Opelika Observer

Wednesday Dec. 2, 2021

Vol. 14, No. 8

Opelika, Alabama

pelika Observer O

TURN TO B12 FOR PHOTOS FROM SNOPELIKA

'An award-winning publication created 'For local people, by local people.'

It is Time for the Parades

Poteet Named Director of OPS

T

he Opelika Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade is scheduled for Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. in downtown Opelika.

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CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

The city of Opelika announced Brent Poteet as the new director of Opelika Power Services (OPS) following the Nov. 16 city council meeting.

Poteet replaces Derek Lee who resigned to pursue other opportunities.

Poteet has been with OPS for six years serving as the assistant director and manager of distribution services. In that role, he was responsible for all day-to-day operations and engineering functions.

uburn's parade will be on Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. in downtown Auburn.

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

POTEET As the director, he will oversee the business and operational functions for See POTEET, page A2

Wreaths Across America Lee County, Tuscaloosa DA Offices Team Up To Seeks Local Volunteers

Freedom is often defined as “Life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.” However, some Americans will choose to forgo some of their personal freedoms by choosing to serve their country and its citizens. This selfless sacrifice is what

makes every veteran a hero. In addition, when asked why they did it, many will answer simply by saying, “Because it was the right thing to do.”

Dec. 18 will be National Wreaths Across America Day. On this day, we not only thank veterans for their sacrifices, but also say their name aloud and keep

their memory alive for family, friends and their community at a time of year when they are missed the most. Local volunteers are feverishly working on this mission right now — because it is the right thing to do.

Locally, volunteers for the Wreaths Across See VOLUNTEERS, page A2

CONTRIBUTED BY REACH OUT AND READ ALABAMA

In the spirit of Iron Bowl competition, the Lee County District Attorney’s Office and the Tuscaloosa County District Attorney’s office teamed up with Reach Out and Read-Alabama (ROR-AL) to not only beat each other in the state’s biggest rivalry, but to beat illiteracy one book at a time. The two offices raised a total of $5,981.

While the Tuscaloosa County DAs Office was the official winner raising $3,230, the real winners are the over 26,000 children and families served by the two program sites in Lee County — Pediatric Associates of Auburn and Pediatric Clinic, LLC. — and the five program sites in Tuscaloosa County — Alabama Multi Specialty Clinic, Bama Pediatrics, Crimson Pediatrics, The

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY WREATHS ACROSS AMERICA

Beat Illiteracy

University of Alabama College of Community Health Sciences and West Alabama Pediatrics.

“Illiteracy is common among individuals in the criminal justice system,” said Jessica Ventiere, Lee County district attorney.

“Investing in literacy efforts like Reach Out and Read-Alabama is an investment in our children, strong family bonds and safer communities.

We appreciate everyone, regardless of who they

cheer for, who participated in the Iron Bowl Book Drive!”

Each office hosted an online book drive Nov. 1 through Nov. 26 to benefit the ROR-AL program sites located in their respective counties. Donations made through the book drive will purchase books to be prescribed by a pediatrician to support families in understanding their children’s developSee ALABAMA, page A2

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

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

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

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

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

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B13

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

PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . B13

Elect Sherri Reese on Jan. 11 City Council Ward 3

Paid for by the committee to elect Sherri Reese, Opelika, AL 36801

A2 Dec. 2, 2021

Farm City Banquet Held Last Month

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

State Poster Winner: Sweet Grown Alabama by Emma Orr

The 2021 Lee County Farm City Banquet at Lazenby Farms awarded Beauregard fourth grader Emma Orr (pictured top left) with its State Poster first place award on Nov 23.

Music was presented by Tony Brooks and Band; the event was catered by Penny Walters; Rick Pate was the guest speaker and Lee County Farm City made three donations to Christian Care Ministries, Harvest Evangelism and Food Bank of East Alabama. Century Farm awards were given to the Lazenby Farm and the Morris Place.

POTEET

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FROM A1

VOLUNTEERS >>

FROM A1

America program need your help to complete the mission and honor every single veteran laid to rest at Fort Mitchell National Cemetery.

Please consider a small gift of remembrance by sponsoring a veteran’s wreath for $15 which will be placed at the headstone of one of our local heroes. Each sponsorship

goes toward a live, balsam wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American hero as we endeavor to honor all veterans laid to rest at noon on Saturday, Dec. 18, as part of National Wreaths across America Day. To sponsor a wreath for Fort Mitchell National Cemetery or learn how to volunteer, visit www. wreathsacrossamerica. org/pages/15484/Overview/?relatedId=0 .

pelika Observer

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

the entire agency.

Poteet’s 25-year career in the industry has developed from the ground up. He advanced to become a journeyman lineman, crew foreman, operations manager and director of operations/engineering. This was prior to returning to college and earning a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety and Emergency Management and an MBA from Capella University while working full time.

"Brent has already been a great asset to the city for many years," said Mayor Gary Fuller. "His knowledge and leadership skills will take OPS to the next level. I look forward to seeing how he and the OPS crews work together to better serve

Publisher: Michelle Key Sports Editor: Wil Crews Live Lee Editor: Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Rick Lanier, D. Mark Mitchell

www.opelikaobserver.com 223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved.

Opelika Observer is published weekly by Key Media LLC, 223-A S. 8th St., Opelika, AL 36801.

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

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

the citizens of Opelika in the coming years.”

Poteet said, “We have a great group of talented and hardworking folks at OPS. They are the ones who ‘keep the lights on’ every day. Our goals at OPS are simple — to provide safe, reliable and affordable electrical services to the citizens and businesses of Opelika — and to keep customer service at the forefront of all we do. I’m very honored to serve as the director of OPS. Opelika is a great city where the people are proud of their town. Cindy and I echo the welcoming voices of many of the first locals we met, 'You’re gonna love Opelika.'”

Natives of Northwest Georgia, Poteet, and his wife Cindy, moved to Opelika nearly six years ago to join the OPS team.

ALABAMA

the meaningful moments that are created by shared reading with children,” said Amy Crosby, RORAL statewide coordinator. “By integrating reading into pediatric practices, advising families about the importance of reading aloud and giving books at wellchild visits, we foster enduring family bonds between caregivers and their children that promote healthy childhood development.”

Currently, 57 of Alabama’s pediatric practices and clinics serve as Reach Out and Read-Alabama program sites in 32 counties, impacting 40% of the state’s children under the age of 5.

Congratulations to the Tuscaloosa County DAs office for winning the Iron Bowl Book Drive.

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FROM A1

mental milestones.

“Thank you to everyone who contributed,” said Hays Webb, Tuscaloosa County district attorney. “We believe that strong families build strong communities and that reading is essential to every child’s success.

We are glad to compete for this wonderful cause, and we wish everyone a joyous holiday season.

Roll Tide!”

Research has shown that when parents read books with their young children, they foster healthy brain development and create strong parent-child bonds that last a lifetime.

“Reach Out and Read-Alabama believes that all families should have access to books and

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A3 Dec. 2, 2021

Detour, Closure for North Uniroyal Road PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

New Traffic Pattern at Cox, Wire Roads Began Nov. 29 CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN A new traffic pattern will be implemented at the intersection of Cox and Wire roads beginning Nov. 29 through Jan. 3 as work continues on the new roundabout. During this time, drivers will be unable to turn onto Cox Road from Wire Road. Drivers on Cox Road will only be able to turn right onto Wire Road. No left turns will be permitted.

Motorists may use Beehive Road and Longleaf Drive as detours around the work. All are encouraged to slow down and use caution in the area while maneuvering the new traffic pattern.

Once this stage of the work is complete, the roundabout will open to traffic. While the roundabout will be open, work to complete the project will continue through the end of January. More information about the project is available online.

U-Haul Trucks Find a Home at Country Kwik CONTRIBUTED BY U-HAUL INTERNATIONAL

U-Haul Company of Alabama, Inc. is pleased to announce that Country Kwik signed on as a U-Haul neighborhood dealer to serve the Auburn community.

Country Kwik, located at 4015 S. College St., will offer essential services like U-Haul trucks.

Normal business hours are 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day. Reserve U-Haul products at this dealer location by calling 334-887-5393 or visiting www.uhaul. com/Locations/TruckRentals-near-AuburnAL-36830/053394/ today.

Country Kwik owner Chowdhury Mostofa is proud to team with the industry leader in do-it-yourself moving and self-storage to better meet the demands of Lee County.

U-Haul has teamed with independent dealers to offer rental equipment to do-it-yourself movers since 1945. During these challenging times for small businesses, more than 21,000 dealers across the U.S. and Canada are generating supplemental income through their U-Haul affiliation. When customers rent from a U-Haul dealer, they are directly supporting an independent small business in their community.

Because no financial

investment is required to be a dealer, these local affiliates are not U-Haul franchises. They are simply small businesses that have committed a portion of their lot space forU-Haul equipment, and a portion of their time to help meet the mobility needs of their neighbors.

Learn more about the dealer program and how to join by visiting uhaul. com/dealer.

As an essential service provider, U-Haul stores and dealers continue to serve the public during the pandemic recovery.

U-Haul products are utilized by First Responders; delivery companies bringing needed supplies to people’s homes; small businesses trying to remain afloat; college students; and countless other dependent groups — in addition to the household mover.

In addition to implementing enhanced cleaning protocols, U-Haul is pleased to offer programs that inherently promote social distancing with minimal or no contact with others. U-Haul Truck Share 24/7 allows customers to create an online account and pick up their truck at any hour using only their smartphone with photo feature and GPS. Trained Live Verify agents support customers online, enabling them to skip the lines and go straight to their truck.

In preparation for the bridge replacement on North Uniroyal, Southeast Gas will have crews onsite working to relocate a section of gas line that is in conflict with the new bridge. They will have lane closures that started on 11/30 and will need two weeks to complete the work around the bridge. Road closure and detour signs will be placed to direct traffic around the construction area.

A4 Dec. 2, 2021

You Got This

L

SEAN DIETRICH

et’s talk about confidence.

Self-confidence.

Not the corny brand of confidence found in many self-help books where you repeat a motivational key phrase before the mirror for guaranteed success — or your money back!

No, I’m talking about the kind of unwavering confidence found within exceptional people who routinely sing karaoke or pass highway patrol vehicles on the interstate.

Confidence.

I bring up this subject because today I was standing in line at the supermarket when I met a retired psychologist.

She was mid-eighties, with white hair and Coke-bottle glasses. Her name was Doctor Don’tYou-Dare-Use-My-Real-

Name.

We got to talking and I casually asked the old physician which mental health problems she encountered most during her career.

Her answer came quickly. “Lack of confidence.”

“Really?” I said.

“Definitely,” she said as our cashier was ringing up the old woman’s — I swear — box of prunes.

I was surprised by her answer. I was expecting her to say the most frequent disorders were anxiety, depression or as in my case, clinically obsessive avoidance of mowing my lawn.

“Well,” answered the shrink. “Lack of confidence is a problem that helps fuels those other problems. People who quit believing in

themselves fall apart or they overcompensate.

Both are dangerous.”

Statistically, two-thirds of Americans suffer from a lack of self-confidence.

In one study, researchers found that a quarter of people under age 35 admitted to disliking themselves. And in a recent survey, eight out of ten teenage girls admitted to practically hating themselves.

“Lack of confidence isn’t just a little problem,” said the clinician. “It’s the iceberg that sank the Titanic.”

By now, the cashier and everyone else in line was listening to our conversation as the doc went on to explain that most people without confidence have lost the ability to think positively.

Which is a fatal problem.

“Unconfident people don’t believe anything good can happen to them personally. They don’t feel they deserve good things. They don’t believe they will heal. So they expect the worst, and you know what? They get what they expect.”

The doctor must be right because I receive a lot of letters from people who don’t have much confidence. Most of these letters are from people

Mind The Gap

WENDY HODGE 1985 was a good year.

Nintendo released its home entertainment system; we all were singing along with Phil Collins because he was beyond “rad”; and velour tracksuits and big hair were the coolest things in fashion.

Don’t ask me why. That was also the year I graduated from Opelika High School, and I got the best graduation gift ever. My sister and her husband surprised me with an airline ticket — I would be joining them on their trip to London. Have you ever seen an Alabama girl getting the news she’s going to Europe?

It’s a sight to behold, I’ll tell you. There was much hugging and crying, followed by even more packing and planning. That floral tapestry suitcase of mine was packed and re-packed so many times it was practically threadbare before we ever hit Atlanta.

I was so prepared for my British experience … or so I thought. Here’s something you should know — the English have very distinctive terms and phrases that don’t make much sense to our American ears. The bathroom is the “loo.” If someone is “chuffed,” they’re happy.

“Dodgy” means sketchy or iffy. A “kerfuffle” is a fight.

Men and women are “blokes” and “birds.” Lukewarm is “tepid.” And if something is a real mess, it’s a “dog’s

dinner.”

Unfortunately, the first part of our trip was just that – a “dog’s dinner.” Our airline tickets weren’t booked correctly, so I ended up alone ... in first class. The “taxi” that picked us up at the airport wasn’t a taxi at all (I tried to explain to my brother-in-law that taxis in London are not red.). That mistake cost a small fortune. And, most time consuming of all, the hotel mixed up our reservation, so I ended up in a separate room … on the top floor, with a view of Tower Bridge and the River Thames.

The hotel concierge, Phillipe, was there to smooth things over and set things straight. In his three-piece suit and his perfect smile, he made dinner reservations for us and gave us maps of the city; he knew what shops to try and what restaurants to avoid. And he always looked polished and perfect.

We filled the days with the British Museum, the Tower of London, Big Ben, Covent Garden, picnics in St. James Park, Buckingham Palace, the changing of the guard, Westminster Abbey, The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Theatre, and day trips to Dover and Canterbury.

We even had a magical afternoon to ourselves, my sister and I. We shopped (She bought me an Angora sweater.), and we ate at a “dodgy” little café (The burger may not have been beef.), and we posed with a royal guard outside the palace who never cracked a smile (Even when I whispered in his ear.).

There was also an elegant dinner in a “posh” restaurant.

We made reservations weeks ahead and packed our nicest clothes for the occasion.

Here’s something you should know — restaurants in London (and most European cities) serve their beverages without ice. So when I asked for ice water, the waiter looked at me as if I had spat on his shoes.

“You want what, miss?”

“I want ice water.”

“You mean cold water?”

“Yes, water with ice in it.”

“I’ll have to enquire with the kitchen staff, miss.”

One manager, a chef and a translator managed to obtain a glass of water with ice.

ONE ice cube. “We serve our water tepid, miss.” Those Londoners take “tepid” very seriously.

The constant background noise of those days and nights was the chatter and slang that is so very British, like a symphony of notes I’d never heard before and couldn’t get enough of. Many times a day, at every subway stop, as we waited to board, the overhead speaker announced in a melodic tone, “Mind the gap,” which meant to watch your step, be mindful of the space between platform and train. It became so familiar to me that I began to hear it in my head, like a song you can’t shake. Mind the gap.

Toward the end of our trip, my sister and her husband decided to call it a day right after dinner. I, myelf, was wide awake. The sun had barely set! After flipping through all three BBC channels and struggling to keep up with ‘Gorky Park’ — the Spanish version of an American movie set in Russia — I had a brilliant idea. I would explore the London nightlife on my own.

After all, I was a high school graduate. What could go wrong?

See HODGE, page A5

going through difficult periods. People who hail from all walks of life.

Young people, older people, college students, sick people, grieving people, single parents, people starting new jobs and first-time bungee jumpers.

Yes, bungee jumpers.

Last night my phone vibrated informing me that I had an email from a guy named Lane who was about to bungee jump.

The decision came after Lane lost his father this year.

Lane explained that his jump-site is located on an obscenely tall bridge spanning over a steep river gorge in northern California. He sent a picture that made my cheeks tighten; and I don’t mean the ones on my face.

Lane wrote: “I’m scared to do this … Any advice on how to face my fears?”

If Lane is reading this right now, I’d like to offer a few helpful words: Are you out of your freaking mind?

No, wait. What I meant to say is, you’re going to be okay, Lane. Do you know how I know this? Because anybody who attaches a rubber band to their ankle and

leaps off a bridge has a shipload of confidence.

And according to the psychologist in the supermarket …

“Confidence is all it takes.”

“All it takes?”

I asked the doctor skeptically. “Isn’t that oversimplifying things?”

The doc shrugged.

“Maybe, but I’ve seen too many miracles in my time to know that people who believe in miracles are the ones who get them.”

At first, I’ll be honest, all this self-confidence talk sounded vaguely like those motivational speakers from the 1980s with the giant hair and the plaid sport coats.

But then I got to thinking, there must be a reason why those motivational as-seen-onTV gurus were able to make successful careers out of catchphrases like: “if you can believe it, you can achieve it,” or “find true joy with only five easy payments of $39.95.” Confidence.

Sadly, I have struggled with confidence my whole life. I was the chubby kid playing outfield who grew up in a broken home. Guys like me didn’t grow up believing in much.

And I’m not alone

in the self-esteem department. I’m thinking of the guy who emailed me yesterday about how his spouse of thirty-odd years left him.

I’m also thinking about Brady, whose mother attempted suicide in his garage last week.

I’m thinking of Karen, and the serious illness she was diagnosed with last month.

I’m thinking about the man named Phillip, who grapples with clinical depression.

The doc is clear to point out that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for mental health issues.

It’s not nearly that simple.

She’s not saying that. But the good doctor does have a message for you just the same. And I received her message loud and clear as she was pushing her buggy through the supermarket exit.

I asked her, on the record, if she had any words of wisdom for those struggling with confidence. People like me.

“I sure do,” the old woman replied with a smile. “You got this. And God’s got you.”

Or your money back.

A Wise Man Once Said, “Why Not Go Another Way?”

ROBERTSON

I

t’s the Christmas season friends, and my heart is full of hope. I look all around me, into the harsh edges and creases of our world and I see beams and sparks of light piercing through all of it.

In my own home, where we have felt uncertainty, I see rest and peace and comfort in the sweet, still faces of my children. I can see calm in chaos and beauty among thorns.

Our outside world has not changed very much, for some it may even appear darker, but I wonder, if the circumstances aren’t that different, then where does this view of the light come from that wasn’t present for me last year?

What has changed in 12 months’ time that my bucket of hope is overflowing and the light in my heart is brighter?

This has been my journey of self, or maybe it is a journey for many…

What do you think of

when you hear the word “repent”?

Repent, from its original Greek roots, actually means, “to turn and go another way.” It literally means to turn around.

Its Greek word, Metanoia, refers to “a change of mind.” In Hebrew, the word is Nacham. Which translates into “motivation to take a different course of action.”

Here is where I found my answer, back to the roots of words, back to the stories of Christmas.

