Opelika Observer 12-02-2020 E-edition

VOL. 13, NO. 9

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

pelika Observer O

Opelika, Alabama

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Christmas parades all weekend

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

This weekend, hit up two Christmas parades to really get into the spirit.

The Opelika Christmas Parade will take place Dec. 5 at 4:30 p.m. in downtown Opelika.

Snow will fill the courthouse square, and Opelika residents will experience the magic of Christmas this year for the Opelika Christmas Parade.

“The Christmas Parade is a tradition that goes back many, many years in Opelika and everyone loves it,” said Ali Rauch, president and CEO of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.

“So we really wanted to make sure we had a parade.”

This year, the parade will be reversed, however, and instead of standing still as floats drive past, those who come to watch the parade will now walk around town to view each entry.

December ushered in by wintry weather

By Will Fairless Associate Editor

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

“The people who are normally driving in the parade, the entries, they will actually be stationary and parked,” Rauch said. “So all of our parade entries will be parked in designated spots around courthouse square. And people have the option of either dec-

orating their space and leaving it set up with their logo and information on it or staying in their space.”

The fun won’t end when the parade route does. The “Snow Much Fun Christmas Extravaganza” will combine the annual parade with

City of Smiths Station hosting 10th annual Christmas Tree Lighting on Dec. 4 Contributed by the City of Smiths Station The city of Smiths Station will be hosting its “10th Annual Tree Lighting” on Dec. 4 beginning at 4 p.m.

Eastern time.

This year’s event will last from 4 to 8 p.m. to reduce crowd sizes in following the state’s social distancing procedures and visitors will be strongly encouraged to wear masks.

There will be activities for children including arts and crafts, bouncy See CHRISTMAS TREE, page A2

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Smiths Station Smiths Station 2019 Tree Lighting Ceremony

an event created last year called Snowpelika, Rauch said.

The event will feature a socially-distanced Santa Claus and conclude with a Christmas tree lighting, all while snow fills the courthouse square.

See PARADES, page A3

On Monday, East Alabama residents might have caught a glimpse of the first snow flurry of this winter, as temperatures dropped below freezing overnight.

Although those pioneer flakes might not have lasted long on a coat or the ground, they were followed by frosted windshields that might have warranted some time-clock lenience on Tuesday morning.

According to weather. com, there will likely only be brief dips into

freezing temperatures over the next two weeks.

The same forecast shows Wednesday’s high to be 56 degrees, with a low of 32.

Thursday will have less of a night/day disparity (55/47), and Friday will see a range of 59/39 with a 70% chance of rain. The weekend and early next week are forecasted to follow the 50s/30s/low precipitation trend of this week.

As the temperature gets lower, be conscious of pets’ susceptibility to the cold and do not let any faucets that are served by exposed pipes sit idle.

Opelika Chamber to host Business Over Breakfast Contributed by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Saugahatchee Country Club will be the setting for the next Opelika Chamber Business over Breakfast on Dec. 8 beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Presented by Glynn Smith Chevrolet – Buick-GMC, the event will have as its guest speaker EAMC Chief of Staff Dr. Michael Roberts.

Dr. Roberts says the hospital has an amazing group of physicians who are passionate about medicine and seek to provide the

Index OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A4

SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . . . .A7

POLITICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B7

RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A13

PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9

COMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A16

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9

DR. MICHAEL ROBERTS highest quality care for their patients. He will talk about the many challenges COVID-19 has presented to the medical staff. He will address how EAMC has met and will continue to

meet those challenges.

Born to Don and Lorna Roberts, Michael lived in Alexander City the first 10 years of his life. His family moved to Opelika and became immersed in the community. He joined the Opelika High football team as a placekicker.

Anderson University in Anderson, Indiana, liked his kicking abilities and grabbed him as their football kicker for all four years. He graduated with a pre-med degree.

Dr. Roberts was accepted to medical See BREAKFAST, page A2

A2 December 2, 2020

Auburn Panhellenic raises money despite fundraiser cancellation Contributed by AO Habitat for Humanity On Nov. 23, Auburn Panhellenic presented Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity (AOHFH) with a $58,356 check to sponsor building Habitat homes 69 and 70 in Auburn.

Each year, Auburn Panhellenic members fundraise through a talent competition known as Greek Sing.

All proceeds raised during this event go directly to help Auburn Opelika Habitat build more homes and improve the lives of partner families.

This year Panhellenic was unable to have the traditional Greek Sing fundraiser

BREAKFAST >> FROM A1

school at University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB.) After graduating from UAB in 2001, he completed a three-year residency there in internal medicine.

After a short stint at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Birmingham, he joined Internal Medicine Associates in Opelika in 2008 and became a hospitalist at EAMC.

due to safety concerns and COVID-19 restrictions. Though it were forced to cancel the fundraiser this year, it was still able to successfully raise funds for Auburn Opelika Habitat. This goes to show that the pandemic did not stop Panhellenic, as it overachieved by raising even more than the amount raised last year. The dedication that this group of amazing girls has for this organization is truly a blessing.

Panhellenic also volunteers each spring to work on Habitat homes. Earlier this year, Panhellenic partnered with Habitat and The Way2Serve Ministry to repair and rebuild homes in our “I am honored to have the opportunity to serve this medical staff in the role of Chief of Staff,” said Dr. Roberts. The Chief of Staff serves as a liaison between the medical staff and the hospital board, works with the hospital CEO and Chief Medical Officer to develop policies, coordinates care and enforces the policies by the by-laws, heads the medical executive committee and serves on other committees of

pelika Observer

O

Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

community. Approximately 40 students from different sororities worked with Habitat construction leaders to repair a deck and

wheelchair ramp, clean and prep floors for repair, build a shower access step and repair a back door on a local home.

Over 100 Panhellenic volunteers also partnered with Habitat for Humanity to assist with volunteer projects this year during Feb-

the medical staff.

The cost for Business Over Breakfast is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Please visit www. opelikachamber.com to register by Dec. 4 at 5 p.m.

Ali Rauch, the president and CEO, a staff of four work diligently to be the prominent, focal business organization supporting economic growth while sustaining a better quality of life for the community through multiple partnerships.

The Opelika Chamber of Commerce promotes and fosters economic and business success, maximizes member investment, while enhancing the community.

CHRISTMAS TREE>>

About the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Founded in 1941, the Opelika Chamber has been serving the Opelika business community for over 75 years.

Under the leadership of

ruary. Additionally, last year, they helped frame Auburn Opelika Habitat home No. 67 and were also a major sponsor on Habitat home No. 68, both in Opelika.

The following is a statement from AO Habitat for Humanity: “Thank you Auburn University Panhellenic for consistently supporting Habitat each year. Your partnership is very valuable to this ministry. We truly appreciate your dedication to helping Habitat fulfill our mission, your efforts to exceed last year’s fundraising total and everything you have contributed to this organization.

Together we build homes, community and hope.” lighting and a big fireworks show at 8 p.m.

“This is something we look forward to each and every year.

Things will look a little different, but we hope by having this event we will add a little joy and holiday spirit for everyone,” said Mayor F. L. “Bubba” Copeland.

There is no cost to attend. Visit the city of Smiths Station’s Facebook page for more event details and information.

FROM A1

house, reindeer food station, photo ops with elves and the Clauses and more.

Local musician Johnboy Storey will take the stage at 5 p.m., and Mr. and Mrs. Claus will be at The Junction starting at 6 p.m. to read a Christmas story to children. The evening’s festivities will conclude with the tree

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Publisher: Michelle Key Associate Editors: Will Fairless and Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Wil Crews, Rick Lanier and D. Mark Mitchell

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A3 December 2, 2020

Community Foundation of East Alabama accepting applications for mini-grants Contributed by CFEA The Community Foundation of East Alabama is accepting mini-grant applications from non-profits in the East Alabama.

The Community Foundation will be award-

ing three mini-grants for $500 each, which will be designated for general operating support to help assist and maintain an organiation's pursuit in its mission. “This type of grant is designed to be flexible and gives the

grantees the ability to use the funds where they best see fit,� said Todd Rauch, the vice president of the Community Foundation of East Alabama. Minigrant applications can be filled out on their website, where

organizations can also find the mini-grant guidelines of what to include in their application.

Last year, the Community Foundation received a record amount of applications from non-prof-

its across the East Alabama region after increasing the grant amount from $250 to $500. “We wanted to make a bigger impact in the organizations that were selected,�

Rauch said. "The need was obviously

there because we had to get approval from our board to include a fourth mini-grant due to the amount of applications we received.� The four non-profits that were See FOUNDATION, page A6

Operation Santa is nationwide for first time Contributed by U.S. Postal Service Let’s face it, this year has been a struggle for so many people in more ways than one.

Thoughts of children, the holidays and wondering how to provide for them may also be weighing heavily on many. But take heart, Santa and the Postal Service are way ahead of you, and are here to help.

The USPS Operation Santa program celebrates its 108th year in 2020 by opening up for nationwide participation.

Now, more than ever, the program is needed to help less fortunate children and families during the holidays.

The Postal Service established the USPS Operation Santa program to help those in need at the holidays experience the joy of opening presents — and to create special holiday memories. Since it began, millions of less fortunate children and their families have been helped by the kindness of others. The program is for every person of every belief, or non-belief. The purpose is to help as many deserving

PARADES >> FROM A1

Given the warmer-than-average temperature of Alabama and regular lack of snow, Opelika’s snow does not depend on the weather. “Kids who have never seen snow, it might be artificial snow, but it still is real snow that we create,� Rauch said.

The changes were enacted to encourage

families as possible.

That can only be done if good-hearted adopters step forward.

To participate in the USPS Operation Santa program as a possible recipient of holiday gifts, all you have to do is write a letter, put it in a stamped envelope with a return address and send it to Santa’s official workshop address as seen on the example envelope below.

Letters will be accepted Nov. 16 to Dec. 15.

adopters must be vetted by going through a short registration and ID verification process before they are allowed to adopt any letter.

Companies also help adopt letters. Every year, many companies create teams and adopt several letters. All the better to help grant that special wish to deserving families and children.

How to Write a Letter Sending a letter to Santa is easy if you know how. The Postal Service is here to help with guides and tips to help children write and send their best letters ever. All the information you could possibly need to write a letter,

address an envelope, put on a stamp and send it on its way can be found on USPSOperationSanta.com and in our Holiday Newsroom.

The only thing the Postal Service can’t help with is to tell children what to ask for. That is up to their imagination, and we would never stifle creativity. These tips are also good all year-round for sending thank-you cards, birthday cards or letters to Grandma and Grandpa just to say, “Hi.�

Program Details Hundreds of thousands of letters are written to the USPS Operation Santa program every year in hopes of being adopted

by kind and generous people across the country. These letters are opened by Santa’s Elves and, for safety reasons, all personally identifiable information of the letter writer is removed (i.e. last names, addresses, ZIP Codes) and uploaded to USPSOperationSanta. com for adoption.

Beginning Dec. 4, letters will be available for nationwide adoption by visiting USPSOperationSanta. com — all from the socially distant safety of your own home.

Potential adopters can read the letters and pick one or more that they’d like to fulfill. For security reasons, potential

USPS Operation Santa History While the Postal Service began receiving letters to Santa more than 108 years ago, it

wasn’t until 1912 that Postmaster General Frank Hitchcock authorized local postmasters to allow postal employees and citizens to respond to them. This became known as Operation Santa.

The complete history can be found online at the Postal Service Holiday Newsroom, along with additional news and information, including all domestic, international and military mailing and shipping deadlines.

The Postal Service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations.

social distancing and comply with COVID-19 guidelines.

There will be a total of 65-70 groups of people who will participate in the parade this year, Rauch said. “We want to provide this service that brings such joy to our community,� she said.

Auburn: After enjoying Opelika’s festivities, block the next day off

for Auburn’s Christmas parade.

The Auburn Christmas Parade is an annual tradition that will look a little different this year too. It will be held on Dec. 6 and will begin at 2 p.m. “I believe that we need something like a Christmas parade now more than ever,� said Jessica Kohn, downtown coordinator for the Auburn Downtown

Merchants Association. “This year has been a roller coaster and so many events and traditions that we look forward to have been canceled. The Christmas parade brings joy to people of all ages and it would be a great way to end this crazy year.

An ending that we all could use.�

Families will be asked to stand with their own groups along

the parade route, rather than all grouped together at Toomer’s Corner, Kohn said. “All traditions are special, especially holiday traditions,� Kohn said. “Our community members look forward to this every year. It is a great way for us to come together and celebrate the holiday season.�

Everyone will be asked to wear a mask

and so will Santa, Kohn said.

Speaking of Santa, normally Santa On the Corner takes place each year before the parade, but this year, unfortunately, children won’t be able to sit on Santa’s lap.

Wish lists will need to be given to Santa from six feet away, and although pictures will still be allowed, they will be non-contact.

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A4 December 2, 2020

For unto us a child is born, so let’s do Christmas right

W

hen my children were young, one of the joys of the Yuletide season was riding around town, looking at Christmas lights.

Some houses are lit up with more colors than Jacob’s coat.

Yards were full of decorations – Santa and Frosty and Rudolph, with his nose so bright.

And if you went inside, I bet you would find a lopsided loblolly, hung with lights that didn’t match, festooned with homemade ornaments, and topped off with a star created from aluminum foil, double strength. No presents under the tree because everyone knew that Santa would bring them when the children were nestled

all snug in their beds.

Other houses are more simply decorated. A floodlight illuminating the big wreath on the front door, maybe some smaller wreaths on the windows, a few red bows and that’s it.

Inside you would find a perfectly-trimmed tree with perfectly-arranged ornaments interspersed among perfectly-spaced white lights around which are displayed perfectly-wrapped presents.

When I was younger, I thought this difference had something to do with an economic gap between the affluent and the not so.

It seemed to me that smaller houses had brighter lights because poor folks wanted to

By Hardy Jackson add a bit of color to what was otherwise a drab life.

Rich folks didn’t.

Today, I believe it is because folks who live in the bright-lit houses have children.

I don’t mean those Southern Living children, the ones in the magazine pictures of yuletide parties. Girls in little red dresses

with lots of lace. Boys in khaki slacks, navy blazer and white turtleneck. Children who look as relentlessly cute as everything else in the picture looks relentlessly tasteful.

Not those.

I mean children who think good taste has something to do with chicken fingers, children for whom neat and orderly are alien concepts.

Children make the difference.

The house can be at the end of a dirt road or in the heart of an affluent suburb; if there are children there will be lights and Santas and maybe even a manger scene with the baby Jesus, who I bet would have wanted a string of lights in the

stable if He had been old enough to have had a say in the matter.

That is how Christmas is done until the children grow up and go away.

Then Mother and Father bring out the tasteful wreath, the tasteful tree, with the tasteful lights and the tasteful packages, and for a few years live quietly, and a little sadly, wondering what their children are doing.

Meanwhile their children, who are now parents, are putting up lights to please their children and (they think) looking forward to the day when all they will need is a wreath and a tree like Grandma and Grandpa have.

Only, as soon as grandchildren come into the world, Grandma and Grandpa put away the tasteful and bring out the trashy – mechanical Santas, inflatable Frosty, Rudolph and the rest.

They light up the neighborhood and leave a carbon footprint that would make a power company proud.

And they do it for the children.

As well they should.

Merry Christmas.

Harvey H. (Hardy) Jackson is retired Eminent Scholar in History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@gmail.com.

A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices…

I

have loved this line from ‘Oh Holy Night’ for so long.

In fact, I enjoy it so much, I used it as the greeting on our family Christmas card a few years ago.

My wild and dreamy mind quickly pictures “the thrill of hope” as something exciting and sparkly. And to see a “weary world rejoicing”, well wouldn’t that just be lovely?

