The Auburn City Council has approved the City's 7th Annual Trash Amnesty Week for the week of May 2 - 6, 2011.  During Trash Amnesty Week, the fees normally assessed to residents for the collection of oversized yard debris and other bulky waste will be waived.  Citizens are asked to pay close attention to the fillowing guidelines when placing items out for collection:

• Debris should be placed at the curb no later than 6:00 a.m. on your regularly scheduled collection day.  Please avoid placing items on or near mailboxes, utility poles, or other fixed objects.  All Items hsould be properly contained or bundled so that they do not fall into the street or down storm drains.
• The City will accept yard waste, appliances, and bulky items for collection.  No household garbage, hazardous waste, or other unacceptable waste should be placed out for collection with debris.
• Debris should not be placed in the roadway, on or around storm drains, near utility lines, on utility boxes, or on vacant lots.
• Limbs and other debris should be  no longer than 5 feet in length.
• To facilitate wood debris and metal recycling efforts, please separate all wood debris, including limbs and grass clippings from metal items.
• Due to the large volume of debris expected during Trash Amnesty Week, citizens may experience a delay in the collection schedule.  Every reasonable effort will be made to maintain the regular collection schedule.
• For more information, please contact the City of Auburn Environmental Services Department at 501-3080 or visit the City of Auburn website at www.auburnalabama.org/es.

2011 City Fest Auburn

Kiesel Park

FREE!

Live Music

Children's Activities

Art & Crafts

Fine Art Exhibitors

Non-Profit Booths

Food for Sale

Aubie!

Auburn Raptor Center Birds

Educational Booths by

Auburn Fire Department

Auburn Police Department

Auburn Environmental Department

Inflatable Games

Bama Air Dogs

Face Painting

Story Telling

Skyriders (Trampoline Show)

Juried Art Show

www.auburncityfest.com

Shelia Eckman, Auburn City Council/Ward 2

334-821-9666, 334-750-9666

www.abetterauburn.com

PLEASE NOTE!  Construction on North Donahue along the entrances to Camden Ridge is very busy at this time and the area should be avoided for a few days if at all possible.  Please use the back entrance on Keystone to enter the subdivision unless you live on one of the cul-de-sacs or side streets.  If you must use North Donahue please drive at a much slower speed and watch for workers and construction that is underway.  Construction may get even more intense so please be careful in this area.  Thank you for your patience and for being careful while construction is taking place.

On behalf of the HOA -- Tony Cook

Earth Fare 12 Days of Christmas

Beginning Saturday, December 11, Earth Fare will be having The 12 Days of Christmas promotion. Customers can go to EarthFare.com every day for 12 days to print out a new coupon for something in the store (lots of it for free!). Each coupon will only last 24 hours, so check back often!

Maestro 2300 Walk About Wine Tasting

Maestro 2300 will host a Walk About Wine Tasting on Monday, December 20, from 6-8 pm. Guest will have the opportunity to taste 10 different wines from around the world paired with 10 different creations by Maestro executive chef, John Hamme. The cost for the event is $25 per person. To RSVP, email reservations@maestro2300.com.

LCHS 2011 Best Friends Calendar

Lee County Humane Society is now selling copies of the 2011 Best Friends Calendar. Each full-color, 32-page calendar costs only $10 and all proceeds benefit the animals at the shelter. Calendars will be for sale at the shelter and at many local businesses and veterinary practices in the area.

PERCH BEAD STUDIO SANTA'S WORKSHOP

Perch's Santa's Workshop is an opportunity for children to create special gifts for family and friends. Perch’s staff of elves will coach your children and help them design and create a unique, handmade gift for that special someone—maybe mom, grandmother or a favorite friend. Snacks are provided. Call (334) 209-1378 to reserve a space from 4 - 9 pm on Dec 14, 16 and 18. Parents are welcome to stay, but not required to stay during this workshop. For more information, visit perchbeadstudio.com

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE AT RE: NEW

On Thursday, December 16, from 9 am until 8 pm, re:new will host a holiday open house. Discounts include: products 10% off, make-up up to 60% off, spa services 20% off, Botox $9/unit, Juvederm $50 off and laser treatments 15% off. Also, custom packages and gift baskets are available. Re: new is located in Ogletree Village.

Local RESIDENT honored with PRESTIGIOUS national HAMPTON HOTELS® award Hampton Hotels, the international brand of more than 1,600 mid-priced Hampton Inn® and Hampton Inn & Suites® hotels, has honored Sean Kopp, houseman/maintenance employee, of the Hampton Hotels Auburn with the company’s Spirit of Hampton Award. This award signifies Kopp as a top performer within Hampton Hotels. Kopp was nominated for the award by his peers after proving to be an exceptional role model. Hampton Auburn is located on South College Street in Auburn, off Exit 51.

City Posts CompPlan 2030 Draft Plan and Recommendations Online

The City of Auburn is pleased to announce that draft recommendations from CompPlan 2030, the City’s comprehensive plan for growth and development, are now online for review. CompPlan 2030’s recommendations cover a broad range of topic areas, and are available on the CompPlan 2030 Web site, www.auburnalabama.org/compplan2030, in two formats. Comments regarding these recommendations may be submitted via email to jsteinmann@auburnalabama.org through January 18. The Interactive Future Land Use Map is also now available. The Future Land Use Map provides recommendations at the parcel level regarding the type, location, and scale of new development and redevelopment, as well as associated improvements, for the next 20 years. The map allows one to search for parcels by address, street name, or subdivision name, and submit comments that are linked to each parcel. The map covers the current city limits as well as areas the City may grow into over the next 20 years. To access the map, visit www.auburnalabama.org/compplan2030. The comment period for the Interactive Future Land Use Map will also end January 18. If you wish to submit Future Land Use Map comments that are more general in nature or that cover large areas, please contact Justin Steinmann via email at jsteinmann@auburnalabama.org or via phone at 334-501-3045.

Jazz Up New Year’s Eve at The Hotel at Auburn University

Say goodbye to 2010 with an unforgettable evening of dining in Ariccia, live music in Piccolo, and an overnight stay at the Hotel at Auburn University. With a variety of options to choose from, there is something for everyone to enjoy at this New Year’s Eve celebration. The evening begins with a five-course dinner in Ariccia at 7 pm. The price of the dinner is $65 per person and includes a champagne toast at Midnight in Piccolo. After dinner, guests are invited to Piccolo for an evening of live jazz that will begin at 9 pm. Once the New Year has been celebrated, guests can ride the elevator home with the hotel’s special $99 room rate including breakfast for two in Ariccia the next morning. To make reservations for any of the New Year’s Eve events, please call Hayley Grimes at (334) 321-3179. www.auhcc.com

Auburn Legend Finale

The final round of Auburn Legend will take place on Friday, December 17, at 7 pm in the auditorium at The Hotel at Auburn University. Tickets cost $10 per person for the finale and can be purchased through the front desk at The Hotel at Auburn University. For questions about tickets, please call the hotel’s front desk at (334) 821-8200. For questions about the contest, please call Ari Turnbull at (334) 321-3180 or e-mail her at ari.turnbull@auhcc.com. For additional information about the contest, please visit the Auburn Legend Facebook Fan Page at www.Facebook.com/AuburnLegend or visit the Mix 96.7 FM Website at www.mix967online.com.

Lee County Humane Society to hold annual campaign, No More Wasted Lives

Lee County Humane Society will hold the 15th Annual No More Wasted Lives beginning Monday, December 13, at Kroger on Dean Road in Auburn. Jessica Marable, Lee County Humane Society executive director, will remain locked in a dog kennel day and night until the fundraising goal of more than $24,000 is reached. No More Wasted Lives is the shelter’s largest fundraiser and all proceeds from this campaign directly benefit the animals at the shelter. Lee County Humane Society invites the entire Lee County community to visit Jessica and support the shelter by making a donation. Holiday cards will be available to send to loved ones acknowledging donations made as memorials or honorariums. Donations to the Lee County Humane Society are tax-deductible, and all donors will receive a letter acknowledging their gift.

Turkeys and Hams for Christmas

The Auburn Civitan Club is selling smoked turkeys and hams for Christmas. The cost for a turkey (12-14 lb.) or ham (8-10 lb.) is $35.00 each. Orders may be picked up on December 19 from 2:30-4 pm at the Elk's Lodge on Opelika Road. To order, call Andy Price at (334) 332-2948 by December 15. All monies raised will go to support our local charities and the Civitan International Research Center in Birmingham.

December 11 at 10 am

Celebrate the holidays with the Auburn community! The Christmas Parade will begin at the corner of Thach Avenue and College Street, turn left onto College Street, turn right onto Glenn Avenue, right onto Gay Street and right again on Thach. The parade will end where it began on the corner of Thach and College. Join us downtown after the parade!

· A Brass quintet will play before and after parade on Baptist Student Center lawn

· Student violin and viola players will play outside Toomer's Drugs from 9-9:30 am

· Hands Up High! will play at Toomer’s Corner from 9-10 am and after the parade

· Flip Flop Foto will be taking Santa & Mrs. Claus photos from 11 am-1 pm in front of the Baptist Student Center (several different photo packages available for order)

· Clydesdale horses & buggy will be parked in front of the Baptist Student Center

· Magic Elves will visit Wrapsody for pictures and autographs

· Shoppers will have the opportunity to enter to win a prize package from the Downtown Auburn merchants

· Moxii will host a holiday tea with Grandma Claus reading Christmas stories

· Santa Cow will be available for pictures at Chick-fil-A

Jennifer Fincher Vice President of Communications & Marketing Auburn Chamber of Commerce (334) 887-7011 www.auburnchamber.com

Auburn Christmas Parade

.December 11 at 10 am Join us downtown after the parade!

·Santa & Mrs. Claus photos (11-1) in front of Toomer’s Drugs

·Clydesdale horses & buggy

· Flip Flop Foto taking Santa photos (several different photo packages available for order)

· Magic Elves at Wrapsody for pictures and autographs

· Carolers

· Great giveaways from downtown merchants

· Mrs. Claus reading Christmas stories at moxii

· Santa Cow at Chick-fil-A Santa Cow at Chick-fil-A this Saturday Chick-fil-A at Magnolia Avenue invites you to have your picture made with Santa Cow! Come by after the Christmas Parade on December 11 from 11:30-1:30 pm. Leave your Christmas list, enjoy some lunch and receive a free picture with Santa Cow. For more information, call Sharon Fuller, unit marketing director, at (256) 750-3645.

Earth Fare Christmas Events Santa Claus is coming to Earth Fare! Thursday, December 9, from 5-8 pm, Santa will be in the store reading The Night Before Christmas. Parents, don't forget your camera! Since Thursday is also Family Dinner Night, six kids eat FREE with every adult $5 purchase. Bring the kids for a FREE dinner and a visit with Santa. December 10 from 5-7 pm will be the Holiday Taste Fair and Chocolate Festival at Earth Fare. Taste all of the wonderful holiday appetizers and chocolate Earth Fare has to offer—for FREE! For more information on either of these events, contact Lacey Updegraff at aub500community@earthfare.com.

Lee County Humane Society to hold annual campaign, No More Wasted Lives Lee County Humane Society will hold the 15th Annual No More Wasted Lives beginning Monday, December 13, at Kroger on Dean Road in Auburn. Jessica Marable, Lee County Humane Society executive director, will remain locked in a dog kennel day and night until the fundraising goal of more than $24,000 is reached. No More Wasted Lives is the shelter’s largest fundraiser and all proceeds from this campaign directly benefit the animals at the shelter. Lee County Humane Society invites the entire Lee County community to visit Jessica and support the shelter by making a donation. Holiday cards will be available to send to loved ones acknowledging donations made as memorials or honorariums. Donations to the Lee County Humane Society are tax-deductible, and all donors will receive a letter acknowledging their gift.

12 Days of Christmas at Wrapsody It’s the most wonderful time of the year…the 12 Days of Christmas at Wrapsody! Today through December 17, come in the store for a new special everyday and to earn rewards with Wrapsody’s Holiday Punchcard. For 5 days punched, receive a $25 Wrapsody gift card, for 8 days punched a $50 Wrapsody gift card and for 12 days, receive a $75 Wrapsody gift card. Check the Wrapsody Facebook page or visit the store for the daily special. Also, find deals on the Wrapsody blog at www.wrapsodyonline.com or call (334) 887-7447. Saturday after the Downtown Auburn parade meet live Elf Magic Elves. Bring your elf, have your photo and get an autograph from the Elf Magic elves!

Moxii Holiday Events Visit moxii this holiday season for a unique shopping experience. Moxii will open at 8 am all week for early shoppers and will offer a hot cup of coffee to enjoy while creating a moxii wish list for Santa. Saturday morning immediately following the Christmas Parade moxii will have a special visit from Mrs. Clause. She will be delighting the children with Christmas stories and holiday tea. Moxii makes holiday shopping simple with Christmas layaway, gift cards, complimentary gift wrap and daily shipping for the out of town folks on your list. Visit moxii in downtown auburn or at moxii.com.

Taste of East Alabama The Domestic Violence Intervention Center will present "A Taste of East Alabama" on December 9 from 6-10 pm at the Marriott at Grand National. The event will feature live entertainment and delicious food from local restaurants. Tickets are $30 for adults and $15 for children under 12. For more information or tickets, call (334) 749-9284. Turkeys and Hams for Christmas The Auburn Civitan Club is selling smoked turkeys and hams for Christmas. The cost for a turkey (12-14 lb.) or ham (8-10 lb.) is $35.00 each. Orders may be picked up on December 19 from 2:30-4 pm at the Elk's Lodge on Opelika Road. To order, call Andy Price at (334) 332-2948 by December 15. All monies raised will go to support our local charities and the Civitan International Research Center in Birmingham.

ShopAuburn for the Holidays! Visit any ShopAuburn for the Holidays sponsor and register to win one of four gift certificate prize packages valued at $250. Winners are chosen each week from now until December 17. ShopAuburn for the Holidays sponsors include: Big Blue Bookstore, Auburn Awards & Fine Papers, Stamp, Behind the Glass, Tiger Surprise, Village Boutique, Cutie Pie, Village Mall, Moxii, Wm Harrison Fabrics, Wrapsody, The Locker Room, Adjective, Golden's Bikes, The Villager, Auburnart.com, The Blue Shoe, The Flower Store, Swanson Diamond Center and Perch Bead Studio.

4th Annual Holiday Art Sale The Auburn Arts Association and Auburn Parks and Recreation will host the 4th Annual Holiday Art Sale on Saturday, Dec. 11, from 9 am – 4 pm at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Don’t miss this unique shopping experience, featuring handmade works by local artists. Items include paintings, pottery, stained glass, prints, photography, cards, jewelry, hats, scarves, and much more! A portion of the proceeds from the sale will support the Auburn Arts Association. For more information, please visit auburnalabama.org/arts or contact the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at (334) 501-2963.

Teddy Bear Teas at Piccolo. Piccolo’s warm and cozy atmosphere will be the family-friendly destination this holiday season as it hosts the second annual Teddy Bear Teas on December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23 at 2 pm in Piccolo. A real live Teddy Bear and Christmas Elf will provide entertainment and be there for everyone to snuggle up to. The price is $20 per person. For additional information about the Teddy Bear Tea, please call Hayley Grimes at (334) 321-3179.

Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes The Auburn Preservation League is pleased to announce that the 4th Annual Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes & Buildings will be held on December 11 from 10 am-4 pm and December 12 from 1-4 pm. This year’s tour includes ten beautiful homes, including cozy cottages and spacious new homes. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, The Flower Store and AuburnBank. For more information, please visit www.auburnpreservationleague.org.

Kathy Powell State Farm welcomes Santa! Santa will be making an appearance at Kathy’s office on Wednesday, December 8, from 9 am-5 pm. Pictures with Santa are $2 (donation to Kathy’s Relay for Life Team) unless you are a facebook fan of her State Farm page, then they are free. Cameragraphics will be donating one print of your favorite picture. There will also be a car seat check from 1 until 4 pm that day. Reservations are encouraged but not required and will be taken in 2 hour increments. Please call (334) 501-8245 to make your reservation or for additional information.

Jennifer Fincher Vice President of Communications & Marketing Auburn Chamber of Commerce (334) 887-7011 www.auburnchamber.com

Saturday, December 4th

Crafts begin at 9:00 am with lunch at 11:00 am

Blooming Colors

1192 S. Donahue Drive, Auburn, Alabama (across from Kinnucan's)

Santa's helpers are coming to Blooming Colors to teach kids, ages 4 - 12, how to make special ornaments and decorations for the holiday season.

Each child should be able to complete craft projects to take home and enjoy throughout the season or to give as gifts.

The Crepe Myrtle Cafe has a special luncheon planned for 11:00 am.

Cost of this event, which includes crafts and lunch, is only $15.00 per person.  Parents are encouraged to join in the activities, too.  Seating is limited and reservations should be made by December 2nd.  To make reservations, please call Blooming Colors (334) 821-7929 or email sales@bloomingcolors.net.

SHOPAUBURN FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Visit any ShopAuburn for the Holidays sponsor and register to win one of four gift certificate prize packages valued at $250. Winners are chosen each week from now until December 17. ShopAuburn for the Holidays sponsors include: Big Blue Bookstore, Auburn Awards & Fine Papers, Stamp, Behind the Glass, Tiger Surprise, Village Boutique, Cutie Pie, Village Mall, Moxii, Wm Harrison Fabrics, Wrapsody, The Locker Room, Adjective, Golden's Bikes, The Villager, Auburnart.com, The Blue Shoe, The Flower Store, Swanson Diamond Center and Perch Bead Studio.

SUPER 6 COMES TO TOWN

Don't miss the best high school football Alabama has to offer when the Alabama High School Association brings the Super 6 championships to Jordan-Hare Stadium this December 2-3. Brought to you by the Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, Auburn University Athletics, and the cities of Auburn & Opelika, the Super 6 will bring the top 12 teams in the state of Alabama, divisions 1A-6A, to battle it out in front of tens of thousands of Alabama high school coaches, fans, and families. This event needs the support of the Auburn-Opelika community! Purchase tickets at the Auburn Chamber/Auburn-Opelika Tourism Bureau, Opelika Chamber and Bubba's Medicine Shop. Cash only. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students. For more information, visit www.Super6AU.com.

MOXII THANKSGIVING DOORBUSTER SALE

Moxii's After Thanksgiving Doorbuster Sale will be on Saturday, November 27. Shop moxii in downtown Auburn from 8 am-6 pm for great specials all day long. Visit moxii's facebook page to see hourly promotions. Don't forget to register for a moxii gift basket to be given away at the end of the day. moxii, your personality, your style.

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LEE COUNTY POINSETTIA TRUCKLOAD SALE

Just in time for the holidays, the Junior League of Lee County (JLLC) will hold its annual Poinsettia Truckload Sale on Friday Dec. 3 from 3-7 pm and Saturday Dec. 4 from 9 am-3 pm. This year's sale will be held at the Elks Lodge located at 1944 Opelika Road in Auburn. Two sizes of poinsettias will be sold this year, a 6.5-inch for $11 and a 10-inch for $22 both available in a variety of colors. Contact any League member or juniorleagueofleecounty@gmail.com for more information! All monies raised from this annual fundraiser will go to assist the various arts and literacy programs for children supported by the JLLC throughout the community through the awarding of grant funds and volunteer services.

LOVELIEST VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES

The Auburn Preservation League is pleased to announce that the 4th Annual Loveliest Village Christmas Tour of Homes & Buildings will be held on December 11 from 10 am-4 pm and December 12 from 1-4 pm. This year's tour includes ten beautiful homes, including cozy cottages and spacious new homes. Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, The Flower Store and AuburnBank. For more information, please visit www.auburnpreservationleague.org.

WRAPSODY THANKSGIVING WEEKEND SALE

Make your list, check it twice, 20% off is VERY NICE! During Wrapsody's Saturday-after-Thanksgiving Elf-Buster from 8 -10 am, the entire store is 20% off (Santa does requires some exclusions). Starting Wednesday, receive 25% off retiring Vera Bradley patterns. On Friday only, the fabulous Vera Bradley Baroque Holiday Tote is FREE with $100 or more purchase of Vera Bradley. Also on Friday and Saturday, buy 5 ornaments, get 6th free. Wrapsody elves will be in the store this weekend on Friday from 9 am-5 pm and on Saturday from 8 am-5 pm. For more information, call (334) 887-7447 or visit www.wrapsodyonline.com.

INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY PATENT BASICS CLE

Auburn University's Office of Professional and Continuing Education is hosting an Intellectual Property Patent Basics CLE in Auburn on December 8 in the Auburn Chamber Conference Room from 8:00-11:30 am. Presenters and topics are: • Auburn Patent Attorney, Associate Director of IP, and Adjunct Professor: A.J. Gokcek, J.D., L.L.M. will present Intellectual property overview of patents, copyright, trademarks, trade secrets, how to protect intellectual property and more. • Tony McLain, J.D., General Counsel, Alabama State Bar will present an hour of ethics. The registration fee for three hours of CLE approved by the Mandatory Continuing Legal Education Commission of Alabama is $95 (add $15 for Georgia Bar). Please visit www.auburn.edu/cle to register.

KATHY POWELL STATE FARM WELCOMES SANTA!

Santa will be making an appearance at Kathy's office on Wednesday, December 8, from 9 am-5 pm. Pictures with Santa are $2 (donation to Kathy's Relay for Life Team) unless you are a facebook fan of her State Farm page, then they are free. Cameragraphics will be donating one print of your favorite picture. There will also be a car seat check from 1 until 4 pm that day. Reservations are encouraged but not required and will be taken in 2 hour increments. Please call (334) 501-8245 to make your reservation or for additional information.

SAUGAHATCHEE COUNTRY CLUB MEMBERSHIP - 80% OFF BLACK FRIDAY SPECIAL!

Four hours to SAVE BIG on a gift that keeps on giving for the entire family. Join Saugahatchee Country Club, ranked best 4 of 18 golf holes anywhere in the Chattahoochee Valley by The Ledger-Enquirer. Enjoy tennis, fitness center, pool, casual/formal dining, social events, and junior programs led by award-winning instructors. Greatly reduced Initiation fees one day only - November 26, 8 am - 12 noon. No monthly dues until January 15, 2011! For more information, visit www.saugahatcheecountryclub.com or email klewis1227@bellsouth.net.

ECONOMIC & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE PRESENTS “HOW TO WIN PROJECTS”

The Economic & Community Development Institute (ECDI) at Auburn University is excited about the opportunity to bring some of the nation's top site selection consultants and leading economic development marketing experts to Alabama. "How to Win Projects," a new two-day course presented by ECDI, will be held at the Hotel at Auburn University on December 9-10. Participants can learn more about the course or register online (using a check or credit card) at www.auburn.edu/ecdi/win.html . Please contact Amelia (at hallame@auburn.edu or (334) 844-5394) with questions.

AC FITNESS INTRODUCES NEW EMPLOYEES AND NEW PROMOTION

AC Fitness for Women recently announced the addition of Dawn Gammal as marketing manager and Sergio Safos as general manager. Right now, join AC Fitness for Women for $14.95— month to month with no-contract. For more information, contact Dawn Gamnal at (334) 826-9444 or dawngammal@earthlink.net.

CARR, RIGGS AND INGRAM CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY YEAR-END SEMINAR

Carr, Riggs and Ingram, CPAs and Advisors will host a Construction Industry Year-End Seminar on Tuesday, December 2, from 8:30-10:30 am at the Auburn Chamber. Topics include: surviving the current economy, preventing and detecting fraud and planning 2011 tax savings. To register, visit the EVENTS page of the CRI web site and choose REGISTER HERE under the CRI Construction Year End Seminar section. The registration fee is $25 and all proceeds are donated to the Auburn University Building Science Program.

TAX TIME IS AROUND THE CORNER. IS YOUR BUSINESS READY?

Join Machen, McChesney & Chastain for proactive year-end tax planning on Tuesday, December 7, from 8:30 am 12:00 noon at the Auburn Chamber on Glenn Avenue. Topics covered will include Year-end tax planning tips, W-2 & 1099 Processing, Payroll Tax Filing, Fringe Benefits, Healthcare Insurance Credits, HIRE Act Credits, and Payroll Tax Changes for 2011. RSVP by December 1: Jana Jager, marketing/business development coordinator, jjager@mmcfirm.com or (334) 887-7022. Free to MM&C clients. All others $50. Seating is limited.

THANKSGIVING BRUNCH AND DINNER AT ARICCIA

This Thanksgiving, spend the day with loved ones instead of over a hot stove. Let the culinary team at Ariccia Trattoria & Bar do all the hard work. The Thanksgiving Day Brunch, with seatings at Noon and 2:30 p.m., will feature an assortment of salads, entrées and desserts. From 5:30-10 p.m., Ariccia will be serving a three-course Thanksgiving Dinner featuring turkey and all of the traditional accompaniments, sure to bring smiles to everyone's faces. The price for brunch and dinner is $34.50 for adults and $14.50 for children under 12. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling (334) 844-5140.

THAMES ORTHODONTICS COLLECTING FOR TOYS FOR TOTS

Beginning November 8, Thames Orthodontics will be collecting toys for Toys for Tots. If you would like to donate, please bring a new, unwrapped toy to either Thames Orthodontics locations: Auburn office, located at 868 N. Dean Road, or the Opelika office, located at 121 N. 20th St. Ste 20A in the Medical Arts building.

Spa Auburn Holiday Fabulous at Five

On November 19, from 5-7 pm, Spa Auburn will host a Holiday Fabulous at Five.  Enjoy a free eyebrow wax, a chair massage, or a pressure point hand massage while enjoying  snacks and a  glass of wine or two.  David Brown, Environ Skincare Rep will be offering free skin analysis.  Dr. Hedden will offering great specials to start the holiday season, including two Botox sites for $400 and two Botox sites plus one filler for $800.  Spa Auburn is located at 778 N. Dean Road.

TAX TIME IS AROUND THE CORNER.  IS YOUR BUSINESS READY?

Join Machen, McChesney & Chastain for proactive year-end tax planning on Tuesday, December 7, from 8:30  am– 12:00 noon at the Auburn Chamber on Glenn Avenue.  Topics covered will include Year-end tax planning tips, W-2 & 1099 Processing, Payroll Tax Filing, Fringe Benefits, Healthcare Insurance Credits, HIRE Act Credits, and Payroll Tax Changes for 2011.   RSVP by December 1:  Jana Jager, marketing/business development coordinator, jjager@mmcfirm.com or (334) 887-7022.  Free to MM&C clients.  All others $50.  Seating is limited.

Thanksgiving Brunch and Dinner at Ariccia

This Thanksgiving, spend the day with loved ones instead of over a hot stove.  Let the culinary team at Ariccia Trattoria & Bar do all the hard work.  The Thanksgiving Day Brunch, with seatings at Noon and 2:30 p.m., will feature an assortment of salads, entrées and desserts.  From 5:30-10 p.m., Ariccia will be serving a three-course Thanksgiving Dinner featuring turkey and all of the traditional accompaniments, sure to bring smiles to everyone’s faces.  The price for brunch and dinner is $34.50 for adults and $14.50 for children under 12.  Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling (334) 844-5140.   

LeisureLink:  Auburn Parks and Recreation's Weekly, Online Newsletter

Looking for a way to stay up-to-date on Auburn Parks and Recreation news, announcements, programs and events?  Sign up for LeisureLink, your weekly online newsletter from the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department. This FREE publication comes directly to your inbox each week with news and information on any and everything related to Parks and Recreation. Sign up today at www.auburnalabama.org/leisure. 

The Flower Store Night on the Town

The Flower Store will host the second annual Night on the Town on Thursday, November 18, from 5:30-7:30 pm.  Register for Christmas and win door prizes!  Please RSVP at (334) 887-9303 or theflowerstore@yahoo.com.  The Flower Store is located in Ogletree Village. 

Turkeys and Hams for Thanksgiving

The Auburn Civitan Club is selling smoked turkeys and hams for Thanksgiving.  The cost for a turkey (12-14 lb.) or ham (8-10 lb.) is $35.00 each.  Orders may be picked up on Sunday, November 21, from 2:30-4:00 pm at the Elk's Lodge on Opelika Road.  To order, call Andy Price at (334) 332-2948.  All monies raised will go to support local charities and the Civitan International Research Center in Birmingham. 

Beat Bama Botox Party at re: new

Have a worry free, stress free, wrinkle free Auburn vs. Alabama game day, (or at least look like it!)  Re: new will host a Botox party on November 16 by appointment from 9 am -7 pm.  Botox is $9/unit (regularly $11/unit) and Juvederm is $50 off/syringe.  Re: new is located in Ogletree Village.

Auburn Legend First Elimination Round at The Hotel at Auburn University

The top 25 contestants for Auburn Legend will perform at the first elimination round taking place on November 19, at 7 pm.  Tickets are available for the public to attend and cost $5 per person.  They can be purchased through the front desk at The Hotel at Auburn University.  For questions about tickets or to purchase tickets for the remaining elimination rounds and final round, please call (334) 821-8200.  For additional information about the contest, please visit the Auburn Legend Facebook Fan Page at www.facebook.com/AuburnLegend or visit the Mix 96.7 FM Web site at www.mix967online.com.      

Thames Orthodontics Collecting for Toys for Tots

Beginning November 8, Thames Orthodontics will be collecting toys for Toys for Tots.  If you would like to donate, please bring a new, unwrapped toy to either Thames Orthodontics locations:  Auburn office, located at 868 N. Dean Road, or the Opelika office,  located at 121 N. 20th St. Ste 20A in the Medical Arts building. 

Beat Bama Food Drive

For the past sixteen years, Auburn University and the University of Alabama have competed against each other to see which school could raise the most food for their local food bank in the weeks prior to the big competition on the football field.  This is the largest food drive of the year and last year an amazing 164,034 pounds of food were donated locally.  This has a huge impact on the Food Bank’s ability to provide food for needy families this holiday season and beyond.  Collection barrels can be found at local grocery stores.  Visit www.beatbamafooddrive.com for more information.

Toys for Tots Drop-Off

The Courtyards at Auburn , located on North Dean Road, is a Toys for Tots drop-off location. 

WmHarrison Girls Night Out

Wm Harrison Fabrics will host a Girls Night Out Holiday Style on November 18 from 5-8 pm.  Tickets are $2 in advance and $3 at the door.  Ticket sales benefit the American Cancer Society.  The event will feature great gift ideas and discounts from WmHarrison Fabrics, Flip Flop Foto, One Eighty Spa and more.  WmHarrison is located at 2408 E. University Drive.

Remembering the 45th: Lz Xray

On Tuesday, November 16, from 5-6:30 pm, come by Auburn City Hall and thank Hal Moore and Joe Galloway for their service to America.  Bring books, photos, or items for signature.  Take photos with the co-authors.  The event will be broadcast live by REMOTE on WKKR - 97.7 FM and is sponsored by: City of Auburn, Opelika-Auburn News, Auburn City Schools & The Hal Moore Youth Leadership Academy, Ia Drang Scholarship Fund and Qantum of Auburn Radio - WKKR 97.7

Auburn Noah's List Online Classified Ads and Business Directory

Auburn Noah’s List is a classified ad portal with a strong local flavor.  Noah’s List is an extension of Noah’s Classifieds, the most popular classified ads software on the Web.  Auburn Noah’s List is locally owned and locally operated by Bobby and Becky Cleveland.  Noah’s List owners will maintain quality control and businesses/individuals do not have to worry about offensive and irrelevant content.  Noah’s List provides the personal, local touches that other online classified portals cannot, such as specialty advertising.  Be the first to advertise in the Featured Business Directory in your category and get a FREE 6 MONTH FEATURED AD.  Visit auburn.noahslist.com to buy or sell.  To advertise, email becky@lakemartin.noahslist.com or call (256) 234-3676.

AACT Production: "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten"

The Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) opens their fall season with "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," a gentle, funny, and joyous adaptation of the works of Robert Fulgham. Performances will be held November 12 – 13 & 18 - 20 at 7 pm and November 14 & 21 at 2 pm. Tickets will be available at the door 30 minutes prior to curtain time; however, reservations are recommended. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. For more information, or reservations, contact Steve Bice at aactreservations@gmail.com or call (334) 332-2552. 

Vendors Needed for 4th Annual Holiday Art Sale

The Auburn Arts Association and Auburn Parks & Recreation will host the 4th Annual Holiday Art Sale on Saturday, December 11 from 9 am – 4 pm at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Local artists will be selling paintings, pottery, stained glass, photography, cards, jewelry, hats, scarves and much more! Don't miss your chance to purchase unique, hand-crafted gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. 

Looking for a way to share your creativity and make some extra money? We are currently looking for arts & crafts vendors. Applications are available online at www.auburnalabama.org/ceramics and at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. In lieu of an application fee, 10% of final sales goes to the Auburn Arts Association. All applications must be received by Friday, November 26.  For more information, call (334) 501-2963. 

Final Public CompPlan 2030 Meeting Moved to December 2

The City of Auburn will hold a public meeting for CompPlan 2030 on December 2 at 6 pm in City Council Chambers at 141 Ross Street.    

This is the final meeting in a series of public meetings for CompPlan 2030. The purpose of this meeting is to share the draft future land use plan and draft recommendations for natural systems, transportation systems, and other areas related to growth and development. The meeting format will be a presentation with a question and answer period at the end.

Public comment on the draft plan will be accomplished via the CompPlan 2030 website, www.auburnalabama.org/compplan2030.  For more information, visit www.auburnalabama.org/compplan2030 or contact Justin Steinmann with the City of Auburn Planning Department at 501-3045 or at jsteinmann@auburnalabama.org.

 Welcome Packages for Veteran Students

Auburn University will be preparing welcome packages for veteran students returning to school and would like help from the business community.  If your business would like to offer coupons or special offers to include in the packages, please contact Johnny Green at (334) 750-2977 or greenjr@auburn.edu.

Jennifer Fincher

Vice President of Communications & Marketing

Auburn Chamber of Commerce

(334) 887-7011

www.auburnchamber.com

Beat Bama Food Drive

For the past sixteen years, Auburn University and the University of Alabama have competed against each other to see which school could raise the most food for their local food bank in the weeks prior to the big competition on the football field.  This is the largest food drive of the year and last year an amazing 164,034 pounds of food were donated locally.  This has a huge impact on the Food Bank’s ability to provide food for needy families this holiday season and beyond.  Collection barrels can be found at local grocery stores.  Visit www.beatbamafooddrive.com for more information.

BancorpSouth Tailgate Party

BancorpSouth will host an Auburn vs. Georgia Tailgate party on Friday, November 12, from 1-4 pm at the BancorpSouth Auburn branch, located at 807 East Glenn Avenue.

Kroger Johnsonville Brat Sale

The Auburn Kroger will host a Johnsonville Brat Sale to benefit the Auburn-Alabama food Fight on November 12 from 10 am-6 pm.  A meal includes a brat, chips and a drink for $3.

Beauty & Bubbles at Saugahatchee Country Club

On Thursday, November 11, Saugahatchee Country Club will host Beauty & Bubbles, a night of girlie  pampering and shopping.  The event will include 16 retail vendors, Birmingham wardrobe consultant Corrie Adamson, wine and heavy hors d’ oeuvres.  Admission is $35 for members and $45 for guests.  Attendees must RSVP.  For more information or to RSVP, call (334) 749-3441.

Auburn Noah's List Online Classified Ads and Business Directory

Auburn Noah’s List is a classified ad portal with a strong local flavor.  Noah’s List is an extension of Noah’s Classifieds, the most popular classified ads software on the Web.  Auburn Noah’s List is locally owned and locally operated by Bobby and Becky Cleveland.  Noah’s List owners will maintain quality control and businesses/individuals do not have to worry about offensive and irrelevant content.  Noah’s List provides the personal, local touches that other online classified portals cannot, such as specialty advertising.  Be the first to advertise in the Featured Business Directory in your category and get a FREE 6 MONTH FEATURED AD.  Visit auburn.noahslist.com to buy or sell.  To advertise, email becky@lakemartin.noahslist.com or call (256) 234-3676.

Polar Express Holiday Celebration December 5

Tickets for the Polar Express Holiday Celebration will be on sale November 10 & 12 from 9 am - 4 pm at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. The cost is $8/person. A limited number of tickets are available.

Hop aboard the Polar Express on Sunday, December 5 from 1 - 4 pm at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. The “train” will depart at 1 pm.  Activities include arts & crafts, sweets & treats, a trackless train, inflatables, and much more. Children ages 5 and up are invited to recreate this magical ride to the North Pole.  Participants are encouraged to wear their favorite holiday pajamas.  A parent or guardian must accompany children under 5 at all times.  For more information, contact the Arts Center at (334) 501-2963.

AACT Production: "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten"

The Auburn Area Community Theatre (AACT) opens their fall season with "All I Really Need to Know I Learned in Kindergarten," a gentle, funny, and joyous adaptation of the works of Robert Fulgham. Performances will be held November 12 – 13 & 18 - 20 at 7 pm and November 14 & 21 at 2 pm. Tickets will be available at the door 30 minutes prior to curtain time; however, reservations are recommended. Admission is $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. For more information, or reservations, contact Steve Bice at aactreservations@gmail.com or call (334) 332-2552.

Vendors Needed for 4th Annual Holiday Art Sale

The Auburn Arts Association and Auburn Parks & Recreation will host the 4th Annual Holiday Art Sale on Saturday, December 11 from 9 am – 4 pm at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. Local artists will be selling paintings, pottery, stained glass, photography, cards, jewelry, hats, scarves and much more! Don't miss your chance to purchase unique, hand-crafted gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

Looking for a way to share your creativity and make some extra money? We are currently looking for arts & crafts vendors. Applications are available online at www.auburnalabama.org/ceramics and at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center. In lieu of an application fee, 10% of final sales goes to the Auburn Arts Association. All applications must be received by Friday, November 26.

Mark your calendars and join us for this annual holiday event! For more information, call (334) 501-2963.

Wrapsody Trollbead Trunk Show

Wrapsody will host a Trollbead Trunk Show on Thursday-Saturday, November 11-13.  Buy 4 beads, receive a 5^th bead free, receive $25 off a Fantasy Pendant with the purchase of a Fantasy Necklace and/or receive a complimentary “Mystery box” with the purchase of a bracelet and upgraded clasp.  For more information, call (334) 887-7447 or visit www.wrapsodyonline.com.

Ellie Christmas open House

Ellie will host a Christmas Open House on November 14. The downtown Auburn boutique will be open from 1-4 pm and will offer customers free gift wrap and a raffle for four $25 gift certificates.

Resurrect Antiques sponsors holiday market

Resurrect Antiques will be participating in the Crooked Creek Holiday Market Event on Nov. 18-20 at 804 Columbus Parkway, just off I-85.  The sale will be held on Thursday and Friday from 10 am-5 pm, and Saturday from 10 am-4 pm.  The market will include arts & crafts, jewelry, holiday decor, food vendors and antiques.  A preview sale will be held on November 17  from 6-9 pm.  Admission is $5 for the preview sale and refreshments will be provided.  For more information, call (334) 524-0606.

Join the Auburn Tip-Off Club

Join the excitement as the Barbee era begins in Auburn Basketball!  Enjoy fun and fellowship with Coach Barbee, his staff, and fellow basketball supporters.  The Auburn Tip-Off Club is currently signing up members for the 2010-2011 season.  There are Individual, Couple, Corporate, Saturday Only and Associate memberships offered.  E-mail Sherrie Murphy Stanyard at sherrie@craftmaster.com for a copy of the membership brochure or with questions.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook Off

The Annual Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook Off will be held on November 11 at 6 pm at the Alabama Farmers Pavilion (620 A South Donahue Dr.).  Cook teams are needed and there is no charge to participate.  For information, call 1-800-822-9453.

Admission to the event is $50 per person/couple at the door and $40 prior to the event.  Admission is free for cook teams and children under 16.  Admission includes food and AWF membership.  The event will also feature a silent auction and live music. 

Nature Playground Dedication at Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve

A dedication ceremony will be held for the nature playground recently constructed at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve on Wednesday, November 10, at 10 am.  Dr. Jay Gogue and Mayor Ham will offer remarks at the event.  The entire community is invited to attend.

Final Public CompPlan 2030 Meeting Scheduled For November 15

The City of Auburn will hold a public meeting for CompPlan 2030 on November 15 at 6 pm in City Council Chambers at 141 Ross Street.   

This is the final meeting in a series of public meetings for CompPlan 2030. The purpose of this meeting is to share the draft future land use plan and draft recommendations for natural systems, transportation systems, and other areas related to growth and development. The meeting format will be a presentation with a question and answer period at the end.

Public comment on the draft plan will be accomplished via the CompPlan 2030 website, www.auburnalabama.org/compplan2030.  For more information, visit www.auburnalabama.org/compplan2030 or contact Justin Steinmann with the City of Auburn Planning Department at 501-3045 or at jsteinmann@auburnalabama.org.

welcome packages for veteran students

Auburn University will be preparing welcome packages for veteran students returning to school and would like help from the business community.  If your business would like to offer coupons or special offers to include in the packages, please contact Johnny Green at (334) 750-2977 or greenjr@auburn.edu.

Artist Show at The Villager will feature Cal Breed and Janae Easton 

The Villager will host an artist show featuring glass artist Cal Breed and fabric artist Janae Easton on Friday, Nov. 12, from 2-8 pm and Saturday, Nov. 13, from 10 am-7 pm.  The Villager is located in downtown Auburn.

Meet "Sister Schubert" and Daughter Chrissie at AuburnArt.com

Join "Sister Schubert" Barnes and daughter Chrissie for a book signing and confectionery sampling on Saturday, November 13,  from 9 am - 2 pm at AuburnArt.com.  Meet these Auburn University alumnae as they showcase their culinary skills, featuring Chrissie Schubert's Homemade Treats, an exclusive line of Auburn cookies.  "Sister Schubert" will be signing her book, “Cast Your Bread Upon The Waters: featuring recipes for success, cooking and living.”  For more information, contact AuburnArt.com at (334) 887-7788 or online www.auburnart.com.

Jennifer Fincher

Vice President of Communications & Marketing

Auburn Chamber of Commerce

(334) 887-7011

www.auburnchamber.com

Ellie Discount for Beat Bama Food Drive

Bring two cans of food to ellie boutique or ellie shoes and receive 10% off of your purchase. Offer good until November 21. 

Meet Designer Jill Schwartz at The Villager

The Villager will be hosting an artist show featuring designer Jill Schwartz on Nov. 5 and 6 from 10 am– 7 pm. Her designs range from eclectic vintage to a stylish bohemian. Jill will bring a large collection of handcrafted necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings and will debut a new fall collection.

The Villager is located at 104 N. College Street in downtown Auburn or online at www.shopvillager.com.  Shop In-store Monday - Saturday 10 am-7 pm and Sunday 12 -5 pm.

Wrapsody Holiday Open House

You are invited to Wrapsody’s Annual Holiday Open House celebrating Alabama’s best Thursday, November 4, through Sunday, November 7.  Open house hours are Thursday 10 am-6 pm,  Friday 10 am until 8 pm for the Downtown Block Party, Saturday from 10 am-7 pm, and Sunday from 1- 5 pm.  Star specials throughout the store:  gift with $50 purchase, complimentary bow with purchase of any ribbon, buy 5 ornaments get 6^th free, on-the-house monogramming on Vera Bradley purchases of $75 or more, and free matching return address labels with photo-card purchase from Little Lamb Designs.  Join Wrapsody for southern-style snacks, door-prizes and holiday merriment during the Homecoming weekend. Wrapsody is located in downtown Auburn or online at www.wrapsodyonline.com.  For more information, call (334) 887-7447.

FREE OUTDOOR ZUMBA ON THE EAMC PARKING DECK

FREE Outdoor Zumba classes, led by HealthPlus' high-energy instructor Sean Macdonald, will be held on the roof of the EAMC parking deck each Tuesday from 5-6 pm through December 14 (off Nov. 23).  Outdoor Zumba classes are open to the public and absolutely free so bring your friends, your sneakers and join the party.  The only requirement is that each participant complete a short health questionnaire.  If attendees have any health issues, a physician’s clearance will be required before participation.

Because the Zumba classes will be held on the parking deck roof, parking will not be available on that floor after 4 pm.  People coming to EAMC for the Zumba classes are encouraged to park in the lots north of the parking deck (near the helipad).  For more information about Zumba on the Deck, please call HealthPlus at (334) 887-5666.

Fun & Fancy Christmas Open House

Fun & Fancy will hold a Christmas Open House on Sunday, November 7, from 1-4 pm.  The open house will include special savings, refreshments, door prizes and complimentary gift wrap.  Fun & Fancy is located in The Shoppes at Midtown on Frederick Road. 

Home Inventory Open for Business

Billy Goldsborough has committed his life to protecting the welfare of our community and our country.  With his law enforcement and military background, Billy has started a business to further that protection, Home Inventory, LLC. 

Every day fires, thefts and natural disasters strike unsuspecting victims.  To assist with the arduous claims process, insurance companies and financial planners strongly recommend clients conduct a home inventory.   Unfortunately, most individuals have neither the time nor the resources to complete a comprehensive and detailed record of their personal belongings.   Home Inventory, LLC is the solution.  Honor, Commitment and Integrity are paramount to Billy and his new business.  To contact Billy, call (334) 332.9315 or email w_goldy@yahoo.com.

Inside the Auburn Tigers broadcast team at Tiger Surprise!

This Friday, Nov. 5, from 4 – 6 pm, join the Inside the Auburn Tigers broadcast team at Tiger Surprise! on South College, next to J&M II, behind Loco’s Grill & Pub.  Coach Pat Dye will be present, signing autographs and taking photos with the fans.  For more information, call Tiger Surprise! at (334) 502-1350.

Join the Auburn Tip-Off Club

Join the excitement as the Barbee era begins in Auburn Basketball!  Enjoy fun and fellowship with Coach Barbee, his staff, and fellow basketball supporters.  The Auburn Tip-Off Club is currently signing up members for the 2010-2011 season.  There are Individual, Couple, Corporate, Saturday Only and Associate memberships offered.  E-mail Sherrie Murphy Stanyard at sherrie@craftmaster.com for a copy of the membership brochure or with questions.

Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook Off

The Annual Alabama Wildlife Federation Wild Game Cook Off will be held on November 11 at 6 pm at the Alabama Farmers Pavilion (620 A South Donahue Dr.).  Cook teams are needed and there is no charge to participate.  For information, call 1-800-822-9453.

Admission to the event is $50 per person/couple at the door and $40 prior to the event.  Admission is free for cook teams and children under 16.  Admission includes food and AWF membership.  The event will also feature a silent auction and live music. 

Historic Marker Placement and City of Auburn Homecoming Event

Governor Bob Riley has declared 2010 as the Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns.  In celebration of Auburn’s rich history, the City of Auburn would like to cordially invite you to a Historic Marker Placement Ceremony on Friday, November 5, at approximately 6:30 pm.  The historic marker, composed by Dr. Ralph Draughon, will be unveiled at Toomer’s Corner located at the intersection of College Street and Magnolia Avenue.   In honor of Auburn’s rich history, the City of Auburn will host an entire weekend of festivities as part of the 2010 Homecoming Event to be held November 5-7, 2010.  For a complete schedule of speakers, tours and concerts, please log onto www.auburnalabama.org/smalltowns. 

Nature Playground Dedication at Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve

A dedication ceremony will be held for the nature playground recently constructed at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve on Wednesday, November 10, at 10 am.  Dr. Jay Gogue and Mayor Ham will offer remarks at the event.  The entire community is invited to attend.

Earth Fare Twitter Turkey Tuesdays

Earth Fare is giving away a FREE all-natural turkey every Tuesday in November before Thanksgiving.  Follow Earth Fare on Twitter (Auburn Earth Fare) and ReTweet the “Twitter Turkey Tuesday” post by 2 pm every Tuesday in November for a chance to win!

Final Public CompPlan 2030 Meeting Scheduled For November 15

The City of Auburn will hold a public meeting for CompPlan 2030 on November 15 at 6 pm in City Council Chambers at 141 Ross Street.   

This is the final meeting in a series of public meetings for CompPlan 2030. The purpose of this meeting is to share the draft future land use plan and draft recommendations for natural systems, transportation systems, and other areas related to growth and development. The meeting format will be a presentation with a question and answer period at the end.

Public comment on the draft plan will be accomplished via the CompPlan 2030 website, www.auburnalabama.org/compplan2030. 

For more information, visit www.auburnalabama.org/compplan2030 or contact Justin Steinmann with the City of Auburn Planning Department at 501-3045 or at jsteinmann@auburnalabama.org.

Jernigan Portraits with Santa and East Alabama Food Bank Food Drive

Friday, November 5, 9:30 am-1 pm:  Appointment only, session fee $50 plus tax

$25 of the sessions will be donated to the East Alabama Food Bank

Saturday, November 6, 9 am-1 pm:

Open House

No appointment necessary, cost is 5 cans of non-perishable food per child

Refreshments, music, entertainment and a free raffle

For appointments or information, email laborders@jerniganphotography.com or call (334) 745-2334.  Jernigan’s Photography is located at 314 South 10th Street, Opelika.

10^th Annual Downtown Trick or Treat October 28

Join Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Downtown Auburn Merchants for the 10th Annual Downtown Trick or Treat on Thursday, October 28 from 6 - 8 p.m. This FREE, community event features candy and giveaways courtesy of downtown merchants, live music, and activities, and offers children 12 years and younger an excellent alternative to door-to-door trick or treating. Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Downtown streets will be closed during the event.

Put on your best costume and bring the family to Downtown Auburn for an evening of fun. Many downtown restaurants and stores will be offering specials throughout the evening. Participating downtown merchants will feature an "Official Monster Merchant" poster in their windows. Trick or treaters are encouraged to visit Official Monster Merchants for candy and giveaways. Other activities include a costume contest, pet costume contest, face painting, a special appearance by Aubie, and live music from the Auburn University Steel Drum Band.

In conjunction with Downtown Trick or Treat, Auburn Parks and Recreation and the Food Bank of East Alabama have teamed up for the 2nd Annual Carve a Bite out of Hunger Food Drive. Participants in Downtown Trick or Treat may bring canned goods and non-perishable food items to Downtown Trick or Treat. Collection bins will be set up throughout Downtown to accept donations. All proceeds benefit the Food Bank of East Alabama.

For more information, please contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at (334) 501-2930.

Final Public CompPlan 2030 Meeting Scheduled For November 15

The City of Auburn will hold a public meeting for CompPlan 2030 on November 15 at 6 pm in City Council Chambers at 141 Ross Street.   

This is the final meeting in a series of public meetings for CompPlan 2030. The purpose of this meeting is to share the draft future land use plan and draft recommendations for natural systems, transportation systems, and other areas related to growth and development. The meeting format will be a presentation with a question and answer period at the end.

Public comment on the draft plan will be accomplished via the CompPlan 2030 website, www.auburnalabama.org/compplan2030. 

For more information, visit www.auburnalabama.org/compplan2030 or contact Justin Steinmann with the City of Auburn Planning Department at 501-3045 or at jsteinmann@auburnalabama.org.

Speaker Series to Feature the Story of the African American Experience in Auburn

Auburn's Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns Speaker Series continues on Tuesday, October 26 at 6 p.m. at the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center as the City of Auburn presents a panel discussion on the African American experience in Auburn. This free, community event is open to all ages.

The panel will be moderated by Cynthia Boyd, a retired educator with the Auburn City Schools and longtime community leader. Panel members include Charlsie E. Roberts, Connie J. Frazier, Mable H. Robinson, and Bernice C. Rutledge. Boyd describes the discussion as a compilation of information panel members gathered during their research to write a book on the African American experience in Auburn entitled Lest We Forget. Both the discussion and book detail information panel members gathered from questionnaires and interviews with individuals with childhood roots in Auburn. In addition to their extensive research, Ms. Frazier and Ms. Robinson are Auburn natives and long-time citizens while Ms. Roberts and Ms. Rutledge have lived and worked in Auburn for many years.

For more information, please contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at (334) 501-2930.

Jernigan Portraits with Santa and East Alabama Food Bank Food Drive

Friday, November 5, 9:30 am-1 pm:  Appointment only, session fee $50 plus tax

$25 of the sessions will be donated to the East Alabama Food Bank

Saturday, November 6, 9 am-1 pm

Open House

No appointment necessary, cost is 5 cans of non-perishable food per child

Refreshments, music, entertainment and a free raffle

For appointments or information, email laborders@jerniganphotography.com or call (334) 745-2334.  Jernigan’s Photography is located at 314 South 10th Street, Opelika.

Annual Architecture Student Pumpkin Carve

The Auburn University Chapter of The American Institute of Architecture Students will host its annual Pumpkin Carve  on Friday, October 29.  On the day of the event, students in Architecture, Industrial Design and Building Science gather in the courtyard of Dudley Hall to carve pumpkins with their unique designs.  Student carving will be held all day with public carving scheduled from noon to close. Viewing and judging will take place beginning at 6:45pm and prizes will be awarded soon after. The pumpkins will be sold after the event to local businesses for the holiday.

Trick-or-Treat at Earth Fare

The community is invited to Trick-or-Treat at Earth Fare on Saturday, October 30, from 4 - 6  pm.  Princesses, pirates and parrots…oh my! Come in costume or just as yourself.  Earth Fare will be giving out candy and will award prizes for the best costume.

Cutie Pie is moving

Cutie Pie is moving to the Hamilton Place Publix Shopping Center in November 2010.  Don't miss the moving sale and huge reductions at the current location at 1550 Opelika Road.  Cutie Pie is open Monday-Friday from 9 am-5:30 pm and Saturday from 10 am-4 pm.

Gnu’s Room Reading/Signing by Jesse LaPrade

On Wednesday, October 27, at 6 pm Dr. Jesse LaPrade will hold a reading/signing at the Gnu’s Room.  Dr. LaPrade has been an Auburn University faculty member since 1990 and works for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System as Agricultural Specialist IV. LaPrade has been featured in Insight Publishing’s latest self-help book, Yes You Can (July, 2010). He is one of twenty co-authors, each having written an inspirational chapter in the book.

Dr. LaPrade will read from his chapter in Yes You Can,  and sign copies of the book at the Gnu's Room. He plans to share his most motivational and inspirational life event, one which is not presented in the book, and which is the topic of a soon to be published autobiography.

If you are unable to attend the reading/signing, but would like a copy reserved for you, please call the Gnu's Room at (334) 821-5550. You may contact Dr. LaPrade at  jesse@seascapesbyjesse.com­­­

Maestro Monster Mash

Maestro 2300 will host Maestro Monster Mash on Saturday, October 30, from 8 pm-12 am.  The event will be held in the Opus room and include entertainment, light hors d'oeuvres, a cash bar and costume contest.  For ticket availability, call (334) 821-4448 or email reservations@maestro2300.com .

Auburn vs. Alabama Game Day Bus Trip November 26

The Lee County Auburn Club is chartering a motor coach bus for travel to the Auburn vs. Alabama Game in Tuscaloosa.  The bus will leave on Friday, November 26, from the Auburn Coliseum parking lot on Donahue Drive at 8:00 am and will depart from Tuscaloosa 1 hour after the win.   

For more information, visit www.leecountyauburnclub.com or contact Mark Kantor at makantor@yahoo.com or (334) 332-3221. Tickets are $60 per person. Add $2.50 per seat to reserve a specific seat.  Reserved seats will be name tagged. All non-reserved seats will be first come basis on the assigned bus.

Second-Annual Auburn Idol

The Hotel at Auburn University and MIX 96.7 FM present Auburn’s second Auburn Idol competition.  The contest begins on Saturday, October 30, with open auditions at The Hotel at Auburn University from 9 am until 4 pm.  The top 25 candidates will be chosen to move on and compete in four additional elimination rounds with the winner being named on December 17.  The winning singer will receive a $10,000 grand prize; a recording of their winning song, which will air for one week on MIX 96.7 FM; and an opportunity to perform the National Anthem at an Auburn sporting event.  The contest is open to contestants 13 years and older.  For additional information about Auburn Idol, please contact Ari Turnbull at (334) 321-3180 or ari.turnbull@auhcc.com, or visit the Auburn Idol Facebook Fan Page at Facebook.com/AuburnIdol.

FACES 5k Festival

The third annual FACES 5k Festival will be held on Sunday, October 31, at Richland Road Elementary.  The event will include a 5k, a 1-mile fun run/walk and games for children.  Registration begins at 1 pm, the 1-mile begins at 2 pm and the 5k begins at

2:30 pm.  Cost is $15 for pre-registered runners (received by Tuesday, October 26), $25 on the day of the run, and  $10 for ACS students (family max of $50).  The 1-mile fun run/walk is free with a t-shirt purchase or a $5 donation.  All runners will receive a t-shirt with paid registration.  Make checks payable to FACES and drop off at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce or Auburn City Schools Board of Education OR mail to P.O. Box 3270, Auburn, AL 36831-3270.  Registration is also available at www.active.com.

Estate Planning Awareness Day

Presented by the East Alabama Estate Planning Council

www.EastAlabamaEPC.org

October 19, 2010

4:00 to 6:00 p.m.

LOCATION:         Ludwig von Mises Institute

                             518 W. Magnolia Avenue, Auburn

PURPOSE:             To educate east Alabama residents about basic estate planning concepts and to connect you to local resources.

SPEAKERS:            ESTATE PLANNING TEAM APPROACH:  Alex Muncie, Attorney at Law

                             ESTATE PLANNING DOCUMENTS:  Mark Tippins, Attorney at Law

                             CHANGING TAX SITUATION:  Don Chastain, CPA

                             LIFE INSURANCE IN ESTATE PLANNING:  Windell Saffles, CLU

                             CHARITABLE GIVING:  James Fogal, CFP

                             FAMILY CONSIDERATIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:   Greg Doepke, CFP

For more information,  call  334.321.2100 or e-mail Barbara@Mises.com.

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

Maestro Walk About Wine Tasting

Maestro 2300 will host a Walk About Wine tasting on Monday, November 1, from 6-8 pm. The event will include 10 different wines from around the world paired with 10 different creations by Executive Chef John Hamme.  The cost is $25 per person.  To RSVP, call (334) 821-4448 or email reservations@maestro2300.com. 

Auburn vs. Alabama Game Day Bus Trip November 26

The Lee County Auburn Club is chartering a motor coach bus for travel to the Auburn vs. Alabama Game in Tuscaloosa.  The bus will leave on Friday, November 26, from the Auburn Coliseum parking lot on Donahue Drive at 8:00 am and will depart from Tuscaloosa 1 hour after the win.   

For more information, visit www.leecountyauburnclub.com or contact Mark Kantor at makantor@yahoo.com or (334) 332-3221. Tickets are $60 per person. Add $2.50 per seat to reserve a specific seat.  Reserved seats will be name tagged. All non-reserved seats will be first come basis on the assigned bus.

Saugahatchee Bridal Open House

Saugahatchee Country Club will host a Bridal Open House on October 24 from 4-7 pm. Sample gourmet cuisine from six banquet menus, as well as from preferred buffets. Tour the renovated ballroom and banquet facilities and meet with wedding vendors. Trusted since 1947, Saugahatchee offers seated events for 200, cocktail receptions for 500, and intimate private rooms with golf course view. FREE ADMISSION! www.saugahatcheecountryclub.com

Second-Annual Auburn Idol

The Hotel at Auburn University and MIX 96.7 FM present Auburn’s second Auburn Idol competition.  The contest begins on Saturday, October 30, with open auditions at The Hotel at Auburn University from 9 am until 4 pm.  The top 25 candidates will be chosen to move on and compete in four additional elimination rounds with the winner being named on December 17.  The winning singer will receive a $10,000 grand prize; a recording of their winning song, which will air for one week on MIX 96.7 FM; and an opportunity to perform the National Anthem at an Auburn sporting event.  The contest is open to contestants 13 years and older.  For additional information about Auburn Idol, please contact Ari Turnbull at (334) 321-3180 or ari.turnbull@auhcc.com, or visit the Auburn Idol Facebook Fan Page at Facebook.com/AuburnIdol.

This Week at JCSM

SCTIF Film: Pelada (Rebekah Ferguson and Ryan White, directors)

October 19, 6 pm

Recent college graduates document their international quest to explore the sport that has been their shared life-long passion, soccer.  This film will be followed by coffee, dessert and discussion with the filmmaker.  This is free and open to all.

Third Thursday Late Night

“Theology in Color,” a slide lecture by Father Anthony Saltzman

October 21, 5 pm

Fr. Anthony Salzman graduated from Holy Cross Greek Orthodox School of Theology Summa Cum Laude in 1989. He spent the next six years studying the Art of Byzantine Iconography under Master Iconographer Kosta Photiadeis in Thessaloniki, Greece and simultaneously following the Byzantine Art History program at the Aristotelian University. He has completed commissions at a Greek Orthodox Church in Cohasset, Mass., and a private chapel in Toulucan, Mexico.

Both events are free and open to all.

Wrapsody Balloon Release Celebration

On Friday, October 22, Wrapsody will hold the Balloon Release Celebration, which marks the end of the Hope Floats Campaign for Breast Cancer.  The event will be held before the Downtown Friday Night Block Party from 4:30-5:30 pm. After the release, there will be a gift-basket giveaway with items generously donated by downtown merchants.  Visit Wrapsody’s Facebook page and print off the “Pink Pass.”  Attendees with the “Pink Pass” will receive $20 off a $40 purchase exclusively during the Balloon Release Celebration.  Selma’s cookies is tailgating at Wrapsody for the LSU game, so stop by and get a tasty sample!  For more information, visit  Wrapsody in downtown Auburn Monday-Friday 10-6 pm and Saturday 10-5 pm or www.wrapsodyonline.com.

MARKETING NIGHT WITH MARY KAY

On October 19, Mary Kay will host a "Marketing Night" at the Auburn Chamber. Anyone small business owner is invited to come and share a description of the business and services offered. Business owners are also invited to pass out business cards, flyers or other business materials. Refreshments & door prizes will be provided! For more information, contact Amanda Sherum, Pink Cadillac Director with 9 years of marketing experience, at (256) 596-1136 or www.marykay.com/amanda2002.

Amsterdam Wine Dinner

On October 25, Amsterdam Café will be hosting a wine dinner with Frank Family Winery.  Richard Frank will be present to showcase and speak about the viticulture of his world renowned wines.  We will be featuring the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Port.  Each wine will be paired with a delightful course prepared by Chef David Bancroft.  The event begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.; we ask that everyone attending arrives at 6:00 p.m. for hors'devours and an aperitif.  Tickets are $75.00 plus tax and gratuity and must be purchased prior to the date of the event. If you are interested in attending this special occasion, please contact Paul Willis via phone or email at (334) 826-8181 ext. 11 or pwillis@amsterdamcafeauburn.com. 

10th Annual Downtown Trick or Treat to be held October 28

Don't forget to join Auburn Parks and Recreation for the 10th Annual Downtown Trick or Treat on Thursday, October 28 from 6 – 8 p.m. This FREE, family- friendly event features giveaways from downtown “Monster Merchants” and live music. Don’t miss your chance to enter the Best Costume Contest, and bring your favorite four-legged friends and enter them for a chance to win the Best Pet Costume Contest. Downtown Trick or Treat is open to children ages 12 years and under. Parents must accompany children at all times.

The 2nd Annual Carve a Bite Out of Hunger Food Drive will be held in conjunction with Downtown Trick or Treat. Bring your non-perishable food items with you to Downtown Trick or Treat, and we'll have collection bins throughout downtown to collect your donations. All donations will benefit the Food Bank of East Alabama.

For more information on Downtown Trick or Treat, contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at 501-2930.

New Business Owner Free Tax Workshop

Starting a new business and have tax questions?  Mark your calendar and attend the Alabama Department of Revenue’s free New Business Workshop scheduled Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010, at 3 pm and again at 6 pm.

The workshop will be held at the Southern Union Community College, located at Lafayette Parkway at the intersection of U.S. Highways 431 and 29 in Opelika.  The workshop will be held in Room 100 of the Higginbotham Academic Center.  The free workshop will cover a variety of state tax information topics, including employer withholding taxes, state and local sales taxes, property taxes, business licensing requirements, and recent changes in Alabama’s child labor law.  An overview of Alabama’s business tax electronic filing programs will also be presented.

For more information concerning the New Business Workshops, visit the department’s Web site at www.revenue.alabama.gov or call (334) 887-9549.

FACES 5k Festival

The third annual FACES 5k Festival will be held on Sunday, October 31, at Richland Road Elementary.  The event will include a 5k, a 1-mile fun run/walk and games for children.  Registration begins at 1 pm, the 1-mile begins at 2 pm and the 5k begins at 2:30 pm.  Cost is $15 for pre-registered runners (received by Tuesday, October 26), $25 on the day of the run, and  $10 for ACS students (family max of $50).  The 1-mile fun run/walk is free with a t-shirt purchase or a $5 donation.  All runners will receive a t-shirt with paid registration.  Make checks payable to FACES and drop off at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce or Auburn City Schools Board of Education OR mail to P.O. Box 3270, Auburn, AL 36831-3270.  Registration is also available at www.active.com.

Maestro Caymus Wine Dinner

On Friday, October 15, Maestro 2300 is proud to host Caymus Vineyards for a special wine dinner.  Chef Hamme has designed a menu paired with exquisite wines from Wine Spectator's #1 rated  Cabernet Sauvignon producer, Caymus Vineyards.  Special guest Adriana Chinsky from Caymus will be presenting each wine.  Please call (334) 821-4448 for more information or to make a reservation.

Moxii Columbus Day Sale

Moxii will be hosting a Columbus Day Sale now through Thursday, October 14.  All items are buy 1 get the 2nd item at 50% off.  This is the perfect opportunity to prepare your home for the holidays or  to get a head start on your holiday shopping. In downtown Auburn, moxii your personality, your style.

Amsterdam Wine Dinner

On October 25, Amsterdam Café will be hosting a wine dinner with Frank Family Winery.  Richard Frank will be present to showcase and speak about the viticulture of his world renowned wines.  We will be featuring the Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon and Port.  Each wine will be paired with a delightful course prepared by Chef David Bancroft.  The event begins promptly at 6:30 p.m.; we ask that everyone attending arrives at 6:00 p.m. for hors'devours and an aperitif.  Tickets are $75.00 plus tax and gratuity and must be purchased prior to the date of the event. If you are interested in attending this special occasion, please contact Paul Willis via phone or email at (334) 826-8181 ext. 11 or pwillis@amsterdamcafeauburn.com. 

Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns Speaker Series Continues with Program on the History of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University October 14

The City of Auburn's Year of Alabama Small Towns and Downtowns Speakers Series continues on Thursday, October 14 at 5 p.m. with a presentation on the history of the College of Veterinary Medicine at Auburn University by Drs. Tom Vaughn and Gary Beard. The program will be held at the Historic Nunn-Winston House at Kiesel Park, immediately followed by the Sundown Concert Series at the Kiesel Park Pavilion at 6 p.m.  For more information, please contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at

(334) 501-2930.

10th Annual Downtown Trick or Treat to be held October 28

Don't forget to join Auburn Parks and Recreation for the 10th Annual Downtown Trick or Treat on Thursday, October 28 from 6 – 8 p.m. This FREE, family- friendly event features giveaways from downtown “Monster Merchants” and live music. Don’t miss your chance to enter the Best Costume Contest, and bring your favorite four-legged friends and enter them for a chance to win the Best Pet Costume Contest. Downtown Trick or Treat is open to children ages 12 years and under. Parents must accompany children at all times.

The 2nd Annual Carve a Bite Out of Hunger Food Drive will be held in conjunction with Downtown Trick or Treat. Bring your non-perishable food items with you to Downtown Trick or Treat, and we'll have collection bins throughout downtown to collect your donations. All donations will benefit the Food Bank of East Alabama.

For more information on Downtown Trick or Treat, contact Auburn Parks and Recreation at 501-2930.

Introduction to Successful Project Management (October 18-20, 2010)

Auburn University's Office of Professional and Continuing Education  will offer Introduction to Successful Project Management October 18-20.  This highly interactive seminar provides an overview of project management concepts and principles using lecture, small group case studies and discussion. Course participants develop many of the project plan elements required to take a sample project from the initiating processes through planning, executing, controlling and closing. The course manual includes step-by-step performance tools such as checklists, worksheets, and guidelines that will help participants plan and manage project events. Sample documents are provided on a CD.  This course is designed for those who manage projects and would like their projects to achieve their defined scope, on-time and within budget.   Registration fee:  $499 (on or before October 4); $549 (after October 4). Please note, registration is limited to the first 15 enrollments.

Junior League Poinsettia Sale

Just in time for the holidays, the Junior League of Lee County (JLLC) has announced the dates for its annual Poinsettia Sale to benefit the children of Lee County.  Pre-orders for this annual fundraiser are now being taken through Monday, Nov. 1. Two sizes of poinsettias will be sold this year, a 6.5-inch for $11 and a 10-inch for $22 with available colors to include red, ivory, pink and marble. Businesses that order 10 or more plants will receive free delivery on Nov. 22 or Dec. 3.  Contact any League member or juniorleagueofleecounty@gmail.com to place an order.

All monies raised from this annual fundraiser will go to assist the various arts and literacy programs for children supported by the JLLC throughout the community through the awarding of grant funds and volunteer services.

New Business Owner Free Tax Workshop

Starting a new business and have tax questions?  Mark your calendar and attend the Alabama Department of Revenue’s free New Business Workshop scheduled Thursday, Oct. 21, 2010, at 3 pm and again at 6 pm.

The workshop will be held at the Southern Union Community College, located at Lafayette Parkway at the intersection of U.S. Highways 431 and 29 in Opelika.  The workshop will be held in Room 100 of the Higginbotham Academic Center.  The free workshop will cover a variety of state tax information topics, including employer withholding taxes, state and local sales taxes, property taxes, business licensing requirements, and recent changes in Alabama’s child labor law.  An overview of Alabama’s business tax electronic filing programs will also be presented.

For more information concerning the New Business Workshops, visit the department’s Web site at www.revenue.alabama.gov or call (334) 887-9549.

FACES 5k Festival

The third annual FACES 5k Festival will be held on Sunday, October 31, at Richland Road Elementary.  The event will include a 5k, a 1-mile fun run/walk and games for children.  Registration begins at 1 pm, the 1-mile begins at 2 pm and the 5k begins at

2:30 pm.  Cost is $15 for pre-registered runners (received by Tuesday, October 26), $25 on the day of the run, and  $10 for ACS students (family max of $50).  The 1-mile fun run/walk is free with a t-shirt purchase or a $5 donation.  All runners will receive a t-shirt with paid registration.  Make checks payable to FACES and drop off at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce or Auburn City Schools Board of Education OR mail to P.O. Box 3270, Auburn, AL 36831-3270.  Registration is also available at www.active.com.

Estate Planning Awareness Day

On October 19 from 4-6 pm, the East Alabama Estate Planning Council will host  an Estate Planning Awareness Day at the Ludwig von Mises Institute  to educate East Alabama residents about basic estate planning concepts and available local resources.

Speakers and topics include:

• Estate Planning Team Approach (Alex Muncie, Attorney at Law, Davis, McLaughlin & Muncie)

• Estate Planning Documents (Mark Tippins, Attorney at Law)

• Changing Tax Situation (Don Chastain, CPA, Machen, McChesney & Chastain, LLP)

• Life Insurance in Estate Planning (Windell Saffles, CLU, ChFC, MSFS, CFP®, New York Life)

• Charitable Giving (James Fogal, CFP®, ChFC, Director of Development, The Mises Institute)

• Family Considerations and Responsibilities (Greg Doepke,CFP®, AEP®, Financial Planner)

• Questions for panel members

• Browse and learn

For more information, call (334) 321-2100 or email Barbara@Mises.com.

Zazu Adopts the Gastropub Concept

The atmosphere and menu have both changed at Zazu.  Zazu offers the same quality food and great service, but with a more laid back and personable setting.  Zazu offers 20 craft beers on tap, fresh seafood, steaks, and one of the area’s largest wine lists.  Daily food and drink specials, as well as Zazu’s signature sandwiches, are served for lunch and dinner.  Customers are invited to enjoy college football on one of our three LCD screen TV’s while snacking on fresh made chips and fire roasted salsa.  Zazu has also added cozy booth seating and window treatments.  Zazu is located in downtown Auburn.

An older, tan colored, pug nose dog has been found by Chuck Isbell.  HIs address is 2173 Wedgewood Court in CR.  The dog is inside Chuck's back yard fence.  His cell number is 334-444-6886.  There was no picture in the Pet Registry matching the dog's description. 

PAT DYE AND GAME DAY FUN AT MOXII THIS WEEKEND

Join moxii during the Friday Night Block Parties for entertainment, refreshments and giveaways. Also, join moxii this Saturday before the Clemson game for a book signing event featuring Pat Dye. Coach Dye will be signing his books from 1pm-3pm. Don't miss this occasion to meet an Auburn Legend. In downtown Auburn: moxii your personality, your style.

THE BLUE SHOE OPENS WEDNESDAY

The Blue Shoe - A Boutique with Art & Sole opens Wednesday, September 15. Another great reason to shop locally! The Blue Shoe offers women's and men's shoes, luxurious handbags and jewelry in an art gallery setting. The boutique carries brands you know and love: Donald J. Pliner, Stuart Weitzman, Cole Haan, Lodis and more. While you shop, browse the works of local and regional artists. Store hours: Monday through Friday 10-6 pm and Saturday 10-3 pm. Call (334) 821-1580 for more information or find The Blue Shoe on Facebook.

THIS WEEK AT JULE COLLINS SMITH MUSEUM

Both of the following events will be held at JCSM on Thursday, September 16.

Third Thursday Late Night, 5-8 pm: Lecture, Poetry & Practicality: Old Master Drawings from the Ringling Museum of Art by Alexandra Libby Jule Collins Smith Museum

Classical Guitarist, Mark Edwards, 7 pm

Admission: $5 JCSM members, $10 non-member

THE KIWANIS CLUB OF AUBURN PANCAKE DAY

The Kiwanis Club of Auburn will host a pancake breakfast on Saturday, September 18, from 6:30 am until 11 am at the Auburn United Methodist Church Epworth Center. Plates are $5 and include ALL the pancakes you can eat. The event will also include entertainment and a pancake eating contest.

HAPPENINGS AT WRAPSODY!

Get the Vera Bradley Medley Tote for $25 when you make a $50 Vera Bradley purchase from Sept. 9-20. Get a free, bubbly Brighton Bev-To-Go Tumbler ($25 value) with any $100 Brighton purchase from Sept. 10-26. Priester’s Pecans representatives will be tailgating in Wrapsody for the Auburn vs. Clemson game! Wrapsody is open Mon-Fri 10-6 pm and Sat 10-5 pm or visit www.wrapsodyonlines.com.

SMOKE-FREE, TOBACCO-FREE POLICY TAKES EFFECT OCTOBER 1ST AT EAMC

For the health of the community, East Alabama Medical Center has adopted a smoke-free, tobacco-free policy that will take effect on Friday, October 1. The policy states that the entire EAMC campus—as well as off-site campuses—will be smoke-free and tobacco-free, meaning that even the parking lots and grounds will be off-limits to smokers and tobacco-users. The two smoking lounges on the main campus will be disassembled. This policy applies to all persons on the campus, including employees, patients and visitors. To view a copy of the smoke-free, tobacco-free campus brochure, please visit www.eamc.org and look for the rotating banner on the home page.

GAME DAY RENTALS AT EAGLES WEST APARTMENTS

Eagles West Apartments are now offering fully furnished apartments for home game weekends. Walking distance to Jordan-Hare Stadium and free parking. One bedrooms $650 and two bedrooms $800. Call (334) 821-7432 for more information.

DOWNTOWN AUBURN FRIDAY NIGHT BLOCK PARTIES

Friday Night Block Parties are back! The Downtown Auburn Merchants Association will once again celebrate every Auburn University home game with a Friday night block party. The entire community is invited to enjoy live music, food, vendors and downtown shops from 6-8:30 pm. Get ready to cheer on the Auburn Tigers!

FOOTBALL TENNIS TAILGATE SEPTEMBER 18

Join the City of Auburn/Auburn University Yarbrough Tennis Center for the Football Tennis Tailgate on Saturday, September 18 from 9 - 11 a.m. at the Yarbrough Tennis Center. Adults ages 19 years and older are encouraged to participate in two hours of doubles matches. Courts will be divided by NTRP levels. The cost is $5/person for non-members. Light refreshments will be served. Walk-ups are welcome. For more information, contact the Yarbrough Tennis Center at (334) 501-2920.

AUBURN COMMUNITY ORCHESTRA PRESENTS FREE CONCERT AT KIESEL PARK SEPTEMBER 19

The Auburn Community Orchestra (ACO) will present a FREE concert at Kiesel Park on Sunday, September 19 at 4 p.m. Catch a sneak preview of everything the ACO has in store for this season, including pieces from composers to be featured during the 2010 season. Bring a blanket, chairs, and a picnic and enjoy an afternoon of music in the shade at Kiesel Park. For more information, contact the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at 501-2963.

SUNDOWN CONCERT SERIES AT KIESEL PARK

Don’t miss the Sundown Concert Series at Kiesel Park on Thursdays at 6 pm in September and October. Enjoy live performances by local and regional musicians under the shade trees at one of Auburn’s favorite parks. Bring the family, a picnic, lawn chairs, or a blanket for an evening of entertainment. Don’t forget – dogs are always welcome! This year’s concert series features the following artists: September 16 Martha’s Trouble I September 23 Dave Potts I September 30 Weston Burt Band / October 7 The Auburn Knights Orchestra I October 14 Spoonful James I October 21 Highway 280 Band

THE POOL KEY FOB ON THE GATE WILL BE REMOVED SOON. 

(If you have not done so already)

PLEASE COME TO THE POOL TUES. 6:00 PM TO 7:30 PM TO EXCHANGE YOUR KEY FOB FOR A NEW ONE THAT WORKS WITH THE NEW SYSTEM

OR

GO BY CONNER BROS.’ OFFICE AT

739 OPELIKA ROAD, AUBURN

(NEXT TO BOWLING ALLEY)

HOURS:  8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

MONDAY – FRIDAY

Dear Camden Ridge – 

I have just returned from a meeting with ALDOT officials, City Officials, and Senator Ted Little.  In attendance were:

FROM ALDOT

                Ken Cush – Division Traffic Engineer

                DeJarvis Leonard – Division Engineer

                Robert Camp – Assistant Division Engineer

FROM THE COUNCIL

                Sheila Eckman / Ward 2

                Tom Worden / Ward 3

                Bill Ham / Mayor

FROM THE CITY

                Charlie Duggan / City Manager

                Kevin Cowper / Asst. City Manager

                Jeff Ramsey / City Engineer

                Brandy Ezell / City Traffic Engineer

And TED LITTLE, STATE SENATOR              

The meeting lasted an hour and a half and most of the discussion centered on the Farmville/North College intersection.  Following are some key engineering concepts brought forth by the engineers present: 

• The intersection does not lend itself to a 4-way stop because a 4-way stop is utilized for situations where traffic is of equal volume in all four directions.
• It does not warrant a traffic light because the traffic count is not yet sufficient [they will be measuring again in the near future]
• Traffic lights, though perceived as a safety device, are actually devices to determine right-of-way.
• Traffic lights are most effective in a more urban setting—not deemed appropriate for more isolated intersections.
• Traffic lights don’t stop accidents; they change accidents.

These concepts are the result of numerous nationwide studies.

All that said, the engineers were most willing to discuss our concerns and understood our concerns; they are willing to do the following to try an alleviate the situation:

• Conduct another traffic study after Labor Day.
• Install rumble strips on North College, both north and south of the intersection, to alert motorists to the intersection & the flashing light.
• Modify the flashing light, doubling it up to garner more attention to it.
• Study the “stop bar” on Farmville/N. College, going east, to see if any site distance can be gained [looking left] by moving it further back from the intersection.
• Study the possibility of adding an acceleration lane for those turning right onto North College, heading into town.

The land to the right of the intersection is owned by the church, so the City Engineer will discuss the possibility of their cooperation with church officials.

Please share this e-mail with your neighbors if they are not on my e-mail list.  I know there is widespread concern and I wanted you to know that your City officials and your elected officials ARE concerned as well.  It is my hope that the efforts toward ameliorating these concerns will be put into effect as soon as possible. 

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

Do something amazing.  Save a life today.  Please give blood.

Tenda Chick will host the LifeSouth bloodmobile on Friday, August 20, 2010 at 11:00 am - 5:00 pm on 232 North Dean Road, Auburn.

All blood donors will receive a certificate for a FREE chicken meal and drink.

Donors must be 17 or older, (16-year-olds may donate with written parental consent) weigh 110 pounds or more and show I.D.  All donors receive a recognition item and a cholesterol screening.  For more information, call (888) 795-2707 or visit www.lifesouth.org.

JULE COLLINS SMITH MUSEUM WELCOME BACK CELEBRATION

On August 19, from 5-8 pm, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art will host a Welcome Back Celebration. Bring your friends, your neighbors, your students and your colleagues and join the party. The galleries will be open, the music will be playing, and information will be available about the coming academic year’s exhibitions, programs, and K-12 outreach. The event will also feature fantastic food and a cash bar.

Join or renew your JCSM membership and receive a limited edition Art Changes Lives t-shirt. (Must be present at this August 19 event to receive shirt). This event is free and open to the public.

I was evidently “politically incorrect” in my earlier message, so let me hasten to note that I AM a “bicycle friendly” person! 

I DO understand that cyclists have the exact same rights and privileges on the roadways as do the rest of us.  The Bicycle Committee was asked to “get the word out” about the Farmville Road area during bridge construction purely FOR THE SAFETY OF THE CYCLISTS. 

Members of the Bicycle Committee will, I believe, attest to my support of cycling as a form of transportation.  So—apologies to any cyclists I might have offended and, motorists, please be aware that the cyclists are also dealing with the challenges presented by the bridge closure, so keep an eye out for them.

This gives me an opportunity to note something I should have included in the last message.  The Publix at the corner of Shug Jordan and North College is back on line!  The configuration of the development will be changing, though, so I don’t have any specifics at this time.  Once I do, I will certainly share them.

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

From a City Manager update: 

“Fill material continues to be installed on the north side of the North Donahue Bridge project.  The contractor has also begun widening the shoulders to accommodate the wider travel lanes on Donahue Drive.  Stone base material is being installed on the shoulders.  Fill material placement on the south side of the bridge is also underway.  All utility relocations are now complete on the project.  The bridge contractor has mobilized additional drilling equipment on-site and has begun drilling the shafts for the bridge foundations.”

 Re the Farmville/N. College intersection:

The City continues to press ALDOT for a review of their data collected in regard to the intersection [which said a traffic light was not “warranted.”]   

• The City has worked with AU to include the bridge closure in maps and information dispersed to ticketholders. 
• The City has planned signage to inform 280 football traffic.
• The City has planned for additional  police presence at that intersection during peak football traffic.
• The City has located its speed detection device on N. College, south of the intersection.
• The Bicycle Committee has been asked to alert cyclists to avoid this area until the bridge is complete.  [Access cannot legally be restricted.]

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

CAMDEN RIDGE SUBDIVISION

YARDSALE

 20+ FAMILIES PARTICIPATING

 Saturday

AUGUST 7^TH

7AM – 12 NOON

SHOP AT THESE ADDRESSES:

1818 Bluestone Ct

1812 Trailridge Rd

1835 Kennesaw Lane

1827 Kennesaw Lane

1954 Keystone Dr

2039 Keystone Dr

2129 Keystone Dr

1741 Post Oak Ct

1754 Post Oak Ct

1779 Post Oak Ct

1752 Stone Pointe Dr

1756 Piedmont Dr

1794 Piedmont Dr

1727 Piedmont Dr

1927 Talcott Ct

1748 Roanoke Lane

1745 Hyden Park Lane

Join the fun this summer at the 7th Annual version of

The Great Grown-Up Spelling Bee!

 Thursday, July 29, 2010

5 p.m. — hors d’oeuvres & cocktails

5:30 p.m. — The competition begins...

Saugahatchee Country Club

To benefit the Lee County Literacy Coalition

Tickets to attend the Bee are only $15 and raffle tickets for GREAT prizes (don’t have to be present to win) are just $5...call the Lee County Literacy Coalition office at 705-0001 to order your tickets.

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

AUBURN UNIVERSITY WORLD AFFAIRS SEMINAR, JULY 18 - 23, 2010

The Auburn University Office of Professional & Continuing Education, in cooperation with Auburn University's secondary social studies education program and the Lee County Sunrise Rotary Club, invites students who will have completed at least one year of high school prior to summer 2010 to participate in the 24th Annual World Affairs Youth Seminar at Auburn University. The World Affairs Youth Seminar is intended for students wanting to further explore the college decision by participating in a first hand college experience while further developing their global perspective of current events and world Issues through is college classroom and Model United Nations format. Students will have the opportunity to develop their leadership, public speaking, debate, and public service portfolio. Topics include Human Trafficking, Oil Drilling and Humanitarian Aid. Tuition is $549 and covers all instruction, housing, meals and recreational activities.   For more information, visit http:://www.auburn.edu/outreach/wa/ .

FLEDGLINGS NO MORE, OWLS TO BE RELEASED INTO THE WILD JULY 8 AT KIESEL PARK

The Southeastern Raptor Center, in collaboration with the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, will release owls into the wild at Kiesel Park on July 8. An educational program at 6.30 p.m. is followed by the owls release at 7 p.m. People are encouraged to bring a picnic and to enjoy the park at Kiesel while watching the unique event.

The majority of the birds to be released are barred and Eastern screech owls. "Most of these birds were healthy fledglings that were mistaken for orphans," said Liz Crandall, veterinary technician with the Southeastern Raptor Center. Crandall will talk about not removing young, healthy wildlife, a history of the birds being released, and raptors. Two red-tailed hawks, used for educational purposes, will also be on hand.  

The Southeastern Raptor Center is part of the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. For more information on the July 8 owl release, call (334) 844-3698 or Auburn Parks and Recreation at (334) 501-2936. Kiesel Park is located at 520 Chadwick Lane.

VERA BRADLEY'S NEW FALL 2010 COLORS & STYLES ARRIVE JULY 8 AT WRAPSODY

Celebrate the arrival of new Vera Bradley colors and styles at Wrapsody on July 8. From 9 am until 12 noon, customers will receive an “all-in-one wristlet" free with any $40 purchase of the new collections, a $32 value. Also, with any Vera Bradley purchase, customers can register to win a "get carried away" tote (an $88 value) in a new colorful pattern.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY COMPUTER TRAINING COURSES (NEW PRICING ANNOUNCED)

The Auburn University Office of Professional and Continuing Education is now offering instructor-led hands-on computer training courses. The schedule includes introductory and intermediate courses for Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access, as well as introductory PowerPoint and Publisher.  These courses will be relevant to anyone who uses a computer to create documents or forms, track finances, categorize inventory, design publications, or make presentations. Must of the courses are one-day, hands­-on sessions and are taught by a 20^.year veteran in the computer training industry. Course will be taught in a laptop computer lab, which allows each participant to have access to a computer for the duration of the training. To !earn more about dates and new pricing for these programs, please visit _{www,auburn.edu/computertraining} or call (334) 844-5100.

EARTH FARE ANNOUNCES SECOND ANNUAL "TAKE OUR TOMATO" CONTEST

Beginning Wednesday, July 7, 2010, Earth Fare, the healthy supermarket, will begin the search for photograph entries for its Second Annual "Take our Tomato" Contest Be outrageous, hilarious or absolutely adorable for a chance to win the $250 grand prize! Where are you taking your Earth Fare tomato this summer?

Contestants can enter to win by emailing submission to information@earthfare.com. by August 3. Submission should be in the form of .jpg and include contestant's name and address. Participants may also upload their submissions to https://www.flickr.com. The image should be tagged as "Earth Fare Tomato Contest” and links sent to Information@earthfare.com. Winners will be notified on or before August 10. Prizes for the best Take our Tomato photos are: 1st $250 gift card to Earth Fare, 2nd $150 gift card to Earth Fare, 3rd $100 gift card to Earth Fare, 4th $50 gift card to Earth Fare, 5th $25 gift card to Earth Fare.

AUBURN SYLVAN OFFERING ACT PREP CLASS

The Auburn Sylvan ACT prep class covers English, reading, math and science. The cost for the class is $695.00. The ACT Writing portion is $140.00 (optional 4 hours of instruction). The class includes 20 hours of instruction and two practice tests. A new Sunday afternoon class is also offered. ACT savings: Bring ONE friend SAVE $100 on entire course, bring TWO friends SAVE $150 on entire course, bring TEN friends attend ACT course FREE. Call (334)826-3600 to reserve a space in the class.

LEADERSHIP LEE COUNTY ACCEPTNG APPLICATIONS

Leadership Lee County is currently accepting applications for the 2010-2011 Leadership Class. The purpose of Leadership Lee County is to identify, develop and inspire future leaders through educational opportunities and community involvement.

Leadership Lee County is a program sponsored by the Auburn and Opelika Chambers of Commerce that seeks out, honors, educates, challenges and develops a select group of Lee County citizens who have the potential to provide the leadership needed to solve problems of community and statewide significance. Participants are selected on the basis of ability, demonstrated interest in the community, and potential for responsible and effective leadership. The program begins in September with a kick-off retreat and reception and continues monthly through May. Class members attend monthly seminars focused on different community topics and have the opportunity to hear from prominent leaders throughout the Lee County area.

Email martha@auhurnchamber.com for a LLC application. Applications are due August 20, 2010, and the new Leadership Lee County class will be notified by August 31, 2010.

THIS WEEK AT ZAZU

This Wednesday at Zazu is "Wine Wednesday." Bottles of wine are half price from 5:30-9.00 pm, with exception of the reserve list

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF LEE COUNTY IS ACCEPTING NEW MEMBERS

SATURDAY

FREE WATERMELON CUTTING AT THE LEE COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY MUSEUM / LOACHAPOKA

"Second Saturday"

July 10th

10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Tour all five gardens and observe members re-creating life in the mid 1800s!  Cold drinks and snacks available.

www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org

SUNDAY

Elizabeth Ann Brown

Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer

"Why is Historic Preservation Important?"

2:30 p.m.

City of Auburn Meeting Room

130 Tichenor Avenue (door on west side of building)

ALL ARE WELCOME!

The Lee County Historical Society is a non-profit organization established in 1968.  For membership, see website or call Sheila Eckman at 750-9666.

See Documents on the website for a memo from the City concerning Game Day Traffic and North Donahue.  See Photos on the web for a map.

SummerNight

Downtown Art Walk

Celebrating Local Artists

FRIDAY JUNE 18

6 to 9:30 p.m.

ART / MUSIC / FOOD / FUN

 Featuring local artists from the Southeast, live music and performers, and special promotions from the downtown vendors.

 Main Performance Area
(On Magnolia Ave and Gay Street by Hamilton's and Zazu.)
Therapy 6:15 - 7:30 p.m.
Children's Parade 7:30 p.m.
Muse 8 - 9:30 p.m.

Additional Stage
(In front of Tichenor Ave near Cheeburger Cheeburger.)
John Peterson 6 - 7 p.m.
Pangea 7:15 - 8:15 p.m.
My Two Wings 8:30 - 9:30 p.m.

Ardistry/Moe's Performance Area
(On Magnolia Avenue and Wright Street)
Kolayah and Spoken Word Dub Poetry 7 - 8:15 p.m.
Hula Hooping Fire Performance 8:15 - 9:15

 Inflatable Bounce Houses for both children and adults in front of Auburn Awards, J&M, and Tutti Frutti.

For more information, visit the Auburn Arts Association Website

SummerNight Artwalk Sponsors

Incredible as it seems, I am sad to report that the State has denied our request for a traffic signal at the intersection of Farmville/ North College!  The following is from their letter to the City:

 Dear Mr. Ramsey:

 Pursuant to your recent request a traffic signal warrant study was performed on the referenced intersection, counts were collected on April 21st and April 29th, 2010. The counts revealed that a traffic signal is not warranted, at this time. During the turning movement count portion of the signal analysis, congestion was observed on the Eastbound (EB) approach of Farmville Rd. The existing EB right turn lane on Farmville Rd is only about 150' long, which can be rendered useless with as few as 6 through/ left vehicles at the stop lane. The operation of the EB right turn lane is very effective at low volume hours, and if lengthened significantly would operate just as effectively at high volume times of the day. To mitigate the congestion and operational complaints at this location, it is recommended to significantly lengthen the EB right turn lane on Farmville Rd.

Yours very truly,

DeJarvis Leonard, P.E.

Division Engineer

The City is appealing this finding.  The following is from a City memo:

Public Works staff is currently reviewing this recommendation and estimating construction costs. While the intersection apparently does not meet ALDOT traffic signal warranting criteria, I am continuing to pursue our request for a signal. We have requested the actual traffic count data from ALDOT.

Public Works staff also reviewed the possibility of reducing the current speed limit on Farmville Road approaching the College street intersection from 45 mph but determined that a lower speed limit would create a "speed trap". Further, the bicycling community has been advised to avoid this section of road during the Donahue Bridge construction period.

The City is well aware of the difficulties this intersection will present during football season and is making plans for added Public Safety attention accordingly.

As I said, the City IS appealing.  I will keep you posted of any further developments.

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

Cox Pools will be here late today or tomorrow to fix the tiles that came off of the pool.  The pool will be closed but we don't know what time yet.  As soon as we do, we will send out another news alert. 

Please send Staci Belyeu your name and adress if you are interested in joining the neighborhood yard sale on Sat., June 19th.  They are advertising in the newspaper and sending out fliers and need this information ASAP.

Her email is stacibelyeu@bellsouth.net or call 821-4940.

BLACKBERRIES!

Blackberries are the focus at this month’s

“Second Saturday”

In Loachapoka

Free admission and free samples of blackberry cobbler as long as it last!

“Second Saturday” at the Lee County Historical Society 

• museum each month, from 10 to 4 p.m.
• No admission.
• Re-enactors of mid 1800s lifestyle for your viewing pleasure!  [Blacksmiths, spinners, weavers, cooks, gardeners, musicians—you name it!]
• The Whistle Stop Dulcimers will practice and perform at 1 p.m.  [Watch or participate; dulcimers available.]
• Herbs and medicinal plants are at their peak.
• Children can help plant sorghum or sweet potatoes.
• Plenty of shade; a cool breeze in the dogtrot.
• Y’all come!

The Lee County Historical Society is a non-profit organization established in 1968.  Membership is interested to all parties.  For more information, see www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org or call Sheila Eckman at 750.9666.

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

All residents are invited to the Neighborhood Watch Meeting on June 17th at 6:00 pm.  It is to be held at the Farmville Baptist Church fellowship hall.  It should last about an hour.  Our own police officer, Cpl. Scott Mingus, Crime Prevention Specialist/K9 Unit, will present the program and help us get started.  Please tell your neighbors!  Everyone is encourage to participate.  

Please see the Pet Registry on the website and see the dogs with an asterisk (*) in front of their names.  The adoption information is included with each pet.  They are all adorable and rescued dogs.

They are all in the small and medium range.  The Labrador-mix puppies can be seen in the medium range.  Their mom is Molly.

David Lane, owner of AK's Coffee Co., will be just outside the pool selling Nestles Frozen Lemonade and Edy's Frozen Dibs Ice Cream. The cost is $3 each.  If all goes well, he plans to be there every Sat.

David also does Edy's Frozen Dibs Ice Cream parties for birthdays, etc.  His contact information is 728-2630 and akscoffee@yahoo.com

Auburn City Fest 2010 To Be Held Rain or Shine

City Fest 2010 is a rain or shine event.  The outdoor festival will be held Saturday, April 24 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. at Kiesel Park. CityFest 2010 marks the 10th anniversary of the festival. This one-day event includes more then 150 exhibitors and vendors, a juried art show, live musical entertainment, a variety of children's activities and more, making it a fun event for the entire family to enjoy. Currently, all events are still on schedule for Saturday, April 24.  For updated weather information, please call (334) 501-2929.  CityFest organizers will monitor the weather situation and post updates at http://www.auburncityfest.com/

Dear Camden Ridge:

The following is a response from the City to one of your neighbors.  It has a lot of information, so I thought I would pass it on.

Please rest assured that the City is working cooperatively with the State toward making the intersection of College and Farmville as safe as possible for motorists. Since College Street (at this location) is a State Highway, the City cannot install a traffic signal without approval of the State Department of Transportation (ALDOT). 

The City has been working with ALDOT for many many months concerning this intersection and the anticipated increase in traffic volumes resulting from the Donahue detour.  We would have much preferred to have a traffic signal operating prior to the detour taking effect, however, according to ALDOT officials they cannot install a traffic signal based on anticipated traffic.  Rather, they must wait until the traffic actually reaches the volume to warrant a traffic signal.  This being the case, the City, Lee County, and the State worked together to improve this intersection with new turn lanes, a new caution light and enhanced visibility in anticipation of the increased traffic. 

Now that the detour is active and traffic has increased significantly through this intersection, the City Engineer has formerly requested that ALDOT perform the necessary study to determine if the intersection meets the criteria to warrant a signal.  We are in constant contact with ALDOT in this regard and they are keenly aware of the City's concern for a traffic signal. 

Both the Mayor and Councilwoman Eckman have expressed their desire to see a signal at this intersection as soon as possible.  I expect that the ALDOT studies will be complete within the next 4 weeks or so.  As soon as the City is given approval from ALDOT, we will install a traffic signal at this intersection. 

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

I understand game day traffic was a problem yesterday!  I DO understand your frustration. 

Again, the City has no control over that intersection as it is part of a State highway.  Our City Manager has campaigned tirelessly for a light prior to the bridge closure, to no avail.  The State's response was that they would do a traffic study AFTER the bridge closed!  Our last request to them was dated March 29. 

The ALDOT Traffic Engineer is Ken Cush, who can be reached at 256-234-8495.

I WILL request that we have traffic patrol assistance on the upcoming football game weekends.  I know this is a considerable inconvenience, but I have also worried about that bridge since the day I got on Council; I really DO think it needed replacing, and worried about the school buses crossing there.  It just could not be put off any longer.

Stay strong! And I will keep you posted on any progress with the State.

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

Please send in your dues by May 1st.  Make out your checks to Camden Ridge HOA.  Send to Conner Bros., P.O. Box 3070, Auburn, AL  36831-3070 or drop by 739 Opelika Road (next to bowling alley) to pay and fill out forms and get your key fobs.  See FAQ's if you have questions or call Carol Elrod at 821-1470. 

$300 full membership

$100 non-pool or playground membership

COUNTRY'S BBQ INTRODUCES NEW RECIPE

The pit masters of Country's Barbeque of Auburn have been experimenting with beef brisket recipes and will be adding a brisket platter to the menu for a one-day trial this Wednesday, March 24. Country's is also now on Facebook I Country's is located at 1021 Opelika Road.

 GNU'S ROOM INTRODUCES NEW T-SHIRT DESIGN

The Gnu's Room now has new t-shirts available, designed by Mammoth Printing. T-shirts are only $8.50 plus tax. Available sizes: S-M-L-XL-2X-3X.

 MARKETING YOUR NONPROFIT PROGRAM

Under pressure to increase membership, expand program value, attract media, entice donors, and develop volunteers, all while keeping an eye on the bottom line? Laura McCullars, president of LMC Consulting, will present a seminar on Marketing Your Nonprofit on April 22, 2010, from 8:30 am-4:00 pm. The seminar will be held at the Opelika-Auburn News Conference Room on 2901 Society Hill Road, Opelika. Registration is $149 and includes instruction, handouts, coffee and lunch. Please register by April 15, 2010, at www,auburn.edu/outreach/opo and click on: Marketing Your Nonprofit. Earn 6 hours of Social Work contact hours and .6 Continuing Education Units from Auburn University. This seminar is a program of the Auburn University Office of Professional & Continuing Education.

 SUNSOUTH OPEN HOUSE

SunSouth Auburn will host an open house this Saturday, March 27, from 10 am -12 noon. SunSouth is located at 1780 E. Glenn Avenue.

 AMERICAN CANCER SOCIETY RECRUITING CANCER PREVENTION STUDY VOLUNTEERS

To better understand ways to prevent cancer, the American Cancer Society is recruiting 500,000 adults across the US and Puerto Rico for a landmark new research study -Cancer Prevention Study-3 (CPS-3). Enrollment will take place at Relay For Life of Lee County, Friday May 7, 2010 from 6-10 pm at Southern Union State Community College Track. Individuals may choose to participate if they are willing to make a long-term commitment to the study (which involves completing follow-up surveys periodically over the next 20-30 years), are between the ages of 30 and 65 years old and have never been diagnosed with cancer. For more information, visit cancer.org/cps3, call (334) 821-1576 or a-mall Heather, Williams@cancer.org.

HRMT GALA AT THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY

On Thursday, March 25, from 6-10 p.m., The Hotel at Auburn University will team up with AU's Hotel and Restaurant Management Schaal to host a gala that allows the students to put into action what they have learned throughout the year. This year's event, which will benefit educational initiatives of the hotel and restaurant management program, will feature the cuisine of three award-winning International chefs as well as silent and live auctions. Tickets are $85 and can be purchased by contacting Alecia Douglas at (334) 844-1434 or by e-mail at thehospitalitygala@auburn.edu.

 WRAPSODY MARCH MADNESS SALE

Wrapsody will host a March Madness Sale on March 26 and 27. The sale includes 75% off on close-outs, discontinued everyday & seasonal items, and many other customer favorites. The upstairs boutique will be transformed into a sale room. Wrapsody is located in downtown Auburn at 112 North College Street or online at www.wrapsodyonlin e.com. For more information, call (334) 887-7447. Store hours are 10 am- 6 pm Monday through Friday and Saturday 10 am until 5 pm.

JEWELRY ARTISAN FEATURED AT THE VILLAGER AND AUBURNART.COM

Join The Villager and AuburnArt.com for an Artist Show featuring Russian-American jewelry artisan Anna Balkan. Meet the artist and view pieces from her new Bridal and Prom collection as well as her signature birthstone collection. Each piece is handcrafted and one-of-a-kind with affordable prices from $75-$250. Anna's line was launched in 2006 and has been featured in Lucky and InStyle Magazines and on the red carpet at the Oscar's. Meet Anna Balkan Friday, March 26, from 11-3 at AuburnArt.com and Saturday, March 27, from 11-4 at The Villager, For a Sneak Peek of Anna's work visit http://www.shopvillager,com/floral; gemstone-lucky-horseshoe-necklace-p-828.html.

EDWARD JONES FINANCIAL ADVISOR MOVES TO NEW OFFICE

Joe Donaldson of the financial services firm Edward Jones opened a new office at 660 North College Street, Suite B, in Auburn. The new office opened for business on February 5, 2010. The phone number is (334) 501-8538.

Donaldson, who has been serving the area since 2005, said, "We are excited about our new location, and we are eager for our clients to visit us."

Edward Jones provides financial services for individual investors in the United States and, through its affiliate, in Canada. Every aspect of the firm's business, from the types of investment options offered to the location of branch offices, is designed to cater to individual investors in the communities in which they live and work. The firm's 12,000-plus financial advisors work directly with nearly 7 million clients to understand their personal goals -- from college savings to retirement -- and create long-term Investment solutions that emphasize a well-balanced portfolio and a buy-and-hold strategy. For more information, visit www. edwardjones,com.

 GOODWILL GRAND OPENING

An open house and butterfly release celebrating Goodwill's NEW retail store & career center at 3740 Pepperell Pkwy, Opelika, will be held on April 1. The open house will begin at 11 am and the grand opening and release will be held at 12 noon.

Each butterfly represents a person Goodwill placed into employment in 2009. Goodwill's Career Center provides FREE assistance to anyone seeking employment. Services include complimentary resume preparation, job leads, and referrals. Computers, faxes, and phones are free of charge allowing individuals to connect with employers. Goodwill funds Its career centers by selling gently used donations,

http://www.auburnalabama.org/news/2010/pw032310.asp

Just a quick note to tell you that City Council OK’d repairs to Mrs. James Road tonight.  The potholes will be filled and they hope to get them done right away.  There was discussion about the condition of the road, which is not that old but evidently was not built to City standards because it was first in the County.  Construction traffic has no doubt taken a toll on it, along with just the volume of regular vehicles.

The bridge closing has been delayed until Monday, the 29^th, because the Alabama Department of Transportation has had some unexpected delays in the completion of the Farmville / N. College intersection.  The paving and striping should take place on the 24^th.  SO YOU HAVE 5 EXTRA DAYS OF BRIDGE ACCESS!

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

I hope y’all have had a nice Spring Break; now it is back to reality and a new bridge!  This will be a trying time, I know, but the peace of mind that will come from having a safe bridge for school buses [and everyone else] will be worth the inconvenience, I believe.  The following is from the City web site.  Please share with your neighbors if they are not on my list.

North Donahue Bridge to Close for Replacement on Wednesday, March 24

Auburn, Ala. - Work is scheduled to begin on the North Donahue Bridge and Road Widening Project on Wednesday, March 24. The project consists of removing and replacing the existing bridge on North Donahue Drive over Saugahatchee Creek and widening the existing roadway.

The roadway widening will take place from the bridge terminus to Farmville Road, and a 3-lane roadway section will be constructed from Crescent Drive to Farmville Road. To accommodate detour traffic, improvements being made on Farmville Road include a right turn lane on Farmville at North College Street, and left turn lanes on North College Street at Farmville Road.

Work is expected to take 12 months to complete. The bridge will be completely closed to traffic during this time. Southbound through traffic on North Donahue Drive should detour via Farmville Road, North College Street and Shug Jordan Parkway. Northbound through traffic should detour via Shug Jordan Parkway, North College Street and Farmville Road.

Yarbrough Elementary will be accessible when approaching from the south, and the Camden Ridge subdivision will be accessible from the north.

Residents are advised to schedule extra travel time for detour traffic during construction.

Work on the North Donahue Bridge is being funded jointly by the City of Auburn and Lee County. The City of Auburn would like to thank both City and County residents for their patience as we work to improve this bridge and roadway for the future.

For the latest news on traffic updates and street closings, visit the City of Auburn's website at www.auburnalabama.org. Construction schedules are subject to change.

For more information, please contact the City of Auburn Public Works Department at 501-3000.

###

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

Our Public Safety Department has installed electronic signs on each end of the bridge to notify travelers of the closure on Wednesday. These signs will be set out from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day between now and Wednesday.

Please send your payment for HOA membership dues to Conner Bros., P.O. Box 3070, Auburn, AL  36831-3070 or drop it off at the office, 739 Opelika Road, next to the bowling alley, between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm weekdays. 

Full pool/playground membership is $300

Non-pool/playground membership is $100. 

Watch for announcements about the pool opening and plans for the playground.  Please see the FAQ’s on the website for answers to questions about membership.  If you have other questions, please contact Carol Elrod, Conner Bros., 821-1470 or e-mail at: carol@connerbros.com.

On behalf of the HOA and Board, Tony Cook

The Tiger Trail Induction Breakfast, traditionally held during football season on a game-day Saturday, is moving to A-Day.

Inspired by the vision of the late Ken Brown, the Auburn Chamber of Commerce began the Tiger Trail in 1995 to honor outstanding athletes, coaches and administrators. Every year, a new class of honorees is inducted into the Tiger Trail during the Tiger Trail induction ceremony. Each inductee is presented with an engraved granite plaque to be placed in the sidewalk of downtown Auburn among the plaques of other Auburn greats.

The 2009-2010 honorees include:

MaeOla Bolton, Women’s Basketball 1985-1988 I Jenifer Kleyn, Volleyball  1988-1991 I Bll Beckwith, Administrator 1951-1992 Wesley Person, Men^'s Basketball 1991-1994 I Pat Duke, Baseball 1956-1958 I Jason Campbell, Football 2001-2004

The entire community is invited to attend Tiger Trail. The breakfast will be held on April 17, 2010, at 8:30 am at the Auburn University Student Center. Tickets are $35 and can be purchased by calling the Auburn Chamber at (334) 887-7011.

MICROTEL INN & SUITES NOW OPEN

The Microtel Inn and Suites, located at I-85 exit 58, is now open. For reservations or more information, call (334) 745-0427.

MONARCH ESTATES UPCOMING EVENTS

A BonWorth Fashion Show will be held at Monarch Estates at 2 pm on Thursday, March 18. The event will include refreshments and door prizes. To RSVP or for more information, call (334) 502-0977.

WIN LUNCH WITH COACH TROOPER TAYLOR

Coach Trooper Taylor has agreed to help support Relay For Life of Auburn University by having lunch with an Auburn Relay for Life supporter. Chances to win the lunch are $5 each. Visit http://main.acsevents.ore/site/TR/RelavForLife/RFLFY10MS?px=14567482&pg=personal&fr id=22286 to learn more. buy chances or make a donation.

Relay For Life takes place Friday, April 16, the night before the A-Day game. The event starts at 6 pm with the opening ceremony and the survivors lap. For more information, visit www,relayforlife,org/auburn .

AUBURN CIVITAN CLUB ROSE SALE

To celebrate Administrative Assistant's Day on April 21, the Auburn Civitan Club will arrange and deliver roses in vases for $25 a dozen.

Proceeds help support the Auburn Civitan Club programs and a number of charities, including the Auburn City School's Bicycle Safety Education Program, Camp Civitan-Easter Seals at Lake Martin for children with disabilities, and the Civitan International Research Center for mental and physical disabilities.

Pre-paid orders will be taken until April 12. Please make checks payable to Auburn Civitan Club and mail to: Dodie Gross, 1481 Morning Glory Circle, Auburn, AL 36832. For more information, call (334) 887-8924 or email dodieandcharies@charter.net.

FREE WORKSHOP: SUCCESS WITHOUT STRESS:INTRODUCTION TO ART OF LIVING

Do you feel stressed balancing your career and personal life? Are you worried about the future or regret your past? The Auburn University Art of Living Foundation will conduct a FREE workshop for achieving your fullest potential in career, life and relationships without stress. This workshop is for busy professionals and is conducted by authentic stress relief expert from India who will also lead some yoga, breathing and relaxation techniques to instantly de-stress and achieve focus and includes an introduction to the Art of Living course. The workshop will be held at the Auburn Chamber on Wednesday, March 17, at 6 pm. Please RSVP to gauthamsa@gmail.com or (334) 332-2630 to reserve your place (capacity 25 people).

BODA GETTA BBQ

The 2nd annual Boda Getta BBQ will be held on April 16 & 17 at Ag Heritage Park on the Auburn University campus. Visit www.bodagettabbq.com for volunteer and team applications.

THIRD THURSDAY LATE NIGHT AT JULE COLLINS SMITH MUSEUM

On Thursday, March 18, the JCSM will be open late from 5-8 p.m. to offer visitors the chance to tour the galleries and current exhibitions. The event is free and open to the public. Sign up for monthly email updates at www.jcsm.aubum.edu

AUBURN TOWN HALL MEETING ON THE PREVENTION OF UNDERAGE DRINKING

An Auburn town hall meeting focusing on the prevention of underage drinking will be held on Tuesday, March 23, at 6:30 pm at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. Panelists will include: Dr. Linda Anz, pediatrician, Liz Kenemer. AJHS assistant principal

Paul Register, Auburn police captain, Margaret Mayfield, assistant district attorney for Lee County Juvenile Court, Janice Tibbets and David Crisler, compliance agents for the ABC board, and Wanda Lewis, director of the Boy's and Girl's Club of Greater Lee County.

Join other concerned parents, citizens and youth to discuss the dangers of underage drinking, how it affects our community and possible solutions. This program is sponsored by the East Alabama Mental Health Center.

EXHIBITOR APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE FOR AUBURN CITYFEST 2010 PRESENTED BY THE OPELIKA-AUBURN NEWS The Auburn CityFest Committee is currently accepting fine arts and arts & crafts exhibitor applications for Auburn CityFest 2010 presented by the Opelika-Auburn News. Don't miss your chance to participate as an exhibitor at the 10^th Anniversary of Auburn CityFest on Saturday, April 24 from 9 a. m. - 4 p.m. at Kiesel Park. CityFest is Auburn's largest, FREE outdoor arts and crafts festival. Fine arts and arts & crafts exhibitors interested in participating are encouraged to download an application online at www.auburncityfest.com. Applications are due Monday, April 5. Don't delay, spaces fill up quickly)

Mark your calendars for Saturday, April 24 from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. for Auburn CityFest 2010 presented by the Opelika-Auburn News. CityFest is a FREE community event, held rain or shine. For more information, visit www.auburncityfest.com or contact the Auburn CityFest Headquarters at (334) 501-2930.

Hey, Camden Ridge –

I thought you would be interested in the following information from a recent e-mail I received:

 Anticipate giving D&J [bridge crew] the notice to proceed on March 24^th.  Per my last discussion with D&J they will begin the traffic detour on this date as well.  We will be holding a preconstruction meeting the week of March 15^th.  D&J will also be placing the detour signs during the week of March 15^th.  There will be variable message signs that Public Safety will be placing at the bridge during the morning and afternoon peak hours notifying drivers of the upcoming road closure. 

You should begin to see some of the detour signs early next week.

Further, there is a proposal to do some work on Mrs. James Road in the near term.  The contract for approval will likely be presented to the Council on the 23^rd.

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

Hey, Camden Ridge –

I thought you would be interested in the following information from a recent e-mail I received:

 Anticipate giving D&J [bridge crew] the notice to proceed on March 24^th.  Per my last discussion with D&J they will begin the traffic detour on this date as well.  We will be holding a preconstruction meeting the week of March 15^th.  D&J will also be placing the detour signs during the week of March 15^th.  There will be variable message signs that Public Safety will be placing at the bridge during the morning and afternoon peak hours notifying drivers of the upcoming road closure. 

You should begin to see some of the detour signs early next week.

Further, there is a proposal to do some work on Mrs. James Road in the near term.  The contract for approval will likely be presented to the Council on the 23^rd.

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

JULE COLLINS SMITH MUSEUM OF FINE ART UPCOMING EVENTS

March 9

TRADITION/INNOVATION LECTURE: Kimberly Sotelo, 4 pm

Furniture maker and Opelika resident will present the lecture "Creativity and innovation: Stepping over the threshold, and living the artistic life" This lecture is free and open to the public.

DINNER & A MOVIE: 5 pm dinner, 6:30 pm SCTIF: The Reckoning

The Reckoning, a feature-length documentary filmed in high definition on four continents, follows the dynamic and charismatic Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo, Deputy Prosecutor Fatou Bensouda and Senior Trial Attorney Christine Chung as they issue arrest warrants for the Lord^'s Resistance Army leaders in Uganda, put four Congolese warlords on trial at The Hague, challenge the UN Security Council to support the Court^'s call for an arrest warrant for the President of Sudan on charges of genocide, and shake up the Colombian justice system.

For more information about the movie, visit www.thereckoningfilm.com. The film screening is free and open to the public. Guests are also invited to visit the Museum's Cafe where Ursula's Catering will offer the lunch menu before the film from 5-6:30 p.m, For more information, please visit jcsm.auburn.edu.

HAMILTON'S ON MAGNOLIA NOW OPEN ON SUNDAY

Hamilton's on Magnolia is now open on Sunday from 11 am until 9 pm. Hamilton's is located in downtown Auburn.

FROM 2nd ANNUAL RUN, WALK, & ROLL BENEFIT & HEALTH FAIR

All runners, walkers and wheel chair users are encouraged to come out and support the Christian Amputee Support Team by participating in either the 5K or 1 mile fun run. The runs will begin at 8:30 am on April 10, 2010, at Providence Baptist Church, located at 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika. Participants will receive a t-shirt & sponsor bag. Fun family atmosphere! For more information or to register, please call (334) 332-8411 or email woody@castministries.org. Sponsorships and Health Fair Booths are still available.

COFFEE CUPPING AT THE GNU'S ROOM

Every Monday, Wednesday & Friday at 5:30 pm, join Sarah Barnett, proprietor of Mama Mocha's Coffee Roastery in The Gnu^'s Room, for a professional coffee cupping. Space is limited and is on a first come, first served basis. Experience coffee from three different regions and learn the subtle, and sometimes not so subtle, differences in beans from various countries. If you participate in a cupping, you may purchase the featured beans at a 25% discount on the day of the cupping. The Gnu's Room is located on South Gay Street.

LIVE JAZZ AT PICCOLO

Located next to Ariccia Trattoria & Bar, Piccolo is Auburn's newest gathering place where one can enjoy specialty cocktails and a large variety of appetizers and desserts. The warm, cozy and intimate setting features large overstuffed sofas and banquettes surrounding a stunning fireplace and provides the perfect atmosphere for relaxing after work or beginning an evening out with friends. The menu features a variety of small plates perfect for sharing, creative cocktails, and piccolo bottles of champagne. Each weekend Piccolo will feature live jazz performances. On Thursday evenings, Auburn favorite, Jane Drake, will be performing from 7-10 p.m. On Friday and Saturday nights, local jazz artists will be performing from 8-11 p.m. Visit Piccolo's Facebook Fan Page for a list of performers - http://www.facebook,corn/pages/Auburn-AL/Piccolo-Auburn/264110576316 or search for Piccolo - Auburn,

March Jazz Schedule:

March 5, 2010 I March 6, 2010 I March 12, 20101 March 13, 2010 I March 19, 2010 I March 20, 2010 I March 26, 2010

HEALTHPLUS GROUPIES: NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIREDI

New H+ Groupie Bands are perfect for those wanting to try out HealthPlus' famous group fitness classes!  Or for those who can't be HeafthPlus members due to frequent travel or extended absences from the area. Purchase as many Groupie Bands as you need & have a blast in class! Introductory sale ends March 31. Call (334) 887-5666 or visit http://www.healthplusfitness.corn/ membership/GroupieBands.asp for details.

MONARCH ESTATE REFERRAL PROGRAM

For a limited time, anyone that refers a resident to Monarch Estates receives a check for a $1,500 as a referral bonus. Monarch Estates offers live-in managers, a great executive chef, honest and hardworking housekeepers, a knowledgeable maintenance man, a safe driver and an outgoing activity director to seniors 55 and older.

Simply recommend Monarch Estates to a friend, family member or neighbor and, after the resident lives at Monarch for 60 days, you receive a $ 1,500 check from the home office, Holiday Retirement. Holiday Retirement is the largest independent retirement living company in the world.

For more information, contact Linda, Jim, Pat or Dennis at (334) 502-0977 or stop by 1550 E. University Drive for a complimentary lunch and tour.

THIS WEEK AT ZAZU

This Wednesday is "Wine Wednesday"-half price bottles of wine form 5:30 until 9 pm, with the exception of anything on the reserve list. Also, during Lent, Zazu is the perfect solution for fish on Fridays! Zazu Is located in downtown Auburn,

LCHS MUTT STRUT SET FOR APRIL 24

The 10th annual Mutt Strut 5-K Race to benefit the animals of the Lee County Humane Society will be Saturday, April 24, at 7:00 a.m. at Kiesel Park. Mutt Strut kicks-off the City of Auburn's CityFest celebration each year. Day of registration for the event will begin at 6:00 a.m. at Kiesel Park.

Register online or download a registration form at www.teecountyhumane.org. The entry fee for the race is $15.00. Families may register for $15.00 for the first member and $10.00 for each additional member. (This discount applies to immediate family members only, no exceptions please.) All participants will receive a prize bag and t-shirt.

CITY OF AUBURN/DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY QUARTERLY MEETING  scheduled for Thursday, March 4, has been cancelled.

NAT KING COLE AS I KNOW HIM, STARRING TIM WELLS

The Museum of East Alabama's 2010 fundraiser will be Nat King Cole As I Know Him, starring Tim Wells. The show will be held on March 4th at 7:00 pm at The Hotel at Auburn University. Tickets are$25 for general admission or $75 for the show and reception (with heavy hors d'oeuvres & reserved seating). For additional information, call (334)749-2751.

HEALTHPLUS GROUPIES: NO MEMBERSHIP REQUIRED!

New H+ Groupie Bands are perfect for those wanting to try out HealthPlus' famous group fitness classes! Or for those who can't be HealthPlus members due to frequent travel or extended absences from the area. Purchase as many Groupie Bands as you need & have a blast in class! introductory sale ends March 31. Call (334) 887-5666 or visit http://www.healthplusfitness.com/ membership/GroupieBands.asp for details.

PARENTS NIGHT OUT AT FRANK BROWN RECREATION CENTER

Parents can celebrate a 'night out' while kids experience a safe evening of fun and games at the Frank Brown Recreation Center. Parents Night Out will be offered from 6:00 p.m. -10:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 6. Children ages 6-12 will have a safe place to enjoy fun activities and meet new friends. Activities will include sports and games in the gym, as well as music and arts and craft projects. Children are asked to wear athletic shoes, and bring snacks and water bottles. (Vending machines are available.) The fee is $25.00 and pre-registration is required; registration will be taken at the Dean Road Recreation Center. For more information, visit www.auburnaiabama.org/parks or contact the Frank Brown Recreation Center at (334) 501-2962.

FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE PRESCHOOL CLASS

Six week sessions of the Forest Friends preschool class, hosted by the Forest Ecology Preserve, will start on March 30 (Tuesday class) and April 2 (Friday class) 9:30-11:00 a.m. Registration is required. To register, or for more information, call (334) 844­-8091 or email preserve@auburn.edu. Program themes will include: Beautiful Birds, Incredible Insects, Native Americans, Unhuggables, Animal Babies, and Fish and Frog Fun! The cost is $40 for members and $45 for non-members.

ANNOUNCING THE NEW GRAB & GO MARKET AT NIFFER'S PLACE

Pick up ready-to-eat meals at the Grab & Go Market at Niffer's Place. Niffer's Place trims meat by hand, makes their own sauces, blends their own cheeses and takes the time needed to make everything delicious. After preparation, meals are flash frozen and ready to take home, heat and eat.

Niffer's Place's tremendous buying power allows the restaurant to bring customers market meals at GREAT prices. All meals have been tested and packaged for optimal size and ease of use. The Grab & Go Market items are available at Niffer's Place during regular business hours.

MOXII IS READY FOR SPRING

This week all in-stock pillows are $10 off and there are many to choose from. It's the perfect pick­me-up for any room. moxii is also having a storewide 25% off sale this week and a tent sale with additional discounts Wednesday-Saturday. moxii is located at 2515 East Glenn Avenue.

LIVE JAZZ AT PICCOLO

Located next to Ariccia Trattoria & Bar, Piccado is Auburn's newest gathering place where one can enjoy specialty cocktails and a large variety of appetizers and desserts. The warm, cozy and intimate setting features large overstuffed sofas and banquettes surrounding a stunning fireplace and provides the perfect atmosphere for relaxing after work or beginning an evening out with friends. The menu features a variety of small plates perfect for sharing, creative cocktails, and piccolo bottles of champagne. Each weekend Piccolo will feature live jazz performances. On Thursday evenings, Auburn favorite, Jane Drake, will be performing from 7-10 p.m. On Friday and Saturday nights, local jazz artists will be performing from 8-11 p.m. Visit Piccolo's Facebook Fan Page for a list of performers - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Auburn-AL/Piccolo^.Auburn/264110576316 or search for Piccolo - Auburn.

March Jazz Schedule:

Join us for art, history and finger food!

Auburn Preservation League Photography Contest
Exhibit Opening & Announcement of Winners

 Celebrating Auburn's Historic Structures, Features and Sites

Friday, March 5
Jan Dempsey Community Art Center

 4 - 6 p.m.

All are welcome, Free.

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

^www.abetterauburn.corn

New for 2010!

one2one BUSINESS ADVISING

at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce

The LAST THURSDAY of each month, Dr. Jackie DePofi, Director of the Small Business Development Center, College of Business, Auburn University, will be at the Auburn Chamber office starting today, February 25th.

She wil be available from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

To make an appointment, email martha@auburnchamber.com or call (334) 887-7011.

Jennifer Fincher

Vice President of Communications & Marketing

Auburn Chamber of Commerce

(334) 887-7011

www.auburnchamber.com

CITY OF AUBURN/DEVELOPMENT COMMUNITY QUARTERLY MEETING

The next quarterly meeting of the City of Auburn and the development community is scheduled for Thursday, March 4, at 3:30 pm in the city meeting room.

THREE SIXTY ANNOUNCES NEW AGENT

Three Sixty, Auburn's newest locally owned and operated full service real estate firm, announces the addition of their newest agent, Diana Ramage. Diana's knowledge of the Auburn area is extensive as she is a 10 year resident of Auburn. After graduating from the University in 2000, a 4 year letterman in Women's Golf, she continued to call Auburn home while training and playing on the PGA tour. She continued to play professional golf for several years, then took a break and worked in sales with Quantam of Auburn and Auburn Network. She just received her real estate license and will be working with existing home sales, buyers and on new construction projects. Diana joins our experienced staff of Nonet Reese, Trida Peterson, Seth Snider, and Diane Wilbanks. Please visit www.concepttoclosing.com for more info on Diana and to view our listings.

COURTYARD AT AUBURN ADDS DOG PARK

Courtyard at Auburn Apartment Homes is pleased to announce the addition of a dog park. Courtyard at Auburn is located on North Dean Road. For more information, call (334) 821- 2512.

GIGGLES & COOS FOR SPRING

Giggles & Coos has just received new items for spring, including outfits from MudPie, Le Top and Angel Dear. MudPie now has extended its sizes from just 0-6 months to 12-18 months. Giggles & Coos is located in downtown Auburn.

NAT KING COLE AS I KNOW HIM, STARRING TIM WELLS

The Museum of East Alabama's 2010 fundraiser will be Nat King Cole as l Know Him, starring Tim Wells. The show will be held on March 4 at 7:00 pm at The Hotel at Auburn University. Tickets are $25 for general admission or $75 for the show and reception (with heavy hors d'oeuvres & reserved seating), For additional information, call (334)749-2751.

CITY OF AUBURN TO HOST NEXT ROUND OF PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS FOR FUTURE LAND USE PLAN The City of Auburn invites you to the following public input meetings for the month of February:

Public Meeting#2

Tuesday, February 23 at 6 p.m., Auburn Junior High School (332 East Samford Avenue)

Thls meeting is the follow-up to Public Meeting 111, held October 13, 2009, as well as the February 9 meeting in Northwest Auburn. The purpose of this meeting is to share the Input provided by citizens in the first public meetings as well as input gathered from stakeholder organizations through an online survey. There will be a presentation and then an open house with input opportunities.

Citizens are encouraged to take an active role in the future development of their city by attending these meetings. For more information please contact Justin Steinmann at jsteinmann@auburnalabama.org or (334) 501-3045.

NORTH PARK PARKING DECK NOW OPEN

The North Park parking deck, located at 712 West Magnolia Avenue, is now open. North Park is open to the public as a pay-by­-the-hour facility or an individual may lease parking spaces on a monthly basis. Reserved event and meeting parking is available on request. Current prices for parking are $1.00 per hour with a $6.00 per day maximum rate, $100.00 per month for 24/7 access, no long term leases required. Please visit www.northparkauburn.com for lease information, or call (334) 887-0005 for bulk parking reservations. Email North Park at Info@northparkauburn.com.

Hey, Camden Ridge –

I apologize that this will go to those who do not live on Keystone, but others may have some interest in this topic as well.

Some on Keystone have inquired about traffic calming [speed bumps, traffic circles, etc.] over the past year or so.  The traffic was studied and did not “warrant” traffic calming devices.  Because of the increase in Keystone traffic anticipated due to the construction of the bridge, I arranged to have the Council consider, at their last meeting, approving a temporary “special exception” to the guidelines.  They agreed, for which I am grateful.

 Now the ball is in your court.  To enact the special exception, there must be a petition signed by 66% of the residents on Keystone and on the side streets feeding onto Keystone.  The City provided maps indicating just which homes would have to be surveyed for the petition, as well as a petition itself, with each property listed.  I left this with Tony Cook at the Thursday night neighborhood meeting.

I just wanted to let you know this possibility exists, in the event you missed the meeting.  Please holler if you have questions.

Again, please forward to any neighbors who might not be on my list, and ask them to contact me to be included.  There will be a lot of information needing to be shared as we go through this bridge replacement!

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

MENDED HEARTS HEALTH FAIR

The Mended Hearts Health Fair will be held on February 11 at the EAMC Health Resource Center (2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika) from 2-7 pm. Free heart health testing, education and snacks. For more information, please contact Len Cochran at (334) 887-3440 or email rollingfmcharter.net.

WRAPSODY HOSTING SHOE DRIVE FOR HAITI

For the remaining month of February, Wrapsody, located in downtown Auburn will be accepting new or gently used shoes for the people of Haiti. Everyone who donates will receive a "paper heart" to write a well wish, blessing or just kind words to the sweet soul who win receive your donated sole. Shoes and wishes will be sent to the Haiti Nutrition Project at the end of February.

VALENTINE'S DAY SPECIALS AT MOXII

Be sweet to your special Valentine with a gift from moxli. This week aII gift items are 20% off. Featherweight quilts are perfect for snuggling and are $25 off during the month of February. Moxii gift certificates are perfect for everyone and come with a special chocolate. Moxii is located at 2515 East Glenn Avenue,

READ ACROSS AUBURN

The entire community is invited to celebrate the importance of reading during Read Across Auburn, February 15-March 12. If your business or organization would like to Join the celebration by wearing buttons or stickers that display the Read Across Auburn logo, please email jdodson@auburnchamber.com or call Jennifer Fincher at (334) 887-7011 and the Auburn Chamber will provide these materials to members free of charge.

VALENTINE'S DAY AT VIGNETTES

Join Vignettes for a glass of "sparkly" and a taste of new gourmet items on Wednesday, February 10, from 10 am-6 pm. Vignettes has many gift ideas for your valentine and luxury sheets and towels will be 20-30% off. Start your personal "wish list" for Valentine's Day as well as all of your special days during the year. Vignettes Is located at 409 East Magnolia Avenue.

CHAMPIONS FOR KIDS CAMPAIGN

The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County will hold the CHAMPIONS FOR KIDS CAMPAIGN 20th Anniversary Kick-Off Luncheon & 3rd Annual Jane Walker Community Champion Award Presentation on Wednesday, February 17, 2010, at 11:30 a.m. at the Family Life Center, Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church (650 JeterAvenue, Opelika). The event will feature Olympic Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersee and is sponsored by Marcus Washington of the NFL and Outback Steakhouse. The cost to attend is $10 (payable to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County). Seating is limited. Please RSVP by February 12. For more information or to make a reservation, call (334) 502-1311 or email clubs@becleecco.org.

 HAMILTON'S ON MAGNOLIA

Hamilton's on Magnolia will be open Valentine's Day weekend, including Sunday, February 14. Also, Hamilton's on Magnolia Is now offering live music two nights each week. Call (334) 887-2677 for more details.

HOW TO MANAGE PROBLEM EMPLOYEES

A Glenn Shepard seminar on "How to Manage Problem Employees," cosponsored bythe Auburn University Outreach Program Office, will be held on Friday, February 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Auburn University Hotel and Dixon Conference Center. Space is limited. To register, visit http://www.auburn.edufoutreachfnbb, This seminar is suggested for managers, supervisors and HR mangers. Topics include: solving your worst workplace problems, energizing your people, hiring with confidence, firing without fear, taming toxic employees and putting your team on the fast track to record-shattering success. The early registration fee is $99.00 until february 5, after February 5, tuition will be $129.00.

HOME BUYING SEMINAR

Weichert Rea hors will host a home buying seminar on Sunday, February 21, from 3-5 pm at the Lee County Association of REALTORS^. Building (880 North Dean Road). Learn about affordable financing options, learn how to buy at the right price In today's market and receive personal consultations with real estate and mortgage specialists. This event Is also sponsored by Kathy Powell State Farm and WR Starkey Mortgage.

 CITY OF AUBURN TO HOST NEXT ROUND OF PUBLIC INPUT MEETINGS FOR FUTURE LAND USE PLAN The City of Auburn invites you to the following public input meetings for the month of February:

Northwest Auburn Meeting

Tuesday, February 9 at 6 p,m., Boykin Community Center Auditorium (400 Boykin Street)

The purpose of this meeting is to gather input from northwest Auburn residents in a format similar to Public Meeting #1. A brief presentation will be followed by breakout groups In which citizens will be able to offer their input on the future of Auburn. Because this meeting is similar In format to Public Meeting #1, those who attended that meeting may instead wish to attend Public Meeting #2.

Public Meeting #2

Tuesday, February 23 at 6 p.m., Auburn Junior High School (332 East Samford Avenue)

This meeting is the follow-up to Public Meeting #1, held October 13, 2009, as well as the February 9 meeting In Northwest Auburn. The purpose of this meeting is to share the input provided by citizens in the first public meetings as well as input gathered from stakeholder organizations through an online survey. There will be a presentation and then an open house with Input opportunities.

Citizens are encouraged to take an active role In the future development of their City by attending these meetings. For more information please contact Justin Steinmann at jsteinman@auburnalabama.org or (334) 501-3045.

 2010 SOUTHERN CIRCUIT TOUR OF INDEPENDENT FILMMAKERS AT JCSM

The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art presents the 2010 Southern Circuit Tour of Independent Filmmakers. The first film featured this year will be Visue/Acoustics The Modernism of Julius Shulman produced and directed by Eric Bricker on Feb. 9 at 6:30 p.m. Bricker will be available for discussion following the film. Guest are also invited to visit the museum's cafe to enjoy a quick and delicious bite to eat before the film from 5-6:30 p.m. The film is free and open to the public. www.lcsm.auburn.edu

AUBURN WOMEN'S BASKETBALL HOSTS PINK ZONE GAME

Auburn University Women's Basketball invites fans to a "Pink Zone" game on Sunday, February 14 at 3 pm, The first 1,500 fans will receive a pink T-shirt, compliments of ALFA Insurance, and ALFA will also be donating $1 for each of the first 5,000 fans In attendance to benefit the Joy to Life Foundation.

 MAMMOTH PRINTSHOP OFFERING FEBRUARY SPECIAL

Mammoth will be offering 20% off local orders for new accounts every day in February. Show some love for your company, school, or church by ordering custom-made T-shirts today.

Mammoth PrlntShop is a full-service screen-printingfacility specializing in handcrafted products and designs, Its experienced staff is trained to help customers with their orderfrom start to finish from finding the right style garment to creating a design or logo. Contact Mammoth for more details at info@mammothprintshop.com or call (334) 524-5970.

Hey, Camden Ridge –I thought a little update might be in order! 

The bridge, of course, has been on my “to do” for seven years now, but has FINALLY risen to the top of the City’s budget list as well.  Although it is considerably more than was budgeted, the City Council did approve moving forward with its replacement, for which I am grateful.  The City’s total cost of both the bridge and the road from the bridge to Farmville Road is a total of $2,715,262.  Included in the project is also that section of Farmville Road from North Donahue to North College, so it will be made ready for the huge increase in traffic.  That cost is being borne by the County, but the City will take possession of that portion of the road once it is finished. That’s the good news!

The challenging news is that the replacement of the bridge and the renewal of Farmville Road and North Donahue are going to impact your daily life due to a significant detour, and the work will take a year.  Bullet points of interest are: 

• Work on Farmville Road is already underway.
• It will take approximately 30 days to complete the Farmville Road section, depending upon weather conditions.  When completed, the City will accept the road. The County is trying to have the work completed by March 1^st. 
• New traffic signage and lighting have been upgraded at the Farmville/N. College intersection.
• Since that section of North College is a State highway, we do NOT control traffic lights there.  The City HAS requested, repeatedly, that the intersection be studied, but has been told they will take a look at it once the increased traffic starts and see if it warrants a  stop light.  We also do not have authority for a four-way stop.
• Once Farmville Road is finished, activity will begin on both the bridge and the portion of N. Donahue to the north of the bridge.  [So that means as early as March 1^st .]
• The section of North Donahue between the bridge and Farmville Road will be redone and widened.
• The bridge will go from 2-lane to 3-lane.
• The bridge will include a protected multi-use path for bicycles and pedestrians.
• The bridge will be raised 9 feet.
• The road will go from 21’ wide to 24’ wide.
• The design will taken into consideration a FUTURE bike path along N. Donahue, but the bike path will not be constructed as a part of this project.
• Once the weather clears, there will be some pothole repair on Mrs. James Road.

Let me take this opportunity to express my thanks to Carol Elrod at Conner Brothers who has been most helpful.  I’m so glad your Homeowner’s Association is up and running and I am most  impressed with your website.   [Communication with neighbors is crucial, in my opinion, to achieve and maintain neighborhood conservation.]  With the addition of your new pool complex, you’ve evolved into a noteworthy Auburn neighborhood! 

Please let me know if you have questions or concerns.  [And PLEASE forward this to neighbors who may not be on my list and ask them to forward their e-mails to me for future notices.] 

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

We are attempting to answer commonly asked questions on the website.  We gladly accept your input on this or any of the sections of the website.   Please respond to carol@connerbros.com ,  Thanks,

Carol Elrod

821-1470

Show your support for the community-wide "Read Across Auburn^" campaign! FEBRUARY 15-MARCH 12

 T-shirts are $5 each. Orders are due by FEBRUARY1. Email orders to orders@legacysigns.net and include sizes (Adult S,M,L,XL or youth XS,S,M,L,XL,XXL), Email confirmation will be sent out when payment is received. Drop off or mail checks to 183 East University Drive, Auburn.

COMMUNITY KICK-OFF OF THE ALABAMA YEAR OF SMALL TOWNS AND DOWNTQWNS

The community is invited to attend the blessing of the city and the kick-off of Auburn's celebration of the Alabama Year of Small Towns and Downtowns on Friday, January 29, at 8 am at Toomer's corner. In case of inclement weather, the program will be held under canopy at Toomer's Drug. The Alabama Year of Small Towns and Downtowns is a program of the Alabama Bureau of Tourism &Travel.

 CITY OF AUBURN DOG LICENSE RENEWALS DUE FEBRUARY 1

Auburn dog owners are reminded City of Auburn dog license renewals for 2010 are due by Monday, February 1. Renewal forms are available online at www.auburnalabama.org/fi/forms.asp. Renewal fees are $5 for each sterilized dog and $15 for each unsterilized dog. There is a limit of three dogs per household. License renewals completed by mail include a $1.50 mailing fee,

The City of Auburn requires a dog license for all dogs ages three months or older. Dog licenses are renewed each calendar year. To avoid a late penalty, renewals should be completed by January 31 each year or the first business day immediately following.

For more information, please visit www.auburnalabama.org/fi/forms.asp or contact the City of Auburn Revenue Office at 501-7239.

21^st  ANNUAL LOVE YOUR HEART RUN & 3^rd ANNUAL CRANK YOUR HEART RIDE FEBRUARY 6

Join the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department and the Exceptional Outreach Organization on Saturday, February 6 for the 21st Annual Love Your Heart Run, benefiting individuals with special needs and supporting Special Olympics of Lee County, Best Buddies of Auburn University, and other therapeutic programs. Participants may choose to run or walk a one-mile course or the Love Your Heart 10K. Cyclists can grab their bikes and join us for the 3rd Annual Crank Your Heart Ride, featuring a 3.5, 11, or 22 mile bike ride. All race and ride routes begin and end at Chewacla State Park. For more information, including registration and start times, visit www.loveyourheartrun.com or contact the Dean Road Recreation Center at 501-2930. Don^'t delay! Early registration ends January29.

LIFESOUTH BLOOD DRIVE AT HDI SOLUTIONS

LifeSouth will host a blood drive in the parking lot of HDI Solutions (1510 Pumphrey Ave.) this Friday from 9 am to 3 pm.

EASTALABAMA RECYCLING PARTNERSHIP TO HOST ELECTRONICS RECYCLING EVENT FEBRUARY 6

The East Alabama Recycling Partnership will host an electronics recycling event on Saturday, February 6 from 9 am - 1 pm at Mid-Way Plaza, 3700 Pepperell Parkway, in Opelika. Dispose of outdated or unwanted computers, small kitchen appliances, video games, DVDs, and telephones free of charge. Televisions will be accepted for recycling for a $10 fee. For more information, visit www.aubumalabama.org,

VALENTINE'S WEEKEND AT THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY, ARICCIA AND PICCOLO

Love is in the air at The Hotel at Auburn University this Valentine's Day weekend. Serving as Auburn's romance headquarters, the hotel, Ariccia and Piccolo are offering the perfect ingredients for a romantic weekend - delicious dining, live music, bubbly, and a luxurious guestroom. With all of these options to choose from, couples can share a romantic evening together or turn Valentine's Day into a weekend-long extravaganza. For those wanting to stay overnight, the Romantic Getaway Package is available February 13-15 and includes deluxe accommodations for two in a newly renovated guestroom, two piccolo bottles of champagne, and six chocolate covered strawberries for $129 per night, including tax and gratuity. To reserve the Romantic Getaway Package, please call (334) 821-8200.

OUTREACH PROGRAM OFFICE PROGRAM CHANGE ANNOUNCEMENT:

The Community Involvement Workshop Series has changed. On Thursday, January 28, Sid James and Jeff McNeill will co-teach a two hour workshop on fund raising and volunteer management. On Thursday, February 4, Roberta Jackal and Sheila Eckman will co-teach a two hour workshop on community organizing. Please register at www.auburn.edu/opo (click on Community Involvement Workshops). Fee: $20 each or $30 for both. Both workshops are in room 329 O.D. Smith Hall, 135 S. College Street.

NORTH PARK OF AUBURN CELEBRATES OPENING

North Park of Auburn, Auburn's new multi-level 900 space parking facility, celebrated their grand opening on Thursday, January 21st. North Park is located at 712 West Magnolia, at the intersection of Wire Road and Magnolia Avenue, across from the Sigma Nu Fraternity House.

COMMUNITY KICK-OFF OF THE ALABAMA YEAR OF SMALL TOWNS AND DOWNTOWNS

The community is Invited to attend the blessing of the city and the kick-off of Auburn's celebration of the Alabama Year of Small Towns and Downtowns on Friday, January 29, at 9 am at Toomer's Corner. In case of Inclement weather, the prograrn will be held under canopy at Toomer's Drug. The Alabama Year of Small Towns and Downtowns is a program of the Alabama Bureau of Tourism & Travel.

 CITY OF AUBURN DOG LICENSE RENEWALS DUE FEBRUARY 1

Auburn dog owners are reminded City of Auburn dog license renewals for 2010 are due by Monday, February 1. Renewal forms are available online at www.auburnalabama.org/fi/forms.asp. Renewal fees are $5 for each sterilized dog and $15 for each unsterilized dog. There is a limit of three dogs per household, License renewals completed by mail include a $1.50 mailing fee.

The City of Auburn requires a dog license for all dogs ages three months or older. Dog licenses are renewed each calendar year. To avoid a late penalty, renewals should be completed by January 31 each year or the first business day immediately following.

For more information, contact the City of Auburn Revenue Office at 501-7239.

21^st ANNUAL LOVE YOUR HEART RUN & 3rd ANNUAL CRANK YOUR HEART RIDE FEBRUARY 6

Join the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department and the Exceptional Outreach Organization on Saturday, February 6 for the 21st Annual Love Your Heart Run, benefitting individuals with special needs and supporting Special Olympics of Lee County, Best Buddies of Auburn Univerity, and other therapeutic programs. Participants may choose to run or walk a one-mile course or the Love Your Heart 11K. Cyclists can grab their bikes and join us for the 3rd Annual Crank Your Heart Ride, featuring a 3.5, 11, or 22 mile bike ride. All race and ride routes begin and end at Chewacla State Park. For more iinformation, including registration and start times, visit www.loveyourheartrun.com or contact the Dean Road Recreation Center at 501-2530. Don't delay! Early registration ends January 29.

GET READY FOR SPRING WITH GOLF INSTRUCTION AT MOORE^'S MILL GOLF CLUB

Golf instruction at Moore^'s Mill Club includes short game clinics, full -swing clinics, beginners' clinics, rules workshops and camps. For more Informtion, contact Elizabeth Rodgers at The Golf House at Moore's Mill Cub at (334) 821-6533.

WINTER SALE AT ELLIE BOUTIQUE AND ELLIE SHOES

Ellie Boutique and Elite Shoes are now holding their Winter Clearance Sale with 30-50% oft!!  

THIS WEEK ATTHE GNU^'S ROOM

Thursday, January 21st at 6 pm - Science Cate with Lindy Biggs

Lindy Biggs currently serves as the Executive Director of the Sustainability Initiative at Auburn University. She teaches and writes about technology and its social context and consequences.

Friday, January 22nd at 7pm- Poetry Reading/Book Signing

Auburn-based poetry publisher New Plains Press has recently released its first two books of poetry, and the Gnu's Room is proud to be chosen tor readings and signings. The first reading will be of Rest In Black Haw by Emily Elizabeth Schulten. For information on New Plains Press, please visit their website at www.newplainspress.com

HAMPTON INN & SUITES -- OPELIKA/AUBURN NAMED HILTON CONNIE AWARD WINNER

Hampton Hotels (www.hampton.com), the global brand of more than 1,700 mid-paced Hampton Inn and Hampton Inn & Suites hotels, has awrdled the Hampton Inn & Suites - Opelika/Auburn with the Connie Award, recognizing it as one of the top ten hotels in the chain. With 4 straight quarters on Hampton's Wall of Fame, the hotel's Total Quality Score placed It at #3 out of the brand's 1700+ properties at year-end.

 WM HARRISON FABRICS ^"SPRUCE UP FOR SPRING SALE^"

Was your New Year's Resolution to finish up some projects around the house? Does taking down Christmas always get you thinking about redecorating? "Spruce up for Spring" by taking advantage of fantastic deals at WM Harrison Fabrics all week.

As a special treat during the sale, WM Harrison welcomes back to Auburn nationally recognized wedding entrepreneur and bride's sage, Cornelia Powell. Cornelia will be at WM Harrison Fabrics from 2-5 pm on January 21 to autograph her recently released Amazon bestseller, The Bride's Ritual Gulde: Look Inside to Flnd Yourself - a book that reviewers are calling "an essential gift for brides of all ages and a pleasure for every woman who loves matters of the heart."

WM Harrison Fabrics is located at 2400 E. University Dr. Suite 111, or online at www.wmharrlson.com.

CELEBRATE VALENTINE^'S DAY WITH ZAZU

Zazu will be open for dinner service only on Sunday, February 14. Make your reservation now!

 THE ACT IS COMING! ARE YOU READY? LET AUBURN SYLVAN HELP YOU!

The ACT PREP ClASS offered by Sylvan covers English, reading, math and science at the new low price of $695.00. The ACT writing portion is $140.00 (optional 4 hours of Instruction). The class includes 20 hours of instruction and 2 practice tests. A $100 deposit is required. NEW SUNDAY AFTERNOON CLASS!

AMAZING ACT SAVINGS:

Bring ONE Friend SAVE $100 on entire course.

Bring TWO friends SAVE $150 on entire course.

Bring TEN friends attend ACT course FREE!

To reserve a space or for more information, call (334)826-3600.

INDIA GARDEN SPECIAL

On Tuesdays and Thursdays at India Garden, located on Opelika Road, enjoy 2 FOR $20 dinners, Dinners include one appetizer (veg samosa, veg pakora or aloo tikki ), two entrees (any combination from chicken, lamb or veg) and plain nan.

KIWANIS CLUB OF AUBURN FAMILY EXPO

The Y.iwerxs Cub of Auburn will hold a Family Expo on Tuesday, January 26, from 6 pm - 8 pm at Grace United Methodist Church (915 E. Glenn Avenue). Pre-Registration will be accepted for the first 100 guests. A chili dinner will be available. Childcare will he available for children ages 2 yrs.- 12 yrs. The expo will Include workshops for: ADHD - 6:30 pm, Step-Parenting - 6:30 pm, Autism - 7:15 pm and Drug Abuse Awareness-7:15 pm. Workshops are free. For more information, call Assist HomeMed at (334) 741-7717 or email familyexpo@yahoo.com.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT WORKSHOPS

The Auburn University Outreach Program Office presents a series of Community Involvement Workshops on:

• Fund Nailing-January 21 - 7 pm-9:00 Learn trom the Vice President at Development at Auburn University, Jeff McNeill. Mr. McNeill will provide a step by step approach to successful fund raising for any size organization.
• Volunteer Managementt-January 20 - 7 pm-9 pm Join Sid James, Director of the Women's Philanthropy Board for an insightful workshop on recruiting and managing volunteers for your community organization.
• Community Organizing - February 4 - 7 pm to 9 pm Roberta Jackel, former City Council member facilitates a panel discussion on strategies for community organizing at its best.

The HOA will meet at Yarbrough Elementary School in the multi-purpose room on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at 6:00 PM.

REDECORATE AND ORGANIZE WITH MOXII

It's the New Year! Resolve to redecorate, organize, and complete all those unfinished rooms in your house? January is the month to do it. Let Moxii help with our complementary in-store design consultation. Bring in your current bedding or favorite pillow and let Moxii help you with all your accent needs. Decorate with style. Moxii your personality, your style. For a coupon for 15% OFF in-stock bedding or a FREE gift with your next purchase of $150 or more, email holly@moxii.com or mention this newsletter. Moxii is located at 2515 E. Glenn Avenue.

JANUARY-MARCH 2010: JOIN US AT FRANK BROWN!

The community is invited to enjoy the "newly' renovated Frank Brown Recreation Center. Added classes include: Hoopla, which is a fun and exciting low impact, cardio work out that is sweeping the nation using a Hula Hoop; Zumba, which combines Latin dances, like salsa and flamenco, with a fitness routine that guarantees you will have fun working out; and the Cardio Interval Explosion, which is one of the most effective ways to burn calories, boost your metabolism, and increase your endurance through cardio intervals. If you are interested in one of these programs or want to find out what else is "new" at Frank Brown, check out the latest Parks and Recreation Quarterly Brochure or visit www.auburnalabama,org/parks. To register, contact the Dean Road Recreation Center.  For more information, contact the Frank Brown Recreation Center at (334) 501-2962.

ZAZU UPCOMING EVENTS

This week Zazu will offer "Wine Wednesday,^" half price bottles of wine from 5:30-9 pm. Join Zazu on January 19 from 7-9 for a wine tasting. The tasting is $10 per person and includes five different wines and hors d'oeuvres. Zazu Eclectic Eatery is located in downtown Auburn.

REACH 45,000 AUBURN FANS BEFORE THE NEXT KICKOFF

Display advertising in Auburn Magazine puts your business message in front of 45,000 members of the Auburn Alumni Association -that's 90,000 eyeballs on your company's logo, tagline, campaign slogan, services and product promotions. Auburn's award-winning quarterly alumni magazine is consistently cited as the most-favored benefit of membership in the Auburn Alumni Association. As part of our team of advertisers, you, too, can share in the magazine^'s success. View rates, specs and deadines at http://www.aualum.org/magazine/advertise.html. Reserve space in the next issue by contacting Betsy Robertson at (334) 844-1164 or betsyrobertson@auburn.edu.

EAST ALABAMA ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEETING

The newly formed East Alabama Estate Planning Council will hold an informational meeting on Tuesday, January19, from

8-9 a.m. at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce. The council is a new inter-disciplinary organization devoted to enhancing estate planning services in our region. All estate planning professionals with the CPA, JD, CFP, CLU, or CHFC designations or bank trust officers are invited to learn about the council's education, networking, and membership opportunities. For additional information, please visit the council's web site at www.EastAlabamaEPC.org. Please RSVP to Barbara@Mises, corn.

2010 REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL FORUM

The Lee County Republican Party will host a 2010 Republican Gubernatorial Forum on Thursday, January 28, 2010, from 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. at the Opelika Performing Arts Center on the campus of Opelika High School. State Representative and ALGOP Chairman Mike Hubbard will be the moderator and Lee County Republican Chairman Dr. Rod Herring will MC the event. A straw ballot will be held at the end of the forum for all ticket holders and the results will be shared with the media.

Tickets for the event are free and can be picked up at four locations in the Auburn/Opelika area: Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Opelika Chamber of Commerce, Auburn Network and Herring Spine & Rehab, Inc.

Participating 2010 Republican Gubernatorial Candidates: Robert Bentley, Bradley Byrne, Kay Ivey and Tim James.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY PROJECT MANAGEMENT SEMINAR -- FEBRUARY 1-3, 2010

Introduction to Successful Project Management – Putting the Pieces Together:  In today's economy, it is more important than ever to manage large projects efficiently and effectively. This highly interactive seminar provides an overview of project management concepts and principles using small group case studies and discussions that will teach participants the skills necessary to keep Important projects on schedule, on target, and within budgets. Participants will work on a sample project from the initiating processes through planning, executing, controlling and closing. Registration includes a copy of 'The Project Manager's Partner," which has step-by-step performance tools such as checklists, worksheets, and guidelines, as well as a CD with many sample documents that will help participants plan and manage project events effectively. Participants will be eligible for 21 PMP credits. Fee: $499.00 (before January 20)/$549. 00 (after January 20) Enrollment is limited to 15. For more information, please visit www.auburn.edu/onsitetrairing/pmt.htmI.

LAUNCH PARTY FOR GNU WRITERS' SERIES

The Gnu's Room is launching the "Gnu Writers' Series," a literary magazine which will feature a local poet, fiction writer or artist each month. The Inaugural edition features local short story writer Jacob Thompson. Thompson is a regular participant at open mlc nights and his story, "Guide to Biking Rural Roads at Night," is a tongue-in-cheek look at the dangers of cycling in Lee County. Thompson will be at the store on Friday, January 15, at 7:00 p.m. to read his work. Copies will be available for distribution. Light refreshments will be served and everyone is invited to help celebrate this new publication.

AUBURN CIVITAN CLUB MEMBERSHIP RECRUITMENT MEETING

PORTION OF TICHENOR AVENUE TO CLOSE JANUARY 4 -13, 2010

A portion of Tichenor Avenue between College Street and Gay Street will be closed to traffic beginning Monday, January 4, 2010 for the installation of a new sewer line. Work is expected to be completed by the end of the week. Businesses located on  Tichenor Avenue may be accessed by using the Gay Street entrance to the Auburn Municipal Parking Deck. A detour map is available online at www.auburnalabama.ore.

BEGIN THE NEW YEAR WITH AUBURN ADVENTURE BOOT CAMP

Let Auburn Adventure Boot Camp help you get on the right path. Grab some friends and get to boot camp. For more information and registration, visit www.AubumBootCamp.com. An indoor location is available for very cold weather.

WELCOME ADVERTISING NOW AVAILABLE

Ad sales began this month for the 2010-^.2011 Auburn Welcome magazine. For a media kit and advertising rates, email jdodson@auburnchamber.com. Early advertisers who sign contracts before January 22 will receive a 10% discount. Welcome will be published in June 2010.

For more information or to reserve space, contact Jennifer Fincher at jdodson@auburnchamber.com or (334) 887-7011.

JOB REQUEST FORMS FOR THE BIG EVENT 2010 DUE JANUARY 8

THE BIG EVENT is a one-day, student-run service project sponsored by Auburn University's Student Government Association (SGA). The program began in 2003 as a way for Auburn University students to give back to the communities of Auburn, Opelika, and Lee County. Event organizers are looking for your help. If your business, church, household, or organization would like to request student volunteers for THE BIG EVENT on Saturday, February 6, please visit www.auBIGEVENT.com and complete a job request form by Friday, January 8.

CITY REQUESTS CITIZENS AND BUSINESSES TURN OFF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS IN COLD WEATHER

The City of Auburn requests citizens and businesses turn off their irrigation systems during cold weather. Please check your systems to make certain water is not leaking into the public right of way and creating potentially icy conditions. Thank you for your assistance in keeping our streets, sidewalks, and bicycle & multi-use paths safe for everyone to use and enjoy.

WIRE ROAD BRIDGE TO CLOSE FOR REPLACEMENT BEGINNING JANUARY 11

Construction on the Wire Road Bridge Replacement Project is expected to begin Monday, January 11. Crews will replace the existing bridge crossing Choctafaula Creek and extend the Wire Road Bikeway to Chadwick Lane. The project is expected to be completed by mid-April. During construction, the bridge will be closed to traffic. For a detour map and construction updates, please visit www.auburnalabama.org

EAST ALABAMA ESTATE PLANNING COUNCIL INFORMATIONAL MEETING

The East Alabama Estate Planning Council will hold an informational meeting on Tuesday, January 19, from 8 - 9 AM at the Auburn Chamber. The council is a new interdisciplinary organization devoted to enhancing estate planning services in our region. We invite all estate planning professionals with the CPA, CFP', JD, CLU, or CHFC designations or bank trust officers to come learn about the council's education, networking, and membership opportunities. For additional information on the council, please visit the council's website. Please RSVP to Barbara@mises.org

2010 REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL FORUM

The Lee County Republican Party will host a 2010 Republican Gubernatorial Forum on Thursday, January 28, 2010, from 6:30-­8:30 p.m. at the Opelika Performing Arts Center on the campus of Opelika High School. State Representative and ALGOP Chairman Mike Hubbard will be the moderator and Lee County Republican Chairman Dr. Rod Herring will MC the event.  A straw ballot will be held at the end of the forum for all ticket holders and the results will be shared with the media.

Tickets for the event are free and can be picked up at four locations in the Auburn/Opelika area: Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Opelika Chamber of Commerce, Auburn Network and Herring Spine & Rehab, Inc.

2010 Republican Gubernatorial Candidates: Bradley Byrne, Kay Ivey, Tim James, Bill Johnson and Roy Moore.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY PROJECT MANAGEMENT SEMINAR -- FEBRUARY 1-3, 2010

Introduction to Successful Project Management -- Putting the Pieces Together: In today's economy, it is more important than ever to manage large projects efficiently and effectively. This highly interactive seminar provides an overview of project management concepts and principles using small group case studies and discussions that will teach participants the skills necessary to keep important projects on schedule, on target, and within budgets. Participants will work on a sample project from the initiating processes through planning, executing, controlling and closing. Registration includes a copy of "The Project Manager's Partner," which has step-by-step performance tools such as checklists, worksheets, and guidelines, as well as a CD with many sample documents that will help participants plan and manage project events effectively. Participants will be eligible for 21 PMP credits. Fee: $499.00 (before January 20)/$549.00 (after-January 20) Enrollment is limited to 15. For more information, please visit www.auburn.edu/onsitetraining/pmt.htrml,

Please register your pets on the website.  You do not have to have a picture, but it is helpful if you can download one.  It is easier to identify if they get lost.  We have had numerous lost pets this past year that were found through networking with your HOA.

A different pet will be highlighted each month of the ones that have a picture.

WELCOME ADVERTISING NOW AVAILABLE

Ad sales will begin this month for the 2010-2011 Auburn Welcome magazine. For a media kit and advertising rates, email jdodson@auburnchamber.com. Early advertisers who sign contracts before January 22 will receive a 10% discount. Welcome will be published in June 2010.

For more information or to reserve space, contact Jennifer Fincher at jdodson@auburnchamber.com or (334) 887-7011.

2010 REPUBLICAN GUBERNATORIAL FORUM

The Lee County Republican Party will host a 2010 Republican Gubernatorial Forum on Thursday, January 28, 2010, from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Opelika Performing Arts Center on the campus of Opelika High School. State Representative and ALGOP Chairman Mike Hubbard will be the moderator and Lee County Republican Chairman Dr. Rod Herring will MC the event. A straw ballot will be held at the end of the forum for all ticket holders and the results will be shared with the media.

Tickets for the event are free and can be picked up at four locations in the Auburn/Opelika area: Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Opelika Chamber of Commerce, Auburn Network and Herring Spine & Rehab, Inc.

2010 Republican Gubernatorial Candidates: Bradley Byrne, Kay Ivey, Tim James, Bill Johnson and Roy Moore.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY PROJECT MANAGEMENT SEMINAR - FEBRUARY 1 - 3, 2010

Introduction to Successful Project Management -- Putting the Pieces Together: In today's economy, it is more important than ever to manage large projects efficiently and effectively. This highly interactive seminar provides an overview of project management concepts and principles using small group case studies and discussions that will teach participants the skills necessary to keep important projects on schedule, on target, and within budgets. Participants will work on a sample project from the initiating processes through planning, executing, controlling and closing. Registration includes a copy of “The Project Manager's Partner," which has step-by-step performance tools such as checklists, worksheets, and guidelines, as well as a CD with many sample documents that will help participants plan and manage project events effectively. Participants will be eligible for 21 PMP credits. Fee: $499.00 (before January 20)/$549.00 (after January 20) Enrollment is limited to 15. For more information, please visit www.auburn.edu/onsitetraining/pmt.html,

TAX PLANNING & QUICKBOOKS° SEMINAR

Machen, McChesney & Chastain, LLP will host its annual Tax Planning & QuickBooks° Seminar on January 6, 2010, at the Auburn Chamber. Registration begins at 8:00 am. Admission is free for existing clients and $85 for non-clients. Seating is limited so please RSVP to Dager@mmcfirm.com.

Year-End and Tax Planning 8:30 am -11:30 am

Designed to help you facilitate year-end planning along with W-2 and 1099 processing, fringe benefits, retirement plans, 2010 changes, and other valuable tax planning information.

QuickBooks° 101 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Basic navigation, accounts setup, edit/find techniques, bank reconciliation, credit card reconciliation, payroll processing, general journal entry, backing up and restoring data, RAS data transfer & QuickBooks° pricing.

QuickBooks° Intermediate 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Item lists (inducting sales tax and payroll), customer/vendor setup, invoicing and bill paying, report generation, class "tracking' setup, keyboard shortcuts, and what is new with QuickBooks^®

ZAZU OPEN FOR NEW YEAR^'S EVE

Zazu will open for dinner service on New Year's Eve beginning at 5:30 p.m. The restaurant will be closed on January 1.

KANSAS CITY BARBEQUE SOCIETY JUDGING CLASS AT THE HOTEL AT AUBURN UNIVERSITY

Auburn will host a Kansas City Barbeque Society Judging Class at the Hotel at Auburn University on Saturday, January 16, 2010, from 9 am-5 pm. The hotel is offering a special group rate in newly renovated guest rooms for all KCBS attendees of $89 per night on Friday and Saturday, January 15 & 16, 2010. The special group rate is for deluxe king or double rooms and will include the breakfast buffet each morning of your stay in the hotel restaurant, Ariccia. The cost of the class is $65 for KCBS members and $95 for non-members.

To register for the class, please contact Lynn Huggins at the Hotel at Auburn University at (334) 821-8200 or Ivnn.huggins@auhcc.com .

FREE PARKING IN DOWNTOWN AUBURN NOW THROUGH JANUARY 8, 2010.

VILLAGE MALL GIFT CARDS

Looking for a great way to reward your employees’ hard year's work, but not sure what to get them? Don't forget that the Village Mall has mall gift cards at customer service that are redeemable at all stores throughout the mall. Gift cards can be purchased in any increments from $20-$500 with cash, business checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express.

If you are considering purchasing large quantities of gift cards and don't want to wait in line, please call (334) 821-8327 Monday­Friday and speak with Joy.

START 2010 WITH CLASSES AT THE NEWLY RENOVATED FRANK BROWN RECREATION CENTER

Come join us at the "Newly" Renovated Frank Brown Recreation Center.  Added classes include: Hoopla, which is a fun and exciting low impact, cardio work out that is sweeping the nation using a Hula Hoop; Zumba, which combines Latin dances, like salsa and flamenco, with a fitness routine that guarantees you will have fun working out and the Cardio Interval Explosion, which, offered in the early morning is one of the most effective ways to bum calories, boost your metabolism, and increase your endurance through cardio intervals. If you are interested in one of these programs or want to find out what else is "New" at Frank Brown, check out the latest Parks and Recreation Quarterly Brochure or visit us on the web at www.auburnalabarna.org/parks. To register contact the Dean Road Recreation Center or for more information, contact the Frank Brown Recreation Center at 334-501-2962.

 CITIZENS REMINDED TO TURN OFF IRRIGATION SYSTEMS DURING COLD WEATHER

The City of Auburn requests citizens and businesses turn off their irrigation systems during cold weather months. Irrigation systems often leak water into the streets, wasting water and creating dangerous road conditions. Please check your irrigation systems to make certain water is not leaking into the public right of way and creating dangerous driving, walking, or riding conditions. For more Information, please contact the City of Auburn water Resource Management Department at 501-3060.

REPORT STREET LIGHT OUTAGES TO ALABAMA POWER

Citizens are reminded to report street light outages in the city of Auburn to Alabama Power's 24-hour customer service number at 1-800-245-2244. Please be prepared to provide the location of the street light, including the address or nearest house number.

AUBURN UNIVERSITY PROJECT MANAGEMENT SEMINAR -• FEBRUARY 1^.3, 2010

Introduction to Successful Project Management – Putting the Pieces Together In today's economy, it is more important than ever to manage large projects efficiently and effectively. This highly interactive seminar provides an overview of project management concepts and principles using small group case studies and discussions that will teach participants the skills necessary to keep important projects on schedule, on target, and within budgets. Participants will work on a sample project from the initiating processes through planning, executing, controlling and closing. Registration includes a copy of "The Project Manager's Partner," which has step-by-step performance tools such as checklists, worksheets, and guidelines, as well as a CD with many sample documents that will help participants plan and manage project events effectively. Participants will be eligible for 21 PMP credits. Fee: $499.00 (before January 20)/$549.00 (after January 20) Enrollment is limited to 15. For more information, please visit www.auburn.edu/onsitetraining/pmt.html,

INDIA GARDEN OPEN ON CHRISTMAS DAY

India Garden will be open on Christmas day with a special buffet from 5-9.30 pm for $11.99. The menu includes lamb, chicken, goat, spinach, mixed vegetables, eggplant, 2 appetizers, 3 desserts and more. Menu items will be served from 11 am until 3 pm. India Garden is located at 1251 Opelika Road.

TAX PLANNING & QUICKBOOKS° SEMINAR

Machen, McChesney & Chastain, LLP will host its annual Tax Planning& QuickBooks° Seminar on January 6, 2010, at the Auburn Chamber. Registration begins at 8:00 am. Admission is free for existing clients and $85 for non-clients. Seating is limited so please RSVP to jjager@mmcfirm.cam.

Year-End and Tax Planning 8:30 am -11:30 am

Designed to help you facilitate year-end planning along with W-2 and 1099 processing, fringe benefits, retirement plans, 2010 changes, and other valuable tax planning information.

QuickBooks° 101 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm

Basic navigation, accounts setup, edit/find techniques, bank reconciliation, credit card reconciliation, payroll processing, general journal entry, backing up and restoring data, RAS data transfer & QuickBooks° pricing

QuickBooks^® Intermediate 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm

Item lists (including sales tax and payroll), customer/vendor setup, invoicing and bill paying, report generation, class "tracking" setup, keyboard shortcuts, and what is new with QuikBooks^e

  AUBURN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

CALENDAR of EVENTS

DECEMBER 1 Qty Council at 7 pm

DECEMBER 2 Chamber Board Meeting at 12 Noon at the Hotel at Auburn University

DECEMBER 3 Christmas Parade at 5:30 pm

DECEMBER 8 Tuesday Talk at 8 am

DECEMBER 11 Raymond James Ribbon Cutting and Open House at 2:30 pm (Andy LaMar, Financial Advisor, 822 N, Dean Road)

AUBURN UNIVERSITY HOLIDAY CELEBRATION FEATURING THE LIGHTING OF THE CHRISTMAS TREE ON SAMFORD LAWN The Holiday Celebration at Auburn University will begin at 6 p.m. on Thursday, December 3 with cookies, brownies and hot chocolate and a children's "letter to santa" booth. The program will begin at 6:30.

POST TREE LIGHTING EVENT AT THE HOTELATAUBURN UNIVERSITY

The Hotel at Auburn University is gearing up with festive events sure to deck the halls with holiday spirit. The fun begins on December 3rd following the city of Auburn's Christmas parade and tree lighting on the Samford Hall Lawn. After the parade, guests are invited to the hotel to celebrate the beginning of the season with complimentary cider and treats, a gingerbread village unveiling, and the holiday sounds of a bell choir. For more information about the holiday event on December 3, please call (334) 821-8200.

OGLETREE VILLAGE ^"HOLIDAY MARKET^'"

Ogletree village will host a Holiday Market on Thursday, December 17, from 4:30-8:00 p.m. The market will offer gift certificates, skincare products and services, houseplants, holiday decorations, handbags, foods and all kinds of other specialty items.

WILL GOLF FOR FOOD

The Lee-Russell Council of Governments will host a golf event benefitting Meals on Wheels in Lee and Russell Counties and the Gary Moore/Red Lobster Christmas Day Meal. "Will Golf for Food" will be held on Friday, December 4, at the Auburn University Club. A shotgun start will be held at 11:30 a.m. The format is a 4-person crazy scramble and the cost to play is $75 per person and 1 large canned good. Checks should be made to: The Lee Russell Aging Foundation, Non-Profit # 63-1108943. Send entries to: Kim Evans/P.O. Box 351/Auburn, Al 36831orevanski@auburn.edu.  For more information, call (334) 844-9766.

RESURRECT ANTIQUES OPEN HOUSE

Resurrect Antiques will host an open house on Dec. 5, from 10 am until 5 pm. Customers are invited to enjoy door prizes, free gift wrapping and light refreshments. Resurrect is located at 906 Columbus Parkway, Opelika.

LOVELIEST VILLAGE CHRISTMAS TOUR OF HOMES

The Auburn Preservation League is pleased to announce the 2009 Loveliest Village Christmas Tour, set to take place on December 12 from

10 am-4 pm and December 13 from 1-4 pm. This year's tour includes 8 beautiful homes plus 5 cider stops on Saturday of the event.

Tickets are $20 each and can be purchased at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce on Glenn Avenue or at any of the homes during the tour. For more information, call the Auburn Chamber at (334) 887-7011.

SPA AUBURN HOSTS HOLIDAY "FABULOUS @ 5"

Spa Auburn will host a holiday version of "Fabulous @ 5" on Friday, December 4, from 5-7 pm. Enjoy complimentary services, wine & hors d'oeuvres, sales, new items, door prizes and gifts. For more information, call (334) 501-2221.

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE AT VIGNETTES ON MAGNOLIA

Vignettes on Magnolia will host a Christmas Open House on Wednesday, December 2, from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

The Open House will feature savings throughout the shop. All in-stock Jolie Linens items are 20% off. Also, Santa has left special "wish lists" for customers to fill out Vignettes is located at 409 East Magnolia Ave.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AT MONARCH ESTATES

Monarch Estates cordially invites the community to attend a Festival of Lights on Saturday, December 5. Dinner will be held at 5:30 p.m. and the awards for people's choice and residents' choice will be held at 6:45 p.m. A silent auction will also be held at 6:45 p.m. All proceeds benefit the "Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund." Monarch Estates is located at 1550 E. University Dr., Please call (334) 502-0977 to RSVP.

OPEN HOUSE LUNCH AT THE COURTYARDS

The Courtyards at Auburn, located on N. Dean Road, will host an open house and lunch on Friday, December 4, from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. The Courtyards is offering a $500 move-in sale. Sale ends December 5. Call (334) 821-2512 for details,

TEDDY BEAR TEAS

Piccolo's warm and cozy atmosphere is the place to be this holiday season as it hosts The Hotel at Auburn University's inaugural Teddy Bear Teas during the month of December. This new family-friendly event will take place December 5, 6, 12, 13, 19, 20, 21, 22 and 23. Seatings for the Teddy Bear Tea will be at 2:00 p.m. and cost $20 per person (all ages) inclusive of tax and gratuity. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling (334) 344-5140.

AUBURN IDOL

The second elimination round of Auburn Idol will take place on December 4 at 7:00 p.m. The 15 finalists will perform their chosen songs, and the best 10 will advance to the third round on December11. Tickets are available for the second elimination round and cost $5 per person. They can be purchased through the front desk at The Hotel at Auburn University. For questions about tickets or to purchase tickets for the remaining

elimination rounds and final round, please call (334) 821-8200.  For additional information about the contest, please visit the Auburn Idol Page at

Auburn Holiday Home Tour

 December 12– 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

December 13 –   1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

8 HOMES

George and Susan Konstant, 232 Chadwick Lane

Mike and Tina Rabren, 1547 Lakewood Place

Shane and Pheze Sumners, 566 East Samford Ave.

John and Leigh Hudon, 718 Burke Place

Lucy Little, 554 Berkeley Ave.

Ronnie and Rosemary Anders, 2487 Danbury Drive

Rick and Kelly Davidson, Camellia Drive

Peter and Peg Weiss, 105 Prather's Lake Dr.

 5 CIDER STOPS

Auburn City Hall (Old Post Office Building), 144 Tichenor Ave.

 Jan Dempsey Art Building, 222 East Drake Ave.

 Crenshaw Bed and Breakfast, 371 N. College St.

 Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, 901 S. College St.

 Lee County Museum in Loachapoka

Tickets for the tour are $20 each, and benefit Auburn Preservation League.  Pre-tour tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce or at the Auburn United Methodost Bazaar December 5.  Tickets also available on tour days, at each home.  [2 tickets available at half price for each new membership in Auburn Preservation League.  See www.auburnpreservationleague.org.]  Questions?  Call Gail Langley, 887-3484 or r.langley@mindspring.com.

 Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com

The new Camden Ridge neighborhood commercial can be seen Sat. sometime during the Auburn/Georgia game on ESPN2.  (Not before, after or during halftime.) 

Dear Camden Ridge:

 I have “talked” with several of you about what will transpire once the bridge on Donahue is closed and I have requested that the City ask ALDOT [Alabama Department of Transportation] to consider a turn signal—which they did.  [That portion of N. College is still under State Control.]  Here is a report from the City’s most recent meeting with ALDOT:

 “Solar powered advance warning lights with advisory speed were installed by ALDOT.  DOT will not consider approving a traffic signal until it has had an opportunity to evaluate the additional traffic which will result from the closing of Donahue Drive because current traffic volume does not “warrant” the signal.   ALDOT expressed concerns about installing a signal based on increased traffic from the closure of North Donahue Drive [in the event that] the signal no longer warrants when Donahue Drive is re-opened.  An alternative being considered is installing an overhead flasher and/or rumble strips, if the City requests.  [I have asked that they do.]  ALDOT will also evaluate adding center left turn lanes and luminaries to improve the intersection.”

 The City IS going to request the turn lanes, the rumble strips and an overhead caution signal, to be in place to coincide with the closing of the bridge.  They are also asking for an immediate traffic count, once the bridge is closed, to see if the increased volume warrants a signalized light.   I will keep you posted as to the response.

Sheila Eckman

Auburn City Council

334.821.9666 Office

334.750.9666 Cell

www.abetterauburn.com