Vol. 14, No. 6
Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021
pelika Observer O
Opelika, Alabama
'An award-winning publication created 'For local people, by local people.'
Opelika, Auburn Hold Veterans Day Celebrations PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
BY MICHELLE KEY AND MEGAN MANN
Veterans Day is a time to honor those that have served in the armed forces. Opelika and Auburn both resumed their in-person Veterans Day celebrations this year. OPELIKA The city of Opelika hosted its annual Veterans Day celebration at the newly opened public library. Veterans and their families were treated to breakfast before the ceremony. Opelika's Mayor Gary Fuller addressed the crowd about how important Veterans Day is. "Veterans Day is a special day for all of us in the city of Opelika," he said. "It is an honor for us to pay tribute to all of the veterans See VETERANS, page A2
Veterans stand in salute during the National Anthem at Opelika's Veterans Day Celebration
New Drug Combination Shows Promise for Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia CONTRIBUTED BY CHILDRENS OF ALABAMA
A clinical trial has found that the combination of all-trans retinoic acid, which is a metabolite of vitamin A, and arsenic trioxide is highly effective in children with standard- and high-risk acute promyelocytic leukemia, or APL. Nearly all patients in the trial survived for two years without experiencing a relapse. None of the children with standard-risk APL required conventional chemotherapy, and those with high-risk APL received just four doses of the chemotherapy drug idarubicin (Idamycin PFS). The results of the trial, conducted by the Children’s Oncology Group and funded
by the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, were published Nov. 11, 2021, in JAMA Oncology. “This is a remarkable achievement and will be the new standard of care,” said Malcolm A. Smith, M.D., Ph.D., of the Cancer Therapy Evaluation Program at the National Cancer Institute, which funded the multi-institutional, nonrandomized phase 3 cooperative group trial. “Twenty years ago, these patients would have been treated with intensive chemotherapy, including drugs that lead to heart problems later in life. By comparison, all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide have fewer acute or long-term side effects.”
“As a pediatrician and an oncologist, I’ve had to have really difficult talks with families about what their child is facing and what type of therapy they’re going to have to go through to be cured,” said Matthew Kutny, M.D., of Children’s of Alabama and the University of Alabama at Birmingham, the study’s lead investigator. “So being able to offer a therapy that is less intense and has fewer side effects, but at the same time has amazingly high survival rates, is a really good feeling.” APL accounts for 5% to 10% of acute myeloid leukemia diagnoses in children and adolescents. Symptoms of this blood and bone marrow See DRUG, page A3
OFD to Provide Smoke Detectors BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
The Opelika Fire Department is launching a new program that will install smoke detectors in any Opelika resident's home — free of charge. The department is partnering with the Alabama Fire College through its program Get Alarmed, Alabama!, along with the State Fire Marshall’s Office and InTouch, LLC.
CONTENTS OPINION.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 OPINION
SPORTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1
SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7
POLITICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9
RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A13
CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B13
COMICS.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A16 COMICS
PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . . . B13-14
“When [Shane Boyd] assumed the position of fire chief here, in our regular staff meetings, the idea of a community initiative for smoke detector installation came about in staff discussions,” said Opelika Fire Inspector Bob Parsons. “And he tasked [us] going forward and reinitiating that program.” Parsons said that anyone interested in receiving detectors in their home should call and the inspection department will
come for a consultation. “Myself and the inspection department come and take an assessment of the home's interior’s layout to determine the exact amount of smoke detectors that would be required to meet any type of code requirement for the city,” Parsons said. “So we try and not just give one smoke detector, we try and make a good overall assessment of the See ALARMS, page A2
A2 Nov. 18, 2021
R&R Landscaping Receives National Award of Excellence R&R Landscaping is proud to have earned an Award of Excellence by The National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) for its work in residential design/ build projects within the Auburn community. Its winning project, Lawnless in the South, showcased an outdoor space for a client with “a passion for plants and zero time to care for them.” The homeowners built this home to simplify and intentionally limit the need for maintenance crews coming in and out all the time. With these goals in mind, they requested impactful plant variety, no lawn and as much privacy as possible. Each year, the National Association Landscape Professionals Awards of Excellence recognizes exceptional commercial and residential lawn care and landscape installation, maintenance and design projects from around the nation. This year 140 awards were bestowed to companies for their
VETERANS
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FROM A1
who have honorably served our country in times of war and peace." Following a prayer led by Pastor Chris Duncan of Trinity Presbyterian Church, the Opelika High School Choir sang the national anthem and President of the Opelika City Council, Eddie Smith, led the Pledge of Allegience. Fuller then introduced Beauregard High School graduate (Class of 1979), Maj. Gen. Slyvester Cannon, who was the guest speaker for the ceremony. "We are fortunate to have Maj. Gen. Cannon live in Opelika," Fuller said. "He has commanded at all levels with multiple combat deployments." "Our veterans are our heroes," Cannon said as he addressed those assembled. "[On Veterans Day] we honor our men and women, both young and old, for their sacrifices and efforts to serve and protect this country. "Today, our servicemembers continue to risk their life, as some
outstanding work. “We are honored to receive this award, particularly for just doing what we love to do,” said Claire Goldman, R&R principal and head of Design/Business Development. “Each day, our team goes above and beyond to provide the best landscape design and installation services to our clients, and we’re thrilled to be recognized
landscapeprofessionals. org/LP/Membership/LP/ Awards/Awards_of_Excellence.aspx ABOUT R&R LANDSCAPING R&R Landscaping is a design/build landscape company serving residential and commercial customers throughout the Auburn, Opelika and Lake Martin areas. They seek to enhance the beauty, function and value of outdoor spaces through
Pictured left to right: Lane Mobley, director of operations; Charlie Goldman, principal; and Bo Arnold, production manager.
even make the ultimate sacrifice. As we pray for peace, we stand ready to defend our country, through whatever means necessary. We recognize [that] our freedom and liberty comes at a price." Cannon, a resident of Opelika, is currently serving as the Commanding General of the 167th Theater Sustainment Command headquartered at Fort McClellan, Alabama. He also works for the Alabama Department of Revenue in the Income Tax Audit and Appeals Division as a civilian. Cannon has served in the Alabama National Guard for 40 years. Maj. Elijah Beaver, a Judge Advocate for the 167th Theater Sustainment Command (TSC) attended Opelika's event and said, "I deployed with him when he was Brig. Gen. Cannon, Commander of the 135th Expeditionary Sustainment Command (ESC), and I was the primary prosecutor for the unit." "General Cannon was and is a great boss. He works hard to build his staff into a team, he's very
Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com
personable and down-toEarth, and he trusts his Soldiers to do their jobs," Beaver said. "His style of leadership is more relationship-driven rather than giving the big speech. I came to see him speak because I respect him and I like him, and since we spent a year together in the desert he's kind of like family." AUBURN This past Thursday, the city of Auburn hosted its annual Veteran’s Day Ceremony. Members of the community gathered at the Auburn Veteran’s Memorial to remember and honor all the men and women that have served their country. The memorial was made to honor the community’s veterans from any branch of service. It is made up of engraved bricks that have been dedicated to remembering the names of veteran’s and their families. Each year, Auburn provides the opportunity for family members of those that have served to purchase a brick in honor of their loved one. There is also an area specifically
Publisher: Michelle Key Sports Editor: Wil Crews Live Lee Editor: Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Rick Lanier, D. Mark Mitchell
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CORRECTIONS The Opelika Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the editor at (334) 749-8003.
for citizens to place flowers and wreaths for those that have sacrificed their lives for our country. “Today we recognize the establishment of this monument 20 years ago, an important step in this community’s history of recognizing our community’s veterans, " said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. "We are grateful for those who worked to make this monument a reality so that we can stand here today in a dedicated space to celebrate our nations heroes.This is a day for all of us to slow down and to take the time to honor all that our countries' veterans from all eras and all wars have done to protect this great nation.” The ceremony also included a choir performance from The East Samford School Choir, as well as a flag ceremony done by members of the Auburn High School JROTC. The main speaker of the day was Opelika Native and veteran, Corporal Jamie Popwell. Popwell was born and raised in Opelika and served in the United States Marine Core from
irrigation and tree care professionals who create and maintain healthy green spaces for the benefit of society and the environment. For more information, visit LoveYourLandscape.org.
exceptional design and service. To learn more, visit rrlandscapes.com. ABOUT NALP The National Association of Landscape Professionals represents an industry that employs nearly 1 million landscape, lawn care,
R&R Landscaping’s clients requested plant material that brought color and texture without high maintenance. The large variety of plant material fits together like a puzzle to provide visual interest all year long.
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for our work. “This project in particular was special, as the installation was happening during our local 200-year flood. It was a trying install, but our team persevered and we were able to provide the homeowners with a beautiful outdoor space that brings them joy.” For more information about the Awards of Excellence, visit: www.
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
1982-85. After leaving the military, he founded a nonprofit called Flags for Vets. This organization purchases and raises flags at veteran’s homes, and so far, has honored more than 500 veterans. He spoke about the importance of the younger generation and instilling the value of appreciation in our children. “This is my home and a place that I love being in," he said. "On a day like today it is only fitting that I get to give some remarks on something that means so much to me. We want to let our kids know and show them just how important this day is because part of that is being lost now. I hope we engrain in our kids the importance behind it. From the bottom of my heart as a veteran thank you for showing up and supporting us on days like today.” After the service many children walked up with bright eyes to offer a “thank you” to the men and women in uniform. Turn to A9 to see photos from Auburn's and Opelika's Veterans Day ceremonies.
ALARMS
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FROM A1
home’s needs and install the appropriate amount of smoke detectors.” The detectors are provided by those three groups, Alabama Fire College, State Fire Marshall’s Office and InTouch, LLC, while the Opelika Fire Department’s contribution is to install the units. “Statistics will bear out the fact that homes with smoke alarms … there are more lives saved and more properties saved through the detection of fires through the use of smoke alarms,” Parsons said. “… What’s driving us is just general public safety and the acknowledgment that there are members of our community whose economic situation is such that they can’t afford some of these basic necessities and we as a department try and recognize that and fill that shortcoming in a person’s life.” Any residents interested in receiving smoke detectors can call the department at 334-705-5300 to schedule a consultation for their home.
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A3 Nov. 18, 2021
Three Auburn-Opelika Hospitality Professionals Named Stars of the Industry The winners of the 2021 Stars of the Industry Awards were announced Monday, Nov. 8, at the Grand Bohemian Hotel Mountain Brook in Birmingham. Three Auburn-Opelika hospitality professionals won awards including Kelley Land of Ariccia Cucina Italiana (Front of the House Restaurant Employee of the Year), Heather Tuten of The Depot (Restaurant Manager of the Year) and Scott Simpson of The Depot (Chef of the Year). The Stars of the Industry is the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association’s (ARHA) annual awards dinner honoring the restaurant, lodging and tourism industry. The Stars awards are peer-nominated, and winners were selected by the Stars committee and ARHA’s board of directors. There were over 110 nominations submitted statewide
and the winners in each of the 18 categories were presented with trophies by the ARHA Chairman, Bob Omainsky. “The Stars awards dinner is our chance to recognize those who have demonstrated excellence and serve as an inspiration to others in the restaurant and hotel industry and our community,” said Mindy B. Hanan, president and CEO of the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association. “On behalf of ARHA, I am proud of the members we have and the outstanding accomplishments they make day in and day out.” The winners in each category are as follows: Excellence in Government Award: Senator Dan Roberts - R-AL, District 15 Front of the House Hospitality Employee of the Year: Alex Burton - Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf
PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION
CONTRIBUTED BY A-O TOURISM
Pictured right: ARHA Chef of the Year Scott Simpson, of the Depot in Auburn.
Resort & Spa Front of the House Restaurant Employees of the Year: Kelley Land - Ariccia Cucina Italiana (The Hotel at Auburn University) Back of the House Hospitality Employee of the Year: Suzanne Bolton Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa (Florence) Back of the House Restaurant Employee
of the Year: Miranda Greene Manci’s Antique Club (Daphne) Hospitality Department Manager of the Year: Taylor Liles - Hotel Indigo Tuscaloosa Downtown Restaurant Manager of the Year: Heather Tuten - The Depot (Auburn) Humanitarian Award:
Matt Hood - Hotel Capstone Tuscaloosa Tourism Promoter of the Year: Keely Law - Marriott Shoals Hotel & Spa (Florence) Bartender of the Year: Nick Ware - Lower Lounge (Montgomery) Best New Culinarian of the Year: Chris Moore - The Yard at Elyton Hotel
(Birmingham) Chef of the Year: Scott Simpson - The Depot (Auburn) Supplier of the Year: Clayton Taylor Alabama Insurance Exchange, Inc. Small Hotelier of the Year: Toby Wilson Wilson Hospitality Management, Inc. (Tuscaloosa) Hotelier of the Year: Andrew Dorough - Crescent Hotels & Resorts (The Westin Hunstville) Restaurateur of the Year: Jud Blount - Vintage Hospitality Group (Montgomery) Spirit Award: Allen Honeycutt - Squid Ink Eclectic Eats and Drinks (Mobile) Lifetime Achievement Award: Herb Malone - Gulf Shores and Orange Beach Tourism For more information about ARHA, visit www.arhaonline. com/.
City of Auburn Begins Redistricting Process CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN / DAVID D. DORTON
The city of Auburn is beginning steps to adjust the boundaries of the city’s eight wards based on population data from the 2020 U.S. Census. According to state and federal law, the city must review and, if needed, redraw district boundaries so that each district has —
DRUG
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FROM A1
cancer include excessive bleeding, easy bruising, low red blood cell count, fever and fatigue. Previously, treatment for children with APL involved anthracyclines, which can damage the heart. An earlier Children’s Oncology Group trial showed that children with APL who were treated with arsenic trioxide and all-trans retinoic acid, along with chemotherapy drugs that included anthracyclines, had high rates of twoyear event-free survival and low risk of relapse. Event-free survival is the length of time after primary treatment that the patient remains free of worsening disease, relapse or death. The combination of all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxide is currently the preferred initial treatment for adults with standard-risk APL. Adult patients with high-risk APL also receive some chemotherapy, as well as maintenance therapy (further treatment to prevent the
as nearly as possible — an equal population. Over the last 10 years, the populations in Auburn’s districts have become uneven as property has been annexed, new developments have occurred and people have moved to and within the city. Under the direction of Auburn City Manager Megan McGowen Crouch, a team of city
staff worked with legal experts to evaluate the 2020 Census data and have developed new proposed boundaries for each of Auburn’s eight wards. Interactive maps of these proposed boundaries, as well as detailed population and demographic data, are available for public review at 2021-redistricting-plan-coa.hub.arcgis.
com. Auburn residents are encouraged to review the proposed changes and provide feedback via an online survey (https://2021-redistricting-plan-coa.hub. arcgis.com/feedback/surveys/35ed353f1416480f8942ca1d4b1441e8/ explore) or at the following open houses: Redistricting Open House: Nov. 18, 4 to 7
p.m. at Buston Education and Meeting Center Redistricting Open House: Dec. 6, 4 to 7 p.m. at Boykin Community Center The proposed changes are tentatively scheduled to go before the city council at its Dec. 21 meeting. The public will also have an opportunity to give feedback at that time. The redistricting plan must be approved
at least six months before the 2022 Auburn municipal election, which will be held Aug. 23, 2022. The city of Auburn encourages all Auburn residents to review the proposed changes and provide input as the process continues. Find more information at 2021-redistricting-plan-coa.hub.arcgis. com.
leukemia from coming back.). In the Children’s Oncology Group trial (AAML1331; NCT02339740), 154 children between the ages of 1 and 22 who were newly diagnosed with standard- or highrisk APL were given oral all-trans retinoic acid, along with intravenous arsenic trioxide, daily for at least 28 days. Children with high-risk APL also received four doses of the anthracycline idarubicin during the initial phase of treatment. High-risk patients are defined as those with a white blood cell count of more than 10,000/μL. Higher white blood cell counts have historically predicted poorer outcomes in children with APL. However, in this trial, children with standardand high-risk APL had two-year overall survival rates of 99% and 100%, respectively. The twoyear event-free survival rates were 98% and 96%, respectively. One child with standard-risk APL died early in treatment, and three children (one with standard-risk APL and two with high-
risk APL) experienced a relapse. Fewer than 10% of the children experienced severe side effects, which occurred only in the initial phase of treatment. Side effects included increased blood sugar, liver irritation and bleeding. Some of the patients with high-risk APL developed mouth sores from the idarubicin treatment. A severe complication of APL is differentiation syndrome, which can cause life-threatening inflammation. Physicians were offered supportive care strategies to help participants manage this and other side effects. Kutny pointed out that because there was no need for maintenance therapy, the length of time the children were undergoing treatment was reduced from more than two years to approximately nine months. More follow-up will be needed, he said, to determine the longterm effects of treating children with all-trans retinoic acid and arsenic trioxIde. “Arsenic is often associated with being a poison, but it can also
be a powerful medicine,” Kutny noted. “Arsenic trioxide has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia. The difference between a medication and a poison is really the dose. Over time, we have figured out the exact dosing that would be effective in killing these types of leukemia cells without damaging other healthy tissues.” Arsenic trioxide works cooperatively with all-trans retinoic acid to block the action of proteins needed by leukemia cells to survive and grow. Kutny noted that the Children’s Oncology Group is currently investigating ways to deliver arsenic trioxide in an oral form, which would make it easier for children to take. St. Baldrick’s Foundation of Monrovia, California, a large funder of childhood cancer research grants, also provided support to the Children’s Oncology Group member sites for the conduct of the AAML1331 study.
ogygroup.org), a member of the NCI National Clinical Trials Network (NCTN), is the world’s largest organization devoted exclusively to childhood and adolescent cancer research. COG unites over 10,000 experts in childhood cancer at more than 200 leading children’s hospitals, universities and cancer centers across North America, Australia and New Zealand in the fight against childhood cancer. Today, more than 90% of the 16,000 children and adolescents diagnosed with cancer each year in the United States are cared for at COG member institutions. Research performed by COG institutions over the past 50 years has transformed childhood cancer from a virtually incurable disease to one with a combined 5-year survival rate of 80%. COG’s mission is to improve the cure rate and outcomes for all children with cancer.
NIH’s efforts to dramatically reduce the prevalence of cancer and improve the lives of cancer patients and their families, through research into prevention and cancer biology, the development of new interventions and the training and mentoring of new researchers. For more information about cancer, please visit the NCI website at cancer. gov or call NCI’s contact center, the Cancer Information Service, at 1-800-4-CANCER (1800-422-6237).
ABOUT THE CHILDREN’S ONCOLOGY GROUP (COG):
COG (childrensoncol-
ABOUT THE NATIONAL CANCER INSTITUTE (NCI):
NCI leads the National Cancer Program and
ABOUT THE NATIONAL INSTITUTES OF HEALTH
(NIH): NIH, the nation’s medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit nih.gov.
A4 Nov. 18, 2021
The Holiday Spirit
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SEAN DIETRICH
pushed open the door to the rural restaurant and the little bell above the door jingled. I had been on the road since six that morning. I was road weary, depleted and in dire need of monounsaturated fat. An older waitress glanced up from her smartphone and peered over her readers at me. “Wherever you wanna sit, sweetie.” I love it when they call me sweetie. The joint was mostly empty so I chose a spot by the window because I like window seats. Plus, the doctor recently told me I needed more vitamin D in my life. Two birds; one rock.
Immediately I noticed the waitresses were using their downtime to deck the halls of this café. There were three waitresses involved in the impromptu beautification committee and they were hanging plastic Christmas decorations on each vertical surface. I checked my internal calendar to make sure I had the date correct. It was barely the second week in November. But here in the hinterlands of Alabama it was beginning to look a lot like Christmas. On my way to my window seat I passed an old guy at the counter wearing an Army ball cap, clad in a cook’s apron. He was holding a
broken ceramic figurine in his hand, squinting at it, using a tube of super glue to repair it. A henna-haired waitress hollered at him. “You finished gluing my little drummer boy back together? My manger scene ain’t right without it.” Army Hat held the figurine up to the light. “Almost done,” he said before squirting more glue. “What happened to this thing anyway?” “My three-year-old son happened to it,” said Henna Hair. “Sounds like quite a kid.” “You should see what he did to Baby Jesus.” In my booth, garland strung over the window and fake spray-snow covering the glass, I peered out the wintery window to see sunshine and robins singing in plush trees. It was nearly seventy degrees in South Alabama. Soon, the henna-haired waitress was standing on a step ladder, attaching lights to a phony tree located beside my booth. “What’ll it be, sweetie?” said Henna,
who was buried facedeep in the tree, fiddling with endless chains of lights. I wasn’t sure whether she was talking to me or the tree. “Are you asking for my order?” I said. “Yeah. Go ahead, hon,” came her voice from inside the pinery. “Give it to me. I got a good memory.” So I spoke my order directly into the conifer. Without leaving her tinsel, the woman screamed my order to the kitchen, then resumed hanging more Yuletide regalia on the Walmart branches. The song playing overhead was “Last Christmas” by Wham! The worst song in the history of the human species, second only to “Someone Left the Cake Out in the Rain.” She was singing along. Later, when the waitress delivered my food, there was glitter stuck to her T-shirt and greenery embedded in her vividly red hair. She was also wearing fuzzy reindeer antlers on her head and a jingle-bell
WENDY HODGE
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y dad used a term as far back as I can remember ... "passive soldier.” The way he said it sounded like a curse word to my young ears. “There’s nothing worse than a passive soldier,” he would say. “When something important is at stake, the last thing you need on your side is someone who is afraid to stand up for what’s right.” And today there are very important things at stake in this country. In fact, there are important things at stake right here in our small city. Our high school has more than a dozen restrooms, labeled either ‘boys’ or ‘girls.’ But what I just learned is that those labels are completely pointless. It turns out that boys can use the girls’ restroom if they decide they want to … and girls can use the boys’ restroom. That determination has been left up to the student’s discretion. When I first heard this, I was reluctant to believe it. So I called the school to get the facts straight. I won’t waste your time with the red tape it took to get a straight answer, but I will tell you that I did finally get the
The other side of this coin, we must not forget, is our responsibility as parents and grandparents, friends and neighbors to hold our children accountable for their behavior. The same teenagers who tell me of encounters with the opposite sex in the bathroom or the locker room also tell me of classrooms full of children yelling at their teacher, staging mutinies or walk-outs and a complete disregard for any authority whatsoever. There are male students leading their “girlfriends” around the hallways with dog collars and a leash. There are female students getting physically confrontational with teachers as if they themselves are not responsible for their failing grades. And boys and girls alike have no trouble flouting their bad behavior in the face of any adult they cross paths with, if they bother to go to school at all. And it is directly the fault of the adults these children live with. If we expect our teachers to teach our children, we have to raise children who respect our teachers. Because our teachers are also at war. They are caught between two sides: the administration whose hands are tied and who have bowed to ridiculous legislation that endangers and discounts our children, and parents who have failed to give their kids a good, old-fashioned whipping when they got too big for their britches. It is time, right now, See HODGE, page A5
faux tannenbaum. She continued: “When my daughter got better I promised my kids we’d have a do-over Christmas. So we did it up big, in March, and it was great. “We made it a real Christmas, my husband even hung lights outside. And I was like, ‘Hey, this is really fun.’ So we just sorta kept Christmas going that year. “I mean, why not? Right? Why not give presents to people you love just because you love them? Why not be happy and sing? Why’re we only allowed to do that once a year? We have so much to be happy about, so much to be grateful for.” With that she plugged in a cord and ignited the tree. All at once, the manufactured balsam illuminated with electric colors. The waitress stood back to admire her handiwork while I admired her beautifully tinseled heart. “Merry November,” she said. Yeah. Merry November.
I'm Ready
Boys and Girls bottom line from the principal. This was his statement: “Because of federal regulation, boys are allowed to use the ladies’ room. There is nothing I can do about it. My hands are tied.” And so the stories I’ve heard are true. Boys, wearing skimpier girls’ clothes than the girls themselves are allowed to wear, can be found sitting in stalls or primping in front of mirrors at any given time of the school day. There is no monitoring when a boy goes to a girls’ room. No one is watching. No one is protecting. And I’m not sure many parents are aware this is happening. Have we not learned anything from the shameful way things played out in Virginia before parents finally took back control of their children’s school rooms? Do we have to wait until there is a tragedy here, in our city, before we as parents and grandparents and neighbors and friends all stand up and demand that the line between right and wrong, boy and girl, is no longer blurred? It is our duty and our right to expect and insist upon a world where our children do not have to bend to today’s “tiptoe” policy, where everyone is so afraid of offending those who would shove their lifestyle in our face, preaching tolerance while simultaneously condemning us because we happen to be content with our God-given gender or identity. We are at war. And so are our children.
bracelet. Before she jingled off, I had to ask. “It’s none of my business, ma’am, but isn’t it kinda early for Christmas?” She smiled. “It’s never too early for Christmas.” Another waitress chimed in. “She listens to Christmas music year round. She ain’t right in the head.” Army Hat said, “She wraps our birthday presents in Christmas paper, too. My birthday’s in June, but I got candycane paper.” This earned a laugh from the others. The henna-haired waitress shrugged it off with a grin and explained: “When I was a new mom, my youngest daughter got viral meningitis. We were in the hospital for a long, long time. Doctors said my daughter was probably gonna die. My kids totally missed Christmas that December.” She kept talking while stooping beneath her tree to put the finishing touches on her
BRADLEY ROBERTSON
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hursday, Nov. 11, was my 41st birthday. Hallelujah! Another year of life has passed and another awaits me on Earth. I believe birthdays to be sincerely the most incredible gift. They are the day we were granted breathe and life and we were set in motion to do amazing things. I was born at Montgomery Baptist in 1980 to Jane and John Nettles. I was named Bradley after my mother, and my middle name, Jean, came from a hurricane blowing into the Gulf of Mexico; a possible premonition of things to come. My mother was a schoolteacher and since she was off for the Veterans Day holiday, it seemed fitting for her to show up at the hospital to have a baby; and so, I came into the world at 2:02 p.m., a red-headed baby girl and a wonder of what would come of her. All these years later, I find myself wondering the same thing, “what is to become of me?” I have no clue, but I know that whatever it may be, I’m ready.
Looking back at my last 41 years, my childhood was a dream. It wasn’t perfect but it was beautiful. I was raised in a sweet country church where every white-headed lady hugged me and loved me. I spent endless hours in a make-believe playroom with my sister and, on occasion, we wandered astray to build Lego cities with our brother. We spent many summer days on a beach somewhere or tearing into crab meat, covered by abundant laughs with family. My grandmother taught me to “breast my cards” at the young age of 10 and my Papa taught me the simple joy of eating cheese curls. I ran endlessly around our neighborhood with the best of friends and we rode bikes to the city pool when the summer heat was too much to bear. In the fall, the Auburn game was always on the TV or radio, and if we got lucky, my parents demanded we grab a roll of toilet paper and bussed us to downtown Auburn; rolling the trees after a winning game. My school life was fun and fabulous, even the awkward early teen years were a delight. My friends were everything, and as long as we were together, even showing up in Mrs. Stith’s 8thgrade science class was fun. Choir was always hysterical and even the day I got pushed up against the wall by a tough girl, I remember laughing till no end. High School was amazing too. Mr. Brown always kept the school in
good spirits and as long as I was really into my outfit for the day, I felt amazing! I learned that running was my sport and if I wanted extra money for the movies or clothes, I better get a job; and dinner was always waiting on me at home. My “box of chocolates” for life was a true assortment, and I ran on enthusiasm, spontaneous moments, smiles and fashion. Looking back, I haven’t changed a bit. But what I have learned is that my eager spirit of the “unknown” of life helps to keep my joy in place. I have always been ready for the next best thing, and so in my waiting the next best thing has always appeared just around the corner. I anticipate good and so good appears. I long for peace and so peace finds its way every time. I aim for love and service and so love and service in abundance make its way to me. I run my race searching for simple joy and so that joy shows itself in the light and dark of any given day. There is a sweet and simple story I want to offer you as a lesson, a story of Mrs. Betty, one of the brightest lights ever in my life. I saw Mrs. Betty for the last time on Earth at the hospital. She was grinning from ear to ear, her bright lipstick upon her lips and her white and lovely hair fit perfectly upon her head. She could no longer see, due to the See ROBERTSON, page A5
A5 Nov. 18, 2021
Community Canopy Program Kicks Off in Pepperell Mill Village CONTRIBUTED BY KOB
Keep Opelika Beautiful has kicked off the Community Canopy program in Pepperell Mill Village. This is a two-step program to enhance the natural canopy provided by trees in our community. The initial step is to identify the diseased and dead trees on public right-of-way for removal. The second part of the Community Canopy is planting trees in non-restricting areas. Keep Opelika Beautiful and Natural Resource Consultants are offering one free 5-gallon oak tree to
ROBERTSON >>
FROM A4
strong medicine she was taking, and she was sitting up, strapped to a bed with seatbelts, preparing to leave for an ambulance ride to Birmingham. I walked in her room just in time, Shep was a baby, seated in his stroller. I calmly spoke to her, all knowing that she was leaving to go somewhere else. “Hey Mrs. Betty. It’s Bradley. Are you getting ready to leave?” I asked
HODGE >>
FROM A4
for all of us to choose not to be a passive soldier. We are the only ones who can stop the direction our country is spiraling into. Go to the school your child attends and ask questions. Demand answers. Let your viewpoint be known. Be respectful. Be confident in your right to know and to have a voice. Go to school board meetings. Talk to the mayor. Email your state legislators. Email Congress. Email the president. Do it all with respect, but do it with strength. We have to expect respect for our values, and we have
each homeowner/renter in the Pepperell Mill Village. The deadline to sign up for a tree is Nov. 30. Trees will be delivered at the end of December. “Our goal is to plant twice as many trees in the Mill Village as we are having removed due to disease and end of life. By offering free trees to residents, we are fulfilling the Keep Opelika Beautiful mission of educating and maintaining a beautiful environment in Opelika,” said Tipi Miller, director of Keep Opelika Beautiful. In 2018, the city of Opelika began contract
services with George Barker of Natural Resource Consultants. Barker has completed a tree inventory for Opelika and created a maintenance plan for continuing the green canopy in Opelika. In 2020, 120 trees were planted in parks and right of ways. The number of trees removed due to safety hazard was 92. Also, 85 trees were pruned for vehicle and pedestrian safety. For more information contact Keep Opelika Beautiful at (334) 749-4970 or tipi@ keepopelikabeautiful. com.
as I held back tears. “Yes. I’m ready!” said Mrs. Betty. “I don’t know where I’m going, but I’m ready! I’m ready!” Mrs. Betty died just days later, ready for her new life to come. I may always wonder what I will become, but I won’t ever wonder if I’m ready or not. I know that I am. I know that I’m ready for whatever life tosses to me. I know that I will figure it out as I go along. I know that God will give me
all that I need to keep going. Too often, we want answers and explanations, we want to know what is to come and to always have a plan. But if we are always concerned of the when and how, we can never really enjoy the here and now. Are you ready friends? Are you ready for today and tomorrow? I pray you are. I pray you seek the joy around the corner, and I promise that it will come to you.
to teach respect to our children. One will not work without the other.
My dad would stand up … if he were still with us. Will you?
Wreaths Across America Radio Has Special Gift for Military Members This Year
‘Remembrance Ring’ Program Provides a Safe and Easy Way for Families to Connect This Holiday Season CONTRIBUTED BY WAAR
During this year’s season of hope and giving, Wreaths Across America Radio (WAAR) invites our troops from across the country and overseas, as well as their loved ones at home, to send a holiday greeting to one another in the form of an internet radio greeting. We call this the “Remembrance Ring” program. The “Remembrance Ring” provides American military families the opportunity to extend holiday greetings and thanks to service members and veterans through Wreaths Across America Radio. Wreaths Across America Radio is a stream you can listen to anywhere, 24/7 at www. wreathsacrossamerica.org/radio, and via the iHeart Radio app, or download it at the App Store or on Google. (hashtag #WreathsRadio.) Last year the program connected many families from all over the globe. Be sure to email your friends and loved ones and let them know about this program. “The United States currently has 1.3 million active duty members, reservists and guards serving within our borders and abroad. Additionally, more than 24 million veterans have faithfully served our country in the past,” said Karen Worcester, Wreaths Across America executive director. “I am honored and thrilled to be able to offer these soldiers and their families the opportunity to share their holiday greeting. The Remembrance Ring is a wonderful gift to give and is especially important for sharing love and support for their sacrifices at this special time of the year.”
In Your Community
Find the right veteran health benefits for you, when you need them most. When you’re a military veteran with over 40,000 organizations trying to help you, it can be difficult to find the right information. That’s why AARP created the Veterans Health Benefits Navigator—a free tool to help veterans and their caregivers ask the right questions and easily review health care benefits from U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Medicare, and even private insurance.
Download Now at aarp.org/VetsHealthNavigator
Anyone can participate by calling 1-888-348-3352 to record a short holiday greeting. WAAR will play that message on-air during the holidays to help bring families, loved ones, members of our military and Americans closer together for the holiday season. These special messages will be broadcast between Nov. 22 and Dec. 31, 2021. You can sponsor a wreath for $15 at www.wreathsacrossamerica. org/. Each sponsorship goes toward a fresh balsam veteran’s wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero as we endeavor to honor all veterans laid to rest on Saturday, Dec. 19, 2020, as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. To find a cemetery near you to support visit here: https:// wreathsacrossamerica.org/pages/ search?searchType=location ABOUT WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA Wreaths Across America is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization founded to continue and expand the annual wreath-laying ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery begun by Maine businessman Morrill Worcester in 1992. The organization’s mission — Remember, Honor, Teach — is carried out in part each year by coordinating wreath-laying ceremonies in December at Arlington, as well as at thousands of veterans’ cemeteries and other locations in all 50 states and beyond. For more information or to sponsor a wreath please visit www. wreathsacrossamerica.org.
A6 Nov. 18, 2021
Trinity United Methodist Church Makes Quilts For Veterans PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVEER
The sewing group at Trinity United Methodist Church made quilts in red, white and blue to present to all the veterans in the church on Sunday, Nov. 14. It was a labor of love from the sewing ministry that wanted to honor, thank and pray for the veterans at Trinity with their own patriotic prayer quilts. The group began making the quilts in January and finished 25 in September. Members of the sewing group pictured are, from left, Shannon Norred, Kathy Penton, Sally Phillips, Anne Davis and Joan Manning. Others who helped were Sabrina Poe, Francis Blackman, Pam Sipper, Julie Sosebee, Cindy Avery and Tonya Crispin. The ladies feel it is great fellowship as well as a service for their church. They also make quilts for members who are in the hospital. “We are always blessed by giving from our hearts and hands,” said Anne Davis, “and we were doubly blessed and humbled by the reception of the quilts by the Trinity veterans.” The idea of giving quilts to veterans is not a new one. The Trinity sewing group was inspired by a national organization, Quilts of Valor Foundation (qovf.org). The mission of the Quilts of Valor Foundation is to cover service members and veterans touched by war with comforting and healing Quilts of Valor. While the quilts are not official QOV quilts, like the QOV, they wanted to honor the veterans at Trinity.
PNC Bank Launches Recognition Program in Alabama
Auburn University and The University of Alabama selected as inaugural schools CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
PNC Bank is partnering with Auburn University and The University of Alabama to recognize student-athletes at each institution who exemplify success both on and off the field, through the launch of the bank’s PNC Achievers program. PNC Achievers, currently active at nearly 20 schools and universities across the markets the bank serves, is among the first of PNC’s signature programs to come to Alabama as the company expands its presence in the market. The recognition program underscores the importance PNC places on education and community service and positions the bank as an advocate for students
throughout their college journey and beyond. “PNC Achievers is not just about honoring the best athlete on campus,” said Nick Willis, PNC regional president for North and Central Alabama. “It’s about honoring and supporting well-rounded student-athletes – the ones who are driven to succeed in all facets of life. These are the young adults we know will forge strong communities as they move through and beyond college.” The PNC Achievers program celebrates achievement among student-athletes and showcases student success through its honors and recognition program. Honorees are selected by designated panels at each respective school, and selection criteria requires each honoree to have
distinguished themselves in the classroom and in their community through academic achievement, community service and student leadership. “The PNC Achievers program aligns perfectly with our purpose to educate, support and develop our student-athletes at every moment, to create Auburn Women and Men,” said Auburn University Director of Athletics Allen Greene. “PNC Achiever nominees and recipients have maximized all the resources our AuburnYOU life skills program offers while demonstrating excel-
Artisan Coffee Beverages made to order. Beginning Monday Sept.13, we will open each weekday at 7 a.m.
lence in academics, athletics and community service.” For both semesters in the 2021-2022 season, Auburn University will select 12 student-athletes for their PNC Achievers’ Watch List. From that list, six semi-finalists will be selected. Finally, one male and one female student-athlete will be selected as that semester’s PNC Achiever and recognized at an in-game ceremony. “In conjunction with the PNC Achievers program, we are proud to recognize student-athletes whose achievements in athletics, academics and the
community are worthy of honoring,” said Alabama Director of Athletics Greg Byrne. “We have so many incredibly deserving individuals that have worked extremely hard to excel at all levels, whether they are preparing for a career in professional athletics or building for life after sport. We applaud PNC for creating the Achievers program to acknowledge these well-rounded student-athletes.” The University of Alabama plans to select a male and female as their PNC Achiever each semester, with the overall male and female Achievers for each season recognized during an in-game ceremony in the fall and spring. “We want the PNC Achievers program to be valuable for these athletes, and one that they see as a pinnacle
honor,” Willis said. “It’s an achievement they can always be proud of accomplishing.” PNC Bank, N.A., is a member of The PNC Financial Services Group, Inc. (NYSE: PNC). PNC is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking including a full range of lending products; specialized services for corporations and government entities, including corporate banking, real estate finance and asset-based lending; wealth management and asset management. For information about PNC, visit www. pnc.com.
Auburn United Methodist Church United Methodist Women
2021 Christmas Market Saturday, December 4, 2021 8:30 am – 1:00 pm 137 South Gay Street, Auburn, AL 36830
116 S. 8th Street, Opelika
334-363-0390
www.booniehatcoffee.com
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Call now for your free evaluation. 1-(888)432-6020 Asbestos Claims, LLC, Jubal L. Hamil Attorney at Law ARPC 7.2.(e) “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
Free admission, community-wide Christmas Market Shop for Arts, Crafts, Foods, Decorations & More For more information contact Mary Richburg email aumcwomenchristmas@outlook.com
Proceeds from Christmas Market will support local missions through the Auburn United Methodist Women
Opelika E vents, Society & Food
UPCOMING EVENTS Nov. 20: Auburn Arts Association's 15th annual Holiday Art Sale Nov. 20: Unity Wellness Center World AIDS Day Run/Walk Nov 25: Moore's Mill Turkey Trot
Sally Sheehan Carries On Family Traditions At Thanksgiving PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY
Ann Cipperly
Southern
Hospitality
T
hanksgiving is a special time at the home of Sally and Rusty Sheehan, where family traditions are passed on each year. Sally brings out her mother’s fine china and crystal and her grandmother’s linens to create a lovely table setting. Favorite family recipes are selected to prepare the holiday meal. When Sally was growing up in the small town of Goodwater, her family always went to her paternal grandparents’ home for Thanksgiving dinner. Everyone arrived in their Sunday best. Sally still remembers how wonderful the food smelled as she walked into her grandmother’s kitchen, and how lovely the dining room table looked with her grandmother’s beautiful china, crystal, silver and floral centerpiece. Their Thanksgiving meal was always a formal southern dinner. Her grandmother served turkey, dressing, cranberry sauce, green beans, corn, squash and homemade
rolls, with ambrosia and pound cake for a delicious dessert. Her mother and grandmother were both excellent cooks. Sally treasures their handwritten recipes. After Sally and Rusty were married, they rotated their Thanksgiving visits to each of their families. Rusty’s parents lived in Montgomery. When visiting there, the men would go hunting in the morning, and the Thanksgiving meal was served in the evening. Years later when both of their parents retired and moved to their lake homes, Thanksgiving meals became more casual. Sally remembers an amusing Thanksgiving when she and Rusty decided to host her parents at a Lake Eufaula cabin, so the men could enjoy fishing. Instead of carrying prepared dishes, Sally packed all the ingredients to cook the meal. When they arrived at the cabin she was surprised by the kitchen’s size and tiny oven. It took all day to prepare the meal, as only one
dish could be cooked at a time. As a result, they ate their Thanksgiving meal very late that night. The Sheehans also have fond memories of their New England vacation, where they visited Plymouth Rock and the re-created Jamestown village. While at the village, they dined on foods that would have been served at the first Thanksgiving. Even though it was much simpler, they were still very much impressed by the meal which began the tradition we celebrate today. As their parents aged, Sally and Rusty took over hosting the Thanksgiving meal at their home in Opelika. Sally returned to her grandmother’s tradition of setting a formal table. “I wanted my children to experience Thanksgiving as I had growing up,” she said. “It is such a special day that deserves our best preparations.” Sally gets a head start on her Thanksgiving meal by making the dressing days ahead. Like her
Sally Sheehan, center, enjoys setting the table at Thanksgiving with her mother’s china and her grandmother’s linens, as well as preparing their favorite recipes. Sally is pictured with daughter Amy Moore, right, and granddaughter Sally Elizabeth Moore. Photo by Ann Cipperly
mother, Sally cooks the dressing a little before freezing it. Her favorite roasted turkey recipe wraps the turkey in bacon slices to keep the meat extra moist. She will also make her mother’s recipe for ham with cranberries to serve at Thanksgiving or during the weekend. Sally makes the sweet potato casserole the day before but waits to add the topping just prior to baking it on Thanksgiving. She alternates praline topping and miniature marshmallows in diagonal rows to please different tastes. Most of the other dishes are prepared ahead of time as well. Simple vegetables are cooked for the children. For dessert, Sally prepares her grandmother’s ambrosia and pound cake recipes. She will also have pecan and
pumpkin pies, fudge and brownies on hand for family throughout the weekend. “I came from a family of wonderful cooks,” Sally said, “and it brings joy to my heart when I can prepare my mother’s and grandmothers’ recipes.” Sally and Rusty are excited to host their children and grandchildren this Thanksgiving at their new home overlooking the Saugahatchee Golf Course. The Sheehans’ daughter, Amy, and her husband, Charles Moore, live in Birmingham and have two children, Sally Elizabeth, 12, and Davis, 11, who is named after Sally’s father. Their son Tim and his wife, Sarah, live in Black Mountain, North Carolina. They have one son, Hank, who is six months old. On Thanksgiving morning, Sally will
See CIPPERLY, page A10
PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
PHOTO BY MEGAN MANN / FOR THE OBSERVER
Sound Wall, Martha’s Trouble Announce Holiday Events
prepare a simple breakfast. Sometimes quiche ahead to easily reheat and serve with fresh fruit. While Sally has a large oven and microwave, cooking Thanksgiving dinner can still be challenging. In order to keep everything hot until dinner time, she often places a few dishes in insulated carriers. Sally will serve the food on silver platters and place them on the dining room table and sideboard for easy serving. Rusty says grace, giving thanks for each family member, our country and the blessings of a wonderful meal. While their family is home for the weekend, a big breakfast will be served each morning. Some of the grandchildren’s favorites are cinnamon rolls, pancakes, sausage and biscuit
The Mayfields Family Art Show BY MEGAN MANN FOR THE OBSERVER CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
Tickets for A Martha’s Trouble Christmas are now on sale. We are playing in Gastonia, North Carolina, (free) and two nights at The Sound Wall in Opelika this December. Get your tickets now
and come join us as we celebrate the Christmas Season together. We will also be hosting two Christmas dinners at our studio, The Sound Wall, on Dec. 12 and 13, and would like to invite you to join us for a Beef Wellington Christmas
Dinner prepared in the kitchen by Chef Chris Wilton. Get your tickets now as seating is limited and these supper clubs will sell out. For tickets or more information about these events, visit: www. thesoundwallopelika. com/events-1
The second annual Mayfield Family Art Show will be on Saturday Dec. 4 at the Opelika Art Haus. It will take place all day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The Opelika Art Haus is a non-profit organization that operates by partnering with artists to build
art as a foundation for community. This is different than a typical art show because it is ran by a creative, unique and fun family. The show will feature a multitude of different art pieces from the whole Mayfield family, including paintings, different wood pieces, jewelry and pottery. The Mayfield’s are a family of four that have
lived in Opelika for many years. Each of them has different gifts and talents when it comes to artistry. There is the mother Margaret, father Carlos, and their children Brandon and Megan. The family has had artistry in their bones as long as they can remember. It is something that brings their family together in a See MAYFIELDS, page A8
A8 Nov. 18, 2021
Making the Grade: Twice Baked
A
s I’ve mentioned several times before in this column, I absolutely LOVE dining in downtown Opelika. I’m so glad that Opelika’s downtown has maintained the quaint charm it possessed from decades ago when my husband Mike used to ride a train to it from West Point, Georgia, when he was a little boy. Also, there’s free, plentiful parking, and you don’t have to wrestle with a ridiculous kiosk. In addition, Mike and I are looking forward to going to Christmas in a Railroad Town; our friends Jack and William say it’s terrific. Recently, Mike and I met our friends Jack, William and Thomas to dine at Twice Baked in downtown Opelika at 909 South Railroad Avenue. The interior of the restaurant is interesting and attractive. I loved the original, old brick wall on one side
FROM A7
potatoes, hot dogs, burritos and rib, chicken, pork and wing plates; half plates include two 6-ounce sides, and full plates include two 16-ounce sides. Twice Baked dessert choices include: pound, caramel and million dollar cakes, peanut butter pie and sweet potato souf-
flé. They all sounded delicious. However, after I had eaten my walking taco, if I’d had dessert, I couldn’t have walked, so I wisely declined. Besides having delicious food, eating at Twice Baked is a good, economical choice in these inflationary times because their
PHOTOS USED WITH PERMISSION
special way and makes them unique. “My son Brandon does wood-working, and some pottery and painting," Margaret said. "My daughter Megan does jewelry and clothing and my husband has been painting ever since I met him. He does acrylics and watercolors.” Margaret creates pottery. “I started pottery about 25 years ago," she said. "My daughter was young and started a class called Kids and Clay, she had to have a parent go.” After attending the classes with her daughter, she ended up signing up for her own classes. “I started taking pottery at Auburn and I’ve been doing it ever since as a relaxing thing and to enjoy,” she said. Art has been a huge part of each of the Mayfield’s lives in different ways. Carlos has been painting for a long time. He gets a lot of his inspiration from observing nature, he said. “I paint with watercolors and acrylics, and sometimes I’ll do pastels," he said. "I do all kinds of paintings like abstracts and landscapes. I enjoy painting whatever hits me that day.” When Brandon is not doing wood working, he is working on his paintings. “I just started getting back into painting and I’ve been doing big pieces," he said. "I see it like a game, trying to come up with a subject that is good enough.”
Brandon said he typically draws his inspiration from his friends, significant life experiences and different places he has traveled. Megan has leaned toward the design aspect of art. “I graduated from design at Auburn University where I started making different festival attire that went into different boutiques around town,” she said. “My design work has brought me to designing and creating my own therapeutic dog training retreat in Opelika and being called into work larger festivals such as Music Midtown decorating VIP areas, artists rooms and serving as a lead stagehand.” She said her favorite thing about being a designer is seeing her customer’s reactions. “I like seeing people light up when they see something extraordinary or fancy,” Megan said. Citizens of Opelika, Auburn and all of Lee County are all welcome to hear more about each of their stories and buy some of their pieces at the art show, while supporting local artists and a great family. “The community was very open to it last year and we had a great time so we’re looking forward to this year,” Margaret said. The Opelika Art Haus, where the event will be taking place, is located on 500 N Railroad Ave. For more information about the event, check out their Facebook page, The Mayfield Family Art Show.
Oh, my two times. Everything was really delicious. Run, do not walk, to Twice Baked NOW. Besides our delectable choices, Twice Baked offers diners: steak, chicken, pull pork and veggie Phillies, a variety of sandwiches and baked
meals are inexpensive, another plus for a girl on a teacher pension. Twice Baked on Railroad Avenue in beautiful, downtown Opelika is open Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.; is closed on Monday; Tuesday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Friday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 12 a.m. Twice Baked 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. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@ gmail.com
PHOTO BY MEGAN MANN / FOR THE OBSERVER
MAYFIELDS>>
with lettuce, cheese, sour cream, salsa and beef. I chose beef, but you have your choice of meat. I gobbled up that walking taco as though I hadn’t eaten all day. (I had; I can promise you.) Also, I ordered a side of Crazy Corn. Too. good. to. be. described. It could be considered addictive. Both William and Thomas ordered the pulled pork sandwich. Last, Jack chose the Opelika hot sauce chicken sandwich.
PHOTO BY MIKE WALLACE
STACEY PATTON WALLACE
and the eye-catching, hand-painted wall on the other. On that wall was the slogan, “Don’t be a hater — Come get a tater.” I also admired the seasoned, wooden floors. Joseph Shorter, the owner of Twice Baked, was a complete delight. He was so welcoming, chatting and joking with us. He said he opened the restaurant in July 2020. “Love, time and effort, honey,” Shorter said. Shorter also said that they make their bread fresh every day. And he said, “If your stomach touches your back, stop by Twice Baked and relax.” As a former radio salesperson and a retired English teacher, I love Shorter’s way with words. Also, back in the summer, when I was putting up posters to advertise Central Baptist of Opelika’s Vacation Bible School, Shorter had been SO kind, putting up my poster himself and with a lot of enthusiasm. He gets extra points for doing that; I appreciate people who support our community. But on to our dining experience. Mike, still being health-conscious, chose the lemon pepper wings. I, not being health-conscious, ordered the walking taco, which included chips topped
A9 Nov. 18, 2021
St. Dun’s Buns Makes Numerous Donations PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
The St. Dun’s Buns, a baking group for donations, sponsored through the Mary & Martha Guild of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, is proud to announce a donation to the Lee County Humane Society. The group saw an opportunity to donate to a very worthy and necessary organization to support its mission to advance humane treatment and responsible ownership of companion animals through community education, animal sheltering and alleviation of animal suffering. Over 3,000 animals come through the doors of the Lee County Humane Society each year and the organization is in constant need of support from the citizens of Lee County in order to fulfill its mission. Sidney Hancock, coordinator of Outreach and Development, accepted the St. Dun’s Buns donation along with a loaf of fresh baked bread. St. Dun’s Buns bakes delicious items for donations to benefit the community outreach program at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church located on Magnolia Avenue in downtown Auburn, Alabama. The group will continue to offer fresh baked items upon request for a donation to the church’s community outreach program and promoted through the Mary and Martha Guild. Baked items for sale can be viewed on the Facebook page of St. Dun’s Buns with a link to the sign up Genius.
The St. Dun’s Buns, a baking group for donations, sponsored through the Mary & Martha Guild of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, is proud to announce a donation to East Alabama Medical Center Foundation for “Covid Feed the Staff”. The group saw an opportunity to donate to a very worthy and necessary program at EAMC that accepts donations to feed the staff that has tirelessly worked during the pandemic and continues to be dedicated to the health and wellbeing of all who enter their doors. Laura Eason of EAMC accepted the St. Dun’s Buns donation along with a loaf of fresh baked bread. St. Dun’s Buns bakes delicious items for donations to benefit the community outreach program at St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church located on Magnolia Avenue in downtown Auburn, Alabama. The group will continue to offer fresh baked items upon request for a donation to the church’s Community Outreach program and promoted through the Mary and Martha Guild. Baked items for donations can be viewed on the Facebook page of St. Dun’s Buns with a link to the sign up Genius.
The St. Dun’s Buns, a baking group sponsored through the Mary & Martha Guild of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, is proud to announce a donation to the Auburn University Veterans Resource Center (VRC). The group saw an opportunity to support the VRC because of their great work in assisting veterans, guardsmen, reservists, active duty, military dependents and survivors with education resources in making a successful transition into the AU Community. Paul Esposito, director of the Veterans Resource Center, accepted the St. Dun’s Buns donation on behalf of VRC along with a fresh baked loaf of bread. St. Dun’s Buns bakes delicious items for donations to benefit its organization’s community outreach program. The group will continue to offer fresh baked items upon request for a donation to the community outreach program of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church and promoted through the Mary and Martha Guild. Baked items for donations can be viewed on the Facebook page of St. Dun’s Buns with a link to the sign up Genius.
Auburn, Opelika Honor Their Veterans
PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES AND MEGAN MANN
Auburn and Opelika both held Veterans Day ceremonies on Nov. 11, to recognize and honor local veterans. Photos above are from both events.
A10 Nov. 18, 2021
CIPPERLY
>>
FROM A7
and fresh fruit. “Because my childhood
CIPPERLY RECIPES >> BACON WRAPPED ROASTED TURKEY 13 lb. whole turkey, uncooked Kitchen twine (to tie turkey) Aluminum foil 1 lb. bacon (uncooked) 1 onion, cut into large wedges 4 cloves garlic 2 sprigs fresh thyme 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 2 cups butter (softened) ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper ½ tsp. paprika Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Remove giblets and neck from turkey. Rinse turkey with cold running water and drain well. Blot dry with paper towels. Stuff cavity with onion, garlic cloves, and fresh herbs. Tie legs and tuck wings in. In a medium bowl, stir together softened butter, salt, pepper and paprika. Rub butter mixture under the skin and over the skin of turkey. Place turkey in a roasting pan. Starting at one end, place bacon strips horizontally over the turkey until it is fully covered. Then weave bacon strips vertically through the horizontal strips, leaving no space between. Continue until the entire turkey is covered. Surround the turkey with additional onion and garlic cloves as desired. Roast at 350 degrees for 3 hours, or until an instant read thermometer inserted into the thigh registers 165 degrees. Check after 2 hours, and cover with foil if bacon gets too dark. GRANNY’S CORNMEAL DRESSING Cornbread: 6 Tbsp. melted butter or bacon drippings 1 cup cornmeal ¾ cup all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. sugar 1 ½ tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. soda ¼ tsp. salt
memories are so precious to me,” said Sally, “I want to make wonderful memories for my grandchildren.
2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 ½ cups buttermilk Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Lightly grease an 8” baking dish or skillet. In a large bowl, mix eggs, buttermilk and butter. In a separate bowl mix together cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, soda and salt. Pour the buttermilk mixture into the cornmeal mixture and fold together. (Batter will still be lumpy.) Pour into baking dish. Bake until the top is golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool at least ten minutes or until cool enough to crumble. Dressing: Bake a can of five biscuits per package directions. While biscuits are baking, simmer the following: 1 cup chopped celery and 1 cup chopped onion in 1 ½ cup chicken broth until vegetables are tender. Melt ½ stick of margarine in the onion and celery mixture. When breads are done, crumble cornbread and 2 to 3 biscuits into a large bowl. Pour onion and celery mixture over breads. To this mixture add: 1 cup chicken broth 5 well beaten eggs Salt & pepper to taste Enough milk to make a thin batter 1 can cream of chicken soup Pour this mixture into a greased (9 x 13) pan to 2 (8 x 8) pans and bake at 375 degrees until the top is lightly brown and the texture fairly firm. For a 9x13 pan bake 45 to 60 minutes. If needed, continue to bake, checking every 10 minutes until dressing is done. Cover lightly if starting to brown too much. If precooked, store in refrigerator and reheat (350 degrees) 30 to 45 minutes. Recipe freezes well. CRANBERRY
Hopefully, they will remember the fun they had coming to Opelika at Thanksgiving.” On Saturday, Amy and her family will attend the Auburn-Alabama game, while other family members enjoy watching it at home. Sally and Rusty met and married while they were students at Auburn University. While Rusty was finishing school, Sally taught first grade at Scott Preparatory. They moved to Co-
lumbus, Georgia, where Rusty began his career with State Farm Insurance. In 1974 the Sheehans moved to Opelika and Rusty opened his office as a State Farm Agent. Although he retired in December 2017, Rusty has remained active in the community. “We thank God for our many blessings and the privilege of carrying on the beautiful traditions of Thanksgiving,” Sally said. “We are
BAKED HAM 2 slices (½ to ¾ inches thick) center cut ham ½ cup honey 2 tsp. prepared mustard 1 can whole cranberry sauce 1 to 2 cups fresh cranberries In a saucepan combine honey, mustard, and canned cranberry sauce. Add fresh cranberries and cook over medium heat until sauce thickens and cranberries begin to pop, 15 to 20 minutes. The original recipe recommends placing one slice of ham in a foil lined roasting pan, covering with ½ of prepared cranberry sauce mixture, then placing the second ham slice on top and covering with remaining cranberry sauce mixture. Cover with foil. Bake in a 325 degrees oven for 45 minutes to one hour. For a quicker recipe, I have also baked the ham slices side by side in a large roasting pan, adding ½ cranberry sauce mixture over each slice, covering with foil, baking at 325 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes.
ring constantly to achieve a creamy white sauce. Cook over medium heat until thickened. 1 tsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce Salt and pepper to taste To prepared white sauce add lemon juice, Worcestershire Sauce, salt and pepper. Pour over pea mixture. 2 Tbsp. margarine, melted 1 ½ cups Ritz cracker crumbs Toss melted margarine with cracker crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until bubbly. Yield 6-8 servings.
AMY’S ENGLISH PEA CASSEROLE 2 cups canned English peas, drained 1 can cream of mushroom soup 1 ½ cups grated cheese 1 small can sliced button mushrooms I small jar diced pimentos 3 hardboiled eggs, sliced into thin rounds (opt) Gently combine peas, mushroom soup, grated cheese, mushrooms, and pimentos. Pour ½ of the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with a layer of sliced eggs. Pour the remaining mixture over the eggs. Cream Sauce: 2 Tbsp. margarine 2 Tbsp. flour 2 cups milk Melt 2 Tbsp. margarine in a saucepan, add flour, stirring until smooth. Gradually, add milk, stir-
FRESH CRANBERRY RELISH 1 large orange, quartered with peel 1 lb. cranberries 1 ½ cups white sugar ½ cup apricot preserves 8 oz. can crushed pineapple, drained 2 Tbsp. lemon juice Finely chop orange in a food processor. Combine cranberries and sugar in a heavy saucepan. (A little water on the cranberries will help the sugar melt.) Cook and stir over medium heat until cranberries begin to pop, about 10 minutes. Transfer cranberries to a bowl. Add apricot preserves and mix until melted. Stir in pineapple, lemon juice and chopped orange. Chill until ready to serve.
PERFECT MASHED POTATOES 3 lb. Yukon gold potatoes 2 tsp. salt, divided 1/3 cup butter 1/3 cup half and half 4 oz. cream cheese, softened ¾ tsp. coarsely ground pepper Garnishes: shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon or chives Peel potatoes
so thankful for our family, our beautiful country and for those who paved the way for the freedoms we enjoy
and cut into 1-inch pieces. Bring potatoes, 1 tsp. salt, and cold water to cover to a boil in a medium-size Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Reduce heat to medium-low and cook 16 to 20 minutes or until fork-tender; drain. Return potatoes to Dutch oven. Cook until water evaporates, and potatoes look dry. Mound potatoes on one side; add butter, next 3 ingredients and remaining 1 tsp. salt to opposite side of Dutch oven. Cook 1 to 2 minutes or until butter is melted and mixture boils. Remove from heat, beat at medium speed with a hand-held electric mixer 30 seconds to 1 minute or to desired degree of smoothness. (Do not overbeat.) Serve immediately. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon or chives to taste. GREEN BEANS MEDITERRANEAN 2 lbs. green beans, trimmed and broken into pieces 2 large tomatoes, coarsely chopped, or grape tomatoes halved ½ cup chopped onion 4 cloves of garlic, minced 1 cup sliced mushroom buttons 3 tbsp. olive oil ¼ cup tomato juice ½ tsp. dried oregano ¼ tsp. each dried basil, salt and pepper Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine green beans, tomato, onion, garlic and mushrooms in a bowl and mix well. Spoon into a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil and tomato juice. Sprinkle with oregano basil, salt and pepper and toss gently. Bake 30 to 45 minutes until beans are tender. SPINACH SALAD WITH HONEY DRESSING AND HONEYED PECANS 1 (10 oz.) pkg. baby spinach
today.” Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.
1 cup quartered, fresh strawberries ½ cup thinly sliced red onion ½ cup fresh blueberries Honey Dressing (recipe follows) 3 to 4 cooked bacon slices, crumbled ¼ cup crumbled blue cheese Honeyed Pecans (recipe follows) Toss together first four ingredients and 1/3 cup dressing. Sprinkle with bacon, cheese and pecans. Honey Dressing: Whisk together 1/3 cup white balsamic vinegar, 2 Tbsp. honey, 1 Tbsp. Dijon mustard, and ½ tsp. each salt and black pepper. Add 2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil in a slow, steady stream, whisking constantly until smooth. Makes about 1 cup. Honeyed Pecans: Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Microwave ¼ cup honey in a bowl at high for 20 seconds. Stir in 1 cup pecan halves. Coat a parchment paper-lined jelly-roll pan with cooking spray; spread pecans in a single layer on pan. Combine 1 Tbsp. sugar, ¼ tsp. kosher salt, and a pinch of ground red pepper; sprinkle over pecans. Bake 15 minutes or until toasted, stirring after 8 minutes. Cool. OLD FASHION AMBROSIA 9 oranges, peeled, seeded, and sectioned 2 (20 oz.) cans of chuck or crushed pineapple, drained 2 cups coconut 1 small jar welldrained cherries or halved red seedless grapes 1 to 2 tsp. almond extract 1 cup honey (optional) ½ cup orange juice Combine oranges, pineapple, coconut, cherries, almond extract, and honey. Pour orange juice over mixture. Place in refrigerator to chill 8 hours. Halved red seedless grapes can substitute cherries. Makes 5 to 8 servings. Serve with your favorite Pound Cake! See CIPPERLY RECIPES, page A11
A11 Nov. 18, 2021
CIPPERLY RECIPES >> FAMILY FAVORITE POUND CAKE 1 cup margarine 3 cups sugar 6 eggs 3 cups plain flour, sifted ½ tsp. salt ½ pint whipping cream 1 tsp. vanilla, or almond, or coconut, or butternut flavoring Grease a heavy tube or bunt pan, sprinkle with sugar, and dust with flour, set aside. Cream margarine until fluffy, add sugar gradually, add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Sift flour and salt together, add gradually to mix, alternating with whipping cream. Add flavoring. Pour cake batter into prepared pan. Place on middle rack in a cold oven. Set temperature at 325 degrees. Cook 1 hour 15 minutes. Do not open oven. After baking, remove from oven, allow to cool in pan for 30 minutes. Invert on wire rack to complete cooling. SOUTHERN PECAN PIE 1 cup pecan halves 1 9-inch unbaked pastry shell 3 eggs 1 cup dark corn syrup 1 cup sugar 2 Tbsp. margarine, melted 1 tsp. vanilla
extract 1/8 tsp. salt Place pecan halves in bottom of unbaked pastry shell. Beat eggs slightly; mix in corn syrup, sugar, margarine, vanilla, and salt. Gently pour into unbaked shell. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes; lower temperature to 350 degrees and bake an additional 30 to 35 minutes. (Filling should be slightly less set in center than around edge.) RITA’S SQUASH CASSEROLE 4 cups sliced yellow squash ½ cup chopped onion 35 buttery round crackers (Ritz) , crushed 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 2 eggs, beaten ¾ cup milk ¼ cup butter, melted 1 tsp. salt Ground black pepper to taste 2 Tbsp. butter Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Place squash and onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Add a small amount of water. Cover, and cook until squash is tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well, and place in a large bowl. In a second bowl, mix cracker crumbs and cheese. Stir half of the cracker mixture into the cooked squash and onions. In a small bowl, mix eggs and milk,
then add to squash mixture. Stir in ¼ cup melted butter and season with salt and pepper. Spread into a lightly greased 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cracker mixture, and dot with 2 Tbsp. butter. Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until lightly browned. SALLY’S BROWNIES WITH CHOCOLATE FROSTING 1 ½ cups coarsely chopped pecans 1 (4 oz.) unsweetened chocolate baking bar, chopped ¾ cup butter 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 1 cup all-purpose flour Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bake pecans in a single layer in a shallow pan 6 to 8 minutes or until lightly toasted and fragrant. Microwave chocolate and butter in a large microwave-safe bowl at high 1 to 1 ½ minutes or until melted and smooth, stirring at 30 second intervals. Whisk in sugar and eggs until well blended. Stir in flour. Spread batter in a greased 9 x 13inch pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with a few moist crumbs. Chocolate Frosting:
½ cup butter 1/3 cup milk 6 Tbsp. unsweetened cocoa 1 (16-oz.) pkg powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla Cook first 3 ingredients over medium heat in a large saucepan, stirring constantly, 4 to 5 minutes or until butter melts. Remove from heat and beat in powdered sugar and vanilla at medium speed with an electric mixer until smooth. Pour prepared frosting over warm brownie; spread to edges. Sprinkle with toasted pecans. Let cool one hour on a wire rack. Cut into squares. *A favorite option is to sprinkle 3 cups miniature marshmallows over warm brownies, in place of or in addition to the toasted pecans, then frost. SWEET POTATO SOUFFLE 3 cups sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed
1 cup sugar ½ cup butter or margarine 2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp. vanilla ½ cup milk ¼ tsp. salt Mix above ingredients together and put in greased baking dish. Top with the following praline mixture: 1 cup brown sugar ½ cup flour 1/3 cup softened butter 1 cup chopped pecans (optional) Mix well and sprinkle on top of sweet potatoes. To satisfy the marshmallow lovers, I alternate diagonal rows of marshmallows and praline mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 25 to 30 minutes. Double for large casseroles. This can be prepared the day before. FANTASY FUDGE 3 cups sugar ¾ cup margarine 2/3 cup (or a 5 oz. can) of evaporated milk 12 oz. pkg semisweet chocolate chips
7 oz. jar marshmallow cream 1 cup chopped nuts (optional) 1 tsp. vanilla Combine sugar, margarine, and milk in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a full rolling boil, stirring constantly. Continue boiling for five minutes (or 234 degrees on a candy thermometer). Continue stirring to prevent scorching. Remove from heat, stir in chocolate chips and marshmallow cream (slightly warming marshmallow cream in microwave will help in removing it from jar). Stir well until chocolate chips and marshmallow cream are thoroughly blended. Stir in vanilla and nuts. Pour into a lightly greased pan (7 x 11 or 9 x 9.) Cool to room temperature and cut into squares. Makes three pounds. (I usually boil a little less time as my family likes the fudge a little softer and creamier.)
DOWNTOWN EVENTS Nov. 18 — Live Music by Kasey Kaschak at Resting Pulse Brewing Company Nov. 19 — Live Music by Cameron Dubois at Resting Pulse Brewing Company Nov. 20 — Live music by Rhonda Funk at Resting Pulse Brewing Company
A12 Nov. 18, 2021
CONTRIBUTED BY AUUF
Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship (AUUF) has announced dates and times for its 29th annual auction. The auction is a major fundraiser that supports AUUF and the Auburn community. This year, AUUF will host silent and live auctions as separate events. The silent auction will take place over four days, Nov. 18-21 to facilitate social distancing, and the live auction will be held on Dec. 3. Both events are free and open to the public. Looking for unique, distinctive or just plain wonderful gifts for your loved ones? Maybe you want to treat yourself? A oneof-a-kind shopping experience awaits you! Every year, the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship holds an auction that raises a portion of its annual budget. Over the past almost three decades, the auction has become an area tradition, ushering in these most festive of months with food, fun and fellowship. The 29th annual AUUF auction will be held in two parts. To promote social distancing, the AUUF Silent Auction will be held off-site at 1008 Old Mill Road in Auburn over a period of four days, Nov. 18 through 21, for 2-hour intervals: Thursday, Nov. 18, 2 to 4 p.m.; Friday,
Nov. 19, 6 to 8 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 20, 6 to 8 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 21, 2 to 4 p.m. Multiple days and times hope to allow flexibility for all individuals that wish to participate. Because the venue is small, only a few guests will be allowed in at a time. The AUUF Live Auction will be held on Friday, Dec. 3 at the AUUF fellowship hall, 450 E. Thach Ave. in Auburn at 6:30 p.m. To accommodate social distancing, the fellowship hall will operate at 50% capacity this year. There will also be a virtual bidding option that will allow all participants, onsite or remote, to bid on equal footing. “There’s a ‘good will’ element to the auction,” said AUUF former minister Rev. Diana Jordan Allende. “It strikes me as an opening into the season of joy and
sharing.” Past offerings have included such items as French champagne, fine art, housewares, books, jewelry, homecooked specialty meals for groups, a dinner for eight on the terrace from Ursula’s Catering, handmade quilts, homemade bread, pottery, vintage clothing, services such as yardwork, IT help and more! “It’s fun to bid and fun to watch the auction,” said longtime AUUF member Teresa Rodriguez. “There is something for every size of pocket book. We usually have over 100 attendees from the community, and many of them have been coming for years. This is our big fundraiser for the year and we invite everyone to be a part of it.” For more information on these free and festive events, please visit www.auuf.org/ auction.
BE MORE. GO BUILD. Learn more at GoBuildAl.com
Empty Bowls Pre-Sale December 13 - 17, 2021 (10 am – 6 pm CT) December 18, 2021 (1 pm – 5 pm CT) Denson Recreation Center
No Child Deserves an Empty Bowl! Purchase an original soup bowl to raise money for the Food Bank of East Alabama Handcrafted bowls cost $10 - $20 each
Opelika - Auburn Empty Bowls Event Saturday, February 12, 2022 10:00 am to 2:00 pm CT Opelika Parks & Recreation (Denson Center) 1102 Denson Drive, Opelika AL 36801 For info: contact Sherie Spain, Pottery Director (334) 705-5558
Harvest Evangelism To Host Thanksgiving Meal, Prayer PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship to Hold Annual Auction
CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
Pastor Rick Hagans began what has become an East Alabama Thanksgiv-
ing tradition 40 years ago. What started off as Hagans and some college buddies taking a turkey or two to folks he said he
knew would be hungry on Thanksgiving, has grown into an annual event that feeds thousands. See HARVEST, page A14
A13 Nov. 18, 2021
Oneness In Marriage
BRUCE GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika
C
reation truths are those truths directly connected with God bringing the world into being. We neglect them to our poverty and ruin. One truth born in paradise concerns the purpose of marriage—out of one (Adam), God made two (Adam and Eve), so that He might join them back together as one in marriage. God’s goal for marriage is oneness — we are to become what He has created us to be. 22 Then the Lord God made a woman from the rib] he had taken out of the
man, and he brought her to the man. 23 The man said, “This is now bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh; she shall be called ‘woman,’ for she was taken out of man.” 24 That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh. (Genesis 2:22-24) 1. Oneness is important to God. In the same sense that the disciple is to become what God has created he or she to be (holy—see 1 Corinthians 1:2), God joins a man and woman together in marriage and they are to live out that oneness. 2. Oneness reflects the nature of God. God exists as the Father, Son and Spirit (see the plural pronouns in Genesis 1:26). There is a unity that transcends the Godhead’s diversity so that God is one (so the Shema of
Deuteronomy 6:4ff). A marriage consists of two individuals who are to reflect the oneness of God. 3. God makes us one, so that we might live as one. We are designed for this oneness. Males and females have a complementary design toward this end. 4. You don’t marry your soulmate; you marry someone who becomes your soulmate. Our idea of a soulmate is based on the idea that out of the 8 billion people living on earth, God has one special person for you — you just have to find them. That’s a romanticized notion that comes more from the movies rather than from Scripture. Consider that Ephesians 5:22-33 and other profound marriage texts were written to husbands and wives whose marriages were arranged. Were they soul mates as they walked down the aisle, or did whatever constituted
getting married in their culture? Hardly. Could they become soulmates as they gave themselves to each other and their marriages to God? Absolutely. 5. The sexual relationship is one expression of oneness. There are many ways to express oneness in marriage (wearing of rings, praying together, sharing a last name, etc.). Because the sexual relationship expresses marital oneness, it is something that is exclusively and uniquely reserved for husbands and wives. Unmarried people have no more business engaging in sex than unlicensed people have driving cars. 6. Oneness doesn’t mean you lose your individuality; it means you learn how to be part of a team. Oneness doesn’t make you less of a person, it makes you more of a person. It doesn’t lessen your identity, it deepens it.
7. For oneness to happen between a husband and a wife, there must be a “leaving.” That’s the truth of Genesis 2:24. Though it’s spoken in reference to the man, it is equally true for the woman. There can be no bonding to one another until a certain degree of separation from their family of origin has occurred. In other words, you can’t have your own family until you’ve left the one you grew up in. Parents would do well to remember this and realize that sometimes the greatest gift they can give their married children is to back off and let them establish their homes and families. Our Father created us for intimate relationships and marriage is the ultimate intimacy. In it, we know and are known. In it, husbands and wives find that as they receive each other, they are receiving themselves (McGuiggan).
ABOUT BRUCE GREEN You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.
Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706
BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. — 1 Thessalonians 3:12
What Is The Best Gift Anyone Can Receive? Come and Find Out.
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AT CUNNINGHAM DRIVE 2660 CUNNINGHAM DR., OPELIKA SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:30 A.M. / 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 6:30 P.M.
DIRECTORY APOSTOLIC HOLINESS Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Inc. 28 Sanford Ave., Opelika 334-745-0210 God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528 Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506
Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117 Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 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
FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF OPELIKA ON DEC. 19 AT 7 P.M.
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
COMMUNITY OUTREACH Good Sheperd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika 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
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Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.
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Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003
A14 Nov. 18, 2021
Oh, That’s Good!
A
WALTER ALBRITTON
man told me that finally he had decided to read the Bible – from Genesis through Revelation. “But pray for me,” he said; “Right now I am in Leviticus and it is not nearly as interesting as the stories in Genesis.” Not wanting to discourage him, I told him the Lord would reward him in the next book, the Book of Numbers, with the story of a talking donkey.
HARVEST >>
FROM A12
This year‘s Thanksgiving feed will center out of Harvest Evangelism’s big tent which will be set up on the lawn in front of Lakeview Baptist Church (1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn, Alabama). Volunteers who would like to serve are invited to come out to the Big Top at Lakeview beginning Thanksgiving morning at 8 a.m. The meals, a full-on Thanksgiving feast, will be plated up there. Anyone who needs a Thanksgiving meal can come by anytime from 8 a.m. to noon and pick up a plate. They can pick
While the man’s plan for reading the Bible can be rewarding, there are better ways to read the good book. One might, for example, begin by reading daily a portion of the Gospel of Mark and one or more of the Psalms. Then do the same with the Gospel of John and Genesis. But instead of reading “a chapter a day,” it is more profitable to read meditatively a few verses, pondering the meaning and praying for enlightenment. In these days, my plan is reading through one book at a time with one goal in mind: to find a “eureka” verse or a passage about which I can say, “Oh, that’s good!” Then I highlight that verse or
verses to remind me of the gold nuggets I have found in this Bible of mine. In other words, they are verses that have special meaning for me, verses that warm my heart with hope and joy. The scholars wisely warn us not to take verses “out of context.” Context is everything we are told. While I agree with this basic principle, I don’t believe my plan violates that rule. Let me illustrate with one of my favorite verses – Genesis 2:18: The Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper suitable for him.” This is a statement God makes in one of the creation stories. God was thinking about Adam when he
said that, after which he created Eve to become Adam’s helper. That is the “context” of the verse. But when I read it, I say joyfully, “Oh, that is good!” Why? Because the same God who said that about Adam is the God who saw me in my aloneness and gave me Dean as my wonderful companion! That verse affirms for me the character of God. In the Book of Joshua, God said to Joshua, "As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you" (Joshua 1:5). When I read that, my heart leaps within me and I say, “Oh, that is good!” Why? Because when I read it, the Spirit of God says to me, “Walter, as I was
with Moses and Joshua, so I will be with you.” Believing that they served God in their day helps me serve God in my day. The words of Jesus are another example. The context of Revelation 3:20 is clearly stated; the Risen Christ is making this statement to lukewarm members of the Church in Laodicea: "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me." I “get” the context, but these words prompt me to say, “Oh, that is good!” Why? Because the Spirit of God tells me that Jesus is knocking on my door, and on everyone’s door, ready to come in and offer
his life-changing power to anyone who opens the door and invites him in. The following words are found in the first of three letters written by John: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9). The context? Words from a letter written by John in the First Century. But I read those words and say, “Oh, that is good!” Why? Because the Spirit of God tells me those words constitute an exciting promise of almighty God — He will forgive my sins, and yours, if we confess them and allow Jesus to live in our hearts! And Oh, my friends, that is good!
up as many plates as they need. They will also receive a real Thanksgiving “pick me up” when they come by the tent where all those who are volunteering are encouraged to share what they are thankful for. The crowd of volunteers stop every hour to share words and prayers of Thanksgiving. Each year it’s been those simple words of gratefulness and gratitude that have proved most fulfilling. The meals served help the folks' stomachs. The word of thanks shared with each other help fill folks’ hearts. Men’s
souls are more in need of filling than their stomachs. Harvest Evangelism strives to help fill both, at least a little, on Thanksgiving Day. It takes a lot of food and faith to feed a multitude. Last year over 2,000 meals were prepared and served. This year, the need will be even greater and Harvest Evangelism is asking for help to meet this need. All manner of Thanksgiving food will help feed hungry friends and neighbors. The organization is asking for 200 to 300 turkeys and hens. Additionally, the organization is
asking for 100 to 200 trays of dressing, along with side items such as corn, Mac ‘n cheese, green beans, baked beans. Desserts, too: pumpkin or pecan pies, cakes of every kind — Thanksgiving needs so, etching “sweet” to settle all that turkey and dressing. Anyone providing donations can bring them by Harvest Thrift Store (1750 Opelika Road in Auburn), Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations can also be dropped at the office — which is located on the side of Harvest Thrift Store (1750 Opelika Road Suite C, Auburn Alabama).
Harvest Evangelism asked that people cook the food items before dropping them off as it is only residential ovens at His Place and Hosana Home which makes cooking more difficult. The ideal is to drop food off Thanksgiving morning at Lakeview Baptist Church (corner of East Glenn Avenue and University Drive), the organization said. Finacial donations can be made online at harvestevangelism.org. Specify the thanksgiving need. Financial donations can also be delivered in person at the Harvest Evangelism
offices right the front desk at the Harvest Thrift Store. Checks should be made out to Harvest Evangelism and put Thanksgiving meal on the envelope. J Harvest Evangelism said it costs $4 to $4.50 per meal. Harvest Evnaglism will also deliver meals, or several, to those in need in the community. Contact 334-7420777 or email gwalker@harvestevangelism.org to share addresses of those in need. Hagans will be delivering food Thanksgiving morning and shared his number as well to those in need, 334-332-3932.
Jerrell Clint Riddle (Crystal Jenkins) grandchildren, Megan Fuller, Tessa McCormick, Lexie McCormick Pangle (Will), Carter Milner, Kale Pickering, and Jacie Jenkins; brothers, Donnie Riddle (Susan) and Dana Riddle; aunts, Dorothy Reynolds and Betty Jean Prescott, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members. Visitation will be held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021 from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. Funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the Chapel at FrederickDean Funeral Home at 2 p.m. with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Interment will follow at Garden Hills Cemetery. –––––––
Edward Daniel Baltes of Opelika, Alabama, was born in Fort Worth, Texas on Jan. 4, 1979 and passed away at UAB hospital on Nov. 15, 2021. He was 42 years old. He was preceded in death by his father, Jimmy Baltes. He is survived by his wife, Dominique Baltes; children, Danny Baltes (Stacey), Sady Baltes (Bo) Steven, Kayden, James Morgan, Nevaeh, and Maddie Baltes; one grandchild on the way; siblings, Billy Baltes, Kim Tyson (Gary); mother, Betty Conner (John). Family will receive friends in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Friday, Nov. 19, 2021 from 4 to 5:45 p.m. A Memorial service will be held in the Chapel at 6 p.m. with Reverend Bill Bryan officiating.
OBITUARIES CARL ALLEN HAND A funeral service for Carl Allen Hand, 80, of Columbus, GA (formerly of Opelika, AL) will be Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021 at 11 a.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with Dr. Mike King officiating. A private burial will be in Parkhill Cemetery in Columbus, Georgia. Visitation will be Friday, Nov. 19, 2021 from 5 to 7 p.m. CST at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. Mr. Hand was born July 24, 1941, in Houston County, Alabama and went to be with his Lord on Nov. 14, 2021 at Columbus Hospice. He was known for his kind heart and his dedication to his community. He was known to many as “Mr. Shoeman” because he fit them in shoes from infant to adulthood. He was a long-time member of First Baptist Church of Opelika where he shared his
faith and kindness with those he met. He is preceded in death by his wife Martha C. Hand; parents W. Hubert and Ruby E. Hand; brother James Hand; sister Margarite Catton. He is survived by his children, Mark A. Hand and Lynn H. (Jim) Story; grandchildren, Jessica (Chris) Anest, Michael (Danielle) Story, and Hayley (Chase) Childs; great-grandchildren, Elizabeth Anest and Oliver Story; a host of nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church in Opelika, or to the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, Alabama. ––––––– JERRY L. WILHITE Mr. Jerry L. Wilhite, 76, of Opelika passed away Nov. 14 at his home. Graveside
services were at 11 a.m., on Nov. 17 at Garden Hills Cemetery. Visitation was one hour prior to the graveside service at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home. He was a longtime resident of Opelika. Jerry worked at DavisDyar, Ampex and was owner/operator of Wilhite Electric. He was enlisted in the Army National Guard from 1965-71. In his spare time, Jerry enjoyed riding horses, helping his family and friends resolve all their automotive, construction and plumbing issues and playing with his grandchildren. He was an amazing husband, dad, brother, son and grandfather. Jerry will be missed tremendously by family and friends. Mr. Wilhite is preceded in death by his: wife, Loretta Wilhite, brothers, Freddie and Doug Wilhite, parents, Dumah “Shorty”
and Josephine “Joe” Wilhite; survived by his sons: Jeff Wilhite of Wetumpka, Terry Wilhite of Auburn, Jerry (Nikki) Wilhite, Jr. of Beauregard; siblings: Robbin Wilhite of Opelika; and six grandchildren. –––––––
ROY "JERRELL" RIDDLE Roy "Jerrell" Riddle of Opelika was born in the Lee County Hospital to the late Roy and Alice Riddle on March 27, 1948 and passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on Nov. 15, 2021. He was 73 years old. He was a Member of Morris Chapel Methodist Church. Jerrell is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marsha Sumners Riddle; daughters, Cristy Riddle Milner (Brent), Kimberly Riddle Yates (Alan); son,
EDWARD DANIEL BALTES
A15 Nov. 18, 2021
05 OCT 2021
14 NOV 2021
07
25
DEC 2021
JAN 2022
PiloboluS: The biG five-oh!
The Simon & G a r f u n k e l S T o ry
million Dollar QuarTeT: ChriSTmaS
The kniGhTS wiTh aaron Diehl
Pilobolus at 50 is still wowing audiences with its irresistible mix of wit, sensuality, and stunning physical acumen, bringing its greatest-hits mix of dances, plus the dynamically reimagined and never-beforeseen, using new projection technology and hand-held cameras operated by the dancers themselves.
The timeless music of folk-rock legends, Simon and Garfunkel, comes alive in a staged tribute to the record-breaking reunion concert in Central Park, September 19, 1981.
Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis are all back in Memphis, reunited in Sam Phillip’s legendary Sun Records studio for a jam session of their favorite Holiday songs.
The Knights, New York City’s eclectic and internationally sought-after orchestral collective, returns to Opelika with an electrifying program including Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite” and George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue”, featuring acclaimed jazz pianist, Aaron Diehl.
30
27
Scan each QR code with the camera app on a smart phone or tablet to watch a preview!
07 FEB 2022
28 FEB 2022
MAR 2022
APR 2022
a TribuTe To areTha franklin: The Queen of Soul
S y n C o PaT e D laDieS
mnoZil braSS
an ameriCan i n Pa r i S
Damien Sneed’s new multimedia production celebrates the life and career of the most successful female recording artist in history, featuring fourtime Grammy Award-winning gospel legend, Karen Clark Sheard
Take Chloe Arnold’s cross section of today’s most popular music, mix in the swing of syncopation, the thrill of improvisation, and the energy of tap, and you have a recipe for the empowerment of young women ready to take on the world.
Mnozil Brass, the Austrian band known as the Monty Python of the music world, seamlessly combines slapstick comedy with extraordinary musical ability for an over-the-top fun, virtuosic, and laugh-out-loud experience.
With gravity-defying dance, this four Tony Award-winning Broadway production, based on the Academy Award-winning film, soars with youthful optimism and the power of love. Featuring the songs of musical geniuses George and Ira Gershwin - I Got Rhythm, Liza, ‘S Wonderful, But Not for Me, and Stairway to Paradise - who could ask for anything more!
for TiCkeT informaTion Call 334-749-8105 or viSiT www.eaSTalabamaarTS.orG
A16 Nov. 18, 2021
COMICS
“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
S
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SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS OPELIKA: NOV. 30 AT 4:30 P.M. INSIDE • OPELIKA/AUBURN SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS
AUBURN: DEC. 7 AT 6 P.M. LEE COUNTY: DEC. 7 AT 6 P.M.
Tempers Flare in Tigers’ Second Round Victory PHOTO BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER
HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER
ON THE MARK D. MARK MITCHELL
Survive & Advance
T
he Opelika High School football team (9-3) defeated the Spanish Fort Toros, 28-14, last Friday in the second round of the AHSAA 6A state playoffs. The Dogs fell behind 7-0 after the Toro Mario Montgomery returned an interception 53 yards for a touchdown with 10:29 left in the opening quarter. Spanish Fort did not score another TD until the two minute mark in the third quarter. OHS rallied for 14 points in the first quarter with two rushing touchdowns of 6 and 21 yards from Caden Cooper. Charles Gagliano made both PAT’s. Opelika led 14-7 at halftime and extended the lead after the break when Jamori Thomas ran 3 yards for a TD with 10:42 left in the third quarter. Thomas added the final score later in the quarter, rushing 1 yard. Charles Glagliano added both PAT’s. Spanish Fort scored its second and last TD with two minutes left in the third quarter via a Johnny Morris 1-yard score. Offensively, Opelika gained 267 total yards
behind a strong rushing attack. Thomas rushed 19 times for 120 yards and two touchdowns and Cooper rushed for 93 yards on 20 attempts, scoring two touchdowns as well. The defense was led by Taylor Love’s five tackles and seven assists. Jarell Stinson and Tay Gay recorded four tackles and two assists apiece. Stinson added an interception. The Toro’s were limited to 142 yards rushing and 52 yards passing for a total of 194 on the night. The Bulldogs will next play Hueytown (111) in the quarterfinal’s, on the road for the first time in the playoffs. The Golden Gophers and Bulldogs are 1-1 against each other all-time. The two teams played a regular season game in 1980 and in the playoffs in 2019, both at Bulldog Stadium. Hueytown advanced to the playoffs as a No. 1 seed after winning Region 4 with a perfect 6-0 record. The Golden Gophers won nine regular season games, beating Minor 57-14, Bessemer City 57-6, Brookwood 54-0, HillcrestTuscaloosa 38-30, Athen See SPORTS, page B5
Football at any level is built on the basis of talent, hard work, passion for the game and the community which teamsrepresent. The sport is physical by nature; when the idea of a “win-or-gohome” scenario is introduced, passion can often take center stage. For fans of the Auburn High School football program, the hometown Tigers’ 56-21 victory in the second round of the state playoffs was a prime example of passion taking full control of players’ actions. Auburn head coach Keith Ethredge’s squad came out of the gates hot, receiving the opening kickoff and immediately going to work on
the offensive side of the ball. It took the Tigers three snaps and just over one minute of game time to post their first touchdown via a 3-yard rushing attempt from senior running back Killian Massey. “That goes back to our offensive coaching
staff,” Etheredge said. “They do a lot of film work and I think that paid off right there. We scored quick.” The blue and white’s opponents made sure to convey that they were not going down without a fight on the ensuing drive, posting
an impressive 79-yard touchdown pass. “They’re going to answer,” Etheredge said. “They’re that good of an offense, that good of a team offensively.” Auburn’s offense was not done rolling in the See TEMPERS, page B5
SEMI-FINAL SADNESS
Lee-Scott Falls to Tuscaloosa Academy McKelvey who found a sliding Anderson Grimes on a
BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
The Tuscaloosa Academy passing attack found its groove in the second half of the AISA Class 3A state semi-finals as the Knights posted two fourth quarter touchdowns to down the Lee-Scott Academy Warriors, 26-13. The highly contested game began as a defensive affair, with both squads playing the field position game until Tuscaloosa broke through with a 37-yard field goal with just 1:40 remaining in the
second quarter Lee-Scott went three-and-out on the ensuing possession and the Knights got the ball back with just enough time to register a 31-yard field goal before the half, making it 6-0 in favor of Tuscaloosa at the break. Lee-Scott scored on its first drive of the second half via a play action rollout from quarterback Tate
3-yard touchdown. The PAT was no good due to a high snap and the game was deadlocked at 6-6. Tuscaloosa Academy responded on its next possession, moving the ball 65 yards on just five plays, capping the drive off with a 25-yard touchdown pass. The PAT was also no good, and the Knights led 12-6.
From there, it wasn’t until the fourth quarter when Tuscaloosa Academy began to distance itself. The Knights extended their lead to 19-6 via a 52-yard touchdown pass from the Tuscaloosa quarterback (his second of the game) early in the final period. On the ensuing possession, the Lee-Scott offense sustained one of its best drives of the game and moved the ball to the goal line thanks to some tough running by Jonathan Meyers and a 28-yard See LEE-SCOTT, page B2
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B2 Nov.18, 2021
Glenwood School
Round 2 Playoff Roundup Red Devils Keep Dancing
HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER
SENIOR RECIEVER RADONDA BEAUCHAMP JR. Registered Glenwood's only TD with a 6-yard reception in the fourth quarter
of the
Week Congratulations from
Lee Co. Revenue Commissioner Oline Price Opelika 215 S. 9th St. Opelika 334-737-3655
Smiths Station 2366 LR 430 Ste. 140 Smiths Station 334-664-0296
Auburn 1266 Mall Pkwy Auburn 334-737-7298
The 2021 high school football season is nearing its conclusion as fans watched the second round of playoffs rid yet another wave of teams of their state championship dreams. For enthusiasts in Lee County, Alabama, a handful of local programs remain standing with chances to leave a lasting legacy on their respective communities. The Auburn Tigers and Opelika Bulldogs are preparing for state semifinal matchups, the Red Devils of Central seek to continue on their warpath and other teams will be watching from home. Here’s how teams in the local area competed in round two: CENTRAL (12-0) Unlike their roundone beat down of Daphne, the Red Devils were given somewhat of a run for their money in last week’s contest against Theodore. The Bobcats entered the matchup at 10-1 and were out to prove that they were not going
LEE-SCOTT >> FROM B1
PLAYER OF THE WEEK The City of Opelika is proud to sponsor the Opelika High School Player of the Week. We applaud you for your HARD WORK and DEDICATION on and off the football field.
SENIOR RB/WR JAMORI THOMAS 19 rushes for 120 yards and 2 TD
pass-and-catch from McKelvey to Grimes. The smaller LeeScott offensive line struggled to pave rushing lanes against the superior-sized Tuscaloosa defensive line for most of the game, and the following plays were no different. On fourth-andgoal from the one, LeeScott runner Landry Cochran took the handoff, ran into a mound of bodies and after what seemed like minutes of struggling, was called short of the goal line. The Warriors’ turnover and missed opportunity to answer proved costly
down without a fight, posting their first touchdown in just 20 seconds of game time on the opening drive and keeping the game even at 14 through the first quarter. The Red Devils were not held at bay for long. From the beginning of the second quarter on, Caleb Nix and the Central offense found their rhythm while the Red Devil defense simultaneously figured out how to keep its opponents from moving the ball. Nix tossed a pair touchdowns on nine completions while posting another four on the ground, standout running back Jamiel Johnson tallied 141 yards and two touchdowns on the ground and the Red Devil offense took complete control of the contest, hanging 77 points on the Bobcats. Only one team stands between Central and a state-championship birth: the 10-2 Tigers of Auburn High School. The Red Devils seek to take down their region foe for the second time in as many games this year on Friday
at Garrett-Harrison Stadium at 7 p.m. CST. GLENWOOD (6-5) The play of 5-star cornerback A.J. Harris alone was not enough to will the Gators past the 10-1 Patriots of Pike Liberal Arts in Troy, Alabama, on Friday. From the opening of the contest, the orange and green struggled to get anything going on offense and was unable to keep up with its opponent’s pacing, falling behind 21-0 by the end of the third period of play. The Gators did not go down in shutout fashion, posting a touchdown midway through the fourth quarter, but were seemingly never within striking distance of their opponents. In the end, Glenwood fell to Pike for the second time in as many games on Friday, losing 29-6. It’s a disappointing way to end the season for the Gators, who advanced unbeaten all the way the the AISA Class 3 Championship Game last season before falling to Pike. Glenwood will now focus on player
as a couple plays later the Tuscaloosa offense connected on a 40-yard pass that was originally tipped by the Lee-Scott defense. The big play gave the Knights’ offense some breathing room and pushed momentum further in their favor. A few plays later, Tuscaloosa ushered in the game-clinching score. From near midfield, the Knights’ ball carrier took a handoff off right tackle, accelerated past the Lee-Scott linebackers and stiffed armed a Warrior defender for the last 10 yards before falling into the end zone to make the score 26-6 with 3:13 remaining in the contest.
The Warriors did manage to respond with one more score on a 20-yard draw play to Patrick Futch. The ensuing onside kick from Lee-Scott was recovered by the Knights and, like the game clock, the Warrior’s championship hopes dwindled to zero. Offensively, the Warriors totaled 157 yards (94 rushing, 63 passing) compared to Tuscaloosa Academy’s 449 total. The Warriors finish 2021 at 8-3 overall, their first winning season since 2016. Some highlights include defeating rival Glenwood and hosting a home postseason game for the first time since 2015.
See ROUNDUP, page B7
IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.
GO DAWGS! #myOpelika • #beOpelika www.opelika-al.gov 2018 observer
SENIOR WR ANDERSON GRIMES 1 TD catch and multiple big plays
B3 Nov. 18, 2021
Local Athletes Put Pen to Paper PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
Local high school athletes put pen to paper last week, signing collegiate athletic scholarships to continue their sports journey at the next level. Opelika High School baseball player Brooks Bryan (top left) committed to play baseball for the Troy University Trojans, with family, Opelika head baseball coach Zach Blatt, athletic director Mike Pugh and others in attendance. Bryan's teammate, Jackson Harris (top right), signed and committed to play for Southern Union State Community College with family and OHS athletics staff present as well. Additionally, four Beauregard High School varsity softball players (pictured right) inked their commitment to play for higher learning institutions. Madison Champion and Cat Henson both signed to Chattahoochee Valley Community College; Raley Thorn committed to Point University; and Caroline Willis committed to Marion Military institute. Congratulations to all these local athletes on their signings!
Salvaging a Season
What Auburn Can Still Accomplish in 2021? HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER
proved to be a work of defensive mastery and the performance at Arkansas was seemingly offensive perfection. With all pressure removed in regards to a conference championship, Harsin’s staff now has the opportunity to focus solely on improving internally. Three more complete games from all sides of the ball will serve as a building block for the future of the program. 3. EARNING A RESPECTABLE BOWL BID Since the introduction of the College Football Playoff format, emphasis on bowl games has seemingly gone to the way-side. For the Tigers, earning a decent bowl bid with the opportunity to play a quality opponent might just be the exact remedy for the restoration of hope surrounding the program. For Harsin specifically, bowl season presents an opportunity to differentiate himself from his predecessor, Gus Malzahn. During Malzahn’s seven seasons on the Plains, the Tigers were a forgettable 2-5 in bowl games, leaving Harsin with the opportunity to change the stigma surrounding Auburn in postseason play.
4. RECRUITING Regardless of where the Tigers stand in terms of wins and losses at the end of 2021, the emphasis on recruiting must continue to be of utmost importance. As of Monday, 24/7 Sports Lists Auburn at No. 33 in the 2022 recruiting class, leaving much to be desired. Should the Tigers be able to keep locker room morale high and provide an appealing atmosphere and culture for prospective recruits, the future of the Harsin era could shape up to be even brighter than anticipated. 5. PLAYING SPOILER TO ALABAMA Regardless of how any given season is going, Auburn fans will always care more about beating one opponent than any other: the Alabama Crimson Tide. Alabama is poised to make another run to the college football playoff, setting the Tigers up to play spoiler on the season for their biggest rival. If Harsin can find a way to lead his banged-up squad to victory over their instate foe, he will effectively endear himself to his fan base and rebuild the hope that this group so desperately wishes to have.
Nix broke his ankle in Saturday’s game against Mississippi State and is out for the season. PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
Saying that the wind has been taken out of Auburn’s sails might be the understatement to trump all understatements. Just two weeks ago, Bryan Harsin’s squad was surrounded by hype. Winning the Iron Bowl felt like a feasible dream, Bo Nix seemed to have developed a consistent level of play and the Tigers’ SEC Championship hopes were still very much alive. For the second time in as many weeks, Auburn football fans walked away from their team’s clash on the gridiron in disappointment and disbelief; this go-round — however — the narrative was drastically different from that of the week 10 loss in College Station. This week, quarterback Nix suffered a broken ankle, kicker Anders Carlson tore his ACL and the Tigers blew a 25-point lead against the Bulldogs of Mississippi state. Now — more than ever — the Auburn program and its faithful need a silver lining. Although the 2021 campaign has left
much to be desired, there are still a number of tangible goals that the group can achieve to walk away from this year with heads held high. 1. DEVELOPING DEPTH IN THE QUARTERBACK ROOM With Nix out for the remainder of the season, offensive coordinator Mike Bobo will be tasked with scheming for backup quarterback — and LSU transfer — TJ Finley. While no coach wishes to be faced with the challenge of developing depth in the midst of conference play, Bobo has no other option. Auburn fans have been curious as to Finley’s skillset to this point in the season and the time to invest in the possible future of the program is now. Getting Finley complete-game experience in the Auburn scheme will only bolster the coaching staff’s confidence in his abilities should anything else happen to Nix going forward. 2. COACHING IMPROVEMENT There have been only a handful of games this year where the Tigers have seemed wellcoached on both sides of the ball. The scheme against Texas A&M
Carslon tore his ACL against the Bulldogs on Saturday and has undergone season-ending surgery.
B4 Nov.18, 2021
Bulldogs Terrorize the Torros
PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
Opelika advanced to the AHSAA Class 6A state quarterfinals with a 28-14 victory over Spanish Fort on Friday.
Auburn High Wipes Out the Wildcats PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER
The Auburn High varsity football team defeated Enterprise 56-21 on Friday, setting up a matchup against the Central Phenix City Red Devils in the AHSAA Class 7A semi-finals this Friday.
B5 Nov. 18, 2021
Auburn Collapses Against Miss. State
PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
A Mississippi Meltdown Auburn Trending in Wrong Direction as Defense Falters Against Miss. State
Inside of Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday, a nightmare unfolded in front of the Auburn faithful’s eyes. Following an offensive outburst that saw Auburn score on its first four drives of the game, the Tigers choked away a 28-3 lead, allowing Mississippi State to post 40 unanswered points and leave The Plains
with a 43-34 victory. A number of things contributed to Auburn’s fourth loss of the season, none more worrisome than the calamity of a second-half defensive performance from the Tigers. Coming into the contest, a point of focus for Auburn was getting pressure on Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers. The sophomore QB came into the game leading the country in completion percentage, but early on
PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@OPELIKA OBSERVER.COM
it looked as if the Tigers had the formula for disrupting the Bulldog’s passing attack, limiting
Rogers to just 62 yards on 12-of-20 passing on Miss. State’s first three drives.
Following that point, however, Rogers finished the game 32-of-35 passing, scoring six touchdowns in the process as he repeatedly torched the Auburn secondary. The lack of pressure from Auburn’s defensive line was the biggest factor in Rogers’ success. The d-line has been one of the Tigers’ most glaring issues all season and their inability to hurry, pressure or sack Rogers allowed Mike Leach to open up his
offense and pick Auburn apart from sideline to sideline. Many other factors contributed to Auburn’s loss, but defensive coordinator Derek Mason will undoubtedly take most of the heat for his reluctance to change the game plan from a pass rush standpoint. Outside of the complete farcical nature of Auburn’s defensive collapse, the Tigers did little to help themselves in the ballgame — specifically See MISS. STATE, page B6
SPORTS >> FROM B1 54-20, Northridge 75-55, McAdory 62-25, Paul Bryant 58-18 and Spain Park 58-21. The only loss was 57-40 to undefeated Clay-Chalkville. EHS is 2-0 in the playoffs, beating Eufaula (50-13) at home and McGill-Toolen (49-17) in Mobile. There are no common opponents If Opelika wins, the Dogs will play the winner of Saraland/Hillcrest game. The Dogs would travel to Saraland or play at Bulldog Stadium against Hillcrest. Fans can listen to the Opelika/Hueytown game on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM, online at www. kickerfm.com or watch the live stream at www. nfhsnetwork.com. To do so, just open an account and pay the fee. OHS WRESTLING Opelika’s Middle School Wrestling finished third in the “Kickoff Event” at Auburn High School last Saturday. The following is a summary of OMS wrestlers: 120 pounds — Christopher Cannon
finished fourth with a 2-2 record; John Ambrirocio placed sixth with one win 126 pounds — Derrick Hoyett placed third winning four matches 138 pounds — Denarvious Anderson earned second place with a 2-1 record 145 pounds — Brady Cambell went 5-0 to win the weight class; Trace Gaither finished fourth with two wins; Jacob Williams placed sixth with two wins 152 pounds — Harrison Renfroe placed third with three wins; Cooper Wilson finished fourth with two wins 170 pounds — Michael Cosgriff was seventh with two wins 182 pounds — Tommy Johnson placed second with three wins 195 ponds — Thomas Fenn placed second with one win. 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.
TEMPERS >> FROM B1 first period of play, however; the squad marched its way down the field for the second time of the evening, capping the drive off with a 2-yard rushing touchdown from standout senior running back Da’vioun Williams. “Williams was a work horse tonight,” Etheredge said. “I thought Killian had some great runs too. Just super excited for those guys because they put in a lot of work this season and do a great job of blocking in the backfield.” When the contest rolled into the second period of play, both squads saw improved play by their respective defensive units; the scoring trend did not cease. Etheredge’s defense forced the Wildcats into a threeand-out on the ensuing possession, giving senior wide receiver Bakari Dailey the opportunity to return the punt for yet another Auburn touchdown.
“It’s big,” Etheredge said. “It’s big right before half to get that.” After what seemed to be a demoralizing seven additional points on its opponent, the blue and white defense went back to work, seeking to shut down the Wildcat offense yet again and effectively capture all momentum. Enterprise had other plans. Despite being pinned deep in their own territory, the Wildcat offense found a way to break open a hole in the Auburn defense, tearing off an 86-yard touchdown rush and bringing the squad within a possession of tying the contest. The one-possession difference was shortlived with the Auburn offense marching back down the field on backto-back drives, finding paydirt via a 1-yard rush from Williams and a 26-yard reception from Dailey. “We get a stop, then we get the ball to Bakari at the end of the half,” Etheredge said. “All those plays mean a lot. Especially in a game like this.”
When the first half drew to a close, the hometown Tigers found themselves in firm control of the contest, leading 36-14. The Auburn defense carried its dominant momentum into the second half, forcing the Wildcats into another 3-and-out, giving the blue and white offense the opportunity to find paydirt once again on Massey’s second trip to the endzone, pushing the Tiger lead to 35. From there, tension between the two squads escalated. The Tigers willed the Cats into another turnover and an intense shoving match commenced on the ensuing Auburn drive. Etheredge’s message to his team was clear. “Don’t get into that,” Etheredge said. “Just play football. We can’t get into the mouthing, the pushing back-andforth. If they push you, just put your hands up and walk away. We’ve got to be better than that.” The altercation resulted in an ejected member
of the Enterprise sideline and a follow-up ejection of the next Wildcat to commit a personal foul. From that point on, the atmosphere in the stadium was that of tangible tension as fans began to verbally communicate their desire to simply put the contest away and move on before further escalation of the situation. Enterprise responded to the ejections by posting another seven points, only to be countered by an Auburn touchdown drive orchestrated by sophomore backup quarterback Davis Harsin, leaving the score at its final of 56-21. With its second-round opponent now in the rear-view, Auburn will prepare to take on its most difficult opponent — and only previous region loss — in 2021: Caleb Nix and the Central High School Red Devils. The state semi-finals will take place this Friday in Phenix City at 7 p.m. CST.
B6 Nov.18, 2021
Championship Expectations
Lee-Scott Boys' Basketball to Rely on Depth and Pace BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
The Lee-Scott varsity boys’ basketball team has championship expectations in 2021-22. “Expectations are good,” said head coach William Johnson. “And we have high expectations. With those expectations, I don’t want to put stress on them, but those are good things to have. Our expectations are to win a championship.” Despite losing last year’s leading scorer Carson Alexander, Johnson’s squad this season boast a reloaded roster with lots of experience. “Alexander was probably our biggest offensive production loss — a double digit scorer per game,” Johnson said. “But on the flip side we return four out of five starters. Our team was pretty young last year, we started three sophomores. So the nucleus of our team is for the most part back.” With a strong core
and revamped bench, Johnson will turn to this year’s seniors — particularly guard Carter Blackmon and forward Caleb Dover — to set the tone for his team in 2021-22. “We have seniors that are program players who will be the leaders this year,” Johnson said. “Blackmon and Dover are pretty good leaders in their own right. They have been with me since junior high. They know the expectations of our program. They know our program has been successful long before I got here. The expectations of every year we are working toward a championship.” Having a squad that has experience playing together sets the Warriors up to quickly find their identity on the court — one that Johnson hopes is versatile based on his team’s depth and offensive aggression, he said. “Our goal is to really have pace,” Johnson said. “Pace is not fast. Its lots of transition. We are going to press, we are going
JOHNSON to play man and get up and down. The term pace and space is the popular term and that’s what we try to do in early offense, but if it’s not there we can grind you. I would like multiple possessions. We can play two different styles if we need to so I think that is going to be really good for us. We are deep so I would like to play a lot of guys;
I think that will be to our benefit.” Off the court, Johnson said he knows his seniors will set the right mentality, too. “They know what it’s going to take to be successful both on and off the court,” Johnson said. Despite maybe not having the most talented team, Johnson said he hopes the group’s
comradery will set them apart. “The locker room is a big part of it,” he said. “The best team doesn’t always win; the closest team, it’s hard for them to give up because they know what they have put into it. And that’s kind of where we are. I want this group to be close and tight to where it gets difficult it’s hard for us to give up.” While Johnson said his team just recently got back to full strength — thanks in most part to the varsity football players who are just now joining in on practice — he isn’t worried about a slow start because of the squad’s preparation in the offseason. “We play a lot in June and we go to multiple camps,” Johnson said. “We have some new guys that have joined us but for the most part we have our nucleus and one of the things we have to do early is really build our team and really kind of get back into the swing of being together. We have always been a tightknit group and I expect
that this year. Our senior leadership is always strong and I’m counting on that again this year to become the best team we can possibly be.” The Warriors began their season Tuesday with a home game against Wiregrass. With just one contest in the books, it’s too early to tell this team’s real potential. However, Johnson is confident in his squad’s ability and is just trying to take it dayby-day, getting better with each passing contest as they push to their ultimate goal. “I don’t know if we are the best team this year, I can’t tell that one way or another,” he said. “Our goals are to make it to the last day of practice every year. Max out our practices is what I always say and we will see where the chips lie. If we have the mindset that we aren’t going to worry about wins and loses early on, we are focused on getting better each day with expectations of winning a championship if at all possible.”
Legacy of Harold A. Franklin, Auburn University’s First African American Student, Preserved at Special Dedication Ceremony Pioneer integrated Auburn in 1964 before long career as educator
done,” Harold Franklin Jr. said. “So, I’d like to thank all of you not from the bottom of my heart, but from my entire heart.” The elder Franklin went on to a successful 27-year
career as an educator in higher education after leaving Auburn in 1965, earning a master’s degree in international studies from the University of Denver and teaching history at
you take away Ja’Varrius Johnson’s 57-yard rush that was actually just a backwards screen pass, the Tigers posted just 80 rush yards on 26 attempts. That’s a 3.1 yard-per-carry average, over 2 yards lower than Auburn’s season average and a figure that would rank second to last in the SEC in terms of team’s season averages. Auburn’s inability to effectively run the ball was reflected in short drives and the game’s final time of possession
numbers — which favored Miss. State by over 10 minutes. The choppy, uninspiring Auburn offense, compounded with the long, touchdown-resulting drives from the Bulldogs took the momentum away from the Tigers and the life out of Jordan-Hare Stadium. Some questionable calls by the officiating (one of which resulted in a bogus ejection of Auburn edge rusher T.D. Moultry) undoubtedly changed the game too,
but Auburn has to look inward when evaluating the loss. When they look at the tape, there will not be many positives after those first four drives. The fact that both Bo Nix and kicker Anders Carlson sustained season-ending injuries only make it harder for Auburn to move forward from here. If there were any positives, receiver Kobe Hudson was definitely one. Including a one-handed touchdown
snag, the sophomore posted a career-high 107 yards on eight receptions. That is where the silver linings stop, however, as Auburn’s season has turned from eternally optimistic to near worst-case scenario in just two weeks. Now, the Tigers push on with a litany of uncertainties. How will T.J. Finley fill in for Nix? Who kicks field goals? Is Mason’s job in jeopardy? Is there hope to beat Bama?
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY
the university’s first Black student on Jan. 4, 1964, coming to the Plains as a Graduate School enrollee. “There’s nothing more we can say as a family except thank you for all you’ve
Alabama State University, North Carolina A&T State University, Tuskegee Institute and Talladega College before retiring in 1992. Franklin initially was not allowed to defend his thesis in the Department of History at Auburn, a wrong that was righted on Feb. 19, 2020. He then participated in commencement exercises on Dec. 12. “It is an honor to recognize Dr. Franklin with this courtyard, as he was a pioneer who paved the way for other African American students to attend Auburn University,” Auburn President Jay Gogue said. “Auburn is a better institution because of Dr. Franklin’s bravery 57 years ago, and his spirit of internal fortitude will continue to inspire us.” In 2001, Auburn honored Franklin as its first Black student by awarding him an honorary Doctor of Arts. The Auburn Alumni
CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY / BY NEAL REID
The legacy of Harold A. Franklin, Auburn University’s first African American student, will live on forever through a specially designed desegregation marker expanse that was unveiled on campus at a celebration ceremony on Thursday. The area near the marker — located adjacent to the Ralph Brown Draughon Library where he first registered for classes along a path that leads to the university’s iconic Samford Hall — commemorates Franklin’s courageous efforts to desegregate the land-grant institution and has been expanded with hardscaping and landscaping enhancements, including a new bronze plaque and circular, brick courtyard. Franklin, who passed away on Sept. 9 at the age of 88, integrated Auburn as
MISS. STATE >> FROM B5 following the first four scoring drives. The second most glaring issue for the Tigers this season has been the offensive line. While the unit has been far from terrible — particularly performing better in pass blocking scenarios — the tone setters for Auburn’s offense looked tone-deaf Saturday as they failed to provide adequate rushing lanes for the running backs. If
A new plaque honoring Harold A. Franklin, Auburn's first Black student, was unveiled on Thursday. Pictured from left to right are, Chacolby Burns-Johnson, chair of the Auburn University Black Alumni Council, Auburn Trustee Elizabeth Huntley, Harold Franklin Jr., Deldrick Franklin, 1990 Auburn alumnus Kenneth Kelley and Auburn President Jay Gogue.
Association’s Black Alumni Council recently named a scholarship in honor of Franklin, whose legacy also was honored in 2008 when Auburn students created The Harold A. Franklin Society. “This occasion is about honoring a proud man who never asked for anything but opportunity,” said Kenneth Kelly, a 1990 Auburn alumnus and chairman and CEO of First Independence Bank of Detroit. “Dr. Harold Franklin, who had served in Korea, was mature enough to know that his actions were going to benefit others more than it would benefit himself. Can you imagine the fortitude of a married man at 31 years old risking so much? “Today we enshrine a leader in our nest and honor him and his legacy, a legacy that will be part of every official tour of Auburn. The
The answer to the last one is most definitely yes. Anything can happen when the Iron Bowl takes place in Jordan-Hare. Still, however, the Tigers have to turn their attention to this Saturday where a tough road test against South Carolina awaits. The Tigers may just be playing for a better quality bowl game now, but these next two games could mean much more when it comes to the future success of the program under Harsin.
See FRANKLIN, page B8
B7 Nov. 18, 2021
Christian Women’s Job Corps of YFC Holds Annual Comedy Event he has allowed us to do always been supplementLee County Graduates Four that.” ed by his desire to inAdditionally, followspire believers to be bold BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER
ing the first night of the event, which was a twonight event, ten more monthly donors pledged. “We have been able to be a part of God’s kingdom advancement,” she said. “And this is what I’m most excited to share with you, because of all the increase with money, with laborers, with access, we have been able to share the good news of Jesus with over 400 kids, 6th to 12th graders just since January of this year.” That involved 15 chil-
and unapologetic about their faith in Christ. This approach has made him a sought-after comic for the “right”, appearing numerous times on Fox & Friends, Huckabee, CNN, as well as on numerous Christian broadcasts. The accolades he has received from the likes of Tucker Carlson to Eric Metaxas and ministry leaders from Promise Keepers to mega-church pastors (and everyone in between) has made him one of the most influential
for this to happen, but we went very swiftly from five county charter area to now we’re in six counties. We just recently added, back in June, Randolph county to our reach and area of service. We went from serving four ministry sites pre-COVID to now we’re serving 10.” Volunteers and staff members have also increased, allowing the number of children reached to increase as well. The group’s financial resources also increased over the past year, Vasilas said. “We have added 21 monthly donors since this event last year,” she said. “Now, that may not sound like a lot but if you’ve ever run an organization that is a really hard task and a really phenomenal accomplishment. By God’s grace,
dren choosing to give their lives to Christ, Vasilas said. “Any time you get to be a part of God’s resurrection power in those moments there is absolutely nothing more exhilarating and nothing more exciting than that,” she said. Participants at Tuesday’s event were able to hear from board members, interns, former YFC children, volunteers and current children in the programs. Comedian Brad Styne was the main focus of the event and brought his stylings to Opelika for YFC. “For over 20 years, Brad Stine has been by far the most unique Christian comic in the country,” The YFC website said. “His desire to mix his style of intelligent and relatable comedy observations has
Christian comics, actors, writers, and apologists in the nation.” Not only did Vasilas and board members encourage financial donations, but Styne himself, so YFC can continue the work it does in the lives of children. “This isn’t a $30,000-a-year ministry. It’s a $300,000-a-year ministry,” he said. “And they really need monthly gifts. And here you are. You’ve been chosen to be here tonight. You thought, ‘Gee, Brad, just being amongst your genius was enough for us.’ No, I’m afraid God roped you in so He could help you help your life move forward exactly in the way that He needs you tonight. Please consider giving on a monthly basis.” For more information on YFC or to give, visit: www.insideyfc.com.
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY YFC
East Alabama Youth For Christ held its annual Comedy Cafe event last week featuring comedian Brad Styne. The event is an opportunity for YFC to share about the ministry over the last year and ask for support for the coming year. “The Lord has and is enlarging our territory,” said Tabitha Vasilas, executive director of YFC East Alabama. “It was not on my strategic plan, our strategic plan
Pictured above: Eun Hee Cho, Shay Hill, Sun Jung Kim, Young I Kim. CONTRIBUTED BY CWJC “Perhaps the most important thing CWJC has done for me is to know better who I am and what I want. Based on those, I think that I have a chance to move to the next step in my life.” This is what one recent graduate said marking the end of her nine-week session of job and life skills. A celebration service was held Nov. 10 to honor the four women who persevered through extraordinary times with a combination of in-person instruction, social distancing and Zoom meetings to experience the Mission Statement of CWJC: “To equip women through Bible Study and job readiness classes in a Christian environment conducive to change and growth from the inside out.” After nine weeks of
classes with instruction on CPR and first aid communications, Word and Excel, budgeting, Internet and personal safety, book study, resume building, interviewing, and Bible study, participants wrote speeches about their experiences at CWJC. Here is some of what the graduates shared about their participation in the Fall Session of CWJC: “Before CWJC, I was in a very dark place, not knowing what to do or even which way to turn. I had set many goals for myself, but a lot of the important things I needed to be successful I lacked in; my faith was down and I just didn’t have the hope to push myself; my dreams still just felt like dreams. One thing I am really proud of after going through this program
is that I not only learned things to help me grow, but things that can also help my kids grow as well. I can hold my head up high knowing that God is with me. I want to have mindful, positive thinking every day I wake up. I forgot I had passion for my life for a long time. Being a stay- athome mom was wonderful and great, but sometimes I felt empty because I did not think about myself a lot. After I took a career direction class and met my mentor, I started thinking about what I wanted to do and what I want for my future.” For more information on how to become a participant or volunteer with CWJC, contact Neeley Caldwell at neeley@cwjclc.com or 334-821-0591.
ROUNDUP >> FROM B2 development in the off-season and gearing up to improve on its final record of 6-5 going into 2022. NOTASULGA (9-2) Heartbreak struck the fans of the Blue Devils when Notasulga traveled to Orrvile, Alabama, to take on the Keith Bears on Friday night. Anthony Jones’ highly regarded defense delivered in the early going, forcing the Bears into a safety on the game’s opening drive. The Blue Devil offense, however, was unable to compliment the unit’s play, struggling to piece together any resemblance of rhythm and never finding its way back onto the scoreboard. By game’s end, the Blue Devils fell 19-2 to the Bears. Notasulga walks away from 2021 having progressed one round further in the playoffs than the team did last season, and with a final record of 9-2.
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B8 Nov.18, 2021
Families Connect With The World
ov. 15 through 19 is Geography Awareness Week. Lessons that I really cherish, learned and remembered growing up in Opelika, Alabama, in the 1950’s, 1960’s and 1970’s are the way our teachers in the Opelika City School system brought the world to our door by teaching us map studies in Geography lessons. Memorization of the seven continents of Asia, Africa, North America, South America, Antarctica, Europe, Australia was a must learning requirement. I am sure we Baby Boomers remember colored pencils were a supply requirement as we outlined, colored and learned about different continents and countries in our world. Geography is the study of places and people in relationship to their environment. It includes the study of the earth’s surface, land such as mountains, valleys, flat lands, bodies of water such as rivers, oceans, climate, peoples, industries and natural resources. Too,
we look at natural vegetation such as plants, shrubs and trees that grow in different areas. Also, we look at the different types of animals who adapt and naturally live in an area. This week National Geographic has created the Geography Awareness Week in order to educate families, children and all people and build excitement about Geography as part of a learning discipline and just a part of everyday life. Our younger generation needs to be able to understand the world and how we make a global impact on the world in our community. National Geographic hopes this week to encourage students and families to really understand the need for continued education in Geography. In the early childhood classroom, preschoolers love to point to different countries on the globe. Buying an inexpensive globe for your young child is truly a worthy investment to broaden their world. They love to find where they live
on the globe, then from home base on the globe, they can travel around the world with their finger. This can be done with maps, too. Talk to them about when they cross over oceans and explain to your young child about children and their cultures in different countries. Explain to your children that God has the whole world in His hands. Make time to walk through your neighborhood and let children explore the community around them. After returning home after your walking trip, sit down with your children, review what they saw and draw a simple map of what they saw. National Family Week rolls in on Sunday, Nov. 21 and goes through Nov. 27. For more than 45 years, Thanksgiving week has been proclaimed as National Family Week. Sam Wiley, from Indiana, is the creator of the week to honor families. He was a teacher, basketball coach and school administrator. He observed a big difference between children who came from a strong supportive family unit versus those children who did not come from a strong family unit. This touched his heart to do something to recognize the importance that family plays in our culture and society. As the important foundation of our national life, family life must be kept and preserved. What better place to preserve family life than in our homes. Readers, I would like to review an article that Classroom Observer has presented earlier to the community in reviewing the importance of the home for young children. Normally our homes provide a place of refuge,
FRANKLIN>>
States was embroiled in the Korean War, and Franklin left school to join the U.S. Air Force. After graduating from Alabama State College in 1962, he thought about attending law school before Fred Gray — the famous civil rights attorney who represented Martin Luther King Jr. — encouraged him to study history at Auburn. “It is such an honor to be here and recognize yet another major milestone in the forward progress of Auburn, a tribute to such a courageous trailblazer
— the first — whose steps forward set it all in motion 57 years ago,” Auburn Board of Trustees member Elizabeth Huntley said. “It is especially fitting that we honor him today, on Veterans Day, as a member of the armed forces. We, as the Auburn Family, owe an enormous debt of gratitude to the late Harold Franklin, whose steadfast resolve as Auburn’s first African American student opened the door for generations to come. “I only wish Dr. Franklin could be with us today, but
“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.
N
FROM B6 name Dr. Harold Alonza Franklin will be part of Auburn forever.” Born Harold Alonza Franklin on Nov. 2, 1932, in Talladega, Alabama, he was one of 10 children to George Franklin Sr. and Henrietta Eugenia Williams Franklin. His father worked at the Alabama School for the Deaf and Blind, while his mother taught and played piano in church. During his senior year of high school, the United
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security, peace and where we can let down and sense we are loved and accepted for who we are. You’ve heard the expression, “home is where the heart is”. This expression means so much to a child’s growth, development and life. Home is a place where a child can learn, grow and experience many different lessons to prepare them to live in a bigger home, our world. How can a home prepare a child emotionally, learn new skills appropriate for their age, learn rules of discipline which lead to a well-adjusted life and respect for others and for children to use and recognize their gifts and talents. 1.EMOTIONALLY: Children are moldable and bendable by the words we say to them. Young children need clear lines of rules and boundaries, but yet they need words of encouragement in order to learn, grow and just believe and know how special they are. One of my favorite centers in the classroom is the Play-Doh center because I can mold, roll and pat Play-Doh. Play-Doh is just plain old fun to make different kinds of things. Like Play-Doh, children can be shaped into objects they don’t desire to be or into objects that radiate like the bright colors of Play-Doh by the words, actions and time we spend with our children. The home is the perfect environment where words of encouragement and time spent with our children are the essential building blocks in their adjustment, well-being and good self-esteem. Too, getting off the very busy routine at home and letting your child just unwind is very important.
2.LEARNING NEW SKILLS: There are so many readiness and academic lessons to be learned at home through household chores that truthfully aid in your child’s developmental learning. Sorting laundry into piles like the family’s dirty or clean clothes, they can sort what belongs to mom, dad, brother or sister. Sorting silverware to set the table for a family meal emphasizes groups or sets. Too, children have to count and remember how many family members need a place at the table, which is one-to-one correspondence. In the kitchen, having preschool children read food labels by looking at the pictures on the jars or cans contributes to reading readiness. Measurement of quantities, fractions or comparison of sizes can be taught as young children help mom or dad in the kitchen. Social skills can be taught as you interact with your young child. Too, role-playing is an excellent way to teach a child the wrong and right way. Siblings can be a part of role-playing what is right and what is wrong. Discovery skills in science can be taught by having your child observe his/her surroundings. Reading together a favorite book is an excellent way to wind down the day while at the same time teaching your preschool child new words and concepts. 3.DISCIPLINE: As a parent, it is our responsibility to discipline our children. Home provides the environment for helping a child learn to get along with his/ her family as well as his/her friends. Young children are born with the desire for parents or caregivers to set boundaries for their health and
safety. We have rules for driving on the road, being careful, as well as respecting the lives of others. As I tell my students in my classroom, “I set up rules for you to follow because I do care and love you.” Rules differ for each family according to their needs and lifestyles, as well as cultures. We use the example if we have no rules in our classroom, we cannot learn because we would have no direction. It is the same with children at home. They remember and follow the rules you consistently set down and expect them to follow. 4.GIFT AND TALENTS: What better environment can a child realize that they have certain gifts, talents and unique personalities than in the safety of their homes. Celebrating the life of your child is so very important. Set special days within your home to spend time one on one with each of your children. You don’t have to wait till their birthdays. Stay in tune to what your child likes to do, such as drawing, reading, music, science, puzzles or playing with blocks. Spend time with your child at home. Time spent with your child spells LOVE. They are little people, too, whose young lives can be molded within the home. A home well lived in is where a young child can feel love, safety and happiness and take this wonderful foundation into the world. During the week of National Family Week let’s recommit ourselves to the God-ordained concept of family. Thanksgiving is a perfect time to do this!
as we imagine his first footsteps on this campus near this very site — where he registered in our library for classes in 1964 — we know the path he paved continues to guide our way forever onward.” Franklin went on to marry Lilla Mae Sherman, and they had one son, Harold Franklin Jr. She preceded him in death. After he retired from teaching, Franklin worked as the manager of a funeral home in Sylacauga. While on campus to defend his master’s thesis
inside Thach Hall’s Bond Memorial Library in 2020, Franklin also met with members of Auburn’s Black Student Union, or BSU, as part of Black History Month celebrations. He was unable to participate in May 2020 commencement ceremonies after the university postponed them due to the COVID-19 pandemic but received his diploma by mail in June. He returned to Auburn in December for commencement and participated in a hooding ceremony for Auburn’s first
female African American doctoral graduate in the Department of History, Shari L. Williams. The new bronze plaque includes “Harold A. Franklin” and “1964” etchings to commemorate his achievements. The plaque states, in part, “Dr. Franklin’s bold journey is the epitome of a spirit that is not afraid. His story continues to move our hearts, stimulate our minds and inspire our lives. The same spirit dwells within, reminding us that truth will always prevail.”
Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer
Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics
B9
Nov. 18, 2021
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Inside the Statehouse Gov. John Patterson’s First Lesson
ov. John Patterson, who passed away earlier this year at 99, shared a funny story that occurred during the opening days of his administration. He entered the Governor’s office in January 1959 as the clean government, strict law enforcement governor. He followed Big Jim Folsom’s second administration, which had been less than perfect when it came to favoritism, nepotism and corruption. Patterson was determined to run a clean ship. His first day as governor he called his cabinet in for a pep talk and told them to run their departments aboveboard and free of any semblance of favoritism. He dismissed them and told them to get to work running the state. He turned to his new public safety director, Floyd Mann, and asked him to stay behind. Mann was a well-respected man in Alabama politics. He had been chief of police in Opelika prior to Patterson appointing him head of the highway patrol. Mann and Patterson were lifelong friends. They had grown up and gone to school together in Tallapoosa County. Patterson looked at his friend and said, “Floyd, under no circumstances are we going to fix any tickets during my administration. Do you understand?” Mann went on his way to his first day as public safety director and supervisor of the highway patrol. That was about 11 a.m. About 2:30 in the afternoon the new governor got a message that he had had a call from senior U.S. Senator Lister Hill. Within 30 minutes he had a message that Senator John Sparkman had called, as well as Congressmen George Andrews and Frank Boykin. He assumed that all our distinguished congressional delegates were calling to wish him well on his first day as governor. When he called these four, very
See FLOWERS, page B10
PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER
G
STEVE FLOWERS
powerful, Washington solons back, he learned that an equally powerful congressman from Missouri had been detained and indeed arrested in south Alabama. The congressman had been vacationing in Florida with his family and had been driving back to Missouri when he was caught speeding in Conecuh County. At that time, an out-of-state driver could not sign his own bond in Alabama, so the good congressman had been detained for more than three hours with his family waiting to locate a justice of the peace. The congressman was upset, to say the least. Hill and Sparkman were somewhat tactful with the new governor. They simply suggested that the speeder was a powerful and important member of Congress and that it would be helpful to them if Patterson could help their colleague get back on his way home to Missouri. Frank Boykin was more direct. He informed Patterson that this congressman chaired the committee that oversaw all the appropriations for waterways. He further explained that he and Senators Hill and Sparkman had been working diligently for years to get funding for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and the project was pending in this congressman’s committee at this time. Patterson called Mann and said, “Floyd can you come over here a minute?” When Mann arrived in the governor’s office Patterson told his buddy, “You know, Floyd, when I told you this morning not to fix any tickets? Well, we’ve had a change in policy.” The no-ticket-fixing policy of the Patterson Administration lasted four hours. Mann dispatched a trooper to not only release the congressman but to give him a trooper escort out of the state. Patterson learned a lesson from that experience — never say never. He also should be given some credit for obtaining funding for the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway. A similar story was told to me by former congressman, Gov. Kay Ivey’s Chief of Staff, and recently crowned Chancellor of University of South Alabama, Jo Bonner. He was a new congressman from Mobile-Baldwin. The district has had some illustrious congressmen,
Opelika Votes to Allow Rezoning of Land on Cussetta Road
BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER
The discussion regarding the rezoning of 166 acres of land located near Highway 431 and Cusseta Road continued at Opelika’s city council meeting on Tuesday night. The land that was being considered for rezoning is near Storybook Farms, a therapeutic horseback riding facility and farm
that provides services to families with special needs throughout the area. The 51-acre farm offers six programs: Hope on Horseback, Storybook Tails, Short Stories, Horse Sense, Flat Stanley’s Discovery Trail and the Secret Garden and all programs are provided at no cost to the families. The proposed
ordinance would rezone the acreage in question and would then allow the development of a new subdivision and the building of approximately 242 new homes. The Opelika Planning Commission presented this proposed ordinance with a recommendation for approval. Founder and Executive Director See OPELIKA, page B11
Corner of 280 Set For Development BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
Following the city council’s approval at Tuesday's night meeting, Highway 280 may soon see some new businesses. Joseph Earnest requested Conditional use approval from the council for a variety of uses, including outdoor recreational use, institutional use, special residential use, office use and road service use for property on the southwest corner of the intersection of U.S. Highway 280 and
NOW OPEN
North College Street. The outdoor recreation use is stipulated as a private park in the Auburn Planning Commission documents. The Institutional use is for a daycare center while the special residential use is for a bed and breakfast. The remainder have a number of options listed. For example, under commercial and entertainment use this could result in a bank, a clothing store, a restaurant or a music store. The planning commission recommended approval of the multiple uses provided that the
multiple-unit development apartments only be located above storefronts, not as standalones. Additionally, there were certain businesses the staff said should not be permitted, including an auto body or paint shop, a flea market, a parking garage or small engine repair shop. Although the staff had other conditions, ultimately the planning commission recommend approval. The documents provided show the hopes the developer has for the See AUBURN, page B11
Indoor shooting range is open to the public
2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA
B10 Nov.18, 2021
Timothy Aja Seeks Ward 3 Council Position
I
am announcing my run for Opelika City Council Ward 3 because I love this community and believe I bring a diverse background of experience I can leverage to help continue Opelika’s path of smart and responsible growth Michy and I have loved experiencing since moving here 13 years ago. Before going further, I would like to thank Councilman Dr. Robert Lofton. Since his election in 2020, Lofton represented Opelika’s Ward 3 with the highest honor and integrity. Like many, Michy and I were shocked to hear of his Lou Gehrig’s Disease diagnosis that led to his resignation; both Robert and Lela are in our prayers. I first met Lofton in June 2020 when he came over to our house. At the time I was considering a run for the Ward 3 city council seat and Lofton was planning to run. While talking I quickly realized that although we had very different backgrounds, both Lofton and I had
very similar values and a passion to see Opelika responsibly grow and thrive. At the time, I also had a fair amount going on professionally having just opened Aja Financial LLC in May 2020, and my Navy Reserve duties as commanding officer for a US Fleet Forces Unit, MAO Tyndall, based at Naval Air Station Pensacola, Florida. I recognized Lofton had a major advantage; being retired, he could dedicate more time to Ward 3 than my commitments at that time would have allowed. Departing, I told Lofton he would have my support. I was very happy to vote for him a couple of months later in the election, and then again in the run-off election. To this day, I am thankful Lofton asked to meet and I chose to support his candidacy. Almost a year and a half later, Aja Financial LLC is a successful registered investment advisory business and in January 2022 my Navy Command tour will be at an end, I will turn over MAO Tyndall to another commander, and move onto my next
reserve billet. What I didn’t have before I will have, the time needed to commit to this community. I have served as a Navy officer for 19 years. My career began as a helicopter pilot and I have deployed multiple times on ships and across four continents. I have had the privilege to work with professionals from all walks of life and from all parts of the world. Over those years, challenges have arisen, both big and small, and I have learned the key to overcoming those challenges always begins with listening to your team. No one is an expert on everything, but everyone brings their own unique expertise based on their experiences. I learned to successfully leverage that expertise from my first deployment as a young officer, discussing helicopter issues and potential solutions with my maintainers, and still depend on my team today having led my command to create Search & Rescue courses of action in case the Navy had been requested to deploy aviation assistance
for Hurricane Ida relief efforts. It was the Navy that brought Michy and I to Opelika in 2008 for me to serve a tour teaching Naval ROTC to aspiring Navy and Marine Corps Officers at Auburn University. As many had before us, and many have since, we fell in love with Opelika, the town, the people and the community. When I was deployed with Special Operations to Afghanistan in 2012, instinctively this community loved and supported my family. Leaving active duty in 2014, I was excited to live back in Opelika fulltime while consulting for PricewaterhouseCooper’s Advisory Practice. In 2016 when I was recalled to active duty, again this community loved and supported my family while I was deployed to Djibouti, Africa. Today, this community continues to support me as an entrepreneur and financial advisor with Aja Financial LLC. Opelika has been a blessing for my family. I have served nationally, and now I strongly desire to serve locally. I want to
Sherri Reese Announces Run For Ward 3
A
s an Opelika native, 1991 graduate of Opelika High School and an active member of my community, I am so proud to announce my candidacy for Ward 3 City Councilmember. I love Opelika and it has been amazing to watch my city evolve over the years. I am bursting with excitement at the idea of the opportunity to be a part of our future growth as a city and a ward. I have been coaching Opelika Varsity track and field (state champions) and a member of the LeeRussell Transportation Board since my return to Opelika but now I look forward to meeting all of my neighbors within Ward 3, sharing my story and hearing your concerns.
My love for people and service did not stop with my 24-year retirement from the Army, although, my years as a drill sergeant, inspector general and recruiter have prepared me for this very moment. I want to extend my hand to you and ask for your vote on Jan. 11, 2022. I’m ready to continue my service to my neighbors and friends in Ward 3 because I understand that people are the biggest asset in our city. Please keep Councilman, Dr. Robert Lofton and his family lifted in prayer. Pick up a copy of the Veterans’ Edition of “Live Lee” to read my story. Providing Continued Leadership in Ward 3, Boots on Ground! Sherri Reese
serve this community not only as a “thank you” for everything Opelika has done, but to help lead it into the future. I want to be part of Opelika’s continued smart and responsible growth trajectory that attracts successful businesses and tourists, while respecting the history and classic architecture that is the basis of our natural beauty. I want to see our successes reinvested into the community, for example: – Renovations to Ward 3’s Floral Park – Improvements to
Indian Pines Golf Course – Basic financial literacy taught to all who would benefit – Continued smart and responsible growth for Opelika. Through reinvestment and strengthening of our foundations we will continue to grow responsibly. I ask for your support in allowing me to continue to serve, please share and support my campaign, and elect me as your Ward 3 Councilman on Jan. 11.
FLOWERS >>
asked, “Sir, aren’t you Congressman Callahan?” Then looked next to Callahan and asked, “Aren’t you Congressman Edwards?” Callahan and Edwards assured the deputy that he was correct. Then they proceeded to tell the deputy that the driver and third member of this trio was a congressman and a new one and that the deputy should give him a ticket. See you next week. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. steveflowers.us.
FROM B9 including Frank Boykin, Jack Edwards, Sonny Callahan and Jo Bonner. Edwards, Callahan and Bonner were all good friends and they were headed to the famous annual Frank Boykin gathering in Washington County. It fell to the new congressman, Bonner, to drive. As they were heading back to Mobile, Bonner noticed a blue light in the rearview mirror. Callahan had already told Bonner he was driving too fast. A deputy sheriff pulled them over and looked in the window and before he asked for Bonner’s driver’s license, he saw Sonny in the backseat and
Timothy S. Aja
B11 Nov. 18, 2021
Tokenism in Assigning Book Reviews: Worthy Idea or More Wokeism?
GREG MARKLEY In a recent piece in New York Times magazine, opinion writer Jay Caspian Kang wrote a commentary titled “The Reductive Practice of Assigning Book Reviews by Identity.” He argued that “It might be healthy for progressives to stop, look up from the work of making the world a more equitable place and ask, “Wait, is this specific thing we’re doing right now really going to help?” Kang’s commentary referred to a 2017 incident, when major book outlet Kirkus published a review of a young adult
OPELIKA >> FROM B9 Dena Little, spoke to the city council last month on Oct. 19 when the proposed ordinance was first presented to the council. “Unfortunately, the introduction of 200 and some odd homes will disrupt and undermine what we have all invested in, what members of this community have invested in right alongside me,” Little said. “I believe in my heart that this development is going to have an impact and it is going to be a negative one.” During that Oct. 19 meeting, the council failed to make a motion to introduce the ordinance for first reading, so the motion died. During the next city council meeting on Nov. 2, the council did introduce the motion for first reading. Several people attended Tuesday night's meeting speaking both for and against the proposed ordinance. Ward 5 Council Member Todd Rauch addressed those assembled. "If we do not rezone this property, it can still get developed, and then you have a bigger issue at hand," he said. "Because then you have 23 driveways that go right onto Cussetta Road, instead of two entrances. "I think this is probably the most prudent thing that we could possibly do." Trademark, the developer, has agreed to double the size of the buffer, from the original proposed 25 feet to 50 feet and to install fencing. "I just ask for your patience and willingness
novel, “American Heart.” Laura Moriarty, who is white, wrote the review despite that MuslimAmericans were the focus. People on social media were angered that a white non-Muslim woman was chosen to evaluate the family saga. Winston Churchill, the former British prime minister, had just finished reading a book whose author was now on the telephone. The man asked Churchill, who was then on the toilet (or loo, to Brits), if he enjoyed the book. Churchill said, “I just got done with it, and now it is behind me. (He meant, in the toilet as a poor example of writing.) Years ago, reviewers ventured “out of their fields,” noted the Times. But that does not mean today’s reviewers are wrong to engage with works they don’t fit into academically, ethnically or racially. Now as a reviewer for the Center of Military History, I found an interesting book. It is
“Canada’s Mechanized Infantry: The Evolution of a Combat Arm, 19202012” by Peter Kasurak. That is not directly in my field but I may end up reviewing it anyway. Based on my masters in history (Modern U.S. emphasis) and my career as a political writer and adjunct faculty member I now evaluate books in those areas, or in education, where I have my second masters. For the Oral History Association, I have reviewed oral histories on the War on Poverty and on the long (and certainly unfinished) fight for a Blue Texas. That is, a Texas where the Democrats and liberals are dominant. Born in South Korea, the magazine writer Jay Kang said he understands that pairing authors with people of like-minded races and family histories is not without merit. But he posits that there may be another, less pleasant, motive for having the segregation by race or nationality.
to continue to work with Trademark Homes ... I just ask that you be open and willing to give them [the] chance. That's all I ask," Rauch said. Ward 1 Council Member George Allen added, "Based on all the information that I have received, and the conversations that I have had, I truly believe that you can coexist and it will be better for the city of Opelika." The council voted 3 to 1 to approve the proposed ordinance. IN OTHER BUSINESS: - Mayor Gary Fuller recognized Cory Bracknell, Brandon Lee and Kevin Baxter with Certificates of Bravery for their roles in helping save a woman from a domestic violence situation. Their actions saved the woman's life and helped prosecutors get a conviction against the perpetrator. - The OHS Cheerleaders were recognized for winning the State of Alabama South Regional Championship. - Fuller read a proclamation declaring November 2021 as National Home Care Month. - Keep Opelika Beautiful Director Tipi Miller introduced the 2021 Yard of the Year Award Winners. - Fuller appointed John Sweatman to the Planning Commission. - The council held public hearings on four weed abatement assessments and later voted to approve the assessments for: 504 S 4th St., 454 S 10th St., 814 Donald Ave. and 707 Grove Ave. - The council approved a bid for the Westside Wastewater Treatment
Plant Improvements. - The council approved the purchase of a Polaris Ranger Crew XP 1000. - The council approved a resolution for certain tax abatements and exemptions for Cumberland Plastic Systems, LLC. - The council approved an employment contract with Brent Poteet. - The council approved a professional services agreement with ESG Engineering, Inc. - The council approved several annual appropriation contracts with various organizations as follows: • A-O Discover!, • Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County, • East Alabama Healthcare Authority, • Valley Haven School and • East Alabama Arts Association. - The council approved a special appropriation for A-O Discover! in the amount of $1,000. - The council approved a special appropriation to Arturo Menefee from the Ward 2 reserve discretionary fund in the amount of $1,000. - The council voted to approve an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and Map to rezone 3.2 acres located 1200 block South Fox Run Parkway. - The council voted to approve an ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance — Sections 2.2, 6.4, 7.3, 7.6, 7.8, 8.14, 8.18.1, 8.24, 8.26, 8.27 and Section IX and specifically by adopting new sign regulations. The next council meeting will be held on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. Meetings are held in the municipal court building located at 300 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Opelika.
“Are editors, cowed by the potential for social media outrage, making what amounts to a hedged bet?” Kang asked. “If you hire reviewers who look like the authors or have lived through the experiences they detail, your chances of facing a tide of criticism on social media are probably far lower.” Whether a majority of academic or journalistic book reviewers as of today are “woke” is a loaded word, exaggerated in a negative way by much of the Right and trumpeted too much by many on the Left. A good guide is offered by Benjamin Butterworth of the U.K’s Guardian group. Woke has escalated in the U.S. to heights of political and cultural circles. “Some say woke is a sign of awareness to social issues, others whip out the term as an insult,” according to Butterworth. In 1962, African-American novelist William Melvin Kelley created the
AUBURN >> FROM B9 land include a wiffle ball field and flag football field, several commercial businesses and more. The council also approved three different rezoning ordinances that rezoned the land. 19.4 acres were rezoned from rural to development district housing. 44.8 acres were rezoned from rural to comprehensive development district. 64.04 acres were given the Planned Development District designation. NEW AUBURN CITY SCHOOL: The city council voted to annex over 128 acres into the city of Auburn last night for the potential for a new Auburn City School. The land is located at the east side of North Donahue Drive at the terminus of Yarbrough Farms Boulevard. “Upon annexation, the property would be zoned Rural. Upon submission of a development plan by Auburn City Schools, a traffic impact study will be required,” said the city of Auburn e-packet. “The property includes the extension of Yarbrough Farms Boulevard to connect to College Street/ Cary Creek Parkway, as reflected on the Major Street Plan, which should be included in the development plans for the property.” OTHER BUSINESS: - The council approved a concurrence for the Industrial Development Board. - The council approved a concurrence for the Auburn Facility, LLC d/b/a Reverse Plastics Systems, LLC. - The council approved a tax abatement for Shinhwa Auburn USA
phrase, “If you’re woke, you dig it.” Fifty years later, a black unarmed teenager named Trayvon Martin was shot dead in Florida by a volunteer watchman, George Zimmerman. The term ‘woke” was applied a lot in raising awareness of the 13-year-old organization Black Lives Matter. Luckily, it is unusual for the quiet work of book reviews to be involved with wokeism! What draws me to writing book reviews? After all, there is no pay and not a heck of a lot of acclamation. First, I get the books for free and can keep them. I write two book reviews a year, so I save perhaps $60$80 bucks. Second, I like the discipline of writing a 900 to 1000 word analysis; my Observer column runs between 750 to 825 words but requires more versatility. Third, I enjoy the intellectual part of reviewing — drawing from my own education and personal background. In the end, readers are
Corp. - The council approved a tax abatement, a tax abatement extension and a tax abatement amendment and extension for SiO2 Medical Products, Inc. for a building expansion. - The council approved a taxpayer penalty waiver request for Burger King #15169. - The council approved a contract with the Alabama Department of Transportation for traffic signal maintenance and operations for Exit 50 on I-85. - The council approved a contract with Auburn University for professional services for the Public Safety department that will end on Sept. 30, 2026. - The council approved the purchase of two Dell VxRail E560F nodes for over $84,700. - The council approved the purchase of 13 2022 Chevrolet Tahoe PPV vehicles for the police division for $475,300. - The council approved a contract with Evergreen Siteworks for expenditures for the Sam Harris Park/Westview Greenway Project for over $9,800. - The council approved the purchase of a 2023 Isuzu NPR truck cab and chassis 6-yard side loader for Environmental Services for over $152,700. - The council approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford F-150 XL 4x4 SuperCab Truck for the Engineering Services Department for just over $37,000. - The council approved the purchase of a F-150 Super Cap 4x4 Pickup Truck for the Public Works Department — Landscape Division for just under $35,000.
advised to get the background on who is assessing a writer’s message and his or her quality of thought and writing. It would shock no one to see TV’s Sean Hannity’s latest book praised to the hilt by radio’s Mark Levin. They think alike, and are close friends! Similarly, you would be hard-pressed to find anything negative about TV’s Rachel Maddow in a book review by her MSNBC colleague, Chris Hayes. So, wokeism has its disappointments, as well as enticements. I always hope for a happy resolution on issues such as wokeism. But that type of closure seldom occurs. Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 11 years. gm.markley@charter. net
- The council approved the purchase of 560 95-gallon roll out carts for recycling for over $34,600. - The council approved the purchase of 560 more 95-gallon roll out carts for recycling for over $36,200. - The council approved the purchase of a F-150 Crew Cab Pickup Truck for the police division for over $25,300. - The council approved the purchase of three Ford-150 Pickup Trucks for the Parks and Recreation Department for over $84,500. - The council approved the purchase of fire alerting equipment for Fire Station 6 for over $42,900. - The council approved two board appointments to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board. - The council voted against a rezoning of over 41 acres for property on the east side of Heath Road and north of U.S. Highway 280 from rural to large lot residential district. Because of this, the applicant withdrew a request for annexation as well. - The council approved amendments to the zoning ordinance text. - The council approved a commercial development agreement with Cleveland Northside, LLC for the commercial development incentive program created in 2011 for the Norhtside Crossing development. - The council approved a resolution for a parking lot for the Son’s Ford Parking Lot at 114 East Veterans Boulevard. - The council approved the expansion for industrial use for Third Generation Auburn, LLC.
B12 Nov.18, 2021
Veterans and Military Families Call on Gov. Ivey, Legislature to Expand Medicaid More than 140 U.S. veterans and military families across the state release letter CONTRIBUTED BY COVER ALABAMA Veterans across Alabama released a joint letter Thursday calling on Gov. Kay Ivey and the legislature to expand Medicaid coverage immediately for veterans and their family members. The letter — signed by 145 Alabama veterans from multiple services — asks for support for Alabama’s veteran community, many of whom lack consistent, quality and affordable health insurance. “Most people think those of us who serve
in the U.S. military automatically receive lifetime health care and other benefits,” said Rev. Clyde Jones, a U.S. Army veteran and Bronze star recipient. “In reality, our health benefits depend on our length of service, military classification, type of discharge and other factors.” If Alabama expanded Medicaid, approximately 5,000 veterans and 8,000 family members would gain access to affordable health care. Without expansion, those Alabamians fall into the coverage gap because
they earn too much to qualify for Medicaid under the state’s stringent eligibility limits but not enough to qualify for subsidized marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act. “My hope is that Governor Ivey sees our pleas and understands the hardships many of us have been silently enduring for all these years,” Rev. Jones said. “We’re asking for this to be the last Veterans Day where so many of us are left uninsured.” Military veterans who signed the letter agree this is an issue requiring
Alabama Farmers Federation Endorses Sen. Tom Whatley CONTRIBUTED BY ALFA The Alabama Farmers Federation has endorsed Sen. Tom Whatley for District 27, which covers Lee, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. Lee: “Sen. Whatley knows the importance of agriculture in his district and our state, and he works hard to represent us in the Senate,” said Jamie Lazenby, Lee County Farmers Federation president. “He has been a senator who is able and accessible to the people of our district.” Russell: “Sen. Whatley has lived on a farm and is one of us,” said Russell County Famers Federation President Bill Lowery. “He knows how important agriculture is in this district,
and he will see to it that our needs are represented.” Tallapoosa: “Sen. Whatley is a conservative who knows our principles and ideals and will continue to represent us well,” said Jacob Hodnett, Tallapoosa Farmers Federation president. “We have confidence in his leadership in the Senate.” Whatley received his bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Auburn University and his Juris Doctorate from the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law. He supports various civic and charitable organizations in his district. He also serves in the U.S. Army Reserves as a Colonel and has been in the Alabama National
Guard, Active Army or Reserves for over 32 years. “I am deeply humbled to receive this endorsement and will work hard to represent the farmers and all the citizens and businesses of Senate District 27,” Whatley said. “It is a true honor to serve the people of this district.” Whatley and his wife, Lauren, attend Auburn United Methodist Church. They are expecting their first child in March 2022. The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization with more than 350,000 members. It uses a true grassroots approach to select candidates, relying on FarmPAC endorsements from county Federation boards for local elections.
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bipartisan support to help Alabamians get the care they need. “More than 5,000 veterans and 8,000 of their family members are trapped in the coverage gap,” the letter reads. “These heroic men and women protected our country and now we are asking for you to do all that you can to protect them by expanding Medicaid coverage to low-income adults.” Only 12 states have yet to expand Medicaid, and Alabama is one of them. President Joe
Biden in March signed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which would give a boost of federal dollars to holdout states that expand coverage. Over two years, that boost could mean hundreds of millions of dollars of new federal funds for Alabama Medicaid. This additional funding would offset the initial costs of expansion. Alabama would receive enough federal funding under ARPA to cover the state cost of Medicaid expansion for more than four years, a Manatt estimate shows. “It’s time for Alabama
to treat our veterans with dignity by ensuring they all have access to affordable health insurance,” said Alabama Arise’s Cover Alabama Campaign Director Jane Adams, who organized the sign-on letter. “Our veterans have waited long enough. They deserve someone to watch their back as they risked their lives watching ours.” The letter signed by 145 Alabama military veterans calling for immediate Medicaid expansion was sent to Ivey and legislators on Wednesday.
Alabama Farmers Federation Endorses Rep. Joe Lovvorn CONTRIBUTED BY ALFA The Alabama Farmers Federation endorsed Rep. Joe Lovvorn for Alabama House District 79 in Lee County. “Joe Lovvorn is a business leader and education advocate who understands the needs of the people of this district,” said Jamie Lazenby, Lee County Farmers Federation president. “He is a conservative who will represent the needs of our
district well in the Legislature, just as he has been doing in our community for years.” Lovvorn received his undergraduate and graduate degrees from Auburn University. He is a business owner and a retired fire battalion chief. Lovvorn is a Rotarian, a member of the Auburn, Opelika and Montgomery Chambers of Commerce, and participates in key leadership positions in many civic and charitable
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organizations within the community. “I am honored to have the endorsement of the Alabama Farmers Federation,” Lovvorn said. “It will be my privilege to continue to take the voice of the farmers and the people of this district to Montgomery.” Lovvorn and his wife, Jenifer, are local business owners and realtors. They have two sons and are members of Cornerstone Church. The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization with more than 350,000 members. It uses a true grassroots approach to select candidates, relying on FarmPAC endorsements from county Federation boards for local elections.
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B13 Nov. 18, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA JUVENILE DIVISION T.P. a. minor child (DOB: 08/08/2011), Case No. JU 2020-220.02 K.P. a minor child (DOB: 08/16/2012), Case No. JU 2020-221.02 NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: De’Rebia Pugh and any unknown father of T.P. a minor child, born at Baptist Medical Center East in Montgomery, Montgomery County, Alabama on 08//08/2011 to De’Rebia Pugh and K.P. a minor child, born at the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Lee County, Alabama on 08/16/2012 to De’Rebia Pugh. The legal Cm,1ody of T.P. and K. P. was. vested in the Lee County Department of Human Resources on September 9, 2020. De’Rebia Pugh and any unknown father must answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights and the Amended Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of De’Rebia Pugh and any unknown father filed in each of these cases in the Juvenile Court of Lee County, Alabama within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Clerk of Court located at the Lee County Justice Center, 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, AL 36801, or thereafter, a final judgment may be entered in Case JU 2020-220.02 and JU 2020-221.02 terminating
their respective parental rights and placing the children for adoption. Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Hon. Harold S. Patrick Attorney for Lee County DHR 2108-D Gateway Drive Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 741-0809 Legal Run 11/4/21, 11/11/21, 11/18/21 & 11/24/21 ------------ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS Sealed bids, subject to the conditions contained herein, will be received by the City of Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time, on November 30, 2021, and then publicly opened and read aloud at Opelika City Hall, 2nd floor conference room, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama. The contractor will be furnishing all labor and materials and performing all work for the construction of: Pickleball Courts Facility II within the City of Opelika, Alabama. This project consists principally of the follow¬ing the construction of 12 pickleball courts. The overall asphalt area:138’ X 223’. Turnkey pricing on delivery and installation meeting all specifications on base, asphalt, fencing, nets, posts, resurfacer, colored play surfacing, and lines. All bidders on construction projects in excess of $10,000.00 shall file with
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AUTOMOTIVE
his bid either a certified check payable to the City of Opelika for an amount not less than five (5) percent of the estimated cost or of the contractor’s bid but in no event more than $10,000.00; or a bid bond payable to the City of Opelika in an amount of not less than five (5) percent of the estimated cost or of the contractor’s bid, but in no event more than $10,000.00. All Bidders bidding in amounts exceeding that established by the State Licensing Board for General Contractors must be licensed under the provisions of Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, and must show evidence of license before bidding or bid will not be received or considered by the City official; the Bidder shall show such evidence by clearly displaying the license number on the outside of the envelope in which the bid is delivered. Also, the contractor shall also be a Certified Tennis Court Builder as designated by the American Sports Builders Association (ASBA). The Certified Tennis Court Builder shall be an employee of the Tennis Court Contractor and shall oversee all phases of the new court construction process. No bidder may withdraw their bid within 90 days after the opening thereof. All bids must be submitted in an envelope bearing on the outside the name of the Bidder, Bidder’s license number, and name of the project. Envelopes containing bids must be addressed as follows, and delivered to Lillie Finley, Purchasing Dept., City of Opelika, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or P. O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803: “Pickleball Courts Facility II” Legal Run 11/4/21, 11/11/21, 11/18/21 & 11/24/21 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JONEE ELAINE MOREMAN, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-601 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 25th day of October, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. WHITNEY LAMBERT NELSON HAYWOOD DAVIS LAMBERT Co-Personal Representatives Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Legal Run 11/04/21, 11/11/21 & 11/18/21 ------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF ANNIE RUTH CAMMON, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 29th day of October, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby granted that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness my hand and seal this the 29th day of October, 2021.
unknown (adult sisterin-law of Samuel Aaron Massingill., deceased), Daniel Massingill, address uncertain (adult nephew of ------------Samuel Aaron Massingill., deceased). IN THE MATTER OF THE Please take notice that a ESTATE OF CARRIE W. Petition to Probate the Will WILLIAMS, DECEASED. of Samuel Aaron Massingill, IN THE PROBATE in the above styled matter COURT OF LEE COUNTY, has been filed in the Probate ALABAMA Court of Lee County, Case No: 2021-617 Alabama by Petitioner Letters Testamentary on Delilah Marshall and that on the estate of said decedent the 6th day of January, 2022, having been granted to the at 10:00 A.M. (Central time) undersigned on the 2nd day has been set for a hearing of November, 2021, by the on the same in said Court Hon. Bill English, Judge of located at 215 South 9th the Probate Court of Lee Street, Opelika, Alabama. County, Alabama, notice is Please be advised that if hereby given that all persons you intend to contest this having claims against said Petition to Probate the Will estate are hereby required to of Samuel Aaron Massingill present the same within time that you must file a written allowed by law or the same response within thirty (30) will be barred. days hereof with the clerk of TERRY L. COOPER SHIRLEY ANN WILLIAMS said Probate Court and with counsel for said Petitioner, HOLMES and/or you must appear the Co-Personal Representatives hearing scheduled in this Robert H. Pettey manner Samford & Denson, LLP Done this the 2nd day of P.O. Box 2345 November, 2021. Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Hon. Bill English (334) 745-3504 Judge of Probate Legal Run 11/11/21, Lee County, Alabama 11/18/21 & 11/24/21 Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney ------------at Law, PC PO Box 308 STATE OF ALABAMA Opelika, AL 36803 LEE COUNTY PROBATE (334) 745-7033 COURT Legal Run 11/11/21, CASE NO. 2021-620 11/18/21 & 11/24/21 ESTATE OF JOE FRANK HUGHES, DECEASED ------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT IN THE PROBATE COURT OF PERSONAL FOR LEE COUNTY, REPRESENTATIVE ALABAMA Letters Testamentary of said IN RE: The Estate of Ivy M. Joe Frank Hughes, deceased, Grantham, Deceased having been granted to NOTICE OF Timothy Neil Hughes this APPOINTMENT OF 3rd day of November 2021, ADMINISTRATION TO BE by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate PUBLISHED Letters of Administration on Court of Lee County, said deceased having been notice is hereby given that granted to Linda Grantham all persons having claims against said estate are hereby Manis, Administrator on this the 16th day of March, required to present the same 2021, by the Honorable Bill within time allowed by the English, Judge of Probate law or the same will be Court of Lee County, barred. Alabama notice is hereby Timothy Neil Hughes, given that all persons having Personal Representative claims against said estate are Legal Run 11/11/21, hereby required to present 11/18/21 & 11/24/21 the same within time allowed by law or the same will be ------------barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Administrator. IN THE PROBATE COURT Legal Run 11/11/21, OF LEE COUNTY, ALA11/18/21 & 11/24/21 BAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE ------------OF ROBERT WINSHIP HEATH, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, TAKE NOTICE that Letters ALABAMA Testamentary having been granted to Jo Wharton Heath, IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RALPH EUGENE as Executrix of the Estate HOUSER, DECEASED of Robert Winship Heath, CASE NO. 2021-632 deceased, on the 1st day NOTICE OF of November, 2021, by the APPOINTMENT TO Honorable Bill English. BE PUBLISHED BY NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEXECUTRIX EN that all persons having Letters Testamentary of claims against the Estate are said deceased having been hereby required to present granted to RUBY A. PRICE, the same within the time on the 5th day of November, allowed by law or the same 2021, by the Hon. BILL be barred. Jo Wharton Heath, Executrix ENGLISH, Judge of Probate of LEE County, Alabama, Of the Estate of Robert Winnotice is hereby given that ship Heath, Deceased all persons having claims Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney against said estate are hereby at Law, PC required to present the same PO Box 308 within time allowed by law Opelika, AL 36803 or the same will be barred. 334-745-7033 BY: James E. Hall, Attorney Legal Run 11/11/21, for Executrix. 11/18/21 & 11/24/21 Legal Run 11/11/21, 11/18/21 & 11/24/21 ------------DEBORAH C. WALTON Legal Run 11/4/21, 11/11/21 & 11/18/2021
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF SAMUEL AARON MASSINGILL, DECEASED. NOTICE OF HEARING BY PUBLICATION TO: Any unknown heirs of Samuel Aaron Massingill., deceased, Madonna Massingill, address
------------LEE COUNTY COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Lee County Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, December 13, 2021, at 5:00 p.m., in the Lee County Commission Chambers at the Lee County Courthouse located at 215
LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS Compactor Operator Closing Date: November 23, 2021 Department: Environmental Service Status: Full-Time Starting Salary Range: $33,400.00 - $38,410.00 Required Hours of Availability: Monday-Sunday 6:30am-6:30pm + rotating weekends including holidays Scope: This position is responsible for operating trash compactors and balers in the collection of solid waste and recyclables and
maintaining the grounds and facilities at disposal sites on an assigned route. Applicants should apply at the Alabama State Employment Office or the Lee County Commission Office 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika, AL, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Great Benefits: NO COST to employee option for BCBS health and dental insurance. Employer paid
Life Insurance policy. State Retirement Benefits. Thirteen Paid Holidays. Educational Reimbursement. Interested applicants may also fax a completed application to (334) 737-3609 or emailed to humanresources@leeco.us by the closing date. Previous applicants should reapply. For more information visit: www.leeco.us Lee County is an Equal Opportunity Employer
South Ninth Street, Opelika, Alabama, 36801, concerning the proposed Noise Ordinance of the Lee County Commission. A copy of the proposed ordinance will be available online at www. leeco.us under Government / County Commission / Proposed Noise Ordinance and can also be reviewed in person in the Lee County Commission Office. The purpose of the public hearings will be for interested parties to make oral and/or written comments into the public hearing record. Those wishing to make oral comments at the public hearings are also encouraged to submit those comments in writing. All comments must address the subject of the public hearing or issues that have an impact on the County Commission’s ability to meet applicable laws, rules, and regulations affecting the final decision. Any person wishing to participate in this hearing who needs special accommodations should contact the Lee County Commission Office at (334) 737-3660 at least five working days prior to the hearing. Attendance at the public hearing is not necessary to have comments included in the public hearing record. Persons wishing to comment on the proposed noise ordinance in writing may do so by submitting their comments by mail no later than 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 to: Bill English, Chairman Mailing address: PO Box 666 Opelika, AL 36803-0666 (334) 737-3660 LEGAL RUN 11/18/2021 & 12/02/2021 ------------ORDINANCE NO. 024-21 AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika provided for and referred to therein, as previously amended and/or modified, be and the same is hereby amended by rezoning or redistricting the parcel of land hereinafter in this section described, so as to change such parcel from one class of district to another class of district as follows, to-wit: From a C-2, GC-P District (Office/Retail, Gateway Corridor-Primary Overlay District) to a C-3, GC-P District (General Commercial, Gateway Corridor-Primary Overlay District), the parcel of land hereinafter described: Parcel 1-C of Harley-Davidson Subdivision according to and as shown by map or plat of said subdivision of record in Plat Book 29 at Page 6 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. The above-described property contains 3.2 acres and is located in the 1200 block of South Fox Run Parkway, Opelika, Alabama. Section 2. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed. Section 3. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama. ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 16th day of November, 2021. /s/ Eddie SmithcPRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 17th day of November, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 17th day of November, 2021. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal Run 11/18/2021
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Korean War Honorary Marker Unveiled The Auburn Heritage Association unveiled its most recent honorary marker Sunday afternoon at Pine Tucket Cemetery. The marker, in honor of API (Auburn) veterans who died in Korea, joins markers honoring World War I and II vets, along with Vietnam vets. “Today we are here to remember and recognize those who have served our nation but especially those that have served our nation with honor and distinction during the Korean War,” said Lt. Gen. Ron Burgess, executive vice president at Auburn University. “We gather today to dedicate this memorial to my left, your right, to remember an occasion that changed the course of our nation’s history and the history of the world.” There was one Korean veteran in attendance at the unveiling, who also served in World War II. Additionally, there were veterans from the Gulf War, Vietnam War and
Iraq/Afghanistan War present. “Our common commitment to defense and love of our country binds us together and unifies us,” Burgess said. “That goes to the heart of what it means to be an American. Those men and women who fought in Korea are the epitome of what it means to be an American. As a nation, we must ensure that the service and sacrifice of our veterans is never overlooked or forgotten. And ceremonies like today certainly do that. “The Korean War was a savage war that took over 37,000 American lives. It is fitting that we are here today recognizing the placing of this memorial and remembering those who laid down their lives in defense of freedom as well as the veterans here today and throughout this nation. Let us never forget your bravery, your sacrifice and the legacy that you and so many others have left us.” Pine Tucket Cemetery is a site surrounded by Auburn
PHOTO BY HANNAH LESTER / THE OBSERVER
BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM
Korean War veterans were honored Sunday at an unveiling of an honorary marker at Pine Tucket Cemetery. Veterans of the Gulf War, Vietnam War, Afghanistan/Iraq and World War I and II were in attendance. University land, in sight of campus. There is not a specific address Hendrix could provide but said, “If you are going out Wire Road, before you hit the Shug Jordan Expressway, on the left is going to be an incline road. Go up that incline.” The land is open to
the public and includes the small cemetery, honorary markers and a f lag pole. “I’m proud to be here today, I’m happy to see everybody here,” said Vice President of the Auburn Heritage Association Charles Hendrix. "This is a wonderful occasion. This actually is the
end of Phase I of our memorial up here on the top up here at Pine Tucket Cemetery.” Markers honoring veterans from the Gulf War and Iraq/ Afghanistan Wars will be left to the younger generation,” Hendrix said. “What [the Heritage Association does] to
commemorate and remember those that have served is nothing short of, I mean, I can’t even put into words what it means, as I stand here as a veteran, along with the other veterans that are here today, for what y’all do and how you go about doing this,” Burgess said.
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of October, 2021, by Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Kenneth Henderson, Executor Legal Run 11/4/21, 11/11/21 & 11/18/21
PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LOIS JEAN HOTTINGER A/K/A LOIS J. HOTTINGER DECEASED. CASE NO. 2021-630 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to RICHARD HARRY HOTTINGER, on the 5th day of November 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Personal Representative. Legal Run 11/18/21, 11/24/21 & 12/02/21 ------------FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Real Estate Mortgage executed by Jeremy Spradley, an unmarried man, and Brittany Graham, an unmarried woman, to Sorenson & Lopez, LLC; said Real Estate Mortgage being recorded in the office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgages Book 4513, Page 213; said Real Estate Mortgage being last transferred, sold and assigned to First National Bank of America; said Assignment being recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Mortgages Book 4727, Page 310; the undersigned First National Bank of America as Real Estate Mortgage holder, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Real Estate Mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the Lee County Courthouse, Opelika, on December 14, 2021, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot No. 35, SMITHVILLE SUBDIVISION, Lee County, Alabama, according to a map and plat thereof of record, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Plat Book 8, Pages 106-107 thereof. SUBJECT to covenants, restrictions, reservations, easements
and rights-of-way, if any, heretofore imposed of record affecting title to said property, municipal zoning ordinances now or hereafter becoming applicable and taxes and/or assessments hereafter becoming due against said property. AND ALSO: One 2019 Mobile Home bearing Vin #SRB032856AL being of the Make: Southern, Model No: 47TRS14663AH19. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said Real Estate Mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process. Foster D. Key Attorney for First National Bank of America P.O. Box 360345 Birmingham, AL 35236 205/987-2211 LIEN HOLDER First National Bank of America Post Office Box 980 East Lansing, MI 48826 11/18/2021, 11/24/2021, 12/2/2021 ------------SYNOPSIS OF ORDINANCE AMENDING THE TEXT OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN pursuant to §11-45-8(b)(2) of the Code of Alabama (1975, as amended) that on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama, adopted Ordinance No. 025-21 amending Ordinance No. 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”. The purpose of Ordinance No. 025-21 is to amend, modify and supplement the text of the Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance No. 124-91) in the following respects: 1. Section 2.2 of the Zoning Ordinance is amended and supplemented by adding to Section 2.2 the definitions of “City”, “City Council”, “Code of Ordinances”, “Fence”, “Parking Lot”, “Person”, “Planning Commission”, “Planning Director”
and “Right-of- Way”. Section 2.2 is further amended by amending the definition of “Parcel”. Section 2.2 is further amended by deleting the definition of “Subdivision Identification Marker”. 2. The Zoning Ordinance is amended by deleting subsection 6.4E. 3. Section 7.3 of the Zoning Ordinance is revised so that the use category “Outdoor Advertising” is deleted and removed from the use category matrix in Section 7.3. Also, the footnote relating to Outdoor Advertising at the end of the matrix table in Section 7.3 is deleted. 4. Subsection 7.6B(7)(c)(2) of the Zoning Ordinance is amended to remove references to drive-in features as they relate to signage. 5. Subsection 7.8H of the Zoning Ordinance is deleted. 6. Subsection 8.14(5) of the Zoning Ordinance is amended to remove signage standards specific to a home occupation. 7. Subsection 8.18.1B of the Zoning Ordinance is amended to remove signage standards specific to a planned residential development. 8. Subsection 8.18.1N is amended to remove standards for entrance signs to a planned residential development. 9. Subsection 8.24D(5) of the Zoning Ordinance is deleted. 10. Subsection 8.26 of the Zoning Ordinance is deleted. 11. Subsection 8.27B(4) of the Zoning Ordinance is deleted. 12. Current Section IX “Sign Regulations” of the Zoning Ordinance is deleted in its entirety and replaced with new Section IX “Sign Regulations” consisting of subsections 9.1 through 9.15. The proposed new Section IX, “Sign Regulations”, of the Zoning Ordinance will provide for a purpose, intent and scope; provide for definitions; provide for applicability; provide for prohibited signs; provide general provisions for signs (such as measurement of sign area, measurement of sign height, façade or building unit measurements, signs in overlay districts, sign illumination for temporary and permanent signs, use of neon, electronic message signs, viewpoint and speaker neutrality, consent of legal owner of property, signs on public property, signs must maintain clearance, signs declared a nuisance and repair, signs presenting immediate peril to public health or safety, unsafe signs, street
address signs, driveway signs, flag poles and flags, flag brackets, flag stanchions and flags, freestanding signs, subdivision or development entrance signs, wall signs, drivethrough signs, umbrella signs, awning signs, canopy signs, changeable copy signs, projecting signs, window signs and door signs); provide for temporary and permanent signs allowed in zoning districts; provide for temporary signs allowed in zoning districts; provide for permanent signs allowed in zoning districts; provide for building permits; provide for sign permits; provide for nonconforming signs; provide for miscellaneous sign provisions; provide for violations and penalties; provide for removal of unlawful and dangerous signs; provide for severability; provide for repeal of conflicting ordinances or parts thereof, provide an effective date, provide for publication and provide for codification in Zoning Ordinance. Ordinance No. 025-21 was introduced by the City Council on November 2, 2021, and adopted on November 16, 2021. The effective date of the Ordinance is the date of publication of this synopsis, and the provisions of said Ordinance will apply to all signs placed, erected, constructed, displayed, painted, relocated, modified, expanded, maintained, altered or installed in every zoning district within the City of Opelika. This Ordinance will apply to all areas within the corporate limits of the City of Opelika. A copy of the full text of Ordinance No. 025-21 may be obtained from the office of the City Clerk at City Hall, 204 South 7 th Street, Opelika, Alabama, during normal business hours. In addition, a copy of said Ordinance will be included on the City’s Internet website: https://www.opelika-al.gov/ for thirty (30) days. This Notice is given in accordance with Section 11-45-8(b) (2), Code of Alabama, (1975) as amended. This section allows the publication of zoning and planning ordinances in synopsis (summary) form. THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 18 th day of November, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 11/18/2021
IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RALPH EUGENE HOUSER, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2021-632 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY EXECUTRIX Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to RUBY A. PRICE, on the 5th day of November, 2021, by the Hon. BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate of LEE County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Executrix. Legal run 11/18/21, 11/24/21 & 12/2/2021 ------------IN RE THE ESTATE OF: CECIL CLYDE HENDERSON, Deceased. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-604 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 27th day
------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MALDOLIN ELMER BUTLER, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-600 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 25th day of October, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. DOLLY BAKER BUTLER Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 11/04/21, 11/11/21 & 11/18/21
B15 Nov. 18, 2021
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B16 Nov.18, 2021
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