break from our busy schedules to honor our veterans from all eras and all wars.”
The Auburn High School JROTC posted the colors for the event, and U.S. Army Sgt. Maryshay Ray served as the key speaker. Myron Thorton, a retired Marine and member of the Auburn Police Division, assist ed Anders in laying the wreath at the monument.
“We lift up thankful hearts,” said Jeff Dam ron, pastor of the Union Christian Church, during the invocation. “We honor this day before you, our
Rural hospitals are not only economic engines; they are, more important ly, providers of essential services for their neigh bors. They are a critical part of Alabama’s health care system. By taking care of appropriate pa tients in their local com munities, they allow larg er urban hospitals to pro vide care to patients who may be more ill. Without the presence of rural
veterans, the worthy men and women, who in the day of decision, gave their best when they were called upon to serve and protect our nation.”
There were over 20 Auburn veterans who lost their lives in the first World War, Anders said to the packed room of residents, representatives, students and speakers. But far after the first World War, there are many Auburn veterans who give up their time, energy, health and sometimes lives for this country.
Ray began her term of service in 2011 and even tually medically retired after service in Germany. She is an Auburn 2020 graduate as well.
“She has a passion for giving back to her broth ers and sisters in arms, as well as their families,” Anders said.
This is what Ray did — she thanked both veterans and their families.
“Thankfully, our great nation has always been blessed to have strong
hospitals, the Alabama health care system would have been unable to cope with challenges presented by COVID or deal with the current surge in in fluenza cases. Alabama’s rural hospitals provide high quality healthcare 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including weekends and holidays. They are always there to provide care for the community.
men and women with exceptional courage,” Ray said. “… They have risked their lives for our country, our people, our ideals and beliefs that we all, as Americans, treasure and hold dear. Our battles, our victories and our very way of life is not due to great moments or signifi cant dates; they are due to the actions and sacrifices of these men and women who are willing to step in, raise their hand, say ‘here I am’ for their country and for the foundation of her freedom.
“America is the great country she is today be cause of her heroes, both past and present, selfless individuals willing to answer the call of duty, to put the nation’s interest above self-interest, to put patriotism above profit and those of who put love of country above love of self. Our veterans made that deliberate choice to live a life of sacrifice and service for the greater cause. And for America and her people, that has
Rural hospitals are more than buildings. They are staffed with committed professionals who not only provide care in the hospital, but also meet essential needs in the community. During the recent COVID chal lenge, rural hospitals gave thousands of doses of vaccine in community clinics. They are essen tial providers in health fairs and other outreach
made all the difference.”
OPELIKA
The Opelika Veterans Day program took place at the Opelika Public Library on Nov. 11 and the city welcomed Ronald Douglass to speak. He is the commander of the Twin Cities Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.) Chapter 95 in Opelika.
Douglass represents many veterans as a 100% disabled American veteran and has been a member of the D.A.V. for 31 years.
“Douglass was honor able medical discharged in May 1992 due to injuries that occurred during his service,” said a release from the city of Opelika. “He continued his duties with the Army National Guard until they discharged him in No vember 1998 with an hon orable medical discharge also. He worked for the Department of Navy, Air Force and Army as a fed eral employee, achieving the grade of GS-12.”
activities. Rural hospital employees are volun teers in local churches and civic clubs, giving their time and resources both on and off the job. They are on the sidelines at high school football games to aid as needed. Most of all, Alabama’s rural hospitals are staffed by your friends, neigh bors and family members who are committed to improving the lives of our
GRANTS
FROM A1
Emerald Cove Learn ing Center. 108 N. 8th St.
• Rod Welch
Out Tha Mudd. 1051 S. Fox Run Pkwy.
• Chris Thompson Twice Baked. 909 S. Railroad Ave.
• Jim Bryson Market Street Paint. 116 S. 8th St.
• Nancy Lockhart
Six Dollar Café. 1300 McCoy St.
• Lisa Ditchkoff
Bottling Plant Event Center. 614 N. Railroad Ave.
• Lakiesha Young Hicks
Hair Loss Center for Alabama. 209 Samford Ave.
• Whit Heath Whit Works. 401 Twin Lakes Ave.
“We are so elated to be able to give business es the resources they need to grow to the next level,” said Director of Economic Development
communities.
So, please join us in thanking your local hos pital staff, physicians and volunteers for their tireless work and ongoing care of your community.
from the city of Opelika Lori Huguley. “I cannot wait to see what they can accomplish in their future endeavors.”
For more information about the Small Business Grant Program, contact Rauch at ali@opelika chamber.com.
ABOUT THE OPELIKA CHAMBER
For more than 80 years, the Opelika Chamber has worked to strengthen the community as the champion of busi ness by building bridges, cultivating community, and elevating business in order to achieve excel lence. Representing more than 900 businesses and over 20,000 employees in the region, the Opelika Chamber has been recog nized for its operational best practices among 501(c)6 not-for-profit Chambers of Commerce.
The Opelika Chamber is one of only three 5-star accredited chambers in the state of Alabama. You can learn more at www. opelikachamber.com.
Thanking All Veterans For Their Service
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s Blue Advantage Plan Receives Distinguished Rating
CONTRIBUTED BY BCBS OF ALABAMABIRMINGHAM — Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama's Blue Advantage Plan received a 4.5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Med icaid Services (CMS).
“We are honored to receive this recognition and extremely proud to achieve these outstand ing results,” said Dr. Dow Briggs, execu tive vice president of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. “It is our ongoing mission to provide our mem
bers with exceptional service and access to quality, affordable health care. We are very grateful for the collaborative relation ships we have with our provider partners. They take excellent care of our members, resulting in the best possible
health outcomes.”
CMS uses a five-star system to measure the quality and experience of Medicare Advantage health and prescrip tion drug plans. The overall rating is based on information from member satisfaction surveys, plan opera
tions and health care providers. Star ratings support CMS’s efforts to put the patient first in all programs.
Blue Advantage plans will continue to offer a variety of extra services at no addition al cost to our members, including:
• Comprehensive Dental Allowance
• TruHearing Rou tine Hearing Exam and Hearing Aid Discounts
• SilverSneakers Fitness Program
• Healthy Rewards Program
completing 40 training credit hours conducted or endorsed by the league followed by an addi tional 40 training hours to receive an advanced certification. Attaining CMO Emeritus entails a minimum of 120 cred it hours of Continuing CMO Education plus 15 points. Points can be earned by serving on and attending meetings for a League Policy Com mittee; attending the League’s Annual Conven tion, Municipal Legisla tive Advocacy Session and the Municipal Lead
FROM A1
The Grand Ole Opry began as a radio show in 1925 and is now a revered weekly live showcase featuring “today’s country music stars, superstars and rising stars all on one stage,” according to its website. It was hosted at the Ryman Auditori um from 1943 to 1974, when it moved to its current home, the Opry House.
THE JOURNEY Hood, a native of Opelika, said music has been ingrained in his life for as long as he can remember. An experienced musician and songwriter, he has released five studio al bums to date; his latest, “Bad Days Better,” was released Sept. 16 — just over a month before his Opry debut on Oct. 22.
“My oldest memories are music memories,” Hood said. “My par ents bought me a guitar pretty young … and the things that I remember the most about church with my grandparents and great-grandparents was the hymns.”
The summer before his seventh-grade year, Hood and his best friend began taking guitar lessons from Robert Orr, who would later become Hood’s guitar teacher at Opelika High School in the 1990s. It was a class he still remembers today.
“You would go through a couple days having fundamentals, and learning notes and scales and things like that … but Fridays were days to learn songs,” he recalled. “So, you would go into guitar class and you would set your tape down on the tape machine, and he would just go through
ership Institute; and by attending the Congress of Cities and the Congres sional City Conference for the National League of Cities.
“I am honored to be a member of the eighth graduating class of the CMO Emeritus level,” Fuller said. “For more than 20 years, the Al abama League of Mu nicipalities has been an instrumental organization in guiding decisions, poli cy and leadership.
“Because of my atten dance at statewide and regional educational con ferences, I have received formal classroom training in subjects such as coun
one at a time. He would listen to the song that you choose, and then he would go notate it on the chalkboard and then show you how to play it.”
To Hood, Orr was more than a uniquely talented guitar player; he was also inherently inspirational.
“You can watch his abilities and how ef fortless it was, and you want to be that good,” he said.
Hood began play ing guitar at church and eventually landed a weekly gig at The Breezeway when he was just 16.
It’s these parts of his background — and snapshots of his current home life in Northport, Alabama — that Hood said are reflected in his songs. But while Hood said his music is heavily rooted in country and blues, he considers him self more of a “southern music” artist.
“I always kind of laughingly called it ‘southern music’ just because of the fact that it kind of follows a lot of different parameters of southern music,” he explained. “It’s obvious ly country, but there’s a lot of blues influence. There’s too much blues influence in my songs for it just to be country, and there’s too much country influence in my songs just for it to be blues.”
While working for more than a decade as a songwriter, penning hits for several well-known country artists, includ ing Miranda Lambert, Hood continued to play live shows.
Lambert collaborated with Hood on the song “Harder Stuff” off his latest album, recorded in Macon, Georgia. The album, which Hood touts as a “case study
cil meeting procedures, parliamentary procedure, the Open Meetings Act, public records, ordinance drafting, conflicts of interest, the State Ethics Law, duties of the mayor and council, tort liability, the competitive bid law, zoning and planning, annexation, munici pal regulatory powers, municipal revenues and expenditures, personnel actions and leadership development.”
The certified training program for elected municipal officials was created in 1994 by the Alabama League of Municipalities, under the direction of its Executive
Committee, to provide a specific curriculum cycle for municipal officials. Until that time, no formal training had been offered for elected officials. The Executive Committee instituted a series of oneday continuing education programs designed for mayors and councilmem bers who voluntarily wished to receive formal training in municipal government. In 1998, the Executive Committee approved a series of train ing courses to be applied toward advanced certi fication, and the CMO Emeritus designation was approved in 2015.
“Alabama’s municipal
ities are the foundation of our state’s economy,” said ALM Executive Director Greg Cochran. “Vibrant communities de pend on knowledgeable, engaged leadership — which is exactly what the CMO program encourag es through training on the finer points of municipal government. Earning the Certified Municipal Of ficial designation further showcases the commit ment of community lead ers to be better informed, more effective municipal officials.”
The Alabama League of Municipalities was organized in 1935, and has since served as the
recognized voice of the cities and towns in Alabama. Through the years, the organization has steadily grown and now serves more than 440 municipalities. This voluntary membership program brings offi cials of cities and towns together in fellowship of public service — which strengthens and guides local government in a progressive, responsible fashion. The primary purpose of the League is to promote understanding of municipal government and administration in Alabama and thereby ad vance the welfare of the people of this state.
in positive thinking,” also involved members of Blackberry Smoke as the band and Brent Cobb in the produc er’s seat. Hood also co-wrote “Throw Me a Line” with Warren Haynes.
The result was a pack age to be proud of — Hood’s most successful release to date.
“It was kind of me calling in a lot of favors for this album, and we did a lot of work on it and did a lot to promote it,” he said. “It’s good to see that the promo tion … it’s working. It’s doing great. … We’ve been at this for a long time, so it’s good to see the fruits of your labor.”
THE SHOW
“Harder Stuff” has emerged as a favorite on the album; thus, it was one of the songs Hood chose to perform during his Grand Ole Opry performance, along with “Way Too Long” off his 2014 album “Welcome to the Big World.”
After going through the official preparation process and ironing out all the logistics with the Grand Ole Opry team, Hood was free to bask in the anticipation. He showed up early for a daytime tour of the venue, but the musician admitted it was a bit of a double-edged sword.
“It was nice to kind of walk through where the dressing rooms are, go out and look at the stage and see how it is … however, that kind of made me a little bit nervous,” Hood said.
But come showtime, the nervousness turned back to excitement. The first step before the big show was a brief rehearsal with the house band, which Hood de scribed as “top-notch.” The band had already learned his chosen songs; the rehearsal then allowed him to get a feel for the stage and the venue’s acoustics.
“Honestly, once I got to hear the room, and once I got to hear how solid the band was, I could relax then,” he said.
The experience was somewhat of a whirl wind, according to Hood — hanging out in the dressing room, waiting for his name to be called, walking out onto the stage, play ing his two songs and answering a couple of banter-like questions before making his exit.
Hood said it was humbling to see all the people who filled the room, from family and friends to fans.
“The coolest part was that we had a lot of people come in to be
supportive,” he recalled. “I mean, the show sold out. … [The host] kind of jokingly asked me the question, ‘How many of these tickets did you buy?’ and thankfully I bought none of those tickets. … That was something I’m pretty overwhelmingly grateful for — just the fact that that many people came to be so supportive.”
At this point, Hood has traveled all over the country to perform his music, but he said he visits his hometown when he can. His moth er still resides in Ope lika, as does his oldest daughter. But with two young children as well, Hood said traveling isn’t as easy as it used to be.
“I try to get down there,” he said. “… The guys at the Songwriters Festival are friends. I missed it this year — I had to be in Montana. But we try to get down there as much as we can. The cool thing is, I think it’s interesting that when I was kind of getting started, they didn’t have no songwrit ers festivals in Opelika, you know what I mean? So it’s good that they
have it now.
“Part of me is a little bitter, but I’m OK with that,” Hood added, laughing. “Not really.
I’m not really bitter. I think it’s great. I’m glad to see the cultural pro gressiveness about it.”
It’s been a journey, but Hood is sailing on to the next big thing. From Dec. 2 through 10, he will be on the “Southern Brothers Tour” with Ja son Eady. After a break for the holidays, Hood said things will crank back up again in January. First is the sold-out San dy Beaches Cruise with Delbert McClinton — one of Hood’s musical heroes — and a number of other artists, followed by the Mile 0 Fest in Key West, Florida.
Still, Hood is already dreaming of his next appearance in the Grand Ole Opry.
“I’ll play that place as much as they’ll have me, to be honest with you,” he said. “I really enjoyed it, and it was a wonder ful experience.”
To learn more about Hood, or to check out his latest music and up coming tour dates, visit adamhood.com.
Idon’t engage in contro versy. But sometimes I have to. And this is one of those have-to moments.
Namely, because I feel it’s my duty as a citizen of this country to bring important matters to the forefront of a national discussion. And by “important matters,” I am, of course, talking about putting sugar in cornbread.
The other day I was reading one of my mother’s favorite magazines. This magazine is a respected publication. A standard in homes across the southeast.
I speak of a magazine which my mother reveres. She used to read this magazine aloud at
Bible studies, baby christen ings and baptisms. A periodical which shall remain nameless, but whose title rhymes with “Louthern Siving.”
The article stated, quote, “... The cornbread we consider our best, includes fine yellow cornmeal, butter and a touch of sugar.”
I read this recipe aloud to my mother. My mother nearly choked on her dentures.
“Sugar in cornbread?” she gasped. “What’s this world coming to?”
Mama had to be calmed with cream cheese and pepper jelly.
Listen. I don’t like to cause problems, and these are only
For
my opinions, but putting sugar in cornbread is a lot like going to church naked. Sure, it can be done. But don’t expect any one to ask you over for dinner.
Cornbread is a sacrament to my people, often served with fried chicken, pintos, collards, hocks and greens or stew.
It is a savory dish. It’s not supposed to taste like purple Skittles.
If the good Lord had intend ed for humankind to eat sweet cornbread, he would have given us all insulin pumps.
And yet this problem per sists in America.
Only a few days ago, I visited a restaurant in Franklin, Tennessee. It was one of those fancy joints where waiters and waitresses walk like they’re in need of fiber supplementation. The waitress brought me a hot basket of sweet cornbread.
“Excuse me, ma’am,” I said to the waitress. “There’s something wrong with my cornbread.”
“What’s wrong?” she said.
“Well, I think the chef spilled a box of Duncan Hines
Love of Cornbread
into the batter.”
“No, sir. We put sugar in our cornbread.”
“Why would you do such a thing?”
“Because our chef is from Chicago.”
For the love of Earnhardt.
Listen, I try to be a team player. I try to be a good person. I don’t have many overdue library books. I stay at the Holiday Inn Express when possible. But this is an affront.
The church ladies I descend from take their food very seriously.
When I was 6 years old, for example, Miss Henrietta Marcel, at the Baptist church, accused my grandmother of adding too much paprika to her deviled eggs.
After church, someone mysteriously slashed the tires to Miss Henrietta’s Buick. Nobody ever figured out who did it, but a jar of paprika was found wedged in the exhaust pipe.
And while I’m on the sub ject of food, there is another item I’d like to bring to public
attention.
Yesterday, I went to a large chain restaurant which shall remain nameless but whose name rhymes with “Interna tional House of Pancakes.” I ordered country fried steak. When my food arrived, some thing was off.
My steak came with white gravy.
Too often, restaurants mislabel “chicken fried” steaks as “country fried” steaks. And while I love both kinds of steaks, to confuse “chicken fried” and “country fried” is a lot like confusing Brigitte Bar dot with Eleanor Roosevelt.
So I called my aunt Muffin for advice and asked her to weigh in on the “chicken fried” versus “country fried” dispute.
Aunt Muffin is an excellent cook. And not to brag, but my aunt Muffin’s fried fare is so legendary she was recently kicked out of the American Heart Association.
“What’s the difference between chicken fried and country fried?” I asked her.
Aunt Muffin was happy to reply.
“Chicken fried steak is a quality cut of beef, THICK battered, fried, topped with WHITE gravy and prayed over by at least three Church of Christ parishioners.”
Whereas, according to Aunt Muffin, “country fried” steak is made with cheaper cuts, THINLY battered, then topped with BROWN gravy, and in her opinion, unfit for scrub bing oil stains off driveways.
Now, I realize all this chicken-fried business might sound like splitting hairs. But among my folks, the art of frying is sacred. Aunt Muffin went on to tell me there are four distinct styles of culinary frying.
There is “deep frying,” which is what KFC does; “pan frying,” or “shallow frying,” which is how you cook pork chops; “smother frying,” the only way to cook squirrel, rab bit or quail; and “hell frying.”
Which is what happens to all people who put sugar in their cornbread.
Marigold and Cadillac
every novel he publishes, is chock full of heartfelt good cheer and plain old happiness… sometimes through tears.
Times are tough. There’s no deny ing it. Suffering isn’t hard to find, and if you dwell on it for more than a minute or two it can be hard to see the light at the end of the tunnel. But I have come to lean on these words more and more lately:
“Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of the overcoming of it.” - Helen Keller
Ms. Keller was right, as she most often was. If
BCBS
Ms. Keller were here with us today, right here in my hometown, there are a cou ple of things I would love to share with her.
The first thing is right here. Whether you’re read ing this article online or holding an actual newspa per in your hands, on this very same page you will find my absolute hero. Sean Dietrich, lovingly known as Sean of the South, is a philanthropist of words. Every article he writes, every short story he pens,
Mr. Dietrich writes a syndicated column and has published several books. I’ve read every word. On two separate occasions, I have had the opportunity to see him in person on his book tour only to have fate intervene both times. When he comes to Opelika in Jan uary of 2023, I will be there if I have to paddle a canoe in a monsoon on the back side of a tornado wearing a Tyvek suit and carrying a barrel of monkeys.
I am a dedicated fan.
Recently Sean of the South adopted a dog named Marigold. Marigold is blind — the result of abuse and neglect. Sean rescued her, and she has flourished. That man loves that dog, and it shows. They take road trips and go on hikes. They nap and they play. And he writes about it. It’s delicious reading, truly.
And that’s what I would love for Helen Keller to know. If she were here, and I could introduce them, I imagine Ms. Keller and Marigold would instinc tively be drawn together like two soul sisters in a silent world, hearts wide open and wise beyond their time.
The second thing I would want Helen to know is the gift we here in this neck of woods have just been given. Straight out of the blue, after the most discouraging Au burn University football season in more decades than I’ve been around, the sports gods have delivered an angel named Carnell “Cadillac” Williams. In just two weeks, Cadillac has been a living, breathing intravenous megadose of pride and enthusiasm that we so desperately needed. Stepping in mid-season, we all wondered how on earth we would muster the Auburn spirit required to just get through another
brutal game.
But here came Cadillac, running down the sidelines, jumping up and down, praising his team and loving his town, and we all fell in love. The first game he coached had a losing score on the board, but you would never have known it, because for the first time in ages we were a team again. A living, breathing, unified team.
And then last week, in a stadium that was bursting at the seams, Cadillac led us to victory. Had Helen Keller been in that stadium, she would not have seen the eagle soar over the field or Cadillac and the team members run onto the field arm in arm, or Tank Bigsby fly like the wind and Robby Ashford pass for a touchdown. She would not have heard the fight song infused with more spirit than in many, many moons, or the crowd screaming as the ball sailed through the uprights, or the tens of thousands of voices chant
ing “Cadillac! Cadillac!” and “War Eagle!”
But she would certainly have felt the noise and the joy and the pure, raw en ergy. I imagine she would have felt it as surely as you’d feel a lightning bolt if you touched it. Unity, in its purest form, and when dedicated to good, is a force to be reckoned with. Ms. Keller herself was such a force. And so is Cadillac.
And Marigold.
I am so grateful for them all. Thank you, Marigold, for having a heart so pure it shines right through the darkest parts of life and warms us all. Thank you, Cadillac, for being you — true and pure and full of love for Auburn and its players and all its proud folks. Thank you, Sean of the South, for showing us what love looks like when you put it on paper.
And thank you, Ms. Keller, for seeing more than the rest of us ever have.
War Eagle!
market. For more information about Blue
Cross, visit AlabamaB lue.com. Connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on You Tube and follow us on Twitter and Instagram for more up-to-date
information. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licens ee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Asso ciation.
Community Partners Work Together to Prepare for the Creekline
CENTEROPELIKA —
Many hands make light work, so the saying goes.
Last Saturday, communi ty partners put this saying to the test by coming together for a workday to clear the way for the Creekline Trails of Opelika’s pilot trail sys tem on Waverly Parkway. The new trail system now under construction will include a main paved multiuse path, nature paths and more. The trail system is funded in part by a recently awarded state grant com bined with city matching funds and local donations.
The Pepperell Branch-Wa verly Trail will provide more than a mile of trails along a scenic stretch of Pepperell Branch Creek.
On Saturday, Nov. 5, Creekline Trails of Opelika organized a collabora tion with the Chamber of Commerce 20 Under 40 group, Auburn University Water Resources Center, the Southeast Conservation Corps, the city of Opelika and Keep Opelika Beauti ful, as well as local citizen volunteers. With a lot of
team effort, this group worked together to host a large cleanup event at the new trail site.
While one group cleaned Pepperell Branch Creek, the stream that runs along side the new trail system, another group helped clear out an old pump house site that may one day be a sce nic rest stop along the trail system.
“It’s amazing how much work can get done when community partnerships take place,” said Laura Bell with the Auburn Water Resources Center. “With
community momentum, we were able to clear over 27 bags of trash, 12 tires, mul tiple plastic chairs and cars, old pipes and other debris.”
Opelika’s 20 Under 40 program is made up of 20 outstanding people under the age of 40 who live in Opelika, love Opelika and have a vested interest in shaping the direction of the city’s future. This year, the group selected the Creekline Trails of Opelika for its service project. The group will work on clearing debris and creating a more friendly seating destination for pe
destrians.
By working with the Auburn University Water Resources Center and Keep Opelika Beautiful, the 20 Under 40 group was able to leverage its project into an even larger cleanup event. Litter often gets washed into waterways via storm drains or illegal dumping; creek cleanups like this help pro tect local water resources.
The Auburn University Water Resources Center operates several outreach programs, like Alabama Watershed Stewards and Alabama Water Watch, that
aim to educate and inform people about water steward ship and ways they can get involved in making a differ ence locally. Keep Opelika Beautiful facilitates various beautification and cleanup activities across Opelika.
Creekline Trails of Ope lika, a citizen-driven project operating under Envision Opelika, led this collabo ration of local groups and volunteers and sponsored a trail construction crew from the Southeast Conservation Corp (SECC).
“We have a lot of work ahead of us, especially
heading into 2023,” said Mike Akins, coordinator of Creekline Trails of Opelika.
“As we get trail construc tion underway, participation by all these local volun teers and key collaborating groups makes a big differ ence. We are so grateful to see so much interest and energy.”
As the Creekline Trails of Opelika continues to make progress on providing trail access to the greater public, it’s clear that community partnerships can make longterm progress both feasible and fun.
Montgomery Extends Internet Network to Auburn to Expand Digital Access
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
AUBURN —
The city of Montgom ery recently announced plans to extend its highspeed internet network to Auburn, Alabama.
This expansion will pave the digital path to cost-effective, efficient and accessible connectiv ity. The Montgomery In ternet Exchange, MGMix, a peering network that supports internet service providers (ISP), will extend its network fabric to AUBix LLC, a mis sion-critical, multi-tenant data center in Auburn, Alabama.
“This is a step for ward to achieving digital equity across the region, benefitting individuals who live in underserved rural communities,” said Steven Reed, mayor of the city of Montgomery. “By extending our network fabric to a data center in Auburn, the MGMix will improve the efficiency and resiliency of the internet for the Montgomery area, colleges and businesses along the I-85 corridor, and the entire River Region.”
Interconnecting highspeed internet, called “peering,” allows inter net service providers to exchange traffic unabated. Extending the MGMix to the Auburn area saves money for local broad band networks and allows them to expand their ser vice coverage area to offer more reliable internet access.
“The internet exchange in Auburn, AUBix, is
proud to partner with the city of Montgomery to extend the MGMix peer ing to multiple internet service providers’ highspeed global backbones to connect to global enterprises, academia and content and gaming providers to quickly and easily exchange traffic,” said Andrew Albrecht, CEO of AUBix. “Peering typically produces a more direct path between two networks, thereby reduc ing the distance that data have to travel. The result is lower latency, higher speeds and an improved end-user experience.”
Peering has many ad vantages over its alterna tive, which is to purchase internet transit to carry data traffic. In many cases, network traffic has to trav el hundreds of miles to reach large metropolitan markets. The advantages of peering include:
• Efficiency: Peering creates a better, more open internet while allowing ISPs to deliver better service to end users.
• Resiliency: Business es and consumers are no longer limited to one local network which is respon sible for distributing or receiving all their data traffic.
• Cost-effectiveness:
Peering is much more cost-effective than paying one or more networks to carry traffic while deliv ering higher speeds and quality of service.
• Competition: Internet exchanges tend to be hubs for competition by increasing internet speed. Customers can connect and peer at speeds rang ing from 1 Gbps to 100+ Gbps.
“Broadband is a hot topic and a priority in the 21st century,” said Au burn Mayor Ron Anders. “Auburn has long worked to provide options for its residents, recruiting as many broadband provid ers locally as the market will allow. We’re proud to have AUBix here in Au burn improving the local digital infrastructure.
“Peering with the Montgomery Internet Exchange helps major players from Amazon to Netflix deliver excel lent local performance while providing busi ness growth and a direct connection to enterprises locally and customers around the world. This is a win for Auburn, Mont gomery and the entire region.”
ABOUT MGMIX
The Montgomery Inter net Exchange (MGMix) is
AUBix LLC is a multitenant, mission-critical data center that will help
in Alabama. The secure, compliant infrastructure will boost efficiency and cost-effectiveness, with carrier-neutral services and deep technology expertise. AUBix is ex pected to be an economic catalyst for the regions and communities it serves, enabling digital trans formation for businesses, supporting health care, fi nance, manufacturing and academia, and providing access to high-speed internet. www.aubix.net
Auburn, Opelika Honor Veterans
ociety & News
Ann Cipperly
SHouthernospitality
Christmas dinner.
n a country setting surrounded by cot ton fields, Jeanette Torbert begins preparing traditional Thanksgiving dishes ahead for her fami ly. While family members will bring dishes, Jeanette prepares most of the meal, and being 89 years of age has not slowed down her love of having family in her home for Thanksgiving, as well as
Jeanette has two chil dren, Sara Jane Tatum and Allen Torbert, who live in Opelika. Sara Jane and her husband Dr. Tim Tatum have two grown children — Katie, who is married to Jared Moore with two children, Sara and Matthew; and Matt and his wife Lauren. Al len and Ruth Torbert have one son, AJ.
When Jeanette was growing up on a farm in Marvyn, her family raised turkeys and killed hogs in the fall. On Thanksgiv ing, they had a traditional meal with roast turkey and ham, and her mother, Helen Ingram, would make a big pan of Corn bread Dressing. Jeanette learned to cook from her mother, who also taught her four brothers.
Her mother enjoyed cooking for family and friends. When Jeanette’s brothers brought their friends home, their mom would cook a big pot of field peas, along with oth er dishes.
During World War II,
Santa on the Corner to Benefit United Way
BY UNITED WAY OF LEE COUNTY
AUBURN —
United Way of Lee County, in partnership with the Downtown Au burn Merchant’s Associa tion, will host Santa on the Corner. Santa will be set up diagonal from Toom er’s Corner in downtown Auburn. Santa on the Corner will be Saturday, Dec. 3 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sunday, Dec. 4 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Families are encouraged to visit with Santa and have pictures made.
There will be no ded icated photographer for this event; you must bring your own camera. There is no charge for Santa on the Corner, however donations made will benefit United Way of Lee County.
when the family received stamps for food, her fa ther, Llewellyn Ingram, would give them to their friends since they grew all their food. They canned their garden vegetables and had cows for milk and making butter.
After Jeanette’s brothers were grown, at Thanksgiving she would miss two of her brothers and two uncles who were serving in the war.
When Jeanette graduat ed from Beauregard High
Southern Union’s Christmas Show: An Enduring Legacy
WADLEY —
For many area resi dents, attending the annual Christmas show at South ern Union State Commu
nity College is a favorite holiday tradition. For some of those residents, however, performing in the show is also a family tradition and part of a lasting community
On Nov. 5, 2005, I married Mike Wallace, the best man I have ever known. At the time, Mike was 46, and I was almost 43. So long before our wedding day arrived, most of our family and friends had probably given up on ever seeing either of us get married
Therefore, that day at Orr Street Baptist Church, my home church, when Brother George Stewart, my favorite minister of all time, announced, “May I present to you Mr. and Mrs. Mike Wallace,” the applause was joyous and quite loud.
My sweet Mama and Daddy were on the front pew, applauding and crying, but hopefully from happiness and not from the relief of finally unloading me. My sweet husband later quipped, “Your
Making the Grade: Vintage 2298
Daddy was glad that he wouldn’t have to drive over to LaGrange the next time you had car trouble.” No, that baton had passed to my new husband, who still enjoys teasing me.
My Mike is a wonderful, loving, supportive man. And being married to me isn’t easy; he’s probably earning jewels in his crown by just putting up with me.
When our 17th anni versary rolled around, we
wanted to go somewhere really special, and we found just the place: Vin tage 2298, at, you guessed it: 2298 E. University
Vintage 2298 opened on Oct. 22, and Mike and I really admired the beautiful new building. The bricks loved the “vintage” look. Sorry, I just couldn’t help
The interior of the restau rant was lovely and elegant. Each table was decorated with a small candle and flo ral arrangement. Also, the beautiful, quiet music being played was quite soothing. Again, we were in the right place for a special
members were all outstand ing. Scott Thomas, the front house manager, was so kind and patient, answering all my questions about the
Scott said that Vintage 2298 is locally owned by Randall and Laura Baldwin. In addition, Randall is the
“Chef Randall and Laura my by buying from local sources, from goat cheese to grits and Conecuh sausage,”
The restaurant gets fresh Gulf seafood from Greg Abrams, a local fisherman in Panama City, as well as oysters from Mobile Bay
Also, Randall pays hom age to his late mother Nan cy, who taught him how to cook. A beautiful painting of Miss Nancy, which was drawn from a photograph taken by Chef Randall’s dad on his parents’ honey moon, appropriately hangs restaurant, over the heart of the kitchen. Also, Miss Nancy’s heirloom silver and cookbooks are displayed in the restaurant. Chef Randall
A+
When we were seated, Amanda, our server, was wonderful, sweet and help ful. Mike and I both ordered a bowl of the Vintage Gulf seafood gumbo, which had Conecuh sausage, crab meat, oysters, shrimp and Carolina gold rice. Oh, my two times. You just can’t beat fresh Gulf seafood. That gumbo was so good, it would make you slap your grandma twice. Again, I’m kidding; that’s just an old saying. I would NEVER have slapped my amazing grandmothers, Pearl Coker Patton or Vivian Brooks McEachern Adamson. Please don’t call or email my boss Michelle Key.
For our entrees, we both chose the fried Gulf seafood platter, ordering double shrimp instead of oysters. We aren’t oyster people. Don’t you love when restaurants let you do that? Vintage 2298 earned bonus points from me.
The platter also came with flounder, a stuffed baked potato and a luscious green salad. Everything was decidedly delectable (Again, I love alliteration.). Even the salad was fresh and fab ulous; I LOVED the house dressing. This part is import ant; after all, “Pooh-sized” people don’t generally get excited about salad.
Then, even though Lynn Hudson, my wonderful endocrinologist, may be reading this column, Mike and I split a Meyer lemon tart with Chantilly crème and strawberries for dessert. Oh, my three times. Vintage 2298 was worthy of our 17th wedding anniversary. Run and do not walk to this restaurant.
Besides our wonderful gumbo, Vintage 2298 also offers other appetizers such as oysters on the half shell,
Other entrees served include beef tenderloin, Nancy’s buttermilk fried chicken (I have to try that next time.), pecan wood grilled venison leg, New York strip and short ribs, among others.
Besides dinner, Vintage 2298 also serves a Sunday brunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Last Sunday, the restaurant served appetizers, some of which included oysters on the half shell, housemade buttermilk bis cuits, fried Bayou La Batre crab claws, South Alabama seafood gumbo and house made pimento cheese.
Some brunch entrees included fresh farm egg crabmeat omelet, Southern Vintage Breakfast, Stin son’s brioche French toast (with Conecuh bacon) and Nancy’s buttermilk fried chicken. Brunch menus change weekly.
Mike, this review was for you. I hope and pray that God blesses us with at least 33 more happy anniver saries. As our dear friend Dottie says, “I love you to the moon and back!”
Vintage 2298 is open on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and on Monday and Wednesday through Saturday from 4:30 to 10 p.m. The restaurant is closed on Tuesday.
Vintage 2298 makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!
Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in The Observer. Wallace may be reached at retiredlangartsteach er2020@gmail.com
SHOW
legacy.
Such is the case for at least three families that will be attending “Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas,” the 2022 holiday extravaganza to be performed Nov. 29 through Dec. 2 on SU’s Wadley campus by the college’s renowned Show Choir.
On stage at Brazeal Au ditorium those nights will be Joseph Anglin, Karsen Kinman and Jenna and Lau ren Fuller, all of whom have parts in the show. In the au dience will be their parents, Darren and Kim Holloway Anglin, Deanna Davis Full er and Andy Kinman, all of whom are former Show Choir members.
Though the parents treaded the boards of that stage a few years back — the Anglins in the mid-1980s, Deanna Fuller and Andy Kinman in the 1990s — they all remember fondly and clearly what it was like to prepare for and perform in this illustrious holiday production. They are also all thrilled that their children are now part of the Show Choir’s legacy.
The Show Choir is one of several SU-sponsored performance groups, all of which trace their roots back to the college’s beginnings as Bethlehem College, a small Bible school found ed in 1922 to offer area residents a well-rounded education that included a strong emphasis on music, dance and other fine arts.
The choir itself, howev er, only dates back to the 1970s when SU’s music director, Jimmy New, began laying the foundation for an ensemble-style “show choir” that combined choral singing with choreographed dancing. By the time the Tom Brazeal Auditorium first opened in 1979, New had developed an eager and talented pool of Show
Second Saturday Winds Back the Clock
Choir students ready to take the stage for full-fledged productions.
Over the decades since, New and his successors, the late Ann B. Caldwell and current SU Music Director Dr. Trey Rayfield, built the Show Choir into a stellar program known for its sell-out Christmas and spring shows. The choir also performs frequently across the state and region and has a biennial invitation to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City.
Earning a slot in Show Choir is a competitive process, but SU’s music scholarships have always helped provide a steady supply of talented students for the program each year, including two generations of Anglins, Fullers and Kinmans.
All four parents attended SU on music scholarships, and each arrived on campus with some musical ex perience but little formal training.
Darren, who grew up in Roanoke and played bass guitar in the SU Jazz Band from 1985 to 1987, said he came to Southern Union without any firm career or life plans. “I didn’t have a focus,” he said — that is until he saw Kim, who arrived the following year from Woodland to play bass clarinet in the band. It took a little time, but eventually Darren got her attention, too, and they’ve been together ever since. Though both had been in high school bands, they still had a lot to learn from SU’s exceptional and supportive faculty, who also recruited them for Show Choir — Kim to be a singer and Darren to play in the band.
Deanna grew up singing in church and with her wellknown Chambers County gospel singing family. At the age of 18, she and three cousins also formed their own gospel quartet and traveled around the South
east singing, but she had no formal training when she arrived at Southern Union in 1992.
“Mrs. Caldwell told me, ‘You cannot read a lick of music,’” Deanna said. “I said, ‘No ma’am, I know I can’t.’ But I had a very good ear, and she was very patient with me.”
Caldwell helped Deanna qualify as a member of the Southern Union Sound, a smaller campus singing group, and later the Show Choir.
Andy Kinman also sang in church and came from a gospel background — his family was a well-known Alexander City-area group that often sang with Dean na’s family. Though he had been offered a scholarship to Central Alabama Com munity College in Alex City, after visiting Southern Union’s Wadley campus at the urging of a friend, Kinman was sold.
“I fell in love with the place,” he said, adding that it was at SU that he truly found his voice and had an opportunity to explore different kinds of music, thanks to the school’s knowledgeable and talented faculty.
“The educators were top-notch,” Darren said of his experience at Southern Union, “But they were also wise when we needed encouragement in choosing the right path.”
Kim agreed, adding, “Mr. New and Mrs. Caldwell knew our talents more than we did.”
Deanna noted that they learned not just about music and other academics at SU, but also many personal and professional life skills that have served them well ever since.
“I think a big part of growing up is done here,” she said. “Our teachers brought us in and raised us up.”
Participating in Show Choir, which requires team
work and cooperation, was part of that education, but Show Choir also gave them confidence and a chance to shine, which can be a rare gift.
“This program gives students a chance to be part of the A team,” Kim said, noting that many students in rural areas of the state don’t have access to arts education programs. South ern Union ensures those students “don’t fall between the cracks,” she said.
Lauren Fuller under stands that firsthand.
“Our high school barely had anything for the arts,” Lauren said, “so I felt overlooked and underap preciated. It’s amazing to get here and feel like you’re somebody because without the arts I don’t know who I would be.”
Of course, all four parents hoped their own children would end up at Southern Union, too, and all four offspring did, each of their own accord.
Joseph was attracted to SU’s strong theatre program and “I also liked the idea of doing something that was generational,” he said. But when Joseph came for scholarship tryouts, he was so impressed with Rayfield and that he happily got involved with the music program and Show Choir in addition to theatre.
Karsen planned to attend Southern Union all along because she was drawn to its smaller community col lege experience. But having a father and an aunt who both sang in Show Choir, she also wanted to carry on that family tradition. “We didn’t have a choir in high school, so I didn’t have any experience with it,” she said. Being part of Show Choir has taught her a lot about her own talents and the breadth of talent around her, too. “I love it,” she said.
“I’ve always wanted to come here because ever
since I was a little girl, it has been my dream to be in Show Choir,” Lauren said, a sentiment echoed by Jen na. And the experience has been a dream come true. “It’s been amazing to come here and be taught and get to do what we love,” Lauren said.
For the Fuller sisters, who are freshmen, this Christmas show will be their first big performance. Both have been active in community theater produc tions, so they are no strang ers to the stage, but neither have performed in front of an audience as large as the Christmas show promises to bring. “It’s exciting and scary at the same time,” Jenna said.
Lauren agreed, but added she feels confident. “We’ve been rehearsing so much, and I think we’ve really got it down,” she said.
Even though she’s a sophomore with one Christ mas show already under her belt, Karsen said being in the show is still a little anxiety-inducing.
“It’s what Southern Union is known for, and it’s the one I’ve always heard about growing up,” she said. “It’s such a big deal and I’m in it!”
Joseph, also a sopho more, is reveling in the lead-up to the show. “This is the part that I like most about it — it’s when all the pieces start coming togeth er,” he said.
Looking back on their experiences, the parents can readily recall those pre-show jitters. Andy re membered being “scared to death” before Show Choir performances because, though he had confidence in his singing ability, the footwork was a challenge.
“I’m not a dancer, and it was good for me to just sway in the right direction,” he said.
They all have memories of wardrobe glitches and other hiccups and of the
hours spent practicing, but what these parents and children alike treasure most are the lifelong connections they make through Show Choir.
“There are people I met in the choir that have walked with me through some of the best moments and the worst moments of my life,” Andy said.
The parents and children also agree that the Show Choir — and entire fine arts program at Southern Union — is an invaluable, irreplaceable experience that serves students well in life, whether they pursue careers in the performing arts or something else. It is, they said, truly a lasting and powerful legacy.
“What’s truly impressive to me is the standard of excellence that was set long ago and is met consistently year to year to year,” Andy said. “That’s what’s special about this choir at this school, and it should not be overlooked.”
“It’s a treasure to have something of this level of quality available in our area of the state,” Darren said, adding that the level of support offered to Joseph and other students is “a blessing that you can’t buy with money. I hope my grandchildren will get to be part of it one day, too,” he added.
Alumni Show Choir members will have an opportunity to join the current choir on stage for one of this year’s songs, a fitting tribute to the lasting legacy of the Show Choir and SU’s 100-year commit ment to providing the area an education that embraces knowledge and creativity.
Tickets to “Everyone’s a Kid at Christmas,” which will begin at 7 p.m. nightly Nov. 29 through Dec. 2 in Brazeal Auditorium on Southern Union’s Wadley Campus, are available online at suscc.edu.
School, she attended API, now Auburn University. She taught school in Car rollton, Georgia, one year and then taught in Colum bus, Georgia, for a year. When she married Henry Allen Torbert, they lived on a farm in Society Hill, four miles from where she grew up.
Henry Allen and his brother Charles were farmers. They grew cotton, had cattle and a country store that mainly catered to farmers with plow parts, cotton and garden seeds, as well as fertilizers and chemicals. They also owned a cotton gin.
Fall was considered the best time of year with harvest, football, Thanks
CIPPERLY RECIPES
MOM’S CORNBREAD DRESSING
Jeanette Torbert
I substitute white bread for homemade biscuits that my mother Helen Ingram used.
Cook cornbread according to recipe on cornmeal bag. Cool and crumble.
4 cups chicken broth (Boil a chicken or hen for the best broth. If using canned broth, add one stick melted butter.)
2 cups chopped celery 1 cup chopped onion 10 slices white bread, pinched into small pieces 1 sleeve soda
giving and the children’s birthdays. The men in the family would duck hunt during winter.
When Sara Jane and Allen were growing up, the family would have dinner at Jeanette’s moth er-in-law’s house the Sunday before Thanks giving. Then, they would go to Jeanette’s parents’ house in Marvyn on Thanksgiving day with extended family, includ ing 16 cousins. Jeanette remembers there were tables all over the house filled with children.
While everyone took dishes, Jeannette’s mother still cooked the turkey and ham and made the dressing.
Sara Jane has fond memories of Thanks giving growing up with happy days at the farm. In
crackers, crumbled 5 eggs Salt and pepper to taste
Cook celery and onion in broth until tender. Mix breads, crackers, eggs, broth with celery and onion, salt and pepper. Add additional broth until consistency desired (should pour like cake batter). Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 30 minutes until lightly browned and set in the center. Freezes well.
BUTTERBEANS
1 pkg. frozen tiny lima beans (I like Pict Sweet Farm
the fall, the farm and the family’s cotton gin were like a playground for her with bales of cotton, wag ons full of cotton and the cotton seed house.
When Allen and Sara Jane were in their teens, their father became ill.
Jeanette helped with bookkeeping for their farm. After Henry Allen passed away, Jeanette continued living on the farm.
While she no longer has a garden, Jeanette has pots of tomato plants and dill for making her pick les. She also makes a lot of jelly to give away.
After her mother, Helen, passed away, Jeanette began having Thanksgiving at her home for her children and grandchildren, and now two great grandchildren.
brand.)
1 cube Knorr chicken bouillon Salt to taste ½ stick butter
Boil lima beans on low in salted water with chicken bouillon on low for approximately 30 minutes. (If they boil on high, they will be starchy.) If needed, cook longer. When cooked, stir in butter.
ASPARAGUS AND CHEESE
Sara Jane Tatum 4 Tbsp. butter 4 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
Pepper to taste 1 tsp. salt 2 cups milk 2 cups shredded sharp cheese
Jeanette makes her moth er’s Cornbread Dressing, but she substitutes white bread for the homemade biscuits her mother used. Her mother made biscuits for breakfast every morn ing.
Jeanette will cook a hen with onion and celery for stock to use in the dress ing. She will prepare it a week or more ahead of Thanksgiving and freeze it. She will also make a sweet potato casserole topped with pecans ahead to freeze.
She will set the dining table days ahead of time and roast the turkey the day ahead. Jeanette likes to have as much done ahead as possible.
“I want to be rested on Thanksgiving, so I can sit and enjoy the family,” she said.
2 cans extra-long (thin) asparagus Melt butter. Stir in flour, salt and pepper. Pour in milk slowly. Cook until thick and remove from heat. Stir in cheese.
Put asparagus in baking dish. Pour cheese mixture over asparagus. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
SQUASH
CASSEROLE
Sara Jane Tatum
1 lb. squash, sliced 1 large, sweet onion, chopped 1 stick butter 1 egg ½ cup mayonnaise Salt and pepper to taste 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese Cook squash and onion in water until tender. Drain and mash together. Add butter, egg, mayonnaise, salt, pepper and cheese. Put in greased casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40 minutes until light brown and firm.
GREEN BEAN
CASSEROLE
4 cans French style green beans
16 oz. sour cream
2 cans mushroom soup
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 cups shredded sharp cheese
1 stick butter
1 cup Ritz or saltine crackers
French’s “French Fried Onions”
Drain and rinse green beans. Mix sour cream, mushroom soup and garlic powder. Add to beans. Put in greased casserole dish. Sprinkle cheese on top of bean mixture.
Melt butter and add cracker crumbles. Put cracker mixture on top of cheese. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes. Add
Sara Jane will take Squash Casserole, As paragus and Cheese and Tim’s grandmother’s chocolate cake (Deet’s 1234 Cake with Choc olate Icing). Ruth will make Broccoli Salad and Pumpkin Pie. Sometimes Jeanette will also prepare green beans or Green Bean Casserole and cook rice for the gravy.
On Thanksgiving day, after the family leisurely savors a wonderful meal together, they will help Jeanette decorate the Christmas tree.
The family will cel ebrate Christmas twice with an early celebration with turkey and ham.
For Christmas dinner, Jeanette will serve her Shrimp Casserole that she has prepared the day ahead with salad and
French’s Fried Onions on top and bake 10 more minutes.
BROCCOLI SALAD
Ruth Torbert
2 bunches broccoli 1 cup craisins or dark raisins, optional 1 small red onion, chopped ¾ cup dry roasted sunflower seeds or pecan pieces 1 cup mayonnaise ¼ cup sugar
2 Tbsp. white vinegar
4 slices crispy bacon, crumbled Wash broccoli well, cut tops only and place in salad bowl.
Mix with craisins/ dark raisins, onion and sunflower seeds/ pecan pieces.
Mix sugar and vinegar; add mayonnaise. Stir with spoon and pour over salad.
Mix well. Top with crumbled bacon right before serving.
