Originally from Albertville, Alabama, Michelle Key and her family moved to the OpelikaAuburn area in 2011 after her husband’s retirement from the U.S. Navy. She is a graduate of Troy University, and she joined the Observer in 2014 as an office administrator before assuming ownership of the newspaper in January 2018.
Anita Stiefel, Key Media LLC Managing Editor
Anita Stiefel joined Key Media in 2023. A native of Fort Payne, she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University and completed doctoral studies at the University of Southern Mississippi. She has decades of experience working as a journalist and college educator.
Robert Noles, Photographer
Robert Noles is an award-winning photojournalist who has been with The Observer for more than 10 years. Originally from Tallassee, he is a graduate of Alabama Christian College and Auburn University.
Schedule of Veterans Day Events
•Nov. 7 — Auburn Junior High School will host its Third Annual V eterans Day Cookout on Thursday, Nov. 7. This event is for veterans from the Armed Forces as well as any active duty member of the military. Please arrive on campus no earlier than 11:15 a.m. The event will be located inside the AJHS Fieldhouse. This is a casual event, so feel free to dress comfortably. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m. and the event will last about an hour.
•Nov. 8 — South Smiths Station Elementary School will host its Veterans Day program at 8 a.m.
•Nov. 8 — Beulah Elementary School with have two Veterans Day programs in the gym: 9 to 9:30 a.m. for PK through second grades and 9:45-10:15 a.m. for third through sixth grades.
•Nov. 8 — Loachapoka Elementary will host a Veterans Day program at 2 p.m.
•Nov. 11 — The city of Auburn will conduct its annual wreath-laying ceremony at 10 a.m. at the Veterans Memorial located at the northeast corner of Ross Street and Glenn Avenue. In the event of inclement weather, the event will be held in the Municipal Court at 141 N. Ross St.
•Nov. 11 — The city of Opelika will hosts its annual Veterans Day Breakfast and program starting at 9 a.m. at the Opelika Public Library located at 1100 Glenn St. Breakfast is free for all veterans and their family, and the public is invited to the program at 10 a.m.
*This list is not all-inclusive.
Photo By Robert Noles
First Class Petty Officer William T. King, a native of Opelika, served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War, which ended in 1953 with the signing of an armistice.
At the age of 92, he now struggles to remember specific details from 71 years ago, but he recalls serving as an air traffic controller on the USS Princeton, directing planes off the plane and guiding them to land on the aircraft carrier.
The Princeton (CV-37) was quickly deployed to Asia when war broke out and the ship became part of Task Force 77, a key naval group that launched strikes against
enemy targets. The vessel operated off the coast of Korea in the Sea of Japan, enabling hundreds of sorties in support of ground troops. This air support was crucial in many battles, helping halt North Korean and Chinese advances.
Alarmed by a surprise invasion by the North Korean communists (backed by China and the Soviet Union) who crossed the 38th parallel and motivated by a sense of obligation and patriotism, King enlisted to serve in the military. This interrupted his studies as a business administration student at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API), which a decade later was renamed
Service from King
Story By Steven Stiefel
Auburn University.
King served four years aboard the aircraft carrier, receiving air traffic control training in the Navy. There he became responsible for coordinating flights and interpreting enemy movements from the radar monitor on the ship’s bridge.
“You're working with your radar information right in front of you,” he said. “However, you've got the possibility of the enemy planes coming in at the same time. I informed my air group that the enemy's headed toward the ship so they could be prepared to defend us.”
Landing a plane on an aircraft carrier is one of the most challenging tasks in the world, involving a highly controlled descent since the vessel is moving and pitching with the waves, requiring pilots to constantly adjust their trajectory.
Aircraft carriers use a series of arresting wires stretched across the flight deck to catch the plane as it lands. The plane is equipped with a tailhook, a sturdy hook attached to the rear of the aircraft.
As a plane touches down, the tailhook drags along the deck, aiming to catch the arresting wire. Pilots apply full throttle immediately upon landing in case the tailhook misses the wire, allowing them take off again if needed. When the tailhook catches the wire, it pulls tight, quickly slowing the plane to a complete stop within about two seconds. The gear is a combination of mechanical brakes and hydraulic systems designed to absorb the tremendous energy of the landing plane.
King said he remembered life-threatening episodes like the
Photos Contributed to LIVE Lee Magazine
time a plane approached the deck for a landing and the arresting cable snapped.
“The plane wound up hanging on the side of the carrier,” King said. “At the same time, we were trying to ward off the other planes approaching to land. I don't think there was a loss of life there. Another time, though, the cable decapitated one of the deck crew.”
King did not recall the Japanese who hosted their ship being very friendly with U.S. servicemen during the Korean War. He recalled participating in evacuation drills and having specific assignments in case of an emergency. Submarines and torpedo attacks were a part of daily planning. King also served as a musical disc jockey on the carrier, entertaining his fellow servicemen.
After the war, King returned to college and graduated in 1958 while working at the Sears store in downtown Opelika. That same year, he married, and the couple moved to various locations across the Carolinas for work in the textile industry.
He served as CEO of several textile companies across multiple states, finishing his textile career as President and CEO of Avondale Mills in Sylacauga. He became the director of international trade for the state of North
Carolina and taught international trade at North Carolina State. He coordinated business deals between American companies and foreign partners.
“That's probably the most interesting part of my life,” King said. “There's been so many changes and things that we can and can't do now. Well, the whole world's gotten smaller.”
The couple retired to Opelika in 2005.
King has shared war stories with his grandchildren and said he feels his service affected their lives. One grandchild enlisted as a Marine.
“I was not a hero, that's for sure. I mean, I was there, but all the other guys. You signed up and you served, did your duty,” he said.
He said he’s proud to wear his hat, declaring his service as a Korean War veteran. His sister-in-law, Kathy Lauderdale, said he gets a little aggravated when his wife suggests he not wear the hat because other diners often offer to pay their bill and she doesn’t want anyone thinking that is why he wears it.
Thanks to the willingness of patriots like Bill King, America has realized the benefits that come from such sacrifice.
William King and his wife Laura.
Rick and Karen Lanier; Then and Now
Courage, Commitment and Culinary Excellence
A life devoted to a passion to serve
AStory By Elese McKinley
Photos Submitted to LIVE Lee Magazine
t just 18 years old, Karen L. Lanier embarked on a journey by enlisting in the Navy. By age 19, she had fully joined the ranks and was part of the very first wave of enlisted women assigned to ships, marking the beginning of a distinguished and challenging career.
Lanier’s early assignments with the United Sates 6th Fleet took her to Gaeta, Italy, after arriving from the USS Puget
Sound AD38. Her initial role was in the Deck Department, where her primary responsibility was maintaining the ship's cleanliness. Each day began at 5 a.m., and Lanier would be responsible of swabbing the forecastle four to five times daily. This responsibility was a demanding task that required both physical endurance and great attention to detail.
Lanier did not enjoy working on the boat and dealing with the erratic weather conditions at times. Luckily, her
role soon changed, and Lanier transitioned to cooking in the ship’s galley. This is where Lanier would soon discover her passion for providing and preparing meals. Lanier found fulfillment in preparing dishes, understanding the comfort and significance of a meal made with care while away from home.
Lanier's time stationed in Italy also provided her with unique opportunities to explore and experience the rich history of the region and beyond.
She found herself in Israel, where she visited Bethlehem and witnessed the birthplace of Jesus, even participating in the spiritual act of placing a prayer in the Wailing Wall. She also spent a retreat weekend at an ancient monastery in Italy, immersing herself in the tranquility and history of a place that had stood for hundreds of years. These experiences allowed Lanier to have moments of reflection and connection to the world beyond her duties on the ship.
After two years in Italy, Lanier soon found herself being sent back to the United States for culinary school in 1982.
what it means to persevere.”
Karen’s role as one of the first women to serve on Navy ships was marked by significant challenges. Discrimination and harassment were rampant in that era, and in the maledominated culture of the Navy, women’s contributions were frequently undervalued or dismissed.
“It was very hard from the moment I joined. Being a woman in the military was never easy,” Karen said. “The Navy taught me how to navigate obstacles. I often found myself working twice as hard as the men, just to not be recognized as equal. Finding support was challenging because those in charge often didn’t believe women belonged in the military.”
Despite these hardships, Lanier approached her duties with unwavering dedication and perseverance. Her ability to navigate these challenges with grace and professionalism played a crucial role in breaking barriers, ultimately paving the way for future generations of women in the Navy.
Lanier said she is grateful for the support she received from those who stood by her during her career.
“I deeply appreciated the support from colleagues who encouraged me, my husband was also a very big support system for me at the time,” Karen said. “Their encouragement was crucial in helping me navigate the tough times.”
After 18 months in New Jersey, Lanier and her husband relocated to San Diego in 1987, beginning a new chapter in their lives.
Lanier was in culinary school for six weeks before returning to Italy, and then being sent to Beirut, Lebanon as part of the peacekeeping force.
After leaving the ship in 1983, Lanier was stationed at Naval Weapons Station Earle in Colts Neck, New Jersey. During this time, she met her future husband, Rick Lanier, who was also stationed at NWS Earle. Rick emphasized the hard work and dedication Karen demonstrated during their time together in New Jersey.
“She handled immense pressure and responsibility as a woman in a male-dominated world, and she did it with grace,” Rick said. “Her commitment to excellence and her ability to overcome challenges were remarkable. She showed
Over the next 16 years, she served on four different ships, traveling to destinations such as Japan, South Korea, Okinawa, Hawaii, Hong Kong, Saipan and Guam. Each deployment presented unique challenges and opportunities for growth, and she said she thrived in these dynamic environments.
During her time in San Diego, Karen’s career continued to advance. She achieved the ranks of Mess Specialist Chief, Surface Warfare and Air Warfare. Earning the MSC title required passing a rigorous exam and a thorough review by the Chief’s board. For the Surface Warfare and Air Warfare ranks, Lanier underwent comprehensive examinations and interviews with respective boards. Holding these titles showcases Lanier’s dedication and expertise in these demanding roles.
Towards the end of her service, Lanier played a significant role in the Navy’s first hull swap between the USS Belleau Wood and the USS Essex in July and August 2000. She helped bring the Essex to Sasebo, Japan, and then returned the Belleau Wood to San Diego after its 10-year forward deployment in Japan. Lanier continued her service until retiring in 2003.
Reflecting on her Navy career, Lanier said she values the diverse experiences and connections she made. Her travels
Karen with her two children. She juggled military life and motherhood during her Navy career.
and interactions with people from various backgrounds enriched her understanding of the world and deepened her appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.
“Being in the military allowed me to relate to and connect with people from all walks of life,” Karen said. “It taught me not to judge others based on their circumstances but to understand and respect their experiences. I learned that everyone lives a different life, and it’s important to approach each person with empathy and understanding. Looking back, I realize I was just trying to survive, like everyone else.”
venture. The restaurant is a testament to her culinary skills and commitment to providing comfort and nourishment to those around her. She said the transition from Navy life to restaurant ownership has allowed her to bring the same dedication and care she showed during her service to her now local community.
Lanier’s service in the Navy not only shaped her professional skills but also her personal outlook. The challenges she faced and the lessons she learned have had a lasting impact on her life and career, helping her to navigate complex dynamics and develop a deep sense of empathy.
Today, Lanier and her husband run the Bison Bistro in Southern Union State Community College, where she continues to channel her passion for cooking into a new
Karen said she continues to find ways to get involved in the community. She often describes herself as a “joiner”. She loves to serve others and often finds herself volunteering and looking new ways to give back to the community.
As a veteran and community leader, Karen L. Lanier continues to make a difference, carrying forward the lessons learned from her military career into her civilian life. She said she would like to believe that she made a difference in at least one sailor’s life with her meal preparations. Her legacy is one of courage, commitment and culinary excellence, reflecting a life devoted to a passion to serve.
Karen at her Chief’s pinning ceremony
The sign at the entrance to the CSM Bennie G. Adkins Veterans Home
A Place to Call Home
Story By David Bell
Photos By Robert Noles
Alabama’s newest state veterans home officially opened Sept. 13 in Enterprise, named in honor of former Opelika resident and Medal of Honor recipient Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins. The 174-bed facility is the state’s fifth skilled-care nursing and memory care residential home for eligible state military veterans. Once fully staffed, it will employ more than 200 people.
During the opening ceremony, Auburn gastroenterologist Dr. Keith Adkins, Bennie Adkins’ son, expressed his family’s gratitude to the Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs for naming the new facility in honor of his father.
“My dad’s military accomplishments have been well documented, but there are other things he did that aren’t so well-known,” said Adkins. “Even into his 80s, he still wanted to give back to the local community. So, he set up a nonprofit foundation to award educational scholarships to
deserving students. But he didn’t do those kinds of things to gain notoriety for himself. Everything he did was done with humility.”
Keynote Speaker Captain Michael Rose, U.S. Army retired and himself a Medal of Honor recipient, commended the various local, state and federal entities that came together to make the new veterans home a reality.
“Everyone who played a part in this project should be very proud of what you created here,” said Rose. “It shows that you care about the men and women who will live inside these walls, and you appreciate what they’ve done for our country.”
“I knew Bennie Adkins and I’m sure he would be thrilled to see this project come to fruition for the benefit of veterans across the state of Alabama,” Rose added. “You could not find a better individual in this state or on this planet to name this facility after.”
The opening ceremony, ribbon-cutting and subsequent
reception were attended by hundreds of people including military veterans from all branches of the armed forces, future facility residents and their families, elected officials and representatives from local, state and federal agencies.
“The CSM Bennie G.Adkins State Veterans Home is the culmination of a six-year project that began with a feasibility study in 2018,” said Admiral W.Kent Davis, Commissioner of the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs. “Enterprise was chosen as the new home’s location largely because of the considerable veteran population in Coffee County, which is
expected to grow in the coming years.”
“Williams Blackstock Architects of Birmingham designed the 182,000-square-foot facility and Rabren General Contractors of Auburn were selected to build the home on a 108-acre site off Highway 51. Ground-breaking ceremonies were held on June 17, 2022,” Davis said.
In addition to around-the-clock medical care, residents will have access to other amenities including a library, game room, exercise room, salon, lounge and spacious common area featuring a huge fireplace. Outdoor courtyards flank each residential wing,
Family, military leaders, government officials and friends gathered for the ribbon-cutting in September.
providing a pleasant atmosphere for veterans to enjoy fresh air and sunshine.
Just inside the facility’s main entrance is a large display containing CSM Adkins’ photo, uniform, service ribbons and medals, including the Medal of Honor.
During the second of his three tours in Vietnam, then Army Sergeant First Class Bennie Adkins distinguished himself during 38 hours of close-combat fighting while serving as an Intelligence Sergeant with the Fifth Special Forces Group at Camp A Shau. When the camp was attacked in 1966, Adkins rushed through intense enemy fire and manned a mortar position. He continued to mount a defense while receiving several direct hits from enemy fire. He temporarily turned over his position to another soldier and ran through exploding mortar rounds to rescue wounded soldiers near the center of
The 182,000 sq. ft. facility in Enterprise will be home to 174 veterans and will provide jobs for more than 200 people.
Photos by Robert Noles
Pictured above is Adkin’s Medal of Honor on display at the facility.
Pictured left, retired CSM Bennie Adkins was honored with a bronze statue depicting him in the Vietnam war. He is pictured with artist and sculptor, Craig Campbell.
the camp. By the end of the battle, Adkins had been hit 18 times.
On Sept. 15, 2014, Adkins was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Barak Obama as an upgrade to the Distinguished Service Cross he received in 1967. The accompanying citation stated, “Sergeant First Class Adkins’ extraordinary heroism and selflessness above and beyond the call of duty are in keeping with the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, Detachment A-102, Fifth Special Forces Group, First Special Forces and the United States Army.”
Adkins retired from the Army in 1978. He earned a bachelor’s and two master’s degrees from
Troy State University and operated his own accounting firm on South Gay Street in Auburn. He taught classes at Southern Union State Junior College, Auburn University and frequently served as a substitute teacher in Opelika City Schools. In 2017, Troy University Chancellor Jack Hawkins, Jr. awarded Adkins an honorary doctorate of laws degree.
Adkins was hospitalized with COVID-19. He was admitted to the intensive care unit and put on a ventilator after experiencing respiratory failure. He died from complications of the virus on April 17, 2020, at the age of 86, and is buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
U . S .
Perseverance toward global goal
Story By David Bell
Photos Contributed to LIVE Lee Magazine
At an early age, Keiwana Eaton knew that she would one day serve her country in the military. But she could never have imagined that the journey would take her from the heights of achievement to the depths of despair and back again.
A native of Opelika, Eaton attended public schools and graduated Opelika High School in 2001, after which she enrolled at Alabama State University.
“It wasn’t until I got to college that I realized my family was poor,” Eaton said. “Getting enough money to cover my tuition costs became my primary focus, so I started doing other students’ hair to support my expenses. But that eventually took time away from my studies and my grades began to drop. After one year, I came back home.”
Feeling like a failure, she said she began pondering her next move. It soon became clear that the best path forward was to join the military as she had always planned to do.
“I met with a recruiter in Auburn and he asked if I had any questions,” she explained. “I told him I really wanted to know if I would be able to return to school, and that’s when he explained to me the GI Bill that would pay for my education following my service. I didn’t need to hear anything else, so I joined the Navy.”
Eaton was sent to Montgomery for a series of aptitude tests to determine which task she would be best suited for in her new military career. As it turned out, she was assigned a position in the Navy’s Logistics Division. Following basic training, Keiwana was deployed to the U.S.S. Theodore Roosevelt, a Nimitz-class, nuclearpowered, aircraft carrier. The ship had a crew of 3,200, with 2,480 additional air wing personnel, and carried approximately 90 fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.
“I quickly realized that I was surrounded by a great group of mentors who opened my eyes to a new world of unlimited possibilities,” Eaton said. “I received excellent training that gave me confidence I never had before.”
Her primary assignment involved maintaining an adequate supply of parts, equipment and other inventory necessary for the ship’s operations during the time it was engaged in active duty. It was a job she did well, so much so that she wanted to continue her acquired skills at the conclusion of her service.
“In addition to our primary assignments, we were allowed to select other areas of service when we were not aboard ship,” she said. “So, I decided to become a recruiter in Tyler, Texas. My first recruit was a young black female, top of her class, who went off to boot camp in Florida and was gunned down in a senseless shooting. My assignment entailed being an ambassador with her mother for one year following the incident to help her cope with the tragic loss of her child. Over that period of time, I watched this woman spiral out of control, which also took a mental and emotional toll on me as well, while still trying to continue my recruiting duties. My focus began to fade, and I developed the early signs of a mental health issue that would later turn into full-blown Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome (PTSD).”
Eaton was eventually reassigned to a small Army installation where duties were less stressful, and to occupy her mind in a positive direction, she began taking college courses again. But the mental health issues persisted and got worse. She reached the point of losing touch with reality, not knowing who she was, hearing strange voices and having thoughts of suicide, which landed her in a psychiatric ward for five days.
She said she was placed on a series of medications to help control her anxiety and depression. She was honorably discharged from the Navy and returned home to Opelika.
“I was living in a duplex apartment and one day I was cooking french fries when I remembered something I needed to do,” she said. “I thought I had turned the stove off, but I actually turned it on high and left the apartment. As I was returning home, I could see smoke and was horrified to discover that it was coming from my apartment. What wasn’t destroyed by fire was ruined by water. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the fire didn’t spread to the unit next door.”
But to make things worse, Eaton did not have renter’s insurance and lost everything she had. She became homeless for a period of five months, and basically lived out of her car while she worked and saved money to get back on her feet. She managed to get a small low-rent apartment where the tap water was tinted with a brown hue.
“I hated that place, and during the year I was there, I vowed to never rent again.”
Over time, with resources available through her military service, Eaton was able to purchase her first home and return to college. Using her Navy training as a guide, Eaton earned a bachelor’s degree in Business and a master’s degree in Supply Chain Management.
“My first business was a specialized shoe service for women, allowing them access to styles and brands that weren’t available in their local stores,” Eaton said. “I later expanded to include beauty and fashion supplies.
“I had developed contacts with a group of about 400 small business owners who all shared a common problem,” she continued. “They did not have an adequate knowledge of inventory and how it affects their bottom line. Therefore, working with a group of technical experts, I created easy to follow and understand software that teaches small business owners how to properly manage their inventory for maximum success.”
Eaton named her new business OptiSyncPro and made her software available through a website of the same name. Response has been very favorable, and she said she continues her contact with clients both online and in person.
“My ultimate goal is to take this company global,” said Eaton. “My faith has given me the strength and determination to persevere and overcome the difficulties of my past. My advice to young people who are still trying to find their way is to create a vision for what they want to do and let nothing stop them from achieving their goals.”
Adam C. Dooley, MD
Frazier K. Jones, MD
Ryan C. Palmer, MD
Todd Michael Sheils, MD
Trent Wilson, MD
BAMARAMA 500
“We just want people to be aware of the challenges veterans face.”
Story By Noah Griffith
Photos By Ed Sikora
The U.S. Naval Academy’s class of 1983 celebrated their 40th reunion last year by cycling across the United States. But they didn’t stop there.
It’s been 41 years since they graduated, and this year the group of “old goats” kept their cause rolling by riding across the state of Alabama. Navy veteran Scott Watson, a native of Birmingham, Alabama, put on the
“BamaRama500” — a bike ride that stretched 530 miles from Huntsville to Gulf Shores spanning from Oct. 4-13.
The group of cyclists formed in response to a challenge to the class from founder John Hults at the class’s 35th reunion. Originally, the group’s purpose was to stay fit and build class camaraderie, but it developed into a means to help fundraise money to support military veterans.
“There are a lot of great causes to donate to, but overall, our
goal is to raise enough awareness in the community and give the community an opportunity to thank a veteran by paying it forward because people can’t do what they do if our country isn’t safe,” Watson said. “We just want people to be aware of the challenges veterans face.”
At the forefront of challenges veterans face are mental and emotional coping issues, especially those related to PTSD.
“We do 22 push ups each morning because about 22 veterans every day are committing suicide,” Watson said woefully. “That’s more than we lost in Iraq (over the span of) a year. It’s a saddening situation, and we just want people to be aware.”
Donors can choose to help support a variety of different causes, including veteran homelessness and suicide prevention, family counseling and adoption support, “K9s for Warriors,” “Brain Balancing for Veterans” to improve mental wellness for veterans and more.
Outside of financial donations, the USNA class of ’83 is fueled by community support. In order to connect with several different Alabama communities, they stopped for events in several communities throughout the ride: starting with Huntsville, then Scottsboro, Gadsden, Jacksonville, Oxford, Auburn, Troy, Crestview, Florida, and then rode on to the finish line at Gulf Shores.
One of the biggest community events occurred in Auburn on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Watson and the crew ventured into
Hodges Vineyard, which is about 20 miles west of Auburn in Camp Hill, on Tuesday afternoon and then rolled into Auburn before heading over to Jordan-Hare Stadium for a celebration dinner at 6 p.m.
The dinner of steak, potatoes and vegetables was provided by Wilton’s catering owned by Chris and Lisa Wilton and Senna’ Barnett in Loachapoka.
One of the owners, Lisa Wilton, is also a military veteran and provided great insight on the significance of the cause. She compared the treatment of NFL players to military veterans, using the example of former Green Bay Packers quarterback who recently shared his diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease at the age of 54, likely a result of head injuries throughout his playing career.
“I told Chris [her husband and business partner] that these NFL guys know the dangers and make millions of dollars playing this sport. But, on the other hand, there are regular old folks who go into combat situations on behalf of our great country and are paid a pittance,” Lisa said.
“When they receive lots of concussions and traumatic brain injuries, they don’t have that NFL money to fall back on… They mainly have to rely on the generosity of the government. Which frankly, does not do a very good job of taking care of these folks, in my opinion. That is why I want to support private causes to help veterans as much as possible.”
Watson thanked providers such as Wilton’s for their
hospitality and spoke very highly of the people of Auburn, especially the Auburn Tourism department. This even took months of work and preparation, but he said it makes it all worth it to be able to show his classmates his home state.
“There’s only me and one other guy (in our class) from Alabama, so we’re hoping to show that this is a great state,” Watson said. “I think that’s going to be the outcome of the ride is we’ll raise a lot of money and have fun, then these guys are going to go back to where they came from and go ‘That Alabama is a pretty cool place.’”
As of Oct. 1, the USNA had raised $91,140 so far this year, adding up to $801,623 total over the organization’s lifetime. However, the group hopes to keep pushing toward their ultimate goal of $1.983 million that was coined to coincide with their graduation year of 1983.
There are many causes that need funds, but Watson
encourages donors to give to whichever cause is on their heart.
Watson, a father of two adopted children, rode for the “Operation Patriots for Children” — a cause that raises funds for a Christian ministry called Lifeline. However, the group’s mission is to allow people to act on their appreciation for veterans, regardless of which cause they give to.
“You know how when you’re in an airport and see a guy in a uniform and go ‘Thank you for your service?’ You know, that’s nice, but I encourage people to go ahead and do something about it,” Watson said. “This is a way to really help families, marriages, mental health — I mean there’s all kinds of great causes on our site. This is a way that folks can lean in a little bit and show appreciation in a more tangible way.”
To learn more about the Naval Academy class of ’83 and to donate to their cause, visit www.navy-cycling.com.
Pictured left to right are Senna’ Barnett, Lisa Wilton and Chris Wilton.
Wilton was a Navy Airman from 1992 to 1995 and worked on hydraulic systems and airframes at VF-124 at NAS Miramar in San Diego, California. She said she worked on F-14 Alpha and Delta jets. Women weren’t allowed on combat ships during her years of service so she said she did not go into combat.
Her squadron was a Replacement Air Group (RAG) squadron — and trained Alpha and Delta pilots and replaced jets that were broken or that went down for other squadrons on cruise. She said she learned a lot and made a lot of lifelong friends who she still keeps in touch with.
“It definately changed my ideas of what freedom means in this country,” Wilton said.
A man of many legacies
CStory By Anita Stiefel
ommand Sgt. Maj. (Ret.) Fred Moore has made an impact on many lives, serving in two branches of the military before becoming a mayor, community organizer and businessman.
Moore began his military career as an 18-yearold U.S. Navy yeoman deployed to the South Pacific during World War II.
“I was on Guam when the war ended,” Moore said. “I was at the Navy Supply Depot, and I had to know where each ship was going to get supplies there. We received freight coming in from the states and redistributed it to wherever the units were going.
“It was pretty quiet for the most part, until the air raid siren started up,” he recalled. “I joined the Navy early in 1944 and came out in April of 1946.”
A month later, in May 1946, he married his high school sweetheart, Jean Daniels, and they made a home in Elba, Alabama.
“I grew up on a farm, but in high school I worked part time at a store on the town square, dipping ice cream,” Moore said. “That’s where I met [Jean], serving her ice cream. We were together for 72 years.”
After getting out of the Navy, Moore took advantage of G.I. opportunities to begin a career.
“The government gave us $90 a month to learn a trade,” he said. “I knew someone who worked at the Chevrolet dealership, so I got a job there as a mechanic’s helper. Then later, I went to the furniture and appliance store, and they paid for me to go to school to learn air conditioning and washing machine and general repair.”
In 1948, the Moores welcomed a daughter, Patsy. To supplement his salary, he joined the Alabama Army National Guard.
“That’s how I got to the Korean War — I was called in for the 31st Infantry Division, which consisted of more than 20,000 of us from Mississippi and Alabama, and we were mobilized to Korea,” he said. “I was in Korea less than a year, working as a motor sergeant — my job was to keep the trucks moving.”
Following this deployment Moore returned to his job at the furniture store. The Moores welcomed a son, Freddie, in 1953, who was tragically killed in an accident in 1969 at the age of 26.
Moore left the furniture store for good the next time he was called up for military service.
“I was assigned full time as an advisor in Dothan with the Maintenance Battalion,” he said. “I was Battalion Sergeant Major, responsible for checking paperwork. All the paperwork going to headquarters went through my desk.”
Moore served a three-month tour at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and it was there that he found himself in a position to make a lasting impact on future generations of military personnel.
“I was working for a three-star general, working to find ways to keep folks in the military, to improve retention,” he said. “The benefits [military personnel] have today — I helped get them passed.”
Moore explained that at that time, full-time enlistees in the National Guard and Army Reserve were designated as civil service employees and worked without the benefits that went along with military designation.
“I didn’t like seeing soldiers working as civilians,” he said. “We got them all the benefits they deserved, like all the other members of the military.”
Moore said he spent a great deal of time working at the 121st U.S. Army Reserve Command, headquartered in Birmingham,
before retiring from the military in 1985.
Upon returning to civilian life, he was elected coroner of Coffee County, a part-time position. Then, in 1988, he was elected mayor of Elba.
Once again, Moore found himself in a position to make a lasting difference when a natural disaster threatened the city. During the historic flood of 1990, his actions likely saved many lives.
As the National Weather Service began issuing flood watches, Moore knew the rising waters could be problematic in Elba if the levy on the Pea River did not hold.
“On the morning that flooding was expected later in the day, I called in the rescue squads and moved everybody out of town,” he said. “We hoped the levy would hold, but we were prepared if it didn’t. We moved folks out ahead of it.”
When the levy did indeed fail, the entire town was underwater.
“The water got 12 feet deep, and everything was wiped out,” he said. “We only had two businesses that were left — a barbecue place and a convenience store — and that’s only because they were on a hill.
“But nobody died,” he added.
Moore explained that at that time, Coffee County did not have a local Emergency Management Agency.
“After [the flood] the community saw a need for an EMA,” he said. “With a friend of mine, we set one up — we got it organized, appointed its first board, and now it’s one of the best EMA operations anywhere.”
Moore did not run for reelection, saying his one eventful term was “more than enough.” While his actions saved people, property destruction was massive. The entire town had to be rebuilt.
And once again, he stepped up.
AUBURN OPELIKA HABITAT FOR HUMANITY HONORS THOSE WHO SERVE.
https://www.auburnopelikahabitat.org/
Auburn Opelika Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Director President, Dan Hatcher (left) and Vice President, M.C. McCarthy (right) served in the U.S. Army and Air Force. Major Dan Hatcher U.S. Army ret. and Lt. Colonel M.C. McCarthy U.S. Air Force ret. both continue to lead Habitat in our mission of building homes, community, and hope.
“I had 100 acres, and I told my wife, ‘I believe I can sell dirt,’” he said. “I bought a dump truck and an old loader, and I started moving dirt. I furnished all the dirt for people who were rebuilding.”
Moore’s Dirt Hauling became a successful business he ran in partnership with his wife. They lived happily together on a plot of land with two fishing lakes — one stocked with catfish and brim and the other stocked with bass.
“Fishing — I always loved to fish,” he said. “I had a decked-out pontoon with fishing chairs mounted in front.”
Moore said Jean also enjoyed fishing and had a golf cart she used to drive down to one of the lakes in the evening to catch fish for dinner. They shared their home with an array of animals, including a black cat, a dog, a donkey and two goats his wife had bottle-fed from birth. He joyfully described his memory of Jean riding to the lake on her golf
cart loaded with the dog, cat and goats while the donkey walked alongside wearing a straw hat.
“She had cut holes in the hat for its ears to stick through,” he said, laughing. “It was a sight to see the golf cart loaded up with the whole bunch.”
Jean passed away in 2017, and after that, as his health began to decline, their daughter wanted him to live closer to her home in Tallassee. For the past two years Moore has resided at Holiday Monarch Estates, an apartment complex for independent senior citizens in Auburn. His friends there threw him a party to celebrate his 99th birthday in September.
Moore has two granddaughters, one of whom is a lawyer in Atlanta and the other works for the Jacksonville, Florida school system, as well as two grandsons, a diesel mechanic in Atlanta and a kayak manufacturer in North Carolina.
Gala for Giving
Story By Anita Stiefel
Photos By Craig Godwin
The Auburn Student Veterans Association (ASVA) annual gala was held Oct. 11 at the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National in Opelika. First held in 2016, this event raises funds for scholarships, professional development opportunities and mentorship programs — tools that facilitate successful transition from military service to academic and civilian life. This year’s gala raised a record $70,000.
Six scholarships were presented to AU student veterans: John Sloan received the Luther Parker Memorial Scholarship; Pedro Furtado received the Coach Kim Evans Initiative Scholarship, Preston Sanders won the Jed Grant Perserverance Scholarship, Boone Bramwell received the Gunny Garcia Scholarship, Madeline Graf won the Johnny Lawrence Achievement Scholarship and Molly Orr received the Mr. Brightside Scholarship.
This year’s keynote speaker was Jeff Struecker, former U.S. Army Ranger and “Black Hawk Down” survivor. In the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, Struecker was a 24-year-old
squad leader with the 75th Ranger Regiment. He led the three-vehicle convoy that returned, through intense fire, wounded Ranger Pvt. Todd Blackburn to base. Struecker was awarded the Silver Star for his actions. He was portrayed by actor Brian Van Holt in the 2001 film based on the battle, Black Hawk Down.
ABOUT ASVA
The Auburn Student Veterans Association is a 501c3 organization that provides student veterans and militaryaffiliated students with resources to support the body, mind and spirit. Its goal is to help student veterans connect with one another on campus for camaraderie, to share information about local community veteran resources and to create a culture that supports veteran’s academic success and leads to future employment. Under the guidance of the Auburn University Veterans Resource Center, ASVA membership is open to veterans and any student, military family member, alumni, community member, faculty and staff.
A Family Hero
SStory By Ann Cipperly
Contributed By Jeff Gibby
hortly before retiring in 2019 from 20 years service in the Air National Guard, Jeff Gibby of Auburn was honored as Alabama’s First Sergeant of the Year by Gov. Kay Ivey. Master Sgt. Gibby served in several key operations overseas and missed time with family at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Every year since has been a special celebration with his wife, Tina, and their two children, Tatum, 18, and Jeffery, 12.
Jeff said he was influenced by his father, who was an officer in the Air Force at Gunter Air Force Base, and he followed in his footsteps. His father was from California and served at many different bases throughout the United States, including in Utah, Arizona, Hawaii, Nebraska and Newport News, Virginia, where Jeff was born. The family moved to Montgomery when Jeff was seven years old.
With a large family, his father had a military structure at home. He would have the entire family do workouts at 4 a.m.
While the only option for college was joining the military, Jeff said he joined the military because of patriotism. He entered the military in June
1999 and first served in the Air National Guard before being activated. He graduated from the Security Forces Apprentice course at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in February 2000.
Jeff and Tina were married in April 2001. When America was attacked on Sept. 11, 2001, he was activated and deployed overseas.
“It was a task that needed to be done,” he said. “To understand there was an attack on the United States, and I was ready to defend this great country.”
While he was determined to serve his country, he said it was difficult and challenging since the Gibbys had only been married for a few months. They especially missed being together at Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Jeff served 2002-03 in Southwest Asia in Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. When he returned home, he served in various roles over the years, including, as a Security Forces member, supply logistics specialist, traffic manager and the support equipment manager for the F-16 program at the 187th Fighter
Photos
Wing.
At that time, he was a full-time technician serving as the traffic manager for the 187th Fighter Wing. He was the technical transportation advisor to all statewide and base matters dealing with logistical movements for all deployment of personnel and cargo.
When he was deployed again in 2017, Jeff served as the first sergeant of a squadron of 400 personnel.
“As any first sergeant can attest,” he said, “the role is a full-time position full of highs and lows, especially concerning the morale, welfare and discipline of all personnel.
“There are also challenges related to being away from loved ones and the constant phone conversations about challenges back home,” he added, “It is stressful enough focusing on the mission at hand, but also dealing with the challenges faced by families left behind to pick up the pieces in the absence of a mom, dad, sister, brother, son, daughter, etc. back home.
“It takes a selfless person with a willingness to dedicate all their time, energy and focus to handle all those things because you have everybody’s problems on your shoulders. I was there to help them in any way that I could,” Jeff said.
During 2017-18, Gibby served in Southwest Asia for Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Inherent Resolve.
“As we counted down the days of Jeff’s departure there was an aura of sadness in our home,” Tina said. “The latter part of 2018 was a very difficult time for us. It was the first time that our children didn’t have their Dad home for Thanksgiving, Christmas and our son’s sixth birthday that was also in December. Jeff called and Facetimed as often as possible and sent us packages and letters. We in turn sent him a lot of care packages too.”
Tina and the kids took a cruise for Thanksgiving that year to help them get through the holiday.
“Christmas was rough,” she added. “When Jeff was home we would drive throughout Auburn and Opelika to look at Christmas lights. I tried to drive the kids around, but it was not the same. We couldn’t get the outside lights up without him, and we had to put a tree up that was way too big for us. We had to enlist the help of friends here in Auburn to help us. We were fortunate to have such a support system during that time.”
When he was first deployed, it was difficult to communicate back home. In 2017 and 2018, it was easier to communicate with his wife and children. He sent a video to his son on his sixth birthday, and his son will always remember his father singing Happy Birthday and shedding a tear.
“If it wasn’t for Tina and the sacrifices she made, I wouldn’t have been able to have gone through that 20 years without her,” Jeff said. “The support she had for me and our family was huge.
“Sometimes people forget the spouses are the ones going the extra mile as we are overseas. They are having to take care of everything with the family on their own, the home life and everything else. It is also worrisome to those serving not being there to help.”
Jeff retired on a Friday in June 2019. The following Monday, he began work at Baily-Harris of Auburn and is currently the corporate director of safety.
The Gibbys said Thanksgiving is a special time for their family. Tina said she plans a traditional meal with family favorites. The house is packed full of family members, in-laws, mom, aunts uncles nieces nephews and cousins. It is a fun filled day, and they watch football after the meal.
“You appreciate it so much when you return home after being deployed,” Jeff said. “We are thankful to be together and pray for protection for those men and women who are still serving overseas. When you have been deployed, you know what it feels like not being able to be with those you love.
“Some people don’t realize the number of those serving their country
who make the sacrifice not to be with their families,” he added. “Some people don’t think about how blessed they are to be with their family at Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years. You gain a new appreciation for things, but it is a sacrifice you are willing to make.”
He said he enjoys going to their son’s Veterans Day event at school.
“I feel proud when they play the Air Force theme song. It gives me chills to stand up and know that I served honorable. My son loved it when I was at his school. He always wanted his dad there.”
Before retiring from the military, Jeff received the First Segreant of the Year award.
“I was humbled by the award, and feel there are others more deserving,” he said. “Serving in that leadership role allowed me to take that experience from the military and bring it into the civilian world.
“I am a matter-of-fact person. As the safety director of Baily-Harris there are some uncomfortable conservations I have, but I also had uncomfortable conversations with my troops as I was managing them too.”
“Now on holidays, we cherish Jeff being home more than ever. He is the rock of our family, and we still today know he made the sacrifice for
Opelika has a history of bringing up great leaders, and once such leader was veteran William Schaffer Key, a distinguished alumnus of Opelika High School (formerly called Clift High School) Class of 1907.
Born on Oct. 6, 1889, in Dudleyville, Alabama, William S.Key joined the Georgia National Guard as a private shortly after his graduation from school in Opelika. Key was commissioned second lieutenant just three years later before moving to Oklahoma and enlisting with the Oklahoma National Guard in 1911. Within five years of service, Key was promoted to first lieutenant, and to captain, before assuming command of Company G: the First Oklahoma Infantry that served on the Mexican Border during the Pancho Villa Expedition in March of 1917. While deployed in France, Key’s exceptional leadership was acknowledged, leading to his promotion to Colonel by the end of the war.
Key returned to Oklahoma in 1919 to manage businesses and rejoined the Oklahoma National Guard. He served as warden of the Oklahoma Penitentiary in 1924 and later as chairman of the Pardon and Parole Board. In 1925, he
From the halls oF opelika
Story By Emily Carlson
became a brigadier general, commanding the 70th Field Artillery Brigade.
Key then relocated to Oklahoma City in 1927 to start a real estate and oil business, where in 1935, he was appointed Oklahoma Administrator for the Works Progress Administration, employing 100,000 people.
On Feb. 2, 1937, Key was promoted to major general and given command of the 45th Division. He trained the division after its nationalization in September 1940 and later became the provost marshal general of the US Army in Europe. Key held many commands, including the Iceland Base Command and US Forces in Hungary.
After retiring, he remained active in business and civic activities. receiving military honors including the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star and the British Knight of the Order of the Bath.
Key died on Jan. 5, 1959, and is resting in Memorial Park Cemetery, in Oklahoma City.
It’s an honor to remember and reflect on Key’s contributions, commitment and sacrifices. We thank William Schaffer Key and to those who have served this country and Opelika.
Photo Courtesy of the Oklahoma Historical Society
Airlines offer many perks and discounts for the military community. Do you know them all?
Story By Tim Kinsella
Iserved for 33 years in the United States Military. As the former commanding officer of the Navy’s largest aviation training installation at Naval Air Station Pensacola, I know firsthand the deep relationships between military aviation and our airline industry.
The airline industry has been one of the leading employers for America's service members, employing more than 50,000 veterans. I’ve been fortunate to fly all over the world for both military and personal reasons, but no matter where I travel, I always know I'll be treated with kindness and dignity when I fly on a U.S. airline.
U.S. airlines offer discounts, waive fees and provide many other perks for active duty and veterans alike. To make the most of these opportunities, active-duty personnel and veterans should check out the military benefits airlines offer before finalizing travel arrangements.
Discounted fares and vacation packages
Many airlines offer discounted fares for travel itineraries — including leisure and vacation.
Alaska, American, Hawaiian, JetBlue, and United all offer reduced fares for the military community through a partnership with WeSalute+ — a benefits and discount program for active duty and veterans, and their immediate families. Southwest also offers lower fares not available to the public if you call ahead.
Several airlines even offer discounts on vacation packages.
Delta Vacations offers military discounts up to $200 on a flightand-hotel package. American Airlines, meanwhile, offers 10% discounts for vacation packages through WeSalute+.
Check extra bags for free (and bring your pets too).
Most airlines waive baggage fees for members of the military
community. Alaska, American and JetBlue offer up to five free checked bags per flight, for example, depending on whether the flight is for duty or leisure.
Many airlines also let members of the military community ship their pets — a benefit not typically offered to the general public. This is something we took full advantage of when we were stationed overseas in Belgium. Active-duty servicemembers who are relocating or traveling on-orders should check airline policies to see if their four-legged friends can fly for free. Semper Fido.
An enhanced airport experience Airports can get chaotic, especially around the holidays. Members of the military community, however, may be eligible for a little extra comfort, convenience and relaxation.
Most airlines offer priority boarding to members of the military and their families. Early boarding offers a chance to secure overhead storage for carry-ons and get settled into a seat before the single-file procession of other passengers starts down the narrow aisle. We sure appreciated this when we were moving overseas with two small children, two cats and more bags than a discount shopper on black
Friday.
Military travelers flying with American, United or Alaska Airlines can enjoy airline clubs and lounges before boarding, depending on the airport and availability. Whether it's to hang owith the family, find a nook to read, grab a snack or grab a catnap, these lounges offer a quiet space to relax before boarding.
Know what deals, discounts, and perks are available before you book Traveling can be stressful for anyone. To relieve stress and save both time and money, members of the military community should make a point of looking into the discounts, perks and amenities available to them before they book. Our airlines offer these discounts because they appreciate and value the sacrifices our servicemembers and their families make every day — something a great number of airline employees have experienced as veterans themselves.
Captain Tim "Lucky" Kinsella, USN (Ret.), is the executive director of the Aylstock, Witkin, Kreis & Overholtz Center for Leadership at the University of West Florida. He served 33 years in the United States Navy.
TFive Stars for Central Alabama VA
Story By Sheila Marie Austin
he Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System announced that it received a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings and 5 Stars from CMS' quarterly patient satisfaction review, the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers & Systems (HCAHPS).
"This recognition is a testament to the dedicated efforts of every team member at Central Alabama VA to deliver exceptional care to Veterans," said Acting Director Valerie Russell. "We have maintained a commitment to sustaining the highest standards of care by focusing on areas such as patient safety, communication, and hospital environment. Receiving this 5-star rating reaffirms our dedication to not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of those who have served our nation."
What the 5-Star Rating Means for Central Alabama VA and Its Patients
The 5-star ratings from CMS are more than just numbers — they are a reflection of the quality and consistency of care that Veterans receive at the Central Alabama VA. These ratings are awarded based on performance in key areas such as mortality, safety of care, readmission, patient experience and timely and effective care. For CAVHCS, achieving these high standards signals that the facility is committed to providing exceptional care that aligns with the highest benchmarks in the industry.
Nationally, VA hospitals continue to outperform non-VA hospitals on both CMS' Overall Star Rating and their quarterly patient satisfaction survey.
Patient Satisfaction Survey: VA outperformed non-VA hospitals in the most recent CMS Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) star ratings, with 79% of VA facilities receiving a summary star rating of 4 or 5 stars compared to 40% of non-VA hospitals. This represents the ninth consecutive quarter in which VA facilities have outperformed non-VA counterparts.
Hospital Quality Ratings: In this year's CMS Overall Hospital Quality Star Ratings, more than 58% of VA hospitals included received 4- or 5-star ratings compared to 40% of non-VA hospitals. This is only the second year VA hospitals have been included in this review, and VA has outperformed non-VA health care in both years.
CMS's ratings not only provide veterans with valuable insights into where they can expect the best care but also reinforce the VA's mission to uphold the highest standards in healthcare delivery.
Celebrating Excellence: Central Alabama VA’s 5-Star Commitment to Long-Term Veteran Care
In addition, Central Alabama VA's New Horizon Community Living Center (CLC) continues to set the standard for nursing homes, boasting an impressive 21 consecutive quarters (more than five years) at a 5-star rating. This consistent performance underscores the commitment to providing a safe, comfortable and supportive environment for Veterans in need of long-term care.
The 5-star recognition of Central Alabama VA and its New Horizon CLC is a testament to the VA healthcare system's broader commitment to delivering world-class care. This dedication is reflected in the recordhigh trust levels among veterans, with 92% expressing satisfaction with their outpatient care. VA's ongoing efforts to maintain and exceed these standards demonstrate that veterans can count on receiving the highest level of care in a supportive, respectful environment.
BUILT ON SERVICE
Our Opelika team is ready to help.
Greg Pettey, Tina Cook, Eddie Smith and Wanda McCaghren represent more than 100 years of banking experience. Working in the two Opelika branches of AuburnBank, they share the kind of financial expertise that our customers have come to expect since our founding in 1907. With strong ties to Opelika, all four give back to their community by volunteering and serving organizations that serve everyone— especially those in need. Opelika City President Eddie Smith says, “There is no greater calling than being in the position to help people.” We wholeheartedly agree.
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Tuberville Celebrates Passage of National Warrior Call Day Resolution
Contributed By the Office of Sen. Tommy Tuberville
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) joined U.S. Sens. Tom Cotton (R-AR) and Jeanne Shaheen (DNH) in a resolution to designate Nov. 17, 2024, as National Warrior Call Day. This resolution passed the Senate unanimously yesterday. This bipartisan resolution emphasizes the need for all Americans to reach out and build meaningful relationships with both
those currently serving our country and our veterans who have served. These meaningful relationships can help fight mental illness and combat the epidemic of suicide among the military and veteran communities.
“As the son of a World War II veteran, I know firsthand the challenges that many of those who serve can face,” said Tuberville. “I am determined to make sure that both those who are currently serving and those who have served our country have the resources and support they need to live long, healthy, meaningful lives. I was proud to see it unanimously pass the Senate last night.”
U.S. Sens. Tuberville, Cotton, and Shaheen were joined by U.S. Sens. Tammy Baldwin (D-WI), Michael Bennet (D-CO), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), Richard Blumenthal (D-CT), Cory Booker (D-NJ), John Boozman (R-AR), Katie Britt (R-AL), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), Ben Cardin (D-MD), Tom Carper (D-DE), Bob Casey (D-PA), Bill Cassidy (R-LA), Kevin Cramer (R-ND), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Ted Cruz (R-TX), Dick Durbin (D-IL), John Fetterman (DPA), John Hickenlooper (D-CO), Mazie Hirono (D-HI), John Hoeven (R-NC), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Angus King (I-ME), Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joe Manchin (I-WV), Alex Padilla (DCA), Jim Risch (R-ID), Jacky Rosen (D-NV), Marco Rubio (R-FL), Eric Schmitt (R-MO), Tim Scott (R-SC), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), Dan Sullivan (R-AK), John Thune (R-SD), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD), Raphael Warnock (D-GA), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA) and Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in co-sponsoring this resolution.
Veterans: Relieve Stress & Inform Your Family About Your VA Benefits
Story By Paul Lawrence
Photo Contributed to LIVE Lee Magazine
It's important for veterans to talk with their families about their benefits and to stay organized, as well as to plan for their financial futures. Many families really struggle to understand the benefits system and some are taken advantage of.
Veterans: Relieve Stress & Inform Your Family About Your VA Benefits
More than 6 million Americans receive earned benefits for military service - including disability compensation, education benefits, caregiver assistance, burial benefits and more. It is critical for spouses and caregivers to know how veterans benefits are accessed and what could happen when or if a veteran dies. Consider this scenario. A veteran has not told his spouse much about his veteran’s benefits. The veteran dies suddenly. His spouse grieves and plans a funeral, which she pays for out of pocket. The $2,500 tax-free payment from the VA for her husband’s disability compensation has stopped being deposited into their bank account, which her spouse managed. Now she struggles to meet her expenses and is afraid she will have to sell their home.
Ultimately, she realizes she must connect with the VA to try to access survivor benefits. As she works her way through the bureaucracy, she struggles to understand what she may be eligible for and knows little about what her husband was receiving. This can be overwhelming during the best of times, but during this period of loss, it adds more stress.
Surviving spouses facing this situation are often approached by agents who offer to help them with VA benefits in return for payment. Faced with what feels like an insurmountable situation, some agree, even though paying for help is not necessary as many free resources are available to assist them.
Here are some tips to help veterans prevent this type of scenario from befalling their loved ones.
Organize veterans benefits paperwork and information in a binder, and/or in a special digital folder that you share with your family. Carefully organize all the documentation related to your military service, your application for benefits, and the decision letters describing service connection. Store paper copies in a fireproof cabinet or safe. It is ideal to scan or photograph paper documentation and to also store it digitally on a computer or thumb drive.
Explain your current veterans benefits to your family. Schedule a day and time to talk one-on-one with your family about the benefits you receive. Get out your binder and digital files and explain to them how the information is organized. Help them understand the situation as it is today.
Discuss what happens to these benefits after you die and what additional benefits the family may receive. Disability compensation payments stop after a veteran dies. Additional survivor and burial benefits may be available after a veteran’s passing. You can learn more by checking online at VA.gov or with a veterans service officer (VSO).
Plan ahead for possible financial shortfalls. Even if a survivor benefit is awarded to a widow or widower by the VA, the payment for this benefit will typically be lower than the disability compensation the veteran received while alive. One way to address this income shortfall before the veteran dies is to purchase life insurance that will provide additional income for the spouse.
Give your family contact information for your VSO. Ideally, your spouse should be introduced to the VSO, so the spouse knows who can assist with applying for survivor and burial benefits after the veteran dies.
While these conversations can be tough for many, they can better inform and relieve stress for our families in the future. You want for the people you love to be taken care of after you are gone, so do not delay having these conversations.
Paul R. Lawrence, Ph.D., served as Under Secretary for Benefits at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs from May 2018 to January 2021. He is the author of “Veterans Benefits for You: Get what You Deserve,” published in 2023.
New Patriot Benches Celebrate America’s 250
Story By Alabama Society DAR
Photos Contributed to LIVE Lee Magazine
Malinda Williams, State Regent of the Alabama Society DAR.
Twenty-eight chapters of the Alabama Society Daughters of the American Revolution (ASDAR) dedicated six benches on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024, at The Chapel at American Village, located at 3727 Highway 119 South in Montevallo, Alabama.
Kathryn
Walker West, National Chair of the America 250! NSDAR Committee
The President General of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR), Pamela Rouse Wright, and American Village Citizenship Trust President and CEO Colonel Alan Miller attended and made brief remarks. ASDAR State Regent Malinda Williams presided at the ceremony. Kathryn Walker West, National Chair of the NSDAR’s American 250! Committee, gave the keynote address. A Commissioner from the prestigious United
The text of the top bench rail: DAR honors the men and women who achieved American independence.
The text of the bottom bench rail: In celebration of America's 250th birthday
States Semiquincentennial Commission, established by the U.S. Congress in 2016, was in attendance –American Village Chief Education and Programs Officer Val Crofts. The Alabama Sons of the American Revolution Color Guard presented the Flag of the United States of America, the Flag of the State of Alabama, and DAR banners for the patriotic exercises.
“The Alabama Society is proud of the twentyeight DAR chapters across Alabama who came together to purchase and dedicate these benches through the Stars and Stripes Forever Celebration Grants Program.” said ASDAR State Regent Malinda Williams. “It is an honor to commemorate the men and women who helped found this nation. With American Village Citizenship Trust’s mission to share with young people America’s journey to independence through experience-based American history, civics, and government academic programs, it is fitting that the six benches reside here. It is the hope of the ASDAR that future generations visiting American Village will continue to be reminded of those who sacrificed for us all.”
Funds from the NSDAR President General’s Project have allowed DAR chapters to inform their communities about the founding of our nation and the Patriots that achieved American Independence through the $500 Stars and Stripes Forever Celebration Grants.
Michelle Key, Publisher Originally from Albertville, Alabama, Michelle Key and her family moved to the OpelikaAuburn area in 2011 after her husband’s retirement from the U.S. Navy. She is a graduate of Troy University, and she joined the Observer in 2014 as an office administrator before assuming ownership of the newspaper in January 2018.
Anita Stiefel, Key Media LLC Managing Editor
Anita Stiefel joined Key Media in 2023. A native of Fort Payne, she earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Auburn University and completed doctoral studies at the University of Southern Mississippi. She has decades of experience working as a journalist and college educator.
Robert Noles, Photographer
Robert Noles is an award-winning photojournalist who has been with The Observer for more than 10 years. Originally from Tallassee, he is a graduate of Alabama Christian College and Auburn University.
Gratitude in Action
Story By Elese McKinley
Photos By Ed Sikora
On Oct. 5, Hattie Lett and volunteers held a Thanksgiving-style luncheon for the fair workers in the Exchange Club booth at the Lee County Fair Grounds.
This year marked the 15th annual event, continuing the tradition of preparing a feast for 30 to 50 fair workers and volunteers.
What began as a simple gesture of gratitude has grown into a community-wide event, with local churches contributing their time, effort and support. Church of the Highlands has been generous for many years in contributing Bibles for those who do not have one. Other churches have donated printed materials including tracts that explain God’s plan of Salvation. Jenny Swaim from Flour, Sugar and Stuff donated her beautifully decorated fall cookies as gifts to the fair workers. Lett’s husband, Scotty, also helped with the preparations and even smoked pork lions.
Despite taking a brief hiatus due to COVID-19, the mission has remained the same: to show appreciation, compassion and to share the love of Jesus.
“When I was growing up, my father would take our family to my cousin’s home where she would have a beautiful display of casseroles and desserts,” Lett said.
“That was like a gift to me.”
Displaying the food in an esthetically pleasing manner showcased that the food was made with love and care. Lett said she hopes that the presentation of food would be a memorable day for the fairworkers.
After the setup of the food display, the volunteers began serving the workers. As they were served, each was greeted by cheerful volunteers, happy to show their appreciation.
Following the fair workers’ enjoyment of the meal, Harvest Evangelism gave a presentation of encouragement that highlighted Jesus’s love for each one of them.
As part of the event, Joel Smith gave his testimony, sharing how Jesus brought him out of more than 20 years of alcoholism and addiction. His story of redemption and restoration moved many in attendance.
Smith said when stuck in a negative routine, it’s easy to accept that it will be your life forever and that addiction is simply a part of you. However, he emphasized that with faith in Christ, motivation and courage, it’s possible to change and improve yourself at any point in life.
Kenny Young, director of His Place, a ministry that is part of Harvest Evangelism, shared his thoughts on this year’s luncheon and Smith’s testimony.
“We have been a part of this event for several years; it has been a blessing to participate and see the work God has done there,” Young said. “I enjoyed Joel’s testimony very much. It was a story of how God took him from being broken and lost, to a restoration that only He could provide.”
During this part of the event, several men and women of God were in the crowd who were open to pray and talk with anyone who wished.
The appreciation luncheon would not be possible without all the caring volunteers who cook, set up and serve.
Lett said she hopes that these luncheons would encourage people to build a relationship with the Lord and to serve
their community.
“As long as I am physically and mentally able to serve the community, I will continue doing so,” Lett said. Her commitment to the event continues to bring the community together, highlighting the importance of service, appreciation and the love of Jesus.
Hattie Lett
Fair workers enjoy the annual feast
An Alabama Tradition Food, Family & Football
By Brandon Hughes
The Iron Bowl: An Alabama Tradition Rooted in Rivalry and Thanksgiving
The Iron Bowl is more than just a football game — it's a cultural event that reverberates not just across the state of Alabama but across the nation. Held annually, usually on the Saturday after Thanksgiving, the game between the Auburn Tigers and the Alabama Crimson Tide has grown to embody everything that Alabamians cherish about college football: passionate traditions and a sense of community that brings people together, much like Thanksgiving, where families unite to celebrate the season.
It has evolved into one of the most intense and consequential rivalries in all of American sports, whether college or professional. In this game, the best season can be ruined with a loss, while the worst season can be rescued with a win. The Iron Bowl, much like Thanksgiving, reminds us that some of the strongest bonds are forged in shared experiences, passed down from one generation to the next. It's a moment to share food, memories and the deeper sense of belonging and community that both football and the holiday inspire.
A Rivalry Born from the South’s Passion for Football
The Iron Bowl — so named because it was initially played in Birmingham, a city known for its steel industry — originated in 1893 when Auburn and Alabama first faced off on the gridiron. Auburn won the inaugural meeting 32-22 in Birmingham, and over the decades, the stakes have only risen, with each game marking a new chapter in a century-old saga that stretches far beyond the field — it permeates daily life in Alabama.
Families are often split down the middle, friendships tested and workplaces divided. “War Eagle” and “Roll Tide” are greetings that echo year-round through every corner of the state, but the intensity reaches a fever pitch during Iron Bowl week. This rivalry doesn’t just live on the scoreboard — it’s woven into the identity of the people. The game represents more than a chance for victory — it’s about bragging rights, legacy, and, in many ways, identity.
In the Deep South, football is a cultural institution, a way of life. It taps into the heart of what it means to be from Alabama — hard work, loyalty and fierce competition. But it also reflects something bigger — an experience that brings people together, like Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a time for family, but in Alabama, there’s one more thing on the agenda — football. For many, the holiday would not be complete without the Iron Bowl, as the game itself often dictates the rhythm of the weekend.
The Iron Bowl has been played on Thanksgiving Day
Photo by Robert Noles
three times (1894, 1964 and 1992). Still, even when it’s held on the Saturday after, the game serves as a backdrop to family reunions, where fans buzz in anticipation of kickoff and pass down stories of iconic plays and unforgettable moments.
For Auburn, there’s “Punt Bama Punt,” “Bo Over the Top,” “The Camback” and “The Kick Six.”
For Alabama, it’s “The Run in the Mud,” “Wrong Way Bo” and “The Kick.”
Tailgating has become as much a part of the Iron Bowl weekend as the game itself; no longer just a prelude to the game — it’s part of the experience. The tradition of tailgating at the Iron Bowl underscores how football fosters community spirit. Whether it’s an RV setup or a simple tent and folding chairs, tailgating provides a venue for fans to socialize and create memories, often focusing on traditions passed down through generations. Many fans bring their Thanksgiving feast to the tailgate, creating a blend of food, football and tradition that feels distinctly Southern.
Football is part of the nation’s cultural fabric. In Alabama, it is a powerful expression of Southern pride, perseverance and loyalty. For a state with no major professional teams, college football fills the void, and the Iron Bowl is the pinnacle of that devotion. As one of the most storied rivalries in all of sports, it stands as a quintessential example of how football
in the South transcends the playing field to become an essential part of local and regional identity.
In many ways, the Iron Bowl amplifies what makes football such a cherished part of American life. It blends the communal aspects of Thanksgiving — family, friends and food — with the fervor of college football.
Rivalries in sports are nothing new; they've existed since the earliest teams first faced off, driven by the same fierce competition and desire to dominate that has fueled athletes for generations. But what makes the Iron Bowl truly extraordinary is the way it lingers long after the game is over. For fans, the memories of this game are etched into conversations and social circles, woven into the stories they tell year after year. Whether it’s the thrill of victory or the sting of defeat, the emotions stirred by the Iron Bowl last far beyond a single afternoon.
This game is a reflection of Alabama’s heart and soul. It is no mere sporting event, and calling it a rivalry is too small a term. It transcends sports and taps into the heart of what makes Alabama special: its people, traditions and passion. It’s a celebration of community and unwavering spirit.
In many ways, the Iron Bowl is as American as Thanksgiving itself, embodying the values of competition, community, and tradition that define both the South and the nation
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Story By Heather Ledbetter
Nothing says the end of Thanksgiving like staying up all night to grab the best Black Friday doorbuster deals at your local retail store.
While Black Friday has been a staple of American holiday shopping since at least the 1950’s, the sales event now extends beyond one day of deals. These days, retail stores provide coupons and discounts the entire week of Thanksgiving, some, as early as late-October (also called Pre-Black Friday Sales). However, if you are someone who still enjoys the thrill of snagging a discounted TV at 5 a.m., here are a few Black Friday do’s and do not’s.
Do’s
•Do research ahead of time. These days, there is no excuse to be oblivious about sales. Each retailer and brand name will have deals plastered to their website weeks in advance of Black Friday. Also, research what types of sales each store regularly offers — does that store offer the same discount, or a better one, at other times of the year?
•Do stick to a budget. Decide what items you are aiming to buy, and stick to them. Allow yourself $50 for enticing doorbuster deals and impulse buys, but know your limits.
•Do treat retail workers with kindness and respect. This one should be a no-brainer. However, year after year, retail workers tend to double as punching bags for irate shoppers who are trying to save a few dollars. There are even the occasional extreme stories of retail workers being trampled on and injured by shoppers. No amount of savings is worth being rude or inhumane to another person.
Do Not’s
•Do not buy things you don’t need. This “do not” coincides with sticking to a budget, mentioned above. Using Black Friday as a way to stock up on unnecessary items is a good way to find yourself in credit card debt. Yes, the jeans are on sale, but do you need another pair?
•Do not sit outside of a store for four hours just to save $20. Shopping on Black Friday requires the ability to know an item’s worth. Again, this “do not” coincides with doing diligent research. It is pointless to deprive yourself of sleep just to save a few dollars.
Lastly, do not forget about small, local businesses. Perhaps you don’t prefer to shop with a large retailer — perhaps you prefer local business wares. Luckily, the Saturday after Thanksgiving is known as Small Business Saturday. Local businesses use this day as an opportunity to entice consumers to shop small. Some local businesses participate in both Black Friday and Small Business Saturday, extending their deals for most of the weekend.
*A few of our local businesses participating in Small Business Saturday 2024 include:
1.Pet Supplies Plus – 1716 Opelika Road, Ste. 10, Auburn
3.RTN Dog Training & Boarding – 123 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn
4.Remedy Me Spa – 1100 S. College St., Ste. 204, Auburn
5.Studio 3:19 – 804 N. Railroad Ave., Opelika
6.Behind the Glass – 168 E. Magnolia Ave., Auburn
7. Auburn Art – 102 N. College St., Auburn
8. Taylor Made Designs – 120 S. 8th St.. Opelika
9. The Fired Fox Art Studio – 207 S. 8th St., Ste. 120, Opelika
10.Precious Cargo – 207 S. 8th St., Ste 110, Opelika
11.O Town – 700 Second Ave., Opelika
*This list is not a complete list of all businesses participating in Small Business Saturday but is merely a representation.
29th Annual Cookie Walk Dec. 7, 2024
8am-12pm
True Deliverance Holiness Church
Gymnasium
936 N Donahue Dr , Auburn
The Annual Cookie Walk is a fundraiser sponsored by “WeHelp Coalition” to benefit Habitat for Humanity
Hand select from an array of Delicious, Beautifully Decorated Cookies & Holiday Treats... perfect for serving & giving!
*Only $6 per pound*
Pictures taken with Santa
Musical entertainment
Lovely Handmade Quilts- donate for the giveaway @Noon
We are recruiting Cookie Bakers now!
Please bake your favorite cookies or Christmas Cookies deliver them to the Church on Fri. Dec. 6th from 2-7pm.
Thank you for helping us build homes, community, and hope with Cookies! Visit www.auburnopelikahabitat.org for more information
Celebrate
The Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National is your one-stop-shop for holiday events this year.
As the holiday season draws near, everyone fills up their calendars for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, looking to make the most of
the two months worth of events.
The Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National is a hot spot for locals and tourists alike.
“Our venues have everything that anyone could ask for, whether it is a couple celebrating a special occasion, or a family night out, there is fun for all,” said Director of
Story By Hannah Goldfinger
Photos Contributed to LIVE Lee
Operations at Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort & Spa at Grand National Chris Brown. “Stroll our grounds, enjoy a drink or dessert while enjoying one of our fire pits on the lawn. We have nightly entertainment from 6 to 9 p.m. daily for all guests to enjoy. Most of all, you don’t have to worry about driving home if you book one of our 221 rooms on property.”
T HANKSGIVING
Thanksgiving is a great time to gather with family and friends.
On Thursday, Nov. 28, Grand National will host its annual Thanksgiving Buffet. It will include a raw bar, carving and action stations, sweet treats and complimentary champagne.
The buffet is $75 per person, children $35, with six and under — free.
“All events are family friendly with resort casual dress code,” Brown said. “We support whatever event that we host with appropriate décor and entertainment to ensure families get the most out of their experience with us. Our service levels have a sophisticated twist on ‘Southern Hospitality.’”
The buffet will have seating available at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Call (334) 737-2117 for reservations.
CHRISTMAS
Christmas is up next and Grand National is ready with both its annual events and one new event.
The Opelika Christmas Lights Tour is a new event for the venue.
“We are very excited about this new offering and hope that families will enjoy this new offering while staying with us,” Brown said.
Tickets will need to be booked in advance at: www. marriottopelika.ipoolside.com but they’re included in the resort fee.
“Our local historian will drive a specific route through Opelika to see all of the best Christmas decorations while providing a bit of history and holiday cheer during the drive,” Brown said.
Another popular annual event for Grand National is its Brunch with Santa, which is also Brown’s favorite.
“Brunch with Santa is our most popular event with guests calling to make reservations one year in advance,” he said.
“Some guests have made it an annual tradition where their families took them every year, and now they are taking their children. With that said, we do see more guests for Thanksgiving … Brunch with Santa is my personal favorite as it is great to see so many young families in the holiday spirit and enjoying themselves. There is so much to do while during the event like arts and crafts, train rides, watching a movie, pictures with Santa and of course enjoying an amazing breakfast spread.”
Brunch with Santa will be held in early December, date to be announced soon. It includes breakfast, time with Santa (plus the elves), train rides, Christmas movies, activities and more.
NEW YEARS EVE
Let’s not forget the last big holiday of the season — New Year’s Eve. Grand National is ready to celebrate that, too.
Grand National first hosts a dinner and drinks event to get
everyone in the mood before the big celebration. This will take place from 6 to 9 p.m.
Zack and Chris will also be performing in the lower atrium as the opening act. Drink packages are available but dinner is not part of the ticket price for the NYE event.
From 9:30 to 1 a.m., the celebration will continue and the First Generation Band will perform to ring in the new year. There will also be a DJ and dance floor available for the first time in the banquet space that will be available from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
“Our resort is nestled in the beautiful grounds of National Village and just driving up to our resort makes you feel like you have escaped the craziness of the cities,” Brown said. “There is no venue quite like it in town. Our resort is a gem to the community with us being ranked number seven out of 331 Marriott hotels in North America in “Intent to Recommend” and many Auburn University students are employed here learning a great deal about the hospitality business.”
All of these things, plus more, make Grand National a spot to celebrate the holidays. Find more on information on its website: www.marriott.com/en-us/hotels/csgab-auburnmarriott-opelika-resort-and-spa-at-grand-national/overview/.
Christmas at the Farm
Story by Elese McKinley
Photos by Ed Sikora
The Farm at Rocky Top is a wedding and event venue found just minutes from Auburn and Opelika in Salem, Alabama.
Originally opened in 1973 as a family farm by Robert and Faye Parkman, where they found themselves raising cattle, hunting, hosting gatherings and more.
Years later in 2015, their daughter, Jan Lawerence and her husband Joel, constructed a farm to use a venue. This barn has a country rustic ambiance that allows the public to host its events and can accommodate about 300 guests.
With 339 acres of land Rocky Top farm is the perfect place to hold a wedding or to have some festive fun with family and friends. The Farm at Rocky Top recently held a Pumpkin Patch in October and has many festive events to look forward to.
As the holiday season approaches, the Farm at Rocky Top is preparing to host a series of festive events that bring together community, creativity and holiday cheer. Located in the heart of Salem, the farm is known for its warm atmosphere and year-round celebrations, but the upcoming holiday season promises to be particularly special.
Holiday Market – November 9 & 10
Kicking off the holiday season is the highly anticipated Holiday Market, an arts and crafts festival featuring local artisans and vendors. Scheduled for Nov. 9 and 10, the market offers the perfect chance to shop for handmade goods and unique holiday gifts. Vendors will showcase a wide variety of items, including pottery, boutique clothing, home décor and holiday decorations, making it an ideal stop for holiday shoppers.
Alongside the shopping, visitors can enjoy a variety of food offerings from local vendors, with seasonal treats and refreshments to keep the holiday spirit alive. There will also be games and activities for attendees of all ages, ensuring fun for the entire family.
Admission to the Holiday Market is $5 per person, with special perks for those taking part in the blood donation drive. Donors will not only receive free admission to the upcoming Country Christmas event but also a complimentary bag of kettle corn, offering an opportunity to give back while enjoying the festivities.
Country Christmas – November 29 to December 22
Following the Holiday Market, the Farm at Rocky Top will launch its signature event: Country Christmas.
From Nov. 29 through Dec. 22, the farm will transform into a holiday wonderland, where visitors can enjoy everything from Christmas tree sales, a petting zoo, train rides, games, bonfires and local vendors. Inside the barn, families can enjoy an ugly Christmas sweater photo booth, letters to Santa and reindeer food crafting stations.
Visitors will feel like they have stepped into the North Pole in Salem, Alabama. Sleigh bells will ring as Sugar Shack Farms of Opelika offers horsedrawn buggy rides. Every 30 to 45 minutes, fake snow will fall, while festive Christmas tunes play, creating the perfect holiday atmosphere.
Attendees can enjoy hot chocolate, hot apple cider and s’mores as they shop from local artisans and vendors. There will be booths featuring items such as metals, pottery pieces, fiber arts, clothing, home decor miscellaneous knife makers and many more. There will be plenty of photo opportunities for families to capture their perfect holiday moments.
Lawrence shared what she enjoys most about hosting this annual event, reflecting on the joy it brings to visitors.
“I love watching the families come out and be in awe of everything we have put together,” she said. “My husband and I love providing a place for people to come and enjoy the Christmas spirit, we try to incorporate ways for locals
to give back to the community at our events.”
Jan expressed her passion for giving back to the community and finding ways to involve local residents in holiday celebrations.
This year’s Country Christmas will include a “Doggie Adoption” event, where local humane societies will showcase dogs in need of homes. Last year, 10 dogs found new families during the Pumpkin Patch event at the farm.
In addition to the festive activities and
community-focused initiatives, the event is designed to be inclusive and enjoyable for everyone.
The organizers are particularly excited about creating a welcoming atmosphere for special needs individuals and senior living groups.
“We love when special needs individuals come out and enjoy our events,” Lawrence said. “We really value providing them with a festive atmosphere and allowing them to engage with people as well as animals. We also love when
senior living groups come out and can enjoy themselves and be present.”
Additionally, a blood donation truck will be on-site. Donors will receive free admission to a future event and a large bag of kettle corn as a token of appreciation. Lee County DHR will also have a booth to provide information on fostering children and supporting the local community.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The Farm at Rocky Top will be closed
January and February as they begin to prepare for wedding season.
As spring approaches, the Farm at Rocky Top is already planning for its Spring Market, scheduled for the third weekend in May. The market will feature arts and crafts vendors, pony rides, and a bonfire with s’mores setup. Vendor space is unlimited, though the farm limits the number of similar vendors to ensure a diverse shopping experience. There will be food trucks featured as well as games
for enjoyment.
The farm will also continue to host weddings throughout the spring and early summer, providing a picturesque backdrop for couples celebrating their big day.
With a variety of events lined up, the Farm at Rocky Top is the perfect destination for the holiday season. From festive family activities and unique holiday shopping to a beautiful venue for spring weddings, there's something for
everyone at this charming local farm.
Vendors interested in participating should reach out directly to the Farm at Rocky Top for more information and to secure their spots. Vendor fees are $75 for an outside booth, with options for double booths and food vendors at $150, or inside the barn for $125. Admission to the market is just $5, making it an affordable and family-friendly event. Vendor applications are available on the Farm at Rocky Top’s website.
Bigger and better
Story By Hannah Goldfinger
It wouldn’t be an Opelika Christmas without the tree. Opelika is known for its large, beautiful, lighted tree in downtown. But things are getting bigger and better this year.
For the first time, Opelika will have a 72-foot-tree.
“The Christmas tree lighting tradition in downtown Opelika is a key part of the city's holiday celebrations and has been taking place for some 15 years,” said Community Relations Officer Leigh Krehling. “Prior to being downtown, there was a tree lighting at the start of the Victorian Front Porch Tour at the Heritage House property.”
After being in front of the Heritage House, the tree moved to downtown, right in front of Irish Bred Pub.
Now, you’ll find the tree in the middle of Opelika, right behind the courthouse.
“This year the lighting of the new 72-foot Christmas tree will take place at Courthouse Square,” Krehling said. “It will be the largest Christmas tree in the state of Alabama and we are excited to reveal it this year and make Opelika a Christmas Destination.”
Although Krehling said this would “make Opelika a Christmas Destination,” Opelika is already a Christmas Destination. In fact, a Hallmark movie was even filmed in the small Alabama town in the Beauregard community in 2019.
“The tree is usually set up in mid-November, leading up to the official lighting in early December,” Krehling said. “This year, the new tree will require additional time to install, so we will be starting the first week of November. Most people want to see the decorations up no later than Black Friday. Don’t misunderstand … we still love Thanksgiving, but the Christmas decorations can’t be put up overnight, so we have to get them up prior to the Thanksgiving holiday.”
To be a part of the festivities, come join in the Christmas Tree Lighting.
“This year, the lighting will occur during the Snopelika event — brought to the community by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce on Dec. 6, with the parade starting at 5:30 p.m., featuring over 90 entries including themed floats and local bands,” Krehling said. “Following the parade, the new 72-foot-tree lighting will take place along with mayor and city council reading ‘The Night Before Christmas. This event is known for creating a festive, snowy wonderland atmosphere, complete with snowball fights, Christmas music and other holiday fun.”
If you were paying attention, you’ll see that Krehling said “snowball fight.” I know what you’re thinking — snow in Alabama? Opelika guarantees snow for its Snopelika event. Stop by to see how Opelika accomplishes this winter wonderland goal.
“The tree lighting is a special tradition that brings the community together and creates an atmosphere [of] holiday cheer and nostalgia,” she said. “It’s special to Opelika because it reflects the city's commitment to creating a magical Christmas experience, making it a regional holiday destination … We can’t wait to see how the community reacts to the new tree. I don’t think you can’t quite visualize how big 72 feet is, until you are standing beside it.
“In the past, the community responded with great enthusiasm. Each year, thousands attend Snopelika to kick off their holiday season and see the tree lighting.”
The tree will tower over the local nearby buildings, creating something that nothing else in Alabama offers.
“The tree was sourced from a commercial vendor and was special ordered and built for the city of Opelika,” Krehling said. “It was made possible with help from the Opelika Public Library. The tree will be installed by the city in collaboration with local partners and volunteers.”
The tree will be around through the New Year — make sure to stop in and see it, along with attending all the other city Christmas events.
Opelika’s Very Merry Christmas
Story By Hannah Goldfinger
Photos By Robert Noles
Doyou want to spend your Christmas season in a Hallmark movie? Well, now you can.
Opelika, sister city to Auburn, is actually the site of a Hallmark movie — but it’s a Christmas destination in its own right.
“We have so much going on in Opelika during the Christmas season, when people think Opelika, we want them to think Christmas,” said Ali Rauch, president and CEO of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce. “You just have to spend your time in Opelika during the holidays. People think about Helen, Georgia, for October, due to their huge Oktoberfest celebration all month long; we want it to be the same here. Something for everyone, all month long.”
Christmas decorations go up in early November, creating that fresh snow, holly jolly environment that everyone loves about December.
“I think something that makes Opelika incredibly special during Christmas is the decorations that the city has invested in to make our entire community look festive,” Rauch said. “That’s something many municipalities do not do, and I’m so proud that our city invests in that simply because it brings our citizens more joy. When you combine the decorations with the various community events and festivities, it’s the full package.”
Rauch, who has spent 15 Christmas seasons in Opelika said the atmosphere gets better every year.
Some things that set Opelika apart from other towns at Christmas include its 72-foot Christmas tree, the full-month calendar of events, decorations on every street and even snow in Alabama. This year, Opelika will call its event “Opelika’s Very Merry Christmas.”
Snow in Alabama is a rarity but it happens every year in Opelika, no matter the weather.
“To kick off the Christmas season with the parade, snowfall and the tree lighting, you walk around and feel like you’re in Mayberry and see the joy that the attendees have,” Rauch said of Snopelika.
The fake snowfall each year is something many children have never seen.
“For me, knowing that our award-winning organization helped put those smiles on kids faces and create memories for those families, it make all the hard work worth it,” she said.
The huge Christmas tree is a new addition for the city this year and it will break records. It will be the biggest Christmas tree in the state.
“Having the tallest tree in the state of Alabama is beyond incredible,” Rauch said. “I think we’re about to be on the map when it comes to Christmas in the Southeast because of this tree. I can’t wait to see it in person.”
Opelika has events all month long, including events like the Very Merry Stroll, Christmas in Camelot, Victorian Front Porch Tour, the Collinwood Lumanaries, Christmas in a Railroad Town and more.
Here is a list of events from around Lee County:
Opelika Holiday Open House
November 10 • Noon - 5 p.m.
Opelika Main Street
18th Annual Art Sale
November 16 • 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center & the Frank Brown Recreation Center
Auburn Arts Association and Auburn Parks & Recreation
Moore’s Mill Christmas Market
November 17 • 1 - 4 p.m.
Moore’s Mill Club
Presented by Almost Anything
Very Merry Stroll
Tree Lighting: November 27 • 5:30 p.m.
Runs through December 30
December 5 Santa Paws • 5 - 7 p.m.
December 12 Grinchmas • 5 - 7 p.m.
December 19 Winter Wonderland • 5 - 7 p.m.
Opelika Public Library
The Farm at Rocky Top
November 29 — December 1
10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Small Business Saturday & Shop Small
November 16 & 30 • Normal Hours
Opelika Main Street
Opelika Chamber of Commerce
Bring Opie Home for Christmas
Month of December
City of Opelika Community Relations Office
Christmas in Camelot
Month of December • Dusk - 10 p.m.
Camelot Neighborhood
Auburn Holiday Open House
December 1 • 5 - 8 p.m.
Downtown Merchants
City of Auburn Holiday Lighting Ceremony
December 1 • 5 - 6 p.m.
182 S. College St.
OHS/OMS Holiday Choral Concert
December 3 • 6:30 p.m.
Opelika Center for Performing Arts
SNO*pelika Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
December 6 • Parade Begins at 5:30 p.m.
Rain or Shine Event
Opelika Chamber of Commerce
Jingle Jog and Santa Stroll
December 7 • From 7 - 10 a.m.
Downtown Auburn
HoHoHo Hike & Holiday Celebration
December 7 • From 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Kreher Preserve and Nature Center, the city of Auburn & Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center
Santa Night
December 7 • 5 - 7 p.m.
South Smiths Station Elementary School
Holiday Kids Craft Fair
December 7 • 10 a.m. - Noon
Opelika Public Library
Hey Day Holiday
December 7 — January 4 • noon to 8:30 p.m.
Hey Day Market
Santa on the Corner
from the 2023 Christmas in Camelot display
Photo
December 7 & December 8 • Downtown
Auburn
Auburn Christmas Parade
December 8 • 2 p.m.
City of Auburn
Auburn Gingerbread Village Unveiling
December 8 — December 21 • After the conclusion of the Auburn Christmas Parade
Tony and Libba Rane Culinary Science Center
Opelika Holiday Light Fight
Final Display and Submission due by December 9
Judging Will Occur Week of December 16
Winners Announced December 20 on Keep Opelika’s Facebook page Visit www.keepopelikabeautiful.com
Holly Jolly Shop & Drop
December 12 • 6 - 9 p.m.
Auburn
Christmas in a Railroad Town
December 13 • 6 - 9 p.m.
Opelika Main Street
Collinwood Luminaries
December 13 • 5 - 9 p.m.
Rain Date: December 14 • 5 - 9 p.m.
Collinwood Neighborhood
Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour
December 13 - 17
Bike Tour: December 14 • 10 a.m.
Walking Tour: December 14 • 6 - 8 p.m.
Pub Crawl: December 14 • Starts at Heritage House
Driving Tour: December 13, 15, 16, 17
OHS/OMS Christmas Band Concert Date/Time: TBD
Opelika Center for Performing Arts
Holiday Wrap Up
December 16 from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.
December 17 from 1 – 5 p.m
December 18 — 22 from 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Drop off up to 20 pre-boxed gifts at the Harris Center located at 425 Perry St., and pick them up wrapped and ready to go the same day. Auburn Parks & Recreation
Where's Theodore Elf Hunt
December 16 - 20
Opelika Parks & Recreation
Loachapoka Christmas Program
December 18 • Time TBA
Loachapoka Elementary School
Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express
December 19 - 21 • 5 - 8 p.m.
Opelika Parks & Recreation
Christmas Concert
December 20 • 3:30 p.m.
Featuring Roger Day
Opelika Public Library
Winter Wonder Workshop
December 21 • 10 a.m. - Noon
Opelika Public Library
Christmas Movie Marathon
December 23 • Begins at 10 a.m.
Movies TBD
Opelika Public Library
* This list does not include every holiday event taking place in Lee County.
Santa is coming to town!
Story By Hannah Goldfinger
Photos Contributed to LIVE Lee
Ricky Cooper is an artist, a member of an oldtime rock ‘n’ roll band, a handyman, a former police officer and fireman, a cancer survivor and is also one of the world’s most famous men — Santa Claus.
Ricky first appeared as Santa Claus while serving in the Vietnamese war, in 1976, making an appearance for military families and children. He was only in his twenties at the time, making him a young Santa.
“It was just a lot of fun,” Ricky said. “I was young and stupid back then.”
His second Santa Claus appearance was at his mother’s store in Randolph County.
“That was really lots of fun,” he said. “I had a young [kid] come in the store with [his] parents and you could tell they were just dirt poor. They were in need of everything, but the little boy climbed up in my lap … he touched my heart more than anybody ever did.”
The boy didn’t ask for anything for himself for Christmas. Instead, he asked for a new chainsaw for his father, which was his way of making a living.
“And that blessed my heart more than anything,” Ricky said.
Ricky said he went out and bought a new chainsaw
for that family, even though he and his wife, Hazel, were living paycheck to paycheck themselves.
Last year in October, he was diagnosed with cancer and one of the items on his bucket list was to serve as Santa in the Opelika Christmas Parade.
Opelika was also eager to have Ricky make an appearance. This year will be Ricky’s second year in the parade.
When his was first diagnosed, Ricky said he thought that was the end.
“But I didn’t really worry about it too much because I’ve been blessed more than most men,” he said. “… I’ve lived more than most men can and I’ve done more than most men can do. And so if I check out tomorrow, I wouldn’t have [any] complaints because I’ve lived a good, long, prosperous life.”
After his first parade, Ricky‘s daughter, Ashley Wilson, reached out to the community, asking for any photos of her father.
Hazel said their family was shocked when they were flooded with more than 100 responses, most asking for Santa to attend events or make appearances.
Last year, between the first week of December and Christmas Day, Ricky made 20 different appearances.
Ricky and Hazel Cooper as Mr. & Mrs. Claus
“He only had two days he didn’t have a booking and some of them had two,” Hazel said.
Hazel joins her husband as Mrs. Claus, helping both children and adults enjoy the magic of Christmas.
Ricky found out that his cancer is now non-detectable, though they will know for certain in January if it is gone.
Ricky still feels the effects of the cancer, however. He said he’s often tired.
“Gathering the strength, because the cancer has took its toll … to continue to be jolly [is difficult],” he said.
But Ricky said he loves being the big red man in the suit.
“I just want to be the best Santa Claus I can be and bring as much joy as I can,” he said.
If you’re looking to see Santa outside of Christmas time, Ricky plays bass for The Ramblers, a rock ‘n’ roll band here in town that makes appearances.
“We carry on like wild people,” he said.
Keep an eye out for that long white beard and jolly red suit this year, because Santa Claus is coming to town.
Front Porch No. 405
Story By Michelle Key
Photos By Scott Jones and Robert Noles
Step back into time with Opelika’s Victorian Front Porch Tour, scheduled for Dec. 13 through 17. The setting for the tour is the year 1899 and dressing in period costumes is welcomed.
Ride, stroll or bike through the North Opelika Historic District and view life-sized old world Santa models and other Christmas displays during the 31st annual event.
Homes along Eighth and Ninth Streets, such as the one located at 405 N. 9th St., owned by Davina Casey, will be showcased with newly refurbished and redesigned Christmas figures. The local community has become involved and will provide entertainment and hot chocolate at nearby churches. Neighbors will be strolling along the lanes in period costumes.
The tour started in December 1993, when artist Jan Jones, with a business in building “display figures,” had several Christmas figures left over from an exhibit. She said she envisioned the old homes as a backdrop for the figures, allowing people to view them as they drove by.
Her neighbors responded by embellishing their homes with additional Christmas lights and garlands. The public response was so great the first year that many of the neighbors worked at Jan’s studio during the next year to help produce more Santas, providing each porch with a different figure. This year, the figures have undergone a major refurbishment as Jan has moved the figures to her studio in Fairhope, Alabama.
While the tour starts on Dec. 13, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller will officially open the event with a ribbon cutting for the walking tour on Saturday, Dec. 14, at 6 p.m. at Heritage House located at 714 2nd Ave. The streets will be closed from 5:30 to 9 p.m., so visitors can walk in the streets during this time. It’s a perfect time to enjoy the displays, listen to Christmas music and see neighbors and friends in their Victorian costumes. Opelika Community Theatre will have costumed actors scattered throughout the area sharing the stories and history of some of the Victorian era
homes.
There will be refreshments and live entertainmnet at the Brownfield House located at 611 N. 8th St., and First Presbyterian and Trinity Churches are both participating in the event.
Jane Suhling said this event truly exemplifies the beautiful spirit of the Christmas season.
“It is a shining example of an artist’s vision coming alive through the cooperation and hard work of a special group of people,” she said in a press release. “It is a quiet time for celebrating the days of Christmas, as well as a historic neighborhood. The Christmas spirit is indeed alive and well in Opelika, Alabama.”
Bicycle enthusiasts can join the bicycle tour on Saturday morning at 10 a.m. Those interested will meet in the Trinity Church parking lot located at 800 2nd Avenue.
Entertainment Line Up includes:
Presten Winkles- keyboard
Mary-Coker and Daniel Green
Anglin Family Men
The VIbe (OHS band)
AU Tuba Ensemble
Olivia Houlden -violin
First Baptist Fine Arts Academy- violins
Morris Ave Singers
Northside Singers
West Forrest Singers
A closing Christmas sing-a-long at the Heritage House at 9 p.m. *Events are subject to change.
As a part of the glow up of the 2024 Victorian Front Porch Tour, there will be an adult focused fundraising event taking place in conjunction with the Saturday evening walking tour. The VFPT Pub Crawl will start at Heritage House where attendees will pick up their event credentials, commemorative cup and first included adult beverage. The other locations with drinks included as part of the event are John Emerald Distilling Company, Red Clay Brewing, ZZ Cigar Bar and Resting Pulse Brewery. Each location will also feature Christmas themed activities such as caroling sing-alongs and Christmas crafts. The pub crawl hopes to add to the general merriment of the evening while fundraising for the most unique event in Opelika.
Christmas — Then and Now
Story By David Bell
“I’d just like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I truly believe that the best days in Opelika are yet to come.”
~ Gary Fuller
Photos Contributed by The Observer
We all have our favorite memories of Christmases past, from treasured traditions no longer observed to special gifts received from Santa. Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller recently shared his fondest memories of Christmases past and the new traditions of Christmas today.
“I grew up in the town of Dadeville, Alabama. You didn’t hear the word poverty very much back then, but we were poor,” said Fuller. “For several years, we lived in a two-room house with outdoor facilities. When I was 13 or 14, my dad built another little house next door that gave us more room.
“You’ve heard the Dolly Parton song ‘Hard Candy Christmas.’ That’s the kind of Christmases I remember as a child. We didn’t get very much,” Fuller said. “We would open our gifts on Christmas Eve. One of my favorites was a BB gun I got when I was about 12 years old. It was a pump-action gun, and I still have a scar on my thumb from where it got pinched in the pump mechanism.”
Fuller said Christmases got significantly better when he met and married his wife Laura and the couple started a family of their own.
“Watching our children on Christmas morning and their excitement about the things they got meant more to me than anything I received from them,” said Fuller. “We also established a tradition of fixing eggs benedict for breakfast. I was kind of in charge of that because I can poach an egg that you will really like,” Fuller added. “Later in the afternoon, we always went to a movie, and I’d let them pick out the one they wanted to see.”
Fuller is the former owner of radio station WKKR, Kicker 97.7 FM in Opelika. During each Christmas season, the station would present special holiday programming.
“We had what we called ‘The 24 hours of Christmas,’ featuring the world’s most beautiful Christmas music with limited interruption. Flowers Baking and First National Bank were a couple of our sponsors, and we let the employees of those sponsors record their own holiday greetings that we periodically aired during the broadcast, which ran from 6 p.m. on Christmas Eve until 6 p.m. on Christmas Day. That’s one of the past traditions that I really miss,” said Fuller.
“I can also remember that our annual Christmas parade was always held on a Wednesday afternoon, because back then most businesses closed at noon on Wednesdays,” Fuller said. “After the parade, we would have a little choral group downtown and then we’d light the Christmas tree.”
Over the years, traditions have changed and attractions have been added in an effort to make Opelika a Christmas destination.
First, there was the “Victorian Front Porch Christmas” tour of homes in the city’s Historic District, when residents decorate their houses and yards in festive displays. The walking tour begins at the Heritage House Hotel, with a stop at the Brownfield House for hot apple cider.
Then came “Christmas in A Railroad Town,” sponsored by the Main
Street organization, followed by the ever-popular “Snopelika” and Christmas parade, presented by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce.
“All of these events are family-oriented and lots of fun. I love watching the parents with their children, whose eyes are filled with excitement from all the things to see and do,” said Fuller. “A new feature this year will be the tallest Christmas tree in the state of Alabama, standing 72-feet in height. We have built a special concrete anchor where the tree will be placed in the courthouse square across from First Baptist Church.
“I’m proud to be the mayor of a community that takes care of the elderly and those less fortunate during the Christmas season. Our people have never failed to ensure that those in need are not forgotten,” Fuller added. “If I had one wish for this Christmas it would be that parents spend more time with their children, nurture them, and let them know they are loved. I’m particularly interested in early childhood education. When our children were very young, we read to them, helped them learn their colors and numbers, and that kind of thing. But too many children today, especially those from single-parent homes, are not getting the parental interaction that is critical to a child’s early development.
“Secondly, I would wish for no violence. I think we’ve come a long way with community initiatives through the Opelika Police Department that are continuing to make our city a better and safer place to live.”
“And finally, I’d just like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. I truly believe that the best days in Opelika are yet to come,” Fuller said.
Gary Fuller
72 feet tall
Visit Our Christmas Decorations
Nov. 15 – Jan. 6
Tag us with #MyOpelikaChristmas City of Opelika
Opelika Holiday Open House
Nov.10
Noon – 5 p.m.
Opelika Main Street
Small Business Saturday Nov. 16
Normal Hours
Opelika Main Street
Very Merry Stroll
Tree Lighting: Nov. 27 • 5:30 p.m.
Runs through Dec. 30
Dec. 5 Santa Paws • 5-7 pm
Dec.12 Grinchmas • 5-7 pm
Dec. 19 Winter Wonderland • 5-7 pm
Opelika Public Library
Bring Opie Home for Christmas Month of December
Opelika Community Relations Office
Christmas in Camelot Month of December
Dusk - 10 p.m.
Camelot Neighborhood
OHS/OMS Holiday Choral Concert
Dec. 3 • 6:30 p.m.
Opelika Center for Performing Arts
SNOPELIKA Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting
Dec. 6
Parade begins at 5:30 p.m.
Rain or shine event
Opelika Chamber of Commerce
Holiday Kids Craft Fair
Dec. 7 10 a.m. - Noon
Opelika Public Library
Opelika Holiday Light Fight Final display and submission By Dec. 9
Judging occurs week of Dec. 16
Winners announced Dec. 20 on KOB facebook www.keepopelikabeautiful.com
Christmas in a Railroad Town
Dec. 13 6 – 9 p.m.
Opelika Main Street
Collinwood Luminaries
December 13 • 5 – 9 p.m.
Rain Date: December 14 • 5 - 9 p.m.
Collinwood Neighborhood
Victorian Front Porch Christmas Tour
Dec. 13-17
Bike Tour: Dec. 14 • 10 a.m.
Walking Tour: Dec. 14 • 6 – 8 p.m.
Driving Tour: Dec. 13, 15, 16, 17
OHS/OMS Christmas Band Concert Date/Time: TBD
Opelika Center for Performing Arts
Where’s Theodore Elf Hunt
Dec. 16 - 20
Opelika Parks & Recreation
Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express
Dec. 19 - 21
5 – 8 p.m.
Opelika Parks & Recreation
Christmas Concert Dec. 20 • 3:30 p.m.
Featuring Roger Day
Opelika Public Library
Food Truck Friday
Dec. 20 • 5 - 10 p.m.
Opelika Chamber of Commerce
Winter Wonder Workshop
Dec. 21 • 10 a.m. - Noon
Opelika Public Library
Christmas Movie Marathon
Dec. 23 • Begins at 10 a.m.
Opelika Public Library
A Christmas Destination
Photos from various 2023 Christmas events in Opelika
Love, Cat Hair & Merlot
Story By Heather Ledbetter
Photos Contributed to LIVE Lee
Sandra Hummel was eight years old when she knit her first creation, an outfit for her teddy bear, from yarn scraps and old buttons. Her mother unraveled an old sweater to give her the supplies she would need. Decades later, she still knits, for eight to twelve hours a day. The inspiration borne from her first knitted creation continued to grow throughout the years, and Made with Love, Cat Hair and Merlot came into existence.
Sandra and her husband, Alan, are a recently retired military couple that settled in Opelika two years ago. Calling Opelika a “Hallmark town,” Sandra is happy to sell her one-of-a-kind knitted creations locally. Not only can you find Made with Love,
Cat Hair and Merlot at most local craft markets, she also has a booth in Angel’s Antiques in the H aisle. Sandra’s husband, a veteran and Purple Heart recipient, travels with her to help set up and take down her booths.
Made with Love, Cat Hair and Merlot exclusively carries unique items. Sandra says she rarely takes requests or sells multiples of the same item, and most of her creations are made “in the moment.” As an exception, Sandra offers crocheted nativity sets around the Christmas holiday. Last year, all of her nativity sets sold out quickly. This year, she plans to have twelve sets for sale. Besides the nativity sets, her favorite items to create are newspaper comic strip characters, cats and sheep.
The season of giving is not lost on Sandra.
“Knitting and crocheting is a way for me to give back,” she said. “I give because I want to.”
She picks a new organization each month to support through her knitting. Most recently, she donated blankets to Care Humane Society for kittens and puppies. She also sends unsold items from her craft booths to teens in orphanages out West. When asked if she accepts donated yarn or other craft items, Sandra insists the best way to support her endeavors is to buy one of her creations.
“My work is supposed to create smiles,” she said.
Look for Made with Love, Cat Hair and Merlot on Nov. 16 at The Holiday Art Sale located inside The Frank Brown Rec Center in Auburn. Sandra will also be at the Auburn United Methodist Church’s Christmas Market in early December. Her business Facebook page showcases her newest creations, as well as where you can find her booth in the future. You can also find a permanent booth of hers in Angel’s Antiques at 900 Columbus Parkway in Opelika.
Alan and Sandra Hummel
Hummel’s booth at Angel’s Antiques
Allen Asphalt, Page 6
Christi Hill State Farm, Page 48
Community Thanksgiving, Page 3
Advertisers index
Habitat for Humanity Cookie Walk, Page 17
J.Bryan Builders, Page, 44
Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home, Page 2
Noles Photography, Page 4
Oline Price, Revenue Commissioner, Page 27
Opelika’s Very Merry Christmas, Page 42
O Town Ice Cream, Page 16
Reindeer Express, Page 49
Scott Jones Photography, Page 36
Taylor Made Designs, Page 15
Trinity Christian School, Page 44
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