Some of us today have a steady feeling of hope and encouragement and at the same time, some of us simply do not. Whatever the circumstances, a weary world exists right alongside a hopeful one. And whichever

Y

esterday I received several emails after I mentioned my guardian angel, Bud, in a recent column. One of the emails read: “Are you joking about your angel, or are you for real?” Another read: “Tell us about Bud!” And yet another urgent email read: “Cure male pattern baldness in 30 days! GUARANTEED!” So let me set the record straight. Yes. I have a guardian angel, and yes, his name is Bud. I never intended to talk about him publicly. But I will tell you about him.

It all started with my granny, who was an extremely bossy woman.

And I mean very bossy.

EVERYONE obeyed my granny. And I mean everyone. That’s just how she was.

When she wanted a 14-metric-ton birdbath moved, it was moved.

When she told you to take your shoes off the coffee table, you did. When she told my retired grandfather to

direction you fall, it can change in a blink.

I am seeing a little bit more weariness this season than usual, or perhaps I’m seeing it more clearly. I know more people personally this year that have seen pain and suffering in a way they never imagined. I also know that even the most faithful of people, can still feel hopeless.

I have learned that what gets us through the weariness is the hope and confidence of others. It’s having someone show up on our behalf. We can feel completely hopeless, but when another person offers their “thrill of hope” we are

able to cling to what we have lost. And even if it only lasts a day or even a few hours, it is still something to hold onto.

A thrill of hope offered to someone, could be the one, tiny glimmer that keeps them moving forward.

It’s the sharing and giving of what one person has and passing it on to hold up another.

It goes like this: “Hi! I’m Karen, I have a basket full of hope!

Would you like to have some hope too?”

Who can say no to that?

Last night, I took a simple pot of soup to a woman I know

By Bradley Robertson who is going down a road she never asked for or imagined. It wasn’t much but it was sincere. I cannot take away her pain or

burden, but I can serve up a glimmer of hope.

Hope in the form of soup. Just showing up.

If today you are feeling filled with hope, please find someone to pass it along to. Find a way to package up that HOPE and share it with someone who needs it. The weary are all around us, and if we don’t show up for them, then who will?

And if you are someone who needs hope today, please reach out to someone you trust and let them know. Speak your weary into words. For I guarantee, someone is there to HOPE you forward.

BONUS: I got you a RECIPE! If you are wanting to serve up some soup as your HOPE to another, this is easy and delicious. OR, serve it up for your family, they can always use a little hopeful soup too!

Easy Vegetable Soup: 1-2 lbs ground beef 1 onion diced 1 pkg frozen soup veggies 64 oz (2qts) Original V8 juice Brown meat in large stove pot. Add in diced onion. Let simmer 15 minutes. Add in all V8 juice and frozen veggies. Simmer 20 to 30 minutes. Add salt to taste. Serve or Share!

starkly discovered that angels were no joke.

This happened when I was driving on I-65 near Georgiana, Alabama, cruising 70 miles per hour. It was sunny.

The radio played.

A Chevy rammed me from behind. The driver was asleep behind the wheel and lost control.

The impact sent my truck fishtailing into the opposite lane. Soon I was speeding toward an oncoming tractor trailer.

There was nothing I could do. I closed my eyes. I screamed. I did not expect to survive.

But there was no impact.

What happened next has never been totally clear to me. All I know is that I awoke in a mangled vehicle, virtually unharmed.

I crawled out of the wreckage, blood seeping from my brow, in such a state of shock that I couldn’t even tell the paramedics my name. When the officer glanced at my totaled vehicle, he said, “Man, somebody’s looking out for you.”

That’s when I started thinking, hey, this angel business is no laughing matter.

A few years later, my wife and I were asleep in our 28-foot trailer home. It was 1:30 a.m. when I felt a warm hand jostle me awake. I ignored the nudge and rolled over. It happened again.

“Quit!” I mumbled.

“Sean,” I thought I heard a voice say.

I thought my wife was messing with me.

But when I opened my eyes she was snoring.

I immediately freaked out. I thought a serial killer must have broken into our home and was going to hack us into human Chex Mix with an axe. Who else could’ve been touching me and saying my name?

I leapt out of bed on red alert. That’s when I smelled rotten eggs and realized that I was dizzy for some reason. I staggered into the kitchen to find that our oven had a gas leak. Our entire place was filled with

My Angel Bud quit loafing around the house, he found a parttime job faster than you could say George Beverly Shea.

My grandmother died on a sunny day, attached to a ventilator.

The commanding fourfoot-eleven woman with the lazy eye was only 69 when she entered Glory. Cancer is a vicious killer. The Winston filter-tips didn’t help, either.

My mother left the funeral service without speaking. She drove straight across town to my granny’s vacant single-wide trailer. She started cleaning furiously to keep herself from crying. In a few moments she was scrubbing baseboards and beating rugs, but it didn’t work. Tears dripped from her chin.

The mobile home was filled with faded Bibles, religious leaflets, mounding ashtrays and embroidered scripture wall-hangings.

One of these hangings read: “Angels shall bear thee up in thy hands

By Sean Dietrich lest thou dash thy foot against a stone…”

A few days later, my mother was holding that embroidered piece when she told me she was going to give me a gift. She made me sit still and explained that she was giving me a guardian angel.

My first question was who was going to feed it and take the angel for walks. Mama said it didn’t work that way and that heavenly beings walked themselves and didn’t need to potty like Labradors.

Then we bowed our heads, and I could hear my mother praying and crying. When it was over, she blew her

nose loudly. And even though I was a toddler, I held her close.

Since then I’ve had an angel who I can’t get rid of. He’s invisible and he tags along everywhere. I named him “Bud” when I was 13 because I was trying to be clever. And the name stuck.

Throughout most of my life, however, Bud was more of a running joke than anything. I would talk about him in various beer joints, and occasionally order him adult beverages for cheap laughs. People got a kick out of this, although it was never anything serious.

But in my late 20s I

See DIETRICH, page A5

A5 December 2, 2020

It’s time for year-end tax planning Contributed by Justin Smith, CPA With 2020 nearly over, it is time to prepare for filing your taxes and consider several items to prepare for the upcoming filing season. April 15, 2021, is the filing deadline next year. It can be extended through Oct. 15, but extending your filing deadline does not extend your payment deadline.

There is great uncertainty regarding the possibility of changes to the tax laws for 2021 and beyond resulting from the recent election, but it looks right now as though any major changes would not take place until 2022 at the earliest.

With that in mind, there are several time-honored tax planning strategies to consider.

First, employees should review their fed-

eral and state tax withholdings to ensure they are having the correct amount of tax withheld.

While large refunds can be very exciting, improper withholdings can lead to large tax bills and sticker shock at filing time.

Second, consider deferring bonuses and other income into 2021 if possible. The additional income this year may push you into a higher tax bracket and increase your tax bill.

Also, the IRS adjusts tax brackets slightly upward each year to account for inflation so you can earn more money next year at lower tax rates. If you’ve had a good year financially, pushing off any bonuses or other income will defer your tax for a year and will also give you the opportunity to keep some of that money in lower tax brackets.

Many taxpayers have experienced furloughs, layoffs or other reductions income resulting from COVID-19. It may be difficult to delay income opportunities in this case, especially if you are considering withdrawing from a retirement account to help shore up your finances.

I wrote recently regarding relaxed rules and reduced penalties on early retirement withdrawals through year-end due to COVID-19, so you may need to review the recent changes if they apply to you.

Next, accelerate deductions if you plan to itemize this year.

Typical deductions will include medical expenses, mortgage interest, charitable contributions (make sure they are legitimate organizations) and state & local taxes capped at $10,000 (including property

taxes and automobile ad valorem taxes). The first $300 of charitable contributions this year are deductible even if you take the standard deduction this year, thanks to the CARES Act. Make sure to obtain receipts and statements for your deductions to help ensure you take advantage of them.

If you cannot itemize, the standard deduction for 2020 is $24,400 for married taxpayers, $18,650 for heads of household and $12,400 for single filers. Those numbers are increasing to $25,100 (married), $12,550 (head of household) and $18,800 (single) for 2021.

Additionally, retirees may wish to contribute any remaining Required Minimum Distributions (RMDs) from their retirement accounts directly to charity. This

avoids claiming the income while simultaneously taking advantage of tax benefits for charitable deductions.

You may also increase contributions to your retirement account such as an Individual Retirement Account with a $6,000 limit (plus another $1,000 if you are over 50) or 401(k) or 403(b) through your employer with a $19,500 limit (plus another $6,500 if you are over 50) to boost your savings and reduce your taxable income.

Consider prepaying college tuition if you are eligible to take advantage of benefits such as the American Opportunity Credit or the Lifetime Learning Credit.

You may also wish to sell stock investments that have realized significant losses,

especially if you have capital gains that you’d like to shelter from tax.

While federal tax law limits capital losses to $3,000 per year for married filers ($1,500 for singles), they can be carried forward to future years or used to offset gains. Alabama does not limit such losses, so that is an added benefit.

Reach out to a tax professional with questions or concerns regarding specific questions, and keep in mind that nearly everyone’s situation is unique, so what works for some taxpayers may not work for others.

Justin Smith is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting.

He can be contacted at 334-400-9234 or Justin@JSmithCPA.net.

His Web site is www. jsmithcpa.net.

Martha’s Trouble schedules annual holiday concert Contributed by SkyMediaOnline Alabama-based husband-and-wife folk/ rock duo Martha’s Trouble (aka Rob and Jen Slocumb) will be celebrating in December via their annual holiday concert over two nights; fans can join them in-person in a “COVID bubble” setting or online via livestream. Dubbed “A Martha's Trouble Christmas,” the shows are scheduled for Dec. 12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. central time at their studio, The Sound Wall, in Opelika, Alabama Tickets are available at www.eventbrite. com/e/a-marthastrouble-christmasdec-12-13-2020-tickets-129748867355 For those interested in attending in person, a “COVID bubble purchase” of 12 tickets for $300 is available each night; one person must buy all of the tickets for that night and invite only people from within their COVID bubble who they feel comfortable being in the same room with to fill the 12 seats, offering a very special in-person holiday concert experience for a small group of family or friends.

For in-person atten-

DIETRICH >> FROM A4

carbon monoxide.

I started shouting. My wife and I stumbled out of the home wearing only our skivvies. And I’m lucky to be alive and writing this now.

So yes, I believe in guardian angels. And it’s ironic because during the holidays everyone talks about angels a lot. We sing

Photo by Jesi Godwin dance, Martha’s Trouble and The Sound Wall ask attendees to hand wash upon arrival and ask for attendee honesty and self-responsibility – anyone not feeling well or who has had recent exposure to someone with COVID should not attend. Masks are required to enter.

(Individual in-person tickets are not available.) For those who wish to enjoy the concert from the comfort of their own homes, Martha’s Trouble is also offering livestream tickets for $20 for each show, and unique viewing instructions will be sent

to all ticket purchasers. For both shows, Martha’s Trouble will share stories and perform a selection of Christmas favorites with their own folk-centric flavor in this intimate setting.

These Christmas shows are so special to us," Rob and Jen said. "They are truly our favorite shows we do, and we look forward to it all year.

We usually have our two kids, Wilson and Emery, join us for a couple of songs and so that's become part of the tradition.”

Martha’s Trouble, called “a hidden gem”

by Billboard Mag-

about them, dangle them from Christmas trees and they’re even on the Hallmark Channel for crying out loud.

But few actually believe in them. And when the season ends angels are usually forgotten.

But that’s okay, Bud assures me. He says angels don’t do it for publicity. Although sometimes I wonder why they do it. In how many instances could

my life have been extinguished, but wasn’t?

How many times have I almost been ruined, but was spared? Why do unseen protectors watch over humans when they could be doing anything else?

But then I remember why Bud does these things.

Because of a short bossy woman Up There who loves me very much.

azine, is known for its signature sound of folk and Americana, which has been praised by some of the most influential and well-respected music critics of our time.

Martha’s Trouble has been listed and featured in the aforementioned Billboard Magazine and USA Today, AOL Music, SiriusXM Satellite Radio and Performing Songwriter. The band’s songs have received awards and have been featured in the show “Army Wives” and madefor-TV movies on Lifetime and CBS. The duo’s band name

comes from a Bible story about Martha and Mary, one that they say is a reminder to stop and smell the roses and to keep an eye on the bigger picture and the important things in life.

In late 2015, Martha’s Trouble made some additions to their holiday repertoire with two digital singles, “River” and “White Christmas,” which followed on the success of two independent holiday albums, Christmas Lights (2002) and This Christmas (2008). Prior to that, they also released: Jen Coates’ Seed

Sessions (2014), A Little Heart Like You (2012), Anchor Tattoo (2011), EP (2008), Forget October (2006), Still (2003), Sleeping Dogs (2002), and The Road Ahead (2000).

In 2016, Martha’s Trouble purchased a historical Victorian house, originally built in 1907, in downtown Opelika, Alabama, and they rehabbed the abode into a creative studio space over the course of a year, opening the doors to the public in March of 2017. Since that time, the studio has hosted recording sessions, a monthly supper club, special events, and acoustic concerts, and has been featured in Alabama Magazine.

Located at 605 Avenue B in Opelika, The Sound Wall entices artists from near and far who are seeking a small-town recording experience in a premiere space, and it has become very special addition to the already existing and expanding arts community in town. In 2019, it launched the first annual Opelika Songwriters Festival, drawing singer-songwriters and fans together for a weekend of music at a number of venues in town.

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A6 December 2, 2020

A Cut Above: Alabama Christmas Tree Farms Offer Holiday Fun Contributed by Marlee Moore As the calendar flips closer to Dec. 25, Christmas tree farms are providing fresh-cut evergreens and festive holiday experiences for families across Alabama.

“From the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee Valley, Alabama farmers grow, trim and prepare trees of all shapes and sizes,” said Hunter McBrayer, the Alabama Farmers Federation Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Division director.

“Growing a tree is a years-long endeavor.

When a family visits a farm to pick out their perfect tree, they’re taking home a labor of love.”

FOUNDATION >> FROM A3

selected in 2019 were: Twin Cedars Child Advocacy Center of Opelika, Baby Steps in Auburn, First Readers of Tallapoosa County and the Curtis House in Opelika.

The goal of the Community Foundation is to encourage generous donors within East Alabama to establish donor-advised

Most Christmas tree farms open the Friday following Thanksgiving and close Christmas Eve. These farms don’t just offer trees; it’s about the experience, McBrayer said. From hot chocolate to train rides and wreath-making stations to visits from Santa, festivities encourage families to make the season merry and bright.

Tree Choice And Care When it’s time to pick the perfect tree, McBrayer offers these tips: • Measure first.

- Measure height and width of the space where you plan to display the tree. Account for

funds to help create a grant review process that distributes grants several times a year.

“I want to build the program to create a seamless process between establishing a fund for any need you want to support in the community, and connecting those donors to non-profits that help support or service that need,” Rauch said.

The deadline to apply for a mini-grant

extra height from the tree stand and topper.

Choose a tree with an appealing shape that fits your space.

Look for space between branches.

- For ornaments to hang straight, you’ll want a tree with some space between the branches.

If buying a fresh-cut or harvested tree, look for dark-green needles and flexible branches.

- Needles should be flexible, adhere to the branch and not fall off in your hand.

Make a fresh oneinch cut in the tree trunk before mounting on the stand.

• Get the tree into water as soon as possible.

- Heat in a home can dry a tree out, but freshly cut trees that are well-hydrated and kept out of harsh sunlight or drafts can last up to a month.

• Check the water level daily.

- For the first few days, check the level every couple of hours. After about a week, water intake will slow down, and daily refills should be fine.

• When Christmas is over, don’t trash the tree!

- Turn it into mulch, repurpose it as an animal habitat

Alabama Christmas Tree Farms Searching for a Christmas tree farm near you?