BAKED GREEN BEANS
2 cans whole or cut green beans (not French style) 2 cooked strips bacon, crumbled 1/2 cup brown sugar
1 stick margarine or butter
Garlic salt Rinse and drain green beans. Place in a buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle with lots of garlic salt, crumbled bacon and brown sugar. Dot with margarine. Bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until beans are tender. Stir after 15 minutes.
VIDALIA ONION
CASSEROLE
6 Vidalia onions (or sweet onions)
6 Tbsp. butter 16 oz. shredded Swiss cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
1 cup half and half 1 small loaf French
green beans. Ruth will bring carrots, and Sara Jane will bring the family favorite Red Velvet Cake.
As Thanksgiving ap proaches, Jeanette is thankful for many things.
“I am thankful for my health, my family, the Lord and our country,” she said. “I have faith that we will one day have a country like we once had.
“I am thankful to the Lord Jesus for all the blessings poured out on us, especially having Mom all these years after losing my father when I was 16 years old. I am thankful for Mom’s health at age 89 and all the things she passed down to us.
“I am glad that at Thanksgiving and Christ mas I can go home to the farm where I grew up.”
bread
Butter to spread on bread
Cut onions into ¼ inch slices. Sauté onions in 6 Tbsp. butter until onions are tender and transparent. Put in the bottom of 9 x 13 casserole dish. Cover onions with Swiss cheese. Mix soup, soy sauce and half and half. Pour over Swiss cheese. Cut French bread into slices and spread slices with butter. Arrange to top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
HOT ARTICHOKE DIP
14 oz. can artichoke hearts — drain and chop
1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup grated parmesan cheese ½ tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce Combine all ingredients, mixing well. Spoon into lightly greased small casserole dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Serve with Melba Toast.
PUMPKIN PIE
Ruth Torbert
2 eggs, slightly beaten 15 oz. Libby’s solid pack pumpkin ¾ cup sugar
1 ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice 12 oz. evaporated milk or light cream 9-inch unbaked deep dish (4 cup volume) pie shell with high fluted edge or two 8-inch pie crusts
Mix filling ingredients in order listed.
Pour into pie shell. Bake in a preheated 425 degree oven for 15 minutes. Reduce temperature to 350 degrees and continue baking for 45 minutes or until knife inserted in center of pie filling comes out clean.
Cool. Garnish with whipped cream, if desired.
DEET’S Tatum’sGrandmother
1 cup Crisco
2 cups sugar 3 cups all-purpose flour
4 eggs 1 cup milk
4 tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. vanilla
Cream Crisco and sugar. Add flour, eggs and milk, alternating them. Add vanilla and baking powder. Pour in greased and lightly floured cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until cooked. Frost layers with Deet’s Chocolate Icing.
Deet’s Chocolate Icing:
1 stick butter
2 squares chocolate, unsweetened 2 cups sugar
½ cup pet milk ½ tsp. vanilla
Put first 4 ingredients in pan. Let butter and chocolate melt on medium heat while stirring. Let boil rapidly for 1 minute. Beat until right consistency. Ice cake quickly before icing hardens.
NONA’S RED VELVET
CAKE
Jeanette’s Niece
2 cups sugar 2 cups canola oil 2 eggs 1 bottle red food
coloring
1 tsp. white vinegar
2 ½ cups allpurpose flour
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. baking soda
2 Tbsp. cocoa
1 cup buttermilk
1 tsp. vanilla
Cream sugar and oil. Add eggs. Beat well. Add red food coloring. Add vinegar. Sift together dry ingredients. Alternate adding buttermilk and flour mixture, starting and ending with flour. Add vanilla last.
Pour into three (8-inch) greased and floured pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool and ice with following frosting.
Cream Cheese Frosting: 1 stick softened butter 8 oz. cream cheese, room temperature 1 box confectioners’ sugar, sifted 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup chopped nuts, optional Cream butter, cream cheese and sugar in mixer. Add vanilla. By hand, add nuts. Frost cooled cake.
BEVERLY’S PINEAPPLE
CASSEROLE
Jeanette’s Niece 20 oz. pineapple, drained
3 Tbsp. sugar 6 Tbsp. butter, melted
3 Tbsp. flour 5 oz. shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup butter crackers, crumbled for topping
Mix all but crackers and put in casserole dish. Top with crumbled crackers. Cook at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.
SMOTHERED QUAIL
Sara Jane Tatum
6 to 8 quail
Salt and pepper ½ cup butter
3 Tbsp. flour Milk
Salt and pepper quail all over and roll in flour. Melt butter in large skillet. Brown quail over medium heat. Remove quail. Add 3 Tbsp. (or more) flour, salt and pepper.
Brown flour lightly and slowly pour in enough milk to make a white gravy. Add more salt and pepper if needed.
Return quail to skillet. Simmer on low heat for 30 minutes, basting often. Keep adding milk so gravy
doesn’t get too thick. Serve the gravy over rice or biscuits.
BROCCOLI CASSEROLE
2 (16 oz.) pkgs. frozen broccoli
1 can cream of mushroom soup ½ cup mayonnaise 1 egg, beaten 1 cup plus ¼ cup cheddar cheese
½ cup Ritz cracker crumbles
Cook broccoli until soft. Cut into bite size pieces. Mix broccoli, soup, mayonnaise, egg and 1 cup cheese. Pour into greased 8 x 8 pan.
Top with cracker crumbles and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees. Sprinkle on rest of cheese and return to oven until cheese melts.
BROCCOLI SOUP
Sara Jane Tatum
½ lb. fresh broccoli
2 cups chicken broth (can use more)
3 Tbsp. margarine 2 heaping Tbsp. flour
2 cups half and half
Salt and pepper to taste
Cook broccoli in broth until tender. Remove broccoli and save broth. Puree broccoli. Melt margarine and stir in flour to make paste. Slowly add broth until mixture is smooth. Add half and half and stir until soup is hot. Add broccoli, season, and heat. Freezes well.
SHRIMP
CASSEROLE
Jeanette serves this at dinner on Christmas Day.
1 medium onion, chopped ½ cup green peppers, chopped
1 large can mushroom pieces, drained
1 stick butter 3 cups cooked shrimp
1 box Uncle Ben Long Grain and Wild Rice
2 cans cream of chicken soup Crushed Ritz crackers
Butter for topping Sauté onion, peppers, and mushrooms in stick of butter.
Add 3 cups cooked shrimp (can use more).
Prepare rice according to the package directions and mix with above.
Add cream of chicken soup. Put mixture in long casserole dish. Top with crushed Ritz crackers. Dot with butter, Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes until hot and bubbly.
JEANETTE’S DUCK AND WILD RICE CASSEROLE
A favorite to serve during duck hunting season. Does not have a “wild” taste.
2 large wild duck, cleaned
3 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces
1 onion, halved ½ tsp. salt
¼ tsp. pepper 6 oz. pkg. longgrain and wild rice mix 4 oz. can sliced mushrooms ½ cup chopped onion ½ cup melted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
1½ cups half and half
1 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley ½ cup slivered almonds Combine first 5
ingredients in a large Dutch oven. Cover with water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour or until ducks are tender. Remove ducks from stock. Strain stock and reserve. When ducks cool, remove meat from bones and cut into bite size pieces; set aside. Cook rice according to package directions. Drain mushrooms and reserve liquid. Add enough duck broth to mushroom liquid to make 1½ cups. Set aside.
Sauté chopped onions in butter until tender. Add flour, stirring until smooth. Add mushrooms. Cook 1 minute, stirring constantly. Gradually stir in mushroom/broth liquid. Cook over medium heat, stirring until thickened and bubbly.
Stir in duck, rice, half and half and parsley. Spoon mixture into a greased 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle almonds over the top. Cover and bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Uncover dish and bake an additional 10 minutes.
COOKED CUSTARD HOMEMADE ICE CREAM
7 cups milk 2 cups sugar
4 Tbsp. flour
7 eggs 1 can evaporated milk 1 can condensed milk Heat milk in a double boiler. Mix sugar, flour and eggs. Add to heated milk and stir until thick. Remove from heat. Add evaporated milk and condensed milk. Cool mixture. Use electric ice cream maker to freeze ice cream.
Located in beautiful downtown Opelika 223 S. 8th St. | 334-749-8003 www.opelikaobserver.com
What's Happening in Lee County
2023 CITY MARKET VENDOR APPLICATIONS OPEN
Are you a local grower or artisan wanting to share your products with those in the community? Apply to be a vendor at Auburn Parks and Recreation's 2023 City Market. City Market vendor applications opened Nov. 14. City Market will be held Saturdays from May 20 through Aug. 26 at Town Creek Park from 8 to 11 a.m., with vendor setup beginning at 7 a.m.
Farmers, growers and artists who are interested in participating in the City Market must fill out an online application or apply in person at the Harris Center (425 Perry St.).
For more information, including a link to vendor applications and the City Market handbook, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/city market or contact Sarah Cook, market coordinator, at scook@aubur nalabama.org.
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. There will not be a December meeting.
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.
AUBURN/OPELIKA MOTHERS
PRESCHOOLERS
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 Collision 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.
RELIGION —
Anxiety and Faith: Part Two
Anxiety seems to be everywhere! Every day we hear reports, stories and statistics about it. It’s like the pandemic came along and took the lid off our anxiety jar and everything started spilling out. But that perception isn’t entirely accurate.
Anxiety is a serious issue in our world today. In this five-part series we’re exploring this problem as well as the difference faith in God can make.
According to research conducted by The American Psychiatric Association and The U.K. Council for Psychotherapy in 2017 (three years before the pandemic), one-third of respondents reported an increase in anxiety. The World Health Organization reported a 25% increase in anxiety
and depression during the first year of the pandemic. If you’re keeping score, that’s an almost 60% spike in four years!
The U.S. Preventative Services Task Force recently recommended that everyone from 8 years and up be regularly screened for symptoms of anxiety. Speaking of our children, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that almost 14% of our children have suffered from anxiety or depression. Medical News Today reports that anxiety affects about 40 million people in the U.S. — almost one out
of every five people. Anxiety is on the rise! But there’s more to the story. There are at least a couple of interesting things to note about this swift rise in our anxiety index. The first is that there is a disproportionate number of people in their 30s and below who are affected. We might have thought that it would be higher among the elderly, but that’s not where the bulge appears — it’s in the millennials and younger (Generation Z). The second item is that anxiety affects the affluent more. The more you have, the more susceptible you are to
BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK
anxiety. Again, I’m not sure that’s what we expected to find.
That’s a quick overview of anxiety, but I think it’s sufficient to give us a grasp on the scope of the problem. How did we get to this point and more important — how do we get past it?
In this article I’ve shared the not-so-good news. Next week, in Part Three, we’ll start to look at the good news of how faith in God can make a difference.
You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-ofgrace-with-bruce-green. com
CHURCH DIRECTORY
334-710-2117
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
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. Parking is available in the church lots on Magnolia and on Gay streets.
Shop local arts, crafts, food, tra ditional baked goods, frozen soups and casseroles.
For more than 50 years the United Women of Faith at Auburn United Methodist Church have used all proceeds from their annual Christ mas Market to support local area missions.
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
RELIGION —
Praise the Lord, O my soul. I will praise the Lord all my life;
I will sing praise to my God as long as I live. –
Psalm 146:1-2
Tremble when you turn in your Bible to Jeremiah. The weeping prophet lived 600 years before Christ, but he wrote about what God would do in the days of Christ! Chapter 31 of Jeremiah is one of the great mountain peaks of truth in the Old Testament. Read it. You will love it. Parts of it are quoted in Hebrews 8 and 10, and his words are behind the phrase in Luke and First Corinthians, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood.”
In this magnificent chapter, Jeremiah shares why God should be praised. He assures the exiles of the goodness of God and promises their return from
Why God Should Be Praised
captivity. He sees them coming back to Jerusalem singing, praising God and loving God for all He had done for them. His precious words stir my soul to praise God:
They will be like a wellwatered garden, and they will sorrow no more.
Then maidens will dance and be glad, young men and old as well.
I will turn their mourning into gladness;
I will give them comfort and joy instead of sorrow.
When General William Booth died in 1912, his funeral procession stopped traffic in London for two hours. In poetically describing Booth’s entry into heaven, Vachel Lindsay visualized a parade of hundreds of street people — the poor, blind, lame, drunkards, harlots – all won to Christ through Booth’s work — led by all the drums and brass instruments for which the Salvation Army is known. Hundreds of years before, Jeremiah saw a great parade of grateful people coming home from captivity singing songs of praise to God.
That Christians praise God does not surprise us. God’s people have always praised God! Consider a
few reasons why we should praise Him:
1. For all He has done for us. The Jews were free. They were going home. They praised God for their freedom. We too can praise God for all He has done for us. Make a list of the things God has done for you. Share the list with your family and friends. Tell somebody how good the Lord has been to you, in spite of your sins. Dean and I often praised God for His kindness in healing our sorrow over the death of our son, and then allowing us to have four more sons.
Complaining makes us miserable. Praising God opens our hearts to the joy Christ wants to give us.
2. Because He desires to be known. What good news — to know that God wants to be known! The Bible teaches us that we can know God. To know “of God” is not enough. Knowing God, like we might know a father or a friend, is faith’s rich reward. Blessed assurance comes when we share the desire of Saint Paul, who said, “I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings …" Get to know Christ. Believe me, He
wants you to know Him. We will never know the answers to all life’s hard questions, but we can know God. And knowing God is better than knowing answers!
3. For His unfailing guidance. The Jews were celebrating because God was guiding them home. A little girl was walking with her grandfather. He asked her, “How do we get home?” She did not know. He said, “Then we must be lost.” “No, grandfather,” she said, “I’m not lost; I’m with you.” We may walk through some dark valleys, but we can trust our heavenly Father to guide us home. We can sing:
When life’s toils are ended
And parting days have come;
Sin no more shall tempt me, Ne’er from Thee I’ll roam, If you’ll only lead me, Father, Lead me gently home. Take your Father’s hand. He will lead you home.
4. For His gracious provision. Palestine was a hot, dry place. Water was precious. God was leading his people like a shepherd “beside streams of water,” so they could thrive “like
OBITUARIES
DEBORAH PITZER
Deborah Pitzer was born in Detroit, Michigan, on June 7, 1954, to Dorothy Joan Frankman and Christopher Dean Culver as the first of four children. She grew up in Denver and Parker, Colorado, and graduated from Douglas County High School in Castle Rock, Colorado, in 1972. Six months later Debi married Larry Stephen Pitzer, whom she had met and fallen in love with in high school, at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Denver, Colorado. They remained devoted to each other in marriage for 50 years, building a family and a legacy together. She was an amazing cook, host of wonderful and memorable family
holidays, and never one to shy away from a good debate.
Debi was a loving mother, “Nana”, wife and friend. She is survived by her three daughters Amy Leigh Haskill, Stephanie Joanne Pitzer, and Heidi Elizabeth Frank. She will be missed greatly by her seven grandchildren. Debi is also survived by her brothers Christopher (Kit) Culver, Charles (Fritz) Culver, and her sister Lisabeth Culver as well as her sistersin-law Denise Culver, Elaine Culver and Cheryl Dickey.
Debi took the hand of her Redeemer on Nov. 8, 2022, and entered into her eternal reward hearing her Savior’s words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Debi will be missed by all who knew her.
KENNETH CADENHEAD
Albert Kenneth Cadenhead died peacefully at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, on Nov. 7, 2022, at the age of 90.
Kenneth is survived by his brothers Paul Cadenhead, Clarence (Dottie) Cadenhead, Ellis (Carol) Cadenhead, his sister Anne Patrick, and his children Michael (Judy) Cadenhead, Melanie Cadenhead, Mark (Dody) Cadenhead, Milton (Diane) Cadenhead. He has five grandchildren, Alec, Maria, Nick, Sara, and Hannah Cadenhead. He is also survived by
his step grandchildren Eric (Heather) Noah and Kim (Richard) Castelo and his step great grandchildren Lillie, Wyatt, Ophelia. He was preceded in death by his parents, oldest brother Roy Alton and his loving wife of 65 years, Frances Jameson Cadenhead.
