Opelika Observer - 10-21-21 E-edition

Thursday, Oct. 21, 2021

Vol. 14, No. 2

Next Noon Toons will be held on Oct. 20 at Courthouse Square

Opelika, Alabama

pelika Observer O

TURN TO A3 TO SEE PHOTOS FROM THE WEEKEND'S GIRLS IN AVIATION EVENT

“An award-winning publication for local people, by local people.”

FIELDS NAMED DEPUTY FIRE CHIEF FOR OFD

On the Tracks Wine Trail Returns Oct. 22 Opelika Main Street’s annual On the Tracks wine trail returns to downtown Oct. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Presented by Stone Martin Builders, this year’s event features multiple unique wine stops. At each stop attendees will get to taste a wide array of wine options.

“On the Tracks is a great Opelika tradition,” said Opelika Main Street Executive Director Ken Ward.

“It’s a fun way to support downtown’s small businesses while also sampling a great selection of wine.”

Live music, a photo booth and caricature drawings will also be at the event.

Tickets are available for sale at opelikamainstreet. org, at the event and

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA MAIN STREET

at Southern Crossing & Heritage Gifts and Gourmet in downtown.

2021 Sponsors: Stone Martin Builders, Smith Kastner Wealth Management, Southern States Bank, T-Mobile, Opelika Observer, NBC Local 38, iHeart Media,

Opelika Chamber of Commerce, Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee and Auburn Opelika Tourism.

ABOUT OPELIKA MAIN STREET: Founded in 1987, Opelika Main Street has helped assist in the growth of historic

2040 Comprehensive Plan Meetings Scheduled

The cCity of Opelika kicked off the 2040 Comprehensive Plan project in late July.

Opelika 2040 will serve as the city’s official guide for future growth, land use and development for the next 20

years. Informed by community consensus, community vision, existing conditions and future potentials, the comprehensive plan will serve as a road map to the future by guiding policy decisions and helping the community achieve its long-term objectives.

City leaders invite you to attend one of the meetings below.

Nov. 3: Community Visioning Workshop 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

(Opelika Public Library — Cooper Room) This workshop will introduce the planning process and gain

See PLAN, page A3

The city of Opelika is pleased to announce Stephen Fields has been promoted to deputy fire chief of the Opelika Fire Department. The essential function of this position is to assist chief in overseeing and directing operations of the fire department.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to continue growing in my career at Opelika Fire Department,” Fields said. “As a department, we have made many exciting improvements to better serve the residents of Opelika. I look forward to being a part of these endeavors and developing our department into the best it can be.

Fields is an Auburn High School graduate and has worked for the Opelika Fire

FIELDS Department for 24 years. He has served Opelika as a firefighter, a fire-medic, an officer and captain over the training division.

“Since I transferred to Opelika Fire Department, it was evident that Fields is a hardworking leader and well respected throughout the department,” said Fire Chief Shane Boyd. “I look forward to continuing working alongside Fields and I have no doubt that he will do an excellent job as deputy chief.”

Opelika Chamber Forms Minority Business Council CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

downtown Opelika through facade grants, beatification projects, small business assistance efforts and various community events.

Learn more about Opelika Main Street by going to opelikamainstreet.org.

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Opelika Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce the formation of the Minority Business

Council (MBC).

The purpose of the Minority Business Council is to foster growth and networking for minority businesses through targeted programming

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

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

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B10

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

PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . B12

O GROWS FARMERS MARKET SATURDAYS FROM 9 A.M. TO NOON

and events, and to be a resource to minority business owners in our community.

Opelika Chamber board members, Nicholas

See BUSINESS, page A2

A2 Oct. 21, 2021

PHOTO BY AUBURN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Dinius Park Opens in Auburn

Visit Auburn Parks and Recreation’s newest amenity, Dinius Park, which opened Friday, Oct. 15. The new 13-acre passive park — located at 1435 E. Glenn Ave. — includes walking trails, small and large dog parks, a nature playground and a small pond.

The park also includes a restroom building, and a pavilion will be added at a later date. Additional work will take place over the next few weeks, but the park will remain open from sunrise until sunset.

The city of Auburn would like to extend its thanks to the Dinius family who donated the land and funding for the park. The passive park to be enjoyed by the citizens of Auburn will be a culmination of the dreams they had for the land.

BUSINESS

>>

FROM A1

Armistead and Ayanna Thomas serve as chair & co-chair of this executive committee. Armistead said, “I am excited to see the chamber intentionally create an environment to help grow and support minority businesses within our community.”

Members of the Opelika Chamber were recently surveyed to gauge interest in these efforts and to garner

feedback surrounding the needs and priorities of minority businesses in Opelika. President & CEO, Ali Rauch, said, “we were very pleased to see interest and engagement in the formation of the MBC, and most importantly, to see the level of commitment to inclusivity among our membership. This council is committed to helping our chamber membership look more like our community, and I’m grateful to be a part of this impactful

pelika Observer

O

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

opportunity.”

MEMBERS OF THE MINORITY BUSINESS COUNCIL EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE INCLUDE: • Nicholas Armistead, Keller Williams (chair) • Ayanna Thomas, Lee-Russell Council of Governments (co-chair) • Jeffery Harris, Harris Funeral Home • Eric McDade, State Farm • Tiffany Gibson-Pitts, Girls STEPS, Inc • Angela George, O Town Ice Cream

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.

Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 223-A S. 8th St.,, Opelika, AL 36801

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

• Vic Patel, La Quinta Inn & Suites • Nitda Louangkhoth, the grazer co.

• Ernie Rains, Rock ‘N Roll Pinball • Maritza Gamble, Hanwha • Luis Saavedra, Boonie Hat Coffee Company • JArthur Grubbs, CyberSecurity Solutions, LLC •Altumura Rosencrantz, Insure with A Rose • Kendra Nix, 5X Environmental

The MBC will be charged with finding ways to get the minority business community more engaged in current events and programming as well as find ways to remove barriers that some minority businesses may face. To sign up for future event announcements, visit www.opelikachamber. com/communication.

If your business is interested in sponsoring future MBC initiatives, contact Mackenzie@

opelikachamber.com.

ABOUT THE OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE Founded in 1941, the Opelika Chamber has been serving the Opelika business community for more than 80 years. 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.

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A3 Oct. 21, 2021

WAI Supports Girls in Aviation

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Hosted by Auburn University Aviation Center and Women in Aviation War Eagle Chapter, Girls in Aviation Day is a free educational, outreach event which hopes to inspire passion, exploration, learning and excitement of aviation and aerospace to children in the local community. The event Saturday featured aviation vendors and organizations, food trucks, airplanes on display and activities.

Pioneers in Purple Kicks Off Relay for Life Campaign Patricia A. “Patsy” Jones broke new ground at the 2016 Lee County Relay for Life when she assembled a new team composed of Lee County’s elected women officials to raise money for the Power in Purple Campaign of American Cancer Society. Power in Purple has been a new National Event set in all states to raise funds for cancer research and patient services.

Lee County inaugural team coordinated by Jones does compete among themselves and 30 other teams in the South Eastern Region for one month and wins the region’s contest. Although American Cancer Society is not featuring this campaign anymore, the Pioneers in Purple of Lee County Women Elected Officials past and present have stayed organized and are committed to eradicating cancer and to serving the community.

PLAN >>

FROM A1

insight about concerns that must be addressed by the Comprehensive Plan. The workshop is a key component in developing the plan and everyone is encouraged to attend.

The Team is competing among themselves to raise $20,000 for the Lee County Relay for Life using October “Breast Cancer Awareness Month” as a starting goal.

The fundraising impacts the Lee County Community and the American Cancer Society through services and resources for patients and their families along with research and grants for the East Alabama Medical Center. Donations can be made to the members of Pioneers in Purple by using the link: http:// main.acsevents.org/go/ pioneersinpurple For the past two years the Pioneers in Purple have raised over $33,000 for the Lee County Relay for Life. This year, the Team is raising funds in memory of teammate, Anne Grady, who raised funds in memory of her son-in-law that led the Pioneers in Purple to win the South Eastern Region Campaign. Honorable Grady was the first woman councilor

and first woman president of the Opelika City Council and one of the inaugural members of Pioneers in Purple. The Team has personal connection to cancer and want to work together and join hands to support all cancer survivors in Lee County. Representing Team Pioneers in Purple are 16 former and present elected women officials in Lee County Governments: City of Opelika – Patricia A. “Patsy” Jones, former first African American woman member and first African American woman president pro tem of Opelika City Council and Captain of Team; Barbara Patton former first woman mayor of Opelika; Tiffany Gibson Pitts former member of Opelika City Council; Erica Baker Norris present member and president pro tem of Opelika City Council; City of Auburn – Cheryl Gladden, former member of Auburn City Council, Roberta Jackel, former member of Auburn City Council; Carolyn

Matthews, former member of Auburn City Council; Lynda Tremaine, former member of Auburn City Council; Beth Witten, present member and mayor pro tem of Auburn City Council; Verlinda White former member of Auburn City Council; Connie Taylor present member of Auburn

City Council; City of Smiths Station – LaFaye Dellinger, former first mayor of Smiths Station; Lee County – Oline Price, present Lee County Revenue Commissioner and Co-Captain of Team; Shelia Eckman, former Lee County Commissioner and former member of Auburn City

Council; Mary B. Roberson, present Lee County Circuit Clerk and Jessica Ventiere present Lee County District Attorney.

The Lee County Relay for Life Event is scheduled for April 29, 2022 at the Lee County Courthouse Square in Opelika.

Nov. 4: Business Community Issues and Opportunities Workshop 8 a.m.

(Opelika Public Library - Cooper Room) (1 to 1.5 hours) This workshop will be targeted specifically to business owners and managers, developers

and Opelika’s corporate citizens. The purpose of the workshop is to establish a dialogue and obtain feedback from those members of the business community that have a unique insight and perspective, and whose assistance and involvement is

crucial to the plan’s ultimate success.

SMALL WORKSHOPS (EACH LASTS 1 TO 1.5 HOURS) Oct. 27 — 8 a.m., noon and 6 p.m.

(Opelika Public Library — Small Room) Oct. 28 — 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. (Opelika

Public Library — Small Room) These workshops are small group discussions to allow interested citizens, residents and stakeholders to participate in a less formal setting. All of the small workshops are the same format

and open to anyone.

If you have an HOA, organization, church group or group of friends that would like to schedule their own small workshop, contact Matt Mosley, Planning Director, cmosley@opelika-al. gov.

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Standing front row: Left to right: Erica Baker Norris and Roberta Jackel. Standing back row: Left to right: Mary B. Roberson, Carolyn Matthews, Oline Price, Team Co-Captain and Patricia A. Jones, Team Captain. Not Pictured: Cheryl Gladden, Beth Witten, Lynda Tremaine, Barbara Patton, LaFaye Dellinger, Shelia Eckman, Tiffany Gibson Pitts, Connie Taylor, Verlinda White and Jessica Ventiere.

A4 Oct. 21, 2021

Goodbye, Miss Betty

R

SEAN DIETRICH

ight now I am watching “The Andy Griffith Show” on TV. This episode is one of my favorites. Barney joins the choir, but his singing voice is awful. Thelma Lou, Barney’s girl, visits Andy when she learns that Barney is in the choir: THELMA LOU: Barney’s gonna be in the

choir?! My Barney?!

ANDY: That’s right.

THELMA: But Barney can’t sing.

ANDY: I know.

THELMA: He’s the man I want to marry, the man I want to be the father of my children…

ANDY: But he can’t sing.

THELMA: Not a lick!

“Not a lick.” Pure primetime gold. If

you’re a shameless Andy Griffith fanatic like me, this is the scene you want re-enacted at your funeral service.

And you just hope the funeral congregation is able to whistle the Andy Griffith theme song as they escort your casket into your brother-inlaw’s pickup.

A few years ago, I had an exclusive one-on-one interview with Betty Lynn, the actress who played Thelma Lou. She was in her mid-nineties.

I rented a car and drove eleven hours north to Mount Airy, North Carolina, booked the cheapest hotel I could find, and lived on peanut butter sandwiches and coffee. In hindsight, I wish I would have spent a few extra bucks on a better room because I

I FORGOT

WENDY HODGE

S

unday morning is one of my favorite times of the week. My best friend and I have a delicious routine — we are up before the sun, we load our fishing gear and we drive the boat over deserted country roads lined with pastures and ponds, and arrive at the lake we love so much.

It takes less than five minutes for us to get the boat from trailer to water. I back the boat down into the lake and untie it. Tim cranks the motor and gets the boat moving while I park the truck. Then he pulls up to the dock and I climb aboard. We’ve got it down like a well-rehearsed dance.

But ... every perfect routine goes wrong at some point.

Today is another Sunday, and it has been raining for days. The boat is wet. The dock is wet. The whole world is soaking wet. The boat is in the water, and the truck is parked. I step gingerly into the boat, my phone in one hand and the keys in the other. And then ... it all goes wrong. I forget how to walk and use my hands at the same time.

The keys in my left hand somehow jump from my grasp, in a graceful arc above the water, and land with a loud PLINK in the lake below us.

The sound of metal hitting water echoes.

I can still hear it, in fact. PLINK. I gasp.

Oh, what have I done?

That’s our only key to the truck. There is no spare. How in the world can I fix this??

There is a boat tied up next to ours with two young men in full camo.

They look ready for a survival reality show.

Both of them gasp along with me. One shakes his head and says, “Wow, man. Really smooth.”

My heart has sunk to my feet. “I’m so sorry,” I manage to say, quiet as a whisper. But Tim is already headed to the truck. To drive back home and leave me behind? To get his gun and put me out of my misery?

He returns before I can picture any other nightmare scenarios.

He’s got his fishing magnet with him. Luckily it was in the back of the truck and not locked inside.

He helps me from the boat, and we stand side by side on the dock taking turns tossing the magnet into the lake, scraping it on the bottom, and pulling it back in. Over and over, we toss the line and retrieve it. And over and over, we pull back absolutely nothing.

I am quietly crying by now and cannot find the words to fill the silence, only repeating “I’m so sorry” more times than I can count.

Tim puts the line down on the dock and takes my face in his hands. “Stop apologizing,” he says. “Everything is going to be fine.”

And then he kisses my forehead. I forgot the healing power of a kiss on the forehead from the man you love. There’s nothing else like it.

I take a turn with the magnet, focusing in on the spot where I can still envision the keys slipping beneath the surface. And then, on the millionth try, I feel the vibration of metal against the magnet. I tug slowly and feel something moving on the end of the line. Hardly breathing, I pull the line out of the water at a snail’s pace.

And then the magnet breaks the surface, and there are the keys glinting in the mist.

It isn’t until they are in my hands that I let out a huge sigh. Tim pulls me to him, and I can feel his smile against my cheek.

“Best catch of the day already!” He holds up his hand for a high five, grinning and ready to go.

I slide into my seat in the boat and feel myself shaking, still not breathing normally yet.

“You okay?” he asks.

“I will be,” I answer, trying to smile.

“Look at me,” he says. Accidents happen..

What did you think I was going to do?”

“Be angry. Leave.

Never bring me fishing again. The possibilities are endless,” I try to joke.

“You should know better by now, Wendy.

I’m not going to leave you. Ever. Just about everything is fixable, keys included.”

I forgot that Tim is the most easygoing person I’ve ever known.

I forgot that anger is not a familiar emotion for him. I forgot that love, real love, comes from a deep well of patience and thoughtful understanding. I forgot that Tim has given me the gift of that kind of love.

Thanks to a mishap on the lake, I don’t think I will soon forget what I have.

It’s Sunday evening, and we have laughed all day at my clumsiness and my fear. We’ve celebrated my magnet fishing skills. And we’ve breathed sighs of relief that all turned out so well without the need for a locksmith on a Sunday morning.

I took a picture of my keys dangling from the end of the magnet fishing line, and I’m going to frame that so that I can remind myself how very lucky I am. I wish everyone could find what we’ve found.

had to share the covers with a cockroach the size of Tom Brady.

It was one of the best days of my life. Betty Lynn’s assistant told me to arrive early at the Andy Griffith Museum on Rockford Street. So I showed up at sunrise, parked downtown and I walked the old streets with the same giddiness a boy might have when he’s on his way to prom.

There was a bounce in my step.

This was Mayberry.

I had plenty of time to kill so I stopped at a farmer’s market by the courthouse and bought some pink flowers. They weren’t roses, but some kind of exotic flower that costs more than a three-bedroom-two-bath.

I told the florist they were for Betty Lynn,

hoping for a bargain.

The florist replied, “We don’t do bargains in Mayberry. In Mayberry, we got bills to pay, kid.”

When I got to the museum there was a long line of people waiting to get in. Kids, adults, elderly people, middle-aged folks, Midwesterners, Europeans, church groups and journalists. And they were all holding blackand-white photographs of Betty Lynn, waiting for her autograph.

Finally, a lady announced that everyone would have to wait a little longer this morning because Miss Betty had a one-on-one interview with a certain redheaded writer. Yours truly.

I saw about three hundred folks look at me

and snarl in unison.

I fully expected someone to shove a potato in the exhaust pipe of my rental car.

But I forgot about all that when Miss Betty’s wheelchair rolled into our private room, I noticed her brilliant red hair before I saw anything else.

Like I mentioned earlier, I am a longtime redhead. When Betty Lynn saw me, her first words were, “A redhead!

Look! Red hair!” And I got warm and squishy all over.

I started to stammer. I did not expect to get so nervous in front of this woman, but I was trembling. This was Thelma Lou. The Thelma Lou. This was my childhood.

See DIETRICH, page A5

Are We Living For Today or For Eternity?

BRADLEY ROBERTSON

A

s I type words that stir in my heart week to week, I have begun to pay very close attention to the top side of my hands. My Tiffany’s bracelet, dangling from my wrist, taps the table and my wedding rings sparkle from light coming in the window, and with these joyful things I see the wrinkles of age beginning to form.

My hands have started to remind me of my mother and grandmother; soft pale skin, long fingers, covered in faded freckles and a new dry, wrinkly look that wasn’t there a few years ago.

My hands are proof that time is surely marching on faster than it is slow.

The idea of eternity is too much for my brain to imagine.

It actually sends knots and nausea into my stomach if I think about it too long. However, with a curious intent, I can’t help but wonder ...

If this life is one, tiny grain of sand in an ocean, here today and gone tomorrow, then what am I working toward?

Am I living for today or for eternity?

In my world, I see so much fun and good and beauty that I simply don’t want to miss it.

When I block out all the crazy and distraction around me, I see bright sunshine and changing trees. I hear happy children riding four-wheelers. I hear sheep calling for feed as I watch my little nephew climb into their feed trough.

I want to pack up and load up and head to the seashore. I want to dance on my porch to French music with my sister.

I want to absorb every exciting and fantastic idea I can come up with. And although I write, I want to bypass the words all together and just inhale all the joyful living.

I want to run, I want to sit at our pond and sip wine, I want to watch the sun go up and down every day, I want to enjoy all the pleasures that this life has to offer. But I have realized something very important, these joy-filled moments don’t last.

As wonderful as they all are, they always seem to come to an end. And then what?

And then I find myself, late at night, holding a son who is finding his way. I find myself praying alone for my friend Laurel that she will be healed of cancer.

I find myself wiping the tears of a child that is frustrated and confused. I find myself resting in the arms of my husband, repeating the words, “Lord, let us

be your hands and feet”.

I want to live fully for today, in all the splendor of life, but I think that is only half-way to heaven.

In my wondering of ‘everlasting’ I have begun to refine my daily actions in the hopes that my life fits into God's forever.

I prayed recently, “Lord, prune me, that I may be in tune to you and all you will have me do here, today.”

Our odd world has taught us to live moment to moment, but I think God asks us to live for forever.

Eternity looks like serving our neighbor who may be a stranger. Eternity looks like listening to a child with an open heart, even if our to-do list is long. Eternity looks like waves and waves of grace even when our minds say condemn. Eternity looks like holding and loving and doing the things which serve one another, not that which takes away.

Forever is mothering and nurturing.

Forever is speaking wisdom and verse over our family and friends. Forever is fathering. Forever is smiles and kisses and messages of love.

Eternity is the work of our hands and heart, touching the people of this earth, because God himself reaches out and touches us.

“To those who by patiently doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.” Romans 2:7

A5 Oct. 21, 2021

Downtown Public Visioning Tour To Be Held Oct. 27 CONTRIBUTED BY OPELIKA MAIN STREET

Opelika Main Street and Main Street Alabama will be hosting a downtown public visioning tour on Oct. 27.The tour, which will last roughly two hours, will allow attendees a chance to express their ideas for downtown’s future. Ideas from the tour will be shared with local leaders and developers.

There is no charge to participate. Attendees are asked to meet at Courthouse Square at 5:30 p.m.

For more information email info@opelikamainstreet.org.

Bark Bowl Bash to Raise Money for LCHS CONTRIBUTED BY LCHS

Lee County Humane Society (LCHS) is excited to announce its very first Bark Bowl Bash fundraiser at Auburn Oaks Farm on Nov. 7 from 3 to 7 p.m.

The Bark Bowl Bash will feature Bow & Arrow BBQ, John Emerald Distillery, live music, a photo booth, local pet-centered vendors, a $1000 cash giveaway and more.

When you purchase a ticket to Bark Bowl Bash, you are automatically entered into the $1000 cash giveaway raffle. LCHS will also have adoptable pets at the event.

Proceeds from Bark Bowl Bash will help Lee County Humane Society

DIETRICH >>

FROM A4

This was my parents’ childhood. This was Americana in the flesh.

Being a professional writer who handles words for a living, I rose to the occasion, verbally, and remarked with eloquence, “Hi.” A few of the museum employees told me that I was blushing.

Then I handed Miss Betty the flowers.

She thanked me. She smelled them. And overall, I couldn’t believe how outgoing she was.

I’ve never met a ninety-

Nov. 4-7 Public Shopping OVER 700 BOOTHS! Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex

(205) 836-7173 Call for Ticket Info or visit

www.christmasvillagefestival.com

arts, crafts & gifts show

in the annual friendly fundraising competition with Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter (TMAS) during the month of November.

Whichever shelter raises the most money during Bark Bowl will be crowned this year’s Bark Bowl Champion.

LCHS is the reigning champ and we’d love to maintain that title. Funds raised will benefit the 3000 plus homeless pets that come through LCHS every year by providing necessary funds for food, shelter, and medical expenses.

Tickets are available online www. leecountyhumane.org/ bark-bowl-bash Lee County Humane Society is a 501(c) (3) organization, and

all membership fees and donations are tax-deductible. Our mission is to advance humane treatment and responsible ownership of companion animals through community education, animal sheltering and adoption and alleviation of animal

suffering. Our vision is to be the leading advocate for companion animals in our community. We envision a future in which animals are valued, pet overpopulation is eliminated and every adoptable companion animal has a loving and responsible home.

some-year-old lady who was so animated.

Then it happened.

Miss Betty Lynn wheeled closer to me and she kissed my cheek.

I saw camera flashes go off. I saw fellow journalists scribbling on notepads. When her lips hit my cheek, time and space froze.

You see, I have been watching Betty Lynn on television syndication since I was old enough to fill a diaper. I know all her lines by heart, almost every scene and almost every episode.

I can tell you which house in Mayberry she

lived in. Which vocal parts she sang in the Mayberry choir — soprano. I can tell you what her skeet-shooting cousin’s name was (Karen Moore).

So when she touched my red hair and said, “Look at you.” I was no longer in my body. I had gone to be with Jesus.

To tell you the truth, the rest of the interview was a blur.

Though I did ask her to say a few famous lines for me. I’m sure everyone asks her to do this, but she was gracious enough to actually recite the lines for me as though it were the first

time she ever did it.

She said, “Barney’s the man I want to marry, the man I want to be father of my children…”

“But he can’t sing,” I said.

Then, Betty Lynn and every other human being within earshot yelled in perfect unison, “NOT A LICK!” Not a lick.

As long as I live, I will never forget that wonderfully perfect day in Mayberry, USA, spent with a wonderfully perfect woman.

Rest eternally, Betty Lynn. And goodbye forever, Thelma Lou.

A6 Oct. 21, 2021

Noon Tunes Draws Crowd,Appeals to All Ages

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Opelika's hit lunch time concert series 'Noon Tunes' takes place every Wednesday outside of courthouse square from Noon until 1 p.m. Last week, Mark True (pictured middle right) made his Noon Tunes debut, and this week, "Alabama's Singing Cowgirl" Jessie Lynn performed. On Oct. 2, "Muse" will perform, covering classic fan favorites such as the Eagles, Beatles, Van Morrison and more.

2021 Auburn Toy Drive Underway Auburn Public Safety kicked off the 2021 Auburn Toy Drive earlier this month. The program is designed to assist families in the Auburn community by providing Christmas gifts to need children ages two through eight.

REGISTER A CHILD Anyone wishing to register a child to receive a gift can do so at the Auburn Police Department, 141 N. Ross St. Registration is open each Tuesday and Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. through Oct. 27. To participate in the program and receive assistance, a parent or legal guardian must provide their picture ID, the child’s social security card and birth

certificate and two of the three following items: a current light bill, water bill or lease/ rental agreement.

DONATE Anyone wishing to donate to the Auburn Toy Drive can drop off an unwrapped gift at any Auburn Fire Department station or the Auburn Police Department now through Dec. 3. Thanks to the generosity of Life Storage, two remote drop points have also been established at their stores, located at 1231 Gatewood Dr. and 2020 S. College St. Individuals purchasing a gift to be donated can leave it unwrapped and drop it off at one of the listed locations. Helpers will

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITEY OF AUBURN

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN

sort the gifts into ageappropriate categories, and gifts will be delivered during the week before Christmas.

During this holiday

season please remember those who may be less fortunate.

All donations are extremely important.

As always, be

reminded that no monetary donations can be accepted, but any purchased gift is appreciated.

Questions regarding

the Auburn Toy Drive campaign can be directed to Debra Hoyett at the Auburn Police Department at 334-501-3117.

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS Oct. 22: Halloween Enchanted Forest at Kreher Nature Preserve Oct. 22: Friday Fright Night Movies at Kiesel Park Oct. 22: On the Tracks in Opelika Oct. 23: Pioneer Day in Loachapoka

Ann Priester Bennett Recalls Interesting Family History, Heritage Recipes PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

A

nn Priester Bennett is surrounded with family history that stretches throughout Opelika and beyond, with one family member helping to start Priester’s Pecans. Ann honors and gives tributes to those early settlers who worked the land.

Along with her family’s heritage, Ann collected recipes from her grandmother, mother and aunt that bring back memories of growing up on the farm in the Stonewall community, located north of Oak Bowery Road in Opelika.

Ann’s great-grandfather, James Richard Priester, and his brother moved to Lee County in 1888 from Ft. Deposit because the water tasted terrible there. Their uncle, Richard Lockhart, who lived in Gold Hill, told the brothers to come to Lee County where the water was sweet tasting,

and he would help them get farmland.

Her great-grandfather and his brother married sisters from the Farmville community, Leila and Mattie Wilson. Both were second wives and much younger than their husbands. Leila moved to Fort Deposit and helped her Priester family there start Priester's Pecans.

Ann’s great-grandparents started the farm by railroad tracks, which were installed in 1868, with a stone wall on one side. They opened a store by the tracks that served the surrounding community. The name Stonewall came from a place down the tracks with a stacked stone wall where trains stopped at the wall coming from Gold Hill.

When Ann’s grandfather, Bruce Priester, married her grandmother, they built a white house

on the farm in 1923 that is still there. On the farm they grew vegetables and could get items at the store started by the great-grandparents.

Ann’s grandmother's maid, Lily Wynn, made hoecakes, while the grandmother made tomato sauce to serve with fresh vegetables.

Ann’s grandfather also had cotton fields off Waverly Parkway. When one of the mills was being built, her grandfather was approached about selling the land to build cottages for the workers.

The cottages were built with a street down the center called Priester Road.

When Ann’s father was growing up, he enjoyed working at the farm. He graduated from the veterinary school at Auburn University.

While working on his internship in Greenville, he met Barbara. After

was always at the farm at Christmas and made her Ambrosia recipe.

While Ann’s mother, Barbara, had a cook, she also cooked. While the grandfather had grown cotton, Ann’s father switched over to cattle.

Roast beef and other beef dishes were often served.

Barbara operated Priester’s Mobile Home Park on Waverly Parkway. There weren’t many apartments in Opelika in those days. Many well-known Opelikans started their careers and

families while living there.

Ann and Kevin met in high school at Scott Prep and started dating in their junior year. They continued to date while attending Auburn University. Kevin’s parents, Joan and the late Luther Bennett, owned Bennett Appliances in Opelika for many years.

After they graduated from Auburn University, Ann and Kevin moved to Kingsport, Tennessee, where Kevin worked as an engineer.

See CIPPERLY, page A10

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Amy Speace will make her long-overdue Sundilla debut on Friday, Oct. 22. This one will take place at The Sound Wall in Opelika; show time is 7:30 p.m., and you can get advance tickets for just $20 at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee and online at sundillamusic.com. Admission at the door will be $25. The audience is welcome to bring their own favorite food or beverage.

Weather permitting, the show will take place outdoors, but if it is too cold or too rainy it will move inside.

Amy Speace is timeless and classic, and a bit out of her own era.

“She has one of the richest and loveliest voices in the genre and her songs are luxuriously smart,” writes journalist Craig Havighurst (host of Nashville’s “Music City Roots). “She’s profoundly personal yet also a bit mythic.”

Since her discovery in 2006 by folk-pop icon Judy Collins, who signed her to her own imprint Wildflower Records, Speace has been heralded as one of the leading voices of the new generation of American folk singers. Her song “The Weight of the World” was named as the No. 4 Best Folk

they married, the couple moved to the farm and built their house.

Ann’s Aunt Jeanne Priester lived on the farm. She was a home economist who presented cooking demonstrations for Sunflower Meal across the south. Then, she worked for the extension service at Auburn and taught cooking classes on the first public television’s cooking show.

Later, Jeanne worked in Washington D.C. and started the Meals on Wheels program. She

Gogue Center Announces Spring 2022 Performances

AMY SPEACE at The Sound Wall Oct. 22 CONTRIBUTED BY SUNDILLA

Ann and Kevin Bennett both grew up in Lee County, graduated from Auburn University and then moved away for years. They returned home in 2009 and built their home on farm land that has been in Ann’s family since 1888.

Song of the last decade.

“We have been hoping to bring Amy Speace to Sundilla for quite a while” said Sundilla organizer Bailey Jones.

“But she is always in demand by venues around the country and overseas, and she took some time off to have a baby, which made the process even more daunting. We managed to book her for October 2019, and sadly her father passed away that week, so we had to re-schedule. But while we had to wait two years, it did give Amy time to record a new CD. In my opinion it’s her best yet, and the title track has become my favorite Amy Speace song.”

Speace has had her songs recorded by Judy Collins, Red Molly, Memphis Hall of Fame bluesman Sid Selvidge and many others. Amy has

been featured on NPR’s “All Things Considered” and “Marketplace” and has appeared four times on “Mountain Stage”, as well as many folk festivals around the world.

While most Sundilla concerts take place at Pebble Hill in Auburn, this one will be at The Sound Wall in Opelika.

“Pebble Hill isn’t available for this show,” Jones said.

“But Rob and Jen Slocumb at The Sound Wall stepped up, and have once again made their fantastic space available to us. We can’t thank them enough.”

Sundilla will present Amy Speace at The Sound Wall on Friday, Oct. 22. The show will be outdoors if the weather permits, indoors if it does not. For more information, go to www. sundillamusic.com.

CONTRIBUTED BY THE GOGUE CENTER Believe it or not, 2022 is just around the corner, and a new year of topnotch arts entertainment at the Gogue Center is on its way.

Our Spring 2022 lineup boasts some of the biggest names in rock, jazz, dance and chamber arts, not to mention the highly anticipated return of touring Broadway musicals.

In January, the Gogue Center will present multi-night performances of Fiddler on the Roof (Jan. 3 and 4) and Beautiful: the Carole King Musical (Jan. 29 and 30) as well as the return of iconoclastic bassist Edgar

Meyer with his eclectic quartet, Bush / Marshall / Meyer / Meyer (Jan. 27).

We then move into February in electrifying style, presenting two very different yet equally compelling dance companies: Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenco (Feb. 10) and the Bessie Award-winning Camille A. Brown & Dancers (Feb. 18). The packed month also includes performances by legendary jazz saxophonist Branford Marsalis (Feb. 20), the thunderous Japanese drum collective Yamato (Feb. 25) and Tony Award-winning singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell with folk-rock group Bonny Light Horseman (Feb. 27).

Our March perfor-

mances offer a mixture of the classical and modern, featuring the celebrated chamber orchestra Les Violons du Roy with pianist Jeremy Denk (March 13), the Cuban jazz supergroup Alfredo Rodríguez and Pedrito Martinez (March 18), the innovative, boundary-stretching Ballet X (March 26) and a visit from jazz mega-star Kenny G (March 26).

In April, the Gogue Center welcomes the long-awaited appearance of blue-eyed soul legends The Righteous Brothers (April 23), fronted by Bill Medley and Auburn alumnus Bucky Heard, as well as performanc-

See GOGUE page A11

A8 Oct. 21, 2021

Making the Grade: Jersey Mike’s Subs

A

ccording to the internet (Again, I have to admit that researching with technology is faster than with books; however, I really hope that none of my 3,000 to 4000+ former students will never read that statement.), the sandwich wasn’t invented

by John Montagu, the 4th Earl of Sandwich, but he may have popularized it.

Around 1762, the Earl was gambling; he didn’t want his game interrupted and so asked for “his meat to be served between two slices of bread.” The story went on to say that this could “have been rumor or adverse propaganda put about by his rivals.”

However, the name stuck when people may have begun ordering “the same as Sandwich.”

As a result, people all over the world consume a variety of sandwiches every day. I often packed them for lunch as a teacher, then favoring turkey, cheese, lettuce and tomato on wheat bread.

What’s your favorite sandwich? I have eaten

to try a Tastykake, which is described as an “iconic Northeast baked dessert, assorted flavors.” They look delicious to this girl from the Southeast.

I also have to mention the sweet employees Mike and I have met at Jersey Mike’s Subs. All of them are kind, hard working and helpful. For instance, on one evening, as Mike and I were waiting on our orders, a very young man who worked at another nearby business in Tiger Town came in to place an order. However, he didn’t have enough money for what he wanted, so he turned to leave.

“What do you want on it?” asked Rob, one of those terrific employees at Jersey Mike’s Subs.

“But I don’t have enough …” the young man said.

“What do you want on it?”

Rob asked again. The young man then told him what he wanted.

Rob’s act of kindness made Mike and me smile. In return, Rob requested something from the young man’s business, and he went to get it. Kindness never goes out of style.

As I’ve said before, parents and grandparents of Lee County, you should be proud of the many wonderful young people whom you are raising. Mike and I have observed many of them since we were blessed to move here in 2015. They warm our retired teachers’ hearts.

Unfortunately, too often the nightly news focuses on young people who commit crimes and ignore the vast

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

a lot of wonderful sandwiches here in Lee County.

However, my FAVORITE sandwich in our area is without a doubt at Jersey Mike’s Subs at 2336 Tiger Town Parkway in Opelika.

I absolutely LOVE the Mike’s Chicken Philly, which should be the prototype for sandwiches everywhere. Jersey Mike’s wonderful employees (more about them later) grill my chicken with onions, peppers and white American cheese. This delectable concoction is then placed on white bread; I have them add lettuce and tomato. Too. delicious. to. describe.

Mike prefers Mike’s Famous Philly. It is identical to mine except it has grilled steak instead of chicken.

Mike wanted me to add that we traveled to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a few years ago and ate a genuine Philly Cheese Steak Sandwich. To him, Jersey Mike’s Famous Philly tastes just as good as the one in Philadelphia, where the sandwich originated. Enough said.

Jersey Mike’s also offers a large variety of other hot subs, some of which include: Grilled Portabella Mushroom & Swiss, Big Kahuna Cheese Steak and the Bacon Ranch Chicken Cheese Steak. If you prefer a cold sub, Jersey Mike’s also has a great selection, some of which include: Ham and Provolone, the Original Italian, Club Sub, BLT and the Stickball Special. A variety of chips, drinks and desserts are also available. When my A1C sufficiently drops, I want

majority who are terrific.

A hearty thank you goes to Rob, Travis and Christian from Jersey Mike’s Subs for making us proud and for making our day.

Jersey Mike’s Subs in Tiger Town is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Run, do not walk, to get the best sandwich in Lee County.

Jersey Mike’s Subs makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Poohsized” 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

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A9 Oct. 21, 2021

'You're The One That I Want'

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

OHTS producation of "Grease: You're the One That I Want" opened last weekend. The final show is scheduled for this Friday, Oct. 19 at 7 p.m. For tickets, email OHTS@opelikaschools.org.

A10 Oct. 21, 2021

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A7

When they lived in Kingsport, Ann and her friends made Strawberry Freezer Jam every year, and it was popular for Christmas gifts. The recipe for Skoby’s Restaurant’s Creamed Corn is from a famous restaurant in Kingsport that served the corn as a side with steaks.

Ann and Kevin moved back to Opelika in December 2009 and built a house at the farm near her mother. For an outdoor fireplace, Kevin found rocks from chim-

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> LIVING ON FARM LILY WYNN’S HOT WATER HOECAKES Grandmother’s maid lived on the farm.

1 cup self-rising cornmeal Pinch of salt Scant 2 cups boiling water Bacon drippings for frying pan Boil water and heat bacon drippings in skillet. Put cornmeal and pinch of salt in mixing bowl. Pour hot water very slowly over cornmeal, stirring constantly as you pour. Mix until smooth.

Spoon batter into hot drippings to make pancake style hoecake patties approximately 3-inch diameter. Cook until golden brown on both sides and drain on paper towel. Serve immediately. Makes about 10 hoecakes.

PRIESTER FAMILY COOKED TOMATO TOPPING FOR PEAS AND BUTTERBEANS Fill half a Dutch Oven with peeled tomatoes or use 1 gallon canned tomatoes.

Add 2 cups chopped onions Add 2 cups chopped bell peppers Add ½ cup white vinegar Cook for 3 hours on low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking on bottom.

You will cook tomatoes down to half original pan level.

Add ¼ cup sugar, and cook another 30 minutes, stirring more frequently to avoid scorching.

Put in freezer containers and cool.

Freeze or use refrigerated amount within 10 days.

MAMA’S PRIESTER FAMILY CORNBREAD DRESSING 1 onion, chopped 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 stick salted butter 1 pan cornbread 4-5 pieces of white bread, torn in small pieces

neys remaining from early houses built by those who lived on the great-grandfather’s land.

Kevin dug up rocks from places where houses had been. The only things remaining are the rocks and daffodils.

The keystones in the arch of the fireplace are rocks that were pulled from the original stone wall where the train stopped. Kevin found an Indian grinding stone that was used in the hearth of the fireplace.

“It’s our historic fireplace,” Ann said. “It is a tribute to the people who came before us on 1 qt chicken broth 3 eggs, slightly whisked ¼ to ½ cup milk to help with stirring consistency 1 tsp. poultry seasoning 3/4 tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper Sauté onion and celery in butter until glazed.

Crumble cornbread in a very large mixing bowl.

Add torn white bread pieces Add chicken broth and glazed onions and celery and mix.

Add eggs and stir thoroughly, add milk as you stir. Add seasonings.

Bake in greased pan at 375 degrees for 45 minutes or until top is light golden brown.

MOODY’S STEAKHOUSE FAMOUS CHICKEN BRISTLE This recipe was served by Moody’s steakhouse in Greenville and was a regional treat. All statewide Alabama politicians went to Moody’s and ate their Chicken Bristle on the Alabama campaign trail during the late 40s, 50s, and early 60s.

My mother grew up in Greenville and loved eating there.

6 chicken broilers or fryers cut in half 1 qt. apple cider vinegar 1 lb. butter plus 1 stick, divided 2 Tbsp. salt ½ tsp. red pepper ½ lemon Bread or hamburger bun halves for the number of people you will serve In large Dutch oven, melt 1 lb. butter in heated vinegar. Add salt and red pepper. Drop in lemon. Do not add ketchup.

Dip chicken halves in sauce and place on large grill. Baste regularly with sauce while grilling.

Add one stick of butter to the sauce when chicken is done (about an hour) and put on bread or bun. Toast on grill.

Serve toast with the Chicken Bristle.

the farm. We wanted to recognize the full history of the people who lived on the land before us. They knew how hard it was to work a farm in the heat when trying to grow crops.

We wanted to recognize the labor and hard work of those who worked the land.”

Ann is the fourth generation to grow up on the farm. When she was growing up, Ann and her family spent many Christmases in the grandparents’ home.

She has fond memories with family and good food being served.

COURTNEY’S APPLE BUTTER Recipe developed by her great-grandmother Barshie Davis Makes great gifts!

4 quarts peeled/ diced apples (Winesap or Limbertwig are best) ½ tsp. nutmeg 4 tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. cloves 3 ½ cups sugar Place ingredients except for sugar in a crock-pot, and cook on low for about 3 hours. Keep adding a little water to keep from sticking.

After 3 hours, stir and mash. Continue cooking stirring and watching apples for softness.

After about 6 hours, add sugar and cook for another 3 hours. Makes 4 pints of apple butter.

CROCK-POT BEEF STEW 1 lb. stew beef (can double the amount) ½ cup flour 2 Tbsp. oil 1 cup beef broth ¼ tsp. pepper 2 tsp. salt 2 tsp. sugar 3 bay leaves 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 onion, finely chopped 4-5 potatoes, cut into wedges 2-3 carrots, sliced 4 cups water ½ cup celery, diced 1/8 tsp. pepper Mix flour and salt and pepper. Coat meat with mixture.

Heat oil in skillet, add flour coated meat and brown meat on all sides.

In a crock-pot combine beef, Worcestershire sauce, onion, beef broth, 1/8 tsp. pepper, sugar and rest of vegetables. Cook on high for 6 to 7 hours until vegetables are all tender. Remove bay leaves before serving.

Serve with corn bread or over rice.

Serves 4 to 6.

SKOBY’S RESTAURANT CREAMED CORN

Among the recipes she is sharing is her mother’s cornbread dressing that her sister, Sharon Witt, now makes for holidays.

Her other sister, Reeder Dulaney, makes a yummy blueberry cobbler.

Another of her mother’s recipes is Moody’s Steakhouse Famous Chicken Bristle that was served at the popular restaurant in Greenville.

She is also sharing her grandmother’s recipe for tomato sauce to serve with vegetables, as well as Lily Wynn’s hoecakes.

The apple butter recipe is from their daughter-

in-law Courtney, who is married to their youngest son, Luke. Courtney was close to her great-grandmother who developed the recipe, which is great to make for gifts.

Courtney and Luke live in Florida and have two children and one on the way.

Ann and Kevin have two other sons. Their oldest, O’Brien, named after grandparents, is a high school football coach in Tennessee. He and his wife, Katie, have five children with one on the way. Their other son, Rob, lives in Washington, D.C., and has a son.

Ann and Kevin’s home is the setting for many family gatherings. Ann enjoys hosting, and her sisters help by bringing food. At Thanksgiving everyone has their favorite dishes.

Since moving back, Ann has become involved in the community and at the First Baptist Church in Opelika. “I am back to my roots,” Ann said. Like other generations before her, the farm calls family back to the gentle, restful memories of the past.

Cipperly can be reaches at recipes@cipperly. com.

20 oz. frozen corn 1 pint half and half ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 2 Tbsp. flour 2 Tbsp. sugar 2 Tbsp. melted butter Breadcrumbs for topping Mix half and half, salt, pepper, flour, sugar and butter together in large saucepan. Pour corn into mixture and cook, stirring very frequently, on stove top at low-medium heat about 20 minutes. Do not let mixture stick to bottom of cooking pan.

Pour mixture into greased casserole dish. Top with light sprinkling of breadcrumbs and bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes. Serves 8.

Then heat water to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir for 1 minute.

Pour hot water mixture over strawberries. Stir constantly at least 3 minutes to make sure sugar is dissolved.

Spoon mixture into freezer containers.

Make sure there is at least ½ inch space at top. Seal containers, making sure there is no jelly mixture on lid to prevent sealing.

Let stand at room temperature 24 hours until set. Put in freezer. Thaw before use. Tastes great with biscuits, muffins or toast. Can be refrigerated 3 weeks.

milk cans ahead of time to speed freezing process.

ANN’S KETO/ GLUTEN FREE SAUSAGE CASSEROLE 1 lb. cooked and drained hot sausage 1 lb. cooked and drained mild sausage 2 cups half and half 6 eggs, slightly beaten 1 tsp. dry mustard 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese Place sausage in bottom of large, greased casserole dish.

Blend all other ingredients and pour over sausage.

Bake approximately 45 minutes at 375 degrees. Let set about 10 minutes prior to serving.

Serves 8.

STRAWBERRY FREEZER JAM Makes great gifts.

2 pints fresh strawberries, capped and chopped 4 cups sugar 1 pkg. Sure-Gel 3/4 cup cold water Cap, wash and chop fresh ripe berries. Add 4 cups sugar. Stir well and allow to sit 20 minutes until sugar melts. Dissolve Sure-Gel in water.

REEDER’S VERY EASY BLUEBERRY COBBLER 1 stick butter melted in casserole dish 1 cup self-rising flour 1 cup sugar 1 cup milk 1 pint (2 cups) of rinsed and drained blueberries Can substitute 1 large can sliced peaches instead of blueberries 1/2 tsp. cinnamon Mix flour, sugar, milk and cinnamon to make batter. Add fruit to melted butter and spread over bottom of casserole dish. Pour batter over fruit. Bake at 350 degrees about 45 minutes. Serves 6.

REEDER’S EASY HOMEMADE ICE CREAM 1 can sweetened condensed milk 1 can evaporated milk 2 ½ cups sugar 1 Tbsp. vanilla ½ gallon whole milk Mix all ingredients and pour into ice cream freezer bucket. Add ice and salt to ice cream maker according to appliance directions. Plug in and run the ice cream maker until it slows down, then stops. Ice cream is ready to serve.

If you are in a hurry, refrigerate the sweetened condensed and evaporated

AMBROSIA My Aunt Jeanne always made Ambrosia for us at family meals at my grandmother’s house. When she worked in Washington, D.C., Aunt Jeanne created the Meals on Wheels program.

6 oranges, halved and sectioned out 1 cup shredded coconut ½ cup chopped pecans Pinch salt 1 jar maraschino cherries 1 tsp. powdered sugar Stir oranges, coconut, pecans and salt together.

Put in pretty serving cups and lightly dust powdered sugar on top of the mixture.

Top servings with a maraschino cherry.

EASY SLAW 1 lb. bag slaw mix or angel hair slaw 2 Tbsp. white vinegar 1 tsp. grated onion flakes 1/8 tsp. pepper 1/8 tsp. salt ¼ cup mayonnaise Stir all together until slaw mixture is completely coated.

Wait at least 15 minutes to serve. Store in airtight container in refrigerator 3 to 4 days.

SPECIAL K MUFFINS Crushed Special K cereal to make 1 cup 1¾ cups Bisquick ½ cup sugar 1 scant cup milk Mix and let sit about 10 minutes to let cereal soften. ½ cup applesauce 2 eggs Fold in ½ cup applesauce and 2 slightly whisked eggs and mix well by hand.

Grease muffin pan with Baking Pam. Pour batter into muffin cups and bake at 375 degrees for 17 minutes in dark pan or 18 minutes in regular non-stick pan or until lightly golden brown on top. Makes 12 muffins.

See CIPPERLY RECIPES, page A11

A11 Oct. 21, 2021

Opelika Native Built His Own Microgreening Business Opelika native Chris Barber has had many interests throughout his life.

Whether it be practicing how to skateboard, becoming a pro at flying drones or working with computers, he puts his all into each new hobby or profession he tries.

About a year ago he had that same

GOGUE >>

FROM A7

es by breakout star of stage-and-screen Lauren Patten (April 24) and a mesmerizing musical duel

by Piano Battle (April 2).

Winding down in May,

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> BARBARA’S BREAD PUDDING ¾ cup sugar ½ tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. vanilla 3 cups heavy cream 6 cups cubed bread, preferably French baguette ½ cup raisins Butter 8- to 10-inch baking pan. In large mixing bowl, briefly beat eggs with mixer on low. Add sugar, cinnamon and vanilla and whisk well together into eggs.

Add heavy cream and blend into mixture.

Add bread and raisins to mixture and let sit for 30 minutes.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. After mixture has sat for 30 minutes, pour into buttered baking pan. Cover with non-stick foil and bake for 25 minutes.

Remove foil covering and bake about 30 to 35 more minutes so that pudding mix is firm.

Remove from oven and cool pudding until warm. Cut into squares and serve.

Serves 10.

VEGETABLE DIP Serve with sliced carrots, broccoli and celery.

8 oz. pkg. Philadelphia Cream Cheese, room temperature ½ cup mayonnaise ¼ tsp. garlic powder 1 Tbsp. A1 Sauce Whip cream cheese, add mayonnaise, garlic powder and A1 sauce.

SAUSAGE BALLS 1 lb. hot sausage uncooked 1 lb. mild sausage uncooked ¼ tsp. salt 2 lb. shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 pkg. of real bacon bits 4 cups Bisquick

persistence when it came to learning about microgreens and from there his business Barber’s Microgreens LLC was created. It is a company that provides locally grown microgreens to restaurants, businesses and homes in the Opelika and Auburn areas.

While he still works his job as a drone operator for a surveying company, the 27-year-old first

became interested in learning about micro greening about a year ago.

“I ended up working on Youngs plant farm, I was there growing manager for a few years so that was the beginning of my farming experience,” Barber said. “I didn’t do much with it after leaving that job but last January I saw an idea

our Spring 2022 season rounds out with the lighter-than-air circus arts spectacle Air Play by Acrobuffos (May 13) and is bookended by two more Broadway musicals — nationally renowned productions of Rodger’s & Hammerstein’s OKLA-

HOMA! (May 17, 18, 19) and Anastasia (May 31 and June 1).

Tickets to many of the shows in Spring 2022 — particularly Broadway — are likely to sell out quickly. Patrons are encouraged to secure their seats as soon as possible

2 Tbsp. milk 1 Tbsp. Moore’s Marinade or Worcestershire sauce Mix all ingredients and then knead into a dough ball.

This takes at least 10 minutes to make the dough ball.

Preheat oven to 400. Set out 2 cookie sheets and put parchment paper on each cookie sheet.

Form sausage balls of approximately 1-1½ inches and place on parchment paper. Bake about 12 minutes and watch closely the next few minutes depending on size of the balls. Balls are done when you see some bubbling coming through top of balls. Remove from oven and place on paper towel to drain any excess grease. Makes about 4 dozen.

MAMA’S SHRIMP 1 lb. uncooked large shrimp, rinsed and dried 1 tsp. cornstarch, sprinkled on shrimp to make sure it is dry 1 lemon Mix following oil and seasonings: 3 Tbsp. olive oil 3/4 tsp. Old Bay Seasoning 1/2 tsp. Original Mrs. Dash seasoning Heat olive oil in pan on top of stove to medium heat, not frying heat.

Add shrimp to oil mixture and start stirring shrimp, turning over when pink. If shrimp start curling, they are done. Remove from pan and squeeze slight amount of lemon juice over each shrimp.

Pour shrimp and oil mixture into serving dish. Serve immediately with wild rice or buttered noodles and salad.

Serves 6.

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY MEGAN MANN FOR THE OBSERVER

See BUSINESS, page A12

JOAN’S SQUASH CASSEROLE 3 cups cooked and mashed squash 2 whisked eggs 1 cup evaporated milk 1 cup grated cheddar cheese 2 cups cracker crumbs ¾ stick butter, sliced into small pieces ¾ cup finely chopped onions Salt and pepper to taste Whip squash with mixer and fold in onions, eggs, milk and cheese. Pour into greased casserole dish and top with cracker crumbs.

Spread butter slices across top of cracker crumbs.

Bake at 375 degrees covered for 30 minutes and then cook uncovered for 10 minutes. Serves 10.

LUTHER’S SWEET MUFFINS 2 cups Bisquick 2/3 cup sugar 1 egg 2/3 cup milk 2 Tbsp. oil 1 cup chopped pecans, optional Mix all ingredients and pour into greased muffin tins.

Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 15 minutes. Serve with cold apple butter.

DEBRA’S GREEN BEAN PACKETS 2 cans whole green beans, drained 2 tsp. dry mustard 1 lb. raw bacon slices, cut into thirds 1 cup brown sugar Grease a metal baking dish. Mix mustard and brown sugar in small mixing bowl. Wrap bacon around green beans, making packets secured with toothpicks and

to avoid missing out on their favorite artists and performances.

As a reminder, tickets purchased for any rescheduled performances — including those purchased as part of a subscription package from either the inaugural or place each packet in baking dish.

Sprinkle brown sugar mustard mixture over green bean packets. Cook covered at 350 degrees for 30 minutes, then uncover and broil for 3 to 5 minutes to finish bacon. Serves 6.

HAMBURGER CASSEROLE 2 cups spaghetti sauce 1½ - 2 cups cooked ground beef (Note: can substitute 3 cups leftover spaghetti with meat sauce) 1 can cream of mushroom soup 2 Tbsp. milk 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar cheese 1 ½ cups cooked and drained macaroni noodles Stir together spaghetti sauce, mushroom soup and milk. Add shredded cheese and meat.

Add cooked macaroni noodles, stir, and pour into greased casserole dish. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Great for supper with salad and garlic-salted Parmesan cheese toast. Serves 6 to 8.

BEST EVER BANANA PUDDING 3 ½ Tbsp. all-purpose flour 1½ cups sugar Pinch of salt 3 eggs, separate yolks and save whites for meringue 3 cups whole milk 1 tsp. real vanilla extract 12 oz. pkg vanilla wafers, divided into 3 groups 6 medium bananas ¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 tsp. real vanilla extract Combine flour, 1½ cups sugar and

2020–21 seasons — will be honored on rescheduled performance dates.

For more information on Spring 2022 performances, visit www. goguecenter.auburn.edu/.

Tickets to any performance may be purchased via the links below,

by telephone at 334.844.

TIXS (8497), online at www.goguecentertickets.auburn.edu/Online/ default.asp or in person at the Gogue Center box office, located at 910 S. College St. in Auburn, from 1 to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.

salt in saucepan.

Beat egg yolks and combine with milk, continuing to beat mixture. Stir into saucepan’s ingredients, and cook on stovetop over medium heat. Stir constantly until custard mixture is smooth and thick, then remove from heat and add tsp. of real vanilla extract.

Layer the bottom of a 3 qt. baking dish (deep dish this size works better than long dish) with 1/3 of vanilla wafers.

Add banana slices from 2 bananas on top of vanilla wafers. Pour 1/3 of the custard mixture over the bananas. Repeat vanilla wafers layer and thin layer of custard and 2 sliced banana layers twice.

Make meringue by beating room temperature egg whites until foamy.

Very gradually add the ¼ cup sugar plus 2 Tbsp. sugar to egg white mixture.

Continue to beat the egg whites to form stiff peaks. Add 1 tsp. vanilla and stir into mixture.

Spread meringue over top of pudding mixture, making sure all edges are covered. Bake at 425 degrees 10 minutes to achieve light golden brown meringue. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Soften gelatin in cold water, stirring constantly.

Put V-8 in large (4 cup) measuring cup and heat in microwave approximately 2 minutes until hot.

Add gelatin mix into hot V-8 and stir until completely dissolved.

Add lemon juice, Worcestershire Sauce, horseradish, salt and sugar, and stir until well mixed. Pour into mold or into Pyrex dish and chill until set firm.

Top each serving with dollop of mayonnaise or a medium size boiled shrimp. Serves 6 to 8.

MAMA’S PREFERRED TOMATO ASPIC 1 envelope of unflavored gelatin ¼ cup cold water 1 ¾ cups V-8 vegetable juice 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 2 tsp. Worcestershire Sauce 1 Tbsp. horseradish 1 tsp. salt ¼ tsp. sugar 3 shakes of Tabasco sauce

ISRAELI SHAKSHUKA When our Friends to Israel group traveled to Israel, this was on the menu at breakfast at every hotel where we stayed.

2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 medium onion, diced 1 seeded and diced red bell pepper 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped ¼ tsp. chili powder 28 oz. can whole tomatoes, drained 6 eggs Salt and pepper to taste Small batch chopped cilantro Small batch chopped parsley Sauté onion and bell pepper in olive oil until onion is translucent.

Add garlic, chili powder, salt and pepper.

Add tomatoes and crush down to make a mash. Cook crushed tomato mixture about 15 minutes making sure it is good and hot.

Make 6 wells in mixture like a nest to poach each egg. Add each egg to nest hole.

Lightly salt each egg.

Cover pan and cook 5 to 8 minutes or until poached eggs are done to preferred hardness.

Garnish with cilantro and parsley, Optional – can add feta cheese to top. Serve with pita bread.

A12 Oct. 21, 2021

OTC Wants Them!

CONTRIBUTED BY OTC

Opelika Theatre Company (OTC) is partnering with Funds2org to launch a unique fundraising experience for Lee County and the surrounding communities.

We are not asking for money or to buy something like typical fundraisers do. Instead, we are asking you to DONATE/ GIVE us your gently worn shoes. All we ask is that the shoes be free of holes and tears.

OTC will collect the shoes and have several places around the area for drop-off sites. Funds2org will pick up the shoes

and send them to thirdworld countries where they help micro-entrepreneurs launch their own businesses to build their economies and support their families.

OTC’s GOAL is to collect 100,000 pairs of shoes.

The campaign launches Oct. 27.

Follow OTC on Facebook and Instagram under Opelika Theatre Company and the website — www.opelikatheatrecompany.com The main drop-off location will be 1103 Glenn St. inside the Southside Center for the Arts.

DOWNTOWN EVENTS • Oct. 22 — Live Music by Kasey Kaschak at Resting Pulse Brewing Company • Oct 22. — On the Tracks • Oct. 23— Live music by Cameron Dubois at Resting Pulse Brewing Company

FROM A11

about micro greening, and it made me interested.”

Barber started his business by getting involved with some of Auburn’s restaurants through personal connections.

“One of my good friends is a chef from here that worked under David Bancroft at Acre,” Barber said.

“Because of that I had some connections in the restaurant industry and reached out to them. I asked them who was providing their microgreens and if they would be interested in doing it locally” The entrepreneur received great responses

and started figuring out how to turn his idea into a full-blown business.

“The next day after meeting with Acre I ordered a bunch of equipment and did what I do best. I dove headfirst in research like my life depended on it and here I am.”

Barber said.

His process is unique and appealing to customers because he uses zero pesticides or chemicals, and the ingredients are freshly grown on an Urban farm in Opelika.

Barber has been the microgreen provider for multiple restaurants in Auburn, but his main customers right now are Acre and Zazu, two high

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

GOT SHOES?

BUSINESS >>

end restaurants in Auburn and Downtown Opelika.

“I meet with the chefs and chat with them to get to know what they like, and I make sure they know all of the details of what I am bringing to the table,” he said.

“I usually bring a big box of about 10 to 12 different varieties for free and if they have time, I try it with them to see what they think. I find out their

needs and see how they like things done” He talks about how important it is to build a relationship with the customers.

“One of my biggest goals is to try and keep everything personable and consistent,” Barber said.

Barber’s Microgreens also provides an at home subscription service. His most common items ordered are a large order of microgreens for $25 or a small sampler for $14. The small sampler comes with two different sample flavors and the large comes with four.

“Every week I plant new stuff and mix up the varieties available for these subscriptions. I want my customers to have different items and not get the same things over and over,” Barber said. “It’s something that I think the customers have grown to like, it’s kind of a mystery box. It sparks their creativity with cooking and makes them think outside of the box” Besides a little help from his wife, Barber does everything on his own. He hopes that with hard work and consistency that this side gig will flourish into his full-time career.

“My overall goal would be to grow this business to the point that it’s what I do for a living. I want it to be established with my name on it,” he said. “I think it would give me a feeling of purpose to have something completely my own.”

You can find out more about the business and how to purchase a subscription by visiting their Facebook page, Barber’s Microgreens LLC or by calling them at (334) 750-4182.

A13 Oct. 21, 2021

Seeing Ourselves Correctly

BRUCE GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

I

t wouldn’t be impossible to feel compassion for Haman (he was, after all, someone’s son), but you’d have to work at it. The portrait painted of him in Esther is of someone who long ago said goodbye to any attempt to be a

decent human being.

In place of that is a dark, foreboding, destructive personality toxic to the touch. The saying, “Man gets the sin, then sin gets the man” is witnessed in him. We begin to see this unraveling in Esther 6.

Xerxes wants to honor someone (v.

1-3), and Haman can think of no one better than himself.

“Who is there the king would rather honor than me?” (v.

6). We may shake our heads, but disciples aren’t immune to such a spirit. Two of them asked Jesus for the places of

honor in His kingdom (Mark 10:35ff).

You can hear echoes of it today when someone smirks and tells us, “God loves everyone, but I’m His favorite.”

By contrast, Jesus tells a parable in Luke 14:7-11 instructing us to take the seat of lowest honor and only move up if we’re offered something more. That is exactly the way we should approach life and is in sharp distinction to the inordinate amount of self-promotion and status seeking that characterizes so much of our culture

today.

As for Haman, he falls all over himself telling the king what should be done for the man he thinks is himself. Of course, the irony is that the man Xerxes wants to honor is actually Mordecai — the person Haman is obsessed with destroying and has recently had a pole built to impale him upon.

Instead, in a stunning reversal, Haman must now put the king’s robe on Mordecai, place him on the king’s horse and lead it through the city proclaiming, “This is what is done for the man the

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN king delights to honor” (Esther 6:11).

Pride is a failure to see ourselves as we really are. It is a critical lapse in self-awareness. We are sinners saved by the grace of God and it is always a good idea to act that way.

For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted. (Matthew 23:21) 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 Evil will slay the wicked; the foes of the righteous will be condemned.

— PSALM 34:21

CHURCH NEWS

DIRECTORY APOSTOLIC HOLINESS Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Inc. 28 Sanford Ave., Opelika 334-745-0210 God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528 Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117 Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST

Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Good Sheperd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054 METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151 Place your ad here!

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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 Oct. 21, 2021

How to Stop Gnawing On a Dry Bone

T

WALTER ALBRITTON

here have been times in my life when I was miserable and discouraged. Joy had taken a holiday. During one of those periods I heard God saying to me, “You pay too much

attention to what others are doing, or not doing, and not enough attention to what I am doing.

Change your focus from others to me.”

I began trying to change my focus but soon realized this would be a daily challenge.

The temptation to focus more on others than God recurs throughout our lives. Victory then comes only through diligent obedience, day after day, to the inner voice of Jesus.

Listening to Jesus while reading his words

in the gospels is the best remedy for overcoming the temptation to pay more attention to others than God. For example, in his most famous sermon, Jesus says, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged.” He goes on to explain the danger of focusing too much on others: You become their judge. When I read these words I know Jesus is talking to me: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust

in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye.”

Jesus was speaking to me because one of my flaws is a tendency to speak critically of others instead of remaining

mercifully silent or finding some way to offer words of praise. E. Stanley Jones called this flaw “gnawing on dry bones,” a good way to starve yourself. Recalling the pathetic sight in India of a skinny dog gnawing on a dry bone, Jones said that more pathetic than that is “a Christian gnawing on some dry bone of grievance against others. It is a poor diet and the soul grows thin on it.”

The way to stop gnawing on a dry bone is to focus primarily on

Christ. Because everyone is flawed, people will disappoint us.

Only Christ is always dependable. He will never let us down. And He will give us the grace to overcome the temptation to focus on the faults of others and make ourselves miserable while starving ourselves. If we keep our eyes on Him, we will have no need to gnaw on a dry bone of grievance against someone whose flaws pretty much resemble our own.

2021, at Bethany House from a glioblastoma- brain tumor at the age of seventy-one. Born June 16, 1950, and graduated from Glennville High School, of Glennville, Georgia. During the summer months she would peddle peaches with her father John Meeks.

She would marry Sgt. Taylor M. Merritt, Sr. of Lyons, Georgia and would be married for more than 53 years.

She would be employed by Dr. Wilbur New of Lyons, Amicita Home Heath; OBGYN of Opelika for more than 18 years, and was currently employed by the Orthopedic Clinic.

A born again Bible Believing Christian and an avid pianist who could read any music and loved to play in churches and perform specials for more than 40 years.

Her character was kindness, helpfulness, graciousness, and

could she cook homemade butter milk biscuits.

Her wonderful family included Deandra Leigh Merritt; Hyatt and Taylor “Tate” Merritt, II (Amanda Harper); grandchildren Seth Mackinley (Tiffany) Merritt and Sara Mackenzie Hyatt (Seth Eason); great grandchildren Annistyn Blake Merritt and Mackinley Riggs Merritt.

A viewing was held at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home and Crematory on Tuesday, Oct. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. and a graveside service was conducted on Wednesday, Oct. 20, at 11 a.m. by Dr. Rusty Sowell.

We wish to thank Spencer Cancer Center, Dr. Johnson and Dr. Cabelka, and the Bethany House for their kindness and tender care.

In lieu of flowers, all gifts can be made to Spencer Cancer Center in her name.

OBITUARIES JONEE ELAINE MOREMAN Jonee Elaine Moreman, age 66, was welcomed into the loving arms of her heavenly Father on Oct. 14, 2021, at her home in Opelika.

While she will be greatly missed by her family and friends, all who knew and loved Jonee will remember her as a woman with a big spirit who loved her family fiercely.

Jonee was born on Sept. 4, 1955, in Opelika, to the late Mary Lee Davis (Sanders) and the late Henry Grady Moreman, Jr. of Lafayette, Alabama.

She graduated from Chambers Academy in Lafayette, in 1974. She worked in banking for over 20 years, yet was always a devoted and active mother. She was known to be an avid gardner who had a green thumb and always had a beautiful yard.

Jonee is survived by her children Whitney

(Curt) Nelson of Goodhue, Minnesota; Davis (Courtney) Lambert of Auburn; two grandchildren: Hamilton and Charlee Lambert; brother Bob (Connie) Gay of Cusseta, Alabama; brother Sonny (Joan) Moreman of Auburn; lifelong family friend Debbi Gammon Ford of Opelika; countless nieces & nephews and Don (Joanne) Lambert (known as “Nana” & “Papa” by her children & grandchildren) of Foley, Alabama. She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry Grady Moreman, Jr. and Mary Lee Davis Sanders of Lafayette.

A celebration of Jonee’s life was held on Sunday, Oct. 17, at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home Chapel in Opelika. Pastor Tim Thompson officiated and Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

In lieu of flowers, those desiring to make a memorial donation in Jonee’s

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name can be made to the Lee County Humane Society.

––––––– UNA MAXINE KENNEDY Mrs. Una Maxine Kennedy, 85, passed away Oct. 10, 2021.

Mrs. Kennedy was born Oct. 18, 1935, to parents Allen and Ora Randolph in Itwamba County Mississippi.

She was a member of Restoration church.

Her passion was loving and caring for others. She also enjoyed quilting and sewing.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Kennedy; son, David Tucker; and 12 brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughters: Michlene (Lynn) Elliot of Nettleton, MS, and Judith “Judy” (Randall “Randy”) Barber of Opelika; grandchildren: Sjhon Elliot (Samantha) of Amory, Mississippi,

Randall Barber, Jr. (Todd Swaney) of Ft. Meyers, Florida, Tiffany Barber Dye (Daniel) of Huntsville, Alabama, Jacob Tucker (Andrea Christian) of Carolina, Mississippi, Josh Tucker (Shelby) Nettleton, Mississippe; and several great grandchildren.

Graveside services for Mrs. Una Maxine Kennedy were held Friday, Oct. 15, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Garden Hills cemetery.

Pastor Mark Jenkins officiated.

––––––– GARY E. MANNING Gary E. Manning, 64 passed away peacefully at home on Oct. 14, 2021, surrounded by his family.

––––––– ANNA BELLE MERRITT Anna Belle Merritt passed away Saturday, Oct. 16,

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A15 Oct. 21, 2021

05 OCT 2021

14 NOV 2021

07

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PiloboluS: The biG five-oh!

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

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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.

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

A16 Oct. 21, 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 Opelika: Oct. 26 at 4:30 p.m.

INSIDE • OPELIKA/AUBURN SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS

Auburn: Nov. 9 at 6 p.m.

Lee County: Nov. 9 at 6 p.m.

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

ON THE MARK D. MARK MITCHELL

OPELIKA CLINCHES REGION CHAMPIONSHIP

T

six tackles, Bryce Speakman, Covington, Head, Gay and Hubbard recorded four tackles apiece.

Opelika travels to Montgomery for the last regular season game on Thursday to play Park Crossing at Crampton Bowl. The Thunderbirds are 0-8 overall, despite beating Russell County 23-21. PCHS played an ineligible player which resulted in a loss due to AHSAA rules.

Park Crossing is coached by LC Cole, who has an impressive resume starting in 1984.

Cole was an assistant at Ball State, Kansas State, Wisconsin, Toledo, Cincinnati, Texas Southern and was head coach at Tennessee State, Alabama State , Stillman, Fairfield, Loachapoka and Wilcox Central.

Park Crossing's eight losses included: 45-0 to Auburn High School, 14-7 to Dothan, forfeit to RCHS, Carver 2712, Sidney Lanier 43-0, Valley 12-7, RE Lee 336 and Eufaula in forfeit due to COVID. Opelika is playing See SPORTS, page B4

good enough for second place in the AISA AAA Region 1 rankings with one week remaining in the regular season.

With the victory over Hooper, Lee-Scott put itself in a position to lock up a home playoff game if Pike emerges victori-

ous over Glenwood this Friday.

Before the Warriors can begin thinking about the postseason, however, they had to take care of business Friday night.

Lee-Scott’s dominance over the visiting Colts began at the game’s

onset when the Hooper Academy option offense received the ball first but Lee-Scott was having none of it, forcing a three-and-out.

The ensuing Colts’ punt was returned 41 yards down the sideline See WARRIORS, page B4

Hornets Swarm Panthers 41-14 PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

he Opelika varsity football team scored 21 points in the first half and added 14 points in the third quarter to beat Valley High School, 35-0, on senior night at Bulldog Stadium. The Dogs claimed the region 2 championship with a 6-0 record, despite playing region foe Park Crossing at Crampton Bowl in Montgomery this week.

Opelika scored five touchdowns in the first three quarters: Jamori Thomas ran 5 yards for a TD; Javvontay Conner caught a 22-yard pass from Roman Gagliano for the second score; Shawn Jones scored on a pass from Gagliano, covering 92 yards; Kaden Cooper rushed 1 yard for a touchdown; and Tay Gibbs returned a fumble 25 yards for the last TD of the game.

Charles Gagliano made all five PAT’s.

Offensively, Gagliano finished 8-of-11 for 166 yards and two TD's, Kaden Cooper rushed for 50 yards on eight carries and Shawn Jones caught two passes for 94 yards and a TD. Taylor Love recorded

The Lee-Scott defense registered its second straight shutout Friday with a 42-0 win over the Hooper Academy Colts (2-6 / 0-3) on senior night.

“They have gotten better each week,” Lee-Scott head coach Buster Daniel said of his defense. “You win the turnover game, you should be up on the scoreboard. And that’s what our guys have done. They are getting better each week and if we continue to do that I like our chances at the end of the road. “ Winners of five straight, the Warriors now sit at 6-2 overall, 3-1 in region, which is

PHOTO BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER

Warriors Crush Colts

BY RICK LANIER FOR THE OBSERVER

Beauregard snapped a five game losing streak Friday night, soundly defeating Elmore County, 41-14, on senior night The win put a feather in the cap of Homecoming 2021, and improved Beauregard to 3-6 overall and 2-4 in regional play for the season.

The Hornets wasted little time taking care of business as defensive back Kayan Malloy took the opening kickoff and raced 85 yards for the touchdown to make it 7-0 just 12 seconds into the game. Malloy was not done however — he made an impact on both sides of the ball, finishing with two more rushing touchdowns and two interceptions for the

Beauregard head coach Justin Jones talks to his quarterback in a game against Tallassee earlier this season. game. the Hornets up and down stuffed the running lanes Following the opening the field seemingly at allowing the linebacker touchdown, Beaurewill. Moulton would add corps to roam free and gard’s good play was not a pair of rushing touchmake tackle after tackle, limited to just Malloy. downs on the night and while overall, improving The Hornet offense, running back Z. J. Grady in the areas of containing in total, found its gear would add another as the a big, mobile quarteras quarterback Trent Hornet offense rolled back, applying pressure Moulton, behind the past the Panthers. on the pass game and outstanding play of the Defensively, the See HORNETS, page B4 offensive line, marched young Hornet front

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B2 Oct.21, 2021

Glenwood School

PLAYERS OF Bobcats Trample Eagles, Return to Winning Ways HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

GLENWOOD WAS ON A BYE

of the

Week Congratulations from

Lee Co. Revenue Commissioner Oline Price Opelika 215 S. 9th St. Opelika 334-737-3655

Smiths Station 2366 LR 430 Ste. 140 Smiths Station 334-664-0296

Auburn 1266 Mall Pkwy Auburn 334-737-7298

For fans of the Beulah High School Bobcats, the 2021 season has been a test of dedication. With a young team constructed with just a handful of seniors, head coach Matt Johnson has focused on being competitive and developing his guys in each game. When his squad took the field in Goshen, Alabama on Friday night, the black and gold got a taste of what its future might feel like as the Bobcats downed the hometown Eagles 42-6.

From his squad’s first defensive possession, it was clear that the Bobcats had come to play. The black and gold forced its opponent to punt and presented quarterback Noah Hidgon and company with the opportunity to strike first.

The junior did not let the opportunity slip away and connected with freshman receiver Demarion Foreman on a 49-yard touchdown strike,

giving the Bobcats an early 7-0 lead.

JBehind yet another strong defensive showing, the Beulah offense was able to build upon its lead in the second period of play. Higdon connected with senior running back T.J. Washington for his second passing touchdown of the evening; sophomore running back Jacori Tarver seized his opportunity to find paydirt from 4-yard out on the ground on the ensuing possession.

The Bobcats lead their opponents 21-0 at the half.

From kickoff of the final half, it became apparent that the black and gold were not done excelling on either side of the ball.

Johnson’s defense continued its trend of shutting the Eagle offense down and giving the ball back to the Bobcat offense, where Washington was hungry to find paydirt again.

The senior did so via a 68-yard rushing touchdown on first-and-long.

Beulah’s running attack was not finished with its scoring tear; Hindon tucked the ball and punched in a short-yardage touchdown for his team’s second touchdown of the third quarter.

From there, Foreman took his turn to carry the rock 30-yards to the endzone on the Bobcat’s first possession of the fourth quarter, pushing his squad’s advantage to 42-0.

On the ensuing Goshen possession, the Eagles marched their way down the field and found paydirt through the air, cutting the score to 42-6 and effectively ending the Bobcat shutout bid.

Nonetheless, Johnson was still proud of his defense’s efforts on Friday.

Higdon, Washington, Johnson and the rest of the Bobcats now redirect their attention to Friday’s home contest with Tigers of Dadeville (5-3).

Kickoff between the two region foes will be at 7 p.m. CST.

PHOTO BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER

PLAYER OF THE WEEK The City of Opelika is proud to sponsor the Opelika High School Player of the Week.

We applaud you for your HARD WORK and DEDICATION on and off the football field.

SOPHOMORE QB ROMAN GAGLIANO 8-for-11 passing for 166 yards, 2 TD

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

GO DAWGS!

Beulah defenders swarm the ball carrier in a game versus Montgomery Catholic earlier this year.

JUNIOR QB NOAH HIGDON 117 YDS, 2 TD Passing 60 YDS, 1 TD Rushing 4 Punts for 126 YDS

#myOpelika • #beOpelika www.opelika-al.gov 2018 observer

B3 Oct. 21, 2021

THE WEEK Indians Down Eagles, Keep Playoff Hopes Alive HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER When the Loachapoka Indians took the field at home on Friday night to take on visiting Autaugaville, head coach Reco Newton’s squad found itself in the thick of the AHSAA playoff conversation.

With just two blemishes on its record, Loachapoka controls its own destiny. After posting a 26-14 victory over the Eagles, the Indians’ playoff dreams are seemingly as alive as ever.

Although the final scoreboard showed a double-digit victory in favor of the hometown Indians, their opponents did not go down without a fight. After what appeared to be a developing defensive slugfest in the early going, the Eagles marched their way down the field and punched the ball across the goal line via a 3-yard rush, surging themselves off to a 8-0 lead.

“They came out and scored first,” Newton said. “This year’s team right here has been put in that position before.

So they were ready.

They know just settle down and do what they do on offense.”

The Eagles may have been the first on the board but — from that point on — the Loachapoka offense dictated the pace of the contest. Freshman quarterback Quinjavis Nelms led his squad down the field to round out the first quarter, ending the lengthy Indian drive with a 24-yard touchdown strike to senior wideout Kam Willis.

Following a failed two-point attempt, Loachapoka trailed Autaugaville by a score of 6-8 entering the halftime intermission where the Indian’s head coach expressed his confidence to his guys.

“As long as our offense is on the field, we always have a chance,” Newton said. “We have explosive players out there at receiver, our quarterback is a ninth grader but he’s doing a very good job for us.”

Newton’s assurance to his team proved fruitful instantly as his squad entered the final half of regulation; the Indians marched their way down the field on the opening drive of the third quarter, finding paydirt on a 3-yard touchdown run with the ball in the hands of senior athlete Jacorious Hart.

“When we come out in the second half we always want to catch momentum,” Newton said. “The last couple of games, we’ve come out flat. So all we’ve talked about this week is about finishing.”

Palmer and the rest of the Loachapoka offense were not done.

Following a strong display from the stingy Indian defense, Newton’s squad once again marched its way to the Eagle end zone on a drive that was highlighted by a designed double-pass and a 17-yard rushing touchdown from senior running back Nickalus Farrow.

Newton claims that — despite the 20-yard pickup — the double-pass didn’t actually go according to plan.

“Actually it didn’t run like it was drawn up,” Newton said. “But

it wound up working anyway ... we have a lot of talented kids that can do a lot of stuff for us.”

When the whistles blew signaling the third quarter’s conclusion, Newton’s squad led its opponents 20-8.

As previously mentioned, the Eagles were not going down without a fight. Autaugaville steadily moved its way down the field in the early fourth quarter before eventually finding a hole in the Indian defense and scoring a 49-yard touchdown on the ground, cutting the deficit to just six following a missed point-after-try.

The Indians’’ head coach then reverted back to the theme of the week: closing out opponents.

“That’s all we talked about all week,” Newton said. “Being able to finish a football game.”

While Autaugaville was concentrating on pulling off a late-game miracle, the Indian offense had other plans.

Just when everyone in the stadium anticipated a long, clock-chewing drive, Farrow found the edge, picked up blockers and took the rock 88 yards to the end zone on the ground, effectively pushing the contest out of reach at 26-14.

“With Nick Farrow out there you can score at any time,” Newton said.

With last week’s win in the rear view and the playoffs on the horizon, Newton’s squad now turns its attention to this week’s opponent: 1-8 Barbour County.

Kickoff between the Indians and the Jaguars is set for 7 p.m. CST in Loachapoka, Alabama.

Beauregard High School JUNIOR DB KAYAN MALLOY ran back the opening kickoff 85 yards for a TD, scored two more rushing TD’s on offense and had two interceptions on defense.

of the

Week Congratulations From the Lee County Sheriff’s Office Download the app today

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE SMITHS STATION PANTHERS

Serving Lee County since 2006

SENIOR WIDE RECIEVER CIANAN WILLIAMS 5 receptions for 95 yards, 1 TD

Serving Lee County since 2006

THE SEVEN SENIORS 5 of whom played in their final Lee-Scott home game, beating Hooper 42-0 on Friday

B4 Oct.21, 2021

Local Recruits Selected to Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Game

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

SPORTS >> FROM B1 the last regular season game and will be open next week prior to the first round of the 6A State Playoffs. It appears OHS will play the loser of Friday's region 4 game between McAdory and Northridge.

Fans can listen to OHS football on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM, online at kickerfm.com or watch the live stream on www.nfhsnetwork.com.

OHS CROSS COUNTRY

WARRIORS >> FROM B1 by senior Tate McKevley, positioning the Warriors with an early goal-to-go situation.

McKelvey found pay dirt three plays later on a two-yard, misdirection QB keeper to give LeeScott the early lead.

The ensuing drive for Hooper Academy ended more swiftly than its first. After an incomplete pass on first down, the Warriors collapsed on an full back run, forcing and recovering a fumble inside the Colts’ 20-yard line.

The Warriors struck on the next play via a 19-yard backshoulder touchdown pass from McKevley to tight end Alex Cash.

The Colts managed to gain three first downs

HORNETS >> FROM B1 getting off the field on third down. Beauregard’s strong defensive efforts limited the Panther’s offense and put the ball

• 6-foot-3-inches, 215 pounds • 2020 All-State • 88 tackles, 32 TFL and 14 sacks in 2020 - Drew Bobo (OL) – committed to Auburn • 3-star • 6-foot-5-inches, 290 pounds • Son of Auburn offensive coordinator Mike Bobo • Third high school in three years • Described as being capable of playing anywhere on the line (had to play center earlier in 2021) - Eston Harris (OL) —committed to Auburn • 3-star • 6-foot-5-inches, 295 pounds • Transferred from Beauregard in 2021 • All-state in 2020 at Beauregard LANETT | CURRENT 2021 RECORD: (7-2) - Caden Story (DL) 6’4 265 — committed to Auburn • 4-star who committed to AU over UCF • 6-foot-4-inches, 265 pounds • 18 TFL, 15 Sacks, 26 QB pressures in 2020 • All-state in 2020

LAFAYETTE | CURRENT 2021 RECORD: (5-3) - Antavious Woody

(DL) — committed to Florida State • 4-star

• 6-foot-4-inches, 290 pounds • 2020 All-State

Opelika's cross country teams participated in the 25th annual "Tiger Classic" at Keisel Park in Auburn last Saturday.

The Dogs top runner were in the girls division.

Breckin Gould finished second with a time of 20:12.46 over the 5K course. Remaining Lady Bulldog runners finishing in the top 25: Paola Torres, 17th; Mary Evans Cooper, 19th; Joanne Smith T, 20th; Margaret Bice, 22nd; and Violett Alcorn, 23rd.

In the boys division, Michael Hart finished

24th, Conner Mullins, 27th, Zane Sexton, 30th, Peyton Weston, 33rd, Sam Kemp, 38th; and Trey White placed 50th.

OMS girls and boys competed in the Junior High/Middle School division. Lady Bulldog Caroline Couey finished 6th; Lillie Flenniken, 7th; Jada Coleman, 18th; Pressly Mullins, 21st; and Mary Cara Montel placed 33rd. In the boys division, Brantley Turnham finished second, Colt Miller 22nd and Trip Campbell 32nd.

OHS will have an off

week to prepare for the AHSAA 6A Section 2 Meet at Keisel Park in Auburn. Teams and individuals will attempt to qualify for the state meet in Oakville on November 4 through 6.

TIDBITS The AHSAA Central Board of Control (the governing body of the AHSAA) held its fall meeting last week in Montgomery. The highlight of the meeting was the announcement that Tuscaloosa Academy was approved to become a

member of the AHSAA beginning with the 202223 school year.

The CBOC agreed to move the Softball East Regional Qualifier to Albertbville's Sand Mountain Park and Amphitheater, May 11 to 14 (2022).

Congratulations, Jarell Stinson and Taylor Love for being selected to play on "Team Alabama" in the annual Alabama vs Mississippi AllStar Football Game in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on December 11.

Former OHS girls basketball coach and assistant athletic director Devin Booth's father passed away last Wednesday. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Booth and mother Marsha during this difficult time.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeart-Media, 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.

and cross half field on the ensuing drive before he Lee-Scott defense forced and hopped on another Hooper fumble.

The Warriors’ momentum then reached a boiling point as running back Patrick Futch took a handoff 80 yards untouched into the end zone. Matthew Rolader added the extra point to give Lee-Scott the 21-0 lead with 4:23 in the first quarter.

The two teams traded unsuccessful drives until Lee-Scott forced yet another turnover, falling on its third fumble of the first quarter and turning the ball back over to the Warrior offense.

The ensuing Lee-Scott drive persisted into the second quarter — which was more of the same — until Futch took a misdirection handoff down

the sideline for a 27-yard rushing touchdown to give the Warriors a 28-0 lead with 11:10 minutes remaining in the first half.

On their next offensive drive, the Warriors’ other QB, Ryan Dearing, kickstarted the drive, finding receiver Landry Cochran on 20-yard slant to move Lee-Scott into the red zone.

When a penalty backed Lee-Scott into fringe field goal range, the Warriors were still looking for seven as Dearing found Cash on a play action pass-and-catch for the 31-yard touchdown.

The Warriors defense then deterred the Colts from even crossing half field on the ensuing drive as the Lee-Scott offense returned to the field attempting to do more damage with half of the

second quarter still remaining.

Soon after, Dearing found his fellow QB, McKelvey, on a quick screen pass and the senior stutter-stepped and tip-toed his way around and through multiple Hooper defenders for the 31-yard touchdown.

Rolader added the final score of the game with the PAT. The rest of the contest was overshadowed by the senior night and star-wars themed halftime festivities, and a running clock helped the Warriors’ backups hold a shutout in the scoreless second half.

Following a 2-6 showing in his first year as Lee-Scott head coach, Buster Daniel acknowledged the contribution his seven seniors have made to the improve-

ments seen on the 2021 Warriors.

“Man I can’t tell you enough about these senior class boys,” Daniel said. “They were involved in a 2-6 season last year. And what they have done in the offseason as far as leadership and their work ethic and what they have done on the field this year, I tell you they have turned this program around and it’s what people are going to be expecting now for years to come.

“There’s only seven of them total. They start teaching in the weight room, how they are supposed to lift and how they are supposed to work and just what it means to go through a tough program. On the field, they lead by example, they lead with the mouth, they do it

all. They have taken the reigns of this program and done what we asked them to do. They teach them what it means to work hard, how it looks to work hard and just the little things it takes to run a football program.

I can’t say enough about these young men and what they have done for our program. I’m going to hate to lose them.”

Lee-Scott is on bye this week before returning for a regular season finale on the road against Morgan Academy on Oct. 29.

“We got to go end the season with a win,” Daniel said. “Anything can happen in the playoffs. You just have to get there first and see what happens.”

back in the hands of the Hornet offense for most of the night.

By no means was it a perfect night. There were failed conversions, untimely penalties and stalled drives — there are still areas to improve in,

but by far, it was the best the Hornets have played all season.

Head coach Justin Jones and his staff are optimistic about the state of Beauregard football going forward and they should be.

“We challenged Kayan Malloy to play his best tonight and as you saw, he responded,” Jones said post-game. “We were able to run the ball very well tonight, it was a good effort overall, one we need to take with us

to Tuscaloosa next Friday.”

The Hornets close out the season on the road as they travel to Holt High School in Tuscaloosa this Friday, Oct. 22, to take on the Ironmen (2-6 overall and 2-4 in

regional play). Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

CST. Holt High School is located at 3801 Alabama Ave. NE, in Holt, Alabama.

STINSON PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The AHSAA released the rosters for the 35th annual Alabama-Mississippi All-Star Football Classic last week and a number of local high school football stars made the 40-man team that will represent the Yellowhammer State.

“We are thankful to the selection committee for their efforts in selecting this year’s group,” said Director of the Alabama High School Athletic Directors and Coaches Association, Brandon Dean. “They went to great lengths to make sure each AHSAA class and district is represented in the selections. We believe we have assembled a group of student-athletes who will be outstanding representatives for their respective schools, communities, and the AHSAA. We look forward to traveling to Hattiesburg and putting forth our best effort.”

Overall, the squad is comprised of 17 players who have already committed to a total of seven SEC school, four committed to Big 5 conference school and 12 uncommitted.

The game is scheduled to be played at Carlisle H.H. Stadium in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, on the campus of Southern Mississippi on Saturday, Dec. 11. The roster in its entirety can be found at: www.ahsaa.com/Media/ AHSAANOW/NewsArticles/all-star-footballstaff-completed-for-35thalabama-mississippi-allstar-football-classic.

OPELIKA | CURRENT 2021 RECORD: (6-3) - Jarell Stinson (DB) — committed to Ole Miss • 3-star • 5-foot-10-inches, 160 pounds • Decommitted from Auburn • All-State in 2020 • 95 Tackles, 1 INT, 126 punt return yards and 2 TD’s in his junior season in 2020 - Taylor Love (DE/LB) — undecided • 3-star • 6-feet tall, 210 pounds • Led Opelika in total tackles in 2019 • 91 tackles, 4 TFL, 1 INT in his junior season in 2020 AUBURN | CURRENT 2021 RECORD: (7-1) - Justin Powell Gordon – committed to Auburn • 3-star

LOVE

B5

REGION CHAMPS!

Oct. 21, 2021

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Opelika completed a perfect regional sesason on Friday night beating Valley 35-0 in Bulldog Stadium.

Leader of the Pack: OHS Names 2021 Homecoming Queen PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Senior Quandraniya Walton was crowned the 2021 Opelika Homecoming Queen at Friday night's home game.

SENIOR NIGHT SMACKDOWN

PHOTOS BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER

Lee-Scott sent its seniors off the right way with a 42-0 victory over Hooper Academy Friday night.

B6 Oct.21, 2021

Area Volleyball Roundup: OHS, Beulah Crowned Champs PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

High school volleyball teams are wrapping up their seasons and few local squads are continuing their seasons in postseason play.

3A BEULAH The varsity Beulah Bobcat varsity volleyball team secured a super regional berth by winning the 3A Area 07 Area tournament, which

the Bobcats hosted. As the No. 1 seed, Beulah had a bye in the first round before facing No. 2 Dadeville for the area championship. In the process, Katie Morris (MVP), Brandy Phillips and Amya Dunn were named to the All-Area Team.

The Bobcats comfortably defeated the Tigers, 3-1, to be crowned champs. Beulah began its super regional journey with a matchup

against Opp High School on Wednesday, but results were not available at press time.

6A OPELIKA The varsity Opelika Bulldog volleyball team secured a super regional berth by winning the 6A Area 04 Area tournament, which the Bulldogs hosted in Opelika. As the No. 1 seed, Opelika swept No. 4 Valley, 3-0, to advance to the area championship game. The Bulldogs

advanced to face No. 3 Eufaula, and dispelled the Tigers, 3-1, to win the area.

“The girls have worked really hard to come together and turn this season around,” said Opelika head coach Robin Roberts. “Our ultimate goal was to repeat as area champs for the fourth year in a row. Once we accomplished that, our new goal was to take back the area tournament

championship. I’m proud of how hard the girls worked to achieve these goals.”

The Bulldogs began super regional action with a matchup against Hillcrest in Montgomery on Wednesday, but results were not available at press time.

7A AUBURN The varsity Auburn High Tiger volleyball team played host to their competition in the 7A Region 04 Area

tournament last week and watched the first round of action between Central and Smiths Station play out having earned a bye. Following a Central defeat of Smiths, Auburn dispelled the Red Devils three sets to none to earn the area championship. The Tigers began their super regional play on Wednesday against Prattville, but results were not available come press time.

Nix Elevates Tigers Over Razorbacks Takeaways from Auburn’s Win Against Arkansas

While Auburn was far from perfect against No. 17 Arkansas on Saturday, big plays courtesy of Bo Nix and his right arm were enough to down the hometown Razorbacks 38-23.

The Tigers still control their own destiny in terms of achieving a SEC-west title, and the performance Saturday looked to be the best yet under first-year head coach Bryan Harsin.

With a bye week upcoming and then a matchup against the high-powered Ole Miss offense on Oct. 30, the following breaks down the good, bad and ugly (spoiler alert: there is no ugly) from Auburn’s showing on Saturday and looks forward to what the Tigers can achieve by year’s end.

POSITIVES 1.IS BO NIX ELITE? Nix may have played his best game in an orange and blue jersey on Saturday. He entrenched himself as a top-3 quarterback in the toughest conference in football — only Ole Miss’s Matt Corral and Alabama’s Bryce Young could lay claim to higher spots — and repeatedly made important throws to either take the top off the Arkansas secondary or finish calculated drives.

Prior to the game, the narrative on Nix was that he struggles on the road and is — if we put it politely — less than comfortable passing from the pocket. Against the Razorbacks, Nix

looked composed, rarely turning to his legs to make a play and completing 21-of-26 passes for two touchdowns, including a 71-yard TD (from the pocket) bomb to Demetrius Robertson in the third quarter. He still managed to keep the defense honest with his legs too, however, rushing for an additional 44 yards and 1 TD on the ground. The narrative has almost completely flipped from three weeks ago when the junior was benched against a subpar Georgia State team, and if Nix plays up to Saturday’s caliber for the rest of season, the Tigers should have a chance to win any ball game they are in.

2. PASS CATCHERS Ten different players caught a ball for Auburn against the Razorbacks.

Credit goes to the under-scrutiny offensive coordinator for the Tigers, Mike Bobo, as he spread the Arkansas second and third units thin and gave Nix the opportunity to operate with bountiful — and clear — options on every play. The emergence of Kobi Hudson is real, Robinson is a legit deep threat, Shedrick Jackson looks like a relatively safe, big option and, furthermore, we saw a refreshing under reliance on tight end John Samuel Shenker, with three other tight ends (Luke Deal, Tyler Fromm and Landen King) all getting on the stat sheet with receptions. Drops have been a big issue for the Tigers, and they only had two on Saturday. The corps may be lacking in stud

PHOTO BY TODD VAN EMST / AU ATHLETICS

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

options, but the Tigers proved Saturday that there is quality depth at such a languished position.

3. DEFENSIVE LINE & LINEBACKER UNITS Let’s list them off.

Against Arkansas: Edge rusher Derrick Hall has his first forced fumble which interior lineman Marcus Harris recovered in the end zone for an Auburn touchdown; linebacker Zakoby McClain registered his 11th game in orange-and-blue where he recorded double digit tackles (15); Chandler Wooten (starting in place of the injured Owen Pappoe) registered his third career game with double digit tackles; Chandler Wooden had two sacks and was named the SEC’s co-defensive lineman of the week; and transfer defensive end Eku Leota added another tackle for loss, adding up to seven already on the season.

All of these guys had massive days for Auburn

against Arkansas. Point is, while the days of Derrick Brown and Marlon Davidson are long gone, the two front units on Auburn defensive coordinator Derek Mason’s defense boast both depth and quality playmakers.

NEGATIVES 1. MIDDLE OF THE PACK O-LINE Auburn’s offensive line helped the Tigers achieve a 3.9-yards-per-carry mark on Saturday — which is not terrible. And although they only allowed just two pressures on Nix the whole game (allowed 29 in the previous two games against LSU and Georgia) according to PFF, the big letdown of the game came in Auburn’s rushing attack. The Tigers boast two elite running options in sophomore Tank Bigsby and freshman Jarquez Hunter — and senior Shaun Shivers has to be one of the best backs in the country among those relegated to

a niche role. Still, however, Saturday’s 135-yard rushing output against an Arkansas defense that on paper is susceptible to the run, proved one thing: this offensive line is average. The absence of starter Austin Troxell should be noted, but his replacement Killian Zierer hardly put a foot wrong. Harsin speaks about establishing the run after nearly every game, but the simple fact is that this offensive line does not get much push and the Tigers are better suited with quick passes from Nix. 2.SECONDARY Ahh, the pass defense.

Coming into the season, Auburn’s secondary looked to be its strongest unit, with the group coming up in pre-season SEC-best talk. Seven games into the season, that has been far from the case, however. Roger McCreary has been a big disappointment, although he consistently is matched up with the

opponent’s best WR (Arkansas’s Treylon Burks caught 9-of-10 passes for 109 yards and two TD’s Saturday.). And ingoring Smoke Monday, the unit’s stats look decrepit in terms of impact plays and turnovers.

Chalk it up to Mason’s scheme being difficult to learn, or whatever other logic you can find, but the secondary has been Auburn’s biggest disappointment this season and its biggest liabilities against potent offenses.

B7 Oct. 21, 2021

OHS Track & Field Receives Lee-Scott XC Finish as State Championship Rings Runner-Ups PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER At Friday night's Opelika High School football game, members of the OHS Varsity boys track and field team were presented with two championship rings, commemorating their indoor and outdoor AHSAA 6A State Championship last fall and spring, respectively.

Congratulations to the Lee-Scott Academy boys and girls varsity cross country teams who both finished No. 2 at the AISA State Meet at Auburn's Kiesel Park last week. Savannah Stewart placed second individually for the junior varsity girls and Graham Spillman finished third for the junior varsity boys.

What to Expect From BEAT BAMA: Food

Drive To Run Until the Tigers in 2021-22 Nov. 18

under the bucket. Transfers K.D. Johnson (UGA) and Wendall Green Jr. (EKU) seek to fill the gap in the backcourt with Cooper gone and Flanigan (temporarily) out.

2. EXPANDED ROLES FROM RETURNERS. Sure, there is a slew of new talent on the Tigers roster. But, what about the guys who have been a part of Pearl’s system thus far?

While Kessler will likely be the starting center, Auburn fans should not forget about the valuable role Babatude Akingbola and Dylan Cardwell will play coming off the bench.

Jaylen Williams and Devan Cambridge should provide valuable minutes, especially if either or both are shooting well when they receive playing time.

3. GUARD PLAY UNLIKE THAT OF YEARS PAST. As previously mentioned, the absence of junior guard Alan Flanigan will likely pose a significant obstacle in Pearl’s offensive scheme as the Tigers will enter 2021 without a returning player in their backcourt. With that in mind, Pearl has long been a coach who places heavy emphasis upon having faith in his guys.

Look for a possible conservative approach and concentration on slow-paced offensive possessions in the

early going with expanded freedoms as the season progresses.

4. TRANSITION OFFENSE. A LOT OF IT. For the first time in what likely feels like an eternity to Auburn fans, Pearl’s team is big. Extremely big.

The size of the Tiger backcourt ranges from 6’7” to 7’1”. This unit is going to be tough to shoot over and even more difficult to penetrate down low. Turnovers will likely be more plentiful than in years past and rebounding should be a category in which the orange and blue feasts. With turnovers, comes transition offense. Expect Auburn to live off of opportunities to score in these situations.

5. PASSION. This might be the most broad — and is definitely the most obscure — expectation I’ve ever included in a column but it felt necessary to include. Auburn is coming off a 13-14 season in which its best player was withheld from competition for 12 games. The self-imposed postseason ban is now lifted and the Tigers have a plethora of doubters to prove wrong. Pearl has always placed emphasis upon getting his fans to buy into his program and this year will be no exception. The Auburn family thinks it has something to prove.

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM There is still time to donate to the Beat Bama Food Drive.

The annual food drive competition between the two schools began in 1994.

Each year, the schools, and their surrounding communities, compete to collect food and funds. The food raised by the University of Alabama benefits the West Alabama Food Bank, while Auburn’s benefits the Food Bank of East Alabama.

Last year, Auburn collected 259,160 pounds of food. The University of Alabama won with 291,047 pounds of food.

The 2021 drive kicked off on Oct. 1 and will last through Nov. 18.

“That’s basically the whole premise of it,” said Jack Wray, president of the drive. “Just everyone coming together and bringing on the SEC rivalry to do something good.”

Before Oct. 1 the Beat Bama Food Drive Team was focused on education, Wray said.

“When people talk about food insecurity, they don’t really know what it exactly means,” he said.

“You know, they think it’s related to hunger, which it is. But, it’s not exactly

hunger. Food insecurity is more about the inability to gain proper access to food.

So, not knowing where your next meal is coming from.”

Another tactic the Beat Bama Food Drive used to raise awareness and funds was the neighborhood drive, he said.

“We drop brown paper bags off with our logo in the community and then on Sunday we come and pick them back up and ask the community partners to fill them, like around houses and neighborhoods in the community,” he said. “… This community in Auburn is possibly the most close-knit that I’ve ever been a part of.”

Wray said that where he grew up, in Atlanta, poverty and homelessness were prevalent everywhere. But in Auburn, food insecurity looks different.

“It doesn’t present itself like that, you can know someone for a decade and not know they were struggling with food insecurity,” he said.

There are several ways to donate to help Auburn beat Alabama this year.

Firstly, donations are accepted through the Venmo (@aubbfd), the givpol (auburn.givpol. com) or a check made out to the Food Bank of East Alabama. Cash and actual

canned donations are also accepted.

There are barrels around town where physical donations can be dropped off.

Locations include: - Winn-Dixie, Auburn - Winn-Dixie, Opelika - Kroger, Auburn - Kroger, Opelika - Food Bank of East Alabama, Auburn - Community Market, Opelika - Locations around campus.

“Donated food will be used to help the food bank’s senior programs, soup kitchens, emergency food pantries, missions and rehabilitation centers that are served by the Food Bank of East Alabama and the West Alabama Food Bank,” said a press release from the Food Bank of East Alabama.

The donations allow some families to eat for Thanksgiving and Christmas, the release said.

“The real winners of this annual competition are the hungry families fed through the food bank network,” the release said. “…

One in five Alabama residents are considered food insecure. For many, visits to the food pantry are no longer one-time emergency stops, but a regular part of the monthly routine to support their families.”

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

For fans of Auburn athletics, this weekend will be one of atypical stillness.

Football is on a bye week, the volleyball program takes on UGA in Athens and soccer is headed to Oxford, Mississippi, to take on the Rebels on Sunday.

Narrator: The Loveliest Village on the Plains will be unusually quiet.

With that said, the break in action from fall sports gives the Auburn faithful an opportunity to look forward upon what has become a centerpiece of Tiger culture: Bruce Pearl and the men’s basketball program.

After the Tigers’ announcement as the No. 22 team in the AP poll on Monday, preseason hype surrounding Auburn basketball is high and fans have already gotten a taste of what the team dynamic might feel like at this year’s installment of “Tipoff at Toomers” — they’ve even had the privilege of seeing a shirtless Pearl and Dylan Cardwell on the jumbotron at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Tiger fans have a right to be excited about this team.

Pearl’s squad looks like it will be able to compete with anyone it squares off against.

Here are a few things the orange and blue faithful should expect out of the 2021-22 Auburn basketball program.

1. NEW FACES FILLING NEW ROLES. Sharife Cooper is an Atlanta Hawk, JT Thor is a Charlotte Hornet and Auburn enters this season with a roster consisting of four transfers alongside five-star freshman Jabari Smith. There is no hiding that this team is going to look significantly different than it did last year. UNC transfer center Walker Kessler brings both talent and a massive frame to replace Thor’s presence

PHOTO BY SHANNA LOCKWOOD / AU ATHLETICS

HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER

The first day of the drive, the team set up a dunk tank. Miss Auburn, the Involvement Office president and Wray all took a turn (or several turns) getting dunked.

B8 Oct.21, 2021

Get Your Pen, Pencil, It’s National Day On Writing

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

Y

esterday, Oct. 20, 2021, we emphasized and celebrated The National Day On Writing.

The National Council of Teachers of English established this day thirteen years ago with the Senate passing a resolution declaring Oct. 20 as The National Day On Writing.

This day points to the significance of embarking on writing instruction at all ages including our very young children. The purpose of this article is to encourage parents and families with

young children to realize the best time to teach children to write and illustrate stories is when they are very young.

As an early childhood teacher, I love to observe how young preschoolers express themselves. They are so excited and want to explore.

When a young child is born into the world, they begin to communicate. It may be a happy gurgle, excitement, pointing or even crying to communicate needs and to interact with his/her world.

This early childhood communication takes place

when a young child engages in active play such as crawling, swinging, walking, running, jumping, hand motion songs or finger plays.

Developmentally, children begin to gain coordination, strength, observation and sensory skills which are readiness skills for writing and reading.

Too, young children love to look at pictures in books.

Our community libraries have a wonderful assortment of board books, big books and interactive books which are age appropriate for infants, toddlers and two’s. A weekly trip to the library is a good family field trip. Too, just having a few easy picture books at home will do. I fondly remember my husband would draw and glue pictures on simple inexpensive index cards.

He drew pictures of the car, home, stores, animals or favorite restaurants to entertain our infant son. He used these simple index flash cards to engage our young son in reading and writing readiness skills in recognizing and saying the pictures.

Other reading and writing readiness activities are playing with manipulatives that are easy to handle such as large Legos, blocks, cars, trucks, big piece puzzles, baby dolls or pretend tea sets.

Young toddlers, two’s and threes express themselves

through coloring, scribbling, writing, painting, gluing, as well as playing and making different creations with Play-Doh. Writing readiness is encouraged in talking and carrying on conversations with young children, listening to their questions and guiding them to learn new concepts.

Spending undistracted listening time with your young child is the most important action we can do as parents and teachers, as you interact and guide your preschoolers. This is where you can engage into your child’s interests as they express themselves.

When your child reaches ages three through eight, there are so many creative ways to encourage him/her to begin to write.

These are some “hints” to encourage writing with younger children.

Having colored markers, chalk or paints to let children write letters on paper, boards or even sidewalks is a creative approach for young hands.

If young children just scribble and make nonsense words that’s fine because it is a beginning.

Again, spending time with older preschoolers by prompting them with good ideas is such an encouragement. With creativity in “early childhood” writing,

we are focusing more on encouraging their thought processes and imaginations rather than the rules of grammar at ages four, five, six years old. They will get that later in the language arts development.

One language arts project that seems to delight young children, as well as their teachers and parents, is to have them narrate stories as they are written on the board, flip charts, paper or computers. Seeing the words they are saying is good reading readiness and writing readiness.

You can do family stories at home or when you are going on a long trip. This is a good time to have your child share his/her ideas with you for developing a story. Activities like these will make the time of travel go a lot faster for the family.

A very easy way for your child to make books is simply to fold several sheets of paper in half and staple the pages together. You can punch holes on the side, thread yarn through and tie the pages together.

Covers can be made from construction paper, poster board or even old scraps of wallpaper squares, etc. I have ordered very inexpensive books from companies that leave the covers blank and have blank paper so the children can write their

stories and illustrate their stories on the front and back covers. Computer sites for this also offer creative avenues for children to express themselves.

Children love to make rhymes. This can also lead to a love of poetry they can read, write and illustrate.

Children also love to listen to their teachers and parents read and express themselves in poems.

In demonstrating their stories, the children can even make their own props to support the stories they have written. Over the years that I have taught, I am so very grateful to the local libraries and community in encouraging parents and teachers to help their children to become young authors. Point out to your children authors who have written books they have enjoyed.

On this day after National Day on Writing, I want to encourage young and old alike to take out your pen or pencil, and simply write what you see — memories, what is on your heart — enjoy the writings of others.

Keeping a written journal of family life is a treasure. As we share, we realize that we never stop learning.

Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer

Local Youth Bring Home Awards From Alabama National Fair

Intermediate Premier Exhibitors were named during the Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Cattle Heifer Show Oct. 9 at Teague Arena in Montgomery. From left are Miles Williamson, Cleburne County, first; Ashbee Norman, Montgomery County, second; Sara Beth Faust, Blount County, third; Mary Elliott Martin, Lee County, fourth; Amelia Thrower, Marshall County, fifth and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

Senior showmanship winners at the Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Show were, from left, Jewel Thompson of Lee County, first; Audra Graves of Blount County, second; Mary Hannah Gullatt of Lee County, third; Makayla Walker of Madison County, fourth, not pictured; and Victoria Thompson of Lee County, fifth. The show was Oct. 9 at Teague Arena in Montgomery and was sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance.

Senior showmanship includes youth ages 16 to 19. Winners are pictured with Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell.

Senior Premier Exhibitors were named during the Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Cattle Heifer Show Oct. 9 at Teague Arena in Montgomery. From left are Mary Hannah Gullatt, Lee County, first; Jewel Thompson, Lee County, second; Russell Jordan, Clay County, third; Victoria Thompson, Lee County, fourth and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.

The Overall Reserve Champion Commercial Doe in the Youth Goat Show at the Alabama National Fair Oct. 9 was exhibited by Rylie Maples of Lee County. Rylie’s doe was also named Reserve Champion Junior Commercial Doe. Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance sponsored youth livestock events at the fair.

Beginner Showmanship (ages 4-8) winners in the Youth Goat Show at the Alabama National Fair Oct. 9 were, from left, Easton Elrod of Cullman County, first place; Walter Epperson of Chambers County, second place; Stella Williamson of Cleburne County, third place; Rylie Maples of Lee County, fourth place and Nealy Barrett of Elmore County, fifth place.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

Oct. 21, 2021

Thursday, October 14, 2021

Defense Spending Important for Alabama

uring the Great Depression and coming out of World War II, the deep south had immense power in Washington. We were fortunate to have a cadre of southern senators, who were seniority laden and knew how to bring home the bacon. This group of deep south southern democrats controlled most of the prominent and consequential major committees in the United States Senate.

In that era, all the jobs in the United States Capitol, as well as our state capitol, were patronage jobs or really could be called political jobs. Every clerk, stenographer, research analyst, secretary and even elevator attendants were granted their jobs based on who you knew, not what you knew. Most people in Washington were working there because they were southerners who had connections to our southern senators. If you got in an elevator in the nation’s capital, you often-times would hear southern accents. That is not true now, today you would hear a foreign accent or foreign language.

Our southern senior senators knew how to bring home the bacon like nobody’s business. The roll call included Stennis and Eastland from Mississippi, the southern lion Richard Russell from Georgia, Strom Thurmond from South Carolina, Russell Long from Louisiana, and last but not least our, our dynamic duo of distinguished, erudite powers, Lister Hill and John Sparkman. For this reason, a good many of our nation’s military bases are in the south.

Ft. Benning in Georgia is there because of Richard Russell, and probably its location on Alabama’s eastern border of Columbus/Phenix City is no accident. Russell was granting deference to Hill and Sparkman, who really did not need any help. Eastland and Stennis did pretty well for Mississippi’s Gulf Coast when it comes to military and ship building facilities. Eglin and Tyndall Air Force Bases in the Florida panhandle are there thanks to one Bob Sikes “The HeCoon.”

However, no state has benefitted more from military defense related locations than us in the good ole Heart of Dixie, thanks in large part to Lister Hill and John Sparkman. If you took the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, the Maxwell/Gunter Air Bases

BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER

The Opelika city council voted to authorize Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller to institute legal proceedings in the name and on behalf of the city in order to enjoin the noise nuisance at the sawmill and planer mill operated by West Fraser Timber Co. LTD at 2100 Industrial Blvd.

The city maintains that the company’s facility emits high noise levels which are in violation of Opelika’s ordinances regulating noise. According to the resolution paperwork (copies of which can be found on the city’s website), city employees

PHOTO BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

D

STEVE FLOWERS

in Montgomery and Ft. Rucker in the Wiregrass out of Alabama, we would be more than wiped out.

Our senior senator, Richard Shelby, has been the salvation for sustaining and saving our sacred military facilities. Shelby has not only been Chairman of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, but he also retained the Chairmanship of the Senate Defense Appropriations Committee. He has made the difference for Redstone, Maxwell and Rucker for the last decade. Folks, Shelby is retiring at the end of next year and Alabama is going to be up the proverbial creek without a paddle.

I am here to tell you that national defense spending is very important to Alabama, but more importantly, it is vitally important to our nation’s security and future. Senator Shelby is sounding the alarm as the senate is crafting the next fiscal year’s budget. He is saying you cannot adhere to the Biden Democratic calls to cut defense spending.

The national defense strategy provides a roadmap for our Department of Defense.

The Democrats efforts to undermine the importance of strategic, long-term defense readiness plays into the hands our competitors China and Russia. The Democratic Biden Administration budget proposal would allow Russia and China to overmatch our investments in readiness, state of the art equipment, and technology.

China seeks hegemony militarily, technologically, financially and is making unprecedented investments to see that come to fruition. Russia is also quietly building a massive military modernization program that saw its defense spending increase 30% over the last 10 years. We must outpace Russia and China in defense spending. Our state, and more importantly our nation, must adhere to Senator Shelby’s admonition that we as a nation cannot afford to cut military spending as President Biden and liberal Democratic Senators in Washington are advocating.

The two things that our country still does best and indeed the two most important things we need to do best are having the most superior military in the world and the ability to grow our own food and fiber. Military and Agriculture are America’s salvation and, by the way, defense dollars and agriculture are Alabama’s salvation.

We as Alabamians can and should look closely as to who can and will work the hardest to protect defense and agriculture when we vote for the person to succeed Senator Richard Shelby in Washington in the U.S. Senate. That person would not be Mo Brooks.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www.steveflowers.us.

Opelika Considers Litigation Against West Fraiser Timber Co. For Violating Noise Ordinance

Pictured left to right are Rosanna McGinnis, Dianne Heard and Mayor Gary Fuller.

have issued numerous notices that the facility is in violation of the noise ordinance.

The city has received numerous complaints from residents living in residential

neighborhoods near the facility.

Opelika resident, Louis Brandwein, addressed the council regarding the noise.

See OPELIKA, page B14

Auburn Council Approves Conditional Use For Downtown Fitness Center

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM At Tuesday night's Auburn City Council meeting, the council approved a resolution for conditional use approval for a commercial and entertainment use as a fitness studio for the bottom floor of The Standard.

The fitness studio, Hotworx of Auburn, will be 24-hours with virtual instruction available and open to the public.

“Just excited we have a potential business in The Standard to spur some other activity in that area,” said Ward 3 Council Member Beth Witten.

CDBG FUNDS: The council approved a submission for a formal

NOW OPEN

amendment to the State of Alabama Community Development Block Grant - CV Award.

“The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated funds to the state of Alabama (State) to expend additional federal grant funds, including CDBG-CV funds, on areas of health, educational and economic distress needs,” the city’s e-packet said. “The state is utilizing available funds to solicit competitive proposals from communities for additional funds to address local impacts from COVID-19. The state allocated the city, a CDBG entitlement community, $750,000 in State CDBG-CV funds from the Alabama

Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA) initial round of funding.”

Total, Auburn has received over $1.5 million from the program.

So, under the amendment, the city said that it will use funding to purchase an electrostatic sprayer, provide emergency assistance to Auburn residents and families displaced by COVID-19, provide aide to the Food Bank of East Alabama.

OTHER BUSINESS: - The council approved a retail liquor alcohol beverage license for Jose Luis Escalera, LLC d/b/a Tequila Mexican Bar and Grill.

See AUBURN, page B10

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B10 Oct.21, 2021

Colin Powell Knew How to Treat People — Even The Unruly Press

GREG MARKLEY

C

olin Powell, son of Jamaican immigrants in Harlem, rose to the zeniths of American authority— military, diplomatic and moral. Admiration for him after his death Oct. 18 echoed his popularity in life. Sorrow on his death at age 84 crossed the political divide; a rarity.

Powell’s backing of the Iraq War was controversial. Yet most people did not hold him accountable for the seven-plus years’ conflict. As a general and diplomat, he was successful because of his great leadership skills as well as

charisma.

In April 1989, Powell became Commander of Forces Command (FORSCOM), the largest U.S. Army Command, then based in Atlanta. A few months after assuming command, Powell was finishing off a tour of the units at Fort McPherson. He was set to talk to four historians and three military staff for 15 to 20 minutes—a quick greeting and overview and then out.

Several months later I visited the Office of Historians where from 1986-88 I helped supervise the only active Army historical detachment. An historian was still excited after Powell stayed there for 1 or 1 1/2 hours. I had heard of Powell’s showing genuine interest in all his teams, and to spend extra time when visiting 6 or 7 people marked him as a people-person.

“Treat people kindly,” Powell often said. “When you are kind to somebody and I don’t mean necessarily buddy-buddy, just show

ROGERS MOURNS PASSING OF GENERAL COLIN POWELL U.S. Representative Mike Rogers (R-AL), Lead Republican of the House Armed Services Committee, released a statement mourning the death of former Secretary of State General Colin Powell.

“I am saddened to learn of the passing of General Colin

Powell. He served his nation for decades in the United States military and made history as the first Black Secretary of State and the first Black Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I am praying for his family as they mourn his passing.”

ROGERS

kindness and consideration.

Show that people are worthy and you respect them and you are glad they’re with you.” Unfortunately, I was not there when the general met the people inside!

Powell, Gen. Norman Schwarzkopf Jr. and President George H. W. Bush’s national security team did a tremendous job in winning the 1991 Gulf War. Powell colorfully explained how the U.S. military would perform against the Iraqi Republican Guard.

“Our strategy in going after this army is very simple,” he said. “First we are going to cut it off, and then we are going to kill it.”

That was accomplished in record time. Powell’s kindness also was shown.

A soldier from Alabama who had been a Prisoner of War with the Iraquis was freed, as were all POWs. When I met him he showed me a business card with Gen. Powell’s name and personal contact number.

“Powell said all ex-prisoners could call his office

AUBURN >> FROM B9 - The council approved the purchase of a 2022 Ford F-150 CL 2WD Reg Cab for the Inspection Services Department for over $30,900.

- The council approved the purchase of an infield machine for the parks and recreation department for over $16,980.

- The council approved the purchase of a compact track loader for the parks and recreation department for over $109,360.

- The council approved an annual contract with East Alabama Healthcare Authority d/b/a East Alabama EMS, LLC for emergency response, rescue and ambulance services for over $345,400.

- The council approved the purchase of 14 Lion Apparel turnout coats and pants for the Fire Department for over $36,500.

- The council approved the additional engineering

if we had a concern he could help with.” This was the Commander, Joint Chiefs reaching out to people way down the chain.

Astonishing!

To see how far Colin Powell and this state and country have evolved, go down Highway 280 into Phenix City. You will notice the General Colin Powell Parkway. As a second lieutenant in 1958, stationed at Fort Benning in the Infantry branch, he was not immune to discrimination in housing, bars and restaurants. His street is a major thoroughfare, not a minor side street.

Alma Powell, a Birmingham native, was married to Colin for 59 years. After he retired from the Army and had a best-seller, “My American Journey,“ he was considered presidential timber.

She was asked in an oral history about that. “I don't want to describe the hate mail we've gotten!”

In 1998, Colin Powell traveled to Birmingham to give a major speech on services from Barge Design Solutions for the Highway 14 Force Main Replacement Project for over $22,400.

- The council approved drainage and utility easements for property south of Cary Creek Parkway and the terminus of Turing Lane in the Bridgewater, Phase 2.

- The council approved rights-of-way for property at the intersection of Richland Road and Dakota Drive and property on Farmville Road at the intersection with Auburn Lakes Road.

- The council approved sidewalk, drainage, utility and lighting easements for property at 200 N. College St. - The council approved drainage and utility easements, turnaround easements and rights-ofway for property at the northern end of Sophia Court and Canal Court int he Tuscany Hills Subdivision.

- The council approved

leadership (behind close doors) to businessmen. He consented to a 15 to 20 minute press opportunity which I attended hoping to learn about his new charity, America’s Promise. I suspected someone would ask Powell if he planned to run for president, but I underestimated the craziness of the TV reporters.

A reporter asked “What are the chances you will run for president?”; the second asked, “Who would be your campaign manager if you ran?”; a third said, “Which party are you running in?”

(A longtime Republican, Powell was said to be an interest of the Democrats, too.) At this point, Powell said, “How many ways can I say no?” This went on for about 17 of the 20 minutes.

I sat in the second row and occasionally raised my hand. I was going to actually ask a question about why Powell was there — to promote his charity. Of course he was going to be asked about Campaign 2000, when there would be an drainage and utility easements and rights-ofway for property at 445 Martin Ave. - The council approved drainage and utility easements and sanitary sewer easements for property on Harper Avenue.

- The council approved drainage and utility easements, sanitary sewer easements and rights-ofway for property at the eastern terminus of Sarah Lane.

- The council approved a greenway easement and compensation of over $4,800 for Cecile and Terry Rainey for the Greenway at Turnham Corner Subdivion from Moores Mill Road to Heard Avenue.

- The council approved an easement on Foster Street at Sam Harris Park.

- The council approved board appointments to the Educational Building Authority and the Tree Commission.

- The council voted to

“open” seat as Clinton was term-limited.

The press is unruly more than not. Still, I thought of those poor kids who could gain from America’s Promise.

Colin Powell never ran for president. That’s too bad. His heart just wasn’t in it. He had done enough for the country. During the toxic 2008 campaign, he asked: “Is there something wrong with being a Muslim in this country? The answer is no, that's not America. Is there something wrong with some 7-year-old Muslim American kid believing that he or she could be president?" Of course not.

Powell was a trailblazer in many fields. He will be missed, for sure.

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. amend the city code to raise the towing fees to $150 and wheel lock fees to $75 in the city.

- The council voted to approve the Severe Weather Tax Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday for February.

- The council approved a stop sign in the Bridgewater Subdivision Phase 2.

- The council approved an annexation of over 64.2 acres for property at the southwest corner of the intersection of Highway 280 and North College Street.

- The council approved an annexation for over 44 acres for property on Shelton Mill Road, north of the Cobblestone Subdivision.

- The council approved an annexation of a little less than an acre for property at 2424 Lee Road 56.

- The council approved a resolution for the expansion of a property at 2425 Innovation Drive for the Si02 Expansion.

B11 Oct. 21, 2021

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B12 Oct.21, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF JAMES LAMAR CROWDER Deceased PROBATE COURT LEECOUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Shara Cumins on the 21st dav of September, 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 time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Shara Cumins Legal Run 10/07/21, 10/14/21 & 10/21/21 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF VIRGINIA ANNE GODFREY HARRIGER, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-527 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 1st day of October, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

JIMMY A. LAFOY Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 368032345 (334) 745-3504 Legal 10/7/21, 10/14/21 & 10/21/21 ------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF JOHN DAVID ROBINSON Deceased

PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2021-128 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of JOHN DAVID ROBINSON are hereby granted to David Nicholas Robinson on the 16th day of March, 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 time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

DAVID NICHOLAS ROBINSON Legal Run 10/07/21, 10/14/21 & 10/21/21 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JAMES R. KELLEY, JR., DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-549 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 6th day of October, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

DEANNA DELORIS MILLER Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 368032345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 10/14/21, 10/21/21 & 10/28/21 _______

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS ESTATE SALE THURSDAY OCT. 21 FROM 8 A.M. TO 4 P.M. FRIDAY OCT 22 FROM 8 A.M. TO 4 P.M. SATURDAY OCT 23 FROM 8 A.M. TO NOON 1445 HIGHWAY 26 IN HURTSBORO, AL TONS OF ANTIQUES, APPLIANCES, ENTIRE HOME FURNISHINGS ARE BEING SOLD

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTAE OF THOMAS LEW SCHWIENING CASE NO.: 1998A-231 NOTICE OF FILING OF FINAL SETTLEMENT YOU WILL TAKE NOTICE that Sharon C. Brawell, as Conservator of the Estate of THOMAS LEW SCHWIENING, filed her account and vouchers for a Final Settlement of said Estate on the 5th day of October, 2021 and that the 10th day of November, 2021 at 9 o'clock a.m. has been appointed by the Court to hear said settlement.

Done this the 5th day of October, 2021.

Bill English Judge of Probate Legal Run 10/14/21, 10/21/21 & 10/28/21 _______ IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO: 2021-160 In the Matter of the Estate of Ethel Lee Finley, Deceased NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR AND NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS Letters of Administration on the Estate of Ethel Lee Finley, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned Roosevelt Finley, on the 23 rd day of March, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County, 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.

Roosevelt Finley, Jr. Administrator, Estate of Ethel Lee Finley, deceased.

Legal Run 10/21/21, 10/28/21 & 11/4/21 ------------CITY OF OPELIKA LEGAL NOTICE SYNOPSIS OF AN ORDINANCE WHEREBY THE

CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA GRANTS TO KNOLOGY OF ALABAMA, INC., THE NONEXCLUSIVE RIGHT TO USE THE RIGHTSOF-WAY TO CONSTRUCT, ERECT, OPERATE AND MAINTAIN A CABLE SYSTEM IN THE CITY OF OPELIKA 1. On October 19, 2021, the City Council for the City of Opelika, Alabama, adopted Ordinance No. 021-21, the purpose of which is to grant to Knology of Alabama, Inc., (“Knology”) for a ten (10) year period from the effective date, the nonexclusive right to utilize the rights-ofway in the corporate limits of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”), in order to construct, erect, operate and maintain a cable system to provide cable service within the City.

The Ordinance sets forth the conditions accompanying the grant of franchise, provides for regulation and use of the cable system and prescribes penalties for the violation of its provisions.

2. As a consequence, Knology is authorized, subject to the City’s police powers, including the City’s management of its rights-of-way, to construct, erect, operate and maintain in, upon, along, across, above, over and under the rightsof-way in the City a cable system in accordance with and subject to the terms and conditions of the ordinance.

3. As compensation for the use of the public ways and rights-of-way, Knology is to pay to the City on a quarterly basis a franchise fee of five percent (5%) of gross revenues derived by Knology from the operation of its cable system.

Knology is also required, among other requirements, to indemnify the City and maintain certain types of insurance coverage.

4.The Ordinance shall become effective upon adoption, approval and publication in synopsis form as required by law.

5. A copy of Ordinance No. 021-

21 may be obtained from the Office of the City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama, during normal business hours.

Publication of this Synopsis is done by or at the direction of the City Clerk of the City of Opelika, Alabama, and at the expense of Knology of Alabama, Inc. Legal Run 10-212021 ------------IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JAMES WADE EDWARDS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to Teleeda Page Edwards, as Administratrix of the Estate of James Wade Edwards, deceased, on the 7th day of October2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Taleeda Page Edwards Administratix of the Estate of James Wade Edwards, deceased Legal Run 10/21/21, 10/28/21 & 11/4/21 ------------NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO: 2021-474 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition For Summary Distribution In the Estate of MARK J. BRENNAN, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Karen Sims Shannon on October 15, 2021 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing

Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 10/21/2021 ------------JULIUNOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF ALICE BELLE THOMPSON, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2021-484 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of ALICE BELLE THOMPSON are hereby granted to Shirley T. Kelly and Wanda T. McCary as Co-Personal Representatives on the 2nd day of September, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Com1 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.

Shirley T. Kelly Wanda T. McCary Legal Run 10/21/21, 10/28/21 & 11/4/21 ------------Notice of Public Auction Boardwalk Storage-Opelika, pursuant to the “Self Service Storage Act” (1981 Alabama Acts, Number 81-769, page 1321 and Section 1), hereby gives Notice of Sale under said act, to wit.

Notice of Public Auction. Boardwalk Storage-Opelika Will be holding a public auction online at Lockerfox.com On November 2, 2021 @11:00am This is a bank check only process All sales are final and the units must be cleaned out completely in 48 hours. A 100.00 cleaning deposit is required and will be refunded upon unit inspection.

Unit must be swept.

We currently have ONE unit available: Unit B-16- Durham, L. = Boxes, shoes, quilts 334-741-9133 6790 US Hwy 29 N, Opelika, Al 36854 LEGAL RUN 10-212021 & 10-28-2021

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International Charity Fraud Awareness Week is Oct. 18 to 22 really helps make a difference. Many reputable charities are deserving of support. Consumers may find tips to assist in finding reputable organizations and for wise giving at www.ftc. gov/charity. Attorney General Marshall recommends that consumers take the following precautions: DO YOUR RESEARCH · Search the charity’s name online with words like “complaint” and “scam.” · You may search charities registered in Alabama here. · Check out the charity’s ratings with groups like the BBB Wise Giving Alliance, Charity Navigator, Charity Watch, and Guidestar. · Use the IRS’s Tax Exempt Organization Search to see if your donation is tax-deductible. · Information may be on file with the Secretary of State’s Office in the charity’s state.

ASK QUESTIONS · What are the charity’s website, address, and mission? · What percentage of your donation will go directly to services, rather than fundraising? · How much of your donation will be used for the specific programs you want to support? · If supporting

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF STEVE MARSHALL Attorney Gen. Steve Marshall is joining with state charities regulators and the Federal Trade Commission to observe International Charity Fraud Awareness Week from Oct. 18 to 22. This is a coordinated campaign to help charities and consumers avoid charity fraud and to promote wise giving.

Consumers may follow events and information at #StopCharityFraud.

“The people of Alabama are compassionate and generous toward those in need, and our hearts go out to those who are suffering,” Marshall said..

“But we must not let scam artists exploit this good nature and concern, keeping money from reaching those who are truly in need.

We hope that consumers and businesses who are asked to give will use the resources we are providing this week to give carefully, wisely and safely so that their donations may reach legitimate charities who will use these funds responsibly.”

RESOURCES FOR CONSUMERS Marshall reminds consumers that when they donate it is important to take steps to make sure their money goes to a charity that

OPELIKA >> FROM B9 "From 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. ... it sounds like pots and pans and sometimes mixed with alarms, buzzers and sirens going off," he said. "My mom, who lives one street over, has said that she has heard it at 2 or 3 in the morning."

Brandwein said that he hoped for a positive vote on this item.

Ward 5 councilmember Todd Rauch also spoke regarding the noise.

"When I was elected to the city council, the noise over at West Frasier was non-stop, it was continuous, it was throughout all hours of the night."

Rauch expressed his gratitude to both Fuller and former councilmember David Cannon for their work toward

finding a solution to this problem.

"I woud lilke to thank the mayor for taking this action and putting it in force, and also I want to thank and David Cannon, previous council member, he was a leading charge through this and helping out the community," Rauch said.

PROCLAMATION Also during the meeting, Fuller read a proclamation declaring Oct. 21 as Wear Purple Day in Opelika, to encourage residents of the community to help eliminate domestic violence in Opelika.

SERVICE AWARDS Several employees were given service awards for their service to the city during the meeting.

40 Years: Diane Heard - Library 20 Years: Tracey Johnson - OFD

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services in your own community is important to you, ask how the charity spends money in your area.

BE CAREFUL HOW YOU PAY · If someone asks you to send them cash, wire money, donate by gift card, or leave money under your front door mat for pick-up, don’t do it! That’s how scammers often ask you to pay. It’s safer to pay by credit card or check. · If you’re donating online, check that the webpage where you enter your payment information has “https” in the web address. That means your information is transmitted securely. · Avoid cash donations, if possible. Pay by credit card or write a check directly to the charity. Legitimate charities will give you a receipt that shows the amount of your donation. Keep that record and check your credit card statements to make sure you’re only charged for the donation you wanted to make, and that you are not signed up to make an unintended recurring donation.

WATCH OUT FOR SCAMMERS’ TRICKS · Scammers spoof caller ID to make their fundraising calls look like they’re from your local area code, a Washington, D.C., area code, or from an

organization you know. · Don’t let anyone rush you. Both the need for donations and the opportunity for giving will still be in effect for some time. Reputable charities do not use coercive tactics. · Scammers pressure you into donating immediately before you have time to do any research. A legitimate charity will welcome your donation at any time. · Scammers claim that you’ll win a sweepstakes or get a prize if you donate, which is against the law. · Scammers will thank you for a donation you don’t remember making. Scammers do that to trick you into thinking you actually made a pledge and to guilt you into sending money. · Some scammers use names that closely resemble the names of real charities; research to make sure it is who you think it is. · Don’t fall for vague and sentimental appeals that don’t give specifics about how your donation will be used.

What about donation requests through social media and crowdfunding sites?

Marshall advises consumers to be mindful that, while many requests for donations through social media and crowdfunding

sites are legitimate, some are scams. For example, there are people who misuse real pictures and stories to get you to donate, but the money goes into their own pockets.

Crowdfunding sites may have little control over who uses them and how donations are spent. Research before you give. Also, if tax deductions are important to you, remember that donations to individuals are not tax-deductible.

The safest way to give on social media or through crowdfunding is to donate to people you actually know who contact you about a specific project. Don’t assume that solicitations on social media or crowdfunding sites are legitimate — even when they are shared or liked by your friends.

Do your own research.

Call or contact your friends offline and ask them about the post they shared.

Read "Donating Through Crowdfunding, Social Media, and Fundraising Platforms" for more information.

ADVICE FOR BUSINESSES Marshall said it is important also for businesses to be careful when they are approached for charitable contributions. It is important that these donations go to reputable

non-profits, and that businesses avoid inadvertently associating their companies with a questionable fundraising campaign. The FTC provides these tips at Tips for Retailers: How to Review Charity Requests. Attorney General Marshall notes that when companies lend their names to charities through a sponsorship or by allowing fundraising on their property, their own reputations are on the line. Customers and members of the community may interpret that as a “stamp of approval” and feel safe to donate to the cause being championed by a business. He advises that before lending a business’s name to a charity or allowing solicitations on the premises, the business should find out more about the charity making this request.

Consumers and businesses with questions or concerns may contactthe Consumer Interest Division by calling toll-free 1-800392-5658, by writing to 501 Washington Ave. Montgomery, Alabama 36130 or through the attorney general’s web page at www.AlabamaAg. gov/consumercomplaint. Scams may also be reported to www.ftc. gov/complaint.

Robert Lee - OFD Richard Converse - OPD 15 Years: Tommy Beam - OFD 5 Years: Christopher Skipper - OFD Giovanni Satiesteban -OPD Charlton Martin - OPD IN OTHER BUSINESS - The council held a public hearing on the amendment of the zoning ordinance and map regarding the rezoning of 166 acres located on Hwy 431 and Cusseta Road. The council did not introduce this ordinance for the first reading.

- The council approved the purchase of one 2022 Chevy Tahoe.

- The council approved the designation of city personal property as surplus and authorized the disposal of the items in accordance with state

law.

- The council approved the purchase of 255 Toter 96 Gallon Universal/ Nestable Carts.

- The council approved the purchase of a DirectLink Bridge Series Crisis Response Throw phone system.

- The council approved the purchase of one 2021 Ford F150 Super Cab. - The council approved the purchase of Antivirus Malwarebytes software.

- The council approved the purchase of a Bobcat Compact Excavator.

- The council approved the purchase of VMware Workspace One Management and Security software.

- The council approved the purchase of police equipment for seven 2021 Police Package automobiles.

- The council approved the purchase of ammunition for the police

department.

- The council approved an annual appropriation contract for fiscal year 2022 with Envision Opelika Foundation, Inc. for the amount of $75,000.

- The council approved an annual appropriation contract for fiscal year 2022 with J. W. Darden Foundation, Inc. for the amount of $5,000.

- The council approved an annual appropriation contract for fiscal year 2022 with Opelika First Class Pre-K Academy for the amount of $20,000.

- The council approved an annual appropriation contract for fiscal year 2022 with Opelika Main Street for the amount of $60,000.

- The council approved a special appropriation to East Alabama Community Ballet for 2021 Nutcracker Performance for the

amount of $1,000.

- The council approved a special appropriation to Opelika Main Street for 2021 Christmas in a Railroad Town for the amount of $1,250.

- The council approved change order No. 1 for Robinson Paving Co. for the Northpark Drive Improvement project.

- The council approved a proposal for engineering services with CDG for design of an industrial access road for Project Crown.

- The council approved a franchise agreement with Knology of Alabama, Inc. - The council introduced an ordinance on the Regulations Restricting the Sale of Dogs and Cats at Pet Shops and Pet Supply Stores for a first reading.

The next scheduled city council meeting will be Nov. 2 at 7 p.m.

B15 Oct. 21, 2021

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B16 Oct.21, 2021

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