The Observer 08-24-2023

$5,000 Sweepstakes — Scan This >> Back-2-School Bash Photos — A4

2022 — APA DIVISION D GENERAL EXCELLENCE DESIGNATION — 2023 COVERING LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

46 Opelika, Alabama Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023 www.opelikaobserver.com

Opelika Wins Awards of Excellence

100 Things

CONTRIBUTED BY

REEDY PRESS

LEE COUNTY —

Reedy Press is pleased to announce the release of its newest guidebook, “100 Things to Do in Auburn, Alabama, Before You Die,” by Connie Pearson. Auburn University men’s basketball coach Bruce Pearl accurately dubbed Auburn as “an everything school,” because the sports scene has gone far beyond football. Auburn athletes excel in basketball, baseball, gymnastics, volleyball, equestrian events, swimming and much more.

The towns of Auburn and Opelika along with all of Lee County can make the same claim. They, too, are “everything” destinations. “100 Things to Do in Auburn, Alabama,

Before You Die” shares the best places to eat, explore the outdoors, take in a sporting or cultural event, shop or learn something new. Sip lemonade at

Toomer’s Drugs or sample authentic Chinese cuisine at the Irritable Bao. Stroll the grounds of the Botanic, and see how they combine horticulture with farm-to-table

dining. Catch a show at incredible performing arts centers, and time your visit for festivals like Syrup Soppin’ Day

See 100 THINGS, page A2

CONTRIBUTED BY WALTON LAW FIRM, P.C.

AUBURN — Walton Law Firm, P.C. is pleased to announce that Will O. (Trip) Walton, III has been included in the 2024 edition of “The Best Lawyers in America.” Since it was first published in 1983, Best Lawyers has become universally regarded as the definitive guide to legal excellence.

"For more than 40 years, the rigorous methodology of Best Lawyers has ensured the integrity and

esteem of our legal recognitions," said Best Lawyers CEO Phillip Greer. "It is with great pleasure that we continue to provide potential clients with the pinnacle measurement of credibility through our Best Lawyers awards as they search for counsel."

Best Lawyers has earned the respect of the profession, the media and the public as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals. Its first international list was published in 2006

Opelika was awarded three prestigious Main Street Alabama Awards of Excellence during the 2023 Main Street Alabama LAB Conference in Huntsville, Alabama.

Connie Pearson, Auburn graduate, wrote "100 Things to Do in Auburn, Alabama, Before You Die" — a definitive guide to everything on The Plains. The Hey Day Market, which opened in 2022, includes 10 different vendors. It is a food hall at The Tony & Libba Rane Culinary Science Center.

Summer Photo Show: Indoors/Outdoors Opens

The Auburn Arts Association (AAA) recently announced the 2023 Summer Photo Show: Indoors/Outdoors. This show will feature photographs of interior and exterior views taken of or through windows. The exhibition will be on display Aug. 21 through Sept. 22 at the AAA Art House. A reception will be held during the exhibition and will be announced at a later date.

For more information or questions, contact the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at 334-501-2963 or visit www.auburnalabama.org/arts.

WALTON >> from A1

and since then has grown to provide lists in more than 75 countries.

"100 Things to Do in Auburn, Alabama, Before You Die" is available anywhere books are sold. There will be a book signing event at Botanic, Sunday, Oct. 22 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.

100 THINGS >>

from A1

in Loachapoka. Play a round on an acclaimed golf course, go mountain biking at a beautiful state park or try putt-putt and beach volleyball.

The opportunities for fun are endless in Auburn, and proud Auburn graduate and prolific travel writer Pearson knows what she’s talking about. “100 Things to Do in Auburn, Alabama,

Before You Die” walks readers through some of the best things in Auburn, offering suggestions even in-state rival fans can read with pleasure.

“100 Things to Do in Auburn, Alabama, Before You Die” is available wherever books are sold.

Scheduled Events for “100 Things to Do in Auburn, Alabama, Before You Die” include a book signing Sunday, Oct. 22 from 10:30 a.m to 2 p.m.

at Botanic, located at 1702 Frederick Road in Opelika. The event is free and open to the public.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Connie Collier Pearson graduated from Auburn University the same day as Pat Sullivan, Auburn’s first Heisman Trophy winner. She married into a family of Auburn alums, and two of her children have degrees from Auburn. She returns to Auburn often to visit friends and family,

eat, shop, cheer on the Tigers and roll Toomer’s Corner. Pearson is a travel writer and blogger with over 300 articles published in print and online. Follow Pearson at ThereGoesConnie. com or on Facebook and Instagram @ ThereGoesConnie.

It is advisable to check with the event venue for confirmation a few days ahead of a book signing or presentation.

PHONE: 334-749-8003

Editor@opelikaobserver.com

Michelle@opelikaobserver.com

PUBLISHER | Michelle Key

Lawyers on “The Best Lawyers in America” list are divided by geographic region and practice areas. They are reviewed by their peers based on professional expertise and undergo an authentication process to make sure they are in current practice and in good standing.

ABOUT BEST LAWYERS

Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected lawyer ranking service in the world. For 40 years, Best Lawyers has assisted those in need of legal services to identify the lawyers best qualified to represent them in distant jurisdictions or unfamiliar

specialties. Best Lawyers awards are published in leading local, regional and national publications across the globe. Lawyers who are nominated for consideration are voted on by currently-recognized Best Lawyers working in the same practice area and located in the same geographic region. Our awards and recognitions are based purely on the feedback we receive from these top lawyers. Those who receive high peer reviews undergo a thorough verification process to make sure they are currently still in private practice. Only then can these top lawyers be recognized by Best Lawyers. Walton Law Firm, P.C. would like to congratulate Trip Walton on receiving this recognition and honor.

LIVE LEE EDITOR | Hannah Goldfinger

MARKETING | Woody Ross | Tyler Thompson

PHOTOJOURNALIST | Robert Noles

SPORTS EDITOR | Wil Crews

SPORTS WRITER | D. Mark Mitchell

VIDEOGRAPHER | Samantha Sweatman

www.opelikaobserver.com

CORRECTIONS

Auburn Part Of NSF’s $56 Million Investment In Climate Change Research

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN

UNIVERSITY COLLEGE OF AGRICULTURE / BY PAUL HOLLIS

AUBURN —

The Auburn University College of Agriculture and the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station were awarded approximately $6 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) for a fouryear project entitled “Developing effective adaptation strategies to enhance the resilience of farmers under changing climate.”

“Through research, educational and outreach activities, this project aims to develop and assess innovative agricultural management practices that will help

reduce greenhouse gas emissions from agricultural systems, improve soil health and water quality, and reduce the vulnerability of crop failures during droughts,” said Jasmeet Lamba, associate professor, Department of Biosystems Engineering, and the principal investigator on the project.

Other investigators from Auburn include Sushil Adhikari, professor and director, Center for Bioenergy & Bioproducts, Biosystems Engineering; William Batchelor, professor, Biosystems Engineering; Hossein Jahromi, assistant research professor, Biosystems Engineering; Charles Chen,

Opelika Chamber Presents Two Quarterly Awards

College of Agriculture researchers develop strategies to enhance farmer resilience.

professor, Crop, Soil & Environmental Sciences; Neha Potnis, associate professor, Department of Entomology and

EXCELLENCE >> from A1

and Assistant State Coordinator, Trisha Black, recognized projects and individuals who made significant contributions to their communities. The Awards of Excellence program highlighted the tremendous impacts of the honorees in their respective areas.

Opelika Main Street was awarded the following awards:

1. Excellence in Reinvestment Total of 30,0000,000 in Reinvestment

2. Excellence in Volunteer Development for Volunteer Reception

Pictured are Opelika Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Ali Rauch and Barbi Agricola of Agricola Law.

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OPELIKA

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

OPELIKA —

The Opelika Chamber of Commerce presented its Small Business of the Quarter and Minority-Owned Business of the Quarter Awards on Aug.10. Awards were presented at the chamber's Business

Over Breakfast event held at Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC).

The Small Business of the Quarter Award was presented to Barbi

Agricola of Agricola Law by Opelika Chamber President and CEO Ali Rauch. This award was sponsored by First Realty.

The Minority-Owned Business of the Quarter Award was presented by Rauch and Rod Cater of Alabama Power to Insure with a Rose owner Altamura Rosencratz. This award was sponsored by Alabama Power. Business Over Breakfast featured a panel about tourism in the Auburn-Opelika

See AWARDS, page A6

3. Main Street Hero award was given to Crawford Willis Group “These awards show the determination of downtown Opelika [and its] willingness to continue to thrive even after hardship and the fire,” said Opelika Main Street Executive Director Melissa Munford Mcurdy. “Opelika’s downtown and Main Street program are important economic drivers for our entire community. Since 2014, downtown Opelika has seen 39 net new businesses, over 132 new jobs and over $39 million in new investments.

Plant Pathology; and Wendiam Sawadgo, assistant professor and Alabama Extension economist, Department of

This represents real growth and economic opportunity for all members of the Opelika community.”

“Last night, a celebration was held to recognize the achievements of various local Main Street,” Wirth said. “Each community has been working tirelessly to improve, reinvigorate and revitalize their downtown or district. The success stories shared at the event were truly inspiring, showcasing the dedication of businesses, organizations and individuals in making their communities the best they can be.”

The Awards of Excellence Banquet is a highlight of LAB, a three-day conference that bolsters the efforts of communities participating in the nationally acclaimed Main Street program or those communities interested in downtown revitalization. The 10th annual event drew over 150 community leaders from Alabama.

ABOUT OPELIKA MAIN STREET

Founded in 1987, Opelika Main Street helps assist in the growth of historic downtown Opelika through facade

Agricultural Economics & Rural Sociology.

The NSF award is a collaboration among Auburn University, New

Mexico State University (Rajan Ghimire, Shannon Norris-Parish and Jinfa Zhang) and the University of Delaware (Deb Jaisi, Lindsay Naylor and Erin Sparks).

“Agricultural activities result in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change,” Lamba said. “As a result of climate change, droughts are becoming more frequent and severe.”

Drought, a period of prolonged dry weather due to a lack of precipitation, reduces the water availability required to maintain crop productivity, which impacts farmers substantially, whose

See RESEARCH, page A6

grants, beautiifcation projects, economic development efforts, business professional development programs and various community events. Learn more about Opelika Main Street by going to www. opelikamainstreet. org or by following us on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT MAIN STREET ALABAMA

Main Street Alabama focuses on bringing jobs, dollars and people back to Alabama’s historic communities. Economic development is at the heart of our efforts to revitalize downtowns and neighborhood commercial districts.

Opelika Main Street Executive Director Melissa Munford Mcurdy holding one of the awards presented to Opelika Main Street during the Aug. 17 banquet in Huntsville, Alabama.

A Community Cornerstone

Cornerstone Family Chiropractic (CFC) hosted its 12th annual Back 2 School Bash Saturday, Aug. 19. Essentially an outdoor, parking lot carnival, Cornerstone hosts the event each year to celebrate the new school year and raise money for local nonprofits. This year, CFC raised $8,162 for the BigHouse Foundation.

Opelika Rallies for Bubba

The city of Opelika hosted "Burgers for Bubba" at Monkey Park Saturday, Aug. 19, in honor of fallen Firefighter Medic Zachary "Bubby" Sorenson. The event raised over $6,000 for United Way of Lee County during the Summer in the Park annual celebration.

AWARDS >>

from A3

area and the benefit it brings to the local business community.

The panel consisted of Stacy Brown, founder of Chicken Salad Chick and visionary of Botanic, Jim Keller, general manager of the Auburn Marriott Opelika Resort and Spa at Grand National, Brooke Kastner, vice president of Auburn-Opelika

Tourism and Jen and Rob Slocumb, owners of The Sound Wall and the duo Martha’s Trouble. The moderator of

Tourism.

The event was presented by GlynnSmith Chevrolet-GMC. The Gold Sponsors were Baxter International, Max Credit Union, city of Opelika, Aja Financial and SUSCC. The spotlight table sponsor was Himmelwright, Huguley & Boles. The registration sponsor was Home Care Assistance.

ABOUT THE OPELIKA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

For more than 80 years, the Opelika Chamber has worked to strengthen the community as the campion of business

RESEARCH >> from

A3

livelihoods depend on agricultural productivity.

“Developing and assessing management practices that can help withstand and recover from the negative impacts of droughts on agricultural operations will contribute to the sustainability of agriculture and food security,” Lamba said.

The project team members will work collaboratively to accomplish the following objectives: (1) develop engineered biochar to lower agricultural nitrous oxide emission in a climate-resilient system; 2) determine the plant genes and pathways associated with a positive yield response to engineered biochar amendment under water deficit conditions; 3) elucidate the impact of engineered biochar on nutrients, greenhouse gas emissions and microbial processes; 4) simulate the impact of extreme events on crop yield and nutrient losses, and identify the suites of conditions that are less impactful for agricultural productivity; and 5) assess farmers' perceptions and the economics of using engineered biochar along with the animal waste.

Biochar, Adhikari said, is a carbon-rich material produced from the thermal decomposition of organic materials. In this project, the team

by building bridges, cultivating community, and elevating business in order to achieve excellence. Representing more than 900 businesses and over 20,000 employees in the region, the Opelika Chamber has been recognized for their operational best practices among 501(c)6 not-for-profit Chambers of Commerce. The Opelika Chamber is one of only three 5-star accredited chambers in the state of Alabama. You can learn more at www. opelikachamber.com.

will engineer biochar by modifying biochar properties to help reduce nitrous oxide emissions from agricultural systems.

The project includes educational, mentoring and training activities for undergraduate and graduate level students, post-doctoral scholars, early career faculty and various communities.

The research is funded through NSF's Established Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (EPSCoR). Auburn is one of 21 institutions to receive part of a $56 million investment.

“As evident from EPSCoR’s impact, investing in research infrastructure is a powerful catalyst for strengthening our nation's security, competitiveness and fostering groundbreaking scientific advancements," said NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan.

"I'm thrilled to announce this year's EPSCoR Track-2 awards, which will strengthen community and regional efforts to understand the impacts of a changing climate and enhance the resilience of disproportionately affected communities. By addressing these critical challenges, and engaging with communities impacted by climate change, we have the potential to advance innovation and promote economic stability and recovery in EPSCoR jurisdictions and beyond.”

the panel was Robyn Bridges, president and CEO of Auburn-Opelika

Pictured are Rod Cater of Alabama Power; Altamura Rosencratz, owner of Insure With A Rose; and Opelika Chamber President and CEO Ali Rauch.

MONDAY, AUGUST 28 7:30 P.M.

Opelika Jeter Convenience Center Reopens

CONTRIBUTED BY CITY OF OPELIKA

OPELIKA —

The city of Opelika reopened the Jeter Convenience Center on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.

The hours for the center will be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.to 2 p.m.

The Opelika Environmental Services team has been working hard to get the following updates ready for the

center:

• A new cardboard compactor that was purchase and installed with ADEM grand funds

• New shipping containers to house paint, cooking oil, bagged shredded paper and bagged aluminum cans

• Roll-off containers for yard waste, trash, appliances and scrap iron

The Jeter Convenience Center is now completely paved. All recycling

materials has a container which it goes in. 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.

Please contact Opelika Environmental Services, 334-705-5480, with any questions.

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

S Food ociety & News

S ociety & News vents, E

Making the Grade: Mellow Mushroom

terview some new english education graduates.

Therefore, Dr. Ley gave me her number, and I called Mrs. Whitley for an interview. I had never been to LaGrange, so I asked her for directions from my hometown of Alexander City (“Eleck” City to the locals) to LaGrange.

gels. I’m certain that was a part of God’s plan for our lives.

Mike taught science, and I, of course, taught English. In Mike’s homeroom, there was a sweet, smart, slight (Remember, I love alliteration.) 13-year-old boy named Chad; he had the most beautiful blue eyes.

Way back on June 8, 1990, I received my master’s degree in english education from Auburn University. Around that time, Dr. Terry C. Ley, my professor, adviser, and the best teacher I have ever seen, told me that a Bette Whitley from a middle school in LaGrange, Georgia, had phoned him; she had teacher slots to fill at Lee’s Crossing Middle School and wanted to in-

Unbeknownst (I love that word, even though it’s probably considered archaic.) to me, Mrs. Whitley was, at that moment, interviewing a Mr. Mike Wallace, who was also soon to be a new teacher. In addition, he was to be my future husband.

Mike gave Mrs. Whitley the directions, and she gave them to me over the phone. Many years later, I thought that it was pretty cool that Mike was telling me how to get to him.

When August 1990 arrived, Mike and I were placed on the same eighth grade team, the Blue An-

As I’ve said many times before, someone once said that teaching is the only profession in which you don’t get to see the finished product. Unfortunately, if we don’t run into former students at Target or WalMart, we don’t know what they grew up to become.

Now, even though I was the least tech-savvy teacher in the Troup County School System, I have to admit that some technology is good.

For example, back on May 4, “Star Wars Day,” Mike, my “Star Wars” nerd (I’m an original “Star Trek” nerd.), posted a picture of

himself and some of his “Star Wars” memorabilia on Facebook.

Chad, our student from 33 years ago, saw the post and sent Mike a friend request, which Mike accepted.

Chad, who is now 46, lives in Argentina with his wife. There he teaches English online and sells light

sabers on his website.

Chad recently came home to LaGrange to visit his family. He invited Mike to meet him for lunch in Auburn. Mike asked if I could come, too, and Chad said, “Of course.”

Therefore, Mike and I headed to downtown Auburn, excited to see

Chad, but grumbling about wrestling with that kiosk in order to park. Unbelievably, parking was FREE that day; that was the second time this summer that this has happened. Thank You, Heavenly Father. We walked to the Mellow Mushroom at 128 N.

See WALLACE page A11

When

Life Gives You Lemons — Crush Cancer!

Son Volt to Perform at Standard Deluxe

CONTRIBUTED BY BML PUBLIC RELATIONS

ALABAMA — Applebee’s restaurants owned and operated by Apple American Group (AAG), a subsidiary of Flynn Restaurant Group — the world’s largest franchise operator — announced the kick off its annual fundraiser for Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF), a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding pediatric cancer research and family support programs. Since the partnership began in 2005,

Apple American Group’s Applebee’s restaurant have raised more than $6 million for ALSF and pediatric cancer research, funding more than 120,000 hours of childhood cancer research so scientists can search for more cures for all children with cancer. Now through Sept. 17, Applebee’s restaurants will transform into “lemonade stands,” encouraging guests and neighbors to join in the fight to end childhood cancer. During the six-week fundraising campaign, Apple American Group’s Applebee’s locations will donate 25

cents from the sale of each lemonade or fruit flavored lemonade and 10 cents from every $5 Sunshine Sip — including Electric Long Island Iced Teas and Tipsy Sunsets. Guests can also support the cause by making donations in increments of $1 and $5 either in-store at Applebee’s locations, on Applebees. com or the Applebee’s mobile app. Each $5 donation made in store will receive a voucher for $5 off their next in-store purchase

BY MICHELLE KEY MICHELLE@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

OPELIKA — Son Volt will be performing at Standard Deluxe in Waverly Aug. 27. The band is embarking on a

three month tour to support its new Doug Sahm tribute album, "Day Of The Doug," and to celebrate the 28th anniversary of its seminal album, "Trace."

During the concert, Son Volt

will perform "Trace" in its entirety, followed by songs from their catalogue of music and "Day Of The Doug."

"Trace" — released in 1995 — is Son Volt’s

See SON VOLT, page A12

The Chicken Jerk Hoagie served at Mellow Mushroom in Auburn.

PATTON WALLACE

The band's current line-up consists of Farrar (vocals, guitar), Andrew DuPlantis (bass guitar), John Horton (guitar), Mark Patterson (drums) and Mark Spencer (keyboard, steel guitar).

See LEMONADE, page A10

SEAN DIETRICH

Ihave a friend who was recently asked by his employer to use a different name in his workplace. My friend’s nickname is “Tater Log.” But mostly, we just call him “Tater,” “Tater Bug” or “Sweet Tater Pie.”

Tater’s employer, however, felt this name was unprofessional to use when dealing with high-level clients. He said it sounded, quote, “hillbilly.” (“Hello,

ma’am. Your loan officer today is “Sweet Tater Nugget.”)

Sadly, Tater has had to start using his legal name, which is Marian. So you can see why this is so tragic.

When Marian was a boy, we used to give him a hard time about his legal name. He hated the name Marian. Any time the name was invoked, you had to run because in a few seconds

Nicknames

a glass object would be hurled in your general direction.

Well, all this got my dander up because forcing someone to change their name is discriminatory. Moreover, it raises important ethical questions:

Such as (1) why, exactly, is “Tater” less fit for the workplace than other names such as, for example, Hubert or Archibald? And (2) what precisely does it mean to get one’s “dander up”?

Furthermore, in this part of the world we have a cherished tradition of nicknames. I don’t know how other regions such as, say, Ohio, approach nicknames, but to us a good nickname expresses lovable personality traits and characteristics. Nicknames are often given by family members and friends. They are terms of endearment.

When I was growing up, for example, I had several

Uptown Columbus Inc. Announces Fall Concert Series Kickoff

CONTRIBUTED BY

UPTOWN COLUMBUS

COLUMBUS, GA. —

Uptown Columbus is ramping up its fall event season which means the return of the Friday Night Concert Series sponsored by Georgia Power. Starting Friday, Sept. 8, 2023, area residents and visitors are welcome to head to Broadway to experience a free concert that is sure to start the weekend off right. The series will run five consecutive Fridays with each show starting at 7 p.m.

Throughout the series, attendees will experience a variety of genres and entertainment. From touring tribute bands to local musicians, the Uptown stage will offer a great variety of tunes. Concerts will be held every Friday night from 7 to 10 p.m. and will be on the 1000 block of Broadway Sept. 8, 15 and 22, then will move to the 1100 block of Broadway on Sept. 29. The final concert on Oct. 6 will be held on the 1200 block of Broadway. The concerts are family-friendly and free to the public so make sure to bring your children and spread the word with friends that every Friday night, Uptown is the

place to be.

The Columbus State University Coca-Cola Space Science Center is a proud sponsor for the fall series and will be on site weekly with different activities and giveaways. Closing out the series will be the Columbus State University Homecoming parade and concert on Oct. 20. Stay tuned for more information regarding this event.

UPTOWN COLUMBUS FALL 2023 LINEUP - Sept. 8: Mike Jerel - Sept. 15: Relative Sound at 6 p.m.; Departure: The Journey Tribute Band at 8 p.m. - Sept. 22: Jonboy Storey - Sept. 29: RiverCity

nicknames. My initials are S.P.D. So my Little League coach called me “Speedy.” Which I did not care for because “Speedy” is what is known as a “reverse nickname.”

A reverse nickname expresses the opposite of the truth about its titleholder. It’s like calling a big person “Tiny,” a bald person “Curly,” or saying a Congressperson “has strong family values.”

If you would have seen me in a baseball uniform, you would have understood the irony of my nickname. I was a chubby kid and a terrible ball player. During the time it took me to run the bases many of my teammates had already graduated college.

I’ve had other names. My mother gave me the nickname “Biscuit Booty” when I was 3. My uncle used to call me “Skillet Licker.” And my cousin,

of $25 or more.

“We are extremely proud of our partnership with Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and are excited to kick off our 19th year of fundraising for this incredible cause,” said Greg Flynn, founder, chairman and CEO of Flynn Restaurant Group, owners of Apple American. “Last year was another banner year, raising $545,839. None of this would be possible without the outstanding commitment of our dedicated staff and the generous support of guests. We look forward to another successful year.”

Ed Lee, used to call me, for no apparent reason, “Husky Jeans.”

My cousin Ralph’s nickname was “Muffin Top.” My cousin Jack’s nickname was “Super Pooper Scooper” because he was always digging in his drawers during class.

My redhead cousin Margarett Ann’s nickname was “Tootie.” I don’t know how she got this name. Perhaps it was because Tootie was redheaded, and redheads were usually stereotyped as, among other things, having hot tempers. Which is expressly untrue. And that is how all her friends lost their front teeth.

Speaking of redheads. I am a redhead. And anyone born with red hair has been called “Red” at some point in life. My grandfather was Red. My father was Red. I was called Red on my first day of kindergarten by my teacher. Of all the names I

com/alexslemonade.

“Applebee’s is truly one of ALSF’s most dedicated partners, raising money every year since 2005,” said Liz Scott, Scott’s mom, and co-executive director of Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation. “While the fight against childhood cancer continues, so does the support of Applebee’s restaurants and guests across the country. We are so grateful for their continued partnership to help find cures and support families during their child’s treatment and beyond.”

hate, I dislike Red the most. I would rather be called Super Pooper Scooper.

I have another friend named “Butta.” This happened when his baby brother couldn’t pronounce “Brother,” and so the name Butta just came out.

I have a friend named “Tabby” even though her name is Tammie. My friend Lola is called “Copa Cabana.” And my friend Peter has never been called Peter. We call him, simply, “Tallywhacker.”

Either way, I don’t think it’s fair to make someone change their name simply because it sounds “hillbilly” or “unprofessional.” I think this is unfair. And I think you should write to your congressperson about this issue.

I don’t think it’s American to make someone change their name. Unless, of course, their name is Marian.

Horns - Oct. 6: Skylar Saufley and the 99th Degree - Oct. 20: Columbus State University Homecoming Parade and Concert Nearby restaurants will offer food and beverages for sale. Free parking is available in nearby public decks. Of course, lawn chairs are welcome. Outside coolers are prohibited and pets are discouraged due to loud noises and crowds.

To stay up to date on all things Uptown, sponsorship opportunities and spring events, visit the website, www.alwaysuptown.com, follow Uptown Columbus on Facebook or give it a call at 706-596-0111.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was established in 2005 to continue the mission of Alexandra “Alex” Scott. While fighting her own battle with neuroblastoma, Scott set up a lemonade stand in her front yard to raise money for “doctors to find a cure for all childhood cancers.” Since her first stand, the foundation has grown into one of the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the country, raising more than $250 million and funding over 1,000 research projects. In 2021, one of those research projects led to the discovery of a cure for a specific type of neuroblastoma — the disease that Scott fought hard against. To learn about other ALSF heroes, such as Jonathon, who no longer has to receive treatments for acute lymphoblastic leukemia, visit applebees.

Participating Applebee’s locations owned and operated by Apple American Group include: Alabama, California, Colorado, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington and West Virginia.

ABOUT APPLE AMERICAN GROUP

Apple American Group LLC owns and operates over 435 Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill and Bar restaurants in 23 states. With annualized sales of over $1.1B and over 21,000 employees, Apple American is the largest franchisee in the Applebee’s system, the largest U.S. casual dining franchisee, and the second largest franchisee of any concept in the U.S. More information is available at www.AppleAmerican.com.

ABOUT FLYNN RESTAURANT GROUP LP

Flynn Restaurant Group LP is the largest franchise operator in the world and one of the 20 largest foodservice companies in the United States. Founded by Chairman & CEO Greg Flynn in 1999, Flynn Restaurant Group currently owns and operates 2,600 quickservice, fast casual, and casual dining restaurants in 44 states, generating $4.5 billion in sales and employing 75,000 people. It’s affiliate, Flynn Properties Inc., owns 121 hotels in the United States and Mexico, including 109 franchised hotels. More information is available at www.FlynnRestaurantGroup. com.

ABOUT APPLEBEE'S®

As one of the world’s largest casual dining brands,

Applebee’s Neighborhood Grill + Bar serves as America’s kitchen table, offering guests a lively dining experience that combines simple, craveable American fare with classic drinks and local drafts. Applebee’s makes it easy for family and friends to connect with one another, whether it’s in a dining room or in the comfort of a living room, Eatin’ Good in the Neighborhood™ is a familiar and affordable escape from the everyday. Applebee's restaurants are owned and operated by entrepreneurs dedicated to more than serving great food, but also building up the communities that we call home. From raising money for local charities to hosting community fundraisers, Applebee’s is always Doin’ Good in the Neighborhood®. Applebee’s franchise operations consisted of 1,662 Applebee’s restaurants in the United States, two U.S. territories and 11 countries outside the United States as of June 30, 2023. This number does not include two domestic Applebee’s ghost kitchens (small kitchens with no store-front presence, used to fill off-premise orders) and 12 Applebee’s international ghost kitchens. Applebee's is franchised by subsidiaries of Dine Brands Global Inc., which is one of the world's largest full-service restaurant companies.

ABOUT ALEX’S LEMONADE

STAND FOUNDATION

Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation (ALSF) emerged from the front yard lemonade stand of 4-year-old Alexandra “Alex” Scott, who was fighting cancer and wanted to raise money to find cures for all children with cancer. Her spirit and determination inspired others to support her cause, and when she passed away at the age of 8, she had raised $1 million. Since then, the foundation bearing her name has evolved into a national fundraising movement. Today, ALSF is one of the leading funders of pediatric cancer research in the U.S. and Canada raising more than $250 million so far, funding over 1,000 research projects and providing programs to families affected by childhood cancer. For more information, visit AlexsLemonade.org.

LEMONADE >> FROM A9

College St. When Mike and I entered the restaurant, an attractive, tall, bearded man with glasses came up to meet us. I gave Chad a hug, amazed at the dramatic change which 33 years had wrought. After all, Mike and I still look 30 and 27, respectively, as we did in 1990. All right, if you’ve read this far, quit laughing.

When we sat down in our booth, Chad said, “I know you aren’t used to seeing me wear glasses.”

When he removed them, those beautiful blue eyes were still the same, 33 years later.

I admired the colorful walls of Mellow Mushroom. I especially loved the drawing of the rolled oak trees at Toomer’s Corner. Areonna, our server, was a complete delight. She was sweet, helpful and patient, making us feel right at home.

Chad ordered a whole jerk chicken hoagie. It was huge, so he planned to take half of it home.

I ordered a Greek salad, which was really fresh and tasty. Mike and I shared a mighty, meaty stone-baked pizza with pepperoni, Italian sausage and ground beef with Mellow red sauce and mozzarella. Oh, my two times. Our pizza was outstanding, as was Chad’s hoagie.

Mellow Mushroom is locally owned by Adam Nemeroff. Trust me, run and do not walk to Mellow Mushroom to enjoy some delicious dishes.

Besides our delectable choices, Mellow Mush-

room offers diners great appetizers or “munchies,” wings, salads, hoagies, sandwiches and burgers.

Dr. Ley, this review was for you. Thanks for unknowingly sending me to my sweet future husband.

Love to you and Mrs. Ley, who was an excellent government teacher at Opelika High School.

Mellow Mushroom is open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Mellow Mushroom

makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized people” NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!

Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30

years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear every other week in The Observer. Wallace may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020.com.

debut studio album that established the band as a force in the alternative country movement of the '90s.

According to a press release from AllEyesMedia:

"'Trace' remains a beloved album among Son Volt fans and continues to be regarded as a landmark in alternative country music, showcasing Jay Farrar's songwriting talents and the band's ability to merge elements of country, rock and folk into a cohesive and emotionally powerful sound.

"It achieved critical acclaim and commercial success, reaching a wide audience beyond the genre's niche.

"Doug Sahm blazed trails across genres, blending key elements of rock, R&B, country, folk, Tex-Mex and psychedelia into something that existed in its own space. His heralded body of work includes many solo and collaborative albums, three Top 40 hits with the Sir Douglas Quintet, and a Grammy win with Tejano supergroup Texas Tornados. Sahm was both a friend and a mentor to Farrar — the two recorded an exceptional rendition of Sahm’s classic song 'Give Back the Key to My Heart' on the final Uncle Tupelo album, 'Anodyne' (1993).

"Farrar’s goal with 'Day of the Doug' was not only to pay

tribute to Sahm’s music and influence, but to also highlight some of the deeper tracks."

Listen to Son Volt’s rendition of “Sometimes You’ve Got To Stop Chasing Rainbows” at www.orcd.co/ chasingrainbows.

Tickets can be purchased in advance or the day of at www. standarddeluxe.com.

Advance tickets are $25 and $30 when purchased the day of the show. Children 14 and under are free.

All advanced tickets will need to be picked up at will call as no tickets will be mailed according to a statement on the Standard Deluxe website.

Showtime is at 7 p.m.

The gates open at 5

p.m. and the bar will be open at that time.

5 Strings Catering will be serving up the supper menu, also starting at 5 p.m. The menu includes

a choice of pitcooked and smoked pulled pork or pulled chicken, plus a choice of two sides: roasted veggies, sprouted quinoa salad

and tomato cucumber feta salad. Plates will be $15 each. Standard Deluxe is located at 1015 Mayberry Ave. in Waverly.

"Day of the Doug", revisits the music of legendary Texas troubadour Doug Sahm.

WALTER ALBRITTON

RELIGION —

In the year 1224, in a small Italian town, Theodora and Landulf gave birth to a little boy. They named him Thomas. He would become known as Thomas Aquinas, though Aquinas is not a family name but an indicator

What Jesus Loved Doing

of his birthplace. As Thomas grew up, no one in Aquino would have guessed the boy would become a world renown theologian and philosopher. Because of his large size, and slowness of speech, his schoolmates nicknamed Thomas “Dumb Ox.”

To the surprise of his young friends, Dumb Ox became a Dominican friar and priest, an influential philosopher and theologian, and a prominent jurist in the Kingdom of Sicily. A prolific writer, Thomas wrote books that continue to be read by college and seminary students across

LOIS MAUREEN GILLENWATER

Lois Maureen Gillenwaters passed away on Aug. 20, 2023, at Lanier Medical Center. She was 91 years old.

She was the daughter of Claudie Belle and John Willie Miller and wife of Ralph Gillenwaters for 63 years.

She leaves behind a daughter Peggy Rooks, son-in-law Danny, son Charles and wife Cindy. She also leaves behind three grandsons and wives, six great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild.

She was an Avon lady and traveled the world with her husband, who was in the army.

Visitation was Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023, from 10 to 11 a.m. at Sandy Creek Baptist Church in Camp Hill followed by a graveside service at 11:30 a.m. at Tallapoosa County Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Don Waldrep officiating.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home handled all arrangements.

ROBERT

BURTON

"BOB" EKELUND JR.

Robert Burton “Bob” Ekelund, Jr., Ph.D., shed his mortal coil on Aug. 17, 2023, after valiantly fighting Parkinson’s disease for several years, and more recently, various cancers.

He was a long-term resident of Auburn and professor emeritus of Auburn University.

He was an accomplished economist, author, pianist, artist, gardener, animal lover, raconteur and overall bon vivant. It’s hard to imagine so many talents and accomplishments folded into a single individual. He was a tireless “worker.” Trained as a classical pianist from childhood, he continued to take lessons throughout his life, performed in a number of competitions, and recorded several CDs. He loved art, painting and taking lessons, as well as collecting and reading about art, artists and the art market. He loved gardening and he was selected for the Auburn tour of beautiful yards. Bob loved animals and typically had four cats in the house. He loved cooking for friends and was a partner with longtime friend Ursula Higgins in the Greenhouse Restaurant, one of the finest in the South. He loved traveling to the beach or the mountains and the famous places he had read about. He was a voracious reader his whole life. In all these things, Bob never went half-measure. He was indeed a true Renaissance Man.

To his inner circle, Ekelund was a wonderful bundle of contradictions. He was erudite, but earthy; shy, but more often gregarious; accomplished but humble; firm but flexible; generous

the world. His bestknown book, “Summa Theologiae” (Summary of Theology), became a compendium of the main theological teachings of the Roman Catholic Church. It is no surprise that the Catholic Church honors Thomas as a saint and a model teacher for anyone studying for the priesthood.

Eight hundred years later, Thomas is still considered one of the greatest Christian philosophers of all time. On his deathbed, at age 49, Thomas looked at all his books and said to his family and friends, “After what I have experienced, all that is

just straw!” At the end, the wise philosopher remained astute about what really mattered.

I was intrigued by a quote attributed to Thomas in a recent speech made by Catholic Bishop Robert Barron of Minneapolis. Somewhere Thomas had written, “If we want to live a happy life we should love what Jesus loved on the cross and despise what Jesus despised on the cross.” What Jesus despised on the cross was all the objects of false worship to which, Bishop Barron explained, “we tend to erect altars — to pleasure, power, wealth

OBITUARIES

almost to a fault; and above all, always striving for greater heights.

Ekelund was born on the island of Galveston, in the State of Texas, but chose to make Auburn his home for nearly the past five decades. He attended St. Mary’s University in San Antonio and after receiving his Ph.D. from LSU in 1967, he joined the faculty and was the Director of Graduate Students in economics at Texas A&M which had recently been awarded a prestigious National Science Foundation grant for faculty development in Economics. Among his colleagues was former US Senator Phil Gramm. Among his students were former Congressman Chet Edwards and former Governor of Texas Rick Perry.

Ekelund joined the economics faculty at Auburn University in the mid-70's and was the first Director of Graduate Students in economics for their new PhD program. He was one of the first Eminent Scholars and retired from AU in 2003. A talented artist and art lover himself, he was a guiding force in the establishment of the Jule Collin Smith Museum of Art and served as the Director of the Museum during its formative years during his “retirement.”

A passionate and tireless scholar, Ekelund made an indelible mark on his chosen discipline, advancing its

historical and theoretical development. He authored more than two dozen books and more than 200 academic papers. Practicing the timehonored economic principle of specialization and division of labor, he often worked in tandem with co-authors, which in many cases served as an engine of professional development for his former students.

He took a personal interest in graduate students and patiently tutored them on the rudiments of being a “professional” economist. His exacting standards but patient guidance produced prodigious results, as any, and all, of his former students will attest. During his academic career, and even afterward, he directed more than 50 doctoral dissertations and dozens of master’s theses.

He had an extraordinary ability to transcend, and balance, the technical, professional world of academics with the more mundane, but vital, social interactions of everyday life. His inquisitive nature ranged far and wide. He coauthored books on the economics of art and culture, the American Civil War, economic policy in the historical context, the economics and politics of regulation, and the economics of religion.

He was a coauthor of a leading introductory economics book with his friend and longtime research

and honor.” By dying on the cross, Jesus said an emphatic “No” to all those false idols that some of us worship.

And what did Jesus love on the cross?

Thomas nailed it: He loved doing the will of his Father. The cross became the altar of our Lord’s ultimate sacrifice.

Satan lures us into false worship by persuading us to believe that pleasure, power, wealth and honor can provide us “a happy life.” Our dear brother Thomas invites us to take a serious look at Jesus on the cross — enduring pain not pleasure, held

powerless by the nails that fastened him to the cross, tolerating the shame of nakedness, a pauper by the world’s standards and suffering the dishonor of being executed between two thieves on a cross. Yet, he yielded to the humiliation of dying on the cross because he loved doing the will of his Father.

After looking again at Jesus on that cross, my heart cries, Father, please save me from idol worship and continue transforming my heart so that soon I may wake up every morning wanting nothing more than to do your will.

collaborator, Robert Tollison, and the leading textbook on the history of economic thought with best friend and longtime collaborator, Robert Hébert. His most recent book, The Myth of American Inequality (with Phil Gramm and John Early, 2022) was a deep dive into how the U.S. government collects and uses/misuses economic statistics to shape economic policy.

He was unique in this and many other respects, and his personality endeared him to many within and outside his immediate orbit. Moreover, he made the best chili and chicken-fried steak east of the Mississippi. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Burton Ekelund Sr. and mother, Anna Mae Leblanc Ekelund; and is survived by his husband, Mark Thornton (brothers John and Mick and their families) and beloved cousins Joyce, Marianne, and Tess (and their families) who are joined by Bob’s friends, many of whom he considered to be part of his family, associates, students and admirers in mourning his loss.

A celebration of his life will be held in the future.

Bob’s webpage: www. www.bobekelund.com/

DOROTHY "DOLLY" CORCORAN

Dolly died on Aug. 16, 2023, at Russell Medical

Center, Alexander City, at the age of 93 years old. She had resided for several years at Chapman Nursing Center and before that with her daughter, Julie Corcoran of Dadeville, Alabama.

She was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts, on July 29, 1930, as Dorothy Marie O’Kane and became the daughter of Anne Sullivan Quimper. Dolly attended Notre Dame Academy in Roxbury and later Mt. Trinity Academy in Watertown, Massachusetts.

In 1950, she was married to William B. Corcoran who predeceased her in 2008. She is survived by her daughter Julie Ann of Dadeville, and her son William from Camp Hill Pennsylvania. There were also many cousins who loved her over the years.

Lately, she was a member of St. John the Apostle parish in Alex City. Dolly had worked for years as a medical secretary in Massachusetts. Over the years, she had resided in Spartanburg, South Carolina; Holliston & Framingham Massachusetts and Auburn.

A Mass of the Resurrection was celebrated for her on Thursday, Aug. 24, at St John the Apostle church in Alexander City, Alabama.

Later, a private burial will occur at Holy Cross Cemetery, Malden, Massachusetts, the family plot.

See OBITUARIES, page A14

BRUCE GREEN

Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

RELIGION —

We’re not surprised when a Jewish disciple writing Jewish people speaks of blessing as James does in 1:12 of his letter. Here’s the complete verse from the NIV:

A Lesson for Life

Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

Blessedness begins with the perception battle. James has already talked about God as the One “who gives generously to all without finding fault” in regard to granting wisdom (v. 5).

In v. 16-17, he doesn’t want them to be deceived but to understand, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.”

When we are convinced and convicted that God is unchangingly good, it gives us the ability to step

up and shoulder the load of a trial. We know God is with us and He will bring something good out of what appears to be only a bad situation. This is what faith is — the ability to see the unseen. Anyone can see the seeds in the apple, faith sees the apples in the seeds.

Blessedness is won through perseverance.

Understanding that intellectually is wonderful, but it must be fleshed out in our lives or it’s no good for us or anyone else. That’s where perseverance comes in. It’s easy to think of perseverance as simply gritting our teeth and getting on with it. I think there’s more to it than that.

Eugene Peterson (A Long Obedience in the Same

Direction) has this to say about perseverance: Perseverance is not the result of our determination, it is the result of God’s faithfulness. We survive in the way not because we have extraordinary stamina but because God is righteous.

Christian discipleship is a process of paying more and more attention to God’s righteousness and less and less attention to our own; finding the meaning of our lives not by probing our moods, motives and morals, but by believing in God’s will and purposes; making a map of the faithfulness of God, not charting the rise and fall of our enthusiasms. It is out of such a reality that we acquire perseverance.

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK

It results in a crown. The word for crown is stephanos and it’s the wreath or crown given to victorious athletes (1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 2:5). It is called the crown of life because it represents the eternal life given to those who hang in there with Jesus through thick and thin. It is the ultimate in blessedness.

In this verse we’ve seen James encourage his readers to persevere through the trials they were facing. It’s an elementary lesson to learn for the disciple of Jesus, but one we will use our entire life.

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

Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28

CHURCH DIRECTORY

ANGLICAN

The Good Shepherd

Anglican Church

3015 Opelika Road, Opelika

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS

God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church

301 Highland Ave., Opelika

334-749-9672

BAPTIST

Beulah Baptist Church

5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538

AFB - Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn

334-887-8506

Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Road Valley 334-710-2117

Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184

Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108

Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608

Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461

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

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

Bridge Church of AL 315 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-363-0552

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

Living Waters Ministry Center 3005 Lafayette Parkway, 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

Fall Session of Grief Share Helps Community Deal With Loss

CONTRIBUTED BY

BETH PINYERD

When a person loses a loved one in their life, having someone to spend time with them is such an encouragement. This is what Grief Share is all about — it is having friends be with you as God moves you toward hope. The three aspects of Grief Share are a video seminar — helpful

information on griefrelated topics; group discussion — facilitated small group discussion time; and personal and individual application of concepts — presented to help a person who has experienced loss move toward hope and healing.

Some of the sessions include “Your Grief Journey”; “Fearful and Overwhelmed”; “Questions for God”; and “Hope and Resilience”.

What's Happening in Lee County

FARMER'S MARKETS

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

Starting on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, Grief Share will meet every Tuesday evening from 6 to 7:30 p.m. in Room 205 at Trinity Church on 800 2nd Ave. in Opelika. If you would like to come to any of these meetings, Grief Share invites you to attend. For more information, you can contact Melinda Jackson, coordinator of Grief Share at Trinity Church, at 334745-2632.

AUBURN/OPELIKA MOPS ANNOUNCE 2023-24 MEETING DATES

Auburn/Opelika MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers) and MOMSNext meet at Pepperell Baptist Church located at 2702 2nd Ave. in Opelika.

The next meetings scheduled are:

- Sept. 7, 21

- Oct. 5, 19

- Nov. 2, 16

- Dec. 7 - Jan. 18

- Feb. 1, 15

- March 7, 21

- April 4, 18

- May 2

Contact Rachel Elrod at 706244-5620 or Kaela Sexton at 719351-8093 for further information.

NAMI MEETING

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

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

OBITUARIES >>

FROM A13

DENNY LEE BOBO

Denny Lee Bobo, 79, of Opelika, was received into Heaven, Aug.16, 2023. Denny was born May 23, 1944, to Ruby Lee and Clarence Edward “Jack” Bobo. Raised in Anniston, Alabama, he graduated from Welborn High School. Denny spent his life building a career in the elevator industry. Beginning in construction, then working his way up to mechanic, supervisor and even after retirement, as an inspector. With his insanely strong work ethic, he was well known across the elevator industry and a strong supporter of the union. Denny never stopped working and made a positive impact everywhere he went. His huge smile was upstaged only by his generous heart. Denny always went above and beyond for his family, friends and pretty much anyone he met. He never met a stranger and easily made friends with his outgoing nature and handfuls of candy. Although he didn’t attend a church regularly, Denny had a strong belief in God and was able to affirm his salvation and faith with his family prior to his passing. He lived as an example of Christ’s unconditional love and grace for others his entire life. He was frequently the person who family and friends called on in times of need. Always dependable,

he would be there for anyone who asked. He would literally give you the shirt off his back.

In his free time, he loved to work, enjoyed catching up with friends, work, following sporting events, working, vacationing with family, work, game nights with family, and last but not least, work.

Denny was preceded in death by his parents and his older brother, Ricky. He is survived by his loving wife, and best friend since high school, Margaret Joan Bobo; sons Christopher, Brian (Linda) and Jonathan (Shelly); daughter Amy Owens (Henry); and his lifelong best friend, work partner and twin brother, Danny Edward Bobo (Carol). Denny was blessed with 10 grandkids and six greatgrandchildren, with another one on the way. Denny also has many cousins, nieces and nephews whom he loved immensely and he will be greatly missed.

A Celebration of Life Memorial service was held at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Aug. 19, 2023. In lieu of flowers, family would like to ask that a donation be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

MAVIS MAYBERRY STEVENSON

Funeral services for Mavis Mayberry Stevenson, age 92, of Auburn, Alabama, was held Saturday, Aug. 19, at 11 a.m. at Auburn First Baptist Church, with rites conducted by the Rev. Tripp Martin. Visitation was held on Friday, Aug. 18, 2023, at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. A private burial

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

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

Saturdays 8 to 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.

will take place at Auburn Memorial Park Cemetery.

Mavis was born May 28, 1931, in Beauregard, Alabama, to Erma Ophelia and George Washington Mayberry. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Gene Stevenson, and her sister Barbara Ann Martin. She is survived by one daughter, Jane Stevenson Martin (Richard, deceased) of Auburn; and two sons, David Lee Stevenson (Michelle) of Auburn; and John Philip Stevenson of Auburn. She is survived by six grandchildren: Mary Kathryn Papaioannou (JP), Adam Lee Stevenson, Jesse John Stevenson, Jack David Stevenson, Rachel Ann Stevenson and Lane Philip Stevenson, as well as one great-grandchild, May Walker Papaioannou. She is also survived by six siblings: Margaret Huguley, Betty Jean Sherwood, Janice Rumsey, Ruby Cunningham, Ben Mayberry, and Jerry Mayberry.

Mavis graduated from Beauregard High School in 1949, and from Opelika Vocational School. She devoted her life to her family and worked tirelessly to celebrate special occasions. Annual family beach vacations were particular favorite family activities. She dedicated herself to Auburn First Baptist Church’s efforts to help the less fortunate and to its children’s ministries. She was a passionate bridge player and renowned for her caramel cake and homemade ice cream.

Donations may be made to Auburn First Baptist Church.

Lucretia's journey on this earth began on Jan. 17, 1942, in Talladega, Alabama, where she was welcomed by loving parents, Marian Nash Yoe and Dr. Alphus Omega Yoe Jr. Early on, Lu gravitated toward exploring everything, especially the great outdoors. She far preferred playing “cowboys", shooting her cap-pistols, and toy bow and arrows over playing dolls and hosting tea parties. She attended First Baptist Church of Talladega every Sunday with her family, and when she was age nine, she felt called to give her life to Jesus. While attending Talladega High School, she was named Maid of Cotton and was involved in various activities and clubs.

As students at Auburn University, Lucretia met George P. Mann, who eventually won over her heart, and they were married 51 years. While at Auburn, she was a member of the Alpha Gamma Delta sorority, and she graduated in 1964 with a bachelors of science degree in exercise science.

Prior to and after having children, Lucretia and George created a mutual love for the enjoyment, advancement and conservation of the great outdoors.

Lucretia taught Physical Education at Opelika High School for several years, but later felt called to learn all she could about nature, and then pass that knowledge on to others. This passion led Lucretia and George to explore and adventure many exotic countries around the world. Countless novices sat at their feet to glean the pearls that they

scattered so unselfishly to all. While George was teaching outdoor skills, Lu was busy in every corner of the world talking about Jesus and spreading the Gospel to everyone she met.

Lucretia was an expert marksman; she once grabbed a huge copperhead by the tail, threw it in the air and shot it "between the eyes" before it landed. She caught fish with a bow and arrow and she once slapped an Alaskan bear on the nose with her hat to keep him out of her tree stand.

In 1994 Lu was the only woman to be named among Alabama’s top 10 turkey hunters; most notably, she was the only one of those top 10 who took a turkey with a bow and arrow. Everything Lu did, she did with gusto. She set out to be a champion tennis player and she achieved that goal: Margaret Court (No. 1 seed tennis star in the world) once came to Opelika for an exhibition, and Lu was invited to be her sparring partner. Later in life, she excelled in golf and served on the Board of Directors of the Women's Alabama Golf Association. Additionally, she proudly supported East Alabama Food Bank, Hattie’s Home and the Alabama Wildlife Federation where she served on the Board of Directors.

Lucretia was a loving mother, dedicated sister, faithful friend, caring grandmother and a fun aunt. Perhaps her favorite times were spent with family and then groups of friends going to the beach, playing games, or attending various Bible studies and prayer groups. She was a loyal member of First Methodist Church of Opelika where she was part

of the Poe-Cumbie Sunday School Class.

Along with countless blessings came many heartaches, health issues, and obstacles, all of which Lu gracefully overcame because of God’s faithfulness and her faith in Him. Lucretia loved life and loved people.

Now, Lucretia has stepped out of her beautiful earthly body and into her new heavenly body fit for the greatest adventure of all. She is now with Jesus and met Him face to face. She will dwell in His house forever.

Lucretia was preceded in death by: her father, Dr. Alphus Omega Yoe Jr., her mother, Marian Nash Yoe, her sister, Sandra Yoe White (Charles), her husband, George Patton Mann, her daughter, Sandra Mann Brown.

She is survived by her daughter, Luanne Patton Mann (Chau Nguyen), her son, George Earl Mann (Margaret Anne Martin), and grandchildren, Rosemary Cook Mann, George Thompson Mann, Sarah Cosby Calloway Mann, Jacob Ellington Brown, and Patton Mann Brown. Brother, Alan Joseph Yoe (Amber), and Brother, Daniel Meredith Yoe; and numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom she adored.

The family would like to thank Auburn Assisted Living, The Harbor and Bethany House for their care and support of Lucretia.

In lieu of flowers, the family prefers donations be made to First Methodist Church of Opelika.

A funeral service was held in the sanctuary of First Methodist of Opelika on Aug. 17.

Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers handled all arrangements.

Schools & S

BY D. MARK MITCHELL

Opelika Opens With Thompson

OPINION —

The Opelika High School varsity football team opens the 2023 season Thursday night against Thompson in the AHSAA annual “Kickoff Classic” in Montgomery's Cramton Bowl.

Thompson, winner of the last four 7A State Football Championships, is coached by Mark Freeman, who is beginning his ninth season with the Warriors. He has compiled an 83-18 record, 21-3 in the playoffs and has won the last four 7A State football championships. In 25-years of coaching, Freeman has won 255 games while losing 47 games, and won 10 State championships.

Erik Speakman begins his sixth season as head coach of the Opelika Bulldogs. He has compiled a 41-19 overall record, going 27-5 in the region and 9-4 in the playoffs. The Bulldogs are coming off a 5-5 season where they did not make the playoffs.

I think OHS playing Thompson in the Kickoff Classic is a "win-win" for the Bulldogs. This is one of the marquee games

Friday Night Lights Are Burning Bright

across the state of Alabama because Thompson draws national attention each time it plays. This is a good game for the Opelika football team, the student-athletes, fans and the for the program.

Opelika is in its second season playing in class 7A. Speakman pointed out a few things his team must overcome moving forward during "High School Media Days" in July. He referenced the physicality that poses a threat to his team playing 7A teams each week, and how his team did not respond late in the fourth quarter on multiple occasions last season. This is another game that will prepare the Bulldogs for playing a schedule made up of mostly 7A, and few 6A teams.

Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. at Cramton Bowl. The Alabama High School Athletic Association (AHSAA) announced this week that it will delay the start time for kickoff off due to the current heat wave. All member schools have the same option this week, according to the AHSAA, and additional

See ON THE MARK, page B2

OCS School Board Recap - B6

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

LEE COUNTY —

For most local high school football teams, this weekend marks the start of 2023 season. A select few hit the gridiron last weekend, however, as Lee-Scott Academy, Glenwood and Beulah High School got off to good starts.

LEE-SCOTT

The varsity Lee-Scott Academy Warriors, defending their 2022 AISA 3A State Championship, began their season at home in a non-region game against Chambers Academy on Thursday, Aug. 17. The Warriors struck first when senior

WR/DB Miles Zachry took the opening kickoff all the way back to the end zone to give the Warriors a 7-0 lead after the successful point after attempt. The offenses for both teams struggled for most of the remainder of the game, however the Warriors put together a 91-yard just before halftime to take a 14-0 lead. Chambers academy managed to post 6 points to its tally in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors held on to secure the opening-week victory. Chambers held Lee-Scott to its lowest point total since its exit from the 2021 AISA 3A playoffs. The Warriors will have two weeks to clean up any offensive

shortcomings before they host Monroe Academy (0-1 with a game against Sparta Academy Friday, Aug. 25) on Sept. 1.

GLENWOOD

The varsity Glenwood Gators football team, which finished 2022 8-4 and with a loss in the AISA 3A State Championship game, began its 2023 conquest Saturday, Aug. 19, with a 38-12 win over St. Anne-Pacelli (Columbus, Georgia). The Gators were led offensively by senior quarterback Dallas Crow, and defensively by senior outside linebacker Lamont Burton, who finished with 15 tackles, including two for loss, and one pass

deflection. Glenwood will look to continue its winning ways this Friday, Aug. 25, in its away, non-region matchup against Brookstone (GIAA 4A).

BEULAH

The varsity Beulah Bobcats football team (3A), coming off a 1-9 season in 2022, took the field for the first time in 2023, Thursday, Aug. 17, at a neutral site Jamboree game against Woodland (2A). Despite the game not counting toward its overall record, the Bobcats played like it did, and dispatched Woodland by a score of 55-16. Led by quarterback DeMarion Foreman, the Bobcats See FOOTBALL, page B6

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES THE OBSERVER

Lee-Scott Academy football players pose for the camera prior to their season opening game against Chambers Academy Aug. 17.

Nonprofits to Host a Breast Cancer Run Oct. 14 Auburn Men’s Basketball Remembers Bernie Pearl

BY AUDREY KENT FOR THE OBSERVER

OPELIKA —

Local nonprofit organizations are working together to host a breast cancer awareness run at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church.

Saturday, Oct. 14, The Knee High Foundation and 100 Black Men of Greater Auburn/Opelika will hold a “Run for the Cause” at Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church, located at 650 Jeter Ave. in Opelika.

Admission for this event will cost $20, and registration can be done through the Eventbrite website www.eventbrite.com/e/ run-for-the-cause-tickets-679161930617.

Community members are encouraged to join the event to support breast cancer

survivors and patients.

“The importance of the event is the cause itself,” said Anthony Bryant, CEO of The Knee High Foundation. “Just rooting for breast cancer awareness because there are a lot of people I know personally who have been affected by breast cancer. We want to show support for the cause and for survivors and people who have been lost because of the disease. It’s not just for breast cancer but for cancer in general.”

According to Byant, The Knee High Foundation mentors children to be outstanding citizens and give back to the community.

“The Knee High Foundation is in its sixth year,” Bryant said. “We are a nonprofit organization where we mentor kids

through football; we mentor kids through life skills; we do a lot of financial literacy classes.”

The nonprofit 100 Black Men of Greater Auburn/Opelika, which is collaborating with The Knee High Foundation for the event, is a chapter committed to empowering the youth of the African American community while improving their quality of life by using leadership to enhance economic and educational opportunities.

This is the first “Run for the Cause” held by the two nonprofit organizations.

“If you’ve lost someone to cancer of any type, we want you to all come out as well,” Bryant said.

For additional information on this event, contact Bryant at (912)-220-7818.

AUBURN —

To Auburn basketball coach Bruce Pearl, his father, Bernie Pearl, will always be “the real BP.”

“He never met a stranger,” Bruce said. “My little personality is nothing compared to the real BP.”

Bernie passed away Wednesday after a brief illness at the age of 88. The Pearl family will honor its patriarch at a memorial service at Schlossberg Family’s Chapel on the Hill in Boston.

Married for 66 years, Bernie modeled a work ethic that would lead his son to become one of college basketball’s winningest coaches.

“A really good person,” Bruce said. “Loved his family first, loved his country, was a really hard

worker. My dad worked six days a week his entire career to make sure the family had everything we needed.”

Bernie was 10 years old in 1945 when World War II ended and the full extent of the Holocaust’s horrors was discovered.

“He loved his Jewish heritage,” Bruce said. “It broke his heart knowing what happened in the Holocaust; it scarred my dad forever, having lost family. He wore it on his sleeve like he had a number carved on his forearm.”

Bruce grew up in a home that cheered passionately for New England’s teams: the Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins.

“Daddy was a huge Boston sports fan,” Brice said. “Anything Boston. Born and raised there, went to Northeastern University. He loved Boston

won eight games while losing 22 with no playoff appearances.

and hated all the New York teams.”

Despite that lifelong allegiance, one of Bernie’s last requests to his son involved a sports team located 1,200 miles from Boston.

“He asked, ‘Do you think the people in Auburn would mind if I got buried in an Auburn jersey even though I didn’t go to school there?’”

Bruce said. “He was a loyal guy. He was grateful to Auburn for giving our whole family the opportunity to lead this basketball program. He watched or listened to every single game.”

The bond between father and son never lessened.

“I spoke to my dad every single day for the last four or five years of his life,” Bruce said. “He was my best friend and he was my biggest fan, unabashedly.”

4 p.m.

heat timeouts are being added at the midway point of each quarter. Timeouts between quarters will be extended as well, and other timeouts may be allowed as needed at the discretion of the officiating crews. Fans can purchase tickets online at gofan.co or pay cash at the Cramton Bowl ticket office. You can listen to the Opelika Radio crew on WKKR 97.7 Kicker FM, or on the free iHeartRadio app on your smart phone.

Opelika will return to Cramton Bowl next Thursday, (Aug. 31) to play region foe, J.A.G. High School, formally Jeff Davis. The Jaguars are purple and gold and coached by Rory Bell, in his fourth season. Bell has

The Dogs’ first hame game will be Sept. 8 against Percy Julian High School, formally Robert E. Lee.

TIDBITS

Opelika High is holding a "Cheer Kiddie Camp" at Bulldog Stadium, Saturday, Aug. 26, from 9 a.m. to noon. The camp is for ages 4 through 12 and cost $40 per camper.

OHS students interested in being on the OHS Bowling team should attend the bowling meeting Aug. 28 in Bulldog Cafe at 6 p.m.

Tirra Davis was named new girls’ track coach and teaches geometry at OHS.

The Opelika High School flag football team will host Valley, Wednesday, Aug. 30, at Bulldog Stadium. Kickoff set for

Special thanks to Kemp and Son's Printing owner Brian Bass. The OHS graduate donated the new door-window covers displaying the Opelika logo. These cover the front doors of the indoor facility. This helps OHS look better to the public because it is one of the first things you see entering campus. OCS has other signs at athletic venues that are outdated, faded or not legible. Hopefully the baseball and softball sign will be updated soon.

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.

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS / BY JEFF SHEARER, SENIOR WRITER

(From L-R): Michael Pearl, Bruce Pearl, Bernie Pearl and Steven Pearl.

Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church will be the site for "Run for the Cause"

Lee-Scott Bests Chambers Academy in Season Opener

Glenwood Gashes St. Anne-Pacelli

FREE Lax Clinic

Saturday, Aug. 26, from 10 a.m. until noon at Shug Fields

Join Auburn Youth Lacrosse on the field to learn the fastest game on two feet. Coaches and former players will be introducing lacrosse fundamentals through lacrosse drills and games. No experience necessary; bring a friend. Available to boys in grades one through eight and girls in grades K through eight.

Registration Open for Auburn Youth Lacrosse

Get excited because fall lax is back and will be another amazing season of skill growth and development. If you have a friend who is curious about lacrosse, now is the best time to try. Fall teams will learn the fundamentals and game rules that are appropriate for each age group with a strong focus on skill development and physical conditioning. We have programs for girls grades K through 12 and boys one through 12 including New Mini Sticks Program for girls K through second and the U8 boys team for first and second graders. Registration is happening now. Visit www.Auburnyouthlax.com.

The AISA Class 3A Glenwood Gators defeated St. Anne-Pacelli (Columbus, Georgia) 38-12 in its home, non-region season-opener Aug. 18. The Gators travel to Brookstone Friday, Aug. 25, looking to improve to 2-0 on the 2023 season.

City of Opelika Celebrates Opening of Fox Run School

Panther Night Previews Smiths Station's New Era

Smiths Station High School hosted its annual Panther Night Thursday, Aug. 17. Specatators arrived to Panther Stadium to meet the varsity, junior varsity and junior high school football players and cheerleaders. The Panthers begin their 2023 season under new head coach Bryant Garrisson Friday night with a home, non-region game against Pleasant Grove.

Pictured left are members of the Opelika City Schools Board of Education: Pasty Boyd Parker; Dr. J. Kevin Royal, chairman; Antoine Harvis, vice-chairman; Charles Beam Jr. and Tipi Miller.

Pictured right, members of the school board, Opelika City Council and community members participated in a ribbon cutting for the new school, Tuesday, Aug. 22.

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES

Underwood Soars to EAGLES Program Through Beautiful Rainbow Café

CONTRIBUTED BY ALABAMA

EXTENSION

BY JUSTIN MILLER

AUBURN —

From Gadsden to Auburn, Chris Underwood is ready to take his place as a freshman at Auburn University. Underwood’s journey to Auburn is a little different than most students. Traditionally, education takes place in a school setting. However, Underwood’s path to Auburn was inspired by a different type of classroom: the kitchen. Thanks to a partnership between Beautiful Rainbow Café and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System, Underwood is ready to soar as a part of the Auburn EAGLES program.

ADDRESSING A NEED

Beautiful Rainbow Café, located within the Gadsden Public Library, is unlike any other café. Behind the scenes, this restaurant serves as a work-based learning program for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Chip Rowan is the director of Beautiful Rainbow Café and a special education teacher at Gadsden City High School. He said the program fills a crucial gap that previously existed.

“In 2014, I started looking at statistics about the outcomes of our students with significant disabilities,” Rowan said. “Of the 80 students that I looked at from our special education program, zero of them had been employed in any capacity since they left school.”

Rowan used his love for cooking and gardening as inspiration to develop a program to address this issue. Now, through Beautiful Rainbow Café and its organic garden, students learn the skills they need to get community-based employment and live more independently. Underwood is one of the students that is a part of Beautiful Rainbow Café.

“I am the head cook at Beautiful Rainbow Café,” Underwood said. “I help the kids learn how to cook and help my coworkers learn new skills. My favorite thing to cook here is cakes and a lot of other desserts.”

Help from Alabama

Extension

In the special education field, there are many stereotypical misconceptions. Rowan said one of those is that people with disabilities cannot follow cleanliness rules in a food service setting. To combat this misconception, Rowan knew that learning proper food safety and how to operate the café correctly was critical for success.

“I attended a food entrepreneur conference in 2014, where I met Christy Mendoza from Alabama Extension,” Rowan said. “I heard her speak on food safety, and I knew immediately she was going to be a needed resource for us in this program.”

Mendoza is an Alabama Extension food safety and quality regional agent based in Etowah County. She said

Southern Union Presented $1,000 Grant

upon meeting Rowan and hearing about his program idea, she said she knew that she wanted to be involved.

“Originally, the summer program started with an organic garden,” Mendoza said. “However, when the students started to cook and serve some of the produce from the garden, Chip invited me to come teach food safety classes. That program has grown into the fully functioning café you see today.”

SERVING UP FOOD SAFETY

Through Mendoza’s classes, the students learn food safety information based on ServSafe — a nationally recognized and accredited food safety certification program. Every student that has been part of the Beautiful Rainbow program — approximately 100 students — has received the basic food handler certification.

Mendoza said when she started teaching the classes, it didn’t take long to realize that the students were quickly learning and remembering the information. Twelve of the students did so well that they completed the managers level certification.

“It was very exciting when we had the first student take and pass the managers test, because this is not an easy certification test,” Mendoza said. “After that student passed, we expected several more to follow in place.”

Underwood is one of the 12 students to receive this managers certification. While Mendoza may think the test is not easy, Underwood’s view is a little different.

“It (ServSafe managers test) was pretty easy,” Underwood said. “I understood everything I had to do, and I passed, so that was an exciting moment. I think the things that I learned at Beautiful Rainbow are going to help me a lot when I go to Auburn.”

THE EAGLES PROGRAM

At Auburn University, Underwood will be a part of the Education to Accomplish Growth in Life Experiences for Success program, better known as EAGLES. This program gives students with intellectual disabilities a two- to four-year on-campus experience.

Betty Patten, director of the EAGLES program, said students receive an inclusive post-secondary education that aligns with their strengths and interests.

“The EAGLES program helps students become contributing members of society

through their career interests both now and in the future,” Patten said. “Through our program, students have the support to earn industry-recognized credentials to help them access job fields that align their interests with their skills and abilities. These students are immersed in all areas of campus life. The EAGLES program has become an integral part of the entire Auburn Family.”

Absolute Excellence Rowan said Underwood showed real instinct for cooking at the café. He eventually expressed interest in wanting to continue his culinary education, but was not sure if that was possible. When they found out about the EAGLES program, Rowan said it was the perfect scenario for Underwood.

“I am a special education teacher that believes in absolute excellence, and we really strive for that,” Rowan said. “I was impressed that this attitude also permeates the EAGLES program. The expectations that the leaders of that program have for the students and seeing that philosophy in action is really what we should all strive for as special educators.”

Rowan said after looking at similar programs across the country, Auburn’s program is top-notch. Not only is the program set up to help students succeed, but you easily can tell that it is an important part of the campus.

“I would say it is probably probably the best program in the country in terms of its philosophy, approach, resources and the attitude on campus,” Rowan said. “When you are down at Auburn and someone finds out that you are with the EAGLES program, they are so positive and so welcoming. You just don’t see that most places.”

Learning New Skills

Underwood is excited to be a part of EAGLES because of the opportunity to learn new skills. Underwood will learn more about culinary sciences, building upon the things he already learned at Beautiful Rainbow Café.

“I think it’s going to be really exciting to be there and get to know all the people,” Underwood said. “I am excited to go to Auburn. I’m kind of nervous, but I think I’ve got it.”

Underwood’s mother, Shawn Underwood,

Pictured: Erik

- Southern Union Community College; Susan Bolt,

Board of Heating,

A Day at Fox Run School

BY AUDREY KENT FOR THE OBSERVER OPELIKA —

The Opelika City Schools (OCS) Board of Education heard from Fox Run School’s principal during its regularly scheduled meeting Tuesday, Aug. 22.

April Brock, who has worked within the school system for many years, serves as Fox Run School’s principal.

During the meeting with the school board, Brock presented a PowerPoint presentation showcasing what a day at Fox Run school looks like for students. and what classes and programs are available to them.

According to Brock, students are grouped into teams during their time at school that consists of the ‘Knights’, ‘Warriors’, ‘Blazers’ and ‘Guardians’.

Each team includes four teachers, and students will see three each day: two English and history teachers, one math teacher and one science teacher, according to Brock.

“In middle school, each teacher taught a different subject,” Brock said.

“Well, we have, I call it the hybrid model, in that you have a teacher that teaches English and history for 150 minutes. So, they’ll teach 110 minutes of English and reading, and then for 40 minutes they’ll do history. Then across the hall, you have a science teacher that teaches science for 75 minutes and math for 75 minutes. Those teachers will swap while the other kids are still on English and doing history at the same time. So, at some point in the middle of the day, they’ll just change kids, and they’ll get their science and math on the other side of the hall.”

According to Brock, children will also participate in physical education and exploratory classes that include beginner band or art classes like music, computer technology and digital literacy classes in the media center.

Other clubs the school will offer include a recycling club, robotics and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, according to Brock.

“This is our start; we can set our clubs; we can set what we want our kids to do,” Brock said. “So, whatever they say

that sounds within reason that we can do, is going to open up opportunities for them to lead other clubs, especially in their interests, because the more relationships the students can build with teachers, the more plugged into school they will be.”

IN OTHER BUSINESS THE BOARD

- Approved consideration of personnel recommendations

- Approved consideration of 2023-24 renewal of the Alabama Trust for Boards of Education (ATBE) general liability/ errors and omissions liability coverage

- Approved consideration of out of state field trip requests

- Heard the monthly financial statements for July 2023, from Chief Financial Officer Chris Harrison

- Heard the monthly child nutrition net cash resources for July 2023, from Harrison

- Announced the next budget hearing dates on Tuesday, Sept. 12, from 4 to 6 p.m. and Thursday, Sept. 14, from 2 to 4 p.m.

The next meeting of the board is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 26, at 4:30 p.m.

dominated offensively, posting 35 points in the first quarter. Overall, Beulah racked up 434

total yards — 299 on the ground and 135 through the air —and forced four turnovers — one fumble recovery and three interceptions. Foreman posted 202

all-purpose yard and accounted for six of the Bobcats’ touchdowns. Next, Beulah travels to Abbeville for a non-region game Friday, Aug. 25.

FOOTBALL >> FROM B1

Southern Union Community College was presented with a $1,000 tool grant from the Alabama Home Builders Foundation in conjunction with the Alabama State Board of Heating, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Contractors earlier this summer.

Wagner

chairman

Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors; David Burdette, HVAC program director - Southern Union Community College; Jeffrey Becraft, executive director - Board of Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Contractors and Kory Boling, foundation director - Alabama Home Builders Association.

From left to right: Chip Rowan, Chris Underwood and Christy Mendoza.

April Brock, principal of Fox Run School, provided a PowerPoint presentation on the new school to the Opelika City Schools Board of Education Tuesday, Aug. 22.

PHOTO BY BECKY BROWN / OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS

Tigers Trek Through Second Scrimmage

Tickets for all 2023–24 season performances are available now.

PHOTO

PHOTO

Iam so very thankful for all the preschool opportunities that God has provided for me, as a Grandma, through Trinity United Methodist Church Preschool; Pepperell Baptist Church which hosts Mothers of Preschoolers, MOPS, and Village Kids; and

children, from infants, toddlers and older preschoolers, observe everything as they take the whole world in. They are also watching the adults around them. We are their first teachers and young children model and copy our actions in order to learn. And, too, infants and toddlers

Babies Love Books

four or five years old?

Don’t miss a moment or opportunity to encourage your child to interact with a good book in reading readiness: read and succeed.

The benefits of reading to your children early in their lives include develop listening skills, allowing them to explore the world around them and to let them learn about themselves and others around them. Children are also encouraged to learn the meanings of words, memorize words and phrases, as well as use their imaginations. Spending time reading to your child makes him or her feel secure and loved, and creates a lasting bond.

In reading to your baby from birth to 11 months, search for books that may be easy

and be included in the story. They squeal with delight when they see their faces included in the stories. Set books up where they can be seen and enjoyed. Point and tap the pages so the baby will focus on what is being read and will keep the baby’s attention. Sitting with your young baby in your lap and looking at books will open the mind of a young child. Older babies like to hold books, point to the pictures and turn the pages. Be sure to name the objects and items the baby may see on each page.

With your one-yearold child, he or she can point and express a choice of the books they want to read. Putting books out with textures or those that make sound with sound devices are very motivating for

want mom, dad or grandparents to read their favorite books again and again. They will memorize it and you will too. Have a bookmark or use your finger to point so your two year old can follow the words.

Have your child act out the story or retell the story in their own words. Storytelling is one very effective way for opening up a child’s imagination, feelings and fun with reading readiness. You don’t need a lot of fancy props or anything when you do verbal story telling. As you tell or read the story, use your voice, mannerisms and body movements to convey emphasis and emotion. Children are so quiet and spellbound when you show excitement in the story you are reading or telling.

your local library to see what hours they read to young children. Embark on the journey of reading early in your child’s life as they learn, grow, apply what they’ve learned and succeed. You will never regret the time you spent reading to your child.

“Every good and perfect gift is from above and cometh down from the Father of Lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”

James 1:17. Our young children are truly a gift from God.

Beth Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood classroom for many years. She holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Auburn University. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth and families in our community.

The Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures and events by emailing donnapinyerd@charter.

Introducing the All-New Aubie’s Kids Club Presented by Chappy’s Deli

CONTRIBUTED BY AU

ATHLETICS

AUBURN —

Auburn Athletics and Chappy’s Deli are proud to present the all-new Aubie’s Kids Club — the official kids club for the Auburn Tigers.

Membership for the 202324 athletics year is now being accepted.

COMMUNI T Y OPEN HOUSE

Aubie's Kids Club is the best way for young Auburn fans to show their team pride and officially join the Auburn Family from an early age. Aubie’s Kids Club is open to all children 12 years of age and under and provides a number of exclusive benefits and offers

EAGLES >>

said she is excited to see her son go to Auburn, but like a lot of parents, she is feeling a little bittersweet.

“I am excited about the whole process of him going off to school to help him learn a way of living and responsibilities,” Shawn said. “Most of all for me, I’m bittersweet, because he is my only child, and he is leaving the nest.”

THE BEST PART OF EXTENSION

The mission of Alabama Extension is to transform lives of residents through reliable information and meaningful experiences.

The partnership with Beautiful Rainbow Café is just one example of how Extension agents and specialists impact their communities.

not available anywhere else.

Benefits include an exclusive Aubie-branded swag bag or box, jersey t-shirt, membership card and lanyard, access to exclusive kids’ club events, as well as free admission to nonconference baseball games, softball games and women’s basketball games.

Also included in the annual membership is a monthly newsletter from Aubie, a special invitation to Aubie’s birthday party and a personalized birthday card to each member.

Whenever a member attends an Auburn Athletics event and utilizes the new Aubie’s Kids Club app to check-in, they will be able to

“We decided that we needed to create a partnership with Alabama Extension because of their leadership role in food safety,” Rowan said. “Meeting Christy at that food entrepreneur conference truly did change my life and changed our community. She was so excellent and such a pleasure to work with. If I hadn’t gone there, I don’t think Beautiful Rainbow Café would exist.”

For Mendoza, the impacts of the classes she teaches at the café are much more than the students simply passing a test. Those classes mean that Beautiful Rainbow students can have a job, support themselves and be a part of their community.

“It is really important for me to know that something that I have spent some time

earn kids club reward points. These earned points can then be redeemed for unique prizes available exclusively in the newly introduced online Prize Store of the Auburn Kids Club.

There are two membership options available — the Official Membership package for $35, or the Premium Membership package for $55. A full list of the membership package benefits can be found at AubiesKidsClub.com/about.

Ready to join?

Register today at www. AubiesKidsClub.com and get ready for the start of the 2023-24 athletic season.

doing is making a difference in people’s lives,” Mendoza said.

Mendoza said it has been an amazing journey seeing Underwood become ServSafe certified, excel at Beautiful Rainbow Café and now go to college.

“Chris’ story is the best part of what Alabama Extension can offer,” Mendoza said. “We can provide people with the information, education and tools to succeed or change their lives for the better.”

More Information Information on Alabama Extension’s food safety programs is available on the Food Safety section of www.aces.edu. More information on Beautiful Rainbow Café and the work it does is available at www. BeautifulRainbowCafe.com.

BETH PINYERD

FROM B6

L labama Politics ee County & A

Thursday, Aug. 24, 2023

Inside the Statehouse

Big Jim: “Just spell my name right!”

Auburn Parks and Rec Director Retires After 30 Years

STEVE FLOWERS

OPINION —

Alabama has never had a more colorful governor than Big Jim Folsom. He also was a brilliant politician who understood the importance of name identification.

My ninth-grade civics teacher was Miss Mary Lamb. She had taught school for many years and in fact had taught both my mama and daddy in high school. Besides our civics lesson, she would impart wisdom upon us in the way of old sayings. One she particularly liked was, “Fools’ names, fools’ faces, always found in public places.”

This one kind of bothered me because I was a budding politician and was already class president. I had learned that one of the first courses of action was to plaster your name all over school. Later in life, I ran for and won election to the Alabama legislature. Every time we would go out to put up campaign signs, I would cringe when I thought about Miss Lamb’s admonition. However, as a student

of politics, I knew that name identification was essential. You cannot expect a voter to vote for you if they have not even heard of you. One of the best stories I know on Big Jim focused on his belief in the importance of name identification. Big Jim’s first term had broken the moneyed interests’ stronghold on the governor’s office. But the big city dailies and the legislators were still controlled by the Big Mules of Birmingham and the Big Planters of the Black Belt. They hated Big Jim’s folksiness. The big dailies like the “Birmingham News”, “Montgomery Advertiser” and “Mobile Press Register” would poke fun at Big Jim and try to discover a scandal on a daily basis. The legislature constantly tried to impeach him.

One of the papers, after days of digging, felt they had another patented scandal to reveal on Folsom. They called to tell him that they had an expose on his administration and out of courtesy wanted to get his side of the story. Now Big Jim could not care less what the big city press said about him. They had written the harshest things about Folsom that could ever be written. It had not affected him one bit with his loyal rural friends and constituents, so it is not surprising that Big Jim treated the big city

press with contempt and disdain. When they called, he said, “Boys, come on down and see Big Jim and tell me what you got on me today. I haven’t seen y’all in a week or two. Come on down right now.”

When they got down to the office, he greeted them with his shoes off and his bare feet resting on his desk, reared back in his chair, with a grin on his face. He said, “Boys, hit me with your best shot. What y’all got on ole Jim?” They said, “Governor, this is no laughing matter. We have a list here of 37 people who you hired over in the Highway Department and circumvented the merit system to put them on the state payroll.”

Big Jim laughed and glanced at their list and said, “You lying daily newspapers, you lying about Big Jim again, lying, lying, lying. I got a new list right here and I haven’t hired 37 people, I’ve hired 72, and the only merit they got is that they’re Big Jim’s friends.”

The reporters were incredulous. They said, “Governor, we are going to put that in the paper tomorrow.”

Big Jim smiled and said, “Boys, I don’t care what you write about me, just spell my name right.”

Big Jim knew the cardinal rule of name identification. The saying is now famous among Alabama

See FLOWERS, page B10

LEGAL NOTICES — PAGE B12

BY HANNAH GOLDFINGER HGOLDFINGER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

Tuberville Announces Service Academy Information Sessions with Alabama Delegation

CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF SEN. TOMMY TUBERVILLE

OPELIKA —

Last week U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville announced that his office will be leading informational sessions about the application process for U.S. Service Academies throughout the month of August in conjunction with U.S. Sen. Katie Britt and other members of the House delegation. Staff from the offices of Tuberville, and Congressman Mike Rogers will also be in attendance to answer questions.

Students will be able to learn about each office’s application process

from congressional staff and speak with service academy representatives.

The Lee County event will take place Tuesday, Aug. 29, at 6 p.m. at the

Auburn Opelika Elks Lodge Community Day

Saturday, September 9, 2023 - 10 am to 3 pm

Held: USA Town Center, 1220 Fox Run Ave, Opelika

• Free event for the Community

• Free lunch – Hot dogs/hamburgers

• Drawings for prizes – Must be present to win

• Fun activities for all

• Come out and learn about the different non-profits and organizations in the area to get involved with or that may offer a service you need or just come out and have fun.

• There is going to be something for everyone.

• If you would like to set up and be part of this event it is not to late. Text Julie at 334-524-0574

AUBURN — Becky Richardson is retiring after 30 years

as director of Parks and Recreation with the

SEN. TOMMY TUBERVILLE

See RICHARDSON, page B11

Becky Richardson served the city of Auburn for 47 years, 30 of which she spent as the director of Parks and Recreation. Now, she is stepping into retirement.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN

Newspaper Obituaries for Pets: A Dead Issue, or Not

was featured in the paper.

In 1931, The Times published an obituary for Igloo, the white fox terrier owned by Rear Adm. Richard E. Byrd, who traveled with Byrd on his legendary explorations of Antarctica.

“Few men number among their friends the men of prominence whom Igloo came to know,” The NYT reported. “President Calvin Coolidge patted his head. President Herbert Hoover petted him. … Colonel Charles Lindbergh knew him well.”

There was precedent (for a newspaper obituary) to have a prominent pet’s obituary. When wild chimpanzee Flo, whose mothering skills were made by Jane Goodall (famous primatologist), died in 1972, Flo’s obituary appeared in The London Times. But a huge controversy arose when an Iowa newspaper printed its first animal publicity.

public record.”

The NYT has stopped publishing obituaries for animals, and only rarely covers animals that have died.

a second obits for pets. That has two problems:

OPINION —

As a 20-year-old copyboy at a large newspaper in 1977-1980, one of my unofficial jobs was ensuring the 70-something photo editor would not forget to put obituary photos back in the file to be given to the sender. A non-glamorous job for sure, but I found it was important in this sense: many relatives of the deceased only had one or two photos of their dearly departed.

I often saw photos from a marriage or WWII soldiers placed in that file with a strong “Please,

please return this after using — it is the only photo we have of our dad, my husband, etc.” This sounds crazy now, in light of us having scores or hundreds of photos of our family on cell phones, computers, etc. But that was back then. A fairly new obituary issue is whether our pets should be on the obituary pages, just as our human dead are.

According to a New York Times (NYT) article on Sept. 25, 2018, by Melina Delkic, there have been notable exceptions, or near-exceptions, in which a deceased animal

Igloo, unlike most dead pets, was honored at a high level. (Igloo’s obituary, however, still ran two pages behind the rest of the obituaries and death notices section).

On NPR April 2012, Barbara King recalled accepting a request in 2007 to write a death notice for chimpanzee Washoe in the American Anthropological Association.

“Through her creative signing phrases in American Sign Language,” King said, “Washoe had helped shift people’s views of the intelligence and emotion of animals. So to me, the request made good sense.”

The black Labrador named Bear was popular with many residents; he frequently walked along and napped on the town’s streets. A bitter debate started in the town; especially offended was a woman whose sisterin-law’s obituary was printed on the same page as the town’s wandering black Lab.

“Why does a newspaper’s obituary incite such negative emotions when other customs that honor a pet’s death do not?” asked anthropologist Jane Desmond. “Answer: With physical or virtual pet cemeteries, or on-line memorial pages, people share their pet memorials with others of a similar mind. Newspaper obituaries, by contrast, are a highly visible matter of

“Obituaries are summations of lives — of people,” said William McDonald, Obituaries editor. “You can’t give that kind of treatment to an animal, a dog or a horse. It would be a little incongruous to see an animal’s story on the obituary page right beside men and women who lived exemplary lives, accomplished things.”

Occasionally used for accomplished or famous animals, the paper sometimes runs news items or an “appraisal” — a more balanced obituary. It includes the first person or personal anecdotes from the writer. Other major newspapers have written appraisals.

“Appraisals” are likely to run in other sections: sports, for Triple-crown winning race horses, such a Secretariat; or national or international for pets of presidents, like Fala, President Franklin Roosevelt’s Scottish Terrier.

Maybe a good solution would be a separate page for obits for humans and

1. Newspapers are losing editorial space. Some papers even cut back from five days a week to two or three. Many jobs have been eliminated, especially for the major newspapers (AJC, Birmingham News).

2. Another problem for separate pages for humans and the pets that went to their Heavenly Rest is formatting changes. Layout people would have to change the initial plans due to a delayed story, computer gaff, etc. Your dead uncle would be next to Fido, the dog in the paper. Your late aunt would be posed just inches from Princess, the cat. I predict arguments between distraught pet owners and the shocked family of a person sharing a page with a pet.

Greg Markley fi rst 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

WARNING: Colleges Better Stock Narcan By Fall Semester

Ignoring the Epidemic Could Lead to Wrongful Death Liability

CONTRIBUTED TO

THE OBSERVER

OPINION —

During 2022 a staggering

110,236

Americans — an average of 300 a day, or one every five minutes — was killed by a drug overdose; an ever growing number of unnecessary deaths primarily exacerbated by the increased availability and use of synthetic opioids such as Fentanyl.

Many were young people experimenting with drug use as college kids often do, but some ingested

Fentanyl unknowingly. But, as one campus police chief pointed out in justifying his school's decision to have Narcan boxes in residence halls, common areas and the library: "When I was growing up as a kid, you could experiment with things but wouldn't necessarily kill you. But if you experiment with pills nowadays, one pill can literally kill you."

In view of this now clearly foreseeable deadly danger, especially to exuberant and often naive young people in college, the FDA's approval

of the overdosereversing drug Narcan [Naloxone] as an overthe-counter [OTC] nasal spray, which can be purchased and administered by anyone without training or a prescription, should come with a warning for universities: "WARNING — Failure To Have Narcan Can Lead to Wrongful Death Legal Liability." So warns public interest law professor John Banzhaf, who has been called a "Driving Force Behind the Lawsuits That Have Cost Tobacco Companies Billions of Dollars," a "King

of Class Action Law Suits” and "The Law Professor Who Masterminded Litigation Against the Tobacco Industry."

He's also known for starting other litigation movements such as suing food companies whose deceptive advertising increases the epidemic of obesity (including a $12 million win against McDonald's), suing politicians (including Spiro Agnew) for their ill-gotten gains, suing universities when the pandemic hit and rioters for the damages they cause.

He's also the author

of an influential study of steps universities should take to avoid or at least limit legal liability for deranged shooters who are increasingly murdering students on campus.

As one who teaches the law of torts (civil actions for damages), Banzhaf notes that it's now very well established that schools and colleges have a legal duty to take reasonable precautions to protect their students from all reasonably foreseeable risks and harms.

On this basis, legal liability has been imposed on universities for student suicides; murder and rape by fellow students; deaths or even injuries caused by hazing; and even for failing to render aid to a student temporarily helpless and therefore in danger from the excessive use of alcohol, fainting

FLOWERS >>

FROM B9

politicians, “just spell my name right.” Big Jim coined it.

Even though Big Jim was fully vetted by the big city dailies on an almost daily basis, he was governor in an era where there was no ethics law and no overt political prosecution unlike today. Big Jim was known as the “little man’s big friend.” His campaign

including diabetic shock and of course from illegal drugs.

With nothing short of an epidemic of drug deaths among college students from their use of illegal drugs and (often accidental) overdoses, schools and universities have a duty to foresee that a young person on their campus may overdose; in some cases, inadvertently because of Fentanyl.

Up until now, the duty to take reasonable care regarding such a now-clearly-foreseeable risk from drug overdoses was usually satisfied by being sure that the victim was promptly transported to a hospital or other suitable medical facility, or at least calling an ambulance.

EMS providers may, in some situations, administer Narcan to a drug-overdose victim.

But now, since the

See WARNING, page B13

song was “Y’all Come.”

I hope you have enjoyed this five-part series on Big Jim Folsom.

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.

GREG MARKLEY

Opelika Kiwanis Learns of PT Benefits

city of Auburn.

“I’ve been doing this a long time and I thought it was a good time to take this step and maybe go and do some other things,” Richardson said.

Before she was with the city of Auburn, Richardson received her undergraduate degree from Judson College. She attended Auburn University for graduate school and began a part-time job with the city of Auburn.

“Shortly after I finished graduate school, a full-time position came up [with the city] and then was hired for that and then gradually moved up through the ranks to director and that’s pretty much the story,” she said.

Thirty years is a long time in the city of Auburn to watch as it has changed and grown.

And the city government, too, changed, from city councils to city managers.

Open

“I’ve worked for some great city managers,” she said “I feel like that it’s been a great experience. … “I think that our city manager's office does a great job of having the city council come in and meet with the department heads so we can present information about our department and then they can ask questions. So I think that they do a really good job of that

to assist in that changeover.”

The city has gotten a lot bigger — in the city, the school system and the businesses.

Having more businesses also means more sponsors for events, Richardson said.

The job, too, has changed for Richardson, she said.

“Auburn is much bigger and it’s much more diverse as far as interests and things like that and my job has changed in that I have a lot more management type of duties than I did early and planning and deciding what projects to propose and things like that,” she said.

The job, even as it's changed, has always involved working with citizens, Richardson said.

“Auburn is not a small community anymore and it's very diverse with people that have moved here and the seniors that have moved here,” she said.

Before, while her work may have been more “hands-on”, people now still expect to be able to pick up a phone and call the director, she said.

“I have no problem with that, I’ve always thought that that should be something they should be able to do,” Richardson said.

Being able to help people solve problems has been part of those relationships and a rewarding part of her

work, Richardson said.

“I enjoy people and one of my favorite things is the young people that come through our program and then as they grow up, maybe they apply for a job with us and they work for us and then you see them succeed and you feel really good that maybe that experience [in parks and recreation] helped them to succeed,” she said.

Richardson said the most rewarding thing she completed over her career, however, was the inclusive playground.

“It’s very rewarding to see the response it’s gotten,” she said.

Auburn Mayor Ron Anders spoke well of Richardson at the last city council meeting.

“Forty-seven years,” he said. “47 years is a longer time than some people on this dias have actually been with us. 47 years certainly encompasses many changes in our community. The expansive growth of our community, the change of a small, small college town to a small city. And through all that [Richardson] been here at the city of Auburn dealing with children and their parents.”

Ward 1 Council Member Connie Fitch Taylor thanked Richardson for working with her own children.

“Congratulations on your retirement, enjoy it,” she said.

The speaker at this week's Opelika Kiwanis Club meeting was Jeff Leatherman. He is the department head for the new Physical Therapy School at Southern Union. Leatherman discussed ways phisical therapists make a difference and how they can help anyone with aches and pains. The speaker on Aug. 31 will be Jason Caldwell with Inside the Auburn Tigers.

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LEGAL NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA

To:Bill J. Jones, Jr., and all other persons claiming any interest in the building or structure located at 3807 Heritage Place, Opelika, Alabama.

The Building Official of the City of Opelika, Alabama, determined that the condition of the building or structure located 3807 Heritage Place, Opelika, Alabama, 36804, is in such condition as to make it dangerous to the life, health, property, morals, safety or general welfare of the public.

NOTICE is hereby given that the City Council of the City of Opelika, Alabama, will meet in public session at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 3, 2023, in the Courtroom of the Opelika Municipal Court Building, 300 Martin Luther King Boulevard, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, for the purpose of discussing the findings of the Building Official and to consider the adoption of a resolution ordering the demolition of the building located at the above-described property. All interested persons are invited to appear before the City Council to show cause why his or her objection to the demolition of the building or structure should be sustained. Upon the holding of the hearing, the City Council shall determine whether or not the building or structure is unsafe to the extent that it is a public nuisance. If it is determined by the City Council that the building or structure is unsafe to the extent that it is a public nuisance, the City Council shall order the demolition of the building or structure at the expense of the City and assess the expense of the demolition against the land on which the building or structure stands or to which it is attached. The property referred to is more particularly described as follows:

Lot Number Seventy-One (#71) of BENT CREEK

SUBDIVISION, Heritage Section in Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, according to and as shown by plat of survey thereof made by T. Richard Fuller, Licensed Land Surveyor, Registration No. 7384, recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Plat Book 9 at Page 83.

Also being further described as Parcel Number 43-09-07-26-0-000-071.035, according to records maintained in the Lee County Revenue Commissioner’s Office.

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting and be heard. Written communications concerning the above matter may be mailed to the City Clerk at City Hall, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama 36803, at

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any time prior to the public hearing and may be further submitted to the City Council at the meeting and public hearing.

Any person aggrieved by the decision of the City Council may, within ten (10) days hereafter, appeal to the Circuit Court upon filing with the Clerk of the Court notice of appeal and a bond for security of costs in the form and amount approved by the Circuit Clerk. 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 any disability. Further information concerning this Notice may be obtained at the Office of the City Clerk during normal business hours.

DATED this the 3rd day of August, 2023. /s/Russell A. Jones, CMC CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA

Legal Run 08/3/23, 08/10/23, 08/17/23 & 08/24/23

STATE OF ALABAMA, LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, IN THE MATTER OF THE WILL OF ENID LOVELESS WEISSINGER, DECEASED. NOTICE TO FILE CLAIMS

Letters Testamentary on the Estate of Enid Loveless Weissinger, deceased, having been granted to Charles Hill Weissinger on the12th day of July, 2023, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of said county, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Legal Run 08/3/23, 8/10/23, 8/17/23

LEGAL NOTICE – NOTICE OF COMPLETION

In accordance with Chapter 1, Title 39, Code of Alabama, 1975, as amended, notice is hereby given that Matthes Parker LLC Contractor, has completed the Contract for (Alteration) OF Auburn University Project: 22-348 SportsPles Baseball Field Markings at Auburn University SportsPlex. 811 Lem Morris Dr. for the State of Alabama and the COUNTY OF LEE, CITY OF AUBURN 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 Barge Design Solutions. 2839 Paces Ferry

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PUBLIC NOTICES

Road Suite 850. Atlanta, GA 30339 (770) 628-7631 Matthes Parker LLC (Contractor) 2044 S College St. Auburn, AL 36832

NOTE: This notice must be run once a week for four successive weeks for projects exceeding $50,000.00. For projects of $50,000.00 or less, run one time only. A copy of the publisher's affidavit of publication (including a copy of the advertisement) shall be submitted by the Contractor to the Design Professional for inclusion with DCM Form B-13: Final Payment Checklist for state agencies, PSCA-funded and other bond-funded projects. Legal Run 08/10/2023, 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023 & 08/31/2023

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF LAVINIA PARNELL, DECEASED PROBATE COURT, LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2021-673

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of LAVINIA PARNELL are hereby granted to Thomas Mitchell Parnell of the 3rd day od December, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Thomas Mitchell Parnell Legal Run 08/10/23, 08/17/23, & 08/24/23

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LARRY WALDROP, DECEASED CASE NO 2021-558

NOTICE TO CREDITORS

Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased are hereby granted to Patricia Hillyer of the 4th day of November, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Patricia Hillyer Legal Run 08/10/23, 08/17/23, & 08/24/23

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF KELLY D. KOON, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY NOTICE TO CREDITORS LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased are having been granted to the undersigned

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on the 4th day of August, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness our hands, and dated this the 4th day of August, 2023. JONATHAN K. KOON Legal Run 08/10/23, 08/17/23, & 08/24/23

STATE OF ALABAMA

IN THE PROBATE COURT, LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2023-401 RE: ESTATE OF TERRY DON ANDREWS, DECEASED: NOTICE OF PUBLICATION

Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 2nd day of August 2023, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

/s/ Barbara S. Andrews Barbara S. Andrews, Executor Jacob J. Key, Esq. Attorney for Executor Johnson, Caldwell & McCoy, LLC 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, Alabama 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 08/10/2023, 08/17/2023, & 08/24/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF BEVERLY ANITA PEARSON, deceased CASE NO. 2023 -370 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE thatLetters Testamentary have been granted to Latiler Carlnette Pearson, as personal representative of the Estate of Beverly Anita Pearson, deceased on July 24, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court,ofLee County, Alabama. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to presentthe same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Done this the 24th day of July, 2023.

Bill English Probate Judge of Lee County, Alabama Legal Run 08/10/2023, 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023

STATE OF ALABAMA

LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT CASE NO. 2023-421 ESTATE OF REBECCA JOYCE RENFROE, DECEASED

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR

Letters of Administration of the Estate of Rebecca Joyce Renfroe, deceased having been granted to Jeffery A. Hilyer this 14th day of August 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred.

Jeffery A. Hilyer, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer Attorney at Law 334-745-2564 P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 36803-0030 Legal Run 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023 & 08/31/2023

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF CHARLIE D. REESE, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NUMBER 2023-419

NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF ESTATE Letters Testamentary on the Estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 14th day of August, 2023 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said county in said State, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Glenda Jean Reese, Personal Representative of the Estate of Charlie D. Reese, Deceased Legal Run 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023 & 08/31/2023

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF DONNA LYNN EASLICK, DECEASED CASENO: 2023-393 PROBATE COURT, LEE COUNTY

NOTICE TO CREDITOR

Take Notice that LETTERS TESTMENTARY of Donna Lynn Easlick deceased having been granted to Daryl Anthony Easlick on the 27th day of July 2023, by the Honorable Bill English. Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Daryl Anthony Easlick

James M. Ivins, Attorney for Daryl Anthony Easlick 1408 Broad Street Phenix City, AL 36867 Phone: 334-298-0607 Legal Run 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023 & 08/31/2023

IN THE CIRCUIT

COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA EUN JUNG SONG, Plaintiffs, v. REGINALD WOODS; NATASHA BADGER; ON THE RUN TRUCKING LLC, et. al, Case No.: 43-CV-2021-900341

NOTICE OF SERVICE BY PUBLICATION

TO: Reginald Bernard Woods; Natasha Badger and On the Run Trucking LLC

You are hereby notified that the above-styled action seeking monies due the Plaintiff for past lost wages and benefits; past and future medical expenses, past and (future physical pain and mental anguish. permanent physical disability. in ability to carry out and enjov the usual and normal activities of life; past medical bills: futuree medical bills; and Plaintiff 'has otherwise been injured or damaged the total amount. on March 27, 2021, for Negligence, Wantonness and Vicarious Liability, as a result of the following: "On March 27, 2021 Eun Jung Song was attempting to make a left tum from Frederick Road onto Gateway Drive when Defendant Woods, who was working for On the Run Trucking, LLC, who was driving an 18- Wheeler (2014 FRHT V.1.N. 3AKJGLDR6ESFU2501), which was owned by Defendant Steven Freeman, and or Defendant On the Run Trucking, LLC, negligently and/or wantonly caused or allowed the vehicle that he was operating, that was owned, leased, or otherwise controlled by him and/or fictitious defendants(s) A through Z, to suddenly and improperly collide with the rear end of the Plaintiffs vehicle. As a proximate consequence of the Defendants negligence and/or wantonness the Plaintiff was injured" which was filed against you in the Court Lee County. Alabama, and that by reason of an order for service of summons by publication entered by the Court, you are hereby commanded and required to file with the clerk of the court and to serve upon Plaintiffs attorney, Attorney Muhammad Abdullah with the law firm Wettermark Keith, 100 Grandview Place, Suite 530 Birmingham, AL 35243, an answer to the Complaint, within thirty (30) days after the last publication, Sept. 7, 2023,. or default judgment will be entered against you.

Done this the 27th day of July, 2023

Mary Roberson Clerk, Circuit Court LEE County, Alabama Wettermark Keith Attn: Muhammad Abdullah 100 Grandview Place, Suite 530 Birmingham, AL 35243 Legal Run 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023, 08/31/2023 & 09/07/2023

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

few minutes it takes to call for an ambulance and to have it arrive can literally mean the difference between life and death (or irreversible brain damage and other long term harm) from a drug overdose, and Narcan is readily available and can safely be administered even by people with no medical training, nothing short of having it readily available in campus locations and situations, and of providing it very promptly, can satisfy the legal duty to take reasonable precautions and provide reasonable care. The same may well apply even to restaurants, as the New York Times has just reported on the growing number of restaurants which believe that they too must have available readily-administered doses of Narcan, just

PUBLIC NOTICES

FROM B12

>>

NOTICE OF PUBLIC SALE: GATEWAY TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE

gives Notice of Foreclosure of Lien and intent to sell these vehicles on September 21, 2023, at 8:15 a.m. at Gateway Tire located at 2023 PEPPERELL PKWY, OPELIKA, AL 36801-5441, pursuant to subsection 32-13-3 of the Alabama Statutes. GATEWAY TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE reserves the right to accept or reject any and/or all bids. VIN number

JNKCV61E19M013100 –2009 INFINITI SEDAN GATEWAY TIRE AND AUTOMOTIVE

2023 PEPPERELL PKWY OPELIKA, AL 36801-5441 Legal Run 08/17/2023 & 08/24/2023

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE: THE MATTER OF THOMAS E. POLLARD CASE NO: 2014-B-16

NOTICE OF HEARING

Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Partial Accounting of Conservator was filed by Guardian and Conservator, Birdie P.

as they also have widely available AED [automated external defibrillator] units for rare instances of sudden cardiac arrest.

Some universities

— including the University of Louisville, Western Kentucky University, Centre Colleges, Marymount University, American University, University of Wisconsin, Virginia Commonwealth University, Bridgewater State University, UT Austin, Ithaca College, UW-Oshkosh, Colorado State University, UWMilwaukee, Bluefield State University, University of Central Arkansas and Metropolitan State University — have recognized that the risk of a drug overdose on campus is so serious and foreseeable that they have made Narcan widely available on their campuses. With so many universities already recognizing the need for this simple and

Peterson requesting approval of a partial accounting. A hearing has been set for the 4th day of October 2023 at I0:00 a.m. central time, electronically via "ZOOM". Please contact the Lee County Probate Court at 334-737-3670 for access to the electronic hearing should you intend to take part in the said hearing.

Bill English, Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama

Legal Run 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023 & 08/31/2023

NOTICE OF MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage (the “Mortgage”) dated August 12, 2019, executed by Sherry L. Hadaway (the “Mortgagor”) in favor of Famers and Merchants Bank, said Mortgage being recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Mortgage Book 4494, at Page 382; and

WHEREAS, Farmers and Merchants Bank, as Mortgagee and holder of the Mortgage, by reason of such default having declared all of the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage due and payable, and such default continuing, notice is hereby given that, acting under the power of sale contained in

inexpensive protective step, it will be harder for other universities where an overdose death occurred to argue that the risk at their universities wasn't serious enough to warrant the tiny cost of acquiring doses of Narcan — especially once plaintiffs' counsel reminds jurors of the university's skyhigh tuition, huge endowment and sixfigure salaries for professors and many bureaucrats.

If a death does result from a failure to immediately administer Narcan, families are likely to file a wrongful death action to recover damages; and a jury will see a sympathetic tearful family talking about a wonderfully talented son or daughter at one table, and sitting at the defense table a representative of a university with a huge endowments and six-figure salaries for professors and many bureaucrats, but still too cheap to buy even a

the Mortgage, holder will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the main entrance of the Lee County Courthouse located at 215 South 9th Street, Alabama 36801 on Thursday, September 7th, 2023 between the hours of 11:00 am and 4:00 pm, the following described property, commonly known as 800 Lee Road 174, Opelika, Alabama 36801, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to wit: Lot 10 Somerset Subdivision, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 14 at Page 4 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. This conveyance is subject to easements and building setback lines as shown on recorded subdivision plat and to Declaration of Restrictive Covenants dated September 18, 1989 of record Deed Book 1463 at Page 159 all in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama as amended by Instrument recorded in Deed Book 2568 at Page 860 in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama. Also including a 1997 Palm Harbor Double Wide Home. This is a purchase money mortgage. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD ON AN “ASIS”, “WHERE IS” BASIS AND WITH ALL FAULTS.

few Narcan sprays.

"Reasonable care," as the law uses that term, means care which is "reasonable" in terms of expense, ease of administration, lack of risk or other countervailing considerations, etc., explains the law professor, so it's important to have Narcan readily available on campus.

While it probably isn't necessary, to satisfy the reasonable care requirement, for every single professor and/or classroom to have Narcan, it probably should be carried by every member of the campus police; and especially in university police vehicles where there's far more space, and where other emergency implements (e.g., fire extinguishers, rescue blankets, Halligan entry tools, etc.) are typically carried. It would also probably be wise to have Narcan available in at least one

THIS PROPERTY WILL ALSO BE SOLD SUBJECT TO ANY EASEMENTS, LEASES, ENCUMBRANCES, RESERVATIONS AND EXCEPTIONS REFLECTED IN THE MORTGAGE AND ALL MATTERS CONTAINED IN THE RECORDS OF THE OFFICE OF THE JUDGE OF PROBATE OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA. THIS PROPERTY WILL BE SOLD WITHOUT WARRANTY OR RECOURSE, EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, AS TO TITLE, USE AND/OR ENJOYMENT AND WILL BE SOLD SUBJECT TO THE RIGHT OF REDEMPTION OF ALL PARTIES ENTITLED THERETO. Payment terms are cash or cashier’s check (United States Dollars in immediately available funds) made payable to Mortgagee on the date of the public sale. Mortgagee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the aforementioned property and to credit its bid against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the Mortgage. The public sale is subject to postponement or cancellation; contact Benjamin H. Meade at (334) 749-6999 prior to attendance. This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by the

administrator's office or other appropriate room in every building om campus, and to have signs posted noting its location; signs similar to those which now indicate the location of the nearest AED [Automated External Defibrillator used for sudden cardiac arrests], suggests Banzhaf.

Emergency Narcan probably should also be readily available in other places where students might congregate and/or use drugs, including dormitories, dining halls, gymnasiums and other workout facilities, libraries, etc.

Since sudden cardiac arrest is very rare among schooland university-aged students, it might be even more important to have a sufficient number of Narcan sprays readily available than the many AEDs which are so often found in educational institutions, said Banzhaf.

Lawyers who

Mortgage as well as the expenses of collection and foreclosure. FARMERS AND MERCHANTS BANK

Mortgagee

ATTORNEY FOR MORTGAGEE:

Benjamin H. Meade, Esq.

Benjamin H. Parr, P.C. 830 Avenue A, Suite A Opelika, Alabama 36801 (334) 749-6999

Legal Run 08/17/2023, 08/24/2023 & 08/31/2023

Legal Notice Tallapoosa River Electric Cooperative, Inc.

Will hold a public hearing pursuant to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 At the Hilton Garden Inn 2555 Hilton Garden Inn Drive Auburn, Alabama 36830

September 7, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. CDT Legal Run 08/24/2023

NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of THOMAS MAX CUMMINGS, deceased

Notice is hereby given that Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in

specialize in suing schools and universities are probably waiting breathlessly for the first death which could have been prevented by the prompt administration of Narcan which simply wasn't available, the law professor suggests. So he is warning universities, including his own, not to delay in acquiring a sufficient number of Narcan sprays to save lives and limit possible legal liability, preferably before the fall semester.

John

F. Banzhaf III, B.S.E.E., J.D., Sc.D., Professor of Public Interest Law Emeritus George Washington University Law School; "The Man Behind the Ban on Cigarette Commercials"; FAMRI Dr. William Cahan Distinguished Professor Fellow, World Technology Network; Founder, Action on Smoking and Health (ASH); Inventor of the "Banzhaf Index" www.banzhaf.net jbanzhaf3ATgmail.com @profbanzhaf

the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by DEBBIE WATKINS CUMMINGS on August 22nd, 2023, pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent. BILL ENGLISH, PROBATEJUDGE Legal Run 08/24/2023

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF MARSHA D. RIDDLE, DECEASED COURT OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY

NOTICE TO CREDITORS LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased are having been granted to the undersigned on the 4th day of August, 2023, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness our hands, and dated this the 4th day of August, 2023. JERRELL CLINT RIDDLE Legal Run 08/10/23, 08/17/23, & 08/24/23

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