Kenneth was born on Jan. 14, 1932, to Omie Uvelia Bishop and Roy Erastus Cadenhead in the Callaway Mill Village of LaGrange, Georgia, where he lived in Troup County until he left to pursue his journey as an educator.
Kenneth began his professional studies at West Georgia College in Carrollton, Georgia, where he met his college sweetheart, Frances Jameson. He then received his bachelor's degree in Education
a well-watered garden.” John tells of the river of life, where on each side will grow the Tree of Life, bearing fruit every month. Our Lord is the Water of Life, a free gift to whoever is thirsty!
A Christian in Africa explained that his name was “After.” He said, “It was not the name given me when I was born. I changed my name because everything good that has happened in my life to make me feel worthwhile and give me real purpose happened after I surrendered to Christ and experienced the power of God in Him.” God guides. God provides.
5. Because He can turn our sadness into joy. Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation,” and all of us do. There is sadness and sorrow everywhere. The good news is that God can help us overcome our sadness. Instead of saying “Sincerely yours,” my friend Jimmy Allen closes his letters with this salutation, “In His Grip.” He wants his friends to know his life is in the grip of Christ, even when suffering is his lot.
A jeweler showed a friend his large tray of diamonds and precious stones. Among them was a stone that was
not impressive, having no beauty at all. The jeweler took the stone, closed his fist over it for a few moments, then opened his hand to reveal a stone that glowed with the splendor of a rainbow. He explained what happened. “This is an opal; it is a sympathetic jewel. It needs only to be gripped with the human hand to bring out its beauty.” So it is with our lives — God wants to position us within the grip of his loving hand!
A rough, uncultured man fell in love with a beautiful vase in a shop window. He bought it and put it on the mantel in his home. There it became a kind of judgment on the things around it. He had to clean up the room to make it worthy of the vase. New curtains were put up. An old chair was replaced. Gradually the whole room was transformed. When you and I put Christ on the mantel of our hearts, our lives are transformed! For that we can praise Him.
Across the centuries God’s people have praised Him. Now it is our turn to praise Him! Let us do so with gusto! As long as we have breath! May our last breath be used to praise God for our Lord Jesus Christ!
from the University of Georgia, in 1952, while also serving in the U.S. Army (1952-1954). He completed his master’s degree from the University of Georgia in 1954. Kenneth received his doctorate degree from Auburn University in 1964, and was initiated into Phi Kappa Phi.
His teaching career began in 1950 in a one-room classroom at Oak Mountain School in Carrollton, Georgia. This is the school where Norman Rockwell visited and painted “A Country School” which captured life in rural Georgia in the Saturday Evening Post. This began his lifelong journey as an educator. His career continued in Mountville, Georgia, where he was a teacher and the principal at
Mountville Elementary School for eight years. He left Mountville in 1962 and moved to Auburn, to pursue his doctorate, and became a member of the faculty in the School of Education at Auburn University, where he served for 30 years. He spent two years in 1967 to 1969 as the Education Department head at Columbus College in Columbus, Georgia. Upon retirement, Kenneth remained professor emeritus at Auburn University. He was passionate about educating people. Kenneth made significant contributions to the many students he taught in his career. His teaching continued after retirement when he was highly involved in the
A Journey with MOPS, Mothers of Preschoolers
CONTRIBUTED BY BETH PINYERDOPELIKA —
In 1986, when my infant son Gus was born and got his first hug at East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC), my husband and I, full of excitement, brought home our baby son. After we got home, we both realized that we did not have a clue how to take care of this new gift of life. I quickly realized, too, that infants do not come to us with a guide. Friends could help me figure out how to take care of our infant son as much as time allowed, but I knew in my heart I needed to be with other young mothers who were also walking the road of being mothers to preschoolers. Immediately, I connected with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) in Opelika to share my questions and concerns on how to take care of my infant son.
As young mothers, we were gently mentored and loved by older mothers on how to mother our children. During the meetings, loving volunteer childcare workers took care of our children. Also, as young mothers, we had a support group like a family we
could turn to in times of need. When my husband and I moved to Mobile, Alabama, with no family nearby, our church with early childhood ministries and MOPS became our support family again. Even when we young moms had doctor appointments, sick children or family members, we MOPS mothers stuck together to help each other out because we had no family close by. We helped each other with babysitting, cooking meals, praying for each other and much more. MOPS was this young mother’s lifesaver in learning how to raise a young son and making friends for a lifetime.
After my son got older, MOPS had meant so much to me as a young mother that as an older mother, I decided it was time to give back to a wonderful Christian organization who had truly packed my parachute physically, spiritually, emotionally and mentally to handle the challenges of motherhood.
Our community is so very blessed here to have an Opelika/Auburn MOPS group call Pepperell Baptist Church — located at 2702 Second Ave. in Opelika — their home as they meet on
Lee County Literacy Coalition.
Kenneth married his college sweetheart, Frances Jameson, in 1951. During their life together for 65 years they raised four children, Michael, Melanie, Mark and Milton. Kenneth and Fran shared their love and kindness with all that were a part of their lives, creating many loving lifelong friendships.
On their 25th wedding anniversary, they began to pursue their dream of traveling abroad. Among their many trips abroad, they always returned to Scotland, their favorite home away from home where they made many lifelong friends.
The Cadenhead home on Conrey Drive was always open and everyone felt at home there. Kenneth and Fran were known as the perfect hosts for friends and family, where many have “pulled up a chair around the table” and participated in meaningful discussions, conversations and laughter. Kenneth’s love for music was shared in the home where one would frequently hear Kenneth playing the piano. His love for reading, writing and continuous learning was reflected in the many books and journals that surrounded him in the family room and in his study. His curious and open mind to thoughts and ideas made him a treasured conversationalist to the many he befriended.
Kenneth’s continual
search and desire to think, to understand, and to love set the course that he followed throughout his life. These pursuits were also reflected in his desires to understand connections and to understand and appreciate the collective human spirit.
Kenneth was an avid writer. He began capturing his thoughts in writing in his diaries at the age of 12 and continued to maintain his diaries throughout his life. In addition to his diaries and professional publications, he published a number of books including “Southern Cadenheads”, coauthored with Bill Germany, a book about the life of the Scottish artist James Cadenhead, his autobiography “My Life and Work - A Continual Search”, his collection of essays “Metaphor and Meaning In My Life”, and biographies of his dear friends Potcher and Lillie Cooper. He continually shared his wisdom with his children through his “Daddy letters''.
Kenneth’s love and kindness is understood by all who knew him, and will live on through all of the lives he touched during his 90 years on this Earth. He will be remembered as a true Southern gentleman.
Visitation was held on Friday, Nov. 11, 2022, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, 1500 Frederick Road in Opelika. A graveside service was held following the visitation at Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery located
the first and third Thursday of each month from 9 to 11 a.m. Current needs are met at the meetings with themes, discussion time, question time, refreshment time and craft time. The young children are taught in MOPPETTS along the
at 1000 E. Samford Ave., in Auburn.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:
The Food Bank of East Alabama 355 Industry Drive Auburn, Alabama, 36832, or to The Lee County Literacy Coalition 1365 Gatewood Dr. No. 519 Auburn, Alabama 36830.
Condolences can be sent to www. jeffcoattrant.com.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home & Crematory directed.
same themes that their mothers may be covering. Bible and story time are presented, along with crafts and activities, snacks and outside play. We have so much fun.
This past Thursday, Nov. 10, at 6 p.m. at Pepperell
grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.
Visitation was held Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2022, at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Parlor at 11 a.m. A funeral service followed in the chapel at 12 p.m. with the Rev. Vance McCollum officiating.
The graveside service followed at Flat Shoals Baptist Church Cemetery in West Point, Georgia.
Frederick-Dean Funeral Home handled the arrangements.
Baptist Church, we had a MOPS Friendsgiving Thanksgiving Dinner where MOPS families and Pepperell Baptist Fellowship came to celebrate families and Thanksgiving. Our pastor, the Rev. Zac Gardner, led us in prayer
Baptist Church. Pastor Chuck Goodwin officiated. Burial followed in the Union Hill Community, at Pleasant Grove Congregational Christian Church Cemetery.
The family received friends on Wednesday, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at LaFayette Heights Baptist Church.
and blessings. It was such a wonderful time of good food, fellowship, craft time for the church and MOPS.
Contact Rachel Elrod at 706-244-5620 or Kaela Sexton at 719-351-8093 for further information about MOPS.
many.
ROBERT "ELBERT" BELLFLOWER
Robert "Elbert" Bellflower of Opelika, passed away peacefully at his residence on Nov. 7, 2022. He was 85 years old.
Robert was a member of Lakeside Church of God. He loved the great outdoors; gardening was a favorite hobby of his, he even helped with the community gardens for those in need. Camping and fishing were two of his favorite past times. He lived in Alaska for a brief stint and told many stories of bears and such.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Jean Bellflower; brothers, Benny K. Bellflower and Daniel A. Bellflower.
He is survived by his daughter, Sally A. Bellflower; sons, Robert Earl Bellflower, Bob Lee Bellflower (Heather), and John Walter Bellflower; sister, Mildred Quilly Davis (Bill); eight
PHILLIP JEROME SMITH
Phillip Jerome Smith of Andalusia, Alabama, passed away Nov. 13, 2022, at Arbor Springs in Opelika. Phillip was the son of Bascom and Ophelia Smith. He is survived by his brother, John (Nancy) Smith and two stepdaughters, Kathryn (Pudden) Watkins and Laurie (Ronnie) Stapp. Phillip served in active duty during the Vietnam War for four years in the Air Force from 1967 to 1971. There will be a private interment beside his beloved wife, Kathryn (Kiki) McCall Smith. He will be missed.
RONALD (RONNIE) WADE HILL
A funeral Service for Mr. Ronald (Ronnie) Wade Hill, 67, of LaFayette, Alabama, was held Wednesday, Nov. 16, at 2 p.m. at LaFayette Heights
Mr. Hill passed away on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2022, at EAMC Lanier. He was born on Jan. 17, 1955, in Pensacola, Florida, to Ralph Wade Hill and Frances Fant. He was a member of LaFayette Heights Baptist Church. He worked with the U.S. Postal Service for 30 years. He was an avid hunter and fisherman most of his life. He enjoyed being with friends and family and loved his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly. He loved life. He had a great personality and loved to laugh. His generosity and love were appreciated by
He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Kathy Guthrie Hill of Dadeville, Alabama, son, Ronald Hill of LaFayette, Alabama, and brother Tim Hill (Rhonda) of Dadeville, stepdaughter Autumn Tanner of Dadeville, several nieces, nephews and cousins, grandchildren, Michael (Buddy) Bagsby (Asheton), Austin Goggins (Bre), Alex Baxley, Alli Baxley, Abbi Baxley and three great-grandchildren, Payton Goggins, Baxlee Goggins and Jazmyn Houston.
He was preceded in death by his parents and grandparents, Olin Gabriel and Janie Fant; W.I. and Clema Hill and son Jason Hill.
The family will accept flowers or a memorial contribution to LaFayette Heights Baptist Church or the Wounded Warrior Project.
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.
LEE COUNTY: NOV. 29 AT 6 P.M.
OPELIKA: DEC. 8 AT 4:30 P.M.
AUBURN: DEC. 13 AT 6 P.M.
Area Football Roundup: Playoffs Continue
OHS Basketball Starts Slow
OPELIKA —The Opelika High School
Lady Bulldog basketball team has had a tough start to its season, losing each of its first four contests.
OHS lost the season opener to Eufaula, 5437. Tyra Pitts led the team on the offense by scoring 12 points.
Naomi Whack finished with eight points and Mae Pearson added seven points.
Opelika played in the St. James Holiday Tournament last week end. According to Opelika head girls’ basketball coach Blake Smalley, "the three teams [Opelika] played are in the top 10 in Alabama.”
OHS lost three games in the tour nament, including a defeat at the hands of class 3A defending champion Prattville Christian (79-18), along with Geneva (41-37) and St. James (69-38).
Individually, Cherdi Daniels scored five points and grabbed five rebounds against Prattville Christian.
Mya Pearson's nine points led OHS in scoring against Geneva, while her teammate Pitts scored
eight points.
Daniels and Whack scored six points apiece against St. James.
The OHS girls’ and boys’ basketball teams travel to Enterprise Friday night, Nov. 18.
The Bulldog boys’ team will play the de fending 7A state cham pions at Enterprise High School’s gymna sium. Former Opelika head basketball coach John Wadsworth left OHS two years ago to become one of Enterprise head coach Rhett Harrelson's top assistants. The Wildcats have ad vanced to the AHSSA basketball state finals the last two seasons since Wadsworth arrived.
AHSAA ROAD TO SUPER 7
AT JORDAN-HARE STADIUM
The road to the AHSAA Super 7 at Jordan-Hare Stadium continues this Friday night across Alabama. Class 7A will play two semifinal games Friday night as Auburn travels to face Central, and Hoover hosts Thompson. The two winning teams will play in the Super 7, 7A Championship game on Nov. 30.
BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COMLEE COUNTY —
The high school foot ball season in Alabama is rapidly approaching its end, and a few local teams are still vying for state championships. Last weekend, Loachapoka and Beauregard were eliminat ed from their respective playoff groups, while Lee-Scott, Glenwood,
Auburn and Central all survived another week. Lee-Scott and Glenwood meet at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Thursday, Nov. 17, 2022, with the winner to be crowned state champion of the AISA Class 3A. Auburn and Central face off Friday, Nov. 18, 2022, for a chance to clinch a berth in the AHSAA Class 7A state championship.
The following is a break down of how area teams
fared in the latest round of the 2022 high school foot ball playoffs. All stats were compiled firsthand, by school sources or by www.
Maxpreps.com.
AHSAA
AUBURN 48 | DOTHAN 20
The varsity Auburn High School football team defeated Dothan 48-20 at home in the second round of the AHSAA Class 7A last Friday. Junior wide receiver Ean Nation caught two touchdowns and set
the school’s single-season record for receptions with his 56th catch early in the game. Nation finished with six receptions for 104 yards and two touch downs. The Tigers racked up over 500 yards of of fense in the rematch of the regular season matchup that Auburn won 42-14.
Auburn running back DV Williams led the offense, registering 112 yards
Auburn Goes Crazy for Cadillac
BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COMAUBURN —
Interim Auburn head football coach Cadillac Williams said “it’s bigger than me” following the Tigers’ 13-10 win over Texas A&M on Saturday.
Still, after the game, the Auburn players presented Williams with the game ball.
It was the first ever win for Williams as a head coach, and the
See AUBURN, page B6
Auburn High School Athletes Ink Scholarships
There is one Thursday night game this week as UMSWright plays Charles Henderson at Veterans Memorial Stadium in Troy.
Three other defend ing champs are still alive: Class 1A Sweet Water, which will host Millry, Class 2A Clarke County, which travels to Highland Home and Class 3A Piedmont, which will host Gordo.
Seven undefeat ed teams advanced from the last round of games: Fyffe (11-0), Montgomery Catholic (11-0), Anniston (10-0), Deshler (11-0), Leeds (10-0), Theordore (120) and Hartselle (11-0).
A few tidbits: 46 of the 52 number No. 1 seeds advanced, along with 86% of No. 1 or No. 2 seeds advancing.
Hoover improved its playoff record to 106 wins, 24 losses and one tie for a .815 winning percentage.
UMS-Wright coach Terry Curtis added
another win to his state-leading 348th game.
Congrats to Beauregard and coach Justin Jones for a good football season. The Hornets finished 11-2, losing to UMS-Wright, 48-30, last Friday.
D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 9101310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.
Lee-Scott Blanks Visiting Valiant Cross
and three touchdowns on 20 carries. The Tigers’ dual-quarterback sys tem proved efficient on the night. Clyde Pittman finished 15-of-20 for 208 yards and two touchdowns, while Davis Harsin went 2-of-2 passing for 58 yards and a rushing touchdown. A 21-14 game at halftime was flipped on its head in the second half as Auburn allowed under 100 yards to the visiting Wolves in the final two quarters.
Auburn now advances to face region foe Central Phenix City in a road, semifinal matchup on Friday, Nov. 18. Central advanced to the semifinals with a 45-14 win over Enterprise last week. The game will be a rematch
Glenwood Geared Up for State
of the two teams' earlier meeting this season, which Central won 38-17.
BEAUREGARD 30 | UMSWRIGHTS PREP 48
The varsity Beauregard High School football team saw its season come to an end with a 48-30 loss to No. 1 seed UMS-Wright. After falling behind 21-6 in the first quarter, Beauregard outscored the Bulldogs, 24-14 in the next two quarters. Trailing 35-30 as the final quarter began, Beauregard was outscored 14-0. Senior quarterback AJ Wallace led Beauregard on of fense, finishing 9-of-18 on passes for 174 yards and one touchdown. Wallace added another 109 rushing yards and a touchdown on the ground. Junior Jacori Tarver carried the ball 29 times for 170 yards and two
touchdowns. The Hornets racked up 282 rushing yards in total. Javonn Holman led Beauregard in receiving, pulling in six catches for 95 yards and one TD.
The Hornets finish 10-2 in head coach Jason Jones’s second season. It is the best finish for the program since 2016 when Beauregard fin ished 10-2 and were elim inated in the third round of the playoffs under thenhead coach Rob Carter.
LOACHAPOKA 12 | MILLRY 63
The varsity Loachapoka High School football team saw its season come to a close with a 63-12 loss at the hands of Millry in the second round of the AHSAA Class 1A playoffs last Friday. Loachapoka was closest to its opponent in the first quarter when it scored and missed a
two-point conversion to make the score 7-6 in favor of Millry. Senior receiver Jayy Moore caught the 10-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Quay Nelms. Loachapoka’s sec ond score came in the final quarter via a 35-yard pass from Nelms. Loachapoka finished 2022 with a 9-2 record in head coach Reco Newton’s third year. It is the program’s best mark since 2013.
AISA
with 123 rushing yards on 21 carries, scoring three touchdowns in a steady downpour of rain. Senior linebacker Dalan Bush was just as dominant on defense, recording an inter ception, forced fumble and fumble recovery, as well as leading the team in tackles.
Thursday night at 7 p.m. in Montgomery's Cramton Bowl, Lee-Scott will play rival Glenwood for the AISA Class 3A football championship.
the night, racking up 303 rushing yards in total.
Senior running backs
LEE-SCOTT
41 | VALIANT CROSS 0
Lee-Scott Academy (LSA) head football coach Buster Daniel has guided his team to an 11-0 record after beating Valiant Cross 41-0 in the semifinal game of the AISA Class 3A play offs at Judd Scott Field last week. Senior running back George Meyers led LSA
GLENWOOD 42 | MORGAN ACADEMY 8
The varsity Glenwood Gators football team, led by first-year head coach Jason Gibson, advanced to the AISA Class 3A state championship with a semifinal round victory over Morgan Academy. The Gators dominated the home matchup throughout
Aaron Burton and JT Banks combined for 231 rushing yards and three touchdowns on just 13 carries, and quarterback Dallas Crow added 39 yards on the ground him self. Crow completed 5-of6 passes for 121 yards and three touchdowns, finding three different receivers for each score. Defensively, senior Lane Griggs led the team with five tackles, including three for loss.
Glenwood will play rival Lee-Scott for the AISA Class 3A football champi onship Thursday, Nov. 17, at 7 p.m. at Montgomery’s Cramton Bowl. The Warriors beat Glenwood 32-16 earlier in the season at home, giving the Gators their only loss in Alabama.
Five Tigers Tabbed College Sports Communicators Academic All-District
CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICSAUBURN —
Five members of the Auburn soccer team have been awarded College Sports Communicators Academic All-District hon ors, each earning bids to the succeeding Academic All-America ballot.
Repping the Orange & Blue on this year’s list are M.E. Craven, Anna Haddock, Maddie Prohaska, Hannah Waesch and Hailey Whitaker.
“These five players epitomize what it means to be a student-athlete,” said Auburn head coach Karen Hoppa. “As good as they are on the field, they are even better in the classroom. We could not be more proud of each of them.”
In her final season don ning the Auburn uniform,
Craven started all 18 matches at center back, going the distance in all but three. As a team cap tain and leader on defense, the graduate student also played a heavy part in the team’s 0.72 goals against average, the second-best total in the 30-year history of the program. Craven also proved to be a secret weapon in the Tigers’ attack this season as she delivered a pair of goals, both game-winners, ver sus Army West Point and Kentucky.
Academically, the Alpharetta, Georgia, native graduated summa cum laude with a bachelor’s in psychology and is currently pursuing her master’s in mental health counseling while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Craven also received a nod to the Academic AllDistrict team last season.
Starting every match in the midfield for a thirdstraight season, Haddock also earns a spot on the list after being named a Third Team Academic AllAmerican a year ago. In the classroom, the captain boasts a 4.0 while studying management. In addition to CoSIDA honors, Haddock has also earned academic recognition on the SEC Academic Honor Roll, Athletic Director’s Honor Roll and as a part of the Chi Sigma Alpha Honor Society.
Athletically, the Bowling Green, Kentucky, product led the 2022 squad in three offensive catego ries — assists (six), points (12) and shots on goal (25). Haddock found the back of the net on a trio of occasions, including a 54th-minute game-winner in the season-opener versus
Old Dominion.
The third Tiger to make the list is Prohaska. Manning the net in all 18 games of the season, Prohaska conceded just 13 goals and held the opposi tion to a single goal or less in all but one match. After collecting seven shutouts, the junior stands fifth in program history for career clean sheets with 20.
As a student, Prohaska posts a 3.80 GPA while pursuing a bachelor’s in psychology. Like teammate Haddock, the goalkeeper has also earned academic recognitions from the uni versity as well as the con ference office.
Earning the fourth bid for the Tigers, Whitaker marks the third team captain to be recog nized by College Sports Communicators. Set to graduate with honors
this December, Whitaker will earn her degree in integrative biology. The Birmingham, Alabama, native was also named an Academic All-District se lection in 2021.
On the pitch, Whitaker wrapped up her Auburn career by starting every match at left back and go ing the full 90 minutes of half of the season’s bouts.
Defensively, Whitaker was also vital in the team’s record-setting defensive prowess in just her second season on the back line.
On the offensive end of the ball, she collected a pair of assists against UMass Lowell and Texas A&M and netted a goal of her own versus Southern Miss.
Junior midfielder Hannah Waesch earned the fifth and final All-District honor as yet another player to start every match of the
season. Waesch collected three assists in 1,576 min utes of play at holding mid during the 2022 campaign.
Academically, Waesch studied journalism while holding a 3.83 GPA.
The Academic AllDistrict Women's Soccer Team recognizes the na tion's top student-athletes for their combined perfor mances on the field and in the classroom. To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a 3.50 GPA, have a minimum of one year completed at their current institution and be a start er or key reserve player, athletically.
A complete list of Academic All-District honorees can be found here: www.academi callamerica.com/docu ments/2022/11/15/Acad_ Soccer_Women_2022_23. pdf?id=4356
2nd Annual ‘Iron Bowl Book Drive’ Underway
BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COMOPELIKA —
For the second year, the Lee County District Attorney’s Office and the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s Office will compete in an online Iron Bowl Book Drive to see which office can raise the most funds for Reach Out and Read - Alabama.
The drive, which kicked off Nov. 1, will run until Nov. 26 — the same day the Auburn and Alabama football teams will face off in the Iron Bowl at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
Tuscaloosa County DA clinched the victory last year, but as of Nov. 14, Lee County was holding the lead in this year’s competition.
While the offices will engage in friendly competition
this month, they are united in fighting against a common enemy: illiteracy.
“For the law enforcement side of things, we see that those committing the majority of criminal offenses are functionally illiterate,” said Lee County District Attorney Jessica Ventiere.
The mission of Reach Out and Read — a national nonprofit with several chapters throughout the United States — is to
combat illiteracy by promoting childhood reading.
According to the Alabama chapter’s website, the organization has partnered with more than 300 medical providers in nearly 70 practices across the state to “prescribe” more than 1.6 million new books to children since 1996.
“These books are more than the stories inside ... they are the key to unlocking the potential in every child in Alabama,
and that is where Reach Out and Read - Alabama steps in,” the website reads.
According to Dr. Sara Smith T, fighting illiteracy begins when children are still in the infant stage.
“The studies have shown throughout 30-years-plus that early reading to children promotes better reading, better writing, better communication skills, better school performance, better relationships, and in the end, there really is a link to what Jessica does,” she explained in a recent “This Morning” interview. “It is something that can promote just healthier lifestyles [and] decreased crime lifestyles.
“The more words and variety of words that children hear promotes all of these wonderful benefits,
so we are all about trying to give books to children, and this project is allowing us to give free books to every little baby that comes into our office for their vaccines.”
Last year, the Lee County District Attorney’s Office set a goal to raise $2,500 in a “virtual book drive.” Nearly 40 donors raised more than that, surpassing the goal to contribute more than $2,750 to Reach Out and Read - Alabama.
This year, the goal has increased to $3,000, and donors have already raised almost half of that amount.
There are a total of seven Reach Out and Read sites in Tuscaloosa and Lee counties. The funds raised this year on behalf of the Lee County District Attorney’s Office will once again support the two
sites in Lee County: Pediatric Clinic and Pediatric Associates of Auburn.
Together, the two sites provide more than 13,000 books to local children and their families.
“We are fighting for our children and against illiteracy one book at a time,” Ventiere said in an event kickoff video with Auburn University pre-law students.
To donate to the book drive on behalf of the Lee County District Attorney’s Office, scan the QR code, visit the event page at www.reach-outand-read-alabama. networkforgood. com/ projects/171745war-eagle-and-beatbama-one-bookat-a-time or go to leecountyda.org and scroll down to click on the Beat Bama Book Drive link.
Holloway Continues Five-Star Recruiting Pipeline to the Plains
CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN ATHLETICSAUBURN —
Aden Holloway signed his National Letter of Intent to play for Auburn men’s basketball on Monday, continuing head coach Bruce Pearl and his staff’s five-star recruiting pipeline to the Plains.
The Tigers have con sistently nabbed top-rated talent on the recruiting trail, including NBA Lottery picks in the 2019 and 2021 classes, three ESPN 100 prospects in the 2020 class and two ESPN 100 prospects in the 2022 class.
The 6-foot-1, 165-pound point guard
football landscape.
currently attends Prolific Prep in Napa, California. He is ranked No. 21 over all in the Class of 2023 by ESPN and No. 33 overall by Rivals.
“Auburn has become a place where fast, quick, creative guards have flourished,” Pearl said. “Aden is a special winner. He has a high
first win by a Black head coach at Auburn.
Because of that — and for many more reasons — the night in JordanHare Stadium was truly special.
From the moment Tiger Walk began, an unknowing onlooker could be forgiven for mistaking the impend ing game between two 3-6 football teams for one that had significant impact on the college
A swarming crowd of fans gathered to watch Williams lead his team into the stadium for the first time. The tone of the evening was set there, and the energy only continued to build.
Students lined the bleachers hours before kickoff — braving the bitter cold that set tled over Jordan-Hare Stadium that night. An A-list of recruits watched on as the pregame festivities led to the crux of kickoff.
Over the next three
hours, Auburn left much to be desired on the field, but did just enough to prevail. It was obvious that Williams, fans, former Auburn players and cur rent ones on the sideline felt the momentous na ture of the game, as ev eryone clad in orangeand-blue was engaged for every snap.
While the Tigers’ pas sion and desire to win the game showed itself throughout the night, so did the offensive deficiencies that have plagued Auburn this
basketball IQ and the unique ability to create for himself and others.
People just love playing with him.”
Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, Holloway started his playing ca reer at Matthews (N.C.) Covenant Day School, before transferring to La
season. Despite riding the night’s frenzied mo mentum to an early 100 lead, the Tigers failed to put the game out of the reach of the visiting Aggies.
Second half miscues allowed for A&M to get back into the game, as the score reached 13-10 after a late score from the visitors. But the Auburn defense — the best unit for either team on the night — had al ready done enough.
For the second straight week, the Auburn defense posted
Lumiere School in La Porte, Indiana. During his sophomore season at Covenant Day, he av eraged 21.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists and 2.3 steals per game.
He also played sum mer basketball with Team CP3 on the EYBL, where he averaged 16.2 points, 5.0 assists and
one of its best perfor mances of the season. The Tigers forced three turnovers, recorded three sacks and six tackles for loss and held A&M to just 215 total yards in the contest.
Auburn took the field for offense one final time and the clock hit triple zeroes. Following the final whistle, the crowd of thousands erupted in a manner befit of a championship win. Players climbed into the stands and cele brated with students and fans for a moment that
3.9 rebounds per contest, while shooting 41% from the field and 35% from behind the 3-point arc. Holloway attended this year’s Pangos AllAmerican Camp, NBPA Top 100 Camp, CP3 Elite Guard Camp and USA Basketball October Junior National Team Minicamp.
seemed to stop time. Williams was show ered with praises like a king returning from conquest. He had just conquered the long-re spected, national cham pionship-winning Jimbo Fisher.
The Aggies' head coach is worth about $90 million according to the buyout in his con tract. For Williams, and the fans, former players and attending recruits who went “crazy for Cadillac,” the win was priceless.
Ilove the song “My Favorite Things,” composed by Richard Rodgers.
“Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens, Bright copper ket tles and warm woolen mittens, Brown paper packages tied up with strings, These are a few of my favorite things.”
I know we all remem ber when Julie Andrews sang this in “The Sound of Music,” produced by Robert Wise with music by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein.
During this month, I’ve had reflections of heartfelt gratitude. These reflections made me realize my favorite things are faith, family and friends. I know right now it is so hard in this world to raise families. I respect and pray for our young families who are trying to make it during
this season. I hope the little bit of heartfelt out reach in this column will help young parents in sharing the most import ant things in life, which are faith, family and friends.
1. AS WE OPEN THE SPIRITUAL DOOR IN PLANTING.
As parents and teach ers, we have to expe rience faith ourselves. Seeds in the hearts of young children grow by living and experiencing faith. We can look back on our lives as God gives us altars with answered prayers, carrying us through tough times, let ting us know that He is walking beside us.
I know from teach ing young children that they will literally ask, “What is faith that you keep talking about?” Of course, my answer is “to trust God.” But young children will come back
Faith, Family, Friends Are My Favorite Things
and let you know, “I cannot see God.” This is a question that we as parents, grandparents and teachers answer by showing our children.
We can model a life of faith. Being in the midst of young children is the best audience to be in. They will challenge your thoughts and truly en courage you in hope and joy. Children observe their parents and teach ers very closely; this is how they learn. This is a time where parents and teachers can look for opportunities to share what faith is. This can be done by sharing stories from the Bible of people having faith, such as children’s favorites like the story of Noah build ing an ark and how God took care of him, his family and animals; how The Lord parted the Red Sea for Moses and the Israelites to escape slav ery from the Egyptian; or the walls of Jericho crashing down after the army marched around it just seven times, as God had commanded. These are just a few exam ples from the Bible that young children under stand and can apply in their lives. Also, by faith, children see the miracles that Jesus did in healing people who were sick.
As parents and grand parents, we can also share our own stories of faith. Children abso lutely love to hear sto ries from their parents,
grandparents and even teachers about how faith in God has helped us.
2. HOW CAN WE AS FAMILIES TEACH YOUNG CHILDREN ABOUT GRATITUDE?
As parents, grandpar ents and teachers, we can be an example and model of expressing gratitude. I love to see young chil dren break out in a great, big smile after opening a lunchbox and seeing a “thank you” note or a drawn picture from Mom or Dad expressing gratitude of some kind for an act that their child has done at home, like cleaning their rooms or helping their parents by doing age-appropriate kitchen tasks or oth er household chores. Showing public gratitude — even for little acts of kindness, gifts, etc. — in front of your young children teaches them to model your actions. You can extend thanks, for example, for someone opening a door for you and your family, helping to carry groceries or serving a family food at home or a local restau rant. These are ways your children observe and imitate your models of gratitude. These ac tions of gratitude show that blessings are all around. Thankfulness is
a wonderful attitude to learn.
Celebrate your child’s individual self. I love what God teaches us in Psalm 139:14: “I will praise you, for I am fear fully and wonderfully made. Marvelous are your works, and that my soul knows very well.”
T-I-M-E spent with your child spells L-O-V-E. Undistracted listening is a courteous gift of love to our young children. Modeling good listening skills for our children develops empathy. This says and shows our young children that they are loved and truly cared for. During this time of talking with your chil dren, you can talk about the best parts of their day, discuss how they truly like their friends and why, what games they like to play or toys they like to play with.
3. IN TEACHING YOUNG CHILDREN ON THE TREASURE OF MAKING FRIENDS, I TEACH THEM A LITTLE SONG OF TRUTH I LEARNED AS A CHILD IN THE GIRL SCOUTS PROGRAM IN OPELIKA.
“Make new friends but keep the old; one is silver, and the other is gold.” When children be gin to discover the joy of friendships, their world opens up to new relation ships and socialization
skills. Of course, this does depend on the age of the child.
When children are very young, parents, grandparents and teach ers can role play with their children in activi ties, sharing activities, playing and interacting with them while teach ing them how to make friends.
When inviting friends over, it is wise to plan activities such as going to the park, playing games outside or inside, viewing a video and en joying a favorite snack together. With young children, it is necessary for parents to quietly oversee the play of their friends, especially if it is their first time to play.
As a parent, you don’t want to dominate or con trol their play, but you mainly want to facilitate their play.
Over these days of Thanksgiving Eve and Thanksgiving Day, you and your child can write down, draw or talk about the things they are thankful for during this season of gratitude!
Have a wonderful week being grateful for each day!
Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer
L labama Politics ee County & A
Inside the Statehouse Bonner Inaugurated at South Alabama
president of USA, Frederick Whiddon, who oversaw the first 35 years of USA.
STEVE FLOWERSOPINION —
Jo Bonner was officially sworn in as the fourth president of the University of South Alabama on Sept. 23, 2022.
The University of South Alabama (USA) is the crown jewel and flagship of the Alabama Gulf Coast. It is a sprawling, manicured, beautiful and function al modern campus. It is currently the third largest university in the state. Under the leader ship of Jo, it will grow and prosper to where within the next decade it will be thought of as one of our premier “Big Three” major flagship universities, along with the University of Alabama and Auburn University.
Its location as the only major univer sity in the populous metropolitan Mobile/ Baldwin growth area of our state, coupled with having the University of South Alabama Medical School and Center on the campus, portends for exponential growth and prosperity for the University of South Alabama.
The prosperity for USA is assured by the selection of Jo as presi dent. Over the next de cade, he will be thought of in the same terms and same breath as the legendary founding
There has never been a more perfect selection to be the leader of a major university in our state than the appoint ment of Jo as president of USA. His knowledge of the business, civic and social community of the Mobile/Baldwin area is unique. Through his decade of service as their congressman, he is an integral part of the Mobile community.
He left Congress with the highest regard and admiration. He was so well respected by his congressional colleagues that he was chairman of the U.S. House Ethics Committee. You can be assured that there is no university president, lobbyist or board of trustee member who can walk the halls of Congress and bring home the bacon from the limitless federal trough than Jo. You can also rest assured that there is no university president in the state that has the clout and reverence on Goat Hill in Montgomery than Jo. This is a very unique and perfect blend for prosperity and growth for USA.
It is well known in political circles that Jo is Gov. Kay Ivey’s closest confidante. He served as her chief of staff for four years. Their families go back as friends and relatives in Wilcox County for generations. Jo’s father, the first Josiah Bonner, was probate judge of Wilcox County. Jo is the baby of the family, a good 15 years younger than his brother, Jim, who grew up as friends and in school with Ivey.
Jo's sister Judy and Sen. Jeff Sessions were in school together from kindergarten through 12th grade, then Jo came much later.
The aforemen tioned sister, Judy Bonner, was president of the University of Alabama. Never before in Alabama’s history has there been two siblings be president of major universities in Alabama.
Jo actually became president of USA in January. The official inaugural event was Sept. 23. It was a magnificent program. Ivey gave the keynote address. She beamed with pride as she talk ed about her “little brother” from Wilcox County. Dr. Jack Hawkins, the 30-year chancellor of the Troy University system, gave a brilliant ad dress. He spoke for all of the university pres idents in the state as the dean of University Presidents.
Jo's family was recognized, begin ning with his sister, President Judy Bonner. His wife Janee — along with his two outstanding children, son Robin and daugh ter Lee — were in attendance.
The inaugural event was held in the magnificent Mitchell Center. The Mitchell family have been major benefactors to USA. Arlene Mitchell is chairman of the Board of Trustees.
Another Board of Trustees member is Dr. Steve Stokes, a radiology oncologist from Dothan. He and his wife Angela have been generous donors to USA, also. Stokes
Auburn Approves Contract For Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center
BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COMAUBURN —
The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center is getting a facelift.
The community center is not only being updated to be fully ADA-compliant, but is also getting an additional building which will include a multi-purpose room, dance studio and ceramics studio.
The project will cost the city of Auburn over $4.6 million, but the Auburn City Council approved the resolution to award the bid for the completion to W.W. Compton Contractor,
LLC.
“I think it’s important for our community to understand is that it’s not just what’s going to happen at Jan Dempsey but now what’s going to happen at Dean Road, and this is going to make our Dean Road facility — we’re going to have more capacity for our therapeutics programs here in our community,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “And if you know, a certain segment of our population that continues to grow, it’s our citizens that have special needs and unique circumstances, and this will allow us to do even more
programming for them over at Dean Road.
So this is a great opportunity for us to kind of reimagine what Dean Road functions as.”
EAST ALABAMA HEALTH
The council also voted to approve a fund delegation of $3.3 million to the East Alabama Health Care Authority from the American Rescue Plan Act state funding and the local fiscal recovery funding.
“During the COVID-19 pandemic, East Alabama Healthcare Authority (EAH) found it necessary to hire contract medical
Floral Street Cell Tower Approved
BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
—
OPELIKA
On Tuesday night, the Opelika City Council approved a request for a special use permit with Verizon Wireless at 600 Floral St. This resolution had been ta bled during the Oct. 18 meeting and a motion to remove it from the table failed during the Nov. 1 meeting.
Ward 3 Council Member Tim Aja ad dressed the council and said, “I just want to thank everyone that has weighed in on this tower over the past few weeks on all sides of it. We
received a lot of good information that truly made this a decision that came down to a few things in my particular opinion.”
Aja then listed the items that helped him make a decision on the matter.
“Number one … any safety concerns are out side our purview — our ability to deny the tower for safety concerns … would lead to us being sued for denying it for reasons that we cannot deny it for.
“Number two, in my opinion, it comes down to another thing. We’ve got areas that the tower can be in, and we can use the location that is
presented for us or we can use three to four other locations for other towers to cover the same location. I have to vote for efficiency.”
The motion was ap proved with Ward Two Council Member Erica Baker Norris giving the lone "nay" vote.
PROCLAMATIONS
Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller issued a procla mation to Valerie and Mike Smith, owners of Southern Crossing, de claring Nov. 26, as Small Business Saturday.
CITIZENS COMMUNICATION
Mike Newman, for mer pastor of Pepperell Baptist Church spoke to See OPELIKA COUNCIL, page B11
Alabama Big 10 Mayors: Alabama Now a Safer Place Thanks to Aniah’s Law
CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA BIG 10 MAYORS
ALABAMA —
The Alabama Big 10 Mayors last week thanked Alabama voters for making Alabama safer by showing up at the polls and voting for Amendment 1 — Aniah’s Law.
Under current Alabama law, judges have limited authority to deny bail to violent offenders unless the suspect is charged with a capital offense or poses a flight risk. That means that dangerous criminals are often released back onto the streets, even when it is likely they will commit more violent crimes as soon
as they make bail. Now, after a majority of Alabama voters voted to pass Aniah’s Law in the midterm election, judges will be able to deny bail to dangerous offenders who are likely to reoffend when charged with serious felonies like murder,
kidnapping, rape, sexual torture, domestic violence, human trafficking, burglary, arson, robbery, terrorism or aggravated child abuse.
“As mayors of Alabama’s 10 largest cities, we understand the great responsibility we have
to promote public safety in our communities,” the Alabama Big 10 Mayors said in a statement. “Early on, we identified Aniah’s Law as an issue in which we could use our collective influence to advocate for and make Alabamians
safer. This amendment will give Alabama judges and district attorneys the tools they need to keep violent criminals off the streets. Far too often, these offenders — who are often charged with crimes such as murder, rape and kidnapping — are released to re-commit more heinous crimes while they await trial. That flawed system led to the kidnapping and murder of 19-year-old Aniah Blanchard in October of 2019.
“Simply put, Aniah’s accused killer should have been in jail, and Aniah should still be alive. We were honored to help get this constitutional
amendment across the finish line to protect Alabamians from suffering the same tragedy that befell Aniah and her family.
“We were proud to support this constitutional amendment and to have fought for its approval by Alabama voters. This is a big win for public safety in Alabama and will honor Aniah’s memory for generations to come. We will continue to collectively advocate for policy goals that make our state a better place for all Alabamians.”
Aniah’s Law, sponsored by Rep. Chip Brown (R-Mobile), was passed
Tuberville Op-Ed in the Washington Examiner: How We Can Support and Show Appreciation for Our Military Families
CONTRIBUTED BY SEN. TOMMY TUBBERVILLEOPINION —
U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) authored the following op-ed, published in the Washington Examiner, to recognize Military Families Month and discuss the importance of his bill to increase the maximum life insurance benefit for service members. The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act, introduced by Tuberville, (S.2794) increases the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance (VGLI) maximum coverage amount from $400,000 to $500,000. The legislation passed unanimously in both chambers of Congress and was signed by President Joe Biden on Oct. 17.
HOW WE CAN SUPPORT AND SHOW APPRECIATION FOR OUR MILITARY FAMILIES
Most people are quick to recognize those in a military uniform with a heartfelt “Thank you for your service.” It’s the right thing to do, as we
approved.
owe the 1% of our fellow citizens who volunteer to defend the rest of us a huge debt.
But alongside our service members, there are often-overlooked people who also bear the sacrifice and burden of
military duty. They are the spouses, children, parents, grandparents, and other loved ones of service members, and they deserve our recognition — especially during Military Families Month this November.
Even when the nation is not at war, our military families shoulder a burden few understand. The career of a military spouse must often be sacrificed or curtailed due to frequent moves. Military children are known for making friends quickly, but few pause to consider how often we ask
them to leave behind their classmates and teachers.
That is why I see it as my responsibility as a member of the Senate Armed Services and Veterans’ Affairs committees to support both our service members and those who love and care for them. I believe we do that in three ways.
First, maintaining the most fearsome and deadly fighting force in the history of the world is the surest way to reduce our need to employ that force. Peace can only be secured through strength.
Second, we must care
for veterans when they return home. Those who fight for our country deserve timely access to the healthcare and benefits promised to them and paid for by their service.
And finally, we must support our military families. They take on a great deal of duty at home while their uniformed family member is deployed. And should their loved one pay the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country, those they leave behind should not also face See TUBERVILLE, page B13
FROM
staff due to staffing shortages and challenges in the healthcare industry response to the pandemic,” according to the city’s e-packet. “EAH’s tireless efforts in responding to COVID-19 helped keep our community safe and healthy during this difficult time.”
EAH has spent roughly $15 million on that staffing since March 3, 2021, and requested the $3.3 million, which the city
“The city of Auburn received $16,523,077 from the ARPA SLFRF program for the purpose of fighting the pandemic and supporting families and businesses struggling with its public health and economic impacts, as well as building a strong, resilient and equitable recovery by making investments that support longterm growth and opportunity,” said a memorandum from City Manager Megan Crouch to the council.
This request and amount had been
previously discussed in budget workshops and discussions and included int he FY 2023-2024 budget.
OTHER BUSINESS:
- The council approved a contract with Communications International Inc. for the purchase of 10 Harris Mobile XG-25M 700/800 MHZ Radios for the Auburn Police Division for over $28,400.
- The council approved a contract with Cues Inc. for the purchase of a replacement CUES CCTV Inspection Camera PCU-Unit MD640 LX800 K2 for
a little over $18,000.
- The council approved a contract with Dell Marketing L.P. for the purchase of 14 Dell Latitude 5430 Rugged laptops with auto adapters for the Auburn Police Division for over $35,500.
- The council approved two separate contracts with Toter, LLC for the purchase of 694 96-gallon recycling carts for the Auburn Recycling Division for a little over $39,400.
- The council approved a contract with Woolpert Inc. for the Lee County Cooperative Aerial
Project for over $184,000.
- The council approved the establishment of six stop signs and a 25 MPH sign in The Silos at Conway Subdivision.
- The council decided to postpone an item to Dec. 20 for the rezoning of 5.69 acres from Limited Development District to Comprehensive Development District for property at 3022 Cox Road for B&B Self Storage Center, LLC.
- The council approved a contract with Bradley Heating & Plumbing Inc.
for the installation of air conditioning at the Frank Brown Recreation Center gymnasium and the Boykin Community Center gymnasium for over $578,900.
- The council approved a contract with Ingram Equipment Company for the purchase of two 2024 Mack LR with Heil DPPYTHON 28-yard Automated Side Loading Refuse Collection Body trucks for the Environmental Services Department for over $764,900.
The next meeting will be held on Dec. 6.
Steve Marshall Announces Three-Count Capital Murder Indictment of Ibraheem Yazeed for Death of Aniah Blanchard
CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL STEVE MARSHALLALABAMA —
Attorney General Steve Marshall announced the indictment of Ibraheem Yazeed on three counts of capital murder of Aniah Haley Blanchard. Blanchard was reported missing on Oct. 24, 2019, in Auburn, and her body was discovered on Nov.
25, 2019, in a wooded area in Macon County.
Yazeed, 32, of Mont gomery, was served the indictment Tuesday in the Lee County jail where he is currently being held without bond.
Marshall’s office presented evidence to a Macon County grand jury on Nov. 4, 2022, resulting in Yazeed’s indictment* on Nov. 14, 2022.
Specifically, the indict
the sign had been taken down, it could not be put back up because of the city sign ordinance.
ment charges Yazeed with one count of capital mur der during a kidnapping in the first degree, one count of capital murder during robbery in the first degree and one count of capital murder involving a victim in a vehicle.
The indictment charges Yazeed did intention ally cause the death of Blanchard by shooting her with a gun during the course of abducting her
Nov. 27 for a celebra tion for Rick Lane for First United Methodist Church of Opelika.
and robbing her of a ve hicle and cell phone. The indictment also charges Yazeed intentionally caused Blanchard’s death while she was inside her vehicle, a 2017 Honda CR-V.
If convicted, Yazeed faces the death penalty or a sentence of life impris onment without parole for each of the three charges of capital murder. No other information
about the investigation or about Yazeed’s alleged crimes other than that stated in the indictment may be released at this time.
The case is being prosecuted by Marshall’s Criminal Trials Division.
Marshall thanked local and state law enforce ment agencies, especially the Auburn Police De partment, Montgomery Police Department, the
Alabama Law Enforce ment Agency, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the Lee and Macon County Sheriff’s Offices for their expert work in investigating this case, as well as the Lee and Macon County District Attorneys’ Offices.
*An indictment is merely an accusation. The defendant is pre sumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
the council regarding the church’s sign during citi zens communication.
The church received a permit from the state of Alabama in January 1979 to erect a sign for the church. When Opelika enacted its own ordinance a few years later, and the church was told that while its sign did not meet the standards within the new ordinance, that the church’s sign would be grandfathered in as long as the church maintained the sign and kept it in good order.
When development on the property where the sign was located was started, workers dam aged and ultimately tore down the sign.
Newman contact ed Fuller for assis tance in getting a sign reestablished.
“He [Fuller] was very cooperative and inter ested in helping, even volunteered to contact the owners [of the land] to get permission to reerect a sign,” Newman said.
Fuller consulted Planning Commission Director Matt Mosley and the three visited the site together to get a better understanding of what is involved. Mosley concluded that since
“He [Mosley] strictly interpreted the city’s or dinance without regard to prior circumstances and our grandfather rights, and it was his opinion that since the sign was down, no matter the cause, that it could not be put back,” Newman explained.
Newman asked the council why the church lost its right to be grand fathered in.
“Now my question for the council tonight, is how or why we lose our grandfather status when we had nothing to do with the sign coming down?” Newman asked. “We did everything that we were told to do to get the sign in place and intact as long as it was under our control. The sign has a lot of value to us, even in the electronic age.”
Newman said that visitors said they would visit the church because they saw the sign direct ing to the church. He explained that the permit with the state is still val id and is renewed every year.
“I am here tonight to ask for your help,” Newman concluded.
BUSINESS
OTHER
- The council ap proved a temporary street closure for Opelika Main Street on
- The council ap proved a temporary street closure for the Younglife 5K event on Dec. 4.
- The council ap proved a weed abate ment assessment for 915 York Ave., following a public hearing on the matter.
- The council ap proved the awarding of a bid to Mowery Elevator Co. for elevator mainte nance service and repair for Opelika City Hall, the Opelika Sportsplex and Fire Dept. No. 1.
- The council ap proved the expense reports.
- The council ap proved that a doublewide trailer owned by the city is now considered surplus and can be dis posed of.
- The council ap proved the purchase of two Grasshopper 329 B Mowers for the grounds department from the Omnia Partners Contract #22-6640 in the amount of a little over $22,400.
- The council ap proved the purchase of sports lighting for the Floral Park Soccer Fields from the Sourcewell Contract #071619-MSL for $219,000.
- The council appoint ed Harold W. Morris to serve as a public
defender for the Opelika Municipal Court starting Jan. 1, 2023, following the retirement of the Honorable Joanne Camp from the position effec tive Dec. 31, 2022. Camp has served as a public defender for Opelika for almost 30 years.
City Attorney Guy Gunter said, “Joanne has vigorously represented people charged with crimes in Opelika City Court. That is a very difficult job because these people are often at a difficult place in their lives and city court is not a place people aspire to be. She will be greatly missed.”
- The council ap proved a professional services agreement with L.P. Campbell to have the company manage a grant in the amount of $210,000 received by the city of Opelika.
- The council approved a resolution agreement with NextRequest, LLC for records request main tenance software for IT.
- The council ap proved a resolution for a license agreement with Earl Dudley, LLC for a Continuously Operation Reference Station at city hall.
- The council approved a contract with Diversity Training Group, LLC for Diversity, Cultural Inclusion and AntiHarassment Training for HR for $15,000.
- The council
approved a contract with Sain Associates, LLC for intersections analysis and recommendations for $30,000.
- The council ap proved a proposal by Sain Associates Inc. to retime traffic signals for $48,000.
- The council ap proved a resolution to purchase CISCO Meraki cameras and hardware from CDW Government, LLC for over $389,000.
- The council autho rized an engagement letter to Himmelwright, Huguleuy, & Boles LLC for the annual auditing services for the city.
- The council ap proved a request for approval of a special use permit with AT&T at 1315 Madison Ave.
- The council ap proved a request for approval of a special use permit with Verizon Wireless at 10 Veterans Parkway.
- The request regard ing an annual appropri ation contract FY2023 with Arts Association of East Alabama in the amount of $25,000 re mained on the table. A meeting with the Arts Association is scheduled to be held before the first meeting in December.
- The council ap proved an annual ap propriation contract for FY2023 with the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County in the amount of $42,500.
PARENTS PRIDE CHRISTMAS STORE
- The council approved an annual appropriation contract for FY2023 with the East Alabama Healthcare Authority for a combined amount of just over $376,000.
- The council approved an annual appropriation contract for FY2023 with the Opelika Theater Company in the amount of $5,000.
- The council ap proved a special ap propriation to Envision Opelika on behalf of Worthy Squared in the amount of $2,500.
- The council ap proved a request to table an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map in order to re zone 8.928 acres of land located at 1531 and 1617 1st Ave. from M-1 to a planned unit develop ment (PUD).
- The council voted to suspend the rules to vote on an ordinance to set a date for a Special School Tax Election on Feb. 28, 2023. This election is to renew the school tax — not to vote on a new tax. The coun cil then voted to approve the date of Feb. 28, 2023, for the election. Also, it is important to note that this will be the first election using the new districting map and voters need to make sure they know where their polling place is located.
The next council meeting will be Dec. 6.
NYU Professor Fired for Being “Too Hard” on Students — Who Was to Blame?
Yet last spring, when COVID-19 restrictions were ending, he found that 82 of his 350 students signed a petition against him. They said the uber-competitive course was “too hard,” and that Jones’s teaching caused their poor test scores.
those, according to Jones.
OPINION —
In May 2005, as we were finishing stu dent teaching for a master’s degree in educa tion at AUM, a Nigerian classmate said he might not be able to graduate. He was told that the high school students he was teaching in rural Alabama could not un derstand his science les sons because of his thick West African accent. We, as his friends, were upset. I don’t know whether he went back to Nigeria to teach, with the undergrad degree he already had, or did he
take lessons in elocu tion? I doubted he would be denied his master’s degree without a com promise being met. His situation returned to me when I read in the New York Times this headline: “At NYU, students were failing organic chemistry. Who was to blame?”
Maitland Jones Jr., PhD, was a highly re spected academic in organic chemistry. He taught it for decades — at Princeton and later at New York University, and wrote a seminal textbook. His teaching style brought him awards.
“The deans are obvi ously going for some bot tom line, and they want happy students who are saying great things about the university so more people apply, and the U.S. News rankings keep going higher,” Paramjit Arora, a chemistry pro fessor who has worked closely with Jones, told the Times.
The 84-year-old profes sor had explained why it was such a tough course. But before the start of the fall semester, university deans terminated Jones’s contract.
In his defense, Jones related that the pandemic cut students’ rhythms of study. First, they didn’t study while the health crisis was all-around and, in fact, they seemed to have forgotten how to study at all. Second, there were digital lessons and Zoom available despite the crisis, but students frequently neglected
Very few of the pro fessors I have known where I was an adjunct, or where I myself was a student, claim that they are going to stop teaching right after they retire. And they don’t because they love the work and additional money and like to contribute to the intel lectual spheres. As they say, “It draws me.”
In the U.S. Army, though, there is a term called ROAD. That means Retired On Active Duty; it’s partly a joke, but the other part has some truth. A ROAD warrior in the Army is said to be doing minimal work because he or she is focused on their post-mil itary life. One would hope that a professor such as Jones would realize from evaluations and comments that the time is near to quit. I have creat ed a new term: “Retired On Academic Duty.”
A significant point in going from high school to college is that you might get a practitioner of hard work, such as Jones, who sours you either in general about college or about organic chemistry (or by extension, a medi cal field). College classes
vary by teacher and lev el, but they are usually thought of as more chal lenging than high school classes.
It depends on the stu dent and the type of work (how challenging), but I estimate college amounts to 25 to 30% more work than high school. Also, in my experience, I deter mined a master’s degree requires 30 to 35% more work than high school. You will do more home work and computer-relat ed functions.
An Internet survey of undergraduate classes showed the hardest is organic chemistry, which Jones taught and that posed difficulty for many students. That is followed by philosophy, quantum physics, linguistics and anatomy. The supposedly easiest college classes are physical education, music appreciation, personal finance, introductory psy chology and film studies.
As an undergrad (se nior) in college in 1979, I took a British History course that ran from 5 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays. I needed that course for my minor in history. The problem was, though, the Thursday night class. I usually
spent Thursdays editing the college newspaper before “putting it to bed” and then hoping not to be late for the history class. The England-born professor was in his early 80s with a flat, monotone voice. It was hard to stay awake.
That anecdote relates to Jones in the sense that yes, he probably is past his best teaching years, so he should have retired already. The history pro fessor I mentioned from 1979 was also not the entire cause why I was sleepy in his classes. If you find a professor is rude, incompetent, un caring, etc., by all means report that individual to the department head. Looking within yourself for blame is fruitful, too.
Greg Markley moved to Lee County in 1996.
He has master’s degrees in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-win ning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to The Observer since 2011. He writes about politics, higher education and books. Contact him at gm.markley@charter.net.
Opelika Kiwanis Learn About Austim Awareness
PUBLIC NOTICES
774-3565.
NOTICE OF CIVIL ACTION
Jarvis S. Beasley, whose where abouts are un known, 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 judgment by de fault may be rendered against him in case number 43-SM-2022900331.00, Circuit Court of Lee County. Done the 21st day of October, 2022.
Mary Roberson, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County Blake L. Oliver SAMFORD & DENSON, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Telephone (334) 745-3504 Facsimile (334) 745-3506 Email: ol iver@samfordlaw.
com Attorney for AuburnBank Legal Run 10/27/22, 11/03/22, 11/10/22 & 11/17/2022
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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_deceased having been grant ed 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
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Form of ADVERTISEMENT OF COMPLETION
Legal Notice
In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Crimson Contractors, Inc., Contractor, has com pleted the Contract for Roof Replacement at Jeter Primary School for the Opelika City Schools, Owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connec tion with this project should immediately notify: Stephen Ward & Associates, Inc. 128 Jet Plex Circle, Madison, Alabama 35758. Phone (256)
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 CIRCUIT 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, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat of record in Town Plat Book 9 at Page 179, in the Office of 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 cannot by reasonable diligence be ascertained, Defendants.
NOTICE OF ACTION
To: All Defendants herein, whose where abouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence.
You are hereby noti fied 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 de scribed real property:\ Lot 3, Block C, Oakview Subdivision, according.to and as shown by that certain map or plat of record in Town Plat Book 9 at Page 179, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.
All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion there of, claiming any title thereto or any encum brance or lien thereon,
are hereby directed to plead, answer, or oth erwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last pub lication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint.
Done this the 24th day of October, 2022.
Mary RobersonCircuit 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
SAR Focuses on Signers of the U.S. Constitution
FLOWERS >>
FROM B9
Hall is the newest dorm on campus.
It was truly fitting that Jo had a throng of political dignitaries attend his inaugural event. It was like a political gathering of Who’s Who in Alabama politics visiting on the floor of the Mitchell Center prior to Jo’s in auguration. The list of
BIG 10>>
FROM B10
unanimously by the state legislature in April 2021 and was named in memory of 19-year-old Southern Union State Community College student Aniah Blanchard, who was kidnapped and murdered in 2019. Her accused murderer was out on bail awaiting trial for charges of kidnapping, attempted murder and robbery.
ABOUT THE ALABAMA BIG 10
attendees is too long to enumerate. However, in addition to Ivey was Mac McCutchen, John McMillan, John Merrill, Bobby Singleton, Vivian Figures, Young Boozer, Bill Poole, Twinkle Cavanaugh, Sandy Stimpson, Will and Liz Filmore, Cathy Randall, Gordon and Ellen Stone, Jim Purcell, Victor Gaston, Chip Brown, Margie Wilcox, Alan Baker and Judge Sarah Stewart,
MAYORS:
The mayors of Alabama’s 10 biggest cities have joined together to address the state’s most important issues and to make Alabama a safer, better place for all of its residents. With three out of every four Alabamians living in their metro areas, the Alabama Big 10 Mayors play a key role in moving the state forward and keeping Alabama a great place to live, work and raise a family.
just to name a few.
They were all there to honor a man who is re vered and respected in Alabama — Jo Bonner.
Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading po litical columnist. His weekly column is read in over 60 Alabama newspapers. Flowers served 16 years in the state legisla ture. Flowers may be reached at www.steve flowers.us.
Representing the largest cities in Alabama, the Alabama Big 10 Mayors include Auburn Mayor Ron Anders, Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin, Decatur Mayor Tab Bowling, Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato, Huntsville Mayor Tommy Battle, Madison Mayor Paul Finley, Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed and Tuscaloosa Mayor Walt Maddox.
TUBERVILLE>>
FROM B10
the grief of financial hardship.
Providing that peace of mind was my goal in authoring legislation to raise the maximum service member life insurance benefit for the first time in nearly two decades, and I was proud to see that legislation become law on Oct. 17.
The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act (S.2794) increases the Department of Veterans Affairs Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance and Veterans’ Group Life Insurance maximum coverage amount from $400,000 to $500,000. This amount may seem small to some, but it could be the deciding factor in whether a child goes to college or whether a family can afford to stay in their home.
One of the greatest honors I hold as a U.S. senator is meeting members of our military
and their families. The United States has a moral obligation to care for those who put their lives on the line to defend our rights and freedoms. This legislation will affect these families directly, some of whom I’ve heard from since the bill’s passage.
I recently received a letter from an Air Force father in Montgomery who wrote to explain what the legislation’s passage meant to him. A veteran himself, he shared what it was like to watch his son serve on nine different deployments and expressed his appreciation for the increase in insurance benefits. He also reminded me that the cost of a life paid in service to our country can never truly be assessed and repaid.
There is no amount we can give to make up for the loss of a loved one. Nor can we ever fully comprehend the sacrifices made by our service members,
veterans, and their families. But we can all commit to doing our part to support them whenever and however we can. It’s rare to see bipartisan bills move through Congress these days, but I hope people can take heart that there remains bipartisan consensus on supporting our military.
The Supporting Families of the Fallen Act is a small way for our country to show our appreciation, but we also recognize that it is not enough. This month, I hope you will seek out a way to honor the families of those who serve. Whether it’s an act of kindness or a simple thanks, your gesture will reassure our military families that our nation remains grateful for their service.
Tuberville represents Alabama in the United States Senate and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans’ Affairs, and HELP Committees.
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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 persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same with in time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
BENJAMIN H. PARR Legal Run 11/3/2022, 11/10/2022 & 11/17/2022
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NOTICE
Patrick Morlan, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Roselaure Moran's Complaint and Summons Said Answer must be filed on or be fore 01/09/2023 or thereafter a judgment of default may be
entered against him in Case No: DR 2022000048.00 in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama. Done this 20th day of October, 2022
Mary Robertson Clerk of Circuit Court Lee County, Alabama OF COUNSEL: Ben C. Hand 114 North 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801 334-741-4077
Legal Run 11/17/2022, 11/24/2022, 12/1/2022 & 12/08/2022
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IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF DALE LEROY TINDLE, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2022-632
Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the un dersigned on the 7th day of November, 2022, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby giv en 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.
CRAIG ALAN TINDLE Executor D. Carter Weeks Samford & Denson, LLPP.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 11/17/2022, 11/24/2022 & 12/01/2022
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IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ALICE EVA HARRIS, DECEASED CASE NO 2022-484 NOTICE TO CREDITORS
Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been grant ed to Lula H. Jones, Personal Representative on the 10th day of November, 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 with in time allowed by law or the same will be barred.
Lula H. Jones Legal Run 11/17/2022, 11/24/2022, 12/01/2022
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STATE OF ALABAMA, COUNTY OF LEE IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY,
To: Sarah Jane Ray and Cassandra Ann Ray, whose where abouts are otherwise unknown, and any known or unknown heirs of the Estate of Mark A. Ray, deceased. You will please take notice that on the 10th day of November, 2022 a certain paper in writing, purported to be the Last Will and Testament of Mark A. Ray was filed in my office for Probate by Wendy C. Ray and that the 20th day of December, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., CST was appointed the day and time for the hearing thereof, at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper. Given under my hand, this the 10th day of November, 2022.
BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate Legal Run 11/17/2022, 11/24/2022 & 12/01/2022 ---------------
NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF JACQUELINE DOWDELL JONES, DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY, CASE NO. 2022-538 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of
JACQUELINE DOWELL JONES are hereby granted to Deborah Lynn Clay on the 2nd day of November, 2022, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby giv en 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.
Deborah Lynn Clay Legal Run 11/17/2022, 11/24/2022 & 12/01/2022 ---------------
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
Notice of the Filing of Petition
for Summary Distribution In
the Estate of ARCHIE PETER NEWELL, DECEASED Case No.: 2022-530 Notice is hereby giv en that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the Lee County Probate Office by Eddie Avery Pons on November 14, 2022, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.
BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 11/17/2022
