The Observer 06-15-2023

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

Juneteenth has come to Lee County again and this year, Auburn and Opelika are planning multiple events for a greater reach.

Juneteenth is the celebration of emancipation of slaves within the United States. The holiday is celebrated each year on June 19 because that is

when Texan slaves were made aware of emancipation in 1865.

"Juneteenth is the recognition of a terrible time in our country's history; it's the recognition of the end of that time," said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. "For us locally in Auburn, Juneteenth is a recognition of the history and the contributions of our African American community and what they mean to the city. I'm very proud that we take time

to stop and recognize those contributions, those histories and those stories that come from those members of our community that have gone through struggle, that have had to fight harder and that have succeeded in making Auburn a great place to live."

Juneteenth was created as a national and federal holiday in 2021.

"I would describe

See JUNETEENTH, page A3

BY MICHELLE KEY AND

OPELIKA —

The sun is shining, schools are out for the summer and the children

are clamoring for things to do. One local resident has put together a list of fun things to help keep families active. The Observer has partnered with several local venues and will be offering

a prize giveaway every for the remainder of the summer, through Aug. 10.

We want to see everyone out having a great time this summer. All anyone has to do to be entered

into the drawing for each week's giveaway is pick an activity from the list, snap a photo showing the activity, upload to The Observer’s Facebook page and tag us.

See SUMMER FUN, page A5

Check Out The Summer Fun List — A5

HANNAH GOLDFINGER

Saavedra to Jim Bryson, owner of Market Street Paint Shop.

“Luis originally approached us about purchasing Boonie Hat Coffee shop, and it became a no-brainer,” Bryson said. “… We realized how much of a tag

See COFFEE, page A2

Market Street Coffee Shop is located at 116 S. 8th St. in downtown Opelika.

Indian Pines Golf Course Renamed Pines Crossing

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF

AUBURN-OPELIKA —

Originally established in the ‘70s, Indian Pines Golf Course will reopen to the public this fall with a completely redesigned and renovated course — and a brand new name.

Indian Pines will become Pines Crossing when the golf course reopens this fall. The new name reflects a tie between old and new, maintaining some familiarity from the former name while reflecting the course’s location on the line between Auburn and Opelika near the railroad tracks.

“As the construction

process began, we realized this would be the ideal opportunity to breathe life into and create a new face for this course that has served our community for so long,” said Fred Holton, general manager of Indian Pines Golf Course. “We worked with the cities of Opelika and Auburn to develop a new name and logo that we believe reflects the institution’s rich history and exciting future.”

The name and its associated branding were unveiled during an event at the golf course on Thursday, June 8.

The Pines Crossing logo represents the vast span of pine trees on the property encompassed in a circular graphic, tying it back to golf. “The new name reflects

our commitment to providing an extraordinary golfing experience while

honoring the heritage and significance of the course,” said Opelika Mayor Gary

Fuller. “We believe that the name captures the essence of the course and will resonate with longtime patrons and the wider golfing community."

The golf course is on track to reopen in November, complete with a new layout along with a new driving range and short-game area.

“This year marks an important milestone for Indian Pines,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “The complete overhaul of the course will bring an elevated experience for golfers in and outside of our community, and we look forward to celebrating this new chapter with a new name.”

Lee County Realtors Donate $22,500 to Local Nonprofits

A combined effort from local realtors recently led to a significant donation to two local nonprofits. Members of the Lee County Association of Realtors (LCAR) raised $22,500 for the Food Bank of East Alabama and Mercy Medical Ministry & Clinic at its annual BASH fundraiser held April 13, 2023. The checks were awarded to the local nonprofits at LCAR’s monthly business meeting on May 25. “We are so thankful for the services that Mercy Medical and the Food Bank of East Alabama provide to members of our community,” said LCAR President Carrie King. “Both organizations fulfill unmet needs for our neighbors, and it is truly our honor to help them in their mission to serve others in our area.”

The Food Bank of East Alabama, a partner of Feeding Alabama and Feeding America, works to provide nutritious food to food-insecure individuals throughout the region. Efforts include organizing food collections and donations, delivering food, coordinating with partner agencies for distribution via food pantries and more. Service areas include Randolph, Chambers, Lee, Tallapoosa, Macon, Russell and Barbour counties.

Mercy Medical Ministry and Clinic works to provide medical care to the medically underserved in Lee County and the surrounding area. The clinic provides primary care to the uninsured, which also includes women’s health visits. Family medical care, spiritual counseling and prescription assistance are among the ministry’s services as well.

For more information, please contact Jamie Sergen at 334-321-0606 or email jsergen@leecorealtors.com. For more information about the Lee County Association of Realtors, visit leecorealtors.org.

From left to right: Joy Samford, Lee County Association of Realtors community service chair; Emilee Zazueta, Mercy Medical office administrator; Janice Buckingham, Food Bank of East Alabama president; and Carrie King, Lee County Association of Realtors president.

team we are for customer relations and food service. Since the coffee shop was already in the same space as Market Street Paint Shop, it made lots of sense to expand on our existing customer relationships.”

Bryson said he originally invested time and collaboration with Saavedra because he believed in his product — the coffee — and knew it was something people would like.

“We both love coffee, totally believe in the flavor and in Luis’ roasting expertise,” Bryson said. “Taking on the adventure of owning a coffee shop fits right in. Luis did such a great job building relationships, and keeping the ownership in house was a thoughtful offer on his part. It has been seamless for our customers because they saw me, Jim, in the shop every day, so a familiar face has been an easy transition, to say the

least.”

People who love Saavedra’s coffee need not cry. The same coffee will be available, and the same flavors, just some new products.

“We are excited about expanding our menu with new featured items like the Red Bull smoothie, a peach drink, a strawberry pink drink, along with an assortment of frappes and other non-coffee drinks,” Jim said. “We have also added Wild Flour Bakery items that certainly match the level of the quality of coffee. If there is a menu item that you would like to see us add, we would love to have your input and suggestions.”

Bryson is recently married — as of January — and his wife, Diane, who is a fourth-grade teacher, now has an opportunity to be involved in the coffee shop as well.

So, there may be a new face behind the counter when you go to grab your morning cup of joe.

"Big changes with both

my family and Jim's family prompted me to approach Jim about buying the coffee bar,” Saavedra said. “Selling the coffee bar to Jim allows Diane to be a part of the business. She has a lot of experience running successful restaurants, and this is right up her alley. She has a lot of great ideas in the works already.”

Oh, and by the way, the name of the coffee shop is changing, too.

“We have officially changed the name to Market Street Coffee Shop,” Bryson said. “In the next few weeks, we will be transitioning the store to reflect that.”

If you’re nervous about not seeing Saavedra anymore, don’t fret.

“Market Street Coffee Shop will still be using great products from Boonie Hat Coffee Company,” Bryson said. “Luis will still roast and manufacture pops for us. He will still be roasting in our shop on a very regular basis. If you’re used to

seeing Luis in the shop, you’ll continue to see him from time to time.”

Of course, it won’t be as often, which Saavedra said he will miss.

“I like meeting new people, getting to know the returning customers and making them feel at home,” he said. “Serving people a fabulous cup of coffee brings me joy. I will still be a regular at the coffee bar, since they will be serving Boonie Hat Coffee roasted on-site. … They not only bought Boonie Hat Coffee's espresso bar equipment, they also kept on my baristas, and they bought my coffee drink recipes. I will also be providing our Boonie Hat Frozen Pops and doing coffee catering for local events.

“… Every day was a new adventure behind the coffee bar. Conversations with veterans, cowboys and cowgirls, lawyers, college students, first responders, ministers, businessmen, landscape laborers, CEOs, rock

stars, federal agents, the terminally ill, conspiracy theorists, politicians — all were people I got to serve coffee to. It was important to me that each customer be treated the same no matter who they were. The most difficult part is removing myself from those interactions.”

Bryson said Saavedra’s coffee is some of the best he’s ever had.

“There is great satisfaction in offering customers the best coffee I’ve experienced in the U.S.,” he said. “Plus, I have the bonus of getting amped up on really good coffee every morning. It is certainly our happy place to enjoy a great conversation over our cup of joe.

Saavedra said that Bryson knowing the history of the shop — from its origins that go back to Saavedra’s time in the military, to its start in Opelika — helps put the former owner at ease about the transition.

“He knows and appreciates the history of how

Boonie Hat Coffee came to be,” Saavedra said. “My search to find a smooth cup of coffee, the secret ingredient in our housemade Mexican Vanilla creamer and coffee's ability to provide common ground for people with radically different beliefs and world views. Like me, Jim's an adventurer and brings his own set of experiences. The coffee bar I helped start is in capable hands.”

Saavedra said he will be focusing both on his family and his business.

“[I will focus on] being a homeschool teacher for my son,” he said. “Second, I'm supplying coffee to multiple shops now. I will be marketing my business a lot more as I transition from a retail store to a wholesaler and caterer. I have something big in the works with our frozen pops business.”

Market Street Coffee Shop, formerly Boonie Hat Coffee Company, is located at 116 S. 8th St. in Opelika.

“Auburn Mayor Ron Anders (third from left) and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller (third from right) joined representatives of the local golf course, formerly Indian Pines, for the unveiling of the course's new name, Pines Crossing, June 8.

15 Ways to Eat, Drink, Play This Father's Day in Auburn-Opelika

CONTRIBUTED BY AO TOURISM

AUBURN-OPELIKA —

Make this Father’s Day one to remember and treat Dad to an experience you will only find in AuburnOpelika. Whether it’s riding mountain bikes or hanging out at a local brewery, there are so many options for you and your dad this year.

THINGS TO DO FATHER'S

DAY WEEKEND

Have a fun day filled with golfing on the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail at Grand National. Located on 600-acre Lake Saugahatchee, Grand National includes three extensive courses, all of which are 18 holes.

Feeling adventurous?

Try renting a bike from James Bros Bikes and taking a trip to Chewacla State Park. The beautiful

park features plenty of hiking and mountain biking trails to choose from. Whether you prefer a shorter ride or a more challenging trail, you can enjoy a unique scenic experience at the park.

Good Times Bowling is an awesome place in Auburn to go bowling and grab some drinks. With a full bar, arcade games and escape rooms, there are more than enough fun things to do with Dad. Now is the perfect time to take advantage of the Father’s Day specials where fathers get free shoe rental with the purchase of lane rental and you can get discount pizza with a pitcher of soda or tea.

Try something new at the Firing Pin, an indoor state-of-the-art shooting range in Opelika. The building includes

12,000 square feet of range, classroom, retail showroom and a VIP members’ lounge.

DRINKS AND SHOPPING

Grab a Southern spirit or experience a tour at John Emerald Distilling Company. It is a cozy, small-batch craft distillery located right next to the tracks in beautiful downtown Opelika. Try its Bourbon Smash for a light and refreshing bourbon drink. Did we mention Red Clay Brewery is right next door?

If liquor isn’t your thing, feel free to walk next door to Red Clay Brewing Company. It is a brewery and taproom that also offers tours and tastings. During the extensive tour, you can expect a tasting of six in-house beers, a private tour, knowledgeable

GoodTimes Bowling, located on East Glenn Avenue in Auburn, will be open on Father's Day.

staff and a fantastic atmosphere.

Think we forgot about the wine fanatics? Nope!

Cerulean Tasting Room is the perfect spot to grab a glass, bottle or flight of wine. The premier tasting room and wine shop has a covered patio and all the wine combinations you

‘Add Milk!’ Program Launches in Opelika

CONTRIBUTED BY IDFA

OPELIKA —

A nutrition incentive program that helps low-income families purchase healthy, fluid milk products is expanding across Alabama.

The Auburn University College of Human Sciences Hunger Solutions Institute (HSI), along with select retailers, are launching the “Add Milk!” program to provide a dollar-for-dollar match for participants in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, when they purchase low-fat or nonfat milk.

“SNAP incentive programs for nutritious foods like dairy, fruits [and] vegetables have the potential to make a real impact on the diets of SNAP participants and grocers’ connection with communities across the United States,” said Stephanie Johnson, RDN, vice president of government relations of the National Grocers Association (NGA). “NGA is pleased to see HFMI projects con-

Left to right are Susan Hubbard, dean of the College of Human Sciences and executive director for the Hunger Solutions Institute at Auburn University; U.S. Congressman Mike Rogers; Jimmy Wright; Cindy Long, administrator of USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service; and Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association.

tinue to expand to more independent grocers and stretch the SNAP dollar further for the purchase of nutritious dairy foods.”

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded HSI a $3 million cooperative agreement in October 2022 to expand Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive (HFMI) projects to more than 116 retail locations throughout Alabama, California, Georgia and

South Dakota. A press conference held June 9 at Wright’s Market in Opelika, Alabama, marked the launch of the HFMI project "Add Milk!" at 19 participating stores across the state of Alabama.

“Expanding the SNAP Healthy Fluid Milk Incentives projects means greater access to affordable, nutritious dairy products for the most vulnerable Americans,”

said Michael Dykes, president and CEO of the International Dairy Foods Association. “Consuming milk and its 13 essential nutrients is linked to healthy immune function, hydration, cognition, mental health, bone health and lower risk for Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease.

“During this time of chronic food insecurity, See ADD MILK!, page A6

Alabama DHR Seeking Foster Homes for Elderly, Disabled Adults

State will Observe World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA DHR

ALABAMA —

As the state’s population ages, the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) is seeking adult foster homes to help protect and care for vulnerable adults at risk for mistreatment.

Adult foster care enables at-risk elderly and disabled adults to stay in homes instead of institutional settings when relocation is necessary to keep them safe.

More than 600 vulnera-

ble adults in Alabama are placed somewhere other than their own homes because of a high risk for abuse, neglect and exploitation. Many require the services of facilities like nursing homes, but some are better suited for homes within their communities. To serve those individuals, DHR hopes to recruit at least one adult foster home in each of Alabama’s 67 counties. The state currently has 21 adult foster homes.

“Having more adult foster homes will promote greater inde-

pendence and a better quality of life for vulnerable adults who require minimal care,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner.

“We encourage Alabamians with space in their homes to give adult foster care a try and experience the life-changing rewards firsthand.”

This program serves adults who can live safely in a home environment but need help or supervision with daily activities. Most have been victimized by family members or caregivers in the past.

could think of. Order the “I Can’t Decide” flight and get a sparkling, white and red wine flight handpicked by the bartender.

Want to get Dad

something sophisticated?

JUNETEENTH >> from A1

outerwear, accessories and Auburn gear. The staff is knowledgeable, well-trained and passionate about helping their customers. Reynolds Outdoors is an independently owned outdoors store located in Opelika. In addition to

Valinda Young, an adult foster care provider in Enterprise, said watching the growth of the adults in her care has been the highlight of her two years in the program.

“Since the ladies arrived in my home, they all have shown dramatic improvement,” Young said. “All had been very much at risk for abuse and neglect before, but they do not have to worry about that anymore. We all work together and support each other like

See ELDERS, page A10

Auburn and Opelika will each have two programs that are dedicated to celebrating this holiday.

"This is the third year that we have celebrated Juneteenth as a community," Anders said. "The first year, actually, it was done while a tropical storm was coming through town and we were all under the pavilion at Sam Harris Park. Last year, the event was larger and it was held at Martin Luther King Park, and this year, we expect the event to be even larger. And that's why it's going to be held at Kiesel Park."

Auburn's event at Kiesel Park on Monday, June 19, will be a full-on celebration, complete with downhome cooking, Taylor said.

"We'll have a guest speaker, Dr. Rev. Terrance Vickerstaff and Ms. Henrietta Snipes, and we will also celebrate our unsung heroes, which we normally do every year," she said. "We celebrate those who go unnoticed for the things and the contributions they have made in the community and beyond."

Taylor, who is also one of the organizers of the event, said it is a great chance to meet people you may not have gotten a chance to interact with before.

"It will be an experience of your life," she said. "… It's a great day for gathering."

Anders echoed the sentiment.

Auburn is also introducing a new event this year on June 18: a parade on Boykin Street from the Boykin Community Center.

"They are very public events; they’re very casual events; they're free events," Anders said. "I would just encourage people, now that [June 19] is a federal holiday, if you are off work that day, we encourage you to come out to Kiesel Park and just walk around, see what's going on and meet some people that you might … never have met if you hadn't come to this event. And I hope people can find value and interest in maybe a part of Auburn's community or a part of Auburn's history that they weren't familiar with."

Taylor encouraged people from all walks of life to attend all the ev ents.

Opelika is hosting two events of its own and branching out a bit.

Snipes and Janataka Holmes organized Opelika's events. The first is an event at Courthouse Square on June 16 at 6 p.m.

The second is a bit off the beaten path — a Mrs. Senior Citizens Juneteenth Pageant. The event will be held at Covington Recreation Center on June 17 at 4 p.m.

"I think it's important that all of us, regardless of our colors or national origin, celebrate our history, and so it's an opportunity for folks," said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller. "Juneteenth might not mean a lot to some people, but to others it’s a significant holiday and a significant occasion, and I want folks to celebrate their heritage."

Opelika's ceremonies have certainly grown; Fuller said that in one of the first celebrations it was maybe 15 participants.

"I'm happy to see folks celebrate," he said.

Join the community and celebrate one or all four events this year with Auburn and Opelika.

See FATHER'S DAY, page A6

Juneteenth as a day of freedom," said Ward 1 Council Member for the city of Auburn, Connie Fitch Taylor.

Summer Suds Overflow at Covington Carnival

June 10, from

a.m. to

p.m. members of the local community celebrated the summer at the 2023 Covington Children's Carnival at 21 Carver Ave. in Opelika. Carnival games, door prizes, food and concessions, giveaways and a DJ entertained children and families at the free event.

Donghee America Invests $63 Million in Auburn

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN / DAVID D. DORTON

AUBURN — Donghee America is expanding its presence in Auburn, investing $63 million and creating 100 additional jobs.

The expansion will include a 195,000-squarefoot addition to the company’s existing facilities in Auburn’s Technology Park West that will allow Donghee to diversify its product portfolio. Once the expansion is complete, the company will begin manufacturing cases that support and protect battery packs for electric vehicles.

“It is a great compliment to our

community that a global company like Donghee would choose to reinvest in the city of Auburn as it begins production of this new innovative vehicle technology,” said Auburn Mayor Ron Anders. “As the automotive industry experiences a historic change in the powertrain system, it is critical for our community to be a part of this trend, and we are well-prepared to do so. Congratulations to the team at Donghee for playing an important role in the future of the electrical vehicle business.”

Donghee established its first U.S. facility in Auburn in 2013, producing blow-molded fuel tanks for the

company’s key customers, Hyundai and Kia.

“We have had a great experience in Auburn since locating here 10 years ago,” said Jaeeun Shin, president of Donghee America. “The business environment, continued community support and strategic location to all three Hyundai and Kia plants that will produce the upcoming EV models made it an easy decision to select Auburn for this new line of business.

In Korea, we have manufactured battery pack cases for several years and are excited to add this technology to the U.S. market.”

Donghee America is the first Hyundai and

prepares

to begin production of electric vehicle models at its plants in Montgomery,

Alabama; West Point, Georgia; and Savannah, Georgia.

DYW Lee County Program Set for June 24

CONTRIBUTED BY DYW LEE COUNTY

LEE COUNTY —

The Distinguished Young Women of Lee County Program will be held on Saturday, June 24, at 4 p.m., at the Opelika Center for the Performing Arts.

Tickets are $10 at the door or can be pre-ordered at myevent.com/ dywleeco.

Sixteen rising high school seniors from

guished Young Woman, Keely Rider, was named a top eight finalist and scholastics award winner at the state program earlier this year.

The young women competing will be evaluated by a panel of judges in the following categories: scholastics (25%), interview (25%), talent (20%), fitness (15%) and self-expression (15%).

The following are this year’s participants:

SUMMER FUN LIST

RULES

• Drink lemonade at Toomer's Corner

• Play at Town Creek Park

• Eat a hot dog from Mrs. Story's

• Enjoy a sweet treat from OTown

• Hike to the waterfalls at Chewacla

• Go to a farmer's market

• Play pinball at Rock ‘n Roll Pinball.

• Play laser tag at Cyberzone

• Go bowling at AMF or Good Times

No purchase from The Observer is required in order to participate. All persons posting photos and tagging The Observer will be entered into a

random drawing each week. Photos must not contain profanity or be vulgar in nature. Only one prize per family can be won during the duration of the giveaway. Winners

must be over 18 and be residents of Lee County, Alabama. Prizes must be picked up at The Observer office, located at 223 S. 8th St. in downtown Opelika. Photos

Auburn High School

• Hannah White of Discovery Christian High School

• Addison Wood of Auburn High School

• Audrey Wright of Auburn High School

• Audrey Young of Auburn High School.

Founded in 1958, Distinguished Young Women is a free program that encourages participants to reach their full individual potential. Its mission

submitted may be used in The Observer and on its website.

Nancy Carlton Bendinger from Three Sixty Real Estate is the sponsor of the giveaway.

commitment to community

We are thrilled to support the Opelika Community Theatre!

At Three Sixty, it’s not just about selling real estate. We believe our community is a great place to live and work and raise a family, and we want to do everything we can to help members of our community have a better life. We started our company with a foundation of service and as we’ve grown, we are proud to say that our team represents people of all different walks of life who are involved in all different aspects of our community.

Kia supplier in the U.S. to manufacture battery pack cases as it

Donghee America Inc.'s Auburn facility, located on Innovation Drive, is set to expand.

MLK Drive Streetscape Project Ongoing

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN / DAVID D. DORTON

AUBURN — The Martin Luther King Drive Streetscape Project is expected to begin as of Monday, June 12.

The project will include installing a new water line, a 10-foot multiuse path, a right turn lane onto North Donahue, landscaping and lighting between North Donahue Drive and Shug Jordan Parkway. Work is expected to last until February 2024.

Intermittent lane

College Street Lane Shift Expected through July

closures are expected over the course of the project. Traffic control measures will be in place to help drivers navigate around the closures. Drivers are advised to use caution in the area and to take alternate routes to avoid delays. Additional updates will be provided as needed to update commuters on traffic impacts.

The city appreciates the public's patience as it makes these improvements along the corridor.

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN / DAVID D. DORTON

AUBURN — College Street will be reduced to two lanes between Miller and Reese avenues as of Monday, June 12.

Crews will begin working on the mid-block crossing and medians as part of the South College Street, Samford Avenue and South Gay Street improvements project. The following lane shifts are expected during this phase of the work:

• June 12 through 19: Two-way traffic will be shifted to the two southbound lanes.

FATHER'S DAY >>

from A3

• June 19 through July 5: Two-way traffic will be shifted to the two northbound lanes.

• July 5 through 31: Two-way traffic will be shifted to the outside northbound and outside southbound lanes to construct the medians. Traffic control measures will be in place to alert motorists of the traffic pattern changes. Please note that projected dates are subject to weather and concrete availability. Drivers are advised to use caution in the area and to take alternate routes to avoid delays.

evaluation and strong partners, Hunger Solutions Institute is honored to lead a nationwide launch of Add Milk!”

gun and ammo lines, it has evolved to offer fishing gear, archery, outdoor apparel, accessories and box blinds. Providing great deals and excellent customer service, Reynolds is an excellent place to shop for the outdoorsy dad.

FATHERLY FOOD OPTIONS

Head over to Opelika for the most unique dining experience at Zazu Gastropub. A “fine dining” type of food in a laid-back, publike atmosphere with indoor and outdoor seating is exactly what you can expect at Zazu. It has over 20 craft beers on tap, uses as many local ingredients as possible and makes sure there is something for everyone with its wide-variety menu.

awesome burgers, it won’t disappoint.

Famous brunch spot

The Hound is familyowned and features over-the-top American classics. Order Sunday brunch between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. and enjoy an “Auburn must” with indoor and outdoor seating this Father’s Day.

MACHO CURBSIDE AND TAKEOUT OPTIONS

Grab some homestyle breakfast-to-go at a true Auburn landmark: Byron’s Smokehouse. It is a delicious Southern barbecue joint that cannot be found anywhere else.

it’s critical that we find ways to stretch the SNAP dollar further in support of the purchase of nutrient-dense foods. We’re pleased to see the Add Milk! program expand to support the approximately one in seven Alabama residents who participate in SNAP.”

The HFMI pilot program was established as part of the 2018 Farm Bill to promote milk as part of a healthy, balanced diet consistent with the Dietary Guidelines for Americans. Overall, Americans are consuming less milk. Low-fat milk is an important part of a healthy diet, and health researchers have warned that these declines over time could have health impacts on future generations. Studies have shown that incentive programs, like Add Milk!, increase the purchase and consumption of incentivized food. HFMI pilot projects will be operating in more than 150 locations across six states by the end of 2023, and Congress

increased funding for the program in fiscal year 2023 to expand it to more stores and locations in the coming years.

“USDA is thrilled to see the launch of our Healthy Fluid Milk Incentive project through the collaborative efforts of Auburn University and dedicated local retailers,” said Cindy Long, administrator of USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service. “The Add Milk! program is bringing healthy, nutritious milk options to SNAP consumers and driving economic development in underserved communities. It is a win-win for both participants and America’s dairy farmers. We further thank the International Dairy

Food Association for their support of the project and today’s event.”

“Hunger Solutions Institute is thrilled to expand its leadership of nutrition incentive programs throughout Alabama and to other states in its leadership of Add Milk!,” added Alicia Powers, managing director of Auburn’s Hunger Solutions Institute. “Nutrition incentive programs like Add Milk! are important in helping SNAP households access healthy foods by not only providing financial incentives but also by collaborating with local, independent retailers who already provide incredible customer service to SNAP households. Through strategic promotion, rigorous

ABOUT IFDA

The International Dairy Foods Association (IDFA), located in Washington, D.C., represents the nation’s dairy manufacturing and marketing industry, which supports more than 3.2 million jobs that generate $49 billion in direct wages and $794 billion in overall economic impact. IDFA’s diverse membership ranges from multinational organizations to single-plant companies, from dairy companies and cooperatives to food retailers and suppliers, all on the cutting edge of innovation and sustainable business practices. Together, they represent most of the milk, cheese, ice cream, yogurt and cultured products, and dairy ingredients produced and marketed in the United States and sold throughout the world. Delicious, safe and nutritious, dairy foods offer unparalleled health and consumer benefits to people of all ages. and consumer benefits to people of all ages.

Enjoy some authentic Italian dining at Ariccia Cucina, located in The Hotel at Auburn University.

Celebrate with one of its homemade pasta dishes and a glass of champagne for dinner.

Niffer’s Place is a great casual dining spot for you and your whole family on Father’s Day. With a fun atmosphere and

Pick up Texasstyle meats with classic Southern sides from popular smokehouse Bow & Arrow. Opened by well-known Acre Chef David Bancroft, the restaurant is his interpretation of a South Texas smokehouse juxtaposed with the communal and casual dining approach of an Alabama potluck. Try one of the Potluck Platters and the whole family will be satisfied.

Try any of these local experiences and tag AO Tourism (#auburnopelika) and The Observer so we can see how you and your dad make this holiday one of a kind.

The Add Milk! initiative can be seen in several Alabama grocery stores.

The Firing Pin Shooting Sports is located at 2195 1st Ave. in Opelika.

And my sweet husband Mike, my talented photographer and dishwasher, doesn’t like cleaning up after I cook because I tend to be messy, and whatever I’m cooking may wind up on a wall or counter.

Also, my favorite food is good old

Southern cooking, so I was devastated last year when Susie K’s Country Cooking closed. Susie K’s was my go-to place for Sunday lunch (dinner).

Therefore, after Mike and I worshipped at Central Baptist of Opelika, we made tracks to Susie K’s, which was only one mile from the church. The food was delicious, and Suzanne Lowery, who co-owned the restaurant with her husband, was a delight, and so was her staff.

So losing my favorite Southern food restaurant was tough on this “Pooh-sized” woman.

However, in March of this year, my heart lifted. Why? Because Old Mill Country Kitchen opened in the former Susie K’s Country Cooking building. Now, I don’t usually go to a new restaurant for

the first month or so that it’s open because the crowd can be overwhelming.

Actually, the only big crowd I can tolerate is when Mike and I go to Jordan-Hare Stadium with 87,449 other people to watch our Auburn Tigers.

Therefore, in May, Mike and I, along with Eleanor and Ernie, two of our dear church family members, traveled to 1801 2nd Ave. in Opelika to dine at Old Mill Country Kitchen.

When we entered the restaurant, I was so happy to see our servers, Lindsey and Lorena. These two young ladies had previously waited on us at Susie K’s, and they are delightful, sweet, helpful and patient. It’s a great feeling when servers know you.

Old Mill Country Kitchen is located in the old Susie K's building on 2nd Avenue in Opelika.

I really loved the old pictures and signs on the walls of the restaurant. It made me feel right at home, which any Southern restaurant should.

Mike chose the smoked ham chop with sweet potato casserole,

speckled butter beans and a roll.

Breaking from my reputation as a fried chicken freak, I chose the meatloaf, mashed potatoes with gravy, turnip greens and cornbread.

Eleanor selected the

smoked ham chop, turnip greens, mashed potatoes with gravy and jalapeno cornbread. Ernie ordered the smoked ham chop, sweet potato casserole, green beans and cornbread.

Staks Pancake Kitchen's cinnamon roll stack is loaded with brown sugar, cinnamon and a vanilla glaze. The restaurant is located at 145 E. Magnolia Ave. in Auburn.

but few boast a message as powerful as that of The Table Foundation. The Table serves as a space for the community to come and relax P H O T O C O N T R B U T E D B Y S T A K S P A N C A K E K T C H E N

The Table is a gathering space located above Jack Brown's Beer and Burger Joint at 160 N. College St. in Auburn.

together. From simple lunch meetings to study sessions to work breaks, The Table is there to host any who walk through See THE TABLE, page A10

As I have mentioned many times in this column, I love to eat, but I don’t like to cook AT ALL.

See WALLACE page A9

STACEY

PATTON WALLACE

June 15, 2023

Montgomery Whitewater Announces Grand Opening Festival Schedule

CONTRIBUTED BY LOU HAMMOND GROUP

MONTGOMERY — Montgomery Whitewater, a new, 120-acre, state-of-the-art, recirculating whitewater park and outdoor adventure center positioned at the gateway to historic downtown Montgomery, will celebrate its grand opening July 7 through 9.

The event will feature a weekend-long festival that will include whitewater rafting and kayaking, a 5K and fun run, a national kayaking competition, live music performances and more. Day passes for water activities are now available for purchase on the park's website.

“Montgomery White-

water’s grand opening is monumental for the region and for the incredible teams of professionals who have turned this larger-than-life project into a reality,” said Montgomery Whitewater Chief Executive Officer Dave Hepp. “We are truly grateful for the visionary leaders of this community for their support and look forward to welcoming our neighbors and visitors to celebrate an active, outdoor lifestyle here for years to come.”

As part of the grand opening celebration, Montgomery Whitewater will draw athletes from across the United States for the Canoe Slolam Age Group Nationals, an American Canoe Association (ACA) sanctioned

event. The ACA is the Olympic governing body for the sport of canoe slolam, a timed event where athletes navigate a whitewater course through rapids and a combination of downstream or upstream gates.

In addition to hosting the Canoe Slolam Age Group Nationals, the grand opening festival will offer activities for the entire community, including a corporate raft race where locals will vie for bragging rights as the first to win

gold at the new venue, as well as running events including a 5k for adults, a “Whitewater Mile” jogging event for kids, live music performances from five nationally touring bands, dining at Eddy’s, Montgomery

Whitewater’s on-site restaurant and opportunities to raft and kayak on the world-class recirculating whitewater course.

The grand opening weekend schedule of events is as follows, subject to change:

FRIDAY, JULY 7

• 11 a.m. — Public whitewater activities open

• 1 p.m. — Canoe Slolam Age Group Nationals: Second Run

• 6 to 10 p.m. — Live music performances by Harper O’Neill and Devon Gilfillian

SATURDAY, JULY 8

• 8 a.m. — Splash 5K Run

• 9 a.m. — Whitewater Mile fun/kids run

• 9 a.m. to noon —

See WHITEWATER page A11

Auburn's Summertime Art Shines at Night

Friday, June 9, from 6 to 10 p.m. the streets of downtown Auburn were blocked off for the annual SummerNight Art Walk. A festival that transforms the downtown area into an arts district featuring the work of local and regional artisans, live music and children's activities, everyone in the community could find something to enjoy at the free SummerNight Art Walk.

The new Montgomery Whitewater park contains 120 acres of recirculating whitewater and other entertainment opportunities.

Story Time Picnic Reaches All Ages

On Tuesday, June 6, children from the community and seniors in the Memory Café program with Lee Russell Council of Government Agency on Aging joined together for Story Book Picnic time at the Opelika Public Library pavilion. Individuals that attended the intergenerational event ranged from 6 months to 101 years old. Activities included face painting, chalk drawing, bubble blowing, pet therapy, snacks and a story time led by Melissa Hanson, children’s director of Opelika Public Library. Auburn University graduate students read a child-friendly picture book aimed to raise awareness of the impact that dementia has on individuals and families. Leisa Askew, director of the Memory Café program, works to create events that provide support to people who have loved ones with dementia. Askew also teaches education and support classes for caregivers. The group would like to thank the sponsors of the intergenerational event, including Reach Community Respite, Auburn Therapy Team with Auburn Therapy Dogs, Shelley Shields - Face Painter, Pro Health Home Health, Lee Russell Council of Government on Aging and the Opelika Public Library.

Old Mill Country Kitchen serves a variety of Southern meat and vegetable dishes. Left, Stacey Wallace's meal consisted of meatloaf, mashed potatoes and gravy, turnip greens and cornbread. Bottom, Old Mill offers different seating options in the restaurant.

Everything was slapyour-grandma-twice good. Mike said his ham chop was so tender, he could cut it with a fork. Old Mill Country Kitchen is a definite do-over. Trust me, run and do not walk to this restaurant.

Besides our delicious choices, on that Sunday, diners could choose fried chicken (my next pick), rutabagas, deviled eggs (which my sweet Mama called stuffed eggs), pear salad, potato salad and coleslaw.

Recently I had my diabetic checkup with Lynn Hudson, my wonderful endocrinologist, and unfortunately, my

A1C was up, so I won’t be ordering any luscious desserts anytime soon. However, Old Mill Country Kitchen’s desserts include an Oreo blast, key lime pie, pecan pie and lemon Bundt cake.

Old Mill Country Kitchen is owned by Shane Pope, who is from Opelika, and Chuck Sumner, who is from Beauregard. We met and talked with Shane, who was really a great guy. Shane told us that the restaurant feeds about 150 to 250 people a day. I hope that number climbs to 300 to 350 a day. I love supporting small businesses, especially those owned by hometown folks.

Old Mill Country Kitchen is open on

Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Monday through Friday from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and on Saturday from 6 a.m. to noon. The restaurant serves breakfast from 6 to 10:30 a.m. and lunch from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Old Mill Country Kitchen gets an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!

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

OPINION —

SEAN DIETRICH

Ihad a video conference call with Mrs. Soto’s fourthgrade class this morning. I wore a tie for old times’ sake. Although I have always looked ridiculous in neckties.

I discussed the art of creative writing. I covered topics like essays, grammar and how I learned to use a manual typewriter in Mr. Edmund’s typing class back in 1807.

Eight-year-old Akin raised his hand and asked, “Wait. What’s a typewriter?”

I found myself smiling, loosening my necktie, because at this moment I felt about as old as the Giza Pyramids.

“You’ve never heard of a typewriter?” I asked the Future of America.

ELDERS >>

from A3

one big family.”

Nearly 18% of Alabamians are 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The elderly population has continued to expand in recent years, running parallel to increasing reports of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation.

DHR’s Adult Protective Services Division received 12,033 reports statewide in fiscal year 2022, an increase of nearly 115% in the past 10 years. Gov. Kay

Most kids hadn’t. I couldn’t believe this. Which got me thinking about all the other things Mrs. Soto’s kids probably never heard of — for instance, Garfunkel.

And what about Rand McNally maps? I’d like to know where those went. You can’t even buy them in gas stations anymore.

I believe maps are superior to GPS systems. Maps never recalculate, never screw up, there are no batteries, no connective errors, no robotic voices that sound like Jacques Cousteau on horse tranquilizers.

Sure, with paper maps people often got lost in the wilderness, but only a small percentage of these people actually died.

So it was hard for the fourth-graders to believe

Ivey proclaimed June 15, 2023, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Alabama to raise awareness about the problem.

Those interested in becoming adult foster care providers are encouraged to contact a county DHR office. More information, including eligibility requirements, is available at www.dhr.alabama. gov/AFC.

DHR also reminds the public to report suspected adult abuse, neglect and exploitation by calling the Adult Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4587214, emailing aps@

Old Stuff

that I still use an archaic device like a typewriter, but it’s true. And for anyone in Mrs. Soto’s class who is reading this column (for extra credit), I will tell you why.

For writers, the typewriter serves a sound, professional purpose. And I’ll illustrate my point by telling you exactly how I wrote this column:

First, I sat down.

Next, I fired up my laptop, which is connected to the vastness of the internet.

I ate Fritos.

Then I cracked my knuckles. I started typing with greasy fingers.

Before I finished my first paragraph, I already had a problem because I knew I wanted to talk about Rand McNally roadmaps. So I opened an internet browser and did a search.

There went 13 hours of my day.

My simple search took me to huge online map databases. Which led me to (why not?) a hydrological survey of Utah. Which led to fascinating articles about Mormon beliefs regarding undergarments. Which ultimately led to a video

dhr.alabama.gov or contacting a county DHR office. Warning signs include:

• Increased fear or anxiety

• Isolation from friends or family

• Withdrawal from normal activities

• Unusual changes in behavior or sleep

• Unexplained injuries, bruises, cuts or sores

• Unsanitary living conditions and poor hygiene

• Unusual or sudden changes in financial spending patterns, wills or other important documents.

of a cat wearing men’s underpants and riding a raft in a pool. After this I took a nap.

So I think I’ve proved my point.

But with typewriters you don’t get distracted. You sit down; you write. No interruptions. That’s why I sometimes use them. Although not as often as I should.

As a kid, we all used typewriters. And as I said earlier, we attended mandatory typing classes, too. I told this to Mrs. Soto’s class and was greeted with snickers.

The Brilliant Minds of Tomorrow responded with: “Typing CLASSES? But why?”

Then everyone openly laughed.

It’s been a long time since a body of fourthgraders ganged up on me.

Mrs. Soto’s class then informed me that today’s kids don’t need typing instruction; they’ve been typing on standard keyboards since they were ovums. Many toddlers can already type 7,000 words per minute.

Well, good for them. Because once upon a

time we pre-computer generations learned the QWERTY keyboard on corroded manual typewriters in Mr. Edmund’s class. These machines had crusty ink ribbons that hadn’t been replaced since the Eisenhower administration.

Which was also approximately the same era when Mister Edmund last bathed — this man’s tailwind could knock a toad off a gut wagon.

We kids would spend entire class periods doing typing drills which consisted of tapping out nonsensical practice sentences like:

“The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”

“Now is the time for all good men to come to the aid of the party.”

“Mister Edmund has thermonuclear b.o.”

Sadly, typewriters, maps and lots of other cool things are now considered obsolete, and I for one am against this. Namely, because old stuff frequently outperforms, outdoes and outclasses “emerging technology.” This, in a nutshell, is why I am crazy about antiques.

So I’m running out of room here, but I’ll finish by saying that if by chance Mrs. Soto’s class is still reading this, and has somehow maintained consciousness, I want you to know that there is magic in old things. You can’t find this charm in glowing monitors or phone screens. You can, however, find it in an antique store. Which is why I encourage all Mrs. Soto’s kids to go mess around with some real antiquities. Get your hands dusty. Hold a paper map. Flip through the pages of a Norman Rockwell compilation book. Try on old hats. Wear wirerimmed spectacles. Borrow your grandmother’s Smith Corona manual typewriter. Do it while you can. Do it while your grandmother is still here.

Because each year your childhood will get further away. And someday you’ll end up speaking to a class of cheerfully curious fourth-graders who will make you feel like Methuselah’s great-uncle when they giggle at you.

Then again, maybe they were laughing at my tie.

PANCAKES >>

from A7

out into Alabama and Mississippi.

Staks offers a large variety of foods to fulfill any breakfast, brunch or lunch needs. That means guests can choose from pancakes, waffles, omelets, chicken, melts, burgers and more. They also place

a large focus on using locally sourced products from the community to make the experience feel uniquely Auburn.

“We definitely wanted to have a fantastic lemon pancake, and it's probably one of our top sellers,” said Kim Wirth, Staks co-owner. “It's been nice to have the flexibility to make it local and fresh to serve, and not just feel

like it's part of a corporate chain.”

Kim and Brian Wirth are the owners and operators of the new restaurant and said they are excited to bring Staks here to Auburn.

The two originally met while attending college at Auburn University in the ‘90s, and they also own and operate The Collegiate Hotel in Auburn.

the door.

The Table, located at 160 N. College St., sits just above the soon-tobe-open Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint.

There are three rooms to choose from. One is a larger front room full of couches, chairs and tables. People can also sit by the windows overlooking downtown Auburn and watch people walk by.

In the back, there are two rooms that can be reserved.

“As long as you’re not making a profit, you are welcome,” said Founder Sherry Aaron.

She began the project with her husband, Wren, and her two daughters, Kailey Birkeland and Lauren Farris, in the summer of 2022.

After reading Alabama native Andy Andrews’ book, “Just Jones,” Aaron was inspired by the “5 & 10” character Jones opened up in The Wharf in Orange Beach. In the novel, people of all backgrounds had conversations that “lead to understanding and peace.” Aaron said she wanted to bring that spirit to Auburn, hopeful that it could provide the same effect.

“When people gather here for different things, the act of coming to the table can help us find

“I'm so glad there's a place downtown for breakfast and brunch,” Kim said. “We feel like we did kind of find a need in the market around food, and we're so excited about having our local community here.”

While raising their family in Memphis, Tennessee, Staks Pancake Kitchen was one of the Wirths’ favorite places to

some commonality,” she said. “In this crazy world we live in, there’s so much more that we can agree on. Let’s talk about what you are for, not against.”

Aaron also credits a lifelong friend, Betty, who passed away in 2020. She met Betty at age 2 while watching her mother sing in the church choir. Betty’s husband died in 1987, and Aaron grew close with her up until her passing.

“I became her person, as she liked to call me,” she said.

Betty loved to offer recommendations and teach people how to do anything and everything, Aaron said.

“That’s what she did to show her love to people,” she said. “She helped you do it right.”

Some of the furniture from Betty’s house is scattered around the rooms. Aaron pointed out a table that she recalls sitting at with Betty when she was little, as well as two cow-printed chairs that came from the home of Auburn men’s basketball head coach Bruce Pearl.

Most of the furniture came from flea markets or garage sales.

“If we saw it on the side of the road, it was going in the back of the truck,” Aaron said.

It wasn’t always smooth sailing, though, she noted. When

eat, so they reached out to the owners of Staks about franchising, and the rest is history.

“When you send your child somewhere, you want it to feel like home,” Kim said. “We always try to extend that to new parents and families and let them know we really are a family here. The community is going to take care of their kids

Cheeburger Cheeburger closed and Jack Brown’s Beer and Burger Joint started renovations, worry would be expected. But Aaron said her doubts were cleared up quickly.

“The people at Jack Brown’s have been extremely nice trying to navigate our space,” she said. “We’ve had no trouble at all.”

Though The Table has only been open since last fall, Aaron said she has already made incredible memories. She remembered a time when a club for international students came and enjoyed free coffee and water.

“To hear so many languages spoken in the front room was one of the most special moments,” she said. “They were all sitting together talking about everyday, ordinary things. And that was extraordinary.”

With such a unique place, many would have big dreams for the foundation. Aaron has other plans.

“It’s just going to unfold as the Lord will have it,” she said. “I try not to overthink. This was a gift. My biggest desire is to steward it well and be found faithful.”

The Table is open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday. Find the business on its Facebook, @The.Table.Auburn.

while they're here, so it really is a blessing to be able to see that firsthand.”

With the bright colors and open floor plan, there is a welcoming feeling the moment you walk through the door.

Staks Pancake Kitchen is located at 145 E. Magnolia Ave. in downtown Auburn and is open from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. every day.

THE TABLE >> from A7

Christian Women’s Conference Set for July 15

BY LIVI WELCH FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA — Women, are you looking to connect with fellow believers? Are you seeking guidance from biblical women? Mark your calendars for July 15 because Providence Baptist Church is hosting a conference for Christian women at 2900 Lee County Road 166 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The event is designed to empower women in their faith and provide an environment for cultivating new friendships. Women can enjoy a panel by speakers Novelette Seroyer, Laura Bence Hartley and Marisha Robinson.

All three speakers grew up in the Auburn-Opelika area.

Seroyer is a retired education administrator. Hartley is also a retired

educator and director of the Experiential Arts Center through FOCUS ministries. Hailing from Providence Baptist Church, Robinson is a licensed therapist practicing in Knoxville, Tennessee.

Each speaker will speak on a different woman from the Bible, focusing on how she reacted to the situations she faced in biblical times. The speakers will also discuss how each woman’s experiences can

'Men of Motown' Pays Tribute to Juneteenth

CONTRIBUTED BY SPRINGER

COLUMBUS —

Columbus, Georgia is set to come alive with soulful rhythms and hit-making melodies as "Men of Motown" takes center stage in a spectacular tribute to the music and legacy of Smokey Robinson, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, The Temptations and other iconic performers. This oneof-a-kind production, presented June 17 and 18 in conjunction with a series of citywide events, will commemorate and celebrate Juneteenth, a significant milestone in African American history.

"The 'Men of Motown' production embodies the spirit of Juneteenth, celebrating the achievements and resilience of African American artists who have shaped the music industry," said Keith McCoy, associate artistic director of Springer Opera House. "We invite everyone to join us as we pay tribute to these legendary performers and

WHITEWATER >>

from A8

Corporate Raft Races

• 10 a.m. — Public

whitewater activities

open • 4 to 9:30 p.m. —

Live music performances from Electric Blue Yonder, Soul Rebels, and George Porter Jr. and Runnin’ Pardners

SUNDAY, JULY 9

• 8 a.m. — Canoe

Slolam Age Group

Nationals Semi-finals, Finals and Awards Cer-

emony

• 11 a.m. — Public

whitewater activities

open Montgomery Whitewater’s grand opening events are free to attend, but whitewater activities must be purchased online in advance or in person at the park. A $10 event parking fee will be in effect from 3:30 p.m. on Friday until 6 p.m. on Sunday. Located at 1100 Maxwell Blvd. and easily accessible via I-65, this world-class recreational attraction offers adventure sports and lifestyle experiences for residents and tourists of all

use their music to inspire ongoing conversations about freedom, equality and cultural heritage."

"Men of Motown" brings together an exceptional cast of talented performers who will pay homage to these musical legends through electrifying song and dance numbers. The audience will be transported back in time, experiencing the magic and energy of Motown's golden era while celebrating the cultural significance of Juneteenth. From Smokey Robinson's heartfelt ballads to Stevie Wonder's soulstirring melodies, from Marvin Gaye's socially conscious anthems to the infectious harmonies of The Temptations and The Jackson 5, this production promises an unforgettable journey through the timeless Motown classics.

This production, in participation with Juneteenth citywide events, underscores the Springer's ongoing commitment to diversity and inclusion. From Ma

ages and skill levels. Designed by S2O Design and Engineering, the center’s channel system is the most advanced in the world and simulates natural class II to IV rapids to accommodate beginners to seasoned whitewater enthusiasts and professional athletes for a variety of whitewater activities including rafting, kayaking and standup paddle boarding. Off of the water, visitors can enjoy an array of family-friendly activities like an outdoor music venue, an outfitter store and a full-service restaurant.

Additional phases will include rock climbing, ropes courses, zip lines and miles of hiking and biking trails. Additionally, a variety of events and competitions will be hosted at Montgomery Whitewater throughout the year, drawing athletes and spectators from around the world. Envisioned and created to be more than a destination attraction, this transformative development will improve the quality of life and spark economic growth for the

be reflected in the lives of women today.

“We will be taught, or reminded, that we can learn much about how to deal with our highs and lows, joys and sorrows, by diving into the lives of the women who have gone before us,” said Lynda Caswell, Providence’s women’s ministry team leader, about the conference.

Caswell said she is eager

to see how this conference can impact local women.

“We want each and every woman to feel uplifted in her faith and personal situations,” she said. “We pray that women will feel that they have both old and new connections with other women, opening up ways to join together in prayer [and] study.”

This is an opportunity for women of all ages and

backgrounds to bond with one another, Caswell said.

“This will truly be a time of women gathering together in Christian worship, learning and friendship,” she said.

Women can register today at www. providencealive.com/ womens-ministry. The registration cost is $20 and includes lunch from Chicken Salad Chick, as well as a swag bag.

Rainey to the "Men of Motown," the Springer Theatre has always embraced a legacy that recognizes our collective history and promotes equality.

The city events and activities foster a deeper understanding of African American history, culture and achievements while promoting unity and equality. Through a diverse range of activities, including art exhibitions, genealogy discussions, a community resource fair and musical performances, Columbus aims to create an inclusive space for dialogue, reflection and celebration.

The "Men of Motown" production will occur at the Springer Opera House Theatre located at 103 10th St., for two performances only: Saturday, June 17, at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, June 18, at 2:30 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at www. springeroperahouse.org or the theater box office, in person or by calling 706327-3688.

entire region.

For a complete schedule of grand opening events and daily water activity departures, or to learn more about Montgomery Whitewater, please visit www. montgomerywhitewater. com. For information on the corporate raft race, contact info@montgomerywhitewater.com.

ABOUT MONTGOMERY

WHITEWATER

Montgomery Whitewater is a 120-acre, stateof-the-art, recirculating whitewater park and outdoor adventure center located off I-65 in Montgomery, Alabama, offering a variety of outdoor lifestyle activities both in and out of the water for all ages and skill levels.

Developed and operated by Southern Whitewater Design Group for the Montgomery County Cooperative Group, this park was conceived and developed as a largescale, public-private investment to catalyze economic growth and provide health-focused recreation and employment opportunities. More information is available at montgomerywhitewater.com.

June 15, 2023

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

Hey Day Market Announces Summer Events

summer and will return to normal operating hours of 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Monday, July 31.

brunch and cocktails.

(from 6 to 10 p.m.)

The upcoming summer schedule includes:

Auburn’s Hey Day Market, the food hall adjacent to Auburn University’s Rane Culinary Science Center, has announced a number of things related to its summer event programming.

For starters, the weekly happenings and specials include:

Summer Hours

Hey Day Market will be adjusting its hours of operation for the summer season. The hall will be open from 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the

Wine Wednesday at The Bar

From 4 to 8 p.m. every Wednesday, guests can enjoy $8 canned wine and $19 bottles of wine.

We Cheer for Beer at The Bar

From 4 to 8 p.m. every Thursday, guests can enjoy $3 beers.

Sunday Soul Brunch

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Sunday, local artists will be performing live at Hey Day Market playing the soulful sounds of the ‘70s and ‘80s while guests enjoy

Additionally, Hey Day Market has announced some special events it has upcoming this summer, including:

Thursday, July 20 —

Extreme Bike Benefit Night (from 5 to 7 p.m.)

Hey Day Market has partnered with Extreme Power Sports to host a benefit night. The adrenaline-seeking team will have motorbikes lined up outside of the Hey Day Market in support of the fundraising night where guests are encouraged to come check out the space.

Friday, July 21 — Cheers on the Corner

The Hey Day Market team is partnering with J&M Bookstore to serve sweet and savory scoops from their gelato cart at the Cheers on the Corner event in Downtown Auburn this year. Guests can enjoy the sights, sips and tastes of downtown at more than 20 stops.

Farm Stand Saturdays (11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.)

Join Hey Day Market for a seasonal farm stand, hosted every Saturday, offering handcrafted products and goods from local vendors around the Auburn/ Opelika community.

Saturday, June 17

• Scarlet & Gold, a local lifestyle and gift brand, will have stands sporting Auburn merchandise for those die-hard Auburn fans looking to expand their collection.

• The Peanut Plug, Salem, Alabama’s most popular peanut truck, will make its way to Auburn to serve up boiled peanuts.

• EPIC Family Farms

• Hey Day Market’s Thrive Coffee, will serve up incredible coffee and tea with a mission: crafting exceptional

products and intentional relationships that ensures each cup and bag of beans directly supports farmers.

Saturday June 24

• Nature’s Love, a brand specializing in natural and organic bath and body products, will be offering its productline at the farm stand,

• Tif’s Piggy Pickles, a local Montgomery business, will offer its canned pickles onsite.

• EPIC Family Farms

Saturday, July 1

• Hey Day Market’s Thrive Coffee & baked breads

RELIGION —

Father’s Day is Sunday. I think most of us would agree that while cards, gifts and other expressions of our love and appreciation are nice on the third Sunday of June, we really honor

What Makes Dad Proud?

Dad by doing those things he (and Mom) taught and modeled for us. What kind of things bring a smile to his face?

Putting God first in our lives. We have two fathers: our earthly father and our heavenly Father. The best thing our earthly fathers can do is to point us to our heavenly Father through the relationship they have with Him. Nothing pleases them more than to see their children following God (3 John v. 4).

Doing our best. You don’t have to be perfect or even better than the next person — but there’s never an excuse for not giving it your best.

Don’t make excuses. Not what Dad wants to hear (see above). If you failed, be a big enough person to admit it, make it right to the best of your ability and learn from it going forward. But don’t waste the experience by making excuses. Follow the rules. Despite what popular culture tells us through some movies and music, there can be no relationships without rules. If you don’t know what they are, Dad will be glad to remind you. If you need a model, hopefully, you can look at him.

Treat your mom special. Want to get on Dad’s bad side really quick? Show something

less than love and respect to Mom. A very bad idea. Keep your word. If you say you’re going to do something, do it. If you have doubts about whether or not you can — don’t say you will.

Do your job. If everyone did their job, there would be a lot less problems in the world. So do your job and be part of the solution rather than part of the problem.

Help those in need. Yes, dads can be tough, but they have a softer side, too. Showing compassion for those going through life’s struggles — whether they are in the family or outside the family is part of that. You don’t have

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

to make a big deal about it; you just need to be there for those who are hurting.

Show respect to everyone. Treat everyone the way you want to be treated.

Don’t overcomplicate things. Life is a big enough challenge without adding to it.

I’m sure you can think of some more ways to honor Dad. The important thing is to recognize the blessing that God gives us in them. Happy Father’s Day to all our dads, and thanks for who you are and what you do.

You can find more of Green’s writings at his website: a-taste-ofgrace-with-bruce-green. com.

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN

The Good Shepherd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church

301 Highland Ave., Opelika

334-749-9672

BAPTIST

Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

AFB - 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

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 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181

Give Me Jesus Project

Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721

Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

CHURCH OF GOD Lakeside Church of God 3295 Lee Rd 54, Opelika 334-749-6432

EPISCOPAL- AME

Saint Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St., Opelika 334-749-1690

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

METHODIST Auburn United Methodist

Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800

Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755

NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148

Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949

Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris, Ave., Opelika Southern Plains Cowboy

Church 13099 U.S. Hwy. 280 Waverly 334-401-1014

PENTECOSTAL Gateway Pentecostal Sanctuary 1221 Commerce Drive, Auburn 334-745-6926

PRESBYTERIAN Providence Presbyterian Church 1103 Glenn St., Opelika 256-405-8697

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

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

In November 2022, First United Methodist of Opelika celebrated 40 years of Rick Lane’s ministry serving youth in Lee County. At the same time, the members were presented with an opportunity to carry T-shirts with the lyrics to Lane's favorite song, “Give me Jesus.” While the members said T-shirts "are not our typical product line," they knew this would be a fun passion project. The members said they wanted this to be an opportunity to give back to youth in the area, like their inspiration, Lane. The church's store has long supported Big House as its go-to charity for large projects. Church members said they were "honored" to present Big House a check for $300 from the sale of the “Give me Jesus” T-shirt project on Thursday, June 8.

BRUCE GREEN

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.

— John 10:11

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION —

It was her birthday, June 4. She would have been 91. My son Tim, a forester, took me to the cemetery — the old one, in Wetumpka, our hometown. She grew up there, not far from the cemetery.

I called her a city girl. I was a country boy, living on a farm, 12 miles away, so far out in the country that we had to pipe sunshine in. We were born in the

I Went to the Cemetery

same year, 1932. I in March, she in June.

Three years earlier, in 1929, Hohenberg Memorial became the first elementary school in Wetumpka with a teaching principal. It was a public school started by Morris Hohenberg in 1897, the first school with elementary grades in Wetumpka. It was there that I saw Dean for the first time, when we enrolled in the first grade in 1938. Since we were seated alphabetically and her last name was Brown, we sat beside each other in Mrs. Oakley Melton’s classroom. Is love at first sight possible for a 6-year-old boy? I believe so.

We were married 14 years later. Was it destiny that we met there? Of course! Did

God put us together on that front row? Oh yes! You could not in a thousand years dissuade me from believing that Dean was God’s gift to me.

I went to the cemetery for two reasons: to put fresh flowers on her grave and to pray. Of course, I could have prayed at home, but I like to pray at her grave.

It is beside the grave of our son David, who was buried there in 1956. My mother and father are buried in that same plot, along with my brotherin-law John Flomer.

Near Dean’s grave is a lovely granite bench, placed there by women who loved Dean, women Dean loved. I feel blessed when I sit on that bench and pray. So, on her birthday I sat there and prayed, thanking

God for allowing me the honor of serving Jesus by Dean’s side for almost 70 years. I praised Jesus for the mother Dean was for our sons, and for the winsome way she loved others who were hurting and led them to trust Jesus for help and healing. I thanked God for the women who loved Dean enough to put that bench beside her grave.

The women engraved four words from Dean’s favorite Bible verse on the bench: “Be Strong and Courageous” (Joshua 1:9). Those words describe the woman Dean became — an authentic servant of Jesus who inspired me and many others to become strong and courageous servants of Jesus. On the bench, in the cemetery, I thanked

OBITUARIES

JOSEPH "JOBIE" DAVIDSON

My husband, Joseph (Jobie) Davidson died on June 5, 2023. He’d just had his 80th birthday. We’d been married for 36 years and he was the love of my life.

He fought Parkinson’s Disease for 23 years and was the bravest man I know. When he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s he said, “Well, we’ll just have to take it as it comes,” and he never complained.

He was a man of many talents and hobbies. He was a terrific wood carver, a not-so-great fisherman (but loved it), he played the guitar and piano, and was a very good artist until his disease robbed him

of those. He worked at Monroe Hardware most of his life and at the Bank of Tallassee. He’s survived by four children: Paige Hellums, Matt Davidson, Joanna Franklin and Christy Whatley, and numerous

God for helping Dean to finish strong, at age 88.

I asked Him to help me conclude my life in the same way, so one day our sons can thank God their Mama and Daddy finished strong in the service of Jesus.

And, dear reader, you don’t have to go the cemetery to pray that prayer for yourself. You can pause now, wherever you are, and ask the good Lord to help you finish strong. I believe you will hear Him say what He said to me: “So glad you asked! That is the kind of prayer I love to answer! So, as I was with Joshua, I will be with you, helping you to love hurting and hopeless people into the Kingdom as a strong and courageous servants of Jesus.

On the bench, in the

cemetery, I thanked God for helping Dean to finish strong, at age 88. I asked Him to help me conclude my life in the same way, so one day our sons can thank God their Mama and Daddy finished strong in the service of Jesus.

And, dear reader, you don’t have to go the cemetery to pray that prayer for yourself. You can pause now, wherever you are, and ask the good Lord to help you finish strong. I believe you will hear Him say what He said to me: “So glad you asked! That is the kind of prayer I love to answer. So, as I was with Joshua, I will be with you, helping you to love hurting and hopeless people into the Kingdom as a strong and courageous servant of Jesus.”

grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Paul Davidson, and two sisters, Martha Gilliland and Julia Walton. The 36 years we spent together were the happiest of my life,

and I’ll always cherish those years. He was the sweetest, kindest man, and we will all miss him so.

Written by Joy Davidson

Women’s Philanthropy Board to Present Amy Grant in Concert

What's Happening in Lee County

FARMER'S MARKETS

Tuesdays 3 to 6 p.m., O Grows Farmer’s Market, 1103 Glenn St., Opelika

Thursdays 3 to 6 p.m., Auburn University Ag Heritage Park Market, Auburn

Saturdays 8-11 a.m., Camp Hill, Mt. Lovely Baptist Church, 21900 Sen Claude Pepper Dr., Camp Hill (Hwy 50) through Sept. 30

Saturdays 8-11 a.m., Auburn City Market, Town Creek Park, Auburn through Aug. 26)

LEE/RUSSELL COUNTY LOW VISION SUPPORT GROUP

The group meets every month on the third Wednesday from 1:30 to 3 p.m. The meeting will be held at the AIDB-Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Opelika Regional Center on 355 Dunlop Drive in Opelika. Every month different topics are discussed to make life more manageable living with low vision.

Contact Shiquita Fulton, M. ED/Vision Rehab therapist for additional details at 334-705-2024, or Melody Wilson, case manager for the blind, at 256-368-3258.

COFFEE & CONVERSATION WITH VFW POST 5404

AUBURN —

The Women’s Philanthropy Board (WPB) will present its Summer Nights event on Thursday, June 22, at the Gogue Performing Arts Center in Auburn.

Summer Nights will be the culminating event of WPB’s yearlong 220th anniversary celebration. The event will feature a story-telling concert by Grammy Award winner and philanthropist, Amy Grant. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. and the story-telling concert will begin at 7 p.m.

Amy Grant’s career spans more than 40 years and stretches from her roots in gospel music to becoming an iconic pop singer, songwriter, television personality and philanthropist. Grant’s philanthropic work dates to the beginning of her career. Her work with

St. Jude Children’s Hospital, the Red Cross, Compassion International, Second Harvest Food Bank, MusiCares, the Nashville Symphony and Nashville Rescue Mission, to name a few, has been a passion for decades, she said.

“My heroes are people that help other people,” Grant said, and she has devoted her life to living that example.

Tickets for the concert are available by visiting www.aub. ie/wpbsummernights or through the Gogue Performing Arts Center box office. Individual ticket prices range from $30 to $150. VIP packages are also available and include four tickets in center orchestra seating, exclusive access to a pre-event Q&A session with Grant, complimentary valet parking and a $400 tax-deductible donation to WPB. VIP packages can be purchased at aub.ie/

NAMI MEETING

wpb20th.

ABOUT THE WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY BOARD

The Women’s Philanthropy Board (WPB) is the flagship division of the Cary Center for the Advancement of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Studies, housed in the College of Human Sciences at Auburn University. WPB’s mission is to inspire, educate and enable individuals to develop their full leadership potential; achieve independence as financial donors and decision- makers; serve as mentors for future generations of philanthropists; and broaden the base of financial support for the College of Human Sciences. WPB provides educational programs throughout the year to inspire and enable attendees regarding financial literacy and philanthropic engagement.

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet June 20, 2023, at 7 p.m.

NAMI supports families dealing with mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited. Meetings are held at 714 E. Glenn Ave. in Auburn.

VFW Post 5404, 131 E. Veterans Blvd., Auburn, next to Ray's Collision off of South College Street, will be open on Wednesdays, 8 to 11 a.m. with coffee, donuts, cake and conversation about service and benefits for all veterans and spouses to stop by.

BEAUREGARD LUNCHEON FOR OLDER ADULTS, CAREGIVERS

On Wednesday, June 28, at noon, please join us for lunch as a speaker from the Area Agency on Aging shares the ways that the senior adults in our community can be supported and helped. This kickoff for “Heart of Beauregard” — a series of community resource events — will be held at Watoola Methodist Church, 1370 Lee Rd 38, in Opelika. Charlotte Bledsoe, with the Aging and Disability Resource Center for Lee County, will explain how to access meal deliveries for the homebound, assistance with Rx payment, the senior centers in our area, homemaker programs, Alabama Cares, home cleaning aids, the Medicaid Waiver program and helps with patients staying in their own homes.

HEY DAY >> from A12

Saturday, July 8

• Kudzu Hill, the makers of handcrafted artisan soap, soy wax candles, wax melts, beard

oil and more, will be onsite for guests to stop by and grab its self-care product of choice.

• Hey Day Market’s Thrive Coffee & baked breads

Saturday, July 15

• Scarlet & Gold

• Hey Day Market’s Thrive Coffee & baked breads

Saturday, July 22

• Nature’s Love

Saturday, July 29:

• Kudzu Hill

CONTRIBUTED BY THE WOMEN’S PHILANTHROPY BOARD

S S

ports

The Ruination of Collegiate Athletics

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Lee County School Board Approves Raises for Teachers

BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH KENDYLH@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY — Teachers in the Lee County Schools system can expect a pay raise starting as early as July 1, thanks to a vote of approval by the Board of Education at its June 13 meeting.

The Alabama State Department of Education recommends similar pay increases on a regular basis — just about every year for the past few years, according to Lee County Schools Superintendent Mac McCoy.

OPINION —

As a longtime teacher, coach, school administrator and sports fanatic, there was always something incredibly special, authentic and pure about youth, high school and collegiate sports. The positive influence that sports participation has on young people is inarguable. Youths experience the connection to motivational and inspirational coaches. They often transform their bodies, learn the value of hard work, grow spiritually, form strong bonds with teammates, learn how to compete, work as a team and experience the thrills of victories and the agony of defeats. Long after we grow into adults, and even into senior

citizens, some of our fondest memories are of our playing days. It brings a smile to my face each time I reminisce with a former teammate or simply replay that incredible play I made at shortstop that preserved the victory.

Today, I am concerned — very concerned. Many youths today do not participate in sports, choosing instead to lie on the couch, behind a computer or staring endlessly at their cell phones. I recall as a pre-teen meeting up with the boys in the neighborhood early in the morning, carrying a baseball glove, a basketball and/or a football and proceeding to play all three until dark and some -

See DICHIARA, page B2

CORRECTION — In last week's issue, we mistakenly published that Adam Massey had served with the military in Vietnam. He actually served in Iraq.

“This is just something we have done each year, that we get the pay raise from the state,” McCoy said. “My recommendation is to approve the [state’s] recommendation for pay raise and [have it] be applied all through the county.”

Data from the Alabama State Department of

Education shows that the average salary for teachers in Lee County Schools was just shy of $59,000 during the 2022-23 school year. A news release from the office of Gov. Kay Ivey said the most recent pay raise marks a total 15% increase since her time in office.

“Every year since I have been governor, I have

proposed a pay increase for our educators, and because of our work with the Legislature, Alabama has increased base salary for teachers by about $6,000 during that time,” she said in the release. “As I stated during my state of the state address, my goal is to have the starting salary for all Alabama teachers to be the

highest in the Southeast by the end of my term.”

According to the meeting agenda for the Lee County school board, the recommendation accounts for a pay raise for all personnel — including extended contracts and locally funded personnel — and will be effective with new contracts

See RAISES, page B6

Redefining Wellness: Partnership between APD, Warrior Research Center

Every career path has

occupational haz-

Corporate employees may complain of eye strain, and truck drivers

See RESEARCH, page B4

The Lee County School Board met Tuesday, June 13, and approved pay raises for teachers in the Lee County Schools system.

A police officer undergoes an assessment in the Warrior Research Center. The School of Kinesiology’s Warrior Research Center is working with the Auburn Police Department to assess health and wellness needs of officers.

LARRY DICHIARA

PHOTO BY KENDYL HOLLINGSWORTH /THE OBSERVER

Austin 1st Foundation Raises Money for Rare Disease Research

Free Lunch Program Provides Meals for Children

LEE COUNTY — Lee County Schools are offering free breakfast and lunch to area children ages 18 and younger.

Meals will be provided at the following schools:

• Beauregard Elementary School

• Beauregard High School

• Beulah Elementary School

• East Smiths Station Elementary

• Loachapoka High School

• Sanford Middle School

• Smiths Station High

DICHIARA >>

FROM B1

times beyond. I genuinely believe we need more parents to send their children outside more often. What I wouldn’t give to hear my mom yell out once again, “Go outside and play!”

around often to the highest bidders. These bidders are not the universities, but rather businesspeople, collectives and individual big donors who can now legally do what was once illegal.

School.

Breakfast is served from 7 to 8:30 a.m. Central time with lunch being served from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Central time.

Meals will be available June 15 and 16 this week and June 20 through 23 the week following.

Parents and guardians can contact individual schools for more information if needed.

Transportation to the schools is not provided unless the child is enrolled in a summer program at these sites.

What I am now most concerned about is what is currently happening at the collegiate level. I believe Name Image and Likeness (NIL) is ruining collegiate sports. NIL came about due to court decisions that allow players to be compensated for their name, image and likeness. Prior to the court decision, universities were the only entities allowed to benefit from the stardom and popularity of their players. This change has resulted in a variety of people, some unsavory, involving themselves in the process and shopping players

“All I need you to do is stand in front of the camera and endorse my product.”

I can recall at a very early age watching our black-and-white television on the only three channels that were available, or that would come in if we positioned the TV-top antenna exactly right. I can still remember the images of the Italian Stallion, Johnny Musso, No. 22, running the football in the wishbone for Bear Bryant at Bama. Who could ever forget the images of Pat Sullivan to Terry Beasley or “Punt Bama Punt” at Auburn? At that time, our greatest concern was

whether or not players were being paid to play at a particular college. NIL has virtually eliminated this NCAA violation. We often heard of teams being placed on probation by the NCAA over a few silly and serious violations. You rarely see that as much today. Why?

Because most of that has now become legalized, and most decisions are now being made with loss or gain of revenue as the driving force.

Many collegiate athletes today participate with one foot in the door and the other foot outside the door, always looking for a better NIL deal. I can tell countless stories of players signing with schools or transferring to a particular school based on who offered the best or most lucrative NIL package.

Think of the lesser-known players on the team who

witness their teammates rake in the big bucks while they barely have enough meal money to eat an afternoon snack or go on a date with a loved one. It causes animosity and eventually will cause divisions in the locker room and fracture team cohesion.

Possibly the most detrimental impact of NIL is the migration of players that is taking place from the smaller and mid-major colleges to play at the larger, more lucrative universities. These smaller colleges are going to suffer greatly while the rich will get richer in talent. These things are going to ruin collegiate athletics if the NCAA or legislators do not get this new phenomenon under control. Because currently, it feels like the Wild, Wild West, which makes me worried and a bit sad.

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES THE OBSERVER

Swinging to make a difference, members of the community attended Robert Trent Jones Grand National in Opelika on Monday, June 12, for the inaugural Aces Fore Austin golf tournament, sponsored by the local nonprofit, the Austin 1st Foundation. The benefit tournament raised money for rare disease research, which is the main goal of the Austin 1st Foundation. Co-founders of the foundation, Anthony and Lindsey Terling, lost their son, Austin, in 2022, to a rare genetic disease called the UBA 5 Mutation, which causes severe physical and cognitive disabilities. For more information about the Aces Fore Austin golf tournament or to donate to support the mission, visit the Austin 1st Foundation website at www.austin1stfoundation.org.

The Messi Effect

World-Famous Soccer Player Makes Switch to MLS

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPINION —

It’s rare when a moment is so global in its impact that it reaches the smallest places on Earth. The biggest headline circling the world of sports news this week is one of those moments.

Yes, I’m talking about fútbol. Soccer, as we call it. More specifically, Lionel Messi and his decision to join the American-based Major League Soccer (MLS) club, Inter Miami.

Messi. That’s right, fans tremble at the utterance of his name. The man who has just captained Argentina to winning the World Cup, has 469 million Instagram followers and has scored 806 professional goals in his career — the second most of all time.

The move feels more surprising than 300 Spartans fending off hordes of Persian enemies. More unforeseen than a career businessman and reality TV star winning the U.S. presidency. More shocking than advanced artificial intelligence becoming sentient and revolting against humanity!

OK, maybe not that shocking. But exciting, nonetheless!

Messi chose the MLS over his current club and the pride of French soccer, PSG, big money offers from Saudi Arabia and rumors of a fairytale return to his home club, Barcelona.

If you would have asked an American soccer fan, “What are the odds of that happening?” he’d probably say, “What does ‘home club,’ mean?” Case in point.

The day of Messi’s announcement, Inter Miami saw its Instagram following jump from 1 million to 5 million. Incredibly, the club actually halted all ticket sales, and now the average ticket price has risen from $30 to over $300.

Aside from the money, by far the greatest impact of Messi’s decision is the potential to shift the lens through which American soccer is viewed. With arguably the greatest soccer player of all time choosing to continue — and perhaps finish — his career in the U.S., the door for attracting more top-level talent suddenly becomes more feasible. Ultimately, his arrival is a promise for the improvement of the game on American soil.

Apple TV, which brokered a deal in 2022 to hold the exclusive rights to MLS, is banking on that. So much so that Messi’s contract is rumored to include revenue from the $250 million TV deal. Additionally, with Messi’s stated desires to play for a club where he could eventually have an ownership stake, the move indicates that he plans to stick around the MLS for a while — whether it be playing, or in an off-the-field role.

Inter Miami, co-owned by former England international, Manchester United and MLS (LA Galaxy, 2008-12) soccer star David Beckham, thusly positons itself for limitless growth alongside the 5-foot-7 Argentinian.

To completely understand the scope of Messi’s move to the states, you have to understand international soccer at a macro level. If you’re

unfamiliar, imagine it like a pyramid. At the tippy-top is the Premier League in England. It’s where the money is! Living up to its name, the Premier League is inarguably the most difficult and competitive league in the world, often prying top talent from international markets to produce a viewing product that is concisely the best. Going down the pyramid, in no particular order, you have the Spanish league, the Italian league, the German league, the French league and other small, European countries’ leagues. Near the bottom of that pyramid sits the MLS. Translation: The MLS is to the Premier League what gas station chicken is to Chick-Fil-A. Both have merit, but one clearly shines above the other.

Anyway, now you might understand the surprise reactions that met the announcement of Messi’s decision last week. His legacy is bigger that all of the MLS teams’ combined. Heck, the MLS has only existed since 1996, and Messi made his professional debut in 2004 at the age of only 17. Even at age 35, Messi is undisputedly the best player to have ever lined up for a MLS team. Living in Miami in the time of Messi will be like living in Chicago during Michael Jordan’s prime. Every Inter Miami away match will be a sellout.

Once the crown jewel of Barcelona, always the crown jewel of Argentina, forever the crown jewel of soccer excellence. Messi is now the crown jewel of the MLS. Soon, everyone in the U.S. will see The Messi Effect.

KPNC to Host Overnight Adventure Camp July 17 through 19

LEE COUNTY —

Adventure Camp is a fantastic outdoor experience for upcoming sixth through eighth graders. The overnight camp brings campers to explore south Alabama's Conecuh National Forest and Turtle Point Science Center. Campers stay at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center in Andalusia. This incredible, 5,000-acre outdoor classroom, nestled in the Conecuh National Forest, has a world of amazing natural wonders for campers to explore.

Adventure Camp is $400 ($360 for members) per camper for three days and two nights, and includes daily snacks and meals, transportation from the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center (KPNC), lodging, all camp activities and entrance fees, a camp T-shirt and a water bottle. Campers must be able to swim.

A discount of 10% per camper is available for siblings living in the same household.

Adventure Camp will be held July 17 through 19 this year. Vans depart the KPNC located at 2222 N. College St. at 8 a.m. on July 17 and return at 4:30 p.m. on July 19.

Campers will explore

MLB Helps Auburn Pitch, Hit, Run

south Alabama, venture on hikes through coastal plain ecosystems and visit the Turtle Point Nature Center for some fun and educational activities, including hunting for shark’s teeth. Participants will learn about nature, history, wildlife, industry, geology, archaeology and more. In addition, campers will have the opportunity to swim, hike, climb and explore.

For more information call the KPNC at 334844-8091 or email preserve@auburn.edu.

To register, visit www.wp.auburn.edu/ preserve/adventurecamp/.

Major League Baseball's Pitch, Hit & Run event came to Auburn last weekend and provided boys and girls an opportunity to showcase their baseball and softball skills, with the opportunity of earning a chance to attend and compete for a championship during the 2023 MLB World Series. The free event invited children ages 7 to 14 to be tested and measured on a series of movements that are important in baseball and softball. Based on thier scores, the children have the opportunity to advance from a local event to a team championship and then to the Nationals Finals hosted at the World Series in October.

PHOTO BY JERRY BALLAS / FOR THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY KREHER PRESERVE AND NATURE CENTER

Campers in this year's overnight Adventure Camp will get to explore Alabama's Conecuh National Forest and Turtle Point Science Center.

AU Tennis Alum Tim Puetz Named French Open Mixed Doubles Champion

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN —

Auburn tennis alumnus Tim Puetz and partner Miyu Kato captured the mixed doubles championship at the French Open Thursday morning, June 8, on the clay courts at Roland Garros in Paris. Paired together for the first time in this tournament, they came from behind to win 4-6,

6-4, 10-6 over Bianca Andreescu and Michael Venus. The duo did not drop a set in their matches en route to the final.

"They had a breakpoint at 4-3 to go up 5-3," Puetz said after the match. "With Mikey serving after, it would have been very tough to come back from that. We just hung in there, believed in ourselves and did really well. We

played a really good super-tiebreak in the end. I think I speak for both of us that we are really, really happy to be called Grand Slam champion."

This is the first Grand Slam title for Puetz and the fourth for an Auburn alumnus. Andreas Mies was part of the French Open championship duo in men’s doubles in 2019 and 2020, and Stephen Huss won

Ike Irish Named Collegiate Baseball Freshman AllAmerican

a Wimbledon men’s doubles title in 2005.

Puetz, Auburn’s first men’s tennis Olympian who competed in the Tokyo Olympics, was a four-year letterman at Auburn (2008-11).

The product of Usingen, Germany, was a twoyear All-American, advancing to the NCAA doubles semifinals in 2009 paired with Alexey Tsyrenov, and then was an NCAA

singles semifinalist in 2010.

A first-team all-SEC honoree, Puetz was an ITA Southern Region champion in both singles and doubles and, along with Tsyrenov, won the consolation doubles title at the ITA All-American Championships. He posted 93 career wins in singles and 89 in doubles at Auburn.

Puetz is currently

ranked No. 24 worldwide in doubles and has won seven previous career ATP event titles. He and Kevin Krawietz were quarterfinalists in men’s doubles this year at Roland Garros. Mies and partner Matwe Middelkoop advanced to the French Open men’s doubles semifinals, where they lost 6-4, 7-5 Thursday morning.

John Fox Named Auburn Head Diving Coach

AUBURN — John Fox, one of the nation's top club coaches with over a decade of experience at the club and international level, has been named Auburn's head diving coach, announced head swim and dive coach Ryan Wochomurka on June 7.

forward to working with the caliber of studentathletes drawn to this incredible university. Building upon the firm foundation set before me, I am driven to lead and support current and future divers to succeed in the NCAA arena, and I truly look forward to the opportunity to serve as head diving coach at Auburn University.”

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN —

Auburn designated hitter

Ike Irish has been named a 2023 Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American, the publication announced last Wednesday.

Irish becomes the 20th Freshman All-American in program history, including the first since four Tigers — Tanner Burns, Cody Greenhill, Edouard Julien and Steven Williams — earned the distinction in 2018.

Irish, who was previously named to the SEC All-Freshman Team

and Auburn Regional All-Tournament Team, finished the season as the team leader in average (.361), hits (86) and doubles (24) while ranking second in RBI (50) and total bases (130) and third in runs (48).

Irish’s 24 doubles set an Auburn freshman record, eclipsing assistant coach Gabe Gross’ 23 doubles from 1999, and are tied for the sixth most in program history, including the most since 2005. He also led the Southeastern Conference and freshmen nationally in the category. The Hudsonville, Michigan,

native ranked third in the league and fourth among freshmen nationally in hits, while his batting average was also good for a top-10 mark in the SEC.

Irish started all 58 games in his first season on The Plains and led the team with 28 multi-hit games while tying for second with 14 multi-RBI efforts. He started his Auburn career with 13 multi-hit performances in his first 17 games, good for a .465 clip entering SEC play.

Fox arrives on The Plains following a prolific coaching career in the club ranks, most recently serving as both the head coach and CFO of Moss Farms Diving Club in Moultrie, Georgia.

“Diving has been a part of my personal story since I can remember,” Fox said. “Beginning as a junior diver, moving to the collegiate ranks, continuing several years as a club coach and traveling as a coach for USA Diving, I am now both honored and excited to join the Auburn swim and dive community.

“I am inspired by the history of this program, and I look

Over the last decade, Fox has developed more than 30 divers who went on to compete at the Division I level. Not only did he aid the careers of four NCAA AllAmericans, but Fox also tutored reigning Platform Champion Carson Tyler.

“After an extensive national search, we found the right man in John Fox to aid in the upward trajectory of the entirety of our program,” Wochomurka said. “John has established himself as the top developmental coach in the country and has a proven track record of developing student-athletes into champions in the pool and champions for life.

“He leads with passion, integrity, humility and faith. I look

forward to sharing the deck with John in our continued pursuit to add to the storied legacy that is Auburn swimming and diving. Excited to welcome John, Tiffany, Charlee Rae and Liam to The Plains. War Eagle!” Fox’s coaching resume is also highlighted by 11 Junior National medalists, five Junior International medalists, a Boys USD Junior National team championship, two YMCA National Championships, seven Junior National champions and an Olympic Trials finalist in 2021.

Named the 2021 USPOC Diving Development Coach of the Year, Fox also earned the Moose Moss Diving Coach of the Year Award in 2017 and was selected to coach the Junior Pan Am Games in 2021, as well as the Junior Pan Am Championships in 2019 and 2021.

No stranger to the international stage, Fox has served as vice chair of the USA Diving Coach Advisory Council

See FOX, page B6

face dangerous driving conditions. Policing is undoubtedly no exception.

Extensive research shows that the stressors police officers encounter daily lead to a significantly reduced life expectancy, sometimes 10 to 15 years shorter than in other occupations. Stress, anxiety and disrupted sleep patterns are just a few of the stressors that can wreak havoc on the physical and emotional well-being of police officers.

Researchers in the WRC are working with the Auburn Police Department to answer the question, “How are those same hazards elevated or stacked with additional stressors during a high-risk work incident?”

Some may say, “It’s just part of the job.” However, Auburn Police Department’s (APD) leaders recognize the importance, now more than ever, of redefining officer wellness to be all-inclusive of physical, mental and spiritual health. By leveraging a

holistic approach, many of the challenges may be alleviated to improve the organization’s overall health and strengthen the relationship between the Department and the community. Renewing the department’s focus on a program that aligns officers with science-based research, addresses personalized physical fitness needs and boosts mental health through a peer-support program and spiritual health through a non-denominational chaplaincy program will create a better informed, more resilient department.

“The Warrior Research Center works with tactical athletes every day; this includes police, fire and military,” said WRC Director JoEllen Sefton. “Our research is aimed at improving readiness and performance while reducing injury. To do this, we complete research on physical fitness, performance improvements, nutrition, adaptations to heat and more.”

The WRC started with an overall assessment of the physical fitness level of APD

officers. The assessment included a Dual Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) scan to measure bone density, body mass index and muscle density; a cardiac health and endurance test; upper body strength and endurance test; several flexibility tests; and some time on the “Leonardo” machine to test balance, grip strength and standing jump height.

“Most officers found their time on ‘Leonardo’ to be a humbling experience,” Sefton said. “Several tests were conducted in physical training gear and then repeated in full uniform. On average, the uniform and equipment add an additional 16 to 20 pounds of weight to each officer. We need to conduct these studies in full uniform so we can develop protocols that are realistic in a true on-the-job situation.”

Knowing that exercise and diet play a significant role in officer health and wellness, the APD and WRC intend to use the data from the initial assessment to develop new, annual PT standards for the department. APD currently

utilizes the Alabama Peace Officer Standards and Training Commission (APOSTC) test to measure officer physical fitness annually. The APOSTC test is comprised of pushups, sit-ups, sprints and a 1.5-mile run.

Some APD officers have experienced on-the-job injuries, such as motor vehicle accidents and gunshot wounds, which require a more singular exercise routine to ensure resiliency and career longevity. As part of the new PT standards, WRC is working to develop individualized fitness routines.

In addition, WRC’s nutritional briefings provide officers with an understanding of basic nutrition in tactical athletes to foster healthy diets. The ‘no one size fits all’ approach considers genetics, body composition, activity level, training motives and diet as opposed to caloric estimators. The WRC is providing safe, personalized nutrition recommendations that will meet the needs of each officer and their lifestyle.

“The Auburn Police

Department is proud to partner with Auburn University’s Warrior Research Center in focusing on officer wellness,” said APD Assistant Chief Mike Harris. “Our people are our greatest resource, and this investment in officer wellness will help APD to better serve our community for years to come.”

Body mechanics and ergonomics are other key components of the WRC research project — for example, how officers’ uniforms distribute the weight of their required equipment or how police vehicles are set up as a mobile office. APD patrol officers are assigned to 12-hour shifts on four-day rotations, spending 12 hours a day at times in their patrol vehicle. In comparison, the vehicle’s suspension, brakes and engine may be tuned for police response, while very few interior components are set up for continuous driving or sitting rigors.

In addition, the officer’s computer, or Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), is generally an add-on component in the vehicle requiring officers

to twist, turn and strain at times to operate properly.

Auburn University’s engineers and ergonomics experts are set to evaluate and recommend improvements for the mobile office environment.

Officers carry as much as 20-plus pounds of additional equipment with their body armor, body-worn cameras, handcuffs, weapon, ammunition and other less-lethal systems such as the Axon Taser 7. With officers, both young and older, suffering from lower back, hip and other joint-related injuries, the WRC will review data collected from other studies and combine that with testing and evaluation of “load bearing vest (LBV)” options.

Studies show LBVs more evenly distribute equipment weight and take the load off officer’s hips and lower back. This data will be combined with the vehicle ergonomics analysis for review and consideration.

This project is ongoing, and additional developments are expected in the coming months.

Auburn baseball freshman Ike Irish was named a 2023 Collegiate Baseball Freshman All-American last week.

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

PHOTO BY JAMIE HOLT / AUBURN TIGERS

AU Transfer Chaney Johnson Named ASWA Small College Athlete of the Year

CONTRIBUTED BY ASWA / CHRISTOPHER WALSH

—

ALABAMA

Time flies. The 6-foot prospect Chaney Johnson emerged into a 6-foot-7 player who dominated at his level. His “scholarship potential” became a partial scholarship to the University of Alabama in Huntsville — then ultimately a scholarship to Auburn University after Johnson dove into the transfer portal this spring.

A scouting report on

Johnson nearly five years ago described him as “a 6'0 145lb 2020 prospect from our Fall 2018 ATL camp. College coaches on camp staff identified Chaney as having scholarship potential.” The statement also noted that his “basketball IQ definitely stood out,” and he “has a good motor.”

In a season that began with Johnson dropping 14 points on Auburn in a preseason game against UAH and ended with the Chargers’ seventh trip to

Auburn University Student Named Performance Apprentice at Children’s Theatre Company

CONTRIBUTED BY CHILDREN’S THEATRE COMPANY

AUBURN — Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is pleased to announce Auburn University student Antonisia “Nisi” Collins and Keegan Robinson as the performance apprentices (PAs) for the 2023-24 season.

NISI COLLINS

CTC’s Performing Apprentice Program is the nation’s leading apprentice program for emerging actors. The program offers a comprehensive opportunity for gifted young actors aged 19 and older. Actors from underrepresented communities — including, but not limited to, people of color — are especially encouraged to audition.

PAs have the unique opportunity to perform on CTC’s stages alongside its resident Acting Company members, equity and non-equity actors, student actors and locally, nationally and internationally renowned guest artists, who have included Itamar Moses, Philip Dawkins, Lisa Portes, Henry Godinez, Timothy Douglas, Eric Ting, Kia Corthron, Nilo Cruz, Naomi Iizuka, Lloyd Suh, Michael Mahler, Alan Schmuckler, Jerome Hairston and Cheryl West.

PAs perform in named roles and as understudies, and they take part in readings and workshops of new works. They participate in workshops on resumes, audition pieces and techniques for monologues and songs. They also gain experi-

See CTC, page B6

the NCAA Division II South Region finals, he was named the Gulf South Conference Player of the Year and first-team AllSouth.

For his accomplishments, Johnson has been selected as Alabama’s Small College Athlete of the Year by the Alabama Sports Writers Association. He is the first UAH athlete to win the award since Jamie Smith in 2012.

Johnson, a native of Alabaster, Alabama, who

played his high school ball at Thompson, averaged 16 points and 6.6 rebounds per game in his third year with the Chargers. He will have two seasons of eligibility for Auburn because of his COVID season his first year at UAH.

“Chaney gave us an edge,” said UAH coach John Shulman. “He was different. He was different from everybody in the league. He didn’t come here different. He came here a 6-foot-4 skinny guy, but he had a belief,

and we had belief in him, and he ended up 6-foot7 and a man-child. His development is what it’s supposed to be in college. You get bigger and stronger and learn from the older guys. He always had one thing. He always had a work ethic, and work ethic made him the player he is today.”

With Johnson helping lead the way, UAH finished 27-8 overall and 19-5 in the GSC, winning the regular season title and earning a fifth consecutive

invitation to the NCAA Division II tournament.

After appearing in all 19 games of the COVID-shortened 202021 season, Johnson became a starter in 2021-22, averaging 16.8 points per game and being named first-team All-GSC.

“[Johnson’s journey is] the perfect example of the great American dream,” said Auburn coach Bruce Pearl. “He will have the opportunity to impact our team right away. Auburn basketball just got better.”

Madi Malone Takes Silver Medal at NCAA Outdoors

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN — Auburn senior Madi Malone, the program’s most decorated hammer thrower in school history, saved her best performance for last, finishing second at the NCAA Outdoor Track and Field Championships on Thursday, June 8.

Malone crushed her previous school record while all six throws surpassed her previous AU mark.

Throwing third to last in the second flight, Malone surpassed the elusive 70-meter mark with a throw of 72.35m/237-4 to break her previous school record of 69.66m/228-6 set in 2022. The throw put her in second place, a spot she would hold the entire competition.

“I just went in with a level head,” Malone said. “I’ve had 70 meters in my mind for a long time. To finally get past that, especially on the first throw, it took a lot of the pressure off. I just keep moving forward from there.”

A seven-time All-American, Malone was on the verge of not qualifying for the championships after fouling on her first two throws two weeks ago at the

NCAA East Prelims, but a clean third throw was good enough for a second-place finish and trip to Austin.

“I was very nervous on the first throw,” Malone said. “But from the regional meet, I learned to quiet that and remember what I've done at practice. I've been hitting over 70 in practice. Knowing I can do that in practice, I can do it in the meet and just trusted the process.”

Malone was the most consistent in the field as she was the only athlete with all six throws over 70 meters. She followed her first toss with marks of 71.14m, 71.81m, 71.71m and 72.01m.

“To step in the ring

and perform at a personal-best level six times in a row [during] your final championship, it just speaks to the champion that she is,” said Auburn head coach Leroy Burrell. “She performed at a championship level. I'm fortunate to have had her be our captain for my first year at Auburn. It couldn't have happened to a better person, and I couldn’t be prouder of Madi.”

Stepping into the ring on her sixth and final throw having to surpass 73.63m to win a national championship, she posted her lifetime best throw of 72.37m/237-5. Stephanie Ratcliffe of Harvard won with a throw of 73.63m/241-7 on her first

throw of the competition.

“It was pretty special,” said Auburn throw coach Pat Ebel. “We’ve been seeing these distances in practice, and it finally showed up in a meet. We’ve talked about throwing 70 meters for a long time. I said, ‘Stay persistent, keep believing in what we're doing and keep training hard.’ Sure enough, every single throw was over 71 meters, which is special — really special.

“I'm very proud of her. To end your Auburn career throwing your best-ever and breaking the school record by another three meters is special. I'll never forget this moment.”

PHOTO BY JAMIE HOLT AUBURN TIGERS

Auburn senior Madi Malone with her second place trophy at the NCAA Outdoor Track & Field Championships June 8.

Rane Center Introduces Teen Cooking Workshop

CONTRIBUTED BY THE RANE

CULINARY SCIENCE CENTER

AUBURN —

Calling all teens. Whether you’re a high school student, heading to college or just a motivated teen who wants to improve your skills, this is the class for you.

In this hands-on course inside the new Rane Culinary Science Center, teens will learn to cook Asian, Latin

American and Mediterranean cuisines. They will develop basic culinary skills, including: - knife skills

- basic cooking methods: steaming, pan frying, dry cooking, combination cooking, etc.

- sauces

- baking safety

- sanitation - calculating weights and measurements

- identifying utensils and equipment

Teens ages 13 to 19 of any skill level can sign up for the workshop.

ence in other departments at the theater to help grow their professional development.

Performing apprentices have gone on to have prolific careers in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area, as well as New York and other major theater regions. In some cases, they become CTC Acting Company members.

Collins comes to CTC from Auburn University, where she is completing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater. She is a singer, dancer and actor who has also worked at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. At

Auburn, she was Viola in “Twelfth Night,” Chelle in “Detroit 67,” Little Red in “Into the Woods,” Kristine Linde in “A Doll’s House” and Brooklyn in “Bring it On.”

Robinson is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota Theatre Program and has appeared on CTC stages in “Corduroy,” “Dr. Seuss’s The Sneetches,” “Diary of a Wimpy Kid: the Musical,” as well as with theater companies across the Twin Cities.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nisi and Keegan, two remarkably talented young actors to Children’s Theatre Company,” CTC said.

“These artists bring

huge gifts as actor/ singers and a tremendous spirit of openness and curiosity. We look forward to having their talents, their dedication and their spirit as part of our upcoming season.”

CTC’s 2023-24 season of seven productions features two world premieres: “Morris Micklewhite and the Tangerine Dress” and “Babble Lab.” It also features the international sensation “Cookin’” from South Korea, the only Minnesota stop of the national tour of “The Carp Who Would Not Quit and Other Animal Stories” from Honolulu Theatre for Youth, the return of last year’s sold-out pro -

duction of “Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas!,” the threetime Tony Award-nominated musical “A Year With Frog and Toad” and the wildly inventive “Alice in Wonderland.”

Collins’ and Robinson’s specific roles within the 2023-24 season, as well as complete casting and creative team information, will be announced at a later date.

Full-season subscriptions and renewals for the 2023-24 season are now on sale and can be purchased online at childrenstheatre.org/ shows-and-tickets/subscribe-and-save/ or by calling the ticket office at 612-874-0400.

Currently, the World Premiere of “An American Tail the Musical” is playing at CTC’s UnitedHealth Group

- tasting while cooking

In every class, students will prepare and eat a morning snack and lunch. These young chefs will learn to prepare the following dishes:

- Asian menu: pork dumplings, sesame chicken, vegetable stirfried rice, mango lassi

- Latin American menu: arepas vaca frita (fried beef), salsa, homemade corn chips,

Stage through June 18, 2023. Tickets may be purchased online at childrenstheatre.org/ AmericanTail or by calling the ticket office at 612-874-0400. Ticket prices start at $15.

ABOUT CHILDREN’S

THEATRE COMPANY

Children’s Theatre Company (CTC) is the nation’s largest and most acclaimed theater for young people and serves a multigenerational audience. It creates theater experiences that educate, challenge and inspire more than 250,000 people annually. CTC is the only theater focused on young audiences to win the coveted Tony Award for regional theater and is the only theater in Minnesota to receive three Tony nominations (for its production of “A Year with Frog and Toad”). CTC is commit -

guava & cream cheese

tarts

- Mediterranean menu: roasted chicken, zucchini involtini, lemon pesto orzo, watermelon and feta salad, lemon posset topped with berries

The workshop is open to teens ages 13 to 19. All skill levels are welcome. Space is limited and tickets tend to sell out quickly. Purchase tickets at aub.ie/teen_bootcamp.

ted to creating worldclass productions at the highest level and to developing new works, more than 200 to date, dramatically changing the canon of work for young audiences.

CTC’s engagement and learning programs annually serve more than 93,000 young people and their communities through Theatre Arts Training, student matinees, Neighborhood Bridges and early childhood arts education programs. ACT One is CTC’s comprehensive platform for access, diversity and inclusion in its audiences, programs, staff and board that strives to ensure the theater is a home for all people, all families, reflective of its community. For more information, visit childrenstheatre.org.

starting July 1, Aug. 1 and Sept. 1. The school system is set to begin receiving state funds earmarked for this pay increase this coming October, but local funds will cover the pay raises for locally funded teachers and other employees. Funds, bids and budgeting were the central topic of the June 13 meeting. The board also approved an amendment to the budget for fiscal year 2023 and approved two multi-million-dollar bids related to technology.

The first bid the board approved June 13 was to PC Solutions for a little over $2 million. The bid was for internal switching request for proposal (RFP).

The second bid the board approved was to Bluum for Chromebook RFP for just under $4 million.

In response to a question from District 6 Board Member Larry Patterson, Lee County Chief School Financial Officer Ken Roberts said the bid process isn’t anything new or unusual.

“We implemented what we call a ‘competitive procurement process,’” Roberts

FOX >> FROM B4

since 2020. United States head Olympic coach Drew Johansen has been a mentor for Fox dating back to 2019.

Prior to Moss Farms, Fox spent time at UCF as

explained. “It’s just a fancy federal term for a sealed bid process, which is very similar to what we do for other sealed bids that you’re accustomed to.”

Roberts also gave his monthly financial report, this time for April 2023.

According to the report, revenue is up 5.6% and expenses are up 8.9% in the first eight months of the fiscal year, compared to this time last year.

The revenue is a little higher mostly because local revenue is up 8%, Roberts said, but added that the numbers are in line with expectations. He also said increased expenses are due to compensation — up to 7% out of the 8.9%. That’s mostly paid for by state raises and federal budgets.

Patterson asked if the financial reports are beginning to show benefits from the new Buc-ee’s location in Auburn, but Roberts said it’ll be a few months before those benefits show up in the data.

“I’m sure we’ll see something there,” Roberts said. “… It’s about three months from the day you start sales to the time you receive it, especially for a new business. For an existing

the Academic Services representative for the Knights’ track and field team.

During his time in Lexington, Fox served as the head diving coach at Lexington Country Club, as well as the assistant diving coach for the

business, [it’s about] two months from the time the taxpayer walks in and buys the Cheetos and the time it makes it into our pockets — two to three months, depending.”

Roberts said he expects to see an overall increase in collections from taxes in the next two to three months. He also shared a steep increase in interest revenue, which he attributed to being “creative with cash flow” a little more than usual.

“We’re not doing anything other than investing in CDs, enhanced money market accounts; we do invest in some short-term treasuries, but … we’re not doing these things outside our risk tolerance,” he said.

In other business, the board approved one student expulsion and various human resources recommendations, with District 2 Board Member Rusty Courson abstaining from one item related to human resources and District 7 Board Member Napoleon Stringer abstaining from another. District 3 Board Member Richard Brown Sr. was absent from the meeting.

The board is set to meet next on July 11 at 6 p.m.

Kentucky Dive Club. Fox graduated with a Bachelor of Political Science degree from the University of Kentucky in 2014 and earned both his MBA and master’s degree in sports business management from UCF in 2016.

Football Returns to the Dawg House

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES THE OBSERVER

The 19th annual Back to the Dawg House football camp returned to Bulldog Stadium at Opelika High School from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. last Saturday, June 10. Children in grades three through eight attended the free camp, hosted by SaJason Finley and Will Herring. They received footballing instruction and heard from guest speakers Spence McCracken and Jet Wiley. Wiley went to Central Phenix City High School and will be playing for the U.S. Air Force Academy this fall. His dad played at Opelika High School and Auburn University. McCracken was Opelika High School's football coach from 1995 to 2008, amassing a 130-35 record and seven regional titles, according to ahsfhs.org.

This past week, the intergenerational community “Story Book Picnic,” sponsored by the Opelika Public Library and Lee Russell Council of Government Agency on Aging, sparked memories for me of the poem “All I Ever Really Needed to Know I Learned in Kindergarten,” written by Robert Fulghum.

I love the closing statement: “And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into

Hold Hands and Stick Together

The National Council on Aging defines intergenerational programs as activities that increase cooperation and exchange between two generations. Studies show that a relationship between young and old enlightens both generations. Being a senior adult myself, I have observed several of these benefits firsthand. I would like to review a few observations and philosophies related to this notion that I have shared before.

color together, paint sun catchers, decorate T-shirts, create with Play-Doh, build sandcastles and paint portraits of each other.

the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.”

Oh, how true that is when it comes to the relationship between young and old.

Our community is so very good at providing intergenerational outreach. Whether it’s by inviting senior adults to come read to students, inviting them to volunteer and teach in Vacation Bible Schools, planning intergenerational events through local agencies — the list goes on. There are opportunities aplenty in our community.

1. Name tags: It is so good for intergenerational events in the community to provide name tags. Name tags are so helpful for the adult/child pairs to get to know each other, and this starts with names. We like to hear our names called, and name tags provide an invitation for interaction and communication between the young and old.

2. Art: I loved that the Story Book Picnic offered art activities through face and hand painting, chalk drawing and other forms of art for the young and elderly to do together. We can also create loving bonds this summer as we draw and

3. Reading stories: At Story Book Picnic, the children and senior adults gathered under the pavilion to watch a story come to life. In the classroom, I love when the children gather around me in my rocking chair to listen to a good story. With the dynamics of our society and culture, many children live far from their grandparents because their parents take jobs in other areas. Story time not only provides a warm opportunity to build listening and communication skills between young and old, but it helps to meet the socialization need of grandparents as well.

4. Puzzles: This activity offers objectives in cognitive development, social interaction, teamwork and cooperation. As Sunday School teachers, we seniors love to work on puzzles with our young students. Putting together puzzles provides teamwork challenges and discussion opportunities for the young and old.

5. Blocks and Legos: This seems to be a favorite activity for the young and old alike. It provides small motor activities, which helps both generations. It also provides a teamwork challenge in creativity. Building trucks, trains, tracks and homes or stacking blocks in new and creative ways provides hours of quality interaction.

6. Home center: This is truly my favorite activity to share with young children as we pretend to fix meals, take care of baby dolls and do household chores like ironing, setting the table and cleaning our pretend home.

7. Math: Seniors remember math as “arithmetic.” There are plenty of math-related activities that offer practice for hands-on counting, which is good for both young and elderly minds. One-on-one correspondence helps these minds recognize a set of objects and their assigned numbers.

8. Science: Planting seeds, cutting flowers and growing vegetables can all offer hours of wonderful intergenerational interaction. Children and their elderly

friends can water and care for their plants together, and it’s always a joy to watch the flowers and vegetables grow. This can be done in the yard, or even in pots, as an exciting intergenerational project.

9. Play: I loved the way Story Book Picnic provided bubble-blowing everywhere. Seniors and young children thoroughly enjoyed chasing and playing with the bubbles. Free play is a child’s work. But adults of all ages can still play, too. We all instinctively know how to play. Intergenerational play promotes cognitive, social, physical and emotional benefits for the young and old alike. Young children are truly blind to age differences. They provide such a needed spark of energy and enthusiasm to adults. As someone who teaches but also observes different positive situations that I can share with our community to bring us closer, I can truly say that we seniors need to grab the hand of a young child and follow a rainbow of joy.

Opelika Hosts Atlantic South Pickleball Regional

Classroom Observer Beth Pinyerd

BETH PINYERD

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES THE OBSERVER

The Opelika Sportsplex hosted the USA Pickleball Atlantic South Diamond Regional June 6 through 11. Nearly 750 players registered for the tournament.

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, June 15, 2023

Inside the Statehouse

The Alabama Community College System

national firm that analyzes labor markets. Nearly 99,000 jobs in Alabama are generated or supported by Alabama’s community colleges, their students and alumni. To put it another way, that is one of every 27 jobs in the state.

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION — Sometimes overlooked and often unsung, Alabama’s community and technical colleges are on a roll. It is time they get the recognition they deserve as workhorses for the state’s economy. There are 24 community and technical colleges in the state, located on 50 different campuses with over 130 service locations. This means every Alabamian reading these words is close to incredible education and training opportunities.

The colleges offer over 300 degrees and certifications, and they award more than 30,000 credentials each year that show employers these students are serious about working.

Alabama’s community colleges serve more than 155,000 students, and 95% of those students live in Alabama. What is more, 71% choose to stay in Alabama after completing their studies. These students and alumni add an amazing $6.6 billion to Alabama’s economy each year, according to a report from Lightcast, a

Lee County Commission Approves ARPA Funds Allocation

Under the leadership of Chancellor Jimmy Baker, who took the helm of the Alabama Community College System (ACCS) in 2017, innovative and transformational programs are in place that “build strong Alabama people who are willing to work and do what it takes to move the state forward,” as Baker puts it.

Among the most impressive is the Innovation Center, a division of the ACCS that brings together the state’s community colleges, businesses and industries. These partners deliver Skills for Success training for careers that employers say are most in demand but lack qualified Alabama workers to fill.

By working together with Alabama businesses and industries, the ACCS Innovation Center ensures Skills for Success training is perfectly aligned with the jobs that employers say they need to fill right away.

Since its launch a little more than a year ago, more than 2,700 Alabamians have benefitted from Skills for Success training. The appeal to trainees — other than getting the skills needed for an in-demand job — is the training is offered at no cost to them.

It is free to trainees thanks to appropriations from the State Legislature and support from Gov. Kay Ivey, who has put a strong emphasis on workforce training. The governor’s Success Plus initiative aims to add 500,000 Alabamians with postsecondary credentials to the state’s workforce by 2025. Rapid training from our community colleges will be key to reaching this important goal.

It is incredible to think that every Alabamian has the opportunity to receive no-cost training and become credentialed for jobs as bulldozer operators, fiber optic technicians, truck drivers and more, but that is the reality of today’s community college system in our state.

Baker has wisely built a workforce training program around the skills that employers say they need in their workers.

As a result, many students can walk right out of training and immediately into jobs that are waiting for someone with their exact skillset. The training is essentially “customized” for Alabama employers in desperate need of workers.

What is also innovative is how quickly Skills for Success training can be delivered. Part of each training course is offered online, with self-paced learning that can take place

See FLOWERS, page B11

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

The Lee County Commission approved the allocation of ARPA Funds and the Lee County Broadband Expansion Grant Program Application following a postponement from a previous week.

Broadband has been a major source of discussion for use of the county's Alabama Rescue Plan Act Funds for months. The county has specific uses that the funding must be used for, and broadband falls under that category.

So far, the commission has used funds to join the Investing in Alabama Counties program and water projects within Lee County.

"The county engaged in a broadband feasibility study to identify unserved and underserved areas of the county where expansion of broadband fiber optic infrastructure could be constructed," said the county's agenda packet. "After completion and review of the broadband feasibility study, the Lee County Commission should decide if it is ready to proceed with planned broadband expansion projects through a grant program

designed to identify and award a grant to qualified provider applicants that can construct broadband fiber optic infrastructure and provide services in the unserved and underserved areas of the county."

The commission voted to move forward with this and allocate up to nearly $4.4 million of the ARPA funds.

"We did a public interest survey and we had people log in and check their speeds of their internet service, tell us who their internet service was with and through that study, we identified four

See COMMISSION, page B11

Supreme Court Rules

Congressional Lines in Alabama Should be Redrawn

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

ALABAMA —

The Supreme Court ruled on June 8 that congressional lines must be redrawn in the state of Alabama.

The case, Allen v. Milligan, has led to the decision to create a second majority-Black district in Alabama.

“This decision reaffirms the power of the collective,” said a statement from Alabama Values.

“Community organizers, advocates, lawyers and community members came together to stand for freedom and democracy. This win is a step in the right

direction, and we must continue to fight for fair maps across the country to ensure voters have an opportunity for fair maps and equitable representation.”

The vote, 5-4, was confirmed on June 8, 2023. This case has been in the works for over a year, since November 2021.

"Grassroots organizers are celebrating a landmark victory as the United States Supreme Court upheld Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act and forced the Alabama Legislature to redraw its Congressional maps to include a second majority-minority district,” said a press release from Alabama

Values. “SCOTUS ruled 5-4 in the Allen v. Milligan (formerly Merrill v. Milligan) case. By affirming Section 2 of the VRA, SCOTUS upholds it is acceptable to factor race into redistricting to ensure that people of color have equal voting power.”

Alabama has a 27% Black population, which the plaintiffs said warranted the resulting action.

“This decision is a crucial win against the continued onslaught of attacks on voting rights,” said Deuel Ross, Legal Defense Fund senior counsel.

“Alabama attempted

See RULING, page B10

Nationalists in the U.S. Army? It All Depends on Your Definition

ment. The term “white nationalists” came up several times at public hearings recently.

“Democrats portray all Trump people as white nationalists,” said the senator on May 11 at the U.S. Capitol. “That’s what I was saying,” he said. “… There’s a lot of good people that are Trump people that for some reason my Democratic colleagues want to portray as white nationalists. That’s not true.”

go on the principle of simply ganging up with the strongest side. On the contrary, having picked his side, he persuades himself that it is the strongest and is able to stick to his belief, even when the facts are overwhelmingly against him.”

Is it possible that a person with nationalistic tendencies also has patriotic genes?

OPINION —

In 1998, a grand jury was formed in the Monica Lewinsky case that threatened President Bill Clinton’s career. Clinton cleverly denied that he had lied about his sexual conduct with her. “It depends on what the meaning of the word ‘is’ is,” he said. “If someone asked me on that day, are you having sexual relations with Ms. Lewinsky — that is, asked me a question in the present tense — I would have said no. And it would have been completely true.”

Terms like “white nationalism,” "black

nationalism,” “patriotism versus nationalism” and “extremism” in many forms are often in the news. In the Jan. 6, 2021, attempted coup, those who broke into the U.S. Congress were called “insurrectionists.” In this column, I will explain those terms.

Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) has blocked military nominees from being advanced forward, in a bid to change abortion policies in the Department of Defense. He also emphasized that expanding diversity in the military was weakening the armed services and negatively impacting recruit-

Here is our opportunity to define some of these terms.

Nationalism is a movement that strives toward the interests of a particular nation, notably with the aim of gaining and maintaining the nation’s self-government over its areas to create a nation-state. It bends toward each nation-state governing itself, away from outside political power, according to Paul James, a professor of globalization and diversity at Western Sydney University.

“It is important not to confuse nationalism with mere worship of success,” wrote British author George Orwell in a classic essay. “The nationalist does not

Of course. How about a traditional patriot (“apple pie, baseball and Mom”) who becomes more nationalist around an election, then reverts to U.S. Constitution principles? I can’t see many well-trained troops giving up their careers to back an insurrection. But I could see a group of poorly trained and young privates and specialists following a leader who bends U.S. laws and traditions.

One of the seminal books in political science, which I first read as an undergraduate in 1978, is “The Paranoid Style in American Politics” by Richard Hofstadter. It was published in 1964 after conservative Sen. Barry Goldwater won the GOP presidential nomination over moderate Nelson Rockefeller.

Hofstadter, an acclaimed historian, warned readers about political groups that fell for dubious conspiracy theories. He said that was not new, that it was part of the American political fabric that included “movements of suspicious discontent.” I can’t imagine that he thought such groups as white nationalists and similar groups would gain as much traction as they have.

Three weeks before the 2022 midterms, Tuberville told a crowd in Minden, Nevada, that Democrats are “procrime.”

“They want crime because they want to take over what you got,” he said. “They want to control what you have. They want reparations (for slavery) because they think the people that do the crime are owed that. Bull****. They are not owed that.”

The passage in that speech can be called “Far Right,” and at best, it could be quasi-nationalistic in that the senator points to Democrats as grabbing at public money for their purposes only.

NAACP President Derrick Johnson called

Tuberville’s remarks “flat-out racist, ignorant and utterly sickening.”

Tuberville admirably shows he cares about his work on the Armed Services, Agriculture and other committees. He is getting a larger profile with more TV, radio, podcast and other media. That is good for him and the state of Alabama. He has plenty of media skills, having been a football coach for decades.

Yet, given the state’s historical background in civil rights, people will look at any intolerant or off-target message as an excuse to criticize Alabama.

Like Bill Clinton, his fellow Arkansas native, Tuberville should be more careful when speaking. It depends on their word choice, not what the meaning of “is” is.

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has master’s degrees in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to The Observer for 12 years. Gm.markley@charter.net

Our

115 years ago AuburnBank was founded on the principles of sound money management and putting the customer first. As we’ve opened our new home in downtown Auburn, those principles still drive everything we do. Come by and help us celebrate our most recent success, and let’s talk about helping you achieve yours.

to rewrite federal law by saying race had no place in redistricting. But because of the state’s sordid and well-documented history of racial discrimination, race must be used to remedy that past and ensure communities of color are not boxed out of the electoral process. While the Voting Rights Act and other key protections against discriminatory voting laws have been weakened in recent years and states continue to pass provisions to disenfranchise Black voters, today’s decision is a recognition of Section 2’s purpose to prevent voting discrimination and the very basic right to a fair shot.”

The Alabama Republican Party released a statement following the Supreme Court ruling, indicating that not everyone is in favor of the decision.

“The Alabama Republican Party is disappointed in the ruling by the United States Supreme Court,” said the statement by Alabama Republican Party Chairman John Wahl. “The U.S. Constitution is clear that drawing district lines — as well as redistricting — are the responsibility of state legislatures.

“Regardless of our disagreement with the Court’s decision, we are confident the Alabama Legislature

will redraw district lines that ensure the people of Alabama are represented by members who share their beliefs, while following the requirements of applicable law. The Alabama Republican Party remains committed to competing in every district, and will work hard to win all seven Congressional seats with candidates that reflect their communities and the values of the state of Alabama.”

The Alabama Young Democrats, however, was in favor of the decision.

"The [Supreme Court’s] ruling means Alabama will receive a second majority Black voting District, which is likely to skew Democratic,” the organization said in a statement. “Only 27% of Black residents make up the share of Alabama's population. By a vote of 5-4, a coalition of liberal and conservative justices essentially upheld the court's 1986 decision requiring that in states where voting is racially polarized, the legislature must create the maximum number of majority Black or near majority Black congressional Districts, using traditional redistricting criteria.

Chief Justice John Roberts and Justice Brett Kavanaugh, both conservatives, joined the court's three liberals in the majority.

Today was a historic victory for the Voting Rights Act and every

Black Voter in the State of Alabama.”

The Alabama Legislative Black Caucus said that it will continue to fight against racial gerrymandering.

“In a resounding victory for fair representation, the Supreme Court’s unexpected decision stands as a powerful testament to the importance of upholding the Voting Rights Act,” said Representative and Vice Chair of the Alabama Black Legislative Caucus, Napoleon Bracy, Jr. “By prohibiting racial gerrymandering in Alabama, the Court reaffirms the principle that every citizen’s voice deserves to be heard, regardless of their race. This ruling sends a clear message that political power should not be diluted through discriminatory practices, ensuring that the spirit of democracy remains strong and inclusive in Alabama.”

Wes Allen, Alabama Secretary of State, issued a statement as well.

“I am disappointed in today’s Supreme Court opinion but it remains the commitment of the Secretary of State’s Office to comply with all applicable election laws,” he said.

GREG MARKLEY

New Home Is Built on a Solid Foundation... Just Like Our Bank.

RULING >> FROM B9

Southern Union Helps Get Inmates 'Ready to Work'

The Lee County Sheriff's Office, in partnership with Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC), held a graduation ceremony June 9 for Lee County Jail inmates who recently completed the Ready-to-Work program. The base objective of the program, which targets non-violent offenders, is to prepare inmates to be employable by developing the mindsets, attitudes and skills necessary to successfully seek and obtain jobs upon release. The goal is to emphasize accountability, responsibility and good judgement in order to become productive citizens.

Baxter International Exec Visits Opelika Kiwanis Club

COMMISSION >>

FROM B9

main areas that were completely unserved, meaning they did not have access to broadband at all," said County Administrator Holly Leverette during the commission meeting.

These four areas are Loachapoka, south-central Lee County, Salem and Waverly, Leverette said. Should these four areas be served alone, a bit over 39 miles, it would cost a little over $2.8 million. However, because the county voted to join the grant program, the county hopes to save money — hopefully half of that amount,

Leverette said.

"This at least gets us started on trying to help these areas that we know are unserved," she said.

Leverette said she fully expects that there will be communities that come forward that didn't participate in the survey but are unserved.

OTHER BUSINESS

• The commission approved a bid for dive team equipment for the Lee County Sheriff's Office.

• The commission approved an application for a lounge retail liquor license for Package Store (D3).

• The commission approved an application for a retail beer and table wine license for 1st Choice Quick Stop (D3).

• The commission approved an application for the 2023

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9

anywhere one can connect to the internet. Some have said they have completed the online training from their mobile phones over a few hours in the evening. When a trainee completes the online portion of the course, they then get hands-on training with qualified instructors at a nearby community college or some other regional location.

The average Skills for Success course can be completed in as little as two or three weeks. Any Alabamian can sign up for no-cost training and in less

Local Roads Safety Initiative Program.

• The commission approved the addition of a Lee County Fleet Manager Position for the county.

• The commission postponed a vote on the Goat Rock Ridge, Phase 1 Subdivision.

• The commission approved the ADEM Unauthorized Dump Right-of-Way Program.

• The commission renewed the animal control agreement.

• The commission revised job descriptions for the Environmental Service worker and the boom truck operator for the Lee County Environmental Services Department.

• The commission voted to change the mailing address for the commission.

than a month have a community college credential that shows employers they have the skills and qualifications to do the job. With Skills for Success training, they are “jobready” on day one for jobs that are in high demand throughout the state, thanks to the forward-thinking leaders of the Alabama Community College System and the State Legislature.

See you next week.

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

The speaker during the June 8 Opelika Kiwanis Club meeting was Aubrey Morrison. He spoke about his time as senior HR manager for Baxter International.

June 15, 2023

Local Clubs Learn About Bees, Install New Officers

Auburn Rotary Club this week hosted Dr. Anthony Abbate from the Auburn University Bee Lab. He shared interesting research and statistics on bees. "If you did not love bees before today's presentation, you either love them now, or perhaps have a greater appreciation," the club said. Those interested in purchasing honey from the AU Bee Lab can do here: www.agriculture.auburn.edu

IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION PETITION OF MIGUEL ANGEL DE LEON

RAMIREZ

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

CASE NO.: 2022-715

PUBLICATION NOTICE

TO: Santos Garcia Hernandez,

Address Unknown

Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Miguel Angel De Leon Ramirez, on December 30, 2022, for the adoption of J.L.G.G. born on November 6, 2007, in Opelika, Alabama to Johana Godinez Sales and Santos Garcia Hernandez. A hearing has been set in the Lee County Probate Court, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Ben Hand, 114 North 8th Street, Opelika AL 36801 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, P.O. Box 2266, Opelika, AL 36803 as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published.

Dated on this the t 7•h day of May 2023.

HON. BILL ENGLISH

JUDGE OF PROBATE

LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Legal Run 05/25/2023, 06/01/23, 06/08/23 & 06/15/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: THE ESTATE OF JERRY L. SHAW, SR.,

DECEASED

CASE NO. 2023-289

NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

TAKE NOTICE that Letters

Testamentary, having been granted to William Lawrence Shaw, as Executor of the Estate of Jerry L. Shaw, Jr., deceased, on the 24th day of May, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN

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

William Lawrence Shaw Executor of the Estate of Jerry L. Shaw, Sr., deceased Legal Run 06/01/2023, 06/08/2023 & 06/15/2023

STATE OF ALABAMA

LEE COUNTY PROBATE

COURT CASE NO. 2023-154

ESTATE OF WILLIAM TRUMAN COLLIER, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR

Letters of Administration of the Estate of William Truman Collier, deceased having been granted to Mary D. Collier this 26th day of May 2023, 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.

Mary D. Collier, Personal Representative

Jeffery A. Hilyer Attorney at Law 334-745-2564 P.O. Box 30

Opelika, AL 36803-0030

Legal Run 06/01/2023, 06/08/2023 and 06/15/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEECOUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of DANNY WARD ROBINSON

Deceased Case No.2023-242

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to CLAYTON ROBINSON, as Administrator of the Estate of DANNY WARD ROBINSON, deceased, on the 25th day of May 2023,by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH, Judge of Probate.

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

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE

LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CLAYTON ROBINSON CLAYTON ROBINSON Administrator of the Estate of DANNY WARD ROBINSON, deceased Legal Run 06/08/2023, 06/15/2023 & 06/22/2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA JUVENILE DIVISION

A.S. a minor child (DOB: 09/20/2022), Case No. JU 2022-429.02

NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

NOTICE TO: Floriselda Salez, mother of A.S. Legal and physical custody of A.S. was vested with the Lee County Department of Human Resources in September, 2022. Floriselda

Salez must answer the Petition to Terminate her Parental Rights filed with the Family Court of Lee County, Alabama within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Clerk of Court located at 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, AL 36801 or thereafter, a final judgment may be rendered in case JU-2022-429.02, terminating her parental rights and placing the child for adoption.

MARY ROBERSON CIRCUIT CLERK Hon. Harold S. Patrick (PAT031) Attorney for Lee County DHR 2108-D Gateway Drive Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 741-0809 Legal Run 6/8/23, 6/15/23, 6/22/23 & 6/29/23

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA JUVENILE DIVISION A.S. a minor child (DOB: 09/20/2022),

The 2023-24 Alabama Lions Club District 34 Gov. Melanie Tapley, left, was a recent guest at the Opelika Lions Club weekly meeting. There she presented an update of Alabama Lions' plans for the upcoming year and installed officers for the Opelika club, including new President Glenn Stokes, right. For more information on Opelika Lions Club, contact any current Lions Club member, or call Stokes at 334-703-1622.

PUBLIC NOTICES

County Department of Human Resources in September, 2022.

Any alleged or unknown father must answer the Petition to Terminate his Parental Rights filed with the Family Court of Lee County, Alabama within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Clerk of Court located at 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, AL 36801 or thereafter, a final judgment may be rendered in in case JU-2022-429.02, terminating hisparental rights and placing the child for adoption.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK

Hon. Harold S. Patrick (PAT031) Attorney for Lee County DHR 2108-D Gateway Drive Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 741-0809 Legal Run 6/8/23, 6/15/23, 6/22/23 & 6/29/23

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PAMELA JORDAN GRYSKI, DECEASED

CASE NO.: 2023-300

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Take Notice that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Mike Murphy on the 31st day of May,2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given to 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.

J. TUTT BARRETT

P.O. Box 231 Opelika, AL 36803-023 l Legal Run 6/8/23, 6/15/23 & 6/22/23

IN RE THE ESTATE OF MARVIN G.WALDRUP,a/k/ aMARVIN G. WALDRUP, JR. Deceased IN THE PROBATE COURT OF' LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2023-246

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 1st day of June, 2023, by Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

MARVIN G WALDRUP

Administrator

Legal Run 6/8/23, 6/15/23 & 6/22/23

FORM OF ADVERTISEMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL

NOTICE – FOR BID #22026

In accordance with Chapter

I, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, notice is hereby given that Robinson Paving Company, Inc., Contractor, has completed the Contract for The South Long Street Drainage and Sidewalk

Upgrades, AL for the City of Opelika, owner, and have made request for final settlement of said Contract. All persons having any claim for labor, materials or otherwise in connection with this project should immediately notify Jeffrey Robinson, 5425 Schatulga Rd., Columbus, GA 31907, in writing. Legal Run 06/8/23, 6/15/23, 6/22/23 & 6/29/23

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

ESTATE OF DWIGHT FULLER, DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY, AL CASE NO.: 2023-185

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

TAKE NOTICE that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Altumura Rosencrantz on the 31st day of May, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Altumura Rosencrantz

Legal Run 6/8/23, 6/15/23 & 6/22/23

CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO:RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, June 27, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following:

I. Some items at the meeting will have a designated public hearing (noted below). Individuals are limited to 5-minute comment period per public hearing.

II.Approval of Minutes

III. Update on Previous PC

Cases

IV. New Business

A. Plat (Preliminary only) –Public Hearing

1. A public hearing on a request by Brett Basquin, Foresite Group, LLC, authorized representative for Jim Masingill, Broad Metro, LLC property owners, for preliminary approval of The Landing Redivision of Parcel 2A subdivision consisting of 3 lots accessed from Freddie Way.

2.A public hearing on a request by T. J. Thomas and Mike Maher, authorized representative for Holland Homes, LLC, property owners for preliminary approval of Foxrun Phase 3 subdivision consisting of 43 lots accessed from Village Drive and Woodland Circle.

B. Plat (Preliminary and Final) –Public Hearing

3.A public hearing on a

request by Brandon Bolt, Bolt

Engineering, Inc. authorized representative For SKPW 400, LLC, property owners, for preliminary and final approval of Pepperell Manufacturing Company Subdivision of Lot 2 subdivision consisting of 2 lots accessedfrom Cunningham Drive.

C. Rezoning and Plat (Preliminary only) – Public

Hearing

4a. An agenda item for a rezoning request includes an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for 4.18 acres accessed from Oak Bowery Road from a low density residential land use category to a medium density land use category. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the 4.18 acres and Council approves the rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved.

4b. A rezoning public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by David Slocum, authorized representative for Carolyn Prince Dudley and John Robert Dudley,property owner, to rezone 4.18 acres accessed from Oak Bowery Road from a R-1 to a R-2zoning district.

5.A public hearing on a request by David Slocum, authorized representative, for Carolyn Prince Dudley and John Robert Dudley-, property owners, for preliminary plat approval of the Southern Pines subdivision consisting of 46 lots accessed from Oak Bowery Road.

D.Rezoning - Public Hearing

6a. An agenda item for a rezoning request contains includes an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for a 7,324 square foot (sf) lot from a general commercial land use category to alight commercial land use category. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positiverecommendation to the City Council to rezone the 7,324 sf lot and Council approves therezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved.

6b.A rezoning public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by A & P Holdings, LLC, property owners, to rezone 7,324 sf lot accessed at 1625 1st Avenue from a M-1 to a C-2 zoning district.

E.Final Plat

7.A request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Fire Rock Development Company, LLC, property owners, for final plat approval of the Laurels Lakes, Phase 1 subdivision plat consisting of 62 lots accessed from North Uniroyal Road.

8.A request by Doug Ransom, authorized representative for DRB Group Alabama, LLC, property owners, for final plat approval of the Wyndham Gates Pod 3, Phase 3 subdivision plat consisting of 9 lots accessed from Raiden Circle.

9.A request by Steve Timms and Mike Maher, authorized representative for Retirement Systems of Alabama, property owners, for final plat approval of the National Village Phase 6B subdivision plat consisting of 9 lots accessed at the corner of Spa Loop and Robert Trent Jones Trail.

F. Other Business

10.The following agenda item is included for review at the June 27th Planning Commission meeting as a recommendation to the City Council. A petition for the vacation of Country Club Road from the 3500 block of Country Club Road to the intersection of Country Club Road and Saugahatchee Road.

V. Old Business

E.Rezoning – Public Hearing

11a.An agenda item related to a rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for 197 acres accessed from Anderson Road and Andrews Road from a low density residential to a mixed use development land use category. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the 197 acres and Council approves the rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved.

11b.A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Blake Rice,Barrett-Simpson, Inc., authorized representative for 280 Land Company LLC, property owner, to rezone 197 acres accessed from Anderson Road and Andrews Road from R-3 to PUD (Edgefield Farm). (This item was tabled at the April 25, 2023 meeting at the applicant’s request.)

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard.Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/ public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/ public hearings.

The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council.

Please contact the Planning department at 334-705-5156 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR

Legal Run 6/15/2023

TO: OMAR BROOKS

Per O.C.G.A. § 19-8-10, you are hereby notified that a Petition for Step Parent Adoption has been filed in the Superior Court of Troup County, Georgia, Case No. 83-CA-1422 on March 2, 2023. Petitioners seek to adopt Z.D.M., born in 2005, O.P.M and A.M.M, both born in 2008, minor children. You are not required to file your answer to the Complaint with the Clerk of Superior Court of Troup County. This matter is set for a final hearing on Tuesday, August, 15, 2023, at the Troup County Courthouse before the Honorable Judge John Simpson. You are further notified that you are subject to lose all rights to the children at such hearing. Legal Run 6/15/23,6/22/23, 6/29/23 and 7/6/23

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B14

Letter to the Editor: Should Auburn Overpay Its Employees?

OPINION —

In 2021, the city of Auburn's average wage was $64,713, with 560 employees. For comparison, the city of Huntsville's average wage was $50,048, with 2,567 employees, and the city of Montgomery's average wage was $44,403, with 2,247 employees. Does the city of Auburn have the right each year to be irresponsible with our tax dollars by paying $7.8 million more than Huntsville, or $11.2 million more

than Montgomery, to its employees? The Auburn City Council gave City Manager Megan Crouch a $35,000 raise by a vote of seven-to-one this past May. The city manager will be making $1 million over the next four years with an estimated $200,000 in benefits. In 2021, the three highest-paid city employees in the state of Alabama were Auburn city employees: Crouch, who had a salary of $215,000; Troy Dunlap, who had a salary of $208,080; and

Clarence Stewart, who had a salary of $187,966. The fourth was an employee in Huntsville. I know Auburn wants to be No. 1, but it should not be on the back of Auburn citizens by overspending on city salaries. You can find all this data on opengovpay. com/employer/al/city-ofauburn/2021?page=1. What could Auburn have done with all the excess overpayment of city employees? Maybe provide plenty of youth sports facilities for all our children. Maybe the

Auburn citizens have an idea of what could help in each ward with the use of this excess money. I think it is time that the Auburn City Council stops letting bureaucrats control the development and wasteful spending of our taxpayer's dollars. The Auburn City Council in March of 2021 decided to discriminate against 151 Auburn families in certain areas of the city by passing ordinance 3288: Short Term Rental. All this has accomplished was taking away Auburn citizens'

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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 06/15/2023

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL

July 11, 2023 6:00 P.M.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, July 11, 2023, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the rightof-way of Country Club Road. All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing.

The portion of Country Club Road proposed to be vacated is more particularly described as follows:

Commencing at a 1 inch diameter pipe with a crimped top found marking the southeast corner of Section 21, Township 19 North, Range 26 East Lee County, Alabama; thence along the east boundary of said

Section 21 North 1 Degrees

00 Minutes 18 Seconds West a distance of 1522.60 feet to a 1 inch diameter pipe with a crimped top found; thence North 0 Degrees 55 Minutes 09 Seconds West a distance of 408.20 feet to a #5 rebar with a cap stamped “GARVER LLC CA-445-LS” (typical) set on the north right-of-way of Country Club Road; thence leaving said Section line and right-of-way North 75 Degrees

28 Minutes 24 Seconds East a distance of 164.13 feet to a 1 inch diameter pipe found on the south right-of-way of Country Club Road; thence along said right-of-way

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, June 22, 2023 at 10:00AM Unit 120 Unit 381

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 06/15/2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No. CV-2023-900022.00 JAMES W. WHITE, Plaintiff, vs. A PARCEL OF LAND IN LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA, MORE PARTICULARLY DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: BEGIN AT THE NORTHWEST CORNER OF THE JESSIE BROWN 1 ACRE TRACT AS DESCRIBED IN DEED BOOK 628, PAGE 453 AT PROBATE OFFICE IN LEE COUNTY ALABAMA, THENCE SOUTH ALONG WEST MARGIN OF JESSIE BROWN LOT 420 FT. THEN N. 50 DEGREES WEST 105 FT., THENCE NORTH 420 FT., THENCE S. 50 DEGREES EAST ALONG SOUTH MARGIN LEE COUNTY HIGHWAY #4 105FT. TO POINT OF BEGINNING. UNKNOWN HEIRS OF STEVINS JONES and/or MARGARET JONES , and WILLIAM J. WADE, Solely as trustee of MID-STATE TRUST II, a Delaware Trust, or Its unknown successors and assigns, Defendants.

financial ability to pay bills, taking away their property rights and taking away their constitutional rights. It also took away a much-needed service that no hotels or real estate developers could ever provide: a place where Auburn alumni, parents and visitors can have a family atmosphere during graduation, football games, and parent's visitation of Auburn University. There will never be enough hotels built in the Auburn area to provide all the needed rooms during these events.

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AUTOMOTIVE SUPPORT THE BLIND!

NOTICE OF ACTION

To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence. You are hereby notified that on the 19th day of January 2023 a Bill to Quiet Title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, regarding the following described real property: Commencing at the Southwest Comer of the Northwest Quarter of the Southwest Quarter of Section 25, Township 18 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama. Run thence North 87°00' East 730 feet, more or less, thence run North 03°00'West 269.6 feet, more or less, to the Point of Beginning, thence continue North 03°00' West 420 feet to the Southerly Right of Way of Lee County Highway No. 4, thence run along said Highway North 54°45' West 105 feet, thence run South 03°00' East 420 feet, thence run South 54°45' East 105 feet to the point of beginning. Located in Section 25, Township 18 North, Range 27 East, Lee County, Alabama

Being that tract described in Deed book 1035 page 365, Deed Records of Lee County, Alabama Less and except any road right of ways of record. Said parcel also being described as: Begin at the Northwest comer of the Jessie Brown 1 acre tract as described in Deed Book 628, Page 453 at Probate Office in Lee County, Alabama, thence South along West margin of Jessie Brown lot 420 ft. then N. 50 degrees West 105 ft., thence North 420 ft., thence S. 50 degrees East along South margin Lee County Highway #4 105 ft. to point of beginning. All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint. Done this the 6th day of June, 2023.

Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County

What do you think as an Auburn citizen? Do you feel you have lost your rights to the Auburn bureaucrats? Is this the reason many of you did not vote in the last city election? Call your council person in your ward by going online to www.auburnalabama.org/ city-council/council-members/. Let's demand that our Auburn City Council serve the people instead of listening to developers and city bureaucrats.

Robert Wilkins Auburn Citizen

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Legal Run 06/15/2023, 06/22/2023, 06/29/2023 & 07/06/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: ESTATE OF THOMAS M. DICKINSON SR., DECEASED ESTATE NO. 2023-270

PETITION TO PROBATE WILL

NOTICE

Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of THOMAS M. DICKINSON, SR., deceased, having been granted to LINDA FERRELL, on the 18th day of May 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Raymond L. Jackson, Jr. Attorney for LINDA FERRELL Executor of the Estate of THOMAS M. DICKINSON, SR.

Attorney for Personal

Representative:

Raymond L. Jackson, Jr. ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER 145 E. Magnolia Avenue, suite 110 Auburn, AL 36830

Telephone:(334) 991-3143

FAX Number: (877) 730-3354

e-mail address: Ray@ RayJackson.Law

Legal Run 06/15/2023, 06/22/2023 & 06/29/2023.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: ESTATE OF CHARLES LEROY SUMMERS, DECEASED ESTATE NO. 2023-291

PETITION TO PROBATE WILL NOTICE

Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of CHARLES LEROY SUMMERS, deceased, having been granted to GREGORY

HELP WANTED MECHANICAL ENGINEER, CHEROKEE FABRICATION

Mechanical Engineers - Design and detail manufactured items, machining, weld, and assembly prints, using Solidworks 3D CAD software, to support manufacturability, cost effectiveness and safety. Lead engineering projects with minimal oversight and direction. Perform Finite Element Analysis (FEA), failure and DFMEA analysis. Requires: Master’s in Mechanical Engineering with 2 years of Engineer experience or a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering with 5 years of Mechanical Engineer experience. Must include 2 years of experience designing Cotton Ginning equipment. Mail resume to Engineering Manager, Cherokee Fabrication, 13244 HWY 280 East, Salem, AL 36874

SCOTT SUMMERS, on the 25th day of May, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Raymond L. Jackson, Jr. Attorney for GREGORY SCOTT SUMMERS Executor of the Estate of CHARLES LEROY SUMMERS Raymond L. Jackson, Jr. ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER 145 E. Magnolia Avenue, Suite 110 Auburn, AL 36830 Telephone:(334) 991-3143 FAX Number: (877) 730-3354 e-mail address: Ray@ RayJackson.Law Legal Run 06/15/2023, 06/22/2023 & 06/29/2023.

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY OPELIKA, ALABAMA PROBATE COURT NO: 2023-244 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF PHEBE DIONNE FOY AKA PHEBE FOY, DECEASED. NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY PERSONAL LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION on the estate of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 1st day of June2023, 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.

LARRY FOY, PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE OF THE ESTATE OF PHEBE DIONNE FOY AKA PHEBE FOY, DECEASED LINDA D. BENSON, P.C. Attorney for Personal Representative P.O. Box 780818 Tallassee, AL 36078 334-283-5800 Legal Run 6/15/23, 6/22/23 & 6/29/23

There is a symbol that every country in the world has as a source of pride for its citizens. It displays the country’s colors, and can be seen in parades, schools, and more places than any other national symbol. There it is, at the top of that tall pole, it’s the flag.

The new flag had 13 stripes, one for each of the 13 colonies and a field of blue with 13 stars in the top left-hand corner. Since then, the flag has changed 26 times as new stars were added when new states were added to the union. The flag we now have still has 13 stripes, seven red and six white and in the corner is a field of blue, but now it has 50 white stars, one for each U. S. state. The color red signifies hardiness and valour, white signifies purity and innocence and blue signifies vigilance, perseverance and justice

Crossword

DayOn June 14th of every year the United States celebrates Flag Day. June 14th is the day that the American flag was adopted. The first official flag day was held in 1916 in Pennsylvania. That was 104 years ago! People still celebrate June 14th as a way to show that they love their country. Showing that you love your country is patriotism.

The Pledge: President Benjamin Harrison wanted something special written for the flag to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Columbus’ discovery of America. Francis Bellamy wrote the whole program for the ceremony including the pledge. The pledge was first published September 8, 1892. It is still recited every morning at most schools in the United States.

PLEDGE OF ALLE GIANCE

President Benjamin Har rison wanted something special written for the flag to celebrate the 400th anniversary of Christopher Colum