In this holy season, there is the most amazing story told of three wise kings. Three kings given a plan. Three kings who decided, to turn and go another way. Their decision changed the world. A simple decision that saved us all.

There were three wise men, also astrologists, wealthy kings, under the finger of King Herod.

They arrived to greet him and asked of the child.

“Where is the child who has been born King of the Jews? For we observed his star at its rising and have come to pay homage.” (Matthew 2:2) This scared Herod.

For what other king shall there be besides himself?

The Wise Men gladly told Herod the child was in Bethlehem, just as it had been written by the prophets. King Herod, with his own ambitions,

asked that the Wise Men to go and find the baby. “… And when you have found him, bring me word so that I may also go and pay him homage. After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. And having been warned in a dream not to go back to Herod, they returned to their country by another route.” Matthew 2: 8-12 Wise Men, sent by the Lord. Men who took great risk by ignoring Herod and simply going another way. Men following a star, resting high above a baby. The baby brought to the world as the gift of life.

A lamb to be taken. A baby sent to be broken for me and you.

What if these Wise Men had not turned around? What if they had not been still long enough to see the glory of the Lord in a baby.

They immediately believed and therefore they followed the will of God. They followed the See ROBERTSON, page A6

A5 Dec. 2, 2021

Healthy Skin RN Looks to Help Others

Whitney Allen is a woman that wears many hats. She is a mother, nurse, student and has two businesses of her own.

Allen is originally from Lafayette. She graduated with her associate's degree in registered nursing and has been practicing for almost 10 years now. She is now on her journey toward getting her BSN through Columbus State as well.

About five years ago, Allen began dabbling in the art of makeup.

“I was just on YouTube one day and I saw this transformation people were doing with makeup,” she said. “I saw how empowered people felt by it and how much confidence it brought to their face. It’s really the first thing that inspired me to start doing makeup myself.”

Allen started out by doing makeup on her close family members, then expanded to friends and distant family.

Before she knew it, she had other people asking if she could do theirs as well.

Allen then decided to pursue makeup as a business.

“I moved and bought my own home in 2017 and started an in-home studio with just makeup,” she said.

“Then this year I branched into skincare because I

HODGE >>

FROM A4

Making sure that my hair was as big and stiffly hairsprayed as possible, I went downstairs and asked the concierge for directions to a local pub. I wasn’t going to drink … I wanted to hear the live music. Honest.

Phillipe was at his post, looking even more handsome by evening light than at noon (Did the man ever go home?).

When I asked for his opinion on where to visit on my adventure, he directed me to The Man with Three Hands, a pub a few blocks away.

Here’s something you should know — The British love to name their pubs with the most awkward titles.

Don’t ask me why.

Here’s something else you should know — I am an utter moron when it comes to geographical directions.

My ears hear “south” and “miles,” and my brain hears white noise like in the olden days when TV channels went off the air at midnight and “snow” covered the

realized a lot of people didn’t realize that makeup looks good from having good skin.”

After seeing that a lot of her customers were so interested in learning about and achieving healthier skin, she began focusing on that part of health and beauty and that is when she created her second brand — The Healthy Skin RN. She offers many services, but her most popular one is facials for men and women, and all skin tones.

Allen started catering to men, as well as females, after realizing that there weren’t as many options available for men as there were for women in the beauty industry, but that they wanted to look good too, she said.

Her passion for doing makeup, helping people with their skin and being a nurse all stem from just wanting to help people be better and feel better about themselves, she said.

“When I see the reaction on my clients’ faces when they look in the mirror after being in my chair and they feel so much more confident, it is the most rewarding thing,” Allen said. “Sometimes when I get done with their skin, clients message me and tell me their skin looks the best it has since they were a teenager and they ask for advice to help them keep up

screen. Directions just do not compute. It’s genetic. My dad once got lost in a hotel room… true story.

So there I was, humming “In the Air Tonight” (my favorite Phil Collins tune) and leaving a scent of AquaNet behind me as I walked in what was most likely the opposite direction of The Man with Three Hands. A few minutes later, I found myself outside The Kings Arms.

Close enough, right? It was all I’d hoped it would be — live music, teenage guys who were “chuffed” just to hear my American accent, lots of “blokes” and “birds” being charmingly themselves. I sat back and just soaked it all in.

At about midnight, just as I was returning from the “loo,” it was as if an alarm had sounded that Americans were not able to hear. Everyone filed out. In a hurry. In fact, by the time I got my purse and made my way out the door, there wasn’t a soul in sight.

The streets were dark, except for the moon and a couple of dim street lights.

And it was foggy. Jack the Ripper foggy. “I am going to

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with it; it is so rewarding.

I love to help people. If I can in any way, I’ll do it. I love seeing people confident and positive and feeling fulfilled.”

Allen plans to expand with more products that will continue to be all-inclusive for men and women.

She also wants to do more than just give facials to her clients; she wants to promote healthy skincare in their everyday lifestyle.

“My goal is to go beyond surface-level stuff when it comes to promoting skincare,” she said. “A lot of us don’t realize that the way our skin looks on the outside comes from how we treat our bodies on the inside. I am a big advocate for healthy foods and increasing your water intake throughout the day. I want people to start within with their healthy skin journey.”

You can book an appointment with her at www.healthyskinrn.as.me/ or visit her Instagram page at Thehealthyskinrn to find out more about her business.

die. On a street in London,” I thought. “Before I even get to wear that angora sweater.”

“I’ll just start walking. I can find my way back to the hotel,” I told myself. My inner voice answered itself, “Ha! As if!” I might as well have been standing on the moon that was staring down at me – I would never find the hotel on my own.

Just as I took a step off the curb, a car pulled up at the end of the alley, and the back door opened. It was a taxi – a REAL one. A man leaned out and said, “Let us give you a lift.”

Now I may have been a small-town girl, but I knew all about “stranger danger.”

I instinctively stepped back. The taxi door opened further, and light fell across the passenger’s face, and I gasped. Literally gasped. It was … brace yourself … Phil Collins. THE Phil Collins.

I decided to play it cool.

“You’re Phil Collins!” I said.

Yeah, I was so cool.

Mr. Collins said, very kindly, “Yes. I’m Phil. You really shouldn’t be out here at this hour. You can share the

taxi ride with me.”

Continuing to be cool, I practically jumped into the taxi. “Thank you, Phil Collins,” I gushed.

“Uh … you can call me Phil.”

“Wow! Thanks, Phil Collins.”

“Where are you staying?”

“The Tower Thistle — you know, the hotel with the dolphins out front, right by the Tower Bridge?”

“Yes, I’m familiar. Where are you from?”

“I’m from Alabama.”

That seemed to clear things up for him a bit.

“Ah. The south,” he said with a smile.

Throughout the conversation, I was acutely aware that I was sitting just a few inches away from Phil Collins, music legend. I silently prayed for an hourlong trip.

Exactly a minute and a half later, the taxi driver said, “Here we are, miss.” I’d been three blocks away the entire time!

The taxi driver got out and opened my door. “Thank you, Phil Collins,” I said.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

BY MEGAN MANN FOR THE OBSERVER

“You’re welcome. And be careful out there, Alabama,” he answered.

And just like that he was gone.

Remember this was long before cell phones and the internet. No Facebook or selfies. There was no way to let my friends know I’d just spent two whole minutes in the presence of a music icon. And I couldn’t tell my sister — I’d snuck out alone at night. My little adventure would surely lead to a great “kerfuffle.”

So I kept that memory to myself for a very long time.

Many days have passed, years’ and years’ worth, and I’ve been to lots of cities since then. My passport has been stamped over and over. When I close my eyes and think of that trip in the summer of ’85, it’s the small things I remember best … the strawberries and cream that were brought to my room every morning, the way Phillipe’s cufflinks glowed in the lamplight behind his desk, the laughter when my brother-in-law asked if there’d be fireworks for the Fourth of

July (“We don’t celebrate our defeat by you Yanks, sir!”), the sight of Phil Collins’s hands resting on his knees and how very ordinary they looked, the way the arms of my seat in the balcony of The Royal Theater vibrated when the Phantom sang “Music of the Night,” the lovely shade of blue angora my sweater was made of, and the way my sister looked so alive in every photograph I took.

“In The Air Tonight” plays on the oldies station now. My angora sweater is a folded memory stored away in my cedar chest. The tickets stubs and theater playbills are glued into a scrapbook. And those photos are the only way I can see my sister’s smile.

Mind the gap. Pay attention to the space between platform and train, between here and there, today and tomorrow.

Those are the moments where memories are made. Those are the sights and sounds your heart will latch on to. Mind the gap, for the gap is your life.

This column first appeared in the Observer in December 2017.

A6 Dec. 2, 2021

Auburn, Alabama Student Veterans March to Raise Awareness PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Every year since 2018, student veterans attending Auburn Univeristy and the University of Alabama participate in Operation Iron Ruck, a 151-mile march from either Auburn's football stadium to Alabama's, or vice versa, in an effort to raise awareness for veteran suicide. This year, 50 students trained for 12 weeks and put the rivalry on the gridiron aside to march from Tuscaloosa to the Plains from Nov. 24 to 27. Each veteran was carrying a 22-pound ruck sack full of household toiletries and other personal necessities that were donated to the Tuskegee Homeless Veterans Shelter. Monetary donations were given to Mission 22 and Three Hots and a Cot, orginizations that help veterans by means of donations. Furthermore, the group carried the game ball for the Iron Bowl along with 22 sets of dog tags in remembrance of soldiers lost.

ROBERTSON >>

FROM A4

light. They changed their minds. And the rest of the entire world was saved because of it.

This is where I found the treasure of which it took me 12 months to journey to, I had to decide to go another way. I had to turn around, see God for who he truly is, and follow his way, not my own.

You see the world will

always be pulling us into it. There will always be a tempting factor around every corner, but the choice to trust the God of the universe, over our own ideas and ways, is the key to peace at heart.

I would like to meet these wise men. I’d like to give them a gift and tell them thank you. But the gift has already been given. A baby to save us. And a lesson for the people today, that it is okay to turn and go another way.

God has a plan and a will for me and you. He has order and joy, peace and hope to place in our hands. He just asks us to

follow him, and the Lord will fulfill his promises to you, just as he did many, many years ago in Bethlehem.

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Artisan Coffee Beverages made to order.

Windstream participates in a government benefit program called Lifeline to make residential telephone or broadband service more affordable to eligible low-income individuals and families. Eligible customers are those that meet eligibility standards as defined by the FCC and state commission. Residents who live on federally recognized Tribal Lands may also qualify for additional Tribal benefits if they participate in certain federal eligibility programs.

The program offers a monthly discount limited to one discount per household and can either be applied to wireline or wireless. If applied to wireline the discount can be applied to either your voice or broadband service. The monthly discount is up to $5.25 per month for voice only service or up to $9.25 per month for broadband service.

Windstream’s basic local service rates for residential voice lines range from $20 to $32 per month depending on your service location. Specific rates will be provided upon request. For the broadband Lifeline discount to apply, a customer must subscribe to a Windstream service that meets the minimum standard requirements as defined by the FCC. For the purposes of the Lifeline program a household is defined as any individual or group of individuals who live together at the same address and share income and expenses. Lifeline service is not transferable, and only eligible consumers may enroll in the program. Consumers who willfully make false statements to obtain Lifeline telephone or broadband service can be punished by fine or imprisonment and can be barred from the program. If you live in a Windstream service area, please call 1-800-347-1991 or visit www.windstream.com/Lifeline with questions or to request an application for the Lifeline program.

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11/2/2021 8:29:08 AM

Auburn United Methodist Church United Methodist Women

2021 Christmas Market

Beginning Monday Sept.13, we will open each weekday at 7 a.m.

Saturday, December 4, 2021 8:30 am – 1:00 pm 137 South Gay Street, Auburn, AL 36830

116 S. 8th Street, Opelika

334-363-0390

www.booniehatcoffee.com

Take care of yourself and others with an easy test.

Don’t wait. If you have symptoms, find out if you have the virus.

The testing is simple, fast, and effective at identifying COVID-19.

Find testing near you at

Free admission, community-wide Christmas Market Shop for Arts, Crafts, Foods, Decorations & More For more information contact Mary Richburg email aumcwomenchristmas@outlook.com

Proceeds from Christmas Market will support local missions through the Auburn United Methodist Women

TEXTILE MILLS ASBESTOS CLAIMS If you began working in a Textile Mill, Tire Plant, Paper Mill, Steel Mill or any other industrial setting before 1980: You may have a claim against the asbestos manufacturers.

AlabamaUnites.com.

Call now for your free evaluation.

1-(888)432-6020 Asbestos Claims, LLC, Jubal L. Hamil Attorney at Law ARPC 7.2.(e) “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS Dec. 3: AUUF Annual Live Auction Dec 4: Mayfield Family Art Show Dec. 5: Downtown Auburn Christmas Parade

Sweet Home Made Alabama Artists Share Christmas Recipes PHOTO BY BILL WHETSTONE

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

W

ith a love for art and cooking, Kathryn Whetstone is busy planning the Sweet Home Made Alabama Holiday Art Show and looking over family recipes to plan what she will prepare during the Christmas season. The third art show will be held at the Art Haus Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. and will feature Kathryn’s jewelry and her husband Bill’s art, as well as other local artists. A percentage of the show will benefit Women’s Hope Health Clinic, an organization that assists women and families throughout the year.

Over 20 artists will be showcasing premium, handmade unique items for sale, including pottery, hand-forged knives,

jewelry, leather, wood creations, woven goods, paintings and candles.

Drive-By-Tacos and Ross House coffee will be offering food and drinks.

Founder of the art show, Kathryn grew up in Opelika and was inspired in art by her parents, Helen and Dr. Bill Whatley.

Her mother also inspired her in cooking, as well as grandmothers Merle Whatley and Helen Stites.

“I grew up in the kitchen,” Kathryn said.

“I remember standing on a footstool asking my grandmothers questions about cooking.”

She recalled being with her grandmother Merle, who would cook with every cabinet door open, and there would be flour all over the floor.

She would turn up the music on the old Philco

radio and sing while she cooked.

“She had a good time,” Kathryn said.

On Christmas Day, her mother would get up at 5 a.m. to place the turkey in the oven to be ready for dinner at 2:30 in the afternoon. The dinner would be elegant with turkey, dressing, molded cherry salad served on a bed of lettuce, assorted vegetables, homemade rolls and delectable desserts.

Kathryn helped her mother and was in charge of setting the table and making the centerpiece.

A favorite centerpiece was a crystal bowl of gleaming ornaments woven with ribbon and fresh greenery on a mirrored runner.

Kathryn recalled how much her mother taught

CONTRIBUTED BY LCHS

Lee County Humane Society (LCHS) partnered with Bissell Pet Foundation to bring holiday hope to shelter pets in Lee County.

The Empty the Shelters Holiday Hope Event will offer reduced fees for adoptable pets from Dec. 6 through Dec. 20. LCHS holiday hope is that all adoptable pets will find forever homes or spend time in a foster home over the holidays so that our shelter will have a “Silent Night” over Christmas.

Empty the Shelters will be hosted in more than 200 shelters in 40 states, Lee County Humane Society included. During

this holiday season, people have the opportunity to save a life by choosing adoption or fostering.

LCHS currently has one hundred and sixty-five pets in its care. Empty the Shelters adoption special fees will be $5 for altered (spayed or neutered) pets and $55 for unaltered pets. To view adoptable pets, visit www.leecountyhumane. org/adopt. Shoppers can filter the search by age, size, breed and more.

Unable to adopt? Deck the halls with foster paws this holiday season!

Fostering a shelter pet saves two lives — the pet fostered and another homeless pet who now has a spot in the shelter.

To learn more about be-

coming a holiday foster for a pet in need, visit www.leecountyhumane. org/foster.

Lee County Humane Society is a 501(c)(3) organization, and all membership fees and donations are tax-deductible. Our mission is to advance humane treatment and responsible ownership of companion animals through community education, animal sheltering and adoption and alleviation of animal suffering.

Follow Lee County Humane Society on Facebook.com/LeeCountyHumaneSociety, Twitter (@ leecountyhumane), and Instagram (@leecountyhumanesociety)

her about “getting your ducks in a row” for large family dinners and entertaining. The silver would be polished weeks ahead, the table set and the food prepared.

“My mother taught me organization skills that now help me with my art shows,” she said. “She taught me to plan out everything methodically, intentionally and with purpose. It has served me well. She was a great southern lady. Strong but gentle.”

Kathryn says her mother had an art for entertaining, and the women in her mother’s family were

musicians and artists.

Her father was also an artist, carving exquisite ducks and song birds, as well as playing a wide range of music on his Steinway. On occasion, he would make jewelry for the ladies in his life with his dental gold, and he always gave unusual pieces of jewelry to Kathryn and her mother.

He told Kathryn, “I know you like your jewelry to be different from everyone else’s.”

He recognized her interest in jewelry at an early age.

Her family influences stayed with her over the

years. As her adult life changed and evolved, Kathryn began to think about what she wanted to do after corporate life.

She was again drawn to the love of unusual and artistic jewelry. She sought jewelry classes in north Georgia and from a mentor in Nashville, Tennessee.

Precious metal clay interested her, as it was porous and looked vintage. She worked with semi-precious stones and incorporated them with copper, brass and silver. As she made one See CIPPERLY, page A10

Alabama Christmas Tree Farms Offer Holiday Fun

CONTRIBUTED BY ALFA / MARLEE MOORE AND MARY WILSON

As the holiday season ramps up, Alabama Christmas tree farms are ready to provide freshcut evergreens for local families.

“Our Alabama Christmas tree growers offer a plethora of Christmas tree varieties, including Leyland Cypress, Arizona Cypress, Virginia Pine and Carolina Sapphire, from the Gulf Coast to the Tennessee Valley,” said Blake Thaxton, the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Division director.

“Any of these trees are perfect for decorating — and bring that wonderful, woodsy, Christmas scent into your home.”

While there have been reports of Christmas tree shortages, the Federation’s Brian Hardin said that’s due to supply chain issues with shipping in different varieties of trees from out of state.

“Many times, at retail or box outlet stores, those are Christmas trees that are coming from out of state. Yes, there are fewer of those, and you will see the impact of the supply chain issues,” said Hardin, the Federa-

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Lee County Humane Society Hopes to Empty the Shelter This Holiday Season

Kathryn Whetstone, founder of the Sweet Home Made Alabama Holiday Art Show, is sharing a variety of favorite Christmas recipes, along with other artists who will be showcasing their work. The art show will be held Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. at the Art Haus on S. Railroad in downtown Opelika. A percentage of sales will benefit Women’s Hope Health Clinic.

tion’s Governmental and Agricultural Programs (GAP) Department director. “However, we have plenty of Alabama Christmas trees that you can purchase locally.

There are many Christmas tree farms in our state where a family can go and enjoy cutting their own tree.”

Wadsworth Christmas Tree Farm in Wetumpka is one Alabama farm that plans to sell hundreds of trees this season, starting on Saturday, Nov. 20.

“We have plenty of trees here at the farm,” said farm owner Frank Wadsworth. “I just tell people to be patient and be ready for a large crowd, especially the day after Thanksgiving. We call that Green Friday up here instead of Black Friday, because it’s our busiest day.”

Wadsworth also en-

couraged shoppers to claim a tree early. Even though he raises 8,000 trees at the farm, only those that are four to five years old are tagged and ready to sell this year.

Over in Lanett, Ray Gilbert of Gilbert Christmas Tree Farm said growing Christmas trees is a labor of love. Gilbert and his fellow growers are excited to open their farms to the public this season, which starts the day after Thanksgiving for him.

“The sales season is the fun time of being a Christmas tree farmer,” he said. “It’s fun watching families grow up. All the hard work during the year to grow our trees is worth it during the Christmas season.”

Christmas tree farmers shape and trim See ALABAMA, page A8

A8 Dec. 2, 2021

Making the Grade: Jefferson’s

I

just can’t seem to get enough of downtown Opelika. I think it should be the prototype for downtowns everywhere. According to Siri, the very annoying assistant on my new Iphone, the current population of Opelika is 30,908.

While I was gathering that piece of information, as well as others, for this particular review, I became very angry with my technical assistant and said, “I hate you, Siri.” In a snippy voice, that disembodied, digital assistant said, “That’s not nice.”

She even typed it out.

Meanwhile, my sweet husband Mike was in his La-Z-Boy recliner, howling with laughter.

Husbands who are tech savvy frequently do that to their technologically challenged wives. However, I’m a Christian, and I shouldn’t hate anything.

Also, I used to tell my

special customer service, especially these days. Jessica gets an A+ from this retired English teacher.

For an appetizer, Mike and I ordered the ultimate cheese fries, which had bacon bits and came with ranch dressing. It was excellent. All of that gooey cheese was too. good. to. describe.

We didn’t lick the bottom of the plate only because our parents taught us better.

For his entrée, Mike ordered the boneless

wings with honey barbecue sauce and curly fries.

Even though I’m the fried chicken freak, I was in the mood for a cheeseburger and onion rings.

Jack ordered the fried shrimp basket with tater tots and a side salad.

Last, William picked the Cajun chicken salad. Everything was delicious. A DEFINITE do over.

Besides our delectable appetizer, Jefferson’s

PHOTO BY MIKE WALLACE

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

students when they said they hated something or someone, “Don’t hate; it causes zits.”

But I digress. Recently, Mike and I met our friends Jack and William at Jefferson’s at 905 S. Railroad Ave. in beautiful downtown Opelika.

Jefferson’s owners, Jeff and Stephanie Moulton, bought the restaurant in 2014. It’s a friendly restaurant with a real hometown feel. Plus, I love the striped awning outside the building.

Also, Jefferson’s staff is fabulous. Back in the summer, a sweet waitress helped me by putting up a poster advertising my church’s (Central Baptist of Opelika) Vacation Bible School. In fact, April, a member of our church family, is Stephanie Moulton’s sister. I was also allowed to use the restroom, so I ordered a diet soft drink. However, when I tried to pay for it, the aforementioned sweet waitress wouldn’t let me. Isn’t living in the South great? They get bonus points for being so kind to me and for being supportive of our community.

Jessica, our waitress for the evening, was so friendly, patient and helpful. I was debating a side, and she said, “If you don’t like it, I’ll bring you something else.” Now, that’s extra

also offers diners: chipsn-ranch, chips-n-salsa, fried mushrooms, nacho supreme, buffalo chicken nachos, corn nuggets, cheese stix, onion rings and fried pickles.

In addition, Jefferson’s has salads, some of which include: Caesar, chef, grilled chicken, BBQ and chicken finger.

Also, diners may enjoy a great selection of burgers and sandwiches, some of

which include: chili burger, the Jefferson burger, buffalo chicken, fried oyster poboy and turkey club. Wraps, baskets and platters are also available.

Believe me, you’ll find plenty to enjoy.

Jefferson’s is open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; on Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; on Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Jefferson’s makes the

grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Poohsized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!

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

Competitive Food Eater Raina Huang Takes on the 'Scarface' PHOTOS BY LUANNE HELMS / FOR THE OBSERVER

YouTube sensation Raina Huang visited Opelika last weekend to take on a food challenge from Bill and Robbie's Excellent BBQ Adventure. Huang ate five 'Scarface' Cuban sandwiches in under 30 minutes. To learn more about the competitive food eater visit her webiste www.rainaiscrazy.com.

ALABAMA >>

FROM A7

trees two to four times a year, in addition to routinely cutting surrounding grass to promote tree growth.

Christmas tree farms have evolved over the years into entertainment destinations, encouraging families to make the season merry

and bright. Farms offer tractor wagon rides, hot chocolate, snacks, wreath-making, play areas, gift shops and even visits from Santa Claus.

When it’s time to pick the perfect tree, keep these tips in mind: Measure first — Measure height and width of the space where you will display

the tree. Account for extra height from the tree stand and topper.

Choose a tree with an appealing shape that fits your space.

Look for space between branches — For ornaments to hang straight, you’ll want a tree with some space between the branches.

If buying a fresh-cut or harvested tree, look

for dark-green needles and flexible branches — Needles should be flexible, adhere to the branch and not fall off in your hand.

Make a fresh 1-inch cut in the tree trunk before mounting on the stand.

Get the tree into water as soon as possible — Heat in a home can dry a tree out, but

freshly cut trees can last up to a month if well-hydrated and kept out of harsh sunlight or drafts.

Check the water level daily. Trees may need up to a gallon of water every day. — For the first few days, check the level every couple of hours. After a week, water intake will slow, and daily refills should

be fine.

When Christmas is over, don’t trash the tree — Turn it into mulch, repurpose it as an animal habitat or replant living Christmas trees.

Searching for a Christmas tree farm near you? Visit SouthernChristmasTrees. org or SweetGrownAlabama.org.

A9 Dec. 2, 2021

Holiday Open House Invites Shoppers Into downtown auburn Businesses PHOTOS BY CANDACE ALLDAY / FOR THE OBSERVER

Residents of Lee County were invited into downtown Auburn this past weekend to enjoy holiday shopping with great sales and a variety of different gift options.

A Trip To Whoville The Mason Jar in Auburn, Alabama, has become a wellknown restaurant in the community. Husband and wife, Danny and Christie North, are the owners of the establishment that has been up and running for six years.

Four years ago, they began holding different events for the holiday season. They have these special days throughout the year to not only bring some fun and festivities to the community, but to give back as well.

The big Christmas event is breakfast with Santa and the Grinch.

All members of the community are invited to eat food, give back and join in on the holiday fun this year on Dec. 18 from 8 to 11 a.m.

Everyone that attends is asked to bring an

unopened gift that will be donated to a charity.

In the past, the couple has raised money and donations for different groups including the Salvation Army and the Auburn Police Division.

If you are familiar with The Mason Jar, then you know about the big wagon that sits in the restaurant. As people come in with their gifts, they can watch as it fills up throughout the day.

“We decorate the whole restaurant to fit whatever theme we have chosen that year,” Danny said. “Our staff all dress up too.”

Along with being able to meet Santa, children will also be able to take pictures with the Grinch and have their own creations made by a balloon artist.

Planning events like this is something that comes naturally to Christie.

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

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

-

� Circle of Excellence 2008-2011

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

“I used to work for the Walt Disney Company, so I’ve always been into event planning, it feels really good to be a part of something fun like this that is also a way to give back to the community,” she said.

The event is open to the entire community and all the owners ask is that you make a reservation.

“By doing reservations, it allows us to make sure all of the kids will have an opportunity to be with Santa and have time to enjoy the activities,” Danny said. “We were amazed at how much we raised last year, and we hope to keep that up this year.”

To find out more information about The Mason Jar’s upcoming events, visit the website at themasonjarrestaurant. net or give them a call at 334-734-0270.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THE MASON JAR

BY MEGAN MANN FOR LIVE LEE MAGAZINE

A10 Dec. 2, 2021

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A7

of a kind jewelry to sell, she named her business Sophie’s Muse in honor of her great-grandmother who was an artist.

After Kathryn and Bill, who is also an artist, married a year ago, she began making more jewelry and using her grandmother’s antique buttons. Bill,

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> ARTISTS INCLUDE: Pamela Pattillo, woven goods Brandon Rusk, hand crafted leather Robin Reed, handpoured candles Sam Cheek, wood/folk art Melissa Haggerty, soaps Jim Denney, photography & paintings Joni Thomas, fiber arts Sharon Johnson, digital art Richard Atkins, iron Jill Holt, oils Turner Porter, wood Cynthia Barr, acrylics Vickie Jernigan, marbeling Jennifer Melton, upcycled folk art Sybil Dees, oils & watercolors Brian Ross, glass Luke Green, wild life wood sculptures Finch Allen, graphite/ watercolors, alcohol ink painting/acrylics Maria Auad, pottery DeDe Wilson, mixed media Alisha Smiley, candles Kathryn Whetstone, hand-sculpted silver jewelry Bill Whetstone, sculptures and paintings JANET’S CHRISTMAS WREATH SPREAD Kathryn Whetstone Two 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened ½ cup Miracle Whip (or other quality mayonnaise) 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese Combine above and add: 10 crisply cooked bacon strips, cooled and crumbed ¼ cup sliced green onions Chill the mixture.

When ready to serve, shape mixture into a wreath and garnish heavily with parsley.

Use pimento or red bell peppers to create a bow. Serve with your favorite crackers. Can be frozen.

LUCILLE JOHNSON’S SWEET SAUSAGE ROLLS

Kathryn Whetstone 2 cans crescent rolls Conecuh sausage cut in 1 inch lengths (or miniature sausage links) ½ cup butter or margarine 3 Tbsp. honey 3 Tbsp. brown sugar 3 Tbsp. yellow mustard ½ cup chopped pecans Unroll and separate crescent dough. Cut each triangle in half.

Place sausage on long end and roll tightly. Set

who worked in television many years, creates a variety of art, including sculpture and painting a wide variety of subjects.

Bill’s work will also be on exhibit at the art show.

As both the artists prepare for the show, they enjoyed family time at Thanksgiving and looking forward to more time with family traditions celebrated at Christmas. aside.

Combine remaining ingredients in cake pan. Arrange rolls, seam side down in the mixture. Bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes at 400 degrees.

CRANBERRYPINEAPPLE CHEESE RING

Bill Whetstone’s Family 1 pkg. dried cranberries, chopped 1 pkg. dried pineapple, chopped 2 small pkg. cream cheese, softened 4 cups shredded sharp cheese, room temperature 2 - 3 cups chopped pecans ¼ - ½ cup maple syrup for drizzling on top Bundt pan or jelly ring mold In a large bowl, mix cranberries and pineapple with softened cream cheese and shredded cheese.

Line pan with plastic wrap. Fill bottom with chopped pecans.

Then add cheese mixture. Cover with more plastic wrap.

Chill for at least 2 hours. Best if made night before. Remove from refrigerator an hour before serving.

Invert on serving tray.

Drizzle with maple syrup. Serve with wheat thins or buttery crackers.

AMBROSIA SALAD

Dede Wilson; artist in mixed media When I think about Christmas foods, I think about this recipe. It has been in my family for generations, and Christmas is not the same without it.

10 navel oranges, peeled and sectioned 3 grapefruits, peeled and sectioned 1 large can mandarin oranges with juice 1 large can pineapple chunks with juice 1 large jar maraschino cherries with juice, slice cherries in half 1 small bag flaked coconut Mix ingredients together and chill. It should be the consistency of a thick punch. Ladle into small dessert bowls.

You can adjust ingredients to the fruits your family likes best. It should be sweet enough, but if not, add sugar to taste.

JANE HERRING’S SPINACH SALAD WITH POPPYSEED

“These days the holidays are simpler but still quite fun with family and great food as we build memories,” Kathryn said.

“Thanksgiving we spent time at a family farm with Bill’s clan. We rode 4-wheelers, fished and listened to music on the front porch overlooking the pond. Several fine musicians in Bill’s family, including him, sat in

DRESSING

Kathryn Whetstone Dressing: ¼ cup sugar 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. dry mustard 1 tsp. Poppy seed ⅓ cup apple cider vinegar 1 cup oil 1 cup cottage cheese Salad: Sliced fresh mushrooms Sliced red onion Spinach Combine dressing ingredients. Allow to sit overnight. Mix the salad with spinach, mushrooms and onion. Toss with dressing. You won’t believe how delicious this is.

SARAH FRILEY’S FESTIVE HOLIDAY SPREAD

Non-stick cooking spray ½ cup mayonnaise 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese ½ cup chopped pecans 1 bunch green onions, chopped 6 Ritz crackers, crushed 8 slices cooked bacon, crumbled ½ cup pepper jelly 1 Tbsp. water Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease a pie pan with non-stick cooking spray. In a bowl, mix mayonnaise, cream cheese, cheddar cheese and green onions. Fold in pecans. Transfer to prepared pan and top with crushed Ritz crackers. Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. In a small saucepan, combine the pepper jelly and water. Cook over low heat until melted. Remove cheese spread from oven; top with bacon. Drizzle warmed pepper jelly over to the top. Serve with Ritz crackers.

HELEN WHATLEY’S SWEET AND SOUR BEANS AND BEETS WITH HORSERADISH DRESSING

Kathryn Whetstone Mother was of German heritage, and they love their sweet and sour food choices. This is a great side dish when serving heavy meals.

It’s light, refreshing and is a great compliment to most any entree. If you prefer more sour than sweet, reduce sugar and substitute some of the water for a little more vinegar. Also, you can leave the beets out, although they make the dish so pretty and

rocking chairs and made fantastic music with such ease. It was very relaxing.

“The Whatley clan had small gatherings before and after Thanksgiving, and Christmas will be celebrated at different homes. While good food is always part of an event, on Thanksgiving and Christmas, my brothers and I like to spend time with our grandchildren.

That’s the joy. But these recipes follow us everywhere.”

Kathryn and Bill and some other artists who will be in the art show are sharing their favorite Christmas recipes. Be sure to clip and save these for creating scrumptious dishes during the season.

Mark your calendar for the Sweet Home Made Alabama Art Show on

appetizing. Don’t forget the sour cream dressing. Yum! 2 cans whole green beans, drained 2 onions, sliced very thin 1 can or jar sliced beets (optional) Marinade: 1 cup vinegar 1/2 cup water 4 Tbsp. salad oil (1/4 cup) 3/4 cup sugar (can reduce amount if desired) Mix marinade and pour over whole beans, sliced beets and thinly sliced onions. Cover and refrigerate for several hours or overnight.

If possible, turn the container over a few times while refrigerated to evenly distribute marinade.

Remove vegetables with a slotted spoon and serve on a pretty platter with the dressing on the side.

Sour Cream Horseradish Dressing: This dressing compliments the salad so well, you won’t have any left. Serve in a separate bowl next to the salad with a spoon.

1 cup sour cream 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 tsp. lemon juice 1/4 tsp. dry mustard 2 Tbsp. prepared horseradish Chives for garnish, optional Combine ingredients and mix. Chill for a few hours in refrigerator. Serve in a pretty glass bowl and sprinkle with chives for a beautiful presentation.

into four equal parts.

Using food coloring of choice, knead into one section at a time. Roll into small balls about an about an inch in diameter, then flatten onto wax paper. Let the mints air dry for about 2 hours, then place into an air-tight container to store.

place in crock pot.

In medium sauce pan, melt butter, cream cheese and sharp heese.

Pour melted mix over noodles in crock pot, then add sour cream, milk, salt, pepper and soup and stir.

Cook on low in crock pot for 2 1/2 hours.

OVERNIGHT BRUNCH EGG BAKE

Vickie Jernigan, Owner/Designer, Allmymarbles, LLC 1 cup sugar 1 cup Karo syrup 1 Tbsp. flour ½ stick butter 1 cup chopped pecans 3 eggs ¼ cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla 2 pie crusts Mix flour and sugar, then add syrup; stir to boiling point.

Melt butter, pour into well beaten eggs.

Add pecans, vanilla and milk.

Pour into crust, and bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until middle is firm.

ORANGE FLUFF

Pamela Pattillo, weaver and jeweler 16 oz. 2 percent cottage cheese 8 oz. Cool Whip Small package dry orange gelation Two cans mandarin oranges, drained Mix dry gelatin with Cool Whip and cottage cheese. Fold in mandarin oranges.

Refrigerate about an hour before serving.

Note: You can use any flavor gelation and use fruit cocktail.

DOT’S SOFT MINTS

Jennifer Melton 16 oz. powdered sugar 3 Tbsp. soft margarine 3 Tbsp. evaporated milk 1/2 tsp. peppermint extract Food coloring Mix first four ingredients in a large bowl. When the powdered sugar is evenly moistened, knead.

When the mixture becomes smooth, divide

Kathryn Whetstone 24 oz. (6 cups) shredded co-jack cheese blend 2 Tbsp. butter or margarine ⅓ cup sliced green onions ½ medium red bell pepper, chopped 1 jar (4.5 oz.) sliced mushrooms, drained 8 oz. cooked ham, cut in small cubes or slices ½ cup all-purpose flour 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley or spinach 1 ¾ cup milk or half & half Chopped red bell pepper (optional) Chopped fresh parsley (optional) Spray 13 x 9 inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Sprinkle half of cheese evenly on bottom of dish.

Melt butter in medium skillet. Add onions, half of bell pepper and mushrooms.

Cook until tender.

Arrange veggies over cheese. Top with ham.

Cover with remaining cheese.

Beat eggs in large bowl. Lightly spoon flour into measuring cup; level off. Add flour, parsley and milk to eggs. Blend well. Pour over mixture, cover and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Bake uncovered for 55to 65 minutes or until mixture is set and top is lightly browned.

Let stand for 10 minutes before serving.

Cut into squares and garnish with red bell pepper and parsley.

CROCK POT MAC CHEESE

Brandon Rusk, leather artist 2 cups elbow macaroni 2 1/2 cups shredded sharp or extra sharp cheddar cheese 1/2 cup sour cream 1 can (10 3/4 oz.) cream of cheddar cheese condensed soup 4 Tbsp. butter 1 cup whole milk 8 oz. bar cream cheese Boil noodles for 8 minutes, drain and

Dec. 11 from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Shop for Christmas gifts and help Women’s Hope at the same time. Previous art shows have also benefitted Women’s Hope and the East Alabama Food Bank.

The Art Haus is located at 500 N. Railroad Ave. in downtown Opelika.

Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.

LOIS HOUSTON’S PECAN PIE

RED AND WHITE GRAPE SALAD

Bill Whetstone’s Family 2 lbs. white seedless grapes 2 lbs. red seedless grapes 8 oz. sour cream 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 cup granulated sugar ¼ to ¾ cup brown sugar ½ cup chopped pecans Wash and dry grapes then mix in a large bowl. Mix sour cream, cream cheese and granulated sugar until smooth. Gently mix half of mixture with grapes. Spread the rest over top of grapes.

Sprinkle top with brown sugar and pecans.

BAKED FRENCH TOAST CASSEROLE WITH MAPLE SYRUP

Kathryn Whetstone 1 loaf French bread 8 large eggs 2 cups half and half 1 cup milk 2 Tbsp. granulated sugar 1 tsp. vanilla extract ¼ tsp. ground nutmeg Dash salt Praline topping (recipe follows) Maple sugar Slice French bread into 20 slices, 1 inch each. Arrange bread in generously buttered 9 x 13 inch baking dish in two rows, overlapping slices. In a large bowl, combine eggs, half and half, milk, sugar, vanilla and spices. Beat with rotary beater or whisk See CIPPERLY RECIPES, page A11

A11 Dec. 2, 2021

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> until blended but not bubbly.

Pour over bread slices, making sure all are covered evenly. Spoon some between slices.

Cover with foil and refrigerate overnight.

The next day, preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spread praline topping evenly over top and bake for 40 minutes until puffed and lightly golden. Serve with maple syrup.

Praline Topping: ½ lb. butter (2 sticks) 1 cup packed light brown sugar 1 cup chopped pecans 2 Tbsp. light corn syrup ½ tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. ground nutmeg Combine and blend well.

CHICKEN AND DRESSING

Ginny Whetstone Thornton 2 skillets cornbread 1 fat hen 2 cups water Celery 5-6 slices of day old bread, torn into pieces 3-5 Tbsp. poultry seasoning Salt and pepper to taste 1 large can cream of chicken soup Chicken broth from hen (hen should create 10-12 cups while roasting) 2 cups onion, chopped 1 cup celery, chopped

Bake the hen overnight in 225 degree oven. Put celery stalks in cavity and cover with salt and pepper.

Next day, Cook 2 cups onion and 1 cup celery in 2 cups broth until clear. Set aside to cool.

To assemble dressing in a large bowl, add: Crumbled cornbread, white bread, poultry seasoning, salt and pepper to taste, cream of chicken soup, about 8 cups of broth and celery and onion in liquid.

Set aside.

Cut cooked hen into medium pieces.

Then add to bread mixture.

Preheat oven to 450 degrees Put dressing in large, deep casserole dish. Cook until desired browning and consistency. Stir from the bottom of the pan to the top every 30 minutes. As it browns on top, turn it under and re-brown the top.

If the dressing sticks to the bottom or becomes dry, add more broth. You can also add butter.

LUKE’S BEANS

Luke Greene. Artist will be offering a class for “Carving a War Eagle.”

1 can kidney (#2 can) beans, partially drained 1 can lima beans, drained all the way 1 can pork & beans, don’t drain

6 strips bacon, cut up 3 cloves garlic, cut up or 2 Tbsp. crushed garlic 2 large onions, sliced & halved ¾ cup dark brown sugar ¼ cup vinegar (wine vinegar best) 1 tsp. dry mustard Brown bacon, onion, garlic. Just before bacon is crisp, add brown sugar, vinegar and dry mustard. Cook 10 minutes. Pour evenly over beans. Bake for 1 hour at 375 degrees.

HELEN WHATLEY’S SPINACH MADELINE

Kathryn Whetstone Two 10 oz. pkg. frozen spinach ½ cup evaporated milk ¾ tsp. celery salt 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce ¾ tsp. garlic powder 6 oz. Velveeta cheese or a young, creamy gouda Cook spinach. Drain, reserving ½ spinach liquid. In a skillet, melt butter and add flour and onion. Stir until smooth then gradually add the spinach liquid and milk. Cook while stirring constantly until thickened. Stir in celery salt, Worcestershire sauce, garlic powder and cheese until melted and blended.

Add Spinach and mix well.

Pour into a greased 2 quart baking dish. Cover with breadcrumbs.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

DOWNTOWN EVENTS Dec. 1 at 5 p.m. — Wine Down Wednesday at The Bottling Plant Event Center Dec. 1 at 7:30 p.m. — Paint and Sip with Brett at Rock N Roll Pinball Dec. 2 at 7:30 p.m. — Trivia With Caroline, “Game of Thrones" at Rock N Roll Pinball Dec. 3 — Live Music at Resting Pulse Brewing Company Dec. 3 at 8 p.m. — Heavy Metal. All it Does is Die, Exhausted and Proxi at Rock N Roll Pinball Dec. 4 at 10 a.m. — Opelika Christmas Parade Dec. 4 at 1 p.m. — Marval Crisis Protocl Tournament at Gear Gaming Opelika Dec. 4 at 8 p.m. — Open Mic Night at Rock N Roll Pinball Dec. 4 — Live music at Resting Pulse Brewing Company

A12 Dec. 2, 2021

A13 Dec. 2, 2021

Reflections on the Risen Life Part 2 burden,” but “God, give me the strength to bear this burden.”

What kind of people pray such prayers?

The quick answer is: people who have somewhere better BRUCE GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th to go.

But that’s not Street Church of Christ enough, there’s more in Opelika to it than that. It’s not just that they have somewhere better to t was Philip go — it's that they Yancey, who, have already sent when asked about the difference between their things ahead. disciples in the United They’ve forwarded their address. They States and China had might still be living this to say: At my church, when here on earth, but in their hearts and minds something bad hapthey have moved on pens, people immediately ask God to fix it: (Colossians 3:1-4).

And what is it get me a job, heal my they’ve moved on aunt, whatever ... In China, though, I heard from?

They’ve moved different prayers, not on from centering “God, take away this

I

their lives around themselves and the things of this world.

Of course, they still have families, friends, jobs, school and other interests like everyone else — but they no longer think of defining themselves by these things or putting them at the center of their lives. That place belongs exclusively to the Lord Jesus. Paul reminds us of this in v. 4 when he speaks of “Christ, who is your life.”

To Yancey’s point, the church in the West tends to view Jesus as rounding out their lives rather than being their life.

This is a formula for lukewarmness if ever there was one. It’s a failure of faith to be

sure, but it’s also a failure to realize that when Christ is at the center of our lives we have healthier families, enhanced relationships and a better perspective on everything else in life. No one “sacrifices” anything to make Jesus Lord of their life and live with their hearts and minds set on things above.

In fact, peace and liberation become the order of the day.

Disciples find that they don’t have to be held hostage by every worry, care or concern that comes their way (see the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:25ff ). Neither do we need to fret about every sneeze, sniffle or discomfort we

might have. By the power of God, we can live outside ourselves and our phobias, failures and frustrations.

Of course, that doesn’t mean everything is perfect or we’re invulnerable (both of these are laughable to true disciples). However, it does mean we have a different perspective about such things through Christ. We no longer look at them with the eyes of this world but as citizens of heaven (Philippians 3:20).

And that makes all the difference in the world.

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-tasteof-grace-with-brucegreen.com

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706

BIBLE VERSE OF THE WEEK For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe on him, but also to suffer for him... — Philippians 1:29

What Is The Best Gift Anyone Can Receive?

Come and Find Out.

THE CHURCH OF CHRIST AT CUNNINGHAM DRIVE 2660 CUNNINGHAM DR., OPELIKA SUNDAY BIBLE STUDY 9:30 A.M. SUNDAY WORSHIP 10:30 A.M. / 5 P.M. WEDNESDAY BIBLE STUDY 6:30 P.M.

DIRECTORY APOSTOLIC HOLINESS Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Inc. 28 Sanford Ave., Opelika 334-745-0210 God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 Highland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St., Opelika 334-745-7528 Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506 Friendship Missionary

Christmas Tree Lighting, Pictures w/ Santa, Ornament Decorating, Hot Cocoa Bar, Hayrides, Bonfires, Inflatables & Much More Location:

Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Rd., Valley 334-710-2117 Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608 Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 10th Street Church Of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 Church Of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy., Opelika 334-742-9721 Southside Church Of Christ 405 Carver Ave., Opelika 334-745-6015

The Bridge Church FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH OF OPELIKA 1000 Lee Road 263 12/12/2021 Cusseta, AL 36852 ON DEC. 19 AT 7 P.M. COMMUNITY OUTREACH www.tbcbeulah.com/events 5-7 PM CT

Free Event

Good Sheperd Anglican Church 3015 Opelika Road, Opelika EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave., Opelika 334-745-2054 METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 Connect Church 2015 West Point Pkwy., Opelika 334-707-3949 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Opelika Outreach S.D.A. Church P.O. Box 386, Opelika 334-749-3151

Place your ad here!

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

Catch ‘On the Mark’ with D. Mark Mitchell and Jeff Sasser weekday mornings from 7-9 a.m.

603 Pleasant Pleasant Drive 603 Drive Opelika, Opelika, ALAL 36801 749-1333 749-1333 Mon-Sat - 8pm Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm

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

A14 Dec. 2, 2021

Those Exasperating Chores of Childhood

G

WALTER ALBRITTON

rowing up on a farm was often exasperating for me. My dad never gave me a vote on the chores assigned to me. He told me what to do and I did it. But it was not fun. It was usually hard work, often dirty work. Being the oldest child, I worked alone. Three sisters had their own chores and my only brother was 11 years younger than me.

Dad was a cattleman.

Some years we fed and cared for a 100 cows, their calves and four or five bulls. Cows had to be fed every day in the winter, no matter how

bad the weather. If it was 25 degrees outside and raining, and the wind blowing like it had come down from Canada, you fed the cattle.

Dad would say, “Get your rubber boots on, son; wrap up and come on.” To the barn, through the mud, we would go and load bales of hay on the pickup. He drove the truck. I was too young, though he let me start driving (on the farm) when I was about 10. Before that, when we got to the right place in the pasture, I got on the back of the truck. As Dad drove slowly, I cut the strings on the hay bales so the bales would come apart as I pushed them off onto the ground. The cows came running as Dad banged on the door of the truck and began calling the cows with a voice that could be heard for miles around.

We fed the cattle silage in the winter.

Silage was usually a mixture of millet and corn which Dad grew on our farm. He built a huge silo where the silage was stored. It was hard work getting the silage out of the silo and into the troughs where the cattle would eat it.

If it was bitter cold, and raining, and the mud around the silo was a foot deep, you got your boots on and you fed the cattle.

Dad had two milk cows. By the time I was 6 years old I was milking those two cows.

Dad never taught me how to milk a cow. He just gave me a bucket and told me to milk the cows. If it was bitter cold in the dead of winter, I milked the cows.

Morning and night.

For a while, there was no light in the barn. A kerosine lantern helped out. On a cold night, you understood the raw side of farm life when the cow’s tail, filled

with cockleburs, slaps your cheek while you were milking with both hands. When you sat the pale of milk on the table in the house, you hoped Dad didn’t say with a frown, “That looks like Blue John to me.”

Dad tried raising sheep but soon wearied of that for reasons I don’t recall. But he always had hogs, and hogs stink. The stench of hogs is about as bad a smell as you can find on a farm. If it was storming outside, with lightning brightening up the sky, you got your boots on and slopped the hogs. You could tolerate the mud and the weather because you knew that before long that slop would turn into bacon and sausage.

Chickens? Yeah, we had lots of chickens.

And our hens did not lay their eggs in those cute egg cartons. They

laid them in their nest in the chicken house.

And sometimes when you were gathering eggs, you were alarmed to find that a snake had found the eggs before you did. But you chased the snake away and gathered the eggs. Chickens provide chicken houses with a steady supply of chicken manure. And though the manure has to be removed, it is good fertilizer for Dad’s huge vegetable garden. You breathe a lot of foul-smelling dust when you clean chicken houses, but you get your boots on and clean the chicken house.

Yes, farm life was often exasperating for me as a child. I complained about all those frustrating chores and sometimes wished I lived in town, without hogs and cows and chickens and mud. But at last, thank God, I realized how blessed I was to be

raised on a farm by a father who never let me vote for an easier life.

He was teaching me that successful living requires hard work and perseverance. If they had known each other, my Dad and Coach Vince Lombardi would have been good friends.

Dad taught me what Lombardi taught the boys who played on the gridiron for him — that life is like football. It requires perseverance, self-denial, hard work, sacrifice, dedication and respect for authority.

So, if these days your life requires hard work, dirty work, frustrating work, day in and day out, get your boots on, do what has to be done and persevere, no matter how deep the mud or how bad the weather.

Sooner or later, you will rejoice to see that eventually, perseverance pays the dividends that make life worth living.

‘A Better World is Near’ Special Worldwide Campaign Brings Message to Community

CONTRIBUTED BY DANA THOMAS

O

pelika was one of the thousands of communities around the globe that received a powerful message of hope this past month as Jehovah’s Witnesses embarked upon a special campaign focusing attention on the Bible’s hope for a better world.

The goal of the campaign was to distribute a special edition of The Watchtower magazine containing the cover series, “A Better World is Near.” More than 36 million printed copies of the

magazine were expected to be distributed in some 230 languages to communities in 240 lands around the globe. In addition, the digital publication is available on various platforms in nearly 400 languages.

“People are longing to hear a positive message and this is the best news possible,” said Robert Hendriks, U.S. spokesman for Jehovah’s Witnesses. “A better world is not just a dream, it’s inevitable. In fact, it is the central theme of the entire Bible.”

The magazine addresses the age-old “doomsday”

question “Is this world going to end?” with a comforting answer that may surprise many readers. While many religions have predicted the “end of the world,” the magazine reveals the Bible’s clear message: the earth is here forever and will never end! However, the magazine also explains the powerful truth that wickedness will soon be gone, quoting the Bible book of Psalms where it promises that the “lawless one” will be no more.

(Psalm 37:10, Rotherham translation) This positive message has been the hope

of millions around the world who have prayed for ‘God’s Kingdom to come,’ a familiar refrain of many Christians taught

by Jesus in what some refer to as the Lord’s Prayer.

Opelika resident, Scott Kim, changed his life after examining the Bible’s promises. He was a successful businessman.

But sadly, his professional success didn’t bring him happiness and he struggled with alcohol and drug abuse.

Then in 2006, while on a business trip, he had a discussion with a colleague who also happened

to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. After considering what the Bible teaches, Kim was convinced there was a loving creator who cared about him.

That simple Bible truth changed the course of his life and gave Scott renewed hope.

“I am grateful to Jehovah [God] for giving me the privilege of serving him in happiness.”

Today, Scott and his wife volunteer much of their time to teaching others about the Bible’s promise of a better world.

The Watchtower has been carrying a similar

message about God’s Kingdom for more than 100 years and remains the most widely translated and circulated magazine in the world. The 2021 number two edition is available free online at jw.org, where anyone can also request a free printed copy by scrolling down on the homepage to “Request A Visit.”

For more information, please call (718) 5605600.

A direct link to the online version of the magazine is listed below. www.jw.org/en/library/ magazines/watchtowerno2-2021-may-jun/.

memorial contributions may be made to: EAMC Foundation 407 W Thomason Circle Opelika, AL 36801 or Compassus 665 Opelika Road Suite 200 Auburn, AL 36830.

56 years, Raymond Collins; son, Dale Collins; grandson, Daniel Collins and three sisters. Betty is survived by her two sons, Mike Collins and wife Frances and Scott Collins and wife Joselyn; four grandchildren, Laura Childs and husband Shane; Lisa Price and husband Hunter; Lindsey and Leah Collins; and eight great grandchildren.

A Funeral Mass was held in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home on Monday, Nov. 29, 2021 at 11 a.m. with Father Vincent Finnerty, C.M. officiating. Interment followed at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Visitation was held one hour prior to the Mass in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Mary of the Mission Catholic Church, Opelika.

OBITUARIES HAROLD D. “WHODO” WOOD JR. Harold D. “Whodo” Wood Jr. passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his family Nov. 24, 2021.

He was a longtime resident of Opelika.

“Whodo” was retired from Uniroyal Goodrich. After he retired, he enjoyed working outdoors and being with his family.

Mr. Wood is preceded in death by his parents Harold D. Wood, Sr. and Mary Augusta Wood; his daughter, Vickie Coxwell, and two brothers, Denny and Larry Wood. Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Mary Nell Wood; two sons: Channing Wood (Felicia) of Opelika and Robert Martin, Jr. (Carla) of Salem; one daughter: Robin Martin of Opelika; grandchildren: Bryce Martin, Carlee Martin,

Tanner Martin, Kristina Beckwith, Rachel Walters, and Dustin Wood; great grandchildren: Baylor Martin, Kynlee Martin, Ally Galloway, Collin Galloway, Brandon Beckwith, Will Beckwith, and Justin Beckwith; three nephews: Todd Wood, John Robert Wood, and Britt Wood; two nieces: Katie Marie Wood Paige and Elizabeth Wood Moses; two sister-in-law’s: Billie Sue Wood and Patty Wood.

A private memorial service will be held at his home with family at a later date.

––––––– THOMAS LEANDER MCCORMICK Mr. Thomas Leander McCormick passed away peacefully, surrounded and comforted by his family after a long battle with cancer at East Alabama

Medical Center.

Funeral services were held Sunday, Nov. 28 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

His stepson Keith Claridy and Nephew Rick McCormick Jr. officiated.

Mr. McCormick was born in Montgomery, Alabama, July 16, 1950, to the late E.J. and Grace McCormick.

He is survived by his loving wife, Nancy K. McCormick.

He was a professional truck driver by occupation, a proficient gardener who loved to can his bounty and share with many. Anyone who tried his pickled okra came back with an empty jar for more. His love of life and family was inexhaustible.

He loved watching many children catch their first fish at his lake and never tired of untangling lines or putting new hooks on.

He loved spending

time with his wife and friends riding his Harley, exploring the roads and our country. His hobby of restoring furniture was a true gift.

Mr. McCormick was preceded by his parents, E.J. and Grace McCormick; his Aunt Betty Prestridge and Sister-in-law Ann McCormick.

He leaves to cherish his precious memories his daughter, Tami Lynn (Joe) Briskey; stepson Keith Claridy; grandsons John Thomas Stieber and Dalton Shane Arrington who were his heart. Brother, Mark (Tina) Scott; Rick McCormick; Gene (Bette) McCormick and sisters Susan (Bill) Goff and Nancy (Roger) Atkins.

He also leaves behind a Precious Aunt, Joann (Charles) Hamner, many nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

In lieu of flowers,

––––––– BETTY COLLINS Betty Collins, of Opelika, was born in Elmore County, Alabama, on Jan. 10, 1936, to the late Edward Edison and Ramelia Harden Lewis and passed away on Nov. 25, 2021, at Arbor Springs Heath Center. She was 85 years old. She was a faithful member of St. Mary of the Mission Catholic Church. She retired from the City of Opelika Planning Department with more than 25 years of service. Betty was preceded in death by her husband of

A15 Dec. 2, 2021

05 OCT 2021

14 NOV 2021

07

25

DEC 2021

JAN 2022

PiloboluS: The biG five-oh!

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

million Dollar QuarTeT: ChriSTmaS

The kniGhTS wiTh aaron Diehl

Pilobolus at 50 is still wowing audiences with its irresistible mix of wit, sensuality, and stunning physical acumen, bringing its greatest-hits mix of dances, plus the dynamically reimagined and never-beforeseen, using new projection technology and hand-held cameras operated by the dancers themselves.

The timeless music of folk-rock legends, Simon and Garfunkel, comes alive in a staged tribute to the record-breaking reunion concert in Central Park, September 19, 1981.

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Carl Perkins, and Jerry Lee Lewis are all back in Memphis, reunited in Sam Phillip’s legendary Sun Records studio for a jam session of their favorite Holiday songs.

The Knights, New York City’s eclectic and internationally sought-after orchestral collective, returns to Opelika with an electrifying program including Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite” and George Gershwin’s “Rhapsody In Blue”, featuring acclaimed jazz pianist, Aaron Diehl.

30

27

Scan each QR code with the camera app on a smart phone or tablet to watch a preview!

07 FEB 2022

28 FEB 2022

MAR 2022

APR 2022

a TribuTe To areTha franklin: The Queen of Soul

S y n C o PaT e D laDieS

mnoZil braSS

an ameriCan i n Pa r i S

Damien Sneed’s new multimedia production celebrates the life and career of the most successful female recording artist in history, featuring fourtime Grammy Award-winning gospel legend, Karen Clark Sheard

Take Chloe Arnold’s cross section of today’s most popular music, mix in the swing of syncopation, the thrill of improvisation, and the energy of tap, and you have a recipe for the empowerment of young women ready to take on the world.

Mnozil Brass, the Austrian band known as the Monty Python of the music world, seamlessly combines slapstick comedy with extraordinary musical ability for an over-the-top fun, virtuosic, and laugh-out-loud experience.

With gravity-defying dance, this four Tony Award-winning Broadway production, based on the Academy Award-winning film, soars with youthful optimism and the power of love. Featuring the songs of musical geniuses George and Ira Gershwin - I Got Rhythm, Liza, ‘S Wonderful, But Not for Me, and Stairway to Paradise - who could ask for anything more!

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

A16 Dec. 2, 2021

COMICS

“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables

S

S

SCHOOL BOARD MEETINGS OPELIKA: DEC. 7 AT 4:30 P.M. INSIDE • OPELIKA/AUBURN SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS

AUBURN: DEC. 7 AT 6 P.M. LEE COUNTY: DEC. 14 AT 6 P.M.

Tigers Fall to Tide in 4OT Thriller Harsin Proves He Belongs in SEC

D. MARK MITCHELL

Holiday Break Happenings

T

hings were quiet during Thanksgiving week for Opelika athletics, except for Saturday. The University of Alabama’s Million Dollar Band practiced at Bulldog Stadium Saturday morning, prior to the Alabama/Auburn game. OHS band director Neil Sasser help coordinate the visit to help the University of Alabama. This was a treat for band students and visitors that were in attendance.

Opelika’s girls’ and boys’ basketball teams played games during the week of Thanksgiving.

The Lady Bulldogs lost at Hardaway, 54-44, dropping their overall record at 2-2.

First year head coach Blake Smalley was forced to play with his leading scorers due to early foul troubles.

Haley Sanders scored and Erica Mathews led the team offensively, scoring 18-points and 17-points respectively.

The OHS boys (0-2) lost to Shaw, 67-51, in Columbus last week. The ‘Dogs were led offensively by Landon Lee’s 12 points and Isaiah Knight’s 10 points. Lee and Knight led the way on the other end of the floor as well, crashing

the boards and pulling down seven and nine rebounds, respectively.

Both teams traveled to play Benjamin Russell in Alex City, but the results were not available at press time. The two teams start a four-game home stand Friday night against Hewitt-Trussville in the Mainstreet gym.

Girls start at 5:30 p.m. and the boys follow at 7 p.m. The Dogs host Valley on Dec. 7, Benjamin Russell on Dec. 9 and Central on Dec. 10.

SUPER 7, 2021 The Alabama High School Athletic Associations Super 7 football Championship returned to Birmingham for the first time since 2008. Since December 2009, the Super 6 and Super 7 football championship rotated between Jordan-Hare and BryantDenny. The cities of Auburn, Opelika and Tuscaloosa put together a team to lure the football championship games out of Birmingham (Legion Field) in 2009. The games rotated between the two stadiums for 12 years.

The university not hosting the Iron Bowl hosts the Super 7. Two years ago, Birmingham See SPORTS, page B2

The Alabama Crimson Tide completed a 10-point comeback over the Auburn Tigers with a four overtime, 24-22, victory Inside of Jordan-Hare Stadium on Saturday.

The Tigers led for nearly all of the game until Alabama quarterback Bryce Young marched the Tide offense 97 yards in 12 plays, taking 1:11 off the game clock and tying the game at 10-10 with 0:24 remaining.

The rivals then traded field goals in the

first overtime period — and touchdowns in the second. The Tigers’ offense took the field to begin the third overtime and failed to convert a two-point play as quarterback T.J. Finley underthrew a receiver in the back of the end zone.

The Tide took the field needing just three yards to win the first overtime Iron Bowl in history and Young found receiver John Metchie on a quick out route to win the game.

Young was held in check for much of the contest by an Auburn pass rush that registered seven total sacks. The Tigers’ pressure forced Young to throw his first

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

ON THE MARK

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

interception in 227 passes as the Heisman hopeful quarterback finished 25-of-51 for 317 yards, two touchdowns, one interception and a quarterback rating (QBR) of 66.4 (averages 86.7).

In his second

start of the season, Finley was noticeably hobbled with an ankle injury for much of the second half. With no other trusted options to turn to, the towering sophomore performed See TIGERS, page B3

Lutzie 43 Foundation Fundraiser Aims to Raise $55,000 in 43 Days CONTRIBUTED

BY THE LUTZIE FOUNDATION The Lutzie 43 Foundation kicked off its fifth annual 43 Day Campaign end-of-year fundraising campaign on Nov. 19. The 43 Day Campaign is the foundation’s most significant annual fundraising campaign and this year, aims to raise $55,000 in the last 43 days of the year.

The campaign lasts for 43 days in memory of Philip Lutzenkirchen, a former Auburn football player who wore the number 43 and the foundation’s namesake.

The Lutzenkirchen family founded the Lutzie 43 Foundation after Auburn University tight end Philip

Lutzenkirchen lost his life as a passenger in a distracted and impaired driving accident in June 2014. Philip is remembered not only for his legacy on the field but also for his impact off the field.

“I continue to be blown away by the support the Lutzie 43 Foundation has seen over the years through the 43 Day Campaign,” said Mike Lutzenkirchen, executive director of the Lutzie 43 Foundation and Philip’s father. “The funds raised from this campaign help set the foundation up for success in the upcoming year as we continue to give back and grow our impact."

“I am excited and

energized to hit this fundraising goal, we surpassed our goal of $50,000 last year, and I believe we can exceed our $55,000 goal this year,” said Nosa Eguae, Lutzie 43 Foundation board member and former friend and teammate of Philip. “Philip was my brother, and I see the last 43 days of the year as an opportunity to honor him and help prevent what happened to Philip from happening to others."

Funds raised from the 43 Day Campaign will go towards several of the foundation’s key initiatives to end distracted and impaired driving, such as providing 43 Key Seconds, keys and safe driving talks to schools

and organizations that might not afford keys or talks otherwise. The orginization's goal is to create the first nationally-recognized symbol for distracted and impaired driving awareness. When drivers get into their vehicle and see their key, they remember to take 43 seconds to ensure they have a clear head, clear hands, clear eyes and click it before starting their drive.

Donations also fund the foundation’s Prepared for Life (PFL) Scholarships. The PFL Scholarship awards deserving students with a $4,300 scholarship applied throughout their post-high school See LUTZIE, page B3

Excellence. Innovation. Compassion.

East Alabama's "Go-To" Center For Orthopaedic Care Auburn 1800 Lakeside Circle, Auburn Opelika 18 Medical Arts Center 121 North 20th Street, Opelika

www.theorthoclinic.com

334-749-8303 1-800-327-6519

B2 Dec. 2, 2021

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Pair of Auburn Students Win $1 Million in U.S. Open National Bass Fishing Amateur Team Championships

Glenwood Girls Building Around Young Core

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER In the world of sports, few feats are more difficult to come by than repeating championships at the high school level. With constant player turnover and limited control of incoming talent, the odds are often stacked against teams who achieved greatness in years prior.

Head coach Dusty Purdue and the Glenwood Gators women’s basketball program are no strangers to the uphill battle they face as reigning champions; that has yet to deter them from coming out swinging in 2021.

Despite producing what Purdue depicted to be sloppy play, the Gators started off their title-defending campaign with three consecutive wins.

“Even sometimes when you don’t play good, an ugly win is better than a good loss any time,” Purdue said.

The orange and green’s ‘ugly wins’ come as little surprise to Purdue, as the 15th-year coach knew that there was going to be a learning curve in the reconstruction of his starting five.

“I knew that we had to fill four spots in the starting lineup for the girls,” Purdue said. “We lost four seniors from the state championship team.”

Purdue is thankful that the transition has been made easier by the return of standout senior guard Jasmyn Burts.

“We returned the key player from that team, which is our point guard Jasmyn Burts,” Purdue said. “I don’t mind saying it out loud. I think she’s the best player in the AISA on the girls side.”

Burts averaged 23 points per contest through her first three outings; because of this, Purdue acknowledges that his squad is not the same when the guard is not on the floor.

“Not having her on the floor has helped us blend better as a team,” Purdue said.

“We need to learn to play without her and not always depend on her. It’s still early but we’re figuring it out.”

For the Gators, the growing pains continue when Burts is on the bench; their head coach is pleased with the players’ ability to discover their roles on their own.

“We’re figuring out what our roles are,” Purdue said.

“I’m happy with where we’re at right now.”

Development from the rest of the Glenwood squad will be imperative in what the Gators hope to be a title-defending season. Purdue is hopeful that his group will settle into its own and prove that youth is no disadvantage.

“You’ve got who I think is the best player, she’s playing with three sophomores and a junior,” Purdue said. “She’s the only senior starter. We’re just going to try to take the bull by the horns and try to prove people wrong in that we can still win even though we’re that young.”

In order to produce the results the group is looking for, the head coach believes it is imperative to buy into the team’s ‘1-0’ mentality.

“There’s doubts on if we can repeat as champions,” Purdue said. “Right now, we’re going to try to win every game. Our goal is to be 1-0 every day. Get better today, so it’ll show tomorrow.”

The Gators focus on improving themselves so that they can continue to perfect Purdue’s up-tempo brand of basketball.

“It’s going to be fastpaced,” Purdue said. “We’re trying to get the ball up the floor as fast as we can. We’re going to play mostly with four guards and one post player. We’re going to score as fast as we can. If we can’t do that, we’re going to do a lot of picking and rolling with (Burts).”

According to the longtime head coach, his squad is buying-in to his style and rallying around the leadership of previously non-vocal Burts.

“It’s different for sure,” Purdue said. “I’ve been very proud of (Burts). After not being very vocal last year, this year just telling her teammates what she expects out of them. They’re buying into that. She’s a leader.”

The new-look Gators look to continue on their current trajectory and take care of business come region play; Purdue hopes to do so in front of strong home crowds.

“We’ve always had a great history of people coming out and watching our basketball,” Purdue said. “We put a good brand of basketball out on the floor. We are very supported by our community and others. We welcome anyone who wants to come out.”

Purdue and the rest of the Glenwood women’s basketball program seek to build upon their hot start as the group travels to Troy, Alabama, on Thursday night to take on the patriots of Pike Liberal Arts School. Tipoff is set for 6 p.m.

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Winners Logan Parks and Tucker Smith. Million-dollar fish, million-dollar smiles, as Auburn University students celebrate US Open Championship. From left to right: John Paul Morris, Logan Parks, Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, Tucker Smith and Bob Carter, Executive VP of Sales, Toyota North America.

CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY / NEAL REID Auburn University students Logan Parks and Tucker Smith have a million extra reasons to be thankful this week.

The tandem of Tigers, who are members of the Auburn Bass Fishing Team, hauled in the $1 million first-place prize for winning the Bass Pro Shops US Open National Bass Fishing Amateur Team Championships on Sunday. Parks, a senior, and Smith, a sophomore, split the prize — the biggest payout in bass fishing history — and went home with 2022 Toyota Tundra CrewMax trucks and Nitro Z21 bass boats for their exploits.

Parks and Smith — who earlier this year were named the Carhartt Bassmaster College Series Team of the Year — topped 350 teams with a final-day weight of 16.41 pounds at the three-day event, which took place at Table Rock Lake in Ridgedale, Missouri. The final day of the tournament — which also raised more than $1.5 million in charity dollars for the

SPORTS >> FROM B1 secured funds for a new stadium beside the BJCC and Sheriton Hotel. Birmingham City officials reached out to then AHSAA Executive Director Steve Savarese about bidding to host the Super 7.

Saverese asked the Super 7 representatives from Auburn-Opelika, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and myself, along with Tuscaloosa’s Don Staley to meet at their headquarters in Montgomery. After two years of discussions, the AHSAA signed a 12-year contract to host the Super 7 at Jordan-Hare Stadium, Bryant-Denny Stadium and Protective Stadium in Birmingham. Each host four Super 7

restoration of bass habitats across the country — was televised live on NBC Sports Network, and it will be re-aired on NBC at 4 p.m. CST on Sunday, Dec. 5.

Auburn’s tandem was 10th out of 350 teams after the first day of competition, finished eighth among the top 200 teams on day two and then hit 16.41 on the scales with a haul of smallmouth and spotted bass on the final day, which featured the top 50 teams.

They topped the team of Joseph Nicholson and Gary Sterkel of Olmsted Falls, Ohio, by just .23 of a pound in the final tally to take home the historic hardware.

“It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Parks, 23, who will graduate with degrees in supply chain management and information systems management in December, said. “We woke up this morning thinking it was a dream, but then we looked at our phones and realized it wasn’t. We’re just blown away.

“Just to be able to fish in that big of a tournament and win the tournament, that’s the biggest

tournament that’s ever been put on in the history of bass fishing. That’s the most money anybody’s ever won, and to do it at a young age is just unbelievable.”

Auburn’s dynamic duo qualified for the prestigious tournament by finishing 13th out of a field of 250 at Lake Bull Shoals in Arkansas on Nov. 17, the last qualifier available.

“It’s been crazy,” Parks said. “It’s been backto-back-to-back tournaments, and the Bull Shoals qualifier was right before the championship, so we just went right there and only had a half day of practice. It was just full force and finding them quick, so it was crazy. It was unbelievable.”

Four days later, they were joined on the championship stage in Missouri by angling icons Bill Dance, Kevin VanDam, Roland Martin and Jimmy Houston.

“It was just really emotional, and the emotions all came out when we won,” said Smith, a 20-year-old marketing major who won three

Championships during the 12-year period.

The new agreement allows for student-athletes participating in the Super 7 to experience playing in the best stadiums in the country, not just Alabama.

Birmingham opened this year’s Super 7 on Wednesday, Dec. 1, with the inaugural Flag Football Championship game, featuring Smiths Station and HewittTrussville at 3 p.m.

The 7A Championship game, Thompson versus Central (PC), followed at 7 p.m.

Thursday’s schedule Class 3A, 11 a.m.

Montgomery Academy (11-3) vs Piedmont (12-2) Class 1A, 3 p.m.

Wadley (13-1) vs Sweet Water (13-0) Class 5A, 7 p.m.

Pleasent Grove (12-1) vs Sweet Water (13-0)

Friday’s schedule Class 4A, 11 a.m.Vigor (13-1) vs Oneonta (13-1) Class 2A, 3 p.m.

Cleveland (12-2) vs Clarke County (12-2) Class 6A, 7 p.m. ClayChalkville (14-0) vs Hueytown (13-1) You can listen to all seven games on iHeart-Radio’s, FOX Sports the Game 910AM and 1310AM presented by the Orthopaedic Clinic. The AHSAA radio network will broadcast each game from Birmingham’s Protective Stadium.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 9101310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

See FISHING, page B3

B3 Dec. 2, 2021

Taziki’s Café Signs Auburn Softball Player, Alabama Basketball Player to NIL Agreements Partnerships To Recognize Importance of Female Athletes and Positive Messaging Supporting Healthy Lifestyle Choices CONTRIBUTED BY ABIGAIL JACKSON Taziki’s Mediterranean Café is excited to announce its first collaboration with two female NCAA college athletes.

Taziki’s is partnering with Auburn softball player, Carlee McCondichie and University of Alabama basketball player Hannah Barber to promote fresh and healthy dietary options that are vital to a college athlete’s lifestyle.

Although there is a rivalry between Alabama and Auburn fans, these two athletes are both on #TeamTazikis. This week of rivalry has brought

TIGERS >> FROM B1

LUTZIE >> FROM B1 education. Last year, the foundation awarded 10 scholarships and plans to grow this number in 2022.

“With the help of generous donors, we can keep sharing Philip’s legacy and spread awareness about the circumstances that surrounded his passing.

Through the legacy of Philip and increasing awareness, we can make sure no one has to experience the loss of a son, brother and friend to an avoidable accident like we did when we

seconds left needlessly on the clock.

Despite losing impact receiver Jameson Williams to a targeting call early in the game, the Tide found pay dirt for the first time all night and forced overtime.

The mayhem of the new overtime rule then ensued and Auburn blew a lead for the third time in four games.

Shamefully, one of the loudest crowds in recent memory left JordanHare in disappointment.

Amidst the letdown, however, the Tigers and their fans can hold their heads high. Auburn did fall to a mediocre 6-6 on the season, but its performance was anything but mediocre on Saturday.

Coming into the week, Auburn looked like a regressing team with its back against the wall. Instead of fold in the face of the uninspiring recent results, the Tigers gave the thousands in attendance a show well-worth the price of admission.

The defense held one of the most prolific Alabama offenses in the Saban-era to a pedestrian day. Members of the offense and special teams stepped up in big moments — whether it be Kobi Hudson’s

16-yard second quarter touchdown, walk-on kicker Ben Patton nailing a 49-yard field goal in the first overtime or the backside throw-andcatch from Finley to tight end John Samuel Shenker in the third overtime.

The much-scrutinized defensive coordinator Derek Mason proved — in my opinion — he deserves another year to build on what 2021 has accomplished. And although it may have come up one or two plays short, Auburn put fear into the hearts of Crimson Tide fans and went toe-to-toe with one of the best teams in the country.

It was the kind of performance that embodied the romanticism of college football to the fullest. More importantly, it’s a showing that will build momentum for the Tigers heading into a bowl game and the offseason.

In short, first-year head coach Bryan Harsin and his staff needed an Iron Bowl like this. We all did.

Although a win would have boosted the Tigers further, the game will be remembered for generations and the greatest rivalry in all of college football earned that mantle Saturday night.

lost Philip,” remarked Eguae. “I’m so proud of all the Lutzie 43 Foundation has done, and I can’t wait to see how much more we can accomplish in 22.”

ABOUT LUTZIE 43 FOUNDATION: The Lutzie 43 Foundation aims to encourage and empower people to be positive ambassadors for safe driving through character development, mentorship and real-world application. The Lutzie 43 Foundation was established in loving memory of former Auburn football player Philip Lutzenkirchen, shortly after he lost his

life in a car accident in 2014. In his memory, the foundation’s 43 Key Seconds safe driving initiative aims to create the first nationally-recognized symbol for distracted and impaired driving awareness and prevention. The foundation’s motto for youth is to “Live like Lutz, Love like Lutz, and Learn from Lutz,” reflecting its desire to help others live out the many positive character attributes that Philip displayed while learning from the circumstances that led to his death. For more information, visit lutzie43.org.

Roll and 2021 SEC Spring Academic Honor Roll. McCondichie will make appearances on behalf of Taziki’s and will share content on her social media account.

McCondichie is a crucial utility player who serves excellently in several positions, including pinch runner, defensive substitution at second base, pinch hitter and as a reserve infielder. During her freshman season, McCondichie earned a starting position at second base and held a .469 average at the plate, the fifth highest in the SEC. McCondichie finished See CAFE, page B7

Time to Rebuild

Filling the Vacancies Within the Auburn Football Program PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY TODD VAN EMST / AU ATHLETICS

valiantly, and finished 17-of-26 for 137 yards, two touchdowns, one interception and a QBR of 49.4.

Not for a lack of trying, both offenses labored to run the ball in the contest. The Tide totaled 94 yards on 30 rushing attempts as the Auburn front seven — backed by a ruckus-infused crowd — had its best performance of the season.

The Tigers, however, only managed 64 yards on 32 carries. Auburn’s inability to run directly at the defensive line — something that has been a problem all season — consistently stunted momentum for the Tigers.

Still, however, when Auburn goes back and looks at the tape, they will see multiple missed opportunities to win the game. None will be more pointed out than Tank Bigsby running out of bounds on the Tigers’ final offensive possession of the game. The play stopped the dwindling clock and resulted in a failed third-and-two play on the next snap, giving the ball back to Alabama with precious

the girls together to celebrate their shared love of Taziki’s. Both girls will make scheduled appearances at select Taziki’s locations and will share content on their social media accounts.

“We are so happy to have Carlee and Hannah represent our brand,” said Julie Wade, senior director of marketing. “Both of these young ladies embody what our customers value most: healthy options for a lifestyle on the go.”

McCondichie is a junior at Auburn University who takes education as seriously as athletics, receiving First-Year McCondichie (left) and Barber (right) have agreed to NIL deals with Tazikis to promote SEC Academic Honor fresh and healthy dietary lifestyles.

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER In the inaugural year of the Bryan Harsin era on the Plains, fans of the Auburn Tigers experienced every emotion possible. There were highs and there were lows. There was even a point in time that brought forth See REBUILD, page B7

FISHING >> FROM B2 Bassmaster national titles in high school. “Just the buildup of getting there and making it happen, especially thinking the people behind us had more weight than we did.

We were second-to-last in the line, and usually the last team in the line wins the tournament.

“So, we didn’t know if we had it or not, and it was so close, you couldn’t call it before you got up there and weighed the fish on the stage. It was just a rush of emotions to win that level of a tournament, you just can’t beat it.”

The key to the championship, Parks said, was spotting a group of birds diving in the water going after baitfish in an area of the 45,000-acre lake they had not yet explored.

“We were riding around and hadn’t really caught much,” Parks said. “About 10 o’clock, we drove by a new place we hadn’t fished in the tournament yet, and we saw some birds that were diving. Usually, that’s a sign of baitfish under the water, so we went over there, dropped our trolling motor in the water, used our sonar and were able to see fish sitting under the bait.

“We caught most of our weight in about a 30-minute span doing

Auburn offensive coordinator Mike Bobo was fired this week after one season with the program.

that. We ran around the rest of the day but didn’t catch much. We went back there at the very end of the day, and, in the last 20 minutes, we caught two fish that helped us get up to the winning weight.”

Parks plans to use his half of the $1 million haul to take his talents to the next level.

“I’m planning on pursuing a full-time professional fishing career,” said Parks, who will graduate magna cum laude. “It’s been the goal since day one, and I was already planning on doing it, but was really struggling to figure out how I was going to do it monetarily. This tournament really, really helps boost my confidence that, yes I can fish professionally, do well and win, but also it helps knowing I’m pretty much set for the next few years.”

Smith will continue to balance his school work with the college fishing schedule as he works to finish his degree and prepare himself for the pro ranks down the road after graduation.

“I’m going to fish in the Southern opens and fish in college some more, because college fishing takes you all over the country to get the experience at all the different lakes you’re going to need to fish to make it pro,” Smith said. “So, I’m just going to mix in some opens and some

college fishing and do school at the same time.

After school, I’m going to go after it full force to try and make it to the elite series.”

Both anglers have plenty to reflect on this holiday season after a monumental year of fishing.

“It’s been a season of really low lows and really high highs,” Parks said. “It’s been an incredible ride.”

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drive a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.

B4 Dec. 2, 2021

An Iron Bowl for the Ages

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

For more on the Iron Bowl, turn to page B1.

B5 Dec. 2, 2021

A Partnership Worth Barking About Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn Police Division Work With ‘Incredible Canines’ When Auburn Police Sergeant and K9 program Supervisor James Perry and his canine partner Ikia — an eight-year-old Labrador retriever and German wire-haired pointer crossbred trained in explosives detection — are working, Perry’s thoughts occasionally return to his 2003 Alabama National Guard deployment in Iraq. It was there that he saw firsthand the havoc that IEDs, or improvised explosive devices, could cause, along with how military dogs trained to detect them could help prevent tragedy and make soldiers and civilians safer.

Today, keeping people safe is the mission of both Perry and the other handlers and dogs in the city of Auburn Police Division, or APD, K9 program.

It is also the primary goal of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine’s Canine Performance Sciences, or CPS, program, which has led to the two programs forming a close and cooperative relationship. Currently, the APD has four dogs specifically bred at CPS for becoming detection dogs or so-called Auburn Dogs — Ikia, Ginger, Underdog and Blair — three of which are trained in explosives/ firearms detection and one that alerts on narcotics.

“Auburn’s CPS program breeds dogs specifically for performing detection work and is the longest continuously running institutional detection dog breeding program in the nation,” said Pamela Haney, manager of CPS performance research and development. “From the time they are 3 days old, our puppies are engaged in age-appropriate protocols to prepare them for detection tasks. By the age of 12 months, the dogs have had several evaluations assessing their potential to be successfully trained as detection canines.

We focus on preparing dogs that will be placed with operational explosives detection programs, particularly for the specialty of person-borne explosives detection.

“Some dogs may be retained by the program for detection-related research across a myriad of other target materials, including improvised/homemade

explosives, endangered and invasive species ecological detection and biological/restricted hazardous agents.

One or two of the highest performing dogs from successful litters are retained for breeding, and other dogs are retained with particular characteristics conducive to needed special detection research, development and other applications.”

With the Auburn Police Division having its own growing K9 program, a close relationship between it and CPS was a natural fit.

The first CPS-sourced APD dog, a Belgian Malinois named Dora, began serving in 2004.

Through the mid-tolate 2000s, Auburn CPS instructors and dogs supported APD’s security operations for football games with a new person-borne explosive detection capability that eventually evolved into its patented Vapor Wake explosives detection technology. With this person-borne capability, dogs are trained to detect and track the scent of explosives in the aerodynamic wake from moving persons.

The success of those efforts led to ever-greater cooperation between CPS and the Auburn police, culminating in 2014 with another CPS German shepherd named Elvis joining the APD as a tracking dog. Soon after, Blair, a narcotics-detecting Labrador retriever, who is still working with handler Officer Justin Fant at Auburn High School, was added to the force.

The APD has had multiple CPS dogs in its K9 group ever since.

Although Dora, Elvis and Blair came to the APD directly from Auburn, other Auburn Dogs have come to APD by way of private canine training services that have trained the dog and APD handler as a team.

“Auburn invests close to $18,000 into the development and training of each dog, which will further advance detection technologies to make the world a safer place,” Haney said. “Although a goal of CPS is to place exceptionally capable and prepared dogs in some of the nation’s most sensitive security operations, the purpose of the program is not as a business to sell dogs.

Rather, it is to serve as a national resource for performing research, development and innovation to enhance detection canine capabilities.”

In 2015, the APD

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY MIKE JERNIGAN / AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Auburn Police Officer Jason Bryan and K9 partner “Ginger” visit with Ginger and Walt Woltosz prior to an on-field presentation at the Mississippi State football game Nov. 13.

acquired Ikia, its first CPS-bred Explosives Detection Dog, or EDD. Since then, two more Auburnbred EDDs have been added, Underdog and Ginger. Sergeant Perry said the APD’s plan going forward is to concentrate on EDDs — which can also detect firearms — when adding future dogs. Ginger was recently donated to the department’s K9 unit by the College of Veterinary Medicine as a replacement for veteran K9 Emily, who was retired earlier this year. Before Emily’s retirement, she served two tours of duty in Iraq and one in Afghanistan, helping to protect U.S. troops before working for seven more years with handler Sergeant Bud Nesmith and the APD K9 unit helping keep the Auburn community safe.

Now her role will be taken over by EDD dog Ginger, whose litter was sponsored by a philanthropic gift from Walt and Ginger Woltosz — Auburn Dog Ginger’s namesake — through the “Help Raise a Hero: Support a Litter” initiative. The program is comprised of a philanthropic community of donors who financially support the Canine Performance Sciences breeding program.

Ginger mothered several litters of her own before undergoing training to become a police K9.

“Ginger is our first person-borne explosives search dog,” Perry said. “With her being brought into the program in this capacity, we have started moving in that direction with the program as a whole. We have trained Ikia for person-borne explosives detection and are currently working to train and certify Underdog as well.”

What’s it like working with these incredible canines? In addition to pre-event sweeps and person screening at large events like Auburn

sports venues, the dogs work every regular shift just like their police partners. To a man, the handlers sing the dogs’ praises.

“Underdog and I work on a patrol shift, and he is with me anytime I put my uniform on,” said handler Officer Justin Sanders, a six-year APD veteran who joined the K9 program in 2020 with his new partner, a 3-year-old Labrador retriever. “On an average day, we respond to suspicious package complaints, calls for service, assist in locating firearms when needed, respond to bomb threats and assist surrounding agencies if requested. At the end of our 12-hour shift, Underdog comes home with me, and he is my responsibility at all times.

“He has come to be my best friend and he is a very good listener.

I enjoy working with him, and I would like to think he enjoys working with me. Even on off days, we hang out to++gether most of the time, whether it be going on walks, to the park or him riding with me while I run errands.”

Perry is similarly attached to his partner, Ikia, but her unusual breed mix often raises eyebrows.

“People are always asking what kind of dog she is, or I’ll overhear them saying things like that’s a ‘labradoodle police dog,’” he said. “That always leads to a conversation about her breed. I usually start by joking that she is a giant schnauzer.

“Then the conversation goes into explaining the cross-breeding process and that she was bred by Auburn University specifically for explosives detection work. People generally are amazed to hear about the program and find it very interesting that Auburn is involved in that kind of research. They usually follow up by asking her name, and of course then they want to know if her

name is the same as the store. ‘Yes,’ I say, ‘she came with all of her nuts and bolts, but no directions.’”

But actually, the dogs do come with a long list of preprogrammed directions from their extensive training while at CPS. “Superior detection dogs are rare,” Haney said. “CPS breeds and develops canines to possess specific traits.

They must have a high reward value and be willing to search for long periods. CPS dogs must also have high hunt instincts, with their noses always stimulating them to investigate. They need high trainability, which gives them the ability to learn new tasks quickly.

They must be highly motivated, not easily discouraged, attentive and able to work in any environment. And most importantly, the dogs must be medically sound.”

To achieve this, CPS follows state-of-the-art theriogenology practices, incorporating genetic and genomic concepts to inf luence breeding selection and enhance puppy development. These practices ensure CPS is making genetic progress.

CPS puppies attend the program’s 11-month puppy school, where they are socialized, acclimated to being comfortable working in all types of places and learn the game of alerting to an odor to receive a reward.

Dogs undergo constant evaluations to tailor their development and training programs for their future work placement, giving them the greatest chance to succeed. The agency or private detection canine services companies that purchase the dogs from CPS then provide further training in specific targets before each dog begins its working career in law enforcement, security or other detection applications.

Even after the dogs become working canines, training for both dogs and handlers never stops according to Officer Jason Bryan, a New Jersey native who joined the APD in 2018 after transferring from Rutgers to Auburn, where he lettered three years in track and field. He is partnered with Ginger, the fouryear-old Labrador retriever recently donated to the police department by the College of Veterinary Medicine.

“Training to become a K9 handler is very hands-on,” Bryan said.

“To become a basic EDD handler takes

a four-week course.

Then Ginger and I had additional training in order to become a Kinetic EDD Team, which means we can search persons in a crowd.

“Once trained, we had to pass a certification test through the United Police Working Dog Association, which involved searching vehicles, rooms, boxes, open areas and people.

We had to find all of the training aids with no false indications.

After certification, the department requires a minimum of 16 hours training every month for each K9 team, and every year Ginger and I will have to recertify to continue working together.”

A tremendous amount of work, training and love goes into making an Auburn dog one of the finest detection dogs in the world, from the time it is born into a litter at CPS until it is retired to a life of leisure, usually between the ages of 8 and 10 years.

During that time, each dog will work intimately with a human handler, putting in the same number of long hours and taking similar risks to keep people safe. It is a tough, sometimes thankless job, but nothing else — man or machine — does it better.

“The CPS program provides a unique platform in the college for educating veterinary students, breeders, trainers and the public about canine reproduction, puppy development, detection training and, ultimately, protecting the public around the globe through the development of some of the world’s most highly regarded detection dogs,” Heaney said.

“We like to say we are proud to be an essential part of keeping man’s best friend, as man’s best defense.”

For Perry, the feeling is similar, but even more personal. He remains in awe of the dogs’ abilities even after many years spent working with them.

“These dogs are simply amazing,” he said. “Their detection abilities far outweigh where all other technologies are today. I genuinely believe we can protect our community and visitors to Auburn and Auburn University in ways that could not be done without these dogs.

And they are so much more than simple tools to their handlers. They are police officers, they are friends and they are family.”

B6 Dec. 2, 2021

Auburn-Opelika Runs Up the Christmas Spirit

PHOTOS BY CANDACE ALLDAY / FOR THE OBSERVER

The Auburn-Opelika Running & Track Association held its 2021 Toy Drive 10k, 5k, 1-mile and virtual run event on Nov. 28 at Wrights Mill Road Elementary School. A great way to start the Christmas season, runners were asked to bring a new, unwrapped toy to benefit Toys for Tots and to be later be distributed to children in Lee County.

From Alabama to Washington, D.C. A story of Thanks and Giving

Auburn graduate, first-generation student says ‘thank you’ through scholarship for other students

BY SHERYL CALDWELL / AUBURN UNIVERSITY More than miles span the distance between Glencoe, Alabama, and Washington D.C., for Dr. Kacie Saulters, a 2007 biomedical sciences graduate.

The nearly 700-mile stretch between her childhood home and the place she calls home today is paved with hard work, a medical degree, a thriving career as an associate professor of clinical medicine at Georgetown School of Medicine, a happy marriage, two children and too many fond memories to count. One of those blessings, she said, includes her years at Auburn University.

THE ROAD TO AUBURN As a first-generation college student, Saulters’ path to Auburn was not easy. She grew up on the border of Glencoe and Gadsden, Alabama, where her family has lived for generations. Her father worked as a heavy machinery mechanic, and her mother was a part-time church secretary who also dabbled a bit in teaching preschool.

She graduated near the top of her small class at Glencoe High School.

Her best friend was the valedictorian. And even though there was no

precedent for her college ambition, Saulters knew that was the course for her life. But it wasn’t until she received a full-tuition merit scholarship — and later a need-based scholarship — that her Auburn dreams became a reality.

“My parents were very encouraging of my desire to go to college, but we definitely did not have unlimited financial resources, by any means,” she said. “I couldn’t believe it when I got the letter about the scholarship. And in hindsight, had it not been for that, who knows?”

Saulters recently established the Dr. Kacie Jackson Saulters Ever Auburn Endowed Scholarship in the College of Sciences and Mathematics (COSAM).

She created a need-based scholarship to “pay it forward,” hoping other students like her — with the drive but not the financial resources to attend — can benefit from the same life-changing educational experience she had.

“This scholarship is a way for me to say, ‘thank you’ to Auburn for what it has given me,” she said. “I think Auburn has the ability to give anyone the tools they need to succeed, and I’m hoping this scholarship will do that for students

like me.”

THE UNIQUE AUBURN EXPERIENCE From the beginning, Saulters found a home away from home at Auburn. A self-described introvert, she pushed herself to get involved and discover her own Auburn experience.

“I remember thinking, ‘Wow, this is such a giant place, and I feel like such a tiny part of it,’ but everyone was so kind and welcoming,” she said. “Being a first-generation student can be intimidating, and you don’t really know what you’re getting yourself into, but at the same time, you don’t know what can’t be done either, so that helps you grow.”

She quickly found her home in COSAM, serving as a student ambassador with COSAM Leaders, a supplemental biology instructor for non-majors and a peer advisor for pre-health students. She also established a chapter of the Association for Women in Science (AWIS) at Auburn. But it was the relationships she formed with professors and mentors, including the late COSAM Dean and Professor Marie Wooten; Larry Wit, emeritus professor of biology and former associate dean for academic affairs; and Robert Lishak, retired

Dr. Kacie Saulters, a 2007 biomedical sciences graduate, wears many hats as a physician educator, including her current role of associate professor of clinical medicine at Georgetown School of Medicine in Washington D.C. associate professor of biology, that have had the greatest impact on her.

“One of my first biology classes at Auburn was with Dr. Lishak, who I know was thought of as the tough professor.

Being in his class was a pivotal moment for me,” she said. “I felt captivated by the material in a way I never had before, and I wound up being a supplemental instructor for the lab and that’s when I first discovered my love of teaching. I see him as one of the biggest mentors and people I still look up to.”

LIFE BEYOND AUBURN With the support of

her COSAM mentors, Saulters explored a variety of career options, from physical therapy to microbiology research.

She shadowed medical professionals and completed an internship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham with a focus on public health. She later pursued medical school, but still has a passion for public health issues, health disparities and teaching.

These experiences created the foundation for her career today.

“Looking back through the lens of my faith, I can see how each experience has shaped where I am now. And I absolutely would not change a thing,” she said.

“Some people are born knowing they want to be a doctor. That wasn’t me.

But I’m so thankful because I kicked the tires, so to speak, on a lot of things. And I was able to be confident in what fit me and what didn’t.”

Saulters embraces the power of education to change a life. It changed hers. She hopes her scholarship will do the same for others who, like her, just need an open door.

“We all come from different backgrounds, and living in D.C., I’ve learned a lot about disparity,” she said.

“Being able to grow

intellectually, but also in the way you think about the world and the way you think about yourself and others in the community, is so important. For me, college was the time that began. So, anything we can do to promote education is just one more way we can better our nation, our world and the future.”

Auburn University is a nationally ranked land grant institution recognized for its commitment to world-class scholarship, interdisciplinary research with an elite, top-tier Carnegie R1 classification, life-changing outreach with Carnegie’s Community Engagement designation and an undergraduate education experience second to none. Auburn is home to more than 30,000 students, and its faculty and research partners collaborate to develop and deliver meaningful scholarship, science and technology-based advancements that meet pressing regional, national and global needs. Auburn’s commitment to active student engagement, professional success and public/private partnership drives a growing reputation for outreach and extension that delivers broad economic, health and societal impact.

B7 Dec. 2, 2021

Bulldog Basketball in Full Swing PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The junior varsity Opelika boys' basketball team fell to Dothan, 53-32, on Nov. 29.

REBUILD >> FROM B3 rumblings of a possible college football playoff berth; the Tigers finished the 2021 campaign at 6-6, leaving much to be desired and more questions unanswered about the state of the program in 2022.

Just days after a gut-wrenching loss to Nick Saban and company in the Iron Bowl, Auburn was informed that offensive coordinator Mike Bobo was vacating his position, leaving the Tigers in need of a new OC for the sixth consecutive year. Immediately after the news of Bobo’s departure came the announcement of running back Shaun Shivers, wide receiver Elijah Canion and EDGE Caleb Johnson’s decisions to enter the transfer portal.

All of this news comes

CAFE >> FROM B3 third on the team. Her sophomore season, she appeared in 29 games, primarily seeing time as a pinch runner or a defensive substitution at second base and was perfect defensively behind 13 putouts and 12 assists.

“I’m grateful for this opportunity to partner with Taziki’s,” McCondichie said. “I have grown up enjoying their healthy food.”

Taziki’s is one of the first fast-casual restaurants to sign an endorsement deal with female college athletes and is looking forward to this new opportunity to raise brand awareness while supporting student-athletes.

Barber is a senior star for Alabama’s Women’s Basketball team and thrives in her role as guard. She is ranked No. 26 in the nation and No. 2 in the SEC in her assist/ turnover ratio. Not only a star on the court, Barber has great success in school too. She takes her education as seriously as athletics, receiving SEC Academic Honor Roll every year.

in the midst of rumors swirling regarding the future of three-year starting quarterback Bo Nix who has been public about his uncertainty about what the 2022 season looks like.

Auburn fans are justifiably uncertain — and likely stressed out — about the direction their beloved team is heading.

They have far more questions than they have answers.

While there is sure to be more noise coming from the transfer portal and the conversation surrounding the future of Nix, one vacancy remains which is likely to be filled sooner than the rest, especially given the fact the Tigers still have a bowl game to compete in.

The Tigers need a new offensive coordinator.

Here’s a handful of candidates the orange and

blue faithful should keep an eye on: KENDAL BRILES (OC, ARKANSAS) The departure of Bobo and the implementation of a completely “new era” on the Plains could be the perfect fit for Kendal Briles. At 39 years old, Briles is widely considered to be one of the brightest offensive minds in college football dating back to his tenure with Baylor under his father Art. Since then, all Briles has done is put together explosive offenses regardless of the level of talent he’s given to work with. His work with Sam Pitman to turn around Arkansas in just two years is yet another example of his immediate impact.

DAN MULLEN The University of Florida’s decision to cut ties with Dan Mullen came as little surprise

to most given the results his team posted in 2021; his lack of success at the helm of the Gators — however — still confuses anyone who followed his tenure at Mississippi State. While his experience in play calling and quarterback development at the SEC level is likely an enticing attribute to Harsin and company, Mullen does carry baggage. Just last month, he implied that recruiting was not a priority for him when his team is mid-season, a quality that Auburn cannot put up with while attempting to recruit against the likes of UGA and Alabama.

JEFF LEBBY (OC, OLE MISS) As in any coaching search, names often get floated around that may seem like a bit of a stretch. Jeff Lebby is certainly one of those in this situation; Auburn should

still give him a call. The Ole Miss offense has been flat-out impressive in 2021 and — thanks to an ironic loss to Auburn — the Rebels fell just short of stating a legitimate argument that they belonged in the college football playoff.

Lebby has no known connections to Auburn or Harsin but it certainly could not hurt for the Tigers to give him a call.

JOE MOORHEAD (OC, OREGON) It’s not every day that fans get the pleasure of looking at two former Mississippi State head coaches in one job search. Joe Moorhead succeeded Mullen at the helm of MSU in 2018 and saw his tenure reach an abrupt end following the 2019 season, sending him packing to be the offensive coordinator at Oregon under Mario Cristobal (A name that

was thrown around during the Auburn head coaching job search in 2020.). The Ducks’ offense has been on fire, averaging 33 points per game in 2021 under his supervision.

ERIC KIESAU (RECEIVERS COACH, AUBURN) The idea of promoting current wide receivers coach Eric Kiesau is one that has slipped the mind of many Auburn fans, especially since nobody is familiar with Harsin’s tendencies to hire from within to this point; he was — however — the go-to guy when the Tigers decided to cut ties with Cornelius Williams and served as OC to Harsin at Boise State from 2019 until the duo headed south for Auburn.

It is hard to imagine a world where Harsin hasn’t at least given any thought to running it back with Kiesau.

“I am so excited to be a part of Team Taziki’s, there’s no better way to fuel for long days of training,” Barber said.

“They continue to set the standard in their communities by this commitment to women in sports.”

Taziki’s menu is known for its original chef-driven recipes prepared daily from more than 100 fresh produce items and more than 60 herbs and spices flavoring the food. Customer favorites include freshly grilled meats, unique sauces and

healthy side dishes.

“College sports and community relationships are something of great importance to Taziki’s and our customers,” said Julie Wade, senior director of marketing for Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe.

“Many of our restaurants are in college towns including Auburn and Tuscaloosa. These athletes enjoy our delicious food, specifically Taziki’s salads with proteins to fuel her athletic endeavors, which makes

her the perfect fit with our brand. It is important to Taziki’s to recognize the importance of female athletes and the positive messages they send about living a healthy lifestyle.”

The restaurant’s website, tazikiscafe.com, provides descriptions of each entrée as well as nutritional information.

ABOUT TAZIKI’S MEDITERRANEAN CAFÉ Taziki’s Mediterranean Café is a rapidly expanding brand, named one of America’s fastest

growing leaders by Inc. 5000 in the fresh-casual industry. Having more than tripled in size since 2011, Taziki’s has over 90 restaurant locations, spanning across 18 states nationally.

Development plans include building the brand in existing markets, as well as entering new areas across the country by 2023.

The essence of Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe is defined by serving fresh ingredients and handcut meats daily. The

Mediterranean influence in its name echoes across its best-in-class, chef-inspired cuisine but is intentionally approachable for any person, anywhere.

Taziki’s takes pride in its made-from-scratch food that nourishes customers daily and the artisanship that goes behind doing so without the use of fryers, or microwaves.

Taziki’s mission is to create an environment that combines extraordinary food with meaning ful human connection.

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B8 Dec. 2, 2021

December Welcomes Holiday Joy

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

W

elcome to December.

During this advent time, teachers and parents will feel joy as they spend Christmas around young children. Their joy and excitement is contagious in bringing us hope.

This is a time that we can allow children to be children in creating simple holiday memories with their hands and hearts. Children have the basic need to be creative and I am awed at what they

produce. They love to create from the heart, which expresses their love.

The holiday season in December always seems quite busy for teachers, as well as for families. In our families, we may have different aged children, with many different needs because of different personalities.

We love to celebrate the holidays with seasonal delicious foods, cheerfulness, singing, bright lights and gifts.

But as parents of young

children we have to balance all this in order not to push our young children into sensory overload as well as anxiety.

We want our families to truly enjoy the holidays. The following list is very simple and to the point when sharing heart gifts with our children. I hope this list helps as we embark on December happenings and holidays.

Heart gifts equal love. Infants, toddlers, twos, threes, fours and on up in age just know emotionally the secure, peaceful feeling of being loved unconditionally. They love to hear their name said or called out and to be accepted for how God made them.

1 Corinthians 13:13 — and now abide faith, hope, love, these three, but the greatest of these is love.

During this holiday season, take advantage of this extra time to really listen to your young children. Come together face to face, eye contact and totally focused on what they are saying. We as parents and teachers learn a child’s thought processes, we can truly

listen to what they are sharing with us.

Plan easy, simple chores for your young children to help you with over the holidays.

Children love to help when they are instructed on what and how to do, like picking up toys after play, cleaning up their room, helping set the table for meals with parents’ oversight, folding laundry or simple dusting. Confidence, another heart gift emerges when children accomplish a task and praise is offered. Too, we have to gently remind ourselves that we praise children as the unique person whom God has created. Praise is a simple heart gift which brings true joy and happiness to a child that is a solid foundation for a child to spring from when things get tough.

Allowing children to play and use their imaginations is another heart gift we can give our children. Allowing young children to dream and to use their creativity to explore their world is a wonderful heart gift that encourages enthusiasm for life and what it has to offer each and every

day. I love to look at the excitement children display when playing in centers as well as outside. We teachers and parents definitely see that play is a child’s work.

This year with everything being so different and at times challenging, flexibility, resilience and contentment are heartfelt gifts that we can model and encourage for our young children to experience.

One of the greatest heartfelt gifts we can provide for our children is an age appropriate discipline plan. When simple rules are explained to young children, this is a heartfelt gift. Too, they clearly understand the consequences if they don’t abide by school or family rules.

What a wonderful time of the year for our young children and our elderly population to share Christmas joy with each other. The National Council on aging defines intergenerational programs as activities that increase cooperation and exchange between two generations. “It has been shown that a relationship between young

and old enlightens both generations.” Over the holidays, families coming together at home provide wonderful opportunities for young children and seniors to come together to enjoy simple holiday fun.

In planning ahead for young and old over the holidays, keep things simple. Quiet activities such as looking at family pictures, reflecting on the present and the past, reading Christmas books and poems, watching holiday movies and television programs, engaging in simple crafts, simple baking, painting and coloring provide educational opportunities for the younger and older generations to learn from each other.

The greatest heart gift we can extend to our young children is hope. This gift encourages our young children to be optimistic no matter what the circumstances are. Children with the gift of hope look at the bright side of circumstances.

Young children’s smiles as they delight in life is a heart felt gift that we can all embrace.

Classroom Observer, Beth Pinyerd

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Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

Nov. 24, 2021

Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2021

Inside the Statehouse

Reapportionment Done, Legislative Races Begin

T

STEVE FLOWERS

The Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) awarded Gov. Kay Ivey the Excellence in Leadership Award for her unwavering commitment and dedication to the state of Alabama.

“Governor Ivey has served and continues to serve our state with honor and integrity,” said Fred Clark, AMEA president & CEO. “Today, we honor

her tremendous accomplishments and successes as she continues to lead our great state with steadfastness, perseverance and determination.”

From Rebuild Alabama, to the state’s tremendous economic development accomplishments showcasing our strong workforce, to achieving the state’s lowest unemployment rate, to the challenges of the COVID pandemic, Gov. Ivey continues to be a trailblazer for our state.

“We thank Governor

Ivey for her tireless efforts as she and her team navigate one of the most challenging years in our state’s history,” Clark said.

“We are extremely proud of Gov. Ivey and feel she is most deserving of the AMEA Excellence in Leadership Award.”

AMEA, a joint action agency formed in 1981 and located in Montgomery, is the wholesale power provider for 11 public power utilities in Alabama, which serve some 350,000 customers.

Shown presenting the AMEA Excellence in Leadership Award to Gov. Ivey are pictured from left to right: Mayor Gary Fuller of Opelika, chairman, AMEA Board of Directors; and, Fred Clark, president & CEO, AMEA.

Coach Builds Equestrian Program For The Future

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

See FLOWERS, page B11

CONTRIBUTED BY THE ALABAMA MUNICIPAL ELECTRIC AUTHORITY

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

he new lines are finally drawn for next year’s state legislative and congressional elections.

They have just made it under the wire for the late January qualifying deadline and the May 24, 2022, primary elections.

The legislature should not be blamed for the late formulation of the lines because the U.S. Census Bureau did not produce the final detail figures until Sept. 30, 2021. Therefore, the state legislature did a Herculean job by getting the lines drawn so quickly.

It went into special session almost immediately after receiving the numbers. However, the immediacy could be because it affects the legislature immensely. Alabama’s legislature is tasked with drawing its own legislative lines, as well as the congressional lines for the state, as is called for by both the United States and Alabama Constitutions.

Folks, that is the reason that the census is taken every 10 years. It is mandatory by the constitution to allow for all congressional and legislative districts to have approximately the same number of people. This rule is referred to constitutionally and legally as the one-person, one-vote rule.

Alabama’s Constitution of 1901 patterns mandated reapportionment every 10 years like the U.S. Constitution does for Congress. However, Alabama lawmakers simply ignored this mandate for 60 years. The legislative lines had become so unfairly unconstitutionally out of proportion that it was comical.

As a young page, I observed the representation in the House and knew something was wrong. My county of Pike had 25,000 people and we had two representatives and the Huntsville area had grown to over 200,000 people and they had only two representatives. Lowndes County had a population of 15,000 and had one senator.

Jefferson County, with a population of 635,000, had one senator.

The Black Belt had gotten an unfair

distribution of seats during the 1901 constitutional approval debate and had not relinquished the legislative power. Finally, the federal courts stepped in and dictated one-man, one-vote districts in the now famous Reynolds v. Sims case in the 1960s, which set the one-man, one-vote principle for the entire nation. It still amazes me that the good people of Jefferson, Madison and essentially all of north Alabama allowed this incredible injustice to exist for 60 years.

The recently completed Reapportionment Session has drawn the new lines for our seven congressional seats, our 35 state senate seats and 105 seats in the state house of representatives, as well as our eight-state board of education districts. It was thought that there may have to be two sessions — one for congressional and one for legislative redistricting. However, we in Alabama dodged the bullet and did not lose a congressional district as was expected. By keeping our seven seats, it made it much easier.

However, kudos and accolades go out to the Reapportionment Committees and especially the Chairmen, Senator Jim McClendon (R-St. Clair) and Representative Chris Pringle (R-Mobile). They have worked diligently since the beginning of the quadrennium. Working on reapportionment is a tedious task, however, very important and powerful.

They had to be aware of political and legal parameters. We in Alabama are still under the eye of the U.S. Justice Department because of the 1965 Voting Rights Act. Therefore, they have to start with the premise that African American voters have to be given preference and there needs to be a proper number of majority-minority legislative districts.

They had to begin the congressional redistricting with the fact that the 7th Congressional District of Terri Sewell had to be looked at and protected. The paramount concern was self-political preservation so the most ardent task was protecting the districts of incumbent legislators. The courts have held that partisan and incumbent protection is permissible as long as you do not get too carried away with gerrymandering.

The super majority Republican legislature was attentive to what might trigger an adverse judicial ruling on the redistricting plans. Chairman

AMEA honors Governor Ivey with Excellence in Leadership Award

Greg Williams envisioned a program at Auburn that would be successful long after he was gone. Auburn’s Equestrian program is now award winning and well on its way to the success Williams’ hoped for.

Williams was honored as one of Auburn Mayor Ron Anders’ See COACH, page B11

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Indoor shooting range is open to the public

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B10 Dec. 2, 2021

Iron Bowl Publicity Leads to Research on Alabama Politicians With a Gridiron Background

GREG MARKLEY

I

t happened a few days after I arrived at Fort McClellan, Alabama, in November 1989 to serve as editor of The McClellan News and enlisted leader in public affairs. My boss asked me which team I was rooting for in the Iron Bowl that Dec. 2, the first time at Auburn instead of at the usual site of Birmingham.

“I don’t care who wins, it doesn’t matter to me,” I said as my supervisor Mike stood horrified. He soon said, “I have never heard anybody say that

around here."

Growing up in the turbulent 1960s, I heard a little about Bear Bryant, the great UA coach, and his star quarterbacks Joe Namath and Ken Stabler.

But I was more interested in news about government and politics, and baseball was my favorite sport to play and watch on TV. Now 32 years later, I answer the question of what team I support by “Auburn, of course. I received a grad degree there, after all.”

Counting in 1989, Auburn has won 11 of the 13 games that were held here. In the rivalry that began in 1893, results show Alabama winning 47 times and Auburn 37 times, with one tie.

Before moving to Anniston in 1989, I was stationed in Panama for 13 months. It was a difficult year for soldiers and their families, as a war was brewing with strongman Manuel Noriega against the United States.

Over the summer, to spread morale and have fun, the Army took on the Air Force in a football contest.

I was there to write a feature about the activities outside of the actual game. The Air Force confidently said, “We will win because we have a 'secret weapon.'"

You can imagine how the Army folks were scratching our heads trying to find out what the “secret weapon” was.

As the third quarter began, Air Force players ran onto the field — and they were ALL new players.

They were well-rested and not tired from playing in the tropical heat. The Army coach challenged the “secret weapon” of fielding an all-new team.

But bringing on a completely new team was not addressed in guidance, so the AF won that debate and the game, too.

Amid the excitement here in Auburn, I decided to look into the

biographies for Alabama governors since 1960 and U.S. senators from the state since 1960. Of the 11 governors, only one had a football background in high school or post-secondary school.

His name: Fob James, a native of Lanett.

James played football at Auburn under head coach Ralph “Shug” Jordan.

He was an All-American halfback in 1955. The next year, he played professional football in Canada with the Montreal Alouettes.

Turning to the nine U.S. senators from our state, only one was either a player or a coach in football.

You get it — U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville. An Arkansas native, Tuberville is the only coach in Auburn football history to beat Alabama six consecutive times.

Once while doing research at the University of Alabama, I got sick with an unknown illness (probably cold-related and not

dangerous). So I ended up at Druid City Hospital in Tuscaloosa. Everything worked out nicely, I was probably just under the weather.

I told the emergency room doctor, “I am glad you did not find out I live in Auburn.” He replied: “No, I did know from your chart that you live in Auburn, but I didn’t say so until now.”

I had visited the Paul W. Bryant Museum that very day and noted that he had died of a heart attack at Druid in 1983.

“So I thought if he died here himself, you may not make out all the stops to save me.”

The doctor laughed; he knew I was kidding!

Incidentally, the day before a Crimson Tide home game 10 years ago, a man and his young son were standing in front of Bear Bryant’s desk saved from his office. Suddenly, the man fell to his knees and started praying for a few minutes at the museum.

When he was done, I asked him why he was praying that day in front of that exhibit. He said, “I always stop here before a game and pray to Bear for a safe game and even better, for the Tide to win!”

Three decades have passed since my conversation about the Iron Bowl with my civilian boss at Fort McClellan.

Now I recognize the long rivalry does indeed matter. It beats in the hearts of Auburn and Alabama fans wherever they may live. It just happens that Alabama’s other legendary coach, Nick Saban, would not be happy with my choice of team.

Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has a Masters’ in education and history.

He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 12 years. gm.markley@charter.net

Letter to the Editor: Consitutional Carry

BY MICAH MESSER

Growing up in the South, I have used firearms ever since I can remember, but I learned so much more while training with the Alabama National Guard and the Columbus Police Department. As a former police officer, one of the critical aspects of my training was firearms; both in the use of and defense against. I also spent time reading, memorizing and understanding firearm laws in the area.

Throughout my time as a police officer, I interacted with many armed individuals and never once had a negative

interaction with law-abiding citizens.

The only negative interactions I had were with felons, with stolen firearms, using them in conjunction with drug or gang activity. You see, criminals do not care about laws, they will not seek permission from the government to carry a firearm.

Recently, I was aghast to see the Lee County Commission adopt an anti-gun resolution that directly f lies in the face of the origins and intent of the 2nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

The Alabama Sheriff Association has fought tooth and nail for

many years against Constitutional Carry primarily due to their desire to maintain the tax on its citizens.

The second amendment has been restricted — one may say infringed upon. No free society or free people ought to need to seek permission (a permit) from their local government to exercise a right protected by both the State and the Federal Constitution.

We do not require a permit to speak our mind, nor do we need a permit to address our government, nor do we need a permit to exercise our religion.

However, the government requires us to seek permission to carry a firearm in our vehicles or on our person, concealed under our clothes.

I have heard the argument that removing permits hurts public safety or damages the ability of law enforcement to investigate and stop crimes. Let me be clear, I never once used a permit or the lack thereof as an investigative tool when I was a police officer.

Constitutional Carry does not seek to harm public safety or the safety and training of law enforcement. Instead,

it aims to remove the unconstitutional barrier against carrying a firearm for low-income and law-abiding citizens.

States that have enacted Constitutional Carry have not seen a rise in violent crime; they have often seen a decrease in violent crime. Most states that have enacted Constitutional Carry have seen the same or even an increase in permit applications.

I understand the need and argument by the Alabama Sheriffs Association for the funding provided by this tax on the citizens they have sworn to

serve and protect; if they need funding, the county needs to address this issue without restricting a God-given and Constitutionally protected right of the people.

We the people are tired of being the piggy bank for exercising our Godgiven rights. The Lee County Commission must rescind this resolution and pass one in its stead that supports Constitutional Carry and they must address any funding needed for the Lee County Sheriff.

Micah Messer Lee County

B11 Dec. 2, 2021

COACH >> FROM B9 lamplighter winners in October at the State of the City address.

The mayor, each year, presents six community members with what he calls ‘lamplighter awards’.

“I’m humbled tonight to introduce six individuals who contribute to our community in meaningful ways and give me a reason to hope,” he said. “I recognize them as recipients of the 2021 Mayor’s Lamplighter Award which signifies the light that they each shine in our community.”

Auburn’s equestrian program has won six national championships since its first season in 2002.

Williams was a professional in the horse business himself before taking on a role at Auburn University.

And he really wasn’t interested in quitting being a professional.

But Auburn said it wanted to grow its horse program and Williams’ said he and his wife wanted to raise their children in Auburn, so he decided to take the position.

“I shut down my pro career early and came back to run the horse center,” he said.

“There was no team whatsoever then and we were making some pretty good strides in the teaching area and some in research.”

Williams said the team was formed as an IHSA program in 1996 with five students. But by 1998, he began looking at what it would take to make the equestrian team a varsity sport at Auburn.

In 2002 the varsity team was formed at Auburn.

“It was difficult for a lot of years,” he said. “The one thing that I got jealous of, is even after we had gone varsity in 2002, I was just still making it all happen. Where all the other coaches had large budgets and scholarships.”

Williams was taking

on a lot of the responsibilities himself — waking up at 3 a.m. to do what needed to be done.

“We were so focused on the mission of making it a varsity sport,” he said. “It didn’t seem like work, it just seemed really busy. I mean, we were working really hard and really tired, but we were so into the dream of making it happen that it wasn’t that bothersome.”

The coach always knew that the best benefits and success of the program was not for himself, or even for the current team, but for the ones to come.

“The one thing that I told my wife is, you look at the history of all the sports, I said, ‘you just understand we’re building this for somebody else.’ And she said, ‘I know,’” he said.

But, Williams wants to continue being involved with Auburn’s equestrian program even after he steps down as head coach, he said.

“I hope that the last words I hear on this earth as somebody would just be dragging me out of the arena are the words ‘point Auburn,’” he said. “I don’t ever want to leave.”

In the future, Williams wants to grow the bond between teaching and the equestrian team, he said.

“We’re looking at starting working in conjuncture with the college of Agriculture and our college of Veterinary Medicine is starting a sports medicine program and a [management] program,” he said. “The management being for the undergraduates and the medicine being for the vet students. Now, and understand, they already do sports medicine on our horses all that time. What I want to do is keep formalizing that program and making it larger.

“I want any student that comes to Auburn University to have a

huge head start on equine sports medicine and management than anybody else in the country.”

Williams, like the other award winners, had no idea he was being honored at the State of the City address.

“Ron being a friend, I was glad to go be supportive of Ron,” he said. “My wife said I was going there for her business, but I thought ‘well, it’s Ron. That’d be great.’

And I love this city. I did most of my growing up here so this was moving home for me in 1989. And I just, I love this place.

And so, that was all fun. And I knew most of the people going up getting the awards.

And I just loved that, loved those stories and just thought, ‘man this is great.’

“And then when Ron led off with something I say all the time, to every recruit, is I say, ‘you’ve got to be willing to plant a seed for a tree you’ll never shade under if you’re going to come ride at Auburn.’

And he led off with that statement and I thought, ‘man somebody uses a line I say all the time.’ Then he kept talking and I reached over and grabbed my wife’s hand and all of a sudden I knew he was talking about me. But I had no idea.”

Williams said that coaching to him has always been more than the score. And to receive the award was a validation of his work.

“For the sport I love and the city and university that I love to be known all over the country, for this sport, is huge to me,” he said. “That’s huge.

But for the city, to feel like I’ve done something good for the city of Auburn is great. I just can’t believe I got the award.”

This is the second in a series of six pieces on the lamplighter winners from Auburn Mayor Ron Anders’ State of the City Address.

$18.4 Million in Grant Awarded to Alabama for America’s Infrastructure CONTRIBUTED BY USDOT PRESS OFFICE

U.S. Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced that the Biden Administration will award $18.4 million for two projects in the state of Alabama through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) discretionary grants program.

The total FY 21 RAISE investment in American infrastructure was nearly $1 billion, awarded to 90 projects in 47 states, the District of Columbia and Guam.

“We’re proud to support these great projects that will improve infrastructure, strengthen supply chains, make us safer, advance equity and combat climate change,” Buttigieg said. “As in past years, we received far more applications than we could fund; this cycle saw about a 10-toone ratio of requests to available dollars. But going forward, with the passage of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, we will be able to support far more infrastructure projects to support jobs and everyday life in communities across the country.

Projects receiving funding include: Auburn University will receive $1.3 million for

the STEP UP Alabama: Safe Transportation for Every Pedestrian In Underserved Communities Program In Alabama planning grant, which will fund community outreach and construction plans for pedestrian improvement projects at 11 sites within 10 communities in Alabama’s rural Black Belt region. Seven of the 11 project sites are located in counties ranked in the top 25% of pedestrian-involved crashes in Alabama.

The city of Tuscaloosa will receive $17.1 million for the Tuscaloosa University Boulevard Corridor Project, which includes constructing transportation improvements, technology upgrades and storm-water drainage along the University Boulevard corridor in Tuscaloosa.

The project is comprised of seven components including curb, gutter and drainage construction; utility installation; adding bike lanes; and reconfiguring the roadway to prioritize pedestrian safety. The project will address aging and functionally obsolete infrastructure, stormwater issues and make innovative technology upgrades, including the installation of advanced traffic signals, dynamic

message signs and an LED street lighting system. The storm-water drainage improvements will address resiliency and environmental issues and ensure an overall state of good repair. The project will also make pedestrian and bike improvements that will extend connectivity from low-income residential areas to institutions, jobs, grocery stores and schools, improving quality of life.

Fiscal Year 021 RAISE Transportation discretionary grants are for planning and capital investments in surface transportation infrastructure and were awarded on a competitive basis for projects that will have a significant local or regional impact. RAISE funding supports roads, bridges, transit, rail, ports or intermodal transportation.

Per statute, the department is awarding 50% of RAISE Transportation grant funding to projects located in rural areas and 50% to urban areas that deliver positive benefits for these communities. For this round of RAISE Transportation discretionary grants, the maximum grant award is $25 million, and no more than $100 million can be awarded to a single state, as specified in the appropriations act.

e t o VTerry Hanners for

on Jan. 11

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FLOWERS >> FROM B9 Chris Pringle was very attentive to not creating new Republican districts. They figured that the 77 Republican to 28 Democrat advantage in the House and the 27 Republican to eight Democrats in the Senate was enough.

The courts might see that as regressing or suppressing African American Democratic political power. It was actually difficult to avoid adding new Republican seats because the population growth has been in Republican leaning enclaves. The Democratic Senators and House members are quietly

pleased with the plan because it was incumbent friendly. In other words, the cardinal rule in reapportionment is that you take care of yourself first. Party, race and colleagues come second.

Under the new congressional lines, we will more than certainly still have six Republican and one minority Democratic district.

See you next week.

Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist.

His column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at: www. steveflowers.us.

B12 Dec. 2, 2021

Sn pelika Kicks Off Holiday Season

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The Opelika Chamber of Commerce hosted Snopelika at Courthouse Square Tuesday night. The annual event kicked off the holiday season of events for Opelika. During the event, snow-blowing machines blanketed the square with artificial snow, the Opelika Police Department held a snowball fight and vendors offered food and gifts to attendees.

Members of the OHS Marching Band, Spirit of the South, led the crowd down 9th Street to the corner of Railroad Avenue where Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller lit the city’s official Christmas tree with a switch designed and created by OHS student Kyler Mitchell. Mitchell is pictured in the above photo with Fuller and Opelika Chamber President Ali Rauch.

B13 Dec. 2, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES ------------LEE COUNTY COMMISSION NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING Notice is hereby given that the Lee County Commission will hold a Public Hearing on Monday, December 13, 2021, at 5:00 p.m., in the Lee County Commission Chambers at the Lee County Courthouse located at 215 South Ninth Street, Opelika, Alabama, 36801, concerning the proposed Noise Ordinance of the Lee County Commission. A copy of the proposed ordinance will be available online at www.leeco.us under Government / County Commission / Proposed Noise Ordinance and can also be reviewed in person in the Lee County Commission Office.

The purpose of the public hearings will be for interested parties to make oral and/or written comments into the public hearing record.

Those wishing to make oral comments at the public hearings are also encouraged to submit those comments in writing. All comments must address the subject of the public hearing or issues that have an impact on the County Commission’s ability to meet applicable laws, rules, and regulations affecting the final decision.

Any person wishing to participate in this hearing who needs special accommodations should contact the Lee County Commission Office at (334) 737-3660 at least five working days prior to the hearing.

Attendance at the public hearing is not necessary

to have comments included in the public hearing record. Persons wishing to comment on the proposed noise ordinance in writing may do so by submitting their comments by mail no later than 2:00 P.M. on Wednesday, December 8, 2021 to: Bill English, Chairman Mailing address: PO Box 666 Opelika, AL 36803-0666 (334) 737-3660 LEGAL RUN 11/18/2021 & 12/02/2021 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF LOIS JEAN HOTTINGER A/K/A LOIS J. HOTTINGER DECEASED. CASE NO. 2021-630 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED

BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to RICHARD HARRY HOTTINGER, on the 5th day of November 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Personal Representative.

Legal Run 11/18/21, 11/24/21 & 12/02/21 ------------FORECLOSURE SALE

Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Real Estate Mortgage executed by Jeremy Spradley, an unmarried man, and Brittany Graham, an unmarried woman, to Sorenson & Lopez, LLC; said Real Estate Mortgage being recorded in the office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgages Book 4513, Page 213; said Real Estate Mortgage being last transferred, sold and assigned to First National Bank of America; said Assignment being recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Mortgages Book 4727, Page 310; the undersigned First National Bank of America as Real Estate Mortgage holder, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in said Real Estate Mortgage, will sell at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash, in front of the Lee County Courthouse, Opelika, on December 14, 2021, during the legal hours of sale, the following described real estate, situated in Lee County, Alabama, to-wit: Lot No. 35, SMITHVILLE SUBDIVISION, Lee County, Alabama, according to a map and plat thereof of record, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Plat Book 8, Pages 106-107 thereof.

SUBJECT to covenants, restrictions, reservations, easements and rights-ofway, if any, heretofore imposed of record affecting title to said property, municipal

zoning ordinances now or hereafter becoming applicable and taxes and/or assessments hereafter becoming due against said property.

AND ALSO: One 2019 Mobile Home bearing Vin #SRB032856AL being of the Make: Southern, Model No: 47TRS14663AH19.

This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said Real Estate Mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure.

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process.

An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

Foster D. Key Attorney for First National Bank of America P.O. Box 360345 Birmingham, AL 35236 205/987-2211 LIEN HOLDER First National Bank of America Post Office Box 980 East Lansing, MI 48826 11/18/2021, 11/24/2021, 12/2/2021 ------------NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF BRENDA LONG, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO.: 2021-148 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that

LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to Tia Trenise Minger on the 28th day of April, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama.

Notice id 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.

Tia Trenise Minger Legal Run 11/24/21, 12/02/21 and 12/09/2021 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM D. WILLIAMSON , DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-651 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of November, 2021, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

KATI T. WILLIAMSON Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36801 Legal Run 12/2/21,

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12/9/21 & 12/16/21 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: ESTATE OF MARY HARRIS THREAT, DECEASED ESTATE NO. 2021-654 PETITION TO PROBATE WILL NOTICE Letters of Testamentary for the Estate of MARY HARRIS THREAT, deceased, having been granted to CECIL THOMAS THREAT, JR., on the 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 the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. s/Raymond L. Jackson, Jr./ Raymond L. Jackson, Jr. Attorney for CECIL THOMAS THREAT, JR. Executor of the Estate of MARY HARRIS THREAT Attorney for Personal Representative: Raymond L. Jackson, Jr. Attorney at Law 145 E. Magnolia Ave. Ste. 110 Auburn, AL 36830 (334) 991-3143 FAX: (877) 730-3354 Legal Run 12/2/21, 12/9/21 & 12/16/21 ------------NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING CASE NO: 2021-661 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of MONTESHA TIESE DURRELL, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Jinny Tyrone Durrell on November 29, 2021 pursuant to Section 43-2-690, Code of Alabama and that 30 days after the notice of publication hereof and pursuant to law the Court shall be requested to enter an Order directing Summary Distribution of the estate of said decedent.

BILL ENGLISH, PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 12/02/2021

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B14 Dec. 2, 2021

2021 • WWW.OPELIKACHRISTMAS.COM • #MYOPELIKACHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS November 26 - January 3 Please come visit, take photos and tag us.#MyOpelikaChristmas SNO*PELIKA Christmas Festival & Tree Lighting November 30 • 4:30 - 7 p.m.

Courthouse Square opelikachamber.com CHRISTMAS IN CAMELOT December • 4:30 - 10 p.m.

Off of Rocky Brook Road DRIVE-THRU NATIVITY STORY Month of December National Village - Spa Loop & Yards Lane Presented by National Village Joint Venture OPELIKA’S VERY MERRY STROLL December 3 • 6 p.m.

Lighting of trail Christmas trail run through Dec. 31 Friends of the Opelika Public Library CHRISTMAS PARADE Downtown Opelika December 4 • 10 a.m.

Rain Date: December 5 • 3 p.m. opelikachamber.com CHRISTMAS IN A RAILROAD TOWN December 10 • 6 - 9 p.m. opelikamainstreet.org VICTORIAN FRONT PORCH TOUR Driving Tour December 10 - 14 • 5 - 10 p.m.

Bike Tour December 11 • 10 a.m.

Walking Tour December 11 • 6 - 9 p.m. victorianfrontporchtour.com Find more info about tickets and horse drawn carriage rides at opelikalibraryfriends.com.

REINDEER EXPRESS December 10 - 12 • 5 - 8 p.m.

Featuring a Christmas Market Monkey Park $2 train rides OPELIKA THEATRE COMPANY CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE December 12 • 3 p.m.

Sportsplex Amphitheater opelikatheatrecompany.com OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS CHRISTMAS BAND CONCERT OMS & OHS December 13 • 6:30 p.m OPAC OPELIKA CITY SCHOOLS WINTER CHORAL CONCERT OMS & OHS December 14 • 6 p.m.

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B15 Dec. 2, 2021

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B16 Dec. 2, 2021

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THIS WEEK’S PUZZLE ANSWERS: