Opelika Observer 08-19-2021 E-edition

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Vol. 13, No. 45

Opelika, Alabama

pelika Observer O

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Alabama Re-Enters State Of Emergency

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM Gov. Kay Ivey announced on Aug. 12 that due to the rising COVID-19 cases in Alabama, the state will once again enter a state of emergency.

“As of August 12, 2021, 95 percent of beds in intensive care units in Alabama hospitals were occupied, resulting in the lowest ICUbed availability since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic,” the release from Ivey said.

However, this state of emergency is not accompanied by a mask-mandate, business restrictions or closures.

“This state of emergency is strategically targeted at removing bureaucracy and cutting red tape wherever we can to allow our doctors, nurses and hospital

staff to treat patients that come through their doors,” Ivey said. “Let me be crystal clear: Alabama remains open for business.

“Alabamians do not need government telling us what to do or how to do it. Unlike last year when we were hoping for a miracle, our greatest weapon against COVID-19 today is the vaccine, so, if you can, roll up your sleeve and get the shot.”

This state of emergency will help the government and healthcare providers provide care easier.

For instance, this will allow hospitals to expand capacity, add protections and give frontline workers more authority. Additionally, hospitals will be able to receive necessary supplies easier.

“I am really proud that over the last month, Alabama has seen more

than a 100% increase — the highest in the country — in COVID-19 vaccines being administered,” Ivey said.

“We owe those who have gotten the vaccine a tremendous debt of gratitude. No doubt, this will soon move us in the right direction, but at the current time, we also need to offer our frontline heroes —

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

Two years ago on Aug. 16, Nancy Parker Boyd was living her life dream as an award winning news anchor for Fox 8 television station in New Orleans for over two decades.

On this typical hot afternoon in the city, Nancy was interviewing a wellknown acrobatic pilot for an upcoming fundraiser.

Shortly after they took off, there was a problem with the plane. The pilot requested to turn around for an emergency landing that never happened, as the

plane tragically crashed.

The news was devastating for everyone who knew Nancy and her family.

While Nancy received many honors and awards

during her career, they have not slowed down since her death, as her influence lives on. Nancy See PARKER, page A2

cent increase in vaccination.

However, EAMC is also asking for help. The EAMC Foundation is asking that if an individual or business would like to provide meals for hospital sand frontline staff, a COVID-19 relief fund has been established here: https:// eamcfoundation8686. thankyou4caring.org/

covid-19-relief.

Additionally, checks can be mailed to the EAMC Foundation with ‘COVID-19 Fund’ in the for section.

Checks can be mailed to: EAMC Attn: Dennis Thrasher 2000 Pepperell Parkway Opelika, Alabama, 36801

Auburn 2040 Paused in Light of Rising COVID-19 Cases

Two Years After Nancy Parker Boyd’s Accident, Her Honors Continue

BY ANN CIPPERLY OPELIKA OBSERVER

who are unfortunately treating a new wave of patients in Alabama’s hospitals — a helping hand as they put it all on the line to take care of our people.”

In Lee County, at East Alabama Medical Center, as of Friday, there were 54 COVID-19 hospitalizations.

Lee County has also seen more than a 2 per-

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN DAVID D. DORTON / DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS Auburn Mayor Ron Anders announced last week that Auburn 2040, the community-wide planning initiative, has been put on pause in light of rising COVID-19 cases in the area.

As a citizen-led initiative, the Auburn 2040 planning process heavily relies on rich conversation and discussion among team members, which is difficult to attain virtually.

“It’s with great disappointment that we make this announcement,” Anders said. “I believe

that the very best plan that we can present to our community derives from in-person conversation, debate and idea-sharing, not through virtual means. I believe that waiting until we can resume safe, in-person meetings is best.”

All planned Auburn 2040 meetings have been canceled. Future updates will be shared at auburnalabama.

org/2040 and through the City’s Auburn 2040 eNotifier.

“Some teams have yet to meet, and even our most active teams have only met twice,” Anders said. “Now is the time to pause this process to ensure that, when it is finally complete, all voices are heard and it truly reflects community vision for Auburn’s future.”

Contents OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4

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

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B12

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

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

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2021 "20 Under 40" Class Members: Andrew Pendola, Dani Nelson, Jaci Lee, Jessica Bryant, Chase Higgins, Beth Slaughter, Brandon McCurdy, Nicole Stroud, Alex Bradfield, Katie Kingston, Catherine Mullikin, Chandler Johnson, Henry Williford, Janatake Hughley-Holmes, Anastasia Schmidt, Sarah Huguley, Alexandria Wood, Natalie Carter, Matt Mosley and Chiquita Brooks.

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A2 August 19, 2021

PARKER

>>

FROM A1

was inducted into two Hall of Fames, had a street named after her in Louisiana along with a park and the Fox 8 studio, among others.

When Nancy was a little girl in Opelika, she believed she could accomplish anything she dreamed. In grammar school, Nancy knew she wanted to be a television news anchor. It was a dream that grew into a passion for telling people’s stories, inspiring others and making a difference.

The dream led to New Orleans where she became a celebrated news anchor, interviewing the President of the United States, meeting the Pope on St. Peter’s Square and receiving numerous Emmys, honors and awards for her documentaries and dedication to excellence.

Nancy’s parents, Patsy and Bill Parker of Opelika, were educators who were committed to community service. They always encouraged Nancy to follow her dreams. Nancy always felt they were great role models, with their motto “Be the best at whatever you do, no matter what that is, always keep your dignity and self-respect and be able to hold your head up no matter where you are.” She later said this was drilled into her and her brother, Billy, every day.

Anyone who knew Nancy was blessed and could feel the glow of her caring and kindness. While interviewed one time, she said, “You always want to be a light and not just a person.

You have to do something to help other people and give back.”

While Nancy was

unique and gifted, her life was enhanced with what she learned from her parents and other family members growing up in Opelika.

Nancy shared once that when she was growing up, she was not allowed to sit around watching television, instead she was required to read. When she finished reading a Nancy Drew book, her grandmother would take her to Jackie’s Cards and Gifts in downtown Opelika for another one. She had a love for reading and could have read a new book all night.

Nancy was active in organizations at Opelika High School, and she was the first Black Miss OHS. Her mother entered Nancy in a teen magazine modeling contest, and Nancy was one of six national finalists in the magazine’s Miss Teenage America Contest.

When she was a senior in high school, Nancy began the first steps toward her dream by applying for a job in the news department at WJHO Radio Station. She knew she wanted to be a newscaster, and her parents told her to go for it.

Nancy was thankful Jack Smollon believed in her.

After high school, she studied journalism at the University of Alabama where she graduated with honors in 1988. While at Alabama, she volunteered at WUAL radio station and wrote articles for The Crimson White newspaper. She also worked one summer as an intern for the Birmingham News.

She received job offers from newspapers, but in her heart she wanted to be a news anchor. Nancy worked as an intern at WTVM in Columbus where she appeared on the air for several stories.

Since there were no openings at the station, Nancy accepted a position working for Congressman Bill Nichols in Washington, D.C., writing press releases and letters. A year later when she received a call from the Columbus station about an opening at the East Alabama Bureau, she returned home.

Nancy began moving up the ladder of success quickly. She accepted a news position at WSFA in Montgomery, reporting the weekend news and then later anchoring the morning news. While working on a story, Nancy met her future husband, Glynn Boyd, who was also a news reporter.

They ended up in Baton Rouge, where Nancy anchored the five o’clock news. A few years later, in 1996, both Nancy and her husband were in New Orleans. A couple of years later, Nancy became the main anchor for the primetime news on the Fox 8 station.

Over the years, she anchored every prime-time newscast at Fox 8, including the morning edition.

After Katrina, the White House invited five journalists from the Gulf C++oast for one on one interviews with President Bush. Nancy was one of those invited. While Nancy was waiting to interview the President in the Roosevelt room, she called her mother from the china room. “Mom, guess where I am?”

Other notables she covered include Pope John Paul II when the founder of Xavier University in New Orleans was canonized. Nancy had a passion for her work and later said, “Just as the Pope announced her name, a

established in her name at Opelika High School and in New Orleans a NAACP scholarship in perpetuity to outstanding young people in Nancy’s name.

“My parents are part of what keeps me going,” Nancy would always say.

“They are retired, and they never stop. They have always tried to make a difference in somebody’s life. You have to do something to help other people and give back.”

“We have been so blessed to have had Nancy touch our lives,” said Patsy and Bill Parker. “She has always been a champion of the underdog and the lover of all people. Nancy’s love for mankind was unique.

She had such a winning personality. A part of Nancy is in everything we touch or see.

“Her family honors her existence each day of their lives. We thank God Nancy grew up in a city that returned her love.

We know how much she loved us as her parents.

Her children often remind us that a part of her is in each of them. They feel they must continue to be the best and live the lives their parents wanted them to live. We thank each of you for bringing joy to our angel and for keeping her alive in your hearts. Please continue to keep us in your prayers.”

Nancy Parker gave back to countless people and touched hearts with her light. People who knew her felt she was family.

She was the kind of person who had an impact on everyone she met. Nancy was an amazing person who was dedicated to making a difference, and she achieved that goal every day of her life.

Dat: What’s Cookin’?”

Not long afterwards, she released a second children’s book, “The Adventures of Yat and Dat: SUPERDOME!” She also authored two other books, “Yat and Dat Present Dinner at Eight the TALKING PLATE” and “The Adventures of Yat and Dat Present STUCK.” During her career, Nancy received many honors, including five Emmy Awards, five Edward R. Murrow awards and several Associated Press and press club awards. In 2015, she was presented the college-wide Bert Bank Distinguished Service Award at the University of Alabama. She was named to the Board of Visitors for the School of Communications and Information Sciences.

After her death, she was inducted into the University of Alabama Hall of Fame and the Louisiana State University Hall of Fame. Fox 8 News named the studio after Nancy, the city of Gretna in Louisiana changed the name of a street in her memory by naming it Nancy Parker Boyd Memorial Way. At Mardi Gras, a float was named after Nancy.

Other honors include receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Orleans Press Club. A scholarship was

brilliant rainbow appeared over St. Peter’s Square. I never know what I will be covering next. It is always an adventure.”

Nancy was drawn to stories that made a difference.

One Emmy nomination was for a story about an honor student who was homeless. Nancy saw a sign that said, “Homeless kids have to go to school too.”

Nancy began wondering if there were homeless kids going to school. She couldn’t sleep thinking about it. One night between newscasts, she found the girl at the Salvation Army shelter with her mom. The girl was at the top of her class and drum major in the school band, but ashamed.

After Nancy presented her story, the girl’s life changed. Her family received an apartment and donations. The girl now wants to mentor other children left behind at the shelter.

“I am always looking to make a difference,” Nancy often said. “If I can see a change in something, it keeps me motivated.”

When her children, Parker and twins Piper and Pierce, were small, she would tell them stories.

She completed another dream when she wrote a children’s book, “The Adventures of Yat and

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

pelika Observer

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A3 August 19, 2021

Alabama Cannabis Commission Committee Holds First Organizational Meeting

BY MICHELLE KEY AND MEGAN MANN The Alabama Cannabis Commission Committee held its first organizational meeting on Thursday, Aug.12, 2021.

The new law, known as the Darren Wesley ‘Ato’ Hall Compassion Act, was signed into effect by Gov. Kay Ivey earlier this year on May. 17. Ivey recognized the bill’s author, Sen. Tim Melson for his hard work on bringing this bill to the Alabama legislature.

“Senator Melson has worked diligently on this bill and this program for many years, and I know he is proud to see it come to fruition,” Ivey said.

After introductions were made, Ivey spoke regarding the tasks that the commission would be undertaking.

“Ladies and gen-

tlemen make no mistake the task before you is big,” she said. “You have your work truly cut out for you. Likewise, what you do and how you do it is mightily important, as now Alabama joins 35 other states including the District of Colombia in providing legal use for medical cannabis.

“It will be up to you, those that have been appointed by any elected leaders around the state to establish the criteria of the medical cannabis production in Alabama.”

Ivey also spoke on the importance of maintaining transparency and said, “transparency and ethics are critically important to this endeavor.”

After Ivey spoke to the commission, Dr. Steve Stokes was voted as chairman of the Commission Committee, and Rex

Vaughn will serve as co-chairman.

Four members were appointed to a committee to find an executive director for the Commission.

The group also formed a committee to find physicians to be certified.

The commission is required to have doctors ready to be certified by Jan. 1, 2022. One of the top priorities for any doctor that desires or plans to participate in the Medical Cannabis Registry and Seed to Sale system is training guidelines.

Each one will be required to take a training course and pass an exam on the subject matter in order to receive certification.

Other agenda items included: - Developing a system for nine producers to be permitted with 20% of those being a minority

- Developing a system for six processors to be permitted - Developing a system for three dispensaries to be permitted - Discussed the need for a permanent meeting space and the hiring of administrative staff - Discussed various dates and deadlines as outlined in the Act - Discussed setting up video conferencing for those unable to attend meetings in person - Discussed a research grant to be awarded to a person or facility to research the historical perspective of marijuana and to research the effects and specs of post-operative pain management “Within a year we are supposed to have a revenue starting and 30% of revenues will be going to research,” said Stokes regarding the com-

mittee’s funds for research. “I would hope that institutions like UAB, South Alabama and the other four-year institutions will start thinking about some grants.”

The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2021. All meetings after this will take place on the second Thursday of each month through the rest of the year.

The critical topic of the next meeting will be continuing of the search for an executive director.

Members of the committee: Dr. Steve Stokes — Retired oncologist, former marine, is currently on the board of trustees at USA James Harwell — Retired in the horticulture industry, Green Thumb Nursery Taylor Hatchett — Boozer Farms Dr. Angela Martin

— Pediatrician from Anniston, serving on the opioid task force and Office of Women’s Health Rex Vaughn — Farming industry, from Huntsville Dr. Eric Jensen — Biochemist, veterinarian, also worked in the poultry industry Charles Price — Retired circuit court judge Loree Skelton — Attorney specializing in healthcare law Dwight Gamble — Bank executive Dr. Sam Blakemore — Pharmacist Dr. William Saliski –—Pulmonologist Advisory Nonvoting members: Dr. Jerry Szaflarski Katherine Robertson — Chief Counsel for the Attorney General’s office Dion Robinson — Special Agent with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency.

Summer In The Park CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA The сity of Opelika is excited to announce its Summer in the Park event to wrap up the city's 2022 United Way Fundraising Campaign. On Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., join city employees in Municipal Park for the Burgers and Badges Grill-Off, the Incredible Duck Race down the creek, rides on the Rocky Brook Rocket and so many more fun activities.

The Burgers and Badges Grill-Off is between the Opelika Fire Department and the Opelika Police Department. For $5 you can get a burger, chips and a drink. Support your favorite department and come hungry.

In 2019, we had our first duck race down the creek and had a wonderful turnout. This year, the races will begin at noon, ducks will be $5 each and there are some great prizes for our winners — including a yearlong SportsPLEX membership for first place.

The Rocky Brook Rocket will also be running.

Tickets are a dollar each.

We are so excited to have Auburn University’s tiger — Aubie — making a special appearance and several other summer activities.

All proceeds from the event will be donated to United Way of Lee County to assist our neighbors in need. We hope you join us for this fun event for a great cause.

AUGUST 21, 2021 • 10 A.M. - 1 P.M. MUNICIPAL PARK

FOOD, FUN & GAMES

PROCEEDS GO TO UNITED WAY OF LEE COUNTY BURGER, CHIPS AND DRINK: $5 TRAIN RIDES FROM 10 A.M. - NOON: $1 DUCK RACES BEGIN AT NOON: $5 PER DUCK AND MUCH MORE! FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT @CITYOFOPELIKA ON FACEBOOK FOR THE EVENT PAGE.

A4 August 19, 2021

The Storm

W

SEAN DIETRICH

ell, the hurricane is approaching.

It’s morning, and the first thing I hear in my mother-in-law’s house is the blaring Weather Channel.

My mother-in-law likes her television at volumes robust enough to rattle her artificial hip. Especially when the world is ending. Like today.

On the screen, a lady meteorologist is having a nervous breakdown.

On the map, she points to a red-colored cyclone

that’s roughly the size of Greenland, and says, “THIS IS A HURRICANE!” This is the kind of insider information you get watching the Weather Channel.

She then traces the map with a digital pointer, making colorful and scientific designs.

She says, “ONE HUNDRED AND EIGHTYFIVE MILE AN HOUR WINDS, FOLKS!” My mother-in-law turns the volume up.

The weather woman looks like she’s about to

faint from anxiety. She adds, “It’s ESSENTIAL to make sure you have bottled water, triple-A batteries and a BIKE HELMET…” “Do we have any bike helmets?” says my mother-in-law.

“Helmets? You don’t even own a bike.”

“They said I need a helmet.”

“You? What about me?”

She shrugs.

The first thing I’d like to mention is that the weather forecasting business has changed.

For most of my life, weather people wore polyester suits and looked like your father’s dentist. They pointed to maps and told forecasts in radio-DJ voices. They never talked about bike helmets, and they never lost their cool on the air.

This weather woman’s mascara is running.

So I go to the garage to check on the helmet situation. All I find is my old catcher’s mask.

“We need bottled water, too,” my mother-inlaw calls out. “Is my car gassed up? Buy some batteries while you’re at it. Oh, and be sure you get some toilet paper.”

Of course, we live on the Gulf Coast, so this is not our first big hurricane. In fact, we’ve seen so many storms that nearly every year the Weather-Channel vans come to town and get ticker-tape parades. We love these guys.

Half of my immediate family has been featured on television discussing major tropical disturbances.

There was the famous interview my uncle gave during Hurricane Opal at a hardware store: “Good afternoon, sir,” said the weather person with a microphone.

“Any thoughts on the storm which could slaughter thousands, potentially destroying millions of non-profit pet shelters, nursing homes, children’s advo-

cacy centers and monasteries?”

My uncle spit out his wad of Skoal and for his big national TV debut, he said, “Heck of a thing.”

Weather Channel gold.

That same evening, my uncle got thirty-five phone calls, two marriage proposals and one invitation to speak at the annual policemen’s banquet.

It should be said, I take storms seriously.

Storms like this are no joke. This one is strong enough to suck the blood out of a deer tick and leave me with a lot of yard work. But the worst part, if you ask me, is that this storm will probably require evacuation.

And, if you’ve never evacuated from a hurricane, you don’t know what you’re missing.

It’s a lot like going on vacation with your mother-in-law during a historical reenactment

of the American Revolution.

Imagine you’re in a traffic jam, stretching from Orange Beach, Alabama, to Beaverton, Oregon. Your vehicle is loaded with boxes of family photos, fine china, shrink-wrapped wedding dresses, your mother-in-law’s walker and every pair of shoes your wife has ever bought.

Your wife is driving.

You’re listening to radio updates. And of course, your mother-in-law announces that she has to pee.

So you stop at a gas station. There are six hundred cars that do the same. Mostly, these are minivans with screaming children and dogs stuck in kennels.

You escort your mother-in-law inside to the bathrooms, hoping her roller-walker will earn you a good spot in the long restroom See DIETRICH, page A5

On Compassion: Nothing is Ever Wasted, Nothing…

I

BRADLEY ROBERTSON

went to visit my sister recently in Tennessee and upon wandering through her small book collection I found Night by Elie Wiesel. Having no idea who the author was, I quickly read the back of the book …

“Born in the town of

Sighet, Transylvania, Elie Wiesel was a teenager when he and his family were taken from their home in 1944 to the Auschwitz concentration camp, and then to Buchenwald.

Night is the terrifying record of Elie Wiesel’s memories of the death of his family, the death of his own innocence and his despair as a deeply observant Jew confronting the absolute evil of man.”

I’m not certain how many people would anticipate or eagerly read this book, but I opened it at once, reading the preface and forward.

I took the book back home to Alabama and began as quick as I could. {from page 18 of

Night} “…That evening our mother made us go to bed early. To conserve our strength, she said.

I was up at dawn. I wanted to have time to pray before leaving.

My father had risen before all of us, to seek information in town.

He returned around eight o’clock. Good news: we were not leaving town today; we were only moving to the small ghetto. That is where we were to wait for the last transport. We would be the last to leave.

At nine o’clock, the previous Sunday’s scenes were repeated.

Policemen wielding clubs were shouting: “All Jews outside!”

We were ready. I

went out first. I did not want to look at my parents’ faces. I did not want to break into tears. We remained sitting in the middle of the street, like the others two days earlier.

The same hellish sun.

The same thirst. Only there was no one left to bring us water.

I looked at my house in which I had spent years seeking my God, fasting to hasten the coming of the Messiah, imagining what my life would be like later. Yet I felt a sadness. My mind was empty.

“Get up! Roll Call!”

We stood. We were counted. We sat down.

We got up again. Over and over. We waited impatiently to be taken away. What were they

waiting for? Finally, the order came: “Forward! March!”

My father was crying. It was the first time I saw him cry. I had never thought it possible. As for my mother, she was walking, her face a mask, without a word, deep in thought. I looked at my little sister, Tzipora, her blond hair neatly combed, her red coat over her arm: a little girl of seven…”

This was just the beginning of Elie’s story and what took place during those dreadful and dark days of 1944 and into 1945.

We cannot even imagine his reality, but by reading Elie’s real-life story, we can sense something for just a

moment. We can slip into the truth and the events of the story, not just as a foreign idea or mystery.

This event really happened, and though it was long ago and we were never there, we can begin to feel it.

In the case of Night, the details would steal my attention and when I would finally put the book down and step away from the story, I found myself more fully engaged with my own children, husband, friends and family.

I have wondered about this and have come to a conclusion, it is the deep story of a foreign human that opens my own heart to See ROBERTSON, page A5

Listen for the Whistle

WENDY HODGE

T

his world’s a noisy place. In all things, from advertising blaring at us from the television, radio and Internet to technology which beeps, chirps and dings at us from our pockets and purses ... from city sounds that honk and bang incessantly to our own personal conversations that often are not as private as they should be … in all of this, it is LOUD that reigns supreme. As we race back and forth, this cacophony of chaos so often

distracts us from actual life and, in fact, becomes our actual life.

There is joy in the loud times. What’s more comforting than the laughter of your family around the kitchen table, all those years of knowing each other and still somehow loving in spite of that? Or the cheers of friends as you watch a football game, the autumn wind brisk and clean just beyond the windows … or better yet, in a stadium full of strangers wearing the same colors you are and becoming an instant family as your team charges the field? How about an outdoor concert, music and cheers rising up to the stars?

Noise can indeed be intoxicating.

As a child, my neighborhood was seldom quiet.

Someone was almost always mowing their yard.

The ice cream truck jingled its way slowly around the block while children scrambled from front porches, eager with their quarters and high-pitched laughter.

My two best friends and I chattered, cartwheeled and caterwauled our way down Hall Avenue, with anything but quiet on our minds. Even the summer heat itself seemed to crackle and sigh its way through the hours. High school was achieved at long last, and cartwheels gave way to clarinet practice and color guard drills in the front yard, much to my neighbors’ disapproval.

Cars full of teenagers arrived and departed.

The noise carried on, and behind it all was the never-ending train whistle as it passed through our town.

As a young woman heading off to college, I

was unprepared for the absolute volume that accompanies growth.

The new voices in your head all but shout when you learn the universe only begins where your skin ends and expands infinitely. Navigating that universe is a noisy process. Philosophies collide in classrooms where debates and discussions rage on. Parties erupt in dorm rooms and carry on through all hours of the day and night. And, if you’re lucky and work hard, there are cheers of celebration when you mark academic milestones in a stadium filled with other lucky and hard-working, newly liberated young adults. And, without me hearing it, the train whistle blew.

I only blinked a few times, and there was a new family at my table, my own family, and

there’s nothing louder than that brand new baby. Along with the precious little clothes and the sweet smiles, babies come equipped with their own brand of volume … and lots of it. Add another child or two, and you have your own special kind of symphony. It goes with you everywhere: the grocery store, where just about everybody in town has gathered to evaluate your parenting skills; church, where most assuredly someone will not be on their best behavior; nap time, bath time, mealtime, all the time; and Christmas morning, when the joy cannot be contained and quiet is far, far away.

Even on that holiday morning, the train bellowed through, and the whistle blew.

All of this, all of life, is a noisy business. But, it is

in the quiet that we truly hear. When the volume is muted, we listen with our hearts and hear the truest sounds … the ones that have been there all along.

Look back at that dinner table and my laughing family. Take away the noise, and what you will hear is my mother sighing with contentment because we, all of us, are safe and sitting there with her. You’ll hear my brother call my sister by her nickname; the name no one else could use, because that’s a sacred right we bestow only on siblings. You’ll hear the clock ticking on the wall, marking down the moments we would share in that house.

Observe the school memories, stripped of their pomp and circumstance, and you’ll hear See HODGE, page A5

A5 August 19, 2021

Opelika Woman Meets Nailed It! Sonja Brannon’s daughter had a plan. She was going to sign up her risk-taking mom for a new challenge — competing on a baking show.

But, she didn’t let her mom in on the news.

So when her daughter approached her to say she had been accepted to complete the casting process on Nailed It!, Brannon was completely surprised.

“Almost a year later, they sent me an email asking me to complete the casting process for the show,” Brannon said. “She came in there and she said, ‘momma look!’ … I was shocked.

I didn’t know what to say.”

The process took an additional year to complete before Brannon was flown out to compete in the fall of 2020. She also had to choose a partner.

Because, unlike a normal episode, Brannon’s episode consisted of pairs.

She competed with her friend, Shereta. The two have been friends since

high school.

“We didn’t know anything about what our tasks were gonna be as far as the show was concerned, we didn’t know any of the people that we were gonna compete against until we stepped on the set,” she said.

show and the contestants were given no prior information, Brannon said.

“We didn’t think it would be that hard but we come to the task that they give you, and the amount of time that they give you, it’s virtually impossible really,” she

Although the competition was filmed in real time and there was no prior knowledge of the task, the show did want all the competitors on equal footing, so before the competition, each pair was taught how to use all the equipment.

Pictured right: Sonja Brannon.

The two were competing in a carnival themed show against pair one, Selma Nilla and Lagoona Bloo, and pair two, Sheldon and Ron. It took three days to complete filming for the

said. “You just do what you can do in that time frame.”

The competition itself was completed in one day, but doing interviews and other filming used up the other two days.

The first round consisted of a smaller project, which was a caramel corn knockdown doll.

The second round was much more extensive — in this case, a rollercoaster cake.

GE Aviation’s Auburn Plant Ships 100,000th 3-D Printed Fuel Nozzle The GE Aviation additive manufacturing center in Auburn has achieved a major milestone — it shipped the 100,000th fuel nozzle tip grown on sophisticated 3-D printers at a plant that is pioneering new technologies for producing jet engine components.

The Auburn site began producing fuel nozzles in 2015 and was the industry’s first mass manufacturing site for producing aircraft engine parts using additive manufacturing.

“As GE grows the number of jet engine parts made with additive

DIETRICH >>

FROM A4

line. It doesn’t. You’re running out of time. In line, your mother-inlaw explains that her bladder is reaching the critical zone. Something must be done.

The important thing here is to remain calm.

Which you do. You explain to her that you were once a Boy Scout and that going to the bathroom outdoors is all part of God’s natural plan.

Next, you guide your family’s matriarch to the dumpster behind the service station.

You stand nearby, eyes closed, ears plugged, singing “Amazing Grace” loud enough to

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN BY DAVID D. DORTON/DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS

manufacturing methods, we expect to continue to advance our manufacturing capabilities

drown out all ambient sound.

And it is at this precise moment when you realize that you forgot to bring toilet paper.

But anyway, the good news here is that there is no talk of evacuation with this hurricane. At least not yet. Furthermore, I am grateful for the Weather Channel and for that frantic weather woman. Without her, I would have never thought about things like bike helmets.

Speaking of helmets, you really ought to see my mother-in-law in her catcher’s mask. She is adorable.

And I will add that we are all going to miss her dearly.

right here in Auburn,” said Andrea McAllister, plant leader for GE Aviation Auburn. “We

HODGE >>

FROM A4

Susan and I promise to be best friends forever and mean it with all our hearts. You’ll hear Dr. Hannah tell me that writing might be something I should focus on, and a delicate dream took wing for me. And on a dark day, you can hear the quiet crying as an entire school lined up to pay our respects and say our goodbyes to three of our own who were taken heartbreakingly close to graduation by a driver too drunk to notice the devastation he’d created.

The earth was practically silent as we absorbed that shock.

There’s nothing like the quiet of midnight when you’re waiting for your

encourage those interested in helping build the future of flight with innovative technologies to join the GE Aviation team.”

Eric Gatlin, general manager of additive manufacturing for GE Aviation, added “there is a bright and exciting future for this technology.”

Governor Kay Ivey applauded the achievement at the Alabama plant.

“The remarkable milestone reached at GE Aviation’s Auburn facility isn’t just about producing 100,000 fuel nozzle tips — it also shows that Alabama workers are at the forefront of additive techSee AVIATION'S, page A6

child to return home, knowing that surely they’re safe but not being convinced until you hear the front door softly swing open. How many nights did I, and millions of others in the ongoing vigil of parenthood, breathe a barely audible sigh of relief and chuckle to myself for worrying in the first place when any one of my children stepped safely back across our threshold?

And then there is the quietest memory of all. I can see my sister standing at the foot of her boys’ beds while they slept. It was moving day for me. I was leaving my home and journeying forth to the future. The sky was still dark, and the room was silent except for the slow

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED TO THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

“It was quite massive,” Brannon said. “It was something that if, I was actually trying to bake that to sell it, it would probably take me about two days to actually do it correctly. And we only had like an hour and 45 minutes.”

Brannon said that although she and her partner did not win the show — she was excited for the pair that did.

“We all had a blast,” she said. “It was so much fun and in the end, we made friends with everybody.”

Looking forward — Brannon said she’d like to compete in front of a

camera again.

Brannon said that if her daughter had been 18 by filming, she would have served as her partner in the show. But, there is still some recognition there. If you watch the episode, you’ll see a photo of her daughter.

When the episode released in March, Brannon said she was able to watch the episode with her daughter, and with her parents.

“We didn’t tell a lot of people that we didn’t win,” she said. “We just wanted them to watch it.”

The episode can be viewed on Netflix.

ROBERTSON >>

The things we easily take for granted, come back to the surface as a reminder of what matters. Life.

I don’t think it’s that we want to read about suffering and pain it’s that we don’t want to forget to feel.

Nothing is ever wasted, nothing, for anything can teach us something and feel us back into a state of compassion all over again.

Besides Night, I have a few other books to recommend to help us ‘feel’ our way back into one another.

We must not forget friends, that every human has a heart.

BOOKS: Tattoos on the Heart, by Greg Boyle. When Breathe becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi, Educated

by Tara Westover, We March at Midnight: A War Memoir by Ray McPadden.

FROM A4

receive what is deep of others.

It is the sentimental details that allow me to feel and see very closely the meaningful details of those around me.

I have the same idea of Bible stories. I read the same ones over and over again because I don’t want to forget. I don’t want to forget the way that Jesus lived and touched people.

You see, we can get too ordinary with those in our daily walk of life that we forget there is still heart and soul. We see the same smiles, same attitudes, same behaviors, same frustrations and we somehow lose interest. Until something sparks us back into reality and reminds us to pay attention. rhythmic breathing of my nephews. My sister turned to me … my sister who felt deeply but rarely allowed herself to let those feelings form words … and said, “There’s nothing you can’t do. You’re the strongest one of us all, and I am so proud of you.” I still hear those words at times when I need them most.

They’ve carried me through when nothing else would, long after she hasn’t been here to say anything at all.

Just today, I found myself in a line of cars at a railroad crossing ... waiting, impatience building, thoughts of schedules falling behind … and then I heard it: A train whistle. I sat and listened to that low and

mournful sound, and I remembered what my grandmother used to say, “You should always listen when the whistle blows, Wendy Lynne.

Things are happening that you don’t want to miss.”

Wendy Hodge is an Opelika native, an empty nester and lover of all things Opelika.

She previously had a column titled A Word or Ten, which was featured in the Tennessee Star Journal and is currently awaiting the release of her first novel with Harper Collins Publishing Company.

Editor’s Note: This is one of the first columns that Wendy Hodge wrote for the Observer, just over four years ago.

A6 August 19, 2021

Horseshoe Bend National Military Park Announces Annual Symposium CONTRIBUTED BY THE NATIONAL PARK SERVICE Horseshoe Bend National Military Park will host its annual symposium at Auburn University’s Pebble Hill in Auburn, on Saturday, Aug. 21, from 10 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

The theme of this year's symposium is “Jackson’s Army: Supply and Personnel.”

The event will include presentations focused on the common soldier of Jackson’s forces,

AVIATIONS

>>

FROM A5

nologies revolutionizing manufacturing through next-level innovation,” Ivey said. “This is an exciting development, and I look forward to seeing what GE Aviation and its Alabama workforce will be able to achieve in the future.”

ADDITIVE TECHNOLOGIES The fuel nozzles produced in Auburn are installed in the CFM LEAP engine, which entered service in 2016 and surpassed 10 million flight hours earlier this year. The CFM LEAP engine is a product of CFM International, a

their uniforms and arms and issues supplying the Horseshoe Bend campaign.

Speakers will include Dr. Kathryn Braund, professor emerita at Auburn University; Brian Conary, military historian and Ralph Banks, longtime living history volunteer at Horseshoe Bend National Military Park.

This event is cosponsored by Auburn University’s Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities, the

National Park Service and the Friends of Horseshoe Bend.

The symposium is free to the public and no registration is required.

Please note that masks are required in all Auburn University buildings, including Pebble Hill.

Pebble Hill is located at 101 S. Debardeleben St. on Auburn University.

For more detailed information or updates on park activities, call 256-234-7111, visit the

website, www/nps.gov/ hobe or the Facebook at HorseshoeBendNMP. About the National Park Service: More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 423 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-tohome recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps. gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.

50-50 joint company between GE and Safran Aircraft Engines. The fleet is providing operators with 15% better fuel efficiency than previous-generation engines.

Each engine has 18 or 19 fuel nozzles, depending on the specific model.

“I’m excited to congratulate GE Aviation on the success they’ve seen here in Auburn and would like to thank them for their investment in our community,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “For years, GE Aviation has been a steady source of high-quality jobs and high-tech production in Auburn. With the

resources at Auburn University and their efforts in additive manufacturing research and training, we are excited about what this partnership will continue to bring in the future.”

Additive manufacturing involves using computer-aided designs to “print” a metal part from powder, layer by layer.

Unlike traditional manufacturing methods that mill or cut away from a slab of metal to produce a part, additive manufacturing (also referred to as 3D printing) grows parts directly from a CAD file using layers of fine metal powder and an electron

beam or laser. The result is complex, fully dense parts without the waste, manufactured in a fraction of the time it would take using traditional methods.

Under the additive manufacturing method, the number of parts in a single fuel nozzle tip was reduced from about 20 pieces previously welded and brazed together to one whole piece. The nozzle tip’s weight was cut by about 25 percent.

CMC MILESTONE The Auburn facility is not GE Aviation’s only cutting-edge manufacturing operation in Alabama.

In 2018, the company

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151 N. 20th Street Opelika, AL 36801

2415 Moore’s Mill Road Auburn, AL 36830

M-F | 8AM-8PM Weekend | 8AM-8PM

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334.203.1777

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opened a $200 million factory complex in Huntsville that is America’s first production center for unique materials used to manufacture Ceramic Matrix Composites (CMCs).

CMCs, an advanced material containing silicon carbide fibers, is one-third the weight of traditional metal alloys with two times the temperature capability, helping improve engine thermal efficiency, thus reducing fuel consumption and carbon emissions.

GE Aviation this week also announced that its Asheville, North Carolina, facility recently shipped its 100,000th

turbine shroud made from CMCs incorporating the raw materials produced in Huntsville.

Each CFM LEAP engine contains 18 CMC shrouds.

“This milestone is a testament to GE Aviation’s commitment to produce the leading aviation materials technologies,” said Ed Orear, composites general manager for GE Aviation. “This achievement could not have happened without the great production teams in Asheville and Huntsville, supported

by GE’s incredible engineering teams at GE Aviation and GE Research.”

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS: Aug. 21: Back to School Bash Cornerstone Chiropractic Aug. 21: Summer in the Park for United Way Aug. 21: Auburn Univesity TigerFest at Gogue Center

Dietitian Susie Pearson Offers Ideas, Recipes for Back to School Meals PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

N

ow that school has started back, it is a hectic time for mothers getting children to school on time and doing homework, as well as challenging to prepare tasty, nourishing meals. Dietitian Susie Pearson is offering ideas for meal planning and nutritious recipes that children will enjoy.

Susie knew at an early age that she wanted to attend Auburn University like her mother and grandfather. When Susie was growing up in Centerville, Ohio, she heard stories from her family about the Auburn-Opelika area being a wonderful place.

Later, when her parents moved to Mobile, Susie attended Auburn University to become a dietitian. While at Auburn, she met her husband David. They both graduated in 1973.

While Susie was working on her internship in nutrition and foods, the couple moved to Columbus, Geor-

gia, where David, who graduated in building science, began his career. They moved to South Carolina and then to Montgomery where David worked with Blount International.

David formed his own firm, Pearson Management Group, Inc., while Susie worked at the Baptist Diabetes Center in Montgomery. While at the center, Susie presented programs on weight loss and worked with media on presenting ideas for healthy eating and a diabetic diet. During the holidays, she was on television to present ways to reduce calories while enjoying good food.

The Pearsons have two children, Jon David, and Jenny, and five grandchildren. In early 2019, the Pearsons bought a home in the Auburn N. College Historic District that was built in 1922. After spending two years designing and renovating, the Pearsons moved into the home in December

2020. David is moving the family business to Auburn and turning management over to his son, Jon David, who also graduated from Auburn in building science.

Susie has maintained her interest in helping families teach children the importance of healthy eating, an interest that she is passing on to her five grandchildren.

Susie strongly believes that families should make family mealtime a priority.

“I think mealtime is important for children to sit down and talk about their day and have tasty, healthy food in front of them,” she said.

“Dining together at the table has been linked to better school performance, better behavior and being healthier.”

Susie suggests removing distractions by having the television off and not allowing cell phones and iPads at the table during a meal.

Children find plenty

Susie Pearson, a graduate of Auburn University in food and nutrition, is sharing ideas for serving flavorful, nutritious meals for your family. Sitting down to dine together at the table has been linked to children having better school performance, better behavior and being healthier.

of time for cell phones and iPads at other times during the day.

Susie also suggests making menus a week ahead. If the menus are prepared for the week, moms know what they need to get at the grocery store in order to have all the ingredients. Crockpot meals are great for busy days when the family has after school activities.

The meal is ready and waiting when they get home and will cut down on picking up fast food.

“Stress is reduced when the mother knows ahead what the kids will be eating,” Susie said. “There are now many healthy easy-to-assemble food options at the grocery store. Most pre-assem-

bled meals include a meat, starch and vegetable. Pick up a fresh fruit for dessert.”

When grocery shopping, Susie said to remember that the perimeter of the grocery store is where the nutritious foods are located. If you stay on the perimeter, you will go through the fruits and vegetables, meats, milk and bread. If you stay there, you can eat healthy. High calorie, low nutritious foods lurk in the mid-isles.

When shopping, avoid sugary fruit juices. Instead, select whole oranges and apples that provide fruit juices plus nutrients and fiber. Enjoy highly processed foods such as cookies, candies and ice cream in limited

quantities. Purchase whole wheat breads and pastas.

Susie suggests instead of purchasing sweet cereals, select a whole grain cereal with no added sugar, such as basic Cheerios. Add bananas, blueberries or another fresh whole fruit for sweetness.

Susie serves Egg and Cheese Muffins with Vegetables to her grandchildren for breakfast, and they enjoy them. The muffins cook quickly and can be reheated.

“If a child tells you they don’t like a food don’t assume that they will never like it,” she said. “You should serve the food at least 15 times before the young child can really form an See CIPPERLY, page A10

Museum of East Alabama To Host Book Signing by David Housel Auburn Legend Talks Football, Politics, the South and More in Most Personal Book Yet

BY ANN CIPPERLY FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER Located on Ninth Street in downtown Opelika, the Museum of East Alabama will host a book signing by David Housel Thursday, Aug. 26 from 4 to 6 p.m. with a wine and cheese reception.

Housel’s new book, “From the Back Booth at Chappy’s,” features a series of stories about the south, football, politics, religion and more.

If you’ve visited Chappy’s Deli on East Glenn Avenue in Auburn for breakfast in the past 15 years, you’ve likely seen a group of men clustered in the back booth, sipping coffee, and engaging in lively discussion on a variety of topics. You’ve probably heard laughter and maybe a few tame

HOUSEL arguments. Serious discussions as they call it.

Now you can find out what they are thinking, saying and feeling.

At the center of

that group is legendary Auburn Man David Housel, who has parlayed his mornings spent with friends into a book filled with the group’s thoughts,

recollections, hopes and dreams, as well as some humor and serious thought along the way.

Housel’s seventh book includes a collection of short stories, thoughts and essays gleaned from his time spent at the Auburn restaurant with people from all walks of life.

He writes about anticipated topics, like football, but also delves into other topics that, like football, aren’t supposed to be talked about in polite company – things like politics and religion. These are everyday discussions at the back booth at Chappy’s, and they are usually polite and respectful. Usually.

“I’ve never done a book like this,” Housel said. “All of my earlier writing platforms have been Auburn-related. I’m very proud of my

association with Auburn. Very proud of it, but this book gives me the chance to do more, to go into areas that are important to me, and should be, I believe, important to all people. Things that matter.

“It is truly what the subtitle says, a book about “football, politics, religion and more.”

Several book signings are scheduled around the state where individuals can purchase the book, have it inscribed and share a few words and thoughts with the author himself.

“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Housel said. “I look forward to getting back out among the people, seeing old friends, visiting and interacting with people about the things that are important and really matter.”

Housel, an Alabama native and a 1969 Auburn graduate, served as journalism instructor, sports information director and director of athletics in his 36year career at Auburn. He was inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame in 2007.

He has written seven books including “Saturdays to Remember,” “From the Desk of David Housel, a Collection of Auburn Stories” and the “Auburn University Football Vault.” He has also served as chair of the dean of Liberal Arts advisory council.

Housel knows the pathos and humor of living in the South and writes about it in the spirit of Ferrol Sams, Wendell Berry, Lewis Grizzard and Wright Thompson.

A8 August 19, 2021

Making the Grade: Foosackly’s

T

his week, I’m reviewing my favorite chicken finger restaurant in Lee County. Now, I know that I’ve said several times that I prefer chicken on the bone, but sometimes I want chicken fingers.

There’s less work involved in eating chicken fingers because you don’t have to navigate around bones in order to avoid dental mishaps.

This is important to me because I’ve had extensive dental work, so I try to chew cautiously. Mike and I figure we’ve probably paid for at least the first year of college for our dentist’s oldest child.

That being said … my favorite chicken finger restaurant in Lee County is Foosackly’s for a number of reasons, which I will elaborate on later. Our good friends Jack and William introduced us to Foosackly’s at 131 N. Dean Road in Auburn.

I was curious about the restaurant’s unusual name, so this 20th century woman trapped in the 21st century used Google to do a little research.

All right, I do admit that I use Google often. I’m sorry to say that it’s a lot easier and faster to find information on Google than it was to look it up in our family’s trusty set of World Book Encyclopedias.

However, I did love those 20-plus volumes, which took up quite a bit of shelf space.

According to Google, “The chain’s unusual name came from the difficult to pronounce name of the owner, Will Fusaiotti, who liked the way ‘Foosackly’ sounded.” There you go. I love that the restaurant refers to its employees as the “Foo Crew.” Also, their motto is: “Can’t Fake The Foo.” You certainly cannot. In fact, Foosackly’s won the 2021 Nappies (Lagniappe Readers’ Choice Awards) for the best chicken fingers. I will admit that I haven’t heard of this award, but it is well deserved.

Foosackly’s chicken fingers are so delicious. They’re lightly breaded, which I

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

prefer. I don’t like to dive through ten layers of breading before I find the chicken. If I’m really hungry, I order the Box, which includes five fingers, French fries, coleslaw, toast and one sauce. If I’m trying to be “good,” which isn’t easy because I’m a fried chicken freak, I order the Bigger Snack, which has three fingers. Foosackly’s is unique because it has a variety of Housemade Sauces which include: Foo Sauce (we love it), Real Honey Mustard, Buttermilk Ranch, Sweet & Spicy Kung Foo, Smoky BBQ and Classic Buffalo.

Also, to give your fries a tasty kick, for just $1, the Foo Crew will pour melted queso cheese over them; wonderful!

In addition, the Foo is FAST. Whenever Mike and I get takeout at Foosackly’s we ALWAYS get our food in less than two minutes. Once we clocked them at less than one minute.

That’s the fastest service we’ve seen anywhere and not at just chicken finger restaurants. Also, we appreciate the fact that the Foo Crew is always smiling, upbeat and kind.

I admire the fact that Foosackly’s is very community minded. The restaurant has fundraiser nights for various organizations. Also, I think it’s great that the owner closes his restaurant to give his employees special days off to spend with their families.

Foosackly’s is closed on: New Year’s Day, Easter Sunday, Mother’s Day, Memorial Day, July 4, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. That’s very rare for a fast food restaurant to close on all those days.

Other than the previous days I mentioned, Foosackly’s is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 10 p.m. So run, do not walk for the best chicken fingers in Lee County. Your mouth will be happy.

Foosackly’s makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher.

Remember, “Poohsized” people don’t 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.

“SHOW & SHINE”

HOSTED BY: THE OPELIKA EXCHANGE CLUB ALL AUTO/MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS ARE ENCOURAGED TO DISPLAY THEIR RIDES !

SATURDAY 21 AUGUST 2021 NO ENTRANCE FEE ($10.00 FEE IF YOU WANT TO BE JUDGED)

10 AM TILL 4 PM

ENTRANTS FOR JUDGING MUST BE REGISTERED BY 1 PM WITH EVENT STAFF (JUDGING WILL BEGIN AT 2 PM)

LEE COUNTY FAIRGROUNDS

(On Hwy 431 North, just north of Opelika High School) Concession stand will be open for cold drinks, hamburgers/hotdogs etc Water balloons for the kids !

Trophy’s Awarded for “Crowd Favorite” and “Overall Event Winner”

A9 August 19, 2021

To Toast ... or To Roast?

Sheriff Jay Jones is Roasted for a Cause

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

The 7th annual Greater Peace Development Corporation Roast was held this past weekend with lots of laughter. Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones agreed to serve as the ‘roastee’ for the event — offering himself up as candidate.

All was in good fun — roasters took turns making jokes, but offering goodwill toward Lee County’s Sheriff.

The roast is an annual event that raises money for the Greater Peace Corporation, which works to help underserved youth in the community through, after-school care, a pre-K program, summer programs, college tours, a housing program and more.

“The bottom line on all of this is I have been blessed beyond measure,” Jones said. “I have had the good fortune of having wonderful family. I’ve had the great fortune of having wonderful friends. I’ve had the infinite blessing of having an occupation that I dearly love. I can’t think of anything that I’d rather do and having a community that’s been so supportive and so kind to me and my family, you can’t put a price on something like that.”

A10 August 19, 2021

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A7

opinion about that food.

“When I was growing up, my mom told me and my sister to eat what she cooked or not eat at all. That was a tough message for me to accept, but looking back on it, it made a lot of sense. It helped me learn to eat a wide variety of foods.

“If you cave in to your children’s demands and serve them only what they like to eat, you are making them picky eaters.

Instead of labeling your child as a picky eater, say that your child is

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> EGG AND CHEESE MUFFINS WITH VEGETABLES Baker’s Secret cooking spray for greasing and flouring the muffin pan 3 jumbo eggs 1 egg white 6 Tbsp. low fat Greek yogurt ¼ tsp. salt ½ cup of low-fat mozzarella, goat cheese, Swiss or cheddar cheese (any cheese will work) 1 cup of your favorite vegetables: such as tomatoes with seeds and pulp removed, broccoli, mushrooms, red bell pepper, frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Spray 6 standard muffin cups with Baker’s Secret.

Whisk together eggs, egg whites, yogurt, salt, and cheese in a large bowl until well mixed.

Stir in chopped vegetables.

Divide the mixture evenly amount the cups of the muffin tins. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until set. Serve warm.

These can be refrigerated and reheated later. Can also add turkey sausage, Canadian bacon or ham.

If you plan on reheating them, cook muffins for 15 to 18 minutes.

HEALTHY BANANA AND APPLESAUCE MUFFINS 3 medium bananas, mashed ¼ coconut oil or butter 1/3 cup unsweetened applesauce 1 tsp vanilla extract ¼ cup milk 2 medium eggs 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 tsp baking soda Pinch of salt 1 cup light whole wheat flour ¾ cup oat flour or almond flour Preheat your oven to 350 degrees.

In a large mixing bowl, mash banana.

Leave a few chunk, but it should be mostly smooth.

Melt butter or coconut oil in the microwave and whisk it into the bowl with the mashed banana.

learning to like new things. Don’t give them the label picky eater.

Teach your children to try healthier foods so they learn to eat healthy.”

Find interesting ways to serve fruits and vegetables. She suggests giving vegetables interesting names, such as carrots being x-ray vision coins that help children see at night.

Beta carotene in carrots does in fact help children’s night vision.

To enhance the flavor of low-fat Greek yogurt, add a teaspoon of vanilla and a teaspoon of cinnamon, both of which add

flavor without adding sugar. Consider serving yogurt as a dip with fresh fruit.

When dining out, add more nutrition to children’s meals by ordering a side of vegetables or fruit instead of fries. If there are two children, get one order of vegetables and one order of fries and let them share. Another idea is to order an adult meal for your child and have the kitchen cut it in half. Have the other half placed in a to-go box to take home for another meal.

Calcium is extremely important to children.

“Think about calcium

as a regular necessity,” she said. “For girls, 90 precent of bone mass is reached at age 18 years old and twenty for boys. If children are not regularly fed enough calcium, they may not develop a sufficient bone mass.

Good sources of calcium are milk, yogurt, almonds and green leafy vegetables.”

Look for ways to add more calcium to their diet by using milk in puddings or milk instead of water for cooking oatmeal.

Susie feels it is better if you have a healthy snack prepared for a child when they come

home from school. If you tell children to pick something from the pantry, they are not going to make a healthy choice. Serve a sliced banana with peanut butter. Make peanut butter sandwiches and cut with cookie cutters for fun shapes.

“Children below the age of two should not be fed processed sugars (cookies, cakes, candy),” Susie said. “For children aged two and above, processed sugars should be no more than ten percent of their total calories. Occasionally, artificial sweeteners can replace processed sugars. While some

are concerned about potential health hazards associated with artificial sweeteners, reliable studies show that artificial sweeteners can be used in moderation.”

Susie loves children.

For many years she has been involved in church and school sponsored volunteer work with disadvantaged children.

Since moving to Auburn, Susie volunteers with the Our House after school program.

Following are Susie’s recipes for adding delicious, nutritious dishes and snacks to your menus for the coming week.

Add applesauce, milk and vanilla to the bowl and whisk together.

Add eggs and whisk until combined.

Sprinkle cinnamon and baking soda on top of the liquid mixture and whisk to incorporate.

Add wheat and oat or almond flour and stir until just combined.

Spoon into mini muffin tins lined with cases or spray with a nonstick oil spray.

Bake for about 12 minutes, until the muffins are springy and a toothpick comes out clean.

pepper is crisp tender.

Toss pasta with vegetables. Top with Parmesan cheese and fresh pepper. For a spicier flavor, add more garlic and/or pepper.

Substitute any vegetables your children like, varying cooking time as needed.

platter and continue until all the bites have been dipped. Let both platters of chocolate covered bites harden in the freezer for about 15 minutes.

Enjoy now or transfer bites into a freezer safe storage container for later. They should last at least 1 to 2 months in the freezer.

When banana bites are a for a longer period, they can get hard, so you will want to take them out the freezer and let them thaw for about 5 minutes before eating.

chunky spaghetti sauce ¼ cup frozen chopped onion ¼ cup frozen chopped green pepper 1 egg white ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 tsp. dried parsley Nonstick cooking spray 6 no-boil lasagna noodles 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese Brown meat and drain fat. Add onion, green pepper, and spaghetti sauce and set aside.

In another bowl, slightly beat egg white and then stir in cottage cheese, mozzarella cheese, and parsley.

Spray an 8x8x2inch microwave -safe dish with nonstick cooking spray.

Place 2 noodles in dish. Spread with half of the cottage cheese mixture and 0ne-third of the sauce.

Repeat layers, ending with sauce.

Sprinkle with parmesan cheese.

Cover dish with vented microwave plastic wrap. Cook on 70% power for 15 to 18 minutes or until heated through. Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting. Makes 6 servings.

brown sugar, granulated sugar and vanilla extract.

Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and beat until combined.

Stir in carrots and raisins.

Pour batter into prepared pan.

Bake 50 to 60 minutes, until a cake tester comes out clean.

Remove from oven and cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes.

Remove from pan and cool completely.

STRAWBERRY CHOCOLATE CHIP “LADYBUGS” 5 fresh, large whole strawberries 30 semi-sweet dark chocolate chips Cut tops off of the strawberries and cut them in half lengthwise.

With your fingers, gently push three chocolate chips into each half to create the ladybug's spots.

Serve.

QUICK PENNE PASTA WITH VEGETABLES 8 oz. uncooked penne pasta 2 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 16-oz. pkg. frozen broccoli florets, thawed 16-oz. can garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed 1 medium-size red bell pepper, thinly sliced; cut slices in halve 1-2 tsp. salt 14 cup freshly grated or shredded Parmesan cheese Freshly ground black pepper to taste Cook pasta in boiling salted water according to pkg. directions.

Heat oil in a large skillet over low heat.

Add garlic and sauté 5 minutes.

Add broccoli, beans, pepper, 3 Tbsp. water and salt.

Cover and adjust heat to medium.

Steam, stirring occasionally, 5 to 7 minutes, or until the broccoli is hot and

CHOCOLATE PEANUT BUTTER BANANA BITES Keep a batch in the freezer for easy snacking and enjoy two bites for less than 100 calories!

3 ripe bananas 1/3 cup natural pea nut butter 1/2 cup dark chocolate chips 2 tsp. coconut oil Peel and slice bananas into rounds about 1/4 inch thick.

Line a platter or small baking sheet with parchment paper. Place about 1/2 tsp. of peanut butter on a banana slice and top with another banana slice to make a little banana peanut butter sandwich.

Keep doing this until all banana slices are used and you have about 30 bites.

Place bites on two parchment lined platters or plates and place in the freezer to harden for about 1 hour.

Once banana bites have been in the freezer for over an hour, melt chocolate by adding chocolate and coconut oil to a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave for 1 minute, stir and microwave in additional 30 second increments until chocolate is completely melted.

This should not take more than 2 minutes of microwave time.

Once chocolate is melted, remove one platter of frozen banana bites from the freezer. Dip each frozen banana bite into the melted chocolate so that half of each bite is coated.

You can coat the full bite with chocolate but will need more chocolate chips if you want to do this.

Place chocolate covered bites back on the parchment lined platter. Place back in freezer to harden up, grab your second

EASY FISH TACOS 6 whole-wheat flour tortillas 12-oz. can tuna packed in water, drained 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce Medium tomatoes, chopped 1 small onion, chopped 4 oz. grated, reduced-fat Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese Taco sauce or fat-free sour cream (optional) Place two heaping Tbsp. of tuna across the middle of each tortilla.

Add lettuce, tomatoes, onion and cheese to each taco.

Fold in half and serve with taco sauce and sour cream (optional).

Variation: Substitute low-fat refried beans for tuna and toss in a few sliced black olives.

TUNA-APPLE SANDWICH 5- to 6-oz. can tuna, packed in water 1 small apple, peeled and sliced in chunks 1 Tbsp. light mayonnaise 6 slices wholewheat sandwich bread In small bowl, combine tuna, apple chunks and mayonnaise.

Mix well.

Spread mixture on bread.

QUICK AND EASY LOW FAT LASAGNA 8 oz. ground turkey or lean hamburger 1½ cups of low-fat cottage cheese 15 ½ -oz. jar

BUNNY BREAD 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/2 cup wholewheat pastry flour or whole-wheat flour 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. baking soda 1/4 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 egg 1/3 cup canola oil 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup grated carrots 1/3 cup raisins, soaked in warm water and drained Grease and flour a loaf pan.

Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).

In a medium bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, whole-wheat flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder and cinnamon.

In a large bowl, beat together egg, oil,

BROCCOLI NUGGETS 2 cups packed fresh broccoli, finely chopped 3 eggs, whisked 3/4 cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese 1 cup panko breadcrumbs 1/2 tsp. dried oregano 1/4 tsp. garlic powder 1/4 tsp. salt Preheat oven to 350°F (176°C).

Place broccoli plus one cup of water in a microwave safe bowl. microwave for 2 ½ minutes. Broccoli should be tender but not mushy. Depending on the strength of the microwave, cooking time may need to be increased by 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Once broccoli is cooked, remove and drain well. Broccoli should be finely chopped.

Place chopped broccoli in a large bowl and add in whisked eggs, cheese, breadcrumbs, oregano, garlic powder and salt. Use a wooden spoon or your hands to combine well. Mixture should stick together without much effort.

Shape into nuggets and place on a lightly greased baking sheet.

If you are having a hard time forming into nuggets, add in more breadcrumbs, one Tbsp. at a time.

Place formed nuggets on a baking sheet.

Bake for 15 minutes.

Flip once and bake for an additional 10 minutes.

Serve as is or with a favorite dip.

Cooking Note: If you choose to substitute frozen broccoli for fresh be sure to thaw and drain excess water. Nuggets should be crunchy, not soggy.

A11 August 19, 2021

Preparing Snacks For During and After School Preparing snacks for during and after school plays a significant role in ensuring that students get all the nutrients they need. In many areas, school is already back in session. This means that parents need to be prepared to break out some snacks for when their academic superstars return home.

Live Well Alabama is here to help with a few snack tips that are sure to satisfy any student, all while providing nutrition and a little brainpower for them to attack their homework.

"Research shows food marketed to kids in schools contain an average of 19 grams of added sugar, which is almost five teaspoons," said Sofia Sanchez, an Alabama Extension family and consumer sciences specialist and registered dietitian. "Caregivers can set kids up for healthy snacking habits starting at home."

Plan Ahead The first tip for adults making snacks for little ones is to think about having snacks ready before students come

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED BY ACES

BY DUSTIN DUNCAN

home. Decide what snacks to make, how much and where the children will eat them when they get home. Children are more likely to make the healthy choice if they know where the prepared snack is and if they can get to it easily.

Get Children Involved When preparing snacks for children, their nutrition needs to be top on the list.

However, the snack also needs to be something that they are excited about

eating. Live Well Alabama recommends that caregivers talk with the children about what they would like to eat, and give them two to three healthy options. Get the children interested in cooking by letting them help with some of the easier tasks, such as washing fruit or mixing ingredients.

Choose Variety Just like at dinner time, many people don’t want to eat the same thing over and over again. Children

probably don’t enjoy the same snack after school every day.

If preparing carrot and celery sticks with Live Well Alabama’s Creamy Cucumber Dill Dip twice a week, try switching things up by having a bag of Live Well Alabama’s Sweet and Salty Popped Mix as a snack on the other days. Slicing an apple, peeling an orange or providing plain yogurt with strawberries or blueberries are also A+ choices.

More Ideas Coming up with a new menu of snacks can be a fun and engaging experience for everyone. However, Live Well Alabama has a few more ideas to get people going while they are gathering ideas.

• Whole-grain crackers with lowfat cheese and apple slices • Whole-grain cereal with nuts and dried cranberries • Pretzels with carrot sticks and lowfat ranch dip • Low-fat yogurt

with strawberries • Graham crackers and grapes with a glass of skim milk • Reduced-fat popcorn with a fresh orange • Whole-grain muffin with blueberries and a cup of low-fat cocoa • Whole-wheat pita with vegetables and reduced-fat dip For more information about smart snacking, visit LiveWellAlabama. com, or visit them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

From the Live Well Alabama Kitchen – Creamy Cucumber Dill Dip Live Well Alabama is keeping it cool with the Creamy Cucumber Dill Dip. This dip will be great with your favorite vegetables, crackers or chips.

"Using Greek yogurt as a base for this recipe results in a flavorful dip that's thick and creamy, packed with protein and much lighter in calories than the typical mayo or sour cream-based dip,” said Katie Funderburk, Alabama Extension nutrition specialist and registered dietitian.

Ingredients • One cucumber • 1 ½ cups of plain Greek yogurt • Two tablespoons of olive oil • Two tablespoons of dried dill • One tablespoon of lemon juice • One clove of minced garlic • ½ teaspoon of salt Pro Tip: Combine plain yogurt with your favorite low-fat salad dressing for a different spin on veggie dip.

Directions Using a cheese grater, shred cucumber.

ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED BY ACES

BY KATIE S. ETHERIDGE

Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m.: Trivia with Caroline in The Jailhouse, “Marvel Universe” at Rock 'N Roll Pinball Aug. 19: Live music at La Cantina Aug. 20 at 8 p.m.: Open Mic at Rock 'N Roll Pinball Aug. 20: Katalysst at Resting Pulse Brewing Company Aug. 20: Live music at La Cantina Aug. 21 at 8 p.m.: Seriously Dad performs in the Jailhouse at Rock 'N Roll Pinball After shredding, lightly squeeze shredded cucumber in paper towel to remove excess moisture. Place shredded cucumber in bowl and add all other ingredients. Mix well. Serve or refrigerate for up to four days.

Want to learn more?

Step by step instructions for the Creamy Cucumber Dill Dip recipe, as well as an instructional

video, are available at LiveWellAlabama.com.

Live Well Alabama Live Well Alabama is a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) initiative developed by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System at Auburn University.

This initiative reaches residents across the state with research-based

education.

“Our recipes are great for getting kids to help in the kitchen,” Funderburk said. “Kids are more likely to try new foods when they helped make them.”

Eating healthy doesn’t have to be difficult or expensive. Live Well Alabama provides numerous recipes that are simple and budget friendly.

Aug. 21: Kasey Kaschak at Resting Pulse Brewing Company

A12 August 19, 2021

'Descendants' Arrives in Opelika PHOTOS BY SAMANTHA SWEATMAN / OPELIKA OBSERVER

Visit Boonie Hat and try the new line of Artisan Pops.

Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

116 S. 8th Street, Opelika

334-363-0390

www.booniehatcoffee.com

The Descendants, an Opelika Theatre Company production, opened on Aug. 13 at the Southside Center For The Arts in Opelika. The production has been in the making since March and will run through this weekend, with shows on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

For more information, visit www.opelikatheatrecompany.com/shows.

Solutions for Financial Problems Gary A. Hudgins Attorney at Law For your FREE REPORT on Stopping Garnishments, Foreclosures, Lawsuits Creditor Calls and Evictions, email Hudginslaw @gmail.com or call for an appointment.

334-714-0806 Opelika, Alabama

Are you stressed out because of creditor calls, late payments, threats of garnishment or lawuits? Maybe we can help.

We are a debt relief agency helping good people recover from financial distress with Chapter 13 and Chapter 7 bankruptcy relief for more than 40 years.

No representtation is made that the quality of legal services to be provided is greater than the quality legal services provided by other lawyers. We are a Debt Relief agency. We help people file for bankruptcy relief under the Bankruptcy Code.

A13 August 19, 2021

Back To School closing ceremonies to the athletes’ extraordinary performances. Whether you’re drawn to swimming, basketball, track and field, tennis, softball, BRUCE GREEN golf or any of the Teaching Minister at 10th other events, there Street Church of Christ was something for in Opelika everyone. To me, the most inspiring thing of these or any Olympics is the here are a remarkable level couple of of commitment and significant discipline displayed events that have by the athletes. The taken place recentGames that are ly: the conclusion watched by us are of the Olympic over in just two and Games and the bea half weeks, but ginning of school. they were the reThe Games were sult of years, and in great –– from the some cases, decades more limited than of intensive trainusual pageantry of ing. the opening and That’s where

T

school comes in. For most people, formal education involves close to two decades of their lives. There’s a fair amount of detail and repetition with just about any subject. Although teachers and instructors do their best to make it as interesting as possible, the truth is, learning requires hard work and discipline. Whether it’s the ABC’s, the multiplication table, human anatomy or the periodic table, diligence is the order of the day. We can’t fake or shortcut our way to knowing. In fact, these strategies will only get us into trouble. There is

simply no substitute for rolling up our sleeves and going to work.

That brings us to following Jesus. A word that has fallen on hard times is the word disciple. Maybe that’s because it sounds dangerously like the word discipline. I’m convinced that at least part of our problem with discipline is we tend to look at it in a one-dimensional manner. We hear the word, and can think only about the uncomfortable immediate and nothing at all in regard to the joy and gratification that is the fruit of discipline. That is unfortunate. The Olympics provide

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN our instant gratification culture with a powerful reminder of the reward for patience, hard work and perseverance.

The world is full of casual followers of Jesus, don’t be afraid to be a disciple!

“God will give to each person according to what he has done.’ To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, He will give eternal life” (Romans 2:67).

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-gracewith-bruce-green. com

CHURCH CALENDAR

Bible Verse of the Week

CHURCH OF CHRIST The church at Cunningham Drive are meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

For everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. — 1 JOHN 5:4

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

UNION GROVE BAPTIST CHURCH In-person gathering with social distancing.

Masks are available.

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

Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m.

Services are streamed live on Facebook — the page is UGBChurch

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

CHURCH 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 Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700

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

EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054

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

METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley

SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OPELIKA The following are held in-person and online on Sundays: Traditional Service in The Worship Center at 8:30 and 11 a.m.

Contemporary Service in The 3:16 Center at 9:45 a.m.

Evening Service in The Worship Center at 6 p.m.

Watch services online at fbcopelika.com.

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

A14 August 19, 2021

Squeeze Every Drop of Joy Out of Now

WALTER ALBRITTON

H

enry David Thoreau offered us some good ideas. He insisted we should “live in the present” and “find eternity in each moment.” I like that.

Now is the time to live, to find joy. As Ralph Waldo Emerson

WALTER (BUSTER) C. CREDLE III Walter (Buster) C. Credle III of Opelika passed away on Sunday Aug. 8, 2021 at his home in Opelika. He was born July 13, 1961 in Ocala Florida.

He is proceeded in death by this father Walter C. Credle JR., mother Della Pearl MacMillan, sister Lynda Spraggins and brother Marrell Ward. He is survived by his wife of 35 years Teresa Credle; child Cliff Credle (Kacie); siblings Barber Gayle Royster (John), Randy Pennington, Bonnie O’Hara (Greg), Susan Cox (Jerry); grandchildren Brycen and Payton Credle along with 21 nieces, nephews and 60 plus great and great great nieces and nephews.

He was retired from Lee County Board of Education maintenance after 20 years of service. He spent his retirement at home spending time with his family especially his grandchildren, riding his motorcycle, and playing guitar.

Funeral services wer held 2 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021, at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home, with burial following

put it, “Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.”

If we are wise we will rise each morning and do our best to squeeze every drop of joy out of now. But not for the reason Thoreau said we should do it. “Fools,” he said, “stand on their island of opportunities and look toward another land. There is no other land; there is no other life but this.” How sad that the gifted writer failed to see “the land that is fairer than day” that God has promised those who trust His Son

in Garden Hills Cemetery, Reverend Bill Bryan is officiating. Visitation was on Tuesday night from 6 to 8 p.m.at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

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MAJOR JAMES E. MCLAWHORN Major James E. McLawhorn, born in Jakin, Georgia, 1932, died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021. The eldest son of Bruce and Mavis McLawhorn, he was predeceased

by Shirley B. McLawhorn, his devoted wife of 64 years.

Jim was a proud A.P.I. graduate and later earned his Masters and Ph.D. in higher education, graduating from The College of William and Mary and Nova Southeastern.

Jim began his military career at Langley Air Force Base, Tactical Air Command in Hampton, Virginia as a navigator in the 345-bomber wing.

It was there that he met and married his wife and life-partner Shirley.

After they married and started their

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for another life, eternal life.

But though we have hope for the joy of heaven, we must not fail to embrace the biblical plan of God for living in the now. The scriptures make it clear that God desires to do works of grace in our lives today, now and not merely once but continually.

E. Stanley Jones helped me see this.

When I shared with him my desire for God to fill the emptiness of my soul with “blessed assurance,” he did not give me a list of books to read nor did

he instruct me to pray earnestly until God answered my prayer.

Instead, calmly he said, “Let’s claim one of Christ’s promises and ask him to do this for you now. I like the promise he gives us in Mark 11:24 – ‘Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.” He prayed for me, quietly, simply and confidently. I saw no angels, heard no bells ringing.

I believed. Assurance came. The emptiness was gone. Joy filled my heart. I received what

OBITUARIES

family, Jim and Shirley delighted in taking the “road less traveled” and collecting mementos to mark the milestones of their life together.

Jim is survived by his sons James McLawhorn and Richard McLawhorn (Carrie), granddaughter Mattie McLawhorn; brother Bruce M. McLawhorn, USN retired (Phyllis), and Rae Hill, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The family wishes to thank Jeanette Strickland, Johnnie Mae Williams and Gwen Scott for their love and care; and James Benson and Gordon Cooper for the years of friendship.

A graveside service for family was held last week. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you carryout a kind act in his memory.

–––––––

THOMAS “TOMMY” W. TUCKER, SR. Thomas “Tommy” W. Tucker, Sr. of Opelika, Alabama passed away on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021, at EAMC. He was born March 26, 1948 in Fort Payne,

Alabama. He is preceded in death by his parents Jim and Etta Kiker Tucker.

He is survived by his wife Sharon Tucker, whom he loved very much; children: Timmie Tucker (Toni), Thomas Wayne Tucker, Jr. (Shawna), Heather Scarbrough; stepchildren: Amanda Cooper (Steven), Stacey Gaither, Jimmy Gaither (Nicole); eleven grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren.

The birth and death of this great man, is not nearly as relevant as all the days and nights that he lived life to the fullest. Tommy earned a business degree at Florida State University where he also played football for the FSU Seminoles. He was the owner of Tucker Paint Company in Opelika, Alabama.

He was in the painting industry in which he took great pride, for over 50 years.

Tommy Tucker was a man of many words. He loved to tell stories and you could be sure that fifty percent of every story was true, you just never knew which fifty percent. Tommy will

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“This project was supported by Subgrant #18-VA-VS-050 #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”

I asked for and it has kept my soul alive for 60 years.

Jesus invited people to live in the now. To several people he said simply, “Your sins are forgiven.” One was the sinful woman who wet his feet with her repentant tears and then poured expensive perfume on those feet that would soon be nailed to the cross. Jesus was really saying, “Now your sins are forgiven.”

I like the way John says in his First Letter 3:2, “Dear friends, now (italics mine) we are children of God...”

Now, we belong to

Him and He belongs to us. Now the power of His Spirit is at work within us. Now He is present with us. Now He is comforting us.

Now He is teaching us. Now He is guiding us. For believers, the power of the now is the power of our God! To paraphrase Emerson, “Today, this day, this hour, right now, is the best day to open our lives to the wonder-working power of God, so let’s do our best to squeeze every drop of joy out of the present moment.” Do more than seize the day. Live it to the full!

be greatly missed by many. The OA News doesn’t have enough paper to describe Tommy Tucker. He was definitely one of a kind.

Visitation was held 6 until 8 p.m., Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2021 at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home.

Funeral services were held 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2021 at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home with Reverend Mike Newman officiating, burial followed in Garden Hills Cemetery.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

husband, Carl E. Orr and Harold Gooden; siblings, Lester Groce, Bernard Groce, Daniel “Sonny” Groce, Elizabeth Mayberry, and Mary Foster.

Emma was loved and survived by many nieces and nephews.

Graveside service was held Sunday, Aug. 15, 2021 at 2 p.m. in Garden Hills Cemetery.

–––––––

EMMA GOODEN Emma Gooden of Beauregard was born to the late Robert Hugh and Willie Pearl Groce in Macon County, Alabama on Oct. 8, 1925 and passed away at her home on Aug. 12, 2021. She was 95 years old.

Emma graduated from Tuskegee High School. She retired from the United States Department of Agriculture, and was a proud member of Watoola United Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her

–––––––

DAROLD JOSEPH RIDDLE Darold Joseph Riddle was born on July 3, 1968 and passed away at his residence on Aug. 8, 2021. He was 53 years old.

He is survived by his parents, Carol Riddle and Chester Riddle; sisters, Brenda Riddle, and Belinda Riddle; uncles, Dean Riddle (Sherrie), and Mac Riddle; aunts, Ruby Carroll (Hershel), and Becky Russell, as well as numerous cousins, and other family members.

Celebration of life service will be held Friday, August 27, 2021 at 11 a.m. in the Chapel at FrederickDean Funeral Home with Reverend Henry Dawson officiating.

A15 August 19, 2021

T

Letter to the Editor

he Delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) is taking the front page on many newspapers, media outlets and dominating the conversation at the workplace. One of these discussions is on mask mandates inside of schools. With the school year kicking off, this is a critical discussion.

Let’s break down some statistics on COVID-19 and children. As of July 7, 2021, the CDC reported approximately 4.13 million children between the ages of 0 and 17 tested positive for COVID-19 (all variants). Of these 4.13 million children, a total of 391 children between the ages of 0 and 17 died from the virus.

When broken down, almost all of these children had pre-existing conditions. If we take the number of children who have been killed from COVID-19 and divide it by the number of positive tests amongst children ages 0 to 17, we get 0.0000009467… When we take this and convert it into a percentage, we get 0.00009467%, approximately 0.00009% chance of dying from COVID-19 once con-

tracted amongst children.

Some may argue this does not include how the children may operate as carriers to other children and thus to other households.

Ultimately, it becomes the responsibility of the parents to determine whether or not they should take the vaccine, mask, social distance, etc. To force upon children masks is to force an adult problem onto our children, something we do too often.

Adults — let’s discuss the numbers. As of July 30, 2021 (according to the CDC), there were a total of 34,722,631 cases of COVID-19 reported inside the United States.

Of these individuals, 609,853 died from complications from the virus. Again, we take the total number who died and divide it by the total number of cases, then convert that into a percentage. The chance of an adult dying from COVID-19 once contracted is 1.7563%, roughly 1.75%. Of these, the majority, yet again, have pre-existing conditions.

Here I will not attempt to argue whether this is good or bad; I am putting these numbers

In response to Tim James letter (8/5/21) on excuses for not being vaccinated:

G

in context. Our children are not at risk of dying from COVID-19, at least such a small percentage that it is almost inconceivable. Some children cannot wear masks for their health.

Yet, our local school boards are forcing our children to wear masks and, if they have their way, they will force them to get the vaccine once it is allowed. We must not allow this to occur.

Wearing masks dehumanizes one another.

You cannot see a smile from your friend, the blushing of the cheeks when embarrassed or clearly understand one

another in conversation.

Communication is done through both verbal and non-verbal cues. Teachers have to work extra hard to be understood and to understand. An acquaintance of my wife, a teacher, just bought a microphone system to have under her mask to be understood — all of this for the 0.00009% chance of a child dying from this virus.

We, as a society, must do better. We must say no to masks in schools!

Micah Messer Lee County

overnor Ivey was exactly right in stating that unvaccinated folks in our state are the real reasons we are seeing an upsurge in COVID 19. Suppose everyone had gotten vaccinated in February, March or April when we were first allowed the vaccine.

Where would we be? Few cases for hospital personnel to fight; less chance of COVID 19 migrating to the Delta variance, fewer chances of exposing our children at family events or at school, less chance of being exposed in restaurants and other places of business.

No, there are few excuses. The few who for health reasons should not take the shots can be determined by Doctors.

Remember — "Your freedom ends where my nose begins.”

You are prolonging this virus by being stubborn. You are not being a responsible citizen.

Respectfully, Marilyn Garrett Auburn

EDITOR'S NOTE: Letters to the edior can be submitted to the Opelika Observer by email at Editor@ OpelikaObserver.com.

All letters must contain contact information as anonymous letters will not be printed. Addresses, phone numbers and emails will not be printed.

A16 August 19, 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: Aug. 24 at 4:30 p.m.

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

Lee County: Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.

Auburn: Sept. 14 at 6 p.m.

The Unmistakable Feelings of Friday Night Lights PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

ON THE MARK D. MARK MITCHELL

OHS Fall Athletics Prepare for Seasons

T

summer workouts to every player on both the OMS and OHS volleyball team. Seven middle school players took advantage of the time and joined in to workout – providing invaluable training time.

Roberts praised the amount of time the players spend in the new eight room.

“I am very pleased to see the girls committed to working in the weight room,” she said. “This will help us on the court and win matches.”

There are 27 student athletes in the OHS volleyball program; Eleven players will be on the varsity come the start of the season. Roberts can pull up a player from the junior varsity to the varsity — or the opposite — at any time, but tries to keep the same 11 players on the varsity.

The following is the 2021-22 Opelika Volleyball roster: OHS varsity volleyball opens the 2021 season with three straight home matches on Aug. 24 against Central, Aug. 26 vs Russell County and Sept. 1 versus Beauregard, respectively. The first road match is Sept. 2 at Central, followed by Sept. 8 at Smiths Station, Sept.

9 in Alex City against Benjamin Russell, Sept.

See SPORTS, page B2

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM Dedicated to hard work, brotherhood, friends, family and the making of smalltown legends … it’s time for

Friday night lights.

Can you smell it? The freshly cut grass …

Can you taste it? The concession stand popcorn, hot dogs, hamburgers or whatever else gets thrown on the grill or in the deep fryer …

Can you feel it? The humid September night. The November cold, with a tingle of rain in the air. The fourth down and one; the hairs on your arm standing on end.

The butterf lies performing a circus

See FOOTBALL, page B2

AJHS Instructor, Alabama’s Teacher Of The Year, Gets New Set Of Wheels

CONTRIBUTED

BY ALFA FARMERS

Alabama’s 2021-22 Teacher of the Year Kimberly Johnson is revved up and ready to travel across the state in a brand-new set of wheels, thanks to Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation.

An intervention coordinator for Auburn Junior High School, Johnson was named Teacher of the Year Aug. 11 during an Alabama State Department of Education special event in downtown Montgomery.

She received the 2021 Chevrolet Traverse during a press See TEACHER, page B2

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

he OHS Volleyball team is currently practicing for its season opener on Aug. 24 against Central in the Mainstreet Gym at OHS. Coach Robin Roberts starts her seventh season as head coach of the Lady Bulldog volleyball team. Roberts is hoping this year’s team will learn how to improve in order to advance in the playoffs.

Appearing on my morning sports show, “On the Mark” (Fox Sports 910AM), Roberts seemed excited about her players on the team and the potential for them to come together and have a good season.

The following is a summary of Roberts’ interview.

This years' team returns three seniors, all seeing significant playing time last year.

Add two transfer students from Lee-Scott and Goshen who played volleyball last season, and two more underclass players from the junior varsity, and you can see the team has some experience. One thing of importance the team has been emphasizing this offseason has been learning your main position and your teammates. The more the teams plays together, the more they should improve. Roberts opened

Alabama’s 2021-22 Teacher of the Year Kimberly Johnson received a 2021 Chevy Traverse during a press conference at the Alfa Insurance Child Development Center in Montgomery on Aug. 12. From left are Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan, Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell, Johnson, Alabama State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey, Alfa Executive Vice President (EVP) of Operations Tommy Coshatt, Alfa EVP of Marketing Mark Evans and Alfa EVP and General Counsel Angie Bradwell.

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B2 August 19, 2021

Auburn University Claims Bassmaster College Team of The Year Title CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

CONTRIBUTED BY B.A.S.S After finishing no worse than 16th during four regular-season tour stops on the 2021 slate for the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, the Auburn University team of Logan Parks and Tucker Smith were officially named the 2021 Bassmaster Team of the Year.

Smith and Parks accumulated 973 points and set the record for the largest margin of victory in the standings, beating the second-place team of Dalton Mize and Lucas Smith of Jacksonville State University by 91 points.

“It feels very gratifying,” Parks said.

“This is probably the most difficult trophy to win in college and it feels good to be able to go out there and do it how we did it.”

This year, for the first time, the Team of the Year also earned

SPORTS

>>

FROM B1 28 at Valley, Sept. 29 at Eufaula, Oct. 2 playing in Smiths Station’s Tournament, Oct. 5 hosting Eufaula and the last regular season game on Oct. 7 at Beauregard.

The area tournament is scheduled for Oct. 11 to 15.

OPELIKA FOOTBALL OPENS AGAINST CALLAWAY, FRIDAY AT BULLDOG STADIUM The 2021 high school football season begins Friday night for the Opelika Bulldogs, although some schools opt to play Thursday (Aug.

FOOTBALL

>>

FROM B1 in your stomach …

Can you hear it? The pitter-patter of cleats on sidewalk. The game announcer over the stadium PA system. The whistles of the referees.

The band drumming the fight song. The desperate outcry of fans.

The cackling of pads

The Auburn University team of Logan Parks and Tucker Smith have won the 2021 Bassmaster Team of the Year title. Photo by Dalton Tumblin/B.A.S.S

an automatic spot in the College Classic Bracket — an event scheduled for later this year that will send one college angler to the 2022 Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented

by Huk. In the past, their only path to the Classic Bracket would have been to finish in the top

four of the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series National Championship presented by Bass Pro Shops.

“This year they made it so that the Team of the Year fishes the bracket,” Smith said. “It is still the National Championship and it is a huge tournament to fish and you obviously

19).

OHS begins the season with two straight home games, Calloway Friday night and Auburn next Friday (Aug. 27).

Both kickoff at 7 p.m. in Bulldog Stadium.

The OHS football team opens the 2021 season on Friday against Callaway High School (Georgia) inside Bulldog Stadium at 7 p.m. Bulldog head coach Eric Speakman (starting his fourth at OHS) appeared on my radio show “On the Mark” last Friday, discussing practice and what he expects against Callaway.

Speakman said the team has gone through two good weeks of

practice. Several players are playing multiple positions, on offense and defense. The quarterback position is still undecided, but the two seniors should win the job. As of now, Jackson Bates seems to be a bit ahead of JT McArdle, but Speakman said multiple people will take snaps during the first game. The offensive and defensive line have seven to eight players rotating, the running backs will be by committee.

The special teams are set: Jackson Bates and George Meyers will punt, Charles Gagliano and Mo Forbes will handle the kicking duties and four players are battling for the long

colliding like freight trains …

Can you see it?

Droves of supporters rolling into the stadium. The speed of the running back. The long touchdown pass.

The scoreboard tricking down. The final seconds of celebration before the roar of victory …

Across the state of Alabama, it’s game

week for a number of high school football teams. Players, coaches, cheerleaders and fans alike are on the precipice of a day they have anticipated all offseason. The lights are coming on. In just a

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want to win, but I’m really relaxed with where we are now. We can just go have fun and if it happens, it happens.”

This is the latest in a string of titles for Smith, who was a two-time member of the Bassmaster High School All-American Team presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, threetime Bassmaster High School National Champion while at Alabama’s Briarwood snapper.

Fans can buy tickets at Bubbas Medicine Shop and Victory Design or at the Bulldog Stadium ticket office starting at 5:30 p.m.

OHS football games can be heard on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM, or online at www.kickfm. com or on the iheartradio app, pre-game show starts at 6:30 p.m. with kickoff at 7 p.m..

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeart Media, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 9101310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and the Dixie Boys Baseball state director. few short months, they will go off again. So, enjoy them while they are here ... enjoy every smell, taste, sound, sight and touch. The Friday night lights provide a feeling like no other.

Christian School and a member of the first high school team to participate in the Bassmaster Classic.

Parks, a senior, said he and the freshman Smith immediately clicked when they became teammates, leading to good decisions and ideas throughout the year.

“When Tucker toured Auburn, I told him I couldn’t offer him a scholarship but if he did come to Auburn, I would like

to fish with him,” he said. “I’m glad that’s what we ended up doing and he’s one of the best I’ve been in the boat with. I think he is definitely going somewhere.

“We have good ideas that click together. We don’t butt heads and everything we want to do, we both agree with and make a decision together. That is what has helped us a lot this year.”

TEACHER

teaching remedial reading to at-risk students during the summer of 1999 established the path for her future.

“As an intervention teacher, sometimes I have to go see kids or go see parents, and this allows me to do it without worry,” Johnson said. “I appreciate the support of education that Alfa has for us and all the teachers in Alabama.”

As Teacher of the Year, Johnson will serve as an official spokesperson for education, and she is Alabama’s official candidate for the National Teacher of the Year award.

“Thank you to everyone at Alfa for this partnership as we celebrate Mrs. Johnson, our Teacher of the Year,” said Alabama Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey. “She truly exemplifies the professionalism and great personal commitment of Alabama’s educators,.”

>>

FROM B1 conference at Alfa Insurance Aug. 12.

“Mrs. Johnson is a great educator who has dedicated herself to helping students who might otherwise fall behind,” said Alfa and Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “She is truly an inspiration, and she’s made a huge impact in the lives of her students. We’re happy to play a small part in her time as Teacher of the Year by providing a safe, reliable vehicle she can use.”

This marks the 25th year Alfa has provided the year’s use of a car for the Teacher of the Year, with the Federation covering the cost of auto insurance coverage.

A National BoardCertified teacher, Johnson’s career started in language arts in Decatur at Cedar Ridge Middle School in 1998.

She said her experience

See TITLE, page B5

B3 August 19, 2021

Auburn Awarded $10 Million by NSF

CONTRIBUTED

BY MITCH EMMONS

Auburn University has been awarded $10 million from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to lead a national research effort to promote science, technology, engineering and mathematics, or STEM, education among disabled students.

The grant will support a five-year program that will grow as it progresses, said Overtoun Jenda, assistant provost for special projects and initiatives at Auburn, whose office will be administering the initiative.

“We are starting out as a 27-institution alliance,” Jenda, a professor of mathematics in the College of Sciences and Mathematics, said.

“The award was made official on Aug. 1, and the first 90 days involves the development of a strategic plan that will guide the alliance.”

The funding will be used to conduct research related to enhancing workforce development opportunities for persons with disabilities. The collaborative research effort is a national project aimed at increasing the number of disabled students entering college and completing a degree in a STEM-related field of study.

Students will also receive benefits such as peer and faculty mentoring, research opportunities and financial support. The program has three primary goals: 1) increasing the quantity of students with disabilities completing

Members of Auburn University's faculty, including Overtoun Jenda from the College of Sciences and Mathematics (seventh from left) and the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering's Daniela Marghitu (10th from left), were part of an NSF INCLUDES initiative grant writing planning group that put together a proposal that was accepted by the NSF and resulted in a $10 million grant for STEM education for disabled students. associate, undergraduate and graduate degrees in STEM 2) facilitating the transitions of students with disabilities from STEM degree completion into the STEM workforce 3) enhancing communication and collaboration among institutions of higher education, industry, government, national labs and local communities in addressing the education needs of students with disabilities in STEM disciplines.

“Persons with disabilities are one of the most significantly underrepresented groups in STEM education and employment,” Jenda said. “And they comprise a disproportionately smaller percentage of STEM degrees and jobs compared to their percentages in the U.S. population.

This alliance is designed to help shrink that gap. Students will participate through stipends, internships conferences and mentoring.”

Auburn is leading this initiative that is subdivided into six regional hubs, according to Jenda.

“Auburn is overseeing the complete alliance, while at the same time leading the Southeastern Hub,” Jenda said.

Other hub-leading institutions include Northern Arizona University (Mountain Hub), The Ohio State University (Northeastern Hub), the University of Hawaii-Manoa (Islands Hub), the University of Missouri-Kansas City (Midwest Hub) and the University of Washington (West Coast Hub). Auburn is working closely with the University of Missouri-Kansas City, which functions as the backbone organization for the alliance to support communication, engagement, networked systems, data collection and analyses, sustainability, scaling and dissemination.

Jenda will be assisted

in the program administration by others at Auburn, including David Shannon with the College of Education, Daniela Marghitu with the Samuel Ginn College of Engineering — a member of the NSF’s Committee on Equal Opportunities in Science and Engineering, or CEOSE — Brittany McCullough with the Office of Special Projects and Initiatives and Carl Pettis, provost at Alabama State University, also one of the participating institutions.

The award is part of the NSF INCLUDES initiative, one of NSF’s 10 Big Ideas, which invests in programs that address diversity, inclusion and participation challenges in STEM at a national scale. The Auburnled alliance is one of only five INCLUDES awards given by NSF this year.

“Creating pathways to success for a STEM workforce reflective of the U.S. population is of national importance to ensuring America’s competitiveness in a global research landscape,” said Sylvia Butterfield, acting assistant director for NSF’s Education and Human Resources Directorate. “NSF INCLUDES Alliances provide a structure to address this issue and for the STEM enterprise to work collaboratively to achieve inclusive change.”

Jenda, an Auburn professor since 1988, was part of a group of a dozen university professors to receive the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring in 2020.

That award also is administered by NSF and the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and recognizes excellence in mentoring among college and university

professors.

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none.

Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.

Auburn University Professor, Research Fellow Win Top Awards

CONTRIBUTED

BY TERI GREENE An Auburn University professor and a postdoctoral research fellow within the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences won two major awards from the Forest Products Society at the organization’s recent 2021 virtual international conference.

Brian Via, the Regions Bank professor of forest products and director of the Forest Products Development Center, received the Engineering Achievement Award that recognizes accomplishments and innovations in the wood-engineering discipline — including

structures, building codes, consensus standards, design procedures and education — as well as individuals who generate reproducible, innovative modalities in science and engineering education.

Via was honored for his collaborations with Auburn deans and faculty to develop the undergraduate curriculum of the Sustainable Biomaterials and Packaging degree program. The curriculum, housed in the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, is a collaboration among the school and Auburn’s Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, College of Architecture, Design and Construction, Harbert College of Business

VIA and College of Agriculture.

The program, the only one of its kind in the Southeast, provides students with knowledge, expertise and hands-on experience to prepare them for careers in wood processing, construction, chemicals and energy, bioplastics and packaging, which are industries anticipated to experience

MUSAH significant growth.

Via joined the faculty in 2008 after 22 years of industry engagement and experience. In 2018, he became editor-in-chief of the Forest Products Journal. He also serves as a nonvoting member of the Forest Products Society Board.

Munkaila Musah, a postdoctoral research fellow at the school’s

Forest Products Development Center, is the first-place recipient of the Forest Products Society’s 2021 Wood Award, the organization’s most prestigious award at the graduate-research level, rewarding groundbreaking original research on a wide range of topics in forest products. Musah’s winning paper was “Durability of the Adhesive Bond in Cross Laminated Northern Hardwoods and Softwoods.”

“I’m stunned to have won the 2021 Wood Award and share the stage with the research experts of forest product and biomaterials in North America, Europe and Africa,” Musah, who received a $1,000 cash prize and a wooden

plaque, said. “It’s an incredible privilege and reward.”

Janaki Alavalapati, dean of the School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, said both Via and Musah have earned this widespread recognition for strides they have made in the field of forest products and biomaterials.

“Dr. Via and Dr. Musah are certainly deserving of these top awards from the Forest Products Society,” Alavalapati said. “Their dedication to the continuous research and advancement of this field puts a spotlight on the abundant opportunities that exist for students and researchers within the forest products and biomaterials industry.”

B4 August 19, 2021

OHS Holds Softball Tryouts

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

First year Opelika softball head coach Jessica Thornton held tryouts for the Lady Bulldog softball team last weekend.

Opelika finished 9-25 last season (6-2 in region play), and saw head coach Randy Belyeu leave the program after just two years at the helm. Opelika was elminated from the Class 6A Region 04 Area Playoffs by Valley to end to the 2021 season. The Lady Dawgs will look to improve on that mark in year one under Thornton.

Hornets Show Hustle at Team Scrimmage PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER The Beauregard Hornets are nearing the start of their 2021 football schedule.

First year Hornet head coach Justin Jones looks to return Beauregard to the playoffs after missing out the past two seasons. The Hornets open their season on Aug. 20, hosting Valley.

B5 August 19, 2021

Local Mayors Recognize OLLI Day

by Proclamation CONTRIBUTED BY OLLI Retired citizens enrich our community, volunteering their time and expertise to local nonprofits and contributing to the economic health and civic life of our cities. In turn, the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, or OLLI at Auburn University, a program in the Office of University Outreach, has for 31 years enriched the lives of senior adults in our community by providing opportunities to take not-for-credit classes, engage in social activities and volunteer for projects and leadership.

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller are recognizing the value of OLLI to the community

by proclaiming Aug. 20, 2021 OLLI Day in Auburn and Opelika.

“It is my privilege to recognize local organizations and citizens who make extraordinary contributions to our city, making Auburn a better place to live, work, play and learn," Anders said.

"The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute known as OLLI at Auburn creates not only classroom experiences for senior members of our city but also provides a community in which those people stay mentally, physically and socially active."

Fuller added, “I recognize the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute as an organization that

significantly contributes to the quality of life of senior members of our citizenry by providing opportunities for lifelong learning, social interaction and engagement with the larger community.”

The mayors of Tuscaloosa and Huntsville have also proclaimed Aug. 20 OLLI Day in their cities where the other two OLLIs in the state are located. OLLIs at The University of Alabama in Huntsville, The University of Alabama and Auburn University will celebrate OLLI Day with shared online

OLLI at Auburn presents Fall 2021 Opening with Michael Ray Taylor CONTRIBUTED BY OLLI The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn Univeristy introduces Fall 2021 Opening with a special focus on the wilderness of Alabama. OLLI will kick-off fall term with a presentation titled An Underground Writer: Exploring Southern Caves on Sept. 8 with author, journalist and filmmaker, Michael Ray Taylor. Taylor’s talk is sponsored by grants from the Alabama State Council on the Arts and the F. Allen and Louise K. Turner Foundation.

The Turner grant is also funding a public Brown Bag series that will examine nature and designated wilderness areas of Alabama through the lenses of history, literature, science and politics.

OLLI classes begin Sept. 13.

In addition to the usual rich variety of not-for-credit classes, this fall OLLI will also offer its members a set

of classes focused on the wilderness of our beautiful state including Ancient Life in Alabama, Landscape Photography and Shinrin Yoku Forest Bathing. OLLI long-term favorites – Writing Our Lives, World War II, Line Dancing, Mysteries, Yoga, Shakespeare, Spanish and The Concerto will also be offered. And again this fall, all three OLLIs in Alabama will share a few, via ZOOM, standout classes with each other. The University of Alabama will offer Opera, US Founders and a class on Iceland, while The University of Alabama in Huntsville will offer Chinese Art History, World War I and Dolly Parton: More than a Cup of Ambition.

Classes will be held in-person, via ZOOM, with a few ZOOM hybrids. Registration begins Aug. 16. View course offerings now at www. auburn.edu/outreach/ olliatauburn.

OLLI at Auburn is a

member organization that enriches the lives of senior adults by providing opportunities to engage with ideas, each other, and the community.

There is no homework and no grades — just the fun of discovering the world we live in with your fellow learners.

Visit the OLLI website at http://www.auburn.edu/ outreach/olliatauburn or call 334-844-3146.

OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach.

OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property, 1031 South College Street, Auburn, Alabama.

For more information or to learn about becoming a Volunteer Faculty Member, Volunteer Service Assistant, or Sponsor, contact Barbara Daron, OLLI Program Coordinator, at 334844-3102, olli@auburn. edu, or visit our website at www.auburn.edu/ outreach/olliatauburn.

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lectures and an in-person meeting at OLLI at Auburn’s headquarters at Sunny Slope. More information about free registration for OLLI Day programming can be found at OLLI at Auburn’s website: www. auburn.edu/olli.

OLLI at Auburn opened fall registration on Aug. 16 for classes that begin Sept. 13. In addition to the usual rich variety of not-forcredit classes, this fall OLLI will also offer its members a set of classes focused on the wilderness of Alabama including Ancient Life in Alabama, Landscape

TITLE

>>

FROM B2 The duo opened the season with a top-10 finish at Lake Hartwell, but their good start was almost derailed when the university suspended the entire Auburn bass fishing team for a year due to violations of the school’s COVID-19 protocols. After working with Auburn to reduce that suspension to only a couple of weeks, Parks and Smith finished sixth at Lake Cumberland.

“At Cumberland, we were in 37th after Day 1 and on Day 2 we caught 14 pounds, which still wasn’t a huge bag but we ended up in sixth,” Parks said. “After that, I thought we had a good shot at this.”

After two good finishes to start the season, Smith said he knew the third stop at Alabama’s Lewis Smith Lake would determine whether he and Parks would be hoisting the Team of the Year trophy.

“It didn’t really become a thought in my head until Smith Lake,” Smith said. “I knew we had a lead,

Photography and Shinrin Yoku Forest Bathing to name only a few. OLLI long-term favorites — Writing Our Lives, World War II, Line Dancing, Mysteries, Yoga, Shakespeare, Spanish and The Concerto will also be offered. In addition, this fall, all three OLLIs in Alabama will share via Zoom a few stand-out classes with each other.

The University of Alabama will offer Opera, US Founders and a class on Iceland, while University of Alabama at Huntsville will offer Chinese Art History, World War I and Dolly Parton: More than a Cup of Ambition. OLLI at Auburn classes will be held in-person, via

ZOOM and by Zoom hybrid (a combination of in-person and online).

Course offerings are listed at www.auburn. edu/olli.

OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach.

OLLI administrative offices and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property, 1031 S. College St., Auburn, Alabama.

For more information To find out about OLLI programs, membership and scholarships, or to learn about becoming a Volunteer Faculty Member contact Barbara Daron, OLLI Program Coordinator, at 334-844-3102, olli@ auburn.edu, or visit the website at www.auburn. edu/olli.

but I felt like if we slipped at Smith we could have lost it.

After Smith (a 16thplace finish) we led by 50 points.”

With a comfortable lead heading into the final regular-season tournament, Parks and Smith essentially sealed the deal by catching 40 pounds, 9 ounces to win on Saginaw Bay. “The best moment was winning Saginaw Bay and completely slamming the door,” Smith said. “It was pretty crazy to win that tournament.”

Along with a $2,500 check, the Auburn pair also won a Minn Kota Ultrex trolling motor and a Humminbird Mega 360 unit from Johnson Outdoors and new gear from Carhartt.

Now, Parks and Smith are ready to tackle the St. Lawrence River in a bid to win the 2021 National Championship. The top three teams will join Smith and Parks at the College Classic Bracket.

Complete coverage of the event is available on Bassmaster.com.

About B.A.S.S. B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Alabama, the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster. com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events.

For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.

The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented

by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship, Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX, Yamaha Bassmaster Redfish Cup Championship presented by Skeeter and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented

by Huk.

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B6 August 19, 2021

Auburn Practices Under the Lights

Coach Bryan Harsin talks to his team after Saturday night's practice.

T.J. Finley throws under pressure from Eku Leota.

Bo Nix throws during Saturday's scrimmage.

Derick Hall (29) rounds the corner putting pressure on the offense.

Defenders wrap up runner Sean Jackson.

Landen King is unable to hang-on defended by Trey Elston (22).

Ian Matthews tries shedding a block on defense.

Javarious Johnson runs after a catch.

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Offensive linemen Brenden Coffey (55), Kameron Stutts (62) and Tate Johnson (54) work against defenders Nick Curtis (95) and Garrison Walker.

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Jordan Ingram runs past the Auburn defense.

B7 August 19, 2021

Auburn Convocation Kicks Off New School Year

PHOTO BY TODD VAN EMST / AU ATHLETICS

Auburn University held its Student Convocation on Sunday, Aug. 15. Students were encouraged by President Jay Gogue, coaches Bruce Pearl, Bryan Harsin and Butch Thompson and Athletic Director Allen Greene. The night was capped off by a fireworks display over Jordan-Hare Stadium.

Auburn Middle School Student Wins Miss Alabama Preteen

Michaela Sanford, a student at East Samford Middle School in Auburn, won the title of 2021 National American Miss Alabama preteen on Aug 2.

Michaela also won Talent, Best Resume and 1st Runner Up in the Heart of Service Award. Michaela received a $1,000 cash scholarship as the state winner and $300 for talent winner. Michaela was escorted by her dad, an Auburn police officer and Ret. Chief Warrant Officer from the United States Army.

'1/a.ssle hee Va.cat:on..Whj Not Ca.II Us. www.mytravelatmidtown.com

334 749 0877 3051 Frederick Road, Suite 7, Opelika -

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� Circle of Excellence 2008-2011

MilhonA1r 2010 & 2011 & 2012 --------(between Sam:� Club and Tiger Town)

Auburn University Panhellenic Recruitment has Record Number of Registrants CONTRIBUTED

BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY A record number of 1,872 women registered to participate in Auburn University’s Panhellenic recruitment, which began Friday, Aug. 6, and concluded with Bid Day on Saturday, Aug. 14.

In the past three years, Auburn’s Greek Life office has had record-breaking recruitment registration numbers, according to Lindsay Holdren, assistant director of Greek Life.

“These numbers have helped the Panhellenic community continue to grow and sustain,” Holdren said.

To welcome the largest number of participants, the Greek Life office and Panhellenic community took the summer to adjust schedules, logistics and plans, such as adding additional recruitment parties to ensure party sizes were kept at a manageable number.

“The Panhellenic community has shown nothing but sheer excitement for the record number of registrants that we have this

year,” said Kate Lightfoot, Panhellenic vice president of recruitment. “The women in our community have been incredibly flexible considering the changes we have made to accommodate the larger number of students.”

This year’s recruitment included both virtual and in-person events.

Additionally, a fully virtual recruitment process was available for students.

Holdren also credits Pi Chis, or recruitment counselors, for making Panhellenic recruitment possible. This past spring, the Panhellenic recruitment executive board selected 124 Pi Chis, who represent all 18 Panhellenic sororities, to ensure a positive and fun experience.

Lauren Smith, Panhellenic head Pi Chi, shared that her favorite part of recruitment has been watching potential new members embrace the recruitment process. The week began with a virtual kickoff event, followed by the virtual Ice Water Tea Round. In-person parties included three days of the

Philanthropy Round, two days of the Sisterhood Round and one day of the Preference Round.

Panhellenic recruitment ended with Bid Day inside Auburn Arena, where 1,690 bids, or invitations to join a Panhellenic organization, were given.

“We are so humbled and honored to have so many students interested in joining our community,” Lady Frances Hamilton, Panhellenic president, said. “I am incredibly proud to be a member of Panhellenic, and we are so excited to welcome new members into our circle of sisterhood.”

Auburn University’s Panhellenic Council represents 18 Panhellenic sororities and is open to all women who are accepted to or enrolled at Auburn University.

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, See RECRUITS, page B8

B8 August 19, 2021

Community Colleges To Offer STEM Dual Enrollment Scholarships CONTRIBUTED BY ACCS In response to the Legislature’s expansion of opportunities that encourage a stronger employment focus for math and science teachers and other STEM-related fields in the state, the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) has expanded dual enrollment scholarships to high school students who are interested in taking college-level STEM courses through their local

community college.

“Dual enrollment courses are a tremendous benefit to students as they not only provide a means to college credit but also allow high schoolers the opportunity to take in the college experience,” said ACCS Chancellor Jimmy H. Baker. “Dual enrollment classes at community colleges are particularly beneficial as they’re offered with the same one-on-one attention and smaller class sizes that students

can expect at our colleges across the state.

We are grateful to the Alabama Legislature for increasing this funding to allow even more Alabama students to participate in this valuable learning opportunity.”

Dual enrollment gives Alabama’s high school students access to college-level classes that apply to credit in both high school and college at the same time. Unlike AP honors classes in high school,

a student’s grades for dual enrollment classwork are the only factor in determining whether the student receives full college credit for the class. The dual enrollment classes are delivered through a variety of methods, including high school students attending the local college in-person, online or a college instructor traveling to the local high school or career center to teach.

The scholarships, which will be awarded

as early as the fall 2021 semester, cover several classes in science, technology, engineering and math that can transfer to a four-year university and be used to complete a two-year associate degree by the time a student graduates high school. Classes in which students may receive scholarships include college-level astronomy, biology, chemistry, computer science, engineering (EGR), geology, math, physical science and

physics.

The scholarships are in addition to both local scholarships and career technical education funds that are already used to provide more opportunities to Alabama high school students to attend dual enrollment classes.

Students must have a 2.5 GPA in STEMrelated academic work to qualify for the scholarship. More information is available at students’ local community college.

Troy University Announces Summer/Term 5 Graduates CONTRIBUTED

BY TROY UNIVERSITY Troy University is pleased to recognize students who completed the requirements for graduation during the Summer Semester and Term 5 of the 2020/2021 academic year. The summer semester includes graduates from the Troy, Alabama, campus. Term 5 graduates include students at TROY’s campuses in Dothan, Phenix City and Montgomery along with teaching sites outside of Alabama and online.

Local students who graduated include: Ariana Curtis of Opelika Cooper Early of Auburn Marcus Gothard of

Opelika Stephanie Rines of Auburn Sarah Tedder of Phenix City Curtis Williams of Opelika Mary Blaschke of Phenix City Preston BradleyLoving of Smiths Station Brooke Burns of Phenix City Erica Burt of Phenix City Cametrish Cannon of Auburn Bryce Ciancio of Phenix City Kimberly Coleman of Opelika Donna Cook of Phenix City Veronica Garlic of Phenix City Kammy Gilmer of Salem Antonio Mancuso of

AU Reminds Students of COVID Policies CONTRIBUTED

BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY As fall semester begins, the Auburn Family is being reminded of the university’s latest COVID-19 protocols. Any student, faculty or staff member who tests positive for COVID-19 is required to submit an online self-report form .

Students who have been exposed to someone with COVID-19 also should submit a self-report form.

This step is very important in helping Auburn monitor any emerging trends should they occur.

Auburn also recently launched a vaccine incentive program , which provides students the

RECRUITS

>> FROM B7 life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science

opportunity to win prizes as an incentive to receiving the COVID-19 vaccine.

Students who are both fully vaccinated and enrolled for fall semester 2021 are eligible to participate and can enter the incentive program online here .

Additionally, all in the Auburn Family are required to wear face coverings inside all indoor locations on campus, and anyone not feeling well is asked to stay home and consult a physician.

For more information about Auburn’s protocols—to include details about when someone should quarantine and for what duration—visit the university’s COVID-19 Resource Center website .

and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/ private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.

Auburn Yukema Oates of Opelika Tiffany Phelan of Phenix City Brandi Racine of Opelika Mercedes Washington

of Auburn Dawn Weatherley of Opelika Charlette Woodard of Smiths Station Robert Azar of Opelika Najee Brundage of

Opelika Lou Foxx of Auburn Joseph Jones of Phenix City Kaytlin Oakes of Phenix City Jamie Shultz of Auburn

Joseph Sloan, III of Opelika About Troy University Troy University is a public, historic, international university with 22,500 students and 154,000 alumni. Students choose TROY for its quality academic programs, reasonable costs and availability of financial aid, outstanding faculty, and flexible inclass and online class offerings. Students on the Troy campus enjoy a traditional college experience, while adult students are the centers of attention at campuses in Dothan, Montgomery and Phenix City, as well as at locations around the world and online.

HERO THROW SEPT. 11, 2021

Axe Marks the Spot inaugural axe throwing competition $15 Entry Fee $150 Prize for the Winner $10 Entry for All First-Responders and Military

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

August 19, 2021

Thursday, August 19, 2021

Inside the Statehouse Summer Political Happenings

T

STEVE FLOWERS

his long hot and wet summer is coming to a close, and Labor Day is on the horizon. Labor Day weekend will not only mark the beginning of college football season but also the traditional start of the 2022 political season.

Most of the horses are in the chute for the May 24, 2022, primary election. So let the fun begin.

Let me share some political happenings that transpired over the summer. Jim Ziegler, our colorful state auditor, is edging closer to challenging Gov. Kay Ivey in the governor’s race. Ole Ziegler is an astute politician and campaigner, although not a very prolific fundraiser. He will be a viable candidate, but it is unlikely he can beat a healthy Ivey.

Tim James, who has run two worthy races for governor, may give it a third try.

He too can make a good race, but probably cannot beat Ivey. However, if both James and Ziegler get into the race they could and probably would force Ivey into a runoff which would be very stressful for her. Both James and Ziegler are viable candidates, and it will make the race interesting — especially if Ziegler gets in. He is fun to watch.

However, Ivey is preparing for another term by securing a treasured asset in State Representative Bill Poole as her state finance director. She now has a dynamic duo by her side to rely and depend on with Poole as her finance director and Jo Bonner as her chief of staff. She also has a bevy of young lieutenants led by the wife and husband team of Liz and Bill Filmore.

Poole is considered the most popular and promising young politico on the Alabama political scene. He will be a tremendous asset for Ivey as the manager of the state finances. Poole was elected as a state representative from Tuscaloosa in 2010. In his 11 years in the House, he made a meteoric rise into the leadership within the state House of Representatives.

In all my years watching the Alabama Legislature and Alabama politics, I have never seen anyone as universally respected and liked as Poole.

He became Chairman of the Ways and Means Education Budget Committee in

2013 after only two years in the House. He has essentially written the State Education Budget for the last eight years. The Education Budget amounts to over threefourths of all state dollars. He has become a guru and expert on the state’s revenues and budgeting. Ivey could not have scripted anyone better than Poole to administer the state finances. In addition, his relationship with the legislature will expedite the passage of Ivey’s budget recommendations within the legislature.

The race for the open Senate Seat of our Senior U.S. Senator Richard Shelby has been percolating all summer and it is beginning to look like it will be a two-person race between Congressman Mo Brooks and Business Council of Alabama Chairman Katie Britt. It will be a classic battle of the two wings of the Republican Party. Brooks represents the right-wing, reactionary, firebrand, bombastic, Trump wing of the party. In fact, former President Donald Trump has enthusiastically endorsed Brooks and will probably rousingly promote Brooks at a rally in Cullman County this Saturday.

Katie Boyd Britt will carry the banner of the moderate, pro-business, conservative, yet more sophisticated wing of the party. She would be a senator for Alabama who would protect our immensely valuable military defense meccas in the state, like the Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, Maxwell-Gunter Air Base in Montgomery and Ft. Rucker in her native Wiregrass.

During the summer, Britt has raised a record-breaking amount of campaign money that will be essential as she and Brooks head towards a May 24, 2022, runoff duel. However, Britt also has been beating the bushes in rural Alabama. She has made almost every Farmer’s Federation County meeting in the state. You have to earn the Farmer’s Federation endorsement by the grassroots approach.

The Alfa endorsement does not come from an ivory tower in Montgomery.

Their endorsement is garnered by votes from each county federation. Therefore, you have to work for it and believe you me that endorsement is important in a statewide Republican race in Alabama.

The Farmer’s Federation will not endorse Brooks. He is the only Republican Congressman from Alabama who has consistently voted against Alabama farmers. Look for Britt to get the coveted Alfa endorsement.

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

'Together We Are Strong' Opelika City Council Approves Acceptance of ARPA Funds

BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER The Opelika Council approved a resolution to accept the American Rescue Plan (ARPA) Funds during Tuesday night's city council meeting.

The total allocated to the city is $6,466,895.

Opelika resident and NAACP Community Coordinator Christine Bradshaw asked the council to plan to use part of the funds in impoverished neighborhoods in Opelika.

Bradshaw expressed her desire for the community to be included in determining how the funds are to be spent.

"We hope that we can part of the planning, we hope that we can work cohesively and we hope

that we can work collective together, as the city council, as a community, as a ward," Bradshaw said. "Let's make a difference here in Opelika."

The city has until Dec. 31, 2026, to spend the funds.

Bradshaw also expressed her interest in serving on a committee for the 2040 Plan.

"We are hoping that you will have a town hall meeting, maybe a round-table meeting where we can come and express our concerns and work together as Opelika," she said.

Bradshaw advocated for the community and council to work together as plans are made.

"Let's make a difference here in Opelika.

Let's do it together," Bradshaw said.

"Together, we are strong. Together, we can make a difference here."

Mayor Gary Fuller read a proclamation for OLLI Day to be recognized as such on Aug. 20.

The council and Fuller also recognized the Moorehouse Weekend Academy graduates.

This program, which is centered around coding, was held at Loachapoka High School.

During the meeting Fuller recognized the 2021-22 20 Under Forty Class.

Other Business: - The council received the financial report for the city for the month of July, 2021 as well as the July monthly building report from city See OPELIKA, page B10

Auburn Council Discusses Traffic Problems

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM The city council discussed traffic problems that have arisen following the first week of school in Auburn last week.

“There have been a number of emails to forth to the city council and to myself recently regarding school traffic in Richland Road area,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders.

Richland Elementary and Creekside Elementary are both located on that road, which has increased traffic in the mornings.

NOW OPEN

“A few circumstances changed this week,” said City Manager Megan Crouch. “The university went back into session and that just means more faculty and staff commuting to work in the morning. Richland Elementary has a larger student enrollment than it’s had in the past that changes some patterns and things and last year we had COVID. “So, we had a large percentage of students, or 30% or so, that started the year with some sort of virtual learning and they ended the year at about 15% virtual learning. So, that

changes some aspects of things that are happening with traffic patterns.”

Auburn Police Chief Cedric Anderson said that the police division works with the city school system to watch the traffic patterns.

Currently, he said, there are 24 assigned public safety personnel working at schools or school crossings in the mornings, nine of which direct traffic.

Six also watch to make sure that cars do not speed through school zones or pass buses.

See AUBURN COUNCIL, page B10

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B10 August 19, 2021

Alabama Mayors’ Challenge Encourages Vaccination Increase by Labor Day CONTRIBUTED

BY ALABAMA HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION More than 30 of Alabama’s mayors have signed up during the last week to help encourage Alabamians to get vaccinated, and others are joining daily.

The local leaders have enrolled in the We Can Do This Alabama Mayors’ Challenge, an

attempt to get a 20% increase in vaccinations by Labor Day, Sept. 6.

“With COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations dramatically increasing in our state, we are calling on everyone in a leadership position to help us fight this virus,” said Dr. Donald Williamson, president of the Alabama Hospital Association,

and speaking on behalf of the We Can Do This Alabama Coalition. “At this point it is about sharing information on a personal level, encouraging those with hesitation to talk with their doctor and other vaccinated friends and family members. We know that our mayors are trusted and respected in their communities, and we are extremely

grateful for those who are stepping up to help.”

Mayors who wish to participate in the challenge can sign up by visiting www.

WeCanDoThisAlabama. com and filling out a short form. On that same page, mayors will also find a comprehensive toolkit that includes resources to help them promote the COVID-19 vaccine

in their community.

Participating mayors are listed on the We Can Do This Alabama website.

We Can Do This Alabama is a collaborative effort between the Alabama Department of Public Health, the Alabama Hospital Association, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, the Alabama Nursing Home Association,

the Alabama Primary Health Care Association, the Alabama Chapter-AAP, the Alabama Council for Behavioral Healthcare, the Alabama State Nurses Association and the Medical Association of the state of Alabama with the goal of increasing COVID-19 vaccinations in Alabama through a grassroots approach.

Auburn Now Seventh Largest Alabama City According to 2020 Census CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF AUBURN

BY DAVID D. DORTON — DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS According to data released from the 2020 Census on Thursday, the city of Auburn is now the seventh largest city in Alabama with a population of 76,143.

U.S. Census data shows that Auburn has grown 43% since 2010, when the bureau reported a population of 53,380. At that time, the city of Auburn’s population estimates were significantly higher than the census results and continued to run higher than census estimates throughout the decade.

OPELIKA >> FROM B9 administrator Joey Motley.

- The council voted to approve a request from JC Inc. dba M and M Grocery for a retail beer and wine off-premise alcohol license.

- The council voted to approve a request from Opelika Main Street for the On the Tracks event to be held on Oct. 22.

- The council voted to approve a request from Opelika Main Street for the Christmas in a Railroad Town event to be held on Dec. 10.

- The council held a public hearing and later introduced an ordinance to amend the zoning ordinance and map to rezone 27,680 square feet of property, located at 1109 Columbus Parkway for the first reading.

- The council held a public hearing for a resolution to vacate the right-of-way for the north portion of an unnamed street in the Fox Run Industrial Park and later voted to approve the resolution.

- The council voted to approve emergency repairs for Substation 7 for Opelika Power Services due to damage caused by lightning on July 27. The repairs are estimated to cost $120,164.

- The council voted to approve a resolution to authorize a professional services agreement with L.P. Campbell Co., a professional grant writer, to assist the city in securing grant assistance.

- The council voted to approve the renewal of an employment contract for Tyler McGill.

- The council held public

“While we have certainly seen significant growth, it’s possible

that what we believed to be an undercount in 2010 has somewhat

hearings and subsequently voted to approve weed abatement assessments for the following properties: • 1733 1st Ave. • 308 Brannon Ave. • 120 Chester Ave. • 55 N. Uniroyal Road • 310 Pleasant Dr. • 810 Williamson Ave. - The Council voted to approve a special appropriation for the Opelika Learning Center for the Positive Behavior Dog Pound Program in the amount of $5,000.

- The council voted to authorize the exchange of real property to CJCF, LLC. - The council introduced an ordinance to designate June 19 as a city holiday in honor of Juneteenth. This ordinance will be voted on at the next meeting.

- The council voted to reappoint Debbie Purves to the Historic Preservation Commission for a new term that ends Aug. 19, 2024.

- The council voted to reappoint Elaine Burton to the Historic Preservation Commission for a new term that ends Aug. 19, 2024.

- The council voted to reappoint John Marsh to the Historic Preservation Commission for a new term that ends Aug. 19, 2024.

- The ordinance for a Registration and Inspection Program for Residential Rental Properties remained tabled at this time.

Former Ward 5 Council Member David Cannon spoke during the citizen's comment section in favor of the ordinance.

The next city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 7 at 7 p.m.

corrected itself in the 2020 census,” said City Manager Megan

AUBURN COUNCIL >> FROM B9 “We’re still trying to work to ensure that any other traffic concerns are being addressed,” Anderson said. “So what we’re doing in the Richland Road area right now is every morning we’re out and we’re having people walk the corridors.

Chief Stuart walked it this morning along the sidewalk trying to see what the issues were.

“We also have officers that are going down and they’re recording what they’re seeing so that we can come back and we can replay it and revisit it while we’re sitting here and see if we can revise a better plan.”

One of the problems is that all the cars are where they need to be — the schools, he said.

Anderson said he believes the congestion will die down within a couple of weeks.

“We’re going to continue to monitor it to see what additional things can be done,” he said.

Part of that will entail having additional personnel out directing traffic.

Anderson also encouraged parents who can put their children on buses.

“Those buses can carry 30 to 40 kids, that’s 30 to 40 cars that we’re not going to have out there to deal with,” he said.

Crouch said that the city is looking at the problem from other areas as well, with drones or potentially a consultant.

An additional problem

McGowen Crouch.

Auburn is the fastest growing of Alabama’s top 25 largest cities and the fourth fastest growing city in the state since 2010.

Gulf Shores was the fastest growing (57%) followed by Fairhope (47%) and Chelsea (47%). Lee County also grew over the last decade, increasing by 24% to 174,241.

“Our approach over the past few decades

is parents who arrive in adjacent neighborhoods earlier than necessary to wait, Crouch said. This contributes to the backed-up traffic.

“I think some people want to say ‘well, why is it different this year and why weren’t you ready for it?’” she said. “We were ready for it. We were monitoring.

Things were a little bit calm the first week, they’ve gotten worse this week. Seems to happen every year.”

Juneteenth: The city of Auburn declared Juneteenth a city holiday during its Tuesday night meeting.

Juneteenth is already a federal and state holiday, as of June 17, 2021.

“I’m just proud to see that we’re taking this step as a city and honoring the history of Juneteenth,” said Ward 4 Council Member Beth Witten. “… I’m proud of us.”

Other Business: - The council postponed amending the city code to adopt the 2021 Editions of the International Building Code and International Fire Code.

- The council postponed a resolution to adopt the U.S. Highway 280 Focus Area Study Plan.

- The council approved a tax abatement for AUBix, LLC for the Auburn Industrial Park.

- The council approved a contract with Foresite Group, LLC for the Martin Luther King Drive Streetscape Project for $37,700.

- The council approved a contract with Otto

has been to maintain and improve our economy and quality of life rather than to actively seek growth," Anders said. "What’s important to us is that we provide the best schools and public safety as well as entertainment and recreation opportunities for those who call Auburn home,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “I believe this growth is evidence that people love living in Auburn, and we’re seeing that more people want to be a part of that. We’re happy to welcome more to the Auburn family and look forward to the future we will build together.”

Environmental Systems (AZ), LLC for 95 gallon roll-out cars for over $35,800.

- The council approved easements and right-ofway for a property located at the eastern terminus of Andrews Avenue for Dilworth Development.

- The council approved a right-of-way for a property on the eastern terminus of Mimms Trail for Brett Basquin on behalf of Clayton Properties Group, Inc. and Deborah and John Mitchell.

- The council approved a stop sign in Bridle Creek Estates.

- The council rezoned over three acres from Neighborhood Conservation to Corridor Redevelopment District - East for 1027 E. Glenn Ave..

- The council approved a conditional use approval for performance residential development, multiple-unit development for 403 Opelika Road.

- The council approved a conditional use approval for commercial support use for a warehouse at 223 Pumphrey Ave..

- The council approved a conditional use approval for performance residential development, multiple-unit development for 814 N. College St. - The council extended a conditional use approval for performance residential development for 1397 N. Dean Road.

- The council approved a conditional use approval for performance residential development for 1027 E. Glenn Ave.

B11 August 19, 2021

From ‘Covid’ to ‘Defund’ to ‘Krakens,’ Words in the News (Part 1 of 2)

GREG MARKLEY

O

ne candidate for Word of the Year in December 2020 was odd, it was the year itself — 2020.

The idea was wellmeant as it crystalizes that strange and sad year. Those four Arabic numbers arrayed together summed up the long period of staying at home and wearing masks in public. But the American Dialect Society chose another familiar term from last year — "pandemic."

I, too, would choose “pandemic”. Picking “2020” is surreal and quite unusual. Imagine someone in an archives reading that the ADS

Word of the Year 2020 was — the year itself.

It would be seen as unoriginal and lazy. This is because 2020 had a strong bench of words that outdo “2020.”

This week and next, I write below about words featured on the list of top lookups on Merriam-Webster.

According to Merriam-Webster officials, “pandemic” had a big spike on Feb. 3, 2020. One factor was that the first COVID-19 patient in the U.S. was released from a Seattle hospital that day.

“Pandemic” was looked up 1,621% more on that day than it had in the entire year prior, 2019.

The date of the first positive case — Jan. 20 — was a sign the word would skyrocket.

It sure did!

A “Pandemic” has Greek roots in that pan means “all” or “every” and demos means “people.” A short description of a pandemic is “an epidemic that has escalated to affect a large area and population.”

For 2020, the American Dialect Society chose “Covid” as top word.

Interestingly, to spell it in all capital letters or with just an initial capital letter, are both acceptable. A wellknown journalist with a language column presided over the 2020 voting session that chose “Covid.”

“The selection recognizes how ubiquitous the term has become, from the time that the name for the disease caused a novel coronavirus was dubbed COVID-19 by the World Health Organization back in February,” noted Ben Zimmer, language maven for the Wall Street Journal. “That was quickly clipped to Covid, which then appeared in phrases like Covid crisis, Covid relief, and Covid vaccine.”

Another term that has resulted in plenty of lookups is “defund.”

This emanated after a batch of killings of blacks, by police.

Defund was looked up 6,059% more times in 2020 than in 2019.

It basically means “to withdraw funding from.” The idea is to reallocate some funds for programs seeking social justice and providing training classes in diversity, etc. for law enforcement.

Be careful with the term “defund.” Several cities where highly publicized incidents involving police happened, such as Minneapolis and Seattle, did cut budgets significantly. But that was right after the murders of sometimes unarmed blacks. As tensions cool, most will realize crippling the police would be like firing all firefighters.

Activists and media, both right and left, use “defund” in ways that are not constructive.

When liberal politicians say “defund” they don’t mean 100%, especially since they live in areas that will be affected by any cuts. When conservative officeholders try to scare people into

thinking the only police left will be a few leftovers at the station, or some such, they discredit themselves.

An amazing feat: How about a word that had a one-day increase in searches by 128,000%? That’s what occurred on July 23, when Seattle’s National Hockey League franchise chose “Kraken” as its name. For example, many university and high schools have the name “Tigers” because the animal can be aggressive when facing an enemy.

This is not a replacement name, such as when the Cleveland Indians decided to switch to the Cleveland Guardians, effective next season. The Seattle hockey team is brandnew, thus did not have to discard a name but began with its first one. “Kraken” sounds like something people in Seattle would find exhilarating.

Naming them “Krakens” is an inspired choice. Sports

teams try to get a strong name that encourages fans to support them.

A kraken is good because it is a mythical Scandinavian sea monster, although not a new word. Krakens are found in Marvel comics and there was an unforgettable one in “Clash of the Titans.”

“For last year’s words belong to last year’s language, and next year’s words await another voice,” said T.S. Eliot, 20th century poet and essayist. Next week, in Part 2, we review Zoom-related words, others of political correctness and diversity and a few older words slowly slipping away.

See you then!

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 11 years. gm.markley@ charter.net .

Alabama Coalitions Provide Communities With Resources to Speak-up For Fair Mapping, Fair Districting Process CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA VALUES Redistricting season is now in full swing as the U.S. Census Bureau today released the data needed to begin the process, which will have lasting effects for more than a decade.

The delivery of the data was delayed for several months due to the COVID-19 pandemic causing an uproar in the state of Alabama, resulting in a lawsuit that federal judges rejected. However, it ultimately resulted in the Census Bureau committing to releasing its raw data in “legacy format today,” which requires additional handling to extract data properly. With the release of today’s data, redistricting work can officially begin. A more user-friendly version will be released by Sept. 30, 2021. [Source: U.S. Census Bureau].

Every decade Alabama Legislators come together to draw new district lines that give every vote in Alabama equal weight and all communities equal access to the decision-making processes that determine funding for schools, hospitals and other essential services. Grassroots organizations and coalitions in Alabama have come together to ensure state legislators draw fair maps and advocate for all Alabama residents, especially

historically underrepresented groups, to get the representation and resources they deserve.

“The delay this year creates a unique opportunity for more people to learn about the process, learn about how voting district maps impact their daily lives, and then express their opinions to their state and local decision-makers,” said Evan Milligan, executive director of Alabama Forward. “It is even more important that more Alabamians committed to voting rights weigh-in on the process, because this will be the first round of redistricting since the passage of the 1965 Voting Rights Act that will not require Alabama and other southern governments to submit their state legislative maps to the U.S. Department of Justice for preclearance. Previously, the DOJ was authorized to assess voting district maps to ensure that they didn’t violate the voting rights of racial, ethnic and language minority groups. That feature will not be available this year, so it’s even more important for Alabamians concerned about protection of voting rights to make their voices heard.”

As the state’s civic table, Alabama Forward, has been working to bring together nonpartisan organizations with a

goal of safeguarding the redistricting process. Through coalition building, financial grants and technical assistance offered by Alabama Forward, civic engagement groups and members of Alabama Forward have created resources to empower communities to speak up for a fair mapping, fair districting through the following initiatives: A partnership with the Southern Coalition for Social Justice through their CROWD Fellowship program to provide training throughout the state to show Alabama residents how political maps impact their daily lives and what they can do to be a part of the map-making process.

“I got involved in the CROWD Fellowship program because I wanted to learn about redistricting to give communities the tools and the resources to

learn about the process also,” said SCSJ CROWD Fellow at Alabama Forward Khadidah Stone. “I’m hoping that people get involved in the process, and people have a voice in what they want in their community and the power to choose who represents them and not the other way around.”

Launching Shake The Field, Alabama Forward’s online initiative to educate and inspire everyday Alabamians to embrace civic engagement and connect with organizations on the ground working on civic issues such as fair mapping and fair districting.

Creating the Alabama Election Protection Network (AEPN) initiative, Our Districts, Our Alabama, a public information campaign providing online resources and community training regarding

fair mapping and fair districting.

Acknowledging the grief of Alabama residents during COVID-19 through Shine A Light Alabama, a community-based effort of remembrance, resilience and healing from losses experienced during the pandemic.

“We must address communities and what they are dealing with,” said Shine A Light Alabama Project Director Amanda Hiley. “It’s about the health and well-being and resilience of communities. There are also issues of equity and the reality of communities’ ability to participate in civic engagement.”

Community involvement in redistricting gives citizens the opportunity to claim a seat at the table and influence the outcome of the process.

“Getting involved

in the redistricting process in your community lets the legislature know that you’re paying attention to the choices they are making,” said Anneshia Hardy, executive director of Alabama Values.

“You are giving your opinions on what your community truly needs.”

No one knows local communities better than the people who live in them, whether you’re cooking up a Sunday block party, planting a neighborhood garden or supporting each other through a global pandemic. That’s why it is so important that local communities get involved in the redistricting process. Local coalitions will have training sessions for those interested in becoming involved.

Those interested in connecting with CROWD Fellows for See ALABAMA, page B13

B12 August 19, 2021

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thorough knowledge of the principles, methods and practices of administration and management; ability to plan, manage and direct multiple projects and initiatives; ability to plan and supervise the work of professional and technical subordinates; ability to prepare comprehensive and accurate reports and records; ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with professional and technical personnel, contractors, government and public officials, other employees and the general public.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS: Attainment of a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university in business or public administration, civil engineering or a related field and a minimum of five years’ progressively responsible managerial and administrative experience in the housing development, construction, rehabilitation or maintenance industry; or a combination of education and experience equivalent to these requirements.

LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED DIRECTOR OF MODERNIZATION & DEVELOPMENT KIND OF WORK: This is administrative work in directing & managing activities of modernization, construction, rehabilitation and maintenance projects & initiatives for the Opelika Housing Authority.

EXAMPLES OF WORK: (Any one position may not include all of the duties listed nor do the listed examples include all tasks, which may be found in positions of this class.)

Manages and directs all phases of construction, renovation, revitalization, rehabilitation, modernization and work order initiatives; Plans, budgets, schedules, and coordinates projects and work order initiatives; Prepares materials and equipment specifications; Prepares specifications to acquire architectural, engineering, and related professional services; Prepares specifications for contract work; Ability to perform the procurement requirements and functions for services needed;

Supervises work of contractors; Supervises the inspection of substandard housing and prepares reports for scope of work and cost estimates for repair; Performs related work as required.

ESSENTIAL REQUIREMENTS OF THE WORK: Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and practices of multi and single family housing design, development and building construction methods, practices and materials; Comprehensive knowledge

of principles and practices of construction, maintenance, and project management; thorough knowledge of labor and materials costs related to construction and repair; thorough knowledge of building codes, ordinances, regulations and standards governing construction and maintenance of residential housing; thorough knowledge of federal and state public bid laws and Section 3 requirements; working knowledge of public housing development, modernization and maintenance programs desirable;

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GRACE W. COLLIER, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to William T. Collier and Dorothy C. Kolander, as Personal Repr esentatives of the Estate of Grace W. Collier, deceased on the 27th day of July, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred WILLIAM T. COLLIER, Personal Representative and DOROTHY C. KOLANDER, Personal Representative PREPARED BY: Phillip E. Adams, Jr. 205 S. 9th Street Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 745-6466 Legal Run 08/05/2021, 08/12/2021 & 08/19/2021 ------------STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION ONE FACILITY – MULTIPLE UNITS Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1242 N Dean Rd, Auburn, AL 36830

Thursday, September 2nd, 2021 at 10:00AM Sherry Hicks Unit 173 PO Box 652 Alexander City, AL 35010 totes furniture The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property Legal RRun08/12/21 & 08/19/2021.

------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA RE: IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHRISTA WALKER, DECEASED. CASE NO.: 2021-411 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED

BY CO-PERSONAL REPRESE NTATIVES Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Leigh Thompson and Bruce Thompson, on the 26th day of July, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by

law or the same will be barred. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Co-Personal Representatives.

Legal Run 08/12/21, 08/19/21 & 08/26/21 ------------STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION ONE FACILITY – MULTIPLE UNITS Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, September 2, 2021 at 10:00AM Galen Palmer - Unit Z413 420 N Dean Rd Apt 210 Auburn, AL 36830 chairs dryer boxes Tracie Owens - Unit C52 3825 Foxrun Dr. Apt 1337 Cincinnati, OH 45236 Cloths, misc items The auction will be listed and advertised on www. storagetreasures.com.

Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 08/12/2021 & 08/19/2021 -------------

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES R. ROSSI, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-425 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 6th day of August, 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.

CLAUDIA M. ROSSI Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 368032345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 08/12/2021, 08/19/2021 & 08/26/2021 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA STATE OF ALABAMA , COUNTY OF LEE IN RE: The Matter of KIRA NICOLE OGLE Case No.: 20 l 9-B-05 NOTICE OF HEARING Notice is hereby given that a Petition to Approve Final Settlement of the Conservatorship of Kira Nicole Ogle.

A hearing has been

set for the 9th day of September 2021 at 9:00 a.m. central time, electronically via "ZOOM". Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334- 737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the hearing of the Petition to Approve Final Settlement of the Conservatorship.

BILL ENGLISH, JUDGE OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 08/19/21, 08/26/21 & 09/02/21 ------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF W.C. HAWKINS, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 9th day of August, 2021 by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness our hands, and dated this the 9th day of August, 2021.

DWAYNE C.J. HAWKINS Legal Run 08/19/21, 08/26/21 & 09/02/21 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: The estate of Jerry Timothy Walston, Deceased Case No.2021-442 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to Ricky Walston as Administrator of the Estate of Jerry Timothy Walston, deceased, on the 12TH day of August, 2021.

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 be barred.

Administrator, of the Estate of Jerry Timothy Walston, Deceased Legal Run 08/19/2021, 08/26/2021, 09/02/2021 ------------STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-449 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF JUETTE EDMONDSON EVANS, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Juette Edmondson Evans, deceased, having been granted to Patricia Johnson Evans this 12th day of August 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Patricia Johnson Evans, Personal Representative Legal Run 08/19/21, 08/26/21 & 09/02/21 See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

B13 August 19, 2021

Rogers: "Catastrophic And Historic Failure of Leadership by the Biden-Harris Administration" CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF MIKE ROGERS

U

.S. Rep. Mike Rogers (R-Alabama), Ranking Member of the House Armed Services Committee, released the following statement on the situation unfolding in Afghanistan.

“It is gut-wrenching to watch what has happened in Afghanistan over the past few days. What we are witnessing today is a catastrophic and historic failure of leadership by the Biden-Harris administration. The administration has been warned for months

what would happen but President Biden and Vice President Harris ignored experts and a plan was never crafted to avoid the very situation that is currently unfolding.

“Just weeks ago, President Biden promised the American people that we would not have another

Saigon moment – that there would be ‘no circumstance where you see people being lifted off the roof’ of a U.S. embassy. President Biden promised the American people that ‘the Taliban overrunning everything and owning the whole country is highly

unlikely.’ Now the Taliban are in Kabul and images of helicopters lifting off from the U.S. embassy are plastered on televisions across the globe.

“My heart breaks for the women and children of Afghanistan whose bright futures will

be extinguished by brutish terrorists who keep control by repulsive and stomach-churning means.

“The Biden-Harris administration needs to be held accountable for the utter failure that has unfolded in Afghanistan.

Mr. President: Why wasn’t there a plan?”

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B12 ORDINANCE NO. 015-21 ORDINANCE AUTHORIZING THE EXCHANGE OF REAL PROPERTIES BETWEEN THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND CJCF, LLC BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council of the City of Opelika (herein called the “City Council”) as follows: Section 1. The City Council has determined and hereby finds and declares the following facts are true and correct:

(a) The City of Opelika, Alabama, a municipal corporation (hereinafter called the “City”), is the owner of the land and premises described in Exhibit “A” attached and made a part hereof (all of such property being hereinafter referred to as Parcel “A”).

(b) CJCF, LLC, an Alabama limited liability company (hereinafter called “CJCF”), is the owner of the land and premises described in Exhibit “B” attached hereto and made a part hereof (all of such real property being referred to as Parcel “B”). (c) The City desires to exchange Parcel “B” for Parcel “A”.

(d) Parcel “A” is no longer needed for public or municipal purposes. (e) It is necessary, advisable and in the interest of the City and in the public interest that the City make said exchange of real properties.

Section 2. In exchange for the conveyance by CJCF to the City of the property described in Parcel “B”, the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to execute and attest, respectively,

ALABAMA >> FROM B11 training and assistance should contact their state sponsors: Alabama Forward, Evan Milligan, evan@alforward.org Mobile Alabama NAACP, Jasmine Washington, jdawashington@ gmail.com TOPS, Rodreshia Russaw, Rrussaw@ wearetops.org League of Women

for and on behalf of the City, a Statutory Warranty Deed, a copy of which is on file in the office of the City Clerk, whereby the City does convey to CJCF the land and premises described as Parcel “A”.

Section 3. The officers of the City and any person or persons designated and authorized by any officers of the City to act in the name and on behalf of the City, or any one or more of them, are authorized to do or cause to be done or performed in the name and on behalf of the City such other acts and to execute and deliver or cause to be executed and delivered in the name and on behalf of the City such other notices, certificates, assurances or other instruments or other communications under the seal of the City or otherwise, as they or any of them deem necessary or advisable or appropriate in order to carry into effect the intent of the provisions of this Ordinance.

Section 4. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its passage, approval, adoption and publication as required by law.

Section 5. The City Clerk of the City of Opelika is hereby authorized and directed to cause this Ordinance to be published one (1) time in a newspaper of general circulation published in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

ADOPTED AND APPROVED this the 17th day of August, 2021. /s/ Eddie Smith PRESIDENT OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA ATTEST:

/s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK TRANSMITTED TO MAYOR on this the 18th day of August, 2021. s/\ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK ACTION BY MAYOR APPROVED this the 18th day of August, 2021. /s/ Gary Fuller MAYOR ATTEST: /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK Legal Run 08/19/2021

Voters Alabama, Robin Buckelew, robinbuckelew111@ gmail.com.

Alabama Values is a state-based 501(C) (3) communications hub seeking to amplify progressive voices and policies in Alabama. Our goal is to provide messaging and communications leadership and infrastructure to organizations and coalitions advocating to build power and break

down barriers to civic participation for communities across the state. Our strategy is to develop and launch messaging, digital campaigns, creative content and media strategies to increase civic engagement, education and awareness.

Alabama Forward is a state-based 501(C)(3) civic engagement coordinating table committed to advancing movement

------------SYNOPSIS OF ZONING NOTICE The City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a public hearing on Tuesday, September 7, 2021, at 7:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend the Zoning Ordinance and the Zoning Map of the City of Opelika by rezoning or redistricting the parcels of land hereinafter described so as to change such parcels from one class of district to another class of district, as follows: From a R-1 District (Rural District) to a R-3 District (LowDensity Residential District), the parcels of land hereinafter described: Lots 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 as shown on the “Harwell Hills Sixth Addition” subdivision plat recorded in Plat Book 43 at Page 154 on May 27, 2020, at the Lee County, Alabama Courthouse.

The above-described property contains 1.26 acres, more or

less, and is located in the 500 block of Rustic Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Public Notice of this public hearing with insertion of the proposed ordinance was first published on August 12, 2021, in the Opelika Observer.

This notice is given pursuant to Section 11-52-78 Code of Alabama (1975).

All interested persons are invited to attend the public hearing and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at P.O. Box 390, Opelika, AL 36803 at any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and the public hearing.

Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334705-2083 two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to any disability.

THIS NOTICE is given under my hand this the 19th day of August, 2021. /s/ Russell A. Jones CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 08/19/2021 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLES SOMERS DEAN, III, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2021-396 TO: RUSSELL DOUGLAS DEAN NOTICE: On the19th day of July, 2021, a certain writing, purporting to be the Will of CHARLES SOMERS DEAN,

towards greater freedom and progressive, solution-oriented policy among a diverse coalition of Alabama-based partner organizations, so that every Alabamian can engage in the democratic process.

In pursuit of this mission, Alabama Forward will prioritize race and gender equity to engage every Alabamian in all aspects of our democracy.

III was filed in my office for probate by NANCY BARRETT DEAN and the 22nd day of September, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. was appointed a day for hearing thereof at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper.

Given under my hand, the 16th day of August, 2021.

Bill English JUDGE OF PROBATE Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36832345 (334) 745-3504 Legal 08/19/21, 08/26/21 & 09/02/21 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF: THEODORE ARMOUR, Deceased NOTICE OF HEARING Notice is hereby given that Ardella Williams has filed a petition to admit to probate an instrument purporting to be the Last Will and testament of Theodore Armour, deceased, and a hearing has been set on said petition for the 21 st day of September, 2021, at l 0:00 a.m., in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Done this the 16th day of August 2021.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 08/19/21, 08/26/21 & 09/02/21 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Alabama Election Protection Network (AEPN) is a collaborative of nonpartisan grassroots organizations who are dedicated to upholding the core values of democracy. We work to ensure an open, honest and accountable government that serves the public interest; promote equal rights, opportunity and representation for all; and empower all people to make their

In the Matter of Mary Weeks, an alleged incapacitated person TO: Any relatives or interested parties: Lee County DHR has filed a Petition to appoint a Legal Guardian for the person of Mary Weeks.

It is ordered that the 9th day of September 2021 at 2:00 p.m. be appointed the day on which to hear such petition, at the Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL at which time all persons interested may file their notice of appearance and contest the said petition if they deem it proper. Said hearing may be conducted electronically. Done this the 2nd day of August, 2021.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR Post Office Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 08/05/21, 08/12/21 & 08/19/21 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The estate of Jerry Timothy Walston, Deceased Case No.2021-442 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to Ricky Walston as Administrator of the Estate of Jerry Timothy Walston, deceased, on the 12TH day of August, 2021.

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 be barred.

Administrator, of the Estate of Jerry Timothy Walston, Deceased Legal Run 08/19/2021, 08/26/2021, 09/02/2021

voices heard in the political process.

The Southern Coalition for Social Justice, founded in 2007, partners with communities of color and economically disadvantaged communities in the South to defend and advance their political, social and economic rights through the combination of legal advocacy, research, organizing and communications.

B14 August 19, 2021

B15 August 19, 2021

Like Crossword Puzzles? Sudoku?

Play Online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

B16 August 19, 2021

Lee County Fair Advanced tickets sold at Beauregard Drugs

28 Sep - 2 Oct

7667 Alabama Hwy 51, Ste A Opelika, AL 36804 p: (334) 364-9993

2021

Bubba’s Medicine Shop

Lee County

512 2nd Ave Opelika, AL 36801 p: (334) 249 1283

Fairgrounds Hwy 431 North

Our Home Pharmacy

James Gang

2320 Moores Mill Rd Ste 100 (4.92 mi) Auburn, AL, AL 36830 p: (334) 887-8780

Amusements

Advanced tickets $4.00 for ages 2 and up Tickets go on sale beginning 13 Sep 2021

Separate gate available for prepurchased tickets and passes.

Tickets are good for any night. Price only includes admission to fairgrounds.

Beat the lines, by your tickets at the above locations.

Veterans Appreciation night Wednesday 29 Sep 2021

Local Veterans groups available for questions about benefits and programs.

Register to win 55” Color TV (must show DD214 or Veteran ID) Complete an application to have a flag and pole installed in your yard by Flags for Vets

Nightly Admission at gate Ages Under 2 Free

Ages 2 – 11 $4.00 Ages 12 – 59 $5.00

Ages 60 & up, Military with ID and First Responders with ID $2.00 Discount Wednesday, all gate admission’s $2.00 Prices only include admission to fairgrounds.

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

“Our Mission is Your Health”

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

WE DELIVER!

• Drive Thru Only • Regular Operating Hours • Please Call Ahead on Refills to Avoid Wait

Piedmont Fertilizer Co. Inc. 201 2nd Ave. • Opelika, AL SINCE 1910

Nothing better for your lawn exists

334-364-9993 | 334-364-9997 7667 Alabama Hwy 51, Suite A, Opelika www.beauregarddrugs.com Mon-Fri 8am–6pm | Sat 9am–12pm | Sunday Closed

THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE ANSWERS: