Opelika Observer 01-09-19 E-Edition

pelika O Observer

Vol. 11, No. 14

Wednesday, January 09, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

Opelika’s ‘Spirit of the South Marching Band’ slay their pre-game performance at the Taxslayer Gator Bowl in Jacksonville, Florida

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Opelika High School band took the field with the American flag for the pre-game ceremonies at the Taxslayer Gator Bowl Dec. 31 between N.C. State and Texas A&M, which the Aggies won 52-13. The Spirit of the South has a long tradition of excellence and has marched in the 1989 and 1994 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parades in New York City, the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, Texas and the Philadelphia Thanksgiving Day Parade in Pennsylvania. The band has nearly 200 members and is under the direction of Neil Sasser.

First Man receives Golden Globe for ‘Best Original Score’

Photos special to the Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor First Man emerged with a Golden Globe during Monday night’s award ceremonies.

Adapted from a book of the same title penned by retired Auburn University professor Dr. James Hansen, First Man received an award for “Best Original Score - Motion Picture,” composed by Justin

Hurwitz.

“First Man deserves every award it will win - and many it won't. The film bravely demands that we take a fresh look at everything we think we understand about the early U.S. space program,” Hansen said. “It adds different tastes, some bitter, to the sugar-coated narrative of the Apollo program and it punctures the myth of ‘as-

tronaut as superhero’ without the capacity for doubt or tears. It also represents a giant leap for womankind in its much more realistic depiction of the trials and tribulations of the astronauts’ wives.”

The first-ever official biography of American astronaut Neil Armstrong, First Man drew attention from film companies since its 2002 release, but failed to generate

Index

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traction until 2016.

Fresh off the release of musical blockbuster “La La Land,” awardwinning director Damien Chazelle and star actor Ryan Gosling paired together once again to recreate that portion of Armstrong’s life and his famed lunar landing made possible by NASA’s Apollo 11 mission. Hansen worked alongside screenwriter Josh Singer as a co-

SPORTS................................B1 CALENDAR....................................B3 LEGALS ......................................B6 ENTERTAINMENT......................B8

producer during the filming process.

Released Oct. 12, 2018, the film has been well received by audiences worldwide, and maintains favorability ratings of 88 and 84 percentage points on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, respectively.

First Man has already received four awards, three “Best Visual Effects” and one “Best Original

Score” from The Capri (Hollywood International Film Festival) and the Houston Film Critics Society.

The film has also been nominated for 10 awards in Sunday’s Critics’ Choice Awards ceremony which will air on the CW Network and is speculated to be a frontrunner for multiple Oscars during the 91st annual Academy Award ceremonies next month.

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A2 January 09, 2019

Second installment of Opelika-based mystery series to be released in February

By Morgan Bryce Editor The second installment of an Opelika-based murder mystery novel series by local author Greg Clark is set to release in February.

“Ashes of Arson: Arson Revisited” will bring readers up to speed on protagonist Katie MacKenzie, an insurance adjuster fresh off solving her first-ever murder case.

After finding two charred bodies in a fictitious warehouse fire in the first novel, the second features a fire in the basement of a home in Opelika’s historic Northside neighborhood that Mackenzie believes could be a cover-up for murder.

“Since the first book, she has become more secure with herself and in her relationship with a local fireman named Rich.

She’s also improving her status with the insurance company and becoming a better shot with a gun, which she feels more comfortable with now,” Clark said.

Reception for the first book exceeded Clark’s expectations, rising to #13 on Amazon’s “Best Crime/Mystery-Solving Books” list in the days after its release.

Through frequent visits to downtown Opelika with his wife, Clark said the area served as the inspiration for the location of the series.

“My wife and I really love the Railroad Avenue district of Opelika … and we visit there frequently to eat the restaurants and often just walk around the neighborhood. As we were walking around in Eighth and Rail, I just got this idea of writing a novel, an idea that I’d been toying around with for years,” Clark said in

an interview last year.

“And that’s when we started talking about the whole novel taking place and being set in Opelika.”

Clark added that a third book in the series is currently in the works.

No release date for the

Second Saturday at Pioneer Park to feature inkle looms, dulcimers and pine needle baskets

book has been set, but updates will be available through his Facebook page “Greg Clark, DC” and personal website www.gunbuild.com.

These books are selfpublished and can be purchased through Amazon.

Special to the Opelika Observer The Lee County Historical Society will begin a new year of activities Jan. 12 at Pioneer Park by offering visitors a taste of life in the 1800s in East Alabama. If the weather is agreeable, Dr. Charles Mitchell will lead a garden walk ‘n talk through the Heirloom Camellia Garden at 9 a.m. where visitors will learn about the state flower of Alabama that is now in bloom. Thirteen-year-olds, including adults, are welcome to come to the Textile Room, upstairs in the Trade Center Museum.

Starting at 9 a.m., Mary Dulaney will be teaching participants to use Inkle Looms on which one can weave bands and belts. All supplies will be provided and there is no fee.

Pioneer settlers used whatever material was available to make items they could use. Of the more beautiful items were baskets made out of pine needles. A beginner’s class in Pine Straw Basketry will also start this Saturday, with classes every Saturday through the February “Second Saturday”.

The classes will be held in the Trade Center Museum from 9 a.m. noon. Supplies will be available and the fee will be $20 for the entire

Opelika’s Achievement Center-Easterseals receives wheelchair-accessible vehicle Special to the Opelika Observer On Nov. 12, 2018, the family of Dr. Scott Renner donated a 2007 wheelchair-accessible vehicle in his memory

to Opelika’s Achievement Center-Easterseals branch.

Since a spinal cord injury Aug. 15, 1992 that rendered him with quadriplegia, Scott overcame his physical limitations

and finished his education, becoming a social worker.

Later, he went on to become the assistant director of the Office of Accessibility Electronic and Information

Technology Officer on Auburn University’s campus and become an accomplished educator, staunch disability advocate and motivational speaker.

Achievement CenterEasterseals director Star See Donation, page A3

series.

All participants will have completed a small basket by the end of classes. Call Mike Thurman at 334-220-3290 to make a reservation. The class is limited.

Deborah McCord and the Whistle Stop Pickers will also begin a new class in traditional music using the mountain dulcimer. Even if one has never played a musical instrument before, they will find the mountain dulcimer both fun and satisfying.

The Trade Center Museum and all buildings at Pioneer Park are open to the public on the second Saturday of each month. Blacksmiths are working at the forge, the textile center is alive with artisans spinning and weaving home-made fabrics, the gardens are open, and special activities are planned monthly.

Stay for lunch at noon.

Someone is always cooking up a traditional Southern lunch in the Cook House based on traditional recipes from our past. Pioneer Park is a project of the Lee County Historical Society, a non-profit, allvolunteer organization dedicated to the preservation and presentation of the history of Lee County and East Alabama.

For more information, visit www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org/ or like their Facebook page.

WE KNOW HOW TO GET YOU HOME

BILL PRICE 334.663.1752

pelika Observer

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

Publisher: Michelle Key Editor: Morgan Bryce Marketing: Doug Horn and Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writer: Rick Lanier

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. Marketing mail postage is paid at Opelika, AL. USPS permit #205 POSTMASTER: Send address changes to Opelika Observer, 216 S. 8th Street, Opelika, AL 36801

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pelika O Observer It’s time to file 1099s Avoid $50-$100+ late penalties per form

By Justin Smith For the Opelika Observer Tax season is always hectic for accountants, but business owners feel the pressure in the first few months of the year as well. January can be especially stressful with short windows to prepare and file required forms to vendors and independent contractors, such as Form 1099-MISC. Businesses use Form 1099-MISC (referred to as “Information Returns”) to report nonemployee compensation to the Internal Revenue Service. Payments may be made to independent contractors, suppliers/vendors, and other unincorporated businesses. This month can be mayhem for accountants and business owners who must frantically prepare and file these forms to avoid costly penalties.

Businesses Must File Generally, business owners must issue a Form 1099-MISC to any contractor or vendor who was paid at least $600 during the year. These payments may include rents as well as services and nonemployee compensation.

They should be issued to individuals, partnerships and LLCs you do business with, but are not required to be provided to corporations.

The best way to ensure you issue 1099s correctly is to obtain a new or updated Form W9 from each contractor annually, and always before doing business with a new contractor. This form provides critical information such as the contractor’s name, address, taxpayer ID number and entity type (such as a sole proprietor, LLC, Corporation, etc.).

Filing Deadlines & Late Filing Penalties

Jan. 31 is the deadline to provide 1099s to contractors and the IRS (they can be mailed or provided electronically, while Alabama allows until March 15. Late filing penalties start at $50 for each form filed within 30 days after the due date, rising to $100 per form by Aug. 31, and $260 per form after that date.

Paper Filing & Electronic Filing Available Filing 1099s with the IRS is not a simple as printing off copies of the document from their Web site. The IRS requires 1099s to be filed along with a transmittal (Form 1096) on specially heatsensitive documents (the “red form”). You can generally buy the proper forms at an office supply store, although electronic filing is another option available from a host of companies. Additionally, a copy of the entire package

should be filed with the state by its deadline. Every 1099 should have at least four copies – one each for the IRS, state, recipient and your own records.

Regardless of what business you are in, it is important to keep good records to prove your expenses, and that will make preparing your 1099s much easier every January. As with nearly all tax laws, many exceptions and nuances exist to the 1099 process, so it is best to engage a tax professional to make sure you follow the right processes – you will be glad you did.

Justin Smith is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting. He can be contacted at 251-2092579 or Justin@JSmithCPA.net.

His website is www. jsmithcpa.net

A3 January 09, 2019

Donation,

from A2

Wray said that the vehicle is a tremendous gift to her organization.

“This donation will be a great addition to the Center and provide us needed flexibility to transport individuals who are wheelchair dependent,” Wray said.

According to the organization’s website, their mission is to “provide vocational development services and extended employment programs for

individuals with physical, mental and developmental disabilities and for persons without disabilities who are culturally, socially or economically disadvantaged; to assist them in obtaining competitive or extended employment; to help maximize their independent living skills and to equip them to live at the highest possible level of independence within the community.”

For more information, visit www. achievement-center.org.

The Opelika facility is located at 510 W. Thomason Circle.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

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pelika O Opinion

A4 January 09, 2019

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Listen Linda

inda... Listen, My daughter and I have opposing opinions about when to answer the phone and when it’s ok not to and we want to know what you think.

I believe it’s better to answer the phone and tell the person I am in the middle of something and that I will return their call when I am done. Sometimes when I call my daughter, she doesn’t answer, and she doesn’t call me back for hours or sometimes even the next day.

When she does call me back, I find out that she was watching a movie or walking her dog and didn’t think my call was urgent enough to respond

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promptly. As her mother, if I don’t hear back, I start to worry, even though she’s in her 30’s and married with a family.

When my daughter calls me, and I say I’m in the middle of something and will call her back, she gets upset and says that I shouldn’t have even answered at all. Will you please help us settle this?

Annoyed in Opelika Dear Annoyed in Opelika, I think that for your daughter to keep you waiting many hours before she calls you back shows a lack of respect for you and your feelings especially if she “could”

call you back much sooner. For you to obsess that something terrible could have happened is not necessary because, trust me, bad news (and good) travels faster than Speedy Gonzalez in Opelika! It could also be possible that you are calling your daughter too often, but you are the only one who can answer that question. Another suggestion that I have would be for both of you to text the other one if you can’t answer the phone right then. That way no one is left wondering if everything is alright.

Good luck!

Linda

A New Year

wonder, in a sense, aren’t ere we are at the we all constantly adjuststart of yet anothing and learning the pater year. A year of terns and quirks of life? births, deaths, memories, A lot of the time it and lessons. We will take seems like this life has risks and stumble across taken its toll on me. I possibilities that we feel like this is the year intend on bringing to fruiBy Lucy Fuller that life kicked me back tion. We will correct our into where I’m supposed mistakes from the previto be. I am supposed to be right ous year and create new problems here sitting at my desk, in my to solve in this one. Last year, we pajamas, at 12 p.m. on a Saturday batted our eyes, and our children grew another six inches and drifted telling you about my journey. I have a smile on my face as I am further away into their own lives. typing this now: “This is exactly We had to make difficult and very where I’m supposed to be.” Evfinal decisions that we thought, or erything has happened in its own still might think, will be the death perfect timing for me to be right of us. We discovered life changing here right now. good news that we will remember I remember (roughly) 2 years always and hold near and dear to ago seeing this house for the first our hearts. time and falling in love with it. It We wish our friends, family, and was cold the day Jody brought me those we don’t even know a “Haphere. We explored the old abanpy New Year” hoping that it really doned Fuller family homeplace does go better than the last.

Football teams will win and lose. and dreamed up a million posPolitics and religion will fight their sibilities. We visited the windy banks of the Tallapoosa River. never ending battles across our country as they always do. We will We even planned future kayaking excursions and camping trips. You bow our heads and pray harder for see, for those of you who don’t our leaders and our growing chilknow the history of Jody and me, dren in hopes that they take our we went our separate ways for a dreams and make them their reality. We clench our jaws and grit our little while. When God has a plan for your life and you trust Him teeth at the ones who spew endwith it, He has a way of putting less hatred and negativity into our you exactly where He wants you. seemingly happy world. We bite Most of the time you won’t even our tongues and say a prayer for those that will wrong us once again know that His plan is actually what you want or even need, but it even though we know in the back is and it’s perfect. Although I may of our mind it may happen again. question Him more than I should, We forgive, and we try to forget.

I trust Him. Well, God brought us We move on into another year. back together and he brought us Time marches on and doesn’t stop for anyone. It’s a harsh reality here to our home.

Our home may be small and for some, but to me its proof that need lots of work, but our hearts life goes on, and I am okay with are big and our hands are ready that. 2018 had been a hard-earned year. My whole life has been made for the work that needs to be done.

We have both prepared our whole up of years better than the last, lives for this moment. We have and I am determined to keep it both prepared our whole lives for that way. I always try to look at this year. Each year is only a stepthe positive in life no matter what ping stone in the creek of life and hand I’ve been dealt. I must say here we are at our very own creek. that the cards were shuffled well, The sun is out today, for the first because last year took the cake on good years. We celebrated our own time in weeks, and we are about to get our feet wet in the creek Abigail Jennings in her first year of life and, though it was not easy, that runs behind our home. As I turn my face to the warmth of the we kept our heads above the water sun and dip my foot into the cold the entire time. water I realize something. Out of The first year of a baby’s life all the heartbreak and disappointcan be hard on parents. Sleep ment in life you can always count deprivation becomes the norm as on the one thing that truly matters we adjust to our little ones resting most, and that is Love. I’ve got patterns and quirks. Sometimes that times three. she needs to nurse before she lays Happy New Year. down, sometimes she wants daddy Lucy Fuller is a lover of nato rock her to sleep, sometimes she ture, animals, gardening, and old just doesn’t want to go to sleep at houses. She may be reached at fulall, and we get stuck in an endless battle of “fighting” it. It makes me lalove2017@gmail.com

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Nice People

saw a man in a gas station scream at a cashier. The cashier was a young girl. She made a mistake and overcharged him for gas.

The man lost it. I watched the whole thing happen. He stormed out of the convenience store and sped away, leaving skid marks.

She was embarrassed.

“Oh, man,” she said.

“I really screwed up.”

“No you didn’t,” said a man standing in line.

“He did.”

Be nice. That’s what my mother always told me. And I never knew her to be wrong.

This was her highest aspiration for my life.

She wanted me to use a soft voice, good manners, and to treat people the way I’d treat Pope Francis.

Admittedly, I have failed her many times.

There was the time I was watching the Iron Bowl at a tavern in Columbus, with friends.

I was seventeen, but I managed to sneak into the joint.

There was a man at the bar in an Auburn Tshirt who kept shouting ugly things to my pals.

When he tossed a glass of beer into my friend Arnold’s face things went crazy.

Arnold weighed a buck five, soaking wet, and had a stutter, he could not seem to defend himself. It took three of us to pry the man loose.

The rowdy hit me beneath the jaw so hard I bit my own tongue and said a word that is not

By Sean Dietrich

approved by the Southern Baptist Convention™.

In the heat of the moment, I sat on the man’s chest. That wasn’t very nice. My other friends joined me. Three of us sat on him. My mother would’ve disowned me.

The bartender, a graduate from the University of Auburn, splashed a glass of ice water in the man’s face and shouted “You schnoz-whistle!

People like you give Auburn folks a bad name!”

“LET ME GO!” the man shouted.

“BE NICE!” shouted the bartender. “AND WE’LL LET YOU GO!” When we let him free, the man leapt to his feet, dropped his trousers and showed us the full moon.

And I’ve never forgotten the word “schnozwhistle.”

“Be careful.” That’s something else Mama used to tell me.

My father, however, warned me never to answer this question with “I will.” He told me to answer these words with: “I’ll do my best.”

Long ago, my mother used to tell him to “be careful,” or “be safe” before he left for work, welding lap splices on iron skyscrapers. And he

would always answer, “I will,” then kiss her goodbye.

One day, he fell two stories. When he awoke he was in a hospital and couldn’t feel anything from the neck down.

Doctors poked needles into his feet and into his hands.

My father said he made a deal with the Almighty. He promised to be a devout man if God would heal him.

The next day, he awoke with feeling in his body. And he would be an Evangelical for the rest of his life. And it is for this reason that I still feel bad whenever I open a beer can in public.

“Be good.” This is something my grandfather would tell me. In fact, it’s something a lot of elderly men say, and I’m crazy about it.

I know a man who is eighty-six. Whenever I leave him, he says, “Be good. And if you can’t be good, be good at it.”

Then he laughs.

“Be happy.” This one is from me to you.

I descend from pessimistic people who believe in the unwritten scripture: “Blessed is he who does not expect much out of life for he will not be disappointed.”

That might be true, but I also believe you deserve to be happy.

That’s almost unachievable in today’s world, but it’s not impossible I don’t think.

See Dietrich, page A6

Puttin’ and Poutin’

T

another law that said he legislature that counties with a of the state of significant immigrant Alabama never population could have ceases to amaze me. draft beer – which is Especially when it why some off the best comes to passing inseafood joints were in novative laws to get Baldwin County. around other laws. And

By Hardy Jackson You still with me? of all the laws gotten Now jump ahead. around innovatively, In 1992, legislators found themliquor laws are the most innovaselves facing a bigger problem. tively gotten around.

How to keep the rich and powConsider. Back at the start erful tipsy and happy when the of the 20th Century, in an efpoorer, weaker, prohibition-mindfort to shut down honky tonks, ed majority didn’t want them to the legislature passed a law that be either. Specifically, legislators prohibited the sale of draft beer were distressed to learn that one in the state. The theory behind of their former members was havthe plan was that since draft beer ing trouble getting folks interested was consumed on the premises in a golf course community he of such places, not allowing draft wanted to build in dry Marshall beer would reduce the number of County. It seems that the rich and premises where beer was sold. powerful didn't want to buy into (Think about it, and when it a place where the country club makes sense you’ll know you are didn't have a bar. So the legislaone of us.)

It probably sounded like a good ture passed a law that created dryidea at the time. Like the law that county “community development districts” in which beer, liquor made it illegal to serve a drink to and wine could be sold, so long someone standing up, passed on as one municipality in the county the logic that if you keep drunks was wet. (That's another example seated they won’t get in fights of a law to get around a law, let‘cause no one ever got in a fight ting cities be wet when the county sitting down.

But the legislature soon had sec- is dry, but let's not go there now.)

All you needed to get yourself ond thoughts about the draft beer one of those "districts" was a prohibition. (I'm back up on the wet town, 200 residential sites, first point, work with me now.) a country club with membership Legislators learned that some of requirements, and an 18-hole golf the immigrants who came to dig potatoes and mine coal were gon- course. Those living outside the district had no say in the matter. na leave if they couldn't get beer But the problem didn't go away. on draft. So our representatives, Over in Blount County the golf to keep cheap labor on the job and the Big Mules happy, passed See Jackson, page A6

pelika O Observer

Around Lee County

A5 January 09, 2019

Lee County Historical Society to Fuel experts project higher gas prices in 2019 hold winter meeting Jan. 13 Special to the Opelika Observer The public is invited to the winter meeting of the Lee County Historical Society Jan. 13 at 2:30 p.m. at the Trade Center Museum in Loachapoka.

The guest speaker will be Dr. Bill Deutsch, research fellow and emeritus in the Auburn University School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences and cofounder of Alabama

Deutsch Water Watch, a community-based water monitoring program.

He will speak about one of Alabama’s most pre-

cious natural resources, its waters and its streams.

Deutsch has just completed a new book, “Alabama Rivers – A Celebration and Challenge.”

His book describes how Alabama rivers form, flow, and are full of life, and what we can do to develop a river ethic and keep rivers clean and healthy.

This presentation will kick off LCHS’s celebration of the Bicentennial of Alabama’s statehood.

The Lee County Voters League Secretary recorded the election results for 2019 at the Dec. 3 meeting: President - Lindsey Bickerstaff Vice President - Rev. John Pink Secretary/Treasurer - Dorothy Stringer Membership Chariman - John Harris Committee Chairman - Alberta Pink Chaplain - Carolyn Morton We thank Commissioner Harris for all his successful efforts as League President these past years increasing membership ranks, registering voters and promoting voter participation. We’re honored to have him as membership Chair for the League to continue to grow.

In closing, the Lee County Voters League ballot used on Oct 1 to determine their endorsements did not print or reflect Candidate Richard LaGrand as a Republican in any way. It has come to our attention sample ballots used on Nov. 6 incorrectly showed LaGrand as a Republican in the District 5 Commissioner race. The Voters League regrets the misprint and pray this clears all confusion.

• Voters League meetings traditionally fall on the first Monday of each month at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church - 201 South 4th Street, Opelika

Special to the Opelika Observer

GasBuddy, a Bostonbased tech company, predicts that 2019 will feature a yearly national average of $2.70 per gallon, representing a 3-cent drop versus 2018, but warns that the national average could surge to more than $3 per gallon as soon as May. Some highlights from GasBuddy’s 2019 Fuel Price Outlook include: - the nation’s yearly gasoline bill will fall to $386 billion dollars, a drop of $2.5 billion from last year as the average household sees their annual gasoline spending fall slightly to $1,991, down $25 from 2018.

- the national average is forecasted to rise as much as $1 per gallon from a low in January to a possible peak in May, but economic jitters could weigh heavily on where gas prices go in 2019.

- more than 90 percent of the country’s largest metro areas are at risk for seeing average prices hit $3 per gallon, including Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York City, Philadelphia, Phoenix, San Francisco, Seattle and Washington, D.C. - how accurate was GasBuddy’s 2018 Forecast? Assembled in late 2017, the forecast called for a yearly na-

tional average of $2.57 per gallon with a peak of $2.89 per gallon in April. 2018 ended with a yearly national average of $2.73 per gallon with a peak of $2.98 per gallon on May 24.

“While the bargain basement gas prices we’ve been seeing in areas across the country have been terrific and most welcomed, the party at the pump will likely wrap up in the next month or two, and prices will begin to rally as OPEC production cuts and a strong U.S. economy push gas prices back up. While the national average failed to hit $3 last year, we have an even stronger possibility of seeing that ugly possibility, which would push prices in some places from $1.99 today to over $3 this spring- which would be an impressive and shocking turnaround in just a few months,” said Patrick DeHaan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy. “One caveat however, that may have motorists unexpectedly spending less- is what happens in the White House. Should all the darkest realities come to fruition, it could lead to slow down in the economy and take gas prices right along with it. As goes the economy, as go gas prices in the year ahead. Buckle up for the extra volatility we’re going to see- it could be nauseating.”

For those making

resolutions, GasBuddy suggests shopping around at the pump and driving less aggressively: the savings could add up to $477 per year, or roughly $10 per tank.

In addition, motorists can use GasBuddy’s in-app Drives feature to help reduce their yearly fuel bill by showing them how their driving style stacks up.

About GasBuddy GasBuddy is a company that connects drivers with their "Perfect Pit Stop." As the leading source for crowdsourced, real-time fuel prices at more than 150,000 gas station convenience stores in the U.S., Canada and Australia, millions of drivers use the GasBuddy app and website every day to find gas station convenience stores based on fuel prices, location and ratings/reviews. GasBuddy’s first-of-its-kind fuel savings program, Pay with GasBuddy, has saved Americans more than $4.5 million at the pumps since its launch in 2017. The company’s business solutions suite, GasBuddy Business Pages, provides Fuel Marketers and Retailers their best opportunity to maintain their station information, manage their brand, and promote to their target consumer audience.

For more information or to see the full report, visit www.gasbuddy. com.

CityBuilders 2019 Outlook panel to be held Jan. 24 Special to the Opelika Observer Leading executives in real estate development will share their perspectives at the CityBuilders 2019 Outlook panel Jan. 24 at The Hotel at Auburn University and Dixon Conference Center.

Sponsored by the

Master of Real Estate Development program at Auburn the panel will last 5:30-7 p.m. This is open to Auburn MRED students and alumni, Auburn alumni in the real estate industry and friends of the MRED program.

Panelists include: Lyle Darnall, managing director, Edens, Columbia,

South Carolina; Kurt O'Brien, CEO, Simply Self Storage, Orlando, Florida; Mark Wolf, principal, JHP Architecture/ Urban Design, Dallas; Wesley Lee, senior vice president, BB&T, Birmingham and Pat Henry, president, Daniel Corp., Birmingham.

These professionals will discuss the opportu-

nities and challenges in real estate development across various property types and marketplaces.

A networking reception will follow.

Visit citybuildersevent. com to register for this event. Admission is free.

MRED is an executive master's program operated jointly by the Raymond J. Harbert Col-

Buying or Selling?

lege of Business and the College of Architecture, Design and Construction.

About Auburn Master of Real Estate Development Training a new generation of real estate professionals to create places that matter. That is the goal of Auburn University’s Master of Real Estate Development program.

Auburn’s Harbert College of Business and its College of Architecture, Design and Construc-

tion have combined to create a program that provides students an understanding of multiple disciplines—including architecture, construction, law, market analysis and planning—that put them at an advantage in their real estate development careers.

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pelika O Observer

A6 January 09, 2019

Southern Union President Todd Shackett speaks to Opelika Kiwanis Club

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Todd Shackett, the new president of Southern Union Community College, spoke to the Kiwanis Club of Opelika. Shackett is the first permanent president of Southern Union in 10 years. Pictured are Bob Harris (club president), Joanne Camp and Shackett.

Dietrich,

from A1

Be kind. That’s from my aunt, who used to say, “You’re a nice-looking boy, ugly just don’t look good on you.”

Be yourself. Life is too short to be anyone else.

Be generous. Be forgiving. Be open-minded. Be understanding.

Be silly. Be childish. Be spontaneous. Be sincere.

And be decent. It won’t make you successful, it won’t bring you

fame and fortune. You won’t land on the Today Show, doing cooking demonstrations with Kathy Lee and Hoda.

You will still be attacked by schnoz-whistles with inferiority complexes.

You’ll still have rough days. You’ll still meet unkind folks in Colum-

Jackson,

from A4 course community of Limestone Springs wanted to get in on the “community development district” deal.

Sadly they are a little short of residential sites and Blount is bone dry. But fear not, Sen. Pat Lindsey from down in South Alabama saw the problem and introduced a bill that cut the number of home sites by half and dropped the wet municipality provision.

And before you could say, “make mine a Miller” the Senate said OK. One of those dry counties affected by Lindsey's bill was the one in which my Daddy lived. Here, I thought, was an eco-

bus, with very white backsides. You’ll still wake up with arthritis.

You’ll still miss loved ones. You’ll still see new wrinkles on your face and gray hairs on your head.

But you’ll also see something else when you look in the mirror. A

nomic opportunity that could secure him comfortably in his twilight years and leave a legacy for him son – that would be me.

Back behind the family home are sites for 100 or more mobile homes and trailers. Down by the creek is about five acres ideally suited for an 18-hole course, complete with windmills, dinosaurs and all those obstacles folks love to putt around.

And Daddy’s Poutin’ House, where he and his friends gather every Wednesday night to cuss and discuss matters at hand, would make a first-rate country club -- membership included with the purchase of a lot.

Daddy has a friend with a bush-hog and another with a dozier.

They could clear and level. And we’ll sell the sites electricity

from an outlet at the "club" -- just a nominal charge. The whole thing can be up and running in six weeks, tops.

There'll even be a few acres left over for those who don't golf to plant a patch and put up a deer stand.

POUTIN' AND PUTTIN' -- that's what we'll call it.

Carpe diem, y'all.

Unfortunately Daddy died before the scheme could be set in motion and my tee-totaling Mother frowned more Poutin’ so the matter died.

If anyone wants to revive it, I can be reached at the address below.

Harvey H. (“Hardy”) Jackson is Professor Emeritus of History at Jacksonville State University. He can be reached at hjacson@ cableone.net.

person who you can be proud of.

At least that’s what a wise woman once told me. And I never knew her to be wrong.

Whatever you do in this world, be nice.

Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commen-

tary 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.

WINTER TERM 2019 Classes begin January 28th Open Registration January 14th-24th 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at Sunny Slope 1031 South College Street, Auburn, Alabama

Winter Term Catalogs Available January 11th

For details, visit the OLLI website at www.olliatauburn.org Call 334-844-3102 or 844-3105

Auburn University is an equal opportunity educational institution/employer.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

UPCOMING EVENTS: • Jan. 11 - The Ransom Notes • Jan. 12 Dallas Dorsey at Docks • Jan. 19- Pete the Cat night • Jan. 25 - Dennis Warner • Jan. 29 - MLK Jr. Celebration at OPAC

Enliven meals on cold days with fresh muffins hot from the oven Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

A

fter elaborate holiday meals, weekday dinners during January can seem ho-hum or boring. Freshly baked muffins can make a simple meal seem special. Whether they are plain or embellished with blueberries, strawberries or pecans, muffins can be quickly mixed and fill the house with a sweet aroma on a cold day.

Almost everyone seems to like muffins, especially during winter months when bread hot from the oven is

comforting. Muffins are the easiest type of bread to make. A few quick stirs and the batter goes into the oven.

Let the children help make them.

Muffins are also easy to freeze. Bake several batches to keep in the freezer to pull out for breakfast, lunch or dinner. On cold morning, serve warm muffins with breakfast. They are much more appealing than cold cereals. Oatmeal and bran muffins are especially good in the mornings.

While muffins are good served plain, offer softened butter or a flavored butter to go with the muffins.

Strawberry butter, orange spread and honey spread are simple to make. They add an extra punch of flavor.

Muffins baked in mini tins are great to have on hand for afterschool snacks or to serve at lunch with a cup of soup or salad.

Kelcie Carpenter makes delicious Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins, while school teacher Kim Walker

Photo by Ann Cipperly Muffins are the easiest bread to make, just needing a few quick stirs and then spooning the batter into muffin tins to bake. While they bake, muffins fill the house with a warm, sweet aroma. Keep an assortment of muffins in the freezer to pull out for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Freshly baked muffins can make simple weekday meals special. bakes yummy Banana Praline Muffins. Kim doubles the recipe and freezes one batch, and then reheats frozen muffins in the microwave on high for 1 minute.

Martha Tabor’s Glorious Morning Muffins are filled with oatmeal, carrots, apples and pecans for a delectable treat anytime. They freeze well

and can be reheated in the microwave.

Sally McCormick serves Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins with Lemon Curd for bridge luncheons.

They are also delightful served with a cup of tea in the afternoon.

If you want to get fancy, make phyllo cups for regular sized muffins, layer two phyllo sheets brushed

with melted butter and cut into squares slightly larger than the diameter of the muffin cup. Place pastry in muffin cups and spoon in batter.

Bake until muffins are cooked. This will create edible, crunchy liners.

The Buttery Muffins go together quickly See Recipes, page A8

Susie K’s announces changes Opelika native, comedian in hours, menu options to host ‘Battle for O Town’ grand finale Jan. 25

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Opelika meat-and-three establishment Susie K’s Country Cooking has announced major changes to both its hours and menu to start the new year.

According to Suzanne Lowery, restaurant coowner, Susie K’s will revert to serving breakfast, lunch and weekend brunches instead of dinner in hopes of accommodating the needs and wants of their customer base.

“We are excited for this change in our hours and operating days. We have

been asked since opening about being open on Sundays,” Lowery said.

“This was a hard decision for us, but ultimately the best decision for the business. We hope that the community will agree and support us in this.”

Sunday’s brunch menu will include items like hand-made biscuits, omelets, cinnamon roll pancakes, chicken and waffles, salmon patties and tomato gravy, Conecuh platters and more. Lunch hours begin at 10:30 a.m. and there will be weekly, rotating specials served with fresh

vegetables.

Lowery added that they plan to roll out a new menu in the coming weeks which will be posted on the restaurant’s Facebook page.

Susie K’s new hours of operation are 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and 7 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sundays. Weekend brunch hours will be all day on Saturdays and 7-10:30 a.m. on Sundays.

For more information, like and follow their Facebook page or call 334737-6065. The restaurant is located at 1801 2nd Ave.

By Morgan Bryce Editor Opelika native and stand-up comedian Michael Statham will return as host of the second annual “Battle for O-Town Grand Finale” Jan. 25 at the Bottling Plant Event Center.

Recognized by Statham and others as “The South’s Greatest Comedy Competition,” the event will feature 20

Statham

up-and-coming standup comedians duking it out for the most laughs and a $500 grand prize.

In its second year, the finale marks the

end of the 10-week competition, which draws comedic talent from across the Southeast.

Advance tickets cost $10 and can be purchased by calling 334-705-5466 or visiting www.bottlingplanteventcenter. com.

Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show begins at 7:30 p.m.

The venue is located at 614 N. Railroad Ave.

Monday-Tuesday 11 AM - 3 PM Wednesday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

pelika O Observer

A8 January 09, 2019

Recipes,

from A7 but are rich, so you may want to bake them in miniature tins. This recipe has been around for a while and is always popular when served.

Once we stayed at a bed and breakfast inn that was serving these muffins at breakfast and at dinner with chives in the batter.

Everyone at tables around us loved them, and a few people wanted to buy some to take home. I talked to the chef who gave me the recipe. She said she found it in a church cookbook.

Following are a wide variety of muffin recipes from sweet to savory. Some of the batters will keep in the refrigerator for a week to have on hand for breakfast, supper or a snack anytime.

Cipperly can be contacted at recipes@ cipperly.com.

No Knead Yeast Muffins 1 pkg. yeast 2 cups warm water 1 ½ sticks butter or margarine, melted ¼ cup sugar 1 egg, beaten 4 cups self-rising flour Place yeast in warm water. Cream melted butter with sugar; add beaten egg. Add yeast and water, then flour. Drop batter into greased muffin cups.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Can be stored tightly covered in refrigerator up to a week.

Food Ratings Crossroads Healthcare, LLC 867 Lee Road 248 Smiths Station Score: 100 Eighth & Rail 807 S. Railroad Ave. Opelika Score: 99 Little Italy 129 E. Magnolia Ave. Auburn Score: 99 Shakey’s Pizza Parlor 2487 E. Glenn Ave. Auburn Score: 99 Sonic of Opelika 2100 Frederick Road Opelika Score: 99 Jimmy John’s 126 N. College St. Auburn Score: 99 Wendy’s 1714 S. College St. Auburn Score: 99 Johnny Brusco’s 2400 E. University Drive Auburn Score: 98

Glorious Morning Muffins Martha Tabor In large mixing bowl, combine: 1 cup white flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup sugar 2 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. salt ¾ cup oatmeal In another bowl combine: 1 ½ cups grated carrots 1 ½ cups grated apples 1 cup oil 3 beaten eggs 1 tsp. vanilla ½ cup pecans Add the second bowl into the dry ingredients and stir until moistened.

Bake at 375 degrees in greased muffin pans for 18-20 minutes.

These freeze well.

Can reheat in microwave.

Banana Praline Muffins Kim Walker Double the recipe and freeze one batch.

To reheat frozen muffins, microwave on high for 1 minute.

1/3 cup chopped pecans, toasted 3 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 Tbsp. sour cream 3 small ripe bananas 1 large egg 1½ cups pancake mix ½ cup granulated sugar 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil Stir together pecans, brown sugar and sour cream; set aside. Mash bananas in medium bowl; add egg. Add pancake mix, sugar and oil, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened.

Coat muffin tin with nonstick cooking spray (or use paper baking cups). Fill ½ to ¾ full. Spoon pecan mixture evenly in center of each muffin.

Bake at 400 degrees for 18 to 20 minutes or until golden. Remove from pans immediately and cool on wire racks Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins Kelcie Carpenter Easy and delicious!

2¼ cups wholewheat flour 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. soda 1 tsp. baking powder 1 cup buttermilk 1 egg ½ cup oil ½ cup honey ½ cup chocolate chips 2 mashed bananas 1 tsp. cinnamon Measure dry ingredients into mixing bowl.

Add liquids and stir just until well blended.

Drop by spoonful into greased muffin tins.

Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes.

Lemon Poppy Seed Muffins with Lemon Curd Sally McCormick serves these for bridge luncheons.

3 cups all–purpose flour 1 Tbsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 3 Tbsp. poppy seeds 1 Tbsp. lemon zest 1 stick plus 2 Tbsp. butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 large eggs 1½ cups plain yogurt 1 jar lemon curd Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees.

Mix flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, poppy seeds and lemon zest.

Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer until light and fluffy; beat in eggs, then, alternating, beat in flour mixture and yogurt until smooth and a thick batter just forms.

Spread 12-cup muffin tin with vegetable spray or use paper liners.

Divide batter evenly among cups. Make a well in each cup and fill with a heaping teaspoon of lemon curd.

Bake until muffins are golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Cool on wire rack.

Cheddar Cheese Muffins Inn at Half-Mile Farm in Highlands, North Carolina Good served with hot pepper jelly.

1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 ¼ cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated 2 Tbsp. sugar 1 Tbsp. baking powder ½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. chili powder 1 large egg 3 Tbsp. olive oil 1 cup whole milk 1 Tbsp. sesame seeds, optional Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Grease an 8 muffin tin (medium size) with butter or non-stick spray.

In a bowl, stir together flour, cheese, sugar, baking powder, salt and chili powder.

In another bowl, whisk together egg, olive oil and milk until well blended.

Make a well in the center of the dry ingredients and add milk mixture, stirring just until evenly moistened. The batter will be lumpy. Do not over mix.

Spoon batter into muffin cups, filling each until level with the rim of the cup.

Sprinkle sesame seeds over top if using.

Bake until golden, about 20 to 25 minutes. A toothpick inserted into the center of the muffin should come out clean when done. Remove from oven and let cool 5 minutes.

Unmold onto wire rack and serve warm or at room temperature with butter or hot pepper jelly.

Applesauce Muffins Batter stores well in refrigerator.

2 sticks butter, softened 2 cups sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 4 cups all-purpose flour, sifted 2 tsp. ground cloves 1 tsp. cinnamon 2 tsp. soda 2 cups applesauce 1 cup chopped pecans, optional Combine butter, sugar, eggs and vanilla. Sift together dry ingredients and add to mixture. Add applesauce and nuts. Bake in greased muffin tins at 350 degrees for about 15 to 20 minutes.

Batter can be stored in airtight container in refrigerator for a week. Muffins freeze well.

Orange Muffins with Orange Glaze 1 cup butter, softened 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 1 tsp. baking soda ¾ cup buttermilk 3 cups all-purpose flour Grated rind of half an orange ¼ cup orange juice Orange Glaze (recipe follows) Cream butter and sugar until creamy; add eggs one at a time.

Add baking soda to buttermilk; stir to dissolve. Add to sugar mixture. Stir in flour, orange juice and orange zest.

Spoon into miniature greased muffin tins.

Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for about 12 minutes.

Remove from tins and drizzle Orange Glaze on top and sides of muffins. Makes 4 dozen.

Orange Glaze ¾ cup orange juice 1½ cups granulated sugar Grated rind of half an orange Combine ingredients in small saucepan; bring to a boil, stirring constantly until sugar is dissolved. Chill in refrigerator.

Buckhead Diner’s Yellow Corn Muffins 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil 2 cups fresh (or frozen) corn 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped 4 green onions, finely sliced 2 cups all-purpose flour 2 cups yellow cornmeal 1 tsp. baking soda 2 tsp. sugar 2 eggs, beaten 3 cups buttermilk ¼ cup butter, melted Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease two muffin tins. Pour oil into skillet; sauté corn, jalapeno and onions until soft; set aside.

Combine dry ingredients. Mix eggs, buttermilk and butter together; add to dry ingredients. Stir in corn mixture.

Fill muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake about 20 minutes for regular muffins; 10-12 minutes for mini muffins.

Blueberry Muffins Pat Randle 1 tsp. grated orange zest 1 Tbsp. sugar 2 eggs (well beaten) 1/2 cup chilled butter (cut in 1/4-inch slices) 3/4 tsp. salt 3/4 cup milk 2 ½ tsp. baking powder 2 cups all-purpose flour (sifted) 1½ cups fresh or frozen blueberries Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Lightly grease a muffin pan.

In a large bowl, combine flour, baking powder, sugar and salt. With a pastry blender or two knives, cut in butter until particles are the size of small peas; make a well in the center.

In small bowl, combine eggs and milk; add all at once to well in flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Fold in orange zest and blueberries.

Fill prepared muffin cups 2/3 full.

Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from oven and immediately remove from pan.

Serve warm or at room temperature.

Note: If using fresh blueberries, dust them lightly with flour; this helps prevent the blueberries from “bleeding” into muffins.

Strawberry Muffins with Strawberry Butter 10 oz. pkg. frozen sliced strawberries, thawed 2 cups all-purpose flour 2/3 cup sugar 1 ½ Tbsp. baking powder ¾ tsp. salt 2/3 cup milk 2 eggs 1/3 cup oil Strawberry Butter Do not drain strawberries. Reserve 2 tablespoons strawberries for butter.

Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir together remaining strawberries with juice, milk, eggs and oil. Make a well in center of flour mixture; stir in strawberry mixture until just moistened.

Spoon batter into greased muffin pan, filling 2/3 full. Bake at 375 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes. Serve with Strawberry Butter.

Strawberry Butter ½ cup butter, softened 2 Tbsp. reserved strawberries Stir together until blended.

Phyllo Muffin Cups Box frozen phyllo dough, thawed Melted butter Stack 2 sheets at a time and brush with

melted butter. Cut the pastry into squares slightly larger than the diameter of muffin cups. Place pastry in muffin cups; spoon in batter. Follow muffin baking time, and bake until muffins are done.

The pastry makes an edible lining for the muffins.

For miniature muffins, use pre-baked, frozen phyllo dough shells. Place shells on cookie sheet; spoon in batter. Bake until muffins are cooked.

Oatmeal Muffins 1 egg, beaten 1/3 cup butter, softened ½ cup brown sugar 1 cup buttermilk 1 cup quick-cooking oats 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. soda ½ tsp. salt Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Combine egg, butter, brown sugar and buttermilk.

In another bowl, mix oatmeal, flour, baking powder, soda and salt.

Add dry ingredients to buttermilk mixture; stir just until moistened.

Bake in greased muffin tins about 20 minutes.

Buttery Muffins ¾ cup melted butter 2 cups self-rising flour 1 cup sour cream Combine butter, flour and sour cream in a bowl; mix well.

Spoon into ungreased muffin cups. Bake at 350 degrees for 10 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Cheese Buttery Muffins Mix 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese into batter.

Bran Muffins with Dried Fruit Can store batter in refrigerator a week.

1 cup finely chopped mixed dried fruit of choice 1½ cups all-purpose flour 2½ tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt 1 cup All Bran cereal ½ cup firmly packed brown sugar ¾ tsp. pumpkin pie spice or cinnamon 1 egg 1 cup milk ¼ cup vegetable oil Combine fruit with enough boiling water to cover; let stand 5 minutes. Drain.

Stir together flour and next 5 ingredients.

Whisk together egg, milk and oil; add to dry ingredients, stirring until just moistened.

Fold in fruit. Spoon into greased muffin tins, filling ¾ full.

Bake at 350 degrees for 15 to 20 minutes.

Sweet Potato See Recipes, page A6

Opelika

Family & R

A9 January 09, 2019

eligion

Love, liberation and life

Y

Hunley Group Lambert Transfer & Storage An Interstate Agent for North American Van Lines 1102 Fox Trail Opelika, AL 36803 745-5706

ou can’t miss pride (I’m referring to the unhealthy kind). It’s obnoxious, outrageous and “the only disease that makes everyone sick except the one who has it.” It’s an easy thing to spot.

Or is it?

There’s another type of pride that is equally destructive. It is less obvious and subtle. It’s the quiet self-absorption that unfortunately has plenty of practitioners. And it’s hard not to see our culture trending in this direction.

In the 1950’s, some teens were given the Minnesota Multiphasic Personal Inventory. One of the statements on the inventory was “I am an important person.” Twelve percent agreed. Fast forward to the late 1980’s and the response among a similar group had soared to 80%. Jean Twenge is a

because “I was professor of made for more psychology than this.” She at San Diego now travels State who the country has made talking about a career of a different detailing

By Bruce Green kind of beauty. the rising Teaching Minister at Her words are narcissism 10th Street Church of worth listenof our culChrist in Opelika ing to. ture. David “There are Brooks 93 million selfies a day, spoke of the “The Big and it’s not satisfying. We Me” in his bestselling keep going back and doing book, The Road to Character. In 2014, Google told it over. We are so inwardfocused, we haven’t alus that 93 million selfies lowed ourselves to go out are taken each day (and and do something beautithat’s just on Android devices so it doesn’t count ful for God. It doesn’t matter who is taking the I Phones). For the 18-24 pictures. We’re obsessed demographic, it is estimated that 1 out of every 3 with ourselves. You forget your neighbor, you forget pictures is a selfie.

God’s commandment to Leah Darrow was a rishelp others.” ing model who appeared “Social media is not the on America’s Next Top enemy. Beauty is not the Model in 2004. A year later she was in the middle enemy. How we use it or distort it is the problem. of a photo shoot in New York when she walked out We have this huge gap-

Church calendar

• Bethesda Missionary Baptist Church located at 201 South 4th Street in Opelika will observe “All Ministries Day” Jan. 13, at 2 p.m. CST. Their guests will be Rev. Walter Jones and the Mt. Sinai Missionary Baptist Church, Auburn • Christian comedian Tim Hawkins will perform at First Baptist Church of Opelika Feb. 7. Besides comedy, Hawkins is known for his songwriting and singing abilities. For more information or ticketing options, visit www.timhawkins. brushfire.com.

• Members of Opelika’s Church of the Highlands campus will participate in the biannual “21 Days of Prayer” event Jan. 6-26. Held each January and August, these two months are intentional, as they begin new seasons of the year. Together, members faithfully seek God first, trusting in His power alone to create lasting impact

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 1311 Second Ave. #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. #745-6670 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

in their lives, their church and their world.

For more information, visit 21days.churchofthehighlands. com.

• Pepperell Baptist kicks off a new year continuing to offer a Wednesday evening program from 6-7 p.m. for preschool and elementary children called WOW-Worship on Wednesdays. The evening program of Bible messages for children, crafts, fun activities, and snack is ongoing throughout the year.

The youth program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.. This is an evening of prayer, Bible Study, and discussion. For more information, contact youth and children’s pastor Ryno Jones if you need more information at 334-745-3108.

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

603 Pleasant Pleasant Drive 603 Drive Opelika, Opelika, ALAL 36801 749-1333 Mon- Sat7am 7am-8pm Mon-Sat - 8pm Sun12pm 12pm-6pm Sun - 6pm

nothing by taking the very nature of a servant” – Philippians 2:6-7).

The way we find life is by losing it. It’s not that we think of ourselves less—we completely stop thinking about ourselves in the manner we used to (2 Corinthians 5:14-15).

We stop worrying about likes, comments and followers because we're no longer trying to be "someone"—we’re content and secure with who we are in Christ. We’ve moved from self-absorption to a selfawareness that focuses on God and others.

If it sounds radical, that’s because it is. But it is the way of Christ and it leads to love, liberation and life!

Bruce has written a book on the model pray called Praying in the Reign. It is available through 21st Century Christian.

Verse of the Week “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end.”

Events can be emailed to the Observer at editor@opelikaobserver.com.

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

ing wound of not feeling loved. We’re going to all of the wrong places for love. We keep going to the same places that hurt us, that destroy us.”

I think she’s on to something. Self-absorption isn’t the answer—it’s the problem.

The disciples of Jesus came to Him wanting to know who was greatest in the kingdom of heaven.

He called a child to them and said, “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.

Therefore, whoever takes the lowly position of this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3-4). The “lowly position” of the child Jesus referred to was essentially that of no status. That’s exactly what Christ took on when He came to this earth (“He made Himself

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 #745-6377 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

Ecclesiastes 3:11 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

pelika O Observer

A10 January 09, 2019

OBITUARIES Luther A. Bennett, Jr. Luther A. Bennett, Jr. was born June 5, 1929 in Roanoke, AL to L. A. Bennett and Fannie Meacham Bennett.

He died December 28, 2018 at Arbor Springs Health and Rehab Center in Opelika.

Luther was a member of First Baptist Church Opelika. Later in life as his health declined, he depended on the FBCO TV ministry for worship services. His career included work at Alabama Gas Company, and later as owner of Bennett’s Appliance.

He enjoyed many years traveling with his wife Joan, internationally as well as across the nation in their motor home.

Luther is survived by his wife of 69 years, Joan O’Brien Bennett; sons Al Bennett (Charlotte) of Chattanooga, TN, Mike Bennett (Debra) of Opelika, Kevin Bennett (Ann) of Opelika; daughter Lisa Anne Bennett Milhorn (Mike) of Kingsport, TN. Additionally, his grandchildren Tara Bennett Meadows; Shelley Bennett Young; Natalie Bennett Warren; Katie Caroline Bennett Klumpp; O’Brien, Rob, and Luke Bennett; Michael Milhorn, and 15 great grandchildren survive him. He is also survived by his sister Christine Bennett Johnson of Dora, AL. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Loma Bennett Mayfield, and brothers Tom Bennett and Blake Bennett, Sr. Graveside services were held at Garden Hills Cemetery in Opelika at 11:00 am Monday, December 31, 2018.

Memorials may be made to the Alabama Baptist Children’s Home. (https://www. alabamachild.org) Jeffcoat -Trant Funeral Home handled arrangements.

Shelton “Dean” Bledsoe Sr Shelton “Dean” Bledsoe Sr., 60, was a loving Christian man with a heart for helping others. He enjoyed all things Auburn, and spent his free time at Lake Martin. He was a family man who was always involved with his wife and children,

and was an extremely hard worker, and loving father. He was formerly employed with Uniroyal, and more recently Si02 Medical Products.

Mr. Bledsoe who died Wednesday, January 2, 2019 in Wauwatosa WI, following a battle with long term illness was born February 5, 1958, in Opelika, AL. He is survived by his son, Shelton Bledsoe Jr., and daughter Shelby Bledsoe, his brothers Paul Bledsoe (Lisa), and Ken Bledsoe, his sister Gail Hall (George), and his mother Faye Bledsoe, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife Lei Smith Bledsoe, brother Steve Bledsoe and father Robert Bledsoe.

Funeral services for Dean Bledsoe Sr. of Opelika, AL are Wednesday, January 9, 2019 at 11:00a.m. at First Baptist Church Opelika.

Burial is in Garden Hills Cemetery. The Rev. Dr. Mike King is officiating. Visitation is Tuesday, January 8, 2019 from 6:00-8:00p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

Flowers are accepted in memorial, as well as donations to the Cancer Treatment Centers of America (2520 Elisha Ave. Zion IL, 60099) and to the Lei Smith Bledsoe Fund (c.o. Treasurer PO Box 162, Notasulga, AL 36866).

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directing.

Mrs. Hazel Baker Capps Mrs. Hazel Baker Capps, 89, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with the Lord on January 3, 2019.

She was born to J.D. and Mamie Baker in Lee County on December 13, 1929.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Capps; great-grandson, Carson Sumner; and her eight brothers and sisters.

She is survived by two sons: Billy Capps (Jane) and Danny Capps (Yvonne); Five grandchildren: Trey Capps (Kelli), Shaun Capps (Amy), Lindy Bengston (Kyle), Crystal Sumner (Chuck), and Erica Burrows (Corey); twelve great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for

Mrs. Capps were held Sunday, January 6, 2019 at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel at 2:00 p.m. CST. A visitation was held Sunday, January 6, 2019 from 1:00-2:00 p.m. CST at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home.

Flowers will be accepted or donations can be made to Watoola United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund 555 Lee Road Opelika, AL 36804.

The family will be at home at the residence of Billy and Jane Capps.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

Jessie Depoister Jessie Depoister was born on July 26, 1926 in Elmore County, AL to the late Thomas A. and Edna M. Yarborough Lyle and passed away at the Bethany House on December 25, 2018.

She was preceded in death by her stepmother, Lou Emma Myers Lyle; brothers, Thomas Clayton Lyle and Truman Lyle; and sisters, Nellie Pearl Roberson and Louise Lazenby.

She is survived by her daughters, Martha Bailey Smith (Bruce) and Mary Ann Bailey Meuth Longoria (Louie); son, Renza L. (Buddy) Bailey; brother, Charles A. Lyle (Cathy); 7 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, 4 great-great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

Jessie, known to most as “Maw-Maw,” never met a stranger and was loved by all. She was a tough woman with a great sense of humor and a strong work ethic that she passed along to her three children.

As a teenager, she sang in a gospel quartet on the radio on Sunday mornings. Her claim to fame was that she and her date double dated with Hank Williams, Sr. She was a member of the Ladies Auxillary of the American Legion. She worked in the textile mills in Tallassee, Alexander City, and Opelika, which was hard work for a woman.

She also worked at Ampex and Diversified Products and was a waitress at several restaurants and bartender at The Elk’s Club and the American Legion.

Later in life she worked as a demo agent to demonstrate products

at Wal-Mart. This was the job she loved the most because she loved talking to and meeting people.

We will miss her wit and her sweet smile. The family would like to thank the angels who cared for her at the Bethany House, EAMC, and especially at The Harbor of Opelika.

Visitation was held in the Parlor at FrederickDean Funeral Home Friday, December 28, 2018 from 11:00 a.m. until 12:00 noon.

Funeral services were held Friday, December 28, 2018 at 12:00 noon in the Chapel at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home with Pastor Thomas Bo Smith officiating. Interment followed at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Eclectic, Alabama.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Robert L. Horn Robert L. Horn of Opelika, Alabama was born to the late Darby and Priscilla Horn on July 28, 1925 and passed away on December 29, 2018 at his home. He was 93 years old.

He served his country first in the U.S. Navy and then in the U.S. Army where he graduated first in his class for N.C.O. School and attained the rank of Master Sergeant.

Following his military service, he was a police officer in Randolph County, Alabama and also served in the Alabama Army National Guard. He was retired from Ampex Corporation where he worked as a Process Engineer for over thirty years. He was a long-time faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Opelika.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Lila Janney Horn, son, Robert Dale Horn, five sisters and four brothers.

He is survived by his sons, Terry S. Horn and Lesley K. Horn, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other family members.

Visitation was held Monday, December 31, 2018 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from Noon until 1:45 p.m.

Graveside services were held Monday, December 31, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. at Garden Hills Cemetery Opelika, Alabama.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed.

Thomas Lawrence Riehle Thomas Lawrence Riehle of Opelika was born in

Cincinnati, Ohio to the late Evelyn Catherine and Lawrence James on November 14, 1966 and passed away at East Alabama Medical Center on January 4, 2019.

He was 52 years old.

He was a graduate of Beauregard High School Class ’85.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and sister Susan Deloney.

He is survived by his nieces, Devin Paige Holt, and Katherine Ann Deloney; nephew, David Seth Deloney; brother-in-law, George Deloney; very special friends, Cathy Prestridge Long, Stephen Prestridge, and Lane Pearce.

Burial of Christian Mass was held Tuesday, January 8, 2019 in the Chapel of FrederickDean Funeral Home at 10:00 a.m. with Father, Bill Skoneki officiating.

Interment followed at Alabama Heritage Cemetery in Montgomery, Alabama.

Frederick-Dean Funeral home directed.

Bob Sanders Memorial services for Bob Sanders, 63 of Auburn, AL. were at 6:00 p.m. Friday January 4, 2019 at JeffcoatTrant Funeral Home and Crematory with Bishop Nolan Torbert officiating.

Bob Sanders, Owner of Image House Photography joined the Angels Choir Christmas Eve at EAMC after a sudden illness. He was beloved and well known throughout the Auburn Community which he loved and served for over 30 years. He was a man of many talents and will be remembered for his love for his family and friends, his fur babies, easy and outgoing personality, wit and wonderful sense of humor, singing and harmonica playing, not to mention being an avid gun collector and history buff. He never met a stranger. He was so creative and talented and captured through his photographs so many special moments that will forever be a reminder to his customers that he cared and they were “Home” at Image House.

He was awarded “Photographer of the Year in Montgomery, Al. and received various awards for his

FRIENDS FAMILY COWORKERS MOTHERS TEACHERS SONS DAUGHTERS NURSES GRANDPARENTS NIECES FATHERS AUNTS ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS UNCLES ALABAMA IS #1 EMPLOYERS COUSINS FAMILY WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING:FAMILY IN THE NATION FOR NEPHEWS DOCTORS PARENTS Abused, Neglected or ExploitedFRIENDS PRESCRIBED OPIOIDS. FAMILY COWORKERS MOTHERS

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If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

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24/7 Helpline 844-307-1760 COURAGEFORALL.COM a message of the Alabama Department of Mental Health

photography, served as Constable for Auburn, was an Officer and Past Exalted Ruler of the Elk’s Lodge, a member of various associations and sang and played the harp with many bands throughout his lifetime.

He left so many wonderful memories to treasure for his “Bride’ Sandra of 42 years, daughter Jessica (Ron) Keel, son Alex (Anna) Sanders, brother Bill (Lauren) Sanders, brother Jack (Nancy) Sanders, sister Karen (Pete) Clear, grandchildren Trevor, Madison and Braxton, sisters in law, brothers in law, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and many beloved friends and special customers. His song will forever remain in the hearts of those he loved and all who were fortunate enough to cross his path. War Eagle Bob, we love and miss you but will see you again. Loved you then, love you still, always will……

The family respectfully requests in lieu of flowers that a donation be made in his name to the East Alabama Medical Center Foundation for the outstanding care, compassion and concern of the doctors and nurses that cared for him especially in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed.

William (Wayne) Smith, Sr. Mr. William (Wayne) Smith, Sr. passed away on December 27, 2018 at East Alabama Medical Center.

He was a resident of Opelika but lived most of his life in Roanoke, Alabama. He was retired from West Point Stevens Corporate Office.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, a son-in-law, and his wife, Eddie Brown Smith.

He is survived by his wife Wanda Smith; children: Shan Ayres, Bill Smith, Cliff Smith and Nan Smith; stepchildren: Jamie Sparks, James Barker, and Misty Moseley; 7 step grandchildren and 1 step great grandchild.

Graveside services were held at Springfield Baptist Church in Roanoke, Alabama at 2:00 p.m. on December 30, 2018.

Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home directed.

pelika O Observer

A11 January 09, 2019

‘Mary Poppins Returns’ offers chance Opelika native Adam for viewers to reflect on childhood Hood receives national spotlight for latest release

By Beth Pinyerd Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor Opelika native and singer-songwriter Adam Hood’s 2018 album “Somewhere in Between” was selected by Country Music Television as one of their 18 favorite albums from this year.

In an article published on the channel’s website Dec. 29, CMT staff wrote that they selected their favorite albums representing Americana, bluegrass and country genres. According to their review, Hood’s songwriting talents and insightful glimpses into the Southern way of life on his latest release helped it land on their list.

“No one writes about country living better than Hood. That’s why everyone from Anderson East, to Little Big Town, to Frankie Ballard, to David Nail records his songs.

Somewhere In Between exudes endless country wisdom.”

With a list featuring the likes of country megastars like Jason Aldean, Dierks Bentley, Willie Nelson and Chris Stapleton, and up-and-coming acts in-

Hood cluding Motel Mirrors and Brothers Osborne, Hood said the recognition is the perfect way to cap off what has been an amazing year for him.

“I’m truly grateful to end my year on such a high note. This album has been out barely two months and it’s an honor to be placed alongside such great company,” Hood said. “The single ‘Downturn’ was also recognized as a favorite of 2018. A pat on the back makes you feel good but to be someone’s favorite is really something to be proud of.”

Inspired by the likes of Vince Gill and Hank Williams Jr., Hood started his musical career by performing gigs across Opelika. Eventually, his popularity grew, performing at shows across Alabama before signing a three-year See Hood, page A6

One of my most recent classroom assignment was to go to the movies! My son gave me such a wonderful birthday gift this year.

He took this baby boomer to see “The Return of Mary Poppins.” As I looked around the theater, I saw many older folks, as well as children, in attendance. The greater generation and baby boomers have a common bond in loving the first film, which included classic songs like “Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious”, “Just A Spoonful of Sugar Helps the Medicine Go Down,” “I Love to Laugh,” “Let’s Go Fly A Kite,” etc.

We remember our hearts flew up in imaginary hopes as Mary Poppins came flying in with her umbrella to be a nanny to two children and influence a whole family. Dancing on chimneys as well as going to imaginary places was reflected in the first Mary Poppins.

The second Mary Poppins recaptures these

Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

334-528-6191

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

memories in a different fashion.

I just wanted to get up and clap as well as pull out a tissue as I began to think of my own happy childhood memories that surrounded this movie.

We have all been children and being around children helps us to reflect upon the season of childhood.

As parents, grandparents, and teachers just being around children brings gifts of wonder, laughter, and looking forward to each day.

Here are some of the gifts that children bring to us: The gift of wonder and fun. Children’s wonder of observing things we may not even notice, such as birds, planes, cloud shapes, and ants working busily, are keenly observed and pondered by young children. As we grow up, we sort of forget those things that made us happy.

The wonder of swinging in a swing up to the sky or playing house with your friends-or imaginary friends-are passing wonders that children treasure. Children give grown-ups the gift to

“take time to smell the roses” as the old saying goes.

The gift of being needed. Babies come into the world dependent on us. By a cry, a squirm, a facial expression, they let us know their needs.

For some reason as we grow up, we get this notion that we have to be self-sufficient and independent.

When having children, teaching children, or working with children, you quickly realize your need for help!

One of those needs is patience. You have to have the need for wisdom in asking other folks how they may have handled a particular situation; you also need kindness, and mostly forgiveness.

I have learned during the many years I have been in teaching that children are the most forgiving in almost all situations. Hugs, love and respect are shown when we might be tired, impatient, or even when we have to discipline children.

Children need us very much and they gently remind us that we need them too.

The gift of hope: in

“Mary Poppins Returns” the segment of flying balloons which went up, up, up reminded me that children have hope!

Whether it be earning a special reward because of a child or class finishing up on their work assignments, going outside for recess, having a special program, or field trips which enrich a unit of study, children get so excited! Their excitement is contagious with we grownups!

I see hope in the eyes of young children when they are drawing something they truly like. I see hope in the eyes of a young child when they are building something with blocks or Legos and they know they will be proud of the completed project.

The gift of being a better person: Children keep us all so well grounded in what is important and what is not. Children help us to live and enjoy the moment if we step back and allow ourselves to see their world through their eyes. Each day is such a gift and one in which we don’t need to let a minute go by!

pelika O Observer

A12 January 09, 2019

Steel City Pops announces launch of ‘Paleo Pop’ line Special to the Opelika Observer Steel City Pops Alabama is breaking new ground in the pop world with their newest creation, the Paleo Pop. The new healthy Paleo pop comes at just the right time to help their customers keep their health and fitness resolutions.

“Because we've always used all-natural ingredients in our pops, creating a line

Recipes,

from A8 Muffins 1¼ cups cooked sweet potatoes, mashed 2 cups sugar 1¼ cups oil 4 eggs 3 cups flour 2 tsp. cinnamon 1 cup raisins 1 cup chopped pecans or walnuts Confectioners’ sugar, optional Dash nutmeg, optional Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine sweet potatoes, sugar, oil and eggs; mix well.

Add flour and cinnamon, stirring until just moistened. Mix in raisins and nuts.

Spoon into greased muffin cups, filling 3/4 full. Bake 15 to 20 minutes. Cool slightly; dust lightly with confectioners’ sugar and nutmeg.

of paleo pops seemed like a natural progression for us. We're excited to introduce 3 new Paleo Pops that are all-natural and sweetened with honey. They are the perfect treat for those who follow the paleo lifestyle,” said owner, Jim Watkins.

Three NEW Paleo Flavors Released Three new flavors were released last week with their January menu, Paleo Chocolate, Paleo

Mixed Berry, and Paleo Bosc Pear with Honey. All three flavors are made with all-natural ingredients, no processed sugars or artificial flavors or colorings.

Honey is used to add a touch of sweetness, enhancing the natural flavors and sweetness of the pops.

Free Paleo Pop Samples Customers who are interested in the new Paleo Pops can sample the flavors

Pecan Pie Muffins 1 cup chopped pecans 1 cup firmly packed brown sugar ½ cup all-purpose flour 2 large eggs ½ cup butter, melted Combine first 3 ingredients in a large bowl; make a well in center of mixture. Beat eggs until foamy. Stir together eggs and butter; add to dry ingredients, stirring just until moistened.

Coat muffin tins (I use miniature muffin tins) with nonstick spray. Spoon batter into cups, filling 2/3 full. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 degrees or until done. Remove from pans immediately; cool on wire racks.

Recipe is easy to double.

Muffins with Honey Spread 2 cups Bisquick baking mix 4 Tbsp. sugar, divided 1 egg 1 tsp. grated orange peel, optional 2/3 cup orange juice ¼ tsp. cinnamon 1/8 tsp. nutmeg Honey Spread Heat oven to 350 degrees. Combine baking mix, 2 Tbsp. sugar, egg, orange peel and orange juice; beat about 30 seconds. Fill greased muffin cups about 2/3 full.

Combine remaining 2 Tbsp. sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Sprinkle over top of muffins.

Bake 15 minutes.

Serve with Honey Spread.

Honey Spread ½ cup butter or margarine, softened ½ cup honey Beat butter and honey until fluffy.

Easy Orange

before they purchase the pop. Free samples are offered at all Steel City Pops locations.

About Steel City Pops The business was founded by Jim Watkins in 2012. Starting

with his first storefront in Homewood, the company has expanded to 23 across the Southeast.

Cappuccino Muffins and Espresso Spread 2 cups all-purpose flour ¾ cup sugar 2½ tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. ground cinnamon ½ tsp. salt 1 cup milk 2 Tbsp. instant coffee granules ½ cup butter, melted 1 egg, beaten 1 tsp. vanilla 3/4 cup miniature chocolate chips Espresso Spread 4 oz. cream cheese, cubed 1 Tbsp. sugar ½ tsp. instant coffee ½ tsp. vanilla ¼ cup miniature chocolate chips In a food processor or blender, combine spread ingredients; process until well blended. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

In a bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking

powder, cinnamon and salt. In another bowl, stir in coffee and milk until coffee is dissolved. Add butter, egg and vanilla; mix well. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened.

Fold in chocolate chips. Fill greased or paper lined muffin cups 2/3 full. Bake at 375 degrees for 17 to 20 minutes or until muffins test done.

Cool for five minutes before removing to wire racks.

Serve with spread.

Makes 14 to 16 muffins.

lemon yogurt ¼ cup melted butter, cooled 1 Tbsp. lemon zest Syrup Glaze 1/3 cup lemon juice 1/3 cup granulated sugar 3 Tbsp. water Combine dry ingredients; set aside.

In a large bowl, mix remaining muffin ingredients.

Stir in dry ingredients until just moistened.

Spoon into greased muffin tins.

Bake at 375 degrees about 15 minutes.

While muffins bake, combine syrup glaze in small saucepan. Boil 1 minute.

When muffins are done, pierce top of muffins 2 or 3 times with a fork.

Drizzle 2 to 3 tsp. glaze over the muffin.

Cool 3 minutes; remove from tins.

Lemon Yogurt Muffins with Lemon Glaze 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. baking powder ¼ tsp. salt ¼ cup sugar 2 Tbsp. honey 2 eggs, room temperature 1¼ cups plain or

Velcro Pygmies to perform at downtown Opelika’s Bottling Plant Event Center Jan. 11

By Morgan Bryce Editor The Louisville, Kentucky-based 80s and 90s hair metal cover band "Velcro Pygmies" will return to the Bottling Plant

Event Center Jan. 11.

Formed in 1990, the band performs original music and covers classic hits from a wide array of bands from that era, including KISS, Poison and Van Halen.

The group has toured extensively throughout the country, building a name for itself because of its high-energy, fan-engaging performances.

“The Velcro Pygmies travel the country year round, from the Gulf Shores to the Great Lakes, to share the sights, sounds and stain-washed denim of the glorious ’80s, school-

ing audiences on the difference between a rock band and a rock show,” according to a post on their website. “From start to finish, they command the stage with a prowess uncommon in today’s industry, and they leave you begging for more. No gimmicks or tricks, but they’ll treat you to genuine, undiluted rock ‘n’ roll

& Flea Mall

energy that unites.”

Concertgoers must be 21 years old or older to enter. Doors open at 8 p.m. and the show will begin at 9 p.m.

Advance tickets are $12, and can be purchased

Hood,

from A9 look for a new find each week!

tea towels 334-745-3221 • angelsantiqueandfleamall.com 900 columbus Pkwy, oPelika 36801 oPen everyday 10-7 • sun 1-5

deal to serve as an opening act for acclaimed pianist Leon Russell, well known for his collaborations and performances with artists like Joe Cocker and Elton John.

In 2016, Hood jumpstarted his songwriting career by signing a publishing deal with Nashville’s Warner/Chap-

at www.bottlingplanteventcenter.com or by calling 334-705-5466.

Day-of-tickets will cost $15.

The venue is located at 614 N. Railroad Ave. in downtown Opelika. pell Production Music and award-winning producer Dave Cobb. The Josh Abbott Band, Little Big Town and Miranda Lambert are a handful of the artists who have performed his songs.

Since 2002, Hood has released six albums, the first titled “21 to Enter.”

To view a full list of other favorite album winners, visit www.cmt.com/ news/1801877/our-favorite-18-albums-from-2018/.

For more information on Hood and his music, visit www.adamhood.com.

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

OPELIKA BASKETBALL SCHEDULE (Boys and Girls) Jan. 11 v. Benjamin Russell Jan. 17 @ Lafayette Jan. 22 @ Benjamin Russell Jan. 25 @ Russell County Jan. 29 v. Pelham

Opelika City Schools improve yearly report card scores for 2017-18 school year

By Morgan Bryce Editor

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Opelika High School wrestlers receive All-Area recognition during break

T

he Opelika City School System resumed classes this week, following their Christmas and New Years break.

Opelika’s wrestling team and girls and boys basketball teams stayed busy over the break, participating in matches and playing games.

The Bulldog’s wrestling team finished 1-3 at the Region 3 Duals Tournament during the break.

Opelika beat Russell County 37-36 for the only team win of the tournament. Cloe Lazzari, 170 pounds, won his first match, giving the Bulldogs a 6-0 lead. Timmy Tolbert, Trint Vaughns, Cameron Reese, James Dawson and Jack Shoemaker pinned their opponents to earn the win.

Benjamin Russell defeated Opelika 57-21, with most of the Wildcat points coming on forfeits.

Opelika does not have a wrestler at every weight class which results in points for the opposing team.

Dawson, Reese, Tolbert and Vaughns

won their matches.

Pell City topped the Bulldogs 60-24 in the third dual of the day.

Tolbert, Vaughns, Dawson, Reese all recorded wins.

Oxford ended the meet with a 54-27 win over the Bulldogs.

The four wrestlers listed above won their matches to complete the day 4-0 individually. Four studentathletes earned AllRegion recognitions, Timmy Tolbert, Cameron Reese, Trint Vaughns and James Dawson. Opelika is 12-8 overall.

Opelika’s basketball teams played games over the break, including a trip to Auburn last Friday.

Coach John Wadsworth’s team travelled to Eufaula and Auburn High during the break.

Eufaula beat Opelika 68-39 in a tough game. The Bulldogs played at Handley twice, took finals and were just not able to get anything going at Eufaula. They practiced for six days over the break, preparing See Sports, page B2

The Opelika City School System saw its overall grade increase from a 78 to an 84 in the Alabama Department of Education’s yearly report card released last month, five points above the statewide average.

OCS’s three primary schools, Carver, Jeter and Southview, did not have released grades for the 2016-17 school year, but posted 80, 90 and 85 averages for the 2017-18 school year respectively. Opelika High School boosted its score from an 81 to 83 average, but others saw significant increases: - Morris Avenue Intermediate, 19-point average

increase from 71 to 90 - West Forest Intermediate, 18-point average increase from 62 to 80 - Opelika Middle School, 14-point increase from 70 to 84 - and Northside School, 5-point increase from 80 to 85.

OCS Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors praised the system’s administration from top to bottom for its achievements and raising the overall quality of education for Opelika’s children.

“Our folks work really hard: our curriculum people, instructional coaches as well as our teachers and kids. We’re very pleased with those (numbers) ... and we always say this: ‘we teach to a

standard, we don’t teach to a test,’” Neighbors said. “It’s important for our kids to do well and we applaud the efforts of our teachers, coaches and principals who do a good job of upholding those standards.”

A law requiring letter grades report cards for city and county school districts was passed in 2012 by Alabama lawmakers as a way to determine which schools were succeeding or needing to improve their overall academic standards. The first wave of report cards was released in December of the 201617 school year.

Overall, Lee County’s school system improved by one point, moving from a 78 to 79 average.

Following is a list of other Lee County schools listed by community or city: Auburn: - Auburn Early Education Center, 92 (no data from 201617 school year) - Auburn Junior High, 2-point increase from 90 to 92 - Auburn High, 6-point increase from 85 to 91 - Cary Woods Elementary, 94 (no data from 2016-17 school year) - Dean Road Elementary, 93 (no data from 2016-17 school year) - Drake Middle, 2-point decrease from 92 to 90 - Margaret Yarborough Elementary, 2-point increase from 96 to 98 - Ogletree Elementary, 4-point deSee Grades, page B4

Opelika native leads high school band to Rose Parade

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Opelika native Dr. Robert Johnson was able to lead members of the Lincoln-Way Marching Band in the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California Jan. 1, one of America’s most beloved New Year’s Day events and traditions.

One of 20 bands nationwide and internationally to receive the distinction, Johnson said he believes the group will always

treasure the experience of performing in front of millions of viewers along the 5.5-mile parade route.

“It’s probably hard for them to process how much memory this would be for them. When you start and turn the corner, you kind of get a view of the crowd and everything off in the distance, and it just looks like an endless ocean of people,” Johnson said. “From talking

Photo special to the Opelika Observer to them and hearing what they were saying, I think a lot of them were overwhelmed and caught up in the moment in a super-positive way.”

Organized by the Tournament of the Roses, the parade preceded the Rose Bowl between Ohio State and Washington, a See Johnson, page B2

pelika O Observer

B2 January 09, 2019

Opelika boys, girls basketball teams blow out Northview

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer Opelika’s boys and girls teams turned in solid showings last Saturday v. Northview. The boys won 76-53 and the girls won 67-39. As of Tuesday, the boys are 9-8 overall and the girls are 15-5 overall for the season.

Parade,

from B1 28-23 nailbiter Buckeyes win.

During their trip, Johnson said his group was also able to perform at Disneyland and with other participating Rose Parade bands in “Bandfest.”

Johnson’s band is

comprised of students from the three-school Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210 in the southwestern suburbs of Chicago, including the cities of Frankfort, Manhattan, Mokena, New Lenox, Orland Park and Tinley Park.

Since taking over as band director in 2003, the group has won multiple state championships and

participates as a Bands of America member in regional and national competitions.

“Everybody kind of works in a bubble, and you think what you’re doing is important.

Then, once you take a step out of that bubble, you realize there’s a lot of people who don’t know that you even exist,” Johnson said. “When you’re working that hard at

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something and you feel like it matters, it is pretty overwhelming because you see the kids experience something like the Rose Parade and it transcends those bubbles. You’re able to feel a little bit of pride and fulfillment when you’ve done something that’s a little bit more sustainable and a little bigger than your average day at work.”

At two years old, Johnson’s parents Arthur and Sandra moved their family from California to Alabama. Johnson

Sports,

from B1 for Auburn.

Opelika (10-8) beat Auburn 49-43 on its home court behind 17 points apiece from Taye Fields and Trey Boone. The win over Auburn stopped a four-game Tiger win streak. Opelika blasted Northview 76-53 last Saturday at the OHS Sports Arena.

The Lady Bulldogs, 15-5 overall, played four games since I wrote my last column. McGill-Toolen beat Opelika 54-48 in a close game at the “Ball ‘N Power” tournament. Kaitlyn Bryant scored 14 points and Ananda Hughley

credits some of his success to his years spent in the Opelika City School system, with influential teachers including his first music teacher Rick Holland, Leon Fletcher, Jeff Hudson and band director Mike Stough.

“I was one of those kids that was all in to all of it doing sports like baseball and track but I was mostly a band kid. I was a trumpet soloist for (Stough) when he was the marching director … an important part of my life,” Johnson said.

After high school, Johnson attended Auburn briefly before transferring to Michigan where he received his undergraduate degree in music education. He also holds masters and doctorate degrees from Governor’s State University and Loyola University of Chicago, respectively.

Johnson, his wife Erika and daughters Ellery and Britton reside in Frankfort, Illinois.

For more information, visit www.lincolnwaymusic.org.

added 11 points.

Opelika beat Hillcrest Tuscaloosa 4948 behind Bryant’s 17 points. Hughley added 10 points.

The Lady Bulldogs lost at Auburn last Friday 58-53. Bryant continued to lead Opelika with 13 points while Quala Walton added 10 points in the win.

Booth’s team capped off the week with a 67-39 blowout of Northview.

Claire Worth scored 13 points and Bryant and Hughley added 13 and 10 points, respectively.

DIXIE YOUTH BASEBALL It may be January, but Opelika Dixie Youth will hold registration in the coming days. League presi-

dent Ben Bugg said the board has a scheduled meeting Jan. 15 to set up the 2019 calendar. Online registration is scheduled to start Jan. 18, 2019, with forms available through www.opelikadixieyouth.com.

Opelika Dixie Youth offers baseball for 6-12 year olds. I will keep you updated.

DIXIE BOYS BASEBALL 13-15 The Opelika Dixie Boys Baseball league, ages 13-15, will hold registration in the spring. Registration takes place at the Opelika Sportsplex.

D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

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B3 January 09, 2019

Community Calendar: Events around town

• Jan. 9 New Members / Connections Breakfast - 8 a.m.

Sponsored by: Machen McChesney • Jan. 10 Point Broadband Business After Hours 5 – 7 p.m.

• Jan. 24 Business Over Breakfast Education Edition – with Dr. Mark Neighbors 7:30 a.m. at the Saugahatchee Country Club Presenting Sponsor: Glynn Smith Chevrolet – Buick – GMC Gold Sponsors: Baxter International• S & S Termite & Pest Control• MAX• Huntingdon College • Opelika Power Services• Opelika-Auburn News • Jan. 29 Business After Hours Pre-Performance Series Reception 5 – 6:45 p.m.

Sponsored by: Auburn Opelika Tourism Bureau Ongoing: • Village Friends/Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-209-4641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.”

• The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee.

The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided.

Please call Linda Shabo at 887-6659 or at 256307-1449.

Mondays: • “Gimme A Break” Support Group for parents whose children have autism will be held from 9-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center,

2027 Pepperell Parkway, Opelika. This is a monthly event on the first Monday of each month for parents to connect with each other.

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika.

• The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike.

• Smiths Station Military Chapter of Military Officers Association of America (MOAA) meets weekly at Mike & Ed’s at 5 p.m. For more information, call 297-5581 or visit www.nonukesforiran.org.

• The Lee County Voters League meets the first Monday of every month at St. James Missionary Baptist Church, located at 1335 Auburn St. in Opelika.

• The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at

334-528-4197 or deborahowen@eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month a Community Grief Support Group meets from 5:30–6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

• T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 749-1584.

• The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m.

• The Commercial Horticulture Extension Teamorganizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via

email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website.

Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture crops, and many more.

To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces. edu/anr/beginningfarms/ webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@ auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn.edu.

Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7-8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote.

For more info call Diane at 749-6320.

• A monthly educational program on topics for autism parents, caregivers and teachers will be held on the second Tuesday of each month at Trinity United Methodist Church, 800 2nd Ave., Opelika from 6-7:30 p.m.

Childcare is provided, but reservations need to be made by contacting Maria Gutierrez at mariag@ leecountyautism.com to make sure there are enough volunteers.

• The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required.

• The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m.

Meetings are preceded by non-voting work sessions that typically begin about 6:30-6:45 p.m.

• Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard.

The event is free and

open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6–8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51.

• A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain of loss and feeling the need for support on their 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 459-0214 or 706-518-9122.

• The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a non-profit 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 meet the 4th 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 10-11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary.

For more info call 8261899 or 502-0216.

• The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every Wednesday night at 6 p.m.

• Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant

Event Center from 5 - 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.

• TNT – Teens N Transition is a monthly program for teens and young adults ages 14 and up. The group uses this time to learn social skills as well as connect with others on the autism spectrum. They have enjoyed cooking, bowling, laser tag, movies and game nights. This event is held the third Thursday of each month. Visit leecountyautism.com for more information.

• 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.

• The Bosom Buddies Breast Cancer Support Group meets at the Health Resource Center at 6 p.m. the first Thursday of each 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.

Tryouts coming up for ARISE Foundation’s annual races to benefit Lee County students and local youth sports Football - Opelika

Special to the Opelika Observer Tryouts for an Opelika-based youth football league will be held Jan. 20 at 5 p.m. at Opelika

Middle School's football stadium. The league is designed for children 7-12 years old. Required attire is long or short-sleeve shirt, shorts or sweatpants and cleats. For

more information, call 912-220-7818 or email diggman41@ yahoo.com. If rained out, tryouts will be rescheduled to Feb. 3 at 5 p.m.

Girl’s softball - Smiths Station

Special to the Opelika Observer

Softball season is coming to Smiths Station.

Online registration is now open for Smiths Station Dixie Girls Softball, and an on-site registration event will be held Jan. 25 at the Smiths Station Sports Complex. Registration

costs $65, which does not include the uniform.

Following is a list of the league’s age groups: • Sweeties (4-6 years old) modified coach pitch • Darlings (7-8 years old) coach pitch •Angels (9-10 years old) girls fastpitch • Ponytails (11-12 years old) girls fastpitch • Belles/Debs (13-19

years old) girls fastpitch.

The league is also accepting and seeking volunteer coaches.

Those interested can send an email to ssdgsboardmember2@gmail. com or by messaging their Facebook page.

For more information, visit www.ssgs2.com.

The complex is located at 3160 Lee Road 242.

teachers scheduled for Feb. 16 Special to the Opelika Observer The Alliance for Recognition of Innovation in School Excellence Foundation's annual 5k/1 mile races to benefit teachers and students of Lee County Schools will be held Feb. 16 at the Smiths Station Junior High track field.

ARISE is a nonprofit organization designed to enhance the educational opportunities offered each child by the Lee County School System of Alabama. The organization’s primary function is to raise funds for the purpose of awarding grants to Lee County teachers exhibiting excellence in education.

The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. central/9 a.m. EST with the 1-mile beginning at 9 a.m. central/10 a.m.

EST. If registered by Feb. 1, the cost will be $20 for one race, $30 for two races and $40 for three races (there is a 10.16K bonus run and one must

sign up for the 5K to be eligible.)

After Feb. 1, one race will be $25, two races will be $40 and three races will be $50.

For a family rate, contact Roger Keel at 334-524-2884 or rkeel@ mindspring.com. Each registration comes with an “ARISE and Run” t-shirt to show support for Lee County Schools. There will also be top female and male awards in both the 5K and the 1- mile, which will amount to more than 100 awards.

Sponsorships are also available, with the forms requiring completion

by Jan. 31. They can be mailed to Keel at "P.O. Box 545, Smiths Station, Alabama, 36877." Following are available sponsorship levels: •Bronze Sponsors - $100 to $500 •Silver Sponsors - $500 to $1,000 •Gold Sponsors - $1,000 and above Those interested in more information are welcomed to contact Keel by phone or email. The school is located at 1100 Lee Road 298.

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B4 January 09, 2019

Fifth-annual ‘Frostbite Open’ returns to Sportsplex March 16

Grades,

from B1

By Morgan Bryce Editor The Opelika Sportsplex will host the 5th annual “Frostbite Open” March 16.

Considered by disc golf players and experts to be one of the sport’s premier events in the Southeast, the tournament is a Professional Disc Golf Association sanctioned event.

Huntsville residents Jared Neal finished with 95 points to claim last year’s title, followed by Michael Gibney, Colin Forehand, Nathan Goodwin and Todd Bagwell to round out last year’s top-5 contestants.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Registration for the all-day tournament is available through www. discgolfscene, with costs ranging for participants based on overall skill and rank.

For more information, contact event organizer and Opelika Sportsplex Membership Director Billy Jackson at 334-705-5560.

The venue is located at 1001 Andrews Road.

crease from 96 to 92 - Pick Elementary, 1-point decrease from 95 to 94 - Richland Elementary, 98 (no data from 2016-17 school year) - Wrights Mill Elementary, 3-point decrease from 96 to 93 Beauregard: - Beauregard Elementary, no change at 89 Beauregard High, 10-point increase from 67 to 77 - Sanford Middle, 1-point increase from 77 to 78 Beulah: - Beulah Elementary, 5-point decrease from 84 to 79 - Beulah High, 8-point increase from 73 to 81 Loachapoka:

- Loachapoka High, 3-point increase from 69 to 72 Smiths Station: - Wacoochee Elementary, 2-point increase from 78 to 80 - West Smiths Station Elementary, 4-point increase from 78 to 82 - South Smiths Station Elementary, 1-point decrease from 90 to 89 - Smiths Station Freshman Center, 80 (no data from 2016-17 school year) - Smiths Station Junior High, 11-point increase from 76 to 87 - East Smiths Station Elementary, 1-point decrease from 83 to 82 - Smiths Station High, 4-point increase from 76 to 80.

To view how other school systems performed, visit www.alsde.edu and click on the “AL Education Report Card” tab on the website’s homepage.

OHS Varsity teams take on the Auburn High Tigers last Friday night Boys win 49-43

Girls lose 58-53

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Date Nov. 8 Nov. 9-10 Nov. 12 Nov. 15 Nov. 17 Nov. 19 Nov. 19 Nov. 27 Nov. 30 Dec. 4 Dec. 6 Dec. 11 Dec. 12 Dec. 14 Dec. 17-19

Varsity Schedule

Opponent Prattville High School Hazel Green Tournament Northview High School

Site Home Away Away

Loachapoka High School Lagrange High School Columbus High School Troup County High School Smiths Station High School Carver High School(Montgomery) Central High School - PC Prattville High School Smiths Station High School Carver High School(Montgomery) Lafayette High School Handley Tournament

Home Columbus High School Columbus High School Home Home Away Away Away Away Home Home Away

JVB 5:30

4:00 4:30 4:30 4:00 5:30 4:00 4:30 4:30

VG TBA 3:00 6:00 4:00 3:30 6:00 6:00 5:30 5:00 6:00 6:00

VB 6:30 4:30 7:30

5:00 7:30 7:30 7:00 6:30 6:30 7:30 7:30 TBA

pelika O Observer

B5 January 09, 2019

Rolling out the Play-Doh

Beth Pinyerd The Classroom Observer

I

n spending time as a Classroom Observer over at Northside Intermediate School, I saw a portrait of my elementary school principal Alma Martin from the 1960s. Warm and loving thoughts came to my memory of how this principal molded, encouraged and loved each of her students in her care.

Martin had a way of spending individual time with each of her students.

She wrote encouraging comments to each of her students on their report cards which truly made a lifetime impression for her students.

As I write and share this article, I am grateful for the time she spent with each of her students.

She understood that each child is so very special.

With the 2019 school year beginning, our children will begin to learn new concepts and skills, which will hopefully result in them receiving verbal praise and nonverbal actions of encouragement. Help a child to be-

gin their year in a positive way. I hope this article is just a gentle reminder that we all need a pat on the back, especially our children.

One of my favorite centers in the early childhood classroom is the Play-Doh center. I love to engage in the activities the Play-Doh center offers as much as the children, which serves as a free play outlet.

Free play is so important in the developmental steps of a young child. It is voluntary, spontaneous, open-ended play with no wrong or right answers. The reward and satisfaction to children is in the playing itself.

If you haven't rolled a ball of Play-Doh into bird nests with little eggs inside the nest, a frog, rabbit, snakes, people, or pretend food, you should try it soon. I love all the bright colors Play-Doh now comes in. Children love to squash it, smash it and splat it.

Young children are moldable and bendable

by the words we say to them. They need clear lines of rules and boundaries, but they also need words of encouragement in order to learn, grow, and just believe and know how special they are.

Like Play-Doh, they can be shaped into objects they don't desire to be or into objects that radiate like the bright colors of Play-Doh. It is so heart warming to see a smile or a twinkle in a young child's eyes when they are praised or encouraged for just who they are or what they do! Their crayon colored pictures are their masterpieces to their parents or teachers.

Take time to notice everything your child does, even if the glue is still wet and heavy. And hey, if they didn't quite make the grade you had hoped for on that weekly spelling or math tests, praise them for who they are and how they tried ! Words and time spent with your

young child are essential building blocks in their adjustment, well being, and good self esteem so they can then also reach out to others.

As a teacher of many years I've seen praise and encouragement really help children as they grow up. I want to share with you “Many Ways to Praise Kids” that was given to me many years ago by educators and teachers who taught me as well as fellow teachers. You may want to cut out, get a magnet, and put on your refrigerator as well in encouraging your young child.

Many Ways to Praise Kids: “That’s incredible!

How extraordinary! Far out! Outstanding performance! I can’t get over how well you’ve done! Great! Amazing effort! Unbelievable work! Wonderful!

Marvelous! Phenomenal!

You’ve got it superb!

Cool! Excellent! You’re

special! Your work is out of sight! Your project is first rate! You’ve outdone yourself! Way to go!

Thumbs up! You’re a good friend! You came through! Terrific! You tried hard! Your help counts! You made it happen! It couldn’t be better! Fantastic work!

You’re a real trooper!

Fabulous! Bravo! Exceptional! You’re unique!

Awesome! Breathtaking! The time you put in really shows! You’re a great example for others!

Keep up the good work!

I knew you had it in you!

Dynamite! It’s everything i hoped for! You should be proud of yourself!

Well done! You’re sensational! Very good!

A+ work! Super job!

Good for you! Take a bow! You figured it out!

Great answer! You’re doing a lot better! Thanks for being honest! How artistic! You’re amazing! You’re getting there!

What a great idea! You

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deserve a hug! Thanks for trying! You’re getting better! You’re a big help! You’ve got what it takes! You’re #1! You’re a shining star! You can be trusted! Wow! Remarkable! Beautiful!

I’m proud of you! Very impressive! You’re sharp!

You’re a winner! Hot dog! Spectacular work!

You’re so kind! You’ve really grown up! What a great listener! Thanks for helping! Great discovery! You’ve earned my respect! Thanks for caring! You’re a-okay!

You’re a great kid! How original! You’re a real champ! You’re pleasing to know! Very brave!

What a genius! You’re very talented! You’re the greatest! You’re super!

You’re on target!”

I hope this helps you in encouraging your child as well as yourself as a parent. And hey, don’t forget to try a little Play-Doh! Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer

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pelika O Observer

B6 January 09, 2019

LEGALS IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Lena Johnson, Deceased, Case Number: 2018-C-033 NOTICE TO CREDITORS BILL ENGLISH JUDGE OF PROBATE TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Christine Washington as Administrator of the Estate of Lena Johnson deceased, on the 13th day of December 2018 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

By: Chustine Washington Christine Washington Personal Representative of the Estate of Lena Johnson Legal Run 1/02/2019, 1/09/2019, & 1/16/2019

STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO.2018-C-115 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF SUSAN BOOTHE KELLY, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of the Estate of Susan Boothe Kelly, deceased having been granted to Mark Earnest Kelly this 21st day of December, 2018, 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.

Mark Earnest Kelly, Administrator Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-7452564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 36803-0030 Legal Run 01/02/19, 01/09/19, 01/16/19

STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2019-A-1 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF WENDELL S. KENNEDY, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said Wendell S. Kennedy, deceased, having been granted to Rhonda Dianne Kennedy Jay and Wade P. Kennedy, this 3rd day of January, 2018, 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.

Rhonda Dianne Kennedy Jay and Wade P. Kennedy, Personal Representatives Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, Alabama 368030030.

Legal Run 01/09/19, 01/16/19, & 01/23/19

CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday , January 22, 2019 at 3:00 p.m. in the Commission Chambers in the Public Works Administrative Building located at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama.

The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: 1. A public hearing on a request by D. Nathan McBride, authorized representative for

Weyerhaeuser Company, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Spring Villa Replat on Lee Road 151 subdivision consisting of 2 lots at the 2500 block of Lee Road 151.

2. A public hearing on a request by S. Parker Ross, Foresite Group, Inc., authorized representative for Bush Properties, Inc., property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Bush Properties Plat No. 1 subdivision consisting of 2 lots accessed at 2015 Gateway Drive.

3. A public hearing on a request by James L. McCrory, authorized representative for Sandra Hilyer and Robert Barlow, property owners, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Hilyer-Barlow subdivision consisting of 2 lots accessed at 2448 Lee Road 166.

4. A request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Broadview Properties Family, LP, property owner, for final plat approval of The Estates Subdivision, Phase 2, consisting of 53 lots accessed from Hampstead Lane.

5. A public hearing on a request by Thad Endicott, authorized representative for Dyas L&M Properties, property owner, for conditional use approval for a new church (Heritage Baptist) at the 1400 block of South Fox Run Parkway.

6. The following agenda items to vacate right-ofway is included for review at the January 22nd Planning Commission meeting; the Planning Commission provides a recommendation to City Council for each of these items. a. A petition requesting the City Council to vacate a southwest portion of Sportsplex Parkway right-of-way at the corner of West Point Parkway & Sportsplex Parkway for Awesome LLC, property owner. b. A petition requesting the City Council to vacate a southwest portion of Sportsplex Parkway right-of-way at the corner of West Point Parkway & Sportsplex Parkway for

William M. Morgan & Robert D. Boothe, property owners. c. A petition requesting the City Council to vacate a southwest portion of Sportsplex Parkway right-of-way at the corner of West Point Parkway & Sportsplex Parkway for Paek Inwoo, property owner.

7. The following agenda item is included as “Other Business” at the January 22nd Planning Commission meeting: (a) Discuss continuing Planning Commission work sessions meetings.

All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings.

The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its

recommendations accordingly to the City Council.

Please contact Lisa McLeod, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-7055132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability.

PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 01/09/2019

FOR LEGAL PUBLICATION Case No. 2018-C-106 NOTICE TO CREDITORS The State of Alabama, Lee County Probate Court Estate of Robert Hughes Mount, Deceased Letters of Administration having been granted to the undersigned on the 11th day of December, 2018, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from above date, or said claim

will be barred and payment prohibited.

C. Burton Dunn Personal Representative Legal Run 01/09/19, 01/16/19 & 01/23/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE ESTATE OF RALPH HADEN POWELL, Deceased. CASE NO. 2018A-070 NOTICE OF HEARING TO APPROVE FINAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE Notice is hereby given that a hearing on a Petition for Hearing for Final Settlement of the Estate of Ralph Haden Powell has been set for the 7th day of February, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. central tme in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Should you intend to contest this settlement of this Estate, you must appear on the date of the hearing sas set above.

Bill English, Judge of Probate, Lee County, Alabama.

Legal run 01/09/19, 01/16/19, & 01/23/19

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council of the City of Opelika will hold a Public Hearing on Tuesday, February 5, 2019, at 7:00 p.m. in the City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

PURPOSE The purpose of said Public Hearing will be to consider the adoption of an ordinance to amend Ordinance Number 124-91 (entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika”) adopted on September 17, 1991. At said Public Hearing all who desire to be heard shall have the opportunity to speak for or in opposition to the adoption of the following ordinance: ORDINANCE NO.________ AN ORDINANCE TO AMEND THE TEXT OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA BE IT ORDAINED by the City Council (the “City Council”) of the City of Opelika, Alabama (the “City”) as follows: Section 1. Amendment. That Ordinance 124-91 entitled “Zoning Ordinance of the City of Opelika, Alabama”, adopted on September 17, 1991, as amended, is further amended in the following respect: That Section 7.3, “USES”, as amended, is further amended so that the use category of Body Art (Tattoo & Piercing) as shown in the matrix table shall be revised by changing the use in the C-2 zoning district from Not Allowed (N) to Conditional Use (C):

Section 2. Repeal of Conflicting Ordinances. Any ordinance or part thereof in conflict with provisions of this Ordinance be and the same are hereby repealed.

Section 3. Effective Date. This Ordinance shall become effective upon its adoption, approval and publication as required by law.

Section 4. Publication. This Ordinance shall be published in a newspaper of general circulation in the City of Opelika, Lee County, Alabama.

WITNESS my hand this the 9 th day of January, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman CITY CLERK OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA, ALABAMA Legal run 1/09/19

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Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, January 09, 2019

Inside the Statehouse

‘Mornings with Mike’ Special to the Opelika Observer

By Steve Flowers

R

ecently, I came across a copy of an old congressional directory from 1942. It is always fun for me to read about this era in American political history.

Franklin Delano Roosevelt had been first elected in 1932 in the depths of the Great Depression.

He would go on to be reelected in 1936, 1940 and 1944, and would have been reelected into perpetuity. However, he died in Warm Springs, Georgia in April 1945, only four months into his fourth term. He was the closest thing we Americans have ever had to having a king.

Nobody has or ever will serve four terms as president. After FDR’s omnipotent reign, the Constitution was changed to limit our presidents to two 4-year terms.

Roosevelt brought the country out of the Depression with his New Deal. However, he did not do it alone.

He worked closely with a Democratic Congress. They congruently changed the nation and its government. Our Alabama delegation was an integral part of that transformation. Our delegation in Washington was seniority laden and very much New Dealers.

A cursory perusal of Tom Brokaw’s book, The Greatest Generation, reveals that a standard prerequisite for being successful in politics in Alabama during that time was to have been a military veteran. All of our congressmen had been veterans of World War I, unless they were too old to have served.

In the 1940’s we had nine congressmen, whereas today

we have seven. All nine members of our congressional delegation were men and all were Democrats.

Today, we have six Republicans and one Democrat.

There are several differences in our delegation on the Potomac today and our group of gentlemen congressmen of over 70 years ago. Obviously, their partisan badges have changed as have Alabamians.

Another observation is the tremendous difference in power and seniority of the 1940s group versus our group today. Of that group of men, which included Frank Boykin, George Grant, Henry Steagall, Sam Hobbs, Joe Starnes, Pete Jarman, and John Sparkman, many of them had been in Congress for decades and wielded significant influence.

Indeed, from the mid 1940s through 1964 ours was one of the most powerful delegations in the nation’s capital.

They had risen to power through their seniority and their allegiance to Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal policies.

Henry Steagall from Ozark in the 3rd Congressional District was chairman of the prestigious banking committee. He was instrumental in the passage of much of FDR’s New Deal banking laws which were revamped in the wake of the collapse of America’s banks in 1929 and the subsequent Great Depression. He was the sponsor of the GlassSteagall Banking Act, which was a lynchpin foundation of FDR’s Banking Resurrection Plan coming out of the depression.

One of the monumental differences in that era’s delegation

and today’s is their philosophical voting records. As mentioned, that group of men were witnesses to and participants of the Great Depression. Every one of them had been born in the late 1800s, therefore, they were in the prime of their life when the Great Depression struck.

They witnessed the devastation of the country.

These men voted lockstep with FDR’s liberal agenda to transform America.

Given this partisan progressive loyalty to FDR and the New Deal, this delegation’s voting record was one of the most liberal in the nation.

Because of their loyalty to FDR’s programs, coupled with this group’s seniority, no state benefited from the New Deal agenda more than Alabama.

Through the Works Progress Administration and the creation of the Tennessee Valley Authority, Alabama progressed.

The Tennessee Valley in North Alabama was especially transformed.

Later Sparkman would create Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, which made this North Alabama city one of the most prosperous and progressive areas of the country.

To the contrary, our delegation today is one of the most conservative in America.

It was a different era.

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.

Congressman Mike Rogers reminded folks today that he is holding weekly events when Congress is in session that are open to any constituents visiting Washington, D.C. “Mornings with Mike” events take place in Rogers’ Washington office in the Rayburn House Office Building.

The meetings offer East Alabamians a unique chance to meet with Congressman Rogers while enjoying coffee and donuts in his office.

“With the 116th Congress gearing up, D.C. can be a very busy and crowded place. I want to remind anyone visiting the area to stop by for a visit.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer “I have always had my offices open to everyone across the Third Congressional District, but these weekly events give folks the chance to come in and share their concerns and visit with my staff and me. I hope people will take advantage of them when in our nation’s capital,” Rogers said.

The event is hosted each session week on Wednesday morning at

9:30 a.m. EDT in 2184 Rayburn. Anyone interested in attending should sign up on Mike’s website to ensure enough coffee and donuts are ordered each week. The dates for the January meetings are: 9th and 16th.

Visit https://mikerogers. house.gov/mornings-withmike for more information, or call Rogers’ Washington, D.C. office at 202-225-3261.

Opelika City Council votes to update ordinances on network transportation

By Michelle Key Publisher In the first city council meeting of the new year, the council voted to amend the city the ordinances to reflect changes made within the state legislature pertaining to the collection of permits for network transportation companies such as LYFT or Uber and their riders.

In an effort to better regulate this relatively new industry, new legislation has given the Public Service Commission the authority and responsibility to issue and maintain permits for such companies throughout the state.

In other business, the council: - Mayor Gary Fuller

announced that he had reappointed Ira Silberman to the Opelika Planning Commission.

Silberman’s new term will end Feb. 15, 2025 - approved the designation of city personal property surplus and authorized it’s disposal - approved a refund request from John Emerald Distilling for an overpayment of their liquor tax during the period 2015-2018 - approved a request from Verizon for a special use permit to modify their equipment located at 269 Lee Road 711.

- approved a tax abatement agreement with Jo-Ann Stores, Inc. The company has announced plans to purchase, acquire, and install approximately $2,875,000 worth

of new manufacturing machinery, equipment and other new personal property in its existing facility located within the corporate limits of the City of Opelika; and the project is estimated to be placed in service by Jan. 31, 2021 - approved an appropriation contract with Employers Child Care Alliance for $6,000 - approved the appointment of an agent from Alabama Municipal Electric Authority to purchase any potential future excess electric energy that might be generated by solar panels installed on homes in Opelika.

The next city council meeting will be held Jan. 15 at 7 p.m. at City Hall, which is located at 204 S. 7th St.

Gov. Kay Ivey awards $2.5 million in grants for homeless Alabamians Special to the Opelika Observer Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded nearly $2.5 million in grants to help homeless Alabamians find immediate housing and to assist others who are in danger of becoming homeless.

The funds from the Emergency Solutions Grant program will support organizations across the state that provide shelter, legal and health services and financial education for families and individuals without a residence. The grant

program also can assist these families with moving costs, including rental and utility deposits.

“While many of us gather with family and friends this time of year, it’s important to remember that there are some Alabamians currently struggling to keep a roof over their heads and others who don’t have a home at all,” Governor Ivey said.

“I am pleased to award this funding to provide important aid to many families at a critical moment in their lives.”

The Alabama Department of Economic and

Community Affairs is administering the grants from funds made available by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Ivey awarded the grants to 12 governments and community agencies that administer the program locally and assess individual needs for those seeking assistance. Individuals or families requesting assistance can contact their local agency directly or may be referred by the program to a local shelter.

Case managers screen applicants for program eligibility at the local level.

B8 January 09, 2019

pelika Observer O

Last week’s answers:

1-2 Scramblers Answers: 1. Hateful, 2. Range, 3. Chorus, 4. Venture Solution: Hangover

pelika Observer O

B9 January 09, 2019

COMICS

“Sometimes crying or laughing are the only options left, and laughing feels better right now.” ― Veronica Roth, Divergent

pelika O Observer

B10 January 09, 2019

Opelika native, diver, Conner Pruitt wins Georgia Diving Invitational tournament last weekend; first collegiate win Special to the Opelika Observer Opelika High School alum and Auburn University diver Conner Pruitt scored a meet-high 77.55 on his final dive to claim the platform title at the Georgia Diving Invitational last Sunday morning.

He edged out secondplace by 4.60 points to claim the title, his second platform win of the season.

Pruitt scored a 76.80 on his first dive and a 72.00 on his fifth dive en route to the title. His final score of 348.50 put him just ahead of Tennessee's William

Hallam, who scored a 343.90.

"We need to be a little more accurate and focused on backs and gainers but I'm really pleased with the win for Conner," said Auburn diving coach Jeff Shaffer.

Alison Maillard finished sixth in the women's platform competition, scoring a 236.50. The sixthplace finish gave her three top-six finishes for the invitational.

"Alison did four really solid dives but unfortunately on her second dive, a front two-and-a-half with one twist, she under-rotated and just needed to be a little

more aggressive," Shaffer said.

Logan Andrews scored a 286.60 to finish ninth in the men's field of 21.

"The benefit of everyone being here was that the competition was great and we are going to see this same competition plus even more when we come back for SECs," Shaffer said. "A lot of the same people will be competing to earn a spot at the NCAA Championships were here as well. That gives us a little foresight into where we are and what we need to improve upon to improve our scoring potential and dive up

to our potential.

"Overall a really good three days of competition and hopefully we learned

a lot from it," Shaffer said.

The diving team will join with the swimming team for

a dual meet against Texas on Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Martin Aquatics Center. Admission is free.

Photo courtesy of AuburnTigers.com

You’re Invited!

8 0

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The J.W. DarDen FounDaTion, inc. requesTs The pleasure oF your company aT The

Seventh Annual Black Tie Legacy Gala saTurDay, February 2, 2019

honoring

Dr. J. Dell Crosby For additional information contact Peggy Hansen at 334-663-1833 or Jeanette Peters at 334-745-6578/jeanettepeters@bellsouth.net Tickets are $100 per person. Sponsorships are: Gold - $3,000, Silver - $2,000 and Bronze - $1,000.