Opelika Observer 05-13-2021 E-edition

Vol. 13, No. 31

Thursday, May 13, 2021

pelika Observer O

OGROW FARMERS MARKET EVERY TUESDAY FROM 3 TO 6 P.M.

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Medical cannabis bill passes senate, to go to Ivey for signage The Alabama State Senate has passed SB46, a medical cannabis bill, named the Darren Wesley ‘Ato’ Hall Compassion Act. The bill passed on May 6 with a vote of 20-9 and will now go to Gov. Kay Ivey for her signature. House of Representative Mike Ball (R) introduced SB46 during the 2021 legislative session and on May 4, which was the 28th day of the legislative session, the

CONTRIBUTED BY JD CROWE/ALABAMA MEDIA GROUP/AL.COM

By Michelle Key Publisher

bill went before the house and received tremendous pressure and adversarial opposition for approximately 10 hours, according to a press release from the office

of the Alabama Chapter of Republicans Against Marijuana Prohibition (RAMP) and the Alabama Cannabis Coalition (ACC). See CANNABIS, page A3

Jo-Ann Stores announce expansion, new jobs

Opelika Giving Day 2021 Ends with a Big Success Contributed by CFEA The Community Foundation of East Alabama is excited to announce its third Annual Opelika Giving Day raised a total of $56,000 for 11 nonprofit organizations in Opelika. Opelika Giving Day is a 24-hour online fundraising challenge which provides a safe and easy way for participants to give their support to nonprofits that are doing great things throughout the Opelika Community. Opelika Giving Day took place on May 5 and was kicked off with Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller signing a proclamation officially declaring May 5, 2021, as

Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller announced last week that an existing Opelika distribution center will be expanding. Jo-Ann Stores DC will be investing more capital into its facility in Opelika to build and expand their current warehouse facility. Jo-Ann strives to inspire creativity in the hearts, hands and minds of its customers through 855

storefronts located across 49 states. Jo-Ann’s Opelika distribution center currently employs 285 employees and now plans to invest an additional $7.7 million in capital which will create 30 new jobs over the next three years. “Jo-Ann’s need for additional capacity is indicative of the company’s success," Fuller said. "We are fortunate to have them in Opelika and pleased they are bringing more

job opportunities to our citizens. I’d like to thank the city council for approving the tax abatement for this project.” City of Opelika Economic Development Director, Lori Huguley added, “JoAnn Stores DC is a great community partner. It is a great testament to their workforce and the business climate in Opelika that they continue to invest and grow here.”

selected for Opelika Giving Day 2021 were all tasked with campaigning and raising awareness on social media as well as in the community. “The role of the See GIVING DAY page A3

Tigers At Work: A Shadowing Opportunity for College Students By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com

Contributed by the city of Opelika

“Opelika Giving Day” in Opelika. A record number of donors participated in Opelika Giving Day this year with a total of 316 donors making 398 individual donations. The 11 nonprofits

The Auburn University College of Liberal Arts has created a new initiative designed to help college students find their passion — and their future career choice. Many college students choose a major when they start school, only to find out that nothing about the career choice appeals to them. ‘Tigers At Work’ will hopefully help eliminate major switches in a student’s senior year. “It kind of serves as an externship,” said Daniel Robinson, career services specialist at Auburn. “… ‘Tigers At Work’ serves as a job shadowing opportunity for students to gain relevant knowledge and experience in their chosen career field.” Students will be

paired with local employers in Liberal Arts fields, such as media, marketing or public relations, and will spend a day or half-day with employers to learn a little more about the job. “One thing we have found out in career services, it’s the sooner you get to a student, the better because we don’t really want those juniors and seniors coming to us going, ‘well I don’t really know what I’m going to do,’” Robinson said. Right now there are six or seven different organizations in the Auburn/Opelika area that have committed to ‘Tigers At Work.’ The program will begin this upcoming summer — allowing students to shadow in June and July. "But the hope is that in the program will grow, and include more employers, and

more time frames for shadowing," Robinson said. “My vision is to have, more or less, a bridging program with some of these employers where they say ‘hey, every fall or spring, Auburn University has a group or students, or one or two or whatever, they’re going to come and shadow’ at a newspaper or a local merchant or something like that, so they know it’s coming,” he said. The goal is not to make the job glamorous for students, Robinson said, but to show them the real-world aspects of the job. “One of the very first things I ever learned in education was to consider your audience,” he said. “I think the same thing applies for employers, considering they might be experienced, they might be three See TIGERS, page A3

Contents OPINION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A4

SPORTS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B1

SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY. . . . . A7

POLITICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B9

RELIGION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A13

PUBLIC NOTICES. . . . . . . . . . . . B12

COMICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . A16

CLASSIFIEDS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B13

May 18 at 7 p.m. Murray Brown Band will be performing Country, Rock and Easy Listening music for your enjoyment.

A2 May 13, 2021

The Grazer Co. — inside The Well hoth decided in August that it was perhaps time to start a small business of her own in Auburn. “A mutual friend ordered a box, a grazer box, for her birthday brunch,” she said. “And I was like, ‘You know what? I can do that. I do that for family gatherings, for my family.’ I was like, ‘why can’t I do that for a hobby? Or a side-job?’ And it just kind of grew.” The Grazer Co. was born and Louangkhoth was making these spreads in her own home for friends and family. But it was popular. And Louangkhoth outgrew a home operation. She began making them out of an official store front

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

By Hannah Lester hlester@ opelikaobserver.com Charcuterie Boards are all the rage and The Grazer Co. is making it easy to have one of the picturesque spreads in your home — or learn to make them yourself. Nita Louangkhoth had just moved to Thailand for work when the pandemic hit. Her daughter was graduating in the United States in May and Louangkhoth wanted to attend. She knew, however, that with the pandemic, if she came back to the states, she wouldn’t be able to return to Thailand. So, as her original plans fell apart, Louangk-

See GRAZER CO., page A6

'Hoppy' Hour: Opelika turns out for On Tap craft beer festival

PHOTOS BY KARLEE TEEL / FOR THE OPELIKA OBSERVER

pelika Observer

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

Publisher: Michelle Key Associate Sports Editor: Wil Crews Associate Editor: Hannah Lester Marketing: Woody Ross Photojournalist: Robert Noles Sports Writers: Rick Lanier, D. Mark Mitchell

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A3 May 13, 2021

Leadership Lee County hires new Executive Director Contributed by Leadership Lee County Leadership Lee County is excited to announce our new executive director, Aubrey Morrison. As a Lee County resident since 2007, Morrison works in, serves and loves this area. He has his finger on the pulse of our community happenings and has a passion to help others and make a difference. Everyone will have the opportunity to hear directly from Aubrey next week on Wednes-

More about Morrison: In 2007, Morrison relocated to Lee County for the construction and opening of the Auburn Sam’s Club and instantly felt that this was home. Morrison spent the first 20 years of his professional career in various senior leadership roles for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. and was responsible for operations and HR for multiple locations. During this time, a passion for giving back and serving his community began. Morrison has a strong background in large

scale business operations, finance, strategic planning and leadership. Morrison obtained his Bachelor of Science in business administration from Troy University in 2000 and is currently earning his MBA with a concentration in human resources. Additionally, Morrison has served on the board of directors of the American Red Cross, Muscogee County Friends of Libraries, Auburn University Employer Advisory Board and is an active member of Parkway Baptist Church.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY REP. MIKE BALL

CANNABIS

day, May 12, at 11:30 a.m. during Leadership Lee County's Leader Chat, which takes place on our Facebook page. During this exciting Facebook Live event, you will get to learn more about Morrison, including his vision for Leadership Lee County and plans for the upcoming year. The entire Leadership Lee County Board of Directors welcomes Morrison, and we all look forward to serving class members, alumni and our community.

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FROM A1

Debates and conversations went well into the night and at 11:45 p.m., Ball made a procedural motion to keep the journal open, ultimately classifying it as "unfinished business." This allowed the bill to be first on the next legislative day calendar. Various members of a coordinated group attempted a filibuster in an effort to kill the bill. Several amendments were offered, however, Ball stood his ground and continued to advocate for patients in Alabama. On May 6, which was the 29th day of the 2021 Alabama Rep. Mike Ball and Leni, for whom Leni's Law was named after. Ball sponsored Leni's Law in 2014 and also sponsored SB46 in this years legislative session. Alabama Legislative Session, debates and to the Alabama Senate more than 20 years ago who suffered from a conversations continued and, although Sen. Larry debilitating seizure with little support and for SB46. There were Stutts-(R) attempted to unfortunately her son disorder. five hours of debate died during proceedings. filibuster and block the In 2016, Bentley and discussion and bill, the senate voted to Hall said she had no signed Leni’s Law, several amendments concur at 9:45 p.m. The doubt had her son had further expanding the offered. Some of the bill will now be delivered use of non-psychoactive access to cannabis, he suggested amendments to the governor for her would not have suffered CBD oil. It also were defeated, and signature. and died. SB46 was expanded the affirmative some were adopted. In 2014, Alabama renamed to the Darren defense allowed under The most notable Gov. Robert Bentley Wesley ‘Ato’ Hall Carly's Law to include adopted amendment signed into law a bill Compassion Act. At any individual who has was one offered by Rep. that would allow the use approximately 1 p.m., a debilitating disease or Juandalynn Given (D). of marijuana derived Ball made a motion for condition to use CBD. The amendment was to final passage. Alabama’s oil for medicinal use Leni’s Law was named change the name of the under the direction of FIRST medicinal about Alabamian Leni bill in honor of the son University of Alabama at Young, who developed cannabis legislation of Rep. Laura Hall (D), Birmingham Department a severe seizure disorder passed the house with who had died of AIDS. of Neurology. It was a vote of 68-34-1 following a stroke while It is noteworthy that according to the RAMP/ named after 3-yearin utero. Hall had introduced a old Carly Chandler ACC press release. Leni’s Law was also medical cannabis bill of Birmingham, The bill then moved introduced by Ball, who

GIVING DAY

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FROM A1

Community Foundation leading up to Opelika Giving Day was multifaceted," said Todd Rauch, the vice president of the Community Foundation of East Alabama. "We wanted to give each organization the tools and recommendations they needed to succeed in reaching their goal, as well as teaching them useful practices they could implement on social media to continue engaging with their donors after Opelika Giving Day concluded.” Rauch explained that he hosted four Zoom meetings with all the organizations highlighting topics ranging from donor engagement, social media influence and communicating with civic organizations in the

community. Three organizations exceeded their goals this year: - Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Lee County raised $9,319.98, with a goal of $8,000 - Creekline Trails of Opelika raised $12,550, with a goal of $10,000 - Flags for Vets raised $5,757.02 with a goal of $5,000 and - Women’s Hope Medical Clinic matched their target goal of $7,500. In addition: - Alabama Rural Ministry raised $5,000 - The Arts Association of East Alabama raised $3,575 - Circles of Opelika raised $4,105 - The Community Foundation of East Alabama raised $2,825 - Friends of the Lewis Cooper Jr. Memorial Library raised $2,365

- The Museum of East Alabama raised $1,195 - The Opelika Bicycle Advisory Committee raised $2,305 - The Opelika Theatre Company raised $4,008 and - Reach Out & Read – Alabama raised $1,580. Another milestone was met after Opelika Giving Day concluded, when Rauch shared that the Community Foundation had raised a total of $125,730.09 on behalf of 31 nonprofit organizations during its first three years through its Opelika Giving Day Program. “I want to personally thank all of the organizations for their hard work to make Opelika Giving Day successful,” Rauch said. “But most importantly, I want to thank everyone that took time out of their day to donate and spread the message of Opelika

Giving Day.” If you missed your opportunity to donate this year during Opelika Giving Day, the next Opelika Giving Day is planned for the first week of May 2022. For more information, visit www. opelikagivingday.org or email at cfeagiving@ gmail.com. About the Community Foundation of East Alabama The Community Foundation of East Alabama was incorporated in 2007 as a 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt organization. As a local center for philanthropy, the Community Foundation works with individuals, families, corporations, private foundations and nonprofit organizations to help them carry out their charitable objectives and address emerging community

MORRISON was inspired by her story and the way cannabis oil was reducing her seizures. Dustin Chandler, Carly’s father, was approached by Dr. Jerzy Szaflarski in 2017 to discuss a more comprehensive medical cannabis bill. After reviewing Szaflarski’s research data that had been developed as part of the study stemming from the passage of Carly’s Law, Chandler formed a group in 2019 to sit down and draft the first version of what would become SB46. “This [the passing of SB46] means a lot to my family, however this passage gives hope to many other Alabamians,” Chandler said following the vote. “My entire reason to get involved was to help more people. So helping pass two different bills related to CBD and cannabis has definitely been tiring, however well worth it if Alabamians get help.” Melissa Chappell Mullins, autism mom, epilepsy wife, multipleautoimmune patient and advocate, said May 6 was a monumental day for the sick, suffering and dying patients of Alabama. While concerns over the accessibility of cannabis is often the focus of issues. Donors to the Community Foundation also benefit from the Foundation’s combined assets which greatly reduce investment and administrative fees. Our five-county region includes Lee, Chambers, Macon, Russell and Tallapoosa Counties. Our Community Foundation is administered by a governing body of East Alabama citizens committed to building a vibrant community foundation. Through the generosity of people in East Alabama, our community foundation will continue to grow. Through grant making, we look forward to a brighter future by giving back to the place we call home. Visit www.cfeastalabama. org for additional information.

debates, Mullins said that pharmaceutical drugs are often over-prescribed, many of which can have devastating side-effects. “No one is saying that you should stop taking medicine prescribed by your physician, however we are saying that we deserve a choice, an alternative and a safer method to treat medical conditions,” Mullins said. “For patients like me and my family, who have exhausted all other forms of traditional medications, this is a huge deal for us.” Mullins said that the use of medicinal cannabis is not about getting high. “I mean let's be realistic; there are a multitude of pharmaceuticals, both prescription and overthe-counter, that have the same if not more effects on cognitive functions. But yet, they're legal and no one gets jailed because of it,” she said. “… This bill is about helping people to heal and medicate in a more natural and therapeutic way.” As of press time, there is no word on when Ivey might sign the bill. Follow the Observer on Facebook and Instagram for updates as they become available.

TIGERS

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FROM A1

or five years into their career, while some of the students that they might be engaging with might be 19, 20 years old, there might be a generational gap and obviously a careerexperience gap. “So just to consider that these students aren’t getting paid to shadow, it’s not for credit, they’re doing it voluntarily and to really show them, as practically as possible, what it is that they do and to give them a peek behind the scenes.” Employers who are interested can reach out to Robinson by email (dwr0008@ auburn.edu).

A4 May 13, 2021

“F

irst you gotta peel the eggs,” says the old woman as she peels hard boiled eggs over a sink. “This is the hardest part. You gotta have good fingernails.” We are having a video call. The whitehaired woman is standing in her kitchen. When she finishes peeling, she fires up an Oster electric mixer that whirs like a son of a gun. “I use an electric mixer to whip my egg filling ‘cause my hands get tired stirring.” She laughs. “My deviled eggs are so good.” Good. The goodness of mankind is a hotly contested idea in today’s tense world. Historically, this is nothing new. People have scoffed at the idea that mankind is intrinsically good since Eve took up dressmaking. Many believe there is no inherent goodness in human nature.

Good People And then there are people like Miss Reba, with her deviled eggs. Reba is 83 and a committed deviled-egg artist. The woman has been cooking for funerals, weddings, and local clambakes for 60-someodd years. And she’s still chugging. “The secret to good deviled eggs,” says Miss Reba, addressing the phone camera, “is there ain’t no secret.” This makes her giggle again. Then Reba takes a sip of a potent clear drink her daughter, Annie, mixed in honor of our phone call. I ask the old woman, “What’s in the glass?” Reba takes a sip. “Ovaltine.” Miss Reba’s deviled eggs are famous in four counties. This particular batch is for the family of a 17-year-old girl who died in a car wreck. These eggs are for the funeral. Sometimes Reba has been known to travel up

SEAN DIETRICH to six hours to deliver her deviled eggs. I asked why Reba does this. Why prepare food for random people, then go to the trouble of hand delivering it? “Because I need them to see my face. Need them to know someone’s praying for’em. Deviled eggs are my excuse for dropping by.” Miss Reba isn’t alone in her quest for goodness. There are others like her. Take Marc. He’s a guy who goes around

On Staying in Touch with Jesus

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ince confession is “good for the soul,” I will confess that since my wife died, there are days when grief wins. The chilling absence of Dean in my life pushes me toward depression and self-pity. In every waking moment I miss the joy of sharing life with her. Fortunately, I have been able to fight my way out of the darkness and pain of loneliness. Jesus keeps saying, “Walter, I love you too much to let sorrow ruin the rest of your life. I am going to help you be brave and courageous just like my Father and I helped Moses and Joshua. So don’t give

I

t is a Saturday, and I am standing in the end zone in Jordan Hare Stadium. Don’t worry - I have not decided to try my hand at college football. It is graduation day, and my daughter will be receiving her diploma in less than an hour. I’m at the edge of a sea of parents and grandparents and second cousins four times removed all crowded together. Some are holding handmade banners; others cradle bouquets of flowers or balloons. There’s even a dad with a giant bottle of champagne and a stack of plastic glasses. He’s ready to celebrate. It’s the first of May, and already the Alabama sun is set on broil. Ladies are glistening, makeup slowly beginning to melt in the heat. Grandpas are breathing open-mouthed.

WALTER ALBRITTON up. Take my hand so I can help you endure this sorrow. Walk with me and I will fill your emptiness with my peace and restore your soul.” I’m convinced the only way to beat grief is to stay in touch with Jesus. I read the Bible a lot because it’s there that I meet Jesus. He is in the

Old Testament as well as the New Testament. When in the 23rd Psalm David says, “The Lord is my shepherd,” that’s Jesus he’s talking about. The Lord Jesus is my Shepherd, guiding me, molding me, comforting me and teaching me how to serve Him. When the Psalmist says, “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalms 147:3), he’s talking about Jesus, because that is what He does. I meet Jesus in church. He had me in tears last Sunday when we began singing “Jesus is all the world to me.” Dean and I sang that song at our See ALBRITTON, page A5

paying people’s bills. In fact, Marc’s favorite thing to do is visit the power company’s main office and pay the debts of delinquent customers. Marc explains. “I just walk in and tell the gal at the desk to use this money for people who’re behind on payments. No big deal.” No big deal. Sometimes, Marc does this in grocery stores, too. Usually, he approaches the manager, gives a few hundred-dollar bills,

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and instructs the store to buy groceries for anyone whose credit or debit card is denied. Some of Marc’s recent benevolence victims have reportedly wept in the checkout aisle. Again you’re probably asking yourself what kind of guy goes around doing stuff like this? You’re wondering whether Marc is a rich guy with a few butlers, a 203-foot Benetti Luxury Yacht, and a Lexus in every color. Nope. Marc works in a steel fabrication plant. Marc’s car is a 2003 Honda. Marc’s bank account is sometimes in the red. Marc adds, “I don’t care if I go broke helping folks. I grew up poor, dude. I know what it’s like.” And then we have Samantha. Last month Samantha was standing in line at a gas station. Ahead of her was a young mother

in a hotel-maid uniform with two kids. The lady’s oldest son wanted to buy a video-gaming magazine. The mother looked at her son quizzically and said, “You don’t even own an Xbox, silly, go put that magazine back.” The boy did as he was told. He dropped his head and returned the magazine to the rack. Samantha was merely an observer, but she saw plenty that day. Which is why she did something unusual when it was her turn at the register. After the mother and kids exited the store, Samantha asked the clerk if that young mother came into this convenience store often. “Every evening,” replied the cashier. “Brings her kids in here every night after she gets off work to get’em snacks.” See DIETRICH, page A5

In simplest form...

grew up a very decent math student. I liked the organization of the problems and getting a neat, correct answer. I remember loving graph paper and getting excited for using tools like the compass and protractor. I was very orderly as a teen and so math just seemed to fit right in. I remember getting really into fractions and I enjoy doing them today with my kids. Do you recall the term “simplest form” from your days of Mathematics? It’s finding the absolute smallest number as the answer to the problem. I was checking out in the Publix line the other day and got distracted when my bag-guy began talking about math to

BRADLEY ROBERTSON the cashier. I soon finished my checkout and moments later their brief conversation sparked something in me. My busy yet good day was reeling in my head. I had missed a couple important tasks and still had an extensive agenda at 4 p.m. on a Friday. My mind was bouncing and I said to myself, “Could I get that in simplest

form?” I chuckled at my words and then their reality spoke. On the outside, my day was great, no complaints. Yet on the inside, my soul and mind knew better than that. My own subconscious was telling me something. Something I desperately needed to hear. “Could you maybe get your days in simplest form?” My effort at being somewhat superhuman came to a halt. Why is it we often feel like we can do all things? Or if we even know we cannot do all things, why do we try to make ourselves believe it? One can point fingers at culture or the “busyness” of life, but to be See ROBERTSON, page A5

Commencement Babies are squawling. Teenagers are asking “What is taking so long?!” It’s shaping up to be a real party. My best friend is with me because he thinks my daughter is just as great as I do. He’s trying to find the right angle to take the perfect picture so I can just enjoy the moment. He’s thoughtful like that. All of this is happening around me. I can hear it, but all I can focus on is the program in my hand. COMMENCEMENT is printed in huge letters across the top. Commencement. It’s an elaborate sounding word for such a simple concept. Commencement - a beginning. This is the beginning of my daughter’s professional life. She has earned a degree with the highest honors and has so

much ahead of her. But with every beginning, there is an ending. And that is what my heart is feeling right this moment - an ending. An ending of the childhood that I was privileged to guide my daughter through. She’s been grown and on her own for quite a while now, that’s true. But she was still “my child who’s in college.” And today that ends. How on earth did we get here? My youngest is 22 years old, wearing a cap and gown with golden cords for every accomplishment, with high heels and a woman’s face. Where did my little baby Abbey go? Abbey entered the world calmly on a Wednesday morning just after midnight, and she’s been calm ever since. Her

WENDY HODGE delivery was an emergency C-section with all the panic and alarms and chaos that goes along with that. But you wouldn’t have known it looking at her newborn face. I swear she smiled at me within the first hour. Her middle name is Carol, in honor of my sister who would have been Abbey’s biggest fan. And her first name Abbey just fit her, like the right musical note in a symphony. “It’s Abbey with an

E,” she used to tell everyone who misspelled it. Her brother and cousins were delighted with her this girl child among all the boys. They danced to make her laugh. They brought her toys and fed her bottles and didn’t complain when her diaper smelled like a toxic chemical spill. I sat in the rocker holding her while she slept and marveled at her perfect little fingernails and the rolls on the back of her neck. She charmed us all. She walked early and talked in long rambling sentences way before all the baby books said she should. She would do her “eye thing” when her brother and cousins requested it - squinting her eyes and tilting her head, making us all laugh. By the age of two, she was

playing Mario Party on the Nintendo with all the boys in the house, saying “I won, Mama! I won!” but blissfully unaware that her controller was not plugged into the system at all. We would all cheer her on and proclaim her the winner with a wink and a smile at our secret. When she was four, her brother, Thomas, was a third grader. Her cousins were in higher grades, becoming adolescents and teenagers. Every morning we would drop Thomas off at school, waiting in the line of cars until it was our turn to wave goodbye and watch him walk in the building. Abbey would keep her eyes on him until he was safely inside, coveting his school time with every molecule of her being. She wanted to See HODGE, page A5

A5 May 13, 2021

Opelika continues to strive to be “Better Together” sportscrews@opelikaobserver. com

The Opelika Police Department held a press conference Monday morning and a number of community leaders spoke about the progress of the “Together, Opelika” campaign that was launched last October. “Our hope is to have everyone in Opelika truly come together and work as one,” Police Chief Shane Healey said. Upon its inception, the campaign’s main goals were to lower crime and increase community engagement. At the press conference, Healey was delighted to report that there has been a decrease in robberies and thefts compared to previous years and an increase in community involvement with crime prevention

ROBERTSON >>

FROM A4

honest, it all rests in our own hands. Our days are as simple or complex as we make them to be. So, I took this permission slip from my subconscious as an opportunity to make a few changes in the coming week. If I were to put my days into simplest form, what would that look like? First, planning. I used to be superb at this but have gotten lax this last year. I woman once told me, “Poor planning results in a poor performance.” Isn’t that the truth? I began with writing

ALBRITTON >>

FROM A4

son David’s funeral. I choked up hearing the words, “When I am sad, to him I go, no other one can cheer me so.” I had to stop singing as the people sang the final words, “I trust him now, I’ll trust him when life’s fleeting days shall end. Beautiful life with such a friend, beautiful life that has no end; eternal life, eternal joy, he’s my friend.” I thought, “Yes,

HODGE >>

FROM A4

go to school so bad she could taste it. She wanted a backpack full of pencils and clean, white paper and books to read and a desk all her own. One morning the dropoff line was especially long. Construction was underway. While we waited, Abbey watched a crew of men working on the roof of the building. Tiles were being lifted with a giant hook and thrown in a pile. She was mesmerized. As we waved goodbye to Thomas and pulled away, she turned in her seat to keep watching the work on the roof.

and assistance in solving crimes. “Our department has attended over 75 community events and meetings since October of 2020,” Healey said. “We have been developing new ways to engage and educate citizens and through our increased participation within the community we have started to see trust build for our officers.” While the city and its police have undertaken numerous community involvement projects, the main talking points throughout the meeting, which were centered around a community engagement model developed with the help of Critical Insights Consulting, LLC, were the need for better relationship building, stronger trust and education within the community. Healey stated that

the police department is utilizing the community’s feedback and optimizing every tool at their disposal in order to have more accurate accountability for officer training and development. Healey divulged that, so far, the OPD officers have conducted 4,000 hours of training in 2021 and hope to quadruple the training hours required by the state. Furthermore, Capt. Tony Amerson, community relations and special services captain and the police department’s liaison to the community, explained how the department plans to implement the model within Opelika’s neighborhoods. Amerson said he is working with the Ambassadors of Change Council to install two community liaisons from each ward to better understand the

concerns and needs of each respective portion of the Opelika community. Ward 2 community members Sherry Cook Welch and Oscar Penn have already signed on. “This right here is just the beginning,” Amerson said. “The community liaisons can definitely help me come up with different ideas and we will devote all our time to making Opelika great.” Amerson and Healey then both spoke on the importance of educating the youth in the community, changing the perception youth have of the police and what the department is already working on to do just that. According to Amerson, the police department and several officers will be attending the annual Black Male Summit, to be held on

and planning out a day ahead at a time. I don’t mean planning out weeks and months of dates, just the one task of staying one day ahead, in simplest form. “How can I help Sissy this week? What appointments need to be made? What’s for dinner tomorrow night? Will I go to the store? Am I running in the morning?” I didn’t want to overdo it, just easy checkoffs to create a simpler 24 hour day. Next up, saying ‘No’ to all the extra and prioritizing on what’s most important first. I’m quick to get distracted by helping and serving everyone and then leaving myself and my family on the side-

lines. This idea should be flipped around. When I care for myself, I can much better care for my family. And when I put a priority on my family, I feel settled in my maternal role as Mother. It is a lesson I’m still working on, that I cannot please everyone. And putting a priority on my family and my home is some of the best work I will ever do on this Earth. In order to simplify, we often have to say no to the good, so that we can cling to what is great and makes us whole. Third, I decided my children are old enough to help simplify. They are each able to do chores and are smart and eager children. I am giving

them a short list each day, only 2-3 tasks, that can assist the whole house. They are by nature workers and help around our home every day, but giving them a short, daily list will help me out by not having to ask in the afternoons, a simple, little step that could potentially have big results. So this is my starting off point, to put my day to day “in simplest form”. Are there practices that you have to simplify your days or weeks? I would sure love to hear from you too! Always feel free to e-mail me at Bradley. jean11@gmail.com. Cheers to a simpler day and a simpler time for all of us.

Lord, Dean’s beautiful life has not ended! She is with you, and while she can no longer straighten my tie and tell me how handsome I am, she is still cheering me on to victory in my battle with grief!” I often meet Jesus in a good book. The Lord led me to an old one I gave Dean 41 years ago, A Gift for God by Mother Teresa. As I reread it I found Jesus gently correcting my perspective on suffering. The world discovered

Mother Teresa while she was caring for the poor in Calcutta, India. Dean and I visited Calcutta and never got over seeing the dead and dying on the streets. In her early days in Calcutta, Mother Teresa was stricken with a high fever and became delirious. Later she wrote about it. “In that delirium,” she said, “I went to St. Peter, but he would not let me in, saying ‘There are no slums in heaven.’” In anger, she said, “Very well, I will fill heaven with slum

people, then you will be forced to let me in!” It rather surprised me to learn that Mother Teresa had a delightful sense of humor. Indeed, she insisted that the houses of her Missionaries of Charity (now 4,500 strong!) ring with laughter just as St. Francis and his friars once laughed their way down the highways serving Jesus. Mother Teresa reminds us that we meet Jesus in the poor. In the poor we are touching Christ’s body. Her words began to

She was silent a moment and then said, “Guess what, Mama... When I grow up, guess what I want to be.” “What’s that, sweetie?” I asked. “A hooker,” she replied in her sweet little girl voice. I blinked rapidly a few times and tried not to swerve off Highway 51. “A hooker?” I asked, trying not to sound horrified. “Yep. Like the man on the roof. I would be a really good hooker.” She smiled at me in the rear view mirror. And she promptly repeated that line to her grandparents and anybody else who would listen. I believe we may

have been the subject of a couple of prayer meetings that week. When she was a bit older, we took a trip to the aquarium in Atlanta. She left there with a stuffed dolphin, a stomach ache from all the popcorn and a burning desire to be a deep-sea diver. “So I can feed all the sharks,” she said. The next summer, on a family vacation to Disney World, she wore a princess hat but declared herself a future queen “because they’re smarter than princesses.” She made her mark in high school, excelling academically and shining on stage. I could list all her accomplishments, from a 4.25 GPA to be-

ing named Best Actress in the State of Alabama at the Trumbauer Festival ... but there isn’t the time or space to list them all. And now, after four years at Auburn University, she has a degree and the skills to serve people in need. She works with rape victims and those who have no one else to turn to. And she is so good at what she does. She is a calm presence, a thoughtful listener, an intelligent mind, and a hard worker. She is beautiful inside and out, my Abbey with an E. And today she commences, but I was there the moment it all started. And I will forever be grateful for the honor of knowing her.

PHOTO BY KINLEY BESHERS / OPELIKA OBSERVER

By Wil Crews

June 12 and hosted by the Dream Day Foundation, to speak on traffic enforcement and court proceedings. “Basically what we are going to try to hit on is the simple things.

DIETRICH >>

FROM A4

That was all Samantha needed to know. She piled into her car and drove to the nearest bigbox superstore. She bought a Microsoft Xbox Series X. And here’s how it went down. The next evening, as predicted, the young mother entered the gas station with her children in tow. Initially, the cashier played it cool. The cashier handed the young boy a magazine and said, “Here, someone left this magazine for you.” chase away my lingering sadness: “In the poor it is the hungry Christ we are feeding, it is the naked Christ we are clothing, it is to the homeless Christ that we are giving shelter.” I thought, “In my remaining days I can wallow in sorrow or I can offer love to the poor and in so doing, offer Christ my love.” Jesus used these words of Teresa to loosen the grip of grief on my soul: “The best way to show our gratitude to God and to people is to accept ev-

Try to train these youths on when to get out of the car, when to stay in the car,” Amerson said. “Some of the important incidents that you are See OPD, page A6 The kid was lit with electric joy. He took the magazine in both hands and you would have thought he’d just won a pony. “Oh, wait,” added the cashier nonchalantly. “Almost forgot. I was also supposed to give you this.” The cashier lifted an Xbox onto the counter. They say the little boy stood in the center of an average American gas station and cried, unable to form words. And I was going to add more to this story, but I’m in the same boat. erything with joy. Never let anything so fill you with sorrow as to make you forget the joy of the risen Christ.” Thank you Mother Teresa. Thank you Jesus. I see the way home now. And with your help, and the prayers of my friends, I will not take another drink from the well of bitterness and remorse. The sweet water of your understanding and forgiveness is all I need.

A6 May 13, 2021

Opelika Municipal Court Clerk elected as area representative for APPA Contributed by the city of Opelika

ROGERS

The city of Opelika is pleased to announce Denise Rogers, municipal court clerk has been elected to represent the state of Alabama for the American Probation and Parole Association (APPA). “I am confident Denise will represent our city and state well. She continuously searches for ways to improve her department and

supports the community she passionately serves. The APPA members could not have chosen a more deserving and hardworking representative,” said Mayor Gary Fuller. Rogers is one of the 52 area representatives elected in APPA's 2021 election. They will serve a two-year term beginning July 1, 2021. “I am very appreciative that my colleagues at the American Probation

and Parole Association elected me to be a voice for those local municipalities in the state of Alabama that continue to have in-house probation departments. My passion to serve and garner support for better communities is very important to me. Without passion, you can lose momentum, but I know that God’s wisdom is accompanying this assignment I have been given. It’s hard work but

more important, heart work,” said Rogers. Mission Statement for APPA: “As the voice of the community corrections industry, APPA serves as the field's leading professional membership association. Our primary objectives are to increase education and training of community corrections professionals and reduce recidivism to keep our communities safe.”

Jule Collins Smith Museum Hosting “Bernini Blowout” May 20 School’s out – let’s party like it’s 1689. The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn University is pleased to announce the “Bernini Blowout” celebration on Thursday, May 20, from noon to 8 p.m. This familyfriendly event will help the museum send off the latest traveling exhibition, “Bernini and the Roman Baroque: Masterpieces from Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia,” in style before it returns to Italy. A full day of art, fun food and more is planned, headlined by award-winning 3D street artist Tracy Lee Stum. Stum will be recreating one of the Bernini masterpieces as a large-scale chalk piece over the two days prior to the event. Stum’s work has been featured around the globe, including the Super

OPD >>

FROM A5

seeing in the news today, we are going to cover those things and give them some options.” Additionally, Amerson also announced other activities such as a flag football event, the 20 Under 20 Police

Bowl, the Olympics, Katy Perry and Honda’s iconic ‘The Impossible Made Possible’ commercial, among others. Stum holds a Guinness World Record for the largest chalk painting by an individual. Additionally, the event will feature a wide variety of entertainment and fare, including: • Kids’ art area with tips from Stum • Music from DJ Rick Hendrick of 95.1 The Fox • Small bites courtesy of Ariccia Cucina Italiana • Giveaways • Selfie Wall • Special appearance by Aubie “This event is the first of many in which we are reintroducing in-person programs with interactive and hands-on activities,” said Cini Malinick, director and chief curator of the museum. “With a welcoming and engaging environment, our hope is that those who have never visited or Explore Academy, which aims to teach youth to want to be like police officers, and a fall education program called “Policing and Me,” which will partner with the Opelika Schools Board to provide education to high schoolers on police procedures. “It’s not about us

BE MORE. GO BUILD. Learn more at GoBuildAl.com

haven’t in a while will check out this fresh approach.” Tickets to the event are $25 per person. Children 12 and under are free, as are current Auburn University students. Tickets may be purchased online at jcsm.auburn.edu or at the event. “Bernini and the Roman Baroque: Masterpieces from Palazzo Chigi in Ariccia,” is an exhibition that comprehensively maps the rich spectrum of genres and pictorial styles that characterize Baroque aesthetics, and illuminates the influence of Gian Lorenzo Bernini across the Baroque movement. The exhibit is organized by Glocal Project Consulting and is toured by International Arts & Artists, Washington, DC. The Jule Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art welcomes everyone to explore, experience and engage with the visual arts. anymore, it’s about the kids,” Amerson said. Finally, the department announced the release of their new smart phone application, which will serve the community and the police department by providing information quickly and efficiently and allow

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Contributed by Jules Collins Smith Museum of Fine Art at Auburn

GRAZER CO. >>

FROM A2

at the Bodegas at Midtown Auburn. Talk about fast growth — The Grazer Co. is already planning to open its second location in Opelika. And Louangkhoth offers her products inside The Well in Opelika, too. And all of this growth has taken place since the fall. Louangkhoth knew one of the owners of The Well and had provided them with one of her boxes. users to: submit a tip, search Opelika’s most wanted, view the latest news and press releases, connect to posts from OPD’s social media accounts, view sex offenders in the area and more. For more information on the Together, Opelika campaign, visit opelikapd.org.

1 OUT OF 10 ELDERLY PERSONS AND ADULTS WITH DISABILITIES ARE BEING: Abused, Neglected or Exploited If you suspect this is happening to someone you know, please report it to Adult Protective Services by contacting your local DHR office or calling the

ADULT ABUSE HOTLINE at 1-800-458-7214

HELP STOP THE ABUSE

IF YOU SEE IT, REPORT IT

Thereʼs no excuse for

ELDER ABUSE

“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.”

“They loved the concept and they thought it would be a perfect item to have at The Well to go with their tea and coffee,” she said. Having products in The Well has helped with name-brand recognition too, Louangkhoth said, especially in Opelika. Now, making grazer boxes or charcuterie boards is not the only part of Louangkhoth’s business. She hosts workshops too, to teach people how to make the spreads themselves.

So, though Louangkhoth’s plans for a job in Thailand did not come through, and though a pandemic was sweeping across the globe, she found some positives, despite the negatives. Namely — the creation of her small business. “I knew that our small town, that we’re a small town but we have such a big heart for each other,” Louangkhoth said. “The support is just so amazing … I always knew that if I ever wanted to open a business, it would have to be here.”

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Opelika E vents, Society & Food

Upcoming Events: May 16 - Ballet Academy presents Cinderella June 5 - Burger Wars

‘Auburn Entertains’ cookbook still going in its 38th year CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Ann Cipperly

Southern

Hospitality

I

n 1983, the original owners of the Ampersand Gift Shop, Lucy Littleton, Helen Baggett Carlisle and Jeannie Blackwell, decided to create a cookbook that would showcase Auburn in content and design. While the gift shop closed years ago, the cookbook is still in print. On its 25th anniversary in 2008, the cookbook was reprinted with an introduction by Lucy’s husband, Taylor Littleton, who also wrote the introduction for the original printing. Taylor, who was vice president of academic affairs (now called the provost), also selected quotations from plays and poems of William Shakespeare used

throughout the chapters. Jeannie’s husband, Gaines Blackwell, taught in the School of Architecture, while William Baggett, Helen’s husband at the time, was a professor in the art department and the alumni professor. Professor Baggott painted the watercolor of Samford Tower on the cover of the cookbook. Pen and ink drawings of familiar campus buildings on chapters were by Ray Dugas, who was in the art department in graphic design. In the 1983 edition, the introduction stated, “The style and character of entertaining guests are in many ways fashioned by the

pattern of the academic year. Here the renewal of life comes not in the spring but in the fall. For it is then that the students return, together with the faculty, from their brief Indian summer holiday. “Socializing them quickly moves to an intensity unmatched during the rest of the year because whether one is a fan or not, the football season is irresistible. Home games bring alumni by the thousands and scores of pre-game brunches, luncheons and postgame parties proceed apace.” The cookbook also included recipes for Christmas, garden parties in the spring and at Lake Martin for infor-

occasions which, in their own mysterious way, help bind a community together.” Looking back at when the cookbook was being assembled, Lucy Littleton recalled it was, “Set against an imaginary background of the rituals of dining in a small university town. It draws from scores of citizen cooks their favorite recipes in preparing for occasions. Sustaining to Auburn uniqueness are written contribu-

tions by university faculty.” “It took the cooperation of the entire Auburn community to assemble all of these delicious recipes,” said Jeannie Blackwell. Helen Baggett Carlisle added, “We spent a year compiling the recipes and testing them. We worked all day every Wednesday, and people would stop by to see what we were cooking. It turned into See CIPPERLY, page A11

Sundilla welcomes Maybe April back to town on May 21. This is an outdoor show at Pebble Hill and will start at 7:30 p.m. Advance tickets are $15 and available at Spicer’s Music, Ross House See SUNDILLA, page A12

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

See BALLET, page A12

Contributed by Sundilla Concert Series PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

Rain or shine, Ballet Academy will be presenting Sleeping Beauty under the pavilion at Twenty-One Acres on May 16. The performance will start at 2:30 p.m. The troupe for the

mal faculty gatherings. These were held “when the quarterly exams have been graded and put away, when the town suddenly is strangely empty of students, when the sounds of life are softer.” The introduction continued with, “Entertainment in Auburn is marked by the rhythms and conditions of life in a small university town, so it is characterized also by hundreds of homes each year by those less visible social

Maybe April to perform

Ballet Academy to perform Sleeping Beauty May 16 By Michelle Key Publisher

The original owners of the Ampersand Gift Shop (pictured from left) are Lucy Littleton, Jeannie Blackwell and Helen Baggett Carlisle. In 1983, the three owners assembled the “Auburn Entertains” cookbook and had it reprinted on the 25th anniversary in 2008.

A8 May 13, 2021

Making the Grade: The Front Porch I enjoy going to a fancy restaurant now and then; linen napkins, quiet music and that special ambience make for an enjoyable dining experience. However, according to my husband Mike, “You can’t eat ambience.” For instance, many years ago, before I met Mike, he worked at the medical department for West Point Pepperell. One night, Mike and his colleagues went to a nice restaurant in Columbus for supper. The restaurant featured booths that had décor from various countries, which were quite beautiful. However, Mike and his friends were fed a meager-sized meal: a piece of palmsized meat, a scoop of mashed potatoes and bread. Needless to say, these ravenous men were still hungry at the end of the meal and wound up going to McDonald’s. A similar experience once happened to Mike and me. Our meal at a fancy restaurant was $110 including tip. Now, we don’t mind paying extra if the meal is great, and we are full. However, we were still hungry and went to Bruster’s Ice

Cream afterward. Thankfully, diners will never leave hungry at the Front Porch at 7159 Co. Road 388 in Cusseta. My good friend Amy, who lives in Beulah, told me that I should eat at the Front Porch and write about it. Done. Amy is the best paraprofessional in Georgia and works at Long Cane Elementary School, right next door to our former middle school. I taught Amy’s youngest child Audrey Claire in my gifted class until January 2017, when she and her family moved to Beulah. I wish I had taught 100 students like Audrey Claire every one of my 30 years; she was wonderful. When Mike and I arrived at the Front Porch, I immediately loved the homey, casual atmosphere. Diners may sit in cozy rocking chairs on the porch. Also, the giant, metal rooster made me smile, so Mike took my picture beside it. In addition, there was a collection of different types of plates “planted” in front of the porch. I forgot to ask the significance of these colorful plates, so I’ll have to ask next time. Because if the Good Lord is willing, there will DEFINITELY

be a next time. I also loved the restaurant’s walls because they were covered with Christian messages or funny signs. My favorite was: “Soup, beans, cornbread and fried potatoes. Make your tongue slap your brains out.” Mike and I met our friends William, Jack and Thomas for supper on Saturday night. Our waitress Carol was just the kind of server I love: Southern, sweet and funny. Carol said, “We have so much fun here.” And happy employees make for a much more pleasant dining experience. Mike, William and I chose the 12-ounce hamburger steak, while Jack and Thomas picked the fried catfish fillet. Our hamburger steaks were excellent, thick and juicy with grilled onions and brown gravy. Also, Jack and Thomas said that their catfish was crispy and delicious. In addition, Mike’s and my salads were really fresh and tasty. I appreciated that the salad had dark leaves, which are more nutritious. Also, our friends really enjoyed their coleslaw. In fact, all side items were great. I LOVED the fresh cut French fries; no frozen fries at the Front

Piedmont Fertilizer Co. Inc. 201 2nd Ave. • Opelika, AL SINCE 1910

Nothing better for your lawn exists

PHOTO BY MIKE WALLACE

By Stacey Patton Wallace

Porch. Toward the end of our meal, we heard a woman in the kitchen scream, “Dadgum it!” It turned out that Kristie, one of the restaurant’s owners, had good reason to yell. She had been frying chicken livers, and the grease popped out and burned her arm. After the accident, Kristie came out to the dining room, and a concerned customer asked her if she were all right. She assured him that she was. I was impressed that Kristie showed amazing restraint after being burned. Mama told me that frying chicken livers can really cause grease to pop. Mike’s Mama had

a permanent scar from cooking them when she was young. I cooked fried chicken ONCE in a black skillet on my stove. I experienced some minor grease popping; however, I promptly retired from frying chicken and salute those who are brave enough to cook it since I love it so. After we finished our meal, I spoke to Anita Strickland, who co-owns the Front Porch with her sister Kristie Migoya, the brave chicken liver fryer. Strickland said, “We had just been open for a few weeks in 2020 when the pandemic hit, and we were forced to close.” Thankfully, they were able to survive

when curbside dining was allowed. Take my advice: run and do not walk to this wonderful, family-owned restaurant. The Front Porch makes the grade with an A+ from this retired English teacher. Remember, “Pooh-sized” people NEVER lie about food. Enjoy! Stacey Patton Wallace, who retired from teaching language arts for 30 years, is a professional diner. Her column, “Making the Grade,” will appear each week in the Observer. Stacey may be reached at retiredlangartsteacher2020@ gmail.com

A9 May 13, 2021

National Nurses Week National Skilled Nursing Care Week National Hospital Week

May 6 - 15, 2021 Hospitals cannot exist with doctors only. And while we have always known the importance every hospital employee makes to the organization, it was never more clear than in the past year. Suddenly, the role of every employee became much more real. Extra cleaning took place and tough decisions were made. Employees floated from their normal role to a COVID-specific role. All employees involved in the care of a patient in their final moments of life huddled together in prayer at the patient’s bedside. Yes, tears were shed and hearts were broken, but many celebrations also took place when treatment protocols overcame COVID-19’s grip on a patient. We still treasure those moments. Aside from COVID-19, employees throughout East Alabama Health joined together to keep the organization running. It was a difficult year in many ways for many people, but a silver lining can be found by seeing the closeness our healthcare family built under the stress of the pandemic. We honor you all during these celebratory weeks. - EAMC Medical Staff

A10 May 13, 2021

Sleeping Beauty to take the stage May 16

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

A11 May 13, 2021

CIPPERLY

>>

FROM A7

a fun adventure every week. Nancy Gardner typed the recipes for us and bartered for credit at Ampersand.” When the cookbook was reprinted in 2008, the introduction looked back over the past 25

RECIPES

>>

DILL DIP IN BREAD BOWL 1 round muffuletta loaf or other round loaf Pull out center and break into bitesize pieces, leaving about 1 inch along bottom and sides to form bread bowl. Dip: 1¼ cups good mayonnaise 1 pint sour cream 4 Tbsp. parsley 2 tsp. dill weed 2 Tbsp. green onion with tops, chopped finely 2 tsp. seasoned salt Combine and refrigerate at least 8 hours before serving. To serve, place bread bowl on large glass plate. Fill cavity with dill dip and surround bowl with bite-size bread pieces for dipping. This dip is also good with vegetables, and a bowl of vegetables may be put next to the bread bowl for dieting dippers. SALMON LOAF 1 loaf French bread 2 small bunches parsley 8 oz. whipped butter Grated onion to taste 7½ oz. can red or pink salmon 8 oz. whipped cream cheese Cut bread in half lengthwise. Scoop out bread, leaving about a 1-inch thick shell. Put bread that is scooped out through food processor, or crumble to make crumbs and reserve. Remove stems from parsley and chop finely. Mix parsley, onion, butter and half the breadcrumbs together and put in half of bread boat, slightly mounding in center. Mix salmon, cream cheese and other half of breadcrumbs and put in other half of bread boat. Put loaf back together and press firmly so sides go back together. Wrap tightly in French bread bag or foil and refrigerate overnight. Slice thinly with electric

years. “Since this little book was first printed, the Auburn community has witnessed a sharp escalation of statistical growth-in its population and in the pace of the of its economy. This new condition has inevitably challenged that invisible network of fellowship,

which has traditionally sustained here a certain cultural coherence and identified Auburn as what was in the first edition called ‘a special place.’” The increase in the number of restaurants and catering was noted. “Entertaining ‘out’ often seems a parallel

to entertaining ‘in.’” Lucy added, “An essay attached to the 2008 edition suggests that despite the evolution over the years of the local restaurant scene and the innovation of the ‘takeout’, the diverse human content and familiar visibility of the book still in some way give

it a distinctive place in Auburn authored history.” “I can’t cook without ‘Auburn Entertains’” said Helen. “My family’s favorite recipes are all in that cookbook. We had such fun testing the recipes and always had plenty of volunteers to taste our results. I am

proud that it has withstood the test of time and is still available.” “Auburn Entertains” is available at J &M Bookstore and Amazon. Following is a sampling of recipes from the cookbook. Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@ cipperly.com

knife and arrange in rows on serving plate. Decorate with parsley, carrot sticks, black olives and cherry tomatoes. This sandwich was served at a fall luncheon of Holy Trinity Episcopal Churchwomen from a basket with the garnishes as above. It really was wonderful looking and tasty too.

¼ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. garlic powder 1 can asparagus spears 1 can artichoke hearts 1 can carrots Whisk together vinegar and oil. Add mayonnaise, mustard, salt, and garlic powder and continue to whisk. Fold in egg and chives, using vegetables listed or any other vegetables desired, drain and arrange them separately in a large Pyrex baking dish—do not mix them. Pour marinade over vegetables and refrigerate. Claire DeBardeleben served this at a sewing club luncheon in the spring. It looked beautiful and tasted so good.

and grapes to a heated platter using slotted spoon. Continue cooking sauce until reduced by half. Pour sauce over chicken. Top with parsley and serve. Serves four. Serve with sauteed mushrooms and pan roasted potatoes.

pressed Mix flour, 1 tsp. salt and pepper and coat chicken by shaking in mixture in paper bag. Fry bacon in large skillet until crisp, remove bacon and brown chicken in bacon fat over medium heat. Remove chicken and sauté onions and mushrooms until tender (about 5 minutes). Drain fat. Tie herbs in cheesecloth bag. Crumble bacon and stir bacon, herbs, and remaining ingredients into skillet. Add vegetables and chicken. Cover and simmer 1 hour. Spoon off fat. Serve in soup bowls with salad and crusty French bread. I usually substitute a jar of small, boiled onions for the fresh.

¼ cup sugar 1 cup unsifted all-purpose flour Prepare crust by mixing butter, sugar and almonds until creamy. Add flour just to blend. Press mixture into bottom and up sides of a 9-inch tart pan; chill. Bake in 325° preheated oven about 20 minutes or until golden. Cool. Filling: 3 eggs beaten ¾ cup sugar ¼ cup butter or margarine ½ cup lemon juice 1 cup (maybe a little more) sour cream 3 to 4 kiwis (fruit), peeled and sliced Melted apple jelly as needed In saucepan mix eggs, butter, sugar and lemon juice. Cook and stir over medium heat until mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Pour into baked crust. Spread (after cooling lemon mixture) a layer of sour cream over lemon mixture and arrange sliced kiwi over the top of sour cream. Brush with melted apple jelly to glaze. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

SPINACHSTUFFED TOMATOES 2 packages frozen chopped spinach 6 strips of bacon 8 tomatoes 1 onion, chopped 1 cup sour cream Salt and pepper to taste Tabasco 6 oz. grated mozzarella cheese 2 slices mozzarella cheese, cut in strips Cook spinach according to package directions. Drain well. Shell tomatoes and chop insides. Drain shells; salt inside and turn upside down on paper towels. Cook bacon until crisp, drain and crumble. Save 2 Tbsp. drippings to sauté onions in. Add bacon and onion to spinach and tomatoes. Add sour cream, salt, pepper and Tabasco to taste. Add grated cheese. Fill shells with mixture. Top with strips of cheese. Heat in buttered pan until cheese is melted, about 20 minutes 350 degrees. May be made a day ahead. Serves eight. MARINATED VEGETABLE PLATTER ¼ cup wine vinegar ¼ cup salad oil ½ cup mayonnaise 1 hard cooked egg, grated 4 Tbsp. chives 1 can whole green beans 1½ tsp. prepared mustard

CHICKEN ARBOR 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ¼ tsp. dried basil, crumbled ¼ tsp dried tarragon, crumbled ¼ tsp paprika Salt and white ground pepper 8 chicken pieces 1 Tbsp. oil 1 Tbsp. butter 2 small cloves garlic, minced ½ cup dry white wine 1 cup red grapes, halved and seeded ½ cup chicken broth 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley for garnish Mix flour, basil, tarragon, paprika, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken and toss to coat. Heat oil and butter in a heavy large skillet over medium high heat. Stir in minced garlic. Add chicken and sauté on both sides until light brown. Pour in wine. Cover and cook until chicken is done, about 5 minutes (test for doneness). Add grapes, broth and lemon juice and continue cooking until heated through. Transfer chicken

PORK CHOPS AND SPAGHETTI 6 pork chops 12 oz. spaghetti 3 cloves garlic 2 cups tomatoes, peeled and chopped 1 6-oz. can tomato paste 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper 8 or more mushrooms, washed, dried, sliced ¼-½ cup red wine Oregano to taste Fry pork chops in butter or oil with garlic until golden. Remove chops, drain excess oil and sauté mushrooms. Add to mushrooms the tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, pepper and oregano and wine. Mix well and return chops to sauce. Remove garlic, and simmer covered for 45 minutes. Cook the spaghetti until tender and drain. When chops are done, remove them from the sauce and stir in the spaghetti. Place spaghetti on platter, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and top with the chops. Serves six. COQ AU VIN II ½ cup flour 1½ tsp. salt ¼ tsp. pepper 1 3-3½ lb. fryer, cut into serving pieces 6 slices bacon 6 small onions 8 oz. mushrooms, sliced ½ tsp. thyme 1 bay leaf Parsley 4 carrots, scraped and halved 1 tsp. instant chicken broth or 2 chicken bouillon cubes 1 cup hot water 1 cup burgundy or red cooking wine 1 clove garlic,

SEAFOOD CASSEROLE 1 pound shrimp, boiled, cleaned and deveined 1 6½-ounce can crabmeat (or equivalent fresh) 1 cup mayonnaise 1 cup soft breadcrumbs ¾ cup milk 3 hard-cooked eggs, chopped ½ cup chopped onion ¼ cup sliced green olives ¾ tsp. salt Dash pepper ½ cup soft breadcrumbs for topping Mix all above ingredients just before baking. Top with ½ cup breadcrumbs. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. Barbara Wilson (Mrs. Stan) This dish is a favorite for our New Year’s Day Football Buffet. The men and those women who wish may watch games to their heart’s content, while those who prefer to engage in conversation. KIWI SOUR CREAM TART Crust: 1 stick butter, softened ½ cup ground almonds

POT DE CREME 2 cups heavy cream ¼ cup sugar Pinch salt 10 egg yolks 4 oz. sweet chocolate 1 Tbsp. vanilla Put cream, sugar and salt in top of double boiler. Over hot water, bring this mixture to scalding. Remove from heat and cool. Melt chocolate over hot water. Beat egg yolks until light and foamy. When cream mixture is cool, pour over egg mixture slowly, beating constantly. Add melted chocolate, return to boiler pan and stir constantly over low heat until mixture coats back of wooden spoon. Add vanilla. Strain and plate in 10 pot de creme cups or demitasse cups and chill until it has a solid consistency. A delicious rich dessert for seated dinner parties.

A12 May 13, 2021

Letter to the editor

W

hat a year! The last year has certainly been unlike any other in our lifetime. Hospitals have been operating during a pandemic for fifteen months. While it is not over, I pray that the worst is behind us, and we can begin to see the world and Alabama’s hospitals return to normal. What our hospitals

and their staff members have achieved during this year of existential threats has been nothing short of remarkable, and that is why this year’s Hospital Week and Nurses Week matter so much. It is ironic that coinciding with both celebrations is the 100th anniversary of the Alabama Hospital Association, AlaHA,

which was founded just a few years after the end of the Spanish influenza pandemic that claimed an estimated 50 million lives worldwide. The recent work of hospitals in collaborating to share resources, beds, equipment, and best practices highlights the wisdom of the Association’s founders. The strong relationships among

NAMI of East Alabama to host in-person meeting Contributed by NAMI NAMI East Alabama, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), will meet at 7 p.m. on

Tuesday, May 18, at the Auburn Chamber of Commerce which is located at 714 East Glenn Ave. in Auburn. NAMI supports families dealing with

mental illness through mutual support, education and advocacy. There will be a time for sharing. The public is invited and social distancing is required.

Alabama’s hospitals greatly facilitated our ability to respond to this once in a lifetime event. To commemorate the occasion, AlaHA is sending small oak trees to hospitals across the state to plant on their campuses. These trees will symbolize the strength of our hospitals and recognize the canopy of care they provided

to their communities during the pandemic. After the pandemic has passed, Alabama’s hospitals will continue to care for our citizens for decades to come. Over the next few days as we celebrate Hospital Week and Nurses Week, let us all say a prayer and offer our heartfelt thanks to the incredible men and women who work in

Alabama’s hospitals and who have made healing their life’s calling, in ordinary times and extraordinary times. Donald E. Williamson, M.D., President Alabama Hospital Association Jeannie Gaines Communication Director Alabama Hospital Association

Nature Walk Saturday May 15 Contributed by Friends of the Opelika Wood Duck Nature Preserve

The Friends of the Opelika Wood Duck Nature Preserve would like to invite the community to join them May 15 for a nature

walk the across the creek and around the lagoon. The walk will be led by local native plant expert, Jan Newton, and other naturalists. The group can expect to identify local native and non-native plants, trees, birds and other wildlife

or possibly glimpse the recently hatched Wood Duck fledglings, or some of the resident ground hogs. Assemble at the pavilion at 8 a.m. this Saturday. The preserve is located at 3600 Waverly Parkway in Opelika.

Backpack International opens new office

SUNDILLA >>

FROM A7

Coffee and online at sundillamusic. com. Admission at the door will be $20. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and the audience is invited to bring whatever food or beverage they prefer. “Back by popular demand” is a fair statement to make when it comes to Maybe April. A crowd of more than

BALLET >>

FROM A7

production consists of 21 dancers including Brenna Sumner as Princess Aurora. Sumner is a professional dancer and an instructor at Ballet Academy. She has said that she is waiting for COVID-19 restrictions to end so that she can resume her professional career. Also, appearing as Blue Bird, is professional dancer Dawn Kamphaus Keys. She is also working as an instructor at Ballet Academy

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY BACKPACK INTERNATIONAL INC.

Backpack International Inc., enjoyed celebrating its new location with a ribbon cutting last week. Oslyn Rodriguez and her team began their mission by serving backpacks and school supplies for children in Guyana, South America. She soon realized there was also need for families in our local area. The organization partners with others to provide backpacks and food to those in need. The new office is located at 923 Stage Road, Suite J. in Auburn.

100 people was at the AUUF for Maybe April’s first Sundilla appearance a couple of years ago, and there was no shortage of comments like “They can come back anytime” and “Book them again as soon as you can!” Alaina Stacey is from Chicago and Katy DuBois is from Arkansas, so it took some luck for them to even meet. During a songwriting camp in Nashville, they formed country/Americana

group Maybe April, originally as a trio, and began writing songs, performing and touring extensively. A dynamic pair of impressive songwriters and vocalists who share roles as frontwomen, Maybe April’s chemistry was an instant success. The first song they co-wrote together landed them a songwriting showcase during GRAMMY week in Los Angeles, where they shared the stage with Jimmy Webb,

Bonnie Raitt, Kris Kristofferson, Joy Williams, John Reznik, Gavin DeGraw and Valerie Simpson. Soon they were opening for artists such as Brandy Clark and Sarah Jarosz and began receiving critical attention when CMT named them one of 2018’s “Rising Acts,” calling their harmonies “as alluring as their lyrics.” Wide Open Country would go on to say that after hearing those harmonies “You might

think the singers had grown up together.” The appeal of Maybe April is multifaceted: Those lustrous harmonies of the voices, the appealing mix of their personalities and their winningly under-amplified sound which lends their performance an almost acoustic quality. Those songs are a mix of country/folk-Americana/indie sounds and feature sophisticated lyrics that suggest the

glowing beauty of this trio of feminine souls hides a certain amount of heartbreak and worldliness, though not the loss of a romantic spirit. As singers, songwriters and performers, it is clear that Maybe April has set the stage for what is sure to be a long and successful career. For more information, including videos, go to sundillamusic.com.

while recuperating from an injury. “Both Brenna and Dawn are former students of the Ballet Academy,” said Angela White, studio owner. “It is exciting to have them perform and teach at the studio.” Madi Dwyer, a longtime student of Angie White, will be appearing as Carabosse. Dwyer has been instrumental in the creative process of Sleeping Beauty as well. The performance also features Ballet Academy advanced students in the

lead roles of Lilac Fairy, performed by Rebecca Turochy; Meadow Fairy, performed by Melody Hays and Crystal Fountain Fairy, performed by Emma Blersch. Choreography for Sleeping Beauty began in February and is the studio’s fifth production. Alice in Wonderland was canceled last year due to COVID-19. Ballet Academy started in August 2015 under the tutelage of White. “I had always dreamed of opening

my own studio that was dedicated and focused on Classical Ballet training,” White said. “We are unique in that we are the only studio in this area that offers this type of training. We do not participate in the competition dance forum like the other studios.” Summer session enrollment is open now, according to White. In addition to regular classes, the school is offering two summer camps. Our Once Upon a Time camp will be for ages 3 ½ to 5 years

old during the month of June, and Ballet Beautiful camp for young dancers ages 6 to 8 years old will take place in July. Tickets will be sold at the door the day of the show or may be purchased at Ballet Academy before the show. The price is $15 for adults and $10 for children 12 and under. Concessions will be sold before and after the show. Attendees are invited to bring their picnic baskets and lounge chairs to enjoy lunch after the show

on beautiful grounds of Twenty-One Acres which is located at 5505 Wire Road in Auburn. For more information visit the website at www.myballetacademy.net or call the studio at 334-737-5551. The 2021-22 school session will start early enrollment for fall on July 1 with the fall semester starting Aug. 16. “Come join us at Ballet Academy and awaken the spirit of dance,” White said. *Turn to A10 for photos from the rehearsals of Sleeping Beauty.

A13 May 13, 2021

F

ire pits are enjoying quite a bit of popularity these days. They seem to be everywhere. Aside from the aesthetics of a fire (which are substantial), there are few things more physically pleasing than the warm comfort it provides when we are cold. Our Father created our bodies in such a way that that our core temperature needs to hover around 98 degrees. Five or ten degrees lower and we’ll experience severe chills and even convulsions; lower than that and we die. Heat is a good thing that is necessary to life and fire supplies that need. Paul told the Christians at Thessalonica not to “quench the Spirit.” (1 Thessalonians 5:19). Other translations offer “stifle,” “extinguish” or “restrain.” The International Standard Version

Church Calendar • Church of Christ at Cunningham - meeting at their building at 9:30 a.m. for Bible class, 10:30 a.m. for worship, 5 p.m. for evening worship and 6:30 p.m. on Wednesdays. • St. Marys Catholic Church/ St. Michael’s Church SMCC is having Daily Mass on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 8 a.m. and on weekends they are distributing holy Communion on Sundays from 9:30 to 11 a.m. A Mass is also held on Sundays at 12:30 p.m. at St. Michael's Church over in Auburn. For more information people can call the office at 334-749-8359 or go to the parish website: stmarysopelika.org. • Union Grove Baptist Church In-person gathering with social distancing. Masks are available. Sunday worship is at 11 a.m. and 6 p.m. Wednesday worship is at 6:30 p.m. Services are streamed live on Facebook — the page is UGBChurch • First Baptist Church Opelika The following are held in-per­son and online on Sundays. 8:30 a.m. Tra­ditional Worship and Message at The Worship Center 9:45 a.m. Sunday School Hour 11 a.m. Contemporary Service at The 3:16 Center 6 p.m. Evening Worship and Message at The Worship Center 6:30 p.m. Church on Chadwick at Chadwick Lane in Auburn To watch services online, go to fb­copelika.­com/­media

The Spreading Flame has, “Don’t put out the Spirit’s fire.” The explanation usually offered for this text is that it has reference to remaining sensitive to God’s word as Paul goes on to say, “Do not treat prophecies with conBy Bruce Green tempt,” (v. 20). The Spirit Teaching Minister at 10th was trying to light a fire Street Church of Christ through prophecies, and in Opelika they were putting it out by their indifference (or worse) to the word. They in Christ Jesus” (16-18). weren’t to be passive, but “Do not quench the Spirit” were to “test them” (i.e., would then be a bridge the prophecies), holding to serve as a conclusion on to what was good and rejecting anything that was to v. 16-18 as well as an introduction to v. 20-22 spurious (v. 21-22). if we were to read it this That’s a solid underway. The Spirit is working standing as far as it goes, in us to produce a joyful I’m just not sure that it life, a prayerful spirit and goes far enough. It seems a thankful heart. To not likely that what Paul says work with Him in these before v. 19 is also in things is to “put out the view. There he writes, Spirit’s fire.” “Rejoice always, pray This exhortation seems continually, give thanks to pick up the thread of in all circumstances; for 1:5-10, where he speaks this is God’s will for you

of how the gospel came to them not merely in words but “also with power, with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction . . . you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering with the joy given by the Holy Spirit” (v. 5-6). Take a look at what he tells the disciples at Ephesus in 5:15-20 and see if that doesn’t sound like something in the same neighborhood of what he is saying here. Where does this lead us? It takes us out of the first century and into the twenty-first century. Applying the text to prophetic utterances in the early church is fine and we can make some sort of present day application to our reception of God’s word, but I think this understanding goes further. Living with joy, prayer and gratitude is our cooperative response to the Spirit’s work within

ABOUT BRUCE GREEN us. This puts glory in the “ordinary.” The Spirit wasn’t just concerned with producing prophetic utterances in the first century, He was concerned with producing Christ-like lives that radiated with the Spirit’s fruit. We live in a world that can be cold and dark at times. Headlines, sound bytes, and news feeds are often dominated by bad news that can be depressing if we choose to dwell on it. But disciples have the choice of saying, “Look what the world is coming to” or “Look Who has come into the world.” We can curse the darkness or light candles. May we burn as part of the spreading flame for Jesus that refuses to be extinguished! You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: a-taste-of-gracewith-bruce-green.com

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

He who heeds discipline shows the way to life, but whoever ignores correction leads others astray. — Proverbs 10:17

Church Directory Union Grove Baptist Church 4009 Lee Road 391, Opelika 334-749-0461

BAPTIST Beulah Baptist Church 5500 Lee Road 270, Valley 334-705-0538 Cooperative Baptist Fellowship 128 East Glenn Ave.,

Auburn 334-887-8506 Greater Peace Missionary Baptist Church 650 Jeter Ave., Opelika 334-749-9487 Green Chapel Missionary Baptist 390 Lee Road 106, Auburn (334) 749-4184 High Hope Baptist Church 227 Lee Road 673 334-524-8750 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

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 334-7498676 BAPTIST Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3089 Judge Brown Road, Valley 334-710-2177 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 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 Heritage Baptist Church 1103 Glenn St. 334-363-8943 Love Freewill Baptist Church 1113 Frederick Ave. 334-7452905 Ridge Grove Missionary Baptist Church 1098 Lee Road 155 - 334-7453600 Northside Baptist Church 3001 Lafayette Hwy 334-7455340 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 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 334-7499112 Church of God 114 17th Place 334-749-6432 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

APOSTOLIC HOLINESS Emmanuel Temple of Deliverance Inc 28 Sanford AvE., Opelika 334-745-0210 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

CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ at Cunningham 2660 Cunningham Dr., Opelika 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 METHODIST Auburn United Methodist Church

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

2506 Marvyn Pkwy 334-745-2841 PENTECOSTAL Full Gospel Pentecostal Church Hwy. 29, PO Box 1691 334-7418675 Gateway Community Church 2715 Frederick Rd 334-745-6926 PRESBYTERIAN First Presbyterian Church of Opelika 900 2nd Ave. 334-745-3421 Move to section above this and format as the others are formatted NON-DENOMINATIONAL Auburn Opelika Korean Church 1800 Rocky Brook Rd 334-7495386 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 Connect Church 2900 Waverly Pkwy 334-7493916 New Life Christian Center 2051 West Point Pkwy 334-7417373 New Life Independent Church 10 Meadowview Estates Trailer 334-741-9001

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

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

Email: editor@opelika observer.com Call: 334-749-8003

A14 May 13, 2021

Community gathers for National Day of Prayer

PHOTOS BY HANNAH LESTER / OPELIKA OBSERVER

OBITUARIES

Madelyn Ann McClendon

A Celebration of Life service for Miss Madelyn Ann McClendon, 18, of Dadeville, Alabama, will be Thursday, May 13, 2021 at 2 p.m. at the First Baptist Church of Dadeville. Dr. Ben Hayes will officiate. Burial will follow in the Tallapoosa County Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday,

May 12, 2021 from 5 to 8 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Dadeville. She was born on July 12, 2002 in Opelika, Alabama to Mark McClendon and Christina Petty McClendon and went home to be with her Savior on May 8, 2021 after a courageous and valiant fight against ovarian cancer. Maddie was 18 years old and left this earth surrounded by family and friends at her home in Dadeville. Maddie graduated from Lee-Scott Academy in May 2020. Maddie was a member of First Baptist Church of Dadeville where she loved teaching Vacation Bible school. She enjoyed going on several mission trips and especially enjoyed the one to Olanchito, Honduras where she was the first one up the mountain to a village after an eight-mile hike. Maddie enjoyed

every aspect of her student and social life at LeeScott Academy. Maddie represented her class as one of two junior maids on the homecoming court and was co-head of the Varsity cheer squad her senior year. She enjoyed playing softball and especially running track. She was always a fast runner, putting forth her best effort – to the point of exhaustion when she crossed the finish line. She was an excellent long jumper. Maddie was loving, caring and a shining light to those that knew her. She had a zest for life and was always making others laugh with her funny personality and Southern drawl. Maddie loved spending time with family and friends at Lake Martin and going Auburn University football games in the Fall. She loved to travel – she was always

ready to go. Anywhere. Maddie loved to dance and attend music concerts. She loved all kinds of music. While Maddie enjoyed shopping and helping her friends with their makeup, she also enjoyed riding dirt roads with her friends singing songs and being outdoors in the mud on 4 wheelers. Maddie’s faith was unwavering even as she battled a very rare and aggressive ovarian cancer. She had hope in God and everlasting life in heaven. Maddie was diagnosed with smallcell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcemic type (SCCOHT) and passed away 6 months and 19 days after her diagnosis with cancer. She received treatment at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The McClendon family is forever indebted to Dr.

Joseph Pressey and the entire medical team at CCHMC. The physicians, nurses and the staff fell in love with Maddie and she loved them in return. Their goal is to continue to raise awareness about ovarian cancer as there is a great need for screening and better treatment options for girls and women. She is survived by her parents Mark and Chris McClendon of Dadeville, her brother, Matthew Carson McClendon, sisters, Lindsey M. Boozer (Jacob) and Kaylyn Ashley McClendon, her grandmother, June McClendon of Dadeville, her grandfather Larry Petty of Jackson’s Gap, Alabama, a niece, Scarlett Boozer, a nephew, Hudson Boozer and several aunts, uncles and cousins. She will always be Aunt Mae Mae to Scarlett and Hudson. She was preceded in

death by her grandfather, Felix McClendon and grandmother, Norma Petty. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent in Maddie’s honor to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. Donations may be made online at: www. cincinnatichildrens.org/ donate. Select “other” and submit Maddie’s name. All gifts given to will be specifically utilized for SCCOHT research occurring at CCHMC. You may also give to the Small Cell Ovarian Cancer Foundation in Maddie’s honor, or to First Baptist Church of Dadeville www. fbcdadeville.com/. Memorial messages may be sent to the family at www. langleyfuneralhome.com. Langley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

A15 May 13, 2021

SATURDAY JUNE 5th

11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Downtown Opelika

(North Railroad Ave. and 1st Ave.)

Sign Up As A Griller Today!

PRO

Restaurants Caterers Chefs

CORPORATE TAILGATER Any Business or Company that Wants to Compete

Any Individual that Wants to Compete

For More Information & To Sign Up Check Us Out On Presented By The Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation

BURT

Employment Services

Proceeds To Support Backpack Meals at Food Bank of East Alabama *This event is being hosted by The Opelika Rotary Charitable Foundation, a 501(C)3 Organization, operating under Chapter 3, Title 10A of the Alabama Code of 1975. For the safety of our guests and volunteers, we ask that all persons entering this event comply with CDC and State mandated guidelines, including but not limited to the use of masks, and maintaining of social distancing, when possible. All persons entering this event do so voluntarily, and at their own risk. Pursuant to Act 2021-4, signed into law by Governor Ivey on Feb 12, 2021, non-profit organizations are shielded from civil liability related to COVID exposure.

A16 May 13, 2021

COMICS

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

S

S

School Board Meetings Opelika: May 25 at 4:30 p.m. Auburn: June 8 at 6 p.m.

INSIDE • OPELIKA SCHOOLS • LEE COUNTY SCHOOLS • COMMUNITY SPORTS

Lee County: June 8 at 6 p.m.

Bullish Bobcats

Beulah softball cruises to area title PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ALLISON AIKENS

On the Mark By D. Mark Mitchell

OHS Softball crash out of area tournament

O

and Valley’s Kaylin Green. Green earned the win by throwing seven innings, allowing just four hits and striking out 10 OHS batters. Yountz took the loss despite allowing only two hits and striking out nine Ram batters. Valley scored a run in the first and the bottom of the seventh inning to win. Opelika managed only one run, coming in the top of the third inning. The loss ended the season for OHS and first year head coach Randy Belyue. Given time, coach Belyue will improve Opelika’s softball program. The numbers in recreation softball have declined over the years, which has a direct effect on the varsity team. More girls playing translates to more players on the JV and Varsity. It is time for OCS to make a commitment to Lady Bulldog softball. Having support from all levels is important and must happen for the program to improve. Coach Belyue needs time to improve the program, like he did in Wetumpka, where the Indians won a state championship under his leadership. FOOTBALL OHS started spring practice last week at Bulldog Stadium. Head coach Erik Speakman, See SPORTS, page B4

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

The Beulah Bobcats varsity softball team was crowned area champions as they dominated the AHSAA 3A Area 07 Softball Tournament last weekend. On the way to

their championship, Beulah, the No. 1 seed and host of the area tournament, shut out both of its opponents, scoring 17 runs of their own. Having earned a first-round bye, Beulah was forced to watch the first game of action between the No. 2 seed Dadeville and No.

3 seed Reeltown on Friday. Dadeville won 8-5, setting up a date between the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds in the second round. Coming into the game, Beulah had the advantage on paper, winning both of the two regular season matchups by a combined score of 7-1. The Bobcats’

confidence was apparent as they shut out the Tigers 7-0. For the game, Beulah had nine hits to Dadeville’s four. Leading the way for the Bobcats was Katie Morris, who went 2-for-2 with three RBI, one run scored and a double. See BEULAH, page B5

Smiths Station girls’ soccer stumble in state semis PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY TESSA DUNN

pelika’s Varsity softball team ended its season with two losses in the area tournament last weekend at West Ridge. The Lady Bulldogs earned the right to host the tournament by winning the regular season area title. Despite the home field advantage, OHS managed to only beat Russell County (15-0) in the first game, before losing two straight (Eufaula 13-0 and Valley 2-1). OHS dominated Russell County, 15-0, in game one. Daysia Jones earned the win in the circle, pitching four innings of shutout softball, allowing just one hit. Offensively, Opelika recorded nine hits including two apiece from Nylen Thomas and Libby Gaberlavage. McKay Yountz, Sanai Stringer, Jones, Ava Parker and KD Lee added hits. Game two was a different story. The No. 2 seeded Eufaula shutdown OHS, 13-0, behind solid pitching and timely hitting. EHS pitcher Jan Puckett pitched five innings, allowing no hits while striking out seven batters. The Tigers racked up nine hits and made zero errors in the win. Opelika then lost to Valley in the elimination game, 1-2. The game turned into a pitching dual between Opelika’s Yountz

By Wil Crews sportscrews@ opelikaobserver.com

It took two overtime periods and penalty kicks, but

the Smiths Station Lady Panthers soccer team fell, 2-1 (4-1 on

penalty kicks), to the Enterprise Wildcats See SMITHS, page B4

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B2 May 13, 2021

ASMS launches virtual summer camps The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science (ASMS) is taking an innovative approach to summer programming to reach homes throughout Alabama. The school typically hosts an Adventures In Math and Science (AIMS) summer camp on their campus with 1,200 plus students, but in late fall when planning would normally begin, the decision was made to cancel the camp out of an abundance of caution. In its place, ASMS is offering two summer programs available to students across the state at a reduced cost without travel involved – a Virtual Cybercamp and a Virtual STEM Camp. This summer, 6th 12th graders can learn

cybersecurity and jump into STEM with ASMS. This year’s Cybercamp will feature the National Cybersecurity Teacher of the Year! ASMS instructor, Ms. Deb Gray, will be leading the ASMS Virtual Cybercamp from June 21 to June 25. Campers will be immersed in a week of Cybersecurity principles and programming along with a CyberPatriot competition at the end. Then, ASMS instructors will be leading a Virtual STEM Camp from July 12 to 23. Campers will engage in unique STEM courses like computer programming, the biology of vaccines, webpage basics, the science of super-villains and more. “Cybersecurity is quickly becoming one of the most important fields in our world to-

day. ASMS is excited to bring our premier computer science program to homes throughout the state with a fun, competitive curriculum. We also know that quality, engaging, and fun-filled STEM learning can take place even when students are not in a traditional classroom. Students who choose either camp are sure to develop new skills and experience just how awesome learning can be,” said ASMS Director of Admissions and Outreach, Mr. Ken Robinson. To register or for more information about the camps, students and families can visit the school’s website at: www.asms.net/outreach/summer-camp. Questions about the camp can be directed to admissions@asms.net.

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY ASMS

Contributed by ASMS

The Alabama School of Mathematics and Science is the state's only fully public and residential high school for sophomores, juniors, and seniors pursuing advanced studies

in math, science, and the humanities. ASMS is a research-focused learning community committed to innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration and diversity, with a mis-

sion to empower motivated Alabama students to improve their community, state, and nation. Tuition, room, and board are free. Learn more at asms. net.

Jaclyn Button named Girls’ Flag Football Coach at Opelika High School Contributed by Opelika City Schools

BUTTON

Jaclyn Button has been named the Girls’ Flag Football Coach at Opelika High School. Coach Button currently serves as the OHS Head Girls’ soccer coach and will continue to serve in that role. “I am excited for the girls to have this opportunity to play a new sport and for Opelika High School to be a part of the flag football pilot program,” Button said. “It will be one more way for our female athletes to be accountable and be part

of a team.” OHS Principal Dr. Farrell Seymore added, “Coach Button is a veteran coach who is committed to student success and leading with integrity. We are excited to offer another strong program for our students.” Button has served as the head coach for the girls’ soccer team since 2017 and was the assistant coach for four years prior to that. From 2013-18, she served as Assistant Girls’ Varsity basketball coach and head JV Girls’ basketball coach. At OHS, Button teaches Pre-Calculus,

Analytical Math and Algebraic Connections. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in Education from Auburn University in 2013 and earned her Master’s Degree from the University of West Alabama in 2020. Button is originally from St. Louis, Missouri, and is married to Wesley Button. When not working and coaching, the Buttons enjoy spending time at the lake. Girls at OHS interested in trying out for the flag football team should sign up on the list by Button’s classroom or contact her at jaclyn.button@opelika-

schools.org. In early April, the Alabama High School Athletic Association announced that girls’ flag football would be a sanctioned sport beginning in the fall of 2021. For more information regarding AHSAA Girls’ Flag Football, refer to the following link: www.ahsaa.com/ Media/AHSAANOW/ News-Articles/alabama-high-school-athletic-association-to-offer-girls-flag-footballas-a-sanctioned-sportin-2021 . For more information, contact Becky Brown, Public Relations Coordinator, 334-524-9720.

SUSCC plans summer camps on Wadley campus Contributed by SUSCC Bring your sense of wonder for arts, as well as for fun and exploration, and spend time on Southern Union’s Wadley campus this summer. Children entering the first through the sixth grades are invited to attend the annual Kids Kollege day camp. Held June 2124, Kids Kollege gives the youth of east central Alabama an opportunity to explore various subjects in a fun, supportive environment. Children participate in sessions such as art, sports, music, science, dance and health, giving them a taste of “college life” at SUSCC. The camp also includes a day of fun on a field trip. “We always look forward to Kids Kollege week,” said Shondae Brown, director of public relations at SUSCC. “These students bring such vitality and energy to campus; it is just a fun

atmosphere.” Kids Kollege is sponsored by the SUSCC Alumni Association. Registration for the camp is $70. Camp T- shirts are available for an additional $10. Registration forms can be found by clicking the Kids Kollege icon on the Southern Union website, suscc.edu. Registration ends May 21. Older students will also have a chance to have some fun at Southern Union this summer. Fine Arts Camp, scheduled for June 16 and 17, is open to students in grades 7-12 or college age. At a cost of $162, the camp may be taken for college credit by students who meet the college’s entrance requirements. Fine Arts Camps offers training in music and dance with intensive instruction in the area of the student’s choice. The camp draws students from throughout the Southeast. Attendees have a chance to study

with SU’s renowned fine arts faculty, as well as guest instructors. “Studies have shown that education in the arts helps to develop a well-rounded individual and helps to improve learning in all academic areas,” said Brown. “Fine

Arts Camp gives students exposure to various disciplines in the arts and hopefully helps them develop an appreciation for things they may not otherwise experience.” Brown added, “These camps are just examples

of how Southern Union works to enhance cultural exposure for our area’s youth, to stimulate interest in arts and sciences and to promote community spirit.” For registration information for Kids Kollege visit

www.suscc.edu or contact Brown at 256-395-2211 ext. 5145 or sbrown@ suscc.edu. To register for Fine Arts Camp contact Dean Steve Spratlin at 256-395-2211 ext. 5105 or email him at sspratlin@ suscc.edu.

Art class is one of the many fun experiences that are planned for this summer’s Kids Kollege.

B3 May 13, 2021

The Month of May Celebrates Safety, Sweet Dreams and Smiles

“There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens.” Ecclesiastes 3:1.

T

his school year has been different. I want to commend parents, educators and school staff for working so hard and being flexible in meeting the learning needs of our children. This school year has been good. We feel the hints of summer approaching even though summer does not come in until Sunday, June 20. We want to have fun in the sun during the summer but we need to use safety precautions in protecting our children. Here are a few summer safety tips as you take care of your little ones during the summer:

Be sure to apply the appropriate sunscreen to your child. Each child requires a different scale of protection according to the color of their skin and their age. When moms leave young children in my care, I request sunscreen which the parents or I apply 20 to 30 minutes ahead of outside fun time. When your child is swimming or running through the sprinkler be sure to reapply the sunscreen at intervals when they get in and out of the water. Take time to evenly apply as well as well-covering spots that may burn. When children are

running and playing outside in the heat it is so important for them to be dressed appropriately with light colored and light weight clothing. Clothing should allow the child to be cool. During these summer months “sweating” is characteristic of a summer day. Children love to run and play different games and activities. When your little one gets really wet with sweat, be sure to change them into dry clothes. In preventing heat stress in children be sure he/she is very well-hydrated. Encourage your child to drink as much water, juices and different f lavored drinks as possible. We do not want our children to become dehydrated. Have your child or children play quiet inside games, rest, read, look at appropriate programs on television, video or DVD during the heat of the day. Have your child stay out of direct heat, try to find shade. During late afternoon or evening hours make sure your child is properly sprayed with insect repellant. Follow the appropriate instructions of how to

Local schools release graduation plans By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

Both Opelika and Auburn High School have announced their plans for the graduation. Opelika Opelika High School is planning to hold a traditional, formal graduation on May 21 at 7 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium. Graduates are limited to 12

ticketed guests. Masks are required and the graduates will be seated at least 6 feet apart from sideline to sideline. Auburn Auburn City Schools will celebrate the Auburn High Class of 2021 later this month by holding the first-ever graduation ceremony in Duck Samford Stadium (1840 E Glenn Ave.).

“The Duck is a fitting place for our students to connect before they transition to the next chapter,” Auburn High School Principal Dr. Shannon Pignato said in a statement. “It gives these 628 seniors the experience of graduating under the open sky, surrounded by family and friends, and on the same field See GRADUATION, page B5

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apply the repellant. When you are doing summer mowing be sure your child stays at a safe distance from the lawn mower in that a mower could kick up a rock or stick. In taking your child to playgrounds and parks during the summer, be sure that the sliding boards, swings and other equipment are not too hot for your child to play on. Assess the general safety of the park before allowing your child to play. Parents please remember to put helmets on your child when they are riding their bicycles. Go over safety rules your child needs to follow in riding their bicycles. Properly supervise them. We all love to walk barefooted during the summer months. It is part of summer! But we have to be so careful where we walk in our yards, along beaches, beside lakes, ponds, streams, the ocean, etc. It is best to leave the shoes on until you can assess the safety of an area. Try to always have a first aid kit with you to pack basic supplies you will need before going swimming, playing, picnicking and having

plain old summer fun outdoors. As parents and early childhood teachers, we know firsthand the abundant amount of energy young children have. I love to look through their eyes because they don’t want to miss a thing. But when they finally wind down and drift off to sleep, it is so good all the way around. Getting enough sleep allows the body to rest and relax, prevents a lot of illnesses, and refuels our bodies for the next day. Here are a few helpful hints from resources and experience that I would like to share with the readers: - Prepare your infant for bedtime by rocking your child, playing soft music, hugging your child, and keeping events low-key before bedtime. I know first hand that children love to be softly sung to. - Follow the same schedule or routine so your child knows bedtime is on its way. - With your young children develop a “going to bed” nightly tradition to set the sleep mood like lining up their toys, reading to your child a good bedtime story or singing or playing soft music. - When you slip out

of the room, if your baby or young child cries, you can reassure them by softly talking to them. - Make sure noise disturbances are kept at a minimum from families and friends. - Check the room temperature and make sure it is not too cold or hot. - With infants and toddlers check on diaper changes or other physical needs during the night. - Be sure the pacifier is nearby if your young child needs this. - A soft night light keeps young children from being afraid of their surroundings. - An afternoon nap is good for infants, toddlers and older preschoolers. If your toddler or preschooler is resistant to actually taking a nap, just encourage them to rest and do quiet activities. Smiles are contagious! When we smile at our young children they smile right back. This month is National Smile Month so get those cameras ready to make some happy memories with your young children. Beth Pinyerd Classroom Observer

Schneider Electric presents energy project to Lee County School Board By Wil Crews sportscrews@opelikaobserver.com

The Lee County School Board met for its regularly scheduled meeting on Tuesday and listened to a pitch from Schneider Electric, a financial technology company, regarding an energy savings project that could be applied to Lee County. “We have spent our entire career in

Alabama helping school systems become more efficient with their resources, modernizing their facilities and being fiscally responsible,” said Schneider Electric employee Todd Smith. Smith continued by stating that Schneider Electric can help address common district limitations on things such as time, money and

expertise. By working with Schneider Electric, Smith said the company would assist the school system in: design and engineering, public affairs and outreach, support service, financial services and construction management, along with providing a guarantee of performance. Smith then See SCHOOL BOARD, page B5

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B4 May 13, 2021

Hornets fall short in area tournament By Wil Crews SportsCrews@ OpelikaObserver.com

The Beauregard Varsity softball team entered the AHSAA 5A Region 05 area tournament last weekend as underdogs. They exited without turning the ever-present dream of first-place glory into reality, but with a 1-2 record and their heads held high, knowing they left it all on the field. The No. 4 seed Beauregard played its first game against the No. 1 seed Tallassee. Ace Madison “Mac” McDonald was on the mound for the Hornets, instilling belief in her teammates behind her. Going into the bottom of the sixth inning, the Hornets led the favorited Tigers 6-4. “We actually had

SMITHS >> FROM B1 in the AHSAA 7A State Girls Soccer Tournament semifinals last weekend. “I told them after the game, they not only have made me extremely proud, but they have made their community, their school, their teammates, their peers, they made everybody proud,” said head coach Dennis Jones. “I let them know basically that they are the greatest team to ever play at Smiths Station.” Entering the matchup, the two teams had met once before this season, with Enterprise getting the best of Smiths, 8-3. “That was our worst game of the season,” Jones said. So, before the game clock officially started, Jones was preparing his team to stick to their

SPORTS >> FROM B1 appearing on the “On the Mark” radio show on FOX Sports the Game, talked about his goals for spring training. Speakman said replacing the offensive line, quarterback and running back would be crucial. Currently, four

them on the ropes,” said head coach Scott Meadows. Two fielding errors in the inning allowed four Tallassee base runners to cross the plate. The Hornets watched as a game they felt in control of turned on its head because of a couple of sloppy plays. With just three outs remaining to tie up the ball game, Tallassee made its first pitching change, a move that apparently flustered the Hornets. Three up, then three down. Tigers win. The Hornets were suddenly in a hole, with one more loss removing them from the tournament. “You take those two plays out from our side and we had a really good opportunity to upset them,” Meadows said. Despite the loss, there were some

positives from the game. After all, the Hornets were able to plate six runs against the No. 1 seed’s No. 1 pitcher. Katie Wilkerson went 2-for3 with a double and Caroline Willis went 2-for-4 to lead the hitters. Mac went six innings, striking out four and scattering 10 hits

game plan – which focused on disrupting the oppositions two playmaking forwards. “We knew exactly who we needed to shut down and we did exactly what we needed to do,” Jones said. “Our M.O. is usually to score early and then just hunker down and play defense and we did exactly that.” Spurred on by their experience, confidence and staunch defense, the Panthers were able to put the ball in the back of the net first with a Morgan Ritter goal (possibly an own goal) early in the first half. “We knew we could beat them and we thought we were going to beat them,” Jones said. However, thanks to a blunder from Smiths, Enterprise responded within the next 10

minutes to level the game at 1-1. Coming out of the half time break, Smiths’ game plan remained the same. “Let’s just hunker down and play good defense and play for the PK’s,” Jones told his team. “We did have some scoring opportunities, but we knew that our main objective in the second half was to play good defense – and we did that.” The two teams continued on throughout the second half and two overtime periods, countering each other’s strategies like two grand masters of the sport. Jones remained confident in his squad, however. “We thought if we could get them to PK’s then we would be alright,” he said. “But it just didn’t work out for

student-athletes are competing to start at quarterback while others try to win the other starting jobs that are on the line – running backs and defensive players. Coach Speakman and OHS end spring practice Friday with a 6 p.m. scrimmage at Bulldog Stadium. Fans

can attend the scrimmage by paying $5 at the gate. Opelika’s 2021 schedule starts Aug. 20 at Bulldog Stadium against Callaway. Opelika will host Auburn, Aug. 27, go to Lanier, Sept. 3, host Eufaula, Sept. 10, travel to Carver in Crampton Bowl, Sept. 17, travel to Central,

over the course of her outing. “She pitched a good game,” Meadows said of McDonald. “It was just that one inning, which seems to be the story of the season. When we had good pitching and games were tight, if we didn’t make those one or two errors that cost us, we

would usually be in it or win it.” Following the loss, Beauregard had to wait through two long games until they played again that night. The Hornets were now up against Pike Road – a team they split the regular season series with, 1-1. Although they came out “a little sluggish,” as Meadows put it, the Hornets posted a glut of runs late in the game to defeat Pike Road 16-4. Down 4-2 after four innings, Meadows spoke to his team. “I kept telling them, if y’all just start hitting the ball … because we have seen that pitcher for a third time … if y’all will get on her, y’all can win this ball game.” The Hornets responded by putting up 12 runs in the fifth to go up 14-4. Wilkerson

was solid at the plate again, going 2-for-3 with three walks and three RBI’s. Mac was on the mound again and to little surprise, pitched well, going five innings and allowing only three earned runs. Her 2-for-3 hitting performance only aided her cause. The junior, Willis, went 2-for4, and ninth grader Berkley Wilson broke the fifth inning open with her grand slam. “She’s going to be one we will be counting on next year,” Meadows said on Wilson. Beauregard had survived another day and had a date with the No. 2 seed Brew Tech coming up. “You can look at it either way … a game to get you to regionals, or a game to end the season,” Meadows said.

us this time.” After what seemed like marathons of running, the two teams lined up for what is quite possibly the most exhilarating game-deciding ritual in sports – PK’s. Both teams had their gas tanks on empty. In the end, Jones thinks tired legs did his girls in. “My girls were just wore slap out,” he said. “They were dragging. They were tired.” Enterprise buried four kicks to the Panther’s one. The Wildcats advanced, Smiths went packing. The agony of defeat versus the thrill of victory. Regardless, the Panthers can celebrate a successful season, finishing with a 14-5-3 record and the school’s first ever final four in boys or girls’ soccer.

“I couldn’t be more proud of them,” Jones said. “They played well together, they love each other, they are basically best friends out there on the field and they couldn’t have played any better if I dreamt it up.” Jones gave a commendation to his seniors – a group of nine that he calls “special.” “To be honest with you, they are going to be hard to replace,” he said. “I can’t say enough about them. It’s the most talented group of graduating players that I’ve had at one time. That’s the reason we were able to get as far as we did because we had a group that worked so well together and they have been playing for a long time together.” Looking forward, Jones said next year

will be a little bit of a “rebuilding season,” but he’s looking forward to next season’s work. Lastly, Jones gave a final praise and thanks regarding the support his team received. “I just want to give a shout-out to the community and to the school. I wasn’t even aware of this until we were leaving on Thursday afternoon but they arranged a big send off for the girls. The girls did a team walk through the school. Law enforcement, the fire trucks and all those EMT guys was out there. The band came out and played for us. It was really special it was something special for the girls to see and witness and know that it was for them. Thanks for making the team feel loved and appreciated.”

Sept. 24, go to Russell County, Oct. 1, host Lee at Bulldog Stadium, Oct. 8, host Valley at Bulldog Stadium, Oct. 15 and finish at Park Crossing on Oct. 22. Coach Speakman announced a staff change this week. Tommy Traylor will move from ninth grade head coach to varsity assistant

coach, in charge of “S” Backs and Kickers. S-Back is the same as fullback. A ninth grade head coach will be named in the summer. OPELIKA YOUTH BASEBALL Opelika’s Dixie Youth Baseball league is in the final stages of the regular season. The

following are league standings. D. Mark Mitchell is the Sports Director at iHeartMedia, host of “On the Mark” on Fox Sports The Game 9101310, Co-Chair of the Auburn-Opelika Sports Council, Chairman of the Super 7 and Dixie Boys Baseball State Director.

See HORNETS, page B5

B5 May 13, 2021

Buried by Bessemer By Wil Crews SportsCrews@ OpelikaObserver.com

The Glenwood varsity baseball team saw its season come to an end last weekend with 10-9 and 15-0 defeats at the hands of the Bessemer Academy Rebels in the third round of the AISA Class 3A playoffs last Wednesday. “They were ready to go to the state championship game and we weren’t,” Glenwood head coach Tim Fanning said. Coming into the series, Fanning maintained that he “liked his pitching against anyone.” Instead, the Rebel offense proved too potent to handle and Glenwood limped out of the state tournament in the end. In the highly contested first game, pitching was neither team’s forte. Bessemer scored first, plating two runs in the bottom of the first inning. The Rebels then added to their lead with three more runs in the second.

BEULAH >> FROM B1 Elisabeth Hancock went 2-for-4 with one RBI with one run scored and Savanna Clements had a strong day, going 2-for-2 with one RBI and two runs scored. Brandy Phillips earned the win on the mound, throwing four innings, striking out six and allowing just one hit. Morris threw three innings in relief, allowing three hits and striking out eight. The contest was close until the fifth

GRADUATION >> FROM B3 they rally on and around Friday nights.” Six-hundred and twenty-eight graduates will gather for a socially distanced graduation ceremony to be held at 7 p.m. on May 20. Each graduate will be allotted eight guest tickets for attendance for family, friends and well-wishers. All guests are required to have a ticket and must stay off the field. Graduating seniors should arrive

HORNETS

>>

FROM B4 Expecting to see Brew Tech’s No. 1 pitcher, who pitched the Hornets “away, away, away” the last time the two teams met, Beauregard put Mac on the mound for the third successive

The Gators then responded in the third, but the Rebels once again extended their lead in the bottom of the inning with two more runners crossing the plate. Glenwood pitcher Colton Dempsey settled in after that, and following two scoreless innings from the Gator, the score sat at 7-3, Rebels. The sixth inning is where Glenwood made its run. The Gators were able to plate four thanks to Dempsey’s lone hit of the night – a grand slam – to tie the game at 7. Then, Glenwood importantly got out of the inning without allowing the Rebels to respond with runs of their own. The Gators rode their momentum into the seventh inning and scored two more to take their first lead of the game. “He [Dempsey] threw up three goose eggs in a row and we just started hitting,” Fanning said. “But defense cost us in that game. We made six errors.”

Bessemer was then in need of a final, seventh inning rally. And they got one. Two Rebels reached base and a single plated them both to tie the game at 9-9. With the winning run on third, Glenwood walked two Bessemer batters to load the bases. Then, Bessemer’s Elijah Evans was the hero, dinking in a ground ball to left field, driving home the base runner to win the game 10-9. In the end,

Dempsey’s resilient mid-game turnaround to keep his team in the game proved fruitless. Similarly, solid hitting performances from the likes of Cam Carpenter, Lukas Holman and Ty Smith went by the wayside because of the defensive lapses. “I was proud of him for fighting back,” Fanning said of Dempsey. “But when you give a really good team that many extra opportunities it usually comes back to bite

you – and it did.” The second game was one to forget for Glenwood. After an hour and a half weather delay, the Rebels got off to a thunderous start, earning a 5-0 lead at the end of the first inning. Despite Glenwood’s throwing its ace, Trevor Horne, Bessemer continued the torrential onslaught in the second and scored six more runs to put the Gators in a daunting 11-0 hole.

inning when Beulah erupted on offense, plating five runs to make it 7-0. The two teams were locked in a pitching duel thereafter, with neither team registering another run. The victory meant the Bobcats were just one more win away from clinching the area title. The following day, Beulah had to watch the loser’s bracket rematch between Dadeville and Reeltown. Reeltown got the best of the Tigers on their second attempt, pulling off a

comeback, walk-off, 7-6 victory. Therefore, Beulah and Reeltown were set to face off in the championship. The Bobcats, who must have entered the game with sky-high confidence levels. Having won both of their regular season matchups against the Rebels by a combined score of 21-4, Beulah dominated their opponent once again. Jumping out to an early 2-0 lead after the first inning, Beulah continued to pile on the runs. Three more in the second, four in

the fourth and one in the sixth resulted in an expedient run-rule conclusion. On the mound, Beulah’s pitching was lights out again. This time, the pitching order flipped from game one. Phillips started and earned the win, going 3.2 innings, striking out six and allowing just two hits. Morris then pitched the remaining 2.1 innings without allowing a hit, striking out seven. Offensively, six of 10 Bobcat hitters registered a hit. Abrianna Green, Savanna

Clements and Phillips each scored two runs, while Morris, Kyleigh Morgan, Kassidy Kirby and Anna Gray scored one apiece. Beulah cruised through the area tournament and were crowned area champions. Now, the team sets its sights on the East Central Regionals, which begin in Montgomery on Friday. Beulah is scheduled to play Area 09 runner up Wellborn High School at 9 a.m. On paper, Beulah are the favorites.

According to max preps, The Panthers’ 6-20 record pales in comparison to Beulah’s 22-15. If the Bobcats win, they will need only two more victories to be crowned regional champions. A loss, however, makes the path much more treacherous – winning in the first-round can be a springboard of momentum. If the Bobcats play with the confidence they showed in the area tournament, then a deep run in regionals looks more than possible.

overnight field trips for: Beauregard High School’s baseball team to attend the state playoffs, Loachapoka’s softball team to attend the state playoffs and backdated approval of trips for Loachapoka softball and Smiths Station soccer to respective postseason tournaments. - The board reviewed the monthly financial report for the month of March. - The board reviewed the Lee County Schools

Seclusion and Restraint Monthly Report for April. - The board brief ly discussed the current gas shortage and its effect on diesel-fueled school buses in the system. - The board approved human resource recommendations. The Lee County School Board meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 6 p.m. at 2410 Society Hill Road. The next meeting is scheduled for June 8.

its season with a 15-20 record and five seniors are set to depart from the team. Despite not finishing how they wanted, Meadows is proud of how his team finished. “I think, you know, we had problems earlier in the year. We didn’t

show up like we wanted to play every game and we didn’t always come to practice ready to get better. But I think the last probably three weeks of the season it changed. We practiced better. We showed up ready to compete more.”

SCHOOL BOARD >>

by 6 p.m. and be wearing their gowns and caps. Graduates will enter from the visiting team’s side of East University Drive, with parents and family entering from the home side. “I am so very proud of the resiliency at which the AHS Class of 2021 has approached everything about this school year,” Pignato said. “After the challenging senior year they have had, moving graduation to Duck Samford Stadium this year feels right.”

presented a comprehensive solution that would address a number of Lee County Schools’ problems specifically. The report stated that the district needed: critical HVAC redesign to eliminate aging systems, HVAC replacements across the district, water efficiency improvements, district-wide interior and exterior LED lighting

replacements, district-wide building automation improvements, building, window and envelope sealing, STEAM program student engagement and roofing refurbishments. In total, Schneider’s Electric’s estimate predicted that, by using their company as a third party, Lee County Schools could see an annual savings of up to 24-29%. Other Business: - The Board approved out of state/

game. “It was a pitcher’s duel,” Meadows said. Brew Tech’s pitcher switched up the scouting report and pitched all around the plate this time, flustering the Hornets, while Mac was solid herself. Beauregard’s best

opportunity in the game came with the score at 1-1 with a runner on third and just one out in the fifth inning. A ground ball back to the pitcher for out two and another easy force out left the Hornet base runner stranded. Both teams were held

to just three hits. The difference in the game was Brew Tech had a solo and two-run home run, and the Hornets were eliminated with a 3-1 loss. “They just had two quality hits,” Meadows said. “We had a chance.” Beauregard finishes

FROM B3

“They were ready man,” Fanning said of Bessemer. “Trevor battled as long as he could; they just hit him around, you know.” Things went from bad to worse and the Rebels built upon their momentum by adding four more runs in the third to make it 15-0. Glenwood was suddenly pushed to the brink of elimination. Needing to muster six runs to avoid a run-rule end to the game, the Gators showed some fight as the leadoff hitter made it to first on a single. However, the next Glenwood batter struck out and a then a ground ball double play ended the inning, the game and Glenwood’s hope of another state title. The only Gator hitters to reach base were Smith, who went 2-for-2 with a double and Avery Robinson, who finished 1-for-1 with a double. After the loss Fanning said he See GLENWOOD, page B6

B6 May 13, 2021

CWJC Celebrates Spring 2021 Graduates Despite a global pandemic, Christian Women’s Job Corps of Lee County, concluded its 27th session recently. After nine weeks of classes on life skills and job skills, with instruction on CPR and First Aid, Communications, Word and Excel, Budgeting and Bible study, participants wrote speeches about their experiences at CWJC. Six months after Jaye Kim arrived from Korea, the pandemic struck. One year later,

GLENWOOD

>>

FROM B5 believed the way his team lost game one “absolutely” had an effect on their performance in game two.

she arrived at CWJC, nervous and scared. “But they were kind and comfortable to me. I didn’t have perfect English but they told me, ‘Everything is fine and we can help you’. I still don’t have perfect English, but I am no longer afraid of the American people talking to me.” Jaye gives much credit to her classmate Kim. “I wouldn’t have graduated without her. Sometimes I wanted to give up but she always told me, ‘You are doing good. You are amazing’. She gave me courage.” Jaye’s classmate Kim

Smith was comfortable with her skills until she started classes at CWJC. “CWJC has helped me overcome obstacles and push myself. I did not know anything about how to put together a resume before I came here. I am also learning things about me that I did not know. CWJC opened doors in my brain that I left closed and was afraid to open. I enjoy computer class, learning about Word and Excel. I love learning about how to improve my typing skills. I recently bought a laptop so that I can further learn and explore this

“And that’s why you have to be so tough mentally to win the three game series because you have those ebbs and f low,” Fanning said. “If you get to high and let it crash you down when

you lose, you got to pick right back up and in a game of that magnitude you have to have everything focused mentally, not just physically.” Despite the defeat, however, it was still

PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY CWJC

Contributed by _Christian Women's Job Core of Lee County

Pictured above are Jaye Kim and Kim Smith.

amazing world.” As Kim gained confidence in herself and her new skills, she discovered a talent for writing poetry. “This has been

a scary yet wonderful experience, and I will recommend it to any woman looking to expand and further her learning, confidence

a successful season for Glenwood. The Gators finish as region champs, with a final record of 3412. Fanning’s lasting impression of his team everything but disappointed.

“I’m proud of the seniors and they are a great group of kids,” he said. “In the end we didn’t have what it took to make it to the state championship, that doesn’t make them bad people. So,

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and job training skills.” A Celebration Service was held to honor the two women who persevered through extraordinary times with social distancing and Zoom meetings to experience the Mission Statement of CWJC: To equip women through Bible Study and job readiness classes in a Christian environment conducive to change and growth from the inside out. For more information on how to become a participant or volunteer with CWJC, contact Neeley Caldwell at neeley@cwjclc.com or 334-821-0591.

I’m proud of what they have contributed to the Glenwood baseball program and I’m looking forward to seeing what they do with the rest of their lives.”

B7 May 13, 2021

OHS prepares for spring Jamboree

PHOTOS BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

The Opelika High School footall team began spring practice on Monday. The team is hosting a spring Jamboree football game on Friday at 6 p.m. at Bulldog Stadium.

Protect with 3! ✔ Tdap ✔ HPV ✔ MCV4 Protect your patients against vaccine preventable diseases.

As healthcare professionals, it is up to you to ensure your patients remain up to date with their vaccines.

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) recommend the following vaccines for adolescents: • • • •

Tetanus, Diptheria, Pertussis Human papillomavirus Meningococcal disease Influenza

For more information, please visit alabamapublichealth.gov/imm

B8 May 13, 2021

AmeriFirst Bank congratulates winners of Al Cook Scholarship

Smiths Station holds athletics signing day PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY STEPHANIE LEE / SMITHS STATION

CONTRIBUTED BY AMERIFIRST BANK Pictured left to right: Ethan Thompson, Auburn High School Winner, Bob Ramsey, CEO and President of AmeriFirst Bank and Benet Harris, Opelika High School Winner Not pictured is Al Cook, Vice-Chairman of AmeriFirst Bank

Smith Station held an athletics Signing Day on Tuesday for the following students pictured left to right: Tyler Suggs—Soccer—Andrew College, Casidhe Boley—Soccer—Point University, Donovan Pearman—Basketball— Paine College, Sarabeth Sansbury—Cheer—Huntingdon College, Jayden Tarver—Football—Lakeland University, Deseray Stone—Cheer--UAB

Local nonprofits hold Mothers Day event

PHOTOS BY AP PHOTOGRAPHY

Girls STEPS, Inc. and The Knee High Foundation, Inc. joined forces to celebrate women on Mother's Day! A rededication ceremony was held and attendees were able to enjoy some great music by Ulrick Tyrone Moultry while sipping on cool sno cones from Snobiz! The Opelika Police Department even stopped by to mingle with families.

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics

B9

May 13, 2021

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Inside the Statehouse How Will Alabama Fare in Washington after Richard Shelby

Joins group of the most innovative democratic state, local officials working to solve American’s largest challenges PHOTO BY ROBERT NOLES / OPELIKA OBSERVER

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ome of you have inquired how Alabama will fare in Washington after Senator Shelby retires at the end of 2022. The answer is that it will be nothing less than devastating for the Heart of Dixie. The amount of federal dollars that Senator Shelby has individually brought home is incalculable and irreplaceable. Alabama is going to be in the proverbial boat without a paddle in 20 short months. We will have negligible power in Washington and for a state that depends on federal dollars, that is not going to be a good position to be in for Alabama. Whoever wins the 2022 race for Shelby’s seat will have no real power for at least 18 years. The senate is a venerable institution where power is based on seniority. You have to wait your turn and patiently await the day when you can be a committee chairman or player in the senate. Even if we elect someone with the acumen, ability and temperament to be an effective senator, they will be in waiting two decades before they are modestly important. Tommy Tuberville has only been in the senate for four months. He is 66 and will be irrelevant in probably one term in the Senate. In short, we are dead in the water in the U.S. Senate for this generation. There is hope for future generations of Alabamians if someone under 55 with ability takes Shelby’s seat. There is a glimmer of hope for Alabama to sustain and preserve some of the mountains of largesse that Shelby has bestowed on our beloved state. However, that power rests in the U.S. House of Representatives. Congresswoman Terri Sewell and Congressman Robert Aderholt could be our hope for salvation for the upcoming decade. Congresswoman Terri Sewell is in her sixth two-year term representing Alabama’s seventh Congressional district. She is one of the first women elected to congress from Alabama in her own right and is the first black woman to ever serve in the Alabama Congressional delegation. She is the only Democrat in the entire Alabama delegation. Therefore, she is our only conduit to the Democratic Presidential throne. She is highly respected by the Biden Administration, as well as the U.S. House leadership. She is on a fast track too within the House Democratic Party. In her short time in Congress, Sewell has held several leadership positions including freshman class president and currently serves as Chief Deputy Whip under the tutelage of Democratic Whip James Clyburn. Sewell has made her mark within the Democratic Caucus. The Democrats not only occupy the White House, they are also in the majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The majority party controls all the

Rep. Gray Selected as One of Nation’s Outstanding Rising Leaders

Contributed by The NewDEAL

STEVE FLOWERS committee chairmanships and all of the power in Congress. The most important aspect of Congresswoman Sewell’s ability to help Alabama is that she sits on the exclusive House Ways and Means Committee, which writes the federal budget. By far the brightest Republican star in our Washington delegation is Congressman Robert Aderholt. This clean cut, conservative was first elected to Congress in 1996 at the age of 31. He is now in his 25th year in Congress and is a member of the powerful House Committee on Appropriations. His sprawling north Alabama 4th District extends in a band across north Alabama from Mississippi to Georgia. Huntsville’s hope is that when the new Congressional districts are drawn this year for the 2022 elections, that Aderholt can be brought into Madison County to help protect the Redstone Arsenal, which is truly dependent on federal dollars from Washington. Congressman Aderholt was born and raised in Haleyville where he and his wife, Caroline, reside when not in Washington. His father is a revered and respected, retired circuit judge. Caroline has deep political roots in the Huntsville/Madison area. Her father, Albert McDonald, was a prominent farmer who was a state senator from the Tennessee Valley and was Alabama’s Agriculture Commissioner. A third member of the House delegation, Mike Rogers of Anniston, could give us a triumvirate of power in the U.S. House. Congressman Rogers is the ranking republican on the House Armed Services Committee. Congresswoman Sewell, Congressman Aderholt and possibly Congressman Rogers, can be a hope for salvation in the post Richard Shelby era for the State of Alabama. 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.

Last week, State Rep. Jeremy Gray was selected as one of 19 leaders from across the country to join the NewDEAL (Developing Exceptional American Leaders), a selective national network of state and local elected officials. Gray joins the group at a time when state and local leaders are on the frontlines of responding See GRAY page B10

County to hire national recruitment firm to help fill Chief Administrators position By Michelle Key Publisher

Lee County’s Chief Administrator, Roger Rendleman, announced his retirement during last month’s Lee County Commission meeting. Rendleman, who has worked for the county more than 20 years will retire later this fall. The commission voted during Monday night’s meeting to hire GovHR USA, a national recruitment company, to assist in the task of hiring a new county administrator. GovHR USA provides comprehensive executive recruitment, interim staffing, human resources consulting and organizational analysis consulting services

NOW OPEN

for local governments, intergovernmental organizations, school districts as well as other governmental and non-profit entities according to their website. Rendleman also introduced an amended job description for the chief administrator position for the commissioners to review before the next scheduled meeting. Other business: - The commission voted to approve two different types of alcohol licenses for Speed Zone which is located in District 3. - The commission discussed a supplemental program which will provide financial compensation to employees that have been assigned specific

and defined duties and responsibilities that are not a part of the job description for the classification. An example of such duties is SWAT team members that undergo specific training in order to serve on the SWAT team. The goal is to offer supplemental compensation for these tasks without having to create a specific job classification for each responsibility. This program is scheduled to be voted on during the next meeting which will be held on May 24 instead of May 31 due to the Memorial Day holiday. - The commission also discussed personnel policy changes that will be up for approval at a later meeting.

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

B10 May 13, 2021

Name changes, ghosts of Robert E. Lee and a legendary horse

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eneral Robert E. Lee, born in Stratford, Virginia in 1807, could not save the South from defeat; the Confederates won some battles but were outnumbered and outwitted by Union Forces. Returning to Virginia after the Civil War, Lee saved an academic institution named Washington College. Its current name, Washington & Lee University, reflects pride in George Washington and in Lee, namesake of our Alabama county. Before the war Lee was an engineering professor at Virginia Military Institute in Lexington. Afterwards, he served as president of Washington College for five years. He built the school into an elite liberal arts college, pioneered new classes, including journalism and added a business school and a law school. Lee thought that he, as Confederate President Jefferson Davis had already, would be charged with treason and be imprisoned. A federal judge, who was an avowed abolitionist, convened a grand jury in Norfolk, Virginia intended to indict Lee and other Confederate generals and leaders.

GRAY >> FROM B9 to the pandemic and as they take on a critical role in implementing the American Rescue Plan recently signed by President Biden. The new law will send hundreds of billions of dollars to state and local governments. NewDEALers are supporting each other in addressing the many challenges created and exacerbated by COVID-19 by innovating, convening virtually and sharing good ideas. The NewDEAL has launched a database of policies and programs that address the wide-ranging impacts of the pandemic and is publishing recommendations for building back better from this crisis. Members of the nearly 200-person network are working to enact pro-growth progressive solutions in a diverse array of communities. They have been chosen from more than 1,650 nominations over its decade-long history. Gray and his peers in the new class of leaders (listed below) were recognized for their unwavering commitment to expanding opportunity as

“The issue (of the Courthouse amnesty) was highly charged,” wrote Ron Chernow in his bestseller “Grant.” “Memories of the war were fresh, the war was still raw and many bodies lay unburied around Appomattox.” Lee and the others were indicted, yet Grant convinced President Andrew Johnson he would resign if the amnesty did not stand. Johnson consented, but “wanted to make treason odious.” Lee delved into his postwar work as a college president. In my travels around Lexington, Virginia, signs read “Retain the Name” and its opposite “Change the Name.” Yet a hotel that is already using a new politically correct name on its advertising still has “Robert E. Lee Hotel” astride its front. The Lee hotel goes by the word “Gin” and the old Sheridan Livery has become “Tonic.” (It had been named for Union Gen. Philip H. Sheridan.) A replica of a 1915 sign in my office says “Help Wanted, No Irish Need Apply.” That illustrates the bigotry my grandparents dealt with when moving to America. Gradually, the

Irish won acceptance and years later held good jobs. John F. Kennedy was the first Catholic president and Joe Biden is the second. When many white people, particularly Southerners, see a hotel or statue to Robert E. Lee or Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson (who also lived in Lexington and taught at VMI before the Civil War) they think of their ancestors. Were those relatives fighting against black freedom out of malice or hate? Or did they enlist to save their livelihoods or families from damn Yankees? That service, ideological or not, may have killed long-ago relatives. Their descendants deserve a place where they can gather and honor these soldiers. But should African Americans see all these reminders of a terrible period for blacks? Why should they have to walk down these avenues with their children and explain why flawed men from another century be honored? A well-publicized incident occurred in Lexington in 2018 when Sarah Huckabee Sanders was denied a meal at an upscale restaurant called the Red Hen. The

owners noted that many of her workers are in the LGBTQ community and were upset by the White House press secretary’s presence. Protestors on both sides made this a national issue and viral fast-mover as fast as you can say “Red Hen.” Can you imagine a story like this making the news before the 1980s? And without the Internet, blogs, and cable news? How about before political polarization run amuck? In civilized days, an experienced owner might work something out such as which servers would be best to serve the celebrity. The owner might explain that he or she does not agree with then-President Trump’s politics but “please let the couple eat”. Instead, the Red Hen morphed into a red herring; the sick media

environment created a weeklong distraction from news that would actually impact and improve people’s lives. On the final day of this April trip, I had one more visit to make. I walked up a hill at Washington & Lee University and found Lee Chapel. It was closed. I did locate a familiar horse, pictures showed a grey American Saddlebred. Known as Traveller, he lived 14 years and was Lee’s most famous horse during the war. Signs and photos outside note his strength, loyalty and courage. I myself stayed at the former Sheridan Livery, which is now “Tonic” hotel. It’s possible Traveller and I walked the same ground, only 180 years apart! His remains are just outside the chapel, linking a rider and a horse who loved each other dearly. Greg Markley first moved to Lee County in 1996. He has Masters’ in education and history. He taught politics as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama. An award-winning writer in the Army and civilian life, he has contributed to the Observer for 10 years. gm.markley@charter.net

they work to build back better in their communities and reject the idea that policymakers can or should want to turn the clock back to a prior era. These leaders’ work will build on policy recommendations that NewDEAL leaders help develop, including the release of reports on education and climate change, as well as recommendations from the NewDEAL Forum Renewing American Task Force, which has provided guidance for state and local leaders to address affordable housing, child care, broadband access, entrepreneurship, mass transit and the social safety net. Leaders are currently participating in NewDEAL’s Build Back Better series, which supports them in addressing simultaneous crises around public health, the economy, racial equity and climate change. NewDEAL Leaders have found broad support for their work across red, blue and purple states and cities, with more than 20 rising to higher office in the past few years. These leaders include members of Congress, such as Marilyn Strickland in Washington, Greg

Stanton in Arizona, and Jennifer Wexton in Virginia, as well as new Mayors in cities from Dallas and Phoenix to Boise, Kansas City and Montgomery, Alabama. Additional leaders are on the ballot for Congress and other higher offices in 2022. “We are in a unique moment for state and local leaders as we must find solutions for the urgent challenges created by COVID-19 while not losing focus on longer-term issues that will also affect Alabama’s economic security for decades to come,” said Gray. “I look forward to sharing lessons with and learning from other leaders who are setting the standard for effective governance, and I am excited to be part of NewDEAL’s efforts to expand opportunities for Americans in communities nationwide.” First elected to the state house in 2018, Gray was selected to join NewDEAL because of his dedication to making Alabama a state inclusive of everyone through his work on education reform, criminal justice reform and equitable and accessible transit. One of Gray’s

key initiatives is his bill to make the expungement process easier for those who are seeking a second chance in life, which would expand expungement eligibility to persons convicted of certain non-violent misdemeanors and would further protect those records from being divulged after expungement. Gray has also sponsored legislation to attract electric bike companies to Alabama, require schools to provide water stations as well as clean filtered water and lift the 1993 ban on yoga in Alabama’s K-12 public schools. Gray’s most recent accomplishment was a bipartisan effort to establish the Innovate Alabama Matching Grant Program which will allow for matching funds to entities receiving the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology (STTR) grants. According to Gray, “This legislation will help incentivize and encourage high-risk, high-reward technology businesses and startups to seek federal SBIR & STTR funding awards, and foster more innovative research and development activity that stays in Alabama.”

About NewDEAL The NewDEAL brings together leaders focused on expanding opportunity, helping them develop and spread innovative ideas to spur economic growth that is broadly-earned and sustainable. Most importantly, the organization facilitates the exchange of ideas among its members and connects them with other pro-growth progressive political, policy and private sector leaders. Today’s announcement brings the total number of NewDEAL members – statewide officials, legislators, mayors, councilmembers, and other local leaders – to 178 leaders from 47 states. Learn more about Rep. Gray and the NewDEAL at www. newdealleaders.org/ leaders. The new class of NewDEAL Leaders includes: Representative Jeremy Gray, Auburn, Alabama Senator Ben Allen, Los Angeles, California Assemblymember Blanca Rubio, Baldwin Park, California Representative Dylan Roberts, Eagle, Colorodo Senator Will Haskell, Westport,

By Greg Markley

CITY OF OPELIKA NO LONGER STREAMING PUBLIC MEETINGS LIVE Contributed by the city of Opelika

The city of Opelika would like to make the community aware that it will no longer stream city meetings live. About a year ago, the city adopted using YouTube to stream public meetings live as a result of the pandemic. Now that citizens are able to attend in person, we will be sharing a recording of the full meeting to our YouTube channel the following day. This includes the City Council, the Planning Commission, the Zoning Board of Adjustments and the Historic Preservation Commission. The city invites anyone who has an interest in agenda topics to attend in person.

Connecticut Representative Quentin Phipps, Middlesex, Connecticut Senator Sarah McBride, Wilmington, Deleware Representative Christine Hunschofsky, Parkland, Florida Representative Tram Nguyen, Andover, Massachusetts Mayor Zeb Smathers, Canton, North Carolina Senator Rebecca Kwoka, Rockingham, New Hampshire Representative Denny Ruprecht, Grafton, New Hampshire Mayor Paige Gebhardt Cognetti, Scranton, Pennsylvania Commissioner Ken Lawrence, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania Representative Leonela Felix, Pawtucket, Rhode Island School Board Member Sheleah Harris, Shelby County, Tennessee Mayor Trey Mendez, Brownsville, Texas Lieutenant Governor Molly Gray, Vermont Lieutenant Governor Denny Heck, Washington.

B11 May 13, 2021

Alabama faith leaders call on Gov. Ivey to expand Medicaid

More than 250 faith leaders across multiple denominations and religions release letter Contributed by Cover Alabama

Nearly 300 Alabama faith leaders released a joint letter Thursday calling on Gov. Kay Ivey to expand Medicaid coverage immediately for adults with low incomes. The letter – signed by 278 pastors, imams, sisters and other faith leaders – asks for support for Alabama’s most vulnerable communities and acknowledges the limitations of charity alone. “We know all too well that medical bills often drive Alabama families, especially those who struggle to make ends meet, into hunger and poverty,” the letter said. “We will always serve those who are vulnerable, but charity alone cannot solve these problems. We need the Alabama government to do its part to protect

and provide care for those in need.” If Alabama expanded Medicaid, some 300,000 adults with low incomes would gain access to affordable health care. These Alabamians earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but not enough to qualify for subsidized marketplace plans under the Affordable Care Act. “About 300,000 Alabamians have been waiting since 2014 for the health care benefits they deserve. These people are working, taking care of their children and contributing to our local economies. They should not have to wait any

longer,” said Alabama Arise Cover Alabama Campaign Director Jane Adams, who organized the sign-on letter. “Governor Ivey must listen to the voices of the people of Alabama and quickly expand Medicaid. Depriving struggling families of health care is wholly incompatible with the teaching of many faiths and the ideals of our state.” The faith leaders who signed the letter agree this is a universal issue requiring bipartisan support to help Alabamians get the care they need. The letter reads: “It is past time for Alabama

elected leaders to move away from the partisanship and divisiveness that have plagued this issue and instead move forward in a collaborative and bipartisan manner. We welcome the opportunity to discuss with you why our faith compels us to advocate for Medicaid expansion.” One of the letter signers ‒ Rev. Carolyn Foster of Greater Birmingham Ministries, the Alabama Poor People’s Campaign and St. Mark’s Episcopal Church ‒ said Medicaid expansion is “a moral issue” for Alabama.

“Alabama’s women and children are the people impacted the most by lack of affordable health insurance,” Foster said. “How long are we going to look the other way or cross the road on the other side, to avoid seeing our neighbor in need of medical care? How long will Governor Ivey and those elected to represent us turn their backs on people they are to serve? “People are suffering. This is a moral issue. We call on them to do the right thing. Expand Medicaid now!” Alabama is one of only 12 states that have not yet expanded

Medicaid. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which President Joe Biden signed into law in March, includes a provision that would give a boost of federal dollars to holdout states that expand coverage. Estimates show the new federal incentive could mean hundreds of millions of dollars of new federal funds for Alabama Medicaid over two years. That amount would more than offset the initial costs of expansion. One estimate from Manatt shows that Alabama would receive enough federal funding under ARPA to cover the cost of Medicaid expansion for more than four years. Alabama Arise and Cover Alabama call on Ivey to act quickly to expand Medicaid and make Alabama stronger and healthier.

Gov. Kay Ivey calls on president to take action at southern border From the office of Gov. Kay Ivey

Gov. Kay Ivey has signed on to a letter with 19 other governors calling on President Biden and Vice President Harris to take action on the crisis at the southern border immediately. The letter is attached. Along with this letter, Ivey issued the following statement: “When we have an unsecured and open southern border, Alabama is impacted, which is why I have joined 19 of my fellow governors in calling on President Biden and Vice President Harris to take action immediately. In the first 100 days of the new administration, we have seen a surge in illegal crossings, and as a result, we run the risk of overly burdening state and local resources. Overwhelming authorities on the federal, state or local levels is not the answer. We not only need

to take action for our own security, but also for those who are seeking a path to this country. I urge President Biden and Vice President Harris to take action to end this humanitarian crisis and secure our southern border.” Governor Kay Ivey The letter reads as follows: Dear President Biden and Vice President Harris, We call on you to take action on the crisis at the southern border immediately. Contrary to statements from your Administration, the border is neither closed nor secure. In fact, the Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) reports a staggering surge in recent crossings: 172,000 encounters in March, the highest number in nearly 20 years, as well as 18,890 unaccompanied children, the largest monthly number in history. The crisis is too big

to ignore and is now spilling over the border states into all of our states. Recently, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services called upon many of our states to identify potential housing locations for migrants. In addition, the Department circumvented our states altogether by asking private organizations and nonprofits to house unaccompanied migrant children. Often these facilities lack adequate security. Allowing the federal government to place a potentially unlimited number of unaccompanied migrant children into our states’ facilities for an unspecified length of time with almost zero transparency is unacceptable and unsustainable. We have neither the resources nor the obligation to solve the federal government’s problem and foot the bill for the consequences of this Administration’s

misguided actions. This Administration has enticed a rush of migrants to our border and incentivized an influx of illegal crossings by using irresponsible rhetoric and reversing a slew of policies—from halting border wall construction to eliminating asylum agreements to refusing to enforce immigration laws. Even officials of our neighbor, Mexico, reportedly conveyed concerns that the shift in U.S. policy is stoking illegal immigration and creating business for organized crime. As Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador stated, “They see him as the migrant president, and so many feel they’re going to reach the United States. We need to work together to regulate the flow, because this business can’t be tackled from one day to the next.” The cause of the border

crisis is entirely due to reckless federal policy reversals executed within your first 100 days in office. The rhetoric of the Biden Administration and the rollback of critical agreements with our allies have led to the inhumane treatment of tens of thousands of children and undermined a fragile immigration system. While the most direct victims of the policy changes will be the children exploited and trafficked by gangs and cartels, the disastrous impact of your polices on America’s recovery will be far-reaching. Federal, state and local authorities are overwhelmed, and the situation on the ground is heartbreaking. After a dangerous journey, many children are living in overcrowded conditions with uncertain futures and without parents or loved ones to care for them. Beyond

the humanitarian crisis, the lack of border security is a criminal one, threatening the safety of American citizens. The CBP reports a 233% increase in the seizure of fentanyl compared to January last year, exacerbating the nation’s opioid epidemic. Law enforcement officials are recovering drugs, illegal narcotics, and weapons being smuggled across the border by cartels— the same cartels that are also trafficking men, women and children and jeopardizing their lives. At a time when our country is trying to recover from a once-in-a-generation pandemic, the last thing we need is a self-created crisis that exploits families, undermines public safety, and threatens our national security. We urge you to take action to end the humanitarian crisis and secure our southern border immediately.

Ivey signs TEAMS salary schedule program From the office of Gov. Kay Ivey

Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday signed into law the Teacher Excellence and Accountability for Mathematics and Science (TEAMS) Salary Schedule Program, an aggressive piece of legislation to

combat the estimated 3,000 unfilled math and science teacher positions in 6-12 grade classrooms across Alabama. Starting in the 20212022 school year, welltrained and educated middle and high school math and science teachers could earn up to $15,000 in additional pay each year.

“The quality of education in this state, particularly in rural, hard-to-staff areas, has to be solved to properly prepare our children for their futures in an ever-increasing STEMbased economy,” said Ivey, who is herself a former teacher. “With TEAMS, we are placing emphasis on attracting

both in-state and regional teachers in key subjects to move the needle in Alabama school systems.” The TEAMS program – introduced in the Senate by Donnie Chesteen (R-Geneva) and in the House of Representatives by See TEAMS, page B13

B12 May 13, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF JENNIFER NICOLE EVERAGE,Plaintiff, vs. LIONEL KEITH EVERAGE, Defendant, CASE NO.: DR-2021900101.00 NOTICE OF DIVORCE ACTION Lionel Keith Everage, whose whereabouts are unknown, must answer Jennifer Nicole Everage’s Petition for Divorce and other relief by the 21st day of June, 2021, or thereafter a judgment by default may be rendered against him in Case No. DR2021-900101.00, Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama. DONE this the 21st day of April, 2021. Mary Roberson CIRCUIT CLERK LEE COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT Legal Run Dates: April 29, 2021, May 6, 2021, May 13, 2021 and May 20, 2021 LAST DAY TO ANSWER: June 21st 2021

JOSEPH MAJALANI Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21

–––––––

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

IN RE THE ESTATE OF: VALDA S. MASSEY, Deceased. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.2021 225 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day April, 2021, by 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 the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. CAROL SUE NASH, Executrix Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21 ––––––– STATE OF ALABAMA CASE NO. 2021-218 LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF EVELYN LOUISE WILLIAMS, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATOR Letters of Administration of the Estate of Evelyn Louise Williams, deceased having been granted to Herbert M. Williams this 20th day of April 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by the law or the same will be barred. Herbert M. Williams, Personal Representative Jeffery A. Hilyer 334-745-2564 Attorney at Law P.O. Box 30 Opelika, AL 368030030 Legal Notice 04/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF ZHENGZHENG WU, Deceased Case No.: 2021-131 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to JOSEPH MAJDALANI on the 21st day of April , 2021 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of 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 the time allowed by law or the same will be ba rred.

––––––– In the Matter of the Estate of Peggy Jenkins Morrison, Deceased In the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama Case No. 2021-227 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT TO BE PUBLISHED BY PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of April, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate Court for Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. BILL ENGLISH PROBATE JUDGE Legal Run 4/29/2021, 05/06/2021 & 05/13/2021 –––––––

Case No.: CV-2021900127 HARDWOOD, LLC, Plaintiff, v. A Parcel of Real Property described as: From the Southeast corner of Section 9, Township 17 North, Range 27 East, Lee County Alabama, run thence North 00° 01’ West 1319.41 feet; thence South 88° 00’ 26” West, 382.18 feet; thence North 19° 51’ 22” West 20.6 Feet; thence North 89° 07’ 04” West 278.54 feet; thence North 02° 11’46” West 743.69 feet; thence South 74° 51’ 38” West along the Northerly margin of dirt road 367 feet to the point of beginning of the parcel of land here described and conveyed: From said point of beginning, continue thence South 74° 51’ 38” West along said margin of said road 145 feet; thence leaving said road, run North 02° 11’ 46” West, 300 feet; thence North 74° 51’ 38” East, 145 feet; thence South 02° 11’ 46” East, 300 feet to the point of beginning, containing one (1) acres more or less. And Mary Jackson, and/or the unknown heirs Of Mary Jackson, And Fictitious Defendants A, B, C, D, E, F & G, Being Persons, Individuals, Firms, Associations, Partnerships, Corporations or other Entities, Whose names are otherwise unknown to the Plaintiff, but who claim interest in and to the above-captioned parcel of land, and whose correct names and legal identities will be added by Amendment when ascertained, Defendants. NOTICE OF ACTION To: All Defendants herein, whose whereabouts are unknown and which cannot be ascertained after the exercise of reasonable diligence. You are hereby notified that on the 21st day of April, 2021, a Complaint to Quiet Title was filed in the Circuit Court of Lee County, Alabama, and the following are the names of all parties to the action: Hardwood, LLC, as Plaintiff; A Parcel of Real Property, described below, as Defendant;

and unknown persons or entities who cannot be ascertained after the exercise of due diligence, and which are believed to have claimed some right, title, interest or claim in and to the property described herein. All persons having an interest in said lands or any portion thereof, claiming any title thereto or any encumbrance or lien thereon, are hereby directed to plead, answer, or otherwise respond to the Complaint on or before the expiration of 30 days after the last publication of this notice, or thereafter suffer judgment by default to be rendered against them, it being intended that this notice shall be used to perfect service against all parties who cannot be personally served with a copy of the Complaint. Done this the 21st day of April, 2021. /s/ Mary Roberson Mary Roberson Circuit Court Clerk, Lee County J. Brandon Rice Of Counsel, Davis, Bingham, Hudson & Buckner, P.C. 324 East Magnolia Avenue Auburn, AL 36830 Legal Run 05/06/21, 05/13/21, 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF ROBERT NAIRN VANBENTHUYSEN, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2021- 187 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Melisa V. Love and Kristina J Bartsch on the 2nd day of April, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given to 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. J. TUTT BARRETT P.O. Box 231 Opelika, AL 368030231 Legal Run 05/06/21, 05/13/21 & 05/20/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF CLARENCE P. WRIGHT, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Tracy Wright, as Executrix of the Estate of Clarence P. Wright, deceased, on the 28th day of April, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Tracy Wright, Executrix Of the Estate of Clarence P. Wright, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 05/06/21, 05/13/21 & 05/20/21 ––––––– IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MARY LIZA STRICKLAND, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA

Case No.: 2021-199 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to Kenneth Wallace on the 27th day of April, 2021, by Hon. Bill English, Judge of 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. KENNETH WALLACE Personal Representative Blake L. Oliver Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 368032345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 5/6/21, 5/13/21 & 5/20/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF MARK ANTHONY HOWARD, SR., Deceased Case No.: 2021-258 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Sentevella Rene Martin Howard, Personal Representative on the 27th day of April, 2021, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of 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. Sentevella Rene Martin Howard Legal Run 05/06/21, 05/13/21 & 05/20/21 ––––––– STATE OF ALABAMA LEE COUNTY MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE NOTICE Default having been made in the terms of a mortgage executed to National Bank of Commerce by Chelsea E. Maine, single woman, on the 19th day of July, 2018, which said mortgage is recorded in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama, in Mortgage Book 4405, Page 944, and said default continuing, the undersigned, CenterState Bank, Successor by merger of National Bank of Commerce, will sell at public outcry, for cash, to the highest bidder, in front of the courthouse door of said County between the legal hours of sale, on the 3rd day of June, 2021, the following described property, to-wit: Unit E of OAKWOOD CONDOMINIUMS, as described in the Declaration of Oakwood Condominiums, a condominium filed for record on April 24, 1997 in Condo Book 4-A, at page 1, and as shown on that certain plat appearing as Exhibit “B” of the said Declaration and also of record in Town Plat Book 18, at Page 159, all in the Office of the Judge of Probate of Lee County, Alabama; including an undivided interest in the common elements of Oakwood Condominium as set out in the Declaration and on Exhibit “A” of said Declaration. Said sale is for the purpose of paying the unpaid principal on said mortgage, interest and attorney’s fees as provided in said mortgage, expenses of advertising, selling, conveying, and all other costs that may have accrued. Done this the 6th day of May, 2021. CENTERSTATE

BANK, Successor by merger of NATIONAL BANK OF COMMERCE /s/ Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr. By: Claud E. (Skip) McCoy, Jr. Attorney for CenterState Bank 117 North Lanier Avenue, Suite 201 Lanett, AL 36863 (334) 644-1171 Legal Run 05/13/21, 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 ––––––– CITY OF OPELIKA NOTICE OF PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING AND PUBLIC HEARINGS TO: RESIDENTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS OF THE CITY OF OPELIKA AND ALL OTHER INTERESTED CITIZENS NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Planning Commission of the City of Opelika, Alabama will hold a regular meeting and will be conducting public hearings on Tuesday, May 25, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. in the Meeting Chamber at Opelika Municipal Court located at 300 MLK Boulevard, Opelika, Alabama. A Planning Commission work session will be held at 2:45 pm before the regular meeting. The purpose of the public hearings is to receive public comment on the following: A public hearing on a request by Goodwyn, Mills & Cawood, Inc, authorized representative for the Retirement Systems of Alabama, property owners, for preliminary plat approval of the National Village Plat 8A subdivision consisting of 51 lots accessed from Robert Trent Jones Trail. A public hearing on a request by Brandon Hays, authorized representative for Whiteridge Opelika, LLC, property owner, for preliminary plat approval of the McDonald Downs subdivision consisting of 19 lots accessed from McDonald Drive. A public hearing on a request by D. Nathan McBride, authorized representative for Billy Allen, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Plum Creek Division, Division of Lot 2A subdivision consisting of 5 lots accessed from 2564 Lee Road 151. A public hearing request by Steven W. Corbett, property owner, for preliminary and final plat approval of the Steven W. Corbett Redivision of Parcel 4A and Parcel C subdivision consisting of 5 lots accessed from the 2100 block of Lee Road 158. A request by Blake Rice, authorized representative for Trademark Quality Homes, LLC, property owner, for final plat approval of The Willows Plat #1 subdivision plat consisting of 62 lots accessed from Sawyer Drive & Catherine Drive. A public hearing on a request by Burt Boykin and Martin Evans, authorized representative for Race Trac Petroleum, Inc., property owner, for conditional use approval for a gas station (fueling for trucks and passenger vehicles) and convenience in the C-3, GC-P zoning district at 1107 Columbus/truck stop Parkway. A public hearing on a request by Emily Key and Mike Maher, authorized representatives for Key Concepts, LLC,

property owners, for conditional use approval for a single family home and duplex on the same lot in a R-4 zoning district at 204 1st Place. a. An agenda item related to a rezoning request concerns an amendment to the Future Land Use Map for approximately 3.91 acres accessed south of Robert Trent Jones Parkway from a from low density residential land use to mixed use development land use category. If the Planning Commission votes to send a positive recommendation to the City Council to rezone the property and Council approve the rezoning, then approval of said amendments to the Future Land Use map will be approved. b. A public hearing to consider a recommendation to the City Council on a request by Goodwyn, Mills and Cawood, authorized representative for the Retirement Systems of Alabama, property owner, to rezone approximately 3.91 acres accessed south of Robert Trent Jones Parkway from R-3 zoning district to a PUD zoning district. The following additional agenda item is included for review at the May 25th Planning Commission meeting: A petition from the Opelika Industrial Development Authority, adjacent property owner(s) to the subject vacation of right of way requesting the City Council to vacate a 0.77 acre portion of an unnamed right-of-way located west of Fox Run Parkway between Lots 5, 6, and 8A of Foxrun Industrial Park, 1st Addition. The Planning Commission provides a recommendation to City Council. All interested persons are invited to attend the meeting/public hearings and be heard. Written comments concerning the above matters may be mailed to the Planning Director at 700 Fox Trail, Opelika, Alabama 36801 at any time prior to the meeting/public hearings and may be further submitted to the Planning Commission at the meeting/public hearings. The Planning Commission reserves the right to modify or alter any of the proposed amendments to the Zoning Ordinance and to make its recommendations accordingly to the City Council. Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-7055132 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. PLANNING DIRECTOR Legal Run 05/13/2021 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF EARLINE COLLINS SMITH,DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to Brenda Alston, as Executrix of the Estate of Earline Collins, deceased, on the 6TH day of May, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Brenda Alston, Executrix of the Estate of Earline Collins Smith, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 05/13/21 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 –––––––

See PUBLIC NOTICES, page B13

B13 May 13, 2021

PUBLIC NOTICES PUBLIC NOTICES >> FROM B12 NOTICE TO PUTATIVE FATHER TO: NOLES WESLEY NORNE, alleged BIOLOGICAL FATHER TO G.K.H born 2016 to DESERAY GABRIELLE HOGAN. You are hereby notified that on the 7th day of April 2021, a Petition was filed in the Superior Court of Bartow County, Georgia, Case Number 21AD-20, by Petitioners Storme Reaid and Brittany Reaid, seeking to terminate your rights in and to this child born in Whitfield County, Georgia on October 19, 2016, in order to adopt the child. Be finally advised that you will lose all rights to the child and will neither receive notice nor be entitled to object to the adoption of the child unless, within thirty (30) days of receipt of this notice you (1) file a petition to legitimate the child pursuant to O.C.G.A. § 19-7-22; and (2) file a notice of the filing of the petition to legitimate with the Superior Court of Bartow County, 135 West Cherokee Street Cartersville, GA 30120, in which the Petition for Adoption is pending, Adoption No 21AD-20. , and to the below-listed counsel to the adopting parents. Notice Prepared By: Christina R. Jenkins, Esq. Christina R. Jenkins LLC, 10 South Erwin Street Cartersville, GA 30120 (770) 387-7447 crj@ christinarjenkins.com Legal Run 05/13/21, 05/20/21 & 05/27/21

––––––– IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF HENRY LEWIS SMITH, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Case No: 2021-273 Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 7th day of May, 2021, 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. TIMOTHY JEFFERIES SMITH Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Run 05/13/21, 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LINDA GAIL HILYER, DECEASED CASE NO.: 2021-242 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to Alicia Sheats, Personal Representative

on the 20th day of April, 2021, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of 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. Alicia Sheats Legal Run 05/13/21, 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:THE ESTATE OF GRACE NEWMAN POLIDORO, DECEASED. TAKE NOTICE that Letters Testamentary having been granted to William Van Polidoro, as Executor of the Estate of Grace Newman Polidoro, deceased, on the 11th day of May, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. William Van Polidoro, Executor Of the Estate of Grace Newman Polidoro, Deceased Marrell J. McNeal, Attorney at Law, PC PO Box 308 Opelika, AL 36803 334-745-7033 Legal Run 05/13/21, 05/20/21 & 05/27/21 –––––––

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: CARROLL EUGENE GRIDER, Deceased Case No: 2021-235 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Tammy Lea Grider Clark, Personal Representative on the 19th day of April, 2021, by Honorable Bill English, Judge of 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. Tammy Lea Grider Clark Legal Run 04/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA CASE NO.2021-232 IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF BRIAN LEWIS BENSON, DECEASED PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE’S NOTICE TO FILE CLAIM Letters Testamentary as Personal Representative of the Will of BRIAN LEWIS BENSON, deceased, having been granted to the undersigned on the 19th day of April 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate of said County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said

estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law, or the same will be barred. THOMAS BENSON Personal Representative George M. Barnett Attorney for Petitioner 431 Gunter Avenue Guntersville, AL 35976 Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 5/13/21 ––––––– ESTATE OF CECIL EDWARD BENNETT, DECEASED NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT COURT OF PROBATE, LEE COUNTY Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 23rd day of April, 2021, 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 the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Witness our hands, and dated this the 23rd day of April, 2021. THOMAS CRISWELL Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE:The estate of Lois Jacqueline Curtis, Deceased Case No. 2021-238

TAKE NOTICE that Letters Administration having been granted to Tyra L. Burnam as Administratrix of the Estate of Lois Jacqueline Curtis, deceased, on the 19th day of April, 2021. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same be barred. Tyra L. Burnam, Administratrix of the Estate of Lois Jacqueline Curtis, Deceased Legal Run 04/29/21, 05/06/21, 5/13/21 ––––––– IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Carl Wayne Ethridge, Deceased Case No: 2021-201 NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF ADMINISTRATION TO BE PUBLISHED Letters of Administration on said deceased having been granted to Reba Ethridge, Administrator on this the 8th day of April, 2021, by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of 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. BY: James E. Hall, Attorney for Administrator. Legal Run 4/29/21, 05/06/21 & 05/13/21

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LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS HELP WANTED Opelika Housing Development, Inc. is currently seeking highly motivated, experienced, and trustworthy candidates to fill the Full-time position of Maintenance Technician for properties in the Opelika, AL. . area. Duties will include, but not be limited to:

Promptly handle unit and facility work orders Complete repairs in a consistent and correct manner Provide excellent customer service Work well with other team members Willing to clean grounds as needed Be well organized to

coordinate and perform unit and site inspections Able to complete makeready of units proficiently Ideal candidates should have at least 3 years of experience in apartment maintenance (or similar skills). Candidates should have an understanding of and repair capabilities in HVAC,

plumbing, electrical, painting, appliance repair, and/or other tasks related to maintaining the communities in excellent condition. HVAC Certification not required, but preferred. This position will offer competitive pay and benefit package. Education: High school or equivalent

(Required) License or certification: Driver’s License (Required) HVAC Certification (Not required, but preferred) To apply please visit our office, located at 1706 Toomer Street, Opelika, AL 36801 or complete an application on-line at http://

www.opelikaha.org/Default. asp?ID=123&pg=Employment+Opportunities

TEAMS >>

more math and science teachers and enroll current teacher into the TEAMS program. This bill is a step in the right direction in preparing our state to remain competitive in recruitment of STEM jobs of the 21st century. I look forward to seeing the positive improvements this will provide students in the future.” Each district can accept one TEAMS math and one TEAMS science teacher to participate in the program per 105 grade

6-12 students in the system — equating to roughly 7,000 teachers statewide. Prospective program teachers can apply to their district for a TEAMS position if they: Hold a valid regular or alternate certificate for middle level and secondary math, science or computer science courses. Teach courses in mathematics or science in grades 6-12. Teach full time in mathematics or science, or both.

Complete no less than four days of annual, high-quality Professional Development. “The TEAMS Act is an aggressive and innovative investment to attract and reward highly credentialed math and science teachers in public schools,” Baker said. Within three years of admission to the program, TEAMS teachers must receive a specialized certification or credential from the National

Institute for STEM Education, the National Board of Professional Teacher Standards (Early Adolescence or Early Adolescence and Young Adulthood Math or Science), or other program as developed by the Department of Education. Three extra years are allowed for those with insufficient experience, such as new teachers, recent college graduates, etc. Upon program entry, teachers will receive a $5,000 bonus and will earn another $5,000

upon program completion. Additionally, an annual supplement of $5,000 will be paid to those teaching in Alabama Department of Education-identified hard-to-staff schools. Those interested can apply for Alabama’s Teacher Excellence and Accountability for Mathematics and Science (TEAMS) Salary Schedule Program by contacting the Alabama Department of Education at (334) 694-4900.

FROM B11 Rep. Alan Baker (R-Brewton) will provide incentive pay for interested and qualifying math and science teachers. “In Alabama, our state takes a lot of pride in being number one in college football, yet we have settled far too long with being at or near the bottom in math and science scores,” Chesteen said. “The TEAMS Act will allow Alabama to recruit

YARD SALE Large indoor yard sale to support local missions Saturday, May 15 7 a.m. – 12 p.m. Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave., Opelika

B14 May 13, 2021

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

B15 May 13, 2021

Federally-funded pandemic unemployment to end in Alabama PHOTO BY MICHELLE KEY / OPELIKA OBSERVER

Contributed by the office of Gov. Kay Ivey

Gov. Kay Ivey announced today that Alabama will end its participation in all federally-funded pandemic unemployment compensation programs effective June 19, 2021 including: 1. Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which provides for an additional $300 weekly payment to recipients of unemployment compensation. 2. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), which provides benefits for those who would not usually qualify, such as the self-employed gig workers and part-time workers. 3. Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC), which provides for an extension of benefits once regular benefits have been exhausted. 4. Mixed Earner Unemployment Compensation (MEUC), which provides an additional $100

benefit to certain people with mixed earnings. Any weeks filed prior to and up to June 19 and are eligible under any of the federal program requirements will continue to be processed under these programs. “As Alabama’s economy continues its recovery, we are hearing from more and more business owners and

employers that it is increasingly difficult to find workers to fill available jobs, even though job openings are abundant,” Ivey said. “Among other factors, increased unemployment assistance, which was meant to be a short-term relief program during emergency related shutdowns, is now contributing to a labor shortage that is

compromising the continuation of our economic recovery. “Alabama has an unemployment rate of 3.8%, the lowest in the Southeast, and significantly lower than the national unemployment rate. Our Department of Labor is reporting that there are more available jobs now than prior to the pandemic. Jobs are out there,”

Ivey continued. “We have announced the end date of our state of emergency, there are no industry shutdowns, and daycares are operating with no restrictions. Vaccinations are available for all adults. Alabama is giving the federal government our 30-day notice that it’s time to get back to work.” ADOL has reinstated

the work search requirement for all claimants, which was temporarily waived during the height of the pandemic. This requires all claimants to actively search for work to remain eligible for unemployment benefits. “We have more posted job ads now than we did in either February or March 2020,” said Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington. “Ads for workers in the leisure and hospitality industry are up by 73%. Overall, ads are up by nearly 40%. There are plenty of opportunities available in multiple industries in Alabama.” Free job services are available to all Alabamians through the Alabama Career Center System, which operates 53 centers throughout the state. Services include résumé preparation, interviewing skills, job search and application assistance, vocational and educational training programs and apprenticeship and on-the-job training programs.

Letter to the Editor

D

Right now, individuals in crisis are able to call 1-800-273-8255 to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress and those that care for them. Soon, it will be

ear Editor: May is Mental Health Month. By urging my public officials to prioritize suicide prevention, mental health, and crisis care, I am hoping to influence collective change to support #MentalHealth4All.

much easier to remember how to reach the Lifeline as the number will be changing to “988” nationwide by July 2022. Knowing this, it is critically important that states pass legislation NOW to reliably fund 988 and their state’s crisis

response system, just as we fund 911 and emergency services - through small fees on our phone bills. Reliable funding will help to ensure all 988 callers can reach a counselor in their own state who is familiar with and can connect them

with local resources. Culturally competent support and local connections can better help all callers through their crisis and in their recovery. I lost my father to suicide. This would mean the world to me. Join me this month in

urging your public officials to fund 988. We all play a role in changing the culture around mental health. Together, we can ensure #MentalHealth4All. Sincerely, April Lynn Holdridge Dadeville, Alabama

POINT BROADBAND INCREASES CUSTOMER SPEEDS FOR OPELIKA FIBER CUSTOMERS

Contributed by Point Broadband

Point Broadband, a leader in delivering world-class fiber speeds to “Small Town USA,” has announced a free speed upgrade for its customers. Point recently boosted its Performance 100 Megabits per second (Mbps) customers to 200 Mbps and Performance Plus 200 Mbps customers to 300

Mbps, all while keeping the same great price. These speed increases also include the upload speeds as Point’s Fiber network delivers true symmetrical speeds (same upload and download). Point also offers a 500/500 plan and a 1 Gig/1Gig plan. “These new, faster speeds underscore our commitment to delivering the fastest and most reliable Internet service to the Opelika

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334 749 0877 3051 Frederick Road, Suite 7, Opelika -

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MilhonA1r 2010 & 2011 & 2012 --------(between Sam:� Club and Tiger Town)

community,” said Bruce Schoonover, General Manager, Point Broadband of Opelika. “Whether our customers are streaming, gaming or simply enjoying a multi-device home, our new speeds will provide a faster, more seamless Internet experience.” With streaming, video chatting and SmartHome devices, fast and reliable internet speeds are now a necessity in most homes.

In addition to speed increases at no cost to current customers, Point also offers Point SmartHome powered by Plume, a whole home wifi solution that strategically routes your signal where and when you need it most. For more information on Point SmartHome Whole Home wifi visit www. point-broadband.com/ smarthome/. About Point Broadband

Point Broadband, headquartered in Alabama, has a history of providing innovative communication solutions to its customers. Point Broadband’s vision is to simply improve lives with fiber technology. The Company’s mission is to deliver a superior broadband solution to consumers and businesses in smaller city USA and rural America with an extreme focus

on providing great customer service and being very engaged in the communities served. Point Broadband currently operates in 10 states and continues to expand its footprint bringing fiber- based broadband to the areas that need it the most. For additional information: point-broadband.com. Follow Point Broadband on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.

B16 May 13, 2021

We roast all our coffee in house. Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

116 S. 8th Street, Opelika

334-363-0390

www.booniehatcoffee.com

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

Elliott & Associates Insurance Agency Opelika - (334)745-0888 elliottinsuranceagents.com

“Our Mission is Your Health”

BEAUREGARD DRUGS

WE DELIVER!

• Drive Thru Only • Regular Operating Hours • Please Call Ahead on Refills to Avoid Wait

334-364-9993 | 334-364-9997 7667 Alabama Hwy 51, Suite A, Opelika www.beauregarddrugs.com Mon-Fri 8am–6pm | Sat 9am–12pm | Sunday Closed

This week’s puzzle answers: