Opelika Observer 01-01-2020 E-edition

Happy pelika Observer O New Year Wednesday, Jan. 01, 2020

Vol. 12, No. 13

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

2019: A Year in Review By Opelika Observer Staff

While 2019 had its fair share of memorable moments, the Auburn-Opelika area and entirety of Lee County experienced unexplainable, incalculable loss. It began with the attempted murder of Auburn Police Department Officer Justin Sanders, who fortunately survived his injuries. Then, the March 3 tornadoes that claimed the lives of 23 individuals in Beauregard and wrecked the lives of countless others there and in Smiths Station, a death toll so high that the President of the United States felt compelled to come comfort those whom it affected most and tour the damage. In May, we experienced

another act of violence against our local law enforcement when three Auburn Police officers were shot, claiming the

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

life of William Buechner and leaving the others injured. Just days later, the

Opelika native Gene Manning retiring after more than 40 years as a first responder

longtime voice of Auburn Athletics Rod Bramblett and wife Paula lost their

lives when struck by a 16-year-old driver on Shug Jordan Parkway.

The cities of Opelika and New Orleans joined in mourning in August when beloved journalist Nancy Parker Boyd, daughter of Bill and Patsy Parker, lost her life in a deadly plane crash while on assignment. O.D. Alsobrook, known across the city for his involvement with the Opelika City School Board and Opelika Chamber of Commerce, passed away unexpectedly in late September. This fall, East Alabama Medical Center's Emergency Department Director Sharon Gess and her brother William Gess Jr. were the victims of a double homicide, allegedly at the hands of their brother Aaron. Days later, Southern See 2019, page A3

Four Corners Ministries takes first place in ‘Holiday Decorating Contest’ hosted by Opelika Main Street

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor At the conclusion of his shift on Dec. 4, Opelika native Gene

Manning remembers the walk to his truck being longer than normal, with the gravity of that moment weighing heavily on his mind.

“It was an emotional moment. I knew that that was the last time I was leaving to go home

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

See Manning, page A3

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 RELIGION..............................A11 CALENDAR..................................A12

COMICS.....................................A14 SPORTS..................................B1 POLITICS...................................B3 PUBLIC NOTICES............................B4

See Awards, page A5

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A2 Jan. 01, 2020

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Opelika Police Department, anonymous donor surprises shoppers with Christmas cash

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Once again, an anonymous business owner helped spread Christmas cheer by helping others thru the Opelika Police Department the day before Christmas Eve. On Dec. 23, Opelika Police Department Sgt. Robert Bugg was tasked with locating three unsuspecting shoppers with some Christmas cash inside a card. While sitting in the parking lot at one of the local businesses, a lady and her child came out of the store rushing to their car to get out of the rain. As she was buckling up her 3-year-old son in his car seat, Sergeant Bugg walked up and greeted them. He explained it was a card with something inside for Christmas. Quintera Roby was speechless and as she opened the envelope, her expression was one of amazement. She was so thankful and asked to hug him. At the next location, a woman wearing a Christmas hat and sweater and got out of her car. Bugg greeted her and gave her a Christmas card. Once again, after opening the envelope, hugs between all were exchanged. Polly Frederick was so thankful for the money and thanked Bugg for the job he does. Bugg moved on to a third and final location where he saw a lady with two children coming out of the store. He parked his patrol car and walked over to the lady as she was unloading her cart. Tiffany Duffee said it could not have come at a better time and she had a face of amazement with the unexpected gift. Duffee was with her children, Emmaleigh, age 9 and Cadyn, age 11. As Sergeant Bugg was walking back to his unit after delivering the last envelope, he said they really needed the money and that he was glad to help each one with this gift.

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Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Phone: 334.749.8003 editor@opelikaobserver.com Sports Writers: Rick Lanier and Michelle@opelikaobserver.com D. Mark Mitchell

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w w w. o p e l i k a o b s e r v e r . c o m 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801 Copyright 2009. All right reserved. Opelika Observer is published weekly by Opelika Observer, 216 S 8th St. Opelika, AL 36801. Periodicals postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS #025104 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801

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

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Samaritan’s Purse gave keys to Beauregard resident Earnestine Reese before Christmas Special to the Opelika Observer Despite losing everything in the deadly March 3 tornadoes, Beauregard resident Earnestine Reese thanked God. Her story made national headlines when the only room left standing was her prayer closet. Nine months later, Reese is again thanking God, this time for her new home rebuilt by Samaritan’s Purse. On Friday, the North Carolina-based organization will hand over the keys, welcoming her home for Christmas. Reese’s new home contains three bedrooms,

2019, from A1 Union student Aniah Blanchard went missing, the beginning of a monthlong search that captivated the hearts and sympathy of an entire nation. Tragically, her remains were found in a remote area of Macon County right before Thanksgiving. Longtime Auburn High School athletic director and "The Drive" co-host Chuck Furlow died unexpectedly in November, a voice that will forever be missed on the local air waves. Inspite of all these sad circumstances and loss, our community has shown its resiliency, a strength that the surrounding area and country can only describe as being "Lee County Strong." Following is a recap of the news found in the Observer in 2019: Jan. 9 - Opelika High School's Spirit of the South Band performs during the halftime show of the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl Jan. 23 - Opelika City

Manning, from A1 after a shift ... my career is over,” Gene said. Gene, who has worked the last 16 years as the lead paramedic for East Alabama Medical Center’s Emergency Medical Services and most recently as the lead paramedic at Station 1 located behind the hospital, will officially retire on Jan. 1. This marks the end of a more than 40-year career as a first responder. Gene grew up in the Opelika City School system, eventually making a name for himself on the gridiron even though he was constantly under the shadow of his older brother Tim, who was once a star running back for the Bulldogs. After high school, Gene began working at Leshner Mills and got married to his wife of 44 years, Sandra. During his tenure at the mill, he

two bathrooms, a safe room with concrete, steelreinforced walls, but most importantly—a prayer closet. “When Ms. Reese lost everything, she thanked God,” said Franklin Graham, president of Samaritan’s Purse. “As soon as I heard her story, I knew we had to help. Samaritan’s Purse is excited to welcome Ms. Reese home just in time for Christmas.” Samaritan’s Purse responded to the violent tornadoes in March with disaster response specialists, heavy equipment and teams of volunteers. More than 1,400 volunteers helped 110 families by

clearing debris, tarping roofs and searching for personal belongings. In addition to rebuilding Reese’s home, Samaritan’s Purse replaced 13 manufactured homes and installed 11 storm shelters in Lee County. About Samaritan’s Purse: Based in Boone, North Carolina, Samaritan’s Purse responds to physical and spiritual needs of individuals in crisis situations–especially in locations where few others are working. Led by President and CEO Franklin Graham, Samaritan’s Purse works in more than 100 countries to provide aid to victims of

Council votes to rename bridge on 2nd Avenue in honor of Sharron Robinson Fuller, J. and Ginger Stern discuss plans to create art creation and education destination called the Art Haus near downtown Opelika Jan. 30 - His Place announced their move from the location on 2nd Avenue that it had previously occupied for nearly three decades Feb. 20 and 27 - Shooting of Auburn Police Department Officer Justin Sanders and listings of fundraising efforts to cover medical expenses, Opelika Middle School students win State Quiz Bowl title, go on to win at national competition in Orlando March 6 - Cakeitecture opens new shop in downtown Opelika, coverage of March 3 tornadoes, damage, survivor stories, visit to Beauregard by President Donald Trump and wife Melania, reconstruction, home dedications in Beauregard and Smiths Station April 24 - Renaming ceremony of the Lee County Meeting Center to Bennie Adkins Meeting Center in honor of Opelika starred as an extra during the filming of Norma Rae, even appearing by himself in a scene with the film’s protagonist, portrayed by Sally Field. One day, Sandra called Gene during a lunch break from her job at Opelika City Hall to inform him of multiple job openings within the city’s fire department. With no prior interest or first-responder experience, he said he decided to take a chance and apply. Gene was officially hired by OFD on June 26, 1978. Days later, he reported for fire-training school, the beginning of a nearly four-monthlong process. Assigned to what was then-Station 3 on 8th Avenue, Gene said that the station was manned by himself, apparatus operator and a newly commissioned lieutenant that was out to make a name for himself. He recalled that “days were normally pretty slow then” and that they

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

war, disease, disaster, pov-

erty, famine and persecution. For more information,

visit SamaritansPurse.org.

native and Ret. Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins May 8 - Inaugural "Opelika Giving Day" that raised thousands of dollars for local communityminded organizations May 22 - Three Auburn Police Department officers shot, William Buechner ultimately loses life, Observer receives 11 awards in the Alabama Press Association's "Better Newspaper Contest," including first place for “Most Improved” and second place in the General Excellence category May 29 - Ribboncutting ceremony for Lee County Courthouse Annex, tribute to Rod and Paula Bramblett following their untimely passing four days prior June 5 - Dorris Signs relocates to Ermine Avenue from downtown Opelika after 67 years, Richard Brown Sr. retires after 47 years as principal of Beauregard High School June 12 - Ken Ward hired as the new director of Opelika Main Street June 26 - Hanwha, West Fraser announce major expansions of their Opelikabased facilities valued at

hundreds of millions of dollars July 10 - City of Smiths Station celebrates grand opening of Historic Jones Store Museum, Tyeshia Hart opens "Royal House of Klass" dance studio to celebrate life of daughter Mykala who passed away during March 3 tornadoes July 17 - Longtime Auburn establishment DaySpring, relocates to downtown Opelika under new ownership; Richard Brown Jr. becomes next principal at Beauregard High School July 24 - Local radio personality and Observer columnist D. Mark Mitchell receives "Making a Difference Award" from the AHSAA Aug. 14 - Andy Burcham announced as the new "Voice of the Auburn Tigers" to fill the void left with Rod Bramblett’s passing Aug. 21 - Opelika native and New Orleans television anchor Nancy Parker Boyd dies in traguc plane crash Sept. 4 - Opelika SportsPlex celebrates 10-year anniversary, opens new pickleball facility to

the public Sept. 11 - Opelika Main Street holds screening of Norma Rae at Courthouse Square to commemorate the film's 40th anniversary, holds Q&A with cast members, extras who participated in filming Sept. 18 - Opelika native and businessman Richard Patton receives Main Street Hero Award Sept. 25 - Flower's Bakery announces that their Opelika plant will close in December after nearly a century in operation, former Opelika Chamber of Commerce chairman and Opelika City School board member O.D. Alsobrook passes away unexpectedly Oct. 2 - One Voice Shelter Coalition opens local temporary shelter for displaced women Oct. 9 - BigHouse Foundation receives $25,000 grant from State Farm Oct. 16 - New business park under construction along Hi Pack Drive Oct. 23 - EAMC's Sharon Gess and brother William are victims of double homicide, Opelika Police Department officers receive historic pay raises Nov. 13 - Historic Ward

Funeral Home demolished Nov. 20 - "Alabama's Favorite Weatherman" James Spann holds booksigning at Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library Nov. 27 - Longtime Auburn High School Athletic Director and "The Drive" co-host Chuck Furlow passes away unexpectedly Dec. 4 - More than 1,000 people attended the inaugural "Sno*pelika" event coordinated by the Opelika Chamber of Commerce and East Alabama Medical Center; look back on Auburn's stunning Iron Bowl victory and Opelika's heartbreaking state semifinal loss to Spanish Fort. Dec. 11 - Opelika’s Chuck Riddle was named as OFD’s Firefighter of the Year and Longest Table event held on First Avenue Dec. 18 - Alabama celebrates its 200th Birthday We thank you all for your support this past year. We look forward to the opportunity to keep covering news of local pertinence and interest to our readers for years to come. Readers and subscribers can expect even bigger and better things from the Observer in 2020.

worked on perfecting the lawn surrounding the station. Hearing of openings for EMT training school, Gene “jumped at the chance” and enrolled. Less than a year later, in 1980, he had successfully completed two paramedic courses, completed his paramedic certification and was assigned to the previous Station 1 on Avenue B. Assigned to the Rescue 1 vehicle, Gene and his fellow firefighters and paramedics would respond to calls across Lee County except for Auburn, which operated autonomously. Later that year, he took on a part-time job with AAA Ambulance Services, which was owned and operated by Elbert Baker. That business was eventually absorbed by the East Alabama Medical Center in the mid-1980s and hired Gene and fellow Opelika and Auburn first responders to help operate the service.

Gene made ripples in the first responder community, being recognized as the “Paramedic of the Year” for the Southeast region of Alabama in 1984, and received letters of praise and admiration for his efforts. The following year, he made local and national headlines when he saved a young Opelika girl named Lindi Yates from drowning at Bama Park on Lake Martin. Eighteen years later, Gene retired from the OFD with the rank of captain. Following a brief departure from the ambulance service, Gene taught courses at Opelika’s Southern Union State Community College campus. He returned in 2003. Because of his age and eligibility for retirement, Gene said “now seemed like the right time to make that move.” Lee County Probate Judge Bill English, Opelika Fire Department’s

current Fire Chief Byron Prather and many other prominent individuals were among the many that Gene taught and impacted during his career. “Capt. Gene Manning served the citizens of Opelika as an Opelika firefighter. During his time at the Opelika Fire Department, Gene became a paramedic during the early years when E.M.S. was being introduced into the fire serve. Gene was considered one of the best paramedics in the Opelika Fire Department. He also began teaching E.M.T.’s at Southern Union Community College and has instructed hundreds of students and started their careers in EMS. Gene Manning rose to the rank of captain which he would eventually retire at. He has worked at the hospital for E.T.S. starting in the 1980s and now is retiring from there. We at the Opelika Fire Department wish him well and good health in

his retirement,” Prather said in a statement. Gene will continue working post-retirement as the chief deputy coroner under Lee County Coroner Bill Harris, longtime colleague and personal friend. Much of Gene’s time in retirement will be spent with his wife and family, which includes his two adult daughters Amie and Christal and their five combined children, all boys. He and Sandra are active members of Auburn’s Restoration Church. Looking back over the highs and lows of his career, Gene said he is able to come up with one main takeaway from the experience. “On the days that everything went right, I knew that that night’s sleep was going to be great. It never felt better,” Gene said. “This was an incredibly rewarding career ... and I’m glad I had the opportunity to help make a difference.”

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Important People

omewhere in South Alabama— Waffle House is packed. Families in every booth, truckers on every stool. I have been riding the interstate all morning. I find a seat at the counter. My waitress is young. She brings coffee before I even finish ordering it. A man sits next to me. He smells like the outdoors, and it’s been a few decades since he last shaved. His clothes are torn. His shoes are mismatched—one is gray, the other is black. I notice he is carrying a tent. It’s sitting beside his stool in a ratty cardboard box that reads: “Deluxe Two-Person Tent.” He’s eating eggs and grits, moving his mouth, singing along with the music overhead. Finally, he looks at me and smiles. He is missing teeth. “Don’t mind me,” he says. “I’m just singing.” He starts humming again. “Singing?” I say. “Yeah, it helps me figure things out, and I got things to figure out, man.”

By Sean Dietrich “What sorts of things?” “That’s my personal business.” Okay then. This signifies the end of our conversation. The waitress leans onto the bar and grins at him. He grins back. “You doin’ okay?” she asks. “Yeah,” he says. “Just got a lot to figure out.” “Maybe I can help,” she says. “Aw, you don’t wanna hear my problems.” “Well, maybe you wanna hear MY problems. I got a lot of’em.” He flashes a toothy smile. It’s an old-man smile. It ought to be trademarked. He says, “I would love to hear someone else’s problems for a change.” There is egg yolk all over his beard. She wipes it off his whiskers with a wet rag. Then, she tells him

all about her life. She talks about how she just started working as a pizza delivery girl in the evenings to supplement her income. She has two kids. Her landlord is raising her rent. Her neighborhood is unsafe, her credit is bad, she is tired, overworked, and she has a pile of dirty laundry at home big enough to clothe a village in Japan. And—big “and” here—she just found out she’s pregnant again. “Sometimes I get so worried,” she says “I can’t sleep. All I do is just worry.” There is a glassy look to the old man’s eyes. He touches her hand. “I learned something a long time ago, darlin’,” he says. “You just have to look at life and say to yourself, ‘Hell, I don’t know, man!’ And then you just keep walking, and you just keep singing, that’s all you can do.” She doesn’t know how to answer. Neither would I. In fact, I’m not sure I even understand what the old man is saySee Dietrich, page A6

Richard Jewell shows the harm of ‘fake news’; so how can we weed it out?

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n July 30, 1996, I went to the XXVI Summer Olympics in Atlanta, but not to watch great athletes compete. Nor was I there to enjoy the festivallike atmosphere. I was at Centennial Park, where four days earlier, a bomb killed two people and injured more than 100 others. I drove the 101 miles from Opelika for a more serious reason: To show that we as Americans will not be afraid when madmen or madwomen attack us. This column will deal with “fake news” and study how we can pluck out from the web, broadcast media, and print items that appear to be false. I will discuss how to separate spurious and deceitful items from honest ones. For a spell, I will use the Richard Jewell case as an example of “fake news” or dishonest

By Greg Markley communications that can brutally hurt the subject and his or her family. On July 30, 1996, readers all across town heard that Richard Jewell was said by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution to be a suspect in the bombing. Earlier, Jewell was considered a hero after locating the backpack that held the bomb. Jewell denied any role in the bombing and was cleared of wrongdoing 88 days later. In a recent film called Richard Jewell, the security guard’s lawyer tells him: “Your accusers are two of the most powerful forces in

the world--The United States government and the media.” In Jewell’s case, “fake news” elements included that he planted the bomb and went away from his assigned area to avoid the blast; that he and his best friend were gay and jointly did the bombing; and that since he had 7 or 8 rifles and guns he must be the bomber. When did owning a modest gun collection automatically mean someone is a danger to society? That’s silly. None of those assertions was true. They came about because of a leaked comment by a FBI agent to an aggressive reporter. And the Bureau never acknowledged if they had other suspects. The killer, Eric Rudolph, was not on the FBI’s radar until another bombing occurred. What happened to Jewell was a “media See Markley, page A6

Remembering Aunt Gertrude “ . . . chortling over genealogy anywhere is poppycock. Yet the man who professes to care nothing about his forebears is only a little less vain than he who bases all his actions on blood precedent.” - William Faulkner, Flags in the Dust

I

am not a genealogist. However, as a historian, I have found great value in the work that genealogists do.

My father was a genealogist. When he was a boy, a class assignment had him trace his lineage back as far as he could. Pretty soon he was wandering around cemeteries copying names and dates. Later he got into census records, and over the years, he filled up boxes with what he promised me that one day would be mine. Not content with his side of the family, he did the same for my

By Hardy Jackson

mother’s. Mama helped him in this undertaking, which doubled the boxes I inherited. Somewhere in the great beyond, I bet they are chortling. During the last few months, as time al-

lowed, I have been going through what they left and doing a little chortling of my own. For among the stuff, I am finding bits and pieces that bring back ancestors and make them more than names on a page. Inside an ancient Ram’s Horn Mild & Sweet snuff box I found the blond curls clipped in 1890, from my greatuncle George, whose vanity filled family lore. A photograph,

taken just before they brought out the scissors, shows him with shoulder length ringlets, carefully curled and coiffed. His face shows no trace of embarrassment at this. With him in the picture is his brother Walter, his hair short and straight, his expression suggesting that he would rather be outside playing. If they ever came to blows, I’d put my money on Uncle Walter.

Then I found a letter from Aunt Gertrude, my Grandma’s younger sister, and the serious chortling began. I was about 10, when Aunt Gertrude came to live with Grandma. I liked her. She made tea-cakes and read me Swiss Family Robinson. But what I remember most about Aunt Gertrude was the faint smell of whiskey that drifted out whenever See Jackson, page A6

Let’s make 2020 the year of the community

I

f you looked only at the big picture, you'd have to say we live in deeply troubled times. It seems we've never been more polarized. Political discourse feels more like a war zone than a thoughtful national conversation. But what happens when you zoom in closer? That's the question I ask myself as I reflect on the past year spent exploring dozens of small and midsized communities across America. I've talked with hundreds, maybe thousands, of mayors, chamber of commerce members, new entrepreneurs, business owners and citizens of all ages. I've sat down to great meals in downtown restaurants, listened to fabulous bands, and attended some of the world's coolest festivals. And what I've found is that the America one sees "up close and personal" bears little resemblance to the America one sees on the national news. I'm not saying we

don't have real problems. We do. But we have more bright spots than dark—more courtesy than incivility—and often that good news flies under the radar. I've always been a believer in shining a light on the positive until it overcomes the negative. Gratitude is more powerful than griping. And what I'm grateful for today, at the turn of the year, is America's communities. Real life doesn't happen nationally. It happens locally. And at the community level, I see people partnering with their neighbors to solve problems, working hard and playing hard, listening and compromising, and—quite often—making sacrifices for the good of others. Locally is where we're at our very best. It's where we can use our influence and our gifts to make our communities strong and to make life better for everyone. I view communities through a lens of revital-

ization because that's the work I do. As things have gotten more dysfunctional at the national level, the by-product is that people on the local level have kicked in. And, what I see is that citizens aren't counting on government to "save" them. They're doing the hard work of revitalization themselves. They're owning it. They're investing in their cities and towns. And they're starting new conversations: How can we make our community the best it can be? How can we reinvent ourselves, start and grow local businesses, and transform into a great place to work, live and play? This mindset has kicked in everywhere: big cities, small towns and communities of every shape and size. And no wonder. The chaos and uncertainty of the past few decades have made us crave personal connections with our friends and family. We want our children and grandchildren nearby

(with good jobs to keep them there). We want lively downtowns with great restaurants, funky stores, cool living spaces and plenty of fun things to do. And we're making it happen. In Thomas L. Friedman's book “Thank You for Being Late: An Optimist's Guide to Thriving in the Age of Accelerations,” he talks about how rapid accelerations in technology, globalization and Mother Nature are disrupting our lives and leaving people feeling destabilized. He says these forces are like a hurricane, one in which the winds of change are swirling so fast that families can't find a way to anchor themselves. Friedman makes the case that the only answer is building healthy communities, ones that are flexible enough to navigate this hurricane and provide stability for the citizens within them. He quotes the words from a ballad by Brandi Carlile,

"You can dance in a hurricane, but only if you're standing in the eye." Our communities are that eye. They provide a firm place to stand and find stability while all this change is swirling around us. My hope is that 2020 will be the “Year of the Community.” We can make it so. We can hold our families close. We can reach out to neighbors to connect with them, to help them, to engage them in the work of making things better. We can shop local. We can partner with government the right way. We can smooth the way for entrepreneurs. We can galvanize our small business communities to drive positive change and we can act as ambassadors for our communities so that others want to invest, live, work and play here too. Won't you join me? Celebrating all the good in our communities and working together to make them stronger, will make

for a 2020 that's even better than all the years that have come before. Quint Studer is author of Building a Vibrant Community: How Citizen-Powered Change Is Reshaping America and Wall Street Journal bestseller The Busy Leader's Handbook: How to Lead People and Places That Thrive. He is founder of Pensacola's Studer Community Institute, a nonprofit organization focused on improving the community's quality of life, and Vibrant Community Partners, which coaches communities in building out a blueprint for achieving growth and excellence. He is a businessman, a visionary, an entrepreneur, and a mentor to many. He currently serves as the Entrepreneur-in-Residence at the University of West Florida. For more information, please visit www. thebusyleadershandbook. com, www.vibrantcommunityblueprint.com, and www.studeri.org.

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Book highlighting beauty, stories of historic Auburn structures to be released on Jan. 15 Special to the Opelika Observer

Auburn is well known as a college town and as a historic Southern village in central Alabama. The architecture that presently constitutes Auburn's built environment deserves the same level of recognition. From structures on the campus of Auburn University to historic churches and other buildings across the town, Auburn's architectural record is worth celebrating and protecting. In "No Place Like Home: An Architectural Study of Auburn, Alabama," a companion volume to "Lost Auburn: A Village Remembered in Period Photographs," co-authors Delos

Hughes, Ralph Draughon Jr., Emily Sparrow and Ann Pearson highlight the buildings of Auburn that are distinguished by age, celebrated residents, distinctive design and historical importance. The architectural character of Old Auburn lives on in the enduring structures found throughout the city. Anchored by a strong sense of place, No Place Like Home will inspire readers to a greater appreciation of the shared past that connects everyone through historic homes and meeting places. "Many of the buildings discussed or talked about in the book are at risk for demolished or taken down. When I was growing up

here in Auburn ... you didn't see many two-story buildings, and definitely not three-story ones," Hughes said in an interview with the Observer about No Place Like Home. "The possibility of those being gone is what motivated us (book authors) to compile all this (information) together." Hughes is emeritus professor of politics at Washington and Lee University, and continues to research architectural history subjects. Draughon Jr. serves on the Alabama Historical Commission and the board of directors of the Alabama Trust for Historic Preservation. Sparrow was an instructor at Auburn University from 1996 to 2006 and

served as chairwoman of the city of Auburn's planning commission from 2010 to 2014. She is also a member of the Cemetery Preservation Alliance and the First White House Association. Pearson is thelongtime president of the Auburn Heritage Foundation. She led the successful effort to move the imperiled NunnWinston house to safety, and she directed the rescue from neglect of both the white and black cemeteries of early Auburn. Once released, the book will be available at most major and local book retailers, Amazon and www. newsouthbooks.com/noplacelikehome. Hard-cover copies are $32.95 each.

The Mint Julep Boutique is ‘mint for more’ Special to the Opelika Observer From Thanksgiving to Christmas, The Mint Julep Boutique has been actively giving back to the community and finding ways for all of their employees to get involved. During their Thanksgiving event, all employees put together boxes for Operation Christmas Child in order to provide 72 children in Burkina Faso, a land-locked country in West Africa, with toys, school supplies, and basic necessities. In early December, Mint employees, along with some of their families, went to Walmart and purchased $3,000 worth of toys that were taken to King Honda in Opelika for Toys for Tots. They also continued their annual tradition of allowing members of their leadership team and those that have worked more than 1,000 hours to choose a charity to donate to and share why. The boutique added an addition to that this year by allowing all other employees to enter into a drawing to potentially win money for their

Awards, from A1

charity as well. This year’s charities ranged from local to national, with an audience of all kinds of people. Some of those included: the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, Good Sports, Samaritan Inn Ministry in Montgomery, Coastal Carolina Community Hurricane Relief, Bighouse Foundation and Hope for the Warriors. The winner of the drawing was Virginia Allison, whose charity was Auburn University’s Relay for Life. “I was part of this organization for four years while in school as Auburn University and it is such a wonderful cause. These students use so much of their time raising money while they are busy maneuvering the busy schedule of being in school,” Allison said. Others shared their reasons for choosing their charities by saying, “My greatgrandmother suffered from [Alzheimer’s] and one of my best friend’s mother passed away from early onset Alzheimer’s. She was only in her 50’s. It’s a painful disease for the

person suffering as well as loved ones” and “this charity works directly with families affected by Hurricane Dorian. This cause is near and dear to my heart because of one of my close friends. Her family has a house on the island there... they have so much destruction and need as much help as they can get.” The boutique also contributes to causes such as Tigers Unlimited, Auburn University Dance Marathon, as well as donating 3% of sales made on Black Friday to Feeding America in order for families to get meals for Thanksgiving. “The Mint Julep Boutique has always had a heart and passion for blessing others with the blessings we’ve received ourselves. Not only is it important for us to be active members of our community, it’s also important that we help employees feel significant and give them the chance to be directly involved in helping others. Going into 2020, we are looking into partnering with even more local businesses and finding

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer

volunteer opportunities. As the company continues to grow, we want to make sure our community involvement and out-

reach grows as well,” one of the store’s employees said. For more information, call 334-2463621, like and follow

their social media pages or visit www. shopthemint.com. The boutique is located at 1627 Opelika Road Suite #30.

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer During the month of December, Opelika Main Street held a ‘Holiday Decorating Contest.’ Business owners in downtown Opelika were encouraged to decorate their store fronts for the holidays. Entries were submitted and uploaded to Facebook to be voted on. Four Corners Ministries took first place, while Oliver Henry and Wakefield Home finished second and third, respectively.

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A6 Jan. 01, 2020

Opelika's Jimmy Wright recently named to the Alabama Retail Association Board of Directors Special to the Opelika Observer Jimmy Wright, president of Opelika’s Wright’s Market, has been elected to the Alabama Retail Association’s board of directors. His two-year term begins Jan. 1. Wright began his grocery career in 1973 at age 12 as a bagger at the Opelika store that his father managed. In 1997, Wright bought the store from William Ennis and rebranded it as Wright’s Market in 2003. His 22,000-square-foot independent grocery, known for its fresh meat and produce, employs 32 people. Wright, an innovator in mobile and online grocery shopping, earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Auburn University at Montgomery. Wright and his store have received local, state and national recognition. In 2015, he was the Opelika Chamber of

Dietrich, from A4 ing. Next, he removes quarters from his pocket. He walks to the jukebox. He punches buttons. The sound of Johnny Cash’s voice is playing. The song is “Ring of Fire.” The old man begins singing quietly. And I notice others in the restaurant who begin moving their mouths, to. “Nobody can resist this tune,” he says. “Nobody.” Nobody. The man places dollars on the counter. The bills are crumpled little balls. He slides them toward her and thanks her for the meal. She pushes the money back. “Keep your money, I got it today.” “I’ll pay you back tomorrow,” he says. “I promise I will.” “Just promise me you’ll take care of yourself.”

Jimmy Wright Commerce’s Spirit of Opelika award winner; in 2016, he won a U.S. Chamber of Commerce Community Excellence Award; in 2018, the Alabama Grocers Association presented him with the Spirit of Alabama Award for his efforts to eliminate food deserts in Alabama; and in 2019, the Alabama Retail Association named him the Bronze Alabama

Retailer of the Year in the “Annual Sales $5 Million to $20 Million category.” Wright’s Market has been an Alabama Retail Association member since 2006. “Alabama Retail engages with our state leaders, stays out in front of legislation and makes sure what is proposed lines up with what the retailers of Alabama need,” Wright said.

The man promises. Then he takes his tent and his duffle bag. He leaves. I see him behind the glass window. He lights a cigarette, then crosses the street, dodging four lanes of traffic. I ask the waitress if she knows that man. “Who, Mister Dale?” she says. “Yeah, he comes in here all the time. We’re sorta friends, I guess. He won’t even come inside if I’m not working.” “He must like you,” I say. “Honestly, I think he just needs someone to talk to is all.” I place my money on the counter. If I had three hundred bucks in my wallet, I would give it to her. But I only have twenty. I get into my truck. I am heading toward the interstate again. Ahead, I see him, moseying on along the shoulder. And his lips are moving. By dog, I think he’s singing. I slow down and ask if he needs a ride.

“No!” he shouts. “I’m all good man, thanks! All good!” We part ways. And I am wondering where he will sleep tonight. I don’t know much. I know even less about why bad things happen to good people. I don’t know why the world falls apart. And when I think I understand life, I quickly realize I don’t. But I believe in waitresses, and mothers who work too hard. I believe in the music of Johnny Cash. I believe in the power of conversation. And I believe that old man was right. 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.

Markley, from A4 circus” that should not have happened. As for “fake news,” Jonathan Bailey is a consultant for Plagiarism Today. He says “The good news is that, whether you’re researching a class paper or just scrolling through social media, spotting false news is fairly easy.” Bailey added, “All it takes is a bit of critical thinking and a willingness to do further research.” He has 5 tips I will write samples for based on where we are living. It’s always necessary to check the source. Which one of these relates to us- www.eng.auburn. edu/.ua https://www. eng.auburn.edu/ For a search for other sources, which of these below might pair well with a story that already has one source on the subject, which is Haley Center Catches On Fire; All Exams

Jackson, from A4 she spoke. It seems that Aunt Gertrude had a heart condition. A local doctor prescribed a tablespoon of whiskey three times a day, which he promised would make her feel better. It was not an easy prescription to fill. The county in which they lived was dry, so the whiskey would have to be bought from a local bootlegger. For Aunt Gertrude and Grandma, two women of unquestioned propriety, such a transaction with such a person was out of the question. This attitude was reinforced by what they had been taught by their father, a prohibitionist Methodist minister who imprinted his opposition to alcohol on his daughters. Then, just as the problem seemed unsolvable, I got my first glimpse into the wonderful world of religious rationalization. Reasoning that

Cancelled Until Next Week (source: Associated Press). - Choice #1: Opelika-Auburn News - Choice #2: Huntsville Times Next, to catch “fake news” if it’s there, investigate the article. - Story #A: Latest on Fire (Dec. 5, 2019) - Story #B: Latest on Fire (Dec. 2, 2019). Now, our guidance is visit fact checking sites. Two of these are legitimate, catch the one that is NOT a fact-checker. - No. #1: Politifact. com - No. #2: Snopes. com - Number #3: Scan Tron.com Finally, When in doubt, stay away. Two of the three below are FAKE, try to discover which one is real. - A. WOW Cable Channel Reduces Monthly Fees by 50%. - B. WOW Offers $74.99 Monthly TV Bundles. - C.) WOW Adds

$20 Fee For Football Season. Please do not allow “fake news” to grow in Auburn-Opelika area. Remember, for a 3 to 5 page paper, you will not have many items to check. Better to start being careful with your source integrity now, than when you are graduate students. In the film Richard Jewell, which I give an “A-,” he said to a friend that “tomorrow I am going to Atlanta and there will be a mess.” The FBI agents were curious, because Jewell said that before the bombing. Instead, Jewell told the agents he meant “Going to Atlanta’s Mess—the traffic in Atlanta!” That’s something most of us can relate to. Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for18 of the last 23 years. An awardwinning journalist, he has master’s degrees in education and history. He has taught as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama.

whiskey, when prescribed by a physician, was magically transformed into medicine, Aunt Gertrude declared her intention to follow her doctor’s orders. My grandmother accepted this unorthodox transubstantiation, and moral qualms were quashed. Now it became a matter of how to get it. This was when my daddy came to the rescue and offered to procure the “medicine” for her. Thus, with legal and social reservations swept aside, daddy headed for Mobile or Selma or one of those cities of sin where whiskey was sold. There he stocked up for himself and bought a fifth for Aunt Gertrude, which he proudly presented to her on his return. Aunt Gertrude was aghast. Medicine, she told him, did not come in fifths. The whole charade was coming apart. But daddy was not beaten. He found a small bottle that had once contained real medicine, filled it with whiskey, sealed it, and took it to Aunt

Gertrude with his assurance that it was just what the doctor ordered. Aunt Gertrude took daddy at his word, got out the tablespoon, and took her medicine like a big girl. When the bottle was nearly empty, which daddy noted seemed to occur more frequently as time passed, Aunt Gertrude would get word to daddy that her prescription needed refilling. So he would bring her another bottle and collect the empty. If she ever noticed that the bottles were often different, she never let on. The medicine was always the same and that was what mattered. I don’t know if her heart got any stronger, but until she left us to go live with other relatives, she merrily went through her days, from tablespoon to tablespoon – just as the doctor ordered. Remembering this, I chortled. Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professor Emeritus in History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hjackson@cableone. net.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: • New Year’s Eve Bash at The Bottling Plant • Jan. 3 - Soul Bash 2020 with Calvin Richardson and Tonio Armani at The Bottling Plant • Jan. 4 - ‘TJ Arwood Live’ at Resting Pulse Brewery • Jan. 17 - ‘Established’ at The Bottling Plant

Tiffany Denson creates cheese, dessert boards at The Gallery on Railroad Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

A

few days before Christmas, Tiffany Denson of Opelika was at The Gallery on Railroad giving demonstrations on how to create stunning cheese and dessert boards in just a few minutes without doing any cooking. While Tiffany had collected cheeses and fresh items at the grocery store, the boards and other ingredients were found at the downtown shop, owned and operated by Debbie Purves. Tiffany, who has a love for entertaining, is the creator of T.Lish Sweet Garlic Vinaigrette and owns a management group

for brands. Tiffany and her husband Rush live in the Northside Historic District with their three children. The son of Rose Ann and Judge John Denson, Rush grew up in the 1913 house, and his children are the fifth generation to reside in the historic home. Growing up in Clearwater, Fla., Tiffany has had a love of cooking for as long as she can remember and enjoys adapting recipes. She graduated from Auburn University where she met Rush. While she hopes their sons, Rush Jr. and Quinn, will enjoy cooking one day, she is passing on her passion for

cooking to daughter Sadie, who already enjoys helping in the kitchen. When Tiffany arrived at The Gallery for her demonstrations, she selected a couple of wooden boards in the shop, along with an assortment of jams, preserves, stuffed red peppers, olives and pastry cups. For the cheese platters, she picked two boards. On the first cheese and charcuterie board, she placed a small square dish and poured in a jar of drained stuffed red peppers. She then placed two cheeses, herbed Havarti and half of a brie circle. A jar of sour cherry jam was placed be-

John McCutcheon to visit Sundilla for second performance on Jan. 31 Special to the Opelika Observer People will be coming from far and wide to hear John McCutcheon on Jan. 31 at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, which is part of the Sundilla Concert Series. McCutcheon has emerged as one of music’s most respected and loved folksingers. As an instrumentalist, he is a master of a dozen different traditional instruments, most notably the rare and beautiful hammer dulcimer. His songwriting has been hailed by critics and singers around the globe. His 40 recordings have garnered every imaginable honor including seven Grammy nominations. He has produced more than 20 albums of other artists, from traditional fiddlers to contemporary singer-songwriters to educational and documentary works. A limited number of advance tickets are available for $20 from Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee and online at www.sundillamusic.com; admission at the door will be $23. Free coffee, tea, water and food and attendees are invited to bring their own favorite food or beverage.

Photo by Ann Cipperly Tiffany Denson, left, recently gave demonstrations on how to create cheese and dessert boards at The Gallery on Railroad, owned by Debbie Purves. Both Tiffany and Debbie are sharing their quick and easy recipes. These recipes are great for entertaining New Year’s Day, for watching bowl games, upcoming professional playoff games or offering hospitality to family and friends anytime.

tween these cheeses with crackers in front. On the other side of the board, she added folded slices of salami and rolls of prosciutto. Then Tiffany filled in with cubes of cheddar, Colby and pepper jack cheeses and candied peanuts. A pear was placed near the meats, while orange wedges and sprigs of rosemary were tucked along the edges for garnish.

On the second cheese board, Tiffany placed a dish of stuffed olives, the other half of Brie, Drunken Goat cheese and chevre rolled in fresh herbs. A jar of hot pepper cranberry jelly was placed near the cheeses along with two kinds of crackers. She filled in with fresh raspberries, cubes of cheddar, Colby and pepper jack, rolls of prosciutto candied peanuts. Orange wedges and sprigs of rose-

mary finished the board. To create the dessert board, Tiffany placed a row of fruit pastries from the grocery on one side, then a row of raspberries. For the next row, she put sour cherry jam in pastry tart shells and finished with a row of peanut brittle. The handsome dessert board took less than ten minutes, and all of the See Cipperly, page A9

AuburnFest to host second annual ‘CHILI Fest’ Jan. 25 Special to the Opelika Observer The Greystone Mansion of Auburn will be the site of the second annual “Auburn CHILI Fest” Jan. 25 from 2 to 7 p.m. Ticket are $20 for adults, $10 for ages 10 -15 and free for any child under 10 and can be purchased online via www.bigtickets.com. Special

John McCutcheon For more information, including videos, visit www.sundillamu-

See Chili, page A13

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

sic.com. The venue is located at 450 E. Thach Ave.

Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

pelika Observer O

A8 Jan. 01, 2020

Southern female rocker Liz Brasher coming to Waverly's Standard Deluxe on Jan. 16; Jason Ringenberg and the Scorchers to perform at Waverly’s Standard Deluxe Jan. 25 Special to the Opelika Observer Liz Brasher will perform at Waverly's Standard Deluxe on Jan. 16, with showtime set for 7:30 p.m. Brasher makes her own kind of Southern music — one that's caught halfway between the garage, the church, the bar and the bedroom. She's a soul singer. A guitar-playing rocker. A one-woman girl group. A gospel revivalist who sings the praises of secular bands like the Box Tops. Her diverse sound is rooted in the influence of Brasher's two homes: her adopted hometown of Memphis, where she recorded her debut LP “Painted Image,” for Fat Possum Records and her childhood stomping grounds in rural North Carolina, where she was raised in a musical, multiethnic household. Brasher's musical

horizons expanded as she grew older. Raised on everything from the spirituals of Mahalia Jackson and harmonyheavy hooks of John Lennon and Paul McCartney, she moved to Chicago during her late teens. There, as a college student living far north of the Mason-Dixon line, she gained a new appreciation for the sound of her Southern roots. She dove deep into the early icons of American music, from Stephen Foster to Delta Blues heavyweights like Geeshie

Wiley and Leadbelly. That led to an appreciation for latter-day pioneers like Bob Dylan and the Staple Singers, two acts that modernized old-school American traditions to suit a new generation. Inspired, Brasher taught herself to play guitar, then began writing songs shortly thereafter. After a move to Atlanta brought her back south, Brasher began playing shows, fronting her lean, three-piece live band — later championed by Rolling Stone as a

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"soul power trio" — for the first time. A love for the music of the 1950s and 1960s eventually convinced her to relocate to Memphis, where labels like Stax and Sun Records had shaped popular music during the previous century. She felt at home there. Like her, Memphis was a melting pot of influences, its internal soundtrack filled with music that crossed generation gaps and genre lines. Perhaps it's no surprise, then, that her songwriting flourished in the new town, inspiring the material that appeared on Brasher's Outcast EP — released in April 2018, not longer after her acclaimed first appearance at SXSW. Guests at the show can also enjoy supper in the Feed Shak at 6 p.m. before the show. More details will be released on the Standard Deluxe website soon. This is a bringyour-own-beer event. However, no glass is allowed in the venue. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased online at www.stan-

Across from Lowe’s, another convenient location to serve our customers

darddeluxe.com. No phsyical tickets will be mailed, so guests must select "Will Call" in the shipping information at checkout. For more information, call 334-8266423, like and follow Standard Deluxe's social media pages and or visit the website. The venue is located at 1015 Mayberry Ave. Jason Ringenberg Enjoy a show by Jason Ringenberg of Jason and the Scorchers on Jan. 25 at the Little House venue of Waverly’s Standard Deluxe. The show will begin at 7:30 p.m. Ringenberg was

born and raised on an Illinois hog farm that bordered the Rock Island Line Railroad. When he left for Nashville on July 4, 1981 to pursue his dream of “making a band that could kick American roots music into the modern age,” little did he know just how far that kick would go. He immediately formed Jason & The Scorchers and never looked back. Throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, the group tore up venues across the planet and became known as one of the most exciting live bands of their era. On classic LPs like Fervor and Lost and Found, they “singlehandedly rewrote the history of rock ‘n roll in the South” according to Rolling Stone Magazine. Their instinctive ability to combine traditional country music with high-energy punk rock has not been surpassed to this day. In 2008, they were awarded the Americana Music Association Lifetime Achievement Award for Performance. In 1999, Ringenberg See Concerts, page A13

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pelika O Observer Cipperly, from A7 items were from the grocery and The Gallery. Debbie, the gallery owner, grew up in Opelika and had a desire to stay in her hometown. After college, she began considering a career that would allow her to stay in Opelika. Her father, Dr. Ken Strother, asked her if she would be interested in having a frame shop. She

Recipes Favorite Pairings For A Cheese Board Tiffany Denson - Drunken Goat cheese with fresh honey - Chevre rolled in fresh herbs with lemon zest - Havarti with dill and specialty pickles and olives - Brie with fig or cranberry preserves - Fontina cheese with strawberries - Aged cheddar with honeycrisp apples Easy Pecan and Cheddar Spread with Pepper Jelly Tiffany Denson Serve with thin wheat crackers 2 (10.5 oz.) jars red pepper jelly 1 1/2 cups pecans, chopped 3/4 green onions, thinly sliced 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar (I shred my own) Stir together the first 4 ingredients in large mixing bowl. Cover and chill. Garnish with green onions and serve with thin wheat crackers. Can be made a day ahead and keeps well in refrigerator for 4-6 days. Hot Cheese Bites Tiffany Denson 2 cups (8 oz.) sharp Cheddar cheese, grated ½ cup (2 oz.) slivered almonds 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled 1 small onion, grated 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 (8 oz.) jar good mayonnaise ½ loaf good quality white bread (I use Pepperidge Farm.) Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Mix together cheese, almonds, bacon, onion, Worcestershire and mayonnaise. Remove crusts from bread and cut each slice into 4 triangles or squares. Spread one side with cheese mixture. Place on cookie sheets and bake for 10 minutes or until bubbly and lightly browned. Serve immediately. Makes about 40 bites. Note: These freeze well. Before baking, place cheese bites in single layer on cookie sheet and freeze. When hard, remove from cookie sheet and put in large freezer bag. Store in freezer until needed. Fig and Blue Cheese Rounds Debbie Purves You can mix it up and use

immediately thought how wonderful it would be to have an art gallery. Dr. Strother found the location in downtown Opelika. Debbie and her mother, Carolyn, attended framing classes and opened the business in 1980. After her parents moved to the lake and her father passed away, Debbie began running the shop on her own. Her mother passed away last year. Since opening over 30 years ago, the shop has evolved and expanded from an art gallery to including

art for the table and home. Debbie and her husband, Dr. George Purves, enjoy traveling, especially to Italy, France and England to visit his family. Art is collected from trips and art shows. Over the years, Debbie has developed a love of European influenced art and accessories. Her shop features an array of sparkling glasses, serving dishes, wooden bowls and numerous other items for creating a chic setting for entertaining. She also offers a wide selection of food items for creating

dishes in minutes. Recipe cards are grouped with many of the food items. The shop is ideal for those who enjoy entertaining but don’t have the time to do a great deal of cooking. Debbie can provide suggestions on assembling trays quickly. While Debbie enjoys cooking, she credits George with preparing most of the meals. Many times they will cook together. “He loves to cook,” she says. “He taught himself and is an excellent cook and finds cooking to

cheddar with pear preserves 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 stick butter, softened 4 oz crumbled blue cheese Fresh ground black pepper Fig preserves Heat oven to 350 degrees. Blend flour, butter, blue cheese and black pepper (to taste) in food processor until dough starts to form a ball. On a floured surface, knead dough a few times just to pull it together. Roll dough into a 1/8-inch thick circle. Cut 1-inch rounds with a cookie cutter and place on parchment lined baking sheet. Reroll scraps (no more than one time) and cut more rounds. Use back of teaspoon (or thumb) to make a little bowl in each round. Spoon about 1/4 tsp. fig preserves in each bowl. Bake until preserves are bubbling and pastry is golden on the bottom, 10 - 12 minutes. Let cool for about 15 minutes on baking sheet then move to wire rack to finish cooling. Yum

Marinated Olives Debbie Purves 1 pint Kalamata olives 1 pint green olives 1 large yellow onion, sliced 4 Tbsp. minced garlic 1 cup balsamic vinegar 1 cup extra vinegar olive oil 2 tsp. dried thyme 3 tsp. dried oregano 1 tsp. red pepper flakes 1 Tbsp. fresh cracked pepper 3 tsp. kosher salt Mix all ingredients together and marinate in the refrigerator for several days. May be served chilled or warmed accompanied with a good crusty bread.

2 ¼ Tbsp. butter, melted 2 Tbsp. crushed dried rosemary 1 tsp. cayenne pepper 4 tsp. dark brown sugar 4 tsp. kosher salt Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place all nuts in large bowl. Pour in melted butter and coat well. In a small bowl mix remaining ingredients. Sprinkle rosemary mixture over nuts and mix together well. Spread nuts in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Toast in oven about 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Be careful not to burn. Serve at room temperature and store in airtight container.

Chicken and Wine Debbie Purves Can prepare ahead and freeze. Olive or canola oil 1 pkg. deboned chicken thighs, cut in quarters and dry Flour, salt and pepper for dredging chicken 1/2 cup onion, chopped 1/2 cup celery, chopped 1/2 cup carrots ,chopped 6-8 garlic cloves, chopped 1 can diced tomatoes 2 cups chicken broth 3 cups red wine 1 lb. whole mushrooms Bouquet garni Bay leaves Add salt and pepper to flour and coat chicken. Heat oil in pan. Add chicken and sauté until browned. (we use a cast iron Dutch oven). Remove chicken to a plate. wipe out pan and add new oil. Sauté onion, carrots, garlic and celery until soft. Add chicken back to pan. Add tomatoes, broth and wine (until it covers the chicken). Add bouquet garni and bay leaves and cook covered in the oven on 300 for 2 to 2 1/2 hours. In a separate pan, sauté mushrooms until they are about halfway soft and add to chicken about halfway through the cooking time. (This keeps them from over cooking.) Remove bouquet garni and bay leaves before serving. Good served over mashed potatoes.

Hot Artichoke Dip Tiffany Denson 14-oz. can artichoke hearts, chopped 4-oz. jar sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained 8 oz. good-quality feta cheese, crumbled 1 cup light mayonnaise 2 to 3 garlic cloves, minced Juice of half lemon ¼ tsp. black pepper Garnish with basil, optional Assorted crackers In a medium-size bowl combine first 7 ingredients. Refrigerate until ready to bake. (This can be done up to 48 hours in advance.) Place in a lightly greased 1½-quart baking dish. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Garnish if desired. Serve with crackers. Note: For a small crowd, I like to bake only half at a time. Makes 4 cups.

Balsamic Strawberries Debbie Purves 3 ½ cups sliced fresh strawberries ¼ cup sugar 1½ Tbsp. balsamic vinegar Mix all ingredients together in glass bowl. Let stand at room temperature until juices form (1 - 3 hours). Simple Curry Dip Tiffany Denson 1 cup good mayonnaise (I use Duke’s.) 3 Tbsp. ketchup 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 2 Tbsp. grated onion 1 Tbsp. curry powder Dash of kosher salt and hot sauce Stir together and serve with fresh sliced raw veggies. Easy Sugared Jalapeños Tiffany Denson 1 (12 oz.) jar sliced jalapeños (in pickle section of store) 1 cup sugar Zest of 2 limes Drain jalapeños. Stir together with sugar and lime zest. Return to jar. Refrigerate for a week and shake the jar occasionally to combine. I keep a jar in my fridge all the time as it will last for several weeks.

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Roasted Nuts with Rosemary Tiffany Denson 2 cups pecan halves, unsalted 2 cups shelled walnuts, unsalted 6 oz. whole natural almonds, unsalted

Pickled Shrimp Tiffany Denson Serves 60 as an hors d’oeuvre 8 lbs. large shrimp, cooked, peeled and deveined (may use frozen; thaw according to package directions) Marinade: 3 cups white vinegar 3 cups vegetable oil 1 cup olive oil 1 jar (1.5 oz.) pickling spices 1 Tbsp. kosher salt 2 Tbsp. hot sauce 2 Tbsp. celery seeds 2 ½ Tbsp. grated lemon rind 6 cups very thinly sliced onions 20 bay leaves 8 Tbsp. capers 9 lemons, thinly sliced Marinade In a large bowl, whisk together vinegar, vegetable oil, olive oil, pickling spices, salt, hot sauce, celery seeds

A9 Jan. 01, 2020

Photo by Ann Cipperly/Opelika Observer

be a relaxing hobby.” Debbie and Tiffany are sharing their quick and easy party dishes. These recipes are great for entertaining New Year’s Day, for watching bowl games, and lemon rind. Assembly Place cooked or thawed shrimp in a large container. Pour marinade over shrimp and mix well. Add sliced onions, bay leaves, capers and lemon slices to shrimp. Gently mix to combine. Cover well and refrigerate overnight. Serve slightly chilled. Festive Margaritas Tiffany Denson (For about 16-18 drinks in rocks glasses) 7.5 cups cranberry Juice 2 cups pomegranate Juice 1 cup lime Juice 1 cup Cointreau 4 cups tequila (I like clear agave tequila.)

upcoming professional playoff games or offering hospitality to family and friends anytime. Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com Note: It may be easier to find pomegranate and cranberry juice mixed together already. Plain pomegranate juice is harder to find. You can use 5 cups cranberry juice and 4 cups cranberry/pomegranate juice. You just don’t want equal parts pomegranate and cranberry juice in total in this recipe as it doesn’t taste as good. Mix all ingredients (except the frozen cranberries) together with a large spoon. Chill the mixture in your refrigerator for a couple of hours prior to serving if time allows. Serve mixture on ice. I set a bowl of ice next to my beverage dispenser so guests could easily fill their glasses.

Food Ratings O Town Scoops 700 2nd Ave. Opelika Score: 100 Pannie George’s Kitchen 2328 S. College St. Auburn Score: 100 Honey Baked Ham 1451 Gateway Drive Opelika Score: 100 Mamee’s Kitchen Authentic Jamaica 16583 U.S. HWY 280 Smiths Station Score: 99

Score: 100 A Little Taste of Home 2802 Sellers Drive Opelika Score: 100 Jim N’ Nick’s Bar-B-Q 1920 S. College St. Auburn Score: 99 Baumhower’s Victory Grill 2353 Bent Creek Road Auburn Score: 99 One Bike Coffee 2415 Moore’s Mill Rd Auburn Score: 99

Get It To-Go 404 W.E. Morton Ave. Opelika Score: 99

Jim Bob’s Chicken Fingers 2070 Frederick Road Opelika Score: 99

AFC Sushi at Kroger 2450 Enterprise Drive Opelika Score: 99 Block and Barrel Deli 323 Airport Rd, Suite H Auburn Score: 99 Barberito’s 1619 Opelika Road Auburn Score: 100 Butcher Paper BBQ 128 Columbus Pkwy Opelika Score: 100 No. 1 Restaurant 1451 Fox Run Parkway Opelika

Durango Mexican Grill 1706 Frederick Road Opelika Score: 98 Guthrie’s Tiger Town 1700A Capps Landing Opelika Score: 97 Newk’s Eatery 2664 Enterprise Drive Opelika Score: 96 Longhorn Steakhouse 2601 Gateway Drive Opelika Score: 92

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pelika O Observer

A10 Jan. 01, 2020

OBITUARIES Corrie Amanda Drake A celebration of life service for Corrie Amanda Drake was held Sunday Dec. 22, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Opelika with Dr. Mike King officiating. The family received friends at the church parlor prior to the service at 1 p.m. Corrie Amanda Drake was born on Aug. 10, 1980 in Opelika, Alabama and went to be with the Lord on

David Blomquist, Jr. David Blomquist, Jr., of Salem, Alabama was born to the late David and Charlotte Tremont Blomquist in Brooklyn, New York on Jan. 16, 1943 and passed away at UAB Hospital on Dec. 22, 2019. He was 76 years old. He was a Member of Living Waters Ministry Center. He served in Vietnam with the Marines then joined the United States Air Force and retired after 20 honorable years of service.

Dec. 18, 2019. Corrie was a graduate of Opelika High School, then attended Southern Union Community College before she transferred to Auburn University Montgomery. She worked as a sales manager for Inland Seafood in Birmingham. Her career combined her passion for cooking and food with her personality and love for people. Corrie had many passions in her life aside from her love

He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Diane Blomquist. He is survived by his wife, Marie Blomquist; son, John Blomquist; five granddaughters, Amber Clark, Kayedina Gill, Tiffany Clark, Maegan Clark, Rachel Blomquist; six step-children, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and step-grandchildren. A graveside service was held at Garden Hills Cemetery on Dec. 26, 2019 at 11 a.m. with Brother, Mike McCormick officiating.

for cooking and meeting people and that included Auburn University football, any PGA men’s golf tournament, staying stylish with her impeccable fashion sense and spending time with family and friends. Corrie will be remembered for being gregarious, her infectious laugh and the ability to show each person she met so much love and compassion. Corrie was a devoted daughter, sister, granddaughter, aunt, cousin

and friend. Corrie spent her life on this earth being a blessing to everyone she knew and gave a valiant effort at being an organ donor at a final attempt to change a life. Ms. Drake was preceded in death by her grandparents Winston and Beverly Collins, Harold E. Whaley, Dr. Troy and Betty Patterson and Mary Ann Drake. Her uncles and aunts, Colonel Harold Evans (Jemie Lynn) Whaley, Second Lieu-

Myrtle B. Holt

"Roho" Haywood. She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Melvin Holt; son, Jimbo "Bubba" Holt; sister, Donna Rudd (Wayne); niece, Teresa Haywood, as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members. Visitation was held Dec. 19, 2019 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. The Funeral service in the Chapel was at 1 p.m. with Brother David Floyd officiating. Interment followed at Holt Family Cemetery.

Myrtle B. Holt of Society Hill, Alabama was born in Deatsville, Alabama on Dec. 2, 1944 and passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on Dec. 16, 2019. She was 75 years old. She was a Member at Marvyn Parkway Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, James Lewis Haywood, Sr. and Margie Nabors Haywood; sister, Margaret Hussey; brother, Jimmy Haywood; sister, Jeanie Whaley; nephew, Billy

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tenant Sanders Anthony Whaley. Great aunts and uncles, Lydia (Oliver) Ingram and C. S. (Whit) Whittelsey III. She is survived by her mother and father Lynn and Haskel Patterson, sister and brother-in-law Mallory and Seth Britt, nephew on the way, Troy Lee Britt, brother Whit Patterson; cousins, Lieutenant Colonel Jim (Shannon) Whaley, Andy Whaley, Beverly (Marlin) Siegford, Carol (Mark) Manrique, Blake

(Karen) Ingram, Sheldon (Anne) Whittelsey, Bena (David) DeVaney, Davis Whittelsey, Margaret Whittelsey; aunt, Leslie Whaley Meyers; great aunt Sue Whittelsey; nieces, Isabelle, Nina and Cotton Whaley and grandfather Stanley Drake and Rusty. Donations may be made to the First Baptist Church of Opelika or the First United Methodist Church of Opelika.

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A11 Jan. 01, 2020

eligion

Too Wonderful for Words

hen Peter wrote to the Jewish disciples dispersed in five Roman provinces of Asia Minor (present day Turkey), he told them that even though they hadn’t seen Jesus (as he had), they loved and believed in Him. As a result, they were filled with an “inexpressible and glorious joy” (1:8). It’s the word “inexpressible” that catches my attention. As someone who dabbles in words, I’m generally not a big fan of such expressions because it’s the business of a writer to choose the word that accurately conveys the idea they want to communicate—not to lazily say it can’t be described. (After all, it’s not like we don’t have plenty

of words to choose from). Of course, there are times when you have to resort to saying something is unable to be put into words, but it seems to me that’s done too frequently (very much like how the word “awesome” is used to speak of so many non-awesome things). However, Peter is writing under the oversight of the Spirit (John 14:25-26; 2 Peter 1:19-21). If the Spirit guided him to choose the word “inexpressible,” then there’s no doubt that’s the correct word! Checking the translations, “inexpressible” is the word of choice (NIV, ESV and others), followed by “unspeakable,” (ASV, KJV and others), “indescribable” (International Standard Version),

By Bruce Green Teaching Minister at 10th Street Church of Christ in Opelika

while still others opt for the expressions “no words can tell” (CEV), “which words cannot express” (Good News Translation) and ”which cannot be spoken” (Aramaic Bible in Plain English). When the lexical work is done, we are back where we started—the disciples Peter wrote to possessed a joy that words were unable to describe. It’s worth noting that Peter didn’t write to inform them of such joy (as if

they were somehow unaware of it). He was recognizing the joy that was theirs and they were just as conscious of it as they were of their faith in and love for Jesus. If anything, Peter seems to be acknowledging the reality of these things (see v. 7). It’s possible that their synagogue friends and family had been ridiculing them for following someone they had only heard of from others and was (on their view of things) now dead and buried. Peter wants them to know that what they had experienced was the real thing. Their hope was as alive as Jesus (v. 3, 21). A final observation about this joy. We won’t find it by adopting a consumer approach and look-

ing for it. That only guarantees that we will not experience it. It took me a while to learn that you can’t preach people into joy. It only occurs as we lose ourselves, as we yield our lives to God through Christ. Joy is part of the fruit the Spirit produces under such conditions. The text makes it clear it comes to those who have faith in and love for Jesus. If you have that, you will have the special gift of joy that transcends all circumstances and situations and is too wonderful for words. That’s something worth taking into the new year, don’t you think? You can find more of Green’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen. com.

Verse of the Week

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. - Jeremiah 29:11

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

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D #758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta #742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy #749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. #749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. #745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy #749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B #7064421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. #444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave #742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. #745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd #745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. #745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. #745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. #742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr #749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. #887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika

314 S. 9th St. #745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. #745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact 709 Avenue E #741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. #703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue #742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. #749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. #363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Liberty Baptist Church 2701 West Point Pkwy #749-9632 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. #745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 #334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy #745-5340 Pepperell Baptist Church 2702 2nd Ave. #745-3108 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd #749-2773 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Rd 166 #745-0807 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. #745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd #741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. #821-7238

CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. #749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy #742-9721 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St. #745-5181 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. #745-6015 Church of Christ 2660 Cunningham Drive CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd #749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place #7496432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court #745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. #749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. #745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 Opelika, Ala. 36804 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. #826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. #742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A #745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 #745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist

8685 AL Hwy. 51 #749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. #745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. #745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy #745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 #741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd #745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. #745-3421 Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Rd #745-4889 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. #749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. #749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd #749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 #745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. #745-0832 Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd #745-2247 Church at Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy #705-0505 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. #745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy #707-3922 Family Life Christian Center

601 S. 7th St. #741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. #749-1070 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd #749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. #745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. #749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad #749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. #737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd #749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd #741-1006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy #749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy #741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy #737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy #745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy #745-7770

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A12 Jan. 01, 2020

Community Calendar: Events around town farms/webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series • Jan. 8 at 8 a.m. - Connections at Newks Eatery or for providing • Jan. 9 at 5 p.m. - Himmelwright, Huguley & Boles suggestions, please Business After Hours email Dr. Ayanava • Jan. 14 at 10 a.m. - Ribbon Cutting at Day Spring Nature Majumdar at bugShop doctor@auburn.edu. Tuesdays: • Jan. 16 at 4 p.m.- AR Workshop Auburn • Ballroom Dance • Jan. 23 at 7:30 a.m. - Business Over Breakfast Classes at the Opelika SportsPlex Ongoing: cated at 201 S. 4th Ave., Opelika. For from 7 to 8 p.m. • Village Friends/ St. Opelika more info contact every Tuesday. Village Values is a • The John Powell Mary Johnson, 749- Instructor is Cody nonprofit organiza- American Legion 1584. Wayne Foote. For tion that supports Post 18 and Auxil• The Lee County more info, call Diseniors who prefer iary meets the third Commission meets ane at 749-6320. to stay in their own Monday of every the second and last • The East Alahomes as they grow month at 7 p.m. Mondays of each bama Old Car Club older. For info or to at 910 West Point month at the courtmeets every first schedule a presenta- Parkway in Opehouse beginning at Tuesday at 7 p.m. tion to your group, lika. 5 p.m. at Monarch Estates call 334-209-4641. • The Opelika Com• The Commercial Clubhouse, located For the website, munity Band pracHorticulture Exten- at 1550 East UniGoogle “village tices from 6:30 to 8 sion Team organiz- versity Drive, Aufriends village valp.m. in the Auburn es webinars to proburn. A program ues.” High School band vide quick updates of interest to the • The Martha room. Everyone is for producers on old car enthusiast Wayles Jefferwelcome, amateurs various topics of in- is presented. Car son DAR chapter and professionals terest. Whether you ownership is not reis appealing for alike. are interested in the quired. sweaters, jackets, • The Touched proper way to plant • The Opelika trousers, shirts and by Suicide Supfruit trees or have City Council meets socks, women’s port Group meets questions in turf the first and third clothing, soft soap the first Monday of management, these Tuesdays of each in individual conevery month at 5:30 webinars cover a month at 7 p.m. tainers, shaving p.m. at the East wide range of subMeetings are presupplies, disposAlabama Medijects. Webinars are ceded by non-votable razors, denture cal Center Health streamed live via ing work sessions cleanser, toothResource Center, Panopto on the last that typically begin paste and tooth2027 Pepperell Monday of every between 6 and 6:45 brushes, DVDs, Parkway. For more month starting in p.m. games, books and information, conJanuary and ending • Every second magazines to take tact Deborah Owen, in November. DurTuesday, a counto veterans at the EAMC’s director of ing the presentation, try, gospel and CAVHCS in Tuske- Psychiatric Services participants can bluegrass music gee. The Martha at deborahowen@ send questions via jam session is held Wayles Jefferson eamc.org. email. The webinars at Pierce Chapel DAR Chapter regu• The fourth Mon- also are recorded United Methodist larly visits veterans day of each month, and stored in the ar- Church in Beauliving in assisted a community grief chive on the Begin- regard. The event living, the homesupport group meets ning Farmer webis free and open to less domiciliary from 5:30 to 6:30 site. Webinar topics the public. Those and psych (trauma) p.m. at the EAMC include: trap cropwho play an instruward in Tuskegee. Health Resource ping for reducing ment should bring Donations are tax Center. No reserva- squash insect pests, it and plan to join deductible and will tions are necessary; cowpea curculio up- in. The jam session be much apprecieveryone is weldates, nutsedge con- is held from 6 to 8 ated. Pick up is come. For more in- trol, introduction to p.m. 8685 Alabama provided. Please formation, call 826- potting mixes in or- Highway 51. call Linda Shabo at 1899 or 502-0216. namental container • A Grief Sup887-6659 or at 256• T.O.P.S (Takproduction, dealport Group meets at 307-1449. ing Off Pounds ing with drought Oak Bowery United Mondays: Sensibly), a weight in commercial Methodist Church • The Lee County loss support group, horticulture crops Tuesdays at 2 p.m. Voters League meets every Monand many more. and 6 p.m. for anymeets the first Mon- day from 5:30 to To view the full one dealing with days of the month at 7 p.m. at the Covschedule, please the pain of loss and 6 p.m. at Bethesda ington Recreation visit www.aces. feeling the need Baptist Church loCenter, 213 Carver edu/anr/beginningfor support on their

Upcoming Events • Jan. 6 - All interested citizens are called upon to attend a meeting to reactivate the Lee County Chapter of the NAACP on Jan. 6, at 5 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church which is located at 201 South 4th St. in Opelika. Current NAACP members are encouraged to attend and applications will be available for those who wish to (re)join in determining the reinstatement committee to serve for approximately three months before electing long term officers. The current contacts are as follows: Billy U. Allen: 678-4589688/bundray54@gmail.

com (Lead Facilitator) Oscar Penn: 334-6635498 (Local Coordinator) John Andrew Harris: 334-734-3302 (Liaison to NAACP) Following the meeting, the Lee County Voter’s League will hold their regular meeting at the same location. The meeting will start at 6 p.m. The transition from Lindsey Bickerstaff to Rep. Jeremy Gray presiding over meetings along with preparation for the 2020 election cycle encompasses much of the agenda. Increased social media presence will also be addressed.

journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information, contact Bill Parker at 4590214 or 706-5189122. • The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www.auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook. • East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center, located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika. Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month, a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216. • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday at 6 p.m.

• Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays: • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika. • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo. com or find them on Facebook. • Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334-737-5215 or cheri.paradice@ gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the month. • T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334-528-1076 for more information. Email editor@ opelikaobserver. com to place your community events.

pelika Observer O

A13 Jan. 01, 2020

Opelika Theatre Company to stage six shows of Broadway classic ‘Nunsense: The Musical’ in January By Morgan Bryce Editor The Opelika Theater Company will put their twist on the musical comedy “Nunsense: The Musical” with six shows in January, with all performances set to take place at the Southside Center for the Performing Arts, located at 1103 Glenn St. Composed and written by Dan Goggin, the production was met with critical claim upon its release in 1985, eventually becoming the secondlongest Off-Broadway Show with more than

Chili, from A7 pricing is available for the first 100 tickets. With the purchase of a ticket, one will receive admission to the event, samples of some of the area’s best chili, live entertainment and music, family friendly

3,600 performances. According to a review from GuidetoMusicalTheatre.com, Nunsense: The Musical is a “hilarious talent show staged by five survivors at the Little Sisters of Hoboken nunnery, the rest of the sisterhood (47 sisters) having succumbed to botulism after eating vichyssoise prepared by Sister Julia, Child of God.” As a result, they are forced to raise money for their burials. Thinking that they have raised enough money, the “Reverend Mother” uses the

activities and games as well as full bar service. Those interested in being a competitor, vendor or sponsor are asked to send email to events@ auburnfest.com. For more information, call 334-3295005 or visit www. auburnalchilicookoff.com. The venue is located at 434 E. Magnolia Ave.

remaining proceeds to purchase a smart television. The rest of this story filled with total hilarities as the remaining sisters must figure out how to get themselves and the Reverend Mother out of this predicament,” according to OTC volunteer Wesley Knox. Presale tickets are available through cast members or by calling 334-663-2593. Tickets are $12 each for adults and $40 for a family bundle. Dates for the shows are Jan. 10, 11, 17 and 18, which all begin at 7 p.m., and Jan.

Concerts, from A8 went solo. To date, he has released five solo albums, with everyone from the BBC to USA Today lauding his songwriting. His high octane one-man show prompted The Times (UK) to call him “one of the most exciting performers of

Rebecca Rice Cell: 334-703-0801 rebecca@johnrice.info

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

11 and 19, which start at 2 p.m. his generation.” In 2002, Ringenberg created a children’s music character called “Farmer Jason,” winning numerous awards including an Emmy for his PBS video program It’s A Farmer Jason. Often, this relentless barnstormer will perform a Farmer Jason kids show in the daytime and a Jason Ringen-

For more information, visit www.opeberg concert at night in the same city. His latest album “Stand Tall” was written whilst participating in the Artist in Residence Program for the National Park Service at Sequoia National Park. This is a bringyour-own-beer event. However, no glass is allowed in the venue. Tickets are $15 and must be purchased

likatheatrecompany. com. online at www.standarddeluxe.com. No phsyical tickets will be mailed, so guests must select “Will Call” in the shipping information at checkout. For more information, call 334-8266423, like and follow Standard Deluxe’s social media pages or visit the website. The venue is located at 1015 Mayberry Ave.

A14 Jan. 01, 2020

pelika Observer O

COMICS

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

Opelika Schools & Sports Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

On the Mark

• Jan. 6 - Students in Lee County Schools, Opelika City Schools, The Oaks School and Trinity Christian School return to class • Jan. 8 - Students at Lee-Scott Academy return to class

Beauregard High School’s bowling teams conclude season on Dec. 18 with victory over Benjamin Russell

By D. Mark Mitchell

A look back over 2019’s local sports

H

appy New Year! As we welcome 2020, I am going to review Opelika High School’s 2019 athletic accomplishments. On Jan. 7, Opelika graduate and current Auburn University diver Conner Pruitt won the Georgia Diving Invitational. The Opelika girls and boy’s basketball teams captured the area title and tournament championship, advancing to the 6A AHSAA playoffs. The boys advanced to the Elite 8, losing at the buzzer to Carver High SchoolMontgomery. It was the closest that the Opelika boys has been to the Final 56 in years. Coach Devin Booth’s Lady Bulldogs dominated opponents, advancing to the Final 56 for the secondstraight year. The Lady Bulldogs won their semifinal matchup but could not beat defending champs Hazel Green in the finals. The OHS basketball teams consistently played good teams and improve each game as they prepared for the postseason. Eight wrestlers earned the right to compete in the AHSAA State Championship Meet: Cameron Williams, Zeak Jones, Benjamin Daughtry, Timothy Tolbert. Trint Vaughn, James Dawson, Bevin Williams and Cameron Reese.

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller announced that the city of Opelika would renovated the “Mainstreet Gym”, the last part of the original school that was not renovated when $40 million was spent to update the high school. The renovations, new hardwood floors, four new practice goals/rims and backboards, two new game rims and backboards, sound system and scorer’s table were completed in September. Opelika’s first-year head baseball coach Zach Blatt finished 9-24 while playing many underclassmen at various positions as needed. Opelika softball coach Tina Deese retired after guiding the Lady Bulldogs to their fourth AHSAA state playoff berth. Opelika native and alum, Randy Belyue took the job before the end of May. The girls and boys soccer teams advanced to their seventh consecutive state playoff appearances, respectively. The two programs continue to improve with the girls advancing to the Elite 8 and boys to the Final 16. OHS held the Mike Spain Invitational was held at the new, $1 million Sam Mason Track. The program has not held many meets but hope to add several meets each year. Dr. Farrell Seymore announced the hiring of See Sports, page B2

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer In a tournament held at Auburn Lanes on Dec. 18, Beauregard High School's bowling teams defeated Benjamin Russell. Pictured are members of the Hornets' varsity boys and girls squads, which are coached by Shane Lake.

Opelika SportsPlex offering new members their first month free Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika SportsPlex and Aquatics Center is bringing in 2020 with a new year promotion that is sure to excite anyone with a gym membership in mind for the new year. Everyone who starts a new membership from Jan. 1 to 10 will receive their first month free. To take advantage of this promotion, interested parties need only to stop by

the front desk and fill out an application during the promotional period. Opelika SportsPlex memberships include a wide variety of amenities that include an indoor pool, group fitness classes, childcare, weight and cardio equipment, steam rooms, basketball courts, racquetball courts, pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor walking tracks, soccer fields, a disc golf course and a children’s playground. In addition to

their amenities, the Opelika SportsPlex also offers all new members a free personal training session to all members when they sign-up. This is a great opportunity for those members to discuss goals, acquaint themselves with the equipment and come up with a plan for moving forward. The Opelika SportsPlex’s motto is “We have something for everyBODY”, and according to Fitness Director, Alden

Mezick, they stand by that. "We’ve had people from age 10 all the way to, I’ve had someone age 90 in my classes,” Mezick said. “We have something that could fit absolutely anyone. Anything from low intensity classes that are perfect for someone suffering from hip pain, back pain or arthritis or we have something that can push even the most athletic or fit person that you could possibly find.” See SportsPlex, page B2

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B2 Jan. 01, 2020

One Accord Social Club holds annual ‘Bike and Toy Giveaway’ Photos special to the Opelika Observer One Accord Social Club brought the community together once again for their Annual Bike and Toy Give Away. Several other groups and organizations joined in to help with this cause which added to its success. “This is just another reason why Opelika is a special place to live. We take care of each other,” Councilwoman Tiffany GibsonPitts said in a Facebook post last week.

2020 Resolutions to make your child happy tive outlook. Happiness and a smile are contagious. Smile at folks and they will smile back, I promise! 2. Remember to compliment your child. As they try step by step to accomplish a small task encourage them with verbal praise each step of the way. OOO and Ahh over those Crayon colored pictures or Kleenex gifts. I stress to my little folks, each little snowflake is unique and different and so are they. Everyone needs encouragement time and again, to prosper you and not to we all do! harm you, plans to give 3. Be a good listener for you a hope and a future.” your child. Really listen to 1. Have a cheerful your child without interdisposition with your child. rupting their little thoughts. Your child is so very, very You will be pleasantly surspecial to you. prised at what your young Celebrate your child by child will say. What a gift spending time with your to extend to your child to child and planning special make them feel that they activities. Children will are the only ones in your pick up on your happy atworld. Time well spent titude and model your posi-

Beth Pinyerd

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s we usher in a brand new year and decade with 2020, I have composed an outline of gifts that I have collected from several resources over the years as a teacher, mom, and person. The following are gift resolutions to your child for 2020! Jeremiah 29:11-“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans

Sports from B1 Jonathan Fischer as the new girls cross country and track coach. The AHSAA announced that Seymore would be taking Richard Brown’s (the now-retired Beauregard High School principal) place on the AHSAA Central Board of Control. Seymore officially became a member in September 2019. He is the second OCS employee chosen to be on the board, William Parker was the first member. The Central Board is the AHSAA’s governing body. Opelika swimmer Bradi Jones committed and later signed with a swimming

school with Arkansas. Bulldog football coach Erik Speakman began his second year after a 7-5 inaugural season. The Bulldogs finished 12-2 this season, winning the region championship and advancing to the semifinals. Volleyball coach Robyn Roberts continues to improve the program, despite not having any feeder programs in the city. The Lady Bulldogs attained a playoff berth for the third-straight year. Breckin Gould finished ninth in the AHSAA Cross Country Meet in Moulton. Jones won the State Championship in the 100-meter butterfly. Other events that happened in 2019: Beulah’s Cody Flournoy took the Jackson High

School job after one stellar season. The Bobcats turned to a great person in Coach Mathew Johnson to guide the program. For the first time since Bulldog Stadium opened, Opelika’s home football games were played without a Prayer over the PA system prior to kickoff. OCS received a letter from a group called Freedom From Religion, located in Madison, Wisconsin. Former OHS alum, coach and community friend Chuck Furlow passed away. Furlow coached at Opelika and retired in 2009 after serving for several years as Auburn High School’s athletic director. The cities of Opelika and Auburn joined Auburn University to host the 2019 Super 7 Football Champi-

with your child contributes to their success, and adjustment to the world. 4. Give your child the gift of affection. Be generous with appropriate hugs, pats on the back and handholds. A simple hug can crown your child with joy, happiness, and security. From “HereComes a Hug” states “A hug can soothe a small child’s pain, and bring a rainbow after the rain.” So stretch those arms without delay and give your child a hug today. 5. Laugh with your child. Be a kid again and laugh at wholesome, humorous situations with your child. Laughter relieves stress in family situations and just makes you feel better. Look at appropriate cartoons, jokes, articles, and funny stories. Your gift of laughter with your child will say, ”I love to laugh

onship. This year’s games were scheduled to be in Bryant-Denny Stadium on the University of Alabama campus. Alabama athletics asked Auburn University and our Super 7 Co-Chairs if the games could be played on Pat Dye Field. The Super 7 was a huge success with more than 44,000 attending. The AHSAA announced a new 12-year contract concerning the Super 7. The new contract includes Birmingham’s Protective Stadium along with Alabama and Auburn. Each stadium will host the Super 7 four times in 12 years instead of six times. It’s a win-win for student-athletes, all the cities involved and the AHSAA.

with you!” 6. Give the gift of a written note. Send those “I love you” notes in lunches, thank-you notes on their pillows, or even an upbeat message on their mirror. Be creative with this. The little brief expressions of “you are special” will be remembered for a lifetime or change a life, you just never know! I have seen so many little ones smile when they see a smiley face with the words “I love you” in their lunch boxes. 7. You can’t outdo a child in doing special favors for them. There are many opportunities that don’t cost a thing that will make your child feel special! Reading to your child is a favor to your child. As we approach 2020 remember time spent is a gift that your child will never forget! Happy 2020!

SportsPlex from B1 The Opelika SportsPlex has multiple different rooms to house group fitness classes, so they are able to offer three to four different classes at one time. In the morning, members may often find themselves choosing from a cycling class in the cycling studio, aqua aerobics in the pool, Zumba in the group fitness room or Silver Sneakers in the Adult Activity Center. According to Opelika's Parks and Recreation Department Public Relations Coordinator Laura Leigh Chesser, many seniors could potentially qualify for a free Silver Sneakers

We have a lot to look forward to. Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood classroom for 34 years as well as outreaching to the elderly in intergenerational settings. She has taught and outreached in the schools in Opelika and Baldwin County. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education as well as a bachelor’s degree in family and child development both from Auburn University. Her husband is the late Carl Pinyerd and she has one son, Gus Pinyerd who has taught her so much about learning. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth, and families. Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures, and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@charter.net

membership through their insurance provider. Most insurance plans can be checked by the Opelika SportsPlex Adult Activity Coordinator Valeri White. For those with reservations about beginning a new commitment so soon after Christmas, it is important to note that the Opelika SportsPlex does not charge sign-up fees, cancelation fees or lock members into a contract. People can choose to pay their fees monthly or yearly, and that is all they are responsible for. For more information about the Opelika SportsPlex and Aquatics Center, call 334-705-5560 or visit www.opelikasportsplex.com. The facility is located at 1001 Andrews Road.

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, Jan. 01, 2020

Inside the Statehouse Smiths Station City Council approves new New Year Begins. It’s a Presidential Year

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s the new year begins, so does a Presidential election year. For several decades, in fact for most of the twentieth century, Alabamians were more interested in state and local politics than presidential politics. In fact, from 1901 through the 1950’s, there were more people voting in a Democratic Primary for Governor than in a presidential General Election. The interest in national politics is a fairly new occurrence for Alabamians, and it seems to have been in correlation to the party change in the state. Donald Trump carried Alabama by more than 63% in 2016. You can pretty much bet the family farm that he will do the same to whomever the national Democrats offer up in the coming year. The country is divided like never before in our history. You either live in a red Republican state or a blue Democratic state like California. You might say, “the hay is in the barn,” in all but about 10 battleground swing states. There are 40 states that it really does not matter who the Republican or Democratic nominee is, that party’s candidate is going to win that state and get all of that states electoral votes. As I always say, if Mickey Mouse was the Republican nominee for President, he

By Steve Flowers would carry Alabama and by the same token, if Donald Duck was the Democratic nominee, he would carry California. The election is won or lost in the swing states of Florida, Ohio, Michigan, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The candidates will not even campaign in these safe 40 states. We will not see the presidential candidates, but neither will California or New York. Although, the Democratic candidates will go to California and New York to raise money. In fact, that is where our anomaly, short-lived Democratic Senator Doug Jones is getting his campaign money. He raises his funds in the most liberal zip codes in America, especially the left coast of California. Our national politics, especially Congress, has become nothing more than an extreme partisan show. The theater is acted out in childlike petty gamesmanship. The Democratic charade of the impeachment inquiry is a perfect example. They are having a childlike food fight.

Swing voters are really turned off by this partisan circus. It is an obvious political vendetta. The votes are exactly along party lines. That in itself tells independent voters that it is a tribal squabble that is obsessing the tribally aligned politicians instead of important economic issues that affect them and their families. The Democratic CNN/MSNBC/Stephen Colbert watchers gleefully boast of a coup that will never occur. An impeachment vote by only Democrats in the House of Representatives will never be approved or given any credence in the United States Senate, which has a Republican majority. It would need a 2/3 vote in the House of Lords and the U.S. Senate has a Republican majority. It appears that all measures, movements, and votes in Washington are cast along party lines. All of the Republicans watch Fox news and consider the whole theater as an illegitimate political sham. My guess is that the fair-minded, independent voter sees this show as a political act to appease their partisan zealots and they are making a mockery of a time-honored institution. The Democrats will be the losers in this scenario. Voters See Flowers, page B8

appointment to city’s planning commission By Morgan Bryce Editor

The Smiths Station City Council approved Justin Shepherd to become the next member of the city’s planning commission during their meeting on Dec. 23, 2019. Because of Christmas Eve occurring on a Tuesday last year, the city council voted at the Nov. 26, 2019 meeting to bump up their second December meeting by one day. Shepherd, a Smiths Station resident, owns Justin Shepherd

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

Contracting, LLC in Phenix City, which operates throughout the Chattahoochee Valley area. He joins William Spear and Richard Terry as the most recent appointees to the planning

commission. The council also adopted a resolution approving the “Sever Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday” for the weekend See Council, page B8

Lee County Voters League elect new officers for 2020 Special to the Opelika Observer During the Dec. 2 meeting of the Lee County Voters League, participants voted to fill several positions within the organization. The results for 2020 officers/ positions are as follows: • President - Jeremy Gray • Vice President - Oscar Penn • Secretary/Treasurer Dorothy Stringer • Membership Chairman - John Harris • Committee Chairman - Alberta Pink • Chaplain - Carolyn Morton The group would like to thank Lindsey Bickerstaff for his successful efforts as League President this last year and extends well wishes for his

Rep. Jeremy Gray continuing future efforts to positively impact Lee County. The group looks forward to further increasing membership ranks, registering voters and promoting voter education/participation with Gray as their new president. Voters League meet-

ings are traditionally held on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church, which is located at 201 South 4th St. in Opelika. The Voters League is a non-partisan organization, welcoming all of similar spirit to advance voter education and participation.

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B4 Jan. 01, 2020

Senator Doug Jones’ FUTURE Act Signed into Law by President Trump Announces Funding for Alabama Priorities in Appropriations Package Passed by Congress Special to the Opelika Observer Last week U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Ala.) released the following statement on the President’s signing of his bipartisan FUTURE Act legislation to permanently renew funding for Historically Black College and Universities (HBCUs) and minorityserving institutions (MSIs). The bill also includes a first step toward simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. The legislation passed in Congress last week with overwhelming bipartisan support. “Today marks the end of a 15-month effort to provide permanent, reliable funding for our HBCUs and minorityserving institutions of higher education around the country. These schools are part of the very foundation of our higher education system and serve six million talented students across the country. Permanent funding will allow them to fulfill their mission

of serving their students and educating our next generation of leaders. This is just one example of how members of Congress can still work in a bipartisan way to get things done and do the right thing for the people we serve,” Jones said. He is a member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee. Background: Earlier this month, Jones joined a bipartisan group of his colleagues to announce a compromise deal to permanently fund HBCUs and MSIs as well as take a step toward simplifying the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). That legislation was amended to strengthen privacy protections and approved in the House of Representatives by a vote of 319 to 96. The amended bill was approved unanimously in the Senate. Before funding expired on Sept. 30, Jones took to the Senate floor to urge his colleagues to support a vote on his

Jones legislation. The Senate failed to take action before the deadline, but Jones continued to fight to renew the funding and raise awareness about the urgent need to pass this legislation. Jones first proposed to permanently increase and renew funding for HBCUs and MSIs last year through his legislation, the Strengthening Minority-Serving Institutions Act. It earned the support of one-fourth of the Senate. Appropriations Package Jones announced last week that dozens of his requests to fund priorities for Alabama were included in a year-end appropriations package that passed the Senate

today. The two funding bills now head to the President’s desk for his signature. “From increased resources for our HBCUs to additional funding to prevent the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease in our deer population, there are dozens of Alabama priorities included in this bill,” Jones said. “The deal will also fund my Civil Rights Cold Case Records Collection Commission, end the Kiddie Tax on military families, and provide funding for heirs’ property owners to resolve burdensome legal issues. I want to thank Senators Richard Shelby and Patrick Leahy, who lead our Appropriations Committee, for their bipartisan work to get this done.” Key provisions championed by Jones include: • Ending the “Kiddie Tax”: As a result of the Military Widow’s Tax, Gold Star spouses often put benefits in their children’s names in order to collect full survivor benefits. The 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act significant-

ly raised taxes due on these benefits up to a tax rate of 37%, resulting in surprise tax increases of more than $1,000 for many families. The inclusion of Jones’ bill to get rid of the Kiddie Tax will restore the previous lower tax rate on these benefits. • Civil Rights Cold Case bill implementation: $2 million has been allocated for National Archives and Records Administration to implement Jones’ Civil Rights Cold Case Collection Act, which was signed into law by the President early this year. • Funding gun violence prevention research: For the first time in two decades, Congress will allocate $25 million for research into the causes of gun violence in America. Jones has supported this effort as a common-sense, bipartisan step to better understand and prevent acts of gun violence. • Improving maternal and child health: $17 million increase for programs to improve maternal and

child health through the Health Resources and Services Administration, including an additional $5 million to reduce maternal mortality. Jones has introduced numerous pieces of legislation to support families and increase access to health care for women and children. • Increasing funding to enforce federal child protection laws: $90 million for state grants and $55.66 million for the Community-Based Child Abuse Prevention grants to enforce the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act, which Jones has introduced legislation to reauthorize in 2020. • Raising the purchasing age for tobacco to 21: The deal prohibits sale of tobacco products to anyone under the age of 21 across the country. Jones joined similar legislation earlier this year. • Clotilda excavation assistance: $500,000 for the Smithsonian Institution to support excavation, education, and community engagement

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. JOSEPH JONES Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 01/01, 01/08 & 01/15/2020

JONATHAN O’NEAL CHANDLER Administrator Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 Legal Run 01/01, 01/08 & 01/15/2020

See Jones, page B5

PUBLIC NOTICES STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2019-C-105 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF PETE B. TURNHAM, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Pete B. Turnham, deceased, having been granted to Timothy N. Turnham, this 10th day of December, 2019, by the Honorable 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 the law or the same will be barred. Timothy N. Turnham, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 368030030. Legal Run 12/18/19, 12/25/19 & 01/01/2020

INVITATION FOR BIDS 20007 Sealed bids, subject to the conditions contained herein, will be received by the City of Opelika, Alabama, until

2:00 p.m., Local Time, February 3, 2020 and then publicly opened and read at the Office of the Purchasing Agent of the City of Opelika for furnishing all labor and materials and equipment necessary to provide: Right of Way Vegetation Management within the city limits of Opelika, Alabama. This project consists principally of the following items: The bidder is required to attend the Mandatory Pre-Bid Meeting to be held at 2:00 PM on January 7, 2020 the Opelika Power Service Building at 600 Fox Run Pkwy. No bids will be accepted by a company or vendor that does not attend the meeting All Contracts are to be signed and returned to the City of Opelika Purchasing Department within 10 days of the contract being awarded by City Council. A Contractor’s ability to perform all of the work within the required time shall be a primary consideration in the awarding of the Bid. Copies of the Proposal Documents may be requested from the City of Opelika Purchasing Department, which is located at 204 South 7th Street. Please contact Lillie Finley at (334) 705-5121 for information on obtain-

ing these specifications. Technical questions regarding the proposal may be directed to Mr. Brent Poteet, Opelika Power Services Asst Director, City of Opelika, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama 36803. Phone: (334) 7055570. Guarantee will be required with each bid as follows: At least five (5) percent of the amount of bid in the form of a certified check or Bid Bond payable to the City of Opelika, Alabama. A Contract Bond and Labor and Material Bond shall be required when the Contract is awarded. A copy of the State of Alabama General Contractor license for ADM: NEW ADMINISTRATIVE, HS: HIGHWAYS AND STREETS, MU: MUNICIPAL AND UTILITY The right is reserved, as the interest of the Owner may require, to reject any and all bids and to waive any informality in bids received. Envelopes containing bids must be sealed, marked, addressed as follows, and delivered to: Lillie Finley, Purchasing Agent, City of Opelika, 204 South 7th Street, P.O. Box 390, Opelika, Alabama, 36803.

Attn.: Right of Way Vegetation Management. Attention of bidders is called to the License required by Title 34, Chapter 8, Code of Alabama, 1975, as last amended, relating to the licensing of General Contractors. All bidders must submit with their proposal, contractor’s license number and a copy of the license. State law Ala. Code §34-8-8(b) requires all bids to be rejected which do not contain the contractor’s current license number. Evidence of this license shall bedocumented on the outside of the sealed bid. LILLIE FINLEY PURCHASING REVENUE MANAGER CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMALegal Run 12/25/19, 01/01/20 and 01/08/20.

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF NORA LEE JONES, DECEASED, IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.: 2019-B-238 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 20 th day of December, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate

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IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY ROSE CHANDLER, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No.: 2019-C-116 Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of December, 2019, 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.

NOTICE OF WORK SESSION MEETING OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE UTILITIES BOARD OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that a work session will be held by the board of directors of The Utilities Board of the City of Opelika on January 8, 2020 beginning at 12:00 PM, in the board room of the Administrative Building located in the W. Warner Williams Water Resource Park, 4055 Water Street, Opelika, Alabama. The meeting agenda will be posted as specified in State law. DATED this the 16th day of December, 2019. Herbert Slaughter SECRETARY OF THE UTILITIES BOARD OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal Run 01/01/2020

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pelika O Observer Jones, from B4 around discovery of the Clotilda, the last known slave ship to arrive in the United States. The bill also expands eligibility for Civil Rights grants under the Historic Preservation Fund to include recently discovered sites of the transatlantic slave trade, including the Clotilda. Jones also recently memorialized the discovery of the Clotilda, which was found near Mobile in a Senate resolution. • Funding programs to resolve heirs’ property disputes: $5 million secured by Jones for a new heirs’ property relending

fund program. • Preventing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease: Preventing the spread of Chronic Wasting Disease: $1.72 million for the U.S. Geological Survey and $5 million to the Animal Plant Health Inspection Service to combat chronic wasting disease. As an avid hunter and outdoorsman, Jones has introduced several pieces of legislation to fight the spread of CWD. Also included in the bill was another of Jones’ priorities, the Modernizing the Pittman-Robertson Fund for Tomorrow’s Needs Act, which will help state wildlife agencies to conduct important CWD outreach activities. • Increasing Histori-

cally Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) funding: - In addition to securing permanent mandatory funding for HBCUs, Jones has advocated for this bill to also provide $325 million—a 15% increase—for HBCU discretionary funding next year. Last year, he also secured a 14% discretionary funding increase in the omnibus funding bill. - $10 million for HBCU Historic Preservation Fund grants. - $50 million, including $10 million for Public HBCUs, for HBCU Capital Finance Loan deferment authority. • Increasing the maximum Pell Grant award: Students are now eli-

gible for a $150 increase in the maximum Pell Grant award, bringing the maximum award to $6,345 per student. • Funding wastewater grant programs: $5 million for the Household Water Well System Grant Program, which Jones expanded in last year’s Farm Bill to include up to $15,000 for households in rural areas to install and maintain individually owned decentralized wastewater systems. • Enforcing EPA civil rights protections: $9.554 million for enforcement of environmental justice programs under EPA. Earlier this year, Jones called on EPA to better enforce civil rights protections in

B5 Jan. 01, 2020 the environmental justice context. • Saving miners pensions: The bill shores up the miners pension plan, which is headed for insolvency due to coal company bankruptcies and the 2008 financial crisis, and ensures that the miners who are at risk due to coal company bankruptcies will not lose their healthcare. There are nearly 6,000 United Mine Workers of America pensioners in Alabama. • Protecting public transportation funds: The bill includes Jones’ amendment to protect $1.2 billion in public transportation funds, including more than $7 million that was set to be cut for Alabama transit

agencies without this amendment. • Protecting Alabama auto manufacturers from unnecessary tariffs: The bill requires the release of automobile and auto part Section 232 investigation within 30 days, which Jones has called on the Administration to make public. • Addressing the shortage of pilots and lack of diversity in military service: $3 million for the Air Force and Army Junior ROTC to create pilot scholarship programs to increase diversity in military pilot ranks. Jones introduced a bill earlier this year to authorize the secretaries of each military department to create these programs.

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B6 Jan. 01, 2020

Like crossword puzzles? Sudoku? Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

This week’s Scramblers Answers: 1. Please 2. Tumult 3. Action 4. Patrol - Today’s Word: APPETITE

Even Exchange Answers 1. Revise, Revive 2. Flood, Floor 3. Kitten, Mitten 4. Smell, Small 5. Tamper, Camper

6. Mercy, Merry 7. Bacon, Baton 8. Deceit, Decent 9. White, Whine 10. Award, Aware

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B7 Jan. 01, 2020

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pelika O Observer

B8 Jan. 01, 2020

Auburn, Opelika mayors help ring bells to raise money for Salvation Army before Christmas Photo special to the Opelika Observer On Dec. 20, Auburn Mayor Ron Anders and Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller helped raise money for the Salvation Army. That day, they rang bells in front of the Auburn and Opelika Kroger locations. "Folks were mighty generous and we thank you. Merry Christmas!" Fuller wrote in a Facebook post.

United States-MexicoCanada Agreement a win for America Special to the Opellika Observer Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement last week after the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) passed the House of Representatives with Rogers’ strong support. Republicans have asked Democrat leadership for months to bring this bipartisan legislation to the House Floor, but House Democrats

Flowers, from B3 reacted unfavorably to Republicans when they impeached Bill Clinton. Although they seemed to pay more attention and enjoyed that show more because the proposed misdeed was a lot more salacious. As we begin the New Year, let’s not forget that we have some governing to do in the Heart of Dixie and not just politicking. The 2020 Legislative Session begins on Feb. 4. The

have been focused on a sham impeachment instead. “I was thrilled to see this important piece of legislation finally be brought to the House Floor. The USMCA is a win for all Americans and I want to thank President Trump for his leadership on this important trade agreement,” Rogers said. In the state of Alabama, more than 23,000 producers and manufacturers depend on this trade deal.

“Alabama’s economy will continue to soar under the USMCA, especially when it comes to our agriculture and automobile industries. I am pleased we finally got something done this Congress that will help folks across East Alabama and America,” Rogers added. Rogers serves as Ranking Member on the Committee on Homeland Security and a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee.

paramount issue to be addressed is our prison overcrowding problem and prison reform. Gov. Kay Ivey will come forward and offer to the Legislature a comprehensive plan to address this dilemma which has been building up for over a decade. The governor deserves a tip of the hat for working with the Justice Department on this issue. In turn the Justice Department and our U.S. Attorneys deserve accolades for their due diligence in working harmoniously with the governor’s office

and guiding them in the directions necessary to avoid federal interference. This discourse and harmony is quite a contrast to the political rhubarb and catastrophe illustrated and orchestrated by the George Wallace v. Frank Johnson scenario of the 1970’s. See you next week. 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.steveflowers. us.

Council, from B3 of Feb. 21 to 23 by state mandate. Visit www.alabamaretail. org to view a full list of tax-exempt items that can be purchased during this sales tax holiday. In other business, the council: - approved financial statements for the month of November 2019. The Smiths Station City Council regularly meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, with a work session be-

ginning at 5:30 p.m. E.S.T. followed by their regular meeting at 6 p.m. Meetings are held within the council chambers of the Smiths Station Governnment Cen-

ter, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430. For more information, call 334-2978771 or visit www. smithsstational.gov.

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This week’s puzzle answers: