The Observer E-edition 12-16-2021

Vol. 14, No. 10

Thursday Dec. 16, 2021

Opelika, Alabama

pelika Observer O

'An award-winning publication created 'For local people, by local people.'

Collinwood Residents Invite Community to Annual Luminary Display Dec. 17

See COLLINWOOD, page A5

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Over 1,500 flickering candles will line winding, sloping streets in the Collinwood neighborhood to symbolize the guiding of the Holy Family on their journey to the manger at the 54th annual Luminaries on Friday, Dec. 17, from 5 until 9 p.m. The free event is provided as a Christmas gift to the community from the 57 Collinwood residents.

Along the candlelit drive, homes are decorated for Christ-

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

BY ANN CIPPERLY THE OBSERVER

Opelika Chamber Presents Quarterly Small Business Award

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE The 54th annual Collinwood Luminaries will be held Friday, Dec. 17, from 5 p.m. until 9 p.m., beginning at the corner of North 10th Street and Collinwood Street. Motorists turn off headlights as they slowly drive one way through the neighborhood with live scenes along the path and a live nativity at the end. The event is free and offered as a gift to the community from the residents.

Pictured is a scene with youth from First United Methodist Church from a previous year.

The Small Business of the Quarter Award was presented to Christie Ray Hill,

State Farm Insurance Agent. Opelika Sheriff Jay Jones presented Christie Hill with the award at the Opelika Chamber’s Business See AWARD, page A2

Nominations Open for Hope for the Holidays Hiring Alabama State Parks Sixth Event set for Dec. 20 Annual Eagle Awards

Briggs & Stratton Corporation; The Depot; GE Aviation; The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center; The Hound; I-PEX USA Manufacturing, Inc.; RAPA; Shinhwa; SiO2 Materials Science; Thermo Fischer Scientific; Webster Fulfillment and Wheel Pros.

For more information,

contact Amy Brabham at abrabham@auburnalabama. org or visit workinauburn. com. The city of Auburn would like the thank the Hull Property Group, the managing entity of the Auburn Mall, for its partnership in caring for the Auburn community and bringing this event to its citizenry.

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

The Alabama State Parks Division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources will again recognize special contributors to the parks with its prestigious Eagle Awards.

Nominations for the sixth annual Eagle Awards are open online at alapark. com/eagle-awards and the awards will be presented in five

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Job seekers are invited to the Hope for the Holidays Hiring Event on Monday, Dec. 20, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Auburn Mall.

Hosted by the city of Auburn Industrial Development Board and the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, the event will feature 13 companies with more than 250 open positions. The first 100 attendees to complete an employment interest card will receive a gift card.

Participating companies include 2A USA, Inc.;

STOCK PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN

categories: Elected Official, Community Partner, Park Partner, Volunteer in Parks (VIP) and

Youth (students 12th grade and younger). Deadline for submitting nominations See ALABAMA, page A2

CONTENTS OPINION.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4 OPINION

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

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

POLITICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9

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

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B13

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

PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . B13

Elect Sherri Reese on Jan. 11 City Council Ward 3

Paid for by the committee to elect Sherri Reese, Opelika, AL 36801

A2 Dec. 16, 2021

Opelika Chamber of Commerce Offering Trip to Scotland CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Travelers will enjoy an eight-day journey through Scotland with stops at Edinburgh, Inverness and more.

Participants can travel for as low as $2899 if they book before Dec. 31, 2021. Deposit is due at time of booking, with full payment due approximately 120 days prior to departure (early June).

The trip highlights are as follows: Round trip scheduled airfare Round trip transfers between airports and hotels while overseas Six nights hotel accommodation Two nights Edinburgh Two nights Inverness Two nights Glasgow Eight meals: breakfast daily, one lunch and one dinner Tours of: Edinburgh

Castle, Rosslyn Chapel, Edinburgh, Inverness and Glasgow City Tours Time to visit: Dunfermline Abbey, Stirling Castle, St. Andrews

Castle & Cathedral, St. Andrews Links, the home of golf since 1552, Urquhart Castle, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Glasgow Cathedral.

Optional: Visit to the Isle of Skye with lunch in Portree, Scottish Nights Dinner Show or extend your trip to Belfast, Ireland, for an

Property Manager Joins 360 Management Three Sixty is pleased to welcome Property Manager Caroline Salemno to its 360 Management office.

“I love forming relationships with my clients,” Salemno said.

“Getting to know their personalities, wants and needs, and then helping them find a home that is perfect for them is so fulfilling.”

Salemno grew up in Autaugaville, Alabama where she said she’s pretty sure the cows outnumber the residents. She has been coming to Auburn and attending football games since she was a little girl and has known she wanted to attend the university since she could first say “War Eagle.”

Now armed with a

ALABAMA

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FROM A1

is Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2022.

“Everyone in the Alabama State Parks Division understands our parks could not shine without the help of individuals and groups who help us throughout the year,” said Parks Director Greg Lein. “It’s a challenge to select the Eagle Award winners every year because we have so many people who give so much of themselves to help the parks thrive, but it’s always wonderful to honor them during

recipe that is a crowd favorite!

“Caroline is a welcome addition to our team,” said Leigh Brass, branch broker for 360 Management.

“We are excited to watch her grow in her role.”

ABOUT THREE SIXTY: Three Sixty is in the business of home. We offer a family of services including real estate, property manage-

an Eagle Awareness Weekend at Lake Guntersville State Park.”

Here are brief descriptions of the Eagle Awards categories: ELECTED OFFICIAL: This award honors an elected official who has worked in conjunction with the parks to help fulfill its mission to preserve natural areas, operate recreational facilities and extend the public’s knowledge of the state’s natural environment.

COMMUNITY PARTNER: Parks succeed with the cooperation and support of community

organizations such as other government organizations, chambers of commerce, tourism organizations and local businesses — groups that understand that the success of the park means success for the community.

PARK PARTNER: Organizations work to provide or maintain amenities in the parks, such as hiking and biking trails, that otherwise might not exist due to the allocation of resources for other services.

This award celebrates those partners who see a need and cooperate with park leadership to

fill it.

VOLUNTEER IN PARKS: These VIPs work in various ways to make our parks system better. Volunteers may be providing physical labor or strategic planning to improve one park, or the entire system of parks.

YOUTH: Our parks inspire young — and old — alike, but the impression left on youngsters often lives with them forever.

Many turn their love of the parks, of the outdoors, into projects to benefit some of their favorite places — often as part of a Scouting program. This award,

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

Publisher: Michelle Key Sports Editor: Wil Crews Live Lee Editor: Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Rick Lanier, D. Mark Mitchell

www.opelikaobserver.com 223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved.

Opelika Observer is published weekly by Key Media LLC, 223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801.

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CORRECTIONS The Observer will correct any errors, omissions or inaccuracies deemed to be substantive. Corrections may be requested by contacting the editor at (334) 749-8003.

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FROM A1

degree in Public Relations from Auburn, Salemno is excited to continue her career in the industry as a property manager at 360 Management.

Outside of work, Salemno can usually be found hanging out with her husband Nick and their two pups, Presley and June. She absolutely loves baking and has a top-secret chocolate chip cookie

SALEMNO

pelika Observer

O

AWARD

ment, interior design and staging, vacation rentals and commercial real estate. While our disciplines are varied, our entire team operates from the same set of core values, making Three Sixty the sought after firm to work with in Auburn, Birmingham, and Lake Martin, Alabama. Utilizing forward-thinking and creative processes, Three Sixty strives to make every experience unique and as smooth as possible by providing a consistent partner to maintain the integrity of projects as a whole. As a respected and profitable company, we strive to make a positive impact on the communities that we serve.

To learn more about Three Sixty visit us online at www.concepttoclosing.comkeaUQ= or call 334.887.3601.

CONTRIBUTED BY 360 MANAGEMENT

additional three days.

Join the Facebook group here to learn more about the trip details, ask questions, meet your fellow travelers and more. An informational meeting and webinar will be held on Thursday, Dec. 9 at 4 p.m. at the Opelika Chamber.

You can also access the link to the webinar on the Facebook page. The meeting will be recorded for convenience.

Over Breakfast event held at The Marriott at Grand National in Opelika. This award is proudly sponsored by Metro City Bank.

Business Over Breakfast featured guest speaker Clark Jackson, representing the SE Region for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.

Jackson spoke on important happenings in today’s national political and business climate that can directly and indirectly affect the state of Alabama.

The event was presented by GlynnSmith Chevrolet Buick-GMC. The Gold Sponsors were: Alabama Power, Baxter International, Opelika-Auburn News, Max Credit Union, City of Opelika, S & S Termite & Pest Control, Spectrum Reach, Aja Financial, First South Farm Credit.

Learn more about Christie Hill with State Farm here: www.

for students 12th grade and younger, honors the person whose contribution is extraordinary.

Winners will be honored during Eagle Awareness Weekend set for Jan. 28 through 30, 2022, at Lake Guntersville State Park.

ABOUT ALABAMA’S STATE PARKS SYSTEM The Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and maintains 21 state parks encompassing approximately 48,000 acres of land and water in Alabama.

chillwithsf.com/. She is located at 7512 AL Hwy 51 Opelika, Alabama, 36804 or call (334) 737-6811.

ABOUT THE OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Founded in 1941, the Opelika Chamber has been serving the Opelika business community for almost 80 years. The Opelika Chamber strives to be the recognized leader and advocate of the business community, acting as a catalyst for a thriving economic and entrepreneurial environment, collaborative community initiatives, and a better quality of life for its business owners and citizens alike. Under the leadership of Ali Rauch, president and CEO, the team works diligently to fulfill the mission to build economic and member vitality through partnerships, programming, education and community involvement.

The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to the Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas.

These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations. Make reservations at www. alapark.com/onlinereservations and learn more at www.alapark. com. Partners Pay the Way.

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A3 Dec. 16, 2021

Alabama Farmers Federation Celebrates Centennial Anniversary During Annual Meeting

Charles Whatley of Lee County, right, was recognized for serving the maximum nine years on the State Forestry Committee during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 100th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 6. Whatley is pictured with Federation Forestry Division Director William Green.

CONTRIBUTORS INCLUDE MARLEE MOORE, DEBRA DAVIS AND MARY WILSON

farmer Steve Lake; and Barbour County poultry and cattle farmer Trip Horne, respectively.

Elmore County produce farmer Joe Lambrecht was re-elected to his third term as District 7 director.

Elected to one-year, ex-officio terms on the state board were Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Lydia Haynes of Cullman County and State Young Farmers Committee Chairman Mitchell Henry of Lawrence County.

SERVICE TO AGRICULTURE Two honorees — the late John W. Morris and James R. Hudson — received the Service to Agriculture Award, the Federation’s highest honor, during the opening session on Dec. 5.

A U.S. Navy veteran and lifelong farmer, Morris invested countless hours spanning decades educating political leaders about issues important to Federation members.

Morris was a two-time Jefferson County Farmers Federation president who served on the state board from 1984-2000. In 1997, he was selected to chair ELECT, the Federation’s political action committee. Morris again became Jefferson County Farmers Federation president in 2015, serving until his death earlier this year at age 82.

Service to Agriculture honoree Hudson co-founded the HudsonAlpha Insti-

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

The Alabama Farmers Federation celebrated its 100th anniversary during the group’s annual meeting Dec. 5 and 6 in Montgomery with awards presentations and a salute to a century of serving farmers. Over 1,200 farmers gathered in the Capitol City at the Renaissance Hotel & Convention Center. The event also celebrated the 75th anniversary of Alfa Insurance, founded by the Federation in 1946.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall, a farmer from Georgia, attended the opening banquet. He thanked Alabama farmers for their dedication and praised the Federation for its work supporting rural Alabamians and fighting for conservative values.

“Congratulations on 100 years,” Duvall said. “What an accomplishment. We are just as relevant today as we were 100 years ago.

Not many membership organizations can say that.”

Additional awards were handed out Dec. 6 during a morning general session where outstanding county Farmers Federations, dedicated leaders and exemplary individual members were honored. A highlight featured the Federation’s Organization Department Director Mike Tidwell of Marbury receiving the

Cultivator Award. Tidwell retired Dec. 1 after more than 30 years with the organization.

The Federation’s yearlong centennial celebration concluded Monday night with a banquet and entertainment tracing the history of agriculture, the organization and music through the past 10 decades.

ELECTIONS Leadership elections were held Dec. 6 during the Federation’s business session, where nearly 500 voting delegates from all 67 counties selected officers and directors. Officers serve two-year terms, and directors serve three-year terms. Officers and district directors also serve on the Alfa Insurance Co. board of directors.

Steve Dunn, a Conecuh County row crop and cattle farmer, was re-elected secretary-treasurer. Dunn’s election is statewide and marks his 12th term as secretary-treasurer.

Calhoun County’s Jon Hegeman was reelected to a second term as Central Area vice president, and Jake Harper of Wilcox County was reelected to hist 10th term as Southwest Area vice president.

New directors were voted in for Federation Board Districts 1, 4 and 10: Walker County poultry, cattle and row crop farmer Dorman Grace; Cullman County poultry and row crop

The Lee County Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) was recognized as the Outstanding County from Region 4 during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 100th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 6. Lee County hosted meetings on staying healthy during the COVID pandemic; collected cleaning and daily living supplies for various housing residents; coordinated neighborhood clean-up days; provided a welcome station for Ag in the Classroom attendees; and hosted a Farm-City luncheon and farm tour spotlighting hemp, fungi and vertical gardens. From left are Federation Women’s Leadership Division Director Kim Earwood, Lee County WLC Chair Mary Richburg and Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.

Garrett Dixon of Lee County was honored for serving the maximum four years on the State Young Farmers Committee during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 100th annual meeting in Montgomery Dec. 6. Dixon is a row crop and cattle farmer. He served as the South At Large committee member and the committee chair in 2019. From left are Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer and Dixon.

tute for Biotechnology to encourage corporations, scientists and nonprofits to cooperatively seek answers to life’s most perplexing challenges through animal and plant DNA. The nonprofit research facility in Huntsville, which opened in 2008, is a world-renowned incubator for innovation.

In addition to work on plant and animal research, the company conducts ground-breaking research for diseases that include ALS, Alzheimer’s and cancer.

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN

Innovative tech company Tennibot, which originated out of Auburn University, continues to make great strides in the city of Auburn’s incubator system at Auburn Center for Developing Industries (ACDI).

Tennibot recently completed a successful funding round, exceeding goals and expectations.

Tennibot is an autonomous tennis assistant that integrates computer vision and AI to save players and coaches 25% of their time on the court. Tennibot clears the court of tennis balls so that the players can focus on hitting balls instead of picking them up. Following a successful crowdfunding campaign and participation in Techstars Sports Accelerator in 2020, Tennibot has disrupt-

ed the tennis industry as the only autonomous tennis assistant in the market.

“We are proud of Tennibot’s success here in Auburn,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “Not only do they represent the great innovation out of Auburn University, but they demonstrate the effectiveness of having local incubators in an entire ecosystem to cultivate and nurture startups.”

Tennibot currently leases office and manufacturing space at one of the city’s incubator locations. With their impending production and staffing increases, Tennibot is outgrowing the facility just in time for it to move into the city’s newest incubator, currently under construction in Auburn Industrial Park.

“Being at ACDI has been pivotal for our business,” See INCUBATOR, page A5

Fields, Sutton and Shep, and grow peanuts and cotton. They also operate a state-of-the-art peanut shelling facility, buying point and seed treatment business, which serves farmers nationwide.

Excellence in Agriculture contest winners Lauren and Landon Marks of Cherokee County are, respectively, a veterinarian and Extension agent.

The McCoys and Markses won their respective contests at the Federation’s Farm & Land Expo in August.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Tennibot Announces Successful Investment Funding Round

YOUNG FARMERS AWARDS The Federation also recognized statewide winners of Young Farmers contests Sunday evening.

Kyle Morris of Cullman County won the Discussion Meet contest earlier today, competing against fellow finalists named during the Federation’s Farm & Land Expo this summer.

Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) winners Josh and Savannah McCoy were also honored. The Dale County farmers have three sons,

A4 Dec. 16, 2021

The Fighter

T

SEAN DIETRICH

he email on my screen reads: “Dear Sean, my oldest grandchild, Bryson, is 11 years old and was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma, stage three, just one day before he started sixth grade.

“This cancer covered ninety percent of his body, and after four terrifying chemo rounds the cancer is dying. But this type is so aggressive that if there is one cell left it could cover his whole body in a few days again.

“He is the sweetest and most fun guy, but I’ve seen his smile fade. His spirit is sinking and he has indicated he doesn’t want to go through this anymore. We tell him to keep fighting. What words can you, a stranger, say to help him get through this?”

My most vivid memory of Darren happened at the obstacle course in Boy Scout camp.

The course was a complex gauntlet designed to test the mettle of all fifth-grade men.

I suppose the challenge was intended to teach us trust, or teamwork, or something like that.

Instead, it taught us that whenever Bobby Felder got his shoes stuck in the rope net it was scientifically possible to laugh so hard that Coke would spew from your nasal passages.

Darren, however, took the obstacle course very seriously.

One year Darren proclaimed to all within earshot that he was going to win the whole obstaclecourse race. He invited all critics and doubters to kiss his injection site.

Thus, one fateful afternoon, after the rest of us struggled to muscle our chubby little bodies through the complicated course, it was Darren’s turn.

We all held our breath.

Darren charged through the first half of the challenge like a miniature Hereford bull. We watched as he made his way past the ladder climb, the tunnel crawl, and the

low hurdles.

But when he got to the tightrope walk, you could tell he was fading fast.

The tightrope was the hardest section, by far. It was a collection of steel cables strung from utility poles, suspended thirty feet off the ground. It was commonly referred to as the place where tenderfoots go to die.

We scouts stood miles beneath Darren, watching him get harnessed up. He was already fighting to catch his breath, clutching his chest, and wheezing.

“He’s never gonna make it,” whispered Dudley Jensen.

“He looks like he’s gonna faint,” said another.

His father tried to talk him out of going any farther, but Darren shoved his father aside and said, “I CAN DO THIS!” Halfway through the tightrope walk, Darren lost his balance and fell.

The safety harness broke his freefall, but it almost snapped his neck. I will never forget the sight of his tiny body dangling like a yo-yo.

Darren’s father ran to him. He unhooked his son’s harness and held him tightly. Everyone gathered around to discover that Darren

could hardly speak. Also, he was crying.

And that’s when it happened.

Without wasting time, Darren’s father slung his son over his shoulders and told Darren to “hang on tight.”

Then, Darren’s father carried his son piggyback-style through the rest of obstacle course.

We all stared as one middle-aged man jogged through the zig-zag tires, leapt over hurdles, commando-crawled through mud, and scaled walls with a small tenyear-old slung across his back.

By the time Darren’s father got to the finish line we were all applauding and whistling.

Darren’s father looked like he was about to suffer a stroke. And Darren was smiling.

The father-son-duo high-fived, and embraced.

“We did it,” said Darren’s old man, struggling to breathe.

“We did it,” said Darren.

I don’t know much about this life. I know even less about courage.

But I know that when you can’t make it another step your Father will carry you.

HELPER PART III

The Great Escape

sending messages to others who were on their way to help.

We met in the middle, all of us speaking at once and surrounded Carol and the trembling girl in her arms.

The girl was small — smaller than her sister.

She did not make a sound. Terror can be an effective silencer. She clung to my sister’s neck as if she were in the middle of the ocean hanging on to the only life jacket in the world. My sister held on to her just as tightly.

The policeman broke into a run toward the woods in the direction Carol was pointing. He had his gun drawn and his eyes focused like lasers.

Carol stood there comforting the girl and promising not to let her go until she was ready. After what seemed like forever, the girl reached toward her sister. They fell into each other’s arms and cried — long and loud and from deep within, both of them.

It felt like an intrusion, being in the presence of so much emotion.

Carol sank onto one of the concrete climbing animals that were scattered in the park. I remember that it was a yellow elephant. She reached out and took my hand, and that was all I needed to be able to breathe again. She was okay. It was all going to be okay.

I don’t remember the details of what

It was everything and more than I dreamed it would be.

The view of a grand church decorated in greenery and red, carolers with candles, walking in the light of Christ, and the sounds of many holy instruments, loud and crisp to capture that which the heart longs to feel.

I felt as if I had stepped out of Auburn into a lavish New York City evening. It was spectacular, all of it, until my two young sons decided to escape church.

One hour into the program, I’m sitting on the edge of my pew, enjoying every second of brass and string and song, while the boys’ minds and bodies begin to wander. After a grand applause from the crowd, Braxton stands to exit, motioning his brother to come along.

He whispers unto my father, “I’m going to take Shep outside to stretch our legs.”

I’m okay with this, as the intermission is just two songs away.

Ten minutes later, the host of people in the church are dismissed, many remaining to chat with others and a handful of us walk away for a quick refresh. I walk in search of a restroom, hoping to find my boys to coax them back into church, but they were nowhere to be found.

WENDY HODGE

L

Dear Bryson, I was ten years old when I first met a boy named Darren Wilkinson in Boy Scouts. He was smaller than the other boys. Everyone always thought he was my little brother because he was so tiny and frail.

Frail he might have been. But Darren was no shrinking violet. Ask anyone. Darren had the personality of a junkyard Rottweiler.

Darren was born prematurely with an array of cardiac problems and physical maladies most could never endure.

Darren had undergone multiple surgeries. He bore a five-inch scar on his sternum which he would gladly show you for a quarter. The scar on his upper thigh would

cost you a buck.

He was born with only four fingers on his right hand, no thumb—surgeons later reattached another finger as a makeshift thumb. His knees didn’t work right.

He had diabetes. He was partially deaf.

Whenever he exerted himself during baseball practice, he had trouble breathing and his lips would turn blue. And once, during recess, after overdoing it, he almost went into a coma.

Darren’s father always carried a small cooler of medication and gave Darren injections every few hours. We boys were often reminded by our mothers and teachers that without those injections Darren could die.

Still, the kid had a world-class sense of humor. He was not embarrassed, for example, about getting jabbed with a syringe in public. He even made jokes about it.

I remember at one Boy Scout meeting Darren pulled down his undershorts while everyone was earning a knot-tying merit badge.

With his little white butt exposed to the world, Darren shouted, “Daddy!

It’s time for my shot!”

And we all howled.

et me see …

Where did I leave off? …

Oh, yes — I stood huddled with my sister’s best friend, a terrified girl whose sister had been kidnapped, a good Samaritan with a CB radio and a policeman, waiting to see any sign of my sister or the man she was chasing. We heard a yell from deep in the woods followed by crashing sounds, like animals fleeing from a hunter in the forest and then there she was. Carrying the girl in her arms, Carol broke out of the trees and ran straight toward us. She was hollering.

I don’t remember the words she was saying, but I do remember that she did not sound scared. She sounded fierce, almost primal.

It was the sound of her voice that broke the spell over us all.

The policeman ran towards her, arms outstretched. Donna and I and the girl’s sister ran together, holding hands, like an off-kilter game of Red Rover. The man with the CB radio stayed at his truck and began

followed. I suppose terror affects memory as much as it does your voice. I remember that it was a long time before I was finally home, and longer still before my sister walked in the front door. My parents were both terrified and proud.

“You could have been killed!” my mother must surely have exclaimed.

“Thank goodness you’re okay,” would have been my dad’s response.

“We’re so proud of you,” was the one phrase I know everyone said. “So proud.”

If you had taken the three of us, my brother and sister and I, and listed our qualities one by one, it would have been my sister who would have been described as quiet, humble and slightly introverted. In spite of that, she was the one of us who was brave.

She was the one of us who was most generous with her life and with herself. She was the one who acted most selflessly, without regard for what she wanted. She was the helper.

“Weren’t you scared?” I asked her that night, dragging my feet, not wanting to go to bed and face whatever nightmares may come from such a day as the one we’d just lived through.

“Only for a second,” she answered. “Mostly See HODGE, page A5

ROBERTSON

M

y love and joy for music is a daily ritual.

Even in my writing, I like a little piano ringing in my ear. I have written of this before, giving all acknowledgements to my father, who tapped his rings on his steering wheel to jazz music while driving me to school when I was only 8.

It is a lovely part of life, music, helping us to feel, laugh and play, carrying us into wherever we may go.

And so, music carries us into Christmas.

All the hymns, all the bells and all the carols of peace and joy.

My parents have told me for years of the beautiful Christmas production of singing and music

by Auburn United Methodist Church.

So, on Sunday evening, after my husband left town for work, I decided to join my mom and dad, children in tow, to a church pew in Auburn to experience Christmas among a full house orchestra.

I walk outside, 7:45 p.m., into a well-lit and lovely downtown Auburn, and in the back of my mind I knew that wherever they were, Braxton was looking out for them both and it was highly likely that they were having their own grand Christmas adventure.

Thirty minutes later, after having been gone for almost an hour, the Robertson duo walks back up the front steps of the church.

“Well hey Momma,” said Braxton. “You about ready to go home?”

I cannot speak.

“Shep and I got a little restless in church,” he said. “So we just figured we’d come outside and walk around a bit.”

Still nothing. Still no wise, mothering words. I can hear the orchestra from inside and under the lovely stars of Christmas I am genuinely just so happy to see them.

“Are you okay Momma,” Braxton said. “Seems like you might be a little upset.”

A part of me wanted to bust out laughing.

I also had an urge to snap back at him saying, “Seriously!

Where have you been? I have been looking everywhere for you two!” But I said nothing.

“Me and Shep had a See ROBERTSON, page A6

A5 Dec. 16, 2021

Holder Properties Opens 320 West Mag at Auburn University CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Holder Properties, a full-service service commercial and student housing real estate development and investment company, is pleased to announce the opening of 320 West Mag at 100% occupancy in Auburn, Alabama.

320 West Mag is a six-story, mixed-use student living community adjacent to the campus of Auburn University.

320 West Mag com-

COLLINWOOD

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FROM A1

mas, signs display Bible verses and scenes throughout the neighborhood tell the Christmas story.

Living scenes feature shepherds, wise men and angels and at the end of the path, a live nativity scene resonating the message of Christmas.

For 39 years, Rick Lane of the First United Methodist Church of Opelika has worked with youth at the church to participate in the live nativity scene, which often includes animals. Youth from the church are also featured in live scenes along the way.

Ruth Torbert is chairman of this year’s event and has served as chairman for several years.

“Since our family moved to Collinwood in 2004, I have viewed the Luminaries as our remembrance of the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Lord and Savior of the world,” Torbert said. “It is a joy to serve my neighbors and the community.”

Those driving through the luminaries will receive a program at the entrance with a QR code to scan with their phone camera that allows them to listen to the recording of the Bible’s Christmas Story from Luke 2:1-20. The chairman encourages everyone to drive through the neighborhood as many times as they would like to enjoy the scenes “The neighborhood has always seen the luminaries as its gift to the community,” said Martha Hill, a Collinwood resident who has participated from the beginning when the first candles were lit. “It makes Christmas special for children.”

Hill, whose children grew up looking forward to the annual family event, served as chairman several times over the years, feels the event keeps

pleted construction and leasing in the spring of 2021. The property is located on West Magnolia Avenue and includes 719 beds in 201 apartment units. Retail tenants include Chickfil-A, Ross House Coffee, Jamba Juice and Auntie Anne’s.

320 West Mag is situated on 3.59 acres and is walking distance from downtown Auburn. The property features 13,500 square feet of amenities including an elevated pool, a multi-level fitness center with a dedicated the neighborhood close.

The preparation in setting up the candles involves the entire family. Yards are raked and neatly groomed. Children in the neighborhood assist older residents.

A few days before the event, sand is delivered to several locations around the neighborhood. Three to 4 inches of sand is placed into a plastic bag, then into a paper bag, with the top folded down two inches to add rigidity.

The day of the luminaries, bags are placed 20 inches from the curb and spaced evenly for uniformity.

City sanitation and power employees assist in getting ready for the event by cleaning streets and turning streetlights off.

The Collinwood tour is also supported by the Opelika mayor and city council, Public Works Department of Opelika (ESG), Opelika Power Services, Opelika Police Department and Boy Scout Troop 858. First United Methodist Church Youth group provides the characters for the live scenes along the way.

The first Collinwood Luminaries included only a few houses on East Collinwood. In 1966, Mrs. J.R. Fuller of the Twilight Garden Club suggested the

weight room and three courtyards. The community also features a secured parking deck, state-of-the-art clubroom with a gaming lounge, study rooms and a bike storage area.

The property features studio, two, three, four and five-bedroom apartments located directly across from Auburn University’s colleges of business and engineering. Each apartment is fully furnished and includes private bedrooms and bathrooms. The building also features modern finishes, stainidea to the club after seeing luminaries in Europe. The holiday tradition of luminaries originated over 400 years ago in Mexico.

The following year, with 15 families in the neighborhood at the time, the residents undertook the project. The late Aileen Samford and Lucy Salter were instrumental in organizing the event.

Salter received information on the details of luminaries from friends in St. Simons Island, Georgia.

During the first few years, the residents of East Collinwood used an assortment of bags and candles.

After West Collinwood Circle and Collinwood Street were added to the subdivision, the event became more organized. Paper bags and candles were ordered for consistency throughout the pathway.

Luminaries begin at 5 p.m. at the corner of North 10th Street and Collinwood Street. Motorists turn off headlights as they slowly drive one way through the neighborhood and end at McLure.

Collinwood residents invite everyone to come and enjoy the luminaries, as they “light the path” on the “journey to the manger.” The tour is free.

less-steel appliances and private balconies.

320 West Mag offers residents the fastest WiFi in Auburn.

“We’re pleased with the positive response we’ve received from the Auburn community and that we’ve opened 320 West Mag fully leased,” said John Holder, CEO of Holder Properties.

The project was designed by Niles Bolton & Associates and built

by Juneau Construction Company. Holder Properties will continue to provide leasing and property management

for 320 West Mag. To learn more about 320 West Mag, visit www.320westmag.com ABOUT HOLDER PROPERTIES Holder Properties is a privately held, vertically-integrated full-service commercial and residential real estate development and investment company. Founded in 1980, Holder Properties has extensive experience in acquisitions, capital markets, project development, leasing, asset management and property management.

Since inception, Holder Properties has developed over 100 projects across 17 states with development costs in excess of $3BN. The Company’s portfolio contains a diverse range of property types including single and multi-tenant office buildings, upscale student housing, corporate headquarters, data centers, call centers and other special use facilities nationwide.

To learn more about Holder Properties, visit holderproperties.com.

INCUBATOR >>

funding round was raised by existing and new investors alongside Benson Capital Partners, Techstars Ventures, Untapped Capital, Underdog Labs, Timberline Holdings, Founders First, Scott Dorsey, Oregon Sports Angels and other angels. This capital will allow Tennibot to accelerate production and scale its supply chain to meet the unprecedented demand in addition to rolling out new features and capabilities.

“We’re excited for this partnership as the tennis market continues to grow and attract new players to this great sport,” Eletrabi said. “We started Tennibot with the goal of improving players’ experience on the court and making tennis more enjoyable by eliminating the least favorite part of the sport. We are looking forward to reaching

more tennis players and courts worldwide with this investment.”

Founded in 2016, Tennibot is a venture-backed robotics startup that builds autonomous robots for sports. Tennibot has won several awards and been named in many prestigious publications, including Time Magazine, Forbes, BBC, Yahoo, Huffington Post and LA Times.

Visit tennibot.com to learn more about Tennibot and purchasing information.

To learn more about the many resources available in Auburn for local startups, visit StartinAuburn.com or contact Caitlin Myers, manager of the Entrepreneurial & Technology Programs initiative out of the city of Auburn’s Department of Economic Development, at cmyers@auburnalabama. org or 334-501-7377.

that day.

The man who stole one sister from another that day was caught and sent to jail. Carol testified at his trial. I was not present because I was still so young, but I can imagine her being calm and clear on the witness stand. I am told she spoke with clarity and looked straight at the man who tried to wreak havoc on innocent people. She was not afraid of him. She’d

already faced that fear somewhere in the woods.

As for the two girls walking through the park, I have no idea where they are now.

I don’t even know their names. But I do know they were more than lucky to have my sister walk into their lives at just the right moment. They were given the gift of a helper. And, like them, I am so grateful I had my sister for the short time I did.

FROM A3

said Haitham Eletrabi, PhD, founder and CEO of Tennibot. “It has allowed our startup the opportunity to grow. Plus, as an incubator, it is fun to be around the energy of the other startups and entrepreneurs.”

The company has received the benefits of incubation since its inception.

“In their earliest stages, while in our incubator, we worked with Tennibot on business plan development, customer discovery and pitch coaching,” said Lou Bifano, director of entrepreneurship strategy at Auburn University Harbert College of Business in the New Venture Accelerator. “It is rewarding to see how far they have come beyond our Tiger Cage competition.”

This over-subscribed

HODGE >>

FROM A4

I just needed to help that girl.”

It was as much a part of her nature as her brown hair and love of travel.

I don’t know who the police officer was, nor do I know the name of the man with the CB radio. They were helpers too. And I wish I could thank them now for helping both sets of sisters on

Artisan Coffee Beverages made to order.

Beginning Monday Sept.13, we will open each weekday at 7 a.m.

116 S. 8th Street, Opelika

334-363-0390

www.booniehatcoffee.com

A6 Dec. 16, 2021

Chambers of Commerce Celebrate New Members PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Ribbon Cutting for Staybridge Suites — A pet-friendly hotel offering apartment-style suites with fully equipped kitchens, smart TV’s and free WiFi located at 2061 S. College St. in Auburn.

Renew, relax and refresh with new Opelika Chamber member Blu Haven Spa. The chamber had a wonderful time celebrating this new day spa conveniently located adjacent to Tiger Town. Blu Haven Spa offer deluxe facials, lash extensions, spray tans, chemical peels, lash lifts, brow and lash tints and soon a cosmetologist and massage therapist. Give them a call at (334) 759-7022 to treat yourself today.

Welcome Grace Aesthetics & Beauty Lounge to the Opelika Chamber. It offers all things beauty including facials, body sculpting, massages and more. Make an appointment at www.ow.ly/CLYP50GP1Jj or call (334) 737-5174.

Ribbon cutting for Mathison Interiors – A full-service, residential and commercial interior design firm located in the Grove Hill Business Center at 1280 Moores Mill Road in Auburn.

ROBERTSON >>

FROM A4

good ole’ time, didn’t we Shep?”

“Yeah we did,” Shep responds. “It was fun.”

“We walked to Samford Hall. Looked at all the lights. It was nice,” Braxton said.

“You have a good time Momma?”

I laughed inside and said as few words as possible. We walked to the car, me and my young three, and headed home.

The story is that the boys did indeed escape church. They

escaped into their own Christmas of brotherhood and Jesus.

Braxton even took Shep to Little Italy to eat pizza. He served him and cared for him, among night and mozzarella cheese.

We often have this view of perfection and how things are supposed to go in life, but it doesn’t really add up to Christmas. There was no perfection in Mary carrying a son. No perfection in giving birth in a barn. And no perfection in a government seeking to kill a baby.

The only perfection of Christmas is that we have this gift of perfect hope. Hope that will not disappoint. Hope that will always carry us into tomorrow. Hope that there is something greater than anything here on Earth.

I pray dear readers, that we drop the expectation of perfect and pick up the expectation of hope.

It is real and it is reliable, and it is the only way to joy and peace of life.

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Opelika E vents, Society & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS DEC. 16: MIDTOWN WINTER MARKET IN AUBURN DEC. 18: HOLIDAY GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING AT GRAND NATIONAL DEC. 18: COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS PARTY AT FIREFLY FIELDS

Harris Family Gathers To Celebrate Christmas With Multiple Meals PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY

Ann Cipperly

Southern W

hile some families look forward to time together on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning or evening, the family of Kay and Allen Harris get together for all three meals and enjoy games, movies and other fun activities.

Family members help with meals, preparing their specialty dishes.

Kay will start decorating for Christmas early at their spacious home in White Oaks.

Since the family also comes for Thanksgiving dinner, she will have a 12-foot tree laden with ornaments in the living room and the fireplace mantel accented with a lighted garland. A festive arrangement is

Hospitality

placed on the piano, while the dining room and foyer are also decorated with gleaming reindeers, candles, garlands and other Christmas finery.

Allen is the CEO of Baily-Harris and the developer of The Springs at Mill Lakes, the only 55-plus community in Opelika. Kay works part-time at State Farm, where she has been employed for 45 years.

The Harris’ son, Russell, is president of Baily-Harris. He and his wife, Melissa, have two children, Skylah, 16, and Chapman, 13.

Kay and Allen’s daughter, Natalie Harris Gilbert, and her husband, James, have two children, Kennedy, 11,

and Harper, 9. Natalie has been co-owner of Ellie Clothing in downtown Auburn for 18 years, while James has been with the Auburn Fire Department for almost 25 years. They also raise cattle at a farm in Cusseta, which is turned into a pumpkin patch in October with animals and hay rides.

James and his father plant a garden every year at the farm.

While James is the cook in their family, Natalie enjoys baking cookies and making gingerbread houses with their girls during the Christmas season.

The oldest daughter, Missy Harris, has two grown daughters, McCall Ray, who is a nurse

The family of Kay and Allen Harris are close knit and enjoy time together on Christmas Eve, Christmas morning and evening, as well as Sunday suppers together throughout the year. Some of the family members pictured are, from left, Melissa Harris Skylah Harris, Kay Harris, Kennedy Gilbert, Natalie Harris Gilbert, Harper Gilbert, McCall Ray and Missy Harris.

at Grandview Hospital in Birmingham, and Payton, who is married to Jim Hester. They have three children, Hayes, 5, and twin sons, Harrison and Hampton, who are 20 months old.

Jim owns a family business, and Payton works with her mother.

Missy is co-owner with three others of the Prime Real Estate Group. They renovated the building in back of Bailey-Harris for their office.

All of these family members spend all day Christmas Eve, Christmas morning and evening with Kay and Allen. Another daughter, Allison, who lives in Birmingham, comes for Christmas Day and brings her popular chocolate mousse dessert.

They also invite others in the community for Christmas dinner.

The festivities kick off on Christmas Eve morning. McCall and Natalie will bake

cookies with the children, while others are busy wrapping gifts and preparing dishes for Christmas breakfast or dinner. Kay will make two soups, potato and French onion, to serve that night.

There is plenty of kitchen space. Along with the large main kitchen and long island, there is a full kitchen downstairs and an outdoor kitchen.

See CIPPERLY, page A10

Discover S.T.E.M. This Christmas PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY AO DISCOVER!

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

AO Discover!, Auburn-Opelika’s handson science center for children, was created to provide educational opportunities in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (S.T.E.M.) and arts to the families and children of East Alabama and beyond.

“The younger [children get exposed to S.T.E.M.] the better,” said Katie Murrah, CEO and executive director at AO Discover!. “Educational research has shown that the times that make the biggest difference are out of school time.

Out of school times are considered pre-school — early childhood education is critical to lifelong academic success — but also what you do on the weekends, what you do during holidays, what you do in the evenings. That’s really making a difference in the families and their children that have access to these opportunities versus the ones that don’t.”

Formally known as Auburn-Opelika Children’s HandsOn Science Center, the

OTC Hosting Christmas Carnival CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

class 501c non-profit’s vision is to help people discover S.T.E.M today to foster opportunities for tomorrow. Its goals are to serve children of East Alabama through partnerships and community support; to ensure that underrepresented groups can access opportunities; to act as a beacon for S.T.E.M education throughout the region and nation; to promote workforce development in Alabama and to conduct research to continuously improve its programming.

This holiday season,

AO Discover! invites the children and families of East Alabama to participate in its second annual “‘Tis the Season to Discover!”, presented by Kali Bryan Chadrick of State Farm.

“Come out and see us first-hand,” Murrah said. “We are lucky that we have a growing awareness of what we are trying to bring, but when families get to come to an actual event, they get a much clearer sense of who we are and what we do.”

See S.T.E.M., page A9

Opelika Theatre Company is gearing up for a Christmas Carnival Fundraiser and Pet Parade Contest Saturday — Dec. 18, from noon until 3 p.m.

This will be a really fun event for the younger children in the community with fun-filled activities and photo opportunities with Santa.

Topping the afternoon will be a pet parade contest featuring owners and their pets dressed in costumes for the season. Trophies will be awarded in several categories — including best of show.

The Christmas Carnival will also serve as a “special drop-off” location for the OTC Shoe Drive that is currently in progress. Help OTC by donating gently worn shoes of all

types (athletic, dance, casual, fancy, boots, flip flops, sandals, house shoes). Shoes cannot be ripped, torn, excessively dirty, beatup or have holes in the soles.

This shoe drive will help OTC provide third-world countries the opportunity for their citizens to become entrepreneurs and improve their economy and support their families.

So bring shoe donations to the OTC Christmas Carnaval this Saturday — Dec. 18th at Southside Center for the Arts — 1103 Glenn St. (across the street from the new Opelika Library) from noon until 3 p.m.

CARNIVAL ADMISSION: $25 per family PET PARADE ADMISSION: $10 per pet Register for the Pet Parade online at www. opelikatheatrecompany.

com.

ABOUT OPELIKA THEATRE COMPANY The Opelika Theatre Company, a nonprofit organization formerly under the Community Foundation of East Alabama, was established in August of 2015 in Opelika, Alabama. The idea was conceived by three friends, as they were casually talking about Opelika needing a community theatre to support the amazing talent in this area. An email was sent out to many area residents to attend a start-up meeting and VOILA! A core group of people made a commitment to give birth to this remarkable program. The artistic director of OTC is very proud of and thankful for the staff, The Community Foundation of East Alabama, its sponsors and the community as a whole for making this dream possible.

A8 Dec. 16, 2021

Making the Grade: Fratelli’s Ristorante Italiano

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

A

the Columbus location.

When Mike and I arrived at Fratelli’s, Dani, our waitress, was so welcoming, helpful and patient. We ordered our beverages, and Dani brought us some delicious, homemade bread, still warm from the oven.

When the Leys arrived shortly thereafter, they ordered their drinks. Also, we all ordered appetizers.

Mike and I chose Al’s knots, which were six homemade garlic rolls made with Fratelli’s pizza dough, topped with garlic

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE

s I’ve mentioned many times, I taught English for the Troup County School System in LaGrange, Georgia. Long before that, I attended K-12th grade in the Alexander City School System (“Eleck” City to the locals.). I then attended college, first at Alexander City State Junior College and then Auburn University and later, Troy State University in Phenix City.

In those approximately 21 years of being a student, I was blessed to have been taught by many wonderful teachers/ professors. Also, as a classroom teacher, I had the privilege to work with many terrific educators.

However, of all those educators I witnessed in 51 years, the very best one was Dr. Terry C. Ley, Professor Emeritus from Auburn University. Dr. Ley was my professor, advisor and mentor when I was earning my Master’s of Education Degree in English Education at Auburn.

Also, Ley led me to my teaching career. Bette Whitley from the Troup County School System

had called Ley, wanting to interview newly graduated English teachers. Ley gave me Whitley’s phone number, I called her and set up an interview and I was hired.

When I called Whitley, I asked for directions to Lee’s Crossing Middle School in LaGrange.

At the time I called her, she was interviewing another new teacher for her staff. That teacher told her how I should come from Alex. City to LaGrange, and she gave me his directions. That other young teacher? He was Mike Wallace, my future husband. Mike tells people that he was giving me the directions to get to him. I know … awww.

Last June, I was so happy to have had the opportunity to write a feature story about Dr. Ley and his amazing 40-year teaching career in the magazine Live Lee. Ley was the most compassionate, gifted teacher I have ever seen; he could have read aloud the phone book and made it interesting.

When Mike and I married in 2005, the Leys were at our wedding. Now that we live in Auburn, we enjoy dining with them. Last week, we met the Leys at Fratelli’s Ristorante Italiano at 1445 S. College St. in Auburn.

I LOVE Italian food, and Fratelli’s is the REAL deal. Alessandro Fratelli, the owner, was born in Rome, Italy, and he has a delightful Italian accent. Alessandro and his brother Stefano opened Fratelli’s in 2017. While Alessandro runs Fratelli’s in Auburn, Stefano is over

butter sauce and loaded with parmesan cheese.

Oh, my. I’m getting hungry now just writing about it.

The Leys chose the garlic cheesy bread.

Mrs. Ley kindly offered us a slice. Oh, my two times. We’ll order that next time. And there will DEFINITELY be a next time.

For his meal, Mike chose the shrimp scampi, and I picked the lasagna. Dr. Ley ordered the fettuccine Alfredo, and Mrs. Ley chose the gnocchi sorrentina, which was potato pasta tossed

in a cheesy tomato and basil sauce topped with mozzarella and baked to perfection. Everything was amazing!

As if I hadn’t had a million carbohydrates (Remember, I’m the “Pooh-sized” diabetic.), I ordered the lava cake for dessert. Oh, my three times. The Leys shared tiramisu. Mrs. Ley said, “That’s the best tiramisu I’ve ever had.” Thankfully, we all refrained from licking our plates.

Besides our wonderful pasta dishes, Fratelli’s also offers other choices, some of which include: spaghetti meatball, penne

carbonara, tortellini Corleone, lobster ravioli and eggplant parmesan.

In addition, diners may choose from entrees such as: chicken cacciatore, pork chop, ribeye, soft shell crab and lobster crusted grouper, among others. Fratelli’s also has a great selection of soups, salads, pizza and handheld items. Believe me, run and do not walk, to this restaurant.

Fratelli’s Ristorante Italiano is closed on Sunday. The restaurant is open Monday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and from 5 to 10 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m.

to 10 p.m. Dr. and Mrs. Ley, this one was for you. Love you both!

Fratelli’s Ristorante Italiano makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher.

Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!

Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in the Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@ gmail.com

A9 Dec. 16, 2021

Perfect Poinsettias Year-round CONTRIBUTED BY ACES/ BY MARY LEIGH OLIVER

The striking red, white and green colors make the poinsettia a staple plant for the holiday season. With the proper care, poinsettias can thrive throughout the new year. Rudy Pacumbaba, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System urban home grounds, gardens and home pests specialist, has the tips for long-lasting poinsettias.

HOLIDAY CARE

STOCK PHOTO

During the holidays, keeping a poinsettia looking bright and healthy is essential for the holiday spirit. The first step is to make sure the plant has plenty of natural light.

“Place the plant in an area with natural light, away from vents and drafts that can dry out the pot,” Pacumbaba said.

Next, make sure to only water the poinsettia when it is dry. When purchased, the plants often come covered in holiday foil or decorative wrap.

Remove this covering to allow excess water to drain.

“Poinsettias are susceptible to stem and root

diseases, so draining the excess water is important,” he said.

Lastly, utilize an all-purpose fertilizer (2020-20) at one-a-month intervals.

POST-HOLIDAY CARE

Instead of buying a new poinsettia each year, follow these simple steps to keeping it growing until the next holiday season. If any decorative

Downtown parking free Dec. 10 Through Jan. 11 CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN Parking in downtown Auburn will be free Dec. 10 through Jan. 11 during Auburn University's winter break. On-street parking is available throughout downtown as well as on and surrounding the ground floor of the Auburn Municipal Parking Deck and in the Gay

Street Parking Lot. Please note, free parking only applies to surface parking.

Parking in the Wright Street Parking Deck is $1 per hour 24/7 for up to $15 per day.

Take advantage of this time to enjoy all downtown has to offer.

Find more info about parking in downtown Auburn at www. auburnalabama.org/ downtown-parking.

STOCK PHOTO

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wrap is not yet removed from the pot, remove the covering. Then, place a saucer under the pot.

“The saucer allows for better air circulation for the roots during the rest of the growing season,” Pacumbaba said.

Keep a schedule to water and fertilize the plant at regular intervals.

Naturally, the poinsettia will continue to grow larger. As it does, move it

to a larger container with new potting mix. If the plant becomes long and leggy, cut it back to 5 to 6 inches. Periodically, cut the tips of the branches to encourage more side branching and to maintain a fuller appearance.

YEAR-ROUND CARE

During the summer, move the plant outside in an area with indirect sunlight. Summer is also the

time to increase fertilizer to at least twice the frequency. In mid-summer, move the plant to a location with full sunlight and trim it as needed to keep it a manageable size.

After Labor Day, bring the poinsettia inside to a location with a minimum of six hours of sunlight.

“This will start preparing the plat for their flowers and their colorful foliage,” he said. “At

Using these simple tips, keep this year’s poinsettias merry and bright until next year. For more information on poinsettia care, visit the Alabama Extension website, www. aces.edu.

ference center, a hot chocolate bar, dining at Arricia Cucina Italiana and “incredible” gift baskets (including one with four tickets to go see the MLB Champions, Atlanta Braves, next season) to be raffled away. One raffle ticket can be purchased for $5 or three for $10.

Make sure to secure your spot now, as event tickets and pictures with Santa are discounted to $10 before Dec. 1. In December, tickets are $15.

Furthermore, at both locations families will have the opportunity to have professional pictures with Santa Claus for just $39 ($29 if bought before Dec. 1).

From babies and

toddlers to full-grown adults, this opportunity promises to provide unique educational opportunities for all.

“Everyone can have fun, but it’s probably most fun for ages 1 to 13,” Murrah added. “Our focus is really kids all the way around.”

The second annual ‘Tis the Season to Discover! at Grand National takes place from noon to 5 p.m., and will be split into two sessions at the Auburn Hotel, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with a two-hour break in between.

“We want to bring [S.T.E.M] right here to East Alabama,” Murrah said. “So that families can have access right here without having to travel and for the families who maybe can’t travel, this can come to them.”

For tickets or more information, go to www.aodiscover. simpletix.com or www. aodiscover.org AO Discover! is located at 1999 S. Donahue Dr., Suite F in Auburn.

S.T.EM. >>

FROM A7

‘Tis the Season to Discover! is offering holiday S.T.E.M. fun at the Grand National in Opelika on Dec. 12 and at the AU Hotel and Dixon Conference Center on Dec. 18.

“We are so glad that they have donated their space and wanted to partner with us,” Murrah said of the event venues. “I’m glad we are going to be able to be in Opelika and also be in Auburn because I think it gives more families the opportunity to come see us.”

At both locations, AO Discover! will bring its traveling S.T.E.M. exhibits for attendees to get hands-on with their educational fun.

“To have events that go out into the community, it allows families to kind of have these S.T.E.M opportunities in their backyard,” Murrah said.

Some of the exhibits include: redesigning Santa’s sleigh to help it run faster, coding a path for the elves to deliver presents,

designing a gingerbread house, making ice necklaces, helping Santa get up the chimney, preventing the Grinch from going down it and more.

“Children can move through and try all the things out,” Murrah said. “… Be creative, be inventive and learn some new things.”

Additionally, Grand National will be providing spa deals, discounts on brunch at one of its restaurants, movies in a converted theater and outside games. At the Auburn Hotel, all the same AO Discover! exhibits will be available along with the hotel’s annual Gingerbread Village which is displayed in the con-

this stage, the amount of fertilizer should also be reduced.”

Near the end of September, the plant requires 13 hours of uninterrupted darkness and 11 hours of bright light each day. The long periods of darkness are essential to the vibrant colors of the poinsettia.

“Placing the plant in a closet, basement or under a box can provide the required hours of darkness,” Pacumbaba said. “During the periods of bright light, make sure to rotate the pot to ensure the plant receives even light from all sides.”

Right before Thanksgiving, stop the dark period treatments and place the plant in a sunny area that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight. Also, reduce the amount of water and fertilizer.

MORE INFORMATION

A10 Dec. 16, 2021 >>

FROM A7

At 5 p.m., Kay and Allen will go to their church, Trinity Christian Presbyterian in Opelika, for the music program.

When they return home, Allen will build a roaring fire in the outdoor fireplace. Kay will serve the two soups for supper.

Allen offers a prayer before each meal, thanking God for each family member (one grandchild commented that the prayers last 15 minutes.). Allen will also share family history for the grandchildren.

After supper, the family goes to the home theater room and watches “It’s a Wonderful Life” and other movies. Then, everyone goes home.

Christmas morning, everyone arrives at 8 a.m. or earlier with the girls wearing their matching pajamas. Natalie and her family will open gifts at their home and then come over for breakfast. Missy will have breakfast prepared with a casserole and her yummy cinnamon rolls, which everyone enjoys.

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> CHRISTMAS MORNING CINNAMON ROLLS

Missy Harris 1 frozen white bread loaf Flour, about 1/4 cup 2 Tbsp. melted butter 1 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup walnuts 1 Tbsp. cinnamon 1/2 cup heavy cream Frosting: 2 Tbsp. softened butter 1 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 Tbsp. milk Prepare a baking sheet lined with wax paper and scattered flour over the wax paper.

Place frozen bread loaf in the center of the baking sheet and let it thaw. *It will take roughly 3 hours if left out at room temperature, or overnight in the refrigerator. See instructions on package for thawing.

When the dough has thawed, you can leave it on the baking sheet to roll.

Roll it out to approximately an 18 x 6 inch oblong piece. Brush melted butter over the rolled-out dough.

In a medium sized mixing bowl, mix sugar, cinnamon and walnuts.

Spread it over the rolled-out dough.

Roll the dough up like a jelly roll, taking the longest

After breakfast, the family opens gifts that are under the tree.

“It is loud, and there are presents and wrapping paper everywhere,” McCall said.

Photos are taken as the children enjoy playing with their cousins.

“They enjoy opening gifts, but the main thing for them is having fun with family,” Natalie said. “It is more about their relationships with each other than the gifts.”

After the gifts are all opened and the children are getting tired, everyone goes home to get dressed. Then, they all come back for dinner.

For a special celebration Christmas dinner, Kay cooks beef tenderloin, which is served with sides and desserts that family members have prepared. Melissa will bring a corn casserole and mushrooms that have been cooking in wine all night in a slow cooker. Natalie takes a chocolate pie, while James prepares his green bean dish. Payton brings mashed potatoes.

Allen serves an assortment of cheeses and creates an attractive salside and rolling it unto a tight curl and continuing until it is completely rolled. Slice the dough into 14-16 (1/2 inch) pieces.

Spread the sliced rolls around the baking sheet, leaving room in-between for rising, cover and let rise for an hour or until the dough has doubled in size.

Place the dough that has risen into 2 buttered round cake pans or a large casserole dish.

Pour heavy cream over the cinnamon rolls.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

Bake rolls for 20 to 25 minutes.

CHRISTMAS MORNING BREAKFAST CASSEROLE Missy Harris 1 lb. sausage 3 cups cooked grits (3 cups water and 1 cup grits) Salt and pepper to taste 3 Tbsp. butter 10 oz. Velveeta cheese, cubed 6 eggs 1 1/2 cups milk Brown sausage and place in bottom of sprayed casserole dish.

Cook grits and add salt and pepper, butter and Velveeta until blended.

Pour grits over the sausage mixture. Whip eggs and milk together and pour over the casserole.

Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour at 350 until the egg mixture is firm.

ad arranged on a platter, which is his specialty.

He will also select a few bottles of his best wine from the wine cellar.

Dinner is a festive occasion. On the long dining table, Kay arranges rose colored glasses from an aunt that she is named after.

When Kay was 20 years old, she inherited the crystal and Haviland Christmas China that is now over a hundred years old.

Another table is set up near this table for the ten grandchildren.

After the meal, everyone lingers for conservation, the table is cleared and the family plays games that includes all ages. One game is called Christmas crack.

While Kay and Allen look forward to the treasured time with their family at Christmas, they enjoy seeing them for Sunday supper that they host yearround. Everyone doesn’t get to come over every Sunday evening, but the family is there most of the time. The cousins enjoy playing together, and Allen plays basketball with his grandsons.

CHRISTMAS DINNER BEEF TENDERLOIN Kay Harris 4 to 5 lb. Beef tenderloin, trimmed, cut in two pieces and tied.

1 tsp. salt 1/2 tsp. black pepper 2 Tbsp. olive oil 4 Tbsp. butter, salted, softened 2 tsp. garlic, minced 1 tsp. prepared horseradish or Dijon mustard 1 tsp. rosemary, minced or thyme *The day before cooking, optional Trim the beef tenderloin if it’s not already, then cut in half to make two pieces. Tuck the long end under and use butcher’s twine to tie the tenderloin.

Season all over with salt and pepper and leave in refrigerator, uncovered overnight, or at least 10 hours. *Not necessary but helps to give the tenderloin a great crust.

Day of cooking: Tie up tenderloin and season with salt and pepper if you did not do this the day prior. Remove from refrigerator and set on counter for about 2 hours prior to cooking, to come to room temperature.

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Place oil in a large cast-iron skillet and heat over medium-high heat. Sear the beef tenderloin on all sides, about 3 to 5

PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY

CIPPERLY

Kay learned how to cook by watching her father prepare meals when she was growing up in Louisville, Kentucky. Her father enjoyed cooking more than her mother. Kay was the middle child of five in the family.

Along with helping her dad in the kitchen, she assisted her father with caring for his Shetland ponies. Her father’s mother had an inn in Moreland, Kentucky, and prepared hearty breakfasts.

After Kay graduated from business school, she met Allen at Auburn. Allen, who minutes per side, creating a nice golden-brown crust.

Meanwhile combine softened butter, garlic, horseradish and herbs in a small dish and mix.

Slather the seared tenderloin with the butter mixture and then insert a probe thermometer. If using the skillet, place in preheated oven, or transfer to a baking dish and place in preheated oven. Roast until desired internal temperature is reached, about 20 to 25 minutes.

Remove tenderloin from oven and transfer to a cutting board.

Let rest for 15 to 20 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute before slicing into 1 inch slices.

PAPPY’S FAMOUS HOLIDAY SALAD Allen Harris This salad shows better on a large decorative plate.

Because more surface area is exposed, our senses are heightened as we prepare for the feast.

2-3 stalks of romaine One stalk purple leaf lettuce Brussel sprouts (uncooked) chopped into thin slices, then use some the outer leaves 1/3 cup of radicchio grated One cup baby kale leaves One cup Mache lettuce, optional

has an interest in fine wine and foods, owned Maestro 2300 restaurant a few years ago.

Since he has a love of Mediterranean food, for Sunday suppers he will assemble a platter of Manchego cheese, olives, almonds and bread for an appetizer.

Allen’s grandfather was a Lt. Colonel in the Army, and his grandmother Lallie enjoyed cooking and entertaining. Some of the dishes Kay prepares are Allen’s grandmother’s recipes. His grandmother, Lallie, had certain ideas about presenting a meal and savoring time with

family. The Harrises have continued the tradition for gracious dining.

Kay and Allen have also enjoyed opening their home over the years to host charity events. They are involved in various organizations, serve on boards and give back to the community.

“We are fortunate that we have all of our family close by,” Kay said.

“God has blessed us with a great family and a home for all of them to visit at once. Allen and I cherish these special times.”

Half a head of cauliflower, white or purple, pulled apart into tiny flowerets no larger than the end of your thumb ¼ cup dried cranberries 1/4 cup golden raisins ½ cup pepitas (seeds) Very lightly add tablespoon coarse Himalayan salt Drizzle Brianna’s vinaigrette (the bottle with the avocado on the label) slowly, let stand for a couple minutes, lightly partially toss, drizzle again to taste.

Bonne appetite!

servings.

SLOW COOKER MUSHROOMS IN WINE Melissa Harris 4 lb. white button mushrooms 2 sticks butter 1 1/2 tsp.

Worcestershire sauce 1 qt. Burgundy wine (other reds will work) 1 tsp. freshly ground black pepper 2 cups boiling water 4 whole chicken bouillon cubes 4 whole beef bouillon cubes 1 tsp. dill seed 5 cloves garlic, peeled 2 tsp. salt Wash mushrooms and place in a slow cooker.

Add remaining ingredients except salt. Stir to combine. Cook on low for 12 to 15 hours.

Add salt to taste, if desired. Mushrooms will be dark in color. Makes 8

CHOCOLATE PIE Natalie Harris Gilbert 2 large eggs 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 3/4 cup butter, softened 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips 9-inch-deep pie shell Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

Beat eggs in large bowl until foamy.

Beat in flour, sugar and brown sugar.

Beat in butter. Stir in chocolate chips and pour into pie shell. Bake 55 to 60 minutes or until knife inserted in center comes out clean.

CHRISTMAS EVE FRENCH ONION SOUP Kay Harris 3 lbs. yellow onions, peeled and chopped 1/2 stick butter 2 cans beef broth 2 cans water 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce For serving: Parmesan cheese and toasted croutons Sauté onions in butter until soft.

Add remaining ingredients except cheese and croutons in one pot and simmer 15 minutes uncovered on very low heat.

Depending on the size of onions, you can add more beef broth, if needed.

Serve with shredded Parmesan cheese and See CIPPERLY RECIPES, page A11

A11 Dec. 16, 2021

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> toasted croutons.

CHRISTMAS EVE POTATO SOUP Kay Harris 3 cups potatoes, peeled and chopped 1 onion, chopped 1/2 stick butter 1 quart chicken broth 1 pint half and half Salt to taste Boil chopped potatoes until soft.

Sauté chopped onions in butter and add cooked potatoes. Mash potatoes slightly into onion mixture once soft.

Add chicken broth, half and half and salt to taste and simmer.

CORN CASSEROLE Melissa Harris 1 can whole kernel corn, drained 1 can cream corn 1 egg 1 cup sour cream 1 box jiffy cornbread mix 1 stick butter, melted Mix all ingredients and pour into a greased baking dish. Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes to 1 hour.

ALLISON’S CHOCOLATE MOUSSE DESSERT 2 (4-oz.) bars German chocolate baking bars,

9th Annual Opelika Christmas Party Celebration Held Last Weekend for Samford Community PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

SLOW COOKER GREEN BEANS James Gilbert 6 slices bacon 2 large cans Del Monte green beans, drained 1 large garlic clove 2 Tbsp. butter 2 Tbsp. brown sugar Fry bacon and add crumbled bacon and other ingredients to drained beans in slow cooker. Cook on low 4 to 6 hours.

GRANS’ PARTY POTATOES Payton Hester 8 large potatoes, cooked and drained 12 oz. small curd cottage cheese 1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup butter, room temperature 1 green onion, chopped Salt to taste Butter Paprika Combine first 6 ingredients; Beat with mixer until fluffy. Spoon into buttered casserole; dot with butter and sprinkle with paprika. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

coarsely chopped 4 large eggs, separated 2 Tbsp. confectioner’s sugar 1 cup heavy cream 1 (7-oz.) pkg. (about 24) ladyfingers Whipped cream, for serving Melt chocolate in a double boiler or in a large metal bowl set atop a pot of simmering water (don’t allow the bottom of the bowl to touch the water).

Add 3 Tbsp. water and stir well to combine. Remove from heat.

Add yolks one at a time, beating vigorously to incorporate each. Add sugar stirring well to blend.

In a large, chilled bowl, beat the heavy cream just until stiff. Set aside.

In the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the whisk attachment, beat egg whites at high speed until stiff peaks form. Using a rubber spatula, gently fold the beaten egg whites and whipped cream into the chocolate until incorporated.

Line bottom and sides of an 8-inch square pan or spring form pan with ladyfingers. Top with chocolate mixture.

Chill 12 to 24 hours.

Serve with whipped cream.

Pastor Carolyn Morton and the Samford Commnity Outreach Fellowship Group held its ninth Annual Opelika Christmas Party Celebration in the Samford Commnity on Dec. 11 at Christian Care Ministries in Opelika. The theme was "A Season of Joy and Giving" taken from Scripture: — Luke: 6-38. Attendees came together in unity and spread Christmas cheer, love, peace and joy in the city while giving back tothe Samford community. The guest speaker was Dr. Walter Herbert Denmark Jr. A special thanks goes out to: Christian Care Ministries, Felicia Reese, Petco, Jessica Cook, Opelika Housing Authority Resident Services, Dr. Paula Wilson, Denmark, Auburn and Opelika Moms Demand Action Local chapter, Samford Commnity Outreach volunteers, participants and Marquenta Barnett, president of Quenta Sharing And Caring Uplift Outreach.

Christmas stockings were given to all the children in attendance.

Kringle Klaus Makes Special Trip to Opelika PHOTO BY MICHELLE KEY / THE OBSERVER

Kringle Klaus made a special trip to The Observer office last Saturday to deliver gifts and read books to some special folks. The event was hosted by the Lee County Chapter of the Autism Society of Alabama.

DOWNTOWN EVENTS DEC. 17 — LIVE MUSIC AT RESTING PULSE BREWING COMPANY DEC. 18 — LIVE MUSIC AT RESTING PULSE BREWING COMPANY

A12 Dec. 16, 2021

Bike Enthusiasts Pedal Through Victorian Front Porch Tour PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The Victorian Front Porch Tour celebrates Christmas like it's 1899. From Dec. 10 to 14, participating perusers rolled through the decorated neighborhood on bikes while listening to carolers and talking with residents dressed in Victorian costumes.

All Aboard for Christmas in a Railroad Town

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Lee County families came out to Opelika last Friday for Christmas in a Railroad Town. The event included a children's train, pony rides, a petting zoo, wagon rides, a photo booth, hot chocolate, face painting, crafts, story book readings and late night shopping and dining.

A13 Dec. 16, 2021

Drilling Down in Christ face-to-face, would it?

What should Paul say to them? What strategy should he adopt in reaching out to this fledgling church? The answer to these questions is simple and straightforward and BRUCE GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th shouldn’t surprise any Street Church of Christ of us; He chooses to talk about Jesus. in Opelika He talks about Jesus in a way that is theologically rich and deep (see 1:15-20 s Paul writes to and 2:10-15). He speaks the disciples at of Him in a profound, Colossae, he is layered way that at least addressing a youthful church with a pagan back- initially might leave us scratching our heads ground. Epaphras started the church there (1:7), and and wondering about his words. He has a little despite Paul’s time in the more to say than simply, region, he hadn’t been to “Jesus is Lord” (though Colossae (2:1). Although Paul would be pleased Epaphras would have with that summation). He filled him in on whatis digging deep because ever he needed to know he wants them to build about the church (1:8), it high (1:28). wouldn’t be the same as Colossians deals with having actually been there details. It’s one thing for a and meeting the people

A

man to say of his spouse, “She’s a wonderful wife.”

It’s another to speak of her loving and kind ways, her consideration for him and others, and her gentle manner. He’s still saying, “She’s a wonderful wife,” but he’s elaborating in ways that help us to understand exactly what he means when he says she is wonderful. That’s the kind of thing Paul is doing in Colossians in regard to Jesus. He’s detailing what it means to say that Jesus is Lord.

This was helpful to the disciples at Colossae because like us, they faced challenges. Their lifestyle needed to reflect Christ, so Paul delves into daily living for Jesus (3:1-11).

He adds some words about what being the body of Christ should look like in terms of relationships (3:12-17). He also

discusses the home (3:1825). All of this means as we like to say, that Paul’s letter is “practical” and “relevant.” Yet the words “Christ” and “Lord” occur a combined total of sixteen times in this section. Theology and biography are simply different sides of the same coin and show us that Christ is to be woven into every aspect of our lives.

Finally, being a disciple at Colossae was a little like being at an Ikea or a Buc-ees in that to their undiscerning eyes, everything (i.e., every religion and god) looked good.

From the pagan perspective, if one god was good, then many gods were better. After all, you wanted to cover your bases.

There’s even some suggestion in the letter that Judaism had caught their wandering eye (2:11-23).

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN And with that, we’re right back to . . . Jesus, “in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (2:3).

Furthermore, “all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form and in Christ you have been brought to fullness” (v. 9-10).

Colossians informs us in no uncertain terms that disciples don’t need to look around — they simply need to drill down in Christ!

So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught and overflowing with thankfulness. (Colossians 2:6-7) You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-gracewith-bruce-green.com

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

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK From the LORD comes deliverance. May your blessing be on your people. — Psalm 3:8

DIRECTORY APOSTOLIC HOLINESS Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Inc. 28 Sanford Ave., Opelika 334-745-0210 God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church

936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528 Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

What Is The Best Gift Anyone Can Receive?

Come and Find Out.

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AT CUNNINGHAM DRIVE 2660 CUNNINGHAM DR., OPELIKA SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:30 A.M. / 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 6:30 P.M.

Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117 Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist

Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN

COMMUNITY OUTREACH Good Sheperd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054 METHODIST

Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

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Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.

603 Pleasant Pleasant Drive 603 Drive Opelika, Opelika, ALAL 36801 749-1333 749-1333 Mon-Sat - 8pm Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm

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

A14 Dec. 16, 2021

Best Medicine for Loneliness

K

WALTER ALBRITTON

ind friends often express concern for me by saying, “I know you have missed Dean this year.” Those caring words remind me of the loneliness I have endured during my first year without Dean. They also remind me how, by the grace of God, I have not allowed myself to become a victim of loneliness.

Loneliness rears its ugly head daily in my

life. Each morning it says, “Walter, you are alone now. It’s alright to feel sad. You have no one to enjoy breakfast with, and your little dog, Buddy, does not like scrambled eggs or sausage. So feel free to have a pity party as you begin another lonely day.”

Thus far I have refused the offer to feel sorry for myself.

I tell loneliness to get lost, that it is not welcome in my house or my heart. Loneliness is a disease. It can kill you, but it is not incurable, and I have found the medicine that prevents it from terminating my life.

I remind myself that I am not the only lonely person in the world.

Loneliness is a universal difficulty and a growing problem in

America. And surprisingly, nowadays younger generations are more likely to experience it. A recent Barna study revealed that 19% of Boomers feel lonely sometime every day, while 33% of Gen X do and 46% of Millennials experience this.

While most of us are obsessed with the danger of COVID-19, loneliness is yet another threat to human life. So much so, that Susan Mettes has published a book titled The Loneliness Epidemic, in which she offers ideas for ministering to the lonely.

I have not read the book but I hear that it is helpful. Right now, my medicine is working well in treating my loneliness.

When tempted to cry

about my wife’s passing, I remind myself that God allowed me to know Dean for 82 years; we met in the first-grade classroom.

God allowed us to be married for 68 and a half years. Many couples do not enjoy that many years.

Instead of succumbing to loneliness, I think about some of the wonderful gifts Dean possessed. She could find flowers in the yard, even in a ditch by the roadside, and make a beautiful table decoration for a holiday meal. She could make a can of Spam taste like a beef roast. She could buy a used slipcover and make an old sofa look like new.

When I was certain there was no food in the house, she found a

way to come up with a meal. She could light a bunch of candles and make our home feel like a sanctuary. She never once complained that I could not buy her expensive clothes; she could dress up beautifully with clothes she bought for eight dollars at a thrift store. She used a fifty-dollar Singer Sewing Machine and made clothes for our boys until they began begging for Izod stuff.

She could take a dollar and bless my socks off at Christmas; one of my most precious gifts was a little plaque with two rabbits on it hugging, with these words beside the rabbits — “We Need Each Other.” Talk about Christmas good tidings! After Dean’s

death, I realized that while I spent my life preaching about living to honor Christ, Dean was modeling a life that honored Christ.

And she constantly inspired me to “do my best” when I was preaching about “our Lord Jesus.”

God loaned Dean one of His special gifts — how to make something out of nothing.

And wonder of wonders, God allowed me to be married to that special lady for nearly 70 years.

Yes, loneliness is a problem. I miss Dean every day. But with the right medicine, loneliness is not insurmountable. It cannot withstand the healing power of grace, gumption and the right group of precious memories.

(South Carolina) and daughter Alison Kent Bryan (Washington).

There will be a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contribution to your favorite charity.

Church East Campus from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m.

The funeral service was held at Providence Baptist Church East Campus at 2 p.m. with Dr. Rusty Sowell officiating. Interment followed at Providence Baptist Church Cemetery.

OBITUARIES ––––––– ROBERT HUGHDON BUTLER Visitation for Robert Hughdon Butler, of Salem, Alabama, was Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, at 10 a.m., followed by a chapel service at noon.

Visitation and service were directed at and by Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home and officiated by the Reverend Wayne Cowhick.

Born in Etowah County, Alabama, on April 12, 1958, Mr. Butler was called home on Dec. 11, 2021.

Mr. Butler was a decorated member of the Alabama Army National Guard, having served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. He proudly served his country for 29 years. He was an aviation welder for Pratt & Whitney’s Columbus Engine Center for 16 years.

Adding to his list of

many talents, he was a tree trimmer, a baby squirrel saver, and an avid family man. He was well known for his quotes; his most famous being “Get a job,” and “A man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do.” He worked hard, played harder and loved hardest.

Mr. Butler is survived by his childhood sweetheart and wife of 44 years, Yvonne, two sons, Nicholas (Brandy) and Billy (Rachel), five grandchildren, Trent, Lilly, Vivianne, Olivia and Johnathan, brothers Adrian and Kim Lewisson of Chattanooga, TN, sister Lura Acthley (Bob) of Decatur, GA, and many friends that were as family to him.

Mr. Butler is preceded by his mother Dean Lewisson, father Bill Butler, and brother Davey Butler.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.

org.

––––––– CAROLYN SELENA STAMPER KENT Carolyn Selena Stamper Kent, a longtime resident of Auburn, Alabama, died peacefully at home in the company of her children, on Dec. 10, 2021, at the age of 94.

Carolyn was born in Kan­napolis, North Carolina,, on Sept.

21, 1927, to Gran­ ville Wadsworth and Marga­ret Foster Stamper. She grew up in Spartanburg, South Carolina and graduated from Spartanburg High School. She went on to graduate from Spartanburg Junior College.

At Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, Caro­lyn earned her certificate in Medical Technology.

While there she established enduring, life-long friendships

with her roommates Peggy Dahmer Owens, Jackie Balch and Pat Clancy Ferres. Carolyn was employed as a medical technologist

by Duke University Hospital and Cushing Memorial Hospital, in Leavenworth, Kansas.

Carolyn met the love of her life, Alfred Henry (Fred) Kent, M.D. while at Duke University.

They married March 15, 1952, at Duke University Chapel and were bound to­gether: heart, mind, and soul until Fred's death in 2010. As a devoted Army wife, Carolyn established homes for her family across the country from New York to Hawaii and together she and Fred provided a solid bedrock for their children and grandchildren. They particularly enjoyed be­ing stationed in Wurzburg, Germany, from where they ex­ tensively toured Europe.

Carolyn is survived by her son, Alfred Henry (CC) Kent, Jr. of Papaaloa, Hawaii, and her daughter, Patricia Kent (Jerome) Hire of Black, Alabama; grandchildren Anthony Winslow Kent of Houston, Texas, Andrew Thomas (Marina) Kent of Denver, Colorado, Alfred Joseph Kent of Papaaloa, Hawaii, Edward Thomas (Claire) Shoemaker of West Richland, Washington, and Molly Patricia (Dillan) Shoemaker of Pasco, Washington, and great grandsons Dalton, Dreyden and Jasper.

Predeceasing her are her parents, her husband, her brother Larry Stamper (Florida), her sister Margaret Ann Stamper

––––––– ELMER MYRICK Elmer Myrick was born to the late Artis and Mavis Myrick on July 14, 1935, and passed away on Dec. 7, 2021. He was 86 years old.

Elmer was a long time, active member and Deacon of Providence Baptist Church. He retired from Civil Service as Chief of the Printing Plant at Fort Benning, Georgia with 35 years of service. He was a member of Gideon International, was an avid hobby farmer who was famous for his tomatoes, and loved growing a variety of plants and flowers.

After retirement, he started Elmo's Hauling, a business specializing in hauling topsoil and gravel in the local and surrounding communities.

He was preceded in death by his two sisters and two brothers.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Shirley Long Myrick; daughter, Connie Ivey (Michael); son, Chris Myrick (Deborah); step-children, Jerry Ray, Tim Ray, and Vicki Ware (Joe); nine grandchildren; seven great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; sister, Sandra McDaniel ("Shot"); brother, Melvin Myrick (Kathy).

Visitation was held Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, at Providence Baptist

––––––– SHIRLEY FAYE SMITH Shirley Faye Smith was born July 30, 1945, in Alabama and passed away on Dec. 8, 2021.

She was 76 years old.

She was a loving person that could light up the room any time she walked in. Her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 40 years, Jerry Smith; father, James Simpson; mother, Inez Simpson and three brothers.

Shirley is survived by her children, daughter Angela Tourville (Jimmy), daughter Valerie Smith; sons James Smith, and Richard Smith (Terri); daughter April Edwards (PeeWee), and daughter Rachel Duncan (Dale); 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren; brothers Ronnie Simpson, John Simpson (Iris), and Gary Simpson (Arlene); sisters, Sandra Mosley, and Linda Ward.

Visitation was held Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2021, in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until 12:15 p.m.

The Funeral service was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Dec. 15, 2021 at 12:30 p.m.

She will be greatly missed by her friends and family.

A15 Dec. 16, 2021

05 OCT 2021

14 NOV 2021

07

25

DEC 2021

JAN 2022

PiloboluS: The biG five-oh!

The Simon & G a r f u n k e l S T o ry

million Dollar QuarTeT: ChriSTmaS

The kniGhTS wiTh aaron Diehl

Pilobolus at 50 is still wowing audiences with its irresistible mix of wit, sensuality, and stunning physical acumen, bringing its greatest-hits mix of dances, plus the dynamically reimagined and never-beforeseen, using new projection technology and hand-held cameras operated by the dancers themselves.

The timeless music of folk-rock legends, Simon and Garfunkel, comes alive in a staged tribute to the record-breaking reunion concert in Central Park, September 19, 1981.

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis are all back in Memphis, reunited in Sam Phillip’s legendary Sun Records studio for a jam session of their favorite Holiday songs.

The Knights, New York City’s eclectic and internationally sought-after orchestral collective, returns to Opelika with an electrifying program including Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite” and George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue”, featuring acclaimed jazz pianist, Aaron Diehl.

30

27

Scan each QR code with the camera app on a smart phone or tablet to watch a preview!

07 FEB 2022

28 FEB 2022

MAR 2022

APR 2022

a TribuTe To areTha franklin: The Queen of Soul

S y n C o PaT e D laDieS

mnoZil braSS

an ameriCan i n Pa r i S

Damien Sneed’s new multimedia production celebrates the life and career of the most successful female recording artist in history, featuring fourtime Grammy Award-winning gospel legend, Karen Clark Sheard

Take Chloe Arnold’s cross section of today’s most popular music, mix in the swing of syncopation, the thrill of improvisation, and the energy of tap, and you have a recipe for the empowerment of young women ready to take on the world.

Mnozil Brass, the Austrian band known as the Monty Python of the music world, seamlessly combines slapstick comedy with extraordinary musical ability for an over-the-top fun, virtuosic, and laugh-out-loud experience.

With gravity-defying dance, this four Tony Award-winning Broadway production, based on the Academy Award-winning film, soars with youthful optimism and the power of love. Featuring the songs of musical geniuses George and Ira Gershwin - I Got Rhythm, Liza, ‘S Wonderful, But Not for Me, and Stairway to Paradise - who could ask for anything more!

for TiCkeT informaTion Call 334-749-8105 or viSiT www.eaSTalabamaarTS.orG

A16 Dec. 16, 2021

COMICS

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

S

S

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS AUBURN: JAN. 11 AT 6 P.M. INSIDE • OPELIKA/AUBURN SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS

LEE COUNTY: JAN. 11 AT 6 P.M. OPELIKA: JAN. 25 AT 4:30 P.M.

Through Family, OHS Track & Field Coach Succeeds

ON THE MARK D. MARK MITCHELL

OHS Moves to 7A

T

will only need to find two non-region games in order to have a 10-game schedule.

The nine schools in Region 2 met Wednesday night, to finalize the Region schedule.

Opelika's other Fall sports: • Volleyball Area will consist of Auburn, Central and Smiths Station.

• Cross Country SectionalSame as football • Swimming 6A-7A joins together in the South.

You can find a detail breakdown of fall reclassification, by going online at www.ahsaa.com OHS BASKETBALL The Opelika High School varsity girls’ basketball team (6-3) won three games last week in the Mainstreet gym, beating Valley, Benjamin Russell and Central.

The Lady Bulldogs opened Area play with a 70-23 thumping of the Valley High School Rams. Offensively, Haley Sanders scored her 1000th point as a member of the OHS team. Erica Mathews scored 13 points and Ashanti Thomas added 10 points.

Opelika then downed Benjamin Russell High School 48-30 in Mainstreet gym on the OHS campus.

Sanders let the team with 19 points while Thomas added 10 points.

The Lady Bulldogs ended the week with a 50-41 win over rival Central. Sanders continued having the hot hand on offense, scoring 18 points to lead Opelika.

Teammates Thomas and See SPORTS, page B2

“The team is a family and I hold that in a high regard,” said Opelika High School track & field coach Jimmy Johnson. “I don’t want to let my family down.”

Johnson was recently awarded the title of Alabama Boys Track & Field Coach of the Year by the National Opelika boys' track & field coach Jimmy Johnson (pictured front row, second from Federation of High far right) and his team pose at a Bulldog football game earlier this year after receiving Schools (NFHS) their championship rings.

Association. It is the second time Johnson has of those sports that gets a Johnson was nomischool year, lifetime received the honor, with lot of recognition but we nated by the Alabama community involvement, the first coming back in have a lot of great talent High School Athletic school involvement and 2016-17. in our state. With the Association as “most philosophy of coaching.

“It’s a huge honor,” coaches that are around deserving for this honJohnson arrived at Johnson, who ran track us, to be selected over or”. He was selected by Opelika in 2010. At for Opelika in the 90s, guys like that, it speaks the NFHS based on the the time, he described said. “Here in our state, volume and it very humcriteria of: coaching perthe program as “really track and field is not one bling to me.” formance in the 2020-21 See JOHNSON, page B5

Auburn High DC Tabbed Broyles Award Assistant Coach of the Year

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER The Auburn High School football program has ascended to near-championship level in the seven-A ranks; the Tigers earned a trip to the state title game in 2020 and returned to the semifinals in 2021.

Between the offensive showcases and the defensive dominance across the past two seasons, fans in Auburn, Alabama, believe their team is destined for greatness.

Defensive coordinator Scott Goolsby’s recognition as the Broyles Award assistant coach of the year serves as a testament to just that.

“It’s definitely an honor,” Goolsby said.

“Being associated with

PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION

he Alabama High Athletic Association's bylaws require the member schools to be re-classified every two years. Earlier this week, the Central Board of Control approved the Classification System for Fall Sports in 2022-23 and 2023-24.

The AHSAA has a tedious system, using State Department of Education numbers for grades nine through 11, 1.35 multiplier and competive balance numbers for private schools. The numbers are entered in a computer system, determining the seven classifications.

Class 7A remained at 32 teams, while 1A through 6A have 64 or more teams.

Opelika moved from Class 6A to Class 7A for the first time since the seventh classification was added in 2014.

OHS reported an average of 1,129.65 students in grades nine through 11, during the 20-day period after Labor Day. Two years ago, OHS reported 953.70 students in the three grades.

The jump from 6A to 7A may seem schocking to some, but Opelika has grown in population, newly constructed homes and town houses.

The Bulldogs will play in Class 7A- Region 2, along with Central, Dothan, Enterprise, Jeff Davis, Prattville, RE Lee and Smiths Station. Opelika played in a similiar region prior to the existence of Class 7A, with the exception of Prattville.

Coach Erik Speakman

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

GOOLSBY the Broyles Award is just crazy to think about.”

Over the course of the past two years, Goolsby has been the orchestrator of a dominant defensive unit, allowing the Tiger offense to outscore opponents by a combined 853-392 and posting an overall record of 21-5 dating back to fall of

2020.

Despite the visible results on the field, the defensive coordinator does not view himself as the elite coach most regard him as being.

“I don’t think of myself as a Broyles Award winner or as even one of the top coaches in the state,” Goolsby said. “I

just don’t think of myself like that.”

As most elite coaches do, Goolsby accredits his success to what he describes as an exceptional culture to coach in.

“I’ve just been lucky,” Goolsby said. “We’ve got good players. We’ve got really good coaches.

I’ve worked for great head coaches.”

The defensive mind has coached alongside two different head coaches over the course of the past two seasons: Adam Winegarden and Keith Etheredge. After developing the defense to fit his own scheme under Winegarden, he has been grateful for the continued opportunities granted to him by Etheredge.

See GOOLSBY, page B5

Excellence. Innovation. Compassion.

East Alabama's "Go-To" Center For Orthopaedic Care Auburn 1800 Lakeside Circle, Auburn Opelika 18 Medical Arts Center 121 North 20th Street, Opelika

www.theorthoclinic.com

334-749-8303 1-800-327-6519

B2 Dec. 16, 2021

Paint Us A Birmingham

Previewing Auburn’s Birmingham Bowl Matchup Versus Houston What do you get when a team with no offensive coordinator, a recent exodus of players and a disappointing season meets a team that will approach the matchup like it’s the Super Bowl?

That would be none other than the Ticketsmarter Birmingham Bowl between Auburn (6-6) and No. 21 Houston (10-2) at Protective Stadium on Dec. 28.

The last time we saw the Auburn Tigers they nearly upset the No. 3 Alabama Crimson Tide in the 86th edition of the Iron Bowl.

The Tigers fell in 4OT and the loss moved first year head coach Bryan Harsin and his team to mediocre 6-6 on the season. The weeks since have been anything but easy-going.

Shortly after the

SPORTS >> FROM B1 Mathews scored 14 and 12 points, respectively.

The varsity girls play in two tournaments over the Christmas break, at Spain Park Tournament Dec. 20 through 22 and the Columbus Tournament (Columbus, Georgia) Dec. 27 and 28.

The OHS boys play in the LaGrange (Georgia) tournament, Dec. 28 through 30.

Both teams play at Auburn, Jan. 4. The girls’ and boys’ games will air on FOX Sports the Game 910-am and 1310 am, presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic. Airtime is 5:45 p.m. for the varsity girls; boys follow.

The OHS boys varsity basketball team (2-5) won one of three games last week, including an Area loss to Valley.

Opelika opened the week losing an Area game to Valley, 63-62, at Mainstreet Gym. Despite the loss, Isaiah Knight scored 19 points and Grady Bynum added 14 points.

The Dogs beat Benjamin Russell 86-65 for their second win of the season.

Grady Bynum led the team offensively with 16 points.

Knight and DJ Harris scored 14 points and 12 points respectively.

Central ended the week beating Opelika 77-69 in front of a packed Mainstreet Gym. Knight scored 21 points, while Harris and Brenton Williams scored 9 points apiece.

WRESTLING The Opelika High Wrestling team participated in the "Suede Umbach" wrestling tournament, hosted by Auburn High last week. The Bulldogs finished No. 21 out of 35 teams. The following is a breakdown of Opelika wrestler's results.

120 LB – Derrick Hoyett scored 4 points – Champ. Round 1 Avaneesh Subramaniam (Lambert) 13-12 won by fall over Derrick Hoyett (Opelika) 2-3 (Fall 2:46)

regular season concluded, Auburn offensive coordinator Mike Bobo was scapegoated and fired.

Just recently, three-year starter at quarterback Bo Nix announced he was entering the mystifying transfer portal and subsequently leaving Auburn.

Experienced running back Shaun Shivers has also already completed a move to Indiana via the portal.

But, we are here to focus on what Auburn does have and how they may fare against the Cougars from Houston.

The loss of Nix is erroneous to the Tigers in terms of the on-field bowl game product.

LSU transfer T.J. Finley filled in for Nix during the home stretch of the season and performed well at times. Although he suffered an ankle injury of his own against the Tide, Finley should be ready to play against Houston and give the coaching staff confidence

to execute a familiar game plan.

Without Shivers (whose role was more limited this season than predicted), Tank Bigsby, and freshman Jarquez Hunter are poised for a big workload. He flashed plenty of potential throughout the year and looks ready to occupy the lead role in the rushing attack.

For Houston, under head coach Dana Holgorson, the Cougars have had clear strengths and weaknesses this season. The American

– Cons. Round 1 - Derrick Hoyett (Opelika) 2-3 received a bye (Bye) – Cons. Round 2 - Derrick Hoyett (Opelika) 2-3 won by fall over Pedro Cabrera (Opelika) 2-2 (Fall 3:41) – Cons. Round 3 - Toby Hymel (Daphne) 12-7 won by fall over Derrick Hoyett (Opelika) 2-3 (Fall 4:07) 120 LB – Pedro Cabrera (2-2).

– Champ. Round 1 - Pedro Cabrera (Opelika) 2-2 won by fall over Averette Ellison (Troup) 6-8 (Fall 3:08) – Champ. Round 2 - Cale Garner (Auburn) 2-2 won by fall over Pedro Cabrera (Opelika) 2-2 (Fall 1:32) – Cons. Round 2 - Derrick Hoyett (Opelika) 2-3 won by fall over Pedro Cabrera (Opelika) 2-2 (Fall 3:41) 126 LB – Brayden Wilson (4-3) scored 6.0 team points.

– Champ. Round 1 Brayden Wilson (Opelika) 4-3 received a bye – Champ. Round 2 Brayden Wilson (Opelika) 4-3 won by fall over David Baradell (Jasper) 9-8 (Fall 1:08) – Quarterfinal - Hudson Waldrop (Mcadory) 28-2 won by tech fall over Brayden Wilson (Opelika) 4-3 (TF-1.5 2:48 (15-0)) – Cons. Round 4 - Gatlin Tate (Prattville) 10-9 won by fall over Brayden Wilson (Opelika) 4-3 (Fall 2:52) 132 LB –Tyrese Pitts (3-2) .

– Champ. Round 1 - Tyrese Pitts (Opelika) 3-2 received a bye – Champ. Round 2 Gabriel Herrington (Daphne) 9-6 won by fall over Tyrese Pitts (Opelika) 3-2 (Fall 4:34) – Cons. Round 2 - Tyrese Pitts (Opelika) 3-2 won by major decision over Brendon Pike (Callaway ) 2-4 (MD 13-4) – Cons. Round 3 - Max Sciro (Lambert) 18-9 won by fall over Tyrese Pitts (Opelika) 3-2 (Fall 2:42) 132 LB – Micah Smith (2-3) – Champ. Round 1 - Micah Smith (Opelika) 2-3 received a bye – Champ. Round 2

- Bryson Mcdonald (Smiths Station) 10-6 won by fall over Micah Smith (Opelika) 2-3 (Fall 3:55) – Cons. Round 2 - Micah Smith (Opelika) 2-3 received a bye – Cons. Round 3 - Thomas Peerson (Pelham) 7-11 won by fall over Micah Smith (Opelika) 2-3 (Fall 4:06) 138 LB – Denarvious Anderson (33) scored 4.0 team points.

– Champ. Round 1 - Jaylen Martinez (Jasper) 4-5 won by fall over Denarvious Anderson (Opelika) 3-3 (Fall 4:53) – Cons. Round 1 Denarvious Anderson (Opelika) 3-3 received a bye – Cons. Round 2 Denarvious Anderson (Opelika) 3-3 won by fall over Austin Walker (Enterprise) 0-3 (Fall 3:45) – Cons. Round 3 - Elijah Splitt (Baker) 16-5 won by fall over Denarvious Anderson (Opelika) 3-3 (Fall 0:41) 145 LB – Brady Campbell (7-2) scored 9.5 team points.

– Champ. Round 1 - Brady Campbell (Opelika) 7-2 won by fall over Hayden Morgan (Lee County) 6-8 (Fall 1:49) – Champ. Round 2 - Logan Reaves (Hewitt-Trussville) 21-2 won by decision over Brady Campbell (Opelika) 7-2 (Dec 4-3) – Cons. Round 2 - Brady Campbell (Opelika) 7-2 won by tech fall over Kamden Marvel (Benjamin Russell) 1-2 (TF-1.5 1:59 (15-0)) – Cons. Round 3 - Brady Campbell (Opelika) 7-2 won by fall over Noah Schilleci (Pelham) 11-6 (Fall 2:16) – Cons. Round 4 - Ethan Kidd (Lambert) 16-4 won by fall over Brady Campbell (Opelika) 7-2 (Fall 0:33) 145 LB – Jacob Williams (2-5) – Champ. Round 1 Kullum Irvin (Troup) 17-2 won by fall over Jacob Williams (Opelika) 2-5 (Fall 1:49) – Cons. Round 1 - Kamden Marvel (Benjamin Russell) 1-2 won by fall over Jacob Williams (Opelika) 2-5 (Fall 2:21) 152 LB

Conference runner-ups rank No. 6 nationally in time possession, and boast a passing offense that ranks top-25 nationally in terms of pass yards per game, pass completion percentage and yards per pass.

Defensively, Houston has a well-rounded unit.

The Cougars rank No. 12 nationally in rush yards allowed per game, No. 25 in pass yards allowed per play and No. 21 in turnovers forced per game.

Compare that to what has been an inconsistent Auburn team which

ranks No. 52 in pass yards per game, No. 76 in rush yards per game, No. 38 in rush yards allowed per game, No. 95 in pass yards allowed per game and No. 124 in turnovers forced per game, and the Cougars have the advantage on paper.

However, some things are clearly in the favor of the Tigers.

For starters, Auburn should dominate the ticket sales for this matchup as Auburn will travel just over two hours and Houston is a 9 hour and 33-minute drive away from its bowl location.

Secondly, although Houston has the edge “on paper”, the Tigers have faced much stiffer competition this season which has inflated their defensive averages and deflated averages on the other side of the ball.

The home crowd advantage should play right into Auburn’s favor as the Tigers have been the tidier of the two teams

throughout the season, averaging just 45.5 penalty yards per game compared to Houston’s 65.5.

Apart from that, it’s hard to find many silver linings in the numbers that tell spectators Auburn will win this game. Add on the fact that Harsin has been incredibly busy on the recruiting trail — something that can be said about every coach in this time of the year but rings more true to Auburn due to its current circumstances — and fans have to wonder how motivated the Tigers will be for this game.

The biggest reason is to avoid Auburn’s first losing season since 2012.

Overall, the Tigers have made nine straight bowl appearances (tying a program record), but to little success of their own. When they take the field on Dec. 28, the Tigers will be trying to

– Harrison Renfroe (2-3) – Champ. Round 1 - Tim Dunn (Troup) 2-2 won by fall over Harrison Renfroe (Opelika) 2-3 (Fall 4:16) – Cons. Round 1 - Harrison Renfroe (Opelika) 2-3 received a bye – Cons. Round 2 - Clayton Wilson (Baker) 9-11 won by fall over Harrison Renfroe (Opelika) 2-3 (Fall 3:42) 152 LB – Andre Smiley (2-3) scored 8.0 team points.

– Champ. Round 1 - Andre Smiley (Opelika) 2-3 won by fall over Sergio Morales (Troup) 2-4 (Fall 1:16) – Champ. Round 2 Andre Smiley (Opelika) 2-3 won by fall over Ian Gillis (Enterprise) 0-2 (Fall 1:39) – Quarterfinal - Cole Kuhlers (Grissom) 3-2 won by decision over Andre Smiley (Opelika) 2-3 (Dec 5-1) – Cons. Round 4 - D`sean Lee (Smiths Station) 6-4 won by fall over Andre Smiley (Opelika) 2-3 (Fall 1:44) 160 LB – Landon Willis (3-6) scored 4.0 team points.

– Champ. Round 1 Landon Willis (Opelika) 3-6 won by decision over Javon Watts (Auburn) 0-2 (Dec 12-11) – Champ. Round 2 - Ethan Lassere (Daphne) 18-4 won by fall over Landon Willis (Opelika) 3-6 (Fall 1:56) – Cons. Round 2 - Landon Willis (Opelika) 3-6 won by major decision over Ian Chambers (Pelham) 11-11 (MD 11-1) – Cons. Round 3 - Darryl Lindsey-honeycutt (Central) 12-14 won by decision over Landon Willis (Opelika) 3-6 (Dec 9-6) 170 LB – Keon Brazier (1-7) scored 3.0 team points.

– Champ. Round 1 Preston Reed (Jasper) 19-3 won by fall over Keon Brazier (Opelika) 1-7 (Fall 0:53) – Cons. Round 1 - Keon Brazier (Opelika) 1-7 won by fall over Robert Smith (Callaway ) 0-2 (Fall 1:00) – Cons. Round 2 - Journey Hall (Huntsville) 16-7 won by fall over Keon Brazier (Opelika) 1-7 (Fall 3:59) 182 LB

– Tommie Johnson (2-6) scored 4.0 team points.

– Champ. Round 1 Tommie Johnson (Opelika) 2-6 won by fall over Keith Warren (Enterprise) 0-3 (Fall 1:30) – Champ. Round 2 Kennedy Wyatt (Gardendale) 18-0 won by fall over Tommie Johnson (Opelika) 2-6 (Fall 0:24) – Cons. Round 2 - James Watson (Daphne) 4-4 won by fall over Tommie Johnson (Opelika) 2-6 (Fall 4:22) 195 LB – Jack Pritchard (9-2) placed 4th and scored 15.0 team points.

– Champ. Round 1 - Jack Pritchard (Opelika) 9-2 won by fall over Thomas Lashley (Benjamin Russell) 0-2 (Fall 1:32) – Champ. Round 2 - Jack Pritchard (Opelika) 9-2 won by fall over Maxwell Jenkins (Daphne) 6-8 (Fall 1:45) – Quarterfinal - Jack Pritchard (Opelika) 9-2 won by decision over Kyle Oliveira (Spain Park) 10-7 (Dec 7-2) – Semifinal - Evan Pippin (Bob Jones) 22-1 won by fall over Jack Pritchard (Opelika) 9-2 (Fall 5:22) – Cons. Semi - Jack Pritchard (Opelika) 9-2 won by decision over Zander Terry (Pelham) 18-6 (Dec 3-2) – 3rd Place Match - Cole Carter (Jasper) 19-2 won by decision over Jack Pritchard (Opelika) 9-2 (Dec 3-1) 220 LB – E`mauri Smiley (3-2) – Champ. Round 1 E`mauri Smiley (Opelika) 3-2 received a bye – Champ. Round 2 - Joseph Shuman (Callaway ) 2-2 won by major decision over E`mauri Smiley (Opelika) 3-2 (MD 16-6) – Cons. Round 2 - E`mauri Smiley (Opelika) 3-2 won by major decision over Max Crook (Auburn) 0-2 (MD 18-6) – Cons. Round 3 - Colton Rainer (Daphne) 5-2 won by decision over E`mauri Smiley (Opelika) 3-2 (Dec 3-2) 220 LB – Mckenzie Felder (2-3) scored 1.0 team points.

– Champ. Round 1 Mckenzie Felder (Opelika) 2-3

received a bye – Champ. Round 2 - Beau Martin (Pelham) 5-4 won by fall over Mckenzie Felder (Opelika) 2-3 (Fall 3:28) – Cons. Round 2 Mckenzie Felder (Opelika) 2-3 won by decision over Colby Brownlee (Smiths Station) 2-4 (Dec 5-2) – Cons. Round 3 - Weston Bryan (Lee County) 5-2 won by fall over Mckenzie Felder (Opelika) 2-3 (Fall 1:35) 285 LB – Ari Brogdon (3-3) – Champ. Round 1 - Ari Brogdon (Opelika) 3-3 received a bye – Champ. Round 2 Maddox Sunderman (Bob Jones) 18-5 won by fall over Ari Brogdon (Opelika) 3-3 (Fall 0:58) – Cons. Round 2 - Tymon Belyeu (Benjamin Russell) 9-6 won by fall over Ari Brogdon (Opelika) 3-3 (Fall 0:51) TIDBITS Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller, appearing "On the Mark" radio show, said he hoped the two softball fields at West Ridge Park would be completed by the end of January. Fuller explained the city purchased the turf and is waiting for the sight to be prepped.

Fuller explained the softball fields are not the only fields to be turfed.

“We plan to turf every field at West Ridge, 'a pod' at a time."

West Ridge has three pods, the softball and Dixie Boys fields, the Miracle Field and three other Dixie Youth fields and the main Dixie Youth complex off Covington Avenue.

West Ridge is the home to nine baseball fields for ages 5 to 16, two softball fields for 6-year-olds through high school and the Billy Hitchcock Miracle Field.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of "On the Mark" Fox Sports the Game 910-1310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball State Director.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

See BOWL, page B5

B3 Dec. 16, 2021

Bulldogs Down Wildcats

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The Opelika Bulldog varsity girls' and boys' basketball teams defeated the Benjamin Russell Wildcats 48-30 and 68-65, respectively, last week. The boys then dropped a game against the Central Phenix City Red Devils to move their record to 2-5 on the season according to maxpreps. The varsity girls moved to 6-3 with wins over the Wildcats and Central, according to maxpreps.

B4 Dec. 16, 2021

Gators Gash Edgewood

PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER The Glenwood Gators varsity girls' and boys' basketball teams defeated the Edgewood Wilcats 51-48 and 62-26, respectively, last week. The girls are now a perfect 8-0 on the season, while the boys are 5-1, according to maxpreps.

B5 Dec. 16, 2021

Southern Union’s PTA Program Receives Accreditation Southern Union State Community College is pleased to announce that its Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program has earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Accreditation from CAPTE signifies that the Southern Union PTA program meets or exceeds standards and criteria for educational quality in physical therapist assistant curriculum and prepares students to work successfully in the profession upon graduation.

PTA Program Director Dr. Jeff Leatherman, who spearheaded the efforts of the program’s accreditation, said he looks forward to the opportunities that the accreditation will bring to the program.

“This solidifies our commitment to excellence for the program and will make our students even more marketable as they start their careers,” Leatherman said.

“Accreditation is a tedious process that requires a team

a two-year program that provides instruction in lecture, lab and clinical courses. The program is designed to allow students to enter the job market after graduation. The

JOHNSON >>

team won the AHSAA Outdoor and Indoor State Track & Field Championships, contributing to his selection as coach of the year.

“The bond that I have with these guys is very strong,” Johnson said of his team. “The guys know it’s hard, but at the same time they don’t want to let me down, so they go out there and do anything and everything that I need them to do. They know I have their best interest in mind.

“This group of kids last year, a lot of them I moved up when they were in the eighth grade year. So, they were able to participate and get to know what’s going on. By the time they were juniors and seniors, they were super leaders.”

When evaluating his success at Opelika, Johnson always comes back to the family-like atmosphere that he instills in his program.

“They are my kids and I will do anything in the world for these guys,” he said. “For them, as an athlete, to know that they have someone on their side that is trying to help

them, it makes them want to perform more. We have a very strong bond.”

The family aspect that Johnson has built within his program extends to his coaching staff and the Opelika community as well.

“Over the years it has grown,” Johnson said of his teams’ presence in the community. “Being from Opelika made it a whole lot easier. All of the coaches, with the exception of one or two, they graduated from Opelika High School. I have coaches that have been with me since I got here. I was able to contact people who actually walked these halls, played these sports, and get them more involved.”

Johnson said his teams regularly go to elementary schools in the area to speak about track and invite local youth to their home meets.

“We do a lot of things to try and help the young kids stay interested in track and want to do it when they get here,” Johnson said. “That community involvement, if we didn’t have it, I’m not sure where we would be.”

Johnson also serves as an assistant coach on the Opelika football team and helps lead the art club with another staff member.

In each of his endeavors, that word “family” is what Johnson always circles around to. It reminds of him why he really does what he does, continues to set the Bulldogs up as one of the best track and field programs in the state and what earns him titles such as coach of the year.

“When we go out and practice, I’m practicing them to the level where whenever you go somewhere, I don’t care where, I want to set them up with success,” he said. “I want to have them college ready.

If they choose to go into the workforce, I want to have them ready based on what they have done on the track. They don’t have to do track. They chose to do track. So while I got them out there, I’m going to be a father figure, a role model … I’m going to be that person that they can look up to. I’m going to be that person that they know is not going to let them down and in turn they feel like they can’t let me down.”

FROM B1 down”.

Within in four years, the Bulldogs finished as runner-ups in the 2014 state meet — something that Johnson uses as a teaching moment to this day.

“That year right there we should have won,” Johnson said. “Just to be able to use that as a coaching point every year, that has helped us. It added fuel to the fire.”

Eleven seasons since his arrival, Johnson has turned Opelika into one of the premier track and field programs in the state and helmed seven state championship teams for the Bulldogs.

“Every year your message is different because your audience is different,” Johnson said. “Because you are Opelika, you have got to perform to your best. You got to expect that everybody is going to bring their A-game because they know the history of our school and program.”

This season, Johnson and the boys’ track & field

GOOLSBY >>

Goolsby said. “He made it so easy in that he didn’t really bother us or ask us — on defense — to change anything.

If we needed something he did his best to try to help us out. It was really not as big of an adjustment as you might think.”

Now an award-winning coach, Goolsby is appreciative of both the personal and professional situation he operates within.

“I’ve been lucky,” Goolsby said. “Got a good family, got good players, got good coaches. I just got blessed to

be in this spot really.”

Goolsby’s appreciation for his school and the Auburn community expands far beyond the painted lines of the football field.

“I love it,” Goolsby said. “I was telling somebody the other day, I don’t even know how to put it into words. It’s a great school, it’s a great community, it’s a great place for my kids to go to school, a great place for my wife to teach and we continuously get great players.”

While receiving the honor of assistant coach of the year from the

Broyles Award is obviously something to be proud of, Goolsby continues to chase his biggest professional goal, bringing a state championship to Auburn, Alabama.

“I want to be a part of the first state championship in history,” Goolsby said.

Nothing is certain in the world of high school football — however — it is difficult to imagine a reality in which Goolsby does not continue to leave his legacy on the Auburn High School football program and within the community.

FROM B1 “We’ve got a good one now in coach Etheredge,” Goolsby said. “He just lets me do my job. He’s a great guy to work for. He does not handicap you at all, he trusts me and all the other coaches and he just wants us to do a good job.”

According to the coordinator, the transition to the Etheredge era was as smooth as it could have possibly been.

“It was an adjustment, just going from one head coach to another,”

President Todd Shackett (far left) and Dean of Health Sciences Rhonda Davis (far right) recognize PTA program director Dr. Jeff Leatherman and Clinical Coordinator Anne Hughes for the recent accreditation of the program.

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

It has been two years since fans of the Auburn basketball program have been able to see their team compete in postseason play. Since the Tigers’ appearance in the 2019 Final Four, the orange and blue faithful has experienced a global pandemic — which cancelled the 2020 SEC and NCAA tournament — and a self-imposed postseason ban on competition which restricted the orange and blue from a tournament appearance in 2021.

With the 2021-22 season now in full swing, there is buzz around the loveliest village on The Plains

regarding a nearly guaranteed return to the NCAA tournament in 2022; Bruce Pearl’s squad is red hot, highly talented and seems to be capable of going toe-to-toe with any program in the country.

After being robbed of potential deep-tournament runs led by one-and-done athletes Sharife Cooper and Isaac Okoro, the Tigers are poised to make another deep run in this year’s installment of March Madness.

Before embarking on the 2021 campaign, Pearl reconstructed his squad to set himself up for success. With the departure of Cooper and standout freshman forward J.T. Thor for See BASKETBALL, page B7

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

effort and dedication to make it successful. I appreciate all the hard work that everyone put in to make this a reality.”

SUSCC’s PTA program is

PTA program will celebrate its first graduating class this year. Leatherman, along with Clinical Coordinator Anne Hughes, have nothing but praise for their first class.

“I could not be more proud of our graduates,” Leatherman said. “They are a special group who has kept their focus and met their goals. We are proud to call them graduates of our program,” Employment for Physical Therapist Assistants is projected to grow substantially over the next few years.

There are employment opportunities for PTA’s in a variety of settings including hospitals, acute care and rehabilitation facilities, home health and outpatient clinics.

The next cohort of students has the opportunity to begin classes in January.

PTA Orientation will be held on the Valley Campus Jan. 4, 2022, with classes starting the following day.

For more information on SUSCC’s PTA program, contact Leatherman (jleatherman@suscc.edu) or Hughes (ahughes@suscc. edu).

CONTRIBUTED BY SHONDAE BROWN / SUSCC

Why Auburn is Poised for a Second Final Four Berth

BOWL >> FROM B2 snap their current fourgame losing streak and a two-game bowl losing streak (They have only won one out of their last five; four out of the last six.).

Momentum has been trending in the wrong direction for Auburn over the course of the past few weeks. A good showing in the early national signing day period and a bowl

game win would go a long way in flipping the script.

The Tigers hold a 5-1 historical advantage over Houston, with the last meeting going Auburn’s way in a 7-0 home victory in 1973.

The cards on the table look different this go-around.

As of now, Auburn is a 1.5-point favorite as the Magic City plays host to the Tigers and the Cougars on Dec. 28 with kickoff set for 11 a.m. CST.

B6 Dec. 16, 2021

Pair of Auburn’s Fall Semester Commencement Marshals Have Ties to Auburn-Opelika Area Two of the 12 students selected to represent their colleges at Auburn University’s 2021 fall commencement ceremony last weekend have ties to the AuburnOpelika area.

Madeleine Norman (Samuel Ginn College of Engineering) and Jordan Fleming Sibley (College of Architecture, Design and Construction) from Auburn were selected to lead the procession of their respective colleges on Friday and Saturday.

Each college at Auburn enlists a special committee to select a student marshal who best represents the values and level of excellence within the college and carry its flag at the front of the commencement procession. Auburn’s fall commencement ceremonies take place on Pat Dye Field at Jordan-Hare Stadium, contingent on weather, with Auburn Arena serving as the inclement weather option.

The university kicked off its graduation weekend at 5 p.m.

CST on Friday, Dec. 10, with a commencement address from Auburn alumnus Joe Forehand Jr., the former chairman and CEO of Accenture. Open to all graduates and families, the evening included the group recognition of graduates with academic honors, conferral of degrees by the Auburn University

Board of Trustees and the Graduate School ceremony for master’s and doctoral graduates.

The Friday night commencement address was immediately followed by the Graduate School ceremony for the conferral of master’s and doctoral degrees. Beginning at 8 a.m. on Saturday, the university hosted 10 undergraduate ceremonies at assigned times throughout the day.

Madeleine Norman Samuel Ginn College of Engineering Norman will be receiving a Bachelor of Electrical Engineering, with a minor in German. While at Auburn, Norman served as a tutor in Engineering Student Services, was a member of the German Club and Eta Kappa Nu, the electrical engineering honor society. She also was the president of Eta Kappa Nu her senior year.

Norman gained much real-world experience, completing three co-op rotations with Mercedes Benz U.S. International in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.

She was runner-up for the Vandegrift Co-Op Student of the Year in 2020 and was chosen as the Outstanding Student in Electrical Engineering for 2021.

“The professors were my favorite part about engineering at Auburn,” Norman said. “They were always accessible and willing to help. I’ve gotten so much advice from them, especially as

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY

NORMAN it got close to time to apply to jobs.”

Following graduation, Norman would like to work in research and development as an electrical engineer. She hopes to live and work abroad, which would give her the opportunity to use her German language skills, as well as her engineering degree.

“Maddie is the personification of the Auburn Creed, particularly where it reads ‘I believe in work, hard work,’” said Samuel Ginn College of Engineering quote Dean Christopher B. Roberts.

“While she excelled inside the classroom as an electrical engineering student, even being named the department’s Outstanding Student of the Year, which is no easy feat, she has been even more inspiring outside of the classroom.

“Maddie has selflessly served as an engineering tutor, helping to raise up other students who

might be struggling. In addition, her co-op experience with Mercedes Benz will serve her well as she utilizes her love of the German language to go out and change the world. What better example could you have to show what it means, and takes, to be an Auburn engineer?”

Jordan Fleming Sibley College of Architecture, Design and Construction Sibley is graduating with a degree in Building Construction and has completed two internships with the Birmingham-based Brasfield & Gorrie, one of the largest general contractors in the Southeast. He joined the Associated General Contractors Student Chapter his freshman year, served as chapter secretary from 2019-20 and vice president from 2020-21.

Sibley also was an ambassador for the

FLEMING College of Architecture, Design and Construction, or CADC, from 2019-21 and was inducted into the Sigma Lambda Chi Construction Honor Society and the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society in 2020.

“I really enjoyed the professors I had in Building Science, because they all have industry experience that they were able to bring to the classroom, which gave me insight into what my own career would look like,” said Sibley, a member of Lakeview Baptist Church in Auburn. “I will use 3D modeling software to help project teams and trade contractors identify issues that could arise during construction and coordinate solving these issues before they occur in the field.

“My time at Auburn has been great, and I don’t think I would change anything about it.”

Following graduation, Sibley will begin studying at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, while also beginning work as an assistant virtual design and construction coordinator for Brasfield & Gorrie.

“Jordan has been an exemplary student and leader for the College of Architecture, Design and Construction, and he is a wonderful choice to be our fall graduation marshal,” said CADC Dean and McWhorter Chair Vini Nathan. “Jordan made the most of his time at Auburn and will enter the workforce an experienced and accomplished CADC graduate with a bright future.

Through his role as an ambassador for CADC and his involvement with the Associated General Contractors Student Chapter, Jordan became a standout among our student body, and we know he will go on to do great things.”

Auburn’s First Food Hall to Open in 2022 Hey Day Market is now accepting vendor applications

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER Ithaka Hospitality Partners, in partnership with Auburn University, is excited to announce that Hey Day Market, a 10,000-square-foot multi-vendor food hall, will open its doors in Auburn, Alabama, in fall 2022.

Located alongside the forthcoming Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center, a first-ofits-kind hospitality education facility at Auburn University, Hey Day Market will help establish Auburn as a hub of culinary offerings for students and visitors alike.

Hey Day Market’s central location, across from Auburn University’s iconic Samford Hall, will be easily accessible to students as well as to members of the local and business communities, visitors, shoppers and alumni returning to campus. The food hall will be a welcome addition to Auburn students and will focus on creative and moderately priced meals.

Applications are now available for vendors interested in joining the market’s opening tenant line-up. Eight food stalls offering a variety of cuisines will line the perimeter of the hall along with a bar and one space reserved for a student-led incubator concept. The Market’s design will feature an industrial look, with stained concrete floors and doors that open to a large green space for additional seating. Ithaka Hospitality Partners, LLC, will manage Hey Day Market on behalf of

Auburn University.

“We are thrilled to open the first food hall on the Plains in partnership with Auburn University,” said Hans van der Reijden, founder & CEO of Ithaka Hospitality Partners. “Hey Day Market will be a place for students and the greater community to come together, try new food and be a part of the greater hospitality story Auburn is now telling.”

The dedicated incubator space will allow graduates of the Hospitality Management Program to develop and proof

innovative food concepts and gain real-world operational experience prior to scaling their business for competitive market entry. After 12 months, graduates will vacate the space, having gained enough experience to operate independently at their own premises, making way for new graduates who wish to develop a food production company to occupy space for the next 12 months.

The market’s name is an ode to a beloved Auburn tradition known as “Hey Day.” Dating all the way back to

World War II, Auburn University’s student body pushed for a day that would unite the Auburn Family and promote a friendly atmosphere known as Hey Day. Each year, the university carries on this tradition of handing out name tags and encouraging students and faculty to greet one another.

About Ithaka Hospitality Partners Ithaka Hospitality Partners is a hospitality management company focused on all aspects of hotel, resort, restaurant and food hall management as well as special event and catering management. Ithaka consults with owners and developers to deliver strategic and tactical methods to achieve overall profitability, guest satisfaction and employee engagement.

Additionally, Ithaka is proud to partner with the Hospitality Management Program at Auburn University to assist in educating the next generation of leaders in our industry. For additional information, visit www.

ithakahp.com.

About Auburn University Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.

B7 Dec. 16, 2021

Lee County EMA Conducts Training Drill at Local School PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

More than 150 students, school personnel and first responder's participated in a "reunification" training exercise on Tuesday. The Lee County Emergency Management Agency hosted this exercise and partnered with the Lee County Sheriff's office in order to train and exercise reuniting students with their parents after a "mocked incident" at their school where it was necessary to relocate the students for their safety. This exercise tested the school transportation system as well as the reunification plan for getting students safely back with their parents/guardians. The Lee County Sheriff's Office ensured exercise scene safety for all of the participants.

The Lee County PIO Task Force for crisis communications exercised its media staging area and "on scene" capabilities during a school incident. Lessons were learned and steps were taken to improve upon those lessons so all partners are prepared should a real incident unfold. Director Rita Smith stressed the importance of this training and coordination with SRO's (School Resource Officers), faculty and staff. "Protecting our students in Lee County is high on our list of priorities and all of the participants today distributed excellence with the same goal in mind, getting the student safely reunited their parents as quickly as possible," Smith said.

FROM B5 the NBA, the decision by guard Jamal Johnson to transfer to UAB and junior forward Alen Flanigan’s injury, the seventh-year head coach had the opportunity to redefine his team. He did just that.

The Tigers picked up the highest-graded signee in program history in forward Jabari Smith and maneuvered the transfer portal flawlessly, picking up sophomore guards K.D. Johnson (UGA) and Wendell Green Jr. (EKU) while also adding seven-foot-one center Walker Kessler (UNC). All three have become household names in Auburn,

Alabama.

After enrolling at Auburn as a nearly guaranteed lottery pick in the 2022 NBA draft, Smith has proven to be a walking bucket and continues to make his argument for consideration as the No. 1 overall pick. At 6-foot10-inches, the forward leads his team in average minutes of play time (26.9), points per game (17.3) and three-point shooting — a staggering 44%.

Green, Johnson and senior transfer guard Zep Jasper have provided the Auburn coaching staff with the opportunity to have an even more dynamic backcourt than ever anticipated.

Green — who’s favorite pastime is shooting

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

BASKETBALL >>

from different zip codes — has knocked down 36.2% of his shots from range.

Johnson, noted defensive menace, is averaging 2.4 steals per contest to go along with his 15.1 PPG average. Jasper has molded himself into the starting role, providing six points on 3.8 assists per game. After

concerns about guard play plagued the team’s preseason, the Tigers find themselves with the blessing of two ball handlers and three shooters.

As for the orange and blue frontcourt, Pearls squad is — yet again — exceeding expectations.

UNC transfer Kessler has thrown a number of block parties to this point in the season,

averaging 3.1 swats per contest, and has been nearly impossible to outrebound, leading the Tigers with seven rebounds per game; his efforts have been contagious.

Sophomore Dylan Cardwell has morphed himself into a rotational role, posting just north of 11 minutes per game; he continues to develop as the ‘hype man’ coming off the bench and never fails to create an atmosphere which pulls the crowd in as an impactful factor for the orange and blue.

To put things in an overly-simplified way: Pearl has assembled what might just be his deepest team since the beginning of his tenure on The Plains and it is

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difficult to imagine a world which the Tigers do not will themselves to an appearance in — at least — the sweet sixteen.

It’s not unreasonable to believe that Auburn could find itself in the conversation to compete in the big dance for the second time in four years — especially once Allen Flanigan comes back. As always in college basketball, there will be a number of factors that need to fall in the Tigers favor — and March is certainly a long ways away — but there might just be something about this team that gives them what it takes to bring a championship back to the Loveliest Village on the Plains.

B8 Dec. 16, 2021

Around the World With Your Child at Christmas

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

D

uring 2020 and 2021, the world has come to the doorsteps of families with young children in regards to the pandemic. Classroom Observer would like to share with families with young children a unit I enjoy teaching year after year. Children truly love to celebrate the different Christmas traditions of different cultures. Families, you might want to glean some of these simple activity suggestions to have your family do. Saying Merry Christmas in different languages seems to be enjoyed by all. Also these are wonderful intergenerational suggestions for the young and old. In the classroom, I love to have the children imagine that they are flying in an airplane to visit the different countries. Readers, this is a traditional article that seems to be enjoyed year after year.

I hope you enjoy it and are enlightened to try other countries’ traditions here a few weeks before Christmas!

Our first stop is Mexico, where one of the Christmas traditions is to make a pinata, fill it with candies and toys, blindfold each other, hit it with a stick and the children scramble to get their favorite candies. Here

is a simple way to make a pinata at home.

Start with a large brown paper grocery bag. Decorate the bag with paint, streamers, yarn and colored paper.

Fill the bag with candy, nuts, fruit, popron and small toys. Tie a cord or fasten a strong rubber band around the opening of the bag.

Hang the pinata from a hook or put it on the end of a broomstick.

Blindfold a person at a time, turn them around once or twice, let them hit the pinata with a wooden spoon or stick. Children stand back and have fun! When we think of Mexico we think of the beautiful Poinsettia which we use for decorations year after year! The Legend of the Poinsettia is a precious legend about a poor little Mexican girl who had no gift to present to the Christ child at the Christmas Eve services. By a roadside she gathered a bouquet of scraggly weeds. As she approached the manger at church where Jesus lay she humbly presented her bouquet of weeds which burst into beautiful red blooms. What a miracle right before the church’s eyes.

Legend has it from that day on the flowers were called “Flowers of The Holy Night". Here

is how to say Merry Christmas in Spanish, “Feliz Navidad”.

Stop number two is off to China. Children in China celebrate the Chinese New Year with lots of fireworks – bright colored fountains, gold and silver sparklers and sky rockets. The way to say Merry Christmas in Chinese is “Kung Hei Shing Taan” phonetically (goong-hohsheng-tahn).

The beautiful country of Norway is our third stop where grud is the favorite dessert the Norwegian children enjoy. A nut is hidden in one of the dishes of pudding, and whoever finds the nut wins a candy pig, This Norwegian tradition is easy to adopt in your home.

Here is the recipe for grud; Combine 2 quarts milk and 1 cup regular rice in top of a double boiler.

Cook slowly over low heat until it thickens.

Add a pinch of salt and gently stir.

Cover, cool.

Fold into rice mixture: 1 cup sugar 2 tablespoons vanilla 2 cups whipped cream.

Spoon into individual dishes, cover and chill.

Don’t forget to hide a nut in one of the dishes.

Merry Christmas in Norwegian is “God Jul” — phonetically "good yool".

To celebrate the Christmas season in France, straw shoes are put on the fireplace to await special surprises for the next morning. When the French children awaken on Christmas morning, the straw shoes will be filled with toys, candyn and nuts. The French say Merry Christmas “Joyeaux Noel”— phonetically "Zwah-Yuh-noh-Ehl".

Talking about shoes at Christmas the children from Holland put out their wooden

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shoes on Dec. 6 to excitedly await the gifts from Sinterklass. We learned a lot at stop number four.

At stop number five, we land in Sri Lanka where the children are making bright colored chains to joyfully decorate for the holiday season. These are the old fashion circle chains that children love to make and hook together. Merry Christmas in Sri Lanka is “Kirusmas Vazphuphal” — phonetically "Krooz-ma FAR-too-dal".

In stop number six, as we fly over the country of Greece, we notice in the homes evergreen trees decorated with tinsel and a star placed on top. Gift are exchanged on Jan. 1, St. Basil’s Day. The people from Greece greet one another by saying Hronis polla, or many happy years.

In Africa, our stop number seven, as we look at the Congo, the families gather together to prepare for the annual Christmas pageant.

Caroling up and down the roadways seem to be an annual Christmas tradition. Christmas in South Africa is a summer holiday as well.

On the west coast of Africa, in Liberia, oil palms are decorated for the Christmas trees and they are decorated with bells to ring in the Christmas season.

As we make stop number eight in Czechoslovakia we learn of a tradition shared by not only Czechoslovakia but Poland which involves cutting a branch from a cherry tree and putting it in water inside to bloom. If the bloom opens in time for Christmas, it is considered good luck and also a sign that winter will be short and spring is on its way.

This reminds us of the Christmas cactus with that much awaited bloom on Christmas day and with the hopes of winter ending and spring coming reminds

me of our American Holiday, “Groundhog’s Day”.

In Australia, stop nine, we think of the Christmas Downunder which parallels to so many of the same traditions, glitter, decorations that we celebrate in America.

One must remember too, that Christmas in Australia falls during the summer holidays.

Australia is so big with many different cultures represented. It’s like Christmas Around the World can be celebrated in one country. The Australians enjoy celebrating culturally diverse traditions of the Christmas season.

When we think of the Netherlands, stop 10, we not only think of windmills, dikes to hold back water and tulips, but wooden shoes come to mind.

Sinterklaas is the Dutch Santa Claus or St. Nicholas. Dutch children are excitedly told to prepare as Sinterklaas sails from Spain on Dec. 5. They fill their wooden shoes with hay and sugar for the horse and awake to find gifts of candy and nuts in their wooden shoes.

Children everywhere would love to celebrate Christmas in Sweden, stop 11, because it lasts a whole month starting Dec. 13. The feast of Saint Lucia, a fourth century Sicilian saint honored and loved by the Swedish people is celebrated. On the feast day which honors St Lucia, the oldest daughter of the family dresses in a white dress with a red sash, wears an evergreen wreath with seven lighted candles on her head. She joyfully carries and serves buns and coffee to each family member in the home.

Stop 12, we don’t see the traditional green Christmas tree. They decorate mango and banana trees. They love to hang giant paper lanterns in the

shape of stars outside their homes. Paper lanterns are so easy for children to make as we honor the Christmas traditions of India.

Stop 13, we see many Christmas markets in Germany. The markets carry everything for Christmas including gifts, food and decorations. Christmas shopping is easy with just stopping in the markets.

We can say Merry Christmas in many different languages. Children love to do this in greeting each other. Russian Merry Christmas is “S Rozhdestvom Khristovym”(z’rohdesht-vohm Kristoo-vim), African in Swahili is “Sikukuu ya Kuzaliwa Kristo” (seekoo-koo yah koo-zahlee-wah kree-stow), Brazil it is almost like Mexico but slightly different as “Feliz Natal”. Of course other ways to wish everyone a season of happiness is Season’s Greetings or Happy Holidays.

Happy Hanukkah to our Jewish children and Happy Kwanzaa to our African children who celebrate this holiday season. Of course the Classroom Observer has only skimmed the surface of different cultures and holiday celebrations.

That is your homework as you enrich your child with knowledge, celebration and fun during this season of the year. Time given to increase your child’s learning is the best seasonal gift that any parent can give their child. I hope with the weeks left before Christmas that you will enjoy learning the different traditions of celebrating Christmas in other countries.

Of course, we can travel the whole world over, but isn’t it nice to come back home where a Christmas in Lee County is the envy of all.

Classroom Observer Beth Pinyerd

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

Nov. 24, 2021

Thursday, Dec. 16, 2021

Inside the Statehouse

State Senate Will Have Little Turnover in 2022

2

STEVE FLOWERS

022 was anticipated to be an exciting competitive election year. However, it is going to be a yawn of a political year. If you thought there was no competition for the constitutional offices and the House of Representatives’ seats in next year’s elections, then you have not seen anything like the lack of turnover in the Alabama State Senate.

Incumbency will prevail.

In fact, the power of incumbency in the Alabama State Senate is on par with the incumbent return percentage for Congress, which is probably comparable to the Russian Communist Politburo. There are 35 state Senate Seats, 27 of the 35 are held by Republicans. Out of the 27 Republican state senators, 24 are running for reelection and all 24 probably will be reelected. Almost all of them have no opposition.

The Democratic minority has just as high a reelection bar. Of the eight Democrats, seven probably will be running unopposed.

The only Democrat not running will be Priscilla Dunn who has not been to the Senate this entire four-year term. Most of the firstterm State Senators have never met her. According to rumors, she is in poor health and cannot attend. The 150,000 people in Senate District 19 in Jefferson County have been without a voice or vote in the Alabama Senate for four years.

The three retiring Republican State Sens. are giants. Del Marsh, Jimmy Holley and Jim McClendon’s shoes will be hard to fill. These three seats will be filled by new Republicans. The 27-8 super Republican majority

will continue.

State Sen. Del Marsh (R-Anniston) has been a leader in the Senate for 23 years. He served as President Pro Tempore of the Senate most of that time.

He ran a very effective ship of state.

State Sen. Jimmy Holley (R-Elba/Coffee) is an icon. He was a master of Senate rules. He also was a mentor to a good many young senators.

State Sen. Jim McClendon (R-St. Clair) will be sorely missed in the state senate. The gentleman from St. Clair served with honor and distinction for eight years in the State Senate and 12 years before that in the House of Representatives.

This freshman class of senators have bonded and work cohesively with the veteran leaders.

The Freshman Class includes Will Barfoot (R-Pike Road), Tom Butler (R-Huntsville), Sam Givhan (R-Huntsville), Dan Roberts (R-Jefferson), Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman), Randy Price (R-Lee), Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva/Houston), David Sessions (R-Mobile), Jack Williams (R-Mobile), Chris Elliott (R-Baldwin) and Andrew Jones (R-Cherokee/Etowah). Sen. April Weaver (R-Shelby/Bibb) won her seat recently when Cam Ward left to become head of Pardons and Paroles. Weaver previously served in the House of Representatives.

She is the only female GOP senator. She has a bright future. All 12 of these new senators have done an excellent job and all will be reelected. Ten of the 12 will probably run unopposed.

There are some exceptionally talented and dedicated veterans in the Senate that will coast to reelection. Most, if not all, will be unopposed. This stellar group of legislative leaders include President Pro Tem Greg Reed (R-Jasper/Walker), Senate Majority Leader Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville), Sen. Clyde Chambliss (R-Autauga/ Elmore), Sen. Steve Livingston (R-Scottsboro/Jackson), Sen. Shay Shelnutt (R-Jefferson), Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn/Lee), See FLOWERS, page B11

County Enacts Noise Ordinance; Hires County Administrator

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

The Lee County Commission voted to enact a noise ordinance during its meeting Monday night.

A noise ordinance was first considered by the commission in April after residents approached the commission with noise complaints in Beauregard.

“Let me just paint a picture for you,” said Sean Owsley, one of the residents in the area during a meeting in April. “You survived a tornado, your family, loved ones, father, son was killed in it.

You get woken wide

awake at 4 a.m. on a day that there are severe storm threats in the area to somebody playing tornado sirens, air raid sirens.”

The noise complaints include the recorded, non-EMA tornado and air raid sirens, but also the sounds of coyote mating calls, other animal noises, church bells and more.

“This [neighbor] basically made the comment, if you can hear this you must live in a trailer and that’s your own fault,” Owsley said. “Regardless of what anybody lives in, if I live in a cardboard box, I should be able to go outside, on my porch, and enjoy the

outside air, enjoy the summers, enjoy the nice fall nights and we can’t do that. I’m a half a mile away.”

Noises begin sometimes by 10 p.m. and continue through the early morning hours, as late as 5 a.m, Owsley said.

“We’re just asking for something to be done so we can enjoy the county,” he said.

One resident, Margaret Brown, was later arrested after warrants were placed on noise complaints.

However, in October, the disorderly conduct charges were dropped.

Since then, complaints have continued See COMMISSION, page B13

It’s Time For Redistricting in the City of Auburn.

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@OPELIKA OBSERVER.COM

Recently, the Census data was released which showed the growth in the city of Auburn. The population grew by more than 22,000, with more than 1,500 acres added to the city.

Auburn’s total population is 76,143 and the goal is for each district to have about 9,518. In 2010, Auburn’s population was 53,380 with each district ideally having about 6,672 residents.

“Redistricting occurs after each decennial census so that political representation

ref lects population growth and change,” the city of Auburn website said. “The Code of Alabama 1975, Section 11-43A33 sets forth redistricting procedures that include a process where the City must review and, if needed, redraw the district (ward) boundaries based on the 2020 census population with the purpose of gaining equal representation for each district by having as nearly as possible equal population in each.”

Redistricting must be completed within a set time frame. It occurs six months after

receiving Census data and six months before the next municipal election, which for Auburn is on Aug. 23, 2022.

Redrawing city lines to hopefully reach the population goal of 9,518 residents per ward has to be within 5%.

“In addition to achieving population equality, redistricting plans must comply with Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act,” the city site said.

“Often, this means drawing one or more minority-majority districts, depending on the size of a See AUBURN, page B11

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“Continuing the work of Councilmen Lofton and Smith-T before me, my top priority is keeping Opelika on its path of smart and responsible growth that my family and I have enjoyed since moving here in 2008. By that I specifically mean encouraging more industry to the area and business to fill the empty storefronts downtown, while simultaneously recognizing that the historic character and architecture we have is a treasure that must be carefully protected, once it’s gone it’s gone forever.”

“What is your top priority for Opelika?”

B10 Dec. 16, 2021

Holy Cow! One-fourth of Governors Weren’t Born in the State They Govern

GREG MARKLEY

I

n spring 2005, I taught 11th grade history at Wetumpka High School. This was part of my student teaching to get a Masters in secondary education. A student once asked, “How come we have never had a president who was not born in the United States?” I replied, “That’s not true.”

The first seven presidents were not born in the U.S. as it didn’t even exist!

Martin Van Buren of New York was the first president born here. The Constitution says: “No Person except a natural born Citizen, or a Citizen of the United States, at the time of the Adoption

of this Constitution, shall be eligible to the Office of President…” It further stipulates that no one under age 35 or who does not have residency for at least 14 years can become the country’s leader.

Of the 54 governors, since Alabama became a state in 1819, thirty-one were born in this state.

Seventeen came from Southern states (South Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, Georgia and North Carolina). The other four were born in Ohio, California, New York and the country of Scotland.

The last third of the governors largely came from Alabama.

Of the 50 states, 13 are run by governors born somewhere else.

For example, Mike Dunleavy, governor of Alaska, was born in Pennsylvania.

Governor Doug Ducey of Arizona was born in Washington, DC. Greg Gianforte started his life in California but he is now the top constitutional officer in another state, Montana.

(Governor Kay Ivey bucks that trend as she lives in her birth state, after being born in Camden in Wilcox County.)

The governors show in their biographies that most have had high-profile jobs such as CEO that require them to move a lot and travel plenty.

They are compelled to assist society so when they retire from their primary work they want to “give something back” to their community.

And one pleasure of living in a free country is that we can live wherever we want.

Some politicians may still have the ideologies and sensibilities that they had while growing up in their birth state. So they return to a state amenable to their philosophy and way of life. That makes sense: Moving with liberal attitudes of one state to seek a gubernatorial seat in dark-red Alabama is ill-advised. Or, but so is being transplanted with conservative views to New York hoping to win an election for U.S.

e t o VTerry Hanners for

on Jan. 11 Paid Political Advertising by Terry Hanners

senator.

It’s obvious from old debate videos that Mitt Romney was not as publicly conservative when running for Massachusetts governor in his victory there. He adapted to the campaign and like his father, George Romney in Michigan became a governor.

Yet 17 years later, he had a struggle getting the GOP nod to gain a U.S. Senate seat in Utah. But he did win, again.

Concerning one’s birthplace, there was a short-lived controversy in U.S. Senator Ted Cruz’s campaign for president in 2016.

Cruz was born in December 1970 in Calgary, Canada. His father, a Cuban immigrant, already had Canadian citizenship as well as the status of naturalized U.S. citizen in 2005.

Opposing Republican primary candidate Donald Trump suggested that Ted Cruz might not qualify in the contest because he was not a “natural born citizen” as the Constitution specifies. It was soon determined

the senator’s birth in Canada by U.S. citizens (his parents) should not stop him from pursuing the White House.

While running against Senator Obama for president in 2008, there were a few rumors that “John McCain was not born in America.” That was an exaggeration and incorrect. He was born in the Panama Canal Zone, which is a U.S. area in Panama. He was in Central America because his father was based there, so he was a U.S. citizen when born.

Also in 2008, both major-party presidential candidates, and both the Democratic and Republican vice presidential candidates, had advanced in politics by representing states where they themselves were not born. Barack Obama was a senator from Illinois, despite being born in Hawaii.

John McCain, as noted above, was born in the Panama Canal Zone but later

was a senator from Arizona.

Republican vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin was the sitting governor of Alaska, but came into this world in Idaho.

Democratic vice presidential hopeful Joe Biden was born in Pennsylvania but served as a senator from Delaware for 36 years.

If someone asks me why Alabama has never had a governor born in North Carolina, I will revert to my teaching high school history 16 years ago. “That’s not true” I will say. “The third, fourth and fifth governors of our state began life in North Carolina.” They went from Tar Heels to Yellowhammers.

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 12 years. gm.markley@charter. net

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RA21-BAN-014

334-744-7509 Dustin Farley-Nelms/Owner 207 N. 3rd Street, Opelika

Member of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce

B11 Dec. 16, 2021

D

ear Editor, My name is Melissa Mullins, I am an activist for Medical Cannabis access, Autism, Epilepsy and Disability Rights in Alabama. I am also a registered lobbyist in Alabama. Along with the top two Cannabis advocacy groups, we worked extremely hard during the 2019-2021 Legislative sessions to get the citizens involved in making their legislators listen to what this state needed and wanted. The 2019 session gave us the Alabama Cannabis Study Commission, the 2020 session was cut short due to the pandemic and the 2021 session gave us the Darren Wesley ‘Ato’ Hall Compassion Act (SB46) — starting Alabama’s Medical Cannabis Program.

The 2021 session was crazy, and that’s putting it mildly. We had

AUBURN >> FROM B9 jurisdiction’s minority population. Ward 1 is 46.6 percent Black by total population, and 44 percent Black by voting age population.

This is the largest demographic group in the ward. The next largest demographic is white with 39.0 percent of total population. As such, Ward 1 performs reliably as a majority-Black district.”

The local branch of the NAACP, branch #5038, approached the city of Auburn on Dec. 7 with a redistricting plan that would include a second minority-majority district.

The local branch hired cartographer Tabitha Isner from Montgomer, as part of the process of looking at redistricting.

Auburn’s minority population has grown to 36.8% of the total population, said

Letter to the Editor to be creative in our lobbying efforts due to limited capacity inside the Alabama House.

We launched a telephone, email, snail mail campaign to engage and educate our state legislators.

Fast forward to now, we are headed into an election year (2022) and the atmosphere is tense. I came across an article from 1819news. com: referenced article HERE, about a ‘businessman’ that had made some pretty substantial comments about our recently passed Medical Cannabis program.

Apparently, Tim James (now an official candidate for governor in Alabama) was attending a meeting and he was asked to speak. He did not hold back on his opinion and thoughts about Cannabis. I had to address it — the erroneous information.

We remain extremely sensitive to everyone’s freedom of speech

Laticia Khalif, vice president of the local NAACP branch.

“We need at least two council members to be representative of a non-white, racial, minority group,” she said. “Given that Auburn now has a significant black population, a significant Hispanic population and a significant Hispanic and Asian population, so I’m just asking you look around.”

However, Ward 6 Council Member Bob Parsons reminded the council that while it may not look like it on first glance, he is representative of a minority group.

Which means he is the second council member, including Ward 1 Council Member Connie Fitch-Taylor, that is representative of a minority group.

The group provided maps to the city of Auburn outlining where a second majority-minority district

rights, but we also are committed to everyone having accurate information. James believes that the Medical program in Alabama should be repealed because advocates were misleading about the full therapeutic and medicinal benefits of Cannabis, and it does not do what they say it does. He also continued by saying that the program was a ‘scam’ that would only benefit a handful of people/dispensaries.

Here is my statement to address James and his comments: Mr. James, I appreciate your thoughts and your position on this matter but for every study that you find that says Cannabis does not work, Cannabis is a gateway ‘drug,’ Cannabis is addicting, etc.… I can find the same number or more of studies that disputes the above claims. There

is no way that I can address every single word of what you said in this ‘Dear Editor’ letter… so I am going to hit the high spots. I could have hundreds of families, patients, citizens at any given time stand up with me and say that CANNABIS DOES WORK—CANNABIS SAVED MY CHILD— CANNBIS IS SAFER THAN PHARMACEUTICALS. If you have not seen firsthand, with your own eyes the effect that Cannabis has on Epilepsy, Autism, Cancer, PTSD…you need to give families that have had success sit down with you and tell you the horror stories of themselves and their stories before and after Cannabis. I have multiple stories of Autism and Epilepsy.

Cannabis is a nonpartisan issue, and we must be extremely vigilant about what ‘studies’ we invest in. Studies or claims that are filled

with erroneous and poorly supported data only further divide our communities.

Mr. James, my family is a special needs family. My daughter is on the Autism Spectrum, my husband has Epilepsy and I have multiple debilitating Autoimmune disorders.

When I tell you that I KNOW for a fact that Cannabis is much more beneficial to us than opioids—I DO NOT take that lightly. I have seen with my own eyes, the therapeutic validity of using Cannabis for medical conditions and a better quality of life.

Many people do not understand the seriousness and horrifying life of Epilepsy and Autism. Every single second that an Epileptic episode happens the person runs the risk of loosing their life. There isn’t a person alive, (if they were honest), that would deny a loved one medication that was

could be located.

“We’re not saying this map is perfect, we’re not saying you need to vote on this map,” said one citizen, Elizabeth Hill. “We’re saying that we have proof of concept that two majority-minority districts can be drawn in this city. And we think that more fairly represents what this city is comprised of, now, in 2020.”

With this plan in mind, representatives of the branch asked the council to postpone its vote on approving the maps the city has, which are available here: https://2021-redistricting-plan-coa. hub.arcgis.com.

The vote is set to take place on Dec. 21.

“We are asking you to slow this process down, meet with us and let’s discuss a new map,” Khalif said.

“Can it be done, can we get two minority-majority districts?

Absolutely.”

Following the

several community members, civic groups and NAACP members who spoke, City Manager Megan Crouch spoke and let everyone know that the Auburn council did not propose the city’s maps.

“A map was proposed by state law by the city manager,” Crouch said. “The city manager used a team of experts on her staff to generate that map with only federal criteria we were asked to utilize and that is what we followed, period. We don’t get to insert our opinions, we don’t get to look at demographic data differently, we can’t look at how many students are here or there or whatever. We have to purely follow the criteria and that’s what the staff did.”

The council does vote to approve the map, however.

There will be a public hearing with the Dec. 21 meeting.

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potentially lifesaving and life changing, no matter what the status quo or stigma is.

I want to thank you for your time, and I would also like to extend an invitation to you — Join us on a Zoom call or in person meeting. Allow us the opportunity to sit down with you and help you understand the importance of Alabama’s Medical Cannabis Program. We look forward to hearing from you.

We have also issued a Press Release, which went out on Wednesday, November 24, 2021, to all media outlets in the state of Alabama with our concerns.

Melissa Mullins Autism Mom, Epilepsy Wife, Patient Alabamians 4 Medical Cannabis Freedom: Founder/ President al4medicalcannabisfreedom@gmail.com

FROM B9 Sen. Gerald Allen (R-Tuscaloosa), Sen. Greg Albritton (R-Escambia) the Chairman of the Senate Finance General Fund, Sen. Arthur Orr (R-Decatur) Chairman of Senate Finance Education and last, but certainly not least, the legendary Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia), who chairs the Senate Rules Committee.

There will be some outstanding veteran Democrats returning to the State Senate.

There are several giants, who include Sen. Bobby Singleton (D-Greene), Sen. Vivian Figures (D-Mobile), Sen. Rodger Smitherman (D-Birmingham) and Sen. Billy Beasley (D-Barbour).

Sen. Kirk Hatcher (D-Montgomery) is new to the senate.

However, he bears watching. He is gregarious, likeable and a quick study. He will be effective for the Capital City.

The senate abounds with outstanding leadership on both sides of the aisle. The lack of competition the members are garnering is a testament to their good work.

This returning group of leaders could well portend for a successful future quadrennium. With this kind of experience and leadership, they will also be an independent group. They will not be a rubber stamp for governor.

See you next week.

Steve f lowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. stevef lowers.us.

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B12 Dec. 16, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM D. WILLIAMSON , DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-651 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of November, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

KATI T. WILLIAMSON Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36801 Legal Run 12/2/21, 12/9/21 & 12/16/21 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY HARRIS THREAT, DECEASED ESTATE NO. 2021-654 PETITION TO PROBATE WILL NOTICE Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of MARY HARRIS THREAT, deceased, having been granted to CECIL THOMAS THREAT, JR., on the day of November 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. s/Raymond L. Jackson, Jr./ Raymond L. Jackson, Jr. Attorney for CECIL THOMAS THREAT, JR. Executor of the Estate of MARY HARRIS THREAT

Attorney for Personal Representative: Raymond L. Jackson, Jr. Attorney at Law 145 E. Magnolia Ave. Ste. 110 Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 991-3143 FAX: (877) 730-3354 Legal Run 12/2/21, 12/9/21 & 12/16/21 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ARMETTA C. JOHNSON, Deceased Case no.: 2021-628 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Zephaniah Allen, Personal Representative on the 3rd day of December, 2021,

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

Zephaniah Allen Legal Run 12/09/21, 12/16/21 & 12/23/21 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JERRY DOZIER, DECEASED PROBATE CASE NO. 2021416 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to Mildred E. Dozier, Administrator, on the 30th day of November, 2O21, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against

said estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. s/Mildred E. Dozier Mildred E. Dozier, Administrator Attorney for Administrator: RAYMOND L. JACKSON, JR. Attorney at Law PO Box 1893 Opelika, Alabama 36803-1893 334-991-3143 Legal Run 12/9/21, 12/16/21 and 12/23/21 ------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA JUVENILE DIVISION B.M.L.P. a minor child (DOB: 05/08/2006), Case No. JU 2020-245.02 A.P.P. a minor child (DOB: 09/14/2015), Case No. JU 2020-247.02 NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Any unknown father of B. M. L. P. a minor child, born at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Lee County, Alabama on 05//08/2006 to Reyna Perez Godinez and A. P. P. a minor child, born at the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Lee County, Alabama on 09/14/2015 to Reyna Perez Godinez. The legal Custody of B. M. L. P. and A. P. P. was vested in the Lee County Department of Human Resources on September 30, 2020. Any unknown father must answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights and the Amended Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Reyna Perez Godinez and any unknown father filed in each of these cases in the Juvenile Court of Lee County, Alabama within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Clerk of Court located at the Lee County Justice Center, 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika,

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS - HELP WANTED ENVIRONMENTAL SERVICES TRUCK DRIVER

Closing Date: Until Filled Department: Environmental Services Status: Full-Time/Part-Time Starting Hourly Salary Range: $35,070.00 - $40,330.50 Required Hours of Availability: Monday-Sunday; 12 hour shifts with rotating weekends Scope: This position operates a solid waste truck in the collection of solid waste and

recyclables Applicants should apply at the Alabama State Employment Office or the Lee County Commission Office 215 S. 9th Street, Opelika, AL, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4:30 PM. Great Benefits: NO COST to employee Option for BCBS health and dental insurance. Employer paid Life Insurance policy. State

Retirement Benefits. Thirteen Paid Holidays. Educational Reimbursement.

Interested applicants may also fax a completed application to (334) 737-3609 or emailed to humanresources@leeco.us by the closing date.

Previous applicants should reapply.

For more information visit: www.leeco.us Lee County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

AL 36801, or thereafter, a final judgment may be entered in Case JU 2020-245.02 and JU 2020-247.02 terminating their respective parental rights and placing the children for adoption.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Hon. Harold S. Patrick Attorney for Lee County DHR 2108-D Gateway Drive Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 741-0809 Legal Run 12/09/21, 12/16/21, 12/23/21 & 12/30/21 ------------In The Probate Court Of Lee County Alabama In Re: The Estate Of: Geraldine Roberts James; a/k/a Geraldine James, Deceased TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to: Jeannie Geraldine Sharp and Sandra Carol Morris, as Co-Executrixes of the Estate of: Geraldine Roberts James;a/k/a Geraldine James, Deceased, on the 30th day of November, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English.

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

Jeannie Geraldine Sharp, CoExecutrix Sandra Carol Morris, CoExecutrix Legal Run 12/09/21, 12/16/21 & 12/23/21 ------------THE MATTER OF JAIRON ROBIN FUENTES BAUTISTA CASE No.: 2021-629 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA ADOPTION PETITION PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: OSLYNK MOISES RAMOS DIAZ, address unknown Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Jairon Robin Fuentes Bautista on November 4, 2021, for the adoption of O.D.D.R., born on April 9, 2007, in Mount Pleasant, Texas to Brenda Iveth Lopez and Oslynk Moises Ramos Diaz.

A hearing has been set for the 16th day of February 2022 at 2 0'clock pm Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801.

Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the

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attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Ben C. Hand Jr., 1 14 North 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition.

Dated on this the 23 1d day of November 2021.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 12/09/21, 12/16/21, 12/23/21 & 12/30/21 ------------NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, January 18, 2022, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO. ________ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE ZONING ORDINANCE AND ZONING MAP OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA (LAUREL LAKES PUD) BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. FINDINGS. The Council has determined and hereby finds and declares that the following facts are true and correct: (a) Flat Iron Farms, LLC (“Flat Iron”) is the owner of record of that certain property consisting of approximately 160.2 acres located along North Uniroyal Road and Ridge Road (b) Flat Iron heretofore submitted to the City a development plan for a planned unit development (“PUD”) entitled “Laurel Lakes PUD”, consisting of approximately 160.2 acres. (c) The proposed development consists of approximately 373 single-family home lots and three lots (37.4 acres total) that are reserved for stormwater detention/open space. The development will be accessed from North Uniroyal Road and Ridge Road by new streets.

The proposed density is 2.35 dwelling units per acre. (d) The Planning Commission heretofore conducted a public hearing of the proposed development and referred to the City Council its recommendation to approve the proposed development. (e) It is advisable and in the interest of the City and the public interest that the proposed property described in Section 3 below should be developed as a residential planned unit development.

Section 2. APPROVAL OF THE DEVELOPMENT PLAN. The Development Plan as submitted for review is hereby approved and affirmed as required by Section 8.18(N) of the Zoning Ordinance of the City.

Section 3. DESIGNATION OF A PLANNED UNIT DEVELOPMENT. The official Zoning Map is hereby amended and the zoning classification for the following parcel of land shall be changed from a R-2 District (LowDensity Residential District) to a Planned Unit Development (PUD) on the official zoning map of the City.

A tract or parcel of land

containing 160.24 acres in Sections 3 and 10, Township 17 North, Range 27 East, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama and being more particularly described as follows: Commence at the northeast corner of the southwest ¼ of said Section 10; thence S89°20’29”W 435.00 feet; thence S00°39’31”E 570.00 feet; thence S00°20’29”W 395.00 feet to the point of beginning; thence S89°23’03”W 1773.49 feet to the east right-of-way limit of North Uniroyal Road; thence continue along said right-ofway along a curve to the left having a radius of 3426.12 feet, an arc length of 611.06 feet and a chord bearing and distance of N04°50’51”E 640.25 feet; thence N00°15’43”W 1363.75 feet; thence N00°15’43”W 466.60 feet to the south rightof-way limit of Ridge Road; thence continue along said right-of-way N60°25’23”E 92.20 feet; thence S61°42’47”E 1300.94 feet; thence S60°44’49”E 527.11 feet; thence S67°34’33”E 201.19 feet; thence leaving said right-of-way S31°20’44”E 112.78 feet; thence S45°47’47”E 259.62 feet; thence S51°46’58”E 599.89 feet; thence S01°37’18”E 541.72 feet; thence S18°54’03”E 2219.81 feet; thence S86°40’38”W 1599.15 feet; thence N00°08’18”E 1868.75 feet to the point of beginning.

The above-described property, containing approximately 160.2 acres, is located along North Uniroyal Road and Ridge Road.

Section 4. RETENTION OF COPIES OF DEVELOPMENT PLAN. Copies of the Development Plan shall be maintained in the office of the City Clerk, City Planner, City Engineer and Building Official and shall be open for public inspection.

Section 5. REPEALER. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 6. EFFECTIVE DATE. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.

Section 7. PUBLICATION. This Ordinance shall be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

END All interested persons are invited to attend the Public Hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the Public Hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and Public Hearing.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s Interim ADA Coordinator, at 334705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

WITNESS my hand this the 16th day of December, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 12/16/2021 ------------CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, December 21, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama.

B13 Dec. 16, 2021

COMMISSION >> FROM B9 about noise problems in the county, about several locations and properties.

“I advocate that you pass this ordinance, which I understand may come before you this evening,” said one resident, Carl Gagliano at a meeting in September.

“And I’d like for it to have enough teeth in it to where penalties are such that people will give more consideration to other people.”

Monday night, during the public hearing, Marie Maples reiterated the residents’ concerns and shared that Owsley had moved away due to noise.

“It’s continuous noise,” she said. “Music … I can’t even let my dogs in my backyard to do their business, two little Yorkie dogs. They are a nervous wreck.”

Brown was in attendance Monday night and responded to the complaints saying that

PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B12

A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: A. Approval of Minutes B. Update on Previous PC Cases C. Preliminary Plat and Conditional Use – Public Hearing 1. A public hearing on a request by Arthur R. Nettles, authorized representative for Vic Patel, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of Opelika Marketplace subdivision consisting of 4 lots accessed from Parker Way. 2. A public hearing on a request by Vic Patel/ John Guglielmi, authorized representative for Vic Patel/AU Hospitality, property owner, for conditional use approval for an indoor baseball and softball facility accessed from Parker Way. D. Rezoning and Plat (Preliminary Only) – Public Hearing 3. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Brandon Hays, Hartbrook Development LLC, authorized representative for Mary Goggans, property owner, to rezone 17.9 acres accessed from Arlee Avenue and Crawford Road from a R-3 zone to a PUD (Planned Unit Development) zoning district.

4. A public hearing on a request by Brandon Hays, Hartbrook Development LLC, authorized representative for Mary Goggans, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of Knollwood subdivision consisting of 47 lots accessed from Crawford Road.

E. Preliminary and Final Plat – Public Hearing 5. A request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for BC Stone Contracting LLC, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Camelot Townhomes, Phase 2 subdivision consisting of 7 lots accessed from Merlin Street.

F. Final Plat 6. A request by Mark D. Strozier, authorized representative for Edgar Hughston Builder, Inc., property owner, for final plat approval of Drakes Landing Phase 1 subdivision consisting of 65 lots accessed at 2015 South Uniroyal Road.

7. A request by Jerry Howard/ Clayton Properties Group, Inc., authorized representative for Clayton Properties Group, Inc., property owner, for final plat approval of Legacy Village Townhomes Phase

although noise has continued, it is not coming from her property.

“I think there’s a problem out in my neighborhood because there’s been no noise from my residence in some time now and I’ve heard noise myself but it’s not coming from the property where I spent the night last night,” she said.

The noise ordinance passed unanimously.

The noise ordinance is located here: www. cms6.revize.com/revize/ leecountyal/Draft%20 Noise%20Ordinance. pdf.

COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR:

LEVERETTE The county 1, subdivision consisting of 7 lots accessed from Century Boulevard.

G. Conditional Use – Public Hearing 8. A public hearing on a request by Bob Holley, authorized representative for Douglas Knight, property owner, for conditional use approval for a utility trailer & small equipment rental & sales business (outside storage in C-3) in the C-3 zoning district at 101 North 11th Street.

H. Annexation and Rezoning – Public Hearing 9. An agenda item to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Opelika Investments Properties, LLC, property owners, to annex 12.6 acres into the City limits accessed at the 2800 /2900 block of Sellers Drive. A R/E (retail/entertainment) zoning district is requested.

10. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request

by Patrick C. Davidson, authorized representative for Opelika Investment Properties, LLC, property owner, to rezone 12.6 acres accessed from R-1 zone to a R/E (Retail / Entertainment) zoning district accessed from 2800 /2900 block of Sellers Drive.

I. Vacation 11. The following additional agenda item is included for review at the December 21st Planning Commission meeting: A petition from Manish Desai, representative for HARA, LLC, property owner, at 510 Geneva Street and adjacent to the subject Geneva Street right of way to be vacated is requesting the City Council to vacate about 5,500 square feet of the Geneva Street right-of-way located adjacent to the petitioner’s south property line and west of the Geneva Street cul-de-sac. The Planning Commission provides a recommendation to City Council.

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/ public hearings and be heard.

Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/ public hearings.

The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council.

Please contact the Planning department at 334-705-5156 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special

commission voted, following an executive session Monday night, to approve Holly Leverette as the new county administrator.

The county has been holding interviews to find a new county administrator to replace Roger Rendleman, who has been serving the county in this position for over 20 years.

Leverette was one of six candidates interviewed and narrowed down as a front runner, said County Commission Chairman Bill English. She appeared before the commission Monday night to answer questions and wait as the commissioners discussed in executive session.

Leverette is currently serving as the director of risk management for the Montgomery County Commission and said this would allow her to transition well as she already works with department heads and elected officials.

“With my broad

background in many different areas over the past 20 years, I think though that broad background is going to help me help the elected officials and the department heads in doing things within their department,” she said. “I’ve got extensive experience in human resources, and risk management and litigation.”

District 1 Commissioner Doug Cannon asked Leverette what her first-year priorities would be.

She responded that the American Rescue Plan Act funding is a priority, along with helping the county transition into curbside pickup.

OTHER BUSINESS: - The commission approved the county’s participation in the ACCA IAC Program.

- The commission approved a speed limit reduction on Lee Road 379.

- The county agreed to place a dead end sign on Lee Road 057A and look into vacating the

road.

- The commission approved a request by District 4 Commissioner Robert Ham for the use of the meeting center on Dec. 22 and 23 to “wrap gifts and package food for needy families in the community.”

- The commission approved an educational reimbursement request for the Sheriff’s Department.

- The commission voted to dispense with the second commission meeting in December on Dec. 27.

- The commission voted to restructure the probate office pay.

- The commission approved the River Valley Farms Subdivision Final Plat Approval.

- The commission approved a temporary compensation increase for Joel Hubbard, chief building official, who is serving until a permanent planning director is hired.

- The commission approved two new positions in the Parks

and Recreation department — two maintenance workers and a parks maintenance supervisor.

- The commission approved a contract with PH&J Architects for renovations to courtroom sand the judicial suite.

- The commission approved the use of $1.3 million of the American Rescue Plan Funds for replacing the air handlers and ventilation system in the T.K. Davis Justice Center.

- The commission approved a bid for the EMA department for a Matrice 300 RTR Drone from DSLR Pros for $29,916,000. $368.10 will come from the EMA budget and the rest will be from a grant that was awarded to EMA. - The commission approved an agreement with the Beauregard Parks department for using a Beauregard Park property for investigation of a road for a septic system.

accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 12/16/2021

DONE this 18th day of November, 2021. /s/ STEVEN T. SPEAKMAN CIRCUIT JUDGE Legal Run 12/16/2021, 12/23/21, 12/30/21 & 01/06/21

LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF JULIA VARNER HULING, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Julia Varner Huling, deceased, having been granted to Sam Robert Huling, III this 10th day of December 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Sam Robert Huling, III, Personal Representative Legal Run 12/16/21, 12/23/21 & 12/30/21

petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Jairon Robin Fuentes Bautista on November 4, 2021, for the adoption of O.D.D.R., born on April 9, 2007, in Mount Pleasant, Texas to Brenda Iveth Lopez and Oslynk Moises Ramos Diaz.

A hearing has been set for the 16th day of February 2022 at 2 0'clock pm Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Ben C. Hand Jr., 1 14 North 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition.

Dated on this the 23 1d day of November 2021.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 12/09/21, 12/16/21, 12/23/21 & 12/30/21

------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of R.C. Cannon, Deceased Case No. 2021-688 NOTICE OF HEARING TO: Randall Bullard, address unknown and any unknown heirs of R.C. Cannon Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Probate of Will for the Estate of R.C. Cannon.

A hearing has been set for the 24th day of January 2022 at 10:00 a.m. central time, electronically via "ZOOM".

Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition for Probate of Will of R.C. Cannon.

Bill English Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 12/16/21, 12/23/21 & 12/30/21 ------------NOTICE Janeth Hernandez-Cruz, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Oscar Severo's Complaint and Summons.

Said Answer must be filed on or before February 06, 2022 or thereafter a judgment of default may be entered against her in Case No: DR202 l-900374.00 in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Done this 8th day of December, 2022.

MARY B. ROBERSON CLERK OF CIRCUIT COURT Lee County, Alabama OF COUNSEL: Ben C. Hand 114 North 8th Street Opelika, AL 36801 334-741-4077 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA SEVERO OSCAR, Plaintiff, V. HERNANDEZ-CRUZ JANETH, Defendant.Case No.: DR-2021-900374.00 ORDER ALLOWING SERVICE BY PUBLICATION The MOTION TO SERVE

BY PUBLICATION filed by SEVERO OSCAR is hereby GRANTED. The Plaintiff is granted leave to serve the Defendant by publication in accord with Rule 4 of the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure.

------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF MARDREVIOUS TREAVON RODGERS, deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2021-585 NOTICE TO CREDITOR Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Michelle Collins on the 16th day of November, 2021, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

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

Michelle Collins Legal Run 12/16/2021, 12/23/2021 & 12/30/2021 ------------STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO 2021-684

------------THE MATTER OF JAIRON ROBIN FUENTES BAUTISTA CASE No.: 2021-629 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA ADOPTION PETITION PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: OSLYNK MOISES RAMOS DIAZ, address unknown Please take notice that a

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