Check out this list, compiled by the Alabama Farmers Federation!

• Parker Acres Farm Bay Minette • Moody Farms - Oneonta • Heart of Dixie Farm - Henager • Gilbert christmas Tree Farm - Lanett • Old Dairy Christmas Tree Farm - Gadsden • Pine Hills Farms Birmingham • Shell’s Chrismas Tree Farm - Tuscumbia • Sokoll’s Christmas Tree Farm - Florence • Wadsworth Christ-

through the Community Foundation of East Alabama is midnight on Dec. 31, 2020.

Awarded funding will be available to the selected non-profits

by Jan. 30, 2021, and the funds must be used by Oct. 31, 2021.

To apply visit www. cfeastalabama.org, or email at CFEAGiving@gmail.com.

The Community Foundation of East Alabama was incorporated in 2007 as a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

As a local center for philanthropy, the Community Foundation works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and nonprofit organizations to help them carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging

community issues.

Donors to the Community Foundation also benefit from the Foundation’s combined assets which greatly reduce investment and administrative fees. Our five-county region includes Lee, Chambers, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa Counties.

Our Community Foundation is administered by a governing body of

• •

•

•

About the Community Foundation of East Alabama

or replant living Christmas trees.

• • • • • • • • • • •

mas Tree Farm Wetumpka Wilderwood Farms Ralph Clear Creek Christmas Tree Farm Jasper Risner Christmas Tree Farm - Citronelle Springfield Christmas Tree Farm - Boaz Back To Christmas Tree Farm - Madison Trim-A-Tree Farm Athens Home Town Christmas Tree Farm Sulligent Fish River Trees Summerdale Neely Farms - Thorsby Beavers Christmas Tree Farm - Trafford Frazier Chrismas Tree Farm - Albertville

East Alabama citizens committed to building a vibrant community foundation. Through the generosity of people in East Alabama, our community foundation will continue to grow. Through grant making, we look forward to a brighter future by giving back to the place we call home. Visit www. cfeastalabama.org for additional information.

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS Dec. 1-31 - Christmas in Camelot Dec. 4 - Story time with Mrs. Claus at the Auburn-Opelika Marriott Dec. 5 - Snow Much Fun Christmas Extravaganza Dec. 6 - Auburn Christmas Parade

Martha Hicks remembers catering career, shares favorite recipes ANN CIPPERLY

Southern

Hospitality

F

ormer Opelika caterer Martha Hicks was known for scrumptious dishes elegantly presented for a variety of occasions from dinner parties to events with hundreds of guests. Her talents were known beyond Lee County, as she was the personal caterer for Carolyn and Red Blount of Montgomery, among other out-oftown clients. Martha retired from catering a year and half ago.

Martha grew up in a rural area in Forest Home at The Oaks, located south of Montgomery. The Oaks, an 1850 home, was given to her great-grandfather, who was a doctor, so he could practice medicine in the small town.

The Oaks was

passed down to her grandmother, who always had a bountiful garden. Martha spent a great deal of time with her grandmother and great aunts, who were wonderful cooks.

Growing up, her parents had a kitchen in a wing of the house.

Martha was involved in 4-H and received many ribbons for her yeast rolls and cookies.

After she graduated from Auburn University and married Lev, she continued her love of cooking. She began selling yeast rolls, and soon friends asked her to cook for their parties.

“When I started Southern Hospitality in 1980,” said Martha, “I didn’t imagine that it would continue for

almost 40 years. In 1984, Lev and I added a commercial kitchen onto our home. Lev and my Daddy rescued the heart pine for the floor from a house in Butler County. They installed the floor with square nails. After many moppings, it has a warm patina and is a treasured memory.”

Windows and French doors provided plenty of light in the kitchen. Some of the equipment was new, while some was used but found in good condition. Martha still uses her commercial kitchen instead of her home kitchen for food preparation.

“I am too acquainted with the spaciousness,” she said, “and the ample stainless steel counter tops and

Photo special to the Observer Martha Hicks, left, is pictured with her sister Janie, who was her first helper in the Southern Hospitality catering business. Together they worked on wonderful soirées, personally and professionally. Janie passed away over two years ago. Martha retired a year and a half ago. She is looking back over memories of her career.

the oversized butcher block-topped island to use the smaller home kitchen. In my mind’s eye, I can still see the

island surrounded by, sometimes, five industrious cooks getting ready for a weekend of work.”

Martha and her sister, Janie, were the two first employees.

See CIPPERLY, page A10

John Emerald Distilling in top three for Small Business of the Year

Auburn in gingerbread

Contributed by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce

hlester@opelikaobserver.com

Nominated by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce, John Emerald Distilling Company was chosen as one the three finalists to win the Small Business of the Year within the 1-10 employee categoSee EMERALD, page A12

By Hannah Lester A tantalizing amount of gingerbread is set up in the Auburn Hotel each year, but it isn’t for eating. Rather, it creates a model of Auburn’s campus and city.

The Gingerbread Village is an annual tradition that the Auburn Hotel works on for months leading up to Christmas.

Each department of the

hotel takes a building to create from gingerbread, and when they’re all put together — they replicate Auburn. Buildings include Samford Hall, Toomer’s Corner, Storybook Farms and more.

The departments have creative authority over the building to design how they see fit, and assignments change from year to year, said Todd Scholl, director of sales and marketing.

“As people can break away from their workday, you take a little half-hour break, ‘I need to go take a walk, I’m going to go work on the Gingerbread Village,’” Scholl said. “So everyone takes a turn. And a lot of people come in after their off-shifts sometimes because they just want to focus on it.”

The basic structure under the gingerbread See GINGERBREAD, page A12

A8

Merry Christmas Expressions Design Gallery SECOND SATURDAY

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334-787-9900 EXPRESSIONSDESIGNGALLERY.COM

A9 December 2, 2020

A10 December 2, 2020

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A7

“We did wonderful soirées, personally and professionally,” said Martha. “She was extremely artistic and indefatigable.” Janie passed away over two years ago.

Lev joined the business after 1984.

Southern Hospitality became a partnership with each of them having different strengths that complemented each other.

“Lev was an excellent cook and tireless,” remembered Martha. “We had always liked entertaining, now it was our livelihood.

“The tipping point for our catering business came at an event for Jim Wilson and Huntington College in Montgomery at the huge shed at the train station. There were to be innumerable events under that shed in the years to come. Carolyn Blount asked who the caterer was, and I had the pleasure of meeting her.

“The Blounts hired me to do the events in their home for the weekend of the grand opening for the Alabama Shakespeare Festival,” said Martha. “This began a life-changing collaboration between Red and Carolyn Blount and Southern Hospitality. They were gracious, generous and a window into a much broader world.”

Martha worked for the Blounts until both of their deaths. “We had the privilege of being a part of the 50th Anniversary of Blount Incorporated at the Montgomery Convention Center.

The dessert was custom-made chocolate globes on chocolate stands filled with a vanilla mousse. They were challenging to assemble, to say the least.”

Southern Hospitality helped entertain the crew of the Alabama Shakespeare Festival for years in their backyard.

“There was dancing, softball games and general merriment,” remembered Martha.

“A treasured memory of mine was watching our son, Warren, playing softball with Red Blount.

“We spent every Fourth of July with Red and Carolyn at Lake Martin. We prepared a family lunch for 30 people.

Lev and a larger crew brought the food for a reception for 200 to 300 guests, which was served during the spectacular firework display. One year, I talked Lev into making multiple freezers of homemade ice cream, one year and one year only!”

After the conservatory was added to the Blounts’ home, Martha and Lev prepared numerous feasts for seated dinners and elaborate cocktail parties in the kitchen that they helped design under the conservatory.

“I was privileged to say my goodbyes to Red and Carolyn by being a part of their funeral receptions,” Martha stated. “They are buried on the grounds of their gracious estate by the English chapel that Red gave to Carolyn as a gift, just as he gave the Alabama Shakespeare Festival in honor of

her. How magical it was to be a part of their entertainment. I am forever grateful.”

Several of their most loved specialties were prepared by Polly Hugley, who worked with them part-time for over 30 years and worked for Auburn for over 40 years.

“She is the Princess Polly of the famous cheese biscuits stuffed with ham and savory sauce,” said Martha.

“Polly also makes the best pastry for pies that I have ever eaten.

“Polly introduced us to her sister, Barbara Menefee, who ran the cafe for four years for us at the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art. She had an assortment of college students work with her. It was never dull. Barbara and I said that we were going to write a book about the lunacy that occurred around the back and forth to the cafe.

“Barbara was a fantastic cook. Her dressing was delicious. She could fry chicken perfectly. She was also a master with grilled meats. Barbara passed away in May 2017. She is greatly missed.”

Through Polly, Martha met Judy Baker, Polly’s daughter. Judy became a vital member of the Southern

Hospitality team. Her skills covered many facets of food preparation and the orchestration of events. Judy and Martha were the last two employees of Southern Hospitality.

Her specialties included Judy’s Famous Cookies, the secret meat marinade, sour cream pound cake and apple cake. Before the pandemic, Martha and Judy could eat lunch together as they had for over 22 years.

“I can’t begin to name all the college and high school students that worked at Southern Hospitality,” said Martha.

“So many of them I consider my dearest friends. We have stayed close. Anytime that I have needed assistance, there is always a Southern Hospitality alumni waiting in the wings.

“My clients taught me so much,” she added. “Their ideas made me stretch and learn. Two wedding clients hired me for all three of their daughters’ weddings.

Betsy and Joe Judkins had each of their daughter’s wedding at home. They were delightful to work with. My sister, Janie, helped Joe with landscaping for the wedding. It was a family affair.

“Susan and Earl Ballard had glorious receptions for their three daughters at Trinity Methodist Church. It was such a pleasure to get to know their lovely girls and help celebrate their marriages.

“I wish that I could personally thank each client that entrusted me with their event. I loved what I did.”

Since retiring, Martha still enjoys cooking and spending time with her grown children, Warren and Laural and her grandchildren.

Both Laural and Warren worked for the family business. “Laural worked tirelessly from her high school years, college years and beyond,” said Martha. “She had to learn to adapt quickly as her parents would send her into challenging situations believing that she would perform admirably, and she always did.

Laural graduated from Vanderbilt, never left Nashville and works in Human Resources.

“Warren’s help was just as appreciated, but his participation

wasn’t as constant as Laural’s. He worked at the cafe in the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art. Our work made a difference in his life and steered him toward the New England Culinary Institute in Vermont. He moved to Germany, first as a glass blower and then onto Norway.

He now works in the mental health field but continues to blow glass. He still prepares delicious food for his family.”

In 1999, Lev passed away with AML. “Losing Lev, when he was only 49, was a dark time,” remembered Martha. “He and I worked together. We were married and the best of friends. We each had faith in the other’s abilities. We were fortunate. Southern Hospitality would have never been what it was if we hadn’t done it together. One is compelled not to feel sorry for a loss, only joy in the fact that you were given a great gift.”

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.

Farm City Day held at Lazenby Farms Photos and Story by Robert Noles, Photojournalist The Lee County Farm City Day celebration was a little different this year because of COVID-19. Instead of the annual Farm City Breakfast to kick off Farm City Week, the celebration was a

combined kick-off and annual banquet. The celebration was held outdoors at Lazenby Farms on Nov. 7, 2020 at noon. The event included music by the Tony Brooks & Friends and a meal.

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and Opelika City Council President Eddie Smith presented

the Farm City Proclamations.

Wendiam Sawadgo, PH.D, Extension Economist from Auburn University, was the keynote speaker.

Sawadgo spoke of the effects of COVID-19 on the agriculture industry including on pricing, supply and other effects to the end user.

National Farm City Week starts the Friday before Thanksgiving, and it recognizes the contributions farmers make to both rural and urban centers.

The Lee County Farm City Committee promotes a strong relationship between farm families and urban residents by providing pro-

grams and information to promote the appreciation of the agricultural

community. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/LeeCoun-

tyFarmCityCommittee or call 334-749-3353.

A11 December 2, 2020

RECIPES BRINED, ROASTED TURKEY BREAST With our smaller holiday guest lists, this turkey breast is a perfect option.

You may enjoy the flavor and ease of preparation so much that it will not be relegated to just holidays.

4 lb. turkey breast with skin-on and bonein Butter to rub the interior and exterior Brine: Four cups water ½ cup kosher salt 1/3 cup brown sugar Zest of one lemon Fresh rosemary sprigs Fresh thyme sprigs 2 garlic cloves, smashed 6 black pepper corns Bring half of the water to a boil. Add all the brining ingredients and steep for 15 minutes.

Add the remainder of the water. If you are in a hurry, add a few ice cubes to speed cooling.

Wash the turkey breast.

Place turkey breast in a large Ziplock bag. Add brine and seal. Place the bag in a bowl to prevent spills and refrigerate for four hours. Remove the breast from the brine, rinse thoroughly, then pat dry.

Roasting: Preheat oven to 450 F. Let breast sit out 30 minutes outside of the refrigerator to roast more evenly. Rub the breast all over with butter, being sure to get some under the skin, but not tearing the skin.

Place turkey in an open roasting pan on the rack. Place in the middle rack of the oven and roast 20 to 30 minutes or until golden. Reduce temperature to 350 F and cook for approximately an hour more.

Your instant read probe thermometer should read 155 degrees.

Let your beautifully roasted turkey breast sit for 15 minutes before slicing.

Enjoy with fresh, homemade cranberry sauce!

FRESH CRANBERRY SAUCE This can be prepared several days in advance.

It enhances pork tenderloin as well as roasted turkey. ½ cup fresh orange juice ½ cup water ¾ cup brown sugar, maybe a bit more to taste 12 oz. bag fresh cranberries Zest of orange, plus 2 tsp. ½ tsp. cinnamon ½ cup chopped pecans Bring first three ingredients to boil; add fresh cranberries.

Boil gently to thicken.

Most of the cranberries will pop.

Add orange zest, cinnamon and chopped pecans. Store in refrigerator.

TUSCAN PORK TENDERLOIN Laural and I attended a cooking school at Agriturismo Podere Cunina in Buonconvento, Italy. Chef Marcelo Freddi, the son of the owners, taught our inspirational class. We ate the delicious fruit of our labors after our class.

Laural and I have used this recipe for dinner parties. We had the pleasure of staying in the accommodations there. Visit their website. It is a pleasant virtual respite in this time of limited travel.

One medium pork tenderloin trimmed of fascia and excess fat Parmesan cheese, sliced from a wedge of cheese Prosciutto, five slices Fresh sage and rosemary Butter Slit pork to open it like a book. Beat pork with a meat mallet, but not too flat.

Top with prosciutto and cheese. Lightly salt. Tie with string.

Tuck stems of rosemary and sage into the tied string. Brown pork in butter on all sides.

I use a black skillet.

Finish in a 325 degree oven for approximately 25 to 30 minutes.

The pork can be stuffed in the morning, refrigerated covered, and brought out for your dinner party and cooked.

SALAD WITH AVOCADOS OR PEARS WITH LAURAL’S VERSATILE DRESSING This salad was a staple of my personal holiday entertaining and catering.

Baby greens or chopped romaine hearts Ripe avocados, sliced or can use sliced fresh pears Grapefruit sections (I buy the prepared sections.)

Chopped, sugared pecans Crumbled Maytag blue cheese or goat cheese Pomegranate arils In a salad bowl or individual salad places, arrange greens and top with other ingredients in order given.

Laural’s Versatile Vinaigrette Combine 6 Tbsp. red wine vinegar, 4 Tbsp., honey, and salt/ pepper. Gradually add 1 cup extra virgin olive oil.

This dressing will separate. Shake before using. It keeps at room temperature.

You may need to add honey, salt, and pepper according to taste.

The above dressing is delicious on tomatoes, cucumbers, fresh mozzarella and fresh basil.

RISOTTO This is an easy risotto from Deb Paquette of Etch in Nashville from Laural Hicks, with a few Martha Hicks' changes.

1 cup Arborio rice 2 ½ cups homemade or purchased chicken stock Olive oil Diced carrots, onion, red bell pepper, sliced mushrooms and diced zucchini or asparagus, cut on the diagonal Freshly grated Parmesan cheese Dried thyme to taste Dried chervil to taste Salt and pepper to taste Sauté vegetables in olive oil and set aside.

Coat rice with olive oil in a heavy bottomed saucepan. Cover with warm chicken stock, stir and let cook until stock is absorbed by rice. Continue to add stock, stir to mix but do not continue to stir.

When rice is cooked a la dente, add Parmesan cheese, seasoning, vegetables and salt and pepper to taste.

If you need to "hold" this risotto for a short while, do not add Parmesan cheese until ready to serve.

CREAMED SPINACH STUFFED TOMATOES Small Campari tomatoes White Cream Sauce* Pkg. fresh spinach ¼ cup sautéed chopped onions Salt and pepper to taste Dash of nutmeg White Cream Sauce: 2 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. flour 2 cups milk To make cream sauce, melt butter in saucepan; add flour and stir until thick.

Slowly add milk and stir until it boils and thickens. Set aside.

Wilt spinach in a small amount of water or butter; drain well. Add spinach and onions to cream sauce; season with salt, pepper and a dash of nutmeg.

Slice top from tomato (not the stemmed end). Scoop out tomato and fill with creamed spinach.

APPLE AND PECAN CAKE WITH GLAZE OR CARAMEL FROSTING Many of my recipes are connected to coworkers or clients.

The apple cake recipe belonged to Arlisha Johnson. It is the best apple cake that I have tried. Cover the cake with the Glaze or Caramel Frosting.

1 ½ cups oil 2 ½ cups sugar 3 cups plain flour 1 tsp. soda 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. cinnamon 3 chopped Gala apples 1 cup chopped pecans 3 eggs

1 Tbsp. vanilla 1/4 cup buttermilk Butter and flour Bundt pan. Mix oil and sugar. Add eggs, one at a time. Mix well. Sift together flour, salt, soda, and cinnamon.

Add to egg mixture.

Then add buttermilk and vanilla. Fold in apple and pecans.

Bake 325 degrees for about 50 minutes to 1 hour. When cool, cover with the Glaze or Caramel Frosting.

Glaze: 1 cup brown sugar ½ stick butter 1 tsp. vanilla 1/4 cup half and half Combine the above.

Heat, stirring constantly with a whisk until bubbling and thickened.

The glaze needs to be thick enough to remain on the cake but thin enough to pour.

Caramel Frosting: 1 cup brown sugar 1 stick butter 1 tsp. vanilla ½ cup half and half 1 box confectioners’ sugar Bring to a boil, stirring constantly the brown sugar, half and half, and butter. Bubble gently, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Using mixer, gradually add the box of sifted confectioners’ sugar. Add enough half and half to pour glaze but not be too runny.

This is a staple that I have never grown tired of using.

MY FAVORITE DARK CHOCOLATE TRUFFLES Delicious to enjoy and as well as gift! I use small decorative paper or aluminum cups to serve them. After trying a variety of truffle recipes, this one is delicious and foolproof.

1/3 cup heavy cream 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 1 ¾ cups Ghirardelli 60% Bittersweet Chocolate Chips 1/3 cup Ghirardelli Unsweetened Cocoa In a small saucepan, bring cream to a boil. Add butter and stir until melted. Add chocolate chips. Stir gently until completely melted and smooth.

Remove from heat and pour into a shallow bowl.

Cool, cover, and refrigerate the fixture until firm, at least two hours.

Using a melon baller or small spoon, roll the mixture into one inch balls. Roll each ball in cocoa. Refrigerate up to a month.

MRS. WILKINS HOT CHICKEN SALAD This salad was prepared for Stanley Sistrunk and me by a dear friend in Atlanta.

Paired with asparagus spears, it makes a delicious luncheon or dinner.

2 cups diced, cooked chicken

2 Tbsp. finely diced onion ½ cup chopped pecans 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 cup mayonnaise ½ tsp. salt 1 can sliced water chestnuts I like to add ½ cup sautéed celery. ½ cup grated sharp cheddar 1 cup crushed potato chips Combine all ingredients except cheese and chips. Bake at 375 until hot, which will not take long.

Top with cheese and then chips. Heat until cheese melts.

NASHVILLE'S FOOD COMPANY'S HOT CHICKEN DIP WITH PITA CHIPS 1 whole cooked chicken breast [I like to buy a roasted chicken and use the breast.]

1 lb. (two 8 oz. pkg.) softened cream cheese [It may require a bit more cream cheese to make it easier to dip.]

1/2 cup mayonnaise Curry powder to taste 1 to 1 1/2 cups chopped pecans 1/2 cup chopped green onions Combine above ingredients. Make sure that it is easy to dip. Bake at 350 degrees until mixtures bubbles around the edges. Serve with pita chips.

FRIED WONTONS WITH SALMON MOUSSE AND CAPERS Wontons: Cut wontons into fourths.

Heat about one-inch of oil to 350. Fry on each side for 15 to 20 seconds. Drain and sprinkle with sea salt.

Smoked Salmon Mousse: 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 4 oz. smoked salmon 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 Tbsp. minced dill 1 tsp. horseradish Capers Combine above ingredients except capers in a food processor.

The mousse and wontons can be prepared several days in advance. Store the mousse in the refrigerator, and let it come to room temperature or it will be too firm to press through a bag with a decorator tip.

When ready to serves, pipe the mousse in a decorative rosette on the wonton and garnish with a caper or two.

MUSHROOM CROUSTADES The toast cups will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for a couple of weeks. The toast cups are also good to fill with chicken salad or

pimento cheese, as well as to serve with dips.

Toast Cups: Slices of white loaf bread (such as Pepperidge Farm) Butter, melted Lightly flatten slices of loaf bread; cut in 3-inch rounds. Mash the rounds, gently, into small muffin tins. Brush with melted butter.

Bake at 275 until lightly browned and crisp.

Mushroom Filling: The filling can be made two days in advanced or frozen for up to a month.

1/2 lb. mushrooms, finely chopped 4 Tbsp. chopped green onions 3 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. flour 1 cup heavy cream ½ tsp. lemon juice Salt to taste Tiny dash of cayenne pepper, optional Sauté mushrooms and green onions in butter.

Sprinkle flour over them and add cream. Stir and cook until thickened.

Remove from heat add lemon juice, salt and a tiny amount of cayenne pepper to taste, if desired.

Fill the toast cups with mushroom mixture and sprinkle Parmesan cheese and fresh chives on top. Bake at 350 approximately 10 minutes.

Makes 24.

OLD-FASHIONED TOASTED PECANS Heat oven to 250.

Toast pecans with a small amount of butter and salt, stirring often, until fragrant and lightly browned.

Prissy Pecans 2 cups pecan halves 5 Tbsp. butter 3 Tbsp. sugar 3 tsp. sherry 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/2 tsp. cinnamon 2 cups pecan halves Salt Melt butter and combine with other ingredients. Combine with pecans. Salt to taste.

Roast at 275 until most of butter is absorbed and the pecans are fragrant.

Let pecans sit on a brown paper sack to soak up excess butter.

ROSEMARY WALNUTS 6 Tbsp. butter 1 Tbsp. fresh or dried rosemary, chopped 1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper 4 cups walnut halves Melt butter and seasoning together. Toss with walnuts. Bake at 275 degrees until brown.

BLACK SKILLET OLIVES You can serve these from your kitchen island, with toothpicks, as a snack for your guests while you finish preparing dinner. The aroma of rosemary is heavenly!

Drain an assortment of olives that have pits.

Heat extra virgin olive oil, about 1/4 inch, in a black skillet. Add fresh, chopped rosemary and sauté. Add olives and heat through.

A12 December 2, 2020

Backpack International holds Holiday Drive Thru Contributed by Backpack International

Contributed to the Opelika Observer

Backpack International had a very successful kickoff to the Holiday edition of its Drive Thru Meal Program.

Despite the pouring rain, there was a huge turnout. There were between 40-50 cars that day. People arrived as early as 3 p.m., even though the organization didn't start serving until 4 p.m.

Since Auburn University is closed for the holiday, Backpack International was unable to obtain meals through Campus Kitchen.

That's when the organization reached out to small businesses to help it out. And they stepped up in a big way.

Within two weeks of us expressing need, Backpack International’s prayers were answered.

The generosity by the community and beyond was overwhelming.

Each week a different business will sponsor the meals. The meals will be prepared by Arif & Jennifer Kor of Greens & Beans, a local small business, who was also impacted by to COVID-19. It really is a beautiful project of all of us working together to make a difference in our community.

And these business are even planning to help Backpack Interna-

EMERALD

Sweet Homemade Alabama Holiday Art Show

>>

FROM A7

ry. The businesses were judged on leadership and community support, chamber involvement and business success.

Opelika Chamber President and CEO Ali Rauch said, “John Emerald quickly came to mind when we got this award application. The Chamber has hosted many events there over the years. Their generous arms are always open to the Chamber in support of everything we do. Their lovely venue is an excellent place for a Business After Hours, Legislative Reception, Twenty Under Forty get together and Christmas Party. They have donated numerous bottles of their famous whiskey, gin, vodka and others for our Opelika Gift Baskets. We are so fortunate to have them in our community and as a Chamber member.”

Honoring their forefathers by making the finest spirits available, John Emerald Distilling Company has proven their leadership both in their industry and in the community. They made the first legal whiskey distilled in Alabama since Prohibition. For over 100 years, whiskey poured from illegal stills in the woods of the South, but in 2015 John Emerald began distilling

Contributed by Backpack International

tional serve the community at its Drive Thru.

Many will don holiday apparel while giving out meals. There will be holiday-themed music playing and maybe even some carolers. Aubie might even make an appearance.

The following businesses should be applauded for their generosity: 1. Nov 25: Blacks in Nonprofits, Minnie's Food Pantry & National Nonprofit Minority Association 2. Dec 2: Women in Business 3. Dec 9: University Ace 4. Dec 16: Roots Real Estate 5. Dec 23: Travis Carswell Allstate 6. Dec 30: Prewett Pest 7. Jan 6: Moores Mill

Animal Hospital 8. Jan 13: Behind the Glass (Donna Young) Backpack International will be distributing meals every Wednesday from 4-5 p.m. at 555 Old Stage Road in Auburn. Meals will be given on a first come first served basis or until supplies last.

These are delicious and nutritious meals.

This week will have mac & cheese, chicken and homemade yeast rolls.

If anyone would like to contribute beverages and desserts, Backpack International would love to make it a complete meal.

Donations can be made on the organization’s website (www. backpackinternational. org.)

a distinctive whiskey that can truly be called Alabama Whiskey. The spirit is not bourbon; it’s not corn or scotch.

It is a distinctive style of whiskey distilled and bottled only in Alabama.

This award-winning Alabama Single Malt Whiskey is now waving the Alabama banner in several states: Alabama, Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, Illinois and New York.

The distillery always looks for the good in people and care deeply about the community. They look for opportunities to give back. A great example is the many charities they help by donating or providing event space. Since its inception in 2015, the distillery has engaged with the community through donations to local charities such as Storybook Farm, the Make-a-Wish Foundation, Children’s Harbor, Back the Badge Lee County, Food Bank of East Alabama, Auburn Hospitality and Flags For Vets. It also hosts various events for non-profits at no cost in their tasting room.

Whenever possible, John Emerald tries to use its resources and space to add value to the local community.

Before COVID-19, they offered Monday

Maker’s Day, where interested individuals could see the entire process of spirit production, which includes mashing, fermentation and distillation. Tours of their barrel storage room, warehouse, production area, bottling line and testing still were also available before the pandemic.

Tens of thousands of bottles are bottled each year. Many outside groups visit the distillery annually. Auburn Opelika Tourism has it listed as one of their main reasons to visit the Opelika area. They are hoping to get back to hosting the Monday Maker’s Day and tours soon.

Recently, John Emerald took on the task of creating hand sanitizer according to FDA guidelines. They offered it to hospitals, businesses and individuals. Many areas outside of the Opelika-Auburn area and out of state benefited from this endeavor. They told everyone it was a blessing to be able to create the much-needed PPE for the community.

John Emerald has been growing every year since its beginning.

The brand has expanded distribution to seven states, won over 10 international medals for excellence and been featured in numerous magazines.

The Art Haus will host the Sweet Homemade Alabama Holiday Art Show on Dec. 5 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Art Haus is located at 500 North Railroad Ave., in Opelika.

Join the fun and experience some great art, good food and a worthy cause. Find premium, unique gifts from local artists like jewelry, pottery, handforged knives, hand-

GINGERBREAD >> FROM A7

remains the same, Scholl said. In fact, the structures are made of wood and were created by students and a professor, Paul Holley, with the McWhorter School of Building Science.

Normally, the hotel holds an opening event following the Auburn Christmas Parade, but that will need to look a little different this year.

Instead, the village will open without a grand event, but it will still be open to the public for the holidays.

There will be socially-distanced markers on the floor to indicate six-foot distances. “So

Awards • Best in Category and Gold Medal 2018 American Distilling Institute for Elizabeth Vodka • 2018 New York International Spirits Awards: Silver Medal for Spurgeon's Aged Rum Bronze Medal for Hugh Wesley's Gin • 2019 San Francisco World Spirits Awards: Silver Medal for John's Alabama Single Malt Whiskey Bronze Medal for Hugh Wesley's Barrel Rested Gin • 2019 Proof Awards Las Vegas: Gold Medal for Gene's Spiced Rum Silver Medals for John's Alabama Single Malt, Hugh Wesley's Gin, Elizabeth Vodka and Spurgeon's Aged Rum

turned fountain pens, folk art, woven goods, paintings and candles.

Food vendors will also be available. A percentage of the profits will

be donated to Women's Hope Medical Clinic to help local families who are pregnant or have a young child. They can't wait to see you there.

you can still get a good look at it, get pictures of it but it keeps families separate,” Scholl said. The hotel will probably announce when the village opens on social media, School said, to encourage a softer opening.

“People, when they come here for dinner, they can go check it out,” he said. “You don’t have to make a special trip here. It’s open and it’s free.”

There will be a new addition this year to the village. “This year it’s exciting because we’re adding another new building,” Scholl said.

The last new addition was the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center. Now, the village will include The Ag

Heritage Park Pavilion or ‘The Red Barn.’

Additionally, within the next year or two, another new building will be added: the Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, which is currently under construction next to the hotel, Scholl said.

Internally, the departments hold a small contest each year to see which building is the best. The judging is completed through the Auburn Downtown Merchants Association, but guests will certainly have their own favorites.

Perhaps it will be the same as last year, or maybe the new addition to the village will take the cake (or gingerbread).

trak’s Onboard Magazine: “It’s Not Scotch – It’s American Single Malt” The New York Times: “36 Hours in Montgomery, AL” Esquire: Representing Alabama in “The Best Whiskeys in Every State Right Now Food Network: “The Emerald” featured in The Food Networks “50 States of Frozen Drinks” Southern Living: Winner of a 2016 Food Award in the Spirits Category Southern Living: The John Emerald Tasting Room listed as one of the Top 38 bars in the South Country Living Magazine – John’s Alabama Single Malt Whiskey featured as the No. 1 Christmas Gift for Men Alabama Living Magazine: “Brewing up Business” Alabama News Center: 2016 article about Southern Makers KRRB: Featured in “Made in American – More Handmade, Eco-friendly and Small Batch Goods from the South” Numerous features in local newspapers: Opelika-Auburn News & Opelika Observer

ly about the community.

They look for opportunities to give back.

A great example is the many charities they help with donations or providing event space.

And of course, the huge impact they made with making the sanitizing liquid. John and Jimmy truly want to make a difference in their community by doing their part in making Opelika a better place than when they first arrived. They are the type of people you want to hug – even in this crazy pandemic,” said Opelika Chamber Marketing and Communications Director Dinah Motley.

• •

•

•

•

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• Featured in Publications • Alabama Magazine: Special three-page feature: Crafting Spirits • USA Today: Representing Alabama in USA Today’s “50 States/50 Distilleries” • Wayfair: Representing Alabama in “Whiskey Your Way Through the USA Whiskey Guide • USA Today Eats: “Made in Alabama: Flavors only found in the Heart of Dixie” • The National: Am-

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•

“John and Jimmy always try to see the good in people and care deep-

About the Opelika Chamber of Commerce Founded in 1941, the Opelika Chamber has been serving the Opelika business community for over 75 years.

Under the leadership of Ali Rauch, the president and CEO, a staff of four work diligently to be the prominent, focal business organization supporting economic growth while sustaining a better quality of life for the community through multiple partnerships. The Opelika Chamber of Commerce promotes and fosters economic and business success, maximizes member investment, while enhancing the community.

A13 December 2, 2020

T

he word “wine” is used in the biblical witness to refer to fermented and unfermented drink. Numerous contemporaries of Jesus speak of good wine not possessing intoxicating qualities (Pliny, Plutarch, Horace, et al.). In fact, they describe in detail the measures taken to produce such a drink. There’s no reason then, other than cultural bias or biblical ignorance, for insisting that when the master of the banquet spoke of what Jesus made as “choice wine” or “the best” (John 2:10), it had to be intoxicating.

Also, there is a boatload of reasons for believing it wasn’t. (Are we to believe the sinless Christ produced 120 to 180 gallons more of intoxicating drink? All of this would be at odds with Proverbs 20:1, 23:29-35, 31:4-6, etc.).

Church Calendar • Church of Christ at Cunningham - meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

• St. Marys Catholic Church/ St. Michael’s Church SMCC is having Daily Mass on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. and on weekends they are distributing holy Communion on Sundays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Mass is also held on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Church over in Auburn. For more information people can call the office at 334-749-8359 or go to the parish website: stmarysopelika.org.

• Union Grove Baptist Church In-person gathering with social distancing. Masks are available.

Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m.

Services are streamed live on Facebook — the page is UGBChurch • First Baptist Church Opelika The following are held in-person and online on Sundays.

8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship and Message at The Worship Center 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Hour 11 a.m. Contemporary Service at The 3:16 Center 6 p.m. Evening Worship and Message at The Worship Center 6:30 p.m. Church on Chadwick at Chadwick Lane in Auburn To watch services online, go to fbcopelika.com/media

Water into Wine But that’s not what I want to talk about. The above is just something we need to get out of the way so we can move on to the real point of John 2: the power of Jesus to turn water into wine.

Moses turned the water into blood, but Christ turned it into something flavorful and delicious.

Water is necessary for life and we are encouraged by those in the know to drink plenty of it. But it wouldn’t be the drink of choice for a wedding. A wedding is a celebration of God’s creation purposes. It reminds us of His declaration that “It is not good for man to be alone,” His grace in making a counterpart for Adam, and the intimacy of her being made from the man himself.

From one, God made two, so that He might join the two back together as one.

All of that and more was in play when Christ and His

By Bruce Green Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

disciples participated in the joyous event at Cana.

As we step inside the story, you can feel the celebratory atmosphere. It’s a festive occasion and everyone is enjoying themselves as evidenced by the concern when the wine runs out—it has the potential to put a damper on everything. But Jesus stepped in and turned ordinary water into rich, flavorful wine. And yes, He helped a family avoid a social disaster. And yes,

He gave a young couple a wedding they would never forget. But the overarching truth we are to walk away with is that Jesus has the power to turn the ordinary into the exceptional. That’s why the miracle manifested His glory (v. 11).

If you think about it, that’s really what Jesus has done in our lives—He’s turned our water into wine.

He’s turned our alienation and estrangement into reconciliation, our emptiness into purpose, and our fear into faith. He’s taken our dry, thirsty lives and filled them with His Spirit. He has lavished His love upon us.

Paul says “we boast in the hope of the glory of God . . . and glory in our sufferings” (Romans 5:2-3). Yes, Jesus has most definitely turned our water into wine.

As disciples, we have to be careful we don’t turn the wine back into water.

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN

Well-intentioned though we might be, it’s true nonetheless true that we are sometimes responsible for taking the glorious wine that Jesus made and turning it back into tasteless water. It can happen when we act as if God’s commands are burdensome rather than blessings that allow us to “walk in freedom” (Psalm 119:45; 1 John 5:3). It can happen when we define ourselves by what we’re against rather than what we’re for. It can happen when we focus on something other than Jesus.

In short, it can happen when we lose sight of what we have through Jesus.

Let’s live like people who have had their water turned into wine by Jesus and be ready when invitations come our way.

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

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

"All things have been committed to me by my Father. No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

— Matthew 11:27-28

Church Directory APOSTOLIC HOLINESS 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 Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D 334-758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta 334-742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy 334-749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. 334-749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. 334-745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy 334-749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B 706-4421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. 334-444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave 334-742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. 334-745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd 334-745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. 334-745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. 334-745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. 334-742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr 334-749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. 334-887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika 314 S. 9th St. 334-745-6143

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 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 Church of Christ at First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E 334-741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. 334-703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue 334-742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. 334-749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. 334-363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-745-5340 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd 334-749-2773 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. 334-745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd 334-741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. 334-821-7238 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy 334-742-9721 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. 334-745-6015 CHURCH OF GOD

Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700

Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319

METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist

PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889

Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court 334-745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. 334-749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. 334-745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. 334-826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. 334-742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A 334-745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 334-745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 334-749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. 334-745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. 334-745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 334-7418675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. 334-749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. 334-749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-7495386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd 334-749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. 334-745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. 334- 749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad 334-749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd 334-749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd 334-7411006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy 334-741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 334-741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy 334-737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy 334-745-7770

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Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003

A14 December 2, 2020

OBITUARIES Margaret Lynch Melson Margaret was part of the Greatest Generation. She was born Feb. 17, 1920 to Lois and Jesse Linch near Salem, Alabama.

Despite some moving about the state due to her father's work she grew up in Opelika and planted firm roots, making a true hometown for generations to come. She considered her life "blessed" and she was right. She was an only child that was spoiled by her parents, her grandparents and then her husband. She had no siblings, but she had three very special first cousins who were like sisters to her.

She attended schools in Opelika and attended API (Auburn) until she met her soul mate and husband, John Melson to whom she was married to for 70 years. She followed Melson as he joined the Army and served his country in WWII. After the war and his return, they settled in Opelika to become a fixture of the community. Most of her work experience was in food services for schools, hospitals and church hostess at First Baptist Church. She was a consummate hostess, who loved to cook, serve and otherwise care for her family, friends and community.

After her working

years she enjoyed volunteering in her community and church. She played the piano for her Sunday School class for years and helped with the English classes at First Baptist. She was also involved with the Historical Society.

Her Tuesday bridge club that began during the war years and met for over 60 years was the center of her social activity until her health kept her from participating.

Margaret was proud of her family in Lee County. She cherished her marriage, her three girls and her family history in Lee County. Sheriff William "Buck" Jones was her grandfather and her father, Jesse Linch, was also Sheriff. She was always proud of her law enforcement heritage so much so that she had her own police scanner.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, John Melson, her daughter, Barbara Lavallet, and son-in-law Phil Lavallet. She is survived by daughter Sally Phillips, husband Jody, and Lela Lofton husband Robert, grandchildren Margaret Lavallet Moore (Lee), Kathryn Lavallet Tortorici (Sam), Dr. Elizabeth Phillips Rogers (Terry), John Melson Phillips, Jesse Lofton, eight great grandchildren and one great great grandchild.

She has been an inspirational matriarch in this family and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m., Nov. 27, at First Baptist Church, Opelika, burial followed in Rosemere Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: The John and Margaret Melson Memorial Scholarship Community Foundation of East Alabama PO Box 165, Opelika, Alabama 36803.

Mary Frances Moore Whatley Mary Frances Moore Whatley passed away on Nov. 28, 2020. She was born on Oct. 30, 1939 in Auburn, Alabama.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 55 years, Thomas Barry Whatley, Sr., and her parents Joseph Connie and Martha Ida Moore.

She is survived by her three children, Beth (Doug) Taylor, Ginger Whatley, Barry (Leigh) Whatley; her eight grandchildren Ryann (Bryan) Stone, Douglas (Kristin) Taylor, Sam Cowles, Josh Cowles, Mary Landon Whatley, Ellie Whatley, Thomas Whatley III and Wyatt Whatley; and her three great-grandchildren Charlotte Taylor,

Douglas Taylor, Mac Stone.

Mary Frances attended Auburn University and St. Margaret’s School of Nursing. Fran married the love of her life, Barry, in April, 1963.

She was a wonderful wife who was loved dearly by her children, grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. She was a great cook and entertainer and especially loved her time at “Sawtooth” with her family and friends.

There will be a family graveside service at Garden Hills Cemetery prior to the memorial service.

There was a Memorial Service on Nov. 29, 2020 at 2 p.m. at Trinity United Methodist Church with Reverend Earl Ballard officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to: Trinity United Methodist Church 800 2nd Avenue Opelika, AL 36801.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Judith “Judy” Brazell Mader Judith “Judy” Brazell Mader, 82, of Ocala, Florida, passed away peacefully in her home at Bridgewater Park on Nov. 27, 2020. She was born April 2, 1938, in her hometown of Opelika, Alabama.

She was the daughter of the late Elizabeth Stanfield Brazell and the late James Andrews Brazell. Judy

three children, Craig Kerr of Auburn; Lisa Greenway (Gary) of Greenville, South Carolina; and Candice

moved to Ocala, Florida in 1988 when she married Rev. Myron Mader. She and her husband are founding members of Trinity Lutheran Church.

Judy is a 1956 graduate of Clift High School. She graduated from the Sylacauga Hospital School of Nursing in 1961 and pursued a long-time career in nursing and later earned her real estate license as well.

She enjoyed gardening, sewing, drawing, painting, and talking about her children and grandchildren.

Judy is survived by her husband, Myron Mader of Ocala; her

Randall (Steve) of Roswell, Georgia; her sister, Betty Leach (Barney) of Gadsden, Alabama; her 6 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held after the Covid-19 spread concerns have passed.

Donations may be made in Judith’s name to Trinity Lutheran Church, 4001 NE 25th Ave, Ocala, FL 34479 or Hospice of Marion County in lieu of flowers.

Online condolences may be sent to www. hiers-baxley.net.

A15 December 2, 2020

Open Auditions for AACT’s Young Performers’ production of “Sally Cotter and the Censored Stone” Contributed by the AACT Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) invites youth ages 13-18 to audition for a parody

by Dean O'Carroll: When Sally falls asleep while reading books about a certain juvenile wizard, she dreams that she is a student at Frogbull Academy of Sorcery.

But danger is lurking, and it is up to Sally and her new friends Dave and Harmonica to save the day. Will

she become the hero like the one in her favorite series? And who is the mysterious Censor who keeps rewriting the story as it goes along?

This parody of a certain well-known and well-loved book series will keep you laughing the whole way through.

Auditions for this non-musical will take place on Dec. 7 and 8 from 4-6 p.m.

Auditions will be held virtually over Zoom. Those interested should prepare a

one-minute comedic monologue. Callbacks, by invitation only, will be held Dec. 9. This show will be directed by Brantley Waller. Brantley is a senior in the Auburn University Theatre department and was assistant director when AACT staged High School Musical last year. Please visit www.auburnact.org to find links to a form that must be filled out for auditions and to sign up for an audition slot. There you will also find audition

tips, our rehearsal attendance policy and more.

There will be a read-through on Dec. 14, and rehearsals will be Mondays and Wednesdays from 4-6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. between Jan. 4 and Feb. 17. There will be an additional Saturday rehearsal on Feb. 20 from 9-4 p.m. Tech and dress rehearsals are set for Monday, Feb. 22 through Wednesday, Feb. 24 from 4-9 p.m. Performances

are Feb. 25-27, March 1, and March 4-6. At this time, in-person rehearsals and performances are planned to take place at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center with masks and distancing as well as small groups whenever possible. However, alternative virtual rehearsals and performances will be considered and used as needed.

Auburn Area Community Theatre is a non-profit organization that exists to serve the Auburn/Ope-

lika Community. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for education and participation in the world of theatre and present a quality, entertaining and thought-provoking theatre experience.

AACT is actively soliciting new members who have an interest in helping the growth of community theatre. AACT members and the community-at-large are encouraged to participate.

For more information please visit www. auburnact.org.

IS YOUR HEATING/COOLING SYSTEM READY FOR THE FALL? CALL US TODAY

A16 December 2, 2020

COMICS

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

S

S

Auburn High searching for first-ever state title

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

O

pelika Athletics turn attention to the winter sports such as basketball (girls and boys), wrestling and indoor track.

The OHS Lady Bulldog basketball team has completed four games, going 2-2 against teams across Alabama.

The girls are led by coach Devin Booth, in her 12th season at Opelika. Coach Booth led OHS to the State Finals the last three seasons, including back-to-back second place finishes. Booth’s Bulldogs have never lost at OHS and have won the Area Championship numerous times including each of the last seven seasons.

Opelika lost backto-back games in a Thanksgiving Tournament at Hardaway High School last week.

Hewitt-Trussville won 54-37 in the opening game of the tournament. Haley Sanders led OHS in scoring with 18 points, and Kaitlyn Bryant added 11 points in the loss.

Phil Cambell High School in Georgia beat Opelika 87-59 in the last game of the tournament. Haley Sanders continued to shoot well, scoring a season-high 28 points despite the

loss. Kaitlyn Bryant and LaDajah Huguley added 13 and 12 points, respectively.

The Lady Bulldogs played Smiths Station on the road Tuesday night, but the results were not available at print time. Opelika travels to LaFayette for a 6 p.m. game against the Bulldogs.

The varsity boys basketball team, under first-year head coach Emanuel Brown, is off to an 0-2 start. The Bulldogs lost the season opener 59-34 to Gasden City and lost to Hewitt-Trussville 6054 on the road.

The boys team cancelled the Carver game scheduled for Nov. 24 and the Benjamin Russell game scheduled for Dec. 7. The game against Rutherford, scheduled Nov. 28, was rescheduled for Saturday, Dec. 17.

There is no word on the start time of the game.

WRESTLING The OHS Wrestling Team started the season last week in the Smiths Station Duals at SSHS. The Bulldogs took seven wrestlers to participate against Beauregard, Russell County and Smiths Station.

Opelika’s top performers were: Jack See SPORTS , page B4

Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

Lee County School Board Meeting Dec. 8, 2020 at 6 p.m. https://zoom.us/j/92257244605?pw d=dE5BTVNHdUpyV0d0M3dTcHFuZ nVjdz09 Meeting ID: 922 5724 4605 Password: 2410

Only two teams that won 2019 state football titles are playing for a championship in 2020.

Auburn High has to face one of them – the undefeated Thompson Warriors. Auburn travels to Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa today to face the defending champions in the AHSAA Class 7A Football Championship Game at 7 p.m.

The Tigers are looking to capture the program’s first-ever state championship. On the other hand, Thompson Head Coach Mark Freeman is looking to make it back-to-back

titles riding a 17-game win streak overall and a seven-game win streak in the playoffs.

According to maxpreps.com, Thompson (13-0) comes into the game ranked No. 6 nationally, and Auburn (12-1) is the heavy underdog, ranked No. 46. But it’s the championship game; rankings go out the window.

The road to a Class 7A state championship in Alabama is one of the hardest to travel.

Now that both teams are there, it’s anyone’s game.

The Tigers’ experience beating highly-ranked teams should give them confidence going into Wednesday’s

matchup. Auburn had regular season wins over powerhouse programs like Central Phenix City (twice), Opelika, Prattville and Daphne. All season, Auburn has leaned on a dominant defense, with the Tigers allowing just 13.2 points per game on average.

The Auburn offense is led by quarterback Matthew Caldwell, who became the program’s leader in single-season passing touchdowns earlier this season.

His 19 touchdown passes have come with 1,768 yards and just 9 interceptions. His favorite target is another record-breaker – senior slot receiver

Bryson Clague – who has 49 receptions (a single-season school record) for 748 yards and 2 touchdowns.

Don’t sleep on the other receivers Quay Nelms, Quay Ross or Jazavion Ray; they are defense-burners too.

Lastly, senior running backs JT Rogers and Amaury Hutchinson both have one-playdrive potential and have been consistently reliable pieces on an Auburn offense that has averaged 30.9 points per game this season.

Thompson is led by junior quarterback Connor Harrell, who looks to be one of the See AUBURN, page B3

Lee-Scott Academy Boys Basketball split last two games

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Starting the season 1-2, the Lee-Scott Varsity Boys basketball team got its second win of the season last week against Clarke Prep and followed that up with a narrow loss to Edgewood on Monday night.

Sophomore guard Hutch Sprayberry led the way in the Nov. 24,

74-61, win over Clarke Prep. Lee-Scott jumped out to an early, 25-17 lead, and pulled away in the third quarter, outscoring Clarke Prep 19-10 in the period.

Sprayberry played all but five minutes and scored 26 points on 9/17 shooting. Senior center Carson Alexander was second in scoring (11) and second in rebounds (6). And bruising in the

paint alongside Alexander was sophomore Joseph Horne, who led the Warriors with seven rebounds and was the third player to reach double figures on the night, adding 10 points.

After the Thanksgiving break, the boys returned home to take on Edgewood on Monday. Edgewood entered the game in the same position Lee-Scott were

in last week – looking for their first win of the season. The game started with a highly-contested first quarter, with Lee-Scott taking a 1211 lead into the second period. The next two quarters heavily favored either side, with Edgewood outscoring LSA 19-7 in the second, and LSA outscoring EdgeSee ACADEMY, page B3

Lee-Scott Academy Girls off to 2-2 start

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Just last week, the 2019-20 Lee-Scott Academy Varsity Girls basketball team were presented with their AISA Class AAA championship rings.

Last season, the girls

won their first state championship since 2013. This year, there is no time to rest on their laurels. The Lady Warriors are already off to a 2-2 start on their title-defending campaign.

The season began with a low-scoring 32-

27 win over Wiregrass as both teams looked skittish with first-game jitters. The girls then faced off against Tuscaloosa Academy. The two teams were nearly deadlocked until the final buzzer, but with the taste of victory salivating on their tongues,

the Lady Warriors came up just short, falling to the Knights, 39-37.

The next game for the Lady Warriors was one they would like to forget. Lee-Scott managed only 17 points and lost to Clarke Prep See GIRLS page B4

B2 December 2, 2020

Annual Iron Ruck raises awareness of veteran suicide Contributed by AU Athletics Photos by Todd Van Emst/AU Athletics

Student veterans from the University of Alabama and Auburn University walk 151 miles in three days from Jordan-Hare

Stadium to Bryant-Denny Stadium during operation Iron Ruck.

The purpose of the Iron Ruck is to raise the awareness of veteran suicide.

Rucking to the site of the Iron Bowl is a yearly event.

SPC Liyah Stewart sings the National Anthem.

Auburn Director of Athletics Allen Greene thanks the veterans for their service and the mission of the ruck.

2020 Iron Ruck leaves from Jordan Hare Stadium on Nov. 25.

Bama Blasts Auburn 42-13 in Iron Bowl

By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Auburn’s Seth Williams has 1,944 career receiving yards, ranks ninth all-time in career catches and has already cemented his name into Auburn lore with a plethora of breathtaking receptions.

Just before halftime on Saturday in BryantDenny, he dropped a catch that he usually makes in his sleep. The drop was by no means what lost the game for Auburn but erased a would-be momentum-swinging touchdown that the Tigers needed desperately.

“In the first half we really didn’t do anything in the first three phases to create any kind of momentum, but we did have an opportunity for the touchdown that we dropped,” said Auburn Head Coach Gus Malzahn.

With 1:23 left in the

half, Auburn was reeling, down 21-3.

“You look at the first quarter, and we came out flat,” Malzahn said.

“You can’t come out flat against a team like that on the road.”

After moving the ball to the Auburn 42-yard line, the breakthrough looked to have come for Auburn. On first down, Bo Nix threw a beautiful, lofted, timed throw to Seth Williams, who swindled the Alabama back line with a double move and broke free down the middle toward the end zone. The unthinkable happened when the typically sure-handed Williams dropped the wide open would-be touchdown pass. Four plays later, Auburn was gutted when Nix was intercepted by Malachi Moore at the Alabama 28-yard line.

Auburn failed to threaten in the second half, and the Alabama offense barrel rolled

Auburn receiver Seth Williams makes a first down grab.

Courtesy of AU Athletics/Todd Van Emst the Tiger defense to the tune of 445 total yards. Nix continued to look like a lesser quarterback on the road, throwing two picks.

Williams looked out of it mentally after his drop. Tank Bigsby was clearly not 100%. And the much-maligned offensive line gave up four sacks.

Auburn did manage a respectable 347 total yards, but 96 of those came on the Tigers’ final 12-play drive, which

Mark-Anthony Richards capped off for Auburn’s only touchdown of the game. More indicative of the Tigers’ struggle is Auburn’s 4.3 yards per play compared to the Tide’s 8.4.

The first four Alabama scores came courtesy of Heismancandidate quarterback Mac Jones, who finished 18/26 for 302 yards and 5 stellar touchdown passes.

Devonta Smith was Jones’ favorite target,

finishing with 7 receptions for 171 yards and 2 touchdowns.

“He’s a dynamic player,” Malzahn said.

The Tide flashed shades of an early-era quick-strike Malzahn Auburn offense on Saturday; they were committed to a formidable rushing attack and able to burn their opponent on big plays.

The only difference is instead of Nick Marshall keeping a 35-yard read option, it was Mac Jones, stepping up in the pocket and picking the Tigers apart. Auburn kept the Tide running game relatively in check, holding them 34 yards below their season average, but Alabama’s ability to hit big plays off the play action ultimately did the Tiger defense in.

“If you look at the whole deal, I think the explosive plays is what stands out to me when they got inside our 40-yard line,” Malzahn

said. “When we got inside of their 40-yard line, we kicked field goals.”

The Tide were without Head Coach Nick Saban on Saturday, as the most formidable face in college football was relegated to a fan’s role to watch his team dominate in the 84th edition of the Iron Bowl. Saban’s absence didn’t seem to matter; Auburn got beat bad on Saturday, plain and simple.

“Bottom line, they were the better team tonight,” Malzahn said.

Auburn’s record now stands at 5-3, and that performance provided another reason for fans to hop off the Gus Bus. It won’t be easy for Malzahn to get some fans back on his side.

The Tigers are tasked with a tough bounceback game against another top-5 team next week, Texas A&M. That said, we’ve seen this act before.

B3 December 2, 2020

D

Letter to the Editor

ear Editor, We would like to inform your readers about a special grant-funded program, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI), at The University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, with branches in Birmingham and Gadsden. This program offers a wide variety of courses for senior adults interested in lifelong

AUBURN>> FROM B1 best young recruits at the position for the 2022 class. For the season, Harrell has thrown for 3,540 yards and 40 touchdowns with just 3 interceptions. More

ACADEMY>> FROM B1 wood 12-6 in the third.

Going into the fourth quarter LSA trailed 3631. Led by Alexander – who finished with 19 points and 7 – Lee Scott put up their highest single-quarter point total in the fourth, but the deficit was too much to overcome. Lee Scott fell to Edgewood in a nail bitter, 51-45.

Alexander was the only Lee-Scott player to finish with double digits, as the team struggled as a whole, shooting just 29.5% from the field on the night. The Warriors desperately missed Sprayberry’s

SPORTS>> FROM B1 Prichard (195lb), who finished 3-0 including a pin and major decision; Teotl Heredia (182lb), who finished 2-0 with two pins; Brayden Wilson (120lbs); and Trace Gaither (132lbs), who finished with 1-0 records. Calvin Fenn went 2-1 with two pins and Jacob Williams added a win for the Bulldogs.

Head coach Jim Davis took his team to Prattville last night for a dual match. The results were not available at press time.

AHSAA SUPER 7 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Fourteen Teams will compete in the AHSAA Super 7 Football Championship in Tuscaloosa, today (Dec 2), Thursday (Dec 3) and Friday (Dec 4).

The action begins with the 7A Championship game featuring Auburn and Thompson, at 7 p.m. tonight (Dec. 2) in

learning opportunities. Courses include History, Religion, Spirituality, Opera, Line Dancing, Current Events, Writing Your Life Story, Broadway Musicals, Book Reviews, Science, Spanish, Flower Arranging, Gardening, Nordic Walking, Health, Investing, Computer and Smart Phones, Genetics, Yoga, and many more, all taught by

experienced and dedicated volunteers.

Truly, something for everyone!

During Covid-19, we successfully transitioned from in-person to online programming through Zoom, teaching basic Zoom to hundreds of senior adults along the way.

An advantage of this unexpected change was the opportunity to offer OLLI to many senior adults who may not

have been able to participate in onsite classes and activities, due to distance or health reasons.

Interested readers can reach us at the OLLI at UA office (205) 348-6482.

Stay connected through OLLI. Mary Jon Sneckenberger Lifelong Learner Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI)

impressively, Harrell is completing passes at a 73.8% clip – that’s 0.3 percentage points better than the NFL’s completion percent leader, Drew Brees.

Furthermore, Harrell has shown his ability to make plays with his legs, rushing for 315 yards

and 5 touchdowns on the season. Senior running back Jarrett Crockett typically lines up behind Harrell. The speedy 5-foot-10 back has averaged 6.8 yards per carry and rushed for 1,037 yards and 16 touchdowns on the season.

On defense, Thompson

is led by the No. 1 ranked defensive prospect of the 2022 class, 6-foot-2, 215-pound junior defensive end Jeremiah Alexander. In 13 games, Alexander has registered 106 tackles, 8 sacks and 2 forced fumbles – both of which he recovered. Alexander leads

scoring, as the sophomore guard had an off night, making just two of his 12 field goals. Despite the cold shooting, Lee-Scott were able to keep the game close by turning Edgewood over 25 times compared to only 15 turnovers for themselves. However, in the end, Edgewood shot the ball just well enough (42.9%) and cleaned up the rebounds when they missed – outrebounding LSA 43-33.

The split of their last two games moves LeeScott to 2-3 in the early dawn of this season. LeeScott played Pike Liberal Arts (1-1) on Tuesday night, but the results were not available at press.

Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Thursday’s schedule begins with the 3A Championship game: Montgomery Catholic v. Fyffe at 10 a.m. The 1A Championship game between Linden and Picken County starts at 2:45 p.m.

The 5A Championship featuring St. Paul’s Episcopal and Pleasant Grove.

The 4A Championship game, Gordo vs Handley, begins at 10 am Friday, and is followed by the 2A Championship featuring Abbeville vs Mars Hill Bible at 2:45 p.m. The final game of the Super 7 Championship is the 6A game between Spanish Fort and Pinson Valley.

You can listen to every game locally, presented by the Orhopaedic Clinic on FOX Sports Game 910-1310.

Each game will air on both iHeartRadio stations, 910 am and 1310 am, thanks to the doctors and staff at the Orthopaedic Clinic.

How to watch Auburn High’s state championship game

For the second time in program history, the Auburn High Tigers will be competing in the 2020 AHSAA 7A Football State Championship game on Wednesday night, Dec. 2.

On game night, the exclusive home for the Auburn High broadcast of the game live from Bryant-Denny Stadium will be on the official Auburn High Football flagship station, Wings 94.3! The Auburn

High Broadcast team of Chris Hummel, former Auburn University Football star Rob Pate, and the voice of the Auburn High Tigers Scott Bagwell will be on the call Wednesday night.

The broadcast can be heard locally on 94.3 FM, online at wingsfm. com, the Wings 94.3 app, or on your Alexaenabled smart speaker.

Pregame coverage of the 7A State Championship game will begin at 6:30 CDT with the kickoff scheduled for 7 CDT.

a formidable Warriors defense that has allowed only 14.9 points per game.

So that’s it. The end of Alabama high school football in 2020 is here.

For us locally, it’s culminating tonight. By the time you read this we may already know a

champion. The moment shouldn’t be too big for the defending champions Thompson. Will it be for Auburn High?

Regardless of the outcome, it’s been an honor covering these games and it’s been an unforgettable season to say the least.

Contributed by Riley Hubbard, Auburn Network, Inc.

SUSCC Baseball lands outstanding recruiting class Contributed by SUSCC

Southern Union State Community College Baseball ranks second in the Perfect Game 2021 recruiting class rankings as the signing period for the class of 2021 opens.

Five of the Bison’s commits are ranked among the top 100 players in the state.

While the recruiting class rankings ar-

en’t finalized until the players arrive on campus next fall, Southern Union is on track for one of the highest-ranking recruiting classes in the Alabama Community College Conference.

“This class of recruits has the potential to make big waves in the world of JuCo baseball.

They are joining an already-strong roster of current players. I

truly believe we are on the path to consistently being one of the top programs in Alabama and we are working hard to put this program on the national stage,” said Aaron Everett, head baseball coach.

With players being at SU for only two years, Everett is looking to fill slots for every position to keep quality players in all positions each year.

“I just want to get the best players we can to keep our program competetive,” said Everett. “I anticipate that several of our current players will move on to the next level, and it is exciting to know we have such a talented group of recruits.”

Bison Baseball opens this year’s season on Jan. 29 against Jackson State Community College.

B4 December 2, 2020

Auburn University Board of Trustees removes former Gov. Graves’ name from amphitheater and drive

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

The Auburn University Board of Trustees voted to remove former Gov. Bibb Graves’ name from Graves Amphitheater and Drive during its meeting on Nov. 20.

The decision came as part of the action of a task force created over the summer. The task force was made up of Auburn University Trustees and was asked to look at the current names on buildings.

Graves served as Alabama Governor from 1927-1931 and again from 1935-1939.

The former governor was associated with the Ku Klux Klan and rumored to serve as the chapter president of the Montgomery chapter of the Klan.

There was a change. org petition created in the summer of 2020 asking the university to

GIRLS>> FROM B1 Academy, 42-17. On Monday, Lee-Scott exhibited some of the resilience that led them to a state championship last season, beating the Edgewood Academy Wildcats in a back-and-forth game, 45-42.

The game began with a Lee-Scott explosion in the first quarter that saw the Warriors take an early 19-8 lead.

Momentum then made a quantum leap back to Edgewood when the Lady Wildcats outscored Lee-Scott 16-2 in the second period.

remove Graves’ name from the amphitheater and drive. The petition received more than 2,000 signatures.

“As part of its initial evaluation of Auburn facilities, the task force utilized the parameters of the policy to consider Graves Amphitheater and Graves Drive, each named for former governor Bibb Graves,” said Trustee Elizabeth Huntley, who cochaired the task force.

“The task force recognizes that removing a name on a structure or building should be an exceptional event, with [consideration] that naming decision made by past board of trustees were well considered and deliberate.

“After considering that high bar, applying the standards and analysis laid out in the new policy just adopted by the board, the task force has determined that retaining Governor

The halftime score sat at 24-21 with both teams looking for more consistency in the second half.

In the final two quarters, that consistency came in the form of defense for Lee-Scott.

The Lady Warriors held Edgewood to just 9 points in both the third and fourth quarters. Meanwhile, the offense was led

by Sterling Tucker, who finished with 14 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists, and Lee-Scott took a two-point lead into the fourth.

The Lady Warriors managed to outscore Edgewood by 1 in the final period and held

Graves’ name on the amphitheater and drive would chill, rather than encourage the broad use of facilities that are intended to be enjoyed…

I hereby recommend the removal of Governor Grave’s name from the amphitheater and the drive.”

STEM and Agricultural Sciences Complex: Majoring in a STEM field? The Board of Trustees voted to approve an architect selection for the new STEM and Agricultural Sciences Complex Friday.

The board voted to adopt a resolution which would select Goodwin Mills Cawood, located in Birmingham, and Lord Heck Sargent, located in Atlanta, to design the project.

The project was initially voted on in September. The board announced at that time that it would receive $36

on to their lead to secure the 45-42 win.

Lee-Scott shot 42.6% from the field – far better than Edgewood’s 28.3% – but the Lady Wildcats hung around thanks in part to 9 made baskets from behind the three-point line.

Still, however, the Lady Warriors had 10 steals compared to Edgewood’s 6, and outscored the Lady Wildcats 24-18 in the second half – just enough to scrape out the win.

Along with Tucker, two other Lady Warriors finished in double figures. Emma Frances

million from the state for that project.

The Department of Mathematics and Statistics will move from Parker Hall; the Department of Geology will move from Beard Eaves Memorial Coliseum; And the College of Agriculture will move from Funchess Hall to the new location.

Auburn University Regional Airport: The board voted on a similar resolution for the Auburn University Regional Airport Friday.

The airport requested the board to approve a general consultant for airport planning, engineering and administrative services.

Garver Engineers, LLC, located in Huntsville was approved by the Board as the general consultant for the project.

Lowder Hall Laboratories:

Zellner finished with 10 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist and an impressive 4 steals. Madison Davis shot 4/9 on the way to her 10 points, and added 5 rebounds and 1 assist as well.

The win takes the Lady Warriors to 2-2 on the season. The girls played a game Tuesday night against the undefeated Pike Liberal Arts (2-0), but results were not available at press.

Tickets to LeeScott games must be pre-purchased from GoFan.co and all fans are required to wear masks and are encouraged to socially distance.

The Board of Trustees initiated a new project for the Harbert College of Business to construct two financial laboratories for Lowder Hall.

“The project will support the College’s Department of Finance by providing state-ofthe-art laboratories dedicated to developing the practical skills essential in the financial services industry such as investment banking, asset management and sales and trading,” board of trustee documents said.

Total, the project will encompass 4,000 square feet in Lowder Hall and each lab will hold 50 seats.

Board documents said that the project would be financed by the Harbert College of Business.

Other Business: The board approved a project to renovate the Hood McPherson Building located in

Birmingham, which is used for the Urban Studio Of the College of Architecture, Design and Construction.

The board approved a new Master of Science in supply chain management degree.

The board approved a new Master of Science in applied behavior analysis degree.

The board approved a Master of Science in speech-language pathology degree.

The board voted to close the Bachelor of Science in business administration in international business at Auburn University at Montgomery.

The board voted to close the Bachelor of Science in geographic information systems at Auburn University at Montgomery.

The board voted to close the Master of Teaching writing degree at Auburn University at Montgomery.

B5 December 2, 2020

Auburn men’s basketball falls to Gonzaga, UCF Contributed by Greg Ostendorf, AU Athletics

Less than 24 hours after an overtime victory to open the season, Auburn suffered its first defeat of 2020-21 with a 90-67 loss to No. 1 Gonzaga on Friday. It was the second of two games in the Fort Myers Tip-Off. “We were obviously disappointed we didn’t play better,” Auburn head coach Bruce Pearl said.

“Gonzaga had a lot to do with that. Their two great players, (Drew) Timme and (Corey) Kispert, both dominated the game as you would expect. That said, we know a lot more about us now than we did about 24 hours ago. It’s something to build on.”

Sophomore Allen Flanigan paced the Tigers with a career-high 20 points, including 15 in the second half. Coming out of the break, he made back-to-back 3s and then threw down a left-handed slam as he scored the first 10 points for Auburn after halftime.

Flanigan finished 7 of 11 from the field and also pulled down five rebounds.

“I just played to my strengths,” he said. “They tried to shade my left hand, and it gave me room to shoot the ball. You’ve

just got to take shots.”

Freshman JT Thor and junior Jamal Johnson joined Flanigan in double figures with 11 points apiece. It was a career high for Thor, who was a perfect 7 of 7 from the free throw line while Johnson knocked down three shots from long range to lead the Auburn bench. As a team, the Tigers held a 25-14 advantage in bench points against Gonzaga.

“These two games have been a lot like practice,” Pearl said. “We’ve got 10 or 11 good players. The cream hasn’t risen to the top because we’ve got really good balance. We’d like to try to find five guys who are a little better than the other five guys, but that has not been the case.”

Freshman Justin Powell added seven points off the bench and led the Tigers with six rebounds and three assists. In Thursday’s win, Powell scored 17 points and pulled down seven boards.

He’s only turned the ball over twice in Auburn’s first two games.

Gonzaga’s Drew Timme and Corey Kispert led all scorers Friday with 28 and 25, respectively.

The Tigers, who outscored Gonzaga 17-10 over the final eight minutes, remained in

the Sunshine State and traveled to UCF for a game Monday.

“We knew we had three games,” Pearl said.

“We’ve got another short turnaround. The takeaway (from today) is which team is going to get better more throughout the season? Auburn or Gonzaga?

If we continue to get better, we will have a chance to be a competitive team this year. That’s the challenge.”

On Monday night, the Tigers struggled offensively and didn’t have enough firepower to win on the road as they dropped a 63-55 decision to UCF to wrap up a three-game stretch in Florida.

“Defensively I thought our kids played hard. I thought we had a good game plan,” Pearl said.

“To hold Central Florida down to 63 points, 37% shooting, turning them over 19 times – I thought we did a really good job there. Offensively, it was a disaster. There’s no other way of putting it.

We played much better in Fort Myers than we did tonight.”

The lone bright spot offensively for Auburn was junior guard Jamal Johnson, who finished with a career-high 18 points and made 5 of 12 shots from be beyond the arc.

Tyrell Jones (0) at UCF – Nov. 30, 2020. Photo by Cody Voga/Auburn Athletics The Tigers got down by as many as 12 early in the second half, but Johnson responded with a 3 to jump start a 5-point possession and swing the momentum back in their favor. Later in the half, he drained another 3 to cut the UCF lead to six. He also added five rebounds and two assists to along with his game-high 18 points.

As a team, though, Auburn struggled shooting the ball. The Tigers shot 32% from the field and just 21% from beyond the arc. They were 8 of 22 from the free throw line.

However, it was Auburn’s effort on the defensive end and on the glass that kept the Tigers in it. They forced 19 turnovers and held UCF to 37% shooting. They also pulled down 19 offensive rebounds and won the rebounding battle, 48-40.

Sophomore Jaylin Williams grabbed a teamhigh eight rebounds for Auburn and was tied with Justin Powell for second on the team with eight points. Williams also chipped in two assists, two blocks and a steal while Powell finished with seven rebounds, matching his career high. The

freshman now has six or more rebounds in each of the team’s first three games.

Fellow freshman Dylan Cardwell, who had yet to score his first collegiate points, finished with six points on 3 of 4 shooting.

The 6-foot-11 Cardwell was on the receiving end of an alley-oop dunk from JT Thor in the first half and threw down another dunk to begin the second half.

After spending the past week in Florida, the Tigers (1-2) will return home to make their Auburn Arena debut Friday night against South Alabama.

ASMS receives state funding for new science research center Contributed by ASMS

Building a state-ofthe-art science research center is at the heart of the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science’s (ASMS) fiveyear strategic plan. The school has received a $6.2 million appropriation from the state of Alabama to build the facility within the next three to five years.

ASMS is one of just 20 entities in Alabama that received funding as part of the governor’s Public School and College Authority (PSCA) projects appropriation announcement.

“The ASMS Science Research Center is our commitment to advancing student success well into the future, and it follows through on our dedication to improving the landscape of education in the state of Alabama,” said ASMS School Board Chairman Jo Bonner.

The world-class facility will significantly increase students’ opportunities to conduct research and make innovative contributions to their community, state and nation.

Students will have access to modern-day academic, laboratory and collaborative spaces,

positioning them to become global leaders.

“We are incredibly grateful to Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Legislature for investing in our students and our school.

The vision for a science research center began as we reviewed academic and career outlook data for our graduates. We recognized that for our students to continue to compete and excel in future markets, we needed to become a more research-focused

institution,” said school President Dr. John Hoyle.

As the future of ASMS orients more towards research, the school has been enhancing its academic programs in anticipation of the Science Research Center, including establishing a Research Fellows Program. Hoyle described how employment in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) occupations has grown significantly since

1990, outpacing overall U.S. job growth. He expressed how ASMS is responsible for providing its students with exceptional preparation in science, technology, and research, and the ASMS Science Research Center will significantly contribute to fulfilling its mission.

ASMS school founder, Senator Ann Bedsole, has been a champion of ASMS since the school’s establishment on Dauphin Street in the 1990s.

“Our current facilities,

which are over 80 years old, cannot be retrofitted to meet the future direction for the school. The tools and research made available in the Science Research Center will expand our students’ expertise and skillset, preparing them for rigorous collegiate coursework and a competitive job market,” said Bedsole.

The $6-million appropriation is part of the $1.25 billion bond that the Alabama State legislature passed to finance school

improvements across the state.

ASMS will need to raise $1.5 million to complete the facility, and they will also receive $1 million from the ASMS Foundation.

The school is expected to break ground on the Science Research Center sometime in spring of 2021, and they will be providing updates on their website at https:// www.asms.net/giving/ science-research-center. Those who wish to donate or partner with this school on this initiative should reach out to ASMS Director of Development, Dr. Samantha Church (schurch@asms.net).

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science is the state’s only fully public and residential high school for sophomores, juniors and seniors seeking advanced studies in math, science and the humanities. ASMS is a research-focused learning community committed to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and diversity with an aim to empower motivated Alabama students to improve their community, state and nation.

Tuition, room and board are free. Learn more at asms.net

B6 December 2, 2020

From the Governing Bodies of Opelika, Auburn, and Lee County, Alabama ♦  Proclamation  ♦ WHEREAS, members of the Lee County Ministers Alliance desire to celebrate the season of Thanksgiving in the spirit of the first Thanksgiving in 1621 between the Pilgrims and the Wampanoag people of Plymouth; and WHEREAS, Thanksgiving Day became a national holiday in 1863 when President Abraham Lincoln proclaimed a national day of thanksgiving; and WHEREAS, the Ministers Alliance organized this community-wide service to give our citizens in Lee County the opportunity to come together as a diverse community of Believers to worship in Christ’s name; and WHEREAS, throughout the Thanksgiving holiday, let us renew our commitment to make our community, state, and nation a better place; and WHEREAS, we also honor and salute the selfless sacrifice of the brave men and women of our Armed Forces who are defending our lives and liberty at home and abroad with skill, honor, and dedication; and WHEREAS, the Ministers Alliance desires to express our heart-felt sympathy to the families of members who have succumbed to the coronavirus this year, and remember those making adjustments in their lives to overcome the same; and WHEREAS, we give thanks to our medical professionals and First Responders for their untiring help in caring for families in the midst of this pandemic in our communities; and WHEREAS, at Thanksgiving we are also reminded of the simple gifts that mark our days, in the loved ones who enrich our lives, and most importantly in the gift of a gracious Father God in His Son, let us not forget those who have gone before us in keeping the faith once delivered to us, overcoming challenges with hope and an unfailing spirit, let us resolve to do the same.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gary Fuller, Mayor of the City of Opelika, and Ron Anders, Mayor of the City of Auburn, in the State of Alabama, do hereby issue this proclamation in recognition of

THANKSGIVING 2020 in Opelika and Auburn and call upon all citizens to remember the true meaning of this season in observing this special holiday.

SIGNED this the 24th day of November 2020.

____________________________ Gary Fuller Mayor, City of Opelika

____________________________ Ron Anders Mayor, City of Auburn

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B7

December 2, 2020

Wednesday, December 2, 2020

COVID killed The Don A round Labor Day, when this year’s presidential campaign was beginning to heat up, I wrote a column about the classic 1960 presidential contest between John Kennedy and Richard Nixon. This pivotal presidential race marked the beginning of television as the premier political medium. The first televised presidential debate that year was the turning point of that campaign.

Kennedy won the White House with his performance, or as some would say, Nixon lost by his appearance on TV that fateful night in October of 1960.

A lot has changed in the past 60 years. America was a more Ozzie and Harriet, Andy Griffith Mayberry America. There was not a lot of difference, philosophically or ideologically, between a Republican Kansas farmer and a Blue-Collar, Democratic factory worker in Pennsylvania. They both believed in American values of decency and hard work. Even though the Pennsylvanian was a Union man who tended to vote Democratic and was probably a Catholic, and the Kansas farmer voted Republican and was a protestant. They both were Christian conservatives.

The country was more homogenous and amicable. This America lent itself to a close presidential contest where 40 states were in play in the Electoral College, and only 10 predetermined.

Today it is just the opposite, 10 states are in play and 40 predetermined.

The country is more divided than at any time since the Civil War. You are cemented into either a conservative Republican tribe or a liberal Democratic tribe, and there is no peace pipe to be smoked. There are very few independent voters in the middle. It is these truly undecided swing voters who decide the presidential race. Also, it is even a further defined swing voter who resides in a swing state: primarily the states of Florida, Ohio, Arizona, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and now

STEVE FLOWERS Georgia.

Both parties got their bases out to the maximum. Democrats hated Donald Trump. Republicans loathe Nancy Pelosi and Bernie Sanders.

They stoked every fire possible, and the two tribes broke about even.

Donald J. Trump lost the middle-of-America swing voter in the key battleground states, and he lost them overwhelmingly. “Why,” you ask? It is simple: the COVID pandemic. It would have been impossible for any humble, genuinely caring, kind and compassionate president to overcome a pandemic that has killed over 250,000 people and annihilated the economy. A legendary, revered leader like Franklin Delano Roosevelt or Ronald Reagan would have had a hard time surviving this Communist Chinese invasion of our nation. This Chinese-generated epidemic destroyed our economy.

It is always about the economy.

Trump’s administration was the overseer of the most robust economy in years. He could have possibly won reelection with this rosy economy.

However, the March invasion of the Chinese coronavirus derailed the Trump Train. There is an old political adage that says, “If you claim See FLOWERS, page B9

A career in law enforcement

By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com

John McEachern will stand up from his chair, leave his office and say goodbye to the police department that started his career over 40 years ago.

McEachern always had a dream to serve in the FBI, and the Opelika Police Department gave him the start to fulfill that dream. Who would have foreseen his return many years later as the Opelika Police Chief?

The future chief grew up in Opelika and can still recall fond memories of his childhood in the city.

“My wife always said, ‘You must have had a wonderful childhood,’ because of my memories and being born and raised right here in Opelika, I’m able to remember specific things and events,” McEachern said.

Although he and his family spent some time in Selma while McEachern was in

high school (where he met his future wife), Opelika is home.

Following his high school graduation, McEachern took his first job in police work as a communications operator on Jan. 1, 1974, for the Opelika Police Department.

“I was only 19 at the time; I thought that would maybe sort of get my start, get my foot in the door,” he said.

He stayed in radio operation until he was 21, when he was legally old enough to become a patrol officer.

A year and a half later McEachern moved up again, this time to traffic division.

“I rode a Harley for about a year and a half,” he said. “And I’d never been on a motorcycle a day in my life.

My parents would not allow me to own one and there I was making a living riding a motorcycle.”

McEachern’s last position with the Opelika

Police Department, before leaving for the FBI, was as a detective, which he held for 10 years.

The FBI had always been his dream, and he worked in Pittsburgh, Los Angeles and then in Opelika while in the Bureau over his 24-year career.

Working in bigger divisions like Pittsburgh and Los Angeles gave McEachern the chance to branch out more and find what he wanted to do, he said.

McEachern was assigned to investigate a gang squad and later to investigate bank robberies.

In order to move up with the FBI, See CAREER, page B8

NAACP Lee County Branch 5038 plans election of officers Contributed by NAACP Lee County

The NAACP Lee County Branch 5038 has scheduled the election of officers for Saturday Dec. 5, 2020, at Greater Peace

Missionary Baptist Church located at 650 Jeter Ave. in Opelika. The election process will run from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. with curbside access. All members are encouraged to participate in

the election process, wear a face covering, and bring valid identification. Although voting curbside will be available, CDC guidelines will be observed including social distancing.

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B8 December 2, 2020

Adopt-a-Mile for Lee County

By Hannah Lester hlester@opelikaobserver.com

District 2 Commissioner Sarah Brown proposed a new litter campaign during the county commission meeting Monday night.

The campaign follows outreach that was spearheaded by District 5 Commissioner Richard LaGrand in Loachapoka to restrict littering.

Brown had no official paperwork but wanted to get the ball rolling with other commissioners for a county-wide litter campaign.

“I really wanted to open the conversation up to the commission and possibly get your blessing on moving forward with some different options,” Brown said.

She said that after discussing ideas with County Engineer Justin Hardee, she thinks the commission should consider promoting

D

the Adopt-a-Mile program.

“Encouraging businesses and persons to actually adopt miles,” Brown said.

“I was even thinking we, as a commission, could adopt miles personally.”

District 4 Commissioner Robert Ham said that he would be more than willing to adopt a mile.

“Thank you for bringing this to our attention again,” he said. “When I first got elected 10 years ago, one of the things people kept telling us was, ‘What are you going to do about the trash?’”

Walker County uses cameras to monitor littering, Ham said, and he suggested the county look into options like that.

“I’ll be glad to take a mile too,” said District 1 Commissioner Doug Cannon. “… We’re elected, so people are going to look up to us and what we do.”

COVID-19 Funding:

Lee County received over $4.3 million in CARES ACT funding that it uses to reimburse organizations within the county.

Auburn City Schools, Opelika City Schools and the County system all had requests during Monday night’s meeting.

The Lee County School system requested $47,332 from the county to pay for online data storage and devices.

The school system currently only has 21% of students learning remotely.

“Though current funding mechanisms are adequately addressing device and connectivity needs, there is an emerging need to increase capacity for data management and storage,” read a letter from Lee County Superintendent James McCoy to County Administrator Roger Rendleman.

Opelika City Schools requested almost $184,000 for virtualized servers, which would provide memory/CPU/Network connectivity, read a letter from Superintendent Mark Neighbors to Rendleman. “[The servers] increase the throughput and ability to respond to increased demands from external learners and for office workers that must access the network remotely,” Neighbors said. “There are also increased demands for additional storage of data being gathered and stored from remote locations.”

Auburn City Schools requested the largest amount, $524,590, which is to help cover the costs of providing blended and online learning through a vendor partnership for high school students.

The amount ACS requested is only about half of what it needed, but the other half is provided to

the school system by the Governor’s Emergency Education Relief Fund.

Currently, 27% of ACS students are learning remotely, 2% are participating in a blended program and 71% are in-person.

“Although we have and will continue to request reimburse for response expenditures, we will not spend the total amount designated and recommend partnering with the schools systems in their requests,” read a memorandum from Rendleman to the commission.

The school systems must agree to pay the county back should the requests be denied for CARES ACT funding, the memorandum read.

Other Business: The commission voted to supply chainsaws to volunteer fire departments.

The commission voted to approve a voter file maintenance program

mailing, which will be paid for by the secretary of state’s office.

The Highway Department requested, and received, the authority to apply for funding from the Rebuild Alabama Act to resurface part of Lee Road 380.

The commission voted to reduce the speed limit on Lee Road 253 from 35 mph to 25 mph.

The commission voted to approve the Highway Department to perform digging for a potential site for a recreation park in Loachapoka.

The commission approved a retail beer and retail table wine application for Salem Get N Go. The commission approved a retail liquor license application for Moody’s.

The commission voted to approve a hazard mitigation plan resolution for Lee County EMA.

A hard day’s night: the day Beatles icon John Lennon was murdered

ec. 8, 1980 was a routine night for me as a copy boy at a newspaper in my native Rhode Island. I was a 24-yearold college student set to graduate the next month. An editor picked up a teletype message and said to me, “I guess there will be no Beatles reunion now.” I said, “Why?” and he gave me the small sheet that read, “Bulletin: ExBeatle John Lennon was shot dead in New York City at 10:55 p.m.”

(That is a rough estimate from memory.)

Lennon, born in Liverpool, England, had been a member of the Beatles, one of the most successful rock bands in the 20th century. A creative lyricist and controversial activist, Lennon is not forgotten. He has numerous detractors but many more admirers.

Beatles fans sought a reunion for years after the group disbanded in 1969, thus my editor’s sarcastic comment.

In an odd twist, Mark David Chapman, 25,

met Lennon and received an autographed copy of an album just six hours before killing him. Lennon, 40, and his wife Yoko Ono, 47, a classical pianist, were returning home after a recording session. At The Dakota, Lennon was shot four times and died at a local hospital.

The next day, Yoko Ono announced “There is no funeral for John,” but added that his fans and friends should remember that “John loved and prayed for the human race. Please do the same for him.” Ono later scattered Lennon’s ashes in Central Park, across from The Dakota that John loved so much. Today, a Strawberry Fields memorial sits there. Ono still lives at The Dakota and is one of the richest women in America.

Chapman pled guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 20 years to life.

Parole has been denied 11 times. Supposedly, Chapman had been a devoted fan of the

Beatles, but after a religious conversion, he objected to Lennon’s statement that the band was “more popular than Jesus.”

A good number of historians, seeking “periodization” for when the 1960s in a figurative way ended, say the counter-culture movement dissolved soon after Lennon was killed. It was written that Lennon’s death was followed by so much mourning because Ronald Reagan, a strong conservative, would become U.S. president the next month, upsetting liberals.

My cousin Kevin was very upset by Lennon’s death. He is an avid Beatles fan who chose only songs from that band for every tune at his wedding, in 1989.

Many young or middle-aged people I met at the newspaper and after work got on a bus that very night or the next morning. It was a 4 ½ hour bus ride to NYC. They joined the crowds placing flowers

CAREER>>

down your career or remain there.

“And at the time I had enough seniority that I turned down the promotion in Washington D.C., but they had an opening back here in my hometown of Opelika, which is very, very rare.”

So in 2006, McEachern moved back to Opelika to continue his work in the F.B.I. in an office based on the Mobile Division.

He retired from the FBI in 2012, but his career with police work and law enforcement was not over — the Opelika Police Chief

position was open a year later.

“I was contacted by many and asked if I’d be interested and I applied and I ended up being appointed police chief in April 2013,” McEachern said.

In total, he worked 22 years with the Opelika Police Department, both before and after his career with the FBI. “I have truly been blessed,” he said. “I would think it’s almost very rare to find individuals that have a career, especially in law enforcement, that spans almost five decades.”

Although McEachern grew up in Opelika and

FROM B7 McEachern and his family would have needed to move to Washington, D.C. “I’d been gone from Opelika for about 20 years and so I did a lot of praying, a lot of soul searching, weighing the fact, did I want to go promote up and go to Washington, D.C., knowing that I was going to continue to be transferred around,” he said. “Or, in the F.B.I, they had what they refer to as an O.P., an office of preference.

And that’s where you ultimately want to wind

or photos, while crying, at the murder site.

The three remaining Beatles got to NYC as soon as they could, to mourn and comfort John’s family and fans.

Since then, George Harrison, lead guitarist, died in 2001 at age 58. Paul McCartney, lead singer, is 78 and working on a new studio album. Ringo Starr, Beatles drummer, is 80.

He recorded a song for a TV special in a tribute to Lennon.

In the 1980s I was in Honduras and attended parties in a sweltering hamlet. Invariably, the hosts brought out records and later CDs

of Elvis, the Beatles and Michael Jackson.

We got tired of hearing those same singers, but our hosts kept playing them. We knew Elvis, the Beatles, and MJ were good ambassadors, through their music, for the United States.

As a copy boy between 1978 and 1981, I was first to get a teletype message with important news, many times. Reporters had no internet, no Twitter feed, no Facebook, and CNN was the only 24-hour cable news station. On Aug. 6, 1978, our teletype received a Bulletin: “Pope Paul VI is dead.” He was the leader of the Roman Catholic Church for 15 years. That sad news was extremely significant in Rhode Island, as more than half of its residents were Catholic, in 1980.

I wasn’t a Beatles fanatic, and I didn’t have heroes in music or the arts. But I admired two people in politics: civil rights icon John Lewis, and longtime

U.S. senator Claiborne Pell. The latter created an education grant program for low- and middle-class youths.

I benefitted from that for all four undergrad years. The legislation was later named for Pell, of Newport, RI. As for John Lennon, 40 years after his death, his influence continues. His theme of “I hope someday you’ll join us, and the world will live as one” continues to draw support. He was a political radical, which I did not like. Yet he deserves his due 40 years after his death, for his musicianship and global impact.

started his career here, there were perks to living in other locations, like Los Angeles.

“Sometimes you have to make some decisions that people don't necessarily agree with or they don't like," McEachern said, referring to Opelika. McEachern knew some of the people he had to police.

McEachern said when he came on as police chief the department was well established, had its own systems and he did not want to cause a great shake up.

"I personally felt like I would have had to have been a fool to come in here and make

drastic changes to begin with because out of the well over a 100 or so personnel, I only knew four of them,” he said.

McEachern's advice for local officers was to meet the community.

"You are a part of the community," he said.

"In addition to being a police officer, you are a part of this community so get involved and be concerned and care. I think we all really, really do care.”

The care comes from officers who choose this route, he said.

"You've heard the old law enforcement or police line, 'I got involved in law enforcement, it's

in my blood.' No, it's a calling and God leads us to things.”

Now that he is officially retiring, McEachern said that he and his wife would like to spend more time together.

He has a grandson too, whom he has not had the chance to meet.

"He's seven months old now. He was born in March. Obviously at the outbreak of the COVID. We had plans of flying to California then … now that baby boy is seven months old and his older brother is three years old. So we're wanting to spend some time with them."

By Greg Markley

Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for 21 years, on and off. He has master’s degrees in education and history.

He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. He was U.S. Army Europe Journalist of the Year (1993) for articles from Croatia, Germany, and Macedonia.

B9 December 2, 2020

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE DISTRICT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA MOTORS ACCEPTANCE CORPORATION Plaintiff vs.

SHARONDA BUTLER Defendant Case Number: SM061235 NOTICE OF PUBLICATION TO: SHARONDA BUTLER You are hereby notified that on 10/11/2019 a Garnishment was filed against you, listing T­MOBILE USA INC as Garnishee.

You have the Right to Claim Exemption from Garnishment.

By Order of Publication entered by the Court and notice be published once a week for four consecutive weeks in a newspaper of general circulation. Defendant must respond to this publication and make their answer known to the Court 30 days from the last date of publication so that monies withheld by the court can be disbursed to Plaintiff’s counsel.

District Civil Court of Lee County 2311 Gateway Drive.

Room 104 Opelika, AL 36801 Of Counsel: Motors Acceptance Corporation PO BOX 468 Columbus, GA 31902 (800) 899-6669 Legal Run 11/11/20, 11/18/20, 11/25/20 & 12/02/20 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN TH E MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF

BRENDA F. REESE, Deceased CASE NO. 2020-390 NOTIC E OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS OF AD MINIS T RATION o f s a id d e c e a s e d h a vin g be e n granted to the undersigned on the 27th day of October, 2020,

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 with in the time allowed by law or the same will be barred .

ARCHIE OTIS REESE, JR. Administrator Legal Run 11/11/20, 11/18/20 & 11/25/20

Post Office Box 137 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0137 Legal Run 11/11/20, 11/18/20, 11/25/20 & 12/02/20

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

Elizabeth Botsford Nolan and Regions Bank, personal representatives, on the 6th day of November, 2020, by the Honorable 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 same within the time allowed by la w or the same will be barred.

Attorney of Record: Richardson B. McKenzie Ill, Esq. Gilpin Givhan, PC Post Office Drawer 4540 Montgomery, Alabama 36103-4540 (334) 244-1111 – Telephone This 16th day of November, 2020

FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE In accordance with Chapter I, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Whatley Construction LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for Auburn University- Leach Science Center Basement Build-Out- AU Project # 17-410, located at Leach Science Center, Auburn, AL 36832 for the Auburn University Facilities Management, owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract.

All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Stacy Norman Architects, 126 Tichenor Ave, Auburn, AL 36830.

Whatley Construction LLC

-------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BETTY F. BOTSFORD, DECEASED. CASE NO. 2020-461 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Thomas M. Botsford III,

Bill English, Judge of Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 11/25/2020, 12/02/2020 & 12/07/2020 --------------

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO. BOZELLUS HILL IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of BOZELLUS HILL, Deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Gertrude Hill Guice on November 23, 2020 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 12/02/2020 -------------I N RE THE ESTATE OF: GEORGIA MAE MOFFETT, Deceased IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2020-474 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of November, 2020, 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 the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

ANNIE PLUMMER Executrix Legal Run 12/02/20, 12/09/20, 12/16/20 -------------STATE OF ALABAMA CASE #: 2020-467 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF ANN PRUITT LISENBY, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Ann Pruitt Lisenby, deceased, having been granted to William Wayne Lisenby this25th day of November 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

William Wayne Lisenby, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 36803-0030 Legal Run 12/02/2020, 12/09/2020 & 12/16/2020 -------------IN RE THE ESTATE OF LYNDA KAY HORNSBY, Deceased.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2020-485 NOTICE OF AP-

POINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 24th day of November, 2020, by Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate ae hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

RICHARD NOLAN HORNSBY Co-Personal Representative ROGER LAMAR HORNSBY JR. Co-Personal Representative Legal Run 12/02/2020, 12/09/2020 & 12/16/2020 -------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JO ANN COLEMAN, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Vivian Jo Womack Cooper, as Executrix of the Estate of Jo Ann Coleman, deceased, on the 23rd day of November, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English.

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

Vivian Jo Womack Cooper, Executrix Of the Estate of Jo Ann Coleman, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 12/02/20, 12/09/20 & 12/16/20

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FLOWERS>>

FROM B7

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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.

B10 December 2, 2020

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B11 December 2, 2020

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B12 December 2, 2020

OFD receives Carter Kit Sensory Bag FROM ASA Contributed by the city of Opelika

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Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can become distressed through trauma, anxiety, depression and learning challenges. It is the Carter Kit’s™ mission to make the world a better place, by developing and promoting an affordable means to address common comfort and security

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The Opelika Fire Department appreciates the generosity of the Autism Society of Alabama for supplying us with these sensory bags at no cost. These bags are now part of our rescue trucks’ inventory and will be a valuable resource for our service to the citizens of Opelika.

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This week’s puzzle answers: