WEEK OF NOV. 3, 2008 — Meetings, events & updates
LEE COUNTY SAMPLE BALLOT ONLINE:Â http://www.leeco.us/probate/
POLLING LOCATIONS:Â Polling Location Information Available Online
NON-PARTISAN INFO ON THE ALABAMA JUDICIAL RACES: http://www.lwval.org/
ALABAMA ELECTION FRAUD HOTLINE (TOLL-FREE):Â 800-831-8814
To answer questions, examine any allegations, investigate any legitimate complaints of wrongdoing in Alabama elections.
CHECK YOUR VOTER REGISTRATION ONLINE
Has your voter registration been dropped by mistake?
Alabama Arise is encouraging people to check their registrations at www.alabamavotes.gov just to be sure. Alabama election officials have checked at least a million voters against driver’s license records and social security records. If the clerk typing your info dropped a letter of your name – or transposed two numbers of your social security number – you could be flagged for not matching the official record. It’s easier to check www.alabamavotes.gov now than to hold up that long line on Election Day. Just click on the box for “My Polling Place and Registration Status.” If you learn of a problem with your voter registration, contact your county voter registration officials or board of registrars. And remember to take your i.d. to the polls.
Note: If you have trouble finding your name in the online system, try again using only your first & last name and date of birth. (i.e., no middle name or initial, no county).
 ORDER NOW — AUBURN CIVITAN CLUB OFFERS SMOKED TURKEYS & HAMS FOR THANKSGIVING
Smoked Turkey (12-14 lb) or Smoked Picnic Ham (8-10 lb) — $35 each
Ready for pick up, hot off the smoker, on Sunday, November 23, 2008 at 3:00 PM, at the Elks Club on Opelika Road. Make your check payable to: Auburn Civitan Club & mail to 1481 Morning Glory Circle, Auburn, AL 36832. Or phone your order to: Charles Eick (334)-821-5623.
NEW AU PROGRAM TO CUT DRUG COSTS FOR AU EMPLOYEES, FAMILIES
Starting Nov. 10, Auburn employees and their dependents who are covered by the university’s Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance plan will be able to fill prescriptions for generic drugs for free at the university’s employee pharmacy in the Harrison School of Pharmacy. Auburn will offer the benefit under a voluntary program for employees with Blue Cross Blue Shield coverage who agree to fill all their prescriptions at the university’s pharmacy in the W.W. Walker Building. Employees who enroll in the new TigerMeds program will receive most generic drugs for free. To read the rest of the article, go to http://www.ocm.auburn.edu/au_
CITY OF AUBURN BOARD VACANCIES
• Three vacancies on the Tree Commission were announced at the October 7 City Council meeting and will be filled at the November 4 meeting.
• Two vacancies on the Parks & Recreation Advisory Board were announced at the October 21 City Council meeting and will be filled at the November 18 meeting.
• One vacancy on the Public Park & Recreation Board will be announced at the November 18 City Council meetingand will be filled at the December 16 meeting.
• Two vacancies on the Cemeteries Advisory Board will be announced at the November 18 City Council meeting and will be filled at the December 16 meeting.
• Two vacancies on the Board of Zoning Adjustment will be announced at the December 2 City Council meeting and will be filled at the January 6, 2009 meeting
Citizens interested in serving are encouraged to contact their City Council member or notify the City Manager’s Office atwebocm@auburnalabama.org or call 501-7260.
TOOMER’S CORNER OAK SEEDLINGS ON SALE
The School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences will sell Toomer’s Corner oak trees Saturday, Nov. 8, at the school during its homecoming. The seedling trees sell for $60 each and are direct descendents of the two oaks at Toomer’s Corner. The trees come with a certificate of authenticity, which tells the history of the Toomer’s Corner oak trees, planting instructions and a roll of Auburn toilet paper. Proceeds from the trees are divided among the Forestry Club, The Wildlife Society and the Toomer’s Oak Leadership Endowment for scholarships. You may also purchase a Toomer’s Corner Oak online by logging on to www.TigerRags.com or by calling 844-1001.
CITY OF AUBURN / CONSTRUCTION PROJECT STATUS REPORTS (updated weekly)
PUBLIC WORKS: www.auburnalabama.org/pw/
WATER RESOURCES MANAGEMENT: www.auburnalabama.org/wrm/
ALABAMA WATER AGENDA FILM — A Short Film by Hunter Nichols on the Alabama Water Agenda. The film was produced for the Alabama Rivers Alliance - http://www.youtube.com/watch?
THROUGH NOV. 20  — BEAT BAMA FOOD DRIVE KICK-OFF
The Beat Bama Food Drive will kick off on the Samford Hall lawn and run through Nov. 20. Drop-off locations for canned goods will be set up around campus and there is a Web site (http://www.beatbamafooddrive.
== == == == == == ==
MONDAY, NOV. 3, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM — PERMANENT JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON WATER POLICY & MANAGEMENT
Held in the Joint Briefing Room ( 8th Floor) of the Alabama State House, 11 South Union, Mont. Open to all.
The committee is working toward a consensus-based statewide water management strategy.
Committee members: Sen. Kim S. Benefield, CHAIR; Rep. Greg Canfield, VICE CHAIR; Sen. Parker Griffith; Sen. T.D. “Ted” Little; Sen. “Walking” Wendell Mitchell; Sen. Arthur Orr; Sen. Quinton T. Ross, Jr.; Sen. Harri Anne Smith; Rep. Chad Fincher; Rep. Thomas E. Jackson; Rep. Richard J. Laird; Rep. Artis J. “A.J.” McCampbell; Rep. W.F. “Frank” McDaniel; Rep. Jeffrey McLaughlin.
Public Agencies Meeting Agenda
10:30 – 11:00 ROLL CALL, MINUTES, SUBCOMMITTEE REPORTS
11:00 – 11:40 PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
11:40 – 12:20 PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
12:20 – 1:20 LUNCH BREAK
1:20 – 2:00 PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
2:00 – 2:40 PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION
2:40 P.M.  ADJOURN
Stakeholder Presentations
Brian Atkins, Director, Office of Water Resources
Trey Glenn, Director, Alabama Department of Environmental Management
Barnett Lawley, Director, Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
John Christie, State Climatologist
MONDAY, NOV. 3, 4:00 pm – AUBURN CEMETERIES ADVISORY BOARD
Held at the Dean Road Rec Center. Open to all.
TUESDAY, NOV. 4 — ELECTION DAY– VOTE!!!
Polls in Lee County open from 7:00 am – 7:00 pm.
TUESDAY, NOV. 4 , 8:30 am — FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE AUTUMN WALKS
Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve (North College Street just past the Auburn fish ponds on the right). Meet at the Pavilion. Free & open to all; no reservations required. Cancelled if rain. https://fp.auburn.edu/
Autumn walks will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve at 8:30 a.m. Walks are geared toward exercise and enjoying the preserve’s fall beauty. Walks will last approximately one hour. Info:Â Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512. The preserve is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
TUESDAY, NOV. 4, 5:15 pm – AUBURN PARKS AND RECREATION BOARD
Held at the Dean Road Rec Center. Open to all.
TUESDAY, NOV. 4Â – AUBURN CITY COUNCIL
6:55 pm — Committee of the Whole / 7:00 pm – Regular meeting
Held in the council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda & full packet:Â www.auburnalabama.org/agenda
Committee of the whole agenda includes:
TREE COMMISSION. Three Vacancies. Incumbents: Kevin Carpenter (has served 2 full terms and 1 partial term); Margaret C. Lawrence (has served 2 full terms); and Wes Williams (has served 1 full term and 1 partial term). Three Year Terms Expire November 7, 2011. Nominations.
Regular meeting agenda includes:
6. AUBURN UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS.
7. CITIZENS’ COMMUNICATIONS.
8. CITY MANAGER’S COMMUNICATIONS. City Manager Duggan.
a. Alcoholic Beverage Licenses.
(1) Lake Martin Inc. dba/Store 72 Package. 2300 Lee Road 72. Lounge Retail Liquor – Class II (Package). Police Jurisdiction.
(2) Ducks Unlimited, Inc. dba/Ducks Unlimited. 1455 Shug Jordan Parkway. Special Events Retail Liquor License.
9. ORDINANCES.
a. General Obligation Refunding Warrant. $12.1 Million. Compass Bank. 3.95% Fixed Interest Rate. Sewer Fund. Unanimous Consent Necessary.
10. RESOLUTIONS.
a. Industrial Development Board. Borbet Alabama, Inc. 979 West Veterans Boulevard. Tax Abatent.
b. Contracts. Authorize Mayor and City Manager to Sign.
(1) Samford Avenue Tennis Court Resurfacing Project. Talbot Tennis. Joint Project with Auburn City Schools. $15,598 ($7,799 City’s Share). Parks & Recreation Department.
(2) 2009 Ford F150 Pickup Truck. Ben Atkinson Motors. $23,277. State Contract 4010182. Water Resource Management Department.
c. Drainage and Utility Easements. Construction and Maintenance of Drainage and Utility Improvements in Bent Creek Commercial Park. Goo-Goo Car Wash on Bent Creek Road. Acceptance.
(1) Beck-Bradham, Inc. Darren Bradham, President.
(2) Cleveland Brothers, Inc. James W. Cleveland, President.
d. Drainage and Utility Easement. Mar-El Webster Enterprises, LLC. Property Located at 430 Lee Road 53 (Webster Road). Choctafaula Interceptor Sewer Phase II Project. Settlement of $92,570 for Value Lost.
e. Tree Commission. Three Positions. Three-Year Terms Expire November 7, 2011. Appointments.
11. OTHER BUSINESS.
12. ADJOURNMENT.
TUESDAY, NOV 4 — OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL
6:25 pm – work session / 7:00 pm – regular meeting
Held at 204 S. 7th St, Opelika. Open to all. www.opelika.org
Work session agenda: http://www.opelika.org/
Regular session agenda: http://www.opelika.org/
TUESDAY, NOV. 4, 7:00 – 8:30 pm — ALLIANCE FOR PEACE & JUSTICE (APF)   www.peaceeagle.org
Held at the Busch Center, behind the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 450 E. Thatch Ave. Open to all.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5, 1:00 PM – JEFFREY WIGAND / FORMER TOBACCO RESEARCH SCIENTIST
TOPIC:Â BUSINESS ETHICS AND THE DANGERS OF SMOKING
Held in AU’s Lowder Business Building, room 019. Open to the public.
Former tobacco company executive Jeffrey Wigand, who helped expose the industry’s knowledge of the dangers of smoking, will be a guest speaker in AU’s College of Business Nov. 3-8. Wigand will serve as the college’s James T. Pursell Sr. Distinguished Fellow in Management Ethics and will address business classes throughout the week, including three which are open to the public. The open classes will be held in Lowder Business Building at 1 p.m. Wednesday in room 019; 12:30 p.m. Thursday in room 153; and noon Friday in room 019. He will speak about business ethics and on the dangers of smoking. Wigand captured national attention in 1996 when he became the highest-ranking former tobacco executive to share what he knew about efforts to conceal the dangers of smoking from consumers. In an interview with 60 Minutes, Wigand claimed his former employer, Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp., had known that nicotine was addictive, in spite of Congressional testimony to the contrary. Wigand, who has a Ph.D. in biochemistry, had been employed at Brown & Williamson as vice president of research and development for more than four years before being fired in 1993 under disputed circumstances. Wigand then assisted the FDA and other government agencies in their investigations. His testimony helped bring about an estimated $250 billion settlement. Today, Wigand devotes his time to his nonprofit foundation, Smoke-Free Kids Inc., and speaks to students about the tobacco industry and its targeting of children in particular. His visit to Auburn marks the seventh time he has served as the James T. Pursell Sr. Distinguished Fellow in Management Ethics. More information is available by calling Achilles Armenakis at 844-6506.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5, 3:00 – 4:00 PM — DISCOVER AUBURN LECTURE: DR. TROY BEST – BATS: FRIENDLY MASTERS OF THE NIGHT SKY
Held in AU’s RBD Library, Special Collections & Archives. Free & open to all. Reception to follow lecture.
Sponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities and the AU Libraries.
Troy Best, Auburn professor of biology, received his Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Oklahoma in 1976. He has been at Auburn since 1992 and is a professor and curator of mammals in the Department of Biology. Discover Auburn is a yearlong series that features programs on research, history and other topics of interest by Auburn faculty, staff and graduates. For more information, contact the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center at 844-4946 or visit http://www.auburn.edu/cah .
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5, 4:00 PM — DISTINGUISHED GRADUATE FACULTY LECTURE:Â DR. BERNHARD KALTENBOECK
Held in AU’s Overton Auditorium, College of Veterinary Medicine.
The Distinguished Graduate Faculty Lecture by Dr. Bernhard Kaltenboeck, Professor of Pathobiology. Â The title of his talk will be : Â ”A journey from cows to mice and back: Â how do chlamydiae cause disease and what can we do about it?” A reception will follow immediately after the lecture.
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 5, 4:30 pm – AUBURN BOARD OF ZONING ADJUSTMENT / BZA
Held in the city council chambers, 141 N. Ross St. Open to all.
Agenda: www.auburnalabama.org/bza/
Agenda includes:
OLD BUSINESS
NEW BUSINESS
Variance to 433.07B of the City of Auburn Zoning Ordinance PL-2008-00730
Applicant: Interstate Electrical Supply, Inc.
General Location: 702 North Dean Road
Zoning District:Comprehensive Development District (CDD)
Action Requested: Variance to allow air conditioners to be located on any plane of the primarystructure that faces a designated corridor (North Dean Road)
OTHER BUSINESS - CHAIRMAN’S COMMUNICATION – ADJOURNMENT
THURSDAY, NOV. 5 , 8:30 am — FOREST ECOLOGY PRESERVE AUTUMN WALKS
Held at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve (North College Street just past the Auburn fish ponds on the right). Meet at the Pavilion. Free & open to all; no reservations required. Cancelled if rain. https://fp.auburn.edu/
Autumn walks will be held every Tuesday and Thursday at the Louise Kreher Forest Ecology Preserve at 8:30 a.m. Walks are geared toward exercise and enjoying the preserve’s fall beauty. Walks will last approximately one hour. Info:Â Jennifer Lolley at 707-6512. The preserve is open seven days a week from 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
THURSDAY, NOV. 6 and FRIDAY, NOV. 7 – AUBURN UNIVERSITY BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Held in the Auburn University Hotel & Dixon Conference Center, Ballroom B. 334-844-4866. Open to all.
Agenda: Committee Meetings and Meeting of the Board of Trustees; details to be posted at http://www.auburn.edu/
THURSDAY, NOV. 6, 10:00 am — PERMANENT JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY / BIOFUELS AND ALTERNATIVE FUELS SUBCOMMITTEE
Held in room 123, House Judiciary Committee Room, Alabama State House, Mont. Open to all. Ph: 334-242-7600
THURSDAY, NOV. 6, noon – ART MUSEUM / A LITTLE LIGHT MUSIC
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Arts. Free & open to all.
Enjoy lunch in the museum café on Thursdays while the lovely sounds of local musicians echo through the museum. Sponsored by the Auburn Chamber Museum Society.
THURSDAY, NOV. 6, 12:30 PM – JEFFREY WIGAND / FORMER TOBACCO RESEARCH SCIENTIST
TOPIC:Â BUSINESS ETHICS AND THE DANGERS OF SMOKING
Held in AU’s Lowder Business Bldg, room 153. Open to the public.
For additional details, see listing above, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1:00 pm.
THURSDAY, NOV. 6, 2:00 pm – STATEWIDE MEETING OF PERMANENT JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY
Held in the Joint Briefing Room (Star Wars Room), 8th Floor, Alabama State House. Open to all.
All 7 subcommittees will give a brief report on legislation they are considering recommending.
For additional information: Kristen Stillwell, Executive Assistant to Rep. Greg Wren, repgregwren@yahoo.com, ph: 334-395-0123.
Co-chairs: Senator Wendell Mitchell & Representative Gregory D. Wren
Agenda:
Welcome & Opening Remarks-Senator Wendell Mitchell and Rep. Greg Wren
Recognition of Special Guests
Introduction of Energy Committee Legislative Members
Discussion of Old Business
 -Discussion and Adoption of Minutes-August 4, 2008 meeting
 -Subcommittee Reports-Chairs and Co-Chairs
  *Biofuels & Alternative Fuels
  *Renewable Power & Electric Generation
  *Efficiency and Conservation
  *Technology and Communications
  *Infrastructure and Expansion
   *Environmental Issues
  *Research and Development
  * Discussion of Energy Committee Timeline
  * Plans for January “Statewide Energy Day”- January 27, 2009
 -Tentative Schedule of Events
  * Questions & Comments
  * Closing Remarks
THURSDAY, NOV. 6 –PERMANENT JOINT LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE ON ENERGY/ RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT SUBCOMMITTEE
TIME TBA – to directly follow the Full Energy Committee meeting
Held in room 617, Alabama State House. Open to all.
THURSDAY, NOV. 6, 3:30 – 4:30 pm — AAUP FORUM: ACADEMIC FREEDOM IN THE CLASSROOM
Held in AU’s Haley Center, room 2116. Free & open to all. http://www.auburn.edu/
Hosted by the AU Chapter of the American Association of University Professors/AAUP. Forum panelists: Jim Bradley, Ruth Crocker, Susan Morris and Leanna Pepper.
THURSDAY, NOV. 6, 6:00 – 8:00 PM — AN EVENING WITH THOM GOSSOM JR.
6:00 – 6:45 PM / BOOK READING; 6:45 – 8:00 PM / RECEPTION
Held at AU’s Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art. Free & open to the public.
Actor, author, athlete and Auburn alumnus Thom Gossom, Jr., will read from his memoir Walk On, a coming-of-age tale set in the culturally changing Alabama of the 1970s. Walk On is Gossom’s barrier shattering journey to become the first Black athlete to graduate from Auburn University. It is a story of overcoming adversity, gaining success, losing it, regaining it and in doing so making history. The author will sign copies and the book will be available for purchase. Sponsored by AU’s College of Liberal Arts, The Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities, the Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art, and the Auburn Alumni Association.
FRIDAY, NOV. 7, 11:30 am – AUBURN TREE COMMISSION
Held at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, 714 E. Glenn Ave. Open to all.
FRIDAY, NOV. 7, 7:30 pm – SUNDILLA CONCERT FEATURING JEFF TALMADGE
Held at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship Hall (AUUF), 450 E. Thach. www.sundilla.org
Admission: $10; with student ID $8; children under 12 free (and welcomed; play area provided). Light refreshments provided free of charge; you may also bring your own food or beverage (beer/wine allowed). For more info, and to hear music clips of Jeff Talmadge go to www.sundilla.org.
FRIDAY, NOV. 7, 12:00 PM – JEFFREY WIGAND / FORMER TOBACCO RESEARCH SCIENTIST
TOPIC:Â BUSINESS ETHICS AND THE DANGERS OF SMOKING
Held in AU’s Lowder Business Bldg, room 019. Open to the public.
For additional details, see listing above, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 1:00 pm.
SATURDAY, NOV. 8, 1:30 PM — HOME FOOTBALL GAME / AU V. TENNESSEE-MARTIN
SATURDAY, NOV, 8, 2:00 – 4:00 PM — THE GNU’S ROOM / FREE MASSAGE
Beginning with Saturday, November 8th, Conar Rochford, a licensed massage therapist will be offering free chair massages from 2:00 - 4:00 p.m. on the second Saturday of each month at the Gnu’s Room. Come enjoy a good book, a great cup of coffee and a relaxing free chair massage!  www.thegnusroom.com
SUNDAY, NOV. 9, 4:30 PMÂ – DIWALI FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Held in AU’s Foy Ballroom. Program: free & open to all.
Dinner tickets: $12 adults (if purchased before Nov 6); $15 after Nov 6; $10 for kids under 10 years.
Tickets available at University Inn, Goalpost, Philly Connection, and in AU’s new Student Center suite 3130.
Diwali is a national festival of India that signifies the victory of good over evil. Diwali events include dances and musical performances. An Indian dinner – including curries, rice, naan bread & samosas – will be catered. Hosted by AU’s Indian Student Association and the India Cultural Association of East Alabama..
== == == == == == == ==
Thanks for your interest and support.
Email: placeforum@gmail.com
Web: http://placeforum.org/blog/
Nov. 3, 2008