The Observer 12-09-21 E-edition

Thursday Dec. 9, 2021

Vol. 14, No. 9

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

Opelika, Alabama

Opelika's annual Victorian Front Porch Tour kicks off on Dec. 10 and runs through Dec. 14 with a bike tour taking place at 10 a.m. on Dec. 11, a walking tour from 6 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 11 and driving tours on the other days from 5 to 9 p.m. The Opelika Library Friends are also offering carriage tours.

Reindeer Express Ready to Ride the Rails This Weekend

Pictured left: Dani Nelson and Leif Espelund, co-owners of Heritage House, participated in last year's Victorian Front Porch Tour. Photo

by Robert Noles / The Observer.

Christmas in a Railroad Town is Friday Night PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Downtown Opelika continues its holiday events with Christmas in a Railroad Town on Friday night, Dec. 10 from 6 to 9 p.m.

Downtown shops will be open late for business, and many will offer special activities for event goers.

“Christmas In A Railroad Town is East Alabama’s largest annual Christmas

event, bringing joy to thousands each year,” said Opelika Main Street Executive Director Ken Ward. “With many new activities and the addition of more downtown Christmas decorations, this year’s event will be bigger and better than ever before!”

This event is free to the public.

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Opelika's Rocky Brook Rocket Reindeer Express event is scheduled for Dec. 10 through 12 from 5 to 8 p.m. each night. Come take a train ride through the lights and enjoy food, hot chocolate, pictures with Santa, musical entertainment and a Christmas Market. Train rides are $2 per ride CASH ONLY. The event is held at the Municipal Park located at 700 5th Ave. in Opelika.

OFD Named Member of The Alabama Fire College Team of Regional Training Centers PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

The city of Opelika and the Opelika Fire Department along with the Alabama Fire College recently announced that the Opelika Fire Department was named the newest member of the Alabama Fire College’s team of Regional Training Centers (RTC).

Opelika is the 21st Re-

gional Training Center of the Alabama Fire College and Personnel Standards and Education Commission.

“The city of Opelika has made substantial financial investments to the Opelika Fire Training Center to be able to adequately handle a designation like this,” said Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller.

“The continued growth

CONTRIBUTED BY KATY DOSS / HERE MOLLY GIRL

One of the area’s favorite holiday traditions is back for 2021 and opened this weekend.

The Hotel at Auburn University’s Auburn Gingerbread Village opened to the public on Dec. 5 following the Auburn Christmas parade. The display will run through New Year’s

Day. During the unveiling, guests enjoyed complimentary hot chocolate and cookies, as well as a performance by the Auburn UMC handbell choir.

The Hotel’s 12-building Gingerbread Village showcases an array of recognizable buildings from around Auburn and Opelika. Hotel team members — including chefs, pastry chefs and

the culinary team, to housekeeping, front desk and executive members — have contributed to the Gingerbread Village to spread Christmas cheer to all this holiday season.

“The annual Gingerbread Village really is impressive, and we’re honored to welcome guests to our Hotel to enjoy it,” said Hans See GINGERBREAD, page A3 PHOTO BY JOHN HILLSMAN / FOR THE OBSERVER

CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

The Loveliest Gingerbread Village Open To Visitors

in Opelika and the surrounding area makes this opportunity even more important for our fire department’s development. This is good for Opelika Fire but also local restaurants, hotels and merchants as we will now be hosting and training students from all over the country at our facility.”

See OFD, 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. 9, 2021

A Family Art Show PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

Auburn Teen Wins Billboard Contest CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Recently, Birmingham-headquartered Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys invited the public to design a new look for the firm’s iconic billboards featured across the southeast. Founder and CEO for the national law firm, Alexander Shunnarah, better known as “The Billboard King,” founded the law firm in 2001 and has consistently engaged the public through his ubiquitous, creative, bold and impactful billboard designs since the inception of his law firm.

The successful billboard design contest came to a close on Oct. 30, with 276 billboard designs submitted from over 200 applicants ranging in age from 7 to 82. Submissions came from all over the nation.

While the top three designs will win the prizes outlined in the contest rules, Shunnarah has since decided to send all of the applicants a Shunnarah swag pack as a token of his appre-

words for personal injury claims and Alexander Shunnarah being the best attorney in the state of Alabama. Wilson also will receive a $1,000 VISA gift card as a first-place prize and her design featured on one of the digital billboards.

Brianna Bryant, 25, from Hoover, Alabama, is the second-place winner with her design “Call me AL” focusing on Alexander Shunnarah’s branding while introducing a new and eye-catching font. As the secondplace winner, Bryant has earned a $500 VISA gift card and a Shunnarah swag pack.

Third-place winner is Santoria Dunlap, 24, from Dothan, Alabama.

She wins a $250 VISA gift card, and a Shunnarah Swag pack, for her billboard design titled, “Fight for Justice”.

ABOUT ALEXANDER SHUNNARAH TRIAL ATTORNEYS Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys is committed to protecting the legal right to be compensated for individuals who have suffered loss, accidents, or injuries the chance to rebuild

their lives after misfortune. The practice was founded on the belief that the civil jury system is the best means to provide compensation and deter wrongdoers from injuring others in the future.

With over 300 attorneys and staff, the firm has a vast knowledge and experience in handling all types of claims for clients who have been injured. The firm consistently recovers substantial settlements in lawsuits involving personal injury, auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, wrongful death, social security disability, pharmaceutical litigation, drug recalls, medical devices, and mass torts throughout the United States.The premier, award-winning, and nationally recognized firm has represented over 60,000 clients and recovered over $700 million for them to date.

The firm prides itself on providing outstanding legal advice and excellent representation for their clients.

horizon and new personnel expected in the next year, tahis could not have come at a better time. I know this will lead to a more progressive, better trained Fire Department here in Opelika and we are very grateful to The Alabama Fire College for giving us this opportunity.”

During the evaluation of the Opelika Fire Training Cetner, Executive Director Matt Russell said, “the Alabama Fire College staff were extremely impressed at the investment the city of Opelika has made to ensure their fire department has facilities and other resources to provide

training in a safe manner.

It is obvious to me based on the financial investment in their training facilities, the emergency responders and by extension, the citizens, in the Auburn-Opelika area have the support of their fire chiefs, mayors and other elected officials.”

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

OFD

ciation for their participation and extremely creative and intuitive designs.

“I am absolutely amazed by the talent and creativity in all of these billboard designs,” said Shunnarah, president and CEO of Alexander Shunnarah Trial Attorneys. “Looking through each of the designs, I was blown away by every applicant’s hard work. I appreciate the time and thought each of the participants put into this design competition."

The top three winners all followed the contest’s strict rules and guidelines. Additionally, they each created something that was “Big, Bold and Impactful” as the contest rules stated. The three winners are Madison Wilson, Brianna Bryant and Santoria Dunlap.

Due to their impressive creativity, Shunnarah has decided to display each design on a billboard this year.

The first-place winner is Madison Wilson, 16, from Auburn, Alabama. Her design is entitled “State your Claim” as a play on

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FROM A1

The purpose of the RTC network is to allow Alabama firefighters to receive emergency response training locally in the communities where they live and work, rather than travel across the state to the Alabama Fire College.

“I firmly believe Opelika Fire has one of the best Training Centers in the state of Alabama and we continue to try and make it better every day,” said OFD Chief Shane Boyd. “Selfishly, with a very young department like we have right now, training is the primary building block we use to prepare for our communities’ emergencies, whatever they may be. With plans for a new Station on the

pelika Observer

O

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

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 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 Mayfield Family Art Show took place at the Opelika Art Haus on Dec. 4 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Paintings, pottery, jewerly, woodworking and more were a part of the show.

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A3 Dec. 9, 2021

Parent's Pride Christmas Store Gives Parents Hope PHOTOS BY HANNAH LESTER / THE OBSERVER

Parent's Pride Christmas Store, located at 200 S. 6th St. in Opelika, provided 50% or more off Christmas gifts to low-income families in the area thanks to various donations over the last month.

GINGERBREAD

>>

FROM A1

van der Reijden, hotel managing director.

“Our team members have created one of the most extraordinary holiday ‘must-sees’ in the Southeast, and I couldn’t be prouder. I’d like to personally invite everyone in our community to experience the Gingerbread Village this year.”

The Gingerbread Village is the annual kick-off to the holiday season, featuring prominent Auburn University buildings crafted out

of gingerbread, candy and icing. The Village, named one of the Top 20 events in the Southeast for December, is a crowd favorite, delighting more than 2,000 guests annually.

Crowds gather around the village to take in its sights, hunt for hidden figures (including favorite characters from Star Wars and Disney movies) and enjoy Christmas carols with friends and family.

Adam Keeshan, managing partner of food and beverage, is responsible for the creation of the street-

scapes, which change each year as the setup is slightly altered to offer a new, fresh take on the existing buildings.

Pastry Chef Dallas Kee ensures all the gingerbread is affixed to the superstructures that are created by Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction Professor Paul Holley.

Team members work together in the Hotel’s “Santa’s Workshop,” and the finished product culminates in a “best in show” building contest — judged by Auburn Downtown Merchants’

Association celebrity guests — between Hotel teams, for a year of bragging rights.

The Hotel’s chosen nonprofit, Storybook Farm, is represented in gingerbread, and for the first time ever, the building will have a QR code for anyone who would like to donate to the charity.

ABOUT THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY AND DIXON CONFERENCE CENTER The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center, located just a short walk from downtown Auburn and Auburn University,

is a AAA four-diamond facility boasting 236 guestrooms and suites, as well as 27,000 square feet of newly renovated meeting and event space. Additionally, the Hotel is located adjacent to the new South College parking deck. The Hotel was one of 29 hotels globally to be ShareCare Verified property, ensuring the highest safety practices.

The Hotel at Auburn University is managed

by Ithaka Hospitality Partners, a hospitality management company focused on all aspects of hotel, resort, restau-

rant and food hall management as well as special event and catering management.

Ithaka consults with owners and developers to deliver strategic and tactical methods to achieve overall profitability, guest satisfaction and employee engagement. Additionally, Ithaka is proud to partner with the Hospitality Management Program at Auburn University to assist in educating the next generation of leaders in our industry. For additional information, visit www. ithakahp.com.

PHOTOS BY JOHN HILLSMAN / FOR THE OBSERVER

The Hotel at Auburn University unveiled its annual Auburn Gingerbread Village — the largest Gingerbread Village in East Alabama — last week. Over 10 gingerbread buildings are on display and will be until Jan 1.

A4 Dec. 9, 2021

Christmas Tunes

T

SEAN DIETRICH

he last thing I want to do is sound like an old fart. But some things cannot be helped.

Yesterday I was fiddling with my truck radio dial, looking for classic Christmas tunes, but I couldn’t find any.

Only new stuff. Here it is December and the only festive music I found on the airwaves was Beyoncé having a vocal seizure.

I finally turned the radio off and drove in silence like a true geezer.

That’s how geezerhood starts, you know. First, it’s complaining about current music. Next thing you know it’s early dinners and Ensure mealreplacement shakes.

All this got me wondering, what happened to the music of

Christmas Past? Where did Frank and Dean go?

Where is Bing hiding?

Where are Nat, Ella and Louis? Come back Johnny Mathis, we miss you.

Look, I get it. I fully understand that the music of yesteryear is outdated.

The radio jockeys today are merely trying to give their youthful FMlistening audience what it wants. However, there is one thing I want to point out to these jockeys: Youthful people do not listen to FM anymore.

Youthful people have smart devices with 3,500 gigs of storage and earbuds. They have iTunes, Spotify and streaming service subscriptions coming out their earholes.

You know who still listens to old-fashioned

FM radio? I’ll tell you.

People who drive old model cars with manual transmissions and do not have Bluetooth stereos.

And do you know what kinds of stiffs still drive these jalopies? That’s right. Old farts.

So here’s a concept: Why not play some music for us? Bring back the Christmas classics of yore, I beg of you, Mister DJ. More Sinatra; less Brittney.

Once upon a time, our radios played a Christmas lineup that never changed.

It was the same top-forty Yuletide mix each year, the same tunes your great grandfather listened to while fighting the Mexican-American War. And it worked.

This music was a yearly tradition. It was the soundtrack of the allAmerican middle-class childhood.

During the holidays when the radio played in the old station wagon, an automobile whose only seatbelt was Mama’s right arm, it played the overture to our season: “All I Want For Christmas is My Two Front Teeth,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” and “Frosty the Snowman,” and of course, Gayla

HELPER PART II

WENDY HODGE

W

hen last we met, I was parked on the access road next to the local park in my town — the Monkey Park, as all Opelikans know it — where animals seemed to roam and enjoy summer days and the occasional snow flurry as often as children have over the decades.

Today, though, I close my eyes and I’m back in the summer of 1974. It is a quiet afternoon with an exhausted sun sinking slowly behind the trees. There is a hum in the air, a mechanical song made by air conditioners laboring in the 100 plus degree weather.

In the distance, from the other side of the park, the laughter and shouts of kids in the rec center swimming pool echo through the trees. This side of the monkey park is quiet.

Behind me is an elementary school with a tennis court attached to the grounds.

I am here with my sister, Carol, and her best friend, Donna. They have come to play tennis, and they’ve been sweet enough to let me tag along. They often included me when they went shopping or took walks or came to the park. I adored them both — Donna, because she made gorgeous ball gowns by hand for my Barbies, and Carol, because, at 14 years older, she was the woman I wanted to grow up to be.

Carol was a student at Auburn University. She was smart and well-read; she was sweet and patient; and she was funny. I envied her age and her luggage (they had stickers from several countries she had visited stuck on all four sides).

Someday, I often told myself, I will own luggage like that and drive myself to the park any time I want. Carol humored me and often let me pack a few things in her suitcase with wheels and then play “airport” with me. She even made me a passport of my own one year and “stamped” it with the names of all the countries she taught

me about. She loved me as much as I loved her, and she made sure I knew that.

Some of that particular day is hazy, I admit. It’s been decades. I remember that the thrill of chasing the tennis balls as they rolled around the court soon became a hot chore, and so we had decided to walk down to the park and walk barefoot through the creek and then see who could swing the highest with arms outstretched to the sky. Even though they were college girls, Carol and Donna knew how to swing just like I did.

And, in an instant, the day changed.

As we crossed the street from the tennis court to the park, a girl ran out of the park and toward us. She was wrapped in a towel and screaming words I couldn’t understand. It took all three of us a moment to process what was happening. Carol put her hands on the girls’ shoulders and calmly asked her what was wrong.

“He took my sister!” she yelled and pointed frantically towards the woods that ringed the other side of the park.

“He ran out of the woods and grabbed her. They’re gone!”

See HODGE, page A5

Peevey’s masterstroke, “I Want a Hippopotamus For Christmas.”

And when Mama was weaving the Ford through a crowded shopping-mall parking lot, doing endless figure eights, trying to find the only available parking space in the tricounty, the Beach Boys would sing “Little Saint Nick” while you puked from car sickness.

When Mama whisked you into the Sears department store to try on Husky brand khakis for your school Christmas pageant, Gene Autry was singing over the store intercom about Rudolph’s self-esteem issues.

Whenever your old man was open-burning leaves in the ditch, Chuck Berry was on the transistor singing “Run, Run, Rudolph” while your sister played lead guitar on the yard rake.

And when your father and his cousin Leroy were hanging exterior lights, suspended from threestory ladders, mumbling non-Baptist expletives for the entire neighborhood to hear, “O Holy Night”

by Pat Boone was playing.

In every truckstop café you heard “Adeste Fideles,” by Bing.

In every JCPenney, they played “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” by Judy Garland.

Your granny’s hifi always blared something

by Elvis Presley or the Les Baxter Orchestra, as she painstakingly decorated gingerbread houses, complete with cigarette ashes on the shingles.

“Little Jack Frost Get Lost” by Peggy Lee was playing while your mother sewed angel costumes for your church’s live Nativity.

And when Johnny Albertson vomited onstage during the aforementioned Nativity because he had the stomach bug, the children’s choir was busy singing “Away In a Manger.”

And don’t forget the annual CBS special, “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” with music by the Vince Guaraldi Trio — perhaps the greatest soundtrack album ever recorded.

There wasn’t a child living in the Land of the Free who didn’t tune in and dance the Charleston in his or her living room during the “Linus and Lucy” dance break.

And I would be remiss if I didn’t mention “You’re a Mean One Mister Grinch,” performed by Boris Karloff.

As it happens, my cousin’s child recently informed me that she had never seen the 1966 “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” TV special.

“You’ve never seen it?”

I asked.

“Never,” she said, shaking her head. “I don’t even know who the Grinch is.”

Jesus wept.

Also, I have never gone 365 days without hearing Arthur Fiedler and the Boston Pops Orchestra play “Sleigh Ride,” while my aunt Eulah rattles her cocktail shaker along with the percussion section.

So I want to know what happened to the good stuff. The holiday music of Rosemary Clooney, Mel Torme, the Andrew Sisters, Alvin and the Chipmunks, Glen Miller and Burl Ives, for cripes sake.

I could do this all day, but of course, I’m out of room. And anyway, it’s time to drink my Ensure.

Adopt Don’t Shop this Holiday Season

MEGAN MANN

T

his holiday season if you are considering getting an animal for yourself, a family member or a friend, think about adopting at your local shelter before buying from a breeder.

Millions of animals each year are found or brought into shelters and pounds causing them to become overpopulated.

The Lee County Humane Society is a local animal shelter here in the Auburn-Opelika area. It was developed in 1974 to combat the issue of a growing number of strays

on the streets.

Their main goal is to rescue as many animals as possible and find them good permanent homes as well as treat any diseases that they may have acquired. The shelter’s vision is that animals will be truly valued in the community and that animal overpopulation will be eliminated. They work tirelessly toward this goal and in the month of October alone they had 163 adoptions as well as 310 fosters taken in.

Another organization that exists in Auburn is Pups on the Plains.

It was founded in 2017

by Auburn University students with the hopes of saving animals that have a chance of being euthanized at the pound or shelter. They have saved over 300 animals from death row and continue to work toward finding these precious babies good and loving homes.

The great thing about both of these places is

that they allow you to foster animals. Fostering an animal gives the shelter time to find them a permanent home while knowing the animal is still in good care.

Fostering can also be an opportunity to see if you are ready to commit to the responsibilities of having a pet in your home.

A lot of people tend to buy cats and dogs as presents for the holidays, but it is important that the buyer and person receiving the animal know the commitment and finances it takes to support and take care of them.

The adoption rate of animals throughout the holidays skyrockets but the return rate once the hustle and bustle of the season is through is just as high. This is why it is extremely important that all members involved in purchasing or receiving the animal realize the responsibilities that come See MANN, page A5

Prepare Him a Room

ROBERTSON

J

ust last week, I took a oneday road trip

to Dothan, Alabama.

I left out early in the morning through fog with a hot cup of coffee and Christmas tunes on my radio. And on my way, through quiet and calm backroads, I saw what appeared to be a homeless person.

I was traveling just outside of Lee County on Hwy 169, at a dirt

road crossing. He was hunched over in a chair, barley visible due to the tarp and plastic covering him to keep the cold away. I could see clearly as I drove upon him, and as I passed by, I saw his beard and his legs along with a grocery cart full of items of his own.

I knew at once that I would be passing right

by him again on my way home, and so my soul told me right then to grab an extra sandwich on my way back to offer to him.

I carried on my journey to Dothan, I did the work there I needed to do and left for home around 2:30. I stopped by a Chick-Fil-A and bought two chicken

sandwiches. One for me and one for the homeless stranger.

I vaguely remembered where he was, and so my eyes kept watch for him for a good 20 minutes before I finally spotted his yellow plastic attire coming over a hill.

Random moments like this cause my heart to flutter and shake in

excitement, but at this moment there was also the wonder and concern as to 'what shall I say to him.' I offered a quick prayer to God, found a safe spot to park, grabbed the sandwich and stepped into his cold and windy dirt road home.

See ROBERTSON, page A6

A5 Dec. 9, 2021

It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, especially at the Woman’s Club of Auburn where on Dec. 9, 2021, from 4 to 6 p.m. a festive Christmas Tea will take place.

Members bring a guest and drop in to see friends and enjoy fabulous food.

Barbara Acker-Mills will provide piano music to entertain one and all.

Sylvia Norris and Peggy Morrow will serve as hostesses for

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Women's Club To Host Tea

the event. The philanthropic project is Our House.

The club asks guests to bring art and craft supplies, single-serve snacks, drinks or gift cards from Walmart, Kroger or Target.

The Woman’s Club is located at 712 Sanders St. in Auburn.

The Woman’s Club of Auburn, Inc. was founded in 1919 and is dedicated to charitable, literary, community service and educational purposes.

Blue Cross And Blue Shield, NFC to Build Outdoor Fitness Courts Across Alabama CONTRIBUTED BY BCBS OF ALABAMA

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) are launching a statewide partnership to expand free access to World Class Fitness by bringing outdoor Fitness Courts® to communities across Alabama. This initiative will help fight obesity, improve quality of life and create equitable access to outdoor exercise programs for communities around the state.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Fitness Courts® will be constructed in easily accessible public spaces beginning in 2022, bringing community wellness programs and free digital workouts to thousands of people. NFC’s

HODGE >>

FROM A4

Donna and I froze.

But not Carol. She began running towards the direction the girl was pointing. In what felt like only a moment, she was through the park and disappearing into the trees.

To say I was stunned would be an understatement. Why would she run toward the danger? What will happen to her if she finds this man who kidnapped a girl in broad daylight?! When did she learn to run like that??

The three of us stood there, Donna, the frightened girl and myself, huddled together and straining to see what wasn’t visible to us. A car horn made us all jump.

Pulling up beside us was an old pickup truck with a driver who had a beard like Santa Claus and wore an Alabama Crimson Tide t-shirt. His hound dog was halfway out the passenger window, trying to catch the breeze. The driver and the dog both stared at us for a moment. We must have been a confusing sight.

Donna seemed to snap awake and told the driver that we needed help. “A man has taken this girl’s sister and carried her into the woods,” she said.

“And MY sister ran after them,” I said quickly.

award-winning initiative is now planning its 500th Healthy Community in America, and is poised to deliver important outdoor wellness programs in a time of great need across the country.

“We are consistently looking for opportunities to give back to the communities we serve so we can have a healthier Alabama,” said Tim King, community relations manager, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

“Bringing Outdoor Fitness Courts to our state will give Alabamians access to an innovative platform that will help them lead an active and healthy lifestyle.”

NFC’s best-in-class outdoor gym features a series of seven-minute workouts with the benefits of digital coaching on the free Fitness Court The driver grabbed his CB radio — that ancient artifact from a time long forgotten — and barked out a message: “Channel 9, we need the police ASAP over by the Monkey Park. Girl has been kidnapped. Standing by.”

Within seconds, responses began flying in. Police and other CB users alike answered back stating they were on their way or close by. The girl next to us shivered in her beach towel and cried quietly, wringing her hands and looking over her shoulder at the spot where she’d last seen her sister.

App, which delivers regular content to keep fitness training fun for adults of all ages and fitness levels.

There are also opportunities for free fitness classes through an ambassador program featuring local trainers. Fitness Courts® deliver a powerful and fun seven-minute workout, designed by leading experts in functional fitness and bodyweight training.

Beginning November 2021, municipalities, schools and other organizations who own accessible public space may apply for grants from a $500,000 pool of grant funding to assist in building a Fitness Court®, courtesy of Blue Cross and the National Fitness Campaign. Funding is being made available for qualified applicants.

Grant recipients will re“We were swimming and decided to walk home.

We were just walking, and then he took her,” she kept repeating. I don’t remember her name, but I remember that her towel was pink with purple polka dots and that her hair was braided and dripping pool water on her bare feet. And her eyes were round with terror. I will never forget her eyes.

At the exact moment a police car pulled up at the curb, we heard a yell and a crash echo through the park.

Every eye turned toward the woods …

TO BE CONTINUED

TEXTILE MILLS ASBESTOS CLAIMS

ceive a wellness toolkit, education information and design resources to assist in planning, funding and launching their outdoor Fitness Court® and community wellness campaign.

“The National Fitness Campaign is proud to welcome Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama as its state sponsor in Alabama,” said Mitch Menaged, founder of the NFC. “This program will deliver tremendous resources to contribute to the important mission of fighting obesity and improving health outcomes as the network of Fitness Courts® grows across the state. We look forward to working with BCBSAL to make this campaign a great success.”

NFC and Blue Cross will begin accepting applications in November

2021 for grant funding to support building Fitness Courts® in local communities. To learn more about National Fitness Campaign and how to qualify for funding, go to: www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com/alabama.

ABOUT BLUE CROSS AND BLUE SHIELD OF ALABAMA Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has insured Alabamians for over 85 years. Blue Cross offers coverage plans to corporations, individuals and the senior market. For more information about Blue Cross, visit AlabamaBlue.com. Connect with us on Facebook, check out our videos on YouTube and follow us on Twitter for more up-to-date information.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of

the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

ABOUT NFC National Fitness Campaign (NFC) is a wellness consulting firm — founded in San Francisco, California, in 1979 — that offers grant funding, project management and master planning services to cities, schools and sponsors to build healthy communities. The Fitness Court® is a trademarked seven minute workout system, created by NFC Founder, Mitch Menaged, that was designed to be the world’s best outdoor gym. NFC’s mission is to build healthy communities by building an outdoor Fitness Court® within a 10 minute bike ride of every American.

Learn more about NFC at www.nationalfitnesscampaign.com.

MANN >>

animal a second chance at life and helping your community as well.

The Lee County Humane Society is located at 1140 Ware Dr., and they are now welcoming walk-ins during adoption hours which is TuesdaySunday from 12 to 5 p.m. but they would prefer that you make an appointment ahead of time. To make an appointment you can send

an email to lchs1140@ leecountyhumane.org.

If you are interested in learning more about how to adopt or foster an animal, you can visit The Lee County Humane Society’s website at leecountyhumane.org.

You can also visit this website to find out how to donate to the shelter or sign up to volunteer.

FROM A4

with having a pet.

There are currently many animals available for adoption and fostering at the Lee County Humane Society, each of these animals is looking for a permanent place to call home.

When you rescue from a shelter you are giving an

Artisan Coffee Beverages made to order.

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A6 Dec. 9, 2021

Auburn Chamber of Commerce Welcomes New Businesses

ROBERTSON >>

FROM A4

“Hi there!” I say.

Staring straight into his eyes. He is weathered and old but his eyes are clear and fixed.

“Hi.” The man replied.

“I brought you a sandwich.” I say, handing it to him.

“Well thank you.”

“Do you need a water?” I asked.

“No. I have water.”

“Well good,” I say, with a grin from ear to ear that cannot be moved.

“I’m just walking with the Lord,” the man replies back.

“How long have you been here?” I ask.

pricing.  Affirmation Interiors — specializing in interiors, home staging and upscale décor. Located 1310 Opelika Road, Suite A, Midtown Auburn. Visit www.designbyjoyllc.com.  Shine Facial Bar + Skin Health Studio — The mission of Shine Facial Bar is to help clients build and maintain their best skin with clean, effective skincare treatments and affordable memberships. Located at 1111 S. College St., Suite 300, in Auburn. Book at appointment at www.shineauburn.com.  East Alabama Health’s Breast Health Center — (EAH) Breast Health Center — A comprehensive center offering all methods of breast imaging from screening mammograms and ultrasounds to biopsies.

Located on the third floor of the Auburn Medical Pavilion in the Auburn Research Park. Visit www.eamc. org to book an appointment.

“I came about April I think, I came from Montgomery. Been walking with the Lord.”

“What is your name?”

I say.

“Charles Prater. What is your name?”

“Bradley Robertson.

It’s nice to meet you,” I say.

“Nice to meet you,” he replies.

“Do you have family around here?” I ask.

“No, I have family in Georgia. I’m from Kentucky. I’ve been doing this for twelve years. Walking with the Lord,” says Charles Prater.

Our eyes are still fixed on each other. He is seated while I stand and

PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY THE AUBURN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

The Auburn Chamber of Commerce has been busy helping new businesses in the community.

Pictured right and below is a compliation of ribbon cutting ceremonies held recently.  Smart Bank — a full-service commercial bank providing banking, investment, insurance and mortgage financial services.

Visit www.smartbank. com to learn more.  Sherina Hill Coaching — Sherina Hill helps entrepreneurs create what matters most — you and your impact. Learn more, read powerful testimonials and book a complimentary session at www.sherinatoday.com.  Auburn Opelika Janitorial Services — Offering commercial building cleaning and general maintenance using top-quality, commercial-grade products and equipment to keep your building clean and sanitized.

Call 334-737-8930 for

he has not looked away from me not one time.

I’m holding my hair back from the wind and my smile is beginning to creep away at the choke of tears I’m trying my best to hold back.

“Welcome to Lee County,” I say, so random and odd, as if I couldn’t think of anything else to say. “It was Thanksgiving last week, did anyone bring you a meal?” I ask.

“Yes, the people around here take good care of me. The Lord takes care of me.”

It is at this moment that my soul begins to break and I cannot decipher what to say.

I just stared at him,

into his eyes, in the cold air and passing of cars and trucks on the highway. I’m holding back a wailing of tears and trying to come up with words, using all my strength to hold my smile for the sake of his day.

“It was sure nice to meet you. I hope you enjoy the sandwich.”

“Thank you,” he replies. “It was nice to meet you too.”

“Charles,” I say.

“Charles Prater.”

“Yes. And your name again?” he asks.

“Bradley,” I respond.

“I hope to see you again.”

The man, smiling, still eyes fixed on mine,

clearly says, “I hope to see you again too.”

It was as if we both did not want to part and yet we knew it was necessary. Something had stirred in each of our souls, and we stared in silence.

“Goodbye,” I say and I walked away.

We are, in this season, to prepare our hearts for Christ. As the song Joy to the World says, ‘let every heart, prepare him room’. I have been pondering over this one, and an idea came to me from Charles Prater.

To have room for Jesus, to truly live in us, we must make room for all of his people. We must make room for the

homeless and strangers.

We must make room for the sick and hungry.

We must make room for orphans and widows. We must make room for the needy and the prisoners.

It is in these people that we offer the same hope and joy and love of God that has been placed unto us.

I hope that you too will send forth the light of Christ in the weariest of places, so that you will have room to receive Gods ultimate gift of life.

“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

Matthew 25:40.

Opelika E vents, Society & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS DEC. 10-11: A MARTHA'S TROUBLE CHRISTMAS DEC. 11: SWEET HOMEMADE ALABAMA ART SHOW DEC. 12: 'TIS THE SEASON TO DISCOVER WITH AODISCOVER! DEC. 12: OTC'S WINTER SHOWCASE

Jones Family Remembers Beloved Grandmother’s Christmas Cakes PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

R

ed Velvet Cake with cream cheese frosting, homemade yellow cake layers with luscious caramel icing and chocolate cake covered with decadent cooked chocolate fudge are just a few of the scrumptious cakes that Lillie Mae Jones prepared at Christmas. The grandmother of Beth Pinyerd and Frank Jones Jr., Lillie Mae would often bake 100 cakes for friends in Lee County and Columbus, Georgia, during the holiday season.

Lillie Mae grew up in Bleecker, just outside Opelika, as one of 11 children in the Chadwick family. Her future

husband, Dewey, courted her in a horse and buggy. They married in 1919 and enjoyed 69 wonderful years at home in Salem where they had an annual garden, pecan trees, beautiful flowers and provided Christmas trees off their land to family, friends and school classrooms.

They raised four children, Frank Jones, Jasper Jones, Josephine Jones Teague and Kathryn Jones Thompson, and had many grandchildren and great grandchildren.

When grandchildren Beth and Frank were growing up, they spent many memorable weekends and Christmases at their grandparents’

home. “I remember walking into their house and going into the dining room during the holiday season,” said Beth. “It would be cold, but Nanny would have all kinds of cakes on the dining room table, sometimes 50 cakes that sold. The cakes were carefully covered in plastic wrap and placed precisely in a cardboard carrier to be delivered and shared. She was baking cakes for the community before Opelika and Auburn had established bakeries.

“The community always ordered their holiday cakes far in advance. My grandmother meticulously baked and iced each cake from

Beth Pinyerd and Frank Jones Jr. recall wonderful childhood memories visiting their grandparents’ home at Christmas and enjoying delicious homemade cakes made by their grandmother, Lillie Mae Jones. Their grandmother would bake as many as 100 cakes for family and friends during the Christmas season. Lillie Mae’s daughter, Josephine Teague, assembled many of her recipes in a small cookbook for family.

scratch with a heart of love. She used her farm raised hen eggs in her cakes. One Christmas, my grandmother had an order of 100 cakes from Columbus, Opelika and Auburn. We grandkids would hop in the car with her to make all these deliveries.”

Lillie Mae also gave many cakes away. She baked cakes for each floor at the East Alabama Medical Center at least once a month to show her love and grat-

itude for the staff and took cakes to schools.

Growing up, Beth and Frank went to their grandparents’ home every year for Christmas with their parents, the late Marie and Frank Jones Sr., along with extended family.

“The Christmas tree was always off the farm land,” Beth said, “and it smelled throughout the house. Nanny and Pappa would decorate it and hang the old fashion icicles.”

Curtis Hansen from Opelika earns honors in international poetry contest CONTRIBUTED BY NANC Y JORGENSEN

The Sejong Cultural Society has announced winners for its inaugural International Sijo Competition. Earning honorable mention is Curtis Hansen from Opelika.

Sijo is a Korean poetry form similar to Japanese haiku. It is a three-line poem with 44 to 46 syllables that tells a story and incorporates a twist.

In addition to workshops, online information and YouTube tutorials, The Sejong Cultural Society hosts sijo competitions.

Referring to the 2021 International Sijo Competition, Director Lucy Park said, “We received over 200 sijo from 19 countries in Europe, Africa, Asia and North America. Poets ranged in age from 12 to 85 years.”

All 2021 winners are listed below.

Winner — Ngo Binh Anh Khoa (Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam) Runner-up — Mad-

HANSEN elyn Esser (Pewaukee, Wisconsin, USA) Honorable Mention — Pierce Cunningham (Luveme, Minnesota, USA) Honorable Mention — Ashley Ells (Hartland, Wisconsin, USA) Honorable Mention — Curtis Hansen (Opelika, Alabama, USA) Honorable Mention — Julianus Julius (Bukoba, Kagera, Tanzania) Honorable Mention — SangHoon Jung (Fort Lee, New Jersey, USA) Honorable Mention — Hyo Rhi Kim (Hwaseong Gyeonggi-do, South Korea) Upcoming 2022 Writ-

ing Competitions from the Sejong Cultural Society The Sejong Cultural Society’s 2022 Sijo Competition is currently accepting submissions.

This contest is for North American poets, writing English sijo, with one sijo entry per person.

There are divisions for students and adults.

Prize money from $300 to $1,000 will be awarded. Deadline for entries is March 31, 2022.

More information is available at www. sejongculturalsociety. org/writing/current/index.php An essay category is also offered, with prize money from $100 to $1,000.

There will be a second International Sijo Competition in the summer of 2022. More information will be available at www.sejongculturalsociety.org/writing/ current/index.php To learn more about sijo, visit the Sejong YouTube channel: www.youtube.com/ user/KoreanTheme.

See CIPPERLY, page A10

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED TO THE OBSERVER

Sejong Cultural Society Announces 2021 Sijo Winners

On Christmas morning, the men in the family would go hunting.

Frank Sr. and his father were avid hunters, and Frank Jr. learned to enjoy hunting.

After the hunt, the kids could open their gifts and get their stocking stuffed with fresh fruits, nuts, chocolate kisses, Goodie bars and peppermint. The family would sit in the living room and take turns

AACT & The Kreher Preserve Bring Back Holiday Walk in the Woods CONTRIBUTED BY AACT

Bring the family and celebrate this festive season with Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) as they bring back, by popular demand, the second annual “Holiday Walk in the Woods” at the Kreher Preserve and Nature Center on Dec. 17 and 18.

In the spirit of unity, peace and community, AACT and the Kreher Preserve are hosting a special presentation of music and traditions from our diverse community — “Holiday Walk in the Woods.” Performers will be stationed along a decorated and lit path in the piney winter woods while small groups walk with a guide at staggered entry times. Performers will share a song, spoken word or other performance with the groups at six to eight stations along the roughly hour-long tour.

At the end of the path, treats from local bakeries and a craft station await as groups return to the parking area. All performances will be family-friendly.

Additionally, the daytime walks will have special surprises and songs for the kids! Performance blocks are scheduled with start times of 5 to 6:50 p.m. on Dec. 17 and 18 and also from 10 a.m. to noon on the 18th.

Each group will have a maximum of 15 people unless an entire time slot is purchased. Purchase an entire slot for your family and friends, up to 20 people. Tickets are $7 each or $75 for an entire slot. For more information about this event or to purchase tickets, please visit www. auburnact.org. Email info@auburnact.org for group rate information.

Through donations from Auburn Reprographics and the Carter family, enchanting decorations, lighting and crafts were

made possible for the event.

Auburn Area Community Theatre is a non-profit organization that exists to serve the Auburn/Opelika Community. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for education and participation in the world of theatre and present a quality, entertaining, and thought-provoking theatre experience. AACT is a volunteer organization that depends on the time and energy of many wonderful people from within the community. There’s something for everyone! Please visit www.auburnact. org to find our volunteer interest form or email info@auburnact.org to get involved. Follow AuburnACT on Facebook or keep up with us at www.AuburnACT.org for the latest information on auditions, volunteer opportunities, tickets, and more.

Come be a part of the magic of theatre, we can’t wait to meet you.

A8 Dec. 9, 2021

Making the Grade: On the Road to Columbus, Georgia

STACEY PATTON WALLACE

O

pointed. Abe, our waiter, was really funny, kind and attentive.

At lunch, diners choose either soup or salad. All three of us chose the salad. I LOVE the salad dressing at Fuji; next time I need to ask if I can buy a bottle of it.

Our chef was very funny and entertaining. If I had tried to toss eggs and metal cooking utensils around as he did, there would have been a law suit; I have enough cooking mishaps without purposefully throwing things.

For their entrees, Amelia and Leigh Ann both chose the filet mignon, cooked medium well. I chose the filet mignon and shrimp, cooked well done.

The ONLY pink I want to see is in my cheeks, and I don’t want to hear the cow moo. When I ordered my steak well done, the chef said, “Come back tomorrow.”

To which I said, “No problem; I’m retired.” I love being able to say that now.

Along with our entrees, we ate generous portions of wonderful fried rice; after all, everything tastes better fried. Also, we had vegetables and double portions of yum yum sauce, which is well named. Everything was amazing and definitely worth the drive. Amelia and Leigh Ann got to-go boxes.

Yours truly didn’t need one; I only had a little rice left.

Besides our Hibachi lunch specials, Fuji also offers diners steak & chicken, chicken & scallops, along with many other choices.

The restaurant also offers entrees such as chicken, salmon or beef teriyaki, shrimp lamen (spicy Japanese noodle soup) and chicken yaki udon (stir fried).

At dinner, Hibachi combinations come with both soup and salad. Also, Fuji serves special dinners, some of which include: lobster, shrimp and scallops; steak, chicken and shrimp; and filet mignon, chicken and shrimp, among others.

There are numerous delectable dishes to be sampled.

Fuji Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar is open on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 9 p.m.; Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and 4 to 10 p.m.; Saturday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. All times are Eastern.

Fuji Japanese Steakhouse & Sushi Bar makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher.

Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy!

Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner.

Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in the Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@ gmail.com

PHOTOS BY MIKE WALLACE

ct. 4, 2003, … the last day my then future husband Mike ever let me drive him anywhere, if he could help it.

Back then, we were dating for the second time (The first time didn’t take because it wasn’t God’s time, as my wonderful friend Shelly said.).

In 2003, I lived in LaGrange, Georgia, and Mike lived in West Point, Georgia. We were going to the Auburn/Tennessee game at Jordan-Hare Stadium (I’ve been an Auburn football season ticket holder since 1993.), so I picked Mike up because his house was on the way.

Now, I tend to have a lead foot when I drive; also, I hadn’t started using cruise control very much yet. As we were traveling down I-85, which is an incredibly straight highway, Mike nervously said, “Stacey, you’re going almost 90 miles per hour.” Surprised, I looked at my speedometer; Mike was correct, so I eased up considerably on the accelerator.

You see, we were riding in my very favorite car of all time: my 2003 Toyota Camry, which was silver, sleek and beautiful. I called her the Silver Bullet. She was the most wonderfully

smooth ride; it didn’t feel as though we were going that fast.

As a result of that speedy trip, Mike now drives us wherever we go, which is fine by me. Mike is a great defensive driver, and when we go on long trips, I get to take naps, letting him be my chauffeur.

Because he’s a sweetie, Mike worries about me when I drive somewhere without him. I do admit that in my younger days, I received two traffic citations and had various accidents: hitting the Sonic tray with my Daddy’s truck; bumping into the back of another car; backing into and breaking someone’s paper box; side swiping my much older brother Jim’s mailbox, etc.

Thank the Good Lord, no one was hurt. However, I’m a much better, more responsible driver now.

Still, Mike was very grateful to my friend Leigh Ann for offering to drive me to Columbus, Georgia, last week when we met our friend Amelia to celebrate her belated birthday at Fuji Steakhouse and Sushi Bar at 6499 Veterans Parkway.

Amelia’s birthday is November 3, mine is December 19, and Leigh Ann’s is July 13, making Amelia the oldest of our terrific trio.

Mike was a little jealous because he loves Japanese food, and Fuji is his favorite place to eat it. We used to go there often when we lived in LaGrange. However, he didn’t want to invade our “hen party,” as he called it. No problem; he wasn’t invited.

Fuji is a very attractive restaurant, and Christmas decorations made it even more beautiful. We elected to eat at the Hibachi grill, and we weren’t disap-

A9 Dec. 9, 2021

Decorate With Outdoor Materials This Holiday Season ADOBE STOCK PHOTOS

CONTRIBUTED BY ACES WRITTEN BY MARY LEIGH OLIVER

It’s time to deck the halls.

Instead of scouring the stores for decorations, why not utilize the natural décor of the beautiful outdoors?

With some readily-available outdoor materials and tips from Lucy Edwards, an Alabama Cooperative Extension System home grounds, gardens and home pests regional agent, the home will be instantly transformed into a winter wonderland.

GREENERY One of the most popular

natural decorations of the holiday season is greenery.

Edwards recommends that people follow three important steps when gathering live greenery: - Remember that the plants are being pruned.

- Carefully consider which branches to cut and which to leave.

- Distribute cuts evenly around the plant to preserve the natural form.

“For decorating indoors, the best types of greenery to use include pine, firs and cedars,” Edwards said. “When decorating outdoors, hemlock, spruces and broadleaf evergreens

are best to use.”

Once the greenery of choice is cut, the challenge is to keep it fresh for as long as possible. For the best results, Edwards offers the following tips: - Use clean, sharp pruners.

- Immediately put cut ends in water.

- Cut the ends of the woody stems at a diagonal angle to allow them to take in more water.

- Keep the greenery out of direct sunlight.

- Immerse greenery in water overnight. This will allow the cuttings to absorb the maximum amount of

moisture.

- Spray dry foliage with an antitranspirant product, such as Wilt-Pruf, to help seal in moisture. However, do not use on juniper berries, cedar or blue spruce.

- Store greenery in a cool location until use.

- Display away from a heat source.

- As greenery and fruit withers, replace throughout the season.

KISSING BALL Looking to get crafty with the greenery? Edwards has the perfect, creative use for sprigs of greenery.

Mistletoe and Christmas go together like milk and

cookies. However, mistletoe can often be difficult to come by. As an alternative, use Kissing Balls to carry on the tradition.

“Kissing balls are made of short sprigs of boxwood or other greenery,” Edwards said.

Oddly, the easiest way to construct a kissing ball is to use a round potato as the base. The moisture from the potato helps to keep the cut greenery fresh. After grabbing the potato, fasten a piece of wire to it for hanging. Next, insert evenly sized sprigs of greenery into the potato to completely cover it.

“To make inserting the greenery a little easier, try making starter holes in the potato with a metal skewer or toothpick,” Edwards said.

The greenery sprigs should form an evenly rounded ball. Once completed, decorate with ribbons or berries. Hang the ball from chandeliers, doorways or windows.

MORE INFORMATION Bring the beauty of the outdoors in this holiday season. For more information about decorating with outdoor materials, visit the Alabama Extension website, www.aces.edu.

Opelika-Auburn Empty Bowls Fundraiser Plans Special Activities for 12 Days of Giving While the Empty Bowls Project is currently holding pre-sales, starting on Saturday, Dec. 11, a variety of additional activities will be offered for the 12 Days of Giving at the Recreation Center on Denson Drive in Opelika. Every day, a drawing will be held for a free handcrafted piece of pottery, and special items will be showcased. Bowls can be purchased and will include a ticket for a free bowl of delicious soup and bread at the Empty Bowls main event on Feb. 12. All proceeds will be donated to the Food Bank of East Alabama.

Bowls created by about 45 potters will be offered for $10 to $20. This year, new items are hand-painted bowls for children and microwave soup cozies made by the sewing ministry at Trinity United Methodist Church.

The late Ron Speedy made special pottery pieces related to Lake Martin which will be auctioned on

Feb. 12, along with other unique art items and an elegant four-course dinner.

Soup from restaurants and local cooks will be served indoors and outdoors under a tent.

The ninth annual Empty Bowls fundraiser for the food bank began when Sherie Spain, director of the pottery department at the Opelika Recreation Center, read about the event that started in 1990 as a class project in Michigan. The class made ceramic bowls to sell and served soup for a food drive. The idea caught on, and other Empty Bowls events were held across the country.

“I contacted the Food Bank and they liked the idea,” Sherie said. “I thought it would be good to get both Opelika and Auburn pottery communities working together.”

While the Rocky Brook Potters in Opelika and Dean Road Recreation Center Ceramics Studio in Auburn alternate hosting the event every other year, potters from both groups create bowls for each event. When

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the Opelika potters held the event two years ago, they raised $21,000 for the Food Bank of East Alabama.

“I have always been interested in how to do pottery, so I took a few courses from Sherie,” said Kitty Greene, publicity chair for the Opelika Empty Bowls Project. “It has been a way for me to get involved in the community. I wanted to do something to help, and to me, the Food Bank is really special.”

Anyone who buys a bowl in advance can bring their ticket and attend the Feb. 12 event for no additional cost.

Everyone who buys a ticket receives a bowl they keep as a reminder of the less fortunate in the community and to remember, “no child deserves an empty bowl.”

“The Empty Bowls event allows us to select a lovely, hand-made bowl that serves a soup meal, but this small bowl represents much more than simply my meal,” said Martha Henk, executive director of the East Alabama Food Bank. “By acquiring food through local dona-

PHOTO BY ANN CIPPERLY

BY ANN CIPPERLY THE OBSERVER

The Empty Bowls Project will kick off its 12 Days of Giving event Saturday, Dec. 11, from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Opelika Recreation Center on Denson Drive in Opelika. A drawing will be held every day for a free handcrafted piece of pottery and bowls can be purchased for $10 to $20. With the purchase of a bowl, a ticket will be given for the soup event and silent auction in February. All proceeds will go to the Food Bank of East Alabama. Looking over a table of the bowls are Sherie Spain, left, director of the Opelika Pottery Department and founder of the local event, and Kitty Greene, publicity chair for the Empty Bowls project.

tions and the national food bank network, every dollar given to the food bank enables us to distribute the equivalent of seven meals to people in need. I love the strong concept of an empty bowl.

“The bowl from an Empty Bowls event sits on my desk at work. I see it every day. It serves as a concrete reminder that there are empty bowls in our community and that there is something specific I can

do to fill another person’s bowl.”

The bowls are for sale at the Opelika Recreation Center Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.

A10 Dec. 9, 2021

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A7

opening gifts. One of the aunts would collect the bows to save and take a lot of pictures.

The grandparents read the Christmas story to the grandchildren.

“Nanny would expand her family to include the Chadwicks as well as the Jones family and community,” Beth said.

“We never knew who would be at the table because she would invite people over to eat.”

An abundant Christmas lunch included turkey, ham, assorted vegetables and a variety of wonderful cakes. Red Velvet Cake was Beth’s favorite, while Frank was fond of her German Chocolate Cake, among others. The menu also included their grandfather’s fried chicken.

Since their grandmother took care of the chickens on the farm and thought of them as pets, she would not cook them.

“While Christmas was special, hospitality was witnessed every day in the life of my grandmother by family and the community,” Beth said. “She always met people with a hug and a kiss on the cheek and would affectionately call you ‘sugar.’ She always invited family and friends to her home to come have a ‘bite.’

“Her love of God and people was contagious to all she met and knew. With arms outstretched she always welcomed you into her

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> RED VELVET CAKE 1 cup butter, room temperature 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ cups sugar 1 cup buttermilk 2 eggs 2 tsp. cocoa 1 tsp. vinegar 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1 oz. bottle red food coloring Cream butter and sugar well. Add eggs and beat well. Combine dry ingredients and add alternately with buttermilk. Then add vanilla, vinegar and coloring.

Pour batter into two or three greased and floured cake pans (can use nonstick spray). Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 35 minutes (begin testing a few minutes earlier as ovens vary).Test by inserting a toothpick near the center.

Cake is done when toothpick is clean.

Cool layers and frost with Cream Cheese Icing.

Cream Cheese Icing: 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, room temperature ½ cup Crisco mixed with 1 tsp. butter 1 box powdered sugar Combine cream cheese, Crisco and butter. Gradually beat in powdered sugar.

GERMAN CHOCOLATE CAKE

heart. Families in the community relied on my grandmother to bake their family birthday cakes, too.”

Lillie Mae was involved in the community and the Salem Methodist Church where she was the pianist, taught children’s Sunday school and would clean the church with her husband on Saturdays.

She also helped with many fundraisers by making her homemade Brunswick stew for the volunteer Fire Department.

After her children were grown, Lillie Mae continued to volunteer at school. Beth and Frank remember she was involved at her grandchildren’s schools by helping with room mothering and attending programs.

The grandparents made other holidays and birthdays special too. At Easter, they would boil 200 eggs and color them for their grandchildren to hunt at the farm. For grandchildren’s birthday cakes, Lillie Mae would decorate them with toy trucks for the boys and small ballerina dolls for the girls. For Beth’s son, she baked his first birthday cake and placed a little train on his cake that he still has.

While Christmas was a special time at their grandparents’ home, Beth and Frank both have treasured memories of spending weekends throughout the year. They remember the many overnight times spent with their

4 oz. pkg. German sweet chocolate ½ cup boiling water 1 cup butter, room temperature 2 cups sugar 4 egg yolks 1 tsp. vanilla 2 ½ cups sifted cake flour 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 1 cup buttermilk 4 egg whites, stiffly beaten Melt chocolate in boiling water. Cool. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add yolks 1 at a time, beating well after each. Blend in vanilla and chocolate.

Sift flour with soda and salt, add alternately with buttermilk to chocolate mixture, beating after each addition until smooth. Fold in beaten egg whites.

Pour into three 8 or 9 inch layer pan that has been greased and floured.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 to 40 minutes. Cool layers. Then frost cake.

Coconut-Pecan Frosting: 1 cup evaporated milk 1 cup sugar 3 slightly beaten egg yolks ½ cup (1 stick) butter 1 1/3 cups sweetened flaked coconut 1 cup chopped pecans.

Combine evaporated milk, sugar, egg yolks, butter and vanilla. Cook and stir over medium heat until thickened, about 12 minutes. Add coconut and pecans.

Cool until thick enough to spread; beat occasion-

LILLIE MAE JONES grandparents and waking up to the delicious smell of bacon, eggs, grits, oatmeal and biscuits baked from scratch. Soft butter, sugar, and cream were the centerpiece of her table.

“I can remember my grandfather would pick me up after school on Friday,” said Frank, “and take me to the farm for the weekend.

We would hunt, fish, and then my parents would come over on Sunday afternoon to pick me up. We used to have a lot of men’s suppers at the church in Salem. I miss that. We always had wonderful food and fellowship.

My grandparents were very special people to me. We were very fortunate.”

“My grandmother ally.

CARAMEL ICING

Lillie Mae Jones received more orders for her Caramel Cakes than any other cake. This icing goes with her Standard Cake Layers.

3 cups sugar, divided ¼ cup boiling water ¼ cup butter 1 cup buttermilk ½ tsp. soda ½ tsp. vanilla Melt or caramelize ½ cup sugar (place sugar in skillet on medium heat and stir until brown).

Add 1/4 cup boiling water to make a syrup. Add syrup to the remainder of sugar.

Add butter, buttermilk and soda. Boil until a small amount dropped in cold water forms a soft ball. Remove from heat.

Add vanilla and beat until creamy.

STANDARD CAKE LAYERS

1 cup butter, room temperature 2 cups sugar 4 eggs, separated 3 cups all-purpose flour 4 tsp. baking powder 1 cup milk 1 tsp. vanilla Cream butter; add sugar and cream well together. Add well beaten egg yolks and mix well.

Sift flour and baking powder together. Add alternately with milk to creamed butter and sugar.

Add vanilla. Beat egg whites until stiff and fold

found time to spend with each grandchild in talking, loving and sharing her love for the Lord,” Beth said.

“She also prayed and answered our questions about the Bible and life.”

When Frank was grown, he would take hunting teams to his grandparents’ farm.

His grandmother would make a big lunch for them. Sometimes family members would go help her cook a big lunch for the hunters.

The beloved Lillie Mae passed away at 89 years of age in 1990.

“My grandmother did an excellent job instilling family values in her children and grandchildren,” Beth said, “with our memories, home, hospitality and unconinto batter.

Bake in two or three greased and floured cake pans at 365 degrees for 15 to 25 minutes or until tests done by inserting toothpick near the center.

For cupcakes, bake at 375 degrees in muffin tins 15 to 20 minutes or until tests done.

CHOCOLATE ICING FOR STANDARD CAKE LAYERS 3 cups sugar ½ cup cocoa 2 Tbsp. Karo syrup 1 cup milk ½ cup butter Mix ingredients in the order listed and cook until a soft ball forms when a small amount is dropped in cold water.

Remove from heat, add 1 tsp. vanilla and beat until thick enough to spread.

LEMON CHEESE ICING FOR STANDARD CAKE LAYERS My grandmother got so many orders for this cake.

2 cups sugar 2 eggs Juice from 2 lemons 1 stick butter Combine all ingredients. Cook in double boiler until thick. Spread on the Standard Layers.

ICING FOR DECORATING CAKES FOR STANDARD CAKE LAYERS

ditional love. I think everyone of us takes those things with us into our family.”

Frank and his wife, Deborah, moved into the grandparents’ house and restored it. They have two sons, Kyle and Kirk, and two grandchildren, Henry and Charlotte. Frank is a CPA in his accounting firm, while Deborah is active in the Community Bible Study in Opelika.

After Beth married, she moved to Daphne and has one son, Gus, who lives in Michigan.

Her husband enjoyed cooking and would make her Lillie Mae’s Red Velvet Cake on her birthday.

When Beth’s husband passed away, she moved back to Opelika in March 2018. She feels God moved her back, and she wanted to be near her brother and Deborah.

While she is enjoying being back home, Beth stays busy writing a column for the Observer, “Classroom Observer.”

Beth and Frank’s younger brother, Tim Jones, also enjoyed time at their grandparents’ home. Tim and his wife, Cathy, live in Montgomery and have four grown children.

Beth has baked a few of her grandmother’s cakes. She remembers baking her grandmother’s Pineapple Upside Down Cake for her brothers.

“I inverted the plate a little too quickly, and my cake landed on the

Mix together in large bowl: 1 cup Crisco ½ cup (1 stick) margarine, room temperature 2 boxes sifted powdered sugar ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla 1/4 cup water ( in hot weather use less water, and in cold water may need more water) Combine Crisco and margarine, beating until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar, mixing well. Add salt and vanilla.

Add water as needed for spreading consistency.

LILLIE MAE’S AUNT EFFIE’S CHOCOLATE CAKE

Makes 3 layers 3/4 cup butter or oleo, room temperature 2 cups sugar 3 eggs, add one at a time 3 cups all-purpose flour 6 Tbsp. cocoa, sifted with flour 1 cup buttermilk 1 tsp. vanilla 1 Tbsp. vinegar with 1 tsp. soda dissolved in it Beat butter and sugar together. Add eggs one at a time, beating well.

Sift flour and cocoa together. Add to butter and sugar mixture alternately with buttermilk.

Add vanilla. Then add vinegar mixed with soda, blending well.

Pour batter into three greased and floured cake pans. Bake at 350 degrees

floor. Even though my brothers and I are in our 60s and 70s, they still remind me of this upside down Pineapple Cake. Even though it landed on the floor, they did eat it. It is a good family laugh and memory.”

Beth and Frank both say they didn’t realize how blessed they were to grow up in a loving family until after they were grown. “If you met my grandmother,” Frank said, “you would get a hug. There was never a stranger in the house.”

“Our Christmases under the heart of our grandmother and grandfather are memory makers,” added Beth.

“I think her grandchildren try to redo it in their homes with their families.

“When I look at lights at Christmas, I think of Nanny because her acts of love were lights.

The spirit of Jesus lived in her eyes. You could see Jesus in her love of cooking for her families and friends as a ministry.”

Lillie Mae took the time to teach her children and grandchildren how to cook and bake.

Her daughter Josephine Teague of Auburn, who is also an excellent cook, composed Lillie Mae’s recipes in a family cookbook. Many of the featured cake recipes are in the cookbook, allowing family and friends to continue a special mother and grandmother’s ministry of expressing love.

for about 25 minutes or until tests done. Cool layers and frost with icing.

Chocolate Icing: 1 stick oleo (butter or margarine), room temperature 1 lb. box powdered sugar ½ cup cocoa 1/8 tsp. salt 7 Tbsp. hot milk 1 tsp. vanilla Beat butter or margarine until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar and then add other ingredients.

Mix until smooth.

SYRUP CAKE

1 egg ¼ cup shortening (butter or Crisco) 1/3 cup milk 1/4 cup syrup 1/4 cup sugar 1/4 tsp. nutmeg 1/4 tsp. ginger 1/4 tsp. cloves 1/4 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 cup flour Mix egg, shortening, milk and syrup. Sift dry ingredients together and add to first mixture. Stir well.

Pour batter into greased and floured cake pan.

Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until tests done.

Pour sauce over warm cake while in pan.

Warm Sauce: ½ stick oleo (butter or margarine), melted 2 Tbsp. flour 1 cup sugar 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup milk Mix in order given. Stir constantly over medium See CIPPERLY RECIPES, page A11

A11 Dec. 9, 2021

CIPPERLY RECIPES >> or low heat until sauce is slightly thickened. Pour over syrup cake.

CARROT CAKE

2 cups sugar 1 ½ cups corn oil 4 eggs 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tsp. soda 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. cinnamon 3 cups raw carrots, grated ½ cup chopped pecans Cream sugar and oil, add eggs and cream well. Sift dry ingredients and add to mixture. Fold into carrots and nuts.

Pour into three greased and floured (can use nonstick spray). Bake at 350 for 25 to 30 minutes or until tests done.

Icing: 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, room temperature ½ stick oleo (butter or margarine), room temperature 1 lb. box powdered sugar 2 tsp. vanilla 1 tsp. milk, if needed Beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Gradually add powdered sugar.

Add vanilla and milk, if needed.

PINEAPPLE UPSIDE DOWN CAKE

This recipe uses half of the batter from a yellow cake mix box. Bake the other half of batter as directed on box and frost as desired or make two pineapple upside down cakes to have one to share.

1/4 cup butter or oleo

½ cup brown sugar 8 ½ oz. can pineapple slices Maraschino cherries Pecan halves, optional 1 pkg. Betty Crocker yellow cake mix Heat oven to 350 degrees. Melt oleo over low heat in layer cake pan. Sprinkle brown sugar evenly over butter.

Arrange pineapple slices, cherries and pecan halves over sugar mixture.

Prepare cake mix as directed on package and pour half the batter evenly over fruit in pan. Bake 35 to 40 minutes. Invert at once on serving plate.

BUTTERMILK POUND CAKE WITH LEMON-ORANGE GLAZE

1 ½ cups Crisco or oleo (butter or margarine) 2½ cups sugar 2 Tbsp. hot water ½ tsp. soda 1 Tbsp. water 1 cup buttermilk 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour sifted with ½ tsp. salt three times 1 Tbsp. lemon extract 4 eggs Cream the butter and sugar with the hot water. Add eggs one at a time, beating after each addition. Dissolve soda in one Tbsp. water and mix with buttermilk.

Sift flour with salt three times.

Then add flour and buttermilk alternately to batter. Add lemon extract. Beat about 2 minutes.

Bake in a large ungreased tube pan 1 ½ hours at 300 degrees or until tests done. Pour

Glaze over top.

Lemon-Orange Glaze: Mix juice from 1 lemon, orange and 1 cup powdered sugar. Pour over cake. Let stand 10 minutes before removing from pan.

PINEAPPLE POUND CAKE WITH GLAZE

3 cups sugar 2 cups Crisco 9 eggs 3 cups all-purpose flour ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. vanilla 1 small can crushed pineapple, drained (reserve juice) Cream sugar and Crisco.

Add eggs three at the time, alternating eggs with flour that has been sifted with salt and baking power. Add vanilla. Then add drained pineapple.

Pour in greased and floured tube, Bundt pan or loaf pans. Bake at 300 degrees one hour or until tests done.

Glaze: Mix reserved pineapple juice with half a box of powdered sugar. Pour over warm cake.

POUND CAKE

3 sticks butter or oleo, room temperature 2 cups sugar 2 Tbsp. hot water 6 eggs 3 cups cake flour 1 tsp. vanilla Cream butter and sugar with 2 Tbsp. hot water.

Add eggs one at a time.

Add flour and vanilla and beat 3 minutes.

Pour batter into a greased and floured tube or Bundt pan. Bake at 325 for 1 hour 15 minutes or until tests done.

Samford Community Annual Christmas Party Planned for Dec. 11 CONTRIBUTED BY PASTOR CAROLYN MORTON

The Samford Community Outreach Fellowship Group will host its ninth annual

Opelika Christmas Party Celebration on Dec. 11 from noon until 2 p.m. The event will be held at Christian Care Ministries in Opelika.

There will be special guests, music, toys and snacks. Season greetings to the community from Pastor Carolyn Morton.

DOWNTOWN EVENTS DEC. 8 AT 5 P.M. — WINE DOWN WEDNESDAY AT THE BOTTLING PLANT EVENT CENTER DEC. 9 AT 7:30 P.M. — TRIVIA WITH CAROLINE, “MARVEL" AT ROCK N ROLL PINBALL DEC. 10 — LIVE MUSIC AT RESTING PULSE BREWING COMPANY DEC. 10 AT 8 P.M. — OPEN MIC AT ROCK N ROLL PINBALL DEC.10 AT 6 P.M. — CHRISTMAS IN A RAILROAD TOWN! DEC. 11 AT 8 P.M. — TOMMY SAMARAS LIVE AT ROCK N ROLL PINBALL DEC. 11 — LIVE MUSIC AT RESTING PULSE BREWING COMPANY

ON-THE-JOB TRAINING PROGRAM LETS YOU EARN WHILE YOU LEARN!

Visit your local Career Center and ask about the On-the-Job Training Program!

Earn a salary while learning a skilled trade

ALABAMAWORKS.ALABAMA.GOV Funding provided by the USDOL, ETA, Federal WIOA. An Equal Opportunity Employer/ Program. Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

A12 Dec. 9, 2021

A13 Dec. 9, 2021

When God Is Calling You he ended up spending the night on the mountain.

He was staying at a nearby lodge and when he failed to return as expected that evening, they reBRUCE GREEN Teaching Minister at 10th ported him missing.

Street Church of Christ At 10:00 that night, five search teams in Opelika went out looking for him. They called, left voicemails and ot long ago, texted him but there a man dewas no response. cided to climb Mt. Elbert, the They continued their search until highest mountain 3:00 a.m. when they in Colorado. It’s a stopped for the night. bit under 15,000 ft., The next morning, so if you’re in good another team went shape it’s doable in out at 7:00 a.m. a day. He started in Meanwhile, with the morning, reached the light of a new the summit,and then day, the man was started working his able to re-orient way back down. He himself and make got a little disoriented, darkness fell and it down off the

N

mountain. He got in his car and drove back to the lodge. He had no idea he had been the subject of an intense search.

When asked why he hadn’t responded to the phone calls, voice mails and texts, he said that he didn’t answer them because he didn’t recognize the phone number.

In 2 Thessalonians 2:14, Paul speaks of God calling us through the gospel — the good news of Jesus’ death for our sins, His burial and resurrection from the dead (1 Corinthians 15:1-4). It’s not a call that is limited to a few elite individuals, it is God’s desire for the world (1 Timothy 2:3-4). If you are

reading this, this call is for you.

And that’s the problem.

Too many times, we’re like the man on the mountain.

God calls, we don’t recognize the number, so we “miss” His message. We miss the message because we’re sure whoever is calling does not have our best interests in mind. They want to extend our car warranty or to talk to us about repaying a student loan we never took out. Either way, it’s not to our benefit to answer, so we don’t.

The man in our story got lucky.

He made it off the mountain all by

himself and that’s the trap we can fall into. You see, when God calls it’s not just that we don’t recognize His number — it’s that we’re not looking for Him because we don’t think we need Him — we can find the way down the mountain ourselves. But we can’t. If we could, God never would have sent His Son to die on the cross. But He did because we do need Him. Make no mistake about, God is calling — will you hear what He has to say?

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

Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name... — Philippians 2:9

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

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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. 9, 2021

Facing Harship With Strength and Courage

C

WALTER ALBRITTON

hrist followers love Old Testament scriptures.

One of the most beloved verses is Joshua 1:9 where the Lord said to Joshua, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

We can imagine those words meant everything to Joshua.

Having been chosen to fill the shoes of mighty Moses, Joshua surely felt the same way most of us would have felt — scared to death. But

somehow Joshua overcame his fear and embraced his mission with strength and courage.

And that raises a good question: how did he do it? What did Joshua do to become “strong and courageous”?

This is an important question because we believe God wants all His people to face the challenges of life with strength and courage.

For example, as I read the Biblical story of Joshua, I hear the same God who spoke to Joshua speaking to me, saying “Walter, I know you have many fears, just as all people do, but if you will face your fears, and trust me like Joshua did, I will give you the confidence to be strong and courageous.

You can refuse to be terrified and discouraged because I will be with you, just like I

was with Joshua and Moses.”

To be strong, then, means to rely on the Lord, to trust Him as my true source of strength. Solomon reminds us that to trust the Lord “in all things,” means that I refuse to “lean on my own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5-6).

For Joshua, trusting God meant to “obey” God’s directions and to “meditate” on them “day and night.” And if “successful” living required obedience and meditation from Joshua, the same disciplines are expected of us today.

To be courageous is to be resolute, steadfast, not weak and spineless in the face of difficult situations.

God did not tell Joshua, nor does He tell us, that by trusting the Lord he would have an

easy life. He simply promised to be “with” Joshua when he faced great adversity. And Joshua learned what we have learned, that the strengthening presence of the Lord makes all the difference when we are confronting life’s hardships. It is His presence, and our confidence in His power to help us, that puts steel instead of Jell-0 in our backbones. Our fears are real but more real is the Lord’s power to help us bravely face our troubles.

Courage is needed in daily living. It takes courage to admit you were wrong and ask for forgiveness.

It takes courage to be accountable and take responsibility for your mistakes. It takes courage to overcome your fear of failure and begin a new project. It takes courage to listen

more and talk less. It takes courage to offer kindness to others, especially those whose behavior has irritated you. It takes courage to say No to some things in order to be able to say Yes to more important things. It takes courage to keep your commitments to your family and your colleagues at work.

It takes courage to remain positive in a negative environment.

To live in this broken world with strength and courage, we must believe that God is ready to help those who obey His directions for living.

Joshua believed God would help him in his hour of need. We see Joshua’s courage at the Jordan River. Crossing seemed impossible with the river at flood stage. It took courage for Joshua to believe

that the Lord would part the water when the priests “set foot in the Jordan.” But when they did, obeying the Lord, the waters parted so the Israelites could cross over on dry ground. The Lord made a way.

When we, in everyday life, obey God, believe God, trust God and face our problems with strength and courage, we can expect God to “make a way where there is no way” for us in our day. If you will listen carefully, you may hear the Lord calling your name and saying to you, “I know what you are going through and I am ready to help you overcome your fears and face your problems with courage. Trust me, obey me, be strong and courageous, and I will be with you everywhere you go.”

a member of First Baptist Church of Opelika. He was a member of the Barry Dudley Sunday School Class. Ernie was a loving father and devoted grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents Mr. and Mrs. Leo Ward.

He is survived by his wife Colleen Ward; one son, Kevin (Ashley) Ward of LaGrange, Georgia; one daughter, Sheila (Jeff) Henkey of Birmingham, Alabama; three brothers and one sister; five grandchildren, Grant Henkey of Atlanta, Georgia; Madison and Regan Henkey of Birmingham, Alabama; Abby and Jackson Ward of LaGrange, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that memorial donations be made to www. cureduchenne.org/ or www.parentprojectmd. org/ Dr. Jeff Myers and Dr. Mike King officiated. JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

brothers, Rusty and Dale Murphy.

Her Godfather, Danny Weatherley; Godmother, Cheryl Weatherley, Sharon and Jimmy Whigham; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and other family members.

She loved her family, Alabama Football, and was an avid Amazon shopper. She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home servicing Alabama Funeral Homes & Cremation Centers directed.

OBITUARIES SARA MAE (MCKELVEY) TAUNTON

Sara was born in Tallapoosa County, Alabama, near Eagle Creek, the fourth child of Earlie and Kate (Scroggins) McKelvey. Her dad died when she was 8 years old, and she lived her early childhood in the Russell Mills Village in Alexander City, where her mother worked at Russell Mills folding men’s undershirts.

When Sara was 12, her mother became unable to work, and they moved to Opelika, to the Old Mill Village, and a house there on 1st Avenue, where Sara’s sister, Marguerette, and her husband Rovene (Milam) lived.

Sara attended Opelika Schools (Clift High) but quit school in 10th grade, at age 16, because JT Taunton had proposed marriage.

JT and Sara married on Dec. 20, 1941, as soon as Sara turned 16.

Soon after marriage, JT volunteered for the Army because World War II had begun. JT and Sara remained married for 75 years.

While JT was overseas, Sara began work at the telephone company, Southern Bell, where she worked as an operator for 31 years.

Sara was predeceased by her parents, her husband (JT) and her sisters, Marguerette (Rovene Milam), Mary Ann (James Barton), and Helen (Lawton Pemberton).

She is survived by her only son, JT Taunton, Jr. (Nancy), two grandsons: Derek

(Shannon) and Brent (Gabriela), and four great grandchildren: Jennifer (Jake Phillips), Brooks, Daniel, and David.

It must be said that Sara considered her nephew, Bobby Lee Taunton (Wanda) as a second son. She also loved nieces and nephews: Syble Pemberton Johnston, Jimmy Pemberton, Ray Taunton, Gail Taunton McGrady, Earl Milam, Becky Jane Taunton Mann and Debra Taunton McDonald.

Jt and Sara were loyal members of Pepperell Methodist Church from the construction of the church building until recently closed.

Visitation was at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home on Tuesday, Dec. 7,at 10 a.m. and the funeral service followed at the Chapel at 11 a.m. with burial at Garden Hills Cemetery.

Flowers were accepted, but as an alternative, donations may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika, Al., 36801.

Please mark your check for: Quilting Ministry.

––––––– WILLIAM JUNIOR BROWNING William Junior Browning, 86, died Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021 at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Alabama.

William Browning was born Dec. 1, 1935 in Newsite, Alabama, to Roy and Vertis Browning. He is preceded in death by his parents and sister,

Ruby Nordan.

Retired from Uniroyal Michelin after 31 years of service, William was also a member of the Opelika Lions Club where he was awarded the Lion of the Year and named as a Melvin Jones Fellow. In addition, he was a hunter education instructor through the State of Alabama’s Department of Conservation and awarded the Governor’s Conservation Achievement Award and also a member of Yuchi Bowman Archery Club where he was a state champion.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Maggie; daughter Debbie B. Hendrix (Bert Hendrix) of Jasper and son Doug Browning (Carmen Browning) of Opelika; grandchildren Whitney Browning, Trey Hendrix, and Blake Hendrix; brothers Leslie and Charles (Cathy). He leaves behind nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

Visitation and the funeral were held at Jeffcoat Trant Chapel on Monday, Dec. 6.

Burial was at Garden Hill. Wayne Ivey officiated. Jeffcoat Trant directed.

––––––– MARTHA JEANETTE ROGERS Martha Jeanette Rogers was born to the late Leonard Shepherd and Hazel Shepherd on Oct. 12, 1938. The lord called her home on Dec. 4, 2021. She was 83 years old.

There was a graveside service at Garden Hills

Cemetery on Dec. 5, at 2 p.m.

She met Frank Rogers in Tuskegee, Alabama. They married on Feb. 15, 1957 and lived in the OpelikaAuburn area. They were happily married for 45 years. Jeanette owned and operated Rogers Daycare in Auburn for many years before going to work at East Alabama Medical Center and Federal Credit Union where she retired. Jeanette was well known and well loved by those in her community.

Along with her parents she is preceded by her husband Frank and their son Jeff Rogers.

She leaves behind a large adoring family including: four children: Vicki Choron, Frankie Rogers, Paul (Susan) Rogers, and Ray (Sherri) Parker, 10 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren.

She also leaves behind three brothers, two sisters and several nieces and nephews.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.

You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”

Matthew 25:21 ––––––– ERNIE WARD

A memorial service for Ernie Ward of Opelika was held Wednesday, Dec. 1, at 11 a.m. at JeffcoatTrant Chapel.

Mr. Ward, who died Nov. 28, 2021, in Opelika, Alabama, was born Jan. 21, 1940, in Rockford, Illinois.

Mr. Ward was

––––––– WINDY WATSON COUNTS Windy Watson Counts of Opelika passed away at her residence on Dec. 2, 2021 at the age of 38.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Paula Spears and Eddie Watson.

She is survived by her husband of almost five years; Steven Counts; daughter, Savannah Powell; son, Devin Counts; sister, Kayla Lazenby (Justin);

––––––– JIMMIE T. HOLSENBACK Mrs. Jimmie T. Holsenback, 89, of Auburn, Alabama passed away Friday, Dec. 3, 2021 at Oak Park Nursing Home.

Mrs. Holsenback is preceded in death by her husband of 59 years, Harold Holsenback; her parents, Leo and Pecola Townley; and her sisters: Jaqueline England, Sue Long and Nell Minor.

She is survived by her son, Ken (Lila) Holsenback; brother, Mike Townley; and grandchildren: Emily, Richie and Patrick Holsenback.

A graveside service was held Monday, Dec. 6, at 11 a.m. at Auburn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made in Mrs. Holsenback’s name to the Food Bank of East Alabama.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

A15 Dec. 9, 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. 9, 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 AUBURN: DEC. 14 AT 6 P.M. INSIDE • OPELIKA/AUBURN SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS

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

Auburn Places 3rd at Swim Championships Tallassee Swimmer Breaks Record

D. MARK MITCHELL

T

OHS Wrestling Ramps Up (195 lbs).

OHS beat Russell County in its final matchup, 48-36, behind the following wins: Emonte Richardson (113 lbs), Pedro Cabrera (120 lbs), Micah Smith (138 lbs), Trace Gaither (145 lbs), Brady Campbell (145 lbs), Tommie Johnson (182 lbs), Jack Pritchard (195 lbs) and Ari Brogdom (heavyweight).

The “Gridiron Brawl” in Millbrook was scheduled to take place on the Stanhope Elmore football field. Due to dropping temperatures, the mat became slick and dangerous, causing officials to go inside for the meet.

OHS first beat Reeletown, 51-30, behind the following wins: heavyweight Ari Brogdom, Derrick Hoyett (120 lbs), Brayden Wilson (126 lbs), Tyrese Pitts (132 lbs), Trace Gaither (138 lbs), Logan Sheridan (145 lbs), Landon Willis (160 lbs), Jack Pritchard (195 lbs) and Emauri Smiley (220 lbs).

The Dogs beat Stanhope Elmore, 54-24, in the last match. The following won matches for OHS: Emonte Richardson (113 lbs), Chris Cannon

A number of local swimmers made their mark and the Auburn High School girls’ swimming team placed third in the 62nd AHSAA Swimming Championships at Auburn University’s James E Martin Aquatics Center on Dec. 3.

In single-swimmer and team events, the Tigers of Auburn — as well as a number of other individual athletes from various schools — performed well enough to place.

The best single-event team performance came from the Auburn girls, who placed third overall

in the 200-yard medley relay with a time of 1:50:83.

Individually for the Tigers, junior Layne Tucker finished

third in the 100-yard Breaststroke for boys Class 6A-7A with a time of 59:18; and junior Piper Long placed third in the 50-yard

freestyle for Class 6A-7A with a Tallassee’s Macey Stewart, a sophomore, broke the girls’ 1A/5A See SWIM, page B2

Lee Feeds Off Crowd in Auburn Debut

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER The Auburn gymnastics faithful have waited their turn.

They cheered from their homes during the summer Olympic Games in Tokyo and they tuned in to Dancing With the

Stars every week to offer their support. On Friday night, they finally had the opportunity to see Olympic all-around champion Suni Lee take the floor inside of Auburn Arena.

In her first appearance in orange and blue, Auburn’s star freshman was everything it

wanted her to be and more. Tiger fans brought the energy and rallied behind Lee from the moment she first ran out of the team’s locker room.

“It was amazing,” Lee said. “I feel like the last time I was in front of a crowd like that was at the Olympic Trials.”

To Lee, the energy PHOTO BY HARRISON TARR / FOR THE OBSERVER

he Opelika High wrestling team participated in a quad and tri-match last week.

The Dogs wrestled Shaw, Russell County and Smiths Station in the quad match on the Smiths Station High School campus and wrestled Stanhope Elmore and Reeltown in the “Gridiron Bowl” in Millbrook.

The Bulldogs opened up against Shaw in Smiths Station, losing by one point in sudden death, 37-36. The following wrestlers recorded victories: Tyrese Pitts (132 lbs), Vin Schwenk (138 lbs), Brady Campbell (145 lbs), Jack Pritchard (220 lbs) McKenzie Felder and heavyweight E’Mauri Smiley all pinned their opponents to tie Shaw.

The Raiders won the tiebreaker criteria for the one-point victory.

Smiths Station then beat OHS, 51-22, in the second match. The following won matches for OHS: Brayden Wilson (126 lbs), Micah Smith (132 lbs), Brady Campbell (145 lbs), Harrison Renfroe (152 lbs) and Jack Prichard

PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

ON THE MARK

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

See SPORTS, page B2

inside of Auburn Arena served as a testament to the outpouring of support she has received since her first arrival on the Plains.

“Everybody here has been so supportive,” Lee said. “It’s Auburn.

Everybody is going to love you for you and you don’t have to be perfect.

I think that really helped me tonight.”

The freshman noted her appreciation for the fans who showed out for the team’s scrimmage, adding that she’s the type of competitor who feeds off of her surroundings.

“It just felt amazing to have the crowd,” Lee said. “I’m definitely someone who thrives off the energy. It helped me tonight.”

Despite the immeasurable amount of hype See DEBUT, 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. 9, 2021

Smiths Station Boys’ Basketball Looks to Continue Hot Start

BY HARRISON TARR FOR THE OBSERVER In the world of high school basketball, capturing momentum early in the season is imperative to teams who have aspirations of making a deep run in the state playoffs come February.

As is in any sport, playing catch-up is remarkably challenging come time for region play and — at this level — Cinderella stories are much less frequent.

Luckily for head coach Steven Davis and the Smiths Station Panthers, the first 10 games of the year pointed the program in the right direction.

Following their victory over Loachapoka on Monday night, the Panthers find themselves victors in nine of their first 10 contests. Their head coach is fired up.

“Great start,” Davis said. “You’re talking about the first third of the season, only losing one game.”

Davis noted that — although his squad has a blemish on its record — the team’s season-long goal was not a perfect season.

“The goal wasn’t to go undefeated,” Davis said.

“The goal was to get better every day and get to

FROM B1 100-yard backstroke record with a time of 55.75, surpassing the mark (56.09) set by Sara Cimino of Randolph in 2016. Stewart also won the 100-yard freestyle race in 1A/5A with a time of 51.27.

Her Tiger teammate, freshman Camden Mask, placed third in the

“Dre Weathers of course,” Davis said. “He’s averaging a double-double for us and Tre Turner is having a big year.”

The duo has lit up the scoreboard to this point in 2021 and their head coach plans to rely on their production throughout the year.

“It’s usually a two-point difference if one of them doesn’t go for 30,” Davis said. “For the most part, one of those guys is giving us 20 and the other is giving us 18. Those guys are leaders.”

As a bonus spotlight, the Panthers’ head coach mentioned how impressed he was by senior twosport standout Amhari Peabody. Davis says that — although Peabody is more of a natural at football — his love for basketball impresses him every day.

“He’s a really good basketball player,” Davis said. “... I think naturally he’s a better football player but he loves basketball with everything in him.”

The Panthers seek to build upon their impressive start when the team travels to Seale, Alabama, on Friday night to take on the Warriors of Russell county. Tip-off between the two out-of-region foes is set for 7 p.m. CST.

BY WIL CREWS SPORTSCREWS@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

Although unable to compile the numbers for varsity teams, the Southern Christian Patriots’ junior varsity basketball team and middle school team are off to a good start in the program’s second year.

“We were not able to put together a varsity team or girls team for basketball this year, but we are hoping that more of the home-educated families in this area will hear about us and get plugged into this program,” said Southern Christian Athletic Director Chasity Scott.

A large home crowd gathered at the Covington Rec Center

in Opelika last week for the Patriots’ first game.

Facing the Evangel Christian Lions of Montgomery, the Patriots won the middle school game 41-24 behind Jagger Scott’s 12 points and five rebounds. Harris Adams added seven points and five rebounds; Parks Myers had three steals, leading the way on defense.

For the junior varsity squad, however, the Lions proved much more difficult to manage. The Patriots struggled to penetrate a stingy Evangel defense, resulting in a number of forced shots from beyond the threepoint line. In total, the Patriots finished 3-for-24 from three-point range and narrowly fell, 24-23.

Jedd Scott and Jack Egan

led the Patriots with eight points apiece; Jedd added seven steals. Jagger and Cole Johnson controlled the paint with eight rebounds each.

The next game for the Patriots was against the Wiregrass Kings in Dothan, Alabama. The middle school matchup came first and the two teams were difficult to separate throughout the contest. Although the Patriots led at the half, the Kings came out of the break and went on a 12-to-three scoring run to put some distance between the two teams.

Ultimately, the deficit proved too much to overcome as the Patriots lost 45-42. Johnson led the way for Southern See SCA, page B3

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

SWIM >>

the playoffs so, yeah, 8-1, we’re good with it. We know what we’ve got to fix to get better.”

It’s also worth noting that the Panthers’ lone loss was just a four point difference at the hands of undefeated Enterprise.

“Enterprise was the state runner-up last year,” Davis said. “It’s a great quality team to play. Good back-and-forth game. It was back-and forth all the way to the last minute.”

According to Davis, the team’s hot start can be attributed to the large-scale return of players from last year’s four-loss playoff team.

“It was an easy transition,” Davis said. “The expectation was already set on what we wanted to do, how we wanted to play and where we wanted to go.”

With the culture already in place, all it took was Davis’ guys stepping into the roles he asked them to fill.

“We returned a lot of players from last year,” Davis said. “So they kinda knew what we wanted to do and what we needed to get better at.”

Of the returners, a pair of seniors standout, stretch four Dadrevius Weathers and forward Trequan Turner.

Southern Christian Building on Recent Results

100-yard breaststroke for Class 1A-5A with a time of 1:05:15.

Randolph School of Huntsville swept the Class 1A-5A boys’ and girls’ state championship, and Huntsville High School swept the 6A/7A state titles.

For more information on the results of the state meet, visit ahsaa.com, go to the sports tab and click swimming.

Pictured bottom left is Opelika swim coach and Olympic gold medalist Tyler McGill; pictured bottom middle (from left to right) are AHSAA Executive Director Alvin Briggs, former Opelika girls' basketball coach and current AHSAA executive staff member Devin Booth and AHSAA Swimming & Diving Director Marvin Chou.

SPORTS >> FROM B1 (112 Ibs), Trace Gaither (138 lbs), Brady Campbell (145 lbs), Harrison Renfroe (152 lbs), Jack Pritchard (195 lbs), Kyle Epperson (220 lbs) and heavyweight Ari Brogdon.

Opelika assembled the 7th, 8th and 9th grade wrestlers to participate in the “Lil Stinger Rumble” at Beauregard High School, last week.

The junior Dogs finished second with 179 points.

These 13 Dawgs finished in the top 4: 95 lbs – Andray Vann

(1st place), 103 lbs – Aaden Johnson (4th place), 112 lbs – Nic Ambrocia (1st place), 119 lbs – Heidi Peralta (4th place), 130 lbs – Vin Schwenk (4th place), 135 lbs – Tyrese Pitts (2nd), 135 lbs – Trell Anderson (3rd), 145 lbs – Harrison Renfroe (1st), 155 lbs – Brady Campbell (1st), 175 lbs – Tommie Johnson (1st), 210 lbs – Kyle Epperson (1st), heavyweights E’Mauri Smiley (3rd) and Lamontez Brown (4th).

Thanks to Coach Jim Davis for sending summaries after matches!

OHS BASKETBALL The OHS varsity girls’

basketball team played Benjamin Russell and Hewiit-Trussville last week.

The Lady Bulldogs beat Benjamin Russell 56-44 and lost to Hewitt-Trussville 63-35 at Mainstreet gym in OHS. OHS beat BRHS behind 26 points from Erica Mathews and 16 points Haley Sanders.

The Lady Huskies of Hewitt-Trussville then downed OHS 63-35. Despite the loss, Sanders scored 13 points and Ashanti Thomas added 12 points.

The boys split, losing 51-67 to Shaw and beating Hewitt-Trussville 63-62.

Against Shaw, Landon Lee

led the Dogs with 12 points and 7 rebounds, and Isiah Knight scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Hewitt-Trussville missed a layup with one second left in the game, allowing Opelika to win 63-62 in a thriller.

Knight scored a game high 18 points and grabbed 9 rebounds to lead OHS. Knox Chase added 14 points and 6 rebounds to help the Dogs.

Both teams host Valley Thursday and Central Friday in the Mainstreet gym. Tipoff for JV begins at 4 p.m., followed by girls at 5:30 p.m. and boys 7 p.m.

AHSAA SUPER 7

The 2021 AHSAA Super 7 in in the books.

Birmingham’s Protective stadium was the site for the seven football championship games and the inaugural girls’ Flag Football Championship.

The three day attendance of 62,544 is the largest for a Super 7 Championship.

Jordan-Hare Stadium owned the previous Super 7 attendance record of 61,048 in 2012. Opelika versus Hoover drew a single-game record of 32,000 fans in 2012.

1A — Sweet Water 40-Wadley 16 2A — Clarke County 49-Cleveland 41

3A- Piedmont 35 — Montgomery Academy 33 4A- — Vigor 56 — Oneonta 14 5A — Pike Road 51-Pleasent Grove 14 6A — Clay-Chalkville 46-Heuytown 42 7A — Thompson 38-Central 22 The 2022 Super 7 returns to Opelika-Auburn, at Jordan-Hare Stadium.

D. Mark Mitchell is the sports director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” Fox Sports the Game 910-1310, co-chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball state director.

B3 Dec. 9, 2021

Lee-Scott Footballers Make All-Star Appearance PHOTO USED WITH PERMISSION

Coach Jimmy Johnson named 2020-21 Alabama Boys Track & Field Coach of the Year Opelika High School Head Boys Track & Field Coach, Jimmy Johnson, has been named the 2020-21 Alabama Boys Track & Field (Outdoor) Coach of the Year by the NFHS Coaches Association. Coach Johnson was nominated by the Alabama High School Athletic Association as "most deserving for this honor".

According to the NFHS award letter, the honorees were selected based upon their coaching performance in the 202021 school year, lifetime community involvement, school involvement and philosophy of coaching. Coach Johnson has been the head track coach at Opelika High School for 11 years. Congratulations to Coach Johnson.

Pictured (L-R): Lee-Scott Academy varsity football players Anderson Grimes, Patrick Futch, Jackson Earnhart, Tate Mackelvey and head coach Buster Daniel. The four Warriors competed for the AISA East All-Stars and were coached by Daniel at the AISA All-Star Football Game at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery on Dec. 3.

Auburn Soccer Adds ‘Very Talented Class’ For 2022

Hot-Shooting Tigers Top Oklahoma State 77-66 CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS

CONTRIBUTED BY AU ATHLETICS Auburn soccer and head coach Karen Hoppa have announced the program’s 2022 signing class, which includes six student-athletes who are set to join the Tigers next fall.

“We are thrilled to announce our 2022 class,” Hoppa said. “This is a very talented class that

DEBUT >> FROM B1 surrounding her on Friday night, Lee did fall on beam in her first ever event in front of an Auburn crowd.

She claims that her resilient effort on the uneven bars was due — in large — to the audience’s ability to respond to her.

“Before my bar routine I kind of went up to the crowd and was like ‘get loud,’” Lee said. “I really needed that to push me to stay up on the bar. I needed to feel the energy and the good vibes.”

As much as she credits her success to her supporters, Lee believes that her mistake on beam was due to the pressure she places upon herself to succeed.

“I was obviously nerve-wrecked because I think I put a little too much pressure on

will make us better at every position.”

The class includes three defenders, two forwards and one goalkeeper. Two signees hail from Georgia and Texas and one apiece are natives of Virginia and New Jersey.

“We cannot wait for them to get to the Plains and join our successful group of returning players,” Hoppa added. “The 2022 season cannot get

here soon enough.”

The players who will join the Tigers in 2022 are listed below.

myself this week to be perfect,” Lee said.

“Especially coming off the Olympics.”

Maintaining realistic expectations and keeping a healthy level of self-motivation is a skillset Lee is actively working on.

“Trying not to push myself too hard,” Lee said. “I have a tendency to do that because I expect myself to be perfect and I put all that pressure on myself.”

It is also not unreasonable to believe that her shortened period of preparation — due to her tenure on Dancing With the Stars — played a role in the minor mishap.

“I’ve only been training for a week and a half,” Lee said. “So I’m really proud of how far I’ve come.”

With her first appearance in an Auburn leotard now behind her,

Lee took a moment to appreciate the moment.

“It was really fun,” Lee said. “The energy was amazing, the girls are amazing.

Everybody killed it.”

The standout freshman has high expectations for her team and looks forward to seeing what they can accomplish together.

“Obviously we still have some touching up to do,” Lee said. “But we’re going to be really good this year and I’m really excited.”

Auburn Gymnastics returns to practice with nearly a full month to prepare for its season opener at the North Carolina quad meet on Friday, Jan. 7. The Tigers will compete against the University of North Carolina, N.C. State and Bowling green at 6 p.m. CST. Broadcast and streaming information is not yet available.

HAYDEN COLSON Hayden Colson will make her way to Auburn from Denton, Texas, and is one of two signees to compete for FC Dallas.

A center back who can also play holding midfielder, Colson See SOCCER, page B4

Auburn shot for its highest percentage in almost three years as the Tigers led nearly from start to finish in a 77-66 win over Oklahoma State Sunday at Auburn Arena.

The Tigers (5-3) shot 60.4% from the field to win their third straight game and fifth in their last six contests. Auburn’s victory was the sixth of the week for the SEC, clinching a second straight win for the conference in the annual SEC/Big 12 Challenge.

“I thought our team came out and played tough,” said Auburn head coach Johnnie Harris.

“We’ve been challenging them to come out tough, to be prepared, to throw the first punch. We did get in a little foul trouble early, but I thought we played really hard. Just a total team effort. My staff was awesome with preparing our team to get ready for this game.”

Sophomore Aicha Coulibaly topped the

SCA >> FROM B2 Christian with 18 points and eight rebounds.

For the Patriots junior varsity squad, things were once again a struggle. A high-powered Wiregrass offense and man-to-man defensive pressure proved too much for Southern Christian to handle as the Patriots fell 65-21. The Patriots lost sophomore Brandon Williams due to fouling out midway through the second quarter and the lack of depth impeded their ability to stay in the game. Jayden McKee led Southern Christian with four rebounds and no Patriot player scored more than six points.

“We weren’t able to get our offense up and running and that made it difficult to keep up with the Kings early in the game. Once they got a lead, they never slowed

20-point mark for the third straight game, pouring in a game-high 25 on 9-of-10 shooting; 17 of her 25 came in the second half. She also had five rebounds and a team-best three steals.

“We saw some mismatches (in the second half), and we tried to draw up some plays for AC,” Harris said. “It was the same plays we were running, we just moved some people around to get AC open.”

Honesty Scott-Grayson took charge from the beginning, posting a 22-point night while sharing the team lead with six rebounds. Sania Wells overcame early foul trouble to finish with 13 points, six boards and a team-best four assists. And Jala Jordan had her second straight productive game, scoring nine points along with four rebounds and three blocks.

“Honesty did a great job at point,” Harris said.

“We worked on that with her this week just in case of foul trouble, and she did a good job. They all know

the next person has to step up when we get in foul trouble, if somebody gets hurt, if I have to pull somebody, we work with them in practice to make sure they’re ready for that.”

The Tigers’ 60.4-percent shooting night (29-of-48) was the best by an Auburn team since the 2018-19 squad shot 63.3 percent in a win at Elon. Auburn hit its first six shots and never really cooled off, shooting 66.7 percent in the first half. Auburn also out-rebounded Oklahoma State 32-30 and got 44 of its 77 points in the paint.

Oklahoma State scored the game’s first basket, but after Scott-Grayson answered with a baseline jumper to make it 2-2, the Tigers never trailed again.

Auburn pushed its lead to as many as six points midway through the first and led 21-16 after 10 minutes.

The Tigers would open the second quarter on a 10-2 run, taking a 31-18 lead on a Jordan layup with 6:13 to play; OSU would

down,” Jason Scott. “They have been playing together a long time and we just haven’t yet. This is year number two for us, but we will get there. More home school kids come into our sports program every month. Wiregrass is tough, best in our conference last year, so I knew we were in for a tough game even before watching the Kings varsity squad barely lose to LeeScott earlier this month.

The Patriots were back in action on Dec. 2, facing a back-to-back against ACSC conference opponent, the Tuscaloosa Warriors. The junior varsity squad lost the first game, a low scoring affair, 37-21. Egan and Anderson England both had five points. The second finished in similar fashion with the Patriots on the wrong end, however both offenses began to click and the Warriors narrowly escaped the high-scoring game with a 50-42 win.

Myers gave his best effort to bring home the win for Southern Christian with a double-double, 12 point, 11 rebound stat line.

“The teamwork was great,” Scott said of the game. “The boys played well and although we weren’t able to secure a win, it was still very exciting.”

On Monday night, the Patriots’ middle school team was able to secure its second win with a 43-12 victory over the Warriors of Wynnbrook Christian School in Columbus, Georgia.

Wyatt Myers had a team-high 15 points and grabbed seven rebounds.

England and Adams kept the Warriors’ offense honest with a combined seven steals. The win moves the Southern Christian middle schoolers to 2-1, with the junior varsity is still 0-2.

The Patriots will travel to Samford University Friday to play the East Central Patriots.

See BASKETBALL, page B4

B4 Dec. 9, 2021

Tigers Bury The Bulldogs

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The Auburn Tigers mens' basketball team defeated the Yale Bulldogs 86-64 on Saturday to push its winning streak to four games. The No. 18 ranked Tigers take on Nebraska in Atlanta, Georgia, this Saturday at 10:30 a.m. central time.

SOCCER >> FROM B3 is regarded by Top Drawer Soccer as a four-star recruit and is the 117th rated player in the 2022 Girls IMG Academy Top 150. She is also considered the 13th rated player in Texas.

Earlier this year, Colson was invited to the U.S. U18 Women’s National Team Virtual Camp and earned ECNL First Team AllConference accolades.

Also a standout at John H. Guyer High School, she was previously named the 5-6A Defensive Newcomer of the Year and First Team All-Area. Colson also runs track and was a 4x100 state qualifier and 2021 Austin TGCA All-State honoree.

DYLAN DRIVER Dylan Driver comes to the Plains from Macon, Georgia, and is a product of Concord Fire 04 ECNL Platinum.

A dangerous goal scorer, Driver was recently named to the 2021 U.S. Youth Soccer Southern Regional Best XI Team after leading Concord Fire to the regional championship and pacing

the league in points, goals and assists. She was previously named to the 2020-21 U.S U17 Piedmont Conference Best XI and is a 2020 Georgia State Cup Champion.

At the high school level, Driver holds Stratford Academy’s school record for goals (eight) and points (17) in a game and had tallied 83 goals and 54 assists in her career. She was named 2021 GHSA Super 11 Second Team and a finalist for the GHSA Player of the Year. She also competes in track & field as well as equestrian.

OLIVIA FOUT Olivia Fout is a native of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and competes at the club level for Richmond United.

A strong and physical wide forward, Fout excels for both Richmond United and Cape Henry Collegiate, where she was named First Team All-State, the Tidewater Conference Tournament MVP and the 2020-21 Cape Henry Team MVP. Fout was also an allstate performer following her freshman season at Floyd E. Kellam High School.

ERIN HOUSTON

Erin Houston is set to join the Auburn Family from Kennesaw, Georgia, where she competes for Tophat SC. A versatile defender who can play anywhere on the back line, Houston has been recognized on the Girls Academy Southeast Top 30 Players list and was a Girls Academy League team representative from 2020-21.

Following a breakout performance at Harrison High School in 2021, Houston was named the Cobb County Player of the Year and Region 3-7A Player of the Year.

TAYLOR RICHARDS Taylor Richards, who is the younger sister of Auburn’s junior forward Sydney Richards, comes to Auburn from Plano, Texas, and joins Colson as a product of FC Dallas.

An athletic goalkeeper, Richards has earned the Southern Region Golden Glove Award and has helped lead FC Dallas to both the Southern Regional Championship as well as a National Championship semifinal appearance. Also a standout at Plano Senior High School,

she earned First Team All-District 9-6A honors and has been named Plano Senior’s MVP on a pair of occasions.

HELENE TYBURCZY Rounding out the 2022 signing class, Helene Tyburczy will make her way to campus from Ramsey, New Jersey, where she competes for Cedar Stars Academy.

A true center back, Tyburczy is a threetime U.S. Youth Soccer ODP National Training Camp participant and five-time ODP East Region Team selection. She has also been named a U.S. Youth Soccer ODP Interregional Tournament All-Star and Youth Girls AllEast Region selection

by United Soccer Coaches.

At the high school level, Tyburczy is a 2020 All-East Region, two-time All-State and three-time AllConference performer as well as the 2020 North Jersey Player of the Year. She has helped lead Ramsey High School to three league and state sectional championships as well as a state finals appearance.

BASKETBALL >> FROM B3 cut it to nine at 40-31 after 20 minutes.

A basket and-one from Coulibaly pushed the Tigers’ lead back to 44-33 early in the third, but the Cowgirls would go on a 6-0 run to get within five; the Auburn lead would be 56-50 after three. OSU would get as close as two points at 61-59 with just over six minutes to play, but back-to-back turnovers would help Auburn push its advantage back to seven at

67-60. Leading by six with a minute to go, Wells and Coulibaly made clutch free throws to put the game out of reach for OSU. Lauren Fields led Oklahoma State with 20 points; Taylen Collins added 11 along with a gamehigh eight rebounds.

After a week off for final exams, Auburn is back in action next Sunday, Dec. 12, as the Tigers host New Orleans. Game time is 2 p.m. CST at Auburn Arena with a national broadcast on SEC Network.

B5 Dec. 9, 2021

Street Names Book Tells History of Auburn, Provides Future ‘Camperships’ to Auburn Youth Programs CONTRIBUTED BY AUBURN UNIVERSITY How did Auburn, Alabama, get its name, and why is it referred to as “the loveliest village?” A new book, “Auburn: A History in Street Names,” authored

by Sam Hendrix, provides a comprehensive history of the city of Auburn and so much more. The book tells the stories of the “village” and its people, street by street, act by act, over nearly two centuries.

To commemorate the book’s debut, the public is invited to a book talk with author Sam Hendrix on Thursday, Dec. 2, at 4 p.m. at the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities at Pebble Hill, located at 101 S. Debardeleben Street in Auburn.

By telling the history of Auburn, the volume creates future opportunities for today’s youth to tell stories of camp experiences. Proceeds from book sales will fund an endowment at Auburn University to provide academic camp scholarships for Auburn Youth Programs, or AYP. The “camperships,” which

cover costs of registration, on-campus lodging and meals, provide the opportunity for local youth to attend weeklong academic summer camps at Auburn University.

“It’s important to me that youth in Auburn get to experience life on campus,” Hendrix said. “There are so many bright young people who live near the university or pass by it each day, but don’t see attending college as a possibility.

Academic camperships aim to change the dynamic for our underrepresented youth and lead these sharp, curious individuals to discover undreamt-of careers and carve new futures.”

The endowment was made possible through a campaign by the Auburn Heritage Association, which raised more than $21,000 to fully cover the costs associated with the printing process.

“With printing costs covered up front, every penny will go to support academic camperships,” Hendrix said.

Each year, Auburn Youth Programs, offered through the Office of Professional and Continuing Education, or

OPCE, serves thousands of youth who travel from around the globe to attend one or more of the 60-plus summer camps and programs offered on Auburn University’s campus. Academic camps are offered in partnership with schools and colleges across campus, including the College of Veterinary Medicine; College of Architecture, Design and Construction, Planning and Landscape Architecture; MRI Research Center; Harrison School of Pharmacy; School of Nursing and the Department of Aviation.

Programs are led by Auburn professors and faculty members and provide campers the opportunity to explore potential majors.

AYP is proud to work with its campus partners to offer academic camps and programs, consistent with the mission of OPCE to make available the educational resources of Auburn University.

“We are beyond grateful for the generosity of Mr. and Mrs. Hendrix.

The camperships will allow us to serve area youth who may not otherwise be able to attend

Author Sam Hendrix is an Arab, Alabama, native and graduate of Auburn University. Hendrix spent most of his career with Auburn University as a public relations and development professional. He authored a history of the Auburn Church of Christ and a biography of founding Veterinary Medicine Dean Dr. Charles Allen Cary before publishing “Auburn: A History in Street Names.”

He resides with his wife, Mary Ellen, in Auburn. our camps,” said Jim Franklin, OPCE assistant director for Auburn Youth Programs. “It’s great to see how the stories that tell the history of our city can impact the future of its youth.”

“Auburn: A History in Street Names” uniquely chronicles the city’s past as it tells hundreds of stories of its people and

the events that unfolded on its very streets.

From Academy Drive to Zellars Avenue, the 735-page hardback book includes 400 alphabetical street name entries and 65 standalone essays, along with photos and illustrations throughout. Its first printing, now available, is limited to 1,500 copies.

Books can be purchased online and locally at area events and select bookstores. For a schedule of events or to purchase online, visit aub.ie/ auburnstreetnames.

Author Sam Hendrix is an Arab, Alabama, native and graduate of Auburn University.

Hendrix spent most of his career with Auburn University as a public relations and development professional. He authored a history of the Auburn Church of Christ and a biography of founding Veterinary Medicine Dean Dr. Charles Allen Cary before publishing “Auburn: A History in Street Names.” He resides with his wife, Mary Ellen, in Auburn.

Auburn Youth Programs, a program area within OPCE, is an extension of University

Outreach that sponsors and executes a variety of summer programs designed to educate and inspire youth. To learn more about Auburn Youth Programs, visit auburn.edu/summercamps.

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.

Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Announces Class of 2022 CONTRIBUTED BY ASHOF The board of directors of the State of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame is pleased to announce the Class of 2022 to be inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame on May 7, 2022.

The class was selected by ballot through a statewide selection committee; votes were tabulated by the accounting firm of Pricewate rhouseCoopers.

The newly elected inductees for the Class of 2022 are as follows: Doyle Alexander William Andrews Keith Askins Rusty Greer Patrick Murphy Jake Peavy Phillip Rivers Justin Tuck Starting with the first class in 1969, this will be the 54th Class inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame. The eight newly elected inductees will bring the total number of inductees to 385.

The 54th Annual Induction Banquet and Ceremony will be held in the Birmingham Ballroom, at the Sheraton Birmingham Hotel, on May 7, 2022. For more information or to purchase tickets, please contact the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame Museum at (205) 323-6665.

CLASS OF 2022 BIOGRAPHIES: DOYLE ALEXANDER — Baseball: Born Sept. 4, 1950, in Cordova, Alabama, over his 19-year MLB career, Alexander played for the Dodgers, Orioles, Yankees, Rangers, Braves, Giants, Blue Jays and Tigers. Drafted by the

Dodgers in 1968, he debuted with the team on June 26, 1971. In 1976, he helped the Yankees win the AL East division and pitched game one of the World Series. In 1984, he led the AL with a .739 winning percentage. He was traded from Atlanta to Detroit during the 1987 season.

After the trade, he went 9-0 with a 1.57 ERA and helped the Tigers secure a division title. The next season he was elected to the AL All-Star team. He finished his career with a 194-174 record, 3.76 ERA and 1,528 strikeouts.

WILLIAM ANDREWS — Football: Born Dec. 25, 1955, in Thomasville, Georgia, Andrews played football at Auburn University from 1976-78 where he amassed over 1,000 yards rushing. He was drafted in the third round of the 1979 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons with the 79th pick. He played with the Falcons from 1979-86 and his career started with a bang as he tallied 167 rushing yards in his first NFL game. Andrews broke 1,000 rushing yards as a rookie and was named on the All-Rookie team.

In 1981, Andrews led the NFL with 2,036 yards from scrimmage and also scored 12 touchdowns. In 1983, Andrews continued to dominate with 1,567 rushing yards and 2,176 scrimmage yards, second in both categories that year.

Andrews was selected to the Pro Bowl four times from 1980-83 and was named first-team All-Pro in 1983 after receiving the

honor of second team AllPro in 1981 and 1982. In total, Andrews amassed 5,986 career rushing yards which was 24th all time at his retirement.

KEITH ASKINS — Basketball: Born Dec. 15, 1967, in Athens, Alabama, Askins played forward for the University of Alabama from the 1986-87 to 198990 seasons. In 1989, he was named first-team All-SEC Tournament. Askins was a member of three SEC Tournament champion teams and reached the Sweet Sixteen twice. He signed with the Miami Heat in 1990 as an undrafted free agent. He played nine seasons as a reserve and defensive specialist with the Heat. Askins served as a captain for the Heat for four consecutive seasons from 1995-99 and won the team’s leadership award in both the 1994-95 and 1995-96 seasons. He retired from playing in 1999 with career totals of 1,852 points and 1,428 rebounds.

Immediately after retiring, he joined the Heat’s coaching staff as an assistant for Pat Riley and Erik Spoelstra where the team won three championships.

After 14 years on the Heat coaching staff, he became the organization’s director of college and pro scouting.

RUSTY GREER — Baseball: Born Jan. 21, 1969, in Fort Rucker, Alabama, Greer graduated from Albertville High School and played baseball at the University of Montevallo. The Texas Rangers drafted him 279th overall in the tenth round of the 1990 MLB Draft.

On May 16, 1994, he made

his MLB Debut versus the Oakland Athletics. He hit a home run in his second at-bat. In 1996, he had one of the best seasons of his career, batting .332 (fifth in the American League) and recording his first of three 100-RBI seasons. The next season he finished seventh in the AL with a .321 batting average and hit a career high 26 home runs. For his career, he had a .305 batting average and a slugging percentage of .478. Greer spent his entire 15-year career in the Rangers organization. In 2007, he was inducted into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame.

PATRICK MURPHY — Softball/Coaching: Born Nov. 28, 1965, in Waterloo, Iowa, Murphy began his collegiate coaching career at the University of LouisianaLafayette in 1990. He was hired as an assistant at the University of Alabama in 1996. He was named head coach at Alabama in 1999, taking the team to its first Women’s College World Series in 2000. In 2012, Murphy led Alabama to its first National Title and the first in SEC history.

Under Murphy, the Crimson Tide have appeared in 13 Women’s College World Series, won six regular season championships and won five SEC Tournament Championships. Since Murphy became head coach in 1999, Alabama has made the NCAA Tournament every year. He is a five-time SEC Coach of the Year and his staff has won a NFCA National Coaching Staff of the Year award and 11 NFCA South Region Coaching Staff of the Year

awards.

JAKE PEAVY — Baseball: Born May 31, 1981, in Mobile, Alabama, Peavy was drafted out of St. Paul’s Episcopal School by the San Diego Padres in the 15th round as the 472nd pick of the 1999 MLB Draft. He was called up to the major leagues in 2002 where he pitched for the Padres from 2002-09, before he was traded to the Chicago White Sox in 2009. Peavy played five seasons in Chicago before being traded to the Boston Red Sox in 2013. In 2014, he was traded to the San Francisco Giants where he eventually retired in 2016.

Peavy was an All-Star in 2005, 2007 and 2012 and won back-to-back World Series with the Red Sox in 2013 and with the Giants in 2014. He was named the National League Cy Young award winner in the 2007 season, where he led the NL in wins and strikeouts and led the MLB in ERA. He was awarded a Gold Glove Award in 2012.

Peavy ended his career with a record of 156-126 with a 3.63 ERA and 2,207 career strikeouts.

PHILIP RIVERS — Football: Born Dec. 8, 1981, in Decatur, Alabama, Rivers played quarterback for NC State from 2000-03. He was awarded ACC Rookie of the Year in 2000, ACC Player of the Year and ACC Offensive Player of the Year in 2003 and ACC Athlete of the Year in 2004. Rivers was also named to the second-team All-ACC team in 2002 and to the first-team All-ACC team in 2003. He was selected by the New

York Giants as the fourth pick of the 2004 NFL Draft but was traded to the San Diego Chargers for Eli Manning. In 2008, Rivers led the NFL in passer rating and was the co-leader for passing touchdowns. He led the league in passing yards in 2010 and in completion percentage in 2013. Rivers was a nine-time Pro-Bowler (2006, 2008-11, 2013, 2016-18) and was named NFL Comeback Player of the Year in 2013. In 2020, Rivers signed with the Indianapolis Colts after 16 seasons with the Chargers.

He retired after the 2021 season and currently coaches football at St. Michael Catholic High School in Fairhope, Alabama.

JUSTIN TUCK — Football: Born March 29, 1983, in Kellyton, Alabama, Tuck attended the University of Notre Dame where he redshirted his freshman year and played three seasons with the Irish. He set several school records despite struggling with an ACL injury in his final season.

His sophomore season he set the school record with 13.5 sacks and 43 tackles for loss. He holds the school record with 24.5 career sacks.

In 2005, he was drafted by the New York Giants in the third round of the NFL Draft. During his career, Tuck won two Super Bowl titles (XLII, XLVI), was a two-time Pro-Bowler (2008, 2010), second-team All-Pro (2010), first-team All-Pro (2008) and was presented with the New York Giants Ring of Honor in 2016. He had 510 career tackles, 66.5 sacks, 22 forced fumbles and three interceptions.

B6 Dec. 9, 2021

St. Nick Visited the Tracks in Opelika

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / THE OBSERVER

The city of Opelika held its annual Christmas parade on Satruday, Dec. 4.

B7 Dec. 9, 2021

Auburn Parades in the Christmas Spirit PHOTOS BY MATT AUSTEN PHOTOGRAPHY / FOR THE OBSERVER

The city of Auburn held its annual Christmas parade on Sunday, Dec. 5.

B8 Dec. 9, 2021

Planting Christmas Traditions in the Hearts of Young Children

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

“I

t is Beginning to Look A Lot Like Christmas” in Opelika, Alabama, in 2021!

Lights and decorations everywhere reflect the excitement and joy this season brings to our families. A seasonal Railroad Town Welcome of the Christmas season cannot be found anywhere else.

Children raised in this area are so fortunate to have parades; Victorian Front Porch tours; holiday movies; Christmas band concerts; municipal parks decorated in the Christmas spirit; neighborhoods that come together to spread Christmas cheer;

schools and libraries that have special events. The Opelika Community is so fortunate that our town and surrounding areas still thrill children with our Christmas traditions. Raising children in our family-friendly town is very special.

Creating Christmas memories for your children is often found in doing simple things for others. Something that families can do for young children is create and explain Christmas traditions in the stillness and love of our homes.

As you begin to decorate your home this holiday season

include many child-made decorations to put throughout the house. These build memories for your child.

In my early childhood classes, I have always included a simple advent calendar as the students count down the number of days leading up to Christmas. The word advent means “to come” which refers to the coming of Jesus. I have usually purchased an inexpensive calendar with numbered doors that the children come and open up during morning classroom exercises. I assign one child per day to come and open up the numbered door and share with the class what the picture is behind the door.

Families, you can also make your own advent calendar.

Many families celebrate by doing the advent wreath which can be made from evergreen boughs formed into a circle of love and candles according to their faith and family traditions. Both ways of doing advent can be done as a family activity.

Include your children in the tradition of mailing Christmas cards. In the early childhood classroom, I have had my young students make Christmas cards for their parents by drawing or gluing pictures on a piece of paper then enclosing their cards in an envelope. We work together on addressing our Christmas cards, stamping them and mailing to the students’ homes.

Imagine the delight when these young students see their parents receive their homemade Christmas cards. Englishman, Sir Henry Cole is credited for making the first Christmas card which he mailed to a friend right before Christmas.

Englishman JC Horsley viewed this as a very good idea and he was the first to sell Christmas cards in 1843. Hugs and love are sent near and far in a simple Christmas card.

As families, include your children in putting up your Christmas tree. An English missionary in the seventh century, Winfrid, is credited for using the Evergreen tree as a symbol for God. He presented in an object lesson that with the triangular tree, each point represented a different Person of the Holy Trinity which is God the Father, Jesus the Son and the Holy Spirit. Point out to your young children that the tree points up to our Father above, God, who is LOVE. One activity I love to do with preschoolers is to make Christmas Cone-ifers. This is such a fun, family activity. Go to the grocery store and find sugar ice cream cones with the pointed end. If you cannot find these, any ice cream cone will do. Pick up green cake frosting and miniature candies to stick on the tree. It makes a delicious family treat.

In my little kindergarten class each year, my young students would decorate a tree

outside our class window as a “Bird Christmas Tree”. We would make birdseed bells out of empty toilet tissue rolls by smearing peanut butter on the roll and sprinkling birdseed on top of the peanut butter. If your child has peanut butter allergies other foods are berries, popcorn to string or pieces of bread to poke onto the branches. Children will love to see the birds come and go to gather food and eat off the tree for themselves and their babies in a nest. Again, point out to your young children our God is LOVE and that HE does provide all that we need.

As you are putting lights on the Christmas tree, remind the children light reminds us of God’s love. We are to extend that light to others. The history of lights on the tree comes from a professor Martin Luther in the 1500’s who was walking through the dark forest on a December night trying to make his way home to his family. As he looked up through the cold rustling branches of the trees in the forest, he looked up at the bright stars and truly it seemed like the twinkling stars were dancing.

This gave him the idea of putting candles on the branches of the family’s fir tree at home. What an object lesson the young Luther children received of God’s love. Families you can do the same with your young children as they look

at lights on the tree equaling love. As children ourselves we can remember squinting at the beautiful lights on our Christmas tree in dancing around with excitement and joy. As families, have your children make their own simple ornaments out of paper and children love to make dough ornaments. There are several suggestions online that you can quickly search for no-bake or bake ornaments.

We do not want to forget to put a star on top of our tree.

Again, point out to your children the miraculous star shining on where the Christ child lay thousands of years ago.

Making simple tagboard stars or paper stars will do with glitter sprinkled on top.

Just like Love and Marriage go together, the season of Christmas and baking definitely go together. The town of Bethlehem means, “house of bread” and this is where Jesus was born. Include your child in your traditional holiday baking. Make it simple with young children, don’t stress out.

There are so many prepared dough and holiday cookies. To sharing our baked goods with neighbors and friends teaches your child that sharing is love for others. Smelling cakes, bread and cookies in the air is such a warm, loving memory planted in our hearts of a home of love.

Classroom Observer Beth Pinyerd

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Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

Nov. 24, 2021

Thursday, Dec. 09, 2021

Inside the Statehouse

Incumbency Prevails in 2022 State House Races

F

STEVE FLOWERS

olks, believe it or not, we are closing in on six months before next year’s election year. The primary election is set for May 24, 2022.

In Alabama, all our major constitutional officers are on the ballot next year. The governor’s office is the premier race in the state, and that coveted and powerful post is set for its four-year quadrennial run. Therefore, this big political year is referred to as the gubernatorial year. Those of us who follow Alabama politics have been salivating with anticipation for a cavalcade of great races. However, the power of incumbency has devasted the big year into a yawn. All the major state offices are held by popular incumbents, who are either running unopposed or have minimal opposition.

The consolation prize was that there would be the legislative races. After all, this is where the real power in the state rests. You can simply look at where the special interest and PAC money is spent to verify that fact.

However, the omnipotent power of incumbency has also encroached on those races.

The Alabama House of Representatives has 105 members.

There are 77 Republicans and 28 Democrats. The large majority of incumbents are running for reelection — both Republicans and Democrats.

The overwhelming majority of these incumbents will have no opposition.

However, in the House, there will be some major changes in leadership because of retirement or moving on to new posts. Speaker of the House Mac McCutcheon is not running for reelection. This has created an interesting and spirited race within the Republican Caucus ranks for speaker.

In addition, Victor Gaston of Mobile, who is Speaker Pro Tem, is also retiring.

Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa, who chaired the powerful House Ways and Means Education Budget Committee, has left the House to be the state

finance director.

House Rules Committee Chairman Mike Jones of Andalusia is running for the open senate seat of retiring Senator Jimmy Holley.

Two of the freshman House members are running for statewide office.

Wes Allen of Troy is running for secretary of state and Andrew Sorrell of Tuscumbia is running for state auditor. In addition, Connie Rowe of Jasper is leaving the House to become an administrative assistant to Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth.

Some of the veteran House members who are choosing to hang up their legislative cleats include Howard Sanderford of Huntsville, Mike Ball of Huntsville, K.L. Brown of Jacksonville, Kerry Rich of Marshall, Allen Farley of Jefferson, Harry Shiver of Baldwin, Mike Holmes of Elmore and Becky Nordgren of Etowah.

The most noteworthy retiree may be Representative Steve McMillan of Baldwin County, who is retiring after serving close to 43 years in the House.

McMillan has been a quiet yet very effective voice for the people of Baldwin County. They all will be missed.

Some of the high profile and powerful members of the House, who will return for another four years with no or token opposition, are Steve Clouse of Ozark, Nathaniel Ledbetter of Dekalb County and Danny Garrett, Jim Carns, David Wheeler and David Faulkner of Jefferson. Garrett has ascended to chairman of the House Ways and Means Education.

Other leaders returning are Chris Pringle, Reed Ingram, Randall Shedd, Tracy Estes, Chris Sells, David Standridge, Ginny Shaver, Jim Hill, Alan Baker, Joe Lovvorn, Chris Blackshear, Kyle South, Paul Lee, Jeff Sorrells, Rhett Marques, Steve Hurst, Joe Faust and Margie Wilcox.

The Democratic leadership will remain intact. There is an illustrious array of House Democratic leaders, including Anthony Daniels, Chris England, Laura Hall, Peb Warren, Barbara Boyd, A.J. McCampbell, Berry Forte, Dexter Grimsley, Thomas Jackson, Kevin Lawrence, Mary Moore, Juandalynn Givan, and veteran John Rogers.

Two of the Democratic House veterans from Jefferson County, Louise Alexander and Merika Coleman, are both running for an open Jefferson County Senate Seat, leaving both their House seats up for grabs.

There may be an increase in the See FLOWERS, page B11

Archery Range to Be Built at Spring Villa

The above photo is a stock photo of archery targets and is not a representation of the proposed archery park to be located at Spring Villa.

BY MICHELLE KEY PUBLISHER The Opelika City Council approved a resolution during its Tuesday night meeting that will allow the city to enter into an agreement

with the state of Alabama’s Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for the development of an archery park at Spring Villa.

According to the resolution, funding for this project is made available through

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance (CFDA) Program 15.611 under the authority of the Pittman-Roberson Wildlife Restoration Act 16 U.S.C. See ARCHERY, page B11

Hovey Announces Run for Alabama State Senate CONTRIBUTED BY JAY HOVEY

Lee County, Alabama, native and Auburn University graduate Jay Hovey has announced his candidacy for Alabama State Senate District 27, covering portions of Tallapoosa, Lee and Russell counties.

“A region of our significance deserves representation in Montgomery we can be proud of," Hovey said. " It is time for a change to someone who can build bridges, facilitate connections and has service to constituents as his primary motivation. I believe that someone is me."

Hovey currently serves on the Auburn City Council as representative for Ward 7. "I am proud to be a part of such a wonderful

NOW OPEN

and vibrant community, and it has been an honor and privilege to represent my neighbors, family and friends as councilman. The opportunity to extend that service further would allow me to expand positive impact on our region.”

Hovey has always had a heart for serving his community.

He began working for the city of Auburn as a student firefighter while obtaining his degree from Auburn University. He has held a variety of community leadership roles and in 2020 was appointed by Lt. Governor Ainsworth to serve on the state’s Small Business Advisory Commission where he is currently in his second term.

Hovey works as a

HOVEY mortgage loan originator with AuburnBank.

He and his wife Anna have been married 20 years and are members of Providence Baptist Church where they have both served in various volunteer leadership capacities, including Hovey’s role as deacon.

The state’s primary election will be held May 24, 2022. For more information, contact jayhoveyforalabama@gmail.com.

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B10 Dec. 9, 2021

An Intriguing Idea: Calling U.S. Senators Senior and Junior

GREG MARKLEY

O

n the first day of high school in 1971, as freshmen, two friends and I bought elevator tickets from burly and angry-looking seniors.

We knew there was no elevator, but paid 50 cents for a ride anyway, given the scary scene.

(Probably this ploy happens even today, somewhere.) That treatment made us in the all-boys school dream of when we would be seniors, on the flip side of such encounters.

September 1975 arrived. As seniors, we looked around for

freshmen. But girls were admitted that year, so teachers nixed traditions like shakedowns. These memories of ranks remind me of Senior and Junior U.S. senators.

Except that Sr. senators usually provide fine mentoring to the Jrs. Georgians elected two new U.S. senators last January, both seats were taken by Democrats without prior Senate or House experience. So Rev. Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff decided in a rarely performed way who would be Senior senator and who Junior senator. Ossoff, the youngest of the 50 senators at 33, would be the Senior by title among the two Georgians. The deciding point was that his surname begins in “O” and the reverend’s last name starts with “W.” This may confuse some people. Many know that the longest serving of the two elected senators for a state gets the honor of being the “Senior” one. But others believe that the

Senior senator is the oldest, in which case the 51-year-old Warnock would have the honor.

Trouble came when the two new senators were elected the same day, so neither one was automatically the “Senior.” The tiebreaker was Ossoff’s name as coming first alphabetically.

“About all I can say for the United States Senate is that it opens with a prayer and closes with an investigation,” said humorist Will Rogers.

But Georgia’s double election leading to the question of who would be Senior senator was handled without prayer or investigation.

An article in the Columbus LedgerEnquirer in January 2021 sensibly asked, “Will Ossoff or Warnock be Georgia’s senior senator?

The answer is a simple one.” There is a traditional order to determine U.S. Senate seniority. Of those with former government service, those with Senate service or were U.S. vice presidents

are said to have the greatest seniority for the Senate. For new senators lacking government service, the new senator whose state has the largest population gains senority first.

Senior senators for each state have mostly an honorary designation. Yet when a big federal program is approved for a state, the Senior senator usually makes the announcement. Conversely, when a military base is targeted for closure, the Senior senator is likely to be the first person to be told by the president and secretary of defense. Also, having been in office many years, Senior senators are normally very helpful to Junior senators, in a variety of ways. (When the two senators are from different political parties, though, friction may appear.)

In Massachusetts, John Kerry was Junior senator for 24 years, until Ted Kennedy died. Then Kerry was Senior MA

Senator for three and one half years, leaving office to serve as secretary of state for President Obama. Vermont’s Bernie Sanders, an Independent who usually sides with the Democrats, will finally become Senior senator when colleague Patrick Leahy retires in January 2023.

In the end, it’s the overall seniority rank, and committee chairmanships, that provide power to senators.

Just ask Alabama’s Richard Shelby, who has served as chairman and ranking member on several committees.

His powerful positions on the Appropriations Committee helped our state tremendously, from Huntsville to Mobile and many beneficiary areas in-between.

Shelby is ranked 4th in the entire Senate, an achievement deriving from long tenure and dedicated work. Sen. Tommy Tuberville outranks only California’s

Alex Padilla and the two Georgia senators.

Padilla was appointed to succeed Vice President Kamala Harris. But again, Tuberville has only been a senator since Jan. 3, 2021.

After Shelby retires in January 2023, Tuberville ascends to the Senior position. There are six candidates running for the open seat; he or she becomes Junior senator upon arrival in the Senate. It will be a joyful swearing into “the world’s most deliberative body.” Unlike in my high school years, I don’t expect to see any new senators fall prey to being charged an elevator fee.

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

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

Gov. Kay Ivey Submits Formal Comment Letter to OSHA CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF GOV. KAY IVEY

Last week, Gov. Kay Ivey submitted a formal comment letter to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) on opposing the Biden Administration’s vaccine mandate for companies with over 100 employees. In the letter, Ivey urged OSHA to discontinue these provisions “sooner, rather than later.”

This follows Ivey’s continued commitment to Alabamians to fight the outrageous overreach by the federal government.

The governor also issued the following statement: “Alabama is standing strong in our fight against the overreaching, un-American

Biden vaccine mandates. President Trump said it well in an interview yesterday morning. The Biden Administration is driving distrust and anxieties about this vaccine.

As I have stated countless times, Alabamians and Americans alike should never have to choose between getting this shot and putting food on the tables for their families. We are fighting these mandates every step of the way, any way we know how.”

In her continued pushback against these mandates, Ivey issued Executive Order 724 and signed legislation to further solidify Alabama’s commitment to opposing these mandates. Alabama is also suing the Biden Administration on three fronts, and Ivey

has stated time and time again that the courts is where this battle will be won.

The formal comment letter is printed below: Hon. Douglas Parker Assistant Secretary of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration 200 Constitution Ave. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20210 Re: The Emergency Tempora1y Standard on COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and published Nov. 5, 2021, Docket No. OSHA-2021-0007 Dear Assistant Secretary Parker: I ask that the Occupational Safety and Health Administration not adopt as a final

standard or rule its COVID-19 Vaccination and Testing Emergency Temporary Standard (ETS) published November 5, 2021. I think the ETS is misguided and that any final standard based on it would be a mistake.

An executive order I signed on October 25, 2021, which is enclosed with this letter, said the best way to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations in Alabama is through education, transparency, communication, and persuasion-not government coercion.

My administration encourages COVID-19 vaccinations as safe and effective but opposes oveneaching COVID-19 vaccination mandates imposed by government.

My executive order also said several

COVID-19 policies announced by President Biden, including mandates imposed by the ETS, threaten to increase vaccine skepticism in Alabama and to severely disrupt the State’s economy. I still believe that.

In its November 12, 2021 order staying the ETS, a panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit noted that certain private employers had every right to challenge the ETS in pat1 because the proposed COVID-19 mandate “threatens to decimate their workforces (and business prospects) by forcing unwilling employees to take their shots, take their tests, or hit the road.”

Alabama is not pat1 of the Fifth Circuit.

But I believe the effects of the ETS, and

a final standard based on it, could be just as harmful to businesses in Alabama. That’s because many working-age Alabamians, especially younger adults, have not gotten vaccinated against COVID-19, even though the vaccine has been widely available in Alabama for much of this year.

In fact, the COVID-19 vaccination dashboard run by the Alabama Department of Public Health showed that as of yesterday, 41.5 percent of Alabamians aged 1824, 50.5 percent of those aged 25-49, and 67.4 percent of those aged 50-64 had gotten at least one dose ofa COVID-19 vaccine.

That means significant percentages of See IVEY, page B11

e t o VTerry Hanners for

on Jan. 11 Paid Political Advertising by Terry Hanners

B11 Dec. 9, 2021

Auburn Council Approves Improvements to College, Samford, Gay, Others The Auburn City Council voted to approve a contract with the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) for projects on South College Street, Samford Avenue, Gay Street, Miller Avenue and Reese Avenue during its meeting on Tuesday night.

The city will match ALDOT over $3 million for the project which will include resurfacing, widening, traffic signals and drainage improvements.

The total project will cost $6.6 million said City Manager Megan Crouch.

This project will include another southbound lane on South College Street; crosswalks on Samford Avenue, including one that will allow pedestrian travel in all four directions at Samford Avenue and South College Street; a new sidewalk behind the president’s mansion on South College Street; sidewalk improvements to Samford Avenue along Gay Street, improvements to the intersection at Samford Avenue and Gay Street and drainage work; a median on South College Street and a pedestrian crossing at the section of businesses around CVS and BurgerFi; and crosswalks on Miller Avenue, Crouch said.

FLOWERS >> FROM B9 number of females in the House of Representatives.

It has already begun with the election of Cynthia Almond of Tuscaloosa, who was elected without opposition to replace Bill Poole. In addition, Patrice Penni McClammy won the Montgomery District 76 seat of her late father

Other improvements will include turn arrows and lighting.

“It is a comprehensive and massive project and half of the funding for this is coming from grant funds through the metropolitan planning organization and the other half is coming from the city,” Crouch said.

REDISTRICTING: Multiple residents and members of the local NAACP chapter spoke at Auburn’s City Council meeting to discuss Auburn redistricting.

The redistricting map is set to be approved at the next council meeting but members asked that the council consider postponing the vote to look at numbers and data the NAACP provided.

This information will be covered in a follow-up story.

OTHER BUSINESS: - The council approved a tax abatement extension for GE Aviation.

- The council approved a tax abatement extension for WPM Holdings, LLC. - The council approved the city’s trash collection fee amnesty for March 14 through April 9, 2022.

- The council approved a contract with Harris Security Systems, Inc. for the Morgan Water pollution Control Facility Security Camera Installation Project for See AUBURN, page B12

Thad McClammy. She won with no opposition.

See you next week.

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

FROM B9 699 et seq.

Spring Villa has been an active RV camping location for many years and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller expressed his thoughts on how a new recreational activity in the area could help revitalize the park.

“Spring Villa is underutilized in my opinion,” he said. “Our RV Park is very popular and many groups use the lodge for events such as family reunions. This is an excellent space for archery.”

According to Fuller, members of the community have expressed an interest in having an archery range in Opelika and he said that he believes this will help increase the popularity of the sport.

“Over the next few years I’d like to see our RV Park expand to accommodate more campers,” Fuller said.

“We’re always receptive to ideas from our citizens on what they would like to have.”

Sam Bailey, director of Opelika Parks and Recreation said that the archery park should be open in the spring 2022.

PRESENTATIONS Fuller recognized Taylor Smith as an Oprah Winfrey Leadership Scholarship (OWLS) recipient. Smith received one of 15 scholarships awarded nationwide.

Captain Noah Allmond was recognized as Opelika Fire Department’s 2021 Firefighter of the Year during the meeting.

Nominees for 2021 were as follows: A-Shift — Firefighter Taylor Mitcham B-Shift — Capt. Noah Allmond and C-Shift — Firefighter/ Medic Kevin Swatts.

The Opelika Pickleball Club also made a presentation to the city council. It presented the city a check for $60,000. This amount is

IVEY >> FROM B10 Alabama’s workforce have not received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine.

Given all the efforts to educate and persuade Alabamians of the vaccine’s safety and effectiveness, I can only conclude that many Alabamians have

a portion of revenue generated from pickleball tournaments that have been held in Opelika. During the presentation, Young said that he projects that with the addition of the newly approved pickleball courts, the annual revenue from tournaments will be $2 million.

IN OTHER BUSINESS: - The council approved a request from First Baptist of Opelika for a temporary street closure for a live nativity event on Dec. 15 - The council held a public hearing and approved a resolution for a weed abatement assessment for 2512 Cunningham Dr. - The council approved a bid for the construction of additional pickleball courts to Lower Brothers Co. Inc. for $300,000.

- The council approved the purchase of software maintenance for the evidence library for the police department.

- The council approved the purchase of a Sulzer Non-Clog Submersible Pump for the public works department.

- The council approved the purchase of Itron metering products for Opelika Power Services.

- The council approved the purchase of a dome cover for the pickleball courts.

- The council approved the purchase of Google Software for the IT department.

- The council approved the purchase of Cisco Refresh software and cameras for the public works and fire department.

- The council voted to accept a proposal from Custom Engineering Solutions for professional engineering services for Opelika Power Services.

- The council approved a resolution to appoint Kisha Abercrombie to serve as an assistant municipal prosecutor.

- The council approved a resolution to approve a memorandum of profound­and sincere-medical, religious, or other reasons not to take it.

In light of this data, I believe that enforcement of the ETS may lead many Alabamians to quit their jobs and leave the workforce-in the middle of a substantial labor shortage, no less-or to seek work at businesses

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OHS Graduate Taylor Smith was honored during Tuesday's city council meeting. Smith is a recipient of an Oprah Winfrey Leadership Scholarship (OWLS).

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY THE CITY OF OPELIKA

BY HANNAH LESTER HLESTER@ OPELIKAOBSERVER.COM

ARCHERY >>

Opelika Parks and Rec. Director Sam Bailey and Pickleball Club President Jim Young presented Mayor Gary Fuller and the city a check for $60,000. understanding with Child Care Resource Center, Inc. - The council approved a resolution authorizing a contract for accounting and administrative services with the library board.

- The council approved a resolution authorizing an engagement letter with Lanier Ford Shaver & Payne, P.C. for professional services.

- The council approved a resolution to reprogram unused PY2020 CDBG Funds.

- The council approved a request for the approval of a special use permit with AT&T at 4499 North Park Dr. - The council approved an annual appropriation contract for FY2022 with Art Haus.

- The council approved an annual appropriation contract for FY2022 with Christian Care Ministries.

- The council approved an annual appropriation contract for FY2022 with Lee County Literacy Coalition.

- The council approved a special appropriation for the Domestic Violence

Intervention Center.

- The council approved a special appropriation for the Dream Day Foundation.

- The council approved a resolution to appoint election officials for the Ward 3 special election to be held on Jan. 11, 2022.

- The council approved a resolution approving a contract extension with South Dade Air Conditioning and Refrigeration., Inc (SDAC) for ADA Improvements Project.

- The council approved a resolution approving an Industrial Access Road Funding Agreement with ALDOT to cooperate in a new roadway for industrial access within the northeast Opelika Industrial Park off Northpark Drive for Project Crown. The estimated cost of the project is $1,115,200.

- The council approved a special appropriation from Ward 3 to the Opelika Police Department in the amount of $750.

The next city council meeting will be held on Dec. 21 at 7 p.m.

not covered by the mandate. Such disruption would interrupt people’s careers and threaten their livelihoods and the well-being of their families.

Such disruption also would damage the productivity and bottom lines of businesses statewide.

If a federal court strikes down the ETS, well and good. If not, I ask that OSHA not continue its provisions under a final standard.

The economic damage

likely would be great.

Ending the provisions sooner rather than later could lessen the damage likely to be caused by them.

I believe the best way to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations in Alabama, and elsewhere, is through education, transparency, communicati() n, and persuasion, not government mandates.

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B12 Dec. 09, 2021

Marshall Wins Nationwide Injunction Against Biden’s FederalContractor Vaccine Mandate CONTRIBUTED BY THE OFFICE OF ATTORNEY GENERAL STEVE MARSHALL

Attorney General Steve Marshall announced victory over President Joe Biden’s federal-contractor vaccine mandate today as a federal court granted Alabama’s motion for an injunction against the president’s unconstitutional vaccination requirement.

“President Biden’s unlawful, unconstitutional and un-American attempt to force federal contractors and their employees to submit to a COVID-19 vaccination has been stopped due to another successful legal challenge from Alabama,” Marshall said.

“Today’s ruling from the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Georgia places a nationwide injunction on President Biden’s federal-contractor vaccine mandate and represents the third victory by Alabama and a coalition of states to block enforcement of the

President’s tyrannical dictates.

“President Biden’s lawless and authoritarian vaccine mandate on federal contractors — just as with his vaccine mandates for private employers and healthcare workers — is a contemptible infringement upon individual liberty, federalism and the separation of powers. The courts have rightfully responded in each case by blocking the enforcement of these mandates.”

Marshall filed three legal challenges to Biden’s vaccine mandates, including against the federal-contractor vaccine mandate on Oct. 29, against the private-employer vaccine mandate on Nov. 5 and against the healthcare-worker vaccine mandate on Nov. 15.

All three mandates have now been blocked nationwide by federal courts.

Joining Alabama in the legal challenge of the federal-contractor vaccine mandate are attorneys general from Georgia, Idaho, Kansas, South Carolina, Utah and West Virginia.

AUBURN >> FROM B11 over $34,800.

- The council approved a three-year contract renewal with Kronos Incorporated for time and attendance software for over $105,300.

- The council approved the purchase of two 2023 International HV607 SBA Cab and Chassis for the Environmental Services Department for over $421,700 from the Southland Transportation Group.

- The council approved

the purchase of Sutphen Heavy Duty Pumper Truck for over $538,100.

- The council approved a drainage easement for SMB Land, LLC, for property south of the Camden Ridge Subdivision.

- The council approved

two appointments to the Cemetery Advisory Board.

- The council approved zoning ordinance text amendments.

- The council approved a franchise agreement renewal with Zayo Group, LLC.

Empty Bowls * 12 Days of Giving

No Child Deserves an Empty Bowl!

Opelika - Auburn Empty Bowls Event

Smiths Station Launches Holiday Season With Tree Lighting, Fireworks

PHOTOS BY JOHN HILLSMAN / FOR THE OBSERVER

B13 Dec. 09, 2021

Lee County to Hold Mass Casualty Training Exercise on Dec. 14 CONTRIBUTED BY LEE COUNTY EMA The Lee County Emergency Management Agency will be

conducting a schoolwide mass casualty training at Wacoochee Elementary School on 12/14/21 during the afternoon/evening hours.

The training will test the county’s response to a school incident, from the initial call to releasing children to home

safely with their parents or guardians at a reunification site.

During this exercise, there will be heavy police, fire and medical presence in Wacoochee Elementary School located at 125 Lee Road 254 in Salem.

The training exercise

will be conducted in the afternoon at the conclusion of normal school hours. Expect traffic delays and alternate traffic patterns between the hours of 3 until approximately 7 p.m.

Thank you for your patience as our public safety partners exercise

their skills and training to keep our children safe in a school environment.

This exercise will include: Lee County Sheriff’s Office • Lee County Emergency Management Agency • Salem Vol. Fire

Dept.

• Smiths Station Vol. Fire Dept.

• East Alabama Health — EMS LifeSaver 3 • ALDOT • Lee County Board of Education and • Lee County PIO Taskforce for Crisis Communications.

Administrator Attorney for Administrator: RAYMOND L. JACKSON, JR. Attorney at Law PO Box 1893 Opelika, Alabama 368031893 334-991-3143 Legal Run 12/9/21, 12/16/21 and 12/23/21

Testamentary having been granted to: Jeannie Geraldine Sharp and Sandra Carol Morris, as CoExecutrixes of the Estate of: Geraldine Roberts James;a/ k/a Geraldine James, Deceased, on the 30th day of November, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English.

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

Jeannie Geraldine Sharp, Co-Executrix Sandra Carol Morris, CoExecutrix Legal Run 12/09/21, 12/16/21 & 12/23/21

PUBLIC NOTICES 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, 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 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of ANGIE

MAE WHITE, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Teresa Anne Medley of December 1, 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 12/09/2021 ------------A. APPROVAL OF MINUTES B. VARIANCE 1. The Cotton District represented by Richard Patton, 408 1st Avenue, C-2 zone, Requesting a 9 foot setback variance from the minimum 25 foot front yard setback requirement.

2. The Cotton District represented by Richard Patton, 408 1st Avenue, C-2 zone, Requesting a variance for one parking space from the minimum two parking spaces required for a dwelling unit.

3. Kyle & Lee King, 1710 Oak Bowery Road, R-2 zone, Requesting a 3 foot variance from the minimum 5 foot side yard setback requirement for an accessory structure.

“In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Opelika will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the ADA Coordinator 72 hours prior to the meeting at (334)705-2083.”

Legal Run 12/09/2021

------------IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ARMETTA C. JOHNSON, Deceased Case no.: 2021-628 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Zephaniah Allen, Personal Representative on the 3rd day of December, 2021, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Zephaniah Allen Legal Run 12/09/21, 12/16/21 & 12/23/21 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF JERRY DOZIER, DECEASED PROBATE CASE NO. 2021-416 NOTICE TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to Mildred E. Dozier, Administrator, on the 30th day of November, 2O21, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against said estate are required to present same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. s/Mildred E. Dozier Mildred E. Dozier,

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AUCTION Redmont Auction & Land Co and Randy Rye Auctions will be offering “The GusTafson Estate” 449 West Main Street, Lynn, Alabama, December 11 at 11:00am. Home, 12 plus minus acres, six stall barn, 2007 Cadillac Escalade, Harley Davidson Trike, Mahindra diesel tractor, household furniture, antiques and miscellaneous items. Redmont Auction 205822-4229 Eddie Propst #1161 Randy Rye Lic#628

------------STORAGE TREASURES AUCTION Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: 1412 Opelika Rd, Auburn, AL 36830 Thursday, December 16, 2021 at 10:00AM Unit L145 Unit U370 Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property.

Legal Run 12/09/2021 ------------IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA JUVENILE DIVISION B.M.L.P. a minor child (DOB: 05/08/2006), Case No. JU 2020-245.02 A.P.P. a minor child (DOB: 09/14/2015), Case No. JU 2020-247.02 NOTICE OF PETITION & SERVICE BY PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Any unknown father of B. M. L. P. a minor child, born at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Lee County, Alabama on 05//08/2006 to Reyna Perez Godinez and A. P. P. a minor child, born at the East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, Lee County, Alabama on 09/14/2015 to Reyna Perez Godinez. The legal Custody of B. M. L. P. and A. P. P. was vested in the Lee County Department of Human Resources on September 30, 2020. Any unknown father must answer the Petition for Termination of Parental Rights and the Amended Petition for Termination of Parental Rights of Reyna Perez Godinez and any unknown father filed in each of these cases in the Juvenile Court of Lee County, Alabama within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice with the Clerk of Court located at the Lee County Justice Center, 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, AL 36801, or thereafter, a final judgment may be entered in Case JU 2020245.02 and JU 2020-247.02 terminating their respective parental rights and placing the children for adoption.

Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Hon. Harold S. Patrick Attorney for Lee County DHR 2108-D Gateway Drive Opelika, AL 36801 (334) 741-0809 Legal Run 12/09/21, 12/16/21, 12/23/21 & 12/30/21 ------------In The Probate Court Of Lee County Alabama In Re: The Estate Of: Geraldine Roberts James; a/k/a Geraldine James, Deceased TAKE NOTICE that Letters

------------NOTICE OF COURT PROCEEDING IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Notice of the filing of Petition for Summary Distribution In the Estate of MICHAEL DEWAYNE MENEFEE, deceased Notice is hereby given that a Petition for Summary Distribution has been filed in the LEE COUNTY Probate Office by Malik Jaquavious Menefee on December 3, 2021, pursuant to Sections 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 12/09/2021 ------------THE MATTER OF JAIRON ROBIN FUENTES BAUTISTA CASE No.: 2021-629 IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA ADOPTION PETITION PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: OSLYNK MOISES RAMOS DIAZ, address unknown Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama

by Jairon Robin Fuentes Bautista on November 4, 2021, for the adoption of O.D.D.R., born on April 9, 2007, in Mount Pleasant, Texas to Brenda Iveth Lopez and Oslynk Moises Ramos Diaz.

A hearing has been set for the 16th day of February 2022 at 2 0'clock pm Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801.

Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Ben C. Hand Jr., 1 14 North 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition.

Dated on this the 23 1d day of November 2021.

HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 12/09/21, 12/16/21, 12/23/21 & 12/30/21

B14 Dec. 9, 2021

2021 • WWW.OPELIKACHRISTMAS.COM • #MYOPELIKACHRISTMAS CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS November 26 - January 3 Please come visit, take photos and tag us.#MyOpelikaChristmas

REINDEER EXPRESS December 10 - 12 • 5 - 8 p.m.

Featuring a Christmas Market Monkey Park $2 train rides

CHRISTMAS IN CAMELOT December • 4:30 - 10 p.m.

Off of Rocky Brook Road

OPELIKA THEATRE COMPANY CHRISTMAS SHOWCASE December 12 • 3 p.m.

Sportsplex Amphitheater opelikatheatrecompany.com

DRIVE-THRU NATIVITY STORY Month of December National Village - Spa Loop & Yards Lane Presented by National Village Joint Venture OPELIKA’S VERY MERRY STROLL Christmas trail run through Dec. 31 Friends of the Opelika Public Library 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.

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.

OPAC COLLINWOOD LUMINARIES December 17 • 5 - 9 p.m.

Off of 10th Street Rain date December 18 • 5 - 9 p.m.

OPELIKA THEATRE COMPANY CHRISTMAS CARNIVAL & PET PARADE December 18 • Noon - 3 p.m.

Southside Center (1103 Glenn Street) Admission $25 per family Includes all Carnival activities & Santa pictures $10 Pet Parade entry opelikatheatrecompany.com

BROUGHT TO YOU BY: City of Opelika • Opelika Parks & Recreation • Opelika Public Library • Opelika Chamber of Commerce • Opelika Main Street • Victorian Front Porch Tour • Auburn-Opelika Tourism • Opelika Theatre Company

B15 Dec. 9, 2021

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Play Online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

B16 Dec. 9, 2021

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