Opelika Observer 04-22-2020 E-EDITION

Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Vol. 12, No. 29

Opelika, Alabama

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“By local people, for local people.”

A hero’s final fight has ended

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Community mourns loss of Command Sgt. Major (Retired) Bennie Adkins

By Morgan Bryce Editor Opelika resident and Medal of Honor recipient Ret. Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie Adkins, 86, passed away Friday afternoon.

Adkins tested positive for COVID-19 and was listed in critical condition at East Alabama Medical Center on March 26. He had been recuperating the last three and a half weeks but his condition worsened on the morning of April 17 and passed away at approximately 3 p.m.

“We are deeply saddened

to notify you that after a courageous battle with COVID-19, Command Sergeant Major Bennie G. Adkins departed this life today, with beloved family at his bedside,” family members wrote Friday in a post on The Bennie Adkins Foundation Facebook page.

As of press time, no funeral arrangements had been announced.

Background Born on Feb. 1, 1934 in Waurika, Oklahoma, Adkins spent much of his childhood in Opelika. He was drafted into the U.S. Army on Dec. 5, 1956, completing his

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A9 RELIGION..............................A11 CALENDAR..................................A13

basic training at Fort Bliss in Texas. Afterward, he was assigned as an administrative clerk/typist to a garrison unit in Giessen, Germany and had a “followon assignment” with the 2nd Infantry Division at Fort Benning.

While at Fort Benning, Adkins attended Airborne School and started volunteering with the Special Forces (Green Berets) in 1961, eventually serving with four groups in his 13year stint with that branch.

Adkins served three nonconsecutive tours to the Republic of Vietnam during

COMICS....................................A14 SPORTS..................................B1 PUBLIC NOTICES............................B5 POLITICS...................................B7

his time with the Special Forces, most notably his 1965-1966 tour.

From March 9 to 12, 1966, Adkins and his fellow soldiers at A Shau Special Forces Camp in the A Shau Valley endured an onslaught of attacking Vietnamese forces. He willingly placed himself in the line of fire to save the lives of several of his comrades, receiving more than a dozen injuries and spending the next 36 hours fighting with hand grenades, mortars, machine guns, rifles and small arms, killing an estimated 135 to 175 enemy soldiers.

Adkins’ final Special Forces tour of duty in Vietnam came in 1971, serving from January to December.

After Vietnam, Adkins would make stops at military bases in at Fort Huachuca in Arizona, Army Sergeants Major Academy in El Paso, Texas, Fort Bragg in North Carolina and spent the last of his Army career leading training at Fort Sherman’s Jungle School near the Panama Canal. He would officially retire from the Army in 1978.

Post-military career See Hero, page A5

Observer.com pelika O

Alabama Statewide COVID-19 statistics as of Apr. 21 at 8:45 a.m.

5092 cases / 144 deaths | 311 cases in Lee Co. / 14 deaths

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A2 April 22, 2020

CRNA’s serving Alabamians in the fight against COVID-19

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama continuing to waive cost-sharing for COVID-19 treatment Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is working closely with state and local governments, as well as partners within the healthcare system, to address

behavioral health visit for our members with fully insured individual, employer-based, Federal Employee Program and Medicare Advantage Plans.

-In addition, inpatient deductibles, copays and coinsurance

local needs from the COVID-19 outbreak.

Blue Cross is waiving cost-sharing for treatment of COVID-19.

This includes coverage for testing and treatment administered, including for inpatient hospital stays.

-On March 1, Blue Cross began waiving all member costsharing for COVID-19 diagnostic testing, treatments and the related in-person or telehealth office visit, urgent care visit, emergency room visit or

for our fully insured employer customers are being waived if a member is admitted to an in-network hospital with a COVID-19 related diagnosis.

-Our self-funded employer customers have the option to also implement these COVID-19 related benefits.

“We want our members to be assured that we are here for them as we navigate through this unprecedented time,” said Tim Vines, president and CEO of

Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

By Willie Furr DNP, CRNA Special to the Opelika Observer Healthcare workers and first responders are stepping up in the fight against COVID-19. Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) are a group of Advance Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) on the frontlines that are placing themselves in the most dangerous position of exposure during an intubation or placement of a breathing tube.

COVID-19 is known to produce hypoxemia and respiratory distress which may lead to the need for additional breathing support requiring this procedure.

Intubation requires administering sedating medications, similar to what would be administered in surgery, so that a breathing tube can be gently placed under direct visualization into the trachea or windpipe. This procedure can lead to aerosolization of the virus particularly to those in close proximity.

In dealing with a known COVID-19 positive patient, a

CRNA will don appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) so that he/she is protected in the best way possible. However, until testing is provided for every patient entering the hospital, many are considered a person under investigation (PUI) or possibly an asymptomatic carrier. Therefore, it is important that the CRNA protect himself or herself on every intubation.

Many hospitals are seeking donations of appropriate PPE because of extreme limitations in their inventory. When caring for these COVID-19 positive patients the required amount of PPE donning and doffing leads to depletion of normal stock very quickly. Community support has been tremendous and appreciated.

Many institutions are forming special airway response teams (COVID team) using CRNAs because the most experienced airway expert should place the breathing tube. These CRNAs start their 12 hour shift not knowing when a call will come or what

particular situation they will respond to.

Utilizing their background in critical care nursing and required ability to think autonomously during critical events helps them to know what to do as they respond. In our rural Alabama hospitals, the CRNA is one of the few advanced healthcare providers taking care of patients as they enter the hospital.

Hospitals are given great latitude during this crisis in Alabama because of Gov. Kay Ivey’s Proclamation on April 2. This allows APRNs to practice to their full scope of practice, education, training and national certification. Emergency operation plans are helping hospitals utilize their workforce to maximum potential so that Alabama lives can be saved.

During this uncertain time of the COVID-19 pandemic, know that the 1,800-plus CRNAs in Alabama are providing Safe and Effective Care for Every Patient, Every Breath, Every Beat, Every Second.

For more information, visit www. alabamacrna.org.

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pelika Observer

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

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

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

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama.

“For our members diagnosed with COVID-19, we want them to have peace of mind knowing they have access to the care they need.”

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama’s decision to waive costsharing for treatment is in addition to steps supporting the essential needs of both our members and providers: - Waiving prior authorizations for diagnostic tests and covered services that are medically necessary and consistent with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidance for members if diagnosed with COVID-19.

- Increasing access to prescription medications by waiving early medication refill limits on prescriptions and encouraging members to use their 90-day retail or mail order benefit.

- Expanding access to telehealth for in-network providers with no member costsharing. In addition to See Treatment, page A3

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A3 April 22, 2020

Six things your ophthalmologist wants you to know Special to the Opelika Observer As information about the new coronavirus comes at a furious pace, at times offering conflicting and confusing advice, the Alabama Academy of Ophthalmology, the Medical Association of Alabama and the American Academy of Ophthalmology want to share what they know right now about protecting your vision and your health during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During these unprecedented times, our organization wants to clearly communicate

and provide the most up-to-date information to help Alabamians maintain their health and safety,” said Dr. Russell Read, president of the Alabama Academy of Ophthalmology. “With so many people working from home and students using distance learning, we believe these tips offer simple guidelines everyone can use.”

1. Avoid touching your eyes By now you’ve heard about the importance of hand washing, coughing into your elbow and keeping your hands away from your face

and eyes. The last one is easier said than done, right? Here’s a suggestion, switch from contact lenses to glasses for the time being. Substituting glasses for lenses can decrease irritation and make you pause before touching your eye.

2. Pink eye is a COVID-19 symptom, but it’s rare About 1 to 2% of reported coronavirus cases show symptoms of conjunctivitis, better known as pink eye. If you or a family member gets pink eye, don’t panic, especially if you’re not experienc-

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

ing the more common coronavirus-related symptoms, such as a dry cough, shortness of breath and fever.

Viral conjunctivitis is very common, plus it’s allergy season.

Try these home treatments for pink eye. If symptoms continue, consult with your doctor to determine if

you need an in-person office visit.

3. The malaria drugs used to treat coronavirus will not blind you Patients who rely on hydroxychloroquine to treat autoimmune conditions such as lupus rarely experience eye damage. Only about 1 to 2% of patients

develop retinal problems during a 5-year course of treatment.

Even though patients with COVID-19 receive double the dosage, they are treated for a fraction of the time, only one to two weeks. However, if you are older than 50 and have a history of retinal disease, macular degeneration or have been exposed to the breast cancer therapy tamoxifen, discuss these drugs with your doctor. We also want to emphasize that there currently is no definitive scientific evidence these drugs are effective in treatSee Eyes, page A5

Extension economist offers reassurances about meat supplies

By Maggie Lawrence Special to the OpelikaObserver

Smithfield Foods has closed a major pork processing facility in South Dakota, causing concern about meat supplies and possible shortages among consumers, industry professionals and political pundits.

An economist with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System said consumers should

think about the industry as a whole and the longterm logistics of moving not only meat supplies but also all food in the United States.

Supply Chain Challenges “While the closing of the South Dakota plant as well as others around the nation is significant, it does not threaten the nation’s protein supplies long term when you consider the abundance of beef, pork and

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

poultry production that is out there,” said Ken Kelley, an ACES regional extension agent.

“The United States was and is amid record production of beef, pork and poultry. The issue

now is not availability of animals, but the logistics of processing and movement.”

Kelley noted that the supply chain and processing issues are significant. But they are issues that can be addressed to ensure that the abundant supply of proteins that America’s farmers are producing gets to grocery store shelves.

He cited a Farm Policy News article

quoting the Wall Street Journal reporting that “The Trump administration is weighing a plan to provide coronavirus tests and other solutions to U.S. food-processing plants, as a way to soothe workers’ fears and keep the country’s food system functioning through the pandemic.”

Changing to Meet Demand “This is a supply chain issue,” Kelley See Meat, page A5

Mama Mocha’s selling fan-favorite Local outdoor lighting company ‘iced crack’ by the gallon brings ‘glow’ of hope to EAMC

By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter "Iced Crack" has been around Mama Mocha’s for the last five to six years, quickly becoming a fan favorite amongst the community. The beloved drink consists of milk (alternatives available), cold brew coffee and is offered with a variety of syrup flavors to choose from. Working alongside local dairy farmers like Blue Ribbon Dairy, Mama Mocha’s has decided to make the fan favorite in bulk for the first time by selling gallons of ‘iced crack’ to the community for $20 per gallon with roughly each 16 oz pour over ice coming to a total of roughly $2 per drink.

“We found the local dairy farmer Blue Ribbon Dairy and began meeting privately, buying the milk and bringing it in after closing… We realized that we could reuse (pour half the milk out and fill it with cold brew concentrate) 25 gallons of concrete a day.. and the question became ‘how do we

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

make this shop like a production facility with one person doing it all?’” said Mama Mocha's founder and owner Sarah Gill. “We couldn’t get milk at Kroger and didn’t want to try and order a bunch because on high volume season we go through roughly 100 gallons a week… the supply right now is down to the public. We could have food service suppliers provide, but we’re not letting anyone into the building and are taking extra precautions."

The ordering process is quite simple, customers can go online to ordermamamochas. com and choose the “Indulgence by the Gallon” section and choose options

such as a specific indulgence flavor such as white lavender, brown sugar, peanut butter pie and more. Milk alternatives such as oatmilk, soy and coconut are being offered for no additional cost. After that, Mama Mocha staff will text you with a time to pickup your order.

“Placing and ordering on the website through Square payment has taken away the payment process so it’s literally no contact.. (at designated time of individual pick-up) we put the product outside the door for pick up,” Gill added. “It’s been very successful, and we hope we can expand it further. It provides See Mama Mocha’s, page A8

Grueling work weeks and exposure to the virus responsible for the worldwide pandemic are daily stressors that many healthcare workers are dealing with every shift, including those at East Alabama Medical Center. Carrie and David Beesley of the Auburn-based outdoor lighting company Glitter and Glow decided to pitch in to help make their days a little brighter.

Last week, the couple and their team set up lights on the trees outside the hospital’s main lobby entrance and Surgery Center, which will be particularly appreciated by staff working on second or third shift. EAMC officials responded by posting a thank-you message on Facebook, writing “Thank you Glitter and Glow for decorating our facility to bring joy to our #healthcareheroes!”

The Beesleys responded to the message with a post on their Facebook page late last Tuesday

Treatment, from A2 office visit consultations by physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners, telehealth also includes physical, speech and occupational therapy (subject to provider ca-

evening, explaining their motivation behind the kind gesture to the hospital and its employees, which is shared in its entirety below.

“Watching the positivity and service happening in our community right now has been a really uplifting and inspiring experience. We’ve seen so many examples of people going out of their way to support small businesses, and are especially thankful to those who have supported us in ours. We’ve also been able to witness a great rallying of support around the medical community at the front lines of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, including meals and supplies donated to the hospital staff daily, as well as prayer groups, religious services and special shift-change gatherings for the benefit of these amazing doctors and nurses. We also felt the call to contribute what we could to this cause by spreading a little light and cheer for the hospital staff and patients at (EAMC).

The great staff at EAMC

gave us permission to put up a special lighting display that we hope will represent the collective love and support of our community. To give credit where it is most certainly due, we have to thank our amazing employees and friends who didn’t hesitate to volunteer their time and effort to install this project. This would not have been possible without them. Please continue to keep our medical professionals in your hearts and prayers during this difficult season.”

According to a description on the company website glitterandglow. net, the Beesley’s have been installing holiday decorations and lighting since 2008. In 2018, they expanded their services through Glitter and Glow to include landscape lighting design and installation, “utilizing quality lowvoltage architectural/landscape lighting fixtures.”

For more information, call 334-663-4446 or like and follow their Facebook page. See photos of the display on A7.

pability) and behavioral health. This is applicable for members who wish to receive their care remotely and wish to limit their exposure. It can also serve as an initial screening for members who need to be tested for COVID-19.

- Dedicating staff to be specifically available to address inquiries related

to medical services, ensuring timely responses related to COVID-19.

If members have questions, they can call the customer service number located on the back of their ID card or visit AlabamaBlue.com/Coronavirus. For the latest on COVID-19 developments, visit www.cdc.gov.

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A4 April 22, 2020

W

e are all mourning the loss of one of America’s heroes who died last Friday.

As a photographer, one has the opportunity to get up close and personal with some great people, Ret. Command Sgt. Maj. Bennie G. Adkins was one of those people.

From the very first time I met CSM Adkins, I thought of him as graceful and friendly. I remember meeting him for the first time at a Medal of Honor reunion held at the Opelika SportsPlex years ago. This was the humblest group of people I have ever met or been around. The stories told of their heroic acts they had performed was amazing, including Adkins fighting off waves of advancing Viet Cong forces to save his comrades.

CSM Bennie Adkins always stopped for me to take pictures of him, and the last couple of years, he would kid me about wearing out my camera on the pictures I have taken of him.

I had the privilege of taking photos of

I

t’s another rainy Monday morning, and the radio in my van is blaring more pandemic news in between country songs. My shoes are soaked through to my socks, and I really just want to go back to bed. But Mondays are even more relentless than COVID, and I am essential enough to have a job waiting for me. On the seat next to me is my much-used and weathered Auburn University canvas tote bag that goes with me everywhere. It’s heavy enough to trigger the seat belt light on my dashboard telling me to buckle up my passenger.

I’ve actually done this – strapped that bag in like it’s a 2nd grader – just to make the light stop blinking at me.

But just now, hustling into the van to get out of the rain, I felt something give and hang loosely behind me. The handle on my bag ripped apart, finally giving in to the strain of carrying my stuff from one place to another. Still sitting in the driveway, I dig through the bag trying to make sure I didn’t lose anything and wondering

Mourning

C

Robert Noles him at events like his bust dedication at the SportsPlex, Auburn University home football games, Memorial and Veterans Day events, him as Opelika’s Christmas Parade Grand Marshal and dedication of the Lee County Annex that was renamed in his honor.

If you have not been to the Lee County Annex to visit the area honoring CSM Adkins, please do. There is a secret there in the display about the night CSM

Adkins and the others were fighting to stay alive.

Yes, Adkins was a hero, a credit to our country, a true American and a great guy. He and Mary are going to be missed.

Robert Noles is an award-winning photojournalist who has been with the Opelika Observer for more than 10 years. Originally from Tallassee, he is a graduate of Alabama Christian College and Auburn University.

Cuba #5

ome, follow me Jesus said, and I will send you out to fish for people. Mark 1:17 As a child, I spent my summers at the ocean with my family. I learned to float with my grandmother in the ocean and my first catch of fish as a child was on her lake.

I remember baiting my hook with hot dog and stringing the fish with my brother.

We had a stringer full that day and we still have pictures today to prove it.

I have fishing stories spanning my entire life and it is something my husband and I do with our children today.

We have fished streams, wide rivers in canoes and vast ponds and lakes all over East Alabama.

I feel as though it is a life skill and a rite of passage for a child. “Teach a man to fish…” my husband says. And he’s right, it something you carry with you forever.

While in Cuba and visiting the Methodist church near Gerona (Herona), pastor Enrique told us of their “fishing houses.” I was immediately intrigued and knew from the start it had nothing to do with actual fish.

Enrique had planned out an entire day for us to visit their fishing houses.

Mind you, this is a tiny church. A congregation of around 200 members and all 200 participate in the missions and ac-

By Bradley Robertson tions of the church.

Also know, there are not many churches at all in their area.

So, to be touched and ministered by God is scarce. To be reached and then to even be found, is a miracle.

These areas of life on The Island of Youth consist of dirt roads, horse and buggies and folks mostly walking and biking to where they need to go. Farmers stay on their farms and kids walk to and from school with their parents heading to work. Everything is different, transportation, daily life and perspective.

Pastor Enrique picked us up bright and early for our first fishing house visit.

We were fortunate enough to have a driver for the day, something uncommon on the island.

Within 15 minutes, we pulled into a farm on a long dirt drive to a small concrete home with a front porch. An ox lay in the front yard among the fruit and palm trees. Stepping out of the car, we were

greeted with a large glass of homemade papaya juice. Hugs and cheek kisses welcomed us along with the words “tu bendiga,” which are to say, “God Bless You.” Isaac and I grinned and the joy of these dear people was powerful. They invited us into their tiny home where they had set up the living room for guests.

“This is where they have church,” the pastor explained.

“They have around 15 people that meet here every week.

These people all live just next door and they all come here.”

Pastor Enrique continued to pretend with hand motions and readings, showing us what takes place when all the neighbors are present. It was similar to our family version of “home church.”

In the living room, the family had a Bible stand. There was also a guitar, that the members used for praise and worship.

There were even See Robertson, page A5

Sundials and Day Planners just how I’m going to find another perfect bag to house these essentials.

There’s my lunch – leftovers from the feast my best friend and I cooked this weekend. That man works magic on lemon pepper chicken wings.

There’s a 2-liter Coke – because caffeine is my salvation/vice. My latest cross stitch projects are in a pouch with a few dozen skeins of thread, a ruler, several pair of scissors, and more needles than I can count. There’s a makeup bag – because the days of being lovely without a little assistance are at least a decade behind me. Toward the bottom of the bag I spy my hair dryer (because rainy days far outnumber clear ones these last couple of months) and my flat iron (because my hair, like my face, needs some assistance these days). There’s also a spare pair of socks, a Scentsy bar (another addiction of mine), a six of diamonds that must have fallen in my bag during our last frantic game of Spoons, and a bag of Cheerios (don’t judge – I like to snack).

Buried underneath all

By Wendy Hodge

that, I see my day planner peeking out, and I am instantly taken back to the day I bought that planner. It was right after Christmas, when the world had never heard of coronavirus and face masks were not part of our daily wardrobe. I’d gone to Michaels to look at crafts and Christmas sales. And there I’d found the perfect planner for my busy life. For years, that’s been my New Year treat to myself because what’s better than a lovely, perfectly clean, un-written-in planner? All those pages just waiting to be filled with the fun and the mundane and the busy-ness of life.

And this year I had found a planner that met all my criteria – large enough space to write in, plenty of room for sticky notes and shopping lists, and lovely

from front to back. Yes, it weighed a ton, but it was exactly what I’d wanted to see me through 2020.

Ah, sweet irony.

I sit here, with the rain sliding down the windshield, and flip back through the pages. The first couple of months have plenty of notes neatly written in, lists scratched off and completed, and reminders to myself. But somewhere around the beginning of March, the writing becomes sparse and then just halts altogether. No more franticlooking reminders to “stop

by Walmart” or “fill up the tank before Tuesday!”

There are no appointments pending; no chore lists left unfinished. Flipping forward there is a week blocked off in June for a vacation that will now most likely not happen, and I sigh with disappointment.

But then I glance over at the gaping bag on the seat and see my bottle of calamine lotion. My best friend put it in my hand last night and insisted I take it home with me, even though I hate the

sticky pink of it. His poison ivy is almost gone.

Mine, on the other hand, waited until I had bragged about apparently being immune to it to finally show itself all over my arms and legs. And I can’t help but smile with the memory of all that we accomplished this past weekend and every weekend since he moved to his new house.

We’ve pulled down and torn away mounds of ivy.

We’ve planted lilies and impatiens, coneflowers and dahlias. I’ve learned a whole new vocabulary – lithodora, phlox, salvia….

I love how these sound when we say them to each other from across the yard. We’ve built elevated vegetables gardens with tomatoes, cucumber, peppers and cantaloupe. And, to my absolute wonder, my idea for a vertical herb and flower potted garden using a pallet and some plastic pots looks like a magazine picture… if I do say so myself!

And oh the treasures we’ve found! Underneath the ivy and ancient shrubs were buried a statue of an

angel with a bird in her outstretched hands and a wrought-iron sundial. The angel has been repaired and placed in the backyard under a flourishing dogwood tree. She is imperfect and lovely. And the sundial…. It is a thing of wonder. It is weathered and heavy and bears this inscription: BE AS TRUE TO EACH OTHER AS THIS DIAL IS TO THE SUN. Is that not just the loveliest thing? It’s been cleaned and centered in a flower bed in front of the house because that’s right where it belongs.

It turns out that a life measured by seasons and harvests and card games and meals shared is infinitely more satisfying than check marks on a To Do list. So I’ve traded my day planner for a sundial. And even when it’s safe to hug your friends and shakes hands with a stranger, I plan to plan less and live more and continue to always be as true to my best friend as the dial is to the sun.

Hodge is an Opelika native, an empty nester and lover of all things Opelika.

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A5 April 22, 2020

Small businesses count on the ‘Paycheck Protection Program’

T

he Small Business Administration (SBA) announced last week that it had exhausted its $349 billion authorization for the Payroll Protection Program, designed to assist small businesses with maintaining payroll and certain other expenses resulting from the COVID-19 crisis.

Approved loans are still being funded, but the SBA has currently suspended accepting new applications. According to the SBA, more than 5,000 lenders have approved 1.6 million loans as part of this program.

President Trump has called on Congress to authorize additional funding for the program, and all signs indicate that a strong bipartisan extension of at least $250 billion is more likely than

Hero, from A1 Fresh off his retirement from the Army, Adkins focused on education, earning three degrees (one bachelor, two master’s) from Troy University, then known as Troy State. He later opened his own accounting business based in Auburn, where he served as CEO for 22 years.

In addition to being a small business owner, Adkins taught night classes at Southern Union State Community College and Auburn University for more than 16 years combined.

Recognition Prior to receiving the Medal of Honor, Adkins had received numerous awards and spotlighted by numerous publications.

On April 26, 2013, Adkins received the Legion of Valor medal, and soon was recognized by Opelika Mayor Fuller the Opelika City Council during a meeting.

In late August/early September 2014, word began to circulate that Adkins was going to be named a Medal of Honor recipient.

He, his wife Mary, family and close friends like Lee County Commissioner Johnny Lawrence made the trek to Washington D.C. where he received the prestigious honor from

Eyes, from A3 ing the virus.

4. Have an upcoming routine eye care appointment? Call your ophthalmologist first Most ophthalmologists are performing emergency care only right now to keep patients safe and to conserve much-needed medical supplies. If you receive regular treatments to maintain your vision, such as

not. Small business owners who have not yet applied and would like to should prepare their documentation as quickly as possible to submit to their bank for consideration for the loan.

Most small businesses now are probably aware that the program provides a forgivable loan provided that loan proceeds are used to cover payroll costs, and mortgage interest, rent, and utility costs over the eight-week period after the loan is made. Small businesses such as S Corporations, Partnerships and even sole proprietors / independent contractors are eligible.

Employee and compensation levels must be maintained and cannot exceed a $100,000 annualized salary per employee, but the loan can other-

By Justin Smith wise be fully forgiven with no repayments required.

Employee benefits such as vacation and sick leave, health insurance and retirement benefits are included in the calculation, along with state employer taxes such as unemployment.

Documents you will need include 2019 federal payroll returns,

then-U.S. President Barack Obama. The following day, Adkins received the Medal of Honor flag at an induction ceremony into the Pentagon’s Hall of Heroes.

Six months later, a bronze bust of Adkins was unveiled at a special ceremony at the Opelika SportsPlex. Also in 2015, the USPS created a commemorative stamp that bore his likeness.

Adkins collaborated with local author Katie Jackson in 2018 to write a book about his experiences at Camp A Shau titled “A Tiger Among Us: A Story of Valor in Vietnam’s A Shau Valley,” which is available for downloads or purchases with most major book retailers.

Family Mary, Adkins’ wife of more than 60 years, passed away last February. She was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Together, they had five children, three of whom are still living: Mary Ann Adkins Blake (David) and sons Michael Adkins (Christine) and W. Keith Adkins (Jaime) and many grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. They were preceded in death by their sons Dennis and Wayne.

Public response Numerous individuals shared their thoughts and memories of Adkins on the foundation’s Facebook post announcing his death, as well as many local

injections for macular degeneration, talk to your ophthalmologist.

They can tell you if you need to come in for treatment.

5. Make sure you have refills of critical medications If you take medicated eye drops or other medical prescriptions, that you cannot or should not go without, make sure you have enough to get by if quarantined or if supplies become limited.

Your ophthalmologist or pharmacist may be able to help obtain approval through insur-

state unemployment returns, business tax returns, business bank account information, a completed application and other documentation as required by your bank.

The loan can be up to 2.5 times your average 2019 monthly payroll cost, as defined by the SBA. For any amounts not fully forgiven, the loan

dignitaries and leaders who posted their remorse over his passing on social media, including U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers and Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones.

“Rest in peace, Bennie Adkins. Heaven’s gates have never been more secure,” Rogers said.

“This man stands for and is an examples of all that is right, just and pure about our great nation. He is and will forever be a hero,” Jones wrote. “He was devoted to his family, his comrades in arms and his friends. If you ever had the honor of meeting him, you learned quickly that his thoughts were not of himself but of others to whom he always gave the credit.

If you wish to know what a great man looks like - just (look at him).”

Carrying on a legacy According to a description on bennieadkinsfoundation.org, the 501c3 nonprofit organization’s “aim is to carry on the legacy of Bennie Adkins by providing educational scholarships to Special Forces soldiers. Our hope is to reward deserving soldiers who have demonstrated the courage, sacrifice, and patriotism inherent in the Special Forces, and aid them as they continue trying to improve themselves through education.”

Visit the organization’s Facebook or website for more information or to donate.

ance.

6. Consider home remedies for nonurgent relief Some eye conditions can be treated from home, such as red eye, dry eye or eye strain. Try these at-home remedies. If symptoms persist, call your ophthalmologist.

Many are conducting appointments through telehealth.

“During these unprecedented times, our organization wants to clearly communicate and provide the most up-to-date information to help Alabamians

terms are incredibly generous: payments are deferred for 6 months with a 2-year term, and the interest rate is only 1.0 percent. Further, there are no prepayment penalties or fees. No personal guarantee is required, nor is any collateral.

Loan applications are made through your established bank, and many banks will have specific requirements, so check with your personal relationship banker for more information.

The other program directly administered by the SBA is the Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). While is seemed originally that loans up to $2 million were available at a 3.75% interest rate along with a $10,000 forgivable emergency grant, more details

Robertson, from A4 details of cloth in the room, used to make crosses and decorative swag. This was a place of holy ritual. It wasn’t just a home where love and fellowship took place, this was a space of honor and mission and faithfulness.

The pastor strummed a few chords and sang a few verses from a song I knew. It wasn’t even a church service and I was being ministered to in a way I had never felt in my own country. The authenticity. The sincerity. The genuine hospitality. It was clear they had little, yet they were offering much. Offering life through Jesus in their home.

Seeking after fish.

What I soon learned was that if this one single family did not open its home for church, the lives of many would not know Christ at all.

Families gathered here with children. An elderly couple gathered here. Young people, fresh in life, gathered here.

Adults returned to work every day knowing the gospel and children back to school feeling the love of Jesus. And the elderly took their long walk back home, knowing they were not alone.

These humble people were the ripple effects of love.

Love that we know as Christians has no end.

This family placed a whole new meaning on what Mark meant when he said, “fish for

maintain their health and safety,” said Dr. Russell Read, president of the Alabama Academy of Ophthalmology. “With so many people working from home and students using distance learning, we believe these tips provide simple guidelines everyone can use.”

“As we continue to navigate these unchartered waters, our organization wants to remain a resource by providing factual communications about how the public can maintain a healthy lifestyle

have come out. The SBA has announced that it will provide a $1,000 per employee grant up to $10,000 that does not have to be repaid. Further, the actual loan amounts are being advertised as much smaller at $15,000. The emergency grant, used for business purposes, has no obligation to be repaid as long as it is used for business s expenses.

Small business owners should visit www. sba.gov/disaster for more information.

Justin Smith is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in Opelika, specializing in individual and small business tax and accounting. He can be contacted at 334400-9234 or Justin@ JSmithCPA.net. His website is www.jsmithcpa.net.

people.” When people do not have a way to Christ, we are called to go and make a way.

We are asked to create a path.

You don’t wait for the fish to find you, you start with the fish, you find them and then you see how to catch him.

Each fishing house is a tiny and holy path for surrounding neighbors to find their way to Jesus. These people, otherwise, would never know God nor would be saved.

Today, we find ourselves closed in quarantine. So how then do we continue to be “fishers of men”?

By simply looking after our neighbor. Have you called upon anyone to check on them? Have you mailed a letter to say hello? Have you dropped a food item off on a porch? How are you reaching out to show that you care?

We are a people that cares.

We are a people with hope and perseverance. When things begin to appear normal again, what will you hold onto? I pray we hold onto each other.

“Teach a man to fish…” this is what the family in Cuba did for me, they showed me what it looks like to fish for others. May we never stop fishing for joy or people.

Bradley Robertson is a local mother, wife and creative.

She’s an Auburn University graduate, loves good food and getting outside with her family. Bradley enjoys feature writing, as well as southern culture and lifestyle writing.

while confined to our homes at the moment,” said Mark Jackson, executive director with the Medical Association of Alabama.

“While many of us are still learning how to adjust during this time of remote working, we believe these six tips and links provide valuable information to patients looking for solutions to improve the health of their eyes.”

“During this chaotic pandemic, it can be overwhelming to keep up with the news and advice coming from

a variety of sources,” said Sonal Tuli, MD, clinical spokesperson for the American Academy of Ophthalmology. “The most reliable information is that which is based on science, so maintain good hygiene, continue to practice social distancing, and follow the advice of your ophthalmologist to protect your good vision.”

To keep up with the latest information for maintaining your eye health during the pandemic, visit: https:// www.aao.org/eyehealth/coronavirus.

pelika Opinion O

A6 April 22, 2020

Alabama 4-H Kreher Preserve & Nature Center announces virtual remains open to the public program schedule Special to the Opelika Observer

By Brittney Kimber Special to the Opelika Observer From healthy living to outdoor recreation, Alabama 4-H has something for every young person. In the midst of the coronavirus, 4-H is offering virtual activities on Facebook to keep young people engaged while at home.

Molly Gregg, assistant director of Alabama 4-H, says the team has put in a lot of effort to make this happen.

“As it became clear we were not going to meet faceto-face for longer than we had hoped, we decided we wanted to have a statewide approach to offer fun 4-H activities to all Alabama youth and families,” Gregg said. “The team jumped in to make that happen.”

The free video series launched on April 20 at 9 a.m. on the Alabama 4-H Facebook page. A different 4-H theme will be promoted each week until mid-June.

Alabama 4-H members along with their families will have the opportunity to comment on what they learned and celebrate their successes each Friday during a virtual 4-H club meeting.

“Our goal is fun, engaging, activities 4-H’ers and families can do at home,” said Nancy Alexander, an Alabama Extension 4-H specialist.

“Families are encouraged to post videos and photos in the comments.”

Virtual Program Schedule “The virtual programs we are offering provide young people statewide an opportunity to try a new project,” Alexander said. “Not all counties offer the same clubs and projects, so this gives 4-H’ers an opportunity to try a little of everything 4-H has to offer.”

The following 4-H project areas will be featured: Alabama 4-H Virtual Program Schedule Date-Activity April 20–24 - Science, Technology and Engineering April 27–May 1- Project Wild May 4–8 - Citizenship and Leadership May 11–15 - Healthy Living May 18–22 - Outdoor Recreation May 25–29 - Cooking June 1–5 - Virtual 4-H Camp June 8–11 - Agriculture About Alabama 4-H Alabama 4-H is the youth development organization of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

For more than 100 years, Alabama 4-H has been helping young people develop into resourceful citizens and responsible leaders. Today, Alabama 4-H engages with more than 161,000 youth. It seeks to empower them with the skills to lead their communities and also grow into future leaders. Visit www. alabama4h.com for more information.

The Kreher Preserve & Nature Center remains open to the public, a time we can use to reconnect with the natural world. The preserve is open dawn to dusk, and no bike riding, dogs or smoking is allowed on the premises.

Please respect your fellow visitors by practicing social distancing (at least six feet), use hand sanitizer, wash your hands well and often and do not touch your face. Gatherings of more than a few individuals will not be permitted.

The Nature Playground is currently closed.

All KPNC programming and events have been delayed or cancelled. Individual participants have been notified and will be updated if/when there are any changes. Watch their http://wp.auburn.edu/ preserve/ and follow their Facebook page and online calendar for updates.

Woodland Wonders In a time before social distancing and masks, there was a small class of preschool students who met in the woods of the Kreher Preserve & Nature Center. These students braved adventures, discovering what the natural world would share with them that day. It might be a caterpillar inching its way across a fence post or newly fallen leaves across the trail, or if they were lucky, there might have been a rain which left puddles to jump in all across the land. There was always something new to find and

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer new to learn in their outdoor classroom.

The Woodland Wonders nature preschool at the preserve brings these childhood adventures to life. They offer classes either Monday, Wednesday and Friday or Tuesday and Thursday from 8 to 11:30 a.m. to students from 3 to 5 years of age.

Class sizes are limited to 12 students so that their teachers have the opportunity to get to know their students and watch them grow and develop along with their peers. The students in the preschool help direct the learning in the class as their discoveries shape the daily conversations and lessons. Mornings are spent immersed in unlimited play and learning opportunities.

Together, the students plant,

dig, climb, run, jump, laugh, ask, gather, draw, create, cultivate, observe and wonder!

We would welcome you to consider this experience for your child. If you are interested, visit http://aub.ie/ woodlandwonders/ or send an email to Sarah Crim, lead teacher, at natureeducation@ auburn.edu.

Summer Camps At this time, Auburn University has canceled all events through the end of June, which includes KPNC Summer Ecology Camps.

They will be rescheduling our camps for July. If you have already signed up, you will receive an email with details and instructions. If you have not, please watch for new registrations to open in midMay.

Opelika Lions Club supports first responders and EAMC staff

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer The Opelika Lions Club recently donated 70 meals from Jim Bob’s for the East Alabama Medical Center Call Center and Respiratory Unit. The club also donated five gallons of hand sanitizer to the Opelika Police Department and the Opelika Fire Department. The hand sanitizer was obtained from John Emerald Distillery. Lions members pictured: James Morgan, Jr., Brooka Stokes and Glenn Stokes.

pelika Observer O

A7 April 22, 2020

Ward 4 residents Jason and Luanne Helms win ‘Beautification Award’

By Morgan Bryce Editor Keep Opelika Beautiful volunteers selected Ward 4 residents Jason and Luanne Helms as the quarterly winners of the organization’s “Beautification Award” last Tuesday.

KOB Director Tipi Miller said judging criteria are based on a yard’s “trimmed shrubs, beautiful flowers and manicured

lawn.”

“The purpose of the award is to recognize the hard work of our citizens,” Miller said.

“Often times, KOB sees a domino effect. When one house has a nicely landscaped yard, the homeowners around want to improve their yard (too).”

Miller added that KOB staff and volunteers will judge all Beautification Award recipients at the end

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer

of the year to determine the “Yard of the Year” winner, who will later be recognized by Mayor Gary Fuller and Opelika City Council at a later city council

meeting.

Luanne said she and Jason were happy to receive the award, and added that they see it as an opportunity to make a difference in someone’s

life.

“Planting a seed or a bulb is having faith in tomorrow ... ‘Grow in Faith.’ Flowers always make people happy and we want to bring a little

glimpse of beauty to anyone’s day who rides by our home,” Luanne said. “Our garden is a labor of love to give back to our community with beauty.”

Glitter and Glow for your kindness to EAMC

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Meat, from A3 said. “It takes time for the industry to change from current production and convert to meet the current demand, but they will do it. It also takes time to adjust for issues related to worker health, but they will do it.

“Before the coronavirus outbreak, a lot of processing capac-

ity produced for the restaurant and service industry. Now they are having to shift more capacity into retail products that consumers buy at grocery stores.”

Many processing plants are geared to produce for a specific niche market such as fine dining or fast food.

Some facilities have contracts with major food outlets to produce a very specific product such as four-ounce

chicken breast portions.

These facilities can restructure their operations, but Kelley said it will require time and money.

Overcoming Challenges He also pointed out that last year the nation experienced a similar supply chain issue with meat supplies when a Tyson processing plant burned.

“Everyone was concerned that we would not be able to meet

demand because that plant was shut down for a while,” he said.

“What we found was that the other plants more than covered the production lost from that plant. We discovered increased production was possible across the system.”

Grocery Shopping Surges Consumer buying research shows that grocery store sales reached the highest level in history dur-

ing the week ending March 15. According to Information Resources Inc., grocery sales were an eye-popping 62% higher than the same week in 2019.

“The jump in grocery sales is because people are shifting from restaurants to food for at-home meal preparation,” Kelley said. “This highlights the unknown of the current food consumption patterns. Panic buying could negatively affect

the supply issue even more.”

Consumers may find that not every product or cut of meat is available in the short term.

“People may have to choose a roast instead of a steak or even ground beef,” he said.

“The issues certainly are significant, and the industry and nation as a whole have to address them. However, we enjoy the safest and cheapest food supply in the world.”

pelika Observer O

A8 April 22, 2020

AHF CARES: $500k Humanities Relief Grants to be offered Special to the Opelika Observer On April 10, the Alabama Humanities Foundation received more than $500,000 dollars from the National Endowment for the Humanities to directly support Alabama nonprofits who have a demonstrated commitment to public humanities program-

Mama Mocha’s, from A3 the immediate need of people sitting in their homes wanting a no contact way to support our business without

ming. These grants are funded by the CARES Act via NEH. To help AHF craft the new grants to meet needs, officials are asking organizations to fill out the AHF CARES Needs Survey found at https://www. alabamahumanities. org/ahf-cares/.

Once the information is compiled, AHF will post guidelines

for the grant process.

Nonprofits that have demonstrated a commitment to public humanities programming are encouraged to share this survey with their community.

AHF is also creating a resource section on its website, called The Humanities Connection. In this evolving section, AHF will be working with partners

to gather humanities resources and other critical information designed to assist organizations during this time of great need.

If you have a resource you would like to share, or a question about the CARES funding, contact AHF Executive Director Lynn Clark, lclark@ alabamahumanities.

org.

“Now, more than ever, the humanities are essential to our ability to adapt and thrive during difficult times,” Clark said.

“Tell us what you need, so we can better help you to help our community.”

About the Alabama Humanities Foundation: The Alabama Hu-

manities Foundation mission is to foster learning, understanding and appreciation of our people, communities and cultures. As the independent, state partner of the National Endowment for the Humanities, the AHF supports and offers programs that will enhance the minds and enrich the lives of Alabamians.

having to go out for one coffee, but can support and stock up at once.”

As well as "iced crack," Mama Mocha’s has regular milk and chocolate milk from Blue Ribbon Dairy and fresh coffee beans for

sale from their website with the same pickup process. While the Opelika storefront is closed, the Auburn location is open Monday through Saturday from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m, where customers can get their favorite drinks, but are

asked to leave once grabbing their drink to ensure the following of social distancing standards.

“We ask the community to be patient with us, we will call back. We want to sell people milk, coffee

beans and want to provide some sense of normalcy to the community. If there are local resources and supply chains that want to sell products such as eggs or oats ... reach out," Gill said. “Hang in there, I want every-

body to know that I love them and we can do this together."

For more information, check out Mama Mocha’s Facebook page or visit their website to place an order at ordermamamochas. com.

Local hydroponic farm donates produce to Food Bank of East Alabama

Photos submitted to the Opelika Observer Extreme Green Farms, owned and operated

by Ralf DuToit and his family, made a produce donation to the Food Bank of East Alabama last week. On the farm’s Facebook page, DuToit posted “We’re glad to be able to support our local community during this time, as so many of you have continued to support us! Many thanks to you all!” For more information about the farm, like and follow their Facebook page.

The farm is located at 2862 Sandhill Road in Auburn.

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Nearly all scheduled events for the month of April and May have been canceled or pushed back because of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Follow the Observer for updates on when community events will resume in our area.

Fill the house with the sweet aroma of bread baking in the oven Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

F

rench pastry Chef Carolin “Karl,” who has received various top awards in national competition in France, is shown giving a demonstration on making French bread at Café Vendome in Sandy Springs, Ga. The chef bakes fresh French bread every day for sandwiches as well as Parisian desserts. While being at home these days, it is a good time to bake yeast bread or quick loaf breads, and be sure to let the children help.

Fill the house with the sweet aroma of bread baking in the oven.

When the house is filled with the aroma of bread baking in the oven, it gives everyone in the family a lift. Freshly baked bread from the oven is one of the

most comforting foods.

Now that we are at home, this is a good time to bake bread and let the kids learn how.

While yeast breads are wonderful, loaf breads are also popular and the easiest to make. When I make my Pumpkin Bread recipe, I simply measure all the ingredients in the mixer bowl and then beat for three minutes. It is then poured into two greased loaf pans to bake for about an hour.

My family will often request the Pumpkin Bread.

It is super moist and will keep for several days tightly wrapped. It also freezes well, so I try to keep a couple of loaves in the freezer.

I also use this recipe for muffins. For a coffee or

tea, I will bake the batter in mini muffin tins. To give them a special look, I slice the little muffins and spread softened cream cheese with a little sugar to lightly sweeten on the bottom half.

I place the top of the muffin back on. Sometimes I will use the leftover cream cheese to put a rosette on top.

These look like they look a long time to make. The little muffins disappear quickly.

Banana Bread is also a popular quick bread and a great way to use over ripe bananas. Some recipes call for milk, buttermilk, sour cream or cream cheese.

There are a variety of recipes. Children especially like Banana Bread, so let them bake a couple of

Photo by Ann Cipperly French pastry Chef Carolin “Karl,” who has received various top awards in national competition in France, is shown giving a demonstration on making French bread at Café Vendome in Sandy Springs, Georgia. The chef bakes fresh French bread every day for sandwiches as well as Parisian desserts. While being at home these days, it is a good time to bake yeast bread or quick loaf breads, and be sure to let the children help.

loaves this week. They also freeze well.

Margaret Whittelsey’s Banana Bread calls for buttermilk. If you don’t have any buttermilk, you can add a ½ tsp. white vinegar to milk.

If you like yeast bread, but don’t want to bother with kneading and letting it rise, try the Yeast Muffins. The batter is easily mixed, and no kneading is required. The batter for these muffins will keep a few days in the refrigerator, and you can bake several fresh batches.

Dumps Like a Truck/The Irritable Bao owners: ‘Help Us Help Others’

By Natalie Anderson Staff Reporter What began as a food truck has blossomed into a popular, unique storefront that provides quality meals all while giving back to both the overseas and local communities.

Owners Whitley Dykes and his wife Kunyu Li met in China and later married, moving back to the Auburn area in 2016 with the idea of opening their own business to make a difference.

The couple partnered with an organization called “Empowering Young Warriors Asia,” which is a discipleship and mentor program that teaches kids life skills, their identity in God and the ability to have an impact wherever they are, no matter their circumstances. “Dumps Like A Truck,” the food truck, is focused on overseas donations, giving a portion of its profits and all cash tips. After four months of having a food

truck, the couple found a storefront space that took six months to convert. “(We felt that) a specialty bao shop would be very big for the chinese community who feel far away from home but can get the taste of home here,” said Dykes.

As of April 18, the bao shop’s first storefront location closed in preparation for their move to the new storefront location in downtown Auburn with hopes to open mid-May. Due to COVID-19, the

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inside of the restaurant was closed for its final few weeks, but there was a “to-go” window with cones lined up outside so customers could continue practicing social distancing. The “bao hop” service was offered for curbside delivery during the time, as well.

“My wife and I (wanted) to make sure that with our final weeks (at the current location) we continued to serve See Bao, page A12

Old fashioned baked yeast breads are so good. I recently ran the Gold Braid Bread in a column, which is my favorite to make. If you missed that column, let me know, and I will email it to you.

Betty Letlow has a good Sour Dough Bread recipe that is unique that you make the sour dough “starter” fresh for every batch. Betty said she has made it several times to be sure it worked.

Since you are at home, you may want to try the Sour Dough Bread that has the starter you keep and add

to every time you use it. A friend of mine told me recently that she was baking six or more loaves at one time for her family.

It you can’t get to the grocery store, you can always bake your bread.

Nicole Roberts makes Homemade Hamburger Buns. These buns will certainly give your hamburgers an upscale taste.

A couple of years ago I had the chance to watch French pastry Chef Carolin “Karl” give a demonstraSee Cipperly, page A12

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pelika Observer O

A10 April 22, 2020

OBITUARIES L. Joan Colburn Born in Sharon Springs, Kansas toward the end of 1927, L. Joan Colburn started life during the Dust Bowl and Great Depression. Though the family moved to a tenement in Chicago for a year so her father could find work, she never realized they were poor “because that’s the way it was for everyone.”

She spent most of her childhood in Salt Lake City, after her father found work with the Union Pacific. She was adored by her parents Gordon and Gwen Pettis, and younger brother Mike. The first in her family to attend college, Joan graduated from the University of Utah (Phi Beta Kappa), where she met her future husband Charles B. Colburn, her chemistry lab instructor. After receiving a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin, she returned to Utah where she and Charles married in 1950.

In 1952 they relocated to Alabama, first to Huntsville where Charles was a chemist at Redstone Arsenal, then to Auburn in 1968, when her husband joined the Chemistry Department at AU. Together they raised five children, enjoying them immensely.

Their home was filled with music and laughter, friends from near and far, and a growing family growing through marriages and grandchildren.

Charles passed away in 1988, after a happy marriage of 38 years.

Joan’s activities included volunteering with the Girl Scouts and more recently at the Community Market for 17 years.

She served on the boards of the Auburn Public Library, Presbyterian Community Ministry, as an elder at the Village Christian Church, and was a member of P.E.O., chapter E. For many years she was an active member of the Auburn Study Club, and threw herself into whatever topic she presented, whether inspired by a trip to Tibet with son Gordon, daughter-in-law Lian, and daughter Amy, or the humorous poetry of Ogden Nash.

Her inveterate reading habit, nurtured by her mother, grandmother Lucille, and reinforced by her husband, was passed down to her children and grandchildren: daughter Catherine Gross (Arthur) – Nathan (Tysza), Benjamin (Rachel) and Eli, and Charles (Jillian) and Elena; daughter Susan (Hak Cheng); daughter Amy; daughter Marsie Grant (Darren) – Sheridan and Tammany;

A L A B A M A DE PT O F C O R R E C T IO NS CLEAR AND SECURE CAREER PATH

and son Gordon (Lian) – Caleb and Olivia.

Joan remained in her Auburn home for fifty-one years, the last twenty with the companionship of Susan and Hak Cheng. Daughter Marsie from Texas often expressed aloud the thoughts of other family members, that Auburn was the “center of the universe, because Mom was here.” Besides children and grandchildren, Joan is survived by her brother Lewis “Mike” Pettis; nieces, nephews and their families; special niece Jodie Huntsman who with husband Nick recently visited from Utah; and numerous friends.

After a long and happy life of 92 years, Joan was admitted to the health care system in early March after a fall, and in the weeks that ensued, was unable to escape the pandemic. Her family thanks the many friends who supported us during this time, and especially thanks the heroic health providers who cared for Joan during her final weeks at EAMC and Arbor Springs, with the assistance of her SouthernCare hospice nurse!

A service to celebrate Joan’s life will be held at a future date. Those wishing to make a donation may give to East Alabama Food Bank for the Community Market, Presbyterian Community Ministry, or the Village Christian Church.

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Laverne Culpepper Smith Mrs. Laverne Culpepper Smith, age 97, of Opelika, passed away on Friday, April 17, 2020, to join her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for eternity. She was born on August 13, 1922, in Russell County, Alabama, to G.W. Culpepper and Selma Herring Culpepper. She was a 1940 graduate of Beauregard High School.

She was a longtime active and faithful member of First Baptist Church Opelika (over 70 years), where she served the Lord in many capacities.

Upon the death of her husband in WWII, she worked tirelessly to support her family as the sole provider.

Her entire career was “Pete” Daniel Hugh Ganus Known to all as “Pete”, Daniel Hugh Ganus, died Saturday, April 11, 2020, due to COVID-19 at Arbor Springs Health and Rehab in Opelika, Alabama. He was 80 years old. He was the son of the late Daniel D. and Lillian W. Ganus, born on August 25, 1939. He was a member of the JOY Sunday School Class at First Baptist of Opelika.

Due to COVID-19

in retail clothing and fashion thru the Joy Shop, Montgomery Fair, Gayfers, and Dillards. She loved her family and friends with an unwavering commitment.

She is survived by her Grandchildren, Neil Chase (Stacy) of Auburn, Will Chase (Rebecca) of Slocomb, Kenneth Chase (Tammy) of Opelika and Jon Chase (Laura) of Auburn; Heather Smith Tillman (Franklin) Spartanburg, SC. Greatgrandchildren, Abby Chase Powell (Matthew), Anna Chase, Ashley Chase, Mitchell Roland (Katlyn), Hunter Roland, Grayson Roland, Travis Chase (Brooke), Cady Chase, Kyle Chase, Ella Chase, McKinna Chase, Jake Chase, Knox Chase, Gracie

Chase, JD Chase, Leslie Ann Chase and Emma Kate Chase; and great-great grandson, Reid Chase.

Her sister-n-laws Jo Smith Dudley and Sara Smith Hughes of Opelika, and brothern-laws, Hal Smith of Opelika, and Dallas Smith of San Antonio.

Her parents preceded her in death; husband, Jake W. “JW” Smith, her daughter, Dale Smith Chase, son, George J. Smith, her brothers John Frank Culpepper and Edward Culpepper.

A private funeral service will be for the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to the General Fund at First Baptist Church, 301 S. 8th St, Opelika, AL 36801.

restrictions, there will be no service held at this time. He will be buried at Garden Hill Cemetery.

Pete was an icon of Opelika. Everybody knew Pete! He lived his whole life in Opelika, AL. Pete was known and recognized for his laugh, his smile, his pure love for others and his genuine appreciation for the smallest of kindness extended to him. He never met a stranger. He loved everybody and would tell them so. In younger years he walked the streets and roads of Opelika gathering soft drink cans and bottles to sell. He was a fixture at the ball fields by Rocky Brook and would operate the score boards and help out as a bat-boy.

He loved Country and Gospel music, football and baseball especially the Auburn Tigers and Atlanta Braves. What many may not have known was he was very good at playing checkers and dominos. Over the past 20 years Arbor Springs has been his home. While there he

rarely missed a Bingo game and enjoyed calling for the Bingo group.

He, also, enjoyed his weekly game of dominos.

Pete was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers; Rance Jennings and Ed Jennings and three sisters; Nezz Gainey, Flora Bell Williams and Ruth G. Lord.

Pete is survived by his nieces and nephew; Brenda J. Perlman (Mark) of Colorado Springs, CO; Talice L. Mullen (Bill) and Rulene L. Manuel (Mike) of Dothan, AL; Rada W. Farmer (Joe/deceased) and Royce Williams of Conyers, GA., many great-nieces and nephews and a very special friend, Lou Hamlet.

The family expresses their appreciation for ALL the staff at Arbor Springs Health and Rehab. Because of their loving care and concern for Pete over the last 20 years, they enriched his life and became his extended family.

See Obits, page A13

COVID-19 SAFETY PLAN In view of the rapidly spreading COVID-19 (Corona) virus, we are taking measures to protect our elderly and immunocompromised customers.

The pharmacy will serve the community through our drive-thru/curb side and delivery service only effective immediatly.

CALL OR TEXT US AND LET US KNOW WHAT YOU NEED. WE WILL SHOP FOR YOU.

We will not open our doors to allow customers inside the pharmacy but rather bring everything out to you in your vehicle or to your home by our free delivery service.

HOURS: 8 A.M. TO 6 P.M. MONDAY TO FRIDAY

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

Opelika

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Family & Religion

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lmost every wilderness has some water somewhere—it’s just a matter of finding it. In the wilderness John was part of, that is the Jordan River.

The river flows north to south and in many places its banks are thick with reeds that grow tall and thin.

And when the wind blows, the reeds bend with it offering minimal resistance.

By no less of an authority than Jesus, John was no reed.

When the winds of opposition blew,

Church Calendar COVID-19 Church News ª Airview Baptist Church Livestreams are being held on Facebook at 11 a.m.

• First Baptist Church Of Opelika - Livestreams on Sunday, multiple worship sessions/ times on Facebook 8:30 & 11 a.m. Traditional Worship and Message 9:45 a.m. Contemporary Worship & Message 6 p.m. Evening Message “Drive-Up Service” this Sunday for their regular service times.

• St Mary’s Catholic Church - Mass will be held through livestreams • First United Methodist Church Of Opelika - Worship through livestreams on Facebook at 9:30 a.m.

Mission opportunities available such as casserole deliveries to healthcare workers and grocery deliveries.

•Lakeview Baptist Church Will livestream all services and events until further notice.

• Trinity United Methodist Church - 24/7 virtual prayer room, virtual communion on FB this upcoming Sunday • Wesley Memorial United Methodist - Music/scripture being posted on FB for all to watch/ read. Updates on FB readily available such as worship sessions, updates with the church in general.

April 22, 2020

When the Wind Blows he stood tall and straight and didn’t bend. Whether it was Herod’s immorality, the Jewish leaders’ hypocrisy or the people’s need for repentance, John told it like it was. When things didn’t seem right (like him baptizing Jesus), he wasn’t shy about saying it.

Karle Wilson Baker said, “Courage is fear that has said its prayers.” And it’s true; courage isn’t the absence of fear as much as it is the presence of faith. Everyone has fears and

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

anxieties and many of them are not going anywhere but that’s okay. They don’t need to be banished, just overcome. They need to be dealt with to the degree that they no longer push our buttons or run our lives.

One way to live more courageously is to fill our hearts and minds with examples of people who faced their fears and continued to move forward. John was such a person, but the truth is, such people are all around us these days: medical personnel (they should get the equivalent of combat pay), anyone working in a grocery store or providing other essential services that exposes them to large numbers of people.

After a 13-hour shift in an emergency room

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN in NYC where 90% of his patients were either suspected or confirmed of having COVID-19, Dr. Craig Spencer tweeted, The sirens on otherwise empty NYC streets are unending & haunting. I’m tired. But really honored to be back in the ER in the morning.

That’s standing tall and straight when the wind blows.

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and selfdiscipline. (2 Timothy 1:7).

You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

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

Verse of the Week Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

Church Directory APOSTOLIC HOLINESS God’s House of Prayers Holiness Church 301 HIghland Ave., Opelika 334-749-9672 True Deliverance Holiness Church 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700 BAPTIST Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-8506

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 2312 Center Drive Unit D 334-758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta 334-742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy 334-749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. 334-749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. 334-745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy 334-749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B 706-4421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. 334-444-5148 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave 334-742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. 334-745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd 334-745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. 334-745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. 334-745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. 334-742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr 334-749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. 334-887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika 314 S. 9th St. 334-745-6143 First Baptist Church 301 S. 8th St. 334-745-5715 First Baptist Church Impact

Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 Lakeview Baptist Church 1600 E. Glenn Ave., Auburn 334-887-7094 Pepperell Baptist 2702 2nd Ave., Opelika 334-745-3108 Providence Baptist Church 2807 Lee Road 166, Opelika 334-745-4608

10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St., Opelika 334-745-5181 COMMUNITY OUTREACH Changing Hearts of Destiny Ministry 936 N. Donahue Dr., Auburn 334-502-4700

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika

METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church 137 South Gay St., Auburn 334-826-8800 Beulah United Methodist Church 5165 Lee Road 270, Valley

709 Avenue E 334-741-0624 First Freewill Baptist Church 103 19th St. 334-703-3333 Friendship Missionary Baptist 432 Maple Avenue 334-742-0105 Greater Peace Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave. 334-749-9487 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. 334-363-8943 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-745-2905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-745-3600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-745-5340 Pleasant Grove Baptist Church Uniroyal Rd 334-749-2773 Purpose Baptist Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy #704-0302 St. James Baptist Church 1335 Auburn St. 334-745-3224 Union Grove Missionary Baptist 908 Huguley Rd 334-741-7770 BUDDHIST Buddha Heart Village 3170 Sandhill Rd. 334-821-7238 CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. 334-749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy 334-742-9721 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. 334-745-6015 CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd 334-749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court 334-745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene

1500 Bruce Ave. 334-749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. 334-745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. 334-826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. 334-742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A 334-745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 334-745-0460 Pierce Chapel United Methodist 8685 AL Hwy. 51 334-749-4469 Pepperell United Methodist 200 26th St. 334-745-9334 Trinity United Methodist Church 800 Second Ave. 334-745-2632 Wesley Memorial United Methodist 2506 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 334-741-8675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421 SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST Outreach Seventh-Day Adventist 1808 S. Long St. 334-749-3151 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Apostolic Holiness Church 610 Canton St. 334-749-6759 Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-749-5386 Beauregard Full Gospel Revival 2089 Lee Road 42 334-745-0455 Christ Church International 1311 2nd Ave. 334-745-0832

334-745-4755 NON-DENOMINATIONAL Church At Opelika 1901 Waverly Pkwy., Opelika 334-524-9148 St. Ellis Full Gospel Church 5267 US Hwy 80W, Opelika 334-298-4319 PRESBYTERIAN Trinity Presbyterian Church 1010 India Road, Opelika 334-745-4889

Church of the Harvest 2520 Society Hill Rd 334-745-2247 East Congregation of Jehovah Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance 207 S. Railroad Ave. 334-745-6430 Faith Alliance Church 3211 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-9516 Faith Christian Center 600 S. 8th St. Faith Church 3920 Marvyn Pkwy 334-707-3922 Family Life Christian Center 601 S. 7th St. 334-741-7013 Father’s House Christian Fellowship 214 Morris Ave. 334-749-1070 Fellowship Bible Church 2202 Hamilton Rd 334-749-1445 Ferguson Chapel Church 310 S. 4th St. 334-745-2913 First Assembly of God Church 510 Simmons St. 334- 749-3722 Garden of Gethsemane Fellowship 915 Old Columbus Rd #745-2686 Grace Heritage Church Opelika #559-0846 Holy Deliverance Church 831 S. Railroad 334-749-5682 Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses 1250 McCoy St. 334-737-1488 Living Way Ministries 1100 Old Columbus Rd 334-749-6241 Move of God Fellowship Church 1119 Old Columbus Rd 334-741-1006 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy 334-749-3916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy 334-741-7373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 334-741-9001 Opelika’s First Seventh Day 2011 Columbus Pkwy 334-737-3222 Power of Praise, Inc. Church 3811 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-6136 Shady Grove Christian Church West Point Hwy 334-745-7770

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pelika Observer O

A12 April 22, 2020

Cipperly, from A9 tion on making French bread at Café Vendome in Sandy Springs, Ga. Walking into Cafe Vendome is like walking into a Paris pastry shop with glass cases filled with exquisite small gems of confections, including macarons.

The artisan French pastry bakery cafe features the creations of Chef Carolin “Karl”, who has received various top

Recipes Best Pumpkin Bread I use this recipe for making muffins too.

This bread is so moist, and the best recipe I have tried for pumpkin bread.

3 cups sugar 3 cups flour ½ tsp. baking powder 2 tsp. soda 1 ½ tsp. salt 1 tsp. ground cloves 1 tsp. cinnamon 1 cup oil 1 cup water 1 can solid pack pure pumpkin 4 eggs Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Combine all ingredients; beat for 3 minutes. Pour into two greased loaf pans.

Bake for one hour or until tests done.

Cool on wire racks for 10 minutes before removing from pans.

Freezes well.

Best Ever Banana Bread Margaret Whittelsey This is my aunt’s recipe.

1¾ cups all-purpose flour 1½ cups sugar 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 2 ripe medium bananas, mashed (1 cup) ½ cup vegetable oil ¼ cup plus 1 Tbsp. buttermilk* 2 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup nuts, chopped In a large bowl, combine dry ingredients. In another bowl mix bananas, oil, butter, egg and vanilla.

Add to flour mixture, stirring just until combined. Fold in nuts.

Pour into greased 9 x 5 x 3-inch baking pan. Bake at 325 degrees for 1 hour and 20 minutes or until bread tests done. * If you don’t have any buttermilk, you can add a ½ tsp. white vinegar to milk.

Margaret Tatum’s Date Nut Bread with Orange Cream Cheese Filling I miss this sweet lady!

Margaret Tatum was a gracious, southern lady who enjoyed cooking.

8 oz. chopped dates 1 ½ cups boiling water Pour water over dates and let sit for 15 minutes 1 stick butter, soft-

awards in national competition in France. The chef bakes fresh French bread every day for sandwiches as well as scrumptious Parisian desserts.

If you go to Sandy Springs, stop by the café for a cup of coffee, tea or hot chocolate and a superb pastry by the French chef.

Maybe you will catch a glimpse of Chef Karl in the kitchen behind the glass making French bread. The café is located at 4969 Roswell Rd #155.

Whether you try a yeast bread or quick loaf bread this week, don’t forget ened 1 cup sugar 2 eggs 2 ¾ cups plain flour 2 tsp. soda 1 tsp. salt 1 tsp. vanilla ¾ cup chopped pecans Orange Cream Cheese Filling 8 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened ½ to 1 tsp. grated orange rind (dried or fresh) 1 Tbsp. orange juice 1 Tbsp. confectioner’s sugar To make bread, cream butter and sugar until creamy.

Add beaten eggs and remaining ingredients until smooth. Add chopped pecans and stir well.

Grease loaf pans and line with wax paper. Bake at 325 for 1 hour.

Remove from pans.

Combine ingredients for Orange Cream Cheese Filling. Slice bread in half; spread with filling. Wrap with wax paper and store in refrigerator until needed.

Bread may be baked ahead of time and frozen.

A few days before needed, slice in half and add cream cheese filling.

Rewrap with wax paper and store in refrigerator.

Makes one 9x5x3 loaf pan or 3 7x3x2 loaf pans.

Homemade Hamburger Buns Nicole Roberts 3/4 to 1 cup lukewarm water 2 Tbsp. butter 1 large egg 3 ½ cups King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour ¼ cup sugar 1 ¼ tsp. salt 1 Tbsp. instant yeast *For best results (a smooth, slightly soft dough), use the smaller amount of water in summer (or in a humid environment), the greater amount in winter (or in a dry climate); and something in between the rest of the time.

Mix and knead all of the dough ingredients by hand,

to get the children in the kitchen to help. While you are in the kitchen cooking, it might be a good time to learn a new Bible verse. The following is one of my favorites and seems appropriate for today’s column on breads.

“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life.

Whoever coms to me will never go hungry, and whoever comes to me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35 Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com

mixer or bread machine to make a soft, smooth dough.

Cover dough, and let rise for 1 to 2 hours, or until it’s nearly doubled in bulk.

Gently deflate dough, and divide into 8 pieces. Shape each piece into a round ball; flatten to about 3-inch across. Place buns on a lightly greased or parchmentlined baking sheet, cover, and let rise for about an hour, until noticeably puffy.

Brush buns with about half of the melted butter.

Bake buns in a preheated 375 degree oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden. Remove from the oven, and brush with remaining melted butter.

This will give buns a satiny, buttery crust.

Cool buns on a rack. Makes 8 large buns.

Sourdough Bread with One Time Starter Betty Letlow Starter: ¾ cup sugar 2 Tbsp. potato flakes or Instant mashed potatoes 1 cup warm water 1 pkg. yeast (divided) Bread Mix: ½ cup sugar ½ cup oil 1 Tbsp. salt 1½ cups warm water 1 cup starter mix 6 cups bread flour The starter mix is made new every time. To make starter, stir sugar, potato flakes and water until sugar is dissolved. Sprinkle 1 tsp. of yeast on top of mixture.

(NOTE: Recipe will call for yeast to be sprinkled twice.

Do not throw away remaining yeast.)

Let sit for 5 to 10 minutes. Stir well again and cover top of container with plastic wrap or foil.

Let mixture sit out all day, at least 6 hours.

To make bread, mix sugar, oil, salt, water & starter mix in large bowl.

Stir until sugar

Bao, from A9 our community well and finish well,” said Dykes.

“We (were) in contact with local leaders and organizations who would help us identify families in need, added Dykes.

Their goal was to provide about 100 hot meals nightly Wed-Fri for families in need with boxes being available for pickup between 4:305:30 p.m. “If you or a family you know need

dissolves. Sprinkle remainder of yeast on top & let sit 5 to 10 minutes. Stir well again. Slowly stir in flour until all flour is moistened. If dough is too sticky, sprinkle and stir in small amount of flour, careful not to add too much flour.

In a large bowl, grease sides well to the top. Put dough in bowl, stretch & pat down until it covers bottom. Turn dough over & pat down again. Cover, set in cold oven or away from draft overnight.

In the morning, work dough down and divide into three portions. Place each portion into a greased loaf pan and pat down. Cover each with plastic wrap and place in cold oven away from draft until dough rises above top of pan (about 6 to 7 hours).

To bake bread, remove pans from oven and preheat oven to 325 degrees. Remove plastic wrap and return pans to oven to bake about 25 minutes. Check after 20 minutes. Let cool & run knife around edge of bread to remove bread from pans. Yields 3 loaves.

Variations: Rolls and Cinnamon Bread may be made with this dough. For bread, use hands to spread out 1/3 of dough, sprinkle with cinnamon - sugar mixture and roll up, jelly roll style, place in loaf pan to rise.

No Knead Yeast Muffins 1 pkg. yeast 2 cups warm water 1 ½ sticks butter, 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.

this, you can come pick up from our window, no questions asked,” stated their Facebook post. “We just ask that you contact us in advance with any special needs or if larger families need to be fed (so we can plan well),” read the Facebook post.

A portion of the storefront’s earnings goes overseas, but the cash tips received are donated to the local community such as a family in need of gas in their car or help with their bills for the month. “It’s always been in our DNA, it’s just who

we are,” added Dykes.

Every Wednesday is “Hump Day Bump Day” where single mothers and pregnant women eat for free.

“The big thing is for people to remember the heart behind the business.. We want people to know we’re here to serve the community, food is the minor part to it,” said Dykes.

Be sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for more information on their menu and updates on the new storefront.

French Bread 2½ cups unbleached all-purpose flour ½ cup cake flour 1 tsp. salt ½ pkg. active dry yeast 1 cup warm water (105 to 115 degrees) 1 egg, beaten ½ tsp. salt Combine flours and salt. Dissolve yeast in warm water. Using the steel knife of the food processor, add 2 cups flour with ½ dissolved yeast mixture with 4 quick on/off turns. Add balance of liquid, repeating on/off motion.

Add 3/4 cup flour, repeat on/ off motion 4 times, then let machine run until dough forms a ball. Stop machine and touch dough. If too wet and sticky, add remaining flour.

Turn on machine to knead dough until smooth, but still sticky to the touch.

Place in lightly oiled bowl, turning dough so entire surface is oiled.

Cover with damp towel and let rise in warm place (about 80 degrees) until doubled in bulk, I to 2 hours.

Remove to lightly floured board, roll out to desired length. Roll up tightly starting with long side, stretch end pieces so seams are under loaf and pinch seams together.

Place on baking sheet sprinkled with cornmeal. Slash top with a knife. Cover with damp towel and let rise again until doubled.

Using the plastic blade of food processor, mix egg and salt for glaze with 6 on/off turns.

Brush on glaze very carefully without dripping onto baking sheet.

Bake in preheated 400 degree oven 30 minutes or until loaf is browned and sounds hollow when tapped on bottom. For extra crispness, brush crust lightly with water when bread is removed from oven. Makes 1 loaf.

Cinnamon Rolls Nicole Roberts 1 cup milk 1 egg, beaten 4 Tbsp. melted butter 4 Tbsp. water 1/2 (3.5 oz.) pkg. instant vanilla pudding mix 4 cups bread flour 1 Tbsp. white sugar 1/2 tsp. salt 2 1/4 tsp. bread machine yeast 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 cup packed brown sugar 2 tsp. ground cinnamon 1/4 cup chopped walnuts (optional) 1/4 cup raisins (optional) 1 tsp. milk 1½ cups confectioners’ sugar 4 Tbsp. butter, softened 1 tsp. vanilla extract In a bread machine pan, place milk, beaten egg, melted butter, water, vanilla pudding mix, bread flour, sugar, salt and yeast in order recommended by the manufacturer. Select the dough cycle.

When cycle is finished, remove dough, and knead for 3 to 5 minutes.

Roll out to a large rectangle.

Mix together the softened butter, brown sugar and cinnamon. Spread over dough. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and raisins, if desired. Starting with the widest end, roll dough into a log.

Pinch to seal seams.

Cut into 1/2 inch to 1 inch slices, and place in a greased 9x13 inch pan. Place in a draft-free space, and allow to rise until doubled.

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes.

To make frosting, mix milk, confectioners’ sugar, softened butter and vanilla in a small bowl. Spread over warm cinnamon rolls.

Icing: 3 oz. pkg. cream cheese, softened ¼ cup butter, softened 1½ cups powdered sugar ½ tsp. vanilla 1/8 tsp. salt Beat together and spread on warm rolls.

pelika Observer O

A13 April 22, 2020

Community Calendar: Events around town 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 334209-4641. 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 256-307-1449.

Mondays: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at 6 p.m. at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th St. Opelika • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday of every month 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.

• 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 deborahowen@ eamc.org.

• The fourth Monday of each month, a community grief support group meets from 5:30 to 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 from 5:30 to 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 Team organizes 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 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote.

For more info, call Diane at 749-6320.

• 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 between 6 and 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 to 8 p.m.

8685 Alabama 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 706518-9122.

• The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www.auburncap. org or find the organization on Facebook.

• East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center, located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika.

Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month, a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 826-1899 or 502-0216.

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

• Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 to 8 p.m.

Thursdays: • American Legion Auxil-

iary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika.

• The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@ yahoo.com or find them on Facebook.

• Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 850212-5364. or cheri.paradice@ gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the month.

• T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334-5281076 for more information.

Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

Auburn Public Library launches ‘At-Home Read-Along 2’ Special to the Opelika Observer The Auburn Public Library’s first AtHome Read-Along is complete. The Auburn community did a fantastic job reading at home, reading a total of 52,288 minutes and 302 books.

The drawing is complete, and Daniel J. won a $50 gift card to Tiger Town to Go.

Congrats, Daniel!

The library wants to continue this great reading streak. Did you know that with just 20 minutes of reading a day, you can maintain your literacy skills? If one stops reading altogether, literacy skill loss will occur in as a little as one month of no reading. So let’s make sure we are keeping our literacy

The Department of Labor can help WORKERS and EMPLOYERS with

Unemployment Claims related to COVID-19.

File claims and get more information at

LABOR.ALABAMA.GOV

LABOR.ALABAMA.GOV Funding provided by the USDOL, ETA, Federal WIOA. An Equal Opportunity Employer/Program.

Auxiliary aids and services available upon request to individuals with disabilities.

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer skills sharp at home by reading at least 20

Obituaries from A10 Reverend Lester LaValle Saylor Reverend Lester LaValle Saylor of Opelika was born to the late Tressie Ann and Ernest Saylor in Waverly Hall, Georgia (The Redland Farm) on September 29, 1939 and passed away at Bethany House on April 16, 2020. He was 80 years old.

He was a member of Wallace Chapel Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ethel Priscilla Rainey Saylor; three sisters and a brother.

He is survived by his chil-

minutes a day.

To keep the fun

dren, John Saylor (Mandy), Jeffrey Saylor (Amy), Robin Campos (Jonathan), and Christopher Saylor; grandchildren, Tyler Phillips (Jordan), Dylan Phillips, Nikki Saylor (Zack), Dillon Winningham, Dusty Saylor, Trent Butler, Railey Wilson, Jasmine Campos, and Constance Campos; great grandchildren, Miyah Phillips and Sophia Laird; sister, Jewel Ann Leonard (Jack); great nephew, Thomas Glenn Clowers, as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, church family, and other family members.

A private Graveside Service will be held at Chewacla Cemetery.

Frederick-Dean Funeral Home is directing.

going, the Auburn Public Library is happy to announce a second At-Home Read-Along, aptly named “At-Home Read-Along 2.”

Since this is the second go-around, this time we will award two $50 gift certificates, one from Tiger Town to Go and one to Fetch Me Delivery Auburn.

Participation will Julia A. Clark Julia A. Clark of Opelika was born to the late Asa and Clemmie Pierce in Luverne, Alabama.

She passed away Saturday April 11,2020 in Opelika.

She retired from Ampex Corp. She was a member of the Union Grove Baptist Church in Opelika.

She was preceded in death by her spouse, Tommy Clark; daughter, Becky Scroggs; son, Wade Hollingsworth, son in law, Ricky Hurst, 2 granddaughters and 1 grandson; brothers, James, Joe, Carl, and

work the same - simply sign into our Beanstack app and sign-up for the AtHome Read-Along 2.

The program will run until May 22.

For more information, visit auburnalabama.org/library/ online-resources to find the Beanstack link, call 334-5013296 or send email to libraryevents@auburnalabama.org.

Frank Pierce; sister, Francis Hoffman.

She is survived by her daughters, Barbara Burdette of Covington, Ga.; Debra Scroggs (Mike) of Pelzer, SC.; and Donna Hurst of Lanett, AL., and a brother Charles Pierce of Opelika. She has 12 grandchildren, 26 Great grandchildren and 6 Great Grandchildren, as well as, a great circle of friends from her church.

In lieu of flowers any donations can be made to: Union Grove Baptist Church Building Fund 4009 Lee Road 391 Opelika, Al 36804.

A14 April 22, 2020

pelika Observer O

COMICS

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

Opelika Schools ports &S Inside • opelika schools • lee county schools • community sports

Per an order from Gov. Kay Ivey in late March, all K-12 public schools will move to alternate instruction for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year.

SSHS’s Athletic Department creates tribute for senior student-athletes

On the Mark

By D. Mark Mitchell

Possibility of youth sports returning on the horizon

I

t appears the light is getting brighter by the day ... I am referencing COVID-19 and its effect on all of us, including the sports world. The conversation started to shift toward “opening up life” as I like to say at the end of last week.

Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth helped create the “State of Alabama Small Business Emergency Task Force.” The task force is headed by Chairman Danny Garrett (R-Trussville), three State Sens. Chris Elliot (R-Fairhope), Bobby Singleton (D-Greensboro) and Garlen Gudger (RCullman). three State Reps.

Joe Luvvorn (R-Auburn), Anthony Daniels (DHuntsville ) and Kelvin Lawrence (D-Hayneville).

Others on the committee include NFIB State Chair Rosemary Elebash, ARHA Executive Director Mindy Harmon, Business Council of Alabama CEO Katie Britt, Alabama Retail Association President Rick Brown, Tony Cochran of CK Business Solutions and Stephen McNair of the McNair Historical Preservation in Mobile. Last week, this group sent out their Phase One plan of “Reopen Alabama Responsibly.”

Phase One covers economy and health, which includes barber shops, childcare, entertainment centers, hair salons,

healthcare services, medical facilities and pharmacies. Also on that list is the return of recreational activities, which included youth sports.

Naturally, I took a close look at youth athletic activities, which lists baseball and softball.

This section covered coaches and players’ protective measures.

Among the items listed included : -Ensure equipment is spaced out properly, social distancing in areas where confined (dugouts and seating), limit the uses of team shared equipment, cleaning and sanitizing equipment, strictly monitor the health of all present, encouraging the use of face masks by players and in close contact areas of high traffic -The facilities should be cleaned frequently and sanitizing areas -Public Restrooms would be limited to one person at a time -Set game times and practices to allow additional time for fans and attendees to exit prior to others arriving -Make sure all safety measures are shared regularly with players, coaches and attendees and -Each player and coach should have access to gloves and face mask for practice and games.

See Sports, page B5

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer

By Morgan Bryce Editor During the last 13 months, Smiths Station High School’s senior students and athletes have endured the devastation of an EF-4 tornado that wreaked havoc in their hometown and a world-

wide pandemic that has completely changed daily life. For student-athletes, COVID-19’s presence brought their final seasons to an abrupt halt.

Keenly aware of this fact, the high school’s Male and Female Athletic Directors Brian Nelson and Shana Johnson

worked together to create a wall of banners with photos of each of the student athletes, which was placed on the fences of the school’s baseball, softball and track and field facilities on Lee Road 298.

In a Facebook post to the Smiths Station Neighborhood News and

Community Watch Group on Monday, Nelson explained that fall and winter sports, including band, had already received their senior banners, which is part of school tradition.

Students involved in springtime sports, including baseball, e-sports, See Seniors, page B5

Southern Union to continue online instruction in Summer Special to the Opelika Observer

Southern Union State Community College will continue online or alternate delivery instruction through summer semester.

Limited face-to-face offerings in specialized courses in the health sciences and technical divisions will occur later in the summer as allowed. Summer classes begin May 18.

“We have made this decision in an effort to continue to do our part to fight the spread of the coronavirus,” said Southern Union President Todd Shackett.

“Southern Union has a longstanding successful record in online instruction, so we are fully equipped to handle this challenge. We stay committed to support-

ing our students and urge them to take advantage of resources such as online tutoring through our success center, or other campus resources to help them be successful. We encourage our students, faculty and staff to continue to take proper precautions and stay well.”

A breakdown of summer instruction via each instructional division is as follows: Academic Courses in the academic division will be taught online. The usual fee associated with online courses will be waived, as will the online orientation course that is required for first-time online courses.

Students who have already registered for on-campus classes will be transitioned

to the online course and will be contacted.

Health Sciences Health Sciences will begin the semester with online instruction teaching the theory portion of the courses. A method of conducting hands-on lab time will be determined and announced to each class. This face-to-face instruction will occur mid-to-late semester.

Admission for the nursing program scheduled to

begin this summer on the Wadley campus has been delayed to fall. Students who have been admitted to this program will maintain their spot in the cohort.

Technical Education and Workforce Development The Technical and Workforce Development Division will conduct instruction via a hybrid method beginning with the See Southern, page B2

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B2 April 22, 2020

Auburn apparel professor helping area health care workers with sewing project Special to the Opelika Observer Under the current world climate, it is everyday people who are doing whatever they can to help those who are fighting the COVID-19 pandemic on the front lines.

Auburn University Associate Professor Karla Teel is just one person, but with the help of her husband Donnie, she is trying to help healthcare workers in the region.

Armed with a stock of ribbons and buttons, Karla uses the button stitching

machine in the Apparel Production Lab in Spidle Hall to make mask extenders. An extender is simply a piece of ribbon with a button on each end. Rather than the elastic bands of a face mask wrapping around the ears, which can be hurtful after prolonged usage, the bands reach around the buttons of the extender on the back of the head.

“Even though I’m tired, this is the least I can do for those on the front lines,” Karla said. “I want to do this for everyone who is suffering more than me.”

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer Karla, a two-time Auburn alumnae and veteran member of the apparel design faculty in the College of Human Sciences, said she

wanted to help with making masks like many others on campus, but between online classes and her own health issues, which have put her

Southern, from B1

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theory portion of courses taught online. The handson labs will be completed on campus later in the summer. In the event that a lab is unable to meet at full capacity, a staggered lab schedule will be developed to ensure that each student is brought on campus. For example, if students are able to return at 25% capacity

in a wheelchair, her time and energy are limited.

A two-time breast cancer survivor, Karla was diagnosed in January 2019 with avascular necrosis, or deadening of the bone, in her ankles. She was on sick leave that spring following successful ankle surgery.

Karla returned to campus for the fall semester, but ended up needing hip surgery for the same diagnosis in November.

She said she is doing well now, but unfortunately has regressed back into a wheelchair with constant excruci-

ating pain in her right hip.

Fortunately, the button stitching machine can be operated with either foot, so Karla can use her left without causing herself more pain.

The Teels only started their project last week so the amount of extenders they have made is far from the goal. Karla Teel said she plans to at least have enough to supply those at Russell Medical Center in Alexander City, Coosa Valley Medical Center in Sylacauga and East Alabama Medical Center in Opelika.

using personal protection equipment, three to four students would attend lab for a few hours then rotate more students, repeating until all students have had the opportunity to come on campus and complete their hands-on competencies.

“We will be flexible with lab time to the best of our ability,” Shackett added. “We are trying to make it as easy as possible for our students to successfully complete their courses.”

Stay informed of the

latest information about the coronavirus via the Alabama Department of Public Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or by visiting the COVID-19 link on suscc.edu.

With campuses in Wadley, Opelika and Valley, Southern Union is the second oldest twoyear college in the state of Alabama. For more information on registering for summer semester,visit suscc.edu and click on the summer registration information link.

We would like to thank the following businesses for sponsoring one or more of our newspaper boxes and racks around Lee County • Better Bodies Massage Institute • CyberZone • Interim HomeCare • Opelika Theatre Company • Three Keys Properties, LLC

Applicable to . At Humana, it is important you are treated fairly. Humana Inc. and its subsidiaries comply with applicable Federal civil rights laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or religion. English: ATTENTION: If you do not speak English, language assistance services, free of charge, are available to you. Call 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711). Español (Spanish): ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de (Chinese): asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-877-320-1235 (TTY: 711).

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To have your company’s logo placed on a box email us at editor@opelikaobserver.com

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Contact: Amy Thomas Amy.Thomas@eamc.org

pelika Observer O

B3 April 22, 2020

‘Walking down memory lane’ - an intergenerational lesson

A

s we are at home respecting our state’s “Shelter in Place” order, I am sure many of us are reflecting on earlier days when life was not so busy and where time with each other was easier and cherished. This is a golden opportunity for the older generation and younger generations to connect through phone calls, video chats, emails and writing letters. Reflections of an elderly person’s past boost their morale and self worth.

It helps them to relive past happenings in their lives and to share their thoughts and feelings of their lives. Children are absolutely fascinated by the way life was in the “good old days.”

I love the special song “Thanks for the Memory” which was composed in 1938 by Ralph Rainger and lyrics written by Leo Robin. Comedian and philanthropist Bob Hope used to sing this song to beautifully capture the simple joys of earlier years. Just the first two verses reflect the simplicity of earlier years, “Thanks for the memory. Of sentimental verse, nothing in my purse.”

I would like to share some tips to prompt intergenerational dis-

cussions of how things have changed as we reflect on “Memory Lane.” Words of life experiences can create a canvas of life the way it used to be. Technology and the internet can also offer actual pictures of earlier years.

There are many name changes from the past of appliances and ways of life today. I used to love to hear my grandparents refer to a refrigerator as an “ice box,” which refers to a simple wooden crate with ice to keep foods cold and fresh.

Today’s washing machines were referred to as “wringer washers.”

Our electric, gas range, or microwave was referred to as “woodburning stoves.”

Today’s vacuum cleaners replaced the “rug beater.”

This is a lesson point of engaging your children to look for pictures of these as well as even have them act out what it may have been like, for example, beating a rug to clean it. You might want to take your children back in time to pretend that they lived back in earlier years, removing modern technology and replacing it with what earlier years provided. For example, instead of

turning on the lights for dinner, why not light candles?

I want to bring up the one-room schoolhouse, whose teachers were very special people.

My mother started her teaching career in a one room schoolhouse in Cleburne County.

I know your families right now feel like that you are teaching your children during this time in a one-room schoolhouse in teaching many different ages at one time. I remember my mother recalling that the older students would help her in teaching the younger ones.

Her older students would be responsible for bringing in the wood for the woodburning stove to keep them warm. The younger students were assigned age-appropriate chores such as cleaning the blackboard and clapping the erasers outside. I warmly recall her saying that this was truly the best teaching experience she had in her early years. Parents, you might want to look up one-room schoolhouses and share with your children as a

lesson and even adopt some of the ideas to the routine of your day.

You know, grocery delivery is not a new idea. I can remember that milk was delivered in glass bottles at our back door in the 1950s and 1960s. Prices have truly changed during the years.

Bread was 14 cents a loaf back then. In comparison to now, taken from a 1923 Sears catalog, handbags were 95 cents to $3.25; dolls were 19 cents to $4.98; canned vegetables were $1.60 for 12 cans and a sewing machine cost $29.95 to $32.95, etc.

Many of our clothes were sewn in earlier years. I can remember as a young child that my grandmother would sew me delightful skirts and dresses that I wore with happiness. You and your children can do a research project on looking back to see how much items cost and what they looked like.

Guide your children to compare what cost differences there were in the “Good Old Days” to costs now. That can serve as a good math lesson.

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I can remember when a dime was a big allowance for me as a child! The gas station attendant pumped your gas, checked your oil and cleaned your windshield. Opelika was so blessed with this kind of warm and friendly service. I know we can remember those people who did and still do this outreach.

As a child, I used to love to run into the gas station and get myself a soda out of the big ice chest and pop the top!

I am sure everyone my age and older remembers when bubble gum and candy were just a penny! We can all probably remember baseball cards cost a nickel, too.

Children will be fascinated by the idea that our telephone lines used to be party lines! Imagine sharing a phone line with others. You had to take your turn to talk and not interrupt others.

One chore I can remember as a child was to help my mother hang our clothes out on a laundry line. It was a while before clothes dryers came on the scene. We always saw clothes lines in the

back yards.

After clothes were dry from their time on the line, they smelled so fresh and clean.

Folding, sorting fresh, clean clothes can be a family project for families right now.

In the past, families always looked forward to dinner time where we all gathered together to eat and spend time with each other.

It usually took an hour or more to cook dinner every night. We didn’t rush off to grab our food.

The aromas of good food would fill our homes. The dinner table was set for we families to spend time together and share the events of our days. We took turns to listen to each other and interact. Even though this pandemic is tough right now, I hope just the few suggestions I have shared in this Classroom Observer article will encourage you to reflect upon the simple joys we have enjoyed in the past and that we can enjoy today.

Remember time spent with your family spells LOVE!

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ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

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“This project was supported by Subgrant #18-VA-VS-050 #16-VA-VS-076 awarded by the Law Enforcement / Traffic Safety Division of ADECA and the U.S. Department of Justice.” The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication/program/exhibition are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice or grant-making component.”

pelika Observer O

B4 April 22, 2020

Auburn College of Agriculture fills role in food chain during pandemic Written by Paul Hollis Special to the Opelika Observer Even during a worldwide pandemic, faculty, staff and students in Auburn’s College of Agriculture and Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, or AAES, continue fulfilling their roles in providing an abundant and safe food supply to a nation in crisis.

“We’ve made the decision to keep all experimental operations going forward during this period of adjusted operation,” said Paul Patterson, dean of the College of Agriculture and AAES director. “Failing to proceed with our experimental work would result in the loss of one year’s worth of experimental data and a failure to perform on contracted research work.”

The core mission of a land grant college and experiment station is to conduct cutting-edge research to provide solutions to the grand challenges of food insecurity, human health and the environment, said Henry Fadamiro, associate dean for research for the College of Agriculture and associate director of the AAES. “The challenge of protecting our food systems and food supply chain are only more real during this difficult time, and we will not waiver on our effort to address the needs of our stakeholders,” Fadamiro said.

“Researchers in our life science programs study living organisms such as plants, animals, microorganisms and cell lines in

the laboratory and field.

These living organisms do not take time off and require constant management.

“We recognize the need to protect the health of our Auburn Family and the public and have made some adjustments to our operations, including provisions for faculty, staff, graduate students and other research personnel to continue their research endeavors with minimal disruption,” Fadamiro added.

With the same goals in mind, faculty, staff and graduate students have come up with creative ideas and innovations to adapt, support and keep research work going.

Faculty and staff supported by the AAES are continuing their research in most cases, concurrently with remote teaching of their duties with the Alabama Cooperative Extension System - while also caring for children who are out of school or daycare.

“They come in at offpeak hours to collect data or maintain animals or plants and then go home and continue to work for the betterment of the citizens of Alabama and the country,” Fadamiro said.

“We are grateful to our faculty, staff, students and other personnel for their flexibility and creativity during this challenging time. It is truly a display of the Auburn spirit.”

Fortunately, critical research activities and agricultural operations are allowed under Alabama’s current “stay-at-home” order. Critical research in-

Photo submitted to the Opelika Observer cludes sponsored research supported by a grant or contract, ongoing research that requires multiple years of data collection, or research with living organisms that require regular maintenance or care.

For the 15 research centers of the AAES, spring can be the busiest time of the year because that’s when hundreds of field experiments are installed by research scientists.

This year is no different, except for the many extra precautions being taken to ensure everyone’s safety, said Greg Pate, head of outlying units for the AAES and former director of the E.V. Smith Research Center, located on Interstate 85 between Auburn and Montgomery and the largest, most comprehensive center in the state.

“Currently, we are performing normal operations at E.V. Smith to install all of our experiments. We normally carry approximately 200 trials across all of our units, including field crops, plant breeding, horticulture, beef cattle and biosystems engineering,"

Pate said. “We are limiting interaction between units so that employees stay on their respective units and maintain personal distances within units.

Tours and station events such as grower meetings are cancelled until further notice.”

Pate said research centers will continue to work at normal capacity with an eye toward shifting to emergency procedures if needed.

“College of Agriculture administrators meet with the research center directors via Zoom video conference biweekly to check on health status and needs,” he said. “In the event of a ‘shelter in place’ order, we would transition to our emergency plan that focuses our effort toward animal care first and then limited crop-related experiments of the highest impact if they were lost.”

To ensure the safety of employees and the public, the university is allowing essential travel for research and has implemented guidelines and an approval process for travel requests.

In just two weeks, the College of Agriculture reviewed and approved more than 50 in-state research trips for faculty and graduate students to install experiments and collect critical field data. Also, the college has developed an online approval system and safety protocols for travel to streamline the approval of travel requests.

In the Department of Animal Sciences on the Auburn campus, faculty, staff and students have made necessary transitions in the areas of animal care, as well as animal harvest for animals scheduled to enter the food chain, said Wayne Greene, professor and head of the department.

“Our farm crews have worked tirelessly during this pandemic to ensure that they were crosstrained and had adequate student workers available, while maintaining social distancing to take care of our animals for teaching, research and Extension,” Greene said.

The department continues to be accredited by

the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care International, or AAALAC, and must follow the guidelines set forth by the organization for quality animal care, he said. AAALAC International is a private, nonprofit organization that promotes the humane treatment of animals in science through voluntary accreditation and assessment programs.

“As animals grow and reach maturity, they must continue entering the food chain, and our meats laboratory personnel have worked tirelessly while maintaining social distancing to make this part of our program continue uninterrupted,” Greene said. “Our animal-related teaching laboratories have continued to operate by the use of video and other creative ways in the distance education protocols we are experiencing now.”

To help ensure farmers have the resources they need, agricultural testing labs in the College of Agriculture also continue to operate, accepting samples from various clientele.

“These labs provide farmers with important information on soil fertility, plant diseases as well as forage analysis,” said Mike Phillips, associate dean for Extension in the College of Agriculture and assistant director for agriculture, forestry and natural resource Extension programs.

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Upcoming virtual field trips to feature beef cattle, honeybees Special to the Opelika Observer Alabama farmers will keep their Virtual Field Trips moo-ving and buzzing with upcoming tours of an Autauga County beef cattle farm and Auburn University’s Bee Lab. The Virtual Field Trips are offered through Facebook Live on the Alabama Farmers Federation Facebook page every Friday at 10 a.m. through May 22.

On April 17, viewers will learn all about beef cattle as they explore Hickory Hill farm in Billingsley with farmers Taber and Grace Ellis.

“This one should be very fun for students because they’ll get to see big livestock up-close and not just far off in a field,” said Mary Wilson, Federation director of news services. “They even plan to show how they use their horses to go out and check on the cattle, so viewers will be seeing a real life cowboy!”

Honeybees will be the focus of April 24’s Virtual Field Trip as

Geoff Williams provides a tour of Auburn University’s Bee Lab. “We’ve found a lot of people - students and adults alike - have questions about honeybees, ranging from whether or not honey helps combat seasonal allergies to how to help protect honeybee colonies,” Wilson said.

“This field trip will allow researchers at Auburn to tell us more about what they’re doing to help keep honeybee populations healthy and thriving.”

Viewers are encouraged to ask questions through the comment section, and each video will include links to educational activities centered around the featured commodity.

Scheduled topics for May, subject to change, are: May 1 - Catfish May 8 - Greenhouse and nursery products May 15 - Forestry May 22 - Cotton and other row crops To receive Facebook notifications about the Virtual Field Trips, respond as “Interested” in the event or follow the Alabama Farmers

Federation page.

Previous Virtual Farm Tours and educational resources may be viewed online at www.alfafarmers.org/ virtual-field-trip. Row crop farmer Jonathan Sanders of Coffee County kicked off the program April 3, focusing on peanut production. The April 10 Virtual Farm Tour featured sisters Cassie Young and Allie Logan of Barbour County who discussed raising fruits and vegetables at their Backyard Orchards.

The Federation is Alabama’s largest farm organization with more than 340,000 member families. Find additional educational materials, including Ag Mags and free printable coloring book pages, online at www.alfafarmers.org/ schools and click on resources.

This Virtual Field Trips project was developed in conjunction with Girl Scouts of Southern Alabama (GSSA). For additional virtual programs from GSSA, visit GirlScoutsSA.org.

Sports, from B1 The task force recommends May 11 as the date to safely resume operating.

In my opinion, these are positive steps to playing sports among other things in life.

No question that changes are needed! The old way is not always the right way.

Some say “you need to get with the times.”

If you are going to be involved in baseball, softball and other sports, you need to understand these changes are best for all. The health and well-being of children and adults should be at the top of everyone’s list.

The date (May 11)the committee set to open youth baseball and softball is a good starting point.

There are many items to go over and change but the thought of playing baseball and softball this summer, is exciting!

No question, parents will have questions and concerns about allowing their child to play.

If we all work together and understand the changes are necessary and will be the new normal, I see no problems.

Let’s hope and pray the city will open up our Parks and facilities by May 11 or

Seniors, from B1 golf, softball, tennis and track all received a banner, part of the school’s way of honoring their effort and commitment for their school the last four years.

“I felt compelled to (display) them instead of allowing (them) to sit in a box until we could come together again. Hopefully in the near future, these will be given to them to keep,” Nelson said.

Dozens of comments were left on Nelson’s post.

B5 April 22, 2020 before. No matter the date, I am excited about the summer.

OHS Football Opelika High’s football team, like all of us, have been unable to be together for activities. All school activities were canceled when the governor announced school was closed and no activities are allowed.

This is the first time in my life where Opelika, nor any school, could hold spring practice. No one is allowed on school grounds. As I wrote a few weeks back, OHS coaches send workouts to each player to complete on their own.

Coach Erik Speakman released the 2020 schedule. The Bulldogs open in Troup against Callaway on Aug. 21, the following week Opelika travels to Auburn’s Duck Sanford Stadium to play rival Auburn on Aug. 28. Opelika’s first home game is Sept. 4 against the Sidney Lanier Poets in the first region contest. On Sept. 11, Opelika plays at Eufaula in a region game. The Bulldogs host three homes games in a row - Sept.

18 Carver (region), Sept.

25 rival Central comes to Bulldog Stadium and Russell County (region) is the homecoming opponent on Oct. 2. The last three games are against region opponents, Robert E. Lee

at Crampton Bowl on Oct. 9, at Valley on Oct. 16 and the last game of the regular season against Park Crossing at Bulldog Stadium Oct. 23.

Opelika will not play the last week of the regular Season. The AHSAA playoffs begin Nov. 6.

OCS Superintendent Neighbors’ Salary is 25th in the State According to the State Department of Education and confirmed by Opelika City Schools, Superintendent Dr. Mark Neighbors earns $180,794 in annual salary. Neighbors’ package includes $9,600 per year for vehicle allowance and a four-year contract with a year added each year to keep his contract at four years consistently.

Opelika City Schools have 4,623 students attending school.

The salary ranks 25th among all school Superintendents. Lee County Schools pay Superintendent Mac McCoy $187,168 per year. Lee County has four high school Systems with 9,259 students.

Auburn City Schools Superintendent Cristen Herring is paid $180,000 annually. ACS has a total of 8,890 students.

D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

“Brian, you are doing a great thing,” Facebook user Larry Kuczenski commented. “These poor kids have been robbed of so many memories ... it warms my heart and makes me proud to be part of a community that really pulls together.”

“This is awesome!!!” wrote Donna Scarborough.

“Thank you. These kids deserve this more than anybody knows!!”

Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland posted a gallery of photos to his personal Facebook page and wrote: “Great job to the Smiths Station Athletic Department for honoring these

deserving seniors during this trying time. Go Panthers!”

Toward the bottom of his post, Nelson asked people to be “respectful of the banners” and follow current “social distancing and curfew” deadlines when going to see the tribute.

“Thank you for your continued support of SSHS and Panther Athletics.

From Coach (Mike) Glisson, Coach Johnson and myself, I hope that you and yours are safe and well,” Nelson said. “We look forward to seeing you soon!

Go Panthers!”

No. DR-2020-900027, Circuit Court of Lee County.

Done this 30th day of March, 2020 MARY B. ROBERSON, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Lee County Shane Neese 501 Geneva Street Opelika, AL 36801 Attorney for Gary Wycoff Legal Run 04/08, 04/15, 04/22 & 04/29/2020

of March, 2020/ DEBBIE PERRY BAKER Legal Run 04/08, 04/15 & 04/22/2020

PUBLIC NOTICES MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE SALE Default having been made in the payment of the indebtedness secured by that certain Mortgage executed by Mary Carlton WilsonHinson, a married woman (“Mortgagor”), in favor of Mortgage Electronic Registration Systems, Inc. as nominee for SouthPoint Bank (the “Mortgagee”), dated February 21, 2018, and recorded on February 22, 2018, in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama in Mortgage Book 4369, Page 550 (the “Mortgage”).

Said default continuing, notice is hereby given that the Mortgagee will, under and by virtue of the power of sale contained in the Mortgage, offer for sale at public outcry to the highest bidder for cash during the legal hours of sale on May 6, 2020, at the main entrance to the Courthouse of Lee County, Alabama, the following described Real Property situated in Lee County, Alabama (the “Real Property”),

to wit: Lots 11 and 12 Sunset Valley Subdivision, according to and as shown by that certain map or plat thereof of record in Town Plat Book 5, at Page 49, in Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama.

The Real Property and improvements will be sold “as is, where is” and subject to any rights of redemption existing under federal law, the laws of the State of Alabama or otherwise.

The sale is subject to ad valorem taxes.

The sale is subject to any easements, encumbrances or other matters of record which take priority over the Mortgage.

Alabama law gives some persons who have an interest in property the right to redeem the property under certain circumstances. Programs may also exist that help persons avoid or delay the foreclosure process. An attorney should be consulted to help you understand these rights and programs as a part of the foreclosure process.

This sale is made for the purpose of paying the indebtedness secured by said Mortgage, as well as the expenses of foreclosure. The Mortgagee reserves the right to bid for and purchase the Real Property and, if it is the successful bidder, to credit its purchase price against the expenses of sale and the indebtedness secured by the Real Property. This sale is subject to postponement or cancellation.

SouthPoint Bank Owner of Said Indebtedness MICHAEL B. ODOM McGLINCHEY STAFFORD PLLC 505 North 20 th Street, Suite 800 Birmingham, AL 35203 Telephone: (205) 7256400 Attorney for Mortgagee Legal Run 04/08, 04/15 & 04/22/2020

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HATTIE LAURA GRAHAM, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE

COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 20th day of March, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

CLIFFORD GRAHAM Administrator N. Riley Murphy Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 04/08, 04/15 & 04/22/2020

Kimberly McCord, whose whereabouts is unknown, must answer Gary Wycoff’s petition for divorce and other relief by May 29th, 2020, or thereafter, a judgment by default may be rendered against her in Case

NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT COURT OF PROBATE ESTATE OF SHIRLEY S. PERRY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 31st day of march, 2020, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Witness my hand, and dated this the 31st day

ESTATE OF LOYETTE W. CORBITT A/K/A LOYETTE CORBITT LANE, Deceased PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2019-A-155 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Estate of LOYETTE W. CORBITT A/K/A LOYETTE CORBITT LAYNE, deceased having been granted to Regina Eiland on the 16th day of March, 2020 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 hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred.

Legal Run 04/22/2020, 04/29/2020 and 05/06/2020

B6 April 22, 2020

pelika Observer O

Cafe 123 - Order ahead and they will bring it to your car

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, April 22, 2020

Inside the Statehouse:

Outstanding political leaders under 45

M

any of you have lamented to me that it appears that all or most of our state political leaders are older folks. On first glance, that appears to be true. However, on a deeper observation, we have some extremely talented younger stars on the horizon. In fact, they are already in the ring and making a difference.

There are a few names that are worth watching.

Allow me to share with you a select group of Alabama’s under-45 outstanding leaders. There are two superstars already on the scene and leading the state: State Rep. Bill Poole of Tuscaloosa and Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth.

Poole is a true leader, not a politician. He quietly and effectively gets things done. In close to six decades of observing the legislature, I have never seen anyone rise to the level of diplomacy and effectiveness as Poole while at the same time be universally liked and respected by the entire legislature on both sides of the aisle. He has been in the legislature for only 10 years. However, after only four years, he was made chairman of the House Ways and Means Education Budget Committee. This is one of, if not the most powerful positions in the legislature.

Poole may make a statewide move in 2022.

However, from a power standpoint, there are very few statewide positions that would equal being Chairman of the Ways and Means Education Budget Committee. Governor or U.S. Senator are the only two that would be comparable.

By Steve Flowers Speaking of governor, our young 39-year-old Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth has an unabashed eye on the Governor’s office in 2022. If Kay Ivey does not run for a second term as most experts think will be the case, Ainsworth will be the frontrunner. He has set his sights on the brass ring and will be tough to beat. He has a very attractive young family and is a very good campaigner. He is very conservative and hails from vote-rich North Alabama.

Another fellow that is Ainsworth’s neighbor from Sand Mountain, State Sen. Clay Scofield, is the brightest young star under 45 in the Alabama State Senate. Scofield is a folksy farmer, who you cannot help but like. He comes from a long line of prominent farmers. He is in his third term and is only 39 years old and is already in a leadership position in the Senate.

Another senator to watch is 40-year-old freshman Chris Elliott from Baldwin County. He has previously served on the Baldwin County Commission and knows how to get things done. He is going to be an effective voice for the Gulf Coast region of the state.

Young 36-year-old Sen.

Andrew Jones is going to be a strong advocate for his Cherokee/Etowah County constituents. He works hard at home staying in touch with folks in his district.

The name that appears on most lists as the freshman Senator to watch is Cullman County’s Garlan Gudger. He is very sincere and exudes integrity. He is a businessman, non-lawyer which is more of the profile in the Republican laden State Senate.

The House of Representatives has at least four young under 45 superstars.

State Rep. Chris England, 43, is atop the list. He is the son of prominent Tuscaloosa Judge John England. Chris, like his dad, is a lawyer by profession. He is in his third term in the House and is also Chairman of the Alabama Democratic Party.

Rep. Anthony Daniels of Huntsville is a superstar. He is serving his second term from the Rocket City and it is apropos that he is a high-tech businessman. This 36-year-old gentleman is handsome, articulate and chairs the Democratic Caucus in the House.

Rep. Kyle South, who represents Fayette and Tuscaloosa Counties, is on a fast track in the House and understands politics.

Rep. Wes Allen of Troy has a bright future. He is 44 and has already served 10 years as Probate Judge of Pike County.

You may have noticed that I have listed nine legislators, four from the Senate and five from the House. Three of the nine are from the Tuscaloosa metropolitan area – Poole,

Alabama Arise creates resource guide to aid Alabamians Special to the Opelika Observer Life is changing quickly for everyone during the coronavirus (COVID-19) public health emergency.

Protecting yourself and your family from the virus is the first of many concerns. The pandemic also has left many Alabamians worried about food, health care, housing, job security and other basic needs.

Alabama has a safety net of public assistance programs that can help people through hard times.

And Alabama Arise wants to help people connect with the help they need. Use this guide to find services that may fit your needs now, even if you weren’t eligible before.

Response efforts are changing rapidly, so check back for updates to this resource guide as new information becomes available.

Email info@alarise.org if you have any questions or recommendations for ad-

ditional resources.

Urgent response resources Coronavirus symptoms and health care providers Know the major symptoms of COVID-19: cough, fever, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing. Other symptoms may include aches, runny nose, sore throat, tiredness or loss of smell or taste.

If you experience these symptoms, call your doctor first to get advice on testing and care. Free testing is available at state testing sites. Charges may apply at other testing sites.

If you do not have a doctor, call the Alabama COVID-19 Hotline 24/7 at 888-264-2256 for testing sites and hours of operation near you. Note: This hotline does not provide medical advice.

If you are uninsured, you may be able to get free treatment for conditions related to COVID-19. The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Secu-

rity (CARES) Act includes a $100 billion emergency fund for health care providers. “As a condition of receiving funds under this program, providers will be forbidden from balance billing the uninsured for the cost of their care,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced. Check with your local hospital or clinic about this.

If you have Medicaid coverage and need help finding a doctor, call 800362-1504 or click here for a provider directory.

For more information on testing in Alabama, visit the Department of Public Health’s COVID-19 Testing page.

Contact numbers to know – If you need legal help anywhere in Alabama to protect your right to disability services, call the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) at 205348-4928 or use the online

See Guide, page B9

334-539-5140

See Flowers, page B9

Supplemental emergency proclamation allows parole hearings to resume Special to the Opelika Observer Gov. Kay Ivey issued a supplemental emergency proclamation last Monday which directs the Board of Pardons and Paroles to resume parole hearings amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Hearings will resume in a manner that reduces person-to-person interaction. At the same time, the Board of Pardons and Paroles will be preserving the right of crime victims, crime victim representatives, public officials and other interested parties to present their views to the Board.

“The health, safety

Ivey and well-being of all Alabamians is paramount during this evolving health pandemic. It is vitally important we keep Alabama’s criminal justice system functioning for the good of public safety,” Ivey said. “As we continue evaluating our efforts throughout this pro-

cess, we have worked diligently to ensure efficiency and continuity of critical government services by allowing for virtual meetings. I appreciate the Board of Pardons and Paroles for collaborating with my Office to ensure we continue their important work.”

In the governor’s ongoing efforts to combat COVID-19, any provision of Alabama law allowing individuals to appear in person at a meeting of the Board is suspended. The Board of Pardons and Paroles will also allow views to be presented to them through written or emailed statements, as well as by phone.

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pelika Observer O

B8 April 22, 2020

City of Smiths Station to Trump Administration forgive late solid waste payments providing critical

support to state, local and tribal leaders

By Morgan Bryce Editor Members of the Smiths Station City Council and Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland approved a resolution forgiving late payments for the city’s solid waste customers during Tuesday’s meeting, which was held via teleconference.

Copeland said the purpose of this resolution is to lessen the financial hardships being faced by many during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re not saying you don’t have to pay your bill, we’re just not going to charge any late fees for people who may be behind this quarter,” Copeland said.

The council renewed its annual contract with the East Alabama Chamber of Commerce, a membership that has paid Smiths Station dividends according to Copeland.

“We’ve done a lot with and through the (chamber) this past year. Its help put Smiths Station on the map and is a great way to let industries know that our city

Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer is open and ready for business,” Copeland said.

In other business, the council: -approved an ordinance for the rezoning of cityowned property on Lee Road 2000 to A-1 Low Density Residential and General Agriculture status.

-approved February’s general fund budget report -approved the renewal of a contract with Premier Landscape for the maintenance and trash removal of the city’s roadways -approved the renewal of a contract with AVENU, the city’s tax reclamation service provider

-approved a special use permit for Verizon to make modifications to an existing cell phone tower on Lee Road 248 The Smiths Station City Council regularly meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month.

After meeting regulations are lifted, meetings will return to being held within the council chambers of the Smiths Station Government Center, which is located at 2336 Lee Road 430. For more information, call 334297-8771, follow the City of Smiths Station’s social media pages or visit www. smithsstational.gov.

President Donald J. Trump and his administration have remained in constant contact with leaders at the State and local level amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

-The White House and federal agencies have briefed more than 65,000 state, local and tribal leaders in every state and territory in the nation.

-Since the beginning of the outbreak, the White House and federal agencies have held more than 140 briefings with state and local leaders.

-President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence

have personally led many of these briefings with our nation’s governors.

Additionally, the President and Vice President have conducted numerous one-on-one calls with governors.

-President Trump and his administration are working closely with state and local leaders on an aggressive coronavirus response effort -President Trump has approved disaster declarations in all 50 states, four territories and the District of Columbia, opening up federal resources to aid state and local leaders.

-FEMA is delivering critical sup-

plies and helping build emergency medical sites in hard hit states across the country.

-Thanks to the President’s quick action, some states like California and Washington had even more supplies than needed and ventilators were redeployed to New York.

-CDC has released coronavirus mitigation strategies which have helped inform state and local efforts.

-The administration is covering costs for states deploying National Guard units to assist with response efforts, while ensuring governors remain in command.

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pelika O Observer Guide, from B7 intake form here.

– If you are experiencing domestic violence (that is, if someone in your family or someone you’re in a relationship with is hurting or threatening you), call the Alabama domestic violence hotline at 800-650-6522.

This hotline is answered 24/7, and you do not have to give your name to get help.

– If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the sexual assault hotline at 800-656-HOPE (4673). You will be connected with a trained sexual assault service provider in your area.

– If you are experiencing homelessness and need shelter, call 2-1-1 and ask for a list of shelters in your area.

– If you need legal help for a problem related to COVID-19, call Legal Services Alabama at 877-393-2333 or click here.

– To report elder abuse, call the Adult Abuse Hotline at 800-458-7214.

– To report abuse in a nursing home, call 800-3569596.

– You can report abuse in an assisted living facility by calling 800-873-0366.

– To report COVID19-related price gouging or scams, contact these hotlines: The Alabama Attorney General’s Consumer Complaint Hotline: 800392-5658 or 334-242-7335 (8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday).

The National Center for Disaster Fraud Hotline: 866-720-5721 or disaster@ leo.gov.

Health care and insurance COVID-19 puts people without health insurance at special risk for delayed care and financial disaster. Federal and state governments are making changes to help people who are uninsured or at risk of losing coverage.

COVID-19 care If you are uninsured, you may be able to get free treatment for conditions related to COVID-19. The federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act includes a $100 billion emergency fund for health care providers.

“As a condition of receiving funds under this program, providers will be forbidden from balance billing the uninsured for the cost of their care,” the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has announced.

Check with your local hospital or clinic about this.

Medicaid Alabama Medicaid is taking action help during the health emergency. No co-pays for services and medicine covered by Medicaid. No referrals needed for EPSDT, PCPs or DHCPs. ACHN care coordination available to help by phone.

Mental health services are available. No cancellation of coverage during emergency unless you move out-of-state or you request it. Encouraging use of telemedicine.

Medicaid covers all COVID-19 testing and treatment.

Call your doctor.

Courtesy of Alabama Medicaid Agency

Flowers, from B7 England and South – not

B9 April 22, 2020

If you had Medicaid coverage of any kind during March 2020, or if you become eligible later, your coverage will not be terminated for any reason before the crisis has ended, unless you cancel it yourself or move out of Alabama. This includes postpartum coverage for women who recently have given birth. If your case was open in March but has already closed, please be patient. Medicaid will reopen your case very soon.

To help keep your Medicaid from ending after the emergency: -Report any information changes.

-Renew your Medicaid at the scheduled time.

If you have Medicaid coverage, you do not have to pay co-pays to the hospital, doctor’s office, pharmacy or for medical equipment and supplies during the coronavirus emergency.

To make changes to your Medicaid or if you have questions, call 800-3621504. You also can make changes online through My Medicaid.

Apply for health coverage If you are younger than 65 and have lost your job, regular pay or hours in the coronavirus emergency, find out if you and your family can get health insurance through Medicaid, ALL Kids or the Marketplace.

To explore your Marketplace coverage options, visit healthcare.gov or call 800318-2596.

For enrollment assistance, call Enroll Alabama at 844248-7698 or email enrollalabama@gmail.com.

Alabama has 17 community health centers, with more than 165 locations across the state, that provide comprehensive primary care and preventive services on a sliding fee scale, regardless of patients’ insurance status.

Services include: - COVID-19 testing - General primary medical care - Diagnostic laboratory and radiology - Preventive screenings - Well check-ups - Dental services - Immunizations - OB-GYN care - Pharmaceutical services - Other services that vary by location (mental health care, optometry, substance use disorder treatment, etc.)

To find the nearest health center, visit Find My Health Center and enter your ZIP code. Or call the Alabama Primary Health Care Association at 888-322-7068 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Some details of operation are changing because of COVID-19, so call your local center before visiting.

Living with disabilities and mental illness If you or someone you know lives with a disability or mental illness and needs help during the COVID-19 crisis, use this guide from Disability Rights and Resources to find relevant resources by topic and location.

If you need legal help anywhere in Alabama to protect your right to disability services, call the Alabama Disabilities Advocacy Program (ADAP) at 205-3484928 or use the online intake

form here.

Food assistance Widespread job losses from COVID-19 are making many more Alabamians eligible for public food assistance and other nutrition supports. To help prevent hunger during the health and economic crisis, state and local food programs are making changes in how they operate.

Local food assistance Alabama has a network of nonprofit food banks that collect, store and distribute groceries to food pantries, where families can get free food directly. To learn more about food assistance in your area and find a local food pantry, contact the food bank nearest you: Auburn – Food Bank of East Alabama. Call 334-8219006 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Alabama provides federal food assistance through SNAP (formerly known as food stamps).

Monthly SNAP benefits help eligible households with low incomes buy the food they need to maintain good health. Loss of income in the COVID-19 crisis is making many more families eligible for SNAP. To create a new My DHR account, you will need to provide your name, date of birth, contact information, preferred username and password. You also will need to set up three security questions for your account’s protection.

To get help applying for SNAP, call 877-833-2550.

If you are a senior or have a disability, you can find a simplified application here.

To get help filling out the simplified application, call 800-438-2958.

WIC Program Women, Infants and Children (WIC) is a supplemental nutrition program for pregnant or breastfeeding women; women who had a baby within the last six months; infants; and children under age 5. To receive WIC benefits in Alabama, an individual or family must meet all of these requirements: -Live in Alabama.

-Meet income guidelines.

-Have a nutritional risk that healthier food could improve.

If you think you may qualify, call your county health department to make an appointment, or call 888-942-4673 for further information. The Alabama WIC Program offers free communication assistance at each clinic location. During the coronavirus emergency, the health department is conducting interviews and nutrition assessments by phone.

If you or your children are approved for WIC, you will be prescribed a specific package of food based on your nutritional assessment.

You will receive a debit-like card called an EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card that you can use to purchase food from your personalized food package. Learn more about WIC food options here.

Your options will be based on your age and need.

Not everyone approved for WIC will be able to get every food item on the list.

During the coronavirus emergency, the Department of Public Health is allowing some substitutions if not all the food in your package is available in the grocery store. Your grocer can help you figure out what you can substitute for a WIC food that is unavailable.

Children’s meal services Now that Alabama has closed schools for the rest of the 2019-20 school year, many areas are transitioning from “grab-and-go” school meals to summer food service programs. These programs, which offer free meals to children, are very localized and aren’t always available in areas of highest need.

Visit www.breakforaplate.com to find a summer food program in your area.

If you have limited internet access, text “FOOD” to 877-877 to receive summer food locations.

Senior nutrition programs Alabama provides prepared meals for eligible seniors through several programs, some of which have changed their operation during the emergency.

Any Alabamian who is aged 60 or over, or is married to someone who is, is eligible.

People with disabilities who live with an eligible participant or in a living community where the senior nutrition program operates are also eligible.

Meals on Wheels continues to operate in all regions, though some programs have suspended hot meal delivery because of reduced volunteer capacity and other factors. All senior centers in Alabama are closed under the emergency order, but everyone who participated in senior center meals is getting Meals on Wheels delivery, unless they choose otherwise. Alabama has received emergency funding to enroll new participants during the pandemic.

To enroll by phone or find out more about senior nutrition programs, contact your regional Area Agency on Aging. (See the list and contact info below.) Office closures and other challenges may require you to leave a message.

Area Agencies on Aging by region and county East Alabama (Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Clay, Cleburne, Coosa, Etowah, Randolph, Talladega, Tallapoosa): 256-237-6741 or 800-239-6741 Lee-Russell Counties: 334-749-5264 or 800-2394444 Income and small business assistance - Unemployment insurance (UI) To file unemployment compensation claims, visit www.labor.alabama.gov or call 1-866-234-5382.

Courtesy of Alabama Department of Labor If you lost your job or had your hours or pay reduced because of the pandemic, you may be eligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits, also called unemployment compensation. Some normal administrative rules apply, but the state has suspended its job search requirement and the requirement to be able and available to work.

Even if you haven’t been

laid off or furloughed, you still can qualify for benefits if one of these is true: - Officials placed you in mandatory quarantine.

- You’re sick with COVID-19.

- You must care for an immediate family member diagnosed with COVID-19.

The state has stopped penalizing employers for higher employee use of UI benefits. If you’re laid off, make sure your employer knows its UI costs won’t rise if you file a claim. This removes the incentive to dispute it.

Alabama provides 14 to 20 weeks of basic UI compensation. Five more weeks are available for people in job training programs, which face an uncertain status during the pandemic.

Compensation ranges from $45 to $275 weekly.

Payments equal 1/26 of the wages you earned in the two highest quarters, up to the weekly limit of $275.

In addition to normal UI compensation, the federal government will provide a $600 weekly supplement through July 31. That amount will be distributed the same way as normal benefits.If you lose your job or hours and need to file or reopen a claim, call 866-234-5382 (select option 2). Note: Filing a claim requires patience. The website is complicated, and current call volume is high.

If your claim is denied, contact the Alabama State Bar’s Volunteer Lawyer Program for advice or call Legal Services Alabama at 866-456-4995.

Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) Some people in the labor force do not qualify for traditional unemployment insurance (UI) compensation. But many will be covered under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act’s provision for Pandemic Unemployment Assistance. You are federally eligible for PUA if you are ineligible for regular UI compensation and you are out of work or have lost working hours because of COVID-19.

This provision applies to: - Independent contractors who have not participated in the UI system.

- Workers who have not earned enough wages to get UI benefits.

- Workers who earned wages in too few quarters to qualify for UI benefits.

“Gig workers,” such as rideshare drivers, online sellers and pet-sitters.

The process for filing for PUA is the same as filing a UI claim.

Relief for small business owners Our nation’s small businesses are facing an unprecedented economic disruption with the COVID-19 pandemic. The CARES Act contains $376 billion in relief for American workers and small businesses. In addition to traditional programs from the Small Business Administration (SBA), the CARES Act established several new temporary programs to address the COVID-19 outbreak. You can find a comprehensive list here.

If you need help with the

SBA’s relief options, the agency offers free business counseling by region. Click here to find assistance near you.

Housing and utilities assistance Federal and state governments have taken numerous steps to protect people from loss of housing and essential utilities during the COVID-19 emergency.

Housing assistance The federal government has placed a moratorium on evictions from HUD homes.

This includes both the Section 8 voucher program and homes owned by housing authorities.

At the state level, Gov. Kay Ivey has stopped all evictions for nonpayment and all enforcement of mortgage foreclosures in Alabama until further notice. Note: This is only a stoppage of evictions, not payment amnesty. You still may face late payment fees or eviction or foreclosure for nonpayment when the ban is lifted.

If you need help paying rental deposits, first month’s rent or a mortgage payment, call the helpline at 2-1-1.

Ask for a referral to an agency that receives Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing funds. These funds can be used to prevent evictions, help cover the costs of a new rental or cover utility bills that may lead to loss of housing.

If your income is very low and you need help paying rent, the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) may be able to help with short-term assistance. You can find your local DHR office here.

If you are in an unstable housing situation, call the Low Income Housing Coalition of Alabama at 205-939-0411.

If your landlord threatens eviction, changes locks or cuts off utilities to force you out, call Legal Services Alabama at 866-456-4995.

Call 2-1-1 and ask for a list of shelters in your area if you are experiencing homelessness and need shelter.

Keeping your electricity and water services on Though no statewide process exists for utility assistance, some providers have stopped shutoffs. And some utility payment assistance funds are available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

If you need utility bill payment assistance through LIHEAP, contact the Community Action Agency (CAA) serving the county where you live. Find your local CAA here.

If you are unable to pay your utility bills, call your utility provider and ask for a deferment.

Additional information To find other assistance in your area, call the statewide helpline at 2-1-1. This number will connect you to your area’s information and referral system. You also can click here to search for local help online. 2-1-1 is available 24/7 by phone and online to help you find assistance with clothing, employment, food, health care, housing, legal problems and other needs from government and non-government agencies.

a bad sign for the Druid City.

Newly elected Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed makes the list of the brightest young leaders

in the state at 45. Randall Woodfin, mayor of Alabama’s largest city Birmingham, is only 38.

Therefore, the mayors of two of Alabama’s largest

cities are 45 and under.

This concludes the 45-and-under superstars that are actually in the political arena. Stay tuned next week, we will give

you a list of those that affect the arena.

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.

B10 April 22, 2020

pelika O Observer

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Play online at www.opelikaobserver.com/puzzles/

pelika Observer O

B11 April 22, 2020

Alabama AG files emergency Marshall, ACADV stay and appeal regarding remind victims that abortion procedures assistance is available Special to the Opelika Observer

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is appealing to the 11th U.S. Circuit of Appeals after a recent federal district court order partially enjoined enforcement of Alabama’s COVID-19 health order as it relates to abortion procedures.

“My office today filed for an emergency stay of the preliminary injunction order partially blocking enforcement of the State health order while we simultaneously asked the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to hear our appeal of the federal district court ruling,” Attorney General Marshall said.

“In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris issued an emergency health order temporarily halting all

dental, medical, or surgical procedures that are not necessary to treat emergency medical conditions or avoid serious harm to patients. This order covers all elective medical procedures, including abortions. The purposes of the order are to promote social distancing and ensure that scarce healthcare resources—including personal protective equipment for medical providers—are available for the fight against COVID-19.

“Abortion clinics responded by suing the State of Alabama claiming that the health order was an effective abortion ‘ban’ and seeking a special blanket exemption from the order. But the State health order does not single out abortions or treat them differently from any other procedure. It simply requires abortion

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providers to follow the same regulations that apply to everyone else.”

On April 10, the Federal Court for the Middle District of Alabama granted a preliminary injunction that partially bars the State’s enforcement of the health order as it relates to abortion procedures, a development which raises the prospect of federal court review of subsequent State health orders and enforcement actions.

“Abortion providers’ attempts to obtain special treatment under the emergency health orders—orders the district court recognized are facially constitutional—create a potentially dangerous limitation upon the ability of the State to further respond to the coronavirus pandemic,” Attorney General Marshall said.

“Therefore, we have asked the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to issue an emergency stay of the lower court ruling which jeopardizes the State’s ability to effectively implement health orders during the historic COVID-19 pandemic while the State pursues its appeal to overturn the ruling.”

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Special to the Opelika Observer

Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall and Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence’s Executive Director Jawandalyn Brooks joined Thursday to remind the public that domestic violence is a growing concern during the coronavirus pandemic, and despite the public stay-at-home orders, victims of domestic violence may still seek shelter and assistance from abuse.

“As our state works to respond to the coronavirus pandemic and families are ordered to shelter in place, the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence recognizes that domestic violence does not stop,” Brooks said. “During this time of uncertainty, families will be even more stressed with loss of work, closed schools and the realities of this illness, posing a unique threat to people in abusive relationships. Equally concerning, victims may feel further isolated and cut off from help. Anyone who is experiencing domestic violence can still get the support of advocates and access to lifesaving resources.

“Sheltering in place does not mean that a victim of domestic violence is required to stay in isolation with an abusive partner,” Brooks added. “We have 16 domestic violence programs throughout the state that are continually working to provide safe emergency housing to everyone who needs it.”

“Nearly one in three adult women will be physically assaulted by a partner, but only one-fourth of such assaults is

Marshall ever reported to police,” Attorney General Marshall said.

“A domestic violence offense should not be excused because the public’s focus has shifted to the ongoing health crisis. I am pleased to join with the Alabama Coalition Against Domestic Violence to ensure that offenders continue to be held accountable. If you are a victim of domestic violence, please report it to local law enforcement. If you need immediate shelter from abuse, you should contact your local domestic violence abuse shelter.”

Alabama has a 24-hour statewide domestic violence hotline for those seeking help to escape the abuse in their home.

If you are in need of assistance, or if you know of someone who might need help, please call 1-800-650-6522.

pelika O Observer

B12 April 22, 2020

U.S. Water Alliance part of national efforts to secure country’s water future Special to the Opelika Observer The U.S. Water Alliance has joined more than 200 organizations in endorsing four principles to secure our water future as the nation plans for recovery and relief from COVID-19.

Water is a critical element of public health.

As the country is in a public health crisis, relief and recovery measures must include both individuals who need access to clean water to survive, and institutions and organizations that provide essential water service to communities.

The principles were released by the US Water Alliance on April 3 and immediately endorsed by more than 200 organizations, ranging from labor unions to

water utilities to policy advocates and more.

The principles knit together enduring water issues critical at this time: who has access to it, who manages it, how it is paid for, and how all communities are kept safe and healthy.

The high-level principles are: 1) Ensure water is reliable and affordable for all 2) Strengthen water utilities of all sizes 3) Close the water access gap and 4) Fuel economic recovery by investing water systems.

Read the full text of the principles and list of endorsing organizations by visiting: https://docs.google. com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQ LSfBFxgFpNNxqQpd ODymqQlC8nxjGVm6

4Of3ElVY7D4MQsLu Rg/viewform.

“Water is a challenging and vital issue all the time, but especially during a public health crisis,” said US Water Alliance CEO Radhika Fox. “We believe there are challenges and opportunities worthy of attention and discussion at every level of government right now.

None of the four principles can stand alone,

it is only by addressing all of our multi-faceted water issues can we ensure safe, healthy, and thriving communities.”

Many water utilities across the country have declared a moratorium on water shutoffs since the COVID-19 outbreak, which helps alleviate concerns for people who didn’t have access to water in their homes. But utilities

will lose revenue from residential customers who do not pay their bills and will lose more revenue from commercial customers that have shuttered during the pandemic, including restaurants, hotels, breweries, manufacturing plants and sports and entertainment arenas. Meanwhile, utilities are incurring more costs because of emergency response measures, and keeping their essential workers protected.

Even as utilities reinstitute water service to customers, there are who never had indoor plumbing and access to water before the pandemic. Estimates are that two million Americans live day-today without access to water, and they need

additional emergency measures to keep them safe right now. Beyond the pandemic, the country should prioritize an action plan to close the water access gap.

Finally, as federal and state governments consider economic recovery packages, research shows investing in water systems pays incredible dividends and can benefit communities in a myriad of ways, including economic and environmental benefits. These are complex issues and will need strong partners at every level to ensure an equitable recovery and secure water future for all.

For more information and updates, visit www.uswateralliance. org.

U.S. Transportation Secretary announces $53.96 million to Alabama airports Special to the Opelika Observer

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U.S. Secretary of Transportation Elaine L. Chao announced last Tuesday that the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will award $53,969,530 in airport aid to 73 airports in Alabama to help respond to the COVID-19 public health emergency. This historic grant funding is part of the Trump Administration’s newly created Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act Airport Grant Program, an effort to provide unprecedented and immediate relief to American families, workers and businesses.

“This $10 billion in emergency resources will help fund the continued operations of our nation’s airports during this crisis and save workers’ jobs,” Chao said.

This funding will support continuing operations and replace lost revenue resulting from the sharp decline in passenger traffic and other

airport business because of the COVID-19 public health emergency.

The funds are available for airport capital expenditures, airport operating expenses including payroll and utilities and airport debt payments.

“Thank you to the dedicated men and women from the FAA’s Office of Airports for creating an entirely new program in record time to assist airport sponsors in desperate need of these funds,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson.

The FAA encourages airport sponsors to spend the grant funds immediately to help minimize any adverse impact from the current public health emergency. Airport sponsors should work with their local FAA Office of Airports field office on the application and grant-agreement process.

The CARES Act also provides funds to increase the Federal share to 100% for grants awarded under the fiscal year 2020 appropriations for Airport Improvement Program

This week’s puzzle answers:

(AIP) and Supplemental Discretionary grants.

Under normal circumstances, AIP grant recipients contribute a matching percentage of the project costs. Providing this additional funding and eliminating the local share will allow critical safety and capacity projects to continue as planned regardless of airport sponsors’ current financial circumstances.

The FAA will use a streamlined application and grant-agreement process to make this funding immediately available for critical airport needs. The funds will be available as soon as the airport sponsor executes a grant agreement.

The CARES Act provides new funds distributed by various formulas for all airports that are part of the national airport system. This includes all commercial service airports, all reliever airports and some public-owned general aviation airports.

There is additional program information on the CARES Act website and a listing of CARES Act grants.