The Observer 07-06-2023

Opelika's Freedom Festival Sticks the Landing

BY LIVI WELCH FOR THE OBSERVER

LEE COUNTY —

When an important figure in the community retires, it is a typical bittersweet goodbye. But few will be missed as much as Jan Burke, the now-former director of human resources of DHR in Lee County. Burke was born and raised in Tallapoosa County, where she attended Tallapoosa Academy in Dadeville. In 1982, she earned her master’s degree in Social Work from the University of Alabama — “the other school,” as she called it. Marrying her husband and Opelika local, Randy, convinced her to make this neck of the woods her home, she said.

“I came to Opelika

AJGA Golf Photos — B2

[when I was] growing up, but I knew little about it,” Burke said. “When I moved here with Randy, we never reconsidered leaving. It never crossed our minds.”

Soon, Burke began her

with the Alabama Department of Human Resources. After spending a year as a child welfare worker, she moved to working with adult services and was eventually

position. Then, Burke became the program supervisor before taking on the role as assistant director of human

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA —

On Saturday afternoon, children of all ages gathered together at courthouse square in Opelika for an afternoon of art and

entrepreneurism. At noon, the grassy area was filled with tables, booths and lots of homemade goodies. Children were invited to participate in the inaugural Kid’s Market — a place for younger

See MARKET, page A3

Jan Burke, Lee County Director of Human Resources, is retiring after 41 years. See BURKE, page A2

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Benjamin’s Bone Marrow Blitz Set for Sept. 9

ABOUT BE THE MATCH:

CONTRIBUTED TO THE

AUBURN —

In September 2022, Benjamin Bobo was born with a severe form of blood cancer — congenital acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This diagnosis occurs in approximately one in 5 million people. At just five weeks old, Benjamin was admitted to Children's Hospital of Alabama in Birmingham where he endured five rounds of aggressive chemotherapy treatment. Each round of treatment required him to be inpatient for over 30 days. After over 170 days in the hospital, he was finally discharged in May 2023.

A 10K, 5K and 1-mile fun run in honor of Benjamin’s journey is

set for Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. The run will take place at Town Creek Park in Auburn, and is accessible to all ages and fitness levels. The 1-mile fun run will begin at 8 a.m., followed by a combined start for the 10K and 5K at 8:30 a.m. All proceeds from the Blitz will benefit childhood cancer research at Children’s Hospital of Alabama. Register to run or walk in Benjamin's Bone Marrow Blitz here: www.runsignup.com/ Race/Info/AL/Auburn/ BenjaminsBlitz.

"Benjamin is blessed to be in remission, but not every child battling leukemia is as lucky," said Cat Bobo, Benjamin's mother and race director.

"In fact, most of the other children we met needed a bone marrow

transplant in addition to chemotherapy. And should Benjamin ever relapse, he would also need a bone marrow transplant."

Benjamin's experience shed light on many needs in the pediatric oncology/hematology world. Firstly, there is a need for more bone marrow donors — especially for minorities and mixed races. Be the Match will be on-site at the Blitz so participants can join the bone marrow donor registry by simply answering a few questions and conducting a quick cheek swab. Secondly, childhood cancer research is consistently underfunded. Each day, 47 children are diagnosed with cancer in the United States, which means more than 17,000 children in the U.S. are diagnosed each

Chick-fil-A Tiger Town is Back in Business

year. "We hope that Benjamin's Blitz will raise awareness of the need for bone marrow donors, and all proceeds of the event will benefit pediatric cancer research at Children's Hospital right here in Alabama," Bobo said.

Registration for Benjamin's Bone Marrow Blitz is now open here:www. runsignup.com/ Race/AL/Auburn/ BenjaminsBlitz. If you cannot attend but would like to donate, that option is also available. You can read more about Benjamin's story on his CaringBridge page: www.caringbridge.org/ visit/benjaminbobo.

For more information about the Blitz or if you'd like to become a sponsor, contact Bobo at cat@aotourism.com.

Every three minutes, someone is diagnosed with a blood cancer like leukemia.

For patients with blood cancers like leukemia, lymphoma and other lifethreatening diseases, a cure exists. Be The Match(r) is a community of donors, volunteers, health care professionals and researchers who deliver cures by helping patients get the life-saving marrow transplant they need. Our passion to save lives drives us to help more patients survive each year. Learn more about Be the Match here: www.bethematch.

org/.

ABOUT THE ALABAMA CENTER FOR CHILDHOOD CANCER AND BLOOD DISORDERS AT CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL:

Each year, more than 190 children are diagnosed with cancer in Alabama. The diagnoses include leukemia, lymphoma, brain and spinal cord tumors, solid tumors of muscle and bone, kidney and liver tumors and rare childhood cancers. There are approximately 2,000 patients treated with serious blood disorders, including sickle cell disease and hemophilia that receive care from the center each year.

Alabama Center for Childhood Cancer and Blood Disorders physicians are actively working toward the goal of a cure for all children through research and development of innovative therapies. Learn more here: www.childrensal.org/ services/cancer-andblood-disorders.

resources. In 2006, Burke became the director of the Lee County DHR, where she would serve for 17 years.

Helping the county flourish for so long has left Burke with a lot to be proud of, she said. However, she said she feels proudest of watching the individuals she trained and worked with grow on their own.

“These people [are] fine, hard-working people,” she said. “You know they got it and they are making a difference. It’s been a privilege to see them go out and make a difference.”

Now retired, the world is Burke’s oyster. Though she and her husband do have plans to travel down the coast in August, she’s not planning on gallivanting across the world just yet. Right now, her two grandchildren, Anna Bella Burke and William Burke III, will have her full focus, she said.

“As of [my last day,] Friday afternoon, you can find me with those children,” she said with a smile.

Retirement brings significant changes in Burke’s life, but she said it’s the little things that

she will cherish the most.

“I think I’m going to enjoy doing nothing,” she said. “Drinking that second cup of coffee. The job that I did was very regulated. I’m going to have to learn to relax.”

Though no longer working, Burke still feels that she might not be done helping the county, she said.

“If I decided to do

anything else, I would look at [working with] the nonprofits, since I was on the board for a lot of them,” she said. “Seeing what they have done for foster children has been such a blessing.”

In total, Burke spent 41 years working for the DHR. Her dedication to Lee County will be missed.

BURKE >> from A1

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller presented Burke an appreciation proclamation in recognition of her efforts.

Chick-fil-A Tiger Town closed on Feb. 23 for remodeling, and reopened two weeks ago. The updated space offers a dual drive-thru and additional parking to better serve its customers.

East Alabama Health News: National Recognition

CONTRIBUTED BY EAST ALABAMA HEALTH

OPELIKA —

East Alabama Health is stepping out in recognition once again. Both Laura Grill, president and CEO of EAH, and the organization itself were recently recognized.

EAH’S GRILL RECOGNIZED

Laura Grill, president and CEO of East Alabama Health (EAH), has been included in the 2023 “Women hospital presidents and CEOs to know” list as released by Becker’s Hospital Review.

This list honors female hospital executives for their dedication to bettering their hospitals for patients and providers alike.

“It’s an honor to have been nominated and recognized for this list,” Grill said. “I believe this recognition really speaks more to the outstanding team we have at EAH than it does to me. Our organization is filled with excellent people, and that is what I think makes us successful.”

The presidents and CEOs featured on the list are responsible for growing their hospitals, fostering positive workforce cultures, expanding services and facilities, increasing provider and patient satisfaction levels and more.

Of the 177 women on

MARKET >>

from A1

artists to sell their goods. The event was sponsored by Isaac’s Lemonade, which was on site selling different flavors of its iconic lemonade.

Other goods were for sale, including drawn pictures, handmade earrings, cork keychains and stickers.

The heat didn’t deter the young sellers, or the community for stopping by.

One boy brought his little horse by to raise money and had made stickers to sell. He demonstrated his lasso

the list, Grill is one of only three CEOs from Alabama to earn recognition.

Grill served in various roles within EAH before stepping into her current position as president and CEO in 2018, becoming the first woman in the organization’s history to hold the office.

During Grill’s time as CEO, she has guided the organization through the COVID-19 pandemic and has overseen the development of new patient care services in Lee, Chambers and Randolph counties, most notably the Auburn Medical Pavilion.

She currently serves on the board for the Alabama Hospital Association. She also serves on several other boards including Blue Cross

skills.

Other girls painted with palettes of different colors.

Clay earrings were for sale by a group of children from 4th grade up through ninth grade.

One business, Bratty Brigade Designs, was selling all kinds of jewelry.

East Alabama Mental Health had a table set up as well with information and resources.

There was music pumping and lots of fun for the community.

“Isaac received so much support from the community,” said Lexie Symone, Isaac’s mother, who helped him

Blue Shield of Alabama, the Business Council of Alabama, the Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind Foundation, the Auburn Research and Technology Foundation and AmeriFirst Bank. She has also served on the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Endowment Committee and on the boards of Habitat for Humanity — Lee County, Affiliate and the Chamber of Commerce of Opelika.

EAH EARNS CERTIFICATION

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) has recognized East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) for its demonstrated expertise and commitment in treating patients receiving transcatheter valve repair and replacement procedures. EAMC was awarded

start Isaac’s Lemonade. “They’ve helped him build his brand from the ground up. I know there are so many children like Isaac that have parents like me who want their child to be their best self but sometimes may need a little extra help in doing so. It means so much to us to try to bring as much exposure to their business as possible.

“I feel like it is important for us adults to help support the children because the children are our future. We have to learn to pass the torch. Kids are so creative and intelligent. All they need is [an] opportunity.”

Transcatheter Valve Certification based on evaluation of the staff’s ability to meet standards for multidisciplinary teams, formalized training, shared decision-making and registry performance.

"This certification is an example of the great care that can be provided when healthcare providers work as a team,” said Joseph Martinez, M.D., a cardiovascular surgeon at EAMC. “This certification process helped us look further into our existing processes to find ways to improve and fine tune the care that is being

home," Martinez said.

The ACC’s Transcatheter Valve Certification is an external review and certification process that pairs with established national clinical databases to monitor patient safety and real-world outcomes related to transcatheter valve therapies.

Participation in established national clinical databases such as the STS/ACC TVT Registry is required for hospitals interested in achieving Transcatheter Valve Certification.

The certification uses established national

Valve Certification learn best practices for implementing evidencebased medicine to support patient-centered decision-making and can track key performance metrics to better identify opportunities for improvement.

“Gaining ACC Certification for our Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement program is a great accomplishment not only for the hospital, but for our community as well,” said Scott Reames, M.D., a physician at Pinnacle Cardiovascular Associates in Opelika.

delivered.

“This has translated into a safer, more effective and a more comprehensive healthcare plan delivered for the patient right here at

clinical measures to support clinical decisions, and links process improvement to patient outcomes. Hospitals that achieve Transcatheter

“This certification not only allows recognition for growing our local cardiovascular services in a safe and efficient way, See EAH, page A5

President and CEO of EAH, Laura Grill, was included in the Becker's Hospital Review 2023 "Women hospital presidents and CEOs to know" list — an honor for Grill and EAH.

East Alabama Medical Center was recognized by the American College of Cardiology for its work with transcatheter valve repair and replacement. EAMC is located at 2000 Pepperell Parkway in Opelika.

The inaugural Kid’s Market was a chance for younger entrepreneurs to sell their goods, anything from bracelets to stickers, to lemonade, to keychains.

Heritage House Hosts Mid-Summer Picnic

The Heritage House in Opelika partnered with Grandma Val's lemonade July 2 to present Grandma Val's Summer Picnic and Mid-Summer Market, a day of music, merchants and fun. Attendees of the free event brought blankets and chairs to enjoy the tunes provided by iAm Unique Productions, July 4-themed cocktails, food trucks, sweet treats and local vendors.

Glamping Expands to Chewacla State Park

CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

ALABAMA

—

James Hansel recently surprised his wife, Joy, with a glamping trip to Wind Creek State Park on Lake Martin to celebrate the couple’s 47th wedding anniversary.

Joy didn’t know anything about the trip until the night before the couple’s departure from their home in Theodore, just outside Mobile, but her first glamping experience left such a positive impression that she wants to go back again, she said.

“The glamping sites were impeccable,” she said. “It was just a de-

light, really, to me. It had a lot of amenities that made glamping comfortable. We’d camped out, but this was the first time we’d ever glamped out, and so that was a neat experience for us.”

One of the best amenities, they said, was the ability to rent kayaks for the duration of the trip, which allowed them to explore the beauty of Lake Martin and the state park at their leisure.

“It just had everything we needed,” Joy said.

“We enjoyed it. It was beautiful there. We can’t say anything bad about it because it was so great.

It was an amazing experience for us.”

Wind Creek, in April,

became the first of Alabama’s state parks to offer glamping, a form

Week One Summer of Fun Winner

of camping featuring more luxurious facilities than those associated

with traditional camping. Glamping has since been added and is now avail-

able at Lake Guntersville State Park, Chewacla State Park in Auburn, Monte Sano State Park in Huntsville and Cheaha State Park.

Alabama State Parks partnered with Timberline Glamping to operate the glamping sites. Timberline co-owner Rebeka Self said the Hansels’ experience at Wind Creek mirrors the feedback the company has received from others.

“It’s just been pretty overwhelming,” she said. “For being a new location, it’s kind of blown all of our expectations away. I think the weekends are booked out well into the fall, and

See GLAMPING page A8

but also gives national acknowledgement to our local and surrounding communities that they can receive advanced cardiology care right here in their community, without having to travel elsewhere.”

Reames said he sees the certification leading to further expansion of the cardiovascular services that East Alabama offers to patients.

“It allows us to build an initial bridge for further expansion of advanced cardiovascular procedures as well as retroactively reviewing and implementing changes to our existing cardiac service lines,” he said.

The cardiovascular team at EAMC performs approximately 1,500 procedures each year and is made up of a wide range of cardiac care specialists. In addition to

the Transcatheter Valve Certification, EAMC also has designation as one of America’s top 50 hospitals for cardiovascular surgery, according to Healthgrades.

“East Alabama Medical Center has demonstrated its commitment to providing East Alabama with excellent heart care,” said Deepak L. Bhatt, M.D., MPH, FACC, chair of the ACC Accreditation Management Board.

“ACC Accreditation Services is proud to award East Alabama Medical Center with Transcatheter Valve Certification.”

The ACC offers U.S. and international hospitals access to a comprehensive suite of cardiac accreditation services designed to optimize patient outcomes and improve hospital financial performance. These services are focused on all aspects of cardiac care, including

transcatheter valve therapies.

ABOUT EAST ALABAMA

HEALTH

East Alabama Health encompasses East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, EAMCLanier in Valley, the Spencer Cancer Center in Opelika, the Auburn Medical Pavilion and a host of other key medical clinics and practices that help provide a continuum of care to patients throughout an 11-county area. EAMC is a 314-bed regional referral hospital with a 26-bed Skilled Nursing Facility, while EAMC-Lanier provides inpatient services as well as a nursing home, an acute rehab unit and an ambulatory surgery center. East Alabama Health employs about 3,500 people and is the second largest employer in the region, trailing only Auburn University. For more information, visit www.eastalabamahealth. org.

•

lemona d e 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

• Watch a movie during the summer series at The Gogue

• Ride the train at Monkey Park

• Listen to a Summer Swing concert

• Watch a Fireworks show

• Visit Jule Collins

Art Museum

• Do a nature scavenger hunt at Kreher Preserve

• Go fishing at Lee County Lake

• G o to Courthouse Square and read The Observer and / or Live Lee Magazine

• Play miniature golf at Tiger Town Sports

• Volunteer at the Lee County Humane Society

• Play golf at TeeTime Golf

• Visit the Museum of East Alabama

• Jump around at Surge Trampoline Park

• Skate around the at The Skating Rink in Valley

• Feed the Cows at Blue Ribbon Dairy

• Check out the animals at Choctafaula

• Go for a swim

• Go to the library

• Go for a walk at the Sportsplex

• Visit the Historic Jones Store Museum in Smiths Station

• Eat dinner at Food Truck Friday

• Throw axes at Axe Marks the Spot

• Shop locally owned retail stores

• Go on a picnic

• Go to a play RULES No purchase from The Observer is required in order

We

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

EAH >> FROM A3

Glamping — essentially, camping in style — is becoming more widely available in the area. Pictured is one of the glamping sites at Wind Creek State Park in Alexander City which is similar to sites at Chewacla State Park and others.

Let Freedom Ring

Opelika Parks and Recreation held its 70th annual Freedom Celebration Monday, July 3, at Opelika High School. THe event, which featured music entertainment, food vendors and activities for the whole family, began at 6:30 p.m., with the Silver Wings Parachute Team cascading from the skies at 7:15 p.m., and fireworks lighting up the sky at 9 p.m. Community partners Kiwanis Club of Opelika and The Orthopedic Clinic sponsored the event.

Heat Safety Important as Summer Temperatures Rise

CONTRIBUTED BY ACES / BY KATIE NICHOLS

LEE COUNTY —

Outdoor work and recreation are difficult to enjoy when temperatures are hotter than a black cat on a tin roof in the middle of July. While summer is a popular time to be outside, Alabama heat and humidity are a brutal combination.

With temperatures forecasted to reach the triple digits this week, many parts of Alabama are currently under an excessive heat warning.

When spending time outdoors this week and throughout the rest of the summer, pay attention to the temperature and practice sun safety.

Tamara Warren, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System urban health and nutrition specialist, said sun safety is important yearround, but especially in the heat of the summer.

“Safety precautions are important, but individuals who are experiencing any signs of heat distress should seek medical attention immediately,” Warren said.

The sun’s rays can have both beneficial and detrimental impacts on human health. Sunlight’s benefits include vitamin D, which strengthens bones. On the other hand, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns of the dangers of overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause skin cancers, as well as lead to heat stress-related illnesses.

These illnesses can include heat strokes, exhaustion, cramps, sunburns and heat rashes.

Warren said it is important to note that each of these illnesses are preventable with the proper sun protection.

PROTECTION PROTOCOLS FOR WORKERS

While heat-related illnesses are preventable, there are many individuals whose work keeps them outdoors during the summer. The CDC provides strong guidance for sun safety when working as well as during play. Consider the following tips to avoid overexposure to harmful UV rays while

working:

• Minimize sun exposure. Create a work schedule that minimize sun exposure. For example, schedule outdoor tasks — such as mowing the lawn — for early morning instead of noon. Also, rotate workers to reduce their UV exposure.

• Wear the proper clothing. If you cannot avoid being out in the hottest portion of the day, then wear clothing — such as wide-brimmed hats, dark and tightly woven, long-sleeved shirts and long pants — for added protection.

• Wear sunglasses. Purchase sunglasses that provide 100% protection from UV rays.

• Wear sunscreen. Apply sunscreen products with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher to avoid sunburns and potential cancer threats.

• Take cover. Use tents, shelters and cooling stations to provide shade at worksites.

• Stay hydrated. Drink a lot of water in order to stay hydrated, but avoid alcohol or sugary drinks.

PROTECTION PROTOCOLS FOR RECREATION

they’re booking a lot of weekdays as well, which is always a good sign. They’ve already had some guests come and stay and then book again for their next trip and want to bring friends.

“That return guest is what we want to see,” Self said. “We want people to come and enjoy it, but we want them to enjoy it so much that they want to plan their next trip and come back to see us again.”

Alabama’s 21 state parks offer a wide variety of overnight accommodations, including resort-style lodging, picturesque cabins and chalets, modern RV hook-ups and primitive camping. The addition of glamping provides another option for guests looking for a combination of rustic and luxury.

“Our goal is to make every guest have a memorable stay at an Alabama State Park and the new glamping sites definitely deliver a memorable experience,” said Alabama Department Conservation and Natural Resources Com-

missioner Chris Blankenship. “We’ve been careful and thoughtful about the best parks to offer glamping, and it’s exciting to see this new amenity expand from one to five parks in such a short time. This has been a fantastic addition to our state parks.”

To make reservations for glamping at Alabama State Parks, visit the Timberline Glamping website, www.timberlineglamping.com.

Information on glamping at each of the five state parks where it’s available is also available online:

Wind Creek: www. alapark.com/parks/windcreek-state-park/glamping-safari-tents

Cheaha: www.alapark. com/parks/cheaha-statepark/glamping-safari-tents

Monte Sano:www. alapark.com/parks/monte-sano-state-park/glamping-safari-tents

Lake Guntersville: www.alapark.com/ parks/lake-guntersville-state-park/glamping-safari-tents

Chewacla: www. alapark.com/parks/ chewacla-state-park/ glamping-safari-tents

“It was very easy to

reserve,” James said. “It was very easy to schedule all the things we needed, like firewood. All that was so easy.”

“I thoroughly enjoyed it,” Joy said. “We did hiking. We did the kayaking. We took our bikes with us and went biking. We went swimming. We even played putt-putt there. And there was a lot more to do, so we definitely want to go back.”

ABOUT ALABAMA’S STATE PARKS SYSTEM

Alabama State Parks is a division of the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and maintains 21 State Parks encompassing more than 50,000 acres of land and water in Alabama. The parks range from Gulf Coast beaches to the Appalachian Mountains and provide opportunities and facilities from basic day-use activities to resort convention lodging, restaurants and golfing areas. These parks rely on visitor fees and the support of other partners like local communities to fund the majority of their operations.

Learn more at www. alapark.com. Partners Pay the Way.

Outdoor recreation is a great way to reduce stress and get some needed physical activity. All of the protection protocols for outdoor workers listed above are equally important in recreational situations. Work hours cannot usually be altered, but timing for recreational activities is typically more flexible. When planning outdoor activities for fun, take care to plan events prior to 10 a.m. and after 4 p.m. in order to avoid the UV rays when they are at their strongest.

It is important to

note that UV rays can still affect humans on cloudy, cool days. They also reflect off surfaces like water, cement and sand. Dressing properly and using sunscreen are two important deterrents for heat stress-related illnesses.

MORE INFORMATION

Learn more about sun safety by reading the Extension Brief, Sun Safety Tips. For information on heat safety, read the Excessive Heat portion of the Alabama Extension Emergency Handbook. Both of these resources are available at www.aces.edu. More detailed information is also available from the CDC.

The Alabama Cooperative Extension System takes the expertise of Auburn University and Alabama A&M University to the people. Our educators in all 67 counties are community partners — bringing practical ways to better our homes, farms, people and the world around us. Our research extends knowledge and improves lives.

Temperatures in Alabama during the summer average over 90 degree Fahrenheit. The heat index reached 100 degrees or higher last week.

&

Ann Cipperly

SHouthernospitality

On a sunny June morning when Pepperell Kids gathered for their reunion at the home of Janet and George Crawford at Lake Martin, they reminisced about happy, carefree days growing up in an idyllic setting in Pepperell Mill Village. Their school, churches, grocery store, drug store, hair salon, barber, post office, service station, scout hut, ball park

and clinic were all within walking distance.

Since 2005, the reunion has been held yearly except during Covid. At the first reunion, 32 people attended, and the numbers grew to 161 attending in 2013. Members took covered dishes the first four years, then it was decided to cater with barbecue. To be included in the group, members must have lived in the village or attended

the original school. This year, over 50 members met to remember blissful childhood days.

George Crawford was in the third grade when his father was hired as traffic manager at Pepperell Mill in 1949. Since there was not a house available in the village, they lived in the POW camp for two weeks while looking for a place. After several months in a rental, a house in the vil-

lage became available.

“It is really difficult to explain,” Crawford said. “It was basically like one big family. It didn’t matter where you were, if the family was eating, you were welcome to eat with them. If you got in trouble

at a friend’s house, you got spanked. Then, they called your parents, and you got spanked again.”

Crawford feels those in the village became close knit because they were a small community with everything they needed

close by. The only time he remembers going to downtown Opelika was on Saturday mornings to the movie theater. They had a Little League baseball team and a midget football

See CIPPERLY page A11

1856 – Culinary Residence Announces Inaugural Summer Chef Series

CONTRIBUTED BY ITHAKAHP

AUBURN —

1856 – Culinary Residence, managed by Ithaka Hospitality Partners, is pleased to announce its latest program to make an impact on the culinary landscape of the Southeast, the Summer Chef Series.

A condensed version of its yearly Chef-InResidence program, the Summer Chef Series will feature three well-known Southern chefs, that will each host a handful of days in the 1856 – Culinary Residence kitchen, creating new lunch menus and seven-course dinner tasting menus for the community that brings a taste of its own world to Auburn.

Friday, July 7, through Wednesday, July 12, Chris and Idie Hastings of Hot & Hot Fish Club in Birmingham, Alabama, will bring their James Beard award-winning cuisine, and along with it, the background of one of the Southeast’s first farm-to-table techniques, pairing incredibly well with The Laurel Hotel & Spa’s rooftop-to-table produce growing program.

Friday and Saturday, July 14 and 15, will transition to Chef Rob McDaniel of Helen in Birmingham, Alabama. An Auburn University graduate and five-time James Beard Best Chef: South semifinalist, McDaniel will be preparing menus that align well

with his much-praised Helen, cuisine that was inspired by the Southern cooking he grew up eating in his grandmother’s kitchen.

Tuesday, July 18, through Thursday, Aug. 3, will feature an acclaimed talent from the Lowcountry, Chef Chris Hathcock. Most recently the executive chef for Husk Savannah, Hathcock is inspired by cuisine that is meant to be enjoyed together, fueling meaningful shared experiences. He has been named in the Forbes esteemed 30 under 30 list and was recently one of four nationally renowned chefs that lead the culinary initiative for the Auburn University Hospitality Gala.

“As the transitional point in our outgoing and incoming Chef in Residence, we are so excited to introduce this new micro-version of our Chef in Residence program,” said Hans

van der Reijden, Ithaka founder and CEO.

“The opportunity to have this caliber of culinary experiences in our community is unprecedented.”

Prepare to be

captivated by these exceptional chefs as they present carefully curated menus, featuring ingredients from the Rooftop

See CHEF, page A10

1856 — Culinary Residence, is opening a new Summer Chef Series this summer with different opportunities available.

The Pepperell Kids recently held its reunion at the home of Janet and George Crawford at Lake Martin. The group members are sharing their favorite recipes, including some their mothers made when they lived in Pepperell Village. Pictured are, from left, Kenneth Rogers, a family guest; Tommy Waldrop, Janet Crawford and George Crawford.

The sun is low. The world is orangish pink. The Fourth of July weekend is at hand. I am another year older. Lightning bugs are out. There are children in my neighborhood playing catch. They could be playing video games. They could be looking at dirty pictures on the internet. But they’re playing catch. I hear the rhythmic slap of a leather ball glove.

It was supposed to rain this evening, but it didn’t. Not really. It got cloudy. And the sun was still shining throughout the light drizzle. Where I come from, old-timers used to call such weather “the Devil beating his

wife.”

The smell of a barbecue grill is wreaking havoc on my memories. I smell smoke. Hickory smoke, I’d guess. Although it could be pecan. Or Kingsford.

There is a ball game playing on my little Zenith radio, tuned to WJOX Birmingham-Tuscaloosa 94.5 AM. The Atlanta Braves are whooping the Miami Marlins like government mules.

Three weeks ago, Apple Inc. released Apple Vision Pro, a “mixed reality headset soon to be available for purchase in 2024 in the United States.” A set of goggles that mixes software and reality. They call it “augmented reality.” Meaning,

The Fourth

you can now live inside a computer world.

Thankfully, some of us still listen to Zenith radios, given to us by our fathers.

I hear an aluminum can, cracked open, in the faroff. “Hiss-kuh-KRACK!” Maybe it’s a Coca-Cola. Maybe it’s something stronger. I hope the latter.

Someone is sitting on their porch watching a television at low volume. It’s “Casablanca.” I can tell by the dialogue. The best dialogue in cinematic history:

“I am shocked — shocked — to find that gambling is going on in here.”

“Your winnings, sir.”

My dog, Otis (alleged Labrador) is lying at my feet. He is snoring beneath the weight of a deep sleep.

I watch him, and find myself wishing I could sleep like that. I can’t, of course. Which is something my mother used to warn me about when I was young. “When you get older,” she said, “you won’t sleep like you used to.”

I think about my mother a lot on holidays. The young version of her.

When Mama’s hair was long, and semi-golden with youth. My mother had kinked, curly hair. But when her mane was long, the weight pulled the curls out and made it straight.

She was lean and surly. Stubborn and spirited. Spry and energetic. People always used to remark at how much energy my mother had. You have no idea.

My mother has never been bored a day. Her hands were constantly moving. All my life, Mama was either making a quilt, or crocheting, or repairing socks, or sewing tiny personalized tags into the waistband of my underpants, informing all would-be thieves that these undergarments were the “Property of Sean Dietrich.”

God help the man who is desperate enough to steal underpants.

“Casablanca” is almost

CHEF >>

FROM A7

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ABOUT 1856 - CULINARY RESIDENCE

1856 – Culinary Residence is an upscale teaching restaurant, named for the year of Auburn University’s founding, anchoring the first floor of the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center. Students in the Auburn University Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management work under the guidance of a Chef in Residence to prepare and serve an à la carte lunch menu and tasting menu format during dinner

over now. I can hear the closing scene from faraway. “We’ll always have Paris.”

The ballgame is coming to a close. The Braves are the winners. That’s what they’re saying on the radio. My old man would have liked that.

There are a few fireworks going off. People are getting the celebration started early. My dog awakes because of the loud detonation sound. He just looks at me. Like he knows something.

The older I get, the more the world moves on without me. Flying cars, augmented reality, AI, ChatGPT is going to put writers like me out of business. And I wonder if anyone will listen to AM radios anymore.

But today, I close my eyes and still see my mother. Young and happy. I can see my father, in my mind, slender and strong, shirtless, with a

service. Each year, an acclaimed chef works alongside the Ithaka Hospitality Partners team, as well as Auburn University faculty and staff to create a unique restaurant concept, providing a one-of-akind, ever-changing culinary experience for students and restaurant guests alike. For additional information and to make reservations, visit www.auburn1856.com.

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leather mitt on his hand.

I still hear the fireworks of a bygone youth. Cherry bombs, sparklers, bottle rockets, firecrackers, Roman candles, Catherine wheels.

I can remember every heartbreak, triumph, and loss I ever had. I remember learning to say the Pledge of Allegiance when I was in kindergarten, in Mrs. Welch’s class, in that little oneroom schoolhouse; we had to cross the creek to get to class.

I remember my father singing the national anthem at ball games, at the top of his voice. Louder than everyone else. “It embarrasses me when you sing so loud,” I once told him. “Son,” he replied, “it embarrasses me when you don’t sing.” I can remember it all tonight.

And I thank heaven, truly, that the most identifiable thing about me is that I am an American.

Schulze, a legend in the hospitality industry. The Ithaka Hospitality Partners management team has over 200 years of industry experience at some of the most prominent and respected global hospitality organizations. IHP manages independent hotels, resorts, spas, restaurants and food halls and is a proud partner in The Horst Schulze School of Hospitality Management at Auburn University. IHP manages all commercial aspects of the Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center and is honored to play an active role in educating the next generation of hospitality and culinary professionals. For additional information, visit www. ithakahp.com.

SEAN DIETRICH

“And I thank heaven, truly, that the most identifiable thing about me is that I am an American.”

CIPPERLY >>

FROM A7

team called the Pepperell Dragons.

“We were in a league with three teams from Opelika and we rarely lost a game," Crawford said. He graduated from the ninth grade at Pepperell School, and then attended Cliff High School, graduating in 1958. He lived in the village until he was a junior at Auburn University in 1962.

Crawford had a successful career, becoming senior vice president at one of the largest carriers in the country. In 1994, he started his own his own business, S & H Transportation Services in Greensboro, North Carolina. He sold the company in 1999.

After moving to Lake Martin, Crawford received a call from Jane Worthington in 2003. Worthington, who also grew up in the

CIPPERLY RECIPES

MAUREEN’S ICE CREAM

CAKE

Janet and George Crawford

Janet makes a couple of these to serve for dessert along with others at the reunion with the barbecue. Instead of the Whoppers candy, you can also use toffee bars or Butterfinger candy.

12 ice cream

sandwiches

Large carton of Whoppers candy

2 cartons Cool Whip

Hershey’s chocolate

syrup

Place ice cream sandwiches in a 9 x 11 ½-inch glass dish.

Crunch half of the Whoppers and sprinkle on top.

Spread Cool Whip on top. Then drizzle chocolate syrup over Cool Whip.

Add the other half of crunched Whoppers, and then more chocolate syrup.

LAYERED LEMON

DESSERT

Janet and George

Crawford

Crust:

2 cups all-purpose flour

¾ cup chopped pecans

1 cup butter, softened

Filling:

Two 8-oz. package cream cheese, softened

Pepperell Village, was contacting him for a class reunion of Cliff High School. They then decided to get their village friends together for a reunion. Crawford coined the name “Pepperell Kids.”

After the first Pepperell Kids reunion, Washington began recording memories of those who grew up in Pepperell Village. In 2012 and 2013, she assembled stories and old photos, along with history in two Pepperell Mill Village books.

When cotton mills began to expand into the South, a group of Opelika businessmen learned New England textile plant representatives would be traveling through Alabama looking for a location to build a mill. They asked Tom Johnson of the Alabama Power Company, who was escorting company officials to possible sites, to come to Opelika.

“Late on a November

Two 3.4 oz. pkg. instant lemon pudding

3 ½ cups milk

Topping:

12 oz. container

Cool Whip

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a bowl, combine flour, pecans and butter until a ball forms. Press mixture into the bottom of a 9 by 13-inch baking pan. Baek for 20 minutes or until lightly brown. Cool completely.

Beat cream cheese and sugar until well blended. Spread evenly over the cooled crust. In another bowl, whisk together the lemon pudding and milk for about four or five minutes. Spread over cream cheese. Chill until set.

Spread Cool Whip over pudding. Chill until ready to serve.

SLOW COOKER SMOTHERED STEAK

Jane Worthington

1 1/2 lbs. chuck or round steak - cut in serving sizes

1/3 cup flour

1 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 large onion, sliced

1 medium green pepper, sliced (optional)

14 oz. can tomatoes, chopped

1/2 cup water

2 Tbsp. sugar

Coat steak pieces with flour, salt and pepper. Brown in

afternoon in 1924, a gathering of citizens was called to order in the grill room of the Clement Hotel," Worthington said. "The Pepperell representatives outlined the financial setup of the company to the businessmen, which involved raising cash in excess of $60,000.”

While the local businessmen reported they could raise the cash, they found it more difficult than expected. On a chilly afternoon in February, they told mill officials it seemed hopeless. The officials left on the 5 p.m. train for Birmingham to visit Gadsden since Opelika had failed to raise funds.

Worthington writes in her first book about Ike Dorsey going to see Bill Davis at his office. Dorsey told Davis they had the chance of a lifetime and lost it. After a long silence, Davis said, “Will it mean anything if W.E. Davis and Son give $5,000?”

small amount of oil on stovetop. Add to slow cooker, top with remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on high 1 hour then low for 8 hours. (Or high: 4 to 5 hours or until steak is tender) Serve with rice or mashed potatoes.

BRUNSWICK STEW

Katie Belle Johnson, Glenda Johnson Adcock and Bobby Johnson

Sauté following ingredients until onions are clear:

2 Tbsp. butter or oil

1 cup chopped onion

1 green pepper to taste (optional), chopped

1 celery stalk, chopped

Add:

16 oz. can diced tomatoes

2 cups water

5 oz. white shoe peg corn

1 to 1 ½ cups sliced okra

1 to 1 ½ cups lima beans (small or medium can)

½ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. black pepper Simmer for 30 minutes to an hour until vegetables are done.

Add:

2 cups cooked and chopped BBQ pork

2 cups cooked and chopped chicken Simmer for 30 minutes to an hour until meat is tender.

Dorsey quickly began calling the officials to return to Opelika, leaving a message at the Tutwiler Hotel in Birmingham. That night 20 men met at the Davis home. As old subscriptions were replaced with larger ones, Opelika had more than enough funds.

“That memorable civic campaign was one of the most important and decidedly the most profitable one ever conducted in this city at the time,” Worthington said. “Everyone agreed the Pepperell campaign carried a new destiny for Opelika.”

In April 1925, ground was broken in a former cotton field, and construction began on the mill and 100 houses, as Pepperell Mill Village became a reality. The mill was completed in 1926. The school opened in September with around 200 students. Then business and the churches were built.

In the years that followed, the mill village was

Add:

½ cup barbecue sauce (we use Sweet Baby Ray’s original flavor)

1 Tbsp. (or to taste)

Worcestershire sauce

Hot sauce to taste

A pinch or so cayenne pepper (to taste — this adds the heat.) Simmer on low for 30 minutes to an hour for flavors to blend.

Serve with cornbread or crackers.

MOM’S BUTTERMILK PIE

Tommy Waldrop

Two unbaked pie crust

Filling:

2 ¼ cups sugar

4 Tbsp. flour

4 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

1 ¼ cups buttermilk

1 stick butter, melted

Mix all filling ingredients together. Pour into pie crusts. Bale at 325 degrees for 1 hour.

EASY CHICKEN

CASSEROLE

Judy Burgess

6 chicken breasts, cooked, boned, chopped

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of chicken soup

8 oz. sour cream

8 oz. sliced water chestnuts, drained

Sleeve Ritz crackers

home to hundreds of families and countless children who grew up playing with friends after school and meeting at the drugstore for a cold drink. The mill closed in 2007.

On the night of March 12, 2013, the remains of the mill burned and disappeared from the landscape except for a water tower and chimney.

After the mill was destroyed, Pepperell Kids decided to preserve the dragon plaque. The group raised $4,500, with the City Council and Opelika Historic Preservation Society donating the remaining amount needed. The plaque was transported to its new home outside the Museum of East Alabama, which is on the former site of the Clement Hotel.

“Having the reunions have been a labor of love,” Crawford said. “My reward over the years has been watching someone

1 stick margarine

Combine soups, sour cream and water chestnuts in bowl. Add chicken and mix well. Spoon into baking dish. Top with mixture of crackers and margarine. Bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees.

MOM’S CHEESE

CASSEROLE

Cindy and Curtis

Prince

8 oz. elbow

macaroni, cooked

1 cup mayonnaise

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 small jar pimento, drained

1 lb. shredded

Longhorn cheese

1 chopped bell pepper

1 small, diced onion

Cook macaroni, drain, while hot, add soup, mayonnaise, pimento and cheese to this and stir until cheese melts.

Sauté onion and bell pepper in butter and add to cheese/soup mixture.

Pour in baking dish and cook 30 minutes in 350 degree oven.

BANANA SPLIT PIE

Cindy and Curtis

Prince

1st Layer:

1 box vanilla wafers, crushed finely

1 stick melted butter

1 cup finely chopped pecans

say, ‘I know that person.’ Then, they will look at the nametag and say, ‘Oh, my gosh’ and start hugging. To see the pleasure on their faces is all the payment I need.”

Crawford has over 200 names on a Pepperell Kids e-mail list that he contacts when someone has a prayer request or he is advised of a death.

“Unfortunately, as we age, we are losing the Kids,” he said. “Others are getting where they cannot travel anymore. We were so close that is why the Pepperell Kids getting together is such a blessing.”

At the reunions, Janet will prepare homemade desserts to serve with the barbecue. To further preserve memories, Pepperell Kids is sharing its favorite recipes, some of which the group members' mothers served when they were growing up in Pepperell Village.

Pour in greased 9x12 baking pan and cook 15 minutes at 350 degrees. Cool completely.

2nd Layer:

2- 8 oz. soft cream cheese

1 ½ cups confectioners’ sugar

1 cup Cool Whip Mix all together. Pour over cooled crust.

3rd Layer: Add 4/5 sliced bananas spread over above mixture.

4th Layer:

Top bananas with a medium to large size can undrained crushed pineapple.

5th Layer: Cover this with cool whip, large tub.

6th Layer: Dot this with cherries and pecans, or you may use strawberries and blueberries, and/or chocolate sauce.

FRESH TOMATO SOUP

Jane Haynie

2 medium onions, coarsely chopped

2 cloves garlic, crushed

¼ cup butter

4 lb. very ripe tomatoes, peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped

6 cups chicken broth

1 small can tomato paste

1 ½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. pepper

1/3 cup chopped or 2 Tbsp. dried basil

In large saucepan,

Pictured left are Bobby Johnson, Melinda Johnson, Delores Maloy Butts and Molly Williams Burton. Pictured right are Darren DuBose, son of Jimmy DuBose; Jimmy DuBose, Mary Ann Veasey Hatchet and Cora Fullerton Reames.

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> FROM A11

sauté 2 medium coarsely chopped onions and 2 crushed cloves garlic in 1/4 cup butter until tender.

Add:

4 lbs. peeled, seeded, and coarsely chopped very ripe tomatoes

6 cups chicken broth

1 small can tomato paste

1 ½ tsp. salt and ½ tsp. pepper Simmer, stirring occasionally, for 15 minutes.

Remove from heat, cool slightly. Puree in blender or food processor. Return to saucepan. Stir in 1/3 cup chopped or 2 Tbsp. dried basil. Heat gently. Serve hot.

BROWN SUGAR POUND

CAKE WITH CARAMEL

GLAZE

Cora Reames

3 cups flour

½ tsp. baking powder

¼ tsp. salt

1 cup milk

1 tsp. vanilla

1½ cups (3 sticks)

butter, softened, plus extra for greasing pan

1 lb. box dark brown

sugar

½ cup white sugar

5 eggs

Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease and flour 10-inch tube pan. In mixing bowl, combine flour, baking powder, salt; stir with fork. Set aside. Into small bowl, pour milk and vanilla; set aside.

With mixer, beat butter at high speed until light and fluffy. Add brown sugar in three batches, then white sugar, beating well. Add eggs one by one, beating well after each addition.

Reduce speed to low, add half flour mixture, then half milk, beating until flour and milk have disappeared into batter. Add remaining flour and milk.

Pour into greased pan. Bake about 1 hour and 10 minutes or until wooden stick inserted into center comes out clean. Leave cake on wire

rack 20 minutes. Loosen cake from pan with table knife and turn onto wire rack or plate to cool. When cool, pour caramel glaze over top. Caramel Glaze

1 stick butter

1 cup light brown sugar

½ cup evaporated milk

4 cups sifted powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

In large saucepan, place butter and brown sugar over medium heat. Stir until butter melts and blends with brown sugar to smooth sauce, 2-3 minutes. Add milk and let icing come to gentle boil. Stir well, remove from heat, add powdered sugar and vanilla. Beat well until glaze thickens and loses a little of its shine, 1-2 minutes. Pour over cake.

BAKED CHICKEN AND RICE

Pat and Jerry Gaylor

1 pack long cooking rice

Chicken pieces

1 can cream of mushroom soup

1 can cream of celery soup

3 cans water

Put rice in bottom of pan sprayed with pam. Lay chicken over it. Mix soups and water and pour over all.

Salt and pepper as desired.

Cover with foil and cook at 375 degrees for 45 minutes. Remove foil and cook for 15 minutes longer.

BARBECUE WIENERS

Pat and Jerry Gaylor

1 Tbsp. butter or margarine

½ cup chopped onions

1 tsp. paprika

1/2 tsp. pepper

1 tsp. mustard

4 tsp. sugar

Tabasco to taste

½ cup catsup

3 Tbsp. vinegar

Melt butter in skillet, add onions and cook until clear.

Add remaining sauce ingredients and heat to a simmer.

With sharp knife cut 3 inch slits in each wiener. Place wieners in baking pan, slit side up. Pour sauce over wieners and bake 20 minutes at 350 degrees, basting frequently.

FAVORITE SALAD

Martha Hillyer

Make a basic green salad with what you like in it!

Drained whole kernel corn.

Drained and rinsed black beans

Add corn and beans to salad. Amount is dependent on size of salad.

Dressing; Combine following to taste. Again, no set amounts because it depends on size of the salad.

Mayonnaise Salsa Juice of a lime, usually a half

Topping:

Top your salad with crushed tortilla chips.

BLUEBERRY POUND CAKE

Sandra Moore

Branson

¼ cup sugar for coating pan

1 cup butter

2 cups sugar

4 eggs

1 tsp. vanilla

2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour

1 tsp. baking powder

½ tsp. salt

2 cups fresh blueberries and ¼ cup flour for coating Grease tube pan and coat with ¼ cup sugar. Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time. Beat well. Add vanilla. Combine dry ingredients; gradually add to creamed mixture. Blend well.

Dredge berries in ¼ cup of flour and fold into mixture.

Bake at 325degrees for 1 hour 10 minutes or until cake tests done.

BANANA SPLIT CAKE

Delores M. Butts

Crust:

1 or 2 stacks graham crackers, crushed

1 stick butter, melted Combine graham cracker crumbs and melted butter. Pat mixture into the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan or dish.

Filling:

2 eggs

1 ½ sticks butter, melted

1 box confectioners’ sugar

3-4 bananas, sliced

1 large can crushed pineapple, drained

Combine ingredients and beat at medium speed for about 5 minutes. Pour mixture over graham crackers. Place sliced bananas on top, then pour crushed pineapple over bananas.

Topping:

Large container Cool Whip

Chopped pecans

Spoon Cool Whip over pineapple. Sprinkle chopped pecans on the top. Refrigerate overnight.

CHICKEN FAJITAS

Janet and George Crawford

3-5 chicken breasts, cut into strips

1 onion, sliced

1bell pepper (can use more and also use red and yellow peppers, sliced Fajita seasoning mix (We prefer Old El Paso.)

Olive oil

¼ cup water

Tortillas

Toppings (cheese, sour cream, salsa, etc.)

Pour a small amount of olive oil in two pans and allow to heat before adding chicken, onion and peppers. Cook until tender, being careful not to overcook. Depending on the thickness of your chicken, this step will take about 6-8 minutes.

Combine fajita seasoning with ¼ cup of water. Add to the chicken and vegetables; stir well. Add up to an additional ¼ cup of water if needed. Cover and simmer for a couple minutes to ensure the seasoning has fully covered the chicken and veggies. Uncover and stir well. The sauce should be thickening up. Cook uncovered for a few

more minutes. Serve with tortillas, sour cream, cheese, salsa and other toppings you like.

To warm tortillas, place desired number on a microwave plate and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat for 30 seconds. If you have more than 4 tortillas, you may need to heat 35 to 45 seconds.

STRAWBERRY

TRIPLE LAYER CAKE

Christine Lacy

Stillwell

1 box white cake mix

3 ounce box

strawberry Jell-O

4 large eggs

½ cup sugar

¼ cup all-purpose flour

3/4 cup fresh strawberries, finely chopped

1 cup vegetable oil

½ cup milk

Strawberry

Buttercream frosting

1 cup unsalted butter, softened

Two 16 oz. packages of powdered sugar (more if needed)

Two 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened

1 cup strawberries, finely chopped (more if desired)

Preheat oven 350 degrees. Line three 9 inch cake pans with parchment paper and spray with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.

In large bowl, mix all cake ingredients with electric mixer on low speed until just combined.

Scrape sides of bowl and increase speed to medium and beat three minutes.

Pour cake batter into prepared pans and bake until toothpick inserted into center of cake comes out clean, about 23 minutes.

Cool cake in pans on rack for 10 minutes. Remove from pans and cool completely. Refrigerate cake until completely chilled.

Make frosting:

In large bowl beat butter at medium speed until it is pale yellow and fluffy. Add cream cheese and continue to

beat until combined and fluffy.

Add powdered sugar and strawberries and beat at low speed until well combined and creamy. Place in refrigerator for 5-10 minutes to firm slightly. Spread one of the layers of cake with frosting then refrigerate. Frost second layer and refrigerate until the frosting on both layers has firmed up. Assemble all layers and frost the top and sides.

Can decorate top with fresh strawberry halves. Refrigerate cake.

PIZZA CASSEROLE

Christine Lacy Stillwell

I like to combine lb. sausage with beef rather than adding it to the top.

1 lb. beef

16 oz. pkg. mini tie pasta

½ tsp. salt

½ tsp. garlic powder

½ tsp. oregano

6 oz. sliced peperoni

Three 26 oz. jars pizza sauce

10 oz. can diced Italian style tomatoes (drained)

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

8 oz. pkg. shredded Italian cheese blend

1 jar bacon bits

Any other pizza toppings you like, such as olives, sausage, onions, green peppers, mushrooms, etc.

Boil water and salt for pasta. Once it starts boiling, add pasta.

Brown meat in separate frying pan. Cook and drain. Lightly grease 9x13 dish, pour a jar of pizza sauce to coat the bottom, add layer of pasta and 1 jar of pizza sauce, can of tomatoes, garlic power and oregano, another layer of pasta and on top of pasta, layer ground beef, mushrooms (sliced) pizza sauce, a layer of pepperoni, sprinkle parmesan cheese and Italian cheese blend; add another layer of pepperoni and top with bacon bits and anything else you like on a pizza.

Bake in preheated over at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

RELIGION —

The writer speaks of three appearances of Jesus in 9:24-28.

Taken together, they encapsulate His work in bringing many sons and daughters to glory. With these appearances the writer touches on what happened on earth, what is happening in heaven,

The Three Appearances of Jesus

and what will happen at the conclusion of history.

Jesus’ first appearance is spoken of in the last part of v. 26 where the writer tells us, “He has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.” Everything that came before looked forward to His coming and everything since has been marked by it. Indeed, history is His story.

The purpose of His coming to earth was “to do away with sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”

He means by this that He would destroy sin’s power over us by making atonement for our sins (2:17). That’s exactly what He did. In His final moments on the cross Jesus said, “It is finished”

(19:30).

There is a forceful finality to what He did. The writer uses the phrase, “once for all” in speaking of it (v. 26 — the phrase occurs 5 x’s in Hebrews). Jesus appeared a single time to take away the sins of the world and at the cross He did just that.

The second appearing of Jesus refers to His appearing in God’s presence (v. 24). Luke speaks to us about Jesus ascending to heaven at the end of his gospel and at the conclusion of Acts. Paul will tell us that Jesus “is at the right hand of God and is also interceding for us” (Romans 8:34). But it is the Hebrews writer who paints the fullest picture as he tells us that Christ “has entered heaven

itself, to appear for us in God’s presence” (v. 24).

His appearing before God is inextricably connected to what He accomplished at His first appearing. There He made atonement for our sins and in heaven, He intercedes for us before the Father on the basis of His cross work. John will speak of Him as being “an advocate with the Father” (1 John 2:2).

The third appearing the writer speaks of hasn’t taken place yet. It is Jesus’ return at the end of time. The New Testament is full of this promise, and I think it’s fair to say that first-century disciples probably lived with a greater sense of expectancy concerning the return of Jesus than we do.

The writer tells us

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

that Christ won’t be returning to become our Savior — He’s already that. He will be coming back “to bring salvation” or “to save those” (ESV) who are “eagerly waiting for Him.” Think of it like this, Jesus paid the price for us in His first appearing. When returns, it will be to take us home. Our physical bodies will be resurrected and as Paul says in 1 Thessalonians 4:17, “And so we will be with the Lord forever.”

Immediately after that, he says, “Therefore, encourage one another with these words” (v. 18).

Those are encouraging words, aren’t they?

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

CHURCH DIRECTORY

334-745-5181

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

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

BRUCE GREEN

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

have sinned, even as our fathers did; we have done wrong and acted wickedly. — Psalm 106:6

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION —

Frederick Buechner wrote wisely about the power of forgiveness. He said, “When somebody you have wronged forgives you, you are spared the dull and

The Power of Forgiveness

self-diminishing throb of a guilty conscience.”

I know that’s true from my own experience. I was at odds with a friend. I had offended him and I was miserable. I knew in my gut I needed to ask his forgiveness but I kept putting it off. All the while, guilt was like an anchor around my neck, squeezing the joy out of everything I was trying to do.

Finally, I drove over to my friend’s home, hoping he would not be at home. But he was there. I walked in and said, “I have come to ask your forgiveness.” He didn’t ask why; he knew.

He smiled, put his arms around me and simply said, “Thank you!” Tylenol may relieve a headache but it takes forgiveness to relieve a guilty conscience. We wept together as Jesus restored our friendship. God’s peace replaced the throb of my guilty conscience.

Buechner explains well what happens when we take the initiative to forgive someone who has wronged us. He says, “When you forgive someone who has wronged you, you are spared the dismal corrosion of bitterness and wounded pride for both

parties. Forgiveness means the freedom again to be at peace inside your own skin and to be glad in each other’s presence.”

The “dismal corrosion of bitterness” is indeed devastating and can actually destroy the person who refuses to forgive. A forgiving spirit gives me freedom to “be at peace within my own skin.” When I refuse to forgive someone, I chain myself to nagging guilt and resentment. Only forgiveness can break those chains.

Forgiveness is what the Christian faith is all about. Everybody has sinned. Sin

OBITUARIES

JANE C. HUNT

Jane C. Hunt, 83, passed peacefully from this life on Saturday morning, July 1, 2023, in Auburn, after a two-year battle with leukemia, with her children by her side.

She was a follower of Christ and a member of the University church of Christ in Auburn. She moved to Auburn shortly after the passing of her husband, Charles (Charlie) in 2021.

She was born and raised in Sheffield, Alabama, and after marrying Charlie, moved to nearby Florence, Alabama, where they raised their three children. Upon retirement, she and Charlie moved to Fort Myers, Florida, where they lived for 26 years. She spent her final two years living in Auburn. She enjoyed spending time with her children and grandchildren and researching family history on the internet. She also enjoyed interior decorating, antiquing and sewing.

Jane was preceded in death by her husband Charlie, father E. Dwight Cantrell and mother H. Tommie Cantrell. She is survived by three children Chuck Hunt and wife Caralise (Auburn), Janet Hunt (Atlanta) and Beth Dunaway and husband Matt (Birmingham), four grandchildren Corey and Carter Hunt, and Lily and Anderson Dunaway. A memorial service for Jane will be officiated by

David Maxson at 3 p.m. on Sunday, July 9, 2023, inside the Chapel of Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home located at 1500 Fredrick Road in Opelika. Visitors will be received beginning at 2 p.m. (one hour preceding the service) also inside the Funeral Home. Jane will thereafter be laid to rest during a private ceremony which will take place at a later date and time.

SUSAN STARR

Susan Starr was born in 1946 in Great Falls, Montana, to Barbara and Robert Blair. Susan’s mother was a teacher and her father an Air Force pilot who had flown in the Berlin Airlift.

Susan and her younger sister Leslie lived in sunny Hawaii as children. After the death of her father, Susan moved to Texas with her mother and sister. This is where she spent much of her young life.

Susan attended the University of Houston where she earned a bachelor's degree in English. She gave birth to her first daughter, Meredith Shay, in 1966 with former spouse John Boehme.

Susan moved to California in 1968 and began working as a secretary in the Sociology Department of the University of California, Santa Barbara. She met Paul Starr, then a

Ph.D. graduate student in sociology. The pair married in 1972 and moved with Meredith to Beirut, Lebanon, where Paul had his first teaching position at the American University of Beirut (AUB). While raising her daughter, Susan completed a master’s degree in English at AUB and taught there. The family had to leave Beirut during the Civil War of 1975.

Paul, Susan and Meredith moved to Auburn, where Paul became Professor of Sociology at Auburn University. Susan gave birth to her second daughter, Kristen Amanda, in 1976 and did some coursework towards her Ph.D. in English. She also worked as a secretary at Auburn University. In 1982 the family moved to Cairo, Egypt, where Paul took a sabbatical at the American University in Cairo (AUC). There, Susan took care of her family on the Egyptian economy. She worked at the Library of Cairo American College where her daughters attended school. The family returned to Auburn in 1984.

In 1988, Paul, Susan and Kristen moved to Port-au-Prince, Haiti, where Paul worked on a USAID contract for a reforestation project. Susan enjoyed many tropical days surrounded by art at her lovely house nestled in the mountains. The family again returned to Auburn in 1991, where

enslaves us. God loves us anyway. He sent his son to tell us we are forgiven. His gift of forgiveness is offered in the nail-scarred hands of Jesus. Only from those hands may we receive it.

Receiving that gift, we are set free from our sins.

In that freedom we have peace with God — and that peace moves us to forgive those who have wronged us. Knowing this is what moved Paul to write, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). Is there someone with

whom you are at odds now? Someone with whom you would like to restore that feeling of “being glad in each other’s presence”? Why not seek the Lord’s help to break the chains of unforgiveness? Ask Jesus to give you the courage to apologize and ask that person for forgiveness. You can do it — with His help, and you will never regret this decision.

Forgiveness can be a beautiful gift but it must be shared if we are to experience its transforming power. Receive it. Share it freely. Without it, peace with God is impossible.

Susan spent time at home reading, journaling and spending time with dear friends and her cats. She also traveled around Europe and the United States to see her beloved grandchildren Betsy, Kate and Emma. Betsy was born in 1992, Kate in 1997 and Emma in 1998. Susan loved to tour art museums, gardens and historical sites with her family. She was an active member of Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, where she served as social action chair and stayed close to her Episcopalian roots.

In her later years, Susan struggled mightily with pain and mobility issues. Her loving, magical spirit brought her through these times. After her husband Paul’s death in 2019, Susan’s daughter Kristen cared for her with the help of caregivers. Susan moved to Dadeville Healthcare Center in 2021 and spent her final days at Bethany House, where she died surrounded by her family on June 29, 2023. Susan is survived by her sister, Leslie Lucas (Tim); her daughters, Meredith Starr Ericksen (Lee) and Kristen Amanda Starr; and her granddaughters, Elisabeth Karin Ericksen, Katherine Blair Ericksen, and Emma Shay Ericksen. A memorial and celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. CST on Saturday, July 29, at Auburn Unitarian

Universalist Fellowship, located at 450 E. Thach Ave. in Auburn.

In lieu of flowers, donations should be sent to:

Aid to Inmate Mothers 660 Morgan Ave. Montgomery, Alabama, 36104. www.inmatemoms.org

JOHN S. FOSHEE

John S. Foshee of Beauregard was born in Wichita Falls, Texas. to Judy and John D. Foshee on Aug. 29, 1965. He passed away at the age of 57 on June 28, 2023, at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika.

He was preceded in death by his parents Judy and John D. Foshee and brother, Jimmy D. Foshee.

He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Tammy Sue Foshee; children Bailey Padgett (Daniel), Autumn Arnette (John) and Ethan Foshee; grandchildren Madelyn Padgett and Henry Padgett; brothers, Jason Foshee (Michelle) and Justin Foshee; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members.

A memorial service was held at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Chapel on Saturday July 1, 2023, at 5 p.m.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home handled all arrangements.

Mary McQueen Sanford Whatley peacefully passed away on June 29, 2023. She was born on May 14, 1937, in El Paso, Texas. The Sanford family returned to their home place in Prattville, Alabama, in 1940. She attended Wesleyan College in Macon, Georgia, and transferred to Auburn University to receive a degree in education. She was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority.

She met her husband, Woods, in Atlanta, while she was teaching elementary school and they were married in 1963. They moved to Opelika with their two children, Forest and Mary Lea, in 1981. In Opelika, she began a new career in real estate with J.S. White Realty and retired from Realty South in 2018. She worked as a realtor in the AuburnOpelika area for more than 40 years.

She was proceeded in death by her parents, Mary Owen Murfee Sanford and Robert Lee Sanford, her husband Forest Woods Whatley and her sister, Louise Sanford Butner. She is survived by her brothers, Robert Lee Sanford Jr., Joseph Graham Sanford and James Hopson Sanford (Dot Sanford). She is also survived by her son Forest Woods

See OBITUARIES page A15

MARY MCQUENN SANFORD WHATLEY

Gospel Extravaganza: Free Concert Celebrates 100th Anniversary of Tuskegee Campus

CONTRIBUTED BY TRAMEL GARRETT/CAVHCS PUBLIC AFFAIRS

TUSKEGEE —

The Tuskegee VA Campus is thrilled to announce Gospel Extravaganza, a concert event that will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Tuskegee Campus. This uplifting and inspiring gospel concert will occur on July 8 at 3 p.m. at the Tuskegee VA Campus in Tuskegee, Alabama.

Admission is free for all attendees when you bring one non-perishable food item to support our food pantry.

Gospel Extravaganza pays tribute to the rich legacy of the Tuskegee Campus and its unwavering commitment to providing exceptional healthcare services to veterans in the Tuskegee area for a century. As we commemorate this significant milestone, this concert is a great way to honor the accomplishments and dedication of the Tuskegee Campus while enjoying an afternoon of gospel music.

"The Gospel Extravaganza is a celebration of music's healing power and profound impact on individuals,” said CAVHCS Chief Chaplain John Bailey.

“As we gather to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Tuskegee Campus,

OBITUARIES >>

FROM A14

Whatley Jr., (Leigh Hull Whatley), her daughter Mary Lea Nist and her four grandchildren, Ann McQueen Whatley, William Thomas Nist, Forest Leland Whatley, and Elizabeth Pratt Nist. She was a faithful servant of the Lord and a member of Trinity Church for 42 years.

She was a devoted wife and mother who was deeply loved by her children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends. Mary McQueen also formed special relationships with her caretaker angels over the past year and loved each one of them dearly.

There will be a family graveside service at Garden Hills Cemetery on July 6, 2023, with visitation at 1 p.m. at Trinity Church in Opelika. The memorial service will follow at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Earl Ballard officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

Trinity Church

800 2nd Ave. Opelika, AL 36801 or Compassus Bethany House

we are reminded of the role faith and spirituality play in the well-being of our veterans. This event celebrates our campus's legacy and provides an opportunity to unite as a community, uplift spirits and create lasting memories.”

The concert will be headlined by the renowned gospel group The Jackson Southernaires, who will grace the stage with its band of soulful voices and heartfelt performances. This legendary group, known for its uplifting music, will bring an atmosphere of spiritual connection and celebration.

Gospel Extravaganza promises an extraordinary musical experience that will captivate hearts and souls. In addition to the Jackson Southernaires, the concert will feature other exceptionally talented gospel artists, including The Clark Brothers, The Alabama Gurlz and The Spiritual Travelers. These artists will showcase diverse musical styles and expressions, from soul-stirring choirs to captivating soloists.

Amir Farooqi, CAVHCS director and CEO, emphasized the importance of the community celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Tuskegee Campus, stating, "The 100th anniversary of the Tuskegee Campus is a

1171 Gatewood Drive Building 100 Auburn, AL 36830

WILLIAM "BILLY" N. JACKSON

Billy Jackson, 61, of Opelika. passed away on June 28, 2023, following an extended illness.

Born in Opelika, on May 17, 1962, Billy graduated from Opelika High School in 1980 and earned his degree in public relations from Auburn University in 2004.

In 2011, Billy joined the Opelika Parks and Recreation (OPR) department as the center supervisor at the Opelika SportsPlex. He oversaw the disc golf program in Opelika and championed the idea of the two new disc golf courses currently being constructed at Spring Villa. He was involved in many OPR special programs and was dedicated to his job and his coworkers, always being willing to help anywhere he was needed. Prior to joining OPR, Billy worked as a patient liaison for East Alabama Health and at EAMC’s Bethany House. An avid and talented photographer, Billy worked for the Opelika Daily News

remarkable milestone, symbolizing a century of unwavering dedication to serving our veterans and the community. It is a time for us to come together as a community and reflect on the immense contributions made by the Tuskegee Campus throughout the years. Gospel Extravaganza provides a platform for us to celebrate this momentous occasion and express our gratitude for the support and trust our community has placed in us."

As part of the 100th anniversary celebrations, Gospel Extravaganza will pay homage to the rich history and heritage of the Tuskegee Campus. The event will highlight the remarkable contributions of the campus in providing outstanding healthcare services, promoting inclusivity and supporting the well-being of veterans throughout the years.

Gospel Extravaganza is not only a celebration of the Tuskegee Campus but also a gift to the community. In the spirit of gratitude and appreciation, admission to this concert is entirely free for all individuals, including veterans, their families and the public. This allows everyone to come together, enjoy the power of gospel music and create lasting memories in a joyous and inclusive atmosphere.

and did freelance photo shoots throughout the community.

Billy was a serious collector of baseball cards and LP albums, was a huge fan of the Opelika Bulldogs, the Auburn Tigers and the Chicago Cubs. He was a loyal son, brother, uncle and friend who greeted everyone with a smile.

He was preceded in death by his mother Bobbye Jackson and his stepmother, Merris Jackson. He is survived by his father Don (Paula) Jackson Sr. and one brother Don (Susan) Jackson of Opelika, sister Cheryl (Phil) Smitherman of Bremen, Georgia; niece Meredith (Randy) Turner of Opelika; nephews Hunter Jackson of Waverly. and Jackson, Harrison and Parker Smitherman of Bremen; a great-niece and two greatnephews.

A celebration of life service was held Sunday, July 2, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home with the Pastor Kevin Haefner officiating. Visitation was from 1 to 2 p.m., with the service immediately afterwards.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory handled the arrangements.

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

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.

STANDING ROCK COMMUNITY HOLDS FUNDRAISER

ROANOKE, AL —

The Standing Rock Community Center Committee will have a Draw Down and Steak Dinner fundraiser on July 15, 2023, at 6 p.m. CT at Johnson Farms (1745 Louina St. in Roanoke, Alabama). Tickets are $100 and consist of a steak dinner for two and a chance to win cash prizes. For tickets, call 706-333-8559 or 706-586-0252. A limited number of tickets are being sold, and participants don’t have to be present to win. Proceeds benefit the Standing Rock, Alabama, Community Center Building Project.

NAMI MEETING

NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet July 18, 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.

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

OHS Football Ready for 2023

OPINION —

The Opelika High School Bulldog football team

recently finished up six weeks of workouts, including 7-on-7 tournaments and drills and team camps. Head coach Erik Speakman enters his 24th season at OHS and 7th season as the Bulldog's head coach. Speaking on the “On the Mark" radio show on FOX Sports the Game (910-1310), Speakman talked about the 2023 team and expectations. The following is a summary of our conversation.

Speakman said he was pleased with the six-week workout period with the exception of players attending individual college camps.

More college teams are holding individual camps that attract players who would normally be with the team working out.

Returning quarterback Roman Gagliano, perhaps the most prolific offensive player on the team, has picked up several college offers including his latest from Georgia Southern. The rising senior visited

BYU and Penn State but has not received a formal offer from either school.

Look for Gagliano's popularity among college coaches to continue to rise as they watch him play and see his leadership skills and football IQ.

Speakman said Auburn High School transfer Tyler Johnston is the number two quarterback as of today. Other players on offense looking to put up numbers include: receivers Jamari Miller and Jordan Tolbert, Brody Jones and Bennett Young and Calvin Hughley, and running backs Tommy Johnson and Javion Williams. In 2022, Williams’ season ended abruptly after an injury kept him sidelined. Speakman feels like he will have an explosive 2023 season.

Defensively, Devin Dixon, Tyree Pitts, Cory Ingram and JP Phillips return in the secondary, giving the Dogs several players to rotate. The defensive line should be big with Amari Smiley, Malik Autrey, Jaqie Lighfoot and Malik Jackson.

See ON THE MARK, page B3

Dream Day Event

Scheduled for July 15 — B8

Thursday, July 06, 2023

Local Coaches React to High School Basketball Rule Changes

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

The National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) announced in May that beginning in the 2023 season, high school basketball teams will shoot two free throws for common fouls when in the “bonus.”

This change to Rule 4-8-1 eliminates the oneand-one scenario and sets new foul limits each quarter for awarding the bonus free throw. The rule change was approved by the NFHS Basketball Rules Committee at its annual meeting April 24 through 26, and subsequently approved by the NFHS Board of Directors.

In addition to awarding two foul shots for all common fouls, teams will reach the bonus when their opponent commits five fouls in each quarter, and team fouls will reset at the end of each

quarter. Previously, teams were awarded the oneand-one bonus when their opponents committed seven fouls in a half and two foul shots when 10 fouls were committed each half.

The NFHS claimed

the main reason for the rule change was to reduce injury rates on rebounding situations, and to improve the flow of games.

“The rules committee studied data that showed higher injury rates on re-

bounding situations and saw this as an opportunity to reduce opportunities for rough play during rebounds,” said Lindsey Atkinson, NFHS Director of Sports and liai-

See CHANGES, page B3

Simpson Looks to Continue Program Success as Next Opelika Wrestling Coach

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA —

About two months after Brady Campbell became the first male to win a 7A State Championship at Opelika in February, Opelika hired a new wrestling coach in Lee Simpson.

Campbell, who was just a sophomore last season, has two more years as a Bulldog. Simpson will have the task of getting him, as well as the other seven guys he’ll have who competed in the state

tournament last year, back for a chance to repeat. And he said he likes what he sees in his team for the upcoming

season and hopes to have even more make it to state this season.

“They qualified nine for state last year and

eight of them are returning,” Simpson said. “That’s a pretty strong lineup with eight guys that qualified for state out of a 14-person lineup. [We are] hoping to continue that. Hopefully those eight qualify for state again and then we can continue to push more and eventually get the full lineup in there.” Bringing in 11 years of coaching experience, Simpson is just what Opelika was looking for to take this program to the next level, according to Athletic Director

See SIMPSON, page B5

Dusty Purdue, head coach of the Glenwood High School girls and boys basketball teams.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Lee Simpson (middle) is the new Opelika High School wrestling coach.

PHOTO BY LINDA MILLS

Junior All-Star Golfers Descend on Grand National

PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTIN / FOR THE OBSERVER

The American Junior Golf Association June 4 through 7 hosted its Ninja Junior All-Star Series Junior-Am at Grand National Lake Course in Opelika. The event was presented by AO Tourism.

Beulah, LaFayette, Notasulga Face Off in 7-on-7

ON THE MARK >>

FROM B1

Speakman said the Bulldogs will play a bunch of juniors and sophomores because of a small senior class. Speakman said the senior class is small due to Covid. These students were in the eighth grade and missed normal opportunities afforded to eighth graders on a normal year. The eighth graders did not meet with the coaching staff one on one, instead in a zoom meeting, etc.

Special teams are led by Will Carroll and Johnny Cescena. Both are dependable based on last season’s efforts. Carroll will handle extra points and Cescena will have the remaining kicks. Zion Henderson and Reese Beasley will compete for the punting duties along with Gagliano. Speakman made a comment about the problems for opposing teams when Gagliono lines up at punter.

The team returns after the July 4 break to run, condition and start to work on special teams, and the students will have the last week of July off before starting practice Aug. 7. Opelika opens the season Aug. 25 in the Kickoff Classic at Montgomery's Cramton Bowl.

Opelika Athletics emailed parents of student-athletes last week with a copy of the Athletic Handbook for athletes, parents and coaches, approved by OCS Board

June 27. The first Athletic Code of Conduct, which addressed many items including personal hygiene, drug testing policies, a grooming policy, academics, etc. was implemented under coach Spence McCracken and then principal Stan Cox.

I will expand on the new athletic handbook in next week's column.

DBB STATE TOURNAMENT (13- AND 14-YEAR OLDS)

WEST RIDGE PARK JULY 7 THROUGH 9

The Alabama DBB (Dixie Boys Baseball) State Tournament will be held at West Ridge Park, July 7 through 9.

The three-day double elimination tournament features 10 teams, including two Junior DBB (13U) all-star teams, both of whom are playing for a birth in the DBB World Series in Virginia (14U) and Opelika (13U).

Opelika plays Montgomery American in its first game, Friday (July 7) at 8 p.m. on Harrelson Field.

Greenville and Bellingrath will square off in game one at 3:30 p.m. A brief Opening Ceremony will be at 5:30 p.m., followed by the 6 p.m. games — Dothan versus Montgomery Southern and the 13U teams Beulah and Dothan. The two 8 p.m. games are Geneva versus Troy and Opelika against American.

The following players will represent Opelika DBB all-star team in the state tournament: Ethan Phipps, Toby Miller, Kason Kalla, Jackson Cummings, Jacob Patter-

son, Troy Toungett, Tripp O'Donnel, Isiah Grey, Brayden Bunn, Tyson Prince and Austin Barber. The manager is Jeff Miller, along with other coaches Phillip Phipps and Jeff Gann.

PERSONAL

On June 1, I had a medical issue arise causing me to have surgery within four days of discovering. The surgery was successful despite being extensive and required the use of the most modern technological equipment available. I returned home five days after surgery to continue to recover. Thank you for the prayers, well wishes and encouragement.

Thanks to The Observer for understanding my situation, allowing me time to concentrate on healing and rest.

Special thanks to my brother Lance, mother and my family, Terri Poe (CNA-UAB Hospital), all my doctors in Opelika and Birmingham — Dr. Mcgehee, Dr. Patton, Dr. Gray, Dr. Corey, Dr. Purvis and Dr. Wood — and to the staff and members of my church, First Baptist Opelika, including Dr. Jeff Meyers. Also, a special thanks is due to Jeff Sasser.

Thank you and God bless!

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1319, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

son to the Basketball Rules Committee. “Additionally, resetting the fouls each quarter will improve game flow and allow teams to adjust their play by not carrying foul totals to quarters two and four.”

Locally and across the state, the doing-away with the one-and-one rule, which, according to orangehoops. com was instituted at the collegiate level in 1954-55, means teams will have to adjust to a major change in how the game has been played for decades.

“There's a lot of strategy in the game, especially for coaches,” said Glenwood girls and boys varsity head basketball coach Dusty Purdue. “I mean, coaching becomes a big a big deal, especially later on in the game. It really could be a lot of fun. How deep can you bench be? I mean, you need to go deeper in your bench; just occasionally those guys and/or girls that come in early in the game and get some fouls out of the way, how do you how do you play it from that standpoint?”

While Purdue has already been thinking about how the rule change will affect in-game scenario’s, Opelika High School head girls basketball coach Blake Smalley believes the game will change how teams practice, too.

“I actually like it,” Smalley said. “It's definitely different and will take a little time to get used to but I think, you know, it will reward you know those teams that can hit free throws,

those who play discipline defense and don't foul as much. We will have to [practice more free throws], but the good thing about that is you know, obviously, you definitely get a second shot now so you still get more and more opportunity to shoot and it also can have a bigger impact on the game if you're making.”

For both Purdue and Smalley, the rule change comes as little surprise, they said. Purdue and Glenwood have regularly competed with Georgia teams over the years and have gotten a taste of how the game changes without the one-and-one since Georgia did away with the two rule years ago.

“It’s going to change the way coaches coach the game,” Purdue said. “I don't think that has as big an effect in the first half as it will in the second half. If a team loves to press, is [the team] going to take away from the pressing a little bit more? Because you know, the more you press, the more you foul. Is it going to make you play zone more than you would like?”

Now that many state high school basketball associa-

tions have done away with the one-and-one rule, and the fact that women’s collegiate and American professional basketball leagues do not employ it, the last remaining pillar upholding the one-and-one rule is the men’s college game. One figures that to encourage congruence across all levels of basketball, from the grassroots and up, that men’s college basketball would follow suit.

Regardless, the rule change is one of the biggest in high school basketball Alabama has seen in recent memory. And watching how the game evolves, for better or for worse, will be something to watch during the upcoming 2023 basketball season.

“It's obviously still pretty early with the summer and I'm sure it'll be a little bit of a learning curve for everybody — players, officials and even everybody watching,” Smalley said. “I don't think it's going be too different. You got to just, you know, be thinking about it and making sure it's addressed and making sure the kids understand it.”

The Beulah, LaFayette and Notasulga varsity football teams participated in a 7-on-7 camp at Beulah High School June 29. Beulah begins its 2023 season Aug. 17 with a Jamboree against Woodland and Gaylesville. LaFayette begins its 2023 season Aug. 26 against Loachapoka. Notasulga begins its 2023 season Aug. 25 against Lanett.

CHANGES >> FROM B1

Blake Smalley is the Opelika High School girls head basketball coach.

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN — Auburn soccer and head coach Karen Hoppa announced the team’s schedule for the 2023 season Thursday, June 22.

The fall will mark the 25th season under Hoppa’s leadership.

“I am excited to start

Auburn Soccer Unveils 2023 Schedule

Complex will play host to 10 of the 20 contests.

The Tigers will begin exhibition play at home on Wednesday, Aug. 9, against Mercer before making the trip to South Alabama on Saturday, Aug. 12, for one final tune up prior to the start of the regular season.

Next up, the Orange & Blue treks to the Northeast for a twogame road stand, playing at Syracuse on Thursday, Aug. 24, and at Army on Sunday, Aug. 27.

Wake Forest comes to town for match No.

my 25th season on The Plains with what may be the toughest schedule in my tenure here,” Hoppa said. “We have two extremely difficult non-conference trips along with some great home non-conference opponents. The SEC schedule is always a grind, especially in the West division. This

schedule is one that will give us the opportunity to compete at the highest level, and we look forward to the challenge.”

A pair of exhibitions will precede the 18 regular season matches, 10 of which are scheduled versus Southeastern Conference opponents. The Auburn Soccer

Tigers To Host Virginia Tech In Inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN — Auburn will host Virginia Tech in the inaugural ACC/ SEC Challenge as announced by ESPN on Wednesday, June 28.

The Tigers, who are coming off a

21-13 season and NCAA Tournament appearance, will host the Hokies on Wednesday, Nov. 29, at 8:15 p.m. (CT) at Neville Arena. Network designations will be announced at a later date.

Last season, the Hokies finished 19-15 overall and advanced

Auburn's regular season opponents feature 11 NCAA Tournament participants from a year ago, including three conference champions and nine squads that won double-digit matches. The field produced a 179-108-79 record during the 2022 campaign.

To officially kickstart the season, the Tigers will host the reigning SoCon champion, Samford, on Thursday, Aug. 17, followed by a battle versus another in-state foe, Troy, the following Sunday, Aug. 20.

5 on Thursday, Aug. 31 before Auburn closes out the weekend at home with American on Sunday, Sept. 3. Another challenging road stretch follows as the Tigers complete the non-conference slate at West Virginia on Thursday, Sept 7, and at Ohio State on Sunday, Sept. 10.

SEC play begins

Friday, Sept. 15, at Mississippi State while the conference home opener is lined up for the following week, Thursday, Sept. 21, against Missouri. Auburn rounds out the month at Ole Miss Sunday, Sept. 24, and at home with South Carolina Friday, Sept. 29.

The final month of

the regular season is jam-packed as October is set to host six matches. The Tigers will square off at Alabama (Oct. 5), versus Arkansas (Oct. 8), versus Texas A&M (Oct. 13), at Florida (Oct. 19), versus LSU (Oct. 22) and at Georgia (Oct. 26). The LSU match will serve as Auburn soccer’s Senior Night. Postseason play will begin with the SEC Tournament in Pensacola, Florida, at the Ashton Brosnaham Soccer Complex from Oct. 29 through Nov. 5. The NCAA Tournament will follow, running from Nov. 10 through Dec. 3. The first round through quarterfinals will be held at host sites, and the College Cup will take place in Cary, North Carolina, once more.

TV broadcast information and game promotions will be released closer to the start of the season.

2024 SEC Men’s Basketball Conference Opponents Announced

to the postseason NIT. Auburn leads 6-2 in the all-time series with Virginia Tech. Both teams last met at the San Juan Shootout (W, 73-63) on Dec. 21, 1999, in San Juan, Puerto Rico. The Tigers last hosted the Hokies on the Plains (W, 76-74) on Dec. 8, 1973.

SEC Opponents, ACC/ SEC Challenge Matchup Announced for Women’s Basketball

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN —

Auburn’s opponents for the 2023-24

SEC women’s basketball season were announced Wednesday, June 28, by the conference office.

In addition, ESPN announced the matchups for the inaugural ACC/SEC Challenge. Auburn will host Clemson at Neville Arena on Thursday, Nov. 30; tip-off has been set for 8 p.m. CT.

For the 15th straight season, the SEC schedule will consist of 16 games, eight at home and eight on the road.

Auburn’s home opponents in 2024

will be Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas A&M.

On the road, the Tigers will face Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, LSU, Ole Miss, Missouri, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt.

Season ticket renewals will begin in August with new season tickets on sale in September.

Dates, times, TV information and additional nonconference opponents will be announced at a later date.

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

AUBURN —

The Southeastern Conference has announced each school’s conference opponents for the 2023-24 season.

Auburn will play Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, LSU, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, South Carolina, Texas A&M and Vanderbilt at home at Neville Arena. The Tigers’ road travel will include trips to Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Ole Miss, Mississippi State, Missouri, Tennessee and

Vanderbilt. Conference play commences on Jan. 6 and runs through March 9. Each SEC team plays the other 13 teams at least once during league play. They will then play their three permanent opponents a second time with the remaining two games changing every year.

The SEC Tournament returns to Nashville, Tennessee, as Bridgestone Arena will host the event from March 13 through 17, 2024.

Times, dates and television information will be announced at a later date.

McCondichie Voices Displeasure With AU Softball Coaching Via Twitter

BY NOAH GRIFFITH FOR THE OBSERVER

AUBURN —

After several players entered the transfer portal following Auburn softball’s end of the 2023 season, fouryear player and recent Auburn graduate, Carlee McCondichie, took to social media to voice her displeasure with the program Monday night.

McCondichie, who played in 166 games and started 121 in four years at Auburn, clarified her love for Auburn and her teammates, but said she has “no desire to play a fifth year” after graduating in May. This comes after she was

benched midway through her senior season while going through a batting slump.

“It is sad when a young girl who has played the sport for 18 years of her 22-year life has no interest or desire in playing a fifth year,” McCondichie said via Twitter. “That’s what happens when you play for a program where when you fail, you are immediately benched. A program where you aren’t pursued. A program where you are only looked at from an athletic perspective, not a personal perspective.”

Going into his seventh year as the head coach at Auburn, Mickey Dean

has now completed 17 years of coaching college softball. He has been successful at Auburn, leading the Tigers to five NCAA Regional appearances along with a 206-109 overall record. His coaching success is not what’s in question, though, it’s his ability to build relationships with players.

McCondichie was no doubt a key player, and reigning from Birmingham, she became a fan favorite. After leading the team with a .338 batting average in 56 starts in 2022, McCondichie again started out with a hot bat in

Auburn University head women's soccer coach Karen Hoppa is entering her 25th season with the Tigers.

Johnnie Harris, Auburn University women's head basketball coach.

PHOTO COURTESY OF AU ATHLETICS

SUSCC President Promotes Training Opportunities Internationally

CONTRIBUTED BY SUSCC

OPELIKA — Southern Union State Community College President

Todd Shackett joined Economic Development professionals from across Alabama at the Paris Air Show last week to advance relationships with aerospace companies that could pay off with future projects.

The capabilities of Alabama’s universities were on display

on day one of the event during a panel discussion titled “Made in Alabama: Tapping into the Aerospace Workforce Pipeline.”

The moderator was Kimberly Robison, director of Huntsville’s U.S. Space & Rocket Center, with panelists Chuck Karr, president of the University of Alabama in Huntsville; Shackett, president of Southern Union State Community College; and Steven Taylor, senior vice president for Research

and Economic Development, Auburn University. The educators outlined programs and initiatives that are preparing the students at these institutions for careers in aerospace, aviation and other fields.

“Our delegation discussed how we support industry through our graduates, certifications/training and project resources,” Shackett said. “We emphasized the key roles we play in technical workforce development for Alabama.” ABOUT SUSCC

Jamie Williams.

A lifer and graduate at Smiths Station High School, Simpson has been around the Lee County area for a long time. He was a part of the Panthers’ first ever wrestling team, and after graduation, as he has been a community coach in Russell County, as well as being head coach at Central Phenix-City, Shaw in Columbus, Georgia, and most recently, Hardaway in Columbus.

Simpson will coach boys and girls wrestling at both the varsity and junior varsity levels in addition to teaching health at the high school in his first year in 7A. While he is dealing with deeper rosters on both sides of the mat this season after coaching in 4A at Hardaway, his approach will stay the same.

“I’ve coached AllAmericans,” Simpson said. “I’ve coached state champs. I’ve coached state finalists, placers and qualifiers, but when it all comes down to it, the main thing is trying to set people up to succeed not only on the mat but off the mat as well. The goal behind everything I do is to set people up to succeed when they leave high school.”

In order to set his players up for future success, one of Simpson’s main

priorities is building a team culture built around hard work. Some qualities that he aspires to teach are perseverance, integrity, grit and determination. According to Simpson, those skills transfer into any situation the players encounter after high school.

While Simpson wants the lessons he teaches to go beyond wrestling, they are all tools that will bolster Opelika wrestling and help it continue to

SUSCC offers hands-on training and certification in Aviation Technology and Mechatronics. These programs provide resources and specialized training developed collaboratively with industry partners.

For more information on SUSCC’s technical and workforce development training opportunities, contact Joffrey Moore, director of technical education, at jmoore@ suscc.edu.

2023, going into conference play batting .431. Her bat went cold at that point, however, and after 13 at bats across seven games in March and April, she was replaced in the starting lineup by sophomore Rose Roach in the LSU series. McCondichie made nine more starts after that series, but was again benched on Senior Day and didn’t make another start until the regional after that.

“For me, I can stand here confidently and say I gave my absolute all to the Auburn softball program,” McCondichie

continued in her Twitter thread. “In return, I got benched as a starter on SENIOR DAY. This isn’t for attention, this is for athletes to come. THEY DESERVE BETTER. STUDENT-ATHLETES ARE MUCH MORE THAN STUDENTS AND MUCH MORE THAN ATHLETES. They are human beings.”

Auburn’s had its second straight 40-win season in 2023 and ended with the same result as the year before: a season-ending loss in the Clemson Regional. It was a strong season with many great performances, but what followed raised some eyebrows.

Four veteran players and

key offensive contributors transferred to other major Power 5 programs, including: former SEC Freshman of the Year, junior Bri Ellis (Arkansas); senior third baseman, Denver Bryant (South Carolina; junior catcher and

designated hitter); Jesse Blaine (Mississippi State); and graduate outfielder Lindsey Garcia (Clemson). Those players have combined to make 443 starts at Auburn and have hit 78 homers all together. Between those losses and

not returning McCondichie, Auburn softball has four starting spots to fill going into 2024 and will lose a lot of depth and experience as well.

Starting on May 22, when Ellis announced her decision to enter the portal, the exit of such valuable, respected players has been puzzling to many fans. So, McCondichie’s statements might be shining some light on the situation. None of the other former Auburn players made statements regarding displeasure with the program, but Ellis and Bryant did retweet McCondichie’ thread with words of support.

McCondichie has the option to transfer elsewhere

climb the ladder.

“I’m a big fan of kids working hard, and the harder they work, the harder I have to work,” Simpson said. “I don’t look at the success of a season based off wins and losses; I look at the success of a season a couple years down the road when people come back and tell me all the things that they were able to do because of what we were doing. By default, you end up with a pretty good wrestling team.”

and use her fifth year of eligibility, but after her experience at Auburn, she said she is done with softball.

She ended by reiterating her appreciation for Auburn, but explained her disappointment with her experience in college softball. Her use of bolded words reiterates that it’s only the coaching that she is displeased with.

“With that being said, I will always continue to support Auburn Softball PLAYERS,” McCondichie said to end her Twitter thread. “But for me, my softball career is OVER and the thought of even playing one game brings me much anxiety, sadly.”

SIMPSON>> FROM B1

PHOTO BY LINDA MILLS

LEE SIMPSON

SUSCC President Todd Shackett (third from left) joined other Alabama educators on a panel at the Paris Air Show.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY SUSCC

SOFTBALL >> FROM B4

Seniors Lindsey Garcia (5), Carlee McCondichie (12) and Maia Engelkes (17) show off their "SEC Graduate" sleeves during the NCAA regional game between the California State Fullerton Titans and the No. 17.

PHOTO BY GRAYSON BELANGER / AU ATHLETICS

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY

AUBURN —

Growing up, Jyoti Yadav was no stranger to a key carrier of one of the world’s deadliest viruses.

Packs of stray dogs — the carriers — remain common throughout Yadav’s home country of India to this day and were often found in her neighborhood. The deadly virus — rabies — is prevalent in India and is almost exclusively passed to humans by way of a dog bite, becoming fatal nearly 100% of the time the moment symptoms appear.

“India has an enormous burden of rabies virus,” Yadav said. “If we look at the numbers, almost one third of the total worldwide rabies cases are reported in India, 97% of which is caused by stray dogs. India has reported about 62 million stray dogs across the country, which — if we put into perspective — is almost double the population of California. Since stray dogs are one of the primary sources of the rabies transmission, it is a significant problem.”

It's a deadly threat that Yadav has been committed to treating, and to accomplish her goal, she found a strong and supportive partner many miles away from her home: Auburn University.

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME PARTNER

“Auburn has offered me the perfect space and opportunity to try to make a real impact in whatever small manner I can and gave me a sense of purpose all while nurturing the little researcher in me,” Yadav, an Auburn graduate student whose doctoral project is focused on a gene therapy for rabies, said. “I have been very lucky to be able to receive and use all of the many resources offered here at Auburn and am enjoying an unwavering amount of positive support from every single person in my lab. I really feel grateful for being here and working among such pas-

Homeward Bound Purpose

sionate people. It inspires me every day.”

Yadav works under the guidance of Dr. Doug Martin, director of Auburn’s Scott-Ritchey Research Center in the College of Veterinary Medicine and a professor in the Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology. Yadav said she first learned about Auburn from a friend, and as she researched the university she became further intrigued while reading news stories about Martin’s great work in the treatment of GM1 gangliosidosis — an inherited disorder that progressively destroys nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. A gene therapy treatment for GM1 was created at Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine and the University of Massachusetts Medical School, which together collaborated with the National Institutes of Health to move the research into helping children suffering from the disease, with the first child receiving a one-dose treatment in 2019 and showing remarkable results since.

“Upon reading some of the astounding work done by Dr. Martin and his group — needless to say — I was very impressed, like everyone else,” she said. “Just only a few weeks prior, my mother had told me tragic stories about stray dog bites and rabies cases impacting my dad’s base of operations at the time. So, when I started working in Dr. Martin’s lab, I soon realized that gene therapy for rabies is what I truly want to work on for my Ph.D. project.”

A TREATMENT OF INNOVATION

A major issue with the rabies virus is that it infects the central nervous system.

“The conventional vaccine against viruses induces production of antibodies in the host’s/patient’s bloodstream, which leads to the neutralization of the virus,” Yadav said. “However, that does not happen in the brain. The brain has a blood-brain barrier in place which limits the antibodies to pass through

it while the rabies virus easily can. That’s why traditional vaccines are ineffective once the rabies virus reaches the central nervous system.”

Yadav’s research is focused on producing antibodies against rabies virus in the brain using a gene therapy that involves what is known as an adeno-associated viral vector to neutralize the rabies virus at its primary site of replication and negate its harmful symptoms. The gene therapy would be independent of the infected person’s immune response. Yadav said that so far the work has been successful in producing the needed antibodies against the rabies virus in the brain.

“We are hopeful that this therapy would prove to be a potential therapy for rabies infection,” she said, noting that more tests involving the gene therapy will be needed.

Martin said he’s excited for Yadav’s work and is hopeful that the research will lead to a breakthrough.

“Jyoti is from India and knows people who have died of rabies,” he said. “Those who have personal connections to their research are often the most motivated and successful. With Jyoti’s talent, work ethic and motivation, along with strong results in pilot studies, I’m very excited about developing a treatment for symptomatic rabies.”

Calvin Johnson, dean of Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine, added that “The College of Veterinary Medicine is dedicated to the concept of One Health, where we recognize the interconnectedness of the health of animals, humans and the environment. Jyoti’s research in Dr. Martin’s lab is a perfect example of developing an improved therapy for a human disease that results from exposure to an infected animal. Such zoonotic diseases often have global significance. When a graduate student from an impacted region of the world joins our college to advance our research programs, they tend to work with a noticeable sense of dedication and personal commitment. Jyoti is that type of student, and we are very pleased that she has found an academic home in the Auburn community and the ScottRitchey Research Center.”

PURPOSE IN THE PLAN

For Yadav, it all speaks to purpose. She tells stories of her sister being chased by stray dogs during her formative years in India and how that has caused her to have an overwhelming fear of dogs. Yadav is quick to note that India has the world’s second highest caseload of rabies, with approximately 20,000 people dying from the virus there each year. She cites the major reasons for the

at Auburn’s College of Veterinary Medicine in spring 2021.

THE FAMILY CONNECTION

Yadav said she’s glad she chose Auburn.

BY JENNIFER REZEK

abundance of stray dogs and rabies cases in India as rapid urbanization, cultural factors and a lack of effective sterilization and vaccination programs. Her goal is to do her part in addressing the problem.

“Being a first-generation college student, like other students, I had a mindset of excelling at the research I do, finishing my degree as quickly as possible and getting out in the world to be successful,” she said. “Working in Dr. Martin’s lab on a project that potentially can change people’s lives, I have realized that there’s more to research than just getting a doctoral degree with flying colors.”

Yadav is originally from the city of Gurugram, which is located on the southwestern border of New Delhi — India’s national capital. She was raised in a military family and, as such, often relocated from one part of India to another about every five years.

“So, for me, home is where my family is,” she said.

Prior to arriving at Auburn, she had received her master’s degree in biotechnology in India in 2019. She then received admission to Auburn’s biomedical sciences program in early 2020, but that plan was placed on hold due to the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic. She ultimately joined the doctoral program

“I love the sense of community in Auburn,” she said. “It’s a very new and nice feeling to be greeted with ‘War Eagle’ randomly wherever I go. It truly is one big family.”

Yadav said she plans to return to India and visit her family in December during a holiday break. She said her parents have been exceedingly proud of her accomplishments.

“My parents were the happiest when I told them that I decided to work on gene therapy for rabies for my doctorate degree,” she said.

There currently is no cure or treatment for symptomatic rabies infection. However, Yadav said she is hopeful the work she is undertaking might not only address rabies but one day also lead to breakthroughs with other viruses that cause brain infections, including West Nile, HIV, Herpes and Zika.

“I hope that the antibody gene therapy against rabies infection would be a steppingstone toward a healthier world without brain infections,” she said.

And while she’s been away from her biological family to chase her dreams and find her purpose on the other side of the world, Yadav said she feels as though she has already made a key discovery — finding a second family of support in Martin and the Auburn community.

“During the first month in Dr. Martin’s lab, I quickly learned that this is the place and project where I really could make a small impact in an area which was very close to home and extremely fascinating,” she said. “Auburn people are very compassionate and generous. Coming from a country so far away, it personally meant a lot for me for Auburn to be so welcoming and warm.”

Auburn graduate student Jyoti Yadav is pictured in a lab at Auburn’s ScottRitchey Research Center in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Yadav’s research is focused on producing antibodies against rabies virus in the brain using a gene therapy.

40th Anniversary Alabama State Games a Huge Success

CONTRIBUTED BY ASFFOUNDATION.ORG

MONTGOMERY —

Ladies and Gentlemen, the 40th Anniversary Alabama State Games were a rousing success.

A multitude of medals and $20,000 in academic scholarships were awarded to 17 athletes and the participants are already asking about the 2024 Games.

“We were excited about returning to Birmingham, the Over The Mountain cities and Jefferson County to celebrate our 40th Anniversary,” said Ron Creel, founder and CEO of the Alabama State Games. “We finished the event with 3,800 athletes, which in turn drove a tremendous and positive economic impact the entire area. The State Farm

Athlete Leadership Summit and Opening Ceremony were great experiences to kick off our annual Games. The athletes, their parents and fans carried over that excitement and made the sports that much more memorable and thrilling to watch.”

The Alabama State Games — a fixture in the state’s sports spectrum since 1982 as Alabama’s largest multi-sporting event — returned to Birmingham and other areas of Jefferson County for the first time in 15 years and brought 21 sports.

Using sports as a vehicle to promote academic excellence, a healthy lifestyle and good citizenship the Alabama State Games has awarded 17 scholarships for $20,000 during the State Farm Athlete Leadership Summit

and Opening Ceremony bringing the grand total to $355,610 awarded to athletes of all ages to aid in their future academic pursuits be them at a twoyear, four-year or trade school.

The State Farm Athlete Leadership Summit featuring speakers

former NFL standouts Ben Tamburello (Philadelphia Eagles), Maurice Oliver (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) and Troy Wolkow (Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and the New England Patriots) was hosted by John Langcust kicked off the weekend and was followed by what

some longtime Alabama State Games participants have called the “greatest Opening Ceremony in 40 years.”

The success of Opening Ceremony is in large part due to the mind of Troy University’s Robert W. Smith, the John M. Long School of Music and the Sound of the South. He and his team conceptualized — with the help of the music group POPulus — an event that married pomp and circumstance with a rock concert.

Parents, participants and a mixture of local, county and state government officials were all on the feet by the end of the night grooving with the music.

The 40th Anniversary Alabama State Games Opening Ceremony was telecast live statewide across the Alabama State

Games Television Network thanks to stations in Huntsville, Birmingham, Montgomery, Mobile and Dothan.

In terms of individual sports, track & field and equestrian were among the highlights of the 40th Anniversary Alabama State Games. Track & field — dating back to the first Alabama State Games in 1983 — drew 568 athletes and (with coaches and officials) easily topped 700 and generated an electric buzz in and around the UAB Track Complex.

The Howell Lee Equestrian Fun Show, one of the inaugural events in the 40th Anniversary Alabama State Games, drew an unexpected 111 participants to Pelham’s Windwood Equestrian.

“Seeing the way the Alabama State Games have grown from year to year to year speaks volumes about our outstanding employees and volunteers,” Creel said. “We always recognize the parents of those athletes who understand the importance of the Alabama State Games, the State Farm Athlete Leadership Summit and the opening ceremony and that this is a wholesome, family-friendly experience. Their willingness to support and encourage their children as they go for the gold is what makes our events special. There is no question the future of the Alabama State Games will continue to shine as we enter our 41st year.”

Meet David Hedges

AUBURNBANK PRESIDENT & CEO

Leadership succession in any business is essential to its sustainability, especially one that has been strong and viable for 116 years. Since our founding in 1907, AuburnBank has had eight presidents—and now David Hedges succeeds Bob Dumas as our ninth. Joining the bank in 2006, David has demonstrated his commitment to AuburnBank and its shareholders. He and his wife, Jill, are members of First Baptist Church of Opelika, and they enjoy raising their three children who attend Auburn City Schools. David is excited to lead AuburnBank into the future, while upholding a tradition of service to our customers and our communities.

Member FDIC | AuburnBank.com

Equestrian was a highlight of the 40th anniversary of the Alabama State Games, drawing 11 participants.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Having a son and daughterin-law who live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where it is very cold with snow during the winter, I have seen many “snowbirds” — what we Southerners call folks who travel from northern states to southern states during the winter to stay warm, then they travel back to their homes in the north in the spring when the cold snows begin to melt.

I’m thinking that each summer, I will become a “southbird” and travel to cooler weather in Michigan as I stay (nest)

Cool Ideas to Beat Summer Heat

In preparing for this fun event, simply use a summer plant as a Christmas tree and decorate with a few lights and ornaments. Since we usually have packed our Christmas decorations away, make it simple in choosing your family’s favorite decorations.

ment from the heart of a young child.

at my son’s home till it gets a little cooler down south. This all sounds good, but with young children we have to be creative to keep them cool.

When young children do complain about the heat, “Frosty The Snowman” and “Let It Snow” are two songs I love to sing with children to bring on laughter, joy and a smile. Pretty soon, we are breaking out singing their favorite Christmas carols and songs. Christmas in July is a wonderful intergenerational idea to just have cool fun.

It can be fun to paint Christmas symbols on smooth stones or seashells. Making sand snowmen can be done on the beach or even using sand in your yard. Try decorating sand pails and balls with Christmas symbols.

On my teacher calendar, I see that Thursday, July 6, is recognized as First Picture Postcard Day. During the long days of summer, your child will be intrigued with making “Christmas in July” postcards. Young children love to color, cut and create. Your family will be delighted to receive a midsummer “Christmas in July” Christmas card made by young children. Sharing these cards with the elderly who may be living in a facility or are housebound is an act of love and encourage -

Nothing can beat ice cream for a “Christmas in July” snack food. On July 23, 1904, the ice cream cone was invented. I always search for pointed sugar cones that can be decorated as Christmas trees with frosting and candies to make for a delicious craft treat. Christmas tree cones can be made extra delicious by providing an ice cream sundae bar for all ages. Children and the elderly can decorate their ice cream with red and green sprinkles, and summer fruits like strawberries, raspberries, watermelon, grapes, kiwi and more. Red and green popsicles are also a delightful summer treat. July 9 is recognized as National Sugar Cookie Day, so it is timely to cut out your favorite Christmas shape sugar cookies to celebrate “Christmas in July.”

Children love to sing Christmas music. This provides a wonderful intergenerational Christmas celebration as the young and old sing happy songs such

as “Joy to the World,” “Silent Night,” “Winter Wonderland” and other familiar seasonal songs.

This is a time to share stories as families can gather winter and Christmas books from our local libraries to share. Pulling out favorite Christmas movies to celebrate Christmas in July provides for fun. This is a time to share winter holidays such as Hanukkah and Kwanza, as well as how holidays are celebrated all around the world.

Other “cool” child-friendly days to celebrate are P.T. Barnum’s birthday, July 5, who created the three-ring circus called “The Greatest Show On Earth.”

Why not role-play the circus as a simple neighborhood or family event by pretending to be different animals, swinging like the trapeze acts, walking around the sandbox like it is a tightwire, pretending to be clowns and ringmasters? The creativity could go on and on.

Thursday, July 6, is National Fried Chicken Day. A little history on this: The practice

of deep-frying chicken in fat was imported to the United States by Scottish immigrants. Friday, July 7, is Macaroni Day — another childhood favorite.

Next Monday, July 10, get out the Teddy Bears because it is Teddy Bear’s Picnic Day. At Trinity Methodist Preschool, we are going to celebrate this day by inviting our young students to bring Teddy Bears to preschool on July 11 and do many fun activities with our Teddy Bears.

As a teacher, I truly love teaching about all the seasons of the year. As I experience the warm breezes of a summer day, I wish I could lock up the warm weather in a jar and release it in my classroom on a very cold winter day. Whether very hot or cold, we can savor each day God gives us and share this gift of each day with our young children. I hope these few teacher ideas bring happiness to children and families as we celebrate summer.

Classroom Observer

Beth Pinyerd

Dream Day Foundation to Host Teen Summit

CONTRIBUTED BY DREAM DAY FOUNDATION

OPELIKA — Creating an atmosphere that will be supportive, inclusive and engaging, the Dream Day Foundation, along with 14 other youth organizations, is excited to announce a community initiative — a Teen Summit — that is set to take place on Saturday, July 15. This event will be hosted at Opelika High School this year with registration from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m., with the summit running from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. There are 15 organizations from across Lee County that have come together for the first time to collaboratively host this event. Each of

these organizations is already making a positive difference in the community.

The theme, “Shine Bright Like A Diamond,” places focus on interpersonal and personal growth, and will address issues that youth are facing today. The organizations have united to create an exciting day that is uniquely designed to empower youth, which will feature keynote speaker Reginald Foreman, an at-risk specialist, author, speaker, designer and inventor. Foreman presently resides with his wife and child in Phenix City, Alabama, and will share the unbelievable life story that took him from the jailhouse to the White

House. Also, keynote speaker Monique Rogers, motivational speaker and CEO of H&S Commercial & Industrial Supply, will share her life story. Rogers, who resides in Mobile, has ties to this community by way of her daughter Raven Harvest.

The summit will also offer breakout sessions led by many local leaders and presenters, as well as Fred Spencer, a former Division I basketball player and the author of “Anti-Bullying Through Sports.” The event is open to all middle school, high school and college students, regardless of gender or race. It will also feature a college and parent session that

will help equip parents with tools to help their child(ren) develop the skills they need to succeed in life. Members of some of the Divine 9 will perform during registration. This is the combined effort of many youth organizations from the Lee County area that have come together with one mission: to empower our youth with the right tools they need to build upon as they continue to transition into adulthood. The main goal is to bring awareness and offer solutions to issues that impact the most vulnerable in local schools and communities.

It is anticipated that a minimum of 200 young people will attend;

therefore, the organizations said they would appreciate additional support from businesses, organizations, individuals and other youth groups. The community is encouraged to share the information for this free event. A free lunch will be provided by the Good Ol’ Boys and door prizes for youth as well as parents will be available. Registration is required, and can be done through Eventbrite with no printed tickets needed. On-site registration is allowed; however, it is encouraged that youth and parents pre-register. Flyers with QR code and/or registration cards can be picked up at The Curtis House, Opelika Housing Authority and the Boys and Girls Clubs in Auburn and Opelika.

A special thank you is due to all the event’s

collaborators: 3D Elite, Auburn City Schools, Boys and Girls Clubs of East Alabama, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., James Owens Foundation, LEAPS, Lee County Youth Development Center, Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Opelika City Schools, The Curtis House, The Dream Day Foundation, Opelika Housing Authority, The Way To Serve Ministries, A2 Advancing Adolescents Auburn and Yes!Pallets. Major sponsors include Kroger Inc., McDonald’s of Auburn, Opelika, Shorter and Tuskegee, the Opelika City Council and the Lee County Commissioners. Contact Marion Sankey at 334-6636638, or a representative from any organization listed above, for more information.

BETH PINYERD

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, July 06, 2023

no way of knowing who they are, what they stand for or their positions on anything. All you have to do is get 100 signatures and you are on the ballot. I am surprised that there are not 100 people running.

STEVE FLOWERS

—

Even though it is not an election year, the Alabama political pot is heating up and beginning to boil as we celebrate the 4th of July, and the summer heat settles into the Heart of Dixie.

The 2024 candidates for some open state judicial posts have been stirring around all year, and also candidates for next year’s local elections are gearing up all over the state.

There has also arisen a surprise election in Alabama’s largest county. Imperial Jefferson County has a special election for a very important and pivotal county commission seat. Republican Steve Ammons vacated this seat to take the post as CEO of the Birmingham Business Alliance. In every other county in the state, a vacant county commission seat is filled by appointment by the governor. However, Jefferson County has an unusual local amendment that calls for a Special Election. This local act does not only call for a normal special election, but renders a weird, wild west open no primary special election. It calls for a very quick, nonpartisan election similar to Louisiana. There are no party primaries and no party labels. Everybody and their brother can run, and the Jefferson County electorate has

This race also has only a short window. People could start getting their 100 signatures around June first, and get this, the election is July 18. You are looking at an election in less than two weeks in the middle of the summer that only affects 20% of the population of Jefferson County. Folks, this one could very well break records for low voter turnout.

However, it is a very important and pivotal election for a seat that will determine the partisan makeup of the state’s largest county. The current makeup is two Republicans and two Democratic commissioners. Republicans had a 3-2 advantage with Ammons on the Commission. You would assume that the vacant Ammons’ seat would be filled by another Republican because it is made up of the most affluent enclaves in the state, which include Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Homewood and silk stocking Hoover districts along the 280 corridor. However, as stated, there are no party labels by any candidate, no forums and no time to campaign — only a list of names. The assumption is a Republican will win. However, the Homewood, Mountain Brook areas are one of the few enclaves of upscale, liberal do-gooder, white Democrats in the state.

It is imperative that the Republican Party in Jefferson County identify who its preferred

Republican candidate is in this race and get out the vote. It appears that they may have done just that and have chosen Judge Mike Bolin. The election is just around the corner on July 18.

Inside the Statehouse Political Potpourri OPINION

Bolin is like manna from Heaven for the Jefferson County Republicans. As the old saying goes, “he was at the right place at the right time.” Bolin recently retired from the Alabama Supreme Court and has time on his hands, and this seat comes open.

Bolin is one of the most respected and popular public servants in our state. He is also one of the most accomplished Jefferson County political figures of this era. He is Jefferson County through and through. He was born and raised in Homewood, went to college at Samford University and law school at Cumberland School of Law on Lakeshore Parkway in Homewood. He and his wife, who is also from Jefferson County, currently live in Vestavia.

Bolin practiced law in Jefferson County for almost two decades, then was elected probate judge of Jefferson County where he served for 16 years. While serving as probate judge of Jefferson County, he was elected to the Alabama Supreme Court, where he served for 18 years. He is a man of utmost integrity. Jefferson County is fortunate to have him take on this task.

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.

Alabama Set to Receive $1.4 Billion to Expand Access to Broadband

FROM THE OFFICE OF GOV. KAY IVEY

MONTGOMERY — Gov. Kay Ivey announced recently that Alabama will receive $1.4 billion from the U.S. Department of Commerce to boost ongoing efforts to expand broadband access to unserved areas.

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) recently released the state allocations from the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment program. The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, which oversees state broadband initiatives, will be the administering agency for the grant funds.

“My priority is for Alabama to gain full ability to be connected to high-speed internet,” Ivey said.

“We have taken several significant strides toward this goal, and today’s

announcement provides a tremendous boost in the journey toward full broadband access no matter where you live in Alabama.”

States receiving the funds have 180 days to prepare and submit plans to the NTIA for use of the funds. ADECA’s Alabama Digital Expansion Division will complete Alabama’s required proposal. The division is also managing funding from the American Rescue Plan Act and the Alabama

Broadband Accessibility Fund for grant programs to help internet service providers extend service to previously unserved or underserved areas.

“Thanks to the leadership of Gov. Ivey and a strong team effort among the Legislature, internet service providers and many others, Alabama is continuing to make great progress in broadband mapping, planning and deployment,” said ADECA Director Kenneth See BROADBAND, page B11

Former President Carter is a Prolific Writer — Here’s a Sampling

agree with this quote by a fellow Southerner, “Learning to write may be part of learning to read. For all I know, writing comes out of a superior devotion to reading.” So said Eudora Welty, the Pulitzer Prize-winner from Jackson, Mississippi. The following samples from readers address some of Carter’s best-known works.

GREG MARKLEY

OPINION —

On the top of a bookcase in my home office lies a hardcover work called “Books, Books, Books: A Hilarious Collection of Literary Cartoons,” edited by S. Gross and Jim Charlton. I have treasured that book almost since it was published in 1988. One of my favorite cartoons from that source shows a woman employee of a bookstore, talking to a man who is shopping.

The woman asks the man, “What type of

book are you looking for?” The man responds: “Nothing thanks. I don’t read books. I just like to be in their presence occasionally.” Former president Jimmy Carter would not answer the flippant way the cartoon man did. As he continues in hospice at his home in Plains, Georgia, Carter can reflect on having published 40+ books after his retirement from the presidency in 1981. What an amazing literary yield.

The statesman from the Peach State would

“The Hornet’s Nest: A Novel of the Revolutionary War” is the first novel penned by a U.S. president or ex-president. It is praised for its depth of research, its fast-moving script and its characters and love story. One fan wrote, “Our history books should be expanded to include more of the story of the South in our Revolution.

I am appalled at the lack of history taught in our schools these days.”

Another reviewer said the book was a success but added: “I think Mr. Carter just tried to do too much here, all at once. There were too many characters to keep tabs on, and more to the point, way too many

viewpoints. I couldn’t keep track of which character was who and what side they belonged to.”

In “A Full Life: Reflections at 90,” Carter looked at his long life with all its thrills, disappointments and joy.

A reader who loved the book wrote, “He is frank about the presidents who have succeeded him, world leaders and his passions for the causes he cares most about, particularly the condition of women and the deprived people of the developing world.”

Although this book was written by a nonagenarian, it was lucid and well-received. However, I found one one-star rating (five-star is the highest).

This reviewer wrote: “This autobiography is very tedious to read. It was all so anti-climactic! The lack of overall momentum, along with his repetitious description of the early lifestyle he had, seemed to go on and on without respite.”

“An Hour Before Daylight” had mostly positive reviews; it tells of Carter’s boyhood in segregated rural Georgia.

A reviewer wrote: “It is a book about roots and a way of life that is gone, never to return. I had thought President Carter was ‘just a rich farmer’ who decided to go into politics. Now I know better.” Even a critic wrote, “There are decent parts, including thoughts on the realities of living in when racial discrimination was an accepted way of life.”

“Palestine: Peace Not Apartheid” was Carter’s attempt to show evenness in his pursuit for Mideast peace. A contented reader said, “Carter must’ve suspected the flak he would suffer from Israeli lobbyists in this country and surely, he did suffer. Carter is correct in describing Israel’s policies in occupied territories as resembling South Africa’s apartheid regime.”

The pushback was high among Jewish people. An upset reader wrote: “The sketchiness of the narrative enables Carter to amplify information favorable to his position and to omit or downplay unfavorable information.

Carter issues a stern indictment against Israel for the treatment accord-

ed Palestinians — the suppression of human rights by physical barriers, checkpoints, etc.”

I counted 40+ books that Carter wrote in 43 years. Carter left the White House in 1981 at age 56. He has had the longest post-presidency. He has accomplished much in four decades after leaving Washington, DC. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and used the Carter Center to wage peace, fight disease and build hope. His books have educated and enticed thousands if not millions. He was not at all like the cartoon character who “just likes to be in the presence of books occasionally.” Carter takes reading and writing seriously.

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has masters 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

Why are Policymakers Undermining One of the FDA's Most Successful Programs?

CONTRIBUTED BY KEYBRIDGE COMMUNICATIONS

BY RACHEL KING

OPINION —

Alzheimer's patients received great news this year when the FDA granted accelerated approval to lecanemab, a new treatment for fatal dementia.

The FDA's accelerated approval program expedites the release of new drugs to treat serious conditions.

Over the years, these have included another Alzheimer's drug, aducanumab, as well as treatments for HIV/ AIDS, leukemia and a host of rare diseases.

Unfortunately, sever-

al recent federal policy changes have added uncertainty to the accelerated approval program. Without more consistency from the FDA and Medicare, progress toward treating many deadly illnesses could grind to a halt.

The FDA's accelerated approval pathway, just like the agency's traditional approval pathway, requires companies to demonstrate that the drug is safe and that there is abundant evidence of its effectiveness.

The pathways differ in just one notable regard. In the traditional pathway, companies must demonstrate directly that a drug de -

livers a clinical benefit.

In the accelerated pathway, companies can instead demonstrate that the drug has an effect on a "surrogate endpoint" — a measurable outcome reasonably believed to predict a clinical benefit, even if that benefit will take more time to demonstrate directly.

Gaining earlier access to new treatments can make the difference between life and death for patients, who often have no other treatment options.

In addition to saving lives, the accelerated approval pathway also has a major impact across the whole ecosystem of drug devel-

opment.

Many innovative treatments begin at small biotech start-ups. These companies rely on venture investment to finance their work. Because the accelerated approval pathway offers an opportunity to get a new treatment to patients sooner, investors are often drawn to companies that are pursuing these approvals.

This arrangement has worked extraordinarily well since the accelerated approval program began. Of those that received accelerated approvals between 1992 and 2016, more than 76% went on to earn traditional FDA approval after their

release.

It's troubling that federal agencies have introduced so much unpredictability into a program that has been such a success for patients worldwide.

The FDA seems to be shifting the goalposts, now indicating that more and more companies will be required to launch post-approval confirmatory trials before receiving accelerated approval. This is particularly troubling for smaller companies.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has added more ambiguity to the accelerated approval process by severely restricting seniors' access to newly-approved Alzheimer's drugs. Last year, CMS made an unprecedented decision that will prevent the vast majority of Medicare beneficiaries from accessing an entire class of FDA-approved Alzheimer's treatments.

Under CMS's new rule, the drugs will only be available to seniors who can enroll in restrictive clinical trials or pay for the treatments out-of-pocket.

In February, CMS

officials muddied the waters even more by announcing a Medicare pilot program that would test paying less for medicines granted accelerated approval.

In short, even if a drug secures accelerated approval, it's no longer clear that the government will cover it.

This puts drug developers in an impossible position. Investing billions of dollars in a state-of-the-art medicine is a risky endeavor under the best of circumstances. To have any chance of success, companies need consistent FDA standards and patients need predictable coverage policies. Federal officials have failed to provide either — threatening not just a few companies, but the wider search for new treatments and cures that patients desperately need.

Rachel King is the interim CEO of the Biotechnology Innovation Organization. The co-founder and former CEO of GlycoMimetics, she also serves on the board of Novavax. This piece originally ran in the International Business Times.

Community Announcement: Lee County Democrats to Hold Training Session July 15

CONTRIBUTED BY THE LEE COUNTY

DEMOCRATIC EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

LEE COUNTY —

The Lee County Democratic Executive Committee will hold a meeting on Saturday, July 15, from 1 to 4 p.m. The meeting will be held at the Opelika Public Library, located at 1100 Glenn St., in Opelika.

All interested Democrats are welcome. Those that plan to attend should send their name and email address to Patsy Parker at pat1bill2@ aol.com, no later than July 10, or contact Ben Harris, vice chair for County Affairs for the Alabama Democratic Party, by calling 251-610-6081 or by emailing chair@mobiledemocrats.org.

The Lee County Democratic Executive Committee is the official Lee County Democratic Party. This meeting will be a training session to acquaint all persons interested in joining the Lee County Democratic Party.

A formal organizational meeting will follow on Saturday, July 29, 2023, at a time and location to be announced.

OES Upgrades 8th Ave. Recycling Center, Better Serving Citizens

Boswell. “These efforts have put us in good position with the BEAD program to accelerate our work to close the digital divide in Alabama.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

OPELIKA —

The city of Opelika has completed upgrades to the 8th Avenue Recycling Convenience Center. Two 40-cubic-yard roll-off containers have been added to handle yard waste, scrap iron and appliances. These containers are for Opelika residents only, no businesses.

One of these containers is for residents to use if they prefer not to place yard waste on the street or if they have a major yard cleanup that they would prefer not be in front of their house for a week. No businesses are allowed to use these containers. Citizens

need to follow these rules.

RULES:

· Trees and brush must be less than 6 inches in diameter and 5 feet in length

· Leaves and grass must be bagged

· No construction waste

· No demolition waste

· No dirt

· No carpet or flooring

· No pallets

· No household garbage

One of the containers is for scrap iron and old appliances. Due to liability and safety concerns, please stay out of the containers.

Additionally, please do not place anything on the ground. The use of these containers will make the convenience centers much cleaner and

safer. We urge citizens to follow the rules. If the rules are not followed, the containers will be removed.

The city of Opelika is also updating the Jeter Recycling Convenience Center and has poured the slab for the cardboard compacter that will be installed in the coming weeks. The paving of the Jeter Convenience Center will be completed during the week of July 10 (weather permitting). Once completed, containers will be placed for yard waste, scrap iron and appliances. The Jeter Convenience Center should be open for citizens to use in late July.

Please contact Opelika Environmental Services, 334705-5480, with any questions.

Since 2018, Alabama has invested $88.6 million of state dollars through grant awards supporting 109 projects through the Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund. Once all Alabama Broadband Accessibility Fund projects awarded to date have been completed, access to broadband service will be available to more than 82,000 Alabama households, businesses and community institutions that currently have no option to subscribe.

The agency has also developed a statewide broadband map and the Alabama Connectivity Plan, which guide the state’s expansion efforts into unserved areas. In September 2022, Ivey announced a grant to support broadband “middle-mile” network infrastructure to improve access for last-mile projects. In May, ADECA completed community broadband meetings in each of Alabama’s 67 counties.

One of the two 40-cubic-yard roll-off containers added to handle waste at Opelika's 8th Avenue Recycling Center.

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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

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 right-of-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-445LS” (typical) set on the north right-of-way of Country Club Road; thence leaving said Section line and rightof-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-ofway North 56 Degrees 06

Minutes 24 Seconds East a distance of 168.04 feet to a #4 rebar found; thence North 56 Degrees 43 Minutes 58

Seconds East a distance of 345.52 feet to a #5 rebar set, said point being the Point of Beginning of the herein described tract, having established grid coordinates of N-771673.66, E-778082.41 of zone east of the Alabama State Plane Coordinate

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System (NAD83); Thence leaving said right-of-way North 0 Degrees 49 Minutes 30 Seconds East a distance of 72.45 feet to a #5 rebar set on the north right-ofway of Country Club Road; thence along said right-ofway North 56 Degrees 44 Minutes 09 Seconds East a distance of 1002.21 feet to a #5 rebar set; thence leaving said right-of-way South 0 Degrees 49 Minutes 30 Seconds West a distance of 72.42 feet to a #5 rebar set on the south right-of-way of Country Club Road; thence along said right-of-way South 56 Degrees 45 Minutes 53 Seconds West a distance of 56.77 feet to a #5 rebar set; thence South 56 Degrees 43 Minutes 58 Seconds West a distance of 945.46 feet thence to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Being further described according to and as shown on that certain survey or drawing prepared by Loyd W. Carpenter, Registered Surveyor.

A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 1st Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama.

Please contact Brian Weiss, the City’s ADA Contact Person, at 334-705-5134 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

DATED this the 15th day of June, 2023.

/s/ Russell A. Jones, CMC

RUSSELL A. JONES, CITY

CLERK Legal Run 06/15/2023, 6/22/2023, 6/29/2023 & 07/06/2023

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,

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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 Benjamin H. Parr 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801 Telephone Number: 334-749-6999 Fax: 334-203-1875 ben@benparrlaw.com

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

INVITATION TO BID

23033

Sealed bids for the construction of the Columbus Parkway North Access Road shall be received at the Opelika City Hall 2nd Floor Conference Room, 204 South Seventh Street, Opelika, Alabama, until 2:00 p.m., local time on July 10, 2023, and then publicly opened and read aloud. All interested parties are invited to attend. Only bids from competent general contractors will be considered. At the time of contract award, the successful bidder must be a properly licensed general contractor. The attention of all bidders is called to the provisions of State law governing “General Contractors” as set forth

in the Ala. Code §34-8-1, et.seq. (1975) and rules and regulations promulgated pursuant thereto. Bidders must be licensed by the Licensing Board for General Contractors when bids are submitted.

Bidders are required to have a State of Alabama General Contractor’s License with a specialty of “Highways and Streets, Clearing and Grubbing, Earthwork, Erosion, Site Work, Grading or Municipal and Utility”. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number.

Evidence of this license shall be documented on the outside of the sealed bid. All bidders shall possess all other licenses and/or permits required by applicable law, rule or regulation for the performance of the work.

Drawings and Specifications may be examined at the Office of the City Engineer located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama, and phone number: 334-705-5450. Bid documents may be obtained from the Office of the City Engineer at no charge as an electronic file if the bidder supplies a storage drive or as an email attachment or electronic drop box. The bidder’s proposal must be submitted on the complete original proposal furnished to him/her by the City of Opelika. All information in the proposal must be completed by the bidder for the proposal to be accepted. A Bid Bond in the amount of five (5) percent of the bid amount made payable to the City of Opelika must accompany each bid. Performance and Payment Bonds for the full contract sum will be required of the successful bidder. The right is reserved by the Owner to reject all Bids and to waive irregularities. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing/Revenue & Codes Director, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803-0390. Attn: Columbus Parkway North Access Road LILLIE FINLEYPURCHASING/REVENUE & CODES DIRECTOR CITY OF OPELIKA 204 SOUTH SEVENTH STREET (36801) POST OFFICE BOX 390 (36803-0390) OPELIKA, ALABAMA PH: (334) 705-5120 Legal Run 06/22/2023, 06/29/2023 & 07/06/2023

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF SHAWN CORNELL MONTGOMERY, Deceased PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2023-282

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

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Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama

Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby re-quired to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Cindy Richardson-Montgomery Legal Run 06/22/2023, 06/29/2023 & 07/06/2023

INVITATION FOR BIDS

Sealed bids will be received by the Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners of the City of Mobile, Alabama (“Board”), at the Wesley A. James Operations Center, 4725 Moffett Road, Suite A, Mobile, AL 36618-0249 until 12:00 p.m., Local Time, August 7, 2027, and then publicly opened and read aloud at 1:00 p.m., for furnishing all labor, materials, and performing all work for the following project: Contract No.: D3424000, Project Name: NORTONS LANE SWAT AND LIFT STATION.

The project is funded by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management State Revolving Fund (SRF) Loan Program. The selected bidder shall comply with all conditions and requirements of the program as they pertain to this Project.

Plans and Specifications may be inspected at the Board’s offices at 4725 Moffett Road, Suite A, Mobile, AL, or at the offices of Jacobs, Consulting Engineers, 25 W. Cedar Street, Suite 350, Pensacola FL. 32502 (by appointment)., Telephone: (850) 396-4938. A complete set of electronic contract documents including Drawings, Specifications, referenced documents and a model bid package may be obtained from Kara St. Myer of Jacobs via e-mail from Kara St. Myer at Kara. StMyer@jacobs.com. No Contract Documents will be issued later than twenty-four (24) hours prior to bid submission time.

Questions regarding the Contract Documents must be submitted in writing or electronically to Jacobs no later than July 28, 2023 in order for responses to be provided via addendum prior to the bid date.

A MANDATORY Pre-Bid Conference will be held at Wesley A. James Operations Center, 4725 Moffett Road, Board Room, Mobile, AL 36618-0249 on July 18, 2023 at 10:30 a.m., Local Time, to discuss bidding and project requirements. Prospective bidders must attend.

Subcontractors should attend. Bids must be submitted on the standard forms included with the Contract Documents in the tabbed and color‐coded format as indicated. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed and delivered to the Director, Board of Water and Sewer Commissioners of the City of Mobile, Alabama, 4725A Moffett Road, Mobile, Alabama 36618-0249: “Bid for constructing Project # D3424000 - NORTONS LANE SWAT AND LIFT STATION, to be opened at 1:00 p.m., Local Time, August 7, 2027”. The Bidder's Alabama State Contractor's License Number and discipline shall be on the

envelope. Hand-delivered bid packages shall be delivered to the receptionist at the main entrance of the MAWSS office complex, 4725A Moffett Road, Mobile AL 36618. Bid guarantee in the form of certified check, bid bond, or Irrevocable Letter of Credit acceptable to the Board will be required for at least 5 percent of the bid amount, not to exceed $10,000. The Board reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality in bids received. THIS INVITATION FOR BIDS IS CONDENSED FOR ADVERTISING PURPOSES. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION/ REQUIREMENTS FOR BIDDERS CAN BE FOUND IN THE CONTRACT DOCUMENTS. THE BOARD OF WATER AND SEWER COMMISSIONERS OF THE CITY OF MOBILE, ALABAMA Legal Run 06/29/23, 07/06/23 & 07/13/23

FORM OF ADVERTISMENT FOR COMPLETION LEGAL NOTICE

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC, Contractor, has completed the Contract for the Alterations to Building #500 & Building #6000 at Drake Middle School at 655 North Donahue Drive, Auburn, Alabama 36832 for Auburn City Schools, Auburn, State of Alabama, Owner(s), 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:

Barganier Davis Williams Architects Associated, 624 South McDonough Street, Montgomery, AL 36104 WHATLEY CONSTRUCTION, LLC / CONTRACTOR P.O. BOX 137 OPELIKA, AL 36802 Legal Run 06/29/2023, 07/6/23, 07/13/23 & 07/20/23

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF HARRY G. VOGLER, DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2023-304

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of HARRY G. VOGLER are hereby granted to Vincent S. Vogler on the 9th day of June, 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. Vincent S. Vogler Legal Run 06/29/2023, 07/06/2023, 07/13/2023 See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

Beulah Friends of the Community Dedicates Landscape Project

CONTRIBUTED BY BFOTC

BEULAH —

Beulah Friends of the Community, Inc. (BFOTC) held a dedication of landscape project in Beulah, June 27.

“Our purpose tonight is to thank all of the people who made this project possible,” said John Findley, president of BFOTC.

The club began this almost seven-month project in November 2022.

“We started our landscape project by creating a design for the improvements we wanted to see here at the intersection,” Findley said.

It worked with Lee County Engineering (Justin Hardee) and Lee County Commissioner Tony Langley to approve the concept and the Lee County Highway Department to assist in upgrading the road shoulders.

“We next contacted Mrs. Cheryl Thompson, who with her brother Mr. Greg Crook, are the owners of the four corners of the intersection,” Findley said. “We explained what we would like to landscape the corner and she willingly gave her approval.”

Thompson is the granddaughter of Hubert Yarbrough, who

originally owned the land and store which stood at the crossroads for many years. While Thompson and Cook were unable to attend the event, two of their cousins, Amy Mobley and Caroline Williams, were in attendance representing the Yarbrough family. Williams is the secretary at Beulah High School. Also present was Donnie Baggett, who managed the property for the family for many years.

“We would like to thank the family for their support of our project,” Findley said.

During the early stages of renovations, Beulah Friends of the Community uncovered an overgrown local treasure — a years-old rock well house that served the community residents from the early 1900s.

“The club started the project by removing the overgrowth around the intersection, uncovering the 1900’s well house in December of last year,” Findley said.

“A lot of folks new to the community were not aware the structure existed. Club member Blake Simpkins and Daniel Cushman, with the help of Elizabeth Ham, downed a cedar tree growing out of the side of the building

and Blake removed the stump with his stump grinding machine.”

BFOTC has added flower boxes, plantings, grassing and chain link sign panels to allow Beulah community churches and organizations a place to display information concerning local activities.

A new flagpole was donated and installed at the intersection by the club for use at the crossroads. Boy Scout Troop 11 from Auburn raised the United States and State of Alabama flags as part of the ceremony.

This year Beulah Family Day, a community day, was funded through sponsorships, which allowed the event to be open to the public at no charge. The event featured local craft vendors, a stage show put on by local talent, food trucks and the annual car show, featuring many local car enthusiasts. Beulah Family Day is the club’s chief fund-raising event which funds the community day and the maintenance/cleanup of the five-triangle intersection as one approaches the community, and which will also help to defray the cost of maintaining the crossroads. BFOTC’s sponsorships have also

allowed for it to:

- Provide grants to varsity and junior varsity cheerleaders and the band at Beulah High School

- Recognize outstanding support personnel at Beulah Elementary and High School

- Continue maintenance at the triangle intersections as drivers approach Beulah and erect road signs at each pointing out the original names of some of the original communities and roads throughout Beulah.

Findley thanked numerous sponsors for their help in completing the crossroads project.

Local dignitaries who aided in sponsoring the project and Beulah Family Day who were in attendance for the dedication include: State Sen. Randy Price, State Rep. Debbie Hamby Wood and Lee County Commissioner Tony Langley.

The ceremony concluded with a call-toaction from Findley, asking the community to help maintain the work BFOTC has done.

“While we are dedicating this project to the community today, we still have plans to add additional flower boxes when it cools down a bit,” he said.

“Draper Lawn Service,

a local business, has been contracted to help maintain the grass at the crossroads. But we need the community’s help in spreading the word that

Local Clubs are Learning and Leading

we are proud of Beulah and that we all need to help keep this intersection, our triangles and all of our roadways free of litter and trash.”

PUBLIC NOTICES >>

FROM B12

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF MARILYN J. ROGERS, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased havincity g been granted to the undersigned on the 22nd day of June, 2023,, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness our hands, and dated this the 22nd day of June 2023.

WENDY ANN HARDEE

KRISTINA JANE

ROGERS (BUTLER)

Legal Run 06/29/2023, 07/06/2023 & 07/13/2023

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LORA J. HILL, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA

Case No: 2023-334

Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 23rd day of June, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

LISA HARMON and ELAINE LATHAM Co-Personal Representatives Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345

Legal Run 6/29/2023, 07/06/2023 & 07/13/2023

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

FAMILY COURT DIVISION: DOMESTIC RELATIONS

IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF: AIDA HERNANDEZ ZAPATA, Plaintiff, Vs. SANTIAGO HERNANDEZ ZAPATA, Defendant. Case No. DR-2023-900055 NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION

SANTIAGO

HERNANDEZ ZAPATA, Defendant, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer AIDA HERNANDEZ ZAPATA·s Complaint for Divorce by August 26, 2023, or thereafter, a Judgment by Default may be rendered against her in case number DR 2023-900055, Circuit Court of Lee County Alabama. Mary Roberson, Clerk of

the Circuit Court of Lee County /s/ Margaret Y, Brown Margaret Y. Brown 214 North College Street Auburn, Alabama 36830 334-821-6944 Attorney for Plaintiff Legal Run 07/06/23, 07/13/23, 07/20/23 & 07/27/23

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, STATE OF ALABAMA JAMES G. POTTER, (A/K/A JAMES GARDNER POTTER) Deceased Case Number: 2023-321 TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to SCOTT POTTER and LISA SPAETH as CoExecutors of the Estate of JAMES G. POTTER (a/k/a JAMES GARDNER

POTTER), deceased, on the 15th day of June 2023, by the Honorable BILL ENGLISH. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. SCOTT POITER, CoExecutor of the Estate of JAMES G. LISA SPAETH, CoExecutor of the Estate of JAMES G. POTTER (a/k/a JAMES GARDNER

POTTER) Legal Run 07/6/23, 07/13/23 & 07/20/23

CITY OF OPELIKA

ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT REGULAR MEETING AGENDA 300 Martin Luther King Blvd. July 11, 2023

TIME: 9:00 AM

A. APPROVAL OF

MINUTES

B. VARIANCE

1. Thomas Padgett, 2714 Waverly Parkway, R-1 zoning district, Requesting an accessory structure exceed the maximum 40% of

“In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Opelika will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the

The Beulah Friends of the Community work to make Beulah all that it can be. The group held a dedication of its most recent project on June 27.

The Opelika Kiwanis Club hosted John Ed Mathison last week. "He spoke on how sports have shaped his faith and the lessons he learned through the year," the club said. The club will host Jamie Williams, athletics director for Opelika City Schools, on July 13.

Outgoing Auburn Rotary Club President Judd Langham passed the gavel to Incoming President Griffin McNeill at the club's recent meeting. "Congratulations to Judd for a fantastic year of strong leadership," the club said in a statement. "No doubt Griffin will take us to even higher levels of service. We had numerous past presidents attend our meeting to participate in the passing of the gavel ceremony."

The oceans around the world cover about 70 percent of the Earth’s surface. Hidden in those waters are some really great animals. Some of the animals are very mysterious and look like creatures dreamed up in Hollywood for a film about aliens. Along with being mysterious, many of these creatures are also dangerous. Let’s explore the oceans and take a look at jellyfish.

Jellyfish

Jellyfish are amazing animals. They are invertebrates. That means they have no skeletal system. They have no blood and believe it or not they don’t have a brain. Even though all of this makes you think jellyfish are bound to become extinct, that is far from true. Jellyfish, or jellies, have been around since before dinosaurs. A jelly has a simple nervous system. It detects light, it is able to smell and it feels things when it brushes against something.

Jellyfish can’t really swim because they don’t have bones or bony structures. They mostly drift in the oceanic currents. They can pulse their bodies to help them along using muscles in their bells. They often suck water in and then blow it out to propel themselves forward. They can travel long distances between pulsing and the currents. This helps them avoid predators. Jellies are also predators. They feed on zooplankton, fish eggs, larva and even other jellyfish. Sometimes there is a bloom, or a large gathering of jellies. At places where there is a bloom, the hungry jellies eat all the eggs and baby fish in the area.

Parents & Teachers!

Scan this to download a lesson on Jellyfish, plus a bonus project: “build-a-jelly

Chuckle

Why

Videos!

Jellyfish come in all different shapes and sizes. Most of them have a bell with tentacles hanging from it. The tentacles can be long and skinny or wide and look like seaweed. The largest jelly is the Lion’s Mane Jellyfish. It can grow to about the size of a Blue Whale. In comparison the Irukandji jellyfish is about the size of a pencil eraser. One jelly looks like a fried egg if you look down from the top, one, the Man-O-War looks like it has a sail. Many are see through and a lot of them are bioluminescent. Bioluminescent means they can create a chemical reaction that makes light. It makes them look like they are glowing brightly in the water.

Did you know some cultures eat jellyfish?

Crossword!

Books!

Jellyfish (Amazing Animals) by Valerie Bodden

Jellyfish by Christina Leaf

Jellyfish by Victoria Blakemore

Would you ever try jellyfish salad?

Jellyfish are known for their very painful stings. They don’t mean to sting anyone but if you brush against one it may just hurt — a lot! A jelly stings you with its tentacles. Each tentacle has little organs called nematocysts. These are used to sting prey. The poison in the nematocysts help them digest their food quickly. The tiniest jelly, the Irukandji jellyfish has very toxic venom that is 100 times worse than that of a cobra. Two people have died. The box jellyfish has killed more people than that. Most stings are very painful but definitely not deadly.