Wednesday, May 27, 2020
VOL. 12, NO. 34
pelika Observer O
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EAMC CEO named top five hospital administrator during COVID-19 pandemic Special to the
Opelika Observer The COVID-19 pandemic has touched virtually every community in the United States. After seeking nominations from 22,000 Emergency Room physicians through a closed Facebook group, Louis M. Profeta, M.D., an emergency physician in Indianapolis, published an article for LinkedIn Pulse Magazine titled “The Top Five Hospital Administrators During the Covid-19 Pandemic” as determined by the Emergency Physicians who staff their ERs. One of those five was EAMC President and CEO, Laura Grill. In his article, Dr. Profeta opened by talking about how this Facebook group had
LAURA GRILL been called on by the COVID-19 task force
because emergency physicians were first
Last week, Dream Day Foundation volunteers helped place plants on porches for more than 200 seniors in the Auburn-Opelika area as a part of their “Planted Together” initiative. Dream Day founder Marion Sankey posted the following message on her
among frontline workers in seeing COVID patients present to hospitals. He followed that by saying the group also exchanged open responses about the performance of their administrators. That gave him the idea to solicit nominations from the group on top performances. Dr. Profeta went on to highlight the five administrators that he selected as his top five—the other four were from Albany, NY, Greenfield, IN, Park City, UT and Springfield, MO. Each profile included comments from the ER physicians who nominated the administrators. For EAMC’s Grill, that meant words of praise from Alan Moore, M.D. (ER medical director) and See CEO, page A2
Opelika giving selects nonprofits to spotlight on June 3
Special to the Opelika Observer The Community Foundation of East Alabama has selected 12 nonprofit organizations to highlight for its “2nd Annual Opelika Giving Day” to be held on June 3. The foundation’s event is designed to spotlight Opelika’s nonprofits that work to serve and improve the community. “Opelika Giving Day is a 24-hour fundraising challenge based online which provides a safe and easy way for participants to give their support,” said Todd Rauch, the foundation’s vice president.
Following are the selected nonprofit organizations: - The Arts Association of East Alabama - Circles of Opelika - Creekline Trails of Opelika - The Community Foundation of East Alabama - Flags for Vets - Haddie’s - L.E.A.P.S. - O-Grows - Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee - Opelika Main Street - Friends of Opelika Wood Duck Heritage Preserve and Siddique Nature Park - The Knee High Foundation In the weeks See CFEA, page A3
City Market opening May 30 at Town Creek Park
Dream Day Foundation’s ‘Planted Together’ project was a success Special to the Opelika Observer
Opelika, Alabama
personal Facebook page detailing the event and expressing her gratitude to those who helped make it a success, including McDonald’s of Auburn and Opelika which served as a primary sponsor. “On behalf of The Dream Day Foundation thank you so much for loving on our
By Sarah Cook Special to the Opelika Observer City Market will return to Town Creek Park on Saturdays from 8 to 11 a.m. beginning May 30 through Aug. 29. There will be no market on July 4. Parking will be available for all market attendees
See DREAM, page A8
Photo special to the Opelika Observer
in the gravel parking lot across from Town
Creek Park. All market visitors must maintain
a minimum of six feet between one another. All vendors will follow the state sanitation guidelines regarding farmers markets, including: • Food samples will not be served, and cooking demonstrations will not be allowed. • Vendors will maintain a 10-foot distance from one See MARKET, page A3
Index OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . . . .A9 RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A11 CALENDAR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A13
COMICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .A14 SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B1 POLITICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .B7 PUBLIC NOTICES . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9
Alabama Statewide COVID-19 statistics as of May 26 15,194 cases/ 566 deaths | 512 cases in Lee Co./ 32 deaths
A2 May 27, 2020
Letter to the Editor: ALABAMA NEVER FORGETS Dear Editor, They came from small towns and big cities, from farms and factories, from military and nonmilitary backgrounds.
Most of all, they came from families who loved them. With fire in their hearts and “America” in their eyes, they lost their precious lives while
proudly wearing the uniform of the U.S. Armed Services. And their families still miss them so. Memorial Day is America’s day to remember the
Opelika Observer welcomes new summer intern Wil Crews By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter Wil Crews, a senior majoring in journalism at Auburn University, is the newest intern with the Opelika Observer. Originally from Prattville, Crews is graduating at the end of the summer and has plans to stay in the Auburn area afterward. During his time with the Observer, Crews hopes to gain practical newsroom experience that will challenge him to grow his knowledge of the journalism profession and connect with other professionals that he strives to be like. His most memorable and enjoyable experience during his years at Auburn University was celebrating the men’s basketball Final Four March Madness run in 2019. In his free time, Crews loves playing sports and spending time outside whether it’s hiking or going out to the lake. His all time favorite show is the U.S. version of “The Office” featuring Steve Carrell.
lives lost in service to our Country. Alabama’s first Gold Star Families Memorial Monument will be placed at the Huntsville-Madison
CEO >> FROM A1 Austin Reece, M.D. When learning of Dr. Profeta’s article last Thursday, Grill, who was unaware of the nominations, quickly def lected the praise, and stressed the work of the entire EAMC family. “As I told our employees in an email one night, we have worked through disasters in the past, such as last year’s tornadoes, where a sizable number of employees were impacted. But we’ve never worked through a situation where literally every employee had to pitch in through one way or another. The response throughout the
County Veterans Memorial later in 2020, recognizing the families who still bear the pain of loss. We hope you will join us in honoring them.
Alabama never forgets. Sincerely, Alabama Gold Star Families Memorial Monument Committee Huntsville
organization has been one of total cooperation and buy-in,” says Grill. “I appreciate the very kind words of Dr. Moore and Dr. Reece—and it’s nice of Dr. Profeta to recognize the work of administrators and non-clinical personnel despite any of us being on the true front lines of this pandemic,” Grill notes. “I could not be more proud of our physicians and employees working together, supporting each other, and stepping into unfamiliar roles during this time. It’s important to also include the support of the community as a significant reason for us sustaining. They provided countless meals, donated medical supplies and blessed us
with their prayers and thoughtful gestures.” Comments from Dr. Moore and Dr. Reece as well as the complete article by Dr. Profeta can be found at linkedin. com/pulse/top-fivehospital-administrators-during-covid19-who-staff-louism-/?published=t%20 %5blinkedin.com%5d. Dr. Louis M. Profeta is an emergency physician practicing in Indianapolis and a member of the Indianapolis Forensic Services Board. He is a national award-winning writer, public speaker and one of LinkedIn's Top Voices and the author of the critically acclaimed book, The Patient in Room Nine Says He's God.
WIL CREWS “I always try to stay rooted in the moment, and I still don’t know what I do best," Crews said. “So with that said, in five years, I guess I picture myself as either a beat writer for some professional sports organization or working my way up the professional ladder to position myself as a lead radio host or news editor.”
“I’m a very principled person,” Crews added. “Every night I pray for strength, wisdom, peace and patience. I believe that, combined with being nice and a consistent effort to always do the right thing, it doesn’t matter where I’ll be in five years –– I’ll be happy.”
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A3 May 27, 2020
Smiths Station’s Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art reopened this week Over the many recent weeks, we have taken every precautionary measure to protect ourselves and our family, all with the awareness that we also must be sure that when The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts reopens that we can do so in the safest way possible. Having voluntarily isolated for more than 60 days, we continue to practice daily precautionary measures to maintain our good health and prevent any interactions with others. In addition to upholding the national rule of 6-foot social distancing, we wear masks any time we step out, we
Special to the Opelika Observer Following is a message from Sarah West, founder of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art in Smiths Station, to her students and patrons about their reopening and studio classes resuming last week. “We are preparing to welcome your return to (the) studio! While we do feel quite jubilant and anxious to see all of our students back at their easels, we proceed very well aware that nothing can be left to chance. Your health and well-being is our priority.
wear gloves and change them, hand wash all the time and use antibacterial hand cleaner as well. Every door knob, light switch and steering
The U.S. Postal Service Alabama District is providing this information to help customers connect with their mail if they are temporarily displaced because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, we are providing details on hold mail. Their hold mail service is designed for customers who plan on being away from their home or business for up to 30 days. Because of the
FROM A1
1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING:
Abused, Neglected or Exploited
understands that some customers may need their mail held beyond May 30. Therefore, the postal service will institute a two-week grace period, beginning June 1, during which customers can contact their local post office to make arrangements to have their mail held longer. We also understand that different parts of the country will be reopening at different times based on local conditions. If customers live in one of the areas See USPS, page A5
wheel is cleaned thoroughly and often. All of this is to say that we carry forth this new way of thinking, positively. For surely, we have all
CFEA >>
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer
COVID-19 pandemic, the postal service suspended the 30day time frame and extended all hold mail requests until May 30. Business and residential customers can rest assured knowing their mail and packages will be held safely at their local post office until that date. On or before May 30, customers can either pick up accumulated mail at their post office with proper identification or request redelivery. In these unprecedented times, the postal service
leading up to Opelika Giving Day, posts, updates, and informational stories will be shared on the Opelika Giving Day website, Facebook and Instagram pages for potential donors to become familiar with the partnering organizations and their projects. On June 3, donors can visit the site within the 24-hour period to donate and track the progress of the organizations and their projects. Last year, Opelika Giving Day spotlighted 10 nonprofits, and helped raise more than $30,000 for the organizations. After Opelika Giving Day is over, the foundation encourages participants to remain engaged with the organizations and the projects they helped
MARKET >> FROM A1 another. • All vendors will wear food-safe serving gloves and will designate one worker to handle payment. • We recommend that vendors wear face masks. • All available products will be prepackaged. To allow the maximum number of
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support to inspire a new culture of giving within our community. “We can’t forget that nonprofit organizations in Opelika have been heavily affected by the COVID-19 crisis,” Rauch said. “I hope we can come together as a community on June 3 and shine a spotlight on 12 amazing organizations that are making a difference in the Opelika Community.” For more information, visit www. opelikagivingday.org or send email to info@ opelikagivingday.org. About the Community Foundation of East Alabama: The Community Foundation of East Alabama was incorporated in 2007 as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization. As a local center for philanthropy, the foundation works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and
nonprofit organizations to help them carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community issues.Donors to the Community Foundation also benefit from the Foundation’s combined assets which greatly reduce investment and administrative fees. Their five-county region includes Lee, Chambers, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa counties. The Community Foundation is administered by a governing body of East Alabama citizens committed to building a vibrant community foundation. Through the generosity of people in East Alabama, the community foundation will continue to grow. Through grant making, the foundation looks forward to a brighter future by giving back to the place called home. Visit www. cfeastalabama.org for additional information.
community members to visit the market, loitering and social gatherings will not be permitted at the market. We ask that you please purchase your products and promptly exit the parking lot for others to easily access parking spots. Animals will not be allowed to attend the market. High-risk community members and those feeling ill should not attend the market. Mask are not required but
encouraged. We look forward to starting our City Market season while enforcing social distancing and sanitation guidelines. For more information regarding City Market, please contact Sarah Cook at scook@ auburnalabama.org or visit auburnalabama. org/parks/programs/ city-market. Cook is the Aquatics and Special Events Coordinator for the city of Auburn.
SARAH WEST
USPS offers guidance on ‘hold mail’ service during pandemic
Special to the Opelika Observer
become healthier and more mindful people. The Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts will soon reopen, and we
would like to take this time to bring your up to speed on new methods by which we are prepared to provide you with an exceptionally enriching and safe educational experience.” New guidelines for the studio include: - Wearing a mask or face covering - Maintaining 6-foot social distancing - Practice frequent and proper hand washing - Each student will occupy a single studio space, maintaining a distance of six feet at all times For more information, call 334-480-2008. The studio is located at 2750 Lee Road 430.
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pelika Opinion O Quarantine Shame: Putting people to work A4
May 27, 2020
It’s a real thing… D
o I go out? Do I not go out? Do I wear a mask? Do I not wear a mask? Do I shop? Do I support local business? Do I stay home? Do I let my kids play with their friend? Do I let my kid hug that friend? Do I hug my own friend? What in the world should we be doing? My answer: We should do what we feel is best for our family and respect the decision of the person next to us. Friends, we have been through a lot. A whole lot. No one before us has experienced this. No one knows exactly what is the perfect thing to do. We are going on nine weeks of world-wide crisis. We are also going on unknowns, wild emotions, medical madness and skepticism. If you can dream it up, it’s out there. No one ever thought of a Coronavirus, but it’s here. The beginning was pretty easy; we all just stayed home. But what about now? What about interacting and business and the families that count on that business to live. Commerce must commence to keep our community alive. Business must open and people must buy things. So how do we navigate opening-up but still abide by standards of health and being responsible? There is no perfect answer.
I
remember the first time someone told me I was a good writer. It was a woman. She said, “Hey, you’re a good writer.” That was all. Five words. Nobody had ever said this to me before. It’s kind of funny how one sentence can change a guy. Which is why I am writing to you. You know who you are. No, I don’t know you, and no, you don’t know me, but you’re reading this. So in a way that means that these words are happening inside your head. That’s how reading works. It’s kind of like I’m wandering around inside your brain, talking to you. And let me tell you, it’s pretty spacious up here in your head. Have you ever been up here? You should see this place. There is a lot of junk up here you
By Bradley Robertson The restaurant owner is going to look and feel different than the customer buying food. The UPS guy is going to look and feel different than the guy standing on his porch waiting for his package. The farmer is going to look and feel different than the lady buying peaches for her kids. The dentist is going to look and feel different than the child sitting in the chair getting her teeth cleaned. Do you get my drift? Coronavirus looks and feels different for everyone. There is no way we can all do this perfectly right. It just can’t and won’t happen. For me and my family, we are staying home 90% of the time. We are washing our hands a hell of a lot more than we used to. We are staying outside even when we are in town. We are not getting too close or touching other folks, except family we have seen all along. I am not wearing a mask everywhere, but I do sometimes. I still smile a lot at people. I have made a few non-essential purchases. I have sat in a coffee shop, I have picked up pizza
and I have bought a cocktail. And I’m ok with all that. And I’m okay if you choose not to. I’m also ok if you choose to stay home. And I’m ok if I see you wearing a mask even if I’m not wearing one. And if you see me wearing a mask, and you aren’t wearing one, I will not dismiss you. I will probably want to hug you, and maybe I will or maybe I won’t. Friends, we need kindness and gentleness and generosity of spirit. If our neighbor believes one thing and you believe another, it is okay. If you think that you are more responsible than me, that is okay too. One should not feel guilt or shame for simply doing the best thing for their family at that time. Nor, should anyone shame another for their actions and behaviors. If there is any such time to come together in community and worth, it is now. Please, let’s value each part, because each part is worth something. I hope to God I don’t sneeze on any of you. I hope I will stay a safe distance if I see you. I hope I can support my local businesses. I hope I can teach my kids acceptance as well as responsibility. I hope I will do my best part to stay healthy and respect the health of those around me. No shame friends, no shame at all in this new Corona-life.
T
oday we are facing an unemployment
crisis. It isn’t our first. Nor the worst. That was back in 1933. Depression was hard on the land. Of all the problems facing newly elected President Franklin D. Roosevelt, few were more pressing than the massive unemployment of unmarried young men in their late teens and early twenties. Where in the past they would have gone from high school into the workforce, and become contributing members of the community, now jobless they became a burden on their families and on society. To combat the situation Congress, at Roosevelt’s urging, created the Civilian Conservation Corp, - the CCC. The concept behind the CCC was simple – young men need jobs, public land needs conservation, so put young men to work conserving and improving public land. The Army set up camps to house the enrollees. Most who joined were sons of hard scrabble farmers and laid-off mill workers. For some, it was their first time living away from home. Which was the first of the many “firsts” they experienced. One volunteer told of how the physical exam that
he was given was the first time he had ever been to a doctor. Once approved for manual labor they were given new clothes and boots that actually fit – more “firsts,” for the majority arrived at the camp poorly clothed and shod. Then they were organized into units (“companies” and “sections”). In addition to medical attention, enrollees got three meals a day, which for the estimated 70% who came to the program malnourished, was also a first. And they were paid. Officially CCC workers received $30 a month. According to the agreement, $10 of this was sent home to their families. It was another way to get money back into the economy and put the country on the road to recovery. Many workers sent more money home because there was little in camp to spend it on. A “company store” that sold soft drinks and candy, was about it. However, a good deal of money changed hands in the poker games which reportedly went on every evening. My father told me of a friend of his who was the best draw-poker player he knew. That skill was developed and fine-tuned under the auspices of the CCC. When he left the camp, he had accumulated enough money to buy a new car. Then there was the work. Up early, fed, and on the job, “Roosevelt’s Tree Army” planted over 3 billion
By Hardy Jackson trees, reclaimed and terraced eroded land, built and repaired thousands of miles of roads and foot trails, and constructed buildings that still stand today. It was a massive undertaking and on the whole a successful one. The CCC was not without its critics. The governor of Georgia, who hated Roosevelt, claimed the enrollees were nothing but “bums and loafers,” and there was the oft repeated joke that the sun moved faster than a CCC worker. Nevertheless, the CCC became one of the most popular of the New Deal programs. Would something like the CCC work today? Times are different. Young men are different. But the CCC was unlike anything the nation had ever tried. Maybe what we need from Washington is not old, tired, approaches to our economic problems, but something new, something that helps people who need help and reaps tangible benefits in return. It worked once. Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hhjackson43@cableone.com.
Hearing Voices need to get rid of. Over there by that patch of brain matter is an old memory of your ex-boyfriend. Why are you still keeping that memory around? And over here, behind your cerebrum is the one from when you peed your pants in the backseat of your aunt’s Oldsmobile. You really ought to throw that one away. Since I’m in your head right now, this means I can say things and they might—if I’m lucky—stick with you. This is the magic of reading. I could write anything at all, and you’d sort of read it using your own internal voice. For example: I could say, “Do not envision your grandmother sitting on the toilet.” Whereupon your brain would not only read that sentence in your own personal voice,
By Sean Dietrich you would immediately picture Mamaw reading her morning paper. But I’m not going to say anything like that. Because that would be totally uncalled for. Still, I do have something important I want to say. So here it is: You’re pretty great. A lot of people don’t believe this about themselves. Usually, I can pick these people out of a lineup because I am one of them. Maybe you are too. Maybe this is because
other people have gotten inside your brain and made a mess. In fact, I know they have. In fact, I can see their footprints up here. They didn’t wipe their shoes. Your teacher called you a bad student. The P.E. instructor said you couldn’t play basketball if you’d been born with a rubber ball shoved up your cerebrum. Your ex-boyfriend said you weren’t worth his time. Your local Amway representative said you
were foolish for passing up on a ONCE-INA-LIFETIME OPPORTUNITY! You get the idea. The words worked themselves into your ear canals and you were finished. I have lots of these little soundbites in my head, too. Once, a Billy Wilder called me fat. I’ll never forget it. He was not wrong, of course, I was chubby. We were in the boy’s locker room, with the guys, I was changing my clothes. He looked at me and said, “Man, you’re fat.” I still hear Billy’s voice in my head. Just like I hear the voice of the young woman who told me that I was a terrible first baseman. I was playing with a community team. I was in my twenties. It was an informal game. I muffed a crucial play because I’m not very flexible. First basemen
are traditionally flexible, sometimes even doing the splits while placing their foot behind their head to make a catch. That’s not me. I haven’t touched my toes since, well… I’ve never touched my toes. In fact, I just tried to touch them before I wrote that last sentence and I got as far as my belly button. So after that baseball game, this young woman said, “You’re a horrible athlete. Maybe you shouldn’t play baseball anymore.” Just like that. So matter-of-factly. And do you know what? I didn’t play again. Even though I love baseball, I never touched an infield again, except when I helped coach my cousin’s Little League team. Which turned out to be a unique disaster. But I have good See DIETRICH, page A5
A5 May 27, 2020
Lee County’s Farm-City Tour receives statewide award Special to the Opelika Observer Activities designed to build bridges between rural and urban residents earned Lee County the Best Farm-City Tour recognition in the competition's Division I category during the Alabama Farm-City Awards on May 12. The event was held via livestream after COVID-19 restrictions forced the cancellation of an April 2 luncheon in Birmingham. “Coronavirus has highlighted what FarmCity volunteers have known for years — we are all dependent on one another to get food and fiber from farms to our families,” said Alabama
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer
Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms. “From farmers and forest owners to truckers and manufacturers to grocers and chefs, it takes all of us working together to ‘Keep Alabama Growing.’” Originally observed in 1955, Farm-City Week
is celebrated immediately before Thanksgiving, but county events extend throughout fall. During the awards program, counties were recognized in two divisions based on population, with Lee County being placed in the Division I category. Lee County’s Bob Harris was named Volunteer of the Year for stepping up as county chairman when unforeseen circumstances left the seat vacant. During Harris’s two-year tenure, the committee increased participation in existing programs and initiated new projects. He was praised by fellow county committee members for his enthusiasm and creativity.
Lee County Farm City committee presents check to East Alabama Food Bank Special to the Opelika Observer The Lee County Farm City committee presented a $500 Check to East Alabama Food Bank. Lee County Farm City committee wanted to help during this pandemic and decided this would be the best way. East Alabama Food Bank can provide four meals for Photo and report by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer hungry children and Pictured left to right: Winsley Bates, Lee County struggling families Farm City Chairman, Martha Henk, Director of East for each $1 that is Alabama Food Bank, and Dale Huffman, board donated. member of East Alabama Food Bank and member The Lee County of Lee County Farm City Committee. Farm City committee promotes a agricultural community. donate to East Alabama strong relationship For More information, Food Bank visit https:// between farm families visit www.facebook. foodbankofeastalaand urban residents by com/LeeCountyFarmbama.com/donate/ proving programs and donate-now/ or call information to promote CityCommittee or call 334-749-3353 and to 334-821-9006. appreciation of the
Alligator returns to habitat at Kreher Preserve & Nature Center Special to the Opelika Observer The KPNC alligator habitat finally has a resident for this year. Each year from March to October, an alligator on loan from Alligator Alley in Summerdale calls the preserve home. This little guy is between one to two years old and will be available for visitors to see every day in its habitat adjacent to the main pavilion. COVID19 UPDATE The Kreher Preserve
& Nature Center is open to the public. Use this time to reconnect with the natural world. As a reminder, they are open dawn to dusk — no dogs, no bikes and no smoking. BIRDING ENTHUSIASTS DELIGHT Birding is a past time anyone, from any background, and at any age, can enjoy. Right now, the KPNC is teeming with birds, including many unusual migratory species. Come out and see what you can find!
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer
TREE TOTS SUMMER SESSION Registration is open for the summer Tree Tots session. Tree Tots is a nature-based-play class where children aged crawling (six
months and under) through three years are encouraged to use their senses to explore their natural environment and learn together through play. They See ALLIGATOR, page A7
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama receives prestigious recognition Special to the Opelika Observer According to the J.D. Power 2020 Commercial Member Health Plan Study, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama ranks highest in member satisfaction among commercial health plans in the East South Central Region. This marks the ninth time for Blue Cross to rank highest in member satisfaction in the region since J.D. Power first published the study in 2007. “It is an honor to again be recognized by J.D. Power for member satisfaction,” said Tim Vines, President and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. “We know our customers have a choice when selecting a health insurance carrier, and we don’t take that for
granted. We remain committed to putting our customers fi rst and providing them access to quality, affordable healthcare.” The study measures member satisfaction among 146 health plans in 22 regions throughout the nation. J.D. Power examines six key factors: coverage and benefits, provider choice, information and
communication, billing and payment, cost and customer service. Blue Cross performed highest in coverage and benefits, provider choice, information and communication, billing and payment, and customer service. About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama has insured Alabamians
for more than 83 years. Blue Cross offers coverage plans to corporations, individuals and the senior market. For more information about Blue Cross, visit AlabamaBlue.com. Connect with them on Facebook, check out their YouTube videos and follow them on Twitter for more up-todate information.
USPS >> FROM A3
reopening, we encourage them to contact their local post office as a part of their return to business and make arrangements to collect their mail on hold or make arrangements to restart regular delivery of mail including mail still being held. On June 15, the postal service will revert back to its normal policy that allows for customers to have their mail held for 30 days. Customers with questions regarding hold mail requests can contact the Postal
DIETRICH>> FROM A4 news. The great thing about this brain business is that you don’t just remember those who call you fat, stupid, or inflexible. You also remember OTHER things, too. Things of great importance. Like the lyrics to the State Farm jingle. And the way your dentist’s breath smelled in 1978. And ridiculous jokes about nuns. And every nice thing anyone ever said to you. At least this is how it works for me. I remember the first time someone told me I was handsome, someone other than my mother. This woman said it and she meant it. At the time, she was 86 years old and half blind, but the point is it was special. I remember when my boss told me I was a quick learner when it came to running a commercial lawnmower. I remember when the director for my
Service at 1-800-ASKUSPS (275-8777). For the latest information on postal service service updates, check about. usps.com/news/ service-alerts/. The postal service receives no tax dollars for operating expenses and relies on the sale of postage, products and services to fund its operations. About the USPS: Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, and LinkedIn. Subscribe to the USPS YouTube channel, like us on Facebook and enjoy our Postal Posts blog. For more information about the Postal Service, visit usps.com. school musical said I had “impeccable timing.” I don’t even know what this means. But he said it. And the first time someone told me I was a good writer. Yeah, I remember that one. It stunned me. Me? A good writer? The high school dropout? The kid with the overbite? The chubby boy with all the flexibility of a municipal fire hydrant? A few words can mean a lot. I can still remember that voice. That sweet voice. I can still bring it back any time I want. And I still remember the woman who said it. It’s hard to forget her. She’s been sharing my life for the past 17 years. Don’t forget how great you are today. Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer News, the Bitter Southerner, the Mobile Press Register and he has authored seven books.
A6 May 27, 2020
Auburn pharmacy research team receives NIH grant to study prenatal effects of THC Special to the Opelika Observer Auburn University researchers have received a $1.7 million grant to study the effects of marijuana use during pregnancy. Funded by the National Institutes of Health-National Institute on Drug Abuse, the project will look at the prenatal effects of THC while also investigating treatment options. The study is led by Miranda Reed and Vishnu Suppiramaniam, both of the Department of Drug Discovery and Development. Titled “Elucidation of molecular mechanisms of prenatal cannabinoid exposure: Identification of targets and therapies,” it is funded for five years with $352,843 in the first year for a total of more than $1.7 million. With increased legalization of marijuana in recent years, a rising trend has been its use by expectant mothers as a way to ward off nausea and morning sickness. While many recognize the dangers of smoking, tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, is still found in other forms like vaping, gummies and brownies and can have an effect on neuronal communication. “Marijuana has shown to have some potential medicinal properties, which can alleviate nausea in patients undergoing cancer chemotherapy and help with appetite in patients with AIDS-associated wast-
ing syndrome,” Suppiramaniam said. “These effects have led to the popular belief that marijuana can also help with nausea and reduced appetite associated with morning sickness during pregnancy. “With more and more states legalizing the medicinal and recreational use of marijuana, its use during pregnancy is also rising. Nonmedical personnel at marijuana dispensaries are also currently recommending marijuana to pregnant women for nausea in some states, while medical experts strongly warn against it.” As part of the study, the duo plans to look at how prenatal cannabis/ marijuana exposure affects adolescent offspring. In particular, they are studying the
communication among neurons, synaptic functioning and the resulting consequences in cognition, learning and memory. “The effect of THC on neurons is complex and is shown to have both excitatory and inhibitory effects on neurons,” Suppiramaniam said. “It can lead to impaired learning and memory and also affect mood and emotions.” Use during pregnancy can impact almost all the major neurotransmitters in the brain, including glutamate, adrenalin, serotonin and dopamine. This can lead to a variety of behavioral and memory issues, as well as future drug use, anxiety and depression. “Marijuana use during pregnancy is associat-
Kroger’s Atlanta Division announces new store and fuel center hours Special to the Opelika Observer Last Friday, Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, east Alabama and South Carolina, announced it has established new senior and at-risk shopping hours. Beginning May 27, Kroger’s Atlanta Division stores will block off 6 to 8 a.m. on Wednesdays as designated shopping hours for seniors 60 and older as well as high-risk individuals as defined by the CDC. Kroger associates will be happy to assist anyone who needs additional help while shopping. Kroger also announced this week that it is expanding store hours in the Atlanta Division. The store hours will vary, with most opening at 6 a.m. and closing at 11 p.m. or midnight. Some
fuel centers and stores with fuel centers will open at 5 a.m. Select stores will open for 24-hour shopping. For exact store hours, visit Kroger’s store locator at Kroger.com. Hours of operation for Kroger’s pharmacies will not change. “The expanded hours will help maintain social distancing requirements during busy summer months,” said Felix Turner, manager of
corporate affairs for Kroger’s Atlanta Division. “The safety of our customers and associates remains our top priority. Kroger will continue to maintain protective measures established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.” These protective measures include: - Limiting store capacity to 50% of the See KROGER, page A7
ed with elevated risk for miscarriages, birth defects, developmental delays and learning disabilities, including lasting harm to intelligence, attention, executive functioning skills and memory,” Reed said. The second part of the study is identifying therapeutic targets for the treatment of cognitive deficits associated with prenatal marijuana exposure. Reed and Suppiramaniam have already identified one target, the polysialylated neural cell adhesion molecule, or PSANCAM, which plays a critical role in learning and memory. “For the current studies, we are examining alterations in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, brain regions that mediate exec-
utive functioning skills and memory,” Reed said. “We are focusing initially on alterations in the glutamatergic neurotransmitter system as it plays a critical role in these processes and the endocannabinoid system is a critical master regulator of glutamatergic signaling.” The information will be used to test whether increasing PSA-NCAM with a novel drug can stabilize neuronal communication and improve the cognitive deficits observed after prenatal cannabis/marijuana exposure. “Currently, we are exploring postnatal therapeutic options,” Suppiramaniam said. “We are exploring novel drugs and molecules that can be delivered to the offspring during
the early adolescence period to stabilize the synaptic transmission and improve learning and memory.” Reed and Suppiramaniam work out of the Harrison School of Pharmacy’s stateof-the-art Pharmacy Research Building and are co-directors of the Auburn University Center for Neuroscience Initiative, or CNSi. “The Pharmacy Research Building has allowed for easy integration of our collaborative work and personnel,” said Reed. “The in-house vivarium has allowed for a reduction in time spent traveling to off-site buildings, thereby increasing productivity.” Additionally, bringing investigators together under the umbrella of the CNSi has fostered collaboration and innovation in pursuing and receiving grants, such as this R01 grant from the National Institutes of Health. “We are very grateful that the CNSi has partially provided support to enhance the existing infrastructure and to recruit expertise needed to carry out this project,” Suppiramaniam said. “It certainly provides a conducive and collaborative environment for exchange of ideas between faculty, staff and student scientists and is a catalyst for cutting-edge research.”
West Fraser’s Opelika Mill Receives Safety Award Special to the Opelika Observer The West Fraser sawmill in Opelika, Alabama, is the recipient of the 2019 Sawmill Safety Award in Division II, presented by the Southern Forest Products Association (SFPA). The Opelika facility maintained a perfect safety record during all of 2019, with no lost-time occupational injuries or illnesses. This is the first time the Opelika mill has received this respected award. SFPA lumber manufacturer members are considered for the award based on information submitted regarding occupational injuries and illnesses. The results for 2019 included reports from 52 mills that recorded nearly 18 million employee hours. Safety performance is judged by how each mill’s
safety record stacks up against facilities with comparable lumber output throughout the year. Division II covers facilities that produce between 51-150 million board feet of Southern Pine lumber annually. The Opelika operation joined six other sawmills, all members of the Southern Forest Products Association, that received awards this year recognizing outstanding safety
records during 2019. “Safety is important in all business, and the sawmill business is no different,” said SFPA Executive Director Tami Kessler. “We are proud that West Fraser’s Opelika mill had zero recordable incidences in 2019 and commend them for striving to make their workplace a safe environment,” she added.
A7 May 27, 2020
ALLIGATOR >> FROM A5 meet on Thursdays, from 8:30 to 10 a.m. July 9 thru Aug. 6. Caregivers attend Tree Tots with their children. SUMMER ECOLOGY CAMP Children going into 1st through 7th grades can sign up for camp any or all weeks in July. Visit their camp web page for more information and to watch for the registration link: http://aub.ie/ summerecologycamp. WOODLAND WONDERS NATURE PRESCHOOL
At Woodland Wonders Nature Preschool, childhood adventures come to life. They offer classes on Monday, Wednesday or Friday and Tuesday and Thursday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. to students from 3 to 5 years of age. Find out more and enroll today at http://aub.ie/ woodlandwonders/ or send an email to Sarah Crim, lead teacher, at natureeducation@ auburn.edu. For more information, visit wp.auburn.edu/ preserve/. The preserve is located at 2222 N. College St.
KROGER >> FROM A6 calculated capacity to help enforce social distancing requirements. - Maintaining floor decals to promote physical distancing at check lanes and service counters. - Placing signs in the stores promoting social distancing and airing in-store PA announcements throughout the day regarding safety measures. -Requiring associates to wear protective masks while on duty. Kroger has distributed protective masks and gloves for all Atlanta
Division store locations. - Maintaining plexiglass partitions at check lanes, pharmacy and Starbucks registers across the division. - Continuing enhanced daily sanitation practices at all stores, including cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting commonly used areas more often like cashier stations, self-checkouts, credit card terminals, food service counters and shelves. - Utilizing additional hours for enhanced cart sanitization. Each evening when the store closes, the carts will be cleaned and sanitized to be ready for business the next morning. This
includes securing all shopping carts that are in cart corrals before the store closes. - Requiring temperature checks for associates before they start their shift in much of the division with a goal of all stores performing these checks as thermometers become available. - Continuing to expand curbside pickup and delivery services, as well as contactless payment solutions like Kroger Pay. Kroger is also waiving delivery fees at this time. Because of the expanded hours, Kroger’s Atlanta Division will no longer have a dedicated
shopping hour for seniors and at-risk customers – but encourages these shoppers to continue to visit stores early in the morning. About Kroger: At The Kroger Co., they are Fresh for Everyone and dedicated to a common purpose: to feed the human spirit. They have 28,000 associates who serve customers daily by delivering a seamless shopping experience throughout Kroger’s Atlanta Division, which includes Georgia, eastern Alabama and South Carolina. They are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025.
A8 May 27, 2020
DREAM >> FROM A1 senior citizens during this pandemic and quarantine with the Planted Together Project. The character of a community can always be measured by how they care for children and seniors. Their expression of thankfulness and gratefulness were
beyond measure. You responded to the call to the point we ran out of porches for this phase. There are plans to serve an additional senior citizen community that was not yet served due to the layout of the facility and possibly compromising their safety with COVID-19. We will announce information at a later
date.� Sankey added that she would like to see other cities and communities adopt this project to take of their senior citizens. Businesses, churches, fraternities, social clubs and sororities wanting to learn more are encouraged to contact Sankey by calling her 334-663-6638. Photos submitted to Opelika Observer
Opelika E vents, Society, & Food
CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Nearly all scheduled events for the month of April and May have been canceled or pushed back because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Follow the Observer for updates on when community events will resume in our area.
Treat family to special strawberry desserts this week
Southern
Hospitality
W
hether you purchase strawberries at the grocery store, farmers’ market, or pick your own at a local farm, strawberries are nearly everyone’s favorite fruit. Strawberries can be used for creating a variety of scrumptious desserts, including cheesecakes, pies, trifles, layer cakes, breads and ice cream, as well as being a tasty addition to salads. Strawberries are good simply washed and eaten as a snack. My granddaughters adore chocolate dipped strawberries. While they will make them at home,
they always have to try them at chocolate shops. They can’t resist the luscious fruit dipped in rich dark chocolate and drizzled with white chocolate. My friend Shirley Helmke is one of the best cooks I know, and she excels at desserts. Her cakes look as though they came from a bakery shop. Shirley assembled a cookbook with handwritten recipes for her children. Many of you may know Shirley, as she was Dr. William Lazenby’s nurse at the surgical clinic in Opelika for 24 years. Shirley’s husband, Dr. Henry Helmke, taught
German at Auburn University. Shirley makes a delicious Strawberry and Cream Cake with Crushed Strawberries. The recipe can be prepared with homemade yellow cake layers or you can use a cake mix. Shirley slices the layers to make four. Two layers are filled with sliced strawberries while the middle layer is covered with freshly whipped cream. Once the cake is assembled, Shirley covers it with whipped cream. If you don’t want to bother whipping cream, you could use Cool Whip. Once the layers are sliced, they are placed on a
Photo by Ann Cipperly Shirley Helmke’s Strawberry and Cream Cake with Crushed Strawberries is easily prepared with a yellow cake mix, fresh strawberries and whipped cream. The cake is sliced and placed on a pool of sweetened crushed strawberries to enhance the flavor. Prepare one of the strawberry desserts to treat your family this coming week.
pool of crushed strawberries, which the cake layers absorb and become super moist. The cake goes together quicker than you think. Have the kids help. If you have any leftover, store it in the refrigerator. Strawberry Trifles are also easy to assemble. You can make a trifle with pound cake, angel food cake or cake
Pokemen: Opelika’s hit poke bowl and ramen bar By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter Pokemen, a locally owned restaurant located at 2701 Frederick Road in Opelika, provides customers with a unique dining experience. Having opened this past February, Pokemen offers “build your own” poke bowls or ramen with various options for protein, toppings and
seasonings. Both the poke bowl and ramen dining options are completely customizable depending on the preferences of each customer. Customers are asked to choose an entree size ranging from small to large. For example the medium sized bowl holds three different types of protein. Next, diners are able to choose from See POKEMEN, page A13
layers from a mix. Carol Pridgen is another outstanding cook. Carol makes an easy Strawberry Shortcake Trifle using a store bought angel food cake. She slices the cake into three layers. Cool Whip, cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk are combined, and then sliced strawberries are folded into the creamy
mixture. The mixture fills the layers for a lovely dessert that is also delectable. Carol enjoys cooking for her husband Keith and their two sons, Trace, who is married, and Cade, who helps his mother in the kitchen and measures ingredients. Sometimes helping in the kitchen is part of See CIPPERLY, page A12
Gogue Performing Arts Center announces 202021 series, subscriptions Special to the Opelika Observer
Photo by Natalie Anderson Anderson's poke bowl order: Medium bowl, brown rice, spicy tuna, salmon, regular tuna, pineapples, edamame, seaweed, masago, crab meat, corn, spicy mayo, tempura flakes and avocado ($1 upgrade.)
You can reserve your seats now to any of the Gogue Performing Arts Center’s 2020–21 series events (including broadway, celebrity, concert, dance and movement and orchestra chamber music) or secure tickets to every performance in our phenomenal
second-year lineup with a full season subscription online at goguecentertickets. auburn.edu. Either way, you can secure access to all the shows you love and save on single ticket prices. Their 2020–21 season promises more of what you love the most at the Gogue Center—another See GOGUE, page A13
A10 May 27, 2020
Join First Baptist Church Opelika on June 18 at 7 p.m. for ‘Kids Church on the Courtyard.’ This event is for the entire family. There will be worship, games, a message for the family and a sweet surprise at the end.
OBITUARIES Carol Powell Murphey Carol Powell Murphey of Opelika was born on Dec. 23, 1946 and passed away at her home on May 23, 2020. Beloved by her family, friends, coworkers and church community, Carol was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Opelika. She graduated from Opelika High School in 1964 and went on to earn her MBA from Auburn University. Her compassion and training allowed her to devote her entire career to caring for others. Her career in nursing spanned many years, including being named the inaugural director of Home Health at East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika, and culminating as Vice President of Outpatient Services. Carol was a loving wife and mother who lived out her faith. Her most cherished title was that of MawMaw. Carol was preceded in death by her father
Lynn Powell, mother Evelyn Galloway and stepfather Wilson Galloway. She is survived by her loving husband of 53 years, Larry Murphey, and her children, Scott Murphey (Deni) of Trussville, AL. , Melanie Fuller (Wade) of Montgomery, AL.; grandchildren, Austin Murphey (Karrah), Jessica Murphey, Sawyer Murphey, Zach Fuller, Charlie Fuller, Colton Fuller, Kyle Fuller and great granddaughter Selah Murphey. Visitation was May 26th at Jeffcoat Trant Funeral Home in Opelika, at 10 a.m. and a graveside service followed immediately at 11 a.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, make donations to First Baptist Church, Opelika. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.
James T. Dennis, Sr. James T. Dennis, Sr. was born to the late Kenneth Dennis and Mildred Conger Hodge on April 17, 1937 and passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on May 14, 2020. He was 83 years old. Darold Lee Dunlavy Darold Lee Dunlavy of Opelika, formerly of Montgomery and Pike Road, passed away on May 16, 2020 at home surrounded by his family after a long, courageous battle with a rare neurological disorder. He is survived by his devoted wife of over 50 years, Carolyn Kyser Dunlavy; his beloved daughters, Kelli Harris (Brian) and Leigh Anne Bosman (Francois), both of Auburn; five grandchildren, Hannah and Andrew Harris, and Philip, Claire and Camilla Bosman; his sister, Donna Elliott of Homer, Georgia; and his Bobby Eugene Bearden Bobby Eugene Bearden of Opelika was born in Alpharetta, Georgia to the late Barney Eugene and Viola Cagle Bearden on July 17, 1942 and passed away at Bethany House on May 16, 2020. He was 77 years old. Bobby was a Deacon
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen C. Dennis; son, Shayne Dennis; sisters, Sharon E. Fox, and Linda S. Verhine; brother, Kenny Blayne Dennis. He is survived by his children, Tracy Underwood (Walt), Tommy Dennis
(Kim), Christie Berry (Darren), and Brandon Dennis (Mendy), Blayne Dennis; 13 grandchildren; sistersin-law, Deloris Butts, and Rachel Butts, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. A graveside service
was held at Garden Hills Cemetery May 16, 2020 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Tommy Howze officiating. In lieu of flowers family request donations be made to the Charity of your choice. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.
brother, Dean Dunlavy (SuEllen) of Pike Road, as well as many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leota Ensinger and Harold Dunlavy. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him, especially his loyal Golden Retriever, “Champ.” Darold graduated from the University of Montevallo in 1963 with a bachelors degree in Political Science and Speech and a masters degree in Education Administration in 1971. His career in higher education administration began at the University of Montevallo and continued until he retired from Auburn University at
Montgomery (AUM) in 1995 as Vice Chancellor of Student Affairs. Concurrently, he founded and served as head coach of the AUM men’s tennis program for nearly 20 years. Under his leadership, the team won the NAIA National Championship in 1987, becoming the first men’s tennis program in Alabama to earn a national title. That year, he was honored by his peers with the NAIA National Coach of the Year award. He considered himself privileged in both of his roles at AUM to have the opportunity to positively influence young people in achieving their dreams. Following his retirement from AUM, he served
for 10 years as Executive Director of the Mental Health Association in Alabama (now Mental Health America) where he continued to fulfill his passion for helping others. Memorial donations in Darold’s honor may be made to the AUM Tennis Program, by mailing checks (payable to AUM with Men’s Tennis in the memo line) to: AUM Development, Attn: Marie Harrington, P.O. Box 244023, Montgomery, AL 36124. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, there will be a public celebration of life service held at a later date. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.
and member of Liberty Baptist Church in Opelika. He proudly served in the United States Navy. Bobby retired from Marietta Water Authority in Cobb County, Georgia after working 31 years, and was an avid Alabama Fan. Roll Tide! He was preceded in death by his daughter, Sherry Martin. He is survived by his
wife, Patricia Bearden; son, Terry (Cindy) Bearden of Jasper, Georgia; son-in-law, Rex Martin; stepchildren, Benjamin (Anita) Cole of Jacksonville, Florida, Acton Cole of Opelika, Mel (Tammy) Cole of Mart, Texas, Sandy (Jason) Guthrie of Mt. Olive, Alabama; 5 grandchildren; almost 6 great grandchildren; 11 step-grandchildren,
and 12 step-great grandchildren. A graveside service was held at Garden Hills Cemetery May 19, 2020 at 2 p.m. with Pastor Frank Chappell officiating. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to be made to Liberty Baptist Church or Bethany House. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.
A11 May 27, 2020
A
s soon as Israel had crossed the Jordan, one man from each of the twelve tribes went back to the middle of the riverbed, selected a large stone and carried it back to where Israel had set up camp. The twelve stones were then raised up as historical markers—they bore witness to how God had stopped the waters of the Jordan so that His people could cross over. These were to be a memorial to the people of Israel forever.
Church Calendar • Church of Christ at Cunningham - meeting at their building starting Wednesday May 13. • First Baptist Church Of Opelika - continuing online streaming services; “FBSCO will be deliberate but diligent as we begin to meet in person again.” “I would project that a FBCO’s return to corporate worship and ministry opportunities will be strategic.” • St Mary’s Catholic Church - No public masses yet, but there will be live stream Masses on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. in English and 7:00 p.m. in Spanish. Distribution of Holy Communion will be on Sunday’s 9 to 10 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. People can call the office at 334-7498359 or go to the parish website for more information stmaryopelika.org. • First United Methodist Church Of Opelika - The, bishop has asked for all United Methodist churches in our conference to suspend in-person gatherings through June 1, so there will not be any in-person services in May. There is a Covid-19 task force that will help make decisions about June/July and work out those logistics.
Telling the next generation We find witness pieces like these twelve stones throughout the Old Testament. Jacob set up a stone in Bethel to commemorate a dream he had from God. Later, he set up another stone to memorialize God changing his name to Israel. After the nation of Israel defeated the Philistines, the prophet Samuel raised up a stone and gave it the name Ebenezer to signify God’s role in their victory. Witness pieces weren’t limited to
By Bruce Green Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika
stones. The Passover feast commemorated their deliverance from Egypt and the Lord passing over the houses marked with the blood of the
lamb. The Feast of the Tabernacles memorialized their time in the wilderness. The jar of manna and Aaron’s budding rod, both stored inside the ark of the covenant, also reminded them of important events in their story. In short, Israel had a rich tapestry of remembrance. This had the effect of weaving the past into the present in such a way that they were never far from it. God’s past actions were living realities of the present. Israel
ABOUT BRUCE GREEN knew where they came from and how they had made it to where they were. As we move out of our wilderness, we would be wise to spend some time thinking about how we will remember what God has done for us in these times. We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done. (Psalm 78:4)
You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.
Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706
Verse of the Week
God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:21
Church Directory APOSTOLIC HOLINESS God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 HIghland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506
ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D 334-758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta 334-742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy 334-749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. 334-749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. 334-745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy 334-749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B 706-4421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. 334-444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave 334-742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. 334-745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd 334-745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. 334-745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. 334-745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. 334-742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr 334-749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. 334-887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika 314 S. 9th St. 334-745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact
Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608
10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700
CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika
METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley
709 Avenue E 334-741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. 334-703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue 334-742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. 334-749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. 334-363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-745-5340 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd 334-749-2773 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. 334-745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd 334-741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. 334-821-7238 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy 334-742-9721 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. 334-745-6015 CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court 334-745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene
1500 Bruce Ave. 334-749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. 334-745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. 334-826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. 334-742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A 334-745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 334-745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 334-749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. 334-745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. 334-745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 334-741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. 334-749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. 334-749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832
334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889
Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd 334-745-2247 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. 334-745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy 334-707-3922 Family Life Christian Center 601 S. 7th St. 334-741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. 334-749-1070 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd 334-749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. 334-745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. 334- 749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad 334-749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd 334-749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd 334-741-1006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy 334-741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 334-741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy 334-737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy 334-745-7770
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A12 May 27, 2020
CIPPERLY>> FROM A9 his math lesson. Carol especially enjoys baking and keeps the freezer full.
RECIPES STRAWBERRY AND CREAM CAKE WITH CRUSHED STRAWBERRIES Shirley Helmke 1 box Duncan Hines Butter yellow cake mix (or your homemade recipe) 1 qt. strawberries Sugar to sweeten berries to taste 1 pint whipping cream ½ cup confectioners’ sugar Extra strawberries to crush for serving Bake cake mix, following directions on the box. Bake into two 9 inch layers. When layers are cool, split layers to make four. Wash the quart of strawberries, lightly mash and put through a strainer. Taste to see if they need to be sweetened. Whip cream until stiff and add confectioners’ sugar. To assemble, place a cake layer on plate, cover with half of strawberries; top with another layer. Spread some of the whipped cream on this layer. Place third cake layer and fill with remaining strawberries. Top with last layer. Cover cake with whipped cream. Place in refrigerator until ready to serve. Crush extra strawberries and sweeten to taste. Spoon a pool of crushed berries with juice onto a dessert plate. Place a slice of cake on top and serve. Store leftovers in refrigerator. Note: Cake is also good served without the extra crushed strawberries.
STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKE TRIFLE Carol Pridgen 1 large angel food cake (store bought) 1 large Cool Whip 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 can sweetened condensed milk 2 cups fresh strawberries, quartered Cut cake into 3 equal sized layers. Place bottom layer of cake in trifle bowl. Mix cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk and Cool Whip. Fold in strawberries. Divide mixture into thirds. Spread mixture onto bottom cake layer. Top with next cake layer. Repeat. Cream cheese mixture will be on top. Garnish with strawberries.
CHOCOLATE DIPPED STRAWBERRIES 1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate or white chocolate chips 3 Tbsp. heavy cream
Carol will freeze slices of cakes in individual servings to pull out for dessert on hectic days. Strawberries are a good source of vitamin C and low in calories. When purchasing
strawberries, select ones with a natural shine and fresh looking with a green cap. Check the bottom of the container for red stains indicating deteriorating berries. When
washing strawberries, rinse them quickly in a colander under cold water. Never soak them. Look over the following variety of recipes featuring straw-
berries. Try a couple of these desserts for treating your family. While working in the kitchen this week, the following verse has been comfort. “I sought the Lord, and
He answered me; He delivered me from all my fears.” Psalm 34:4, (NIV) Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com.
12 long-stemmed strawberries Extra chocolate for drizzling, optional Place the chocolate and cream together in a bowl over simmering water until just melted. Stir and remove from the heat. Dip each strawberry in the chocolate and place on waxed or parchment paper to set. To set quicker, place in refrigerator. To decorate, melt semi-sweet or white chocolate in microwave and place in a plastic bag. Cut the end of one corner and drizzle over dipped strawberries.
graham cracker crust Chocolate Glaze Two 1 oz. squares semi-sweet chocolate ¼ cup whipping cream Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese until fluffy. Gradually beat in condensed milk until smooth. Add egg, lemon juice and vanilla; mix well. Arrange strawberries on bottom of piecrust. Slowly pour cheese mixture over fruit. Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until center is almost set. Cool. To make Chocolate Glaze, melt chocolate with whipping cream in saucepan over low heat. Top cheesecake with glaze. Chill.
berries, sliced and sweetened to taste Line 13x9x2 inch baking pan with aluminum foil and grease lightly. Stir 2 cups sugar, flour, cocoa, soda and salt; set aside. Mix melted butter, eggs and vanilla until smooth. Add to flour mixture and stir until moistened. Fold in chocolate chips. Spread batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated 350 degree oven for 35 minutes or until toothpick inserted one inch from center comes out barely moist. Do not over bake. Cool on wire race. When completely cool remove from pan, peel off foil and cut into small squares. Top each brownie square with cream whipped and strawberries.
with sliced strawberries. Serves 8 to 10.
1 qt. strawberries 1 cup sugar 1 cup boiling water 3 Tbsp. cornstarch plus enough cold water to make a paste 1 cup whipping cream ¼ cup sugar Arrange 3 cups of the strawberries into piecrust. Bring to a boil 1 cup strawberries, 1 cup sugar and 1 cup boiling water; strain. Add cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly over burner until thicken. Pour over strawberries in piecrust. Whip cream with ¼ cup sugar. When pie is cool, serve with whipped cream.
STRAWBERRY CHEESECAKE DESSERT This has been a favorite recipe over the years. Crust: 1/4 cup brown sugar 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup to 1 cup butter or margarine 1 cup chopped nuts Filling: 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 1 cup confectioners’ sugar 1 cup or more whipped topping (Cool Whip) Topping: 3 oz. pkg. strawberry gelatin 1 cup sugar 4 Tbsp. cornstarch 1 cup boiling water 4 cups sliced strawberries To prepare crust, mix brown sugar and flour; cut in margarine. Add nuts and press in 13 x 9 inch pan. Bake in preheated 375 degrees oven for 15 minutes. Cool before adding filling. To make filling, mix cream cheese and confectioners’ sugar in a large bowl. Fold in Cool Whip; spread over cooled crust. To prepare topping, mix gelatin, sugar, cornstarch and water. Place over medium heat until mixture comes to a rolling boil, stirring frequently. Remove from heat; cool. Add strawberries to cooled mixture. Pour over cream cheese filling. Chill.
CHOCOLATE STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE PIE Two 3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened 14 oz. can sweetened condensed milk 1 egg 3 Tbsp. lemon juice 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup fresh strawberries 9-inch prepared
STRAWBERRY CREAM CHEESE COBBLER 1 stick butter 1 egg, lightly beaten 1 cup milk 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup sugar 2 tsp. baking powder 1/2 tsp. salt 2 qt. whole strawberries, capped and washed 4 oz. cream cheese, cut in small pieces Vanilla ice cream, optional Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Melt butter and pour into a 9x13-inch glass baking dish. In a small bowl, mix together the egg, milk, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Pour directly over the butter in the baking dish, but do not stir. Add strawberries, arranging in a single layer as much as possible. Sprinkle cream cheese pieces over strawberries. Place in preheated oven and bake for 45 minutes, or until top is golden brown and edges are bubbling.
BROWNIE SQUARES WITH WHIPPED CREAM AND FRESH STRAWBERRIES 2 cups sugar 1¼ cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup unsweetened cocoa ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 1 cup butter, melted 4 eggs 2 tsp. vanilla 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1 cup heavy cream whipped with ¼ cup sugar 1 qt. fresh straw-
MERI’S STRAWBERRY POKE CAKE 1 (15.25 oz) box white cake mix 3 eggs 1/2 cup oil 1 cup water 1 tsp. vanilla extract For the filling: 3.0 oz. pkg. strawberry flavored gelatin 1 cup boiling water 1/2 cup cold water For the topping: 8 oz. container frozen whipped topping (Cool Whip), thawed 3.4 oz. box instant vanilla pudding mix 1 cup milk 2 cups fresh strawberries, sliced Preheat oven to 350 degrees and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside. In a large bowl, mix together cake mix, eggs, oil, 1 cup water, and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour into prepared baking dish and bake for 2832 minutes, or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Remove from oven and let cool 15 minutes. Then, pierce holes all over cake with the end of a wooden spoon or a large serving fork. Meanwhile, make the filling: Add gelatin mix to a large bowl and whisk in boiling water until gelatin is fully dissolved. Stir in cold water. Pour gelatin over top of cake to fill holes. Cover and refrigerate cake for at least 2 hours. Once chilled, make topping. Place pudding mix in a large bowl and whisk in milk until thick. Gently fold in whipped topping until fully incorporated. Spread over chilled cake and top
24 HOUR STRAWBERRY DESSERT 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries 2 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 cup miniature marshmallows 1 cup sour cream Whole strawberries for garnish Sprinkle brown sugar over berries; let stand 10 minutes. Fold in marshmallows and sour cream. Keep covered in refrigerator overnight. Serve in dessert dishes. Garnish with whole strawberries. Makes 6 servings.
STRAWBERRIES WITH BROWN SUGAR DIP Leave strawberries whole with stems. Place on a platter with a bowl of sour cream and a bowl of brown sugar. Dip the berries in the sour cream and then in the brown sugar.
FRESH STRAWBERRY CAKE Serenbe Inn 3 1/3 cups plain flour 1/3 tsp. salt 3¾ tsp. baking powder ¾ cup soft butter 2¼ cups sugar 3 eggs 1½ tsp. vanilla ½ cup sour cream ½ cup buttermilk 9 oz. fresh crushed strawberries (8 oz. is 1 cup or half of a 16 oz. pkg.) Sift first 3 ingredients together; set aside. Cream sugar and butter. Add eggs one at a time. Fold in vanilla. Add sour cream and buttermilk. Add sifted ingredients alternately with crushed strawberries. Cream about 3 minutes. Pour into three lined and greased floured cake pans. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. Frosting 2 lb. confectioners’ sugar 4 oz. cream cheese, softened 1 cup crushed strawberries ¼ lb. softened butter (1 stick) Beat all ingredients with mixer. Spread between on cooled layers, top and sides of cake.
FRESH STRAWBERRY PIE 1 9-inch baked piecrust, cooled
STRAWBERRY TRIFLE WITH POUND CAKE 1 qt. strawberries ½ cup sugar 1 pound cake, sliced 2 ½ cups vanilla pudding ½ cup heavy cream, whipped and sweetened with 1 Tbsp. sugar Wash strawberries; save a few for garnishing. Hull remaining strawberries, slice; add ½ cup sugar and refrigerate 30 minutes. Place a layer of sliced pound cake in the bottom of one quart glass bowl. Spoon half the berries over cake and then pour 1 cup of the pudding over top.Top with second layer of sliced cake and repeat with berries and pudding. Cover; refrigerate overnight. Before serving spread whipped cream over top; garnish with extra strawberries. Makes 8 servings.
CREAMY STRAWBERRY ICE CREAM 1 cup half-and-half cream 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 1 cup sugar 1 package (8 oz.) cream cheese, cubed and softened 1 cup heavy whipping cream 1-1/2 cups fresh strawberries In a blender or food processor, place cream, vanilla, sugar and cream cheese. Blend well. Add whipping cream; cover and process until blended. Remove to a large bowl. Add 1-1/2 cups strawberries to blender; cover and process until pureed. Stir into cream mixture. Fill cylinder of ice cream maker no more than two-thirds full; freeze according to manufacturer’s directions. (Refrigerate any remaining mixture until ready to freeze.) Transfer ice cream to freezer containers, allowing headspace for expansion. Freeze 4-6 hours or until firm.
A13 May 27, 2020
POKEMEN>> FROM A9 white rice, brown rice or a spring mix for the base of the meal. The traditional Hawaiian dish consists of fresh, raw fish such as tuna or salmon. Other protein options include chicken and tofu. Customers are able to choose their favorite
fresh toppings and seasonings as they go down the line, similar to the likes of Chipotle. Pokemen also offers fresh ramen with their homemade noodles made right in store. Diners follow similar ordering procedures by choosing size, protein, toppings and seasonings for their ramen
meal. There are vegetables options such as lettuce, kale, edamame or fruit options such as fresh pineapples. When arriving at Pokemen, diners can expect a friendly, welcoming and clean environment. With modern indoor seating, customers have the option to stay and dine in or take their meal to go.
After visiting Pokemen shortly after their opening, I’ve become a loyal customer often finding my sushi craving being satisfied by a customizable poke bowl. While there are plenty of options to choose from, I tend to order the same exact thing with the same toppings because it’s just that good!
My poke bowl order: • Medium bowl, brown rice, spicy tuna, salmon, regular tuna, pineapples, edamame, seaweed, masago, crab meat, corn, spicy mayo, tempura flakes and avocado ($1 upgrade.) With prices ranging from $9.25 to $13.25 (upgrades available),
Pokemen is a fast and fresh dining experience for people of all ages. Pokemen has also joined with DoorDash and FetchMe for delivery options among the local community. For more information, visit Pokemen’s Facebook page or call their store at 334-7376353.
More than 60 dresses donated: Wommack honors pledge; barbecues in dress GOGUE >> FROM A9
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
phenomenal year of classic Broadway musicals, including Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, OKLAHOMA! and Anastasia; star-powered concerts by legends Boz Scaggs, The Righteous Brothers and Patti LaBelle; innovative dance performances from around the world; two appearances by the Alabama Symphony Orchestra and much, much more. There will be a subscriber-only show on Oct. 24 with a performance from Not Our First Goat Rodeo, a group featuring the incomparable Yo-Yo Ma, Stuart Duncan, Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile with guest Aoife O'Donovan. WHY SUBSCRIBE? With a full season subscription, you get access to our complete season lineup from the beginning to the end—that's 26 season performances! Season subscriptions offer the best value in terms of ticket price, too. And, as a full season subscriber, you can save up to 25% off the total ticket price for all performances. (You'll also receive advance access to tickets for special add-on performances throughout the season.) BROADWAY SERIES: - Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer: The Musical Nov. 15 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. - Beautiful: The Carole King Musical Jan. 16, 2021 7:30 p.m. Jan. 17, 2021 2 p.m. - Rodgers and Hammerstein's OKLAHOMA! Feb. 2, 2021 Feb. 3, 2021 Feb. 4, 2021 7:30 p.m. - Fiddler on the
Roof March 15, 2021 March 16, 2021 7:30 p.m. - Anastasia April 6, 2021 April 7, 2021 7 p.m. CELEBRITY SERIES: - Gavin Creel Oct. 6 7:30 p.m. - Boz Scaggs Oct. 14 7:30 p.m. - The Righteous Brothers: Bill Medley and Bucky Heard Nov. 5 7:30 p.m. - Jeanne Robertson Nov. 20 7:30 p.m. - Patti LaBelle Jan. 23, 2021 7:30 p.m. - Making the Music: Anaïs Mitchell, Duncan Sheik and Shaina Taub Feb. 14, 2021 7:30 p.m. CONCERT SERIES: - Del McCoury Band Oct. 15 7:30 p.m. - The Legendary Count Basie Orchestra with Scotty Barnhart, director Nov. 12 7:30 p.m. - Edgar Meyer, Mike Marshall, Sam Bush and the George Meyer Ensemble Jan. 21, 2021 7:30 p.m. - Branford Marsalis Quartet Feb. 12, 2021 7:30 p.m. - Candi Staton Feb. 20, 2021 7:30 p.m. DANCE AND MOVEMENT SERIES: - BalletX: The Little Prince Jan. 26, 2021 7:30 p.m. - Soledad Barrio and Noche Flamenco: Puro Feb. 18, 2021 7:30 p.m. - Kodo: Legacy March 23, 2021 7:30 p.m. - Huang Yi and KUKA April 1, 2021 7:30 p.m.
ORCHESTRA AND CHAMBER SERIES: - Alabama Symphony Orchestra: Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition Oct. 4 2 p.m. - Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center: Sensational Strings Nov. 10 7:30 p.m. - Les Violons du Roy with Jeremy Denk, piano Jan. 28, 2021 7:30 p.m. - Piano Battle April 16, 2021 7:30 p.m. - Alabama Symphony Orchestra: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Recomposed May 9, 2021 2 p.m. As a 2020–21 season sponsor, you can help bring the power and passion of the arts to the stage by providing vital support for our vibrant artistic and educational programming. Season sponsors receive exclusive benefits, too, including priority access to subscriptions and tickets for add-on performances; invitations to special engagements with artists; valet parking; and more. To become a sponsor or to learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact Carrie Collett, development officer, at carriecollett@ auburn.edu, or visit goguecenter.auburn. edu/giving. PATRON SERVICES Their patron services team is here to help with any questions or concerns you may have regarding 2020–21 season subscriptions. You can reach them by calling 334-8448497 or send email to gpactickets@auburn. edu. The venue is located at 910 S. College St. in Auburn.
A14 May 27, 2020
COMICS
“Life is worth living as long as there’s a laugh in it.” ― Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Green Gables
S By D. Mark Mitchell
PLAY BALL!!!
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Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports
stay away from places that would increase your chances of becoming ill. As for athletics, Ivey said all athletics, including youth sports could begin on May 22. Teams are allowed to start practicing, working out, conditioning and strength training and can play games June 15. Locally, Mayor Gary Fuller was pleased with the new order and happy that children can play sports. West Ridge Park, See SPORTS, page B4
Opelika Lions Club assist OHS Graduation event
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Members of the Opelika Lions club provided water bottles for attendees at the Opelika High School 2020 graduation at Bulldog Stadium last Friday. Pictured are Brooka Stokes and James Morgan, Jr.
In Loving Memory 05-25-2019
Twelve OHS soccer players named to AHSAA’s All-State Teams By Morgan Bryce For the Opelika Observer
On the Mark
ov. Kay Ivey opened up athletics last Thursday in an afternoon press conference alongside Alabama Department of Health leader, Dr. Scott Harris. Ivey told Alabamians she was happy with our response to her “Safer at Home” guidelines. The governor basically said, each of us must make smart decisions every day and it is up to us keep following social distancing and pay attention to our health. If you have underlying health issues, it’s best to
S
History was made earlier this month with the selection of six members of Opelika High School’s girls soccer team were named to the 6A All State Girls team. Six more from the boys squad received state honors. Both teams’ seasons were cut short because of the COVID-19 pandemic. At the season’s end, the boys were 5-1 overall, their only loss being a 3-2 roadtrip heartbreaker to Smiths Station. The girls were 5-0 overall, their closest win being a 6-0 blowout of Central-Phenix City.
Following is a list of the selected athletes and their placement: Boys – Alberto Cordova (2nd Team) – Landon Faison (Honorable Mention) – Charlie Garcia (2nd Team) – Tykell Jones (Honorable Mention) – Caleb Rujana (2nd Team) – Ethan Souphanthong (Honorable Mention) Girls – Amiya Brown (Honorable Mention) – Kaitlyn Goodman (Honorable Mention) – Erica Mathews (Honorable Mention) – Emily Lux (2nd Team) – Abby Noon (2nd Team) and
Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer
Pictured above: Emily Lux and Abby Noon
– Molly Randolph (1st Team). For more information on OHS athletics, visit
opelikaathletics.com or follow the Opelika City Schools Facebook page.
Opelika City School Board celebrates 2020 graduates By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter
Last Tuesday, the Opelika City School Board met for their regular meeting and began finalizing graduation procedures for Opelika High School for the improvised graduation ceremony, which was held on May 22. To maintain appropriate social distancing guidelines, the graduation ceremony consisted of six sessions with 50 seniors per session. Each senior and up to nine family members would be allowed to process through the ceremony. As seniors walked across the stage, family members watched from the end zone and then each family group were directed to exit the stadium. Sessions started at 8:30 a.m. and continued until 3 p.m. “I really think for the kids it’s more special than a normal (graduation). A normal one is probably more prompt and circumstance... this is more about the kids and their families,” said Opelika City Schools Superintendent Dr. Mark
Photo by Robert Noles/ Opelika Observer Neighbors. In other business, the board also: • approved minutes from the previous board meeting • approved personnel recommendations • approved the consideration to rescind a paint bid for Opelika Middle School that was previously approved by the board • approved a lawn care bid for all of Opelika City Schools • approved a boiler bid for Jeter
Primary School • considered an adoption of textbooks with this year being Health in PE, the board will review chosen textbook for students and vote during the next meeting and • discussed the financial reports for April 2020. The next meeting of the board is tentatively scheduled for June 23 at the OCS Board of Education facility, which is located at 300 Simmons St.
B2 May 27, 2020
When Time Stops:
Opelika’s Jeff Hilyer inducted into Alabama How the current voice of the Auburn Tigers Sports Officials Foundation’s Hall of Fame speaks, even without his microphone
Special to the Opelika Observer
By Wil Crews Opelika Observer
Opelika’s Jeff Hilyer is a very well-known referee across the state of Alabama, creating a career that’s lasted 40 years. “Well I got started when I was about 21, and just had an interest in it for my whole life, and never thought about quitting,” Hilyer said. “I just had fun from day one and still have fun today. Football was my main sport, but I did adult slow-pitch softball as well. I did six national softball tournaments.” According to the Alabama High School Athletic Association, Hilyer has climbed through the ranks to officiate at the NCAA and professional football level. He was a founding member of
Publisher’s Note: This week marks one yaer since Rod and Paula Bramblett died in a tragic traffic accident. While this piece is about the Bramblett’s dear friend and co-worker, Andy Burcham, we would be remiss if we did not take a moment to honor Rod and Paula’s memory. “Our whole lives are planned around the sports calendar, that’s how Andy marks time,” says Dr. Jan Burcham, Associate Dean for the College of Education at Columbus State University and wife of the voice of the Auburn Tigers, Andy Burcham. But what happens when there are no sports? When people are confined to their homes, how do we pass the time? That’s the question that the Burchams, and most of the world, are asking themselves right now. It was about 3 p.m. on a humid spring day when Andy answered the phone. Perhaps he was sitting in an oversized, plush blue chair, dressed from head to toe in orange and blue and surrounded by tributes to Auburn’s glory days of old. In reality, he is at the grocery store. Burcham has been a steady presence on Auburn broadcasts since 1988, when he began playby- play for the women’s basketball team. Burcham was promoted to voice of the Auburn Tigers in August 2019, when Rod Bramblett and his wife Paula were tragically killed in a car wreck. In March 2020, his first year in the top job was abruptly halted, like a raspy alarm that interrupts a cozy Sunday afternoon nap. “We were at the SEC basketball tournament in Nashville when this all went down,” said Burcham.
He was ready to call his first Auburn men’s basketball tournament game, but life and anunforeseen global pandemic had other plans. “Jan went with me –– we checked into the hotel, had a nice meal –– and by the time I walked back to our hotel room, it was pretty well decided that there would be no SEC tournament,” said Burcham. The notification came shortly after that not only the NCAA tournament has been canceled, but all the spring sports have been cancelled too. “It’s a massive adjustment for all of us,” said Burcham. “I went from calling four or five games a week plus Tiger Talk, to no games, not until this fall at the very least.” Burcham has no games left to call; meaning the fans, coworkers and radio are left without a familiar and reliable voice. “He’s professional, respectful, prepared, and excellent at describing the action.” said Brad Law, Burcham’s broadcast partner for Auburn baseball games. The pair were just 18 games into their first season together before the curveball that is coronavirus ended their run. Brit Bowen is Burcham’s successor as Auburn’s play-by-play announcer for women’s basketball and softball: he sees Burcham as the ultimate professional. “He’s direct, honest and dependable,” said Bowen. “He takes pride in his work and he is always prepared.” Yet, there was no way Bur-
cham could have prepared for this. Disappointment looms in Burcham’s normally jovial voice. “The reason I got into this business was the games,” he said, before adding optimistically, “We’re still finding ways to come up with content. I’m fortunate that all I’m having to deal with is the loss of ball games.” That perspective is just a reflection of his mindset. By all accounts Burcham possesses the genuine qualities that make him a great interviewer, co-worker and friend. “As a person, Andy has a gift for connecting with people,” said Law. “The focus is never on him.” Bowen, who learned under Burcham for six years, now views him as a mentor. “Andy has always paid his success forward,” said Bowen. “He is always willing to help.” Burcham grew up in Nashville, Illinois with an eye for sports and an ear for music. Growing up, his favorite team was the St. Louis Cardinals. In the fall of 1967, they won the World Series. His dad returned home one day with a record of the highlights of their season. “It was my team! I listened to that non-stop, front and back,” said Burcham. The recording was of Hall of Fame announcers Harry Caray and Jack Buck, whom Burcham said he modeled his career after. “That See TIGERS, page B4
Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer the Big East Football Officials Association in Phenix City. Being a referee also has allowed Hilyer to travel the country, but he says his favorite moment was reffing a game at the U.S Naval Academy in Maryland. “That was probably the most memorable game I had,” he said. “Going up there and seeing the pageantry of
the cadets, touring the academy, just being in that atmosphere. I got to meet the Secretary of the Navy, and that was really special. I’ll never forget that.” Although he is now being recognized for his accomplishments in the field, Hilyer says it’s an honor, but it’s not about him. See HALL OF FAME, page B3
We would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring one or more of our newspaper boxes and racks around Lee County • Better Bodies Massage Institute • CyberZone • Interim HomeCare • Opelika Theatre Company • Three Keys Properties, LLC
To have your company’s logo placed on a box email us at editor@opelikaobserver.com
B3 May 27, 2020
Kickoff the summer with kindness and safety
A
s Memorial Day has come and gone and summer days are now upon us, we can set the ground rules in each of our “family academies.” I say this because with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, our homes have become the school academies for our children and parents. Just like in schools, teachers set the rules for the classroom, and at home,
we can set the atmosphere in our families for a good summer. This year, our summer will be different in that it will be more family focused since many of summer traditions such as camps, Vacation Bible Schools and other summer activities may be virtual or even cancelled. Children may be disappointed by the change to their summer events or routines this year. So,
June 1 is a good day to celebrate “National Say Something Nice Day” within our families. We have a few days to prepare for this special day as we think of ways to encourage each other as summer days approach. Children truly need kindness right now and being positive can enrich our lives. One thing that I have written about before is the term “POP!” This does not refer to soda, popcorn or fireworks, but it refers to being “Positive,” “Optimistic” and a “Peacemaker” within our families. Even our youngest of children can understand this concept. Explain to your children that being positive is looking for happiness in both our world and in each other. When we think of optimism, we think of hope and faith. Practicing peace cuts down on arguments and disagreements with families and friends and for everyone to try to
get along. Even though summer officially starts on June 20 this year, we can already feel the seasonal summer heat, see honeysuckle flowers and smell their sweet fragrance. We can hear the katydids at night as well as listen to the dry summer wind rustling through the evening as the earth cools down from a hot summer day.” It will be good for children to be able to play and enjoy being outside this summer. Here are a few simple summer safety tips as you take care of your children during the summer. These are gentle reminders: 1) When children are running and playing outside in the heat, it is so important for them to be dressed appropriately with lightly colored, light-weight clothing to keep them cool. 2) In preventing heat stress in children, be sure he/she is very well hydrated. Encourage
your child to drink as much water, juices and different flavored drinks as possible. 3) Have your child or children play quiet games, rest, read or watch appropriate programs during the heat of the day. 4) Have your child stay out of direct heat, try to find shade. Each child requires a different scale of protection according to the color of their skin and age. 5) During late afternoons or evening hours, make sure your child is properly sprayed with insect repellant. 6) Please remember to put helmets on your young children when they are riding bicycles. Go over safety rules your child needs to follow in riding a bicycle. 7) When you are doing summer mowing, be sure your child stays at a safe distance from the lawn mower in that a mower could kick up a rock or stick.
8) Be sure to walk in safe areas in the woods, along lakes, ponds, oceans, etc. I know we like to go barefoot in the summer, but it might be better to leave the shoes on until you can assess the safety of the area. 9) Try to always have a first-aid kit with you to pack basic supplies you will need before going swimming, playing, picnicking and having plain old summer fun outdoors. 10) With our new rules for dealing with the pandemic, explain to your children about social distance and being sure to wash their hands after play. I hope these guidelines will gently remind you of summer safety tips so you and your child can fully enjoy the seasonal favorites of summer. By the way, May 27 is actually National Grape Popsicle Day. We are beginning to enjoy the taste of safe summer fun.
Auburn resident Daleya Scaife uses Colleges announce platform to empower young girls graduates of Class of 2020 Special to the Opelika Observer
Special to the Opelika Observer
Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA) is honored to present Daleya Scaife with the “Girl Scout Gold Award,” the highest recognition for achievement in Girl Scouting for girls in grades nine through 12. Scaife designed a program that promotes positive changes towards hygiene. To do this, she partnered with the Auburn High School Junior Civitan Club for a toiletry drive. Her motivation behind this was to help teens have positive self-esteem. After distributing the products, she taught lessons on how to improve your view of yourself and feel empowered. “It’s scientifically proven that taking care of your hygiene impacts your mental, physical and emotional health,” Scaife said. “We’re all created with a purpose, and are beautiful in our own way. I want these young girls to love themselves, and to realize your situation doesn’t define you.” By earning the Girl Scout Gold Award, Scaife has become a community leader. Her accomplishments reflect leadership and citizenship skills that set her apart.
Berry College • Josie Hadaway of Salem earned a bachelors of science degree in management, marketing. About Berry College Nationally recognized for academic excellence and as an outstanding educational value, Berry is an independent, coeducational, comprehensive liberal arts college of approximately 2,100 students. For more than a century, the college has offered an exceptional education that balances intellectual exploration, practical learning, and character development. Its 27,000-acre campus is the world’s largest. Visit www. berry.edu. Park College Park University announced its Spring 2020 graduates. These graduates were scheduled to participate in the University’s Kansas City Area Commencement ceremony on May 9 at the Community of Christ Auditorium
“Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama’s mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character to make the world a better place,” said GSSA CEO Karlyn Edmonds. “Daleya has made her corner of the world a better place, and I am beyond proud to say she is a Girl Scout from southern Alabama. We can’t wait to see the amazing things she accomplishes in the future.” Through Girl Scouting, girls learn to face challenges head-on, embrace failure as a learning opportunity and find solutions to social issues, all while building the skills and courage they need to take the lead every day. To join or volunteer, visit www. girlscoutssa.org.
HALL OF FAME >> FROM B2 “I try to give back and help the younger people move along and learn, and that’s always been my focus,” Hilyer said. “The more you put into something, the more you get out of it, so I always try to put in as much as I can.”And if there’s one thing he’s learned from his time wearing the black and white, its this: “I don’t view them yelling at me - they’re yelling at the uniform, so I don’t take it personally.” he said. “I could be out there calling a game, and they could be yelling at me, and you could come out there and take my uniform off and put it on. They’d quit yelling at me and start yelling at you - they’re just yelling at the uniform,” Hilyer added. Hilyer was named the AHSAA District and State Football Official of the Year in 2002. He
About the Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama: Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama serves more than 5,000 girls, ages 5 to 17 and 2,500 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader) to change the world. We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls and have been for more than 100 years and a recent recipient of the Montgomery Impact Maker Award. With programming across 30 counties, GSSA offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success. To volunteer, reconnect, donate or join, call 800-239-6636 or visit www. girlscoutssa.org.
was also chosen as the Sun Belt Conference Official of the Year in 2012 and received the AHSAA Distinguished Service Award in 2012. The AHSAA said Hilyer has represented Alabama by serving on the Board of Directors of the NFHS Officials Association. He served as board president in 2000-2001. He also served a four-year term on the NFHS Football Rules Editorial Committee and is currently the AHSAA State Rules Interpreter for football. In 2014, he received the NFHS Officials Citation Award as National High School Official of the Year. When Hilyer stepped away from college officiating, he became the replay official for the Sun Belt. He is also the AHSAA consultant on its Instant Replay program and is the AHSAA’s replay official at the Super 7 Football Championships. Hilyer is an attorney and is the owner of Hilyer & Associates, which is located at 608 Ave. A.
in Independence, Missouri but the event was cancelled earlier in the spring due to the coronavirus pandemic. • William Thomas Schwartzer from Opelika earned a bachelors of science in management. About Park University Founded in 1875 in Parkville, Missouri, a suburb of Kansas City, Park University is a nonprofit, private institution that is a national leader in higher education. In 2000, Park achieved university status and currently serves 16,172 students at 42 campuses in 22 states and online. Visit their website www.park.edu Georgia College • Payton McDonald from Auburn graduated from Georgia College majoring in nursing. About Georgia College Georgia College, the state’s designated public liberal arts university, combines the educational experience expected at esteemed private liberal arts colleges with the affordability of public higher education.
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Call now for your free evaluation. 1-(888)432-6020 Asbestos Claims, LLC, Jubal L. Hamil Attorney at Law ARPC 7.2.(e) “No representation is made that the quality of the legal services to be performed is greater than the quality of legal services performed by other lawyers.”
B4 May 27, 2020
Southern Union offers scholarships to area seniors
Special to the Opelika Observer
Area high school students have received scholarship offers valued at more than $1 million to attend Southern Union State Community College (SUSCC) this fall. SUSCC awards various institutional scholarships to incoming freshmen each year. Presidential Scholarships are awarded to high school seniors who have exhibited academic excellence and leadership in their school and community. Performing Arts scholarships are awarded for outstanding talent in the fine arts. Technical Scholarships are awarded to graduating seniors who want to complete a technical program. Ambassador Scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership in their schools. These students will serve as official student hosts and hostesses of the college. Partial scholarships cover tuition and mandatory fees for six credit hours. Athletic Scholarships are awarded for exceptional athletic performance. Counselor’s Leadership Scholarships are available for one semester to students for summer or fall term immediately following high school graduation. These scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated leadership and are chosen by their respective high schools. “We are excited to offer these outstanding students scholarships to further their education at Southern Union State Community College,” said director of enrollment management, Dr. Jordan Holladay. “The success they have already shown in academics, fine arts, athletics and extracurricular activities will make them an asset to our student body. We look forward to welcoming them on our campuses this year!” Auburn High School: - Grace Langston (Presidential Scholarship) - Haylee Dubose (Presidential Scholarship) - Kylie Jones (Presidential Scholarship) - Cameron Chavis (Presidential Scholarship) - Madison Rife (Presidential Scholarship) - Russell Jacoway (Presidential and Technical Scholarships) - Nasir Hagan (Presidential and Technical Scholarships) - Alleigh Bowman (Ambassador Scholarship) - Amelia Best (Performing Arts Scholarship in Dance) - Elijah Jenkins (Technical Scholarship)
SPORTS>> FROM B1 Floral Park and other parks run by the City are open. Everyone must continue to follow guidelines set forth by the ALDH. The Opelika Parks and Recreation opened registration for Tee-ball, Softball, Dixie Boys Baseball, Soccer and other activities earlier this week. DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL Registration is opened for Dixie Boys Baseball (ages 1314-15), anyone interested in playing should register at the Opelika Sportsplex. The final day to register is June 2. The cost is $45 per player living in the Opelika city limits and $50 for non-residents. The
- Samuel Stoll (Technical Scholarship) - Avery Beard (Technical Scholarship) - Abbey Lane (Partial Scholarship) Ballard Christian School: - Ethan Ballard (Presidential Scholarship) - Lane Starling (Technical Scholarship) Beauregard High School: - Daisy Gilmer (Presidential Scholarship) - Kenneth Capps (Presidential Scholarship) - Charles Gilmer (Presidential Scholarship) - Angela Rivera Gomez (Presidential Scholarship) - Alexa Broach (Presidential Scholarship) - Jacob Furmanek (Presidential Scholarship) - Johnny Frazier (Presidential Scholarship) - Christopher Stone (Presidential Scholarship) - Annabel Dawson (Presidential Scholarship) - Matthew Coleman (Presidential Scholarship) - Reese Henderson (Presidential Scholarship) - Katherine Senn (Ambassador Scholarship) - Johnathan Brackett (Performing Arts Scholarship in Music) - Jacob Pierce (Technical Scholarship) - Blake Blackmon (Technical Scholarship) - William Beckwith (Technical Scholarship) Beulah High School: - Cierra Heath (Presidential Scholarship) Discovery Christian School: - Henry May (Presidential Scholarship) - Sadie Sawyer (Presidential Scholarship) - Kayleigh Scarborough (Presidential Scholarship) Lee Scott Academy: - Emily Wooten (Presidential Scholarship) - Mark Ingram (Presidential and Technical Scholarships) - Mary Baxley Smith (Presidential Scholarship) - Matthew Dorough (Presidential Scholarship)
Loachapoka High School: - LaDerrial Thomas(Presidential Scholarship) - Jakiah Wilson (Presidential Scholarship) - Jarmichael Slaughter (Presidential Scholarship) - Demontrey Moore (Technical
registration fee includes your jersey and cap. The league is opened to any child in our surrounding area, including Beauregard, Beulah, Valley and Smiths Station to name a few. There will be no evaluations and all players will be placed on a team. If you have questions or need further info, contact D.Mark Mitchell 4-787-1514 or foxonthemark@yahoo. com or Missy Martin at 34-705-5560. OPELIKA BOYS BASKETBALL COACHING SEARCH UNDERWAY There is official word from OCS concerning the search for a new head basketball coach. However, On the Mark’ radio show, on Fox Sports the Game 910-1310, has learned the administration
Scholarship) - Kenya Hewitt (Technical Scholarship)
Opelika High School: - Hannah Thrash (Presidential Scholarship) - Avery Davis (Presidential Scholarship) - Ethan Cone (Presidential Scholarship) - Harper Hollon (Presidential Scholarship) - Takhia Mims (Presidential Scholarship) - Raeden Gagliano (Presidential Scholarship) - Jada Ware (Presidential Scholarship) - Andrew Shoemaker (Presidential Scholarship) - Hannah Hill (Presidential Scholarship) - Nakia Stinson (Presidential Scholarship) - Noah Mills (Technical Scholarship) - Jackson Burdell (Technical Scholarship) - Kate Scullen (Technical Scholarship) - Yuvraj Sudan (Technical Scholarship) - Tyler Burnette (Technical Scholarship) - Skarlett Alcorn (Partial Scholarship) Saugahatchee Christian Academy: - Martha Marchio (Performing Arts Scholarship in Music) Smiths Station High School: - Anna Prather (Presidential Scholarship) - Avery Carpenter (Presidential Scholarship) - Christine Kounter (Presidential Scholarship) - Evan Smith (Presidential Scholarship) - Jocelyn Strickland (Presidential Scholarship) - Elizabeth Watson (Presidential Scholarship) - Jacob Daniel (Presidential Scholarship) - Allison Willis (Presidential Scholarship) - Campbell Wallace (Presidential Scholarship) - Jackson Huguley (Presidential Scholarship) - Asiah Wiggins (Athletic Scholarship for Volleyball - Savannah Taylor (Athletic Scholarship for Softball) - Summer Lawrence (Athletic Scholarship for Softball) Trinity Christian School: - Steffany Arce (Presidential Scholarship) and - Rebekah Brown (Presidential Scholarship).
has a list of potential candidates. Interviews started last week, which included candidate’s coaches with and without head coaching experience. One candidate may have decided to not to interview, pulling his name out of consideration. The job was posted online May 22, stating that Opelika is looking for a head basketball coach and if interested contact AD Mike Pugh. I have no idea if they have a specific target date to name a coach. It is unusual for schools to comment on coaching searches. Former head coach John Wadsworth resigned after accepting the being hired as assistant head coach at Enterprise High School. Wadsworth ironically replaced Mike Pugh after a short stint as OHS head
TIGERS >> FROM B2 was my initial inspiration for becoming a broadcaster,” said Burcham. At 11 or 12 years old, Burcham’s burgeoning passion for media heightened when he received a tape recorder from his grandmother. “I would sit upstairs with my brother and pretend like we were on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson, said Burcham, I would be the one doing the talking.” Caray and Buck got the same treatment. Burcham’s life centered around sports, but his interests extended beyond that. He played baseball and football throughout his high school career but when he wasn’t listening to or playing sports, he was a baritone in the school band. “My mother played piano and dad was the choir director at church,” said Burcham. “Music has been a big part of our lives.” Burcham still carries his harmonious touch with him today. “He makes up songs when it’s just us and sings to the dogs and me,” said Jan. “He’s got that goofy side, and he doesn’t show that to a lot of people.” On their road trips to cover games, Burcham and Bramblett often enjoyed playing “name that tune” or their own version of carpool karaoke. Burcham and his wife are “amateur foodies and big pet people,” said Jan. They enjoyed traveling and entertaining with friends. Today, Burcham is learning to help from home, and he and Jan are finding ways to take advantage of their newfound spare time. The two enjoy putting together puzzles, cooking and building adult LEGO kits. “There is a James Bond car that’s supposed to be really hard and we haven’t started it yet, I think we are
coach. Wadsworth was the head coach 14 years. AHSAA ALLOWS ATHLETIC ALLOW ATHLETIC ACTIVITIES JUNE 1 The Alabama High School Athletic Association will open athletics activities for member schools on June 1. Prior to any student/ athlete participating, they must have current physical, 2020-21 Consent Release and Concussion form on file. Schools may accept 2019-20 physicals until the first Fall practice date. All new athletes must have up-to-date physical on file. Each school is responsible for implementing all guidelines set by the AHSAA. Teams are allowed to use the same facility with social distancing and must wear facial covering if closer than
both kind of afraid to,” admits Jan. They have two dogs now, a beagle named Taylor and a 10-yearold shih-poo named Cooper. Are the dogs faring well during quarantine? Jan takes a calculated pause, “they tolerate each other,” she jokes. They are also catching up on their television shows. The one they are watching now, “Homeland,” is an eight season thriller that just recently aired its’ series finale. “Although, there’s not much that’s redeeming about it, so the next series we watch we’re going to pick something a little more positive,” said Jan. The Burcham’s don’t have any children of their own but are the guardians of Joshua Bramblett. Joshua lives with the Burchams and the pandemic has given rise to a new affinity for baking. Shelby Bramblett, a junior at Auburn University, is safely handling the pandemic away from home; she too is considered a piece of the Burcham family. When talking about family and considering the amount of damage caused by COVID-19, sports can be deemed… non-essential. However, sports are an exemplary form of the escape and companionship that is valuable when experiencing such hardship and loss. What did Burcham take for granted most pre coronavirus? “It’s the camaraderie with the people that I work with,” he said. That’s something that we are all feeling. Normally, each day may feel like a grind. You hear your co-worker talking your head off, your boss won’t leave you alone, your friend keeps calling and the clock on the wall just will not tick fast enough. Ironically, these are things we miss the most –– when time stops.
six feet. Only coaches, school personnel, athletic trainers and should student athletes should be present. All equipment and surfaces, including weights, benches, balls, bats, helmets, gloves and other items should be cleaned after each group activity. AHSAA bylaws will not allow mandatory summer practices, but weight lifting, conditioning, individual skill development and workouts are under the jurisdiction of the local school. The AHSAA sent out the above information along with many other guidelines that must be followed. Topics include Screening, Physical Distancing, Face Coverings, Hygiene and Weight Room Guidelines. These guidelines can be found at AHSAA.com.
B5 May 27, 2020
AU professor lead editor on handbook for citizen scientists By Teri Greene Special to the Opelika Observer
An Auburn University researcher and faculty member is the lead editor of the newly released Handbook of Citizen Science in Ecology and Conservation, the nation’s first comprehensive guide for both professional scientists and citizen scientists—avid science enthusiasts within communities who carry out essential, hands-on work for research projects. Editor Christopher Lepczyk, a professor of wildlife biology and conservation in Auburn’s School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences, said the handbook aims to provide tools to citizen scientists to help them start or become involved in projects. While the focus is on ecology and conservation, the lessons in the book are applicable to most citizen science projects, he said. “This is very much a book for practitioners and the public, as much as it is for professional scientists,” Lepczyk said. “Our goal was very much oriented at creating a book that can be read and used by both an interested lay person as well as the scientific community. Thus, we worked to present the concepts of citizen science in an easyto-read and user-friendly manner, without a lot of
Auburn Student casting his mark on local fishing By Wil Crews For the Opelika Observer
jargon or citations.” The idea for the book came about years ago in Milwaukee after Lepczyk and two close friends and colleagues—Tim Vargo and Owen Boyle, co-editors of the book—worked on a citizen science project focused on migrating birds that used public parks as stopover locations. “We discussed how valuable it would be to have a handbook that described how to carry out a citizen science project,” Lepczyk said. “Although there were papers and some short
technical reports, no handbook existed.” After holding a symposium on citizen science at the Ecological Society of America meeting, the three proposed the book to the University of California Press, which accepted. Lepczyk began work on the handbook along with Boyle, chief of species management at the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources Natural Heritage Conservation Program, See HANDBOOK, page B6
Cody Griffith is a member of the Auburn University competitive bass fishing team. Like many students, Griffith’s spring and summer plans had to be reeled in due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Instead, Griffith is spending his time starting his own business –– the making and selling of custom bass-fishing rods. “I can make it however you want,” said Griffith. “The cool thing about my rods is there is not a rod like it out on the market.” In terms of rod features, Griffith can tailor them to whatever specific needs that a buyer might have. “Crankbait rods or jigs rods, I can do them. I can make it action or power to fit whatever you want to do on the water,” Griffith said. “I can make handles that are cork, rubber, EVA foam or even those wind grips that are popular.” He also makes custom jigs and can repair damaged rods too. Griffith announced that he was turning his hobby of making rods into a business on May 12. “I did my first rod and loved it. I thought maybe this could be something,” Griffith said.
Griffith has years of fishing experience that he uses to make a variety of rods to suit the needs and wants of each customer. Before the coronavirus ended Auburn’s bass fishing season, Griffith and his partner qualified for the College Bass Master Classic where they were privileged to compete and weigh in with the professionals. This spring, the two also qualified for the national Collegiate Bass Fishing Championship. The tournament has been delayed by COVID-19, but “it will happen,” said Griffith. Griffith’s rods could serve as the perfect gift for the fisherman in one’s life or just as a unique, high-quality piece of equipment to be proud of. The rods generally sell between $175 to $250 but prices can vary depending on the complexity of the equipment that is desired. For now, Griffith eagerly awaits more orders and spends his weekdays working to save up extra cash. He spends the weekends and as much time as possible on Lake Martin doing what else but… fishing. For more information Griffith can be contacted by Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/cody. griffith.5209.
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
B6 May 27, 2020
OHS Class of 2020
Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer
HANDBOOK>> FROM B5 and Vargo, manager of research and community science at the Urban Ecology Center in Milwaukee. Rather than using the terms “scientists” and “non-scientists,” Vargo said he refers to the two categories as professional scientists and community scientists because, “in the end, we are all contributing to science. “Citizen science provides collaborative opportunities between the two groups, as each group brings particular talents and support,” Vargo said. “The very first scientists were citizen scientists,
and then we created the university system where most professional scientists became trained. But outside the auspices of the ivory tower, people have been contributing so much to our understanding of how the world works.” He cited the names of some familiar pioneering “citizen scientists,” including Charles Darwin, Thomas Jefferson and Increase Lapham. “Professional scientists bring a strong and important skill set, and community scientists bring a strong—usually different, but equally important—skillset to projects,” Vargo said. In the handbook, the editors aim to tear down
some long-standing myths: that only professional scientists can engage in scientific research; that community involvement decreases the integrity of science; and that science is outside the grasp of the community, Boyle said. “We worked hard to bring together a group of citizen science practitioners with many decades of experience in the full diversity of citizen science projects in conservation and ecology that vary in scale, geography, duration, organizational support and level of volunteer involvement,” Boyle said. “I hope the handbook not only inspires new
citizen science projects on under-studied species or in under-surveyed areas, but that it can also provide fresh ideas and approaches for existing projects. Citizen science is crucial for scientists’ understanding of the natural world. And for citizen scientists, it’s just plain fun.” The handbook draws from the experience of professional scientists from universities, government agencies and non-governmental organizations to present a set of best practices and important processes to consider when starting or strengthening citizen science projects. Citizen science expert
Rebecca Christoffel, sole proprietor of Christoffel Conservation, said the volume is an important addition to the literature in the field, not only for scientists who are developing citizen sciences projects, but also for the individuals involved in those projects. “It really lays out the nuts and bolts of designing, implementing and assessing a citizen science program,” Christoffel said, who plans to use the book in a class she is developing for naturalists involved in citizen science. “Each chapter is authored by individuals who have expertise in the topic discussed.” Dean Janaki Alavalapati of Auburn’s
School of Forestry and Wildlife Sciences applauded the efforts of Lepczyk and his team. “Citizen science projects have always been valuable and are becoming more and more common,” Alavalapati said. “With the publication of this handbook, Dr. Lepczyk and his co-editors have provided a much-needed, comprehensive guide for both professional scientists and the citizen scientists who contribute so much to research.” Handbook of Citizen Science in Ecology and Conservation is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Walmart and other retailers.
Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics
B7
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Inside the Statehouse Mike Hubbard conviction finally upheld
O
ver the last four years during my travels and speaking events around the state, the most-asked question posed to me has been, “Why in the world is Mike Hubbard not in jail?” It was four years ago in June 2016 that the speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives, Mike Hubbard, was convicted by a jury of his peers in Lee County on 12 counts of violating the State Ethics laws. The most inquiring and astonished groups have been Republican-laden clubs like Rotarians. They have been very indignant, vocally, about the imbalance of the criminal justice system towards white collar political criminals, as opposed to those who are general thieves and assailants. These comments were generally laced with indignation and skepticism that Hubbard would never serve a day in jail. Well, it looks like his day of reckoning may be coming near. He will eventually serve four years in an Alabama jail. Folks, that is not quite the ride that serving four years in a federal “country club” prison would be. In April, the Alabama Supreme Court finally gave a clarified verdict on the 2016 Hubbard conviction. The Alabama Supreme Court upheld six of the 12 verdicts
Steve Flowers handed down in Lee County. It reversed five others and remanded the case back to the Alabama Court of Criminal Appeals, which had previously reversed one of the convictions. Chief Justice Tom Parker wrote in the majority opinion, “We must interpret and apply the law. And, every person accused of breaking the law – even one who had a hand in creating that law – is entitled to the same rules of legal interpretation. When charged with a crime, public officials must be treated no better – and no worse – than other citizens in this State where all are guaranteed equal justice under the law.” Hubbard may find further routes of delay; however, he will go to jail. This ends an era of corruption inherent during the Bob Riley era as governor. Hubbard and Riley were well known to be best friends. There were numerous taped conversations between Riley and Hubbard used by prosecutors during the trial. During that reign, it appeared that
it was open season on lobbyists in pay to play scenarios. Part of the team was the BCA backroom power player, Bill Canary. This Hubbard/Riley/ Canary triumvirate is forever gone from Goat Hill. There is still a lingering perception that Bob Riley is still calling shots from the sidelines of today’s political campaigns and world. Folks, that is a misnomer. As a lobbyist, Riley is able to get some campaign money for certain candidates from his friends and benefactors, the Indian gambling interests. However, his inf luence in state politics is insignificant. He is not the power behind the throne that is sometimes perceived. There were whispers that he had inf luence and even control over the State Supreme Court. This Hubbard decision dispels that myth. As unsavory as Canary had become, the breath of fresh air brought to the Business Council of Alabama by Katie Britt is significant to say the least, if not monumental. Britt, the young, vibrant CEO of the Business Council, exudes not only energy but vast integrity and openness. She is twice as smart as most people on the block and ten times more honest and upfront with folks. She projects an image See FLOWERS, page B8
Open Interviews
Every Thursday at Auburn location 3pm-5pm Hiring for all positions and all locations Apply in house or online at niffersplace.com
City of Opelika holds virtual Memorial Day Ceremony By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter
The City of Opelika held a virtual Memorial Day Ceremony on Monday honoring the lives of those who have died fighting for our freedom. The program opened with a slideshow presentation of photos from previous Memorial Day events and of those like Ike Dorsey, Captain Chris Wallace and more that fought and died in America’s wars and conflicts. Following the slideshow, Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller and his wife Laura welcomed viewers to the event with the following statement. “We understand this is quite a bit different from what we have done in the past years,
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer but with COVID-19, this is the best way we could join together to honor the men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our great country. Thank you for being here and I hope you
enjoy the 2020 virtual Memorial Service.” “God Bless America,” Laura added. Senior Pastor of First United Methodist, Robin See MEMORIAL, page B8
Gov. Kay Ivey issues new ‘Safer at Home’ guidelines Special to the Opelika Observer
Gov. Kay Ivey issued an amended ‘Safer at Home’ Order today to be applied statewide. The order which includes an expanded list of items to reopen will be effective May 22, 2020 at 5 p.m. and will expire on July 3, 2020 at 5 p.m. New Updates: - Entertainment Venues (such as arcades, theaters, bowling alleys) can open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines - Athletic Activities are open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines - Educational Institutions are open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines - Child Day Care Facilities are open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines Summer Camp remains open with rules and guidelines available What’s staying the same: - Individuals are encouraged to stay home and follow good sanitation practices - Employers Businesses may open subject to sanitation and social-distancing guidelines
Kay Ivey - Retail Stores - All retail stores open subject to 50% occupancy rate, social-distancing and sanitation rules - Medical Procedures are allowed unless prohibited in the future by the State Health Officer to preserve resources necessary to diagnose and treat COVID-19; providers must follow COVID-19-related rules and guidance from state regulatory boards or public health authorities - Senior Citizens Centers - Regular programming still suspended except meals still available through curbside pick-up or delivery
- Hospitals and Nursing Homes to must still implement policies to restrict visitation - Non-work gatherings are still required to maintain 6 feet of distance between persons not from same household - Restaurants, Bars and Breweries may open with limited table seating, 6 feet between tables and subject to additional sanitation rules and aguidelines - Athletic facilities may open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines See IVEY, page B8
B8 May 27, 2020
MEMORIAL >> FROM B7 Wilson led viewers in prayer. “We thank you Almighty God, this day for all our brothers and sisters who have served this country so well and who have given of themselves the ultimate sacrifice... they have laid down their lives so that we might enjoy every freedom of this nation.” The ceremony included performances by De De Jackson who sang “America the Beautiful,” while accompanied on piano by Altwone Littelton. Local musician and song writer Dallas Dorsey, performed “Go Rest High on that Mountain,”
FLOWERS >> FROM B7 that makes business folks in Alabama proud to be a part of government in our state. Britt revealed brilliant leadership, recently, when she initiated and orchestrated a BCA telethon on Alabama Public Television. They had volunteer lawyers, accountants and other experts on the phone answering questions about how to apply for federal programs in the wake of the
which was written by American country music artist Vince Gill in 1994. Jody Fuller, comic, speaker, writer and soldier who completed three tours of duty in Iraq, led the ceremony as the main speaker. “Memorial Day is to remember and honor those men and women who died while serving in the military,” said Jody. Jody honored the lives of those who he knew personally, along with all the courageous men and women through the years who fought and continue to fight for our freedom. Jody included a moment to honor Medal of Honor Recipient, Major Bennie G. Adkins who recently died after battling COVID-19. “Bennie
was an amazing, amazing, amazing man,” Jody stated. “I hope you have a wonderful Memorial Day and take a second to remember those who continue to fight to make this nation the greatest on Earth.” Ella Kate and Maxwell Battles, the children of Opelika’s Municipal Area Supervisor Matthew Battles shared poems that encouraged others to remember the purpose of Memorial Day and honor the lives of those who have fought for our country. The ceremony was 25 minutes long and is available to view on the Opelika City Government YouTube Channel https:// www.youtube.com/ watch?v=M7G59wMjvJw.
COVID-19 crisis. The governor, lieutenant governor and attorney general appeared as guests on the show with Britt. Also appearing was the legendary leader of the National Federation of Small Businesses in the state, Rosemary Elebash, who has been a brilliant, hard-working leader for Alabama’s small business owners for decades. See you next week. “Inside the Statehouse with Steve Flowers” is Alabama’s leading political column.
It is published weekly in more than 60 Alabama newspapers and has a circulation of over 360,000 subscribers. Having served 16 years in the Alabama State Legislature, Steve brings a unique perspective to Alabama politics. Steve Flowers is Alabama’s leading political columnist. His weekly column appears in over 60 Alabama newspapers. He served 16 years in the state legislature. Steve may be reached at www. stevef lowers.us.
Located in Historic Downtown Opelika
334-745-4618
IVEY >> FROM B7 Close-contact Service Providers - Closecontact service providers (such as barber shops, hair salons, nail salons, tattoo services) may open subject to social-distancing and sanitation rules and guidelines - Beaches are open with no limit on gatherings. Must maintain six feet of separation. Supplemental State of Emergency related to evictions Last Thursday, Gov. Kay Ivey issued a supplemental State of Emergency related to evictions. The new supplemental order can be found on the website https://governor.alabama.gov/ newsroom/2020/05/ tenth-supplemental-state-of-emergency-coronavirus-covid-19/ and reads as follows: WHEREAS, on March 13, 2020, I declared the existence of a state public health emergency based on the appearance of the 2019 novel coronavirus known as COVID-19 in the State of Alabama; WHEREAS that initial proclamation included provisions designed to assist in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and in mitigating the consequences of COVID-19; WHEREAS, on March 18, 20, 23, and
26, April 2, 3 and 13, and May 8, of 2020, I issued supplemental proclamations to further address the occurrence of COVID-19 in the State of Alabama; and WHEREAS new implications of COVID-19 come to light on a continual basis, requiring flexibility and adaptability by all levels of government within the State of Alabama; NOW THERE FORE, I, Kay Ivey, Governor of the State of Alabama, pursuant to the relevant provisions of the Alabama Emergency Management Act of 1955, as amended, Ala. Code 31-9-1, et. seq., do hereby proclaim the existence of conditions that warrant the implementation of additional extraordinary measures and relief during the state public health emergency now in effect to order to guard public health and protect human life. I therefore proclaim and direct all of the following: I. Protection Against Evictions Because the “Stay At Home” Order issued by the State Health Officer on April 3, 2020, ordered people to remain at their place of residence, I issued a supplemental emergency proclamation on April 3, 2020, that provided protection from residential evictions and foreclosures. Specifically, Section I of that proclamation
prohibited state, county, and local law enforcement officers from enforcing “any order that would result in the displacement of a person from his or her place of residence.” On May 8, 2020, I amended my April 3, 2020, proclamation to allow residential evictions and foreclosures where tenants or homeowners were breaking the law or endangering their neighbors. Specifically, I limited the protection against evictions and foreclosures to those “related to the nonpayment of [a person’s] lease, mortgage, or other payment obligation.” I now find that the State Health Officer’s current “Safer At Home” order allows the citizens of Alabama to return to work and therefore earn income to satisfy their rental and mortgage payment obligations. Accordingly, the protections against eviction found in Section I of my April 3, 2020, proclamation and Section III of my May 8, 2020, proclamation will expire at 12:00 a.m. on June 1, 2020. FURTHER, to the extent a provision in this supplemental proclamation conflicts with any provision of state law, that law is hereby suspended for the duration of this state of emergency, and this proclamation shall control.
B9 May 27, 2020
PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA HARDWOOD, LLC, Plaintiff, V. A Parcel of Real Property described as: Lot 11 Block 216 of Totten’s Official Real Estate Map of The City of Opelika, Alabama according to and as shown by that certain map or Plat of record in Town Plat Book 2, at page 9, in the Office of The Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, Defendant. CASE NO. CV-2020900166 NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence. You are hereby notified that on the 31st day of March, 2020, a complaint to quiet title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Hardwood, LLC, as Plaintiff; A Parcel of Real Property, described below, as Defendant; and unknown heirs of Mary Charles Mathews, who cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described as follows: Commence at the Northwest corner of Section 35, Township 18 North, Range 29 East, and run North 86 degrees 57 minutes East for 655.45 feet; thence South 03 degrees 09 minutes East for 1301.82 feet to the Southern margin of McBride Road; thence 101.42 feet Southwesterly along a curve the radius of which is 1874.49 feet; thence South 03 degrees 37 minutes West for 79.38 feet; thence South 14 degrees 58 minutes East for 123.41 feet; thence South 16 degrees 25 minutes West for 86.86 feet; thence South 03 degrees 24 minutes West for 161.06 feet to the point of beginning; from said point of beginning run North 53 degrees 10 minutes East for 174.24 feet thence South 36 degrees 50 minutes East for 175.0 feet; thence South 53 degrees 10 minutes West for 174.24 feet; thence North 36 degrees 50 minutes East for 175.0 feet; to the point of Beginning. Compromising of 0.70 acres, more or less. All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond
to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint. Done this the 20th day of May, 2020. /s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Of Counsel, Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 324 East Magnolia Avenue Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 05/27/20, 06/03/20, 06/10/20, 06/17/20 ------------CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, AL FAMILY COURT DIVISION: JUVENILE IN THE MATTER OF: L.I.B & A.Z.R. - minor children JU-2017-239.02/238.02 NOTICE TO: Carl Edward Bailey, Jr., father of L.I.B. born 03/10/2010 and Jarrod Devon Reed, father of A.Z.R. born 09/04/2008both children born in Carroll Co, GA at Tanner Health Systems, Villa Rica to Jillian C. Bailey aka Jillian C. Calhoun. Custody of the minor children L.I.B. & A.Z.R. was vested with Lee County DHR on 1/22/2020. Carl Edward Bailey, Jr. and Jarrod Devon Reed must answer the Petition to Terminate Parental Rights filed in the Family Court of Lee Co, AL by Lee Co DHR, within fourteen (14) days from the last date of publication of this notice, or a final judgment may be rendered in Case # JU-2017-239.02/238.02 in the Family Court of Lee Co, AL terminating your parental rights and possibly result in placing said children for adoption. Additional notice is given to any other possible unknown fathers of the minor children. Mary Roberson, CIRCUIT CLERK Lee County Justice Center 2311 Gateway Dr. Opelika, AL 36801 Hon. Margaret A. Mayfield Attorney for Lee County DHR P.O. Box 809 Opelika, AL 36803 (334) 745-0333 Legal Run 05/06/20, 05/13/20, 05/20/20, 05/27/2020 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
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CASE NO.: 2020-152 & 2020-153 PUBLICATION NOTICE TO: Any Potential unknown fathers, address unknown. Please take notice that a petition for adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, AL by David Willie Kelley and Ashley Lee Kelley on 4/29/2020, for the adoption of O.L.B born on 11/20/2011 in Panama City, Florida to Crystal Lynn Bell and J.M.B. born on 4/24/2015 in Panama City, FL to Crystal Lynn Bell. A hearing has been set for the 21st day of July, 2020 at 11 o’clock a.m. Central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, AL 36801. Should you intend to contest this adoption you must file a written response with the attorney for the petitioner, Hon. Margaret Mayfield, P.O. Box 809, Opelika, AL 36803 and with the Clerk of the Probate Court of Lee County, AL as soon as possible but no later than thirty (30) days from the last day this notice is published, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition. Dated on this the 5th day of May, 2020. HON. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Legal Run 5/13/20, 5/20/20, 5/27/20 & 06/03/2020 ------------IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF HERSCHEL LEE SAXON CASE NO:2020-105 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration having been granted to Leigh Ann Edmonds, as Administratrix of the Estate of Herschel Lee Saxon, deceased, on or about the 7th day of May, 2020, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Leigh Ann Edmonds, Administratrix of the Estate of Herschel Lee Saxon, deceased BLAKE L. OLIVER Attorney for Petitioner Adams White & Oliver, LLP P. O. Box 2069 Opelika, AL 36803-2069 (334) 745-6466 Legal Run 05/13/20, 05/20/20 & 05/27/20 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MAE T. ABRAMS, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 13th day of May, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BRENDA BUMBY Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford
& Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 05/20/20, 05/27/20 & 06/03/20 ------------NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF LILLIE MAE AVERY COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 13th day of May, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness my hand, and dated this the 13th day of May, 2020. ROGER LEE BUTLER Legal Run 05/20/20, 05/27/20 & 06/03/20 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF EDWARD LEON WHITMAN, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE
COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO. 2020-140 NOTICE OF PROBATE OF WILL Notice is hereby given to Floyd Whitman, whose whereabouts is unknown and to any and all heirs of Edward Leon Whitman who passed away on March 1, 2020 that a petition to probate the last will and testament of Edward Leon Whitman has been filed in the probate court of Lee County, Alabama and that Kathleen Whitman has requested court to appoint her as personal representative of said estate. Said petition will be heard on the 28 day of July, 2020 at 10 a.m. Any heir who wishes to contest such will or the appointment much appear on said date. Legal Run 05/20/20, 05/27/20, 06/03/20, 06/10/20 ------------IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF GARY EDWARD MCCONNELL, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA
TO: DANITA CARROLL HARRELLSON & HEATHER NICHOL MCCONNELL NOTICE: On the 20th day of February, 2020, came CYNTHIA P. MCCONNELL, Administrator of the Estate of Gary Edward McConnell, deceased, and filed with the Court that certain Administrator’s Petition for Consent Settlement (the “Petition”). Pursuant to that certain Order Setting Day for Hearing filed in my office and signed by me on February 27, 2020, a hearing on said Petition is set for June 23, 2020 at 9:00 o’clock a.m. CST, at which time you can appear and contest the same, if you see proper. Given under my hand, the 14th day of May, 2020. BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE N. Riley Murphy, Attorney Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 05/20/20, 05/27/20 & 06/03/20
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B10 May 27, 2020
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B11 May 27, 2020
Federal Railroad Administration publishes railroads’ First Quarter 2020 Reports Special to the Opelika Observer
The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Railroad Administration (FRA) released a quarterly status Friday as an update on railroads’ self-reported progress, as of March 31, toward fully implementing positive train control (PTC) systems by Dec. 31 as required by Congress. Based on railroads’ First Quarter 2020 PTC Progress Reports and current PTC Implementation Plans, nearly all railroads subject to the statutory mandate are operating their systems in revenue service or in advanced field testing, known as revenue service demonstration (RSD), with PTC technology remaining to be activated on only approximately 1,100 required route miles.
“We continue to work directly with all ‘to be complaint’ railroads — providing technical support and guidance as requested — to enable them to satisfactorily meet the Congressional deadline,” said FRA Administrator Ronald L. Batory. “I’m pleased with the growing number of railroads that have reached critical milestones, and continue to encourage all of them to help each other overcome any remaining challenges from their respective lessons learned.” As of March 31, PTC systems were in RSD or in operation on 56,541 route miles — 98% of the nearly 58,000 route miles subject to the mandate. Specifically, at the end of the first quarter of 2020, PTC systems were governing operations on all PTC-mandated main lines owned or controlled
by Class I freight railroads and other freight host railroads subject to the mandate. While most commuter railroads’ PTC systems are in RSD on their entire mandated networks, work remains as 63.2% of all commuter railroads’ cumulative required route miles were PTCgoverned as of March 31st, an 8.5% increase since last quarter. In addition, interoperability has reportedly been achieved in 48.5% of the 229 applicable, host-tenant railroad relationships as of March 31, a 10% increase since the fourth quarter of 2019. Recognizing that 33 weeks remain until the final implementation deadline set forth by Congress, FRA continues to direct additional staff resources to railroads at risk of not fully implementing an FRAcertified and interoperable PTC system on their required main lines by December 31. To evaluate the risk of noncompliance, FRA is primarily considering the following factors:
(1) the percentage of mandated route miles currently governed by a PTC system, including RSD; (2) any unresolved technical issue in implementing a compliant PTC system; (3) the percentage of a host railroad’s tenant railroads that have achieved required interoperability and (4) a host railroad’s expected date to submit its PTC Safety Plan to FRA, necessary to obtain PTC System Certification. Based on railroads’ self-reported progress on these factors as of March 31, FRA currently considers the following four host railroads at risk of not fully implementing a PTC system on all required main lines by Dec. 31: New Jersey Transit, TEXRail, Northeast Illinois Regional Commuter Railroad Corporation (Metra) and New Mexico Rail Runner Express (Rio Metro). “We strongly urge the collaborating railroads to work in a safe, focused and aggressive manner to meet this end-ofyear deadline,” Batory said.
“FRA has provided nearly $2.6 billion in grants and loans and thousands of hours of technical assistance to help railroads fully implement PTC systems.” FRA remains fully committed to facilitating railroad efforts to complete all remaining work. In addition, FRA is encouraging state departments of transportation and governors to help any at-risk commuter railroad within their states to ensure they have sufficient technical resources and support to meet the end-of-year deadline. To view detailed infographics depicting railroads’ progress toward fully implementing PTC systems as of March 31, please visit https:// www.fra.dot.gov/ptc. To view the public version of each railroad’s Quarterly PTC Progress Report (Form FRA F 6180.165, OMB Control No. 2130-0553) for Quarter 1 of 2020, visit https://railroads.dot. gov/train-control/ptc/ptc-annual-and-quarterly-reports.
B12 May 27, 2020
ADEM receives EPA grant to ‘help keep our waters clean’ from trash
Special to the Opelika Observer
The Alabama Department of Environmental Management recently received a $500,000 competitive grant from the U.S Environmental Protection Agency as part of ADEM’s efforts to keep trash out of Alabama’s waterways and from entering the Gulf of Mexico. ADEM’s “Help Keep Our Waters Clean” litter abatement project was one of 17 recipients of EPA’s 2020 Trash Free Waters grants in the Southeastern United States. “ADEM has a long history of fostering good stewardship of
the Gulf’s vast natural resources,” said ADEM Director Lance LeFleur. “This grant will help the Department preserve, enhance and develop the area’s resources for present and future generations of Alabamians.” The “Help Keep Our Waters Clean” project is designed to promote awareness about watersheds and reduce nonpoint source pollution entering waterways that drain to the Gulf of Mexico. A goal of the project is to engage the community in the fight against litter through education and outreach that encourage the use of voluntary and sustainable best practices.
“We want to inspire and empower citizens through their voluntary actions to help prevent litter from even reaching our waterways,” LeFleur said. “This project will both educate them about the importance of our rivers, streams and other bodies of water, and create opportunities for them to actually get involved in efforts to prevent and collect litter.” Perhaps the most visible aspects of the “Help Keep Our Waters Clean” project are signs being placed along interstates in Alabama to inform motorists they are entering a watershed and encourage them not to litter, as well as
Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer colorful metal sculptures of water life – such as fish, turtles and water birds – that will mark litter collection sites at rest areas and other strategic locations. An important component of the project is education. ADEM will reach out to disadvantaged and other communities to promote anti-littering messages and to educate the public about the importance of good watershed health. The project will target specific locations and schools in its efforts. In addition to ADEM, the City of Mobile and the Freshwater Land Trust also received EPA competitive grants. “The EPA has over 50 partnership projects across the country as part of our Trash Free Waters Program, which
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focuses on preventing trash from reaching waterways in the first place,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler. “These 17 recipients will target the Gulf of Mexico Region for clean-up, trash prevention and education. Preventing trash from entering the waterways will have an immediate impact on the Gulf’s ecosystem.” “Staying on the front lines of environmental protection requires ingenuity and proactive practices. Investing in efforts to eliminate trash from entering waterways is critical for the protection of our streams, rivers, lakes and oceans and essential for healthy drinking water. From a healthy ecosystem, to an economic boom, to flood
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protection, the benefits of trash-free waters are endless,” added EPA Region 4 Administrator Mary S. Walker. According to the EPA, common trash from consumer goods makes up the majority of what eventually becomes marine debris, polluting our waterways and oceans. Plastics in the aquatic environment are of increasing concern because of their persistence and effect on the environment, wildlife and human health. About 80% of plastics come from land-based sources carried by both wind and water. ADEM Director LeFleur said the “Help Keep Our Waters Clean” project will be a continuing effort of the state’s environmental watchdog agency. “This isn’t a onetime deal. We want to promote long-term, sustainable, voluntary practices to reduce this form of pollution, which fouls Alabama waterways, spoils nature’s beauty and harms aquatic life. This grant helps jump-start those efforts.” For more information about the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, go to www.adem.alabama.gov. For more information about EPA’s Trash Free Waters program, visit www.epa.gov/ trash-free-waters.