Opelika Observer 09-25-19 E-edition

pelika Observer O

Vol. 11, No. 51

Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019

Opelika, Alabama

“By local people, for local people.”

Bakery to close Dec. 20

Flowers Baking Co. operated in Opelika for nearly 90 years By Morgan Bryce Editor Opelika’s Flowers Baking Co. will cease operations on Dec. 20, 2019, because of production inefficiencies and decreased volume, according to General Manager Michael Lord. In a company statement, the announcement about the bakery’s closing was made known last Monday to the bakery’s 146 employees. The closure affects only the bakery, as the bakery’s retail outlet located at 1502 2nd Ave. will remain in business. “This was a very difficult decision because we know it affects our team mem-

Otis DeWitt “O.D.” Alsobrook Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

bers and because the bakery has been a part of Opelika since the 1930s. However, in the last few years, our volume has reduced significantly and in today’s changing and competitive environ-

ment, it’s necessary that the company channel production to more efficient, higherspeed bakeries,” Lord said in a statement. “We have an incredible team and we appreciate all their hard

work and dedication. To assist during their transition, we’re providing a competitive severance package and offering job counseling and assistance through local and state See Flowers, page A3

Otis DeWitt “O.D.” Alsobrook, 67, passed away Sept. 20 in Miramar Beach, Florida. Born Dec. 13, 1951 to Judge O. D. Alsobrook Jr and Virginia Hinkle Alsobrook, the Cusseta native moved his family to Opelika in 1995, where

he immersed himself in the community. He served on the Opelika City Schools Board of Education for 19 years, beginning in 1998 and served as chairman from 2004 until his retirement in 2017. See Alsobrook, page A3

Opelika Main Street’s ‘On the Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity's Tracks’ event set for Oct. 18 'Habitat Around the Heart' fundraiser returns for 11th year on Oct. 10

By Natalie Salvatore For the Opelika Observer Opelika Main Street will host the 26th annual On the Tracks: A Cheese and Wine Event on Oct. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. in downtown Opelika. Once guests purchase their tickets, they are given a map that includes multiple different stops in various businesses throughout downtown. On this wine and cheese trail, guests can taste various food and drinks throughout the night. “This year, it will be bigger and better than ever,” said Opelika Main Street’s Executive Director Ken Ward. “We have a lot of new stops that are going to be a part of the trail this year, so

By Morgan Bryce Editor

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

there will be new places that people are going to get to visit.” Ward said there are numerous types of wine from many different vineyards available to try. This high-quality, well-curated wine is curated by the local wine bar, Ampersand, which

has one of the largest wine-by-the-glass selections in the country. “This is an opportunity to not only enjoy some great wine, but to also visit some of the many businesses downtown that you might not otherSee Wine, page A2

Index

OPINION.....................................A4 SOUTHERN HOSPITALITY..............A7 RELIGION..............................A13 CALENDAR..................................A14

The 11th annual “Habitat Around the Heart” benefitting the Auburn-Opelika branch of the Habitat for Humanity will be held Oct. 10 at the Saugahatchee Country Club. According to Executive Director Mark Grantham, who has served in that role since December 2008, the event is one of his organization’s primary fundraisers and helps raise awareness. “Not only does it help generate some extra funding for (the organization) but it

COMICS.....................................A16 SPORTS..................................B1 LEGALS.......................................B12 POLITICS...................................B15

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

gives us a brief opportunity to tell what we’re doing in the community. It also gives us the oppor-

tunity to recognize those that work with us, that lead with us and volunteer, as See Habitat, page A2

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What’s Up? www.doughornroofing.com • 334-744-5246

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A2 Sept. 25, 2019

Auburn University Panhellenic group raises $50K for Auburn-Opelika Habitat for Humanity earlier this year Special to the Opelika Observer Each year, Auburn University Panhellenic members fundraise though an event known as "Greek Sing," a philanthropy event that raises money for the Auburn-Opelika branch of the Habitat for Humanity to help them build more homes in the community. This dance competition showcases the 18 participating sororities that perform a three-minute choreographed dance for a chance to place in the top-5 and bragging rights for the remainder of the year. This year, Panhellenic Director Caroline Shea and Assistant Director Sarah Benton helped lead hundreds of

Wine, from A1 wise go to beforehand,” Ward said. General admission tickets are on sale now and will be $25 until Oct. 4. After that, tickets go up to $30. Guests can also purchase a ticket at the event for $35. There is also a VIP ticket option that includes a food voucher for a free meal, along with the wine and cheese trail. This ticket, which is $42 from now until the day of the

volunteers to exceed their goal of raising $50,000 to help sponsor the construction of Habitat homes in Auburn and Opelika. In preparation for the event, Panhellenic promotes the event and hosts benefit nights throughout the course of the semester. Not only do the members donate the money raised but they also donate their time by hosting Habitat work days leading up to the event. During the spring, these girls annually volunteer approximately 280 or more hours on a Habitat work site, giving them a philanthropic experience with the organization that they are supporting. This year, hundreds of volunteers helped frame

event, also gives guests special VIP access to amenities such as snacks, tables and nonalcoholic beverages. VIP tickets are available for $47 at the gate if not purchased beforehand. Ward said this yearly event has quite an impact on the downtown community. With more than 1,000 people there at night in past years, it really brings the community together. “We get a lot of outof-town visitors that come to this event, and it’s a great economic driver for our community for local small businesses to get big

the Auburn-Opelika Habitat home #67 at 1419 Branch St. Auburn University Panhellenic has also been a major sponsor on Habitat home #68 at 211 Stevens St., which is being designed by Auburn University College of Architecture, Design and Construction and The McWhorter School of Building Science to be a Zero Energy Ready Home FORTIFIED standard. About the AuburnOpelika Habitat for Humanity The Auburn-Opelika branch of Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit, nondenominational Christian housing organization. The Habitat's mission is "seeking God's love into action, Habitat

exposure to a large crowd,” Ward said. Along with wine and food, there will be live music and food trucks out on the streets throughout the event. Ward encourages people to buy their tickets early and online, as they have sold out many times in the past. “We encourage people to come on out, make a night of it, come enjoy the wine and then afterwards have some dinner at our great restaurants,” Ward said. To buy tickets or to learn more, visit their website, www.onthetracks.org.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope." By building with volunteer labor and offering zero-interest mortgages, we partner with low-income families to help them build equity

Habitat, from A1 well as share that we can’t do what we do without our sponsors or merchants who give to make this event possible,” Grantham said. Lasting from 6 to 9 p.m., the event will be “mostly an evening of food and fellowship,” but include board member and volunteer award recognitions and video highlighting this year’s accomplishments by the organization, which includes the completion of two Opelika homes and beginning of three in

towards a stable future. Habitat for Humanity offers a hand up to hardworking, qualified partner families in the community. Their partner families work hard to save a down payment, volunteer 500 sweat eq-

uity hours, make a nonprofit mortgage payment and participate in home ownership and financial classes. The ultimate goal of their organization is to eliminate poverty housing and homelessness from the community.

Auburn later this year, Grantham added. In addition to those festivities, there will be a cash bar, live music and silent auction. Auction items include art pieces, domestic and international trips, food certificates and grills, among other items. There are a limited number of tickets for this event. According to an event flyer, tickets cost $50 each and can be reserved by calling 334-7452123, visiting www. auburnopelikahabitat. org or speaking with a Habitat board member. The Lee County Association of Realtors is the fundraiser’s

primary sponsor. The venue is located at 3800 Bent Creek Road. About Habitat for Humanity Habitat for Humanity is a global, nonprofit housing organization working in local communities across all 50 states in the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. Habitat works toward their vision by building strength, stability and selfreliance in partnership with families in need of decent and affordable housing. Habitat homeowners help build their own homes alongside volunteers and pay an affordable mortgage.

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

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

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

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A3 Sept. 25, 2019

The city of Opelika’s Probation Department names Tara Bryan as senior probation officer Special to the Opelika Observer The city of Opelika and its probation department are excited to announce Tara Bryan as their senior probation officer. In her position, Bryan will be in charge of supervising operations of the Probation Department for the city of Opelika in compliance with local as well as Alabama laws and regulations. She is also responsible for maintaining a portfolio of probationer’s individual case records

for future review. In addition, Bryan will inform, explain and advise probationers on the terms and conditions of probation, including office visits, financial payments, education/employment stipulations, treatment programs, curfews and other special conditions ordered by the court and help coordinate community service. Bryan began her career with the city of Opelika in 2010 as a court magistrate. In June 2017, she transferred to

Bryan

Russell Building Supply announces grand opening of new Auburn location Special to the Opelika Observer Tom Lamberth, chief executive officer of Russell Lands, Inc., announced last week that Russell Building Supply (a division of Russell Lands) is officially open for business at the new, convenient location in Auburn. Located at 2811 East University Drive, the new location offers a totally new shopping experience. During the last 12 years, Russell Building Supply has proudly served the Lee County area’s professional contractors and homeowners for their building material needs. The new store offers the community more than 20,000 square feet of comprehensive home improvement items along with other helpful services, such as key duplicating, the ultimate paint shopping experience at The Color Bar, free local delivery and a price match promise. The store’s modern design, clean, organized layout and wide product selection all combine to make it an ideal resource and destination for both do-it-yourselfers and professional contractors. “With our transition to a full-service Home Center, we are excited to offer a completely new lineup of products including hardware, tools, plumbing, electrical, paint, as well as lawn and garden. Additionally, we are proud to offer a drive-through lumberyard for lumber

Flowers, from A1 agencies.” Opelika Mayor Gary Fuller lamented the bakery’s closing, noting that the business has been a cornerstone of the city for decades. “Flower’s Baking has been an iconic business in Opelika for (many) years. This company has provided good-paying

and building materials for those looking for a convenient way to shop. While maintaining focus on the professional contractors and remodelers, our new location also allows us to better serve the do-it-yourself customer,” said Kirby Scales, general manager of Russell Do it Center and Russell Building Supply. “We are excited to offer a more efficient layout and easy access, so our customers can get in and out more quickly,” said David Sturdivant, chief operating officer and chief financial officer of Russell Lands, Inc. “We have been very blessed to be part of the growth of Auburn, as well as the surrounding area, and we look forward to being part of the community even more in the years to come!” About Russell Building Supply Russell Do it Center and Russell Building Supply has a proud history of service to their customers across Central Alabama. They currently have nine convenient locations to serve customers, comprised of six Russell Do it Centers and three Russell Building Supply locations. The nine-store chain got its start when Russell Lands, Inc. purchased the first location in Alexander City in 1984. Several acquisitions followed in neighboring communities over the years as well as some stores that were built from the ground up. All locations are affiliated with Do it Best Corp. - a 4,400-member buying cojobs and has helped feed a lot of families, bought homes and educated children over this period of time … I’m sad to see this,” Flowers said. “Flowers and their great employees have been actively involved in our community at many different levels. We’re working with the company to help find jobs in our local economy. I understand that some will have an opportunity to be reassigned to other

operative that has member stores in many countries around the world. Regardless of which location customers may utilize, all their locations are deeply embedded into the communities that they serve. For more information, visit www.RussellDoitCenter. com About Russell Lands In 1834, Russell family settlers from England fell in love with a tract of land in central Alabama. The Russells’ love for the land continued throughout the years. Nearly 100 years ago, news came of a huge new lake that would soon meander deep into their beloved forest. The Russells could envision the hundreds of miles of beautiful shoreline encompassing Lake Martin, and today they continue to brag about the more than 41,000 acres of deep blue water that surround the old Russell Forest. That place is Russell Lands On Lake Martin (www. russelllandsonlakemartin. com). The company is one of uncommon vision, diversity and commitment to community - whose endeavors go beyond creating fine lake homes and communities. Willow Point Golf & Country Club (www.willowpoint. com), owned and operated by Russell Lands, is one of the most revered private clubs in Alabama and considered to have the “most beautiful lakeside golf course” in the country. Russell Crossroads, the new central town hub of Russell Lands on Lake

Martin’s 25,000 acres of land holdings, is designed to reflect the agrarian era with period architecture of the 1920s promoting “walkability” of the town. Today, the town consists of the Discovery Center, Catherine’s Market (www.catherinesatcrossroads.com), SpringHouse restaurant (www. springhouseatcrossroads. com), The Stables, and Kowaliga Restaurant (www.kowaligarestaurant). Russell Marine (www.russellmarine.net) offers boating enthusiasts world-class sales and service through four Lake Martin locations and a Smith Lake dealership and is nationally ranked in the Top-100 Boat Dealers for the 11th consecutive year. Russell Do it Center, Russell Building Supply and Home Décor Center in nine locations make it easier for homeowners to build and personalize the homes in which they live. In 1998, Russell Lands constructed the Lake Martin Amphitheater (www.lmat. org) - a unique venue for celebrating culture and the creative arts. And the company continues to serve the community through Children’s Harbor - the not-for-profit organization created by Russell Lands Chairman, Ben Russell - whose mission is to strengthen children and families through a variety of programs, services and good works. For more information, visit www.RussellLandsOnLakeMartin.com.

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

Flower’s facilities.” Hotdog and hamburger buns and brown-and-serve rolls have been the bakery’s primary products. Further

details in the statement noted that “these items will be made at other Flowers bakeries and will continue to be available in area stores.”

the Probation Department for the city of Opelika as a probation officer. She is currently enrolled at Troy University and will attain her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice in the near future. “I am beyond excited for my new leadership position as Senior Municipal Probation Officer. I have worked for the city of Opelika for over nine years. I love serving and caring for the citizens of Opelika and strive to instill confidence back

Alsobrook, from A1 He served back-to-back terms as president of the Opelika Chamber of Commerce (1996-97 and 1997-98), spent five years on the Colonial Bank Advisory Board and was a member of the LifeSouth Blood Bank board in Gainesville, Florida. He joined the East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) Foundation Board in 2019, where he was passionate about raising funds to help the underserved pay for medical services, especially in the breast health department, where his wife, Colleen, worked for many years. He had been a member of the Opelika Rotary Club since 1977 and was an active member of First United Methodist Church of Opelika for more than 30 years, where he served on numerous boards and committees within the church, including chairman of the board. O.D. was a 1974 graduate of Auburn University with a degree in finance. He was a member of the Delta Chi fraternity, the Auburn University Samford Society, the 1856 Society and Tigers Unlimited. A graduate of the Louisiana State University Banking School of the South, O.D. excelled in banking for more than 47 years. He was most recently senior vice president and city president of Valley Bank in Auburn. O.D. was the epitome of a Southern gentleman with his endearing Southern drawl and his stylish wardrobe that always made a statement. He had a gift for building relationships and celebrating life. He enjoyed any time spent with friends and family and was known for his impeccable hospitality. Whether he was entertaining at home, at an Auburn tailgate, or at the beach, every detail was carefully planned and perfectly executed. He was a talented interior decorator, florist and master gardener, spending hours manicuring his immaculate, award-winning lawn. O.D. loved

into someone’s life so in return, they can help better someone else,” Bryan said. Tara and her husband, Andrew live in Opelika with their two children. They are active members of The Bridge Church, where she and her husband have been serving as youth pastors since 2011. “We are confident that Tara’s experience and knowledge will be vital to her success in her new leadership role,” said City Administrator Joey Motley.

supporting the Auburn Tigers football and men’s basketball teams, both at home and on the road, and was quick to accept – or extend – an invitation to travel, party, dine or just spend time with friends. On evenings and weekends, he cranked up his barber chair, giving free haircuts to hundreds of men – young and old. In addition to a trim, O.D. listened, counseled and mentored Auburn students in every aspect of their lives. He got as much from those conversations as the young men did. Many considered him a second father – and he considered them his sons – and continued to keep up with them long after they graduated and moved away. He was always happy to share his time, talents, expertise and resources. His kindness and generosity made a profound impact on countless lives. O.D. was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 41 years, Colleen Goldman Alsobrook, three sons: Zachary DeWitt (Lindsey) of Auburn, Pearson Daley (Lauren) and Peyton Douglas of Opelika; five grandchildren who lost their “Big Bad:” Daley, Demi and Witt of Aub­­urn and Mary Elliott and Charlie of Opelika; sister-in-law, Kate Gholston (Joe), nieces, Mary Garrett Gholston and Avery Gholston Teichman (Will), nephew Revel Gholston, (Kate); aunts Anne Alsobrook and Mary Alsobrook and first cousins, Sallie Eiland, Mary Carl, Alice Adams, John and James Alsobrook. He is also survived by his beloved pug, Buster. Visitation was Sept. 23 in the Fellowship Hall of First United Methodist Church in Opelika. A celebration of life service followed at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Robin Wilson and Dr. Tim Thompson officiating, with burial at Cusseta Cemetery in Cusseta. In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to First United Methodist Church Building Fund (702 Avenue A, Opelika 36801) or the EAMC Foundation, Cancer Center (407 W. Thomason Cir, Opelika 36801).

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A4 Sept. 25, 2019

Writers

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received an email sent in by a reader. Well, actually, I don’t know if you’d call him a reader. I should probably just call him “Bill.” Bill wrote: “My sister sent me some of your blog entries and I liked them initially, but I began to lose interest quickly… “Your work is often full of indecorous humor… You’re sometimes trying too hard to be folksy... “Before you get upset with me, Sean, I do not wish to disrespect you. I have been teaching college English for a long time.” Well, Bill, I’m embarrassed to say that when this email showed up, I was watching “The Golden Girls.” I should be humiliated to admit that I was not reading heavyweight literature like T.S. Eliot or Melville. Because I’ve pretty much proven your point. Even though I’m not sure what your point was exactly. Anyway, in this particular “Golden Girls” episode, Burt Reynolds was a guest star. And since this is a family column, I won’t share every indecorous detail of the episode because, for starters, I don’t technically know what indecorous means. What I will tell you, however, is that Burt Reynolds came bursting into the room and the scene went like this: (Studio audience applause—also a few cat calls.) BLANCHE: My God, you’re Mister Burt Reynolds! BURT REYNOLDS: I hope so, or else I’ve got the wrong underwear on. (More cat calls.) The thing is, I’m not claiming to be a true writer. Real writers wouldn’t draw inspiration from “The Golden Girls.” Real authors draw inspiration from Bach preludes, and they smoke fine cigars. A few months ago, my friend Robert organized a meeting with a well-known author like this. Robert and I

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By Sean Dietrich arrived at a large estate in Central Florida. A woman invited us into a mahogany study. On the walls were pictures of this writer, gracing magazine covers, playing golf with celebrities, shaking hands with high-ranking officials, rescuing children from grizzly bears. When the author joined us, he poured drinks from a decanter and presented a small humidor box to Robert and said, “Cuban?” Robert said, “No, ScotchIrish on my mother’s side.” And I felt silly. I’m nothing like that author. Oh sure, I took a few community college English classes, but big deal, even plumbers, waitresses and electricians take college classes. As a matter of fact, at one point, I thought I would become an electrician. I even did a short stint as an electrician’s assistant. Electricians made decent money, so since I had no high school education I was thinking to myself, “Hey, this is a great gig, I’ll be an electrician!” Then one day my friend was wiring a large condominium panel, but he was not wearing high-voltage hand protection. He got shocked so bad it knocked him back ten feet. He peed his pants and forgot his name for a solid hour. I looked at my friend lying in that puddle and I decided to pursue a career in fast food. It was around that time I had one of the first writing jobs I ever had. It was a tiny publication that covered a regional beat. I’ll never forget when the editor read a few of my writing samples and announced that she would hire me for two hundred dollars. “Two hundred bucks?”

I said. “That’s right,” the editor said. “I accept cash or personal checks, you can pay my secretary.” I always wanted to be the kind of writer which I imagine you probably are, Bill. A writer’s writer. Once, I wanted to backpack the Appalachian Trail with nothing but a typewriter and a roll of toilet paper tucked in my backpack. I wanted to make a grand commentary on what it means to be human. But then, I’m lazy. And how would I watch “The Golden Girls” on the Appalachian Trail? Answer me that. So I don’t need help feeling crummy about myself, I have felt that way for long enough. Over the years I’ve had plenty of reminders. Sometimes, I’ve wondered why I kept trying. Well, I have figured out why I keep trying. I figured it out a few nights ago. I was in Pintlala, Alabama, a town so small they have both city-limits signs on the same post. I was doing a show there. Afterward, I was shaking hands with a few people when I met a young man. He must have been midtwenties. Reddish hair. It was like looking at a picture of my younger self. His name was Jason. He said, “I like that you use a lot of commas, even though it’s against the rules. My teacher once criticized me for using too many commas.” I asked him if he was a writer. And I saw that look on his face. It’s the same look I wore when I read your email. A little embarrassment. “A writer?” Jason said. “No, not really. I mean, maybe I am...” I mean this with the utmost respect, Mister English teacher, Bill, sir: That young man is a writer, no matter what anyone says. One day he is going to realize this, and I See Dietrich, page A5

L

Every Single Where

eaving Opelika and driving up Highway 280, just a few miles from the Georgia line, sits a two-acre patch of land covered with dusty, red, Alabama earth. Five days a week, it is deserted except for a few lopsided wooden tables underneath a wooden overhang. It is parched and lonely, as if neither a breeze nor a soul has moved over the surface in ages. But on the weekends, just as the sun is waking up, the Lee County Flea Market turns that two acres into THE place to be in Smith Station, Alabama. Row after row of folding tables are set end to end, a straggly line of ragtag soldiers at formation. There, in the half light of dawn, vendors pull their wares from the backs of pickups or the hatchbacks of SUVs, nodding silent hellos to each other as they get ready for their 12-hour day. And then the shoppers arrive… by the truckload. Literally. Parking is haphazard at best, and the ruts in the soil are deep. Imagine a roller coaster in slow motion, but with no track. It is not for the faint-hearted. Or for anyone in urgent need of a restroom. A couple of weeks ago, my best friend and I spent a few hours on a Saturday morning strolling through the merchandise. It was the first time for both of us at this particular flea market. We wandered from table to table, and the heat moved relentlessly right along with us. There is no rhyme or reason as to the groupings of items for sale. A table with used books and DVDs was flanked on one side with racks of new (still in the package socks) and on the other side with crates of live chickens

By Wendy Hodge

and goats. Some of it is junk. Some of it is cute and crafty. Some of it is, I am convinced, stolen. And some of it is pure antique treasure. The chatter of neighbors and strangers (Spanishspeaking, Englishspeaking, and Redneck Alabama-speaking)… and livestock… fills the air, mixing with the sugary aroma of funnel cakes and lemonade. It is intoxicating. Just as we were beginning to wilt from the heat, I caught a flash of blue from a table in the distance. I follow that blue flash until I am standing in front of a table filled with pots and pans and baking dishes and table lamps. Almost hidden behind a stack of Tupperware, is a set of four cobalt blue drinking glasses. I am a sucker for cobalt blue. They are long-stemmed and delicate, and my fingers reach out of their own free will just to touch one. “How much?” I ask the gentleman behind the table. “You can have the set for two dollars.” I gasp and may have squealed with delight. “I’ll take them!” “I think I have a set of dishes that matches those. Let me check,” he says over his shoulder as he bends to search under the table. A sign is taped to the end of the table which reads “Sam’s Stuff.” I grin at my best friend who is smiling. “I like watching you light up like that,” he says. From under the table comes a muffled voice (Sam, I assume). “I

thought I had a set of these.” And he lifts a box and opens the flaps for me to see. It’s a set of eight dinner plates and salad plates. They are the same shade of blue, and they look as if they’ve never been used. “How much are they?” I ask. “Five dollars for the set sound fair?” Sam answers. “I’ll give you six,” I say, letting my excitement get ahead of my math. “You’re the queen of hagglers, Wendy,” laughs my best friend as he lifts the box to carry them to the car. I hand over my money, and Sam winks a farewell to us. “Let’s load these up and keep shopping,” my best friend says loudly over the braying of a miniature mule in the stall next to us. “But let me do the negotiating.” By the time we were ready to leave, the car was loaded with homemade beef jerky (my best friend prefers the spicy stuff), a T-square (because my best friend happens to be a very handy man), and an end table (for my new apartment). My cobalt blue treasures rested in my lap and reflected the light through the window. We congratulated ourselves and each other on the bargains we’d found and smiled all the way back to Opelika… because the weekend was spread out in front of us and because we were together. Today, I am alone for a bit on this Saturday morning and decide to stop by the Flea Market on my way to Opelika. This time I am not shopping, just looking… and listening. As chaotic and dusty as it is, it’s also the perfect place to witness See Hodge, page A5

Celebrating Cultural Arts in Smiths Station

n Monday, September the 16th, Smiths Station’s City Hall bustled with excitement. Prior to the opening reception, crowds gathered, awaiting the time for guests to be welcomed in for their first viewing of the newly installed Student Art Exhibition. Each year, the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, a center for cultural arts, assembles an invitational exhibition comprised exclusively of local student art developed formally through each student’s continuing studio practice. In 2018, the art center chose to move the exhibition to a larger venue, with a goal in keeping art at the heart of the city, meanwhile making it all the more accessible to greater numbers of art appreciators. This exhibition was made possible by the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art in collaboration

with the city of Smiths Station, which has become an annual event hosted by the city. Through gracious support and encouragement from local leaders, many members of local and state government provided representation by attending the Opening Night Celebration. The Honorable Mayor F.L. “Bubba” Copeland welcomed guests within the Smiths Station City Hall Galleries and extended his expressions of hospitality to all, while emphasizing the value and importance of cultural art enrichment. Among the hundreds of art appreciators and local educators present were also, Alabama State Rep. Debbie Wood and representing United States Congressman Mike Rogers was Lee Vanoy. The 2019 Student Art Exhibition will continue exhibition until Nov. 15. The Smiths Station City

Hall Exhibit Galleries are open to the public during City Hall hours Monday through Friday. Sarah West serves the Opelika Observer as a contributing columnist, with written works of Cultural Arts relevance and prose. She is a preservation and conservation advocate, activist and visual artist of American Illustration with a focus on Regional Narrative Painting. She is the founder of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art, A Center for Cultural Arts, Smiths Station, Alabama’s premier fine arts destination. She is the appointed Official Artist to the City of Smiths Station, a Lee County syndicated columnist, the director of her art center’s Cultural Arts Outreach Initiative, which partners with local schools to make the arts accessible to all. She also serves a chief curator to the City of Smiths Station,

By Sarah West City Hall Art Galleries. She is a founding member of the Smith Station Historic Commission. She is a member of the Women’s Philanthropy Board- Cary Center, Auburn University College of Human Science. She is an elected member of the Society of Illustrators- NYC. She mentors art students of every age through weekly classes at her studio located in the heart of Smiths Station, Alabama. To learn more about her work and activism visit, www. thesarahwestgalleryoffineart.com.

Photos special to the Opelika Observer Turn to A5 for more photos of the Sarah West Gallery of Fine Art’s new student exhibition currently on display at the Smiths Station Government Center. This is part of the gallery’s effort to increase art appreciation and education not only in Smiths Station, but across Lee County.

pelika O Observer

A5 Sept. 25, 2019

Women in Business: Ladies night out

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omething beautiful takes place when women come together in a Southern home, share life and have a good time. Now, add in shopping to this mix and all the women will say “Amen!” Actually, all the women said, “I’ll be there!” A few local entrepreneurs recently decided to take the ladies social scene into their own hands. The idea was to create community and have a fun way to serve women in East Alabama. The leading ladies pulled it off with dazzling jewels, tasty blush wine and plenty of laughter, new friends and new conversations. The team included Regan Stanfield, a local jewelry designer, Christin Bancroft of Acre and Bow & Arrow restaurants, Susie Litkenhous of Eleve’ and Auburn Dental Spa and Jess Margeson of Frou Frou Inc. The hosts set the stage for the perfect “Ladies Night Out.” Recently, Stanfield noticed a lack of ladies’ social fellowship within the community. She decided to test the waters this year and began hosting dinners for women to enjoy each other and to have a simple night to relax, dine and catch up.

It has turned into a hit, with women from many walks of life joining in the fun. This prompted her to reach out to other female entrepreneurs to see if they would like to be involved. Stanfield opened her home in Moore’s Mill and the event was open to the public via Facebook. Bancroft quickly jumped in and offered up food donated by the new Bow & Arrow restaurant in Auburn. The menu included mac-n-cheese, sliced pork, pimento cheese and their famous “Memaw’s Éclair.” Litkenhous decided to join in too and brought Eleve’ branded Rose. This was new to many women at the gathering, having no idea that Eleve’ had a branded wine. Tastings were offered by the glass compliments of the business, or you could also purchase a bottle or two at the event. Lastly, Margeson added her lovely flower arrangements into the mix to add beauty to the décor as well as to sell to women to take home for their own home. The mix of services and clientele for the community was a hit, but the most enjoyable piece was the opportunity for women to

By Bradley Robertson simply gather together to celebrate the day and enjoy good company. Ladies from both Opelika and Auburn began pulling into the event late afternoon and the last guest left around 9 p.m. Bancroft greeted guests at the door with a warm welcome and her signature smile. Each lady was asked to enter their name in multiple giveaways, which consisted of a tailgate party, flower arrangement and free jewels. Stanfield set up tables of endless jewelry she makes herself in her home. One large, farmhousestyle table was outfitted from end-to-end with earrings of all colors, shapes and sizes. Hot pink jewels, white feather style dangles and plenty of orange and blue were in abundance for

Dietrich, from A4

Hodge, from A4

hope he feels so fulfilled that buckets of self-worth start oozing out of his ears. Maybe then you can send indecorous emails to him like the one you sent me. Now if you’ll pardon me, “The Golden Girls” is back on. Sean Dietrich is a columnist, and novelist, known for his commentary on life in the American South. His work has appeared in Southern Living, the Tallahassee Democrat, Southern Magazine, Yellowhammer News, the Bitter Southerner, the Mobile Press Register and he has authored seven books.

so many stories. There’s the Vietnam vet who buys and resells electronics with his service dog by his side. He’s lost everything and everyone, except for T-bone, who looks at his master with sheer love on his face. A few tables down is the local “bee man” who sells honey cultivated from his own hives. His son, born with Down Syndrome, hugs everyone who buys a jar. At the back of the field, under a huge oak tree, is the Hispanic fam-

those wanting to jazz up for football season. Chunkystyle necklaces filled another table along with bracelets and even clutches and bags. The kitchen was filled with food, but mostly ladies enjoying good company and tasting fine wine provided by Eleve’. The pretty Blush Rose’ has a hint of sweet but is subtle and delicious, a match for many wine lovers, whether you prefer white or red. I am not a big Rose’ fan but found Eleve’ to be very fitting for my tastes. Women were buying bottles left and right to enjoy at home or perhaps save for a special occasion. Litkenhous was graciously serving women wine, assisting in jewel selections and good conversation. Her gift to engage in women on a personal level was seen throughout the room. It’s not often that busy entrepreneurs get extra time to visit with their clients. This opportunity turned the table for these businesswomen, allowing them space to relax, chat and have a little fun. The vibrant Margeson was excited to chat about all things “Frou Frou,” discussing design, style and florals. She is well-known

ily with a dozen kids who raise goats and chickens for sale. Each of their animals has a name, and one of the children will tell you a story about whichever one you decide to buy and take home with you. Juanita, their albino chicken with the pink eyes, tries to peck at my fingers when I reach out to touch her. I am convinced she is possessed by the devil himself. Just as I am ready to leave, I pass by a table with handmade wooden signs – “If you want dinner in bed, sleep in the kitchen” and “I identify as a skinny supermodel” and “Because Granny Said So!” all hand-carved

and painted in bright colors. In the midst of all that is a white piece of wood with these words carved in a simple script – “Every Minute is a Lifetime, and Treasures are Every Single Where.” Smiling, I pick it up and flip it over. On the back is a signature – Miss Gussie. A hand reaches out and touches mine. Dark eyes set in a cocoabrown face. And a smile that radiates. “I’m Miss Gussie,” she says in a soft voice. “That was my grandmother’s name,” I say. And just like that I am crying. Nothing dramatic, just silent and slow.

in the area for her beauty and taste in floral design for East Alabama and beyond. She is a fun soul who reaches out to make others feel fabulous. Margeson enjoys engaging in her community, making it no surprise she was here to showcase her work and share some joy with new friends. Women were seen left and right trying on jewels and making decisions on which earring was the perfect fit for their next outing. Laughter filled the room and I was particularly glad to meet several new faces of local women. Our Southern roots are tied deep to women meeting and gathering in

the home, something we see less and less of as we have become busier than ever with activities and obligations. We think we are getting by with text and keeping up on Facebook, but nothing can take the place of face-to-face community. I’m so proud of the gathering of women that is happening around us. We are each in our own way reaching out to lift each other up. Thank you to the hostesses for creating something new for this lovely community we call home. I’m excited to see what else is in store for the women in our area in the months to come.

Photo by Bradley Robertson/For the Opelika Observer “Well, sugar,” Gussie says to me as she puts her arm around my shoulder. “I think this should belong to you.” She closes her hand around mine and nods at me. “Thank you,” I say and reach for my purse. “That’s a gift,” she says, firmly but kindly. “Enjoy that, child.” No one has called me child since my grandmother held me close and comforted me, so many years ago. I thank her again and walk to my car, not even hearing the noise around me any longer. I turned my car toward home, silent and lost in memory. Remembering my own

sweet Gussie. By the time you read, this I will have completed yet another trip around the sun. Another 365 days. Another 8,760 hours. Another 525,600 minutes. If the sign I’ve just bought and Miss Gussie are correct, that’s 525,600 lifetimes I’ve been granted since my last birthday. I’ve tried to live each one to the fullest. This much is true, because of the people I love, there is sweetness in every single one of those minutes….even the notso-happy ones. Because I am alive. I am here, underneath this sun, and there are treasures “every single where.”

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Career Discovery 2019 CAREER EXPO

October 3 - 4, 2019

A fun, educational, hands-on experience! A chance to get an overview of career opportunities available in the area, showcased in 11 career clusters!

Agriculture

Architecture & Construction

Communications & Information Technology

Education & Training

Hospitality, Tourism & Recreation

Manufacturing

Automotive Manufacturing

Healthcare

T

Public Service

Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Energy & Utilities

Open to all 8th grade students in Region 5. (public, private, home school, etc. in Autauga, Bullock, Chambers, Coosa, Dallas, Elmore, Lee, Lowndes, Macon, Montgomery, Perry, Russell, and Tallapoosa counties.)

Hosted on the Opelika campus of:

Southern Union State Community College

October 3- 4, 2019 Thank You to our Platinum Sponsors!

For more information, visit:

www.career-discovery.org

Opelika E vents, Society, & Food

CALENDAR OF EVENTS: • Sept. 26 - Hiss Golden Messenger at The Standard Deluxe • Oct. 1-5 - 73rd annual Lee County Fair • Oct. 19 - On the Tracks • Oct. 19 - 48th annual ‘Pioneer Day’ in Loachapoka • Oct. 25 - 3rd annual AuburnOpelika Wine Trail

Lyndal Curry shares recipes collected from friends in various places Ann Cipperly’s

Southern

Hospitality

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yndal Curry and her husband, Tim, have lived in a number of places across the country. Lyndal has a love of cooking and has gathered recipes from friends at each place they have lived. She now has a large collection and preparing the recipes brings back wonderful memories of friends in every location. Growing up in Atlanta, Lyndal was influenced in cooking by her grandmother, who was from Texas. She spent summers with her grandmother in Charlotte, North Carolina. She taught Lyndal how to cook, and they would cook

together, creating delicious cakes and other baked goods. Lyndal’s father, Bill Myrick, was the lifestyle editor for the Atlanta Journal and Constitution newspaper. Later, they moved to Birmingham where her father worked for the Birmingham News. Her father grew up on a large farm in Slap Out, Elmore County. Tim is from Birmingham, but they did not meet until they were students at Auburn University. After Lyndal and Tim graduated and got married, they moved to Birmingham for Tim to accept a

position at U.S. Steel. The company transferred him Photo by Ann Cipperly to various places, including Memphis, Oregon, two Lyndal Curry has a love of cooking and has collected recipes from friends over the years from the places she and her husband, Tim, have lived. She is sharing a variety of recipes, places in San Francisco including her go-to favorites for entertaining. and then they came back South. have two children, Saxby, he works part-time teachAlabama, while Tim was When they moved to 13, and Alcee, 11. ing EMS . They also work working with the Mobile San Francisco, she worked Lyndal and Tim still part-time at the medical Fire department. They are part-time for the city of enjoy traveling. They reschool on Auburn Univerboth paramedics. From Concord in the parks and cently visited Calgary and sity’s campus. Pensacola, they moved to recreation center. Later, Lake Louise in Canada. The Currys have two Spanish Fort. they moved to Walnut “Every day we were daughters. Daughter In 2011, the Currys Creek, which was closer to treated local snacks such Brennan and her husband, moved to Lee County. the city. as maple cream cookies,” Justin Townsend, live in Lyndal worked full time “After we decided to Greenville, South Carolina Lyndal said. at Southern Union as an leave San Francisco, we “One day our guide said and have three children, EMS instructor for five stepped out in faith and Eliza, 10; Rhys, 8 and Ann we were having Nanaimo years. When she retired, moved to the Pensacola Bars. They are named after Marin, 6 years old. Their area to work,” Lyndal said. Lyndal began teaching the city of Nanaimo on classes online for Southern other daughter, Erin, and She taught full time at her husband, Jeff Radford, Union. While Tim retired the University of South See Cipperly, page A11 live in Birmingham. They from the fire department,

Eighth annual 'Fall Boogie' at 48th annual 'Pioneer Days at Waverly's Standard Deluxe Loachapoka' slated for Oct. 19 scheduled for Oct. 12 Special to the Opelika Observer

The Fall Boogie is returning for an eighth time to the Standard Deluxe in Waverly on Oct. 12. The one-day festival will feature artists such as Revel in Dimes, Dexateens, Teardrop City, Bohannons, Neighbor Lady, Exotic Dangers and Dogwood Lung. There will also be local art and farm vendors. Guests are welcome and encouraged to bring their own chairs as well as beverages and

small coolers. However, no glass is allowed inside the venue. The Fall Boogie is an offset of the spring “Old 280” Boogie, a staple of the Waverly music scene for the last 19 years. Standard Deluxe owner Scott Peek decided to add the fall installment of the Boogie after pleas from the Lee County community and claims that “one Boogie a year (was) not enough!” Since the start of the Fall Boogie in 2012, its popularity has only contin-

By Morgan Bryce Editor

ued to grow. Previous performers have included the Alabama Shakes and Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit. Last year, the venue saw more than 800 people in attendance. See Boogie, page A8

Pioneer Days at Loachapoka, formerly known as the Syrup Soppin', will return for a 48th year Oct. 19. Organized by members of the Lee County Historical Society, the event serves as a fundraiser for the group, showcasing older ways of life and featuring a wide array of activities for adults and children alike. "Of course we'll

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

have a bunch of vendors selling handcrafted or handmade items, wonderful food vendors that you'd find at a fair that may be even a little bit better,

including our famous sweet potato biscuits, which you can't really find anywhere else," said LCHS secretary Deborah McCord. See Pioneer, page A8

Monday-Saturday 11 AM - 8 PM

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Pioneer, from A7 "For kids, we'll have a pony ride, petting zoo, rock-climbing wall, pow-wow dancing led by youth from the Poarch Creek Indians ... and a whole lot more." Instead of setting up near the railroad tracks along Highway 14, vendors are being moved to the interior of Pioneer Park this year for increased safety and a larger space to operate. McCord said nearly 100 vendors are confirmed and more are expected to join in the days leading up to the

event. Pioneer Park's 11 historic structures, including the two-story Old Trade Center built in 1845, will be open to the public that day. Society members and event volunteers will demonstrate activities found in older Southern culture including basketweaving, blacksmithing, ginning cotton, syrup making and more. Local bluegrass, folk and gospel groups will provide live music throughout the day, most notably the Whistle Stop Pickers who perform at the park's Second Saturday event each month. Lasting from 7 a.m.

to 4 p.m., the event will be held rain or shine, according to McCord. Attendance varies, but numbers have eclipsed 20,000 at previous years of the event. Both McCord and Loachapoka Mayor James Grout said they see an event as important to preserving the past for the education of present and future generations. "We really want the public to know about our past and to come out and see what we have ... there a lot of items that are one-ofa-kind and help tell both Loachapoka's and the county's story,"

McCord said. "Pioneer Day is our way to help educate the younger generation of what it was like when Loachapoka was a pioneer community ... self-sustaining production (was) all that your family needed to stay alive," Grout said. "The importance (of the event) to the town economy is to a lesser degree; but provides a much greater importance to the society. The revenue generated and shared is always welcome." Membership dues are another important factor in helping the organization stage significant events

like Pioneer Days and Second Saturday at Pioneer Park. The cost is $25 for individuals and $30 for families per year. For more information, call 334-887-

3007, like and follow the historical society's Facebook page or visit www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. The park is located at 6500 Stage Road in downtown Loachapoka.

Photos special to the Opelika Observer Pictured above are highlights from previous Pioneer Day events held at Loachapoka’s Pioneer Park. The event includes activities for adults and children as well as demonstrations of old tools and syrup-making demonstrations to preserve older ways of life. For more information, like and follow the Lee County Historical Society’s Facebook page or visit www.leecountyhistoricalsociety.org. The park is located at 6500 Stage Road.

Boogie, from A7 Wristbands are $30 both online at www.standardeluxe.com and on the day of

the event. Children ages 14 and under are free. Pets are not allowed. Wristbands will not be mailed, so guests must be sure to pick them up at will-call on festival day. The festival will go on rain or shine. Tickets are non-

refundable. Those interested in sponsoring the event also have the opportunity to purchase special ticket bundles in quantities of either 16 or 24. The sponsor’s name will appear on a “thank you” banner at the front gate of the venue. In even more exciting news, the Standard Deluxe is offering 10 lucky fans spots for camping on-site at the event. Five spots are primitive camping and five are RV parking spots. For more information on camping or to reserve a spot, visit the Fall Boogie ticket page. For more information, call 334-826-6423, like and follow the Standard Deluxe's social media pages or visit their website. The venue is located at 1015 Mayberry Ave.

“Our Mission is Your Health”

Beauregard Drugs We do wellness screenings for local & state employees. Call 334-364-9993 for details p 334-364-9993 | f 334-364-9997 7667 Alabama Hwy 51, Ste. A, Opelika www.beauregarddrugs.com

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Malcolm Holcombe Village Event Center to host fall to make Sundilla version of ‘East Alabama Gun debut on Sept. 27 and Hunting Show’ Oct. 12 and 13 Special to the Opelika Observer Americana music legend Malcolm Holcombe will make his long-awaited Sundilla debut on Sept. 27. Born and raised in the Blue Ridge mountains of North Carolina, Holcombe is highly regarded and recognized by his contemporaries including Emmylou Harris, Steve Earle and Wilco. Known for his emotionally captivating performances, he has shared the stage with Merle Haggard, Richard Thompson, John Hammond, Leon Russell, Wilco and Shelby Lynne. No emotional stone is left unturned during one of Holcombe’s performances. While one plans for this

important experience, collect Holcombe’s albums. His music is cryptic, demanding, polarizing, bold, passionate and free, a combination badly needed in this day and age. Showtime at the Auburn Unitarian Universalist Fellowship is 7:30 p.m., and advance tickets are $15 and can be purchased at Spicer’s Music, Ross House Coffee and online at sundillamusic. com. Day-of tickets will cost $20. Free coffee, tea, water and food will be available, and attendees are welcome to bring their own favorite food or beverage. For more information, visit www.sundillamusic.com. The venue is located at 450 E. Thach Ave.

By Morgan Bryce Editor The fall version of the East Alabama Gun and Hunting Show will return to Opelika’s Village Event Center on Oct. 12 and 13. Between 200 to 250 vendors selling the latest firearms accessories and equipment will be present for this show, according to the venue’s event manager Craig McCullough. New features for the fourth running of this biannual event include the addition of local, non-business tables for individuals looking to sell their goods as well

as hour-long workshops addressing a number of firearms topics led by local business owners, vendors and representatives from the U.S Department of Conservation. McCullough added that they still have spaces available for local, non-business tables available until Oct. 11 at noon, each costing $25. The show runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. General admission tickets cost $10 and $5 for children ages 9 and under or active law en-

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

forcement or military. For more information or updates, visit www.gunshowalabama.com or follow

HABITAT Around the

HEART THURSDAY

OCTOBER 10, 2019 Saugahatchee Country Club 3800 Bent Creek Road

6–9 PM

Catered by Club Chef Cash Bar and Piano Music Fantastic Auction

TICKETS $50

Tickets available at www.auburnopelikahabitat.org 334-745-2123 or any Habitat Board Member Presenting Sponsor

the Facebook event page. The venue is located at 804 Columbus Parkway.

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Sound Wall announces dates for 'Strum & Strive Music Festival' and 2020 'Opelika Songwriters Festival’ Special to the Opelika Observer The Sound Wall, a creative studio space in Opelika, is announcing several events set to take place this year and early next year. The first is a “save-thedate” announcement for the second annual Opelika Songwriters Festival for March 27 to 29, 2020. The first annual festival, co-produced by The Sound Wall and Russell Carter Artist Management (co-producer of the 30A Songwriters Festival) held over Memorial Day Weekend earlier this year was a rousing success, gathering more than 40 singer-songwrit-

ers who performed on multiple stages in historic downtown Opelika. The headliner for the 2019 festival was Shawn Mullins. Ticket information, and the list of confirmed performers for the 2020 event, which will be co-produced again by The Sound Wall and Russell Carter Artist Management, will be announced at a later date. Artist submissions for the festival are now open. In conjunction with the festival, a Student Songwriting Contest is now open for entries. Students 18 and under who are still in high school or younger may enter to win a chance to perform their original song at the 2020

Opelika Songwriters Festival. Winners will be chosen by a judging panel consisting of Opelika Songwriters Festival producers, Spicer’s Music and the Sundilla Concert Series and three winners will be selected to perform their winning song on the Spicer’s Music Sponsored Stage during the festival. The deadline for entries is Dec. 31, 2019. The third annual Strum & Strive Music Festival, co-produced by The Sound Wall and curated by The Sound Wall co-owner Jen Slocumb, is scheduled to be held at Pick Elementary in Auburn on Oct. 6. The event

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

features 12-year-old singer-songwriter and guitar phenom Jack Barksdale from Texas, who also performed at

the Opelika Songwriters Festival earlier this year. As it has in years past, the Strum & Strive Music Festival will also

include additional band performances, a variety of food trucks and other fun, family-friendly activities.

AACT bringing high-flying adventure to the stage Special to the Opelika Observer The Auburn Area Community Theatre is thrilled to present its first youth show in the 2019-2020 season, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr., presented through Musical Theater International. Bring your family and join 41 actors ages 5 to 12 for this high-flying musical adventure of Caractacus Potts and his children, Jeremy and Jemima, as they restore an old car that has magical abilities. They join forces with Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts to escape the evil Baron Bomburst’s schemes as he tries to take the car for himself. Performances will take place at the Jan Dempsey

Community Arts Center on 222 E. Drake Ave. in Auburn on Oct. 3 to 5, 7, 10 and 11 at 6:30 p.m., with matinees on Oct. 5 and 12 at 4 p.m. The show's runtime is approximately an hour. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors. Oct. 7 is Family Night and all tickets are $8. Call 334-246-1084 or visit www.auburnact.org for ticket purchases and more information. Email info@auburnact.org for group rate information. The rest of AACT’s season includes the shows The Little Prince, High School Musical Jr. and Vanya, Sonia, Masha and Spike. Auditions for all shows throughout the year are open to the public, for community members with

SOUTHERN UNION

WITH FREE GED & ENGLISH LANGUAGE CLASSES

WWW.SUSCC.EDU/ADULTED (334)749-8480

or without experience and details can be found on the website, www.auburnact. org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/auburnact. About the AACT Auburn Area Community Theatre is a nonprofit organization that exists to serve the Auburn-Opelika area. Its purpose is to provide an opportunity for education and participation in the world of theatre and present a quality, entertaining and thought-provoking theatre experience. The group is actively soliciting new members who have an interest in helping the growth of community theatre. AACT members and the community-at-large are encouraged to participate. For more information, visit www.auburnact.org.

pelika O Observer Cipperly, from A7 Vancouver Island, and they are well-known in Canada. They were good, but not as good as the recipe my friend in Walnut Creek gave me. Her husband was Canadian, and the recipe was his mother’s.” Another favorite cookie is the Almond Joy Cookies embellished with milk chocolate chips, coconut and almonds for a yummy

Recipes Mexican Meatloaf This recipe doubles very easily and freezes well. Wrap in a couple layers of heavy duty foil and freeze in freezer Ziploc bags. I usually make more glaze, and it freezes well too. Adjust chilis and brown sugar to your taste. Makes 1 large loaf Meatloaf: 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 medium carrot, finely chopped 1 -2 ribs chopped celery 1 lb. ground beef 1 poblano chili, roasted, peeled, diced ¼ tsp. each black pepper and cayenne 2 eggs, beaten ¼ cup sour cream ½ cup finely chopped onion 1 garlic clove, minced ½ lb. breakfast sausage 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. cumin ¼ cup ketchup ½ cup dried breadcrumbs Glaze: 2 medium tomatoes, cored (I use 1 can of whole tomatoes when out of season) ¼ medium white onion 2 garlic cloves 1 – 3 serrano chilies ( I use jalapenos) ¼ cup brown sugar 1 Tbsp. chipotle chili in adobo sauce, minced 1 Tbsp. yellow mustard Kosher salt Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In a heavy skillet, heat oil over medium high heat. Add onion, celery, carrot and garlic. Sauté, stirring until veggies are soft, about 8 minutes. Set aside to cool. In a large bowl combine meat, chilis and veggies In medium bowl, combine salt, pepper, cayenne, cumin and eggs. Add ketchup and sour cream and mix well with a fork. Pour this on top of meat mixture along with breadcrumbs and mix well. Shape mixture into loaf and place in loaf pan. Bake until thermometer reads 160°, about 45 minutes. Glaze: In a heavy skillet or Dutch oven, add tomatoes, onion, garlic cloves and chilis. Cook turning frequently until lightly charred on all sides. Allow to cool. Pulse the tomato mixture in blender until chunky and then pour into small skillet. Stir in sugar, chipotle chili and mustard. Boil over medium until slightly thickened and season with salt. Spoon glaze over meatloaf and serve. Almond Joy Cookies 1 cup butter, room temperature 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1 1/2 cups brown sugar 4 eggs 3 tsp. vanilla 4 1/2 cups flour 2 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 5 cups milk chocolate chips 2 cups sweetened coconut 2 cups chopped almonds Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees. Lightly grease cookie sheets – parchment paper works best. Combine dry ingredients; set aside.

treat. Lyndal will bake a few and then scoop the dough into a quart-sized Ziploc bag. She mashes the batter out to flatten and freezes them. When ready to bake, she breaks off a part, lets it thaw and then bakes the cookies. A unique recipe is the Grits Dressing. She was given this recipe in Charleston from a family that had handed down the recipe for about 125 years. Lyndal enjoys entertaining. She will prepare most of the meal in the morning. She suggests getting everything done ahead when In a large bowl, cream butter and sugars together. Beat in eggs, one at a time, stir in vanilla. Stir in dry ingredients until well mixed. Then stir in the chocolate chips, coconut and almonds. Drop by rounded tablespoons full onto the prepared cookie sheets. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes. Cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. This recipe makes 10 dozen cookies so be prepared. I mix all the ingredients together with the mixer then mix in the nuts, coconut, and chocolate chips by hand. The dough freezes well. Fill a quart bag and squash the batter flat and freeze. Nanaimo Bars Old favorite recipe from Nanaimo, British Columbia (Vancouver Island). I got this recipe from an Australian friend whose husband was Canadian. ½ cup butter ¼ cup sugar 3 Tbsp. cocoa 1 egg beaten 1 tsp. vanilla 2 cups graham cracker crumbs 1 cup chopped coconut ½ cup walnuts, chopped ¼ cup butter softened 2 cup sifted confectioners’ sugar 2 Tbsp. instant vanilla pudding 2 Tbsp. milk 2 squares baking chocolate 1 tsp. butter Heat first 3 ingredients in double boiler. Add eggs and vanilla and stir well. Remove from heat, add cracker crumbs, coconut and walnuts. Press dough into an 8 inch greased pan and put in refrigerator. Cream butter and confectioners’ sugar and stir in pudding and milk. Mix until smooth. Spread over chilled dough and set in refrigerator. Melt chocolate and butter and pour over creamed layer. Rotate dish to spread chocolate. Chill. Store in refrigerator. Cut with a very warm sharp knife into small pieces like fudge. Tamale Pie 2 lbs. ground beef 1 onion 1 green pepper 16 oz. jar roasted tomato salsa Pinch of oregano ½ to 1 tsp. dry chipotle pepper 1 tsp. salt 2 pkgs. jiffy cornbread mix 1 cup Mexican cheese shredded 8 oz. canned or frozen (thawed) corn Start browning beef, onion and peppers. Stir in salsa. Stir in salt, oregano and chipotle. Let meat mixture sauté then simmer. Meanwhile, mix together one pkg. of Jiffy, as directed.

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entertaining, so as guests arrive you are relaxing with a glass of wine and not rushing around. The Conecuh Sausage and Asparagus Pasta is a favorite to serve when entertaining, and it is a recipe she created. Tim will grill the sausage and freeze some to have on hand for adding to the pasta. Another go-to dish for company is the Mexican Meatloaf. She will prepare three at a time and freeze them. Sometimes after church, they will invite friends over. She will pull out one of the meatloaves

that takes about an hour to cook. She will whip up potatoes and assemble a salad to complete the menu. The meatloaf glaze is spicy sweet prepared with fresh or canned tomatoes, mustard, onions, chilis and brown sugar. She will also freeze the glaze topping. The Hot Fudge Pie topped with ice cream is her standby dessert to mix quickly for company. Lyndal is organized in the kitchen. “I like to cook smarter, not harder,” she says. When she gets a bag of lemons, she will go ahead and juice and zest all

of them. She puts the zest in pill bags and the juice in ice trays to freeze for later use. She discovered a way to boil eggs that are easy to peel. She puts them in a steamer basket over water and steams for 12 minutes. Then she puts them in ice water. They are easy to peel every time. Lyndal got the idea for the Black-Eyed Pea Soup from the Wish Bone Café in Montgomery. Along with eating good food, the Curry’s enjoy scuba diving. Tim was a scuba diving instructor in

Pour batter into greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with the corn. Top with half of the cheese. Top with the meat mixture. Mix the second box of jiffy, as directed and stir the rest of the cheese into the batter. Top the casserole with the cheesy batter, leaving ½ inch uncovered around edges. Bake on 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

2 whole lemons 1 cup heavy cream ½ lb. gemelli or penne rigate (#76) Olive oil Grill sausage (or cook in skillet) and chop in ¼ - ½-inch slices. Roast asparagus whole in the oven at 425 degrees for about 5 minutes – check for tenderness but don’t overcook. Chop asparagus in 1-inch pieces and combine with sausage and set aside. Prepare gremolata: Place washed oregano leaves, whole fresh garlic, and almonds on cutting board and chop until fine. Drizzle a few tablespoons of olive oil in skillet over medium low heat. Add the gremolata mixture and cook, tossing it around for 3 – 4 minutes until it becomes lightly golden brown. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and zest 1 tsp. of lemon directly into the pan and stir. Cook ¾ lb. of pasta in boiling salted water about 6 minutes or to your desired tenderness. Drain well and add the sausage, juice from 2 lemons, asparagus, gremolata, half the Parmesan cheese and pasta. Mix well. Add a drizzle or two of olive oil and enough heavy cream to make the pasta creamy. Serve with remaining Parmesan. Makes 4 entrée servings. All the ingredients can be prepared in advance except boiling the pasta. Just warm the sausage and asparagus and mix in the remaining ingredients according to the recipe.

per, to taste Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Liberally prepare a 9 X 13-inch clear glass baking dish with bacon grease. In a large bowl, combine grits, crumbled (not crumbs) bread and stock until “slack” (meaning a little lose but thick), using hands to thoroughly incorporate. Add eggs, onion, salt and pepper; mix thoroughly. Let sit for 15 minutes. Add to baking dish; brush top with bacon grease. Bake for 45 minutes or until browned (center may not be totally firm). Allow to reach room temperature to “set up” before cutting into squares for serving. We generally serve at room temperature with hot giblet gravy, but it is easy to warm in the microwave or in the oven while the turkey is resting. Makes 8-10 servings. Sometimes I will throw in a half bag of prepared cornbread dressing (Pepperidge farms).

Avocado/Mango Guacamole 3 ripe avocados, pitted and cubed 1-2 cloves of garlic, minced ¼ cup finely diced red onion 1 small jalapeno, seeded and finely diced 1 tsp. cumin Salt and pepper to taste – requires more than you would think. 1 lemon, juiced 1 large mango, pitted and cubed 2 - 3 Tbsp. chopped cilantro Chili powder or cayenne Tortilla chips Combine avocados, garlic, onion, jalapeno, cumin, and salt and pepper in bowl. Mix to desired consistency with fork until combined, leaving some chunks of avocado whole. Stir in lemon juice, mango, and cilantro. When serving, sprinkle with cayenne and serve with warm tortilla chips. Black-Eyed Pea Soup 2 cups dried peas 1 onion, chopped 1 bell pepper, chopped 1 celery stalk, chopped 2 Tbsp. bacon grease 2 Tbsp. butter ½ cup whipping cream 1 can Rotel (or other spicy canned, chopped tomatoes) 6 cups savory chicken broth (use chicken soup base, Tone’s) Soak peas per pkg. directions then cook peas. When done, sauté vegetables in butter and bacon drippings until onions are clear. Stir in Rotel to taste; add chicken broth and peas. Heat. Remove from heat and add whipping cream. Season to taste with Luzianne or Tony’s seasonings as needed. I have added ham/bacon/ prosciutto for flavoring Also, if you want it thicker, I blended a cup or two with the immersion blender and returned it to the soup. Conecuh Sausage and Asparagus Pasta All the ingredients can be prepared in advance except boiling the pasta. Just warm the sausage and asparagus and mix in the remaining ingredients according to the recipe. 1 lb. Conecuh sausage 1 lb. asparagus spears ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided 4 cloves garlic ½ cup sliced almonds 2 oz. fresh oregano

Hot Fudge Pie 1 cup sugar ½ cup butter, melted 2 eggs, beaten 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring ½ cup flour 2 Tbsp. cocoa ½ cup nuts (optional) Melt butter and sugar over med heat and stir well. Remove from heat and add remaining ingredients and mix well. Put in a butter pie plate and bake at 325° degrees for 30 minutes. Serve with vanilla ice cream. You can substitute 2 squares of unsweetened baking chocolate for the cocoa and use ¼ cup of butter rather than ½. Eddie Mae Byrd’s Grits Dressing This simple recipe came from Charleston, South Carolina and served at Thanksgiving and Christmas for five generations, converting waves of in-laws with their first taste. Bacon grease, room temperature 2 cups cold prepared grits 16 slices white bread including heels, crumbled (spread out pieces and leave overnight, they will be hard, just right to crumble) 3 ½ cups turkey or chicken stock 2 eggs, beaten 2 medium onions, chopped Generous salt and pep-

Homemade Onion Rings Cook time: 15 minutes 1 whole large onion 2 cups buttermilk 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. (scant) salt 1/4 tsp. (to 1/2 tsp.) cayenne pepper 1 quart (to 2 quarts) canola oil Black pepper to taste Slice onion very thin. Place in a Zip-Lock bag and cover with buttermilk and soak at least 1 hour. Combine dry ingredients and set aside. Heat oil to 375 degrees. Grab a handful of onions, throw into the flour mixture, tap to shake off excess, and plunge into hot oil. Fry for a few minutes and remove as soon as golden brown. Don’t cook too many at a time. Repeat until onions are gone. Eat before your family sees them. Repeat with another onion, because they’ll be really mad they didn’t get any. Makes 2 servings. Cathead Biscuits Preheat oven to 450 degrees. 1 stick salted butter, melted in iron skillet (don’t allow to burn) 2 ½ cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ Tbsp. sugar 1 ½ Tbsp. baking powder 2 scant cups of buttermilk 1 ½ tsp. salt Mix together and spread into the hot skillet and slice into single servings before baking or drop in serving sizes into skillet. Bake for 20 minutes or until browned. These are thick, heavy biscuits that make great breakfast sandwiches. Fill with fried egg, bacon and

Oregon and San Francisco. They now go to the Caribbean to scuba dive. Lyndal also enjoys being in the Community Bible Study at First Baptist Church. Following are a variety of recipes collected over time. “I like to share my recipes that I have collected from friends along the way,” Lyndal said “I generally have a story with each recipe that brings back memories of friends and good times.” Ann Cipperly can be reached at recipes@cipperly.com. cheese. Wrap in foil and head out the door. Bran Muffins 2 cups boiling water 2 cups Kellogg’s All Bran 1 heaping cup shortening 3 cups sugar 4 eggs 1 quart buttermilk 5 cup all-purpose flour 5 tsp. soda 1 Tbsp. salt 4 cups Kellogg’s All Bran Raisins/nuts, optional Pour boiling water over 2 cups All Bran; set aside. Cream shortening and sugar in very large bowl. Add eggs and beat in well. Add buttermilk and scalded Bran. Sift flour, soda and salt together and add, with the 4 cups All Bran, to the liquid mixture. Beat until just blended. Add raisin or nuts if desired. Bake in greased muffin tins for 15 – 20 minutes at 400 degrees. This is an old farm recipe that makes a very large quantity – 7 or 8 dozen. The batter will keep in a tightly closed container for a month or more in the refrigerator. I always give some batter to friends. It’s easy to scoop out just enough batter for a couple of muffins at a time. ** I often substitute 2 of the 4 cups of All Bran with 2 cups of oatmeal.

Food Ratings IHOP 1463 Opelika Road Auburn Score: 97 Mike and Ed’s 2245 Lee Road 430 Smiths Station Score: 96 Western Sizzlin’ 920 Columbus Parkway Opelika Score: 96 Mrs. Story’s Dairy Bar 1900 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 96 MaFia’s Italian Restaurant 811 S. Railroad Ave. Opelika Score: 95 Little Caesar’s 1515 2nd Ave. Opelika Score: 95 Jim Bob’s 1006 1st Ave. Opelika Score: 95 Mi Poblanita Taqueria 3708 Pepperell Parkway Opelika Score: 88

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Opelika Sportsplex to host annual health and resource fair Oct. 1 Special to the Opelika Observer The Opelika SportsPlex and the Robert and Marjorie Goodson Estate are hosting the "7th Annual SportsPlex Senior Health and Resource Fair" on Oct. 1 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. This health fair is free and open to the public and will provide access to numerous free services to adults ages 55 and older. The health fair will feature more than 50 vendors that accommodate a wide variety of needs. Whether someone is just beginning to navigate Medicare and supplemental insurance, or someone is looking for home health options, there will be numerous agencies and providers in attendance to explain their options. “It is important for adults to feel empowered as they navigate the aging process,” said SportsPlex Adult Activities Coordinator Valeri White. “We want to give them the knowledge to advocate for their own needs as they come.” The SportsPlex

Senior Health and Resource Fair promotes preventative care by providing free screenings and a plethora of knowledge in one location. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), half of the country’s population has been diagnosed with a chronic illness classified by the medical community as preventable. Offering these preventative services under one roof ultimately makes it easier for the senior population to access and utilize them. This year’s health and resource fair will provide a multitude of free services for seniors including: The Southern Union State Community College Nursing Program will be performing blood pressure, glucose and cholesterol checks and hemoglobin screenings. The East Alabama Medical Center (EAMC) Cancer Center will be doing men’s Prostrate-Specific Antigen (PSA) blood work to test for prostate cancer. Complete Care Chiropractic will provide sEMG exams

to measure muscular compensation around the spine. Hearing Life Clinic will perform hearing tests to diagnose potential hearing loss. Kindred at Home will perform balance tests to assess static balance and postural stability. Walmart Vision Center will provide vision screenings to look for potential vision loss and eye disorders. Medical Arts Pharmacy will be providing flu shots. This year’s health and resource fair will also provide a wide variety of vendors that will help educate seniors and allow them to shop for providers at one location, including: - Advocacy groups - Assisted living providers - Community health resources - Healthcare providers - Home health providers - Hospice care providers - Insurance providers - Rehabilitation providers - Vision providers

and - Volunteer opportunities. There will also be opportunities to view and participate in group fitness classes. Classes that are specifically tailored to senior adults, like Zumba Gold and Tai Chi, will be demonstrated during the health fair so that participants can gauge their interest or try them out. The SportsPlex Senior Health and Resource Fair is supported by the Robert

and Marjorie Goodson Estate. Robert and Marjorie Goodson owned and operated a jewelry store in Opelika for more than 50 years. Many of their customers from their early days in business are now members of the senior population in Opelika, and according to Doug Horn, co-executor of their estate, this health fair is a great way to pay back some of the people who helped them with their business 50

years ago. “The Goodsons wanted to give back to Opelika, a community that they loved. If we can provide preventative measures that keep someone from experiencing an illness, we are able to honor their memory in that way,” Horn said. For more information about the fair, call 334-705-2493 or visit www.opelikasportsplex.com. The SportsPlex is located at 1001 Andrews Road.

Photo by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

OBITUARIES JoAnn Bennett Edgar A celebration of life for JoAnn Bennett Edgar, 91, of Opelika, was held Sept.. 21, 2019 at 2 p.m. at the Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home Chapel. The family received friends at the Jeffcoat-Trant Chapel one hour before the service. Interment followed at Rosemere Cemetery. Mrs. Edgar passed away peacefully in her sleep at Oak Park Nursing Home on Sept. 19, 2019. Mrs. Edgar was born and raised in Opelika. She was a graduate of Clift High School and attended Auburn University where she was a member of the first majorette squad and the Phi Mu Sorority’s first pledge class at Auburn. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Melissa Robertson Smith Melissa Robertson Smith born March 8, 1973 in Opelika, Alabama, at age 46 passed away at EAMC on Sept. 17 due to her battle with heart failure. She was preceded in death by her mother Belinda Gail Moss. She was devoted to her family as a Wife, Daughter, Sister, Mother, Tata, and Nana. She loved her books and her passion for animals made them her children. She is survived by her husband of 23 years Timmy Smith; parents: Barry(Trucilla) Robertson, and Pop Smith; children: Brenda(Josh) Guenther, Dustin(Alice) Smith,

Opelika and enjoyed traveling, gardening, needlework, reading, playing bridge and spending time with family. Mrs. Edgar is preceded in death by her parents, Sherwood Randolph Bennett and Irma Thompson Bennett. She is survived by her husband of 72 years, John Clarence Edgar, Jr.; two sons, Jim (Paula) Edgar of Dunwoody, Ga., and John (Dana) Edgar, of Opelika; four grandchildren, Chris (Hillary) Edgar, Jenny Edgar Harris, Lara (Brandon) Fincher, J.B. (Tori) Edgar; and five great-grandchildren, Joseph and Hannah Harris, Blythe Edgar, Kayla Ann Fincher, and Jules Edgar. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home and Crematory directed. Haleigh(Lil Danny) Hayes; sisters: Michelle(Adam) Gladden, Patti(Brian) Henderson; brother: Gary(Mariana) Long; life long friend: Kathryn Smith Adams; nieces: Brooke Waldrop, Kayla “Bug” Grimes, McCall Henderson, Ashlyn Long, and Megan Long; nephews: Mitchell Henderson, Tyler Long, and Austin Long. Family would like to extend a special thank you to everyone who has helped in any kind of way during this difficult time. There will be a celebration of life held at Pierce Chapel Church on Saturday, September 28 from 2 to 4 p.m. There will be a burial to follow in Little Texas.

Owen James (Jim) Booton Mr. Owen James (Jim) Booton passed away on Sept. 18, 2019 at Arbor Springs Health - Rehab Center after a lengthy illness. Jim was born in Huntington, West Virginia on Feb. 25, 1932. He attended public schools there. He attended Marshall University and received a degree in Industrial Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He was an Eagle Scout, a member of the Kappa Alpha Fraternity, A Rock Hound, an Amateur Radio Operator (WA4KMM) and a Registered Professional Engineer. His father, Percy Momoe Booton; his mother, Jesse Murvyne Booton; and a brother, Charles Hanly Booton, from Stone Mountain, Georgia all preceded him in death. Judy Thompson Turner Judy Thompson Turner born January 12, 1945 in Dale County, Alabama, passed away at home on Monday, September 16, 2019 surrounded by her loving family after a long battle with cancer. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Cas and Maggie Thompson; siblings: Rudolph, Herman, Delbert, and Katherine. She was a devoted wife, mother and Nana that had an avid love of home, gardening, and her flowers, but most of all she loved her family and pets. She is survived by her devoted husband of 56 years Calvin Turner; children: Lynn Godfrey (Jim), Denise Fulghum (Todd), Brian Turner, David Turner; grandchildren:

He began his career at United States Steel in Birmingham as an Industrial Engineer. He moved to Opelika in 1967 and was employed as the Industrial Engineering Manager for the Ampex Corporation until 1980 when he joined the Vermont American Corporation in Auburn, Alabama. He served as the IE Manager and the Environmental Manager for Vermont American Steel Casting Facility until his retirement in 1997. He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Joy Houck Booton, Opelika, Alabama; one son, Owen Bradford (Doris) Booton of Greensboro, North Carolina and a brother, Eddie Momoe (Pat) Booton of Douglasville, Georgia. A graveside service was held 2 p.m. Sept. 20 at Garden Hills Cemetery. Dr. Jeff Myers officiated. Amber Godfrey, Whitney Fulghum, Matthew Godfrey, Clint Fulghum, Nathan Godfrey; great-grandchildren: Skyler Godfrey, Anthony Fulghum, Chelsea Godfrey, Aubrey Godfrey, Kainen Tumlin; sister: Katie McCall; and several nieces and nephews. Family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Linda Farmer and all the staff at the cancer center and Dr. John Abrams and all the Compassus staff for the amazing care and compassion during such a difficult time. A private memorial will be held in Opelika, Alabama and Dale County, Alabama. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Compassus Hospice, Cancer Center, or a humane shelter of your choice.

Tammy Sue Morris Tammy Sue Morris of Salem, Alabama was born in Montgomery, Alabama on November 17, 1969 and passed away peacefully at her home on September 16, 2019. She was 49 years old. She was a remarkable wife and mother, taken too soon by a monster named cancer. Through it all she smiled and fought, and never quit. She had a quote that she liked "The devil whispered in my ear, you are not strong enough to weather the storm" on September 16, 2019 she replied to him, "I am the storm" as heaven rejoiced the arrival of another Angel. She is survived by her husband, Charles Morris; son, Steven Murphy; siblings, Sandra Champion, Debra Champion, Tonya Hussy, Robert Champion, Misty Thanem, and Daniel Champion. Visitation was held Sept. 20, 2019 in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home from 5 to 6:30 p.m. with a Celebration of Life following in the chapel at 6:30 p.m. with Pastor Ricky Thomaston officiating. Frederick-Dean Funeral Home directed. Mary Frances Damron Mary Frances Damron was born to the late James O. and Mamie Petrie Brinkley in Charleston, WV, on June 30, 1923, and passed away on September 17, 2019. She was a lifelong Christian, and committed to her faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Clarence Damron; infant daughter, Vicki; three brothers, and two sisters. She is survived by her son, Jeff Damron, and beloved friends Jill Davis, and Gisela Buschle-Diller. Visitation was held in the Parlor at Frederick-Dean Funeral Home Thursday, Sept. 19, 2019 from 5 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to a Hospice of your choice.

Opelika

F R Rich, deep and rewarding amily &

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

ny way you care to look at it, Corinth was Paul’s most challenging church. We have more writing from him to this congregation than any other (by quite a bit)—and we know of at least two more letters he wrote that haven’t been preserved for us (1 Cor. 5:9; 2:2:1-4). 1 Corinthians deals primarily with doctrinal issues and understandings (speaking in tongues, the resurrection of the dead, eating meat sacrificed to idols, etc.) and behavioral correctives (their divisiveness/ lack of love, failure to exercise church discipline, behavior while

taking the Lord’s Supper, etc.). 2 Corinthians is quite different in subject and tone. It is much more personal—it has as its background the Corinthians’ lack of regard for Paul as a true apostle of Jesus. After all, he wasn’t one of the original twelve, he didn’t accept any money from them (as they thought a true apostle should), he wasn’t credentialed and he was possibly without a sponsoring church. They had other complaints as well. • He was fickle and undependable (1:17). • He was heavy handed and lorded his authority over them (1:24).

eligion

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

• He didn’t really care for them (11:7-11). • His ministry didn’t seem all that glorious and successful. There was too much suffering and hardship for him to be a true apostle (this is everywhere in the letter but especially in sections like 4:11-15, 6:310, 11:23-33, 12:1-10). • He was unimpressive in appearance and

Church calendar • Pepperell Baptist’s youth program meets on Wednesday evenings from 6 to 7 p.m. This is an evening of prayer, Bible Study and discussion. For more information, contact youth and children’s pastor Ryno Jones if you need more information at 334745-3108. • Sept. 26 - First Baptist Church of Opelika’s Women’s Ministry is holding a special evening of praise and worship. The event will include a dessert fellowship from 6:30 to 7 p.m. followed by the service from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Rosephanye Powell will lead the service. Tickets cost $5 for this event. For more information, call 334-7455715 or visit www.fbcopelika.com. • Sept. 27 and 28 - Airview Baptist Church will air a livestream of the Revive19 Women’s Conference. Times for the conference are 1 to 3:30 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 27 and 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1 to 4 p.m. on Sept. 28. For more information or to register, call 334-745-6670. • Oct. 6 - Airview Baptist Church’s homecoming service will begin at 10:30 a.m., featuring a message from Wayne Henderson and special music. A food fellowship will follow the service. The church is located at 2301 Airport Road.

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

ANGLICAN Anglican Church of the Good Shepherd 1311 Second Ave. #758-6749 ASSEMBLY OF GOD Bridge Church 1000 Lee Road 263, Cusseta #742-0144 AME Mount Zion AME Church West Point Hwy #749-3916 St. Luke AME Church 1308 Auburn St. #749-1690 St. Paul AME Church 713 Powledge Ave. #745-6279 Thompson Chapel AME Zion 187 Columbus Pkwy #749-8676 BAPTIST Abundant Life Baptist Church 1220 Fox Run Ave. Suite B #7064421464 Airview Baptist Church 2301 Airport Rd. #745-6670 Antioch Baptist Church 605 W. East Morton Ave #742-0696 Bethesda Baptist Church 201 S. 4th St. #745-7528 Bethel Baptist Church Hwy. 29 Sasser Rd #745-4865 Central Baptist Church 1611 2nd Ave. #745-2482 Community Baptist Church 154 N. 16th St. #745-6552 Cornerstone Missionary Baptist 500 N. Railroad Ave. #742-2008 Eastview Baptist Church 1208 Spring Dr #749-9595 Farmville Baptist Church 3607 Alabama Hwy N. #887-7361 First Baptist Church of Opelika

not a good speaker (10:10, 11:16). • He was timid when with them and bold when away (10:1) and • He was an inferior apostle—if one at all (11:5). Paul responds to these personal attacks in a personal way. He opens up his heart to them and shares his pain, sorrow, suffering and joy. We see a side of Paul in this letter that we see only bits and pieces of in his other correspondence. What does 2 Corinthians offer us today? It is rich, deep and rewarding. Paul speaks of God as the God of all comfort, tells us we are comforted in our troubles so that we might comfort

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others in theirs, talks about what it means to set our hope on God— and that’s all in just the first ten verses of chapter one! He goes on to unequivocally show us that suffering and hardship are not incompatible with following God. In fact, they are very much to be expected and God works through them to reveal the life of Jesus and strengthen us (4:7-15, 12:1-10). There is also a rich section on the ministry of reconciliation (2:14-6:13). And so much more! Allow God to bless you through this book! You can find more of Bruce’s writings at his website: atasteofgracewithbrucegreen.com.

Verse of the Week

• Oct. 6 - Pepperell Baptist Church is celebrating 93 years of serving the Lord as a church. The church was established in 1926 and has been serving the community in teaching God’s word to people and families. The Homecoming service goes from 10:30 a.m. to noon with a fellowship covered dish lunch following. Ken Vickery, a previous pastor at Pepperell Baptist, will be bringing the homecoming message. Gary Morgan, a previous worship leader at Pepperell Baptist Church, will be leading the homecoming service in praise and worship. The church is located at 2702 Second Ave. in Opelika. The phone number is 334-745-3108. Mike Newman is the pastor of the church. • Oct. 12 - The David Phelps Family Band will perform at First Baptist Church Opelika beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets range in cost from $25 to $50 and can be purchased online at www. ticketbud.com. The church is located at 301 S. 8th St.

“He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority.’”

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

Acts 1:7

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

Fresh Foods...And A Whole Lot More!

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

CATHOLIC St. Mary’s Catholic Church 1000 4th Ave. #749-8359 CHURCH OF CHRIST Church of Christ 2215 Marvyn Pkwy #742-9721 10th Street Church of Christ 500 N. 10th St. #745-5181 Southside Church of Christ 405 Carver Ave. #745-6015 Church of Christ 2660 Cunningham Drive #745-6377 CHURCH OF GOD Airview Church of God 3015 Old Opelika Rd #749-9112 Church of God 114 17th Place #7496432 Tabernacle Church of God 3 Oak Court #745-7979 CHURCH OF NAZARENE Opelika Church of Nazarene 1500 Bruce Ave. #749-1302 EPISCOPAL Emmanuel Episcopal Church 800 1st Ave. #745-2054 HOLINESS Eastside Emmanuel Holiness Church 86 Lee Road 186 Opelika, Ala. 36804 JEWISH Beth Shalom Congregation 134 S. Cary Dr. #826-1050 LATTERDAY SAINTS Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints 510 Groce St. #742-9981 METHODIST First United Methodist Church of Opelika 702 Avenue A #745-7604 Hopewell United Methodist 1993 Lee Rd 136 #745-0460

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

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

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Community Calendar: Events around town

• Sept. 26 - 5 p.m. - River Bank & Trust Business After Hours • Sept. 27 - 2:30 p.m. - State Farm - Kali Bryan Chadick Ribbon Cutting • Sept. 27 - 10:30 a.m. - Opelika Police Department - Ribbon Cutting • Oct. 9 - 8 a.m. - Connections • Oct. 16 - 7:30 a.m. - Business Over Breakfast Ongoing: • Village Friends/ Village Values is a nonprofit organization that supports seniors who prefer to stay in their own homes as they grow older. For info or to schedule a presentation to your group, call 334-2094641. For the website, Google “village friends village values.” • The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR chapter is appealing for sweaters, jackets, trousers, shirts and socks, women’s clothing, soft soap in individual containers, shaving supplies, disposable razors, denture cleanser, toothpaste and toothbrushes, DVDs, games, books and magazines to take to veterans at the CAVHCS in Tuskegee. The Martha Wayles Jefferson DAR Chapter regularly visits veterans living in assisted living, the homeless domiciliary and psych (trauma) ward in Tuskegee. Donations are tax deductible and will be much appreciated. Pick up is provided. Please call Linda Shabo at 8876659 or at 256-3071449. Mondays: • The Lee County Voters League meets the first Mondays of the month at 6 p.m.

at Bethesda Baptist Church located at 201 S. 4th St. Opelika • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary meets the third Monday at 7 p.m. at 910 West Point Parkway in Opelika. • The Opelika Community Band practices from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in the Auburn High School band room. Everyone is welcome, amateurs and professionals alike. • The Touched by Suicide Support Group meets the first Monday of every month at 5:30 p.m. at the East Alabama Medical Center Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information, contact Deborah Owen, EAMC’s director of Psychiatric Services at deborahowen@ eamc.org. • The fourth Monday of each month, a community grief support group meets from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary; everyone is welcome. For more information, call 8261899 or 502-0216. • T.O.P.S (Taking Off Pounds Sensibly), a weight loss support group, meets every Monday night from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the

Covington Recreation Center, 213 Carver Ave., Opelika. For more info contact Mary Johnson, 7491584. • The Lee County Commission meets the second and last Mondays of each month at the courthouse beginning at 5 p.m. • The Commercial Horticulture Extension Team organizes webinars to provide quick updates for producers on various topics of interest. Whether you are interested in the proper way to plant fruit trees or have questions in turf management, these webinars cover a wide range of subjects. Webinars are streamed live via Panopto on the last Monday of every month starting in January and ending in November. During the presentation, participants can send questions via email. The webinars also are recorded and stored in the archive on the Beginning Farmer website. Webinar topics include: trap cropping for reducing squash insect pests, cowpea curculio updates, nutsedge control, introduction to potting mixes in ornamental container production, dealing with drought in commercial horticulture

crops and many more. To view the full schedule, please visit www.aces.edu/anr/ beginningfarms/webinars.php. Please send questions during the presentations to Ann Chambliss, thameae@ auburn.edu. For questions regarding the webinar series or for providing suggestions, please email Dr. Ayanava Majumdar at bugdoctor@auburn. edu. Tuesdays: • Ballroom Dance Classes at the Opelika Sportsplex from 7 to 8 p.m. every Tuesday. Instructor is Cody Wayne Foote. For more info, call Diane at 749-6320. • The East Alabama Old Car Club meets every first Tuesday at 7 p.m. at Monarch Estates Clubhouse, located at 1550 East University Drive, Auburn. A program of interest to the old car enthusiast is presented. Car ownership is not required. • The Opelika City Council meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 7 p.m. Meetings are preceded by nonvoting work sessions that typically begin between 6 and 6:45 p.m. • Every second Tuesday, a country, gospel and bluegrass music jam session is held at Pierce Chapel United Methodist Church in Beauregard. The event is free and open to the public. Those who play an instrument should bring it and plan to join in. The jam session is held from 6 to 8 p.m. 8685 AL Highway 51. • A Grief Support Group meets at Oak Bowery United Methodist Church Tuesdays at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for anyone dealing with the pain

of loss and feeling the need for support on their journey as they attempt to bring order and wholeness back into their life. Attendance and participation is strictly voluntary for any and all sessions. There are no fees or charges involved. The church is located on U.S. Highway 431 – eight miles north from Southern Union State Community College and Opelika High School. For more information, contact Bill Parker at 459-0214 or 706-5189122. • The Auburn Composite Squadron of the Civil Air Patrol meets every Tuesday evening from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Auburn University Regional Airport. The Civil Air Patrol is a nonprofit organization that is Congressionally chartered to be the civilian auxiliary of the Air Force and focuses on three missions: aerospace education, cadet programs and emergency services. For more information visit www.auburncap.org or find the organization on Facebook. • East Alabama Gem & Mineral Society meets the fourth Tuesday of every month at 5:45 p.m. Meetings are held at the Covington Rec. Center, located at 213 Carver Ave. in Opelika. Wednesdays: • The second Wednesday of each month, a Community Grief Support Group meets from 10 to 11 a.m. at the EAMC Health Resource Center. No reservations are necessary. For more info call 8261899 or 502-0216. • The John Powell American Legion Post 18 and Auxiliary hosts Bingo every

Wednesday night at 6 p.m. • Every Wednesday is Wine Down Wednesday at the Bottling Plant Event Center from 5 to 8 p.m. Thursdays: • American Legion Auxiliary Unit 152 meets the first Thursday of every month at 11 a.m. at Niffer’s Place, 917 S. Railroad Ave. in Opelika. • The Teal Magnolias Gynecological Cancer Support Group meets the second Thursday of every third month at 6 p.m. at EAMC Health Resource Center, 2027 Pepperell Parkway. For more information on the Teal Magnolias, email tealmagnoliasAL@yahoo. com or find them on Facebook. • Opelika-Auburn Newcomers’ Club provides a variety of programs for the betterment of the Auburn/Opelika community to assist women transitioning into the area or to help women adjust to recent lifestyle changes. The club meets on the third Thursday of each month at 11:30 a.m. for a luncheon at various local restaurants. Please call or email Cheri Paradice at 334737-5215 or cheri. paradice@gmail.com for more information or luncheon location of the month. • T.O.U.C.H. Cancer Support Group meets the third Thursday of the month at 6 p.m. at EAMC’s Health Resource Center. This is a support group for people living with any type of cancer or their families and friends. Call 334-528-1076 for more information. Email editor@opelikaobserver.com to place your community events.

- Dollar Beer Night at Niffers • Oct. 1 - Eighth & Rail presents The Jane Drake Band starting at 7:30 p.m. • Oct. 2 - 12:30 p.m. - The Lee County Master Gardeners will meet at the Harris Center, which is located at 425 Perry St. in Auburn. The public is invited. The speaker is Dr. Bill Deutsch, author of the book ‘Alabama Rivers: A Celebration and Challenge’. His presentation will focus on the rivers that are in the Lee County area. There will be a book signing directly after the meeting. Visit LeeMG.org. • Oct. 7 - The Lee County Vot-

ers League’s next meeting will be on Oct. 7. Topics to be discussed to include how proceed as the next cycle unfolds for the November 2020 general election. • Oct. 19 - Standing Rock Fish Fry and Bake Sale from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST at the Dodgen Home, 3155 County Road 278, in Standing Rock, Alabama. Catfish fillets, coleslaw, hush puppies, french fries. Plates are $10. For tickets call Sharon Dodgen Spriggs at 706-3338559 or Marie Leak at 706-586-0252. Proceeds benefit Standing Rock Community Club Building Project.

Upcoming Events • Sept. 25 - 5 p.m. - Burger Night with half-pounder burgers and a side for $6.99 at Niffers • Sept. 25 - 5 p.m. - Wine Down

Wednesday at The Bottling Plant Event Center • Sept. 25 - 5 p.m. Warren Thorton Live on the Patio at La Cantina

• Sept. 25 - 8 p.m. - Opelika Songwriters Night at John Emerald Distilling Company • Sept. 25 - Storewide discount for Customer Appreciation Week at Fringe Consignment • Sept. 26 - 7 p.m. - Trivia Night at Niffers • Sept. 26 - Prize giveaway for Customer Appreciation Week at Fringe Consignment • Sept. 26 - 5 p.m. - Business After Hours hosted by the Auburn and Opelika Chambers of Commerce at River and Trust Bank • Sept. 26 - 7 p.m. - Kate Vargas & the Reckless Daughters

at The Sound Wall • Sept. 28 - The Samford Court Community Outreach Fellowship Group will present the second annual “MLK Youth Non-violence Peace March and Rally” on Sept. 28 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Christian Care Ministries, located at 1000 Samford Court. The event will include free food and fellowshipping. The goal is to keep the community and children safe from harm and take a stand against all violence in the community. The Opelika Fire Department will also be present at the event. • Sept. 30 - 5 p.m.

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A15 Sept. 25, 2019

Eufaula Lions Club members visit

Tommy Tuberville visits with Opelika group at recent meeting with Opelika Kiwanis Club Photo special to the Opelika Observer Members of the Eufaula Lions Club, Christine Jernigan and Alexandra Conniff, were recent guests of the Opelika Lions Club. They are members of “Alabama Lions Vision,” a group of about 30 who provide indigents in northern Mexico with glasses to improve their vision. Each year, they distribute about 14,000 pairs of glasses to those in need. They were introduced by Lion Brooka Stokes, right.

Auburn University women’s golf coach Melissa Luellen recent visitor at Auburn Kiwanis Club

Photo special to the Opelika Observer

Check Out Our New Tiger Town Location Across from Lowe’s, another convenient location to serve our customers

AuburnBank’s Tiger Town Kroger location has moved to a new, full-service location on Frederick Road in front of Lowe’s. Under the leadership of City President Eddie Smith, our new location provides three drive-up windows, a drive-up ATM, a night deposit drop, safe deposit boxes, consumer and commercial loans in addition to all our checking accounts, money market accounts, savings accounts,

Eddie Smith CITY PRESIDENT

certificates of deposit and numerous electronic products and services. We look forward to serving you at the new Tiger Town Branch. ICK RD.

FREDER

Tiger Town

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Kroger

Our New Location

Visit us here: www.auburnbank.com MEMBER FDIC

I-85

1851 Frederick Road Opelika

Equal Housing Lender

334-275-9600

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Tommy Tuberville was today's guest speaker. Pictured above are Tuberville and Club President Bob Harris.

A16 Sept. 25, 2019

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COMICS

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

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

Turn to B8 for more photos from Opelika’s contest against Central Friday

Opelika High Theatre Society to open fall season with six performances of 'Annie' in September, October

On the Mark

By Morgan Bryce Editor

By D. Mark Mitchell

Central dominates Opelika 63-28

C

entral (41) rolled up 663 yards of offense to a 63-28 victory over Opelika last Friday night on Wayne Trawick Field at Garrett-Harrison Stadium in Phenix City. The Red Devils only used 84 seconds to score their opening touchdown. Opelika answered, with quarterback Brody Davis throwing a 44-yard touchdown pass to Omar Holloway with seven minutes left in the first quarter.

Baker Rowton successfully booted the PAT to tie the game 7-7. Central started separating behind the passing attack, throwing for more than 250 yards and scoring 35 more first-half points. Red Devils running back Rick McKay scored on a one-yard run and Peter Jakes caught three TD passes for TDs (of 64, 11 and 14 yards). Opelika’s second TD was the result of one-yard run by Omar See Opelika, page B5

Opelika High School's Theatre Society will open their fall season with six performances of Annie, a story about a young orphan girl’s journey toward finding happiness and a forever home that has achieved massive

Smiths Station's losing streak continued Friday night as the Panthers were stymied 25-10 by the visiting Generals of Robert E. Lee. The Panthers turned in another stagnant offensive performance against the Generals, compiling 132 yards of total offense. Quar-

terback Corey Minton finished 5-of-12 passing for 12 yards but added 77 on the ground. Robert E. Lee contained the Panthers' no. 1 runner L.C. Harris all night, limiting him to -3 yards on five carries. Senior running back Jara Nelms stepped up, contributing 36 yards on seven carries. No defensive stats were available from this

1982 film starring the likes of Carol Burnett and Tim Curry that also won a number of awards. Set in 1933 in the midst of the Great Depression, the story focuses on an 11-year-old girl who believes her placement in an orphanage was a mistake. The wealthy Oliver

Warbucks takes Annie in and lets her live in his elegant home. This does not satisfy her, however, as she yearns to meet her real parents. Warbucks then decides to launch a search to help in Annie in her quest, and announces that he will See Annie, page B4

Beulah drops homecoming contest against Southside-Selma, falls to 3-2 By Morgan Bryce Editor Beulah's hopes of a homecoming victory were dashed Friday night as the Southside-Selma Panthers edged the Bobcats 36-34. Both teams played an even first half. Tied 8-8 entering the second quar-

Smiths Station falls in homecoming contest against Robert E. Lee By Morgan Bryce Editor

success on the theatrical stage and silver screen. The Broadway musical version of Annie, which won seven Tony Awards in 1977, was inspired by the comic strip "Little Orphan Annie" and book of the same name written by Thomas Meehan. Annie was adapted into a

game. With the loss, the Panthers fall to 2-3 overall, 0-3 in region play. Smiths Station will travel to Millbrook next Friday night to take on the Mustangs of Stanhope Elmore, who are 4-1 overall and are coming off a 26-0 shutout of Shades Valley. FosheeHenderson Stadium is located at 4300 Main St. in Millbrook.

ter, Beulah wide receiver Andruw Coxwell turned a jet sweep into a 12-yard touchdown, giving his team a six-point lead. Later in the second quarter, SouthsideSelma quarterback Chavantis Sanders completed a 41yard pass to Ernest Hatcher for a score.

The Panthers successfully converted a two-point conversion to lead by two with 41 seconds left in the first half. Bobcat kickoff return specialist Makell Patrick ran the kickoff deep into Panther territory, setting up Beulah's offense at the Southside-Selma 25-yard

line. A quick pass from Beulah quarterback Kaleb Abney gave his team a first down, but after a couple of failed pass plays to the endzone, settled for a field-goal attempt that would sail wide right. See Beulah, page B5

Beauregard loses to Charles Henderson 27-7 By Rick Lanier Opelika Observer

The bad news is that with Beauregard’s 27-7 loss to Charles Henderson Friday night, they slip to 0-5 for the first time since 1989. The better news is that with each game, regardless of the outcome, this year’s Hornets grow stronger

together through the adversity, a phenomenon people in and around Beauregard are well accustomed to. This year, four of the five offensive line starters are ninth graders. Ninth and 10th graders make up a majority of key positions on the defense as well. As previously re-

ported but well worth repeating, the 2019 Hornets are very young and inexperienced, but that is changing with each game. Coach Rob Carter said he likes what he sees. “They never quit. They’re often undersized but they fight their butts off every

See Beauregard, page B5

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B2 Sept. 25, 2019

Beauregard Player of the Week

PLAYER OF THE WEEK The City of Opelika is proud to sponsor the Opelika High School Player of the Week. We applaud you for your HARD WORK and DEDICATION on and off the football field. Junior wide receiver Tyler Gordon was selected as the Beauregard Player of the Week. In Friday’s 27-7 home loss to Charles Henderson, he reeled in a 60-yard touchdown pass for the Hornets’ only score of the game.

Senior wide receiver Omar Holloway was selected as the Opelika Player of the Week. He scored two touchdowns in Friday’s 63-28 road loss to Central of Phenix City.

IT’S THE OPELIKA WAY.

GO DAWGS!

of the

Week Congratulations from

Lee Co. Revenue Commissioner Oline Price

#myOpelika • #beOpelika www.opelika-al.gov 2018 observer

Opelika 215 S. 9th St. Opelika 334-737-3655

Smiths Station 2366 LR 430 Ste. 140 Smiths Station 334-664-0296

Auburn 1266 Mall Pkwy Auburn 334-737-7298

Beulah Player of the Week

Senior wide receiver Andruw Coxwell selected as the Beulah Player of the Week. In Friday’s heartbreaking 36-34 loss to Southside-Selma, he caught four passes for 103 yards and a touchdown and rushed once for 12 yards and another score.

Junior linebacker Jordan Jones was selected as the Smiths Station Player of the Week. In Friday’s 25-10 homecoming loss to Robert E. Lee, he finished with 11 tackles (five for a loss) and a sack.

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B3 Sept. 25, 2019

Early childhood - very important years!

Beth Pinyerd

T

he last two Classroom Observer columns have been focusing on early childhood. I believe that the AuburnOpelika area offers so many wonderful learning opportunities for our young children. The early childhood years from infant to 5 years old are such important years in a person’s life. Young children are so open to learning in their earlier years. What an exciting but demanding

time for parents and caregivers of younger children! As children grow, their curiosity and learning needs are met by the time we spend with them in meeting their individual needs. Success and outlook in life begin in these very early years, so we do not want to ignore the needs of a young child. Here are some basic needs of younger children: 1) Appreciation:

Younger children need people who really understand and appreciate who they are and understand that they have certain age and developmental needs. We meet their needs by providing activities and a learning environment where they can learn new concepts, apply what they have learned and be successful. It’s important for us to observe the needs of each age group as well as individual children in planning activities that are relevant to the age and interest. Children with special needs also need to have carefully planned family activities where they feel included and have a chance to succeed. 2) Secure: Younger children need to feel safe and secure. Keeping young children on a predictable schedule gives them security and they know what to expect. The time we

spend with our children gives them a base of security. The way we talk and communicate with our children show acceptance or rejection. Young children quickly pick up on the tone of our voice and instructions. We want to encourage and not break their spirit as they begin their lives in learning, self development and social development. A balance of instruction, discipline and praise is so important for a young child. 3) Explore: Younger children learn by exploring, in a supervised fashion. Children from toddlers to 5-year-olds rely hands-on, visual learning. Having a variety of different materials that are safe for young hands to explore encourages younger minds to learn new concepts. Materials don’t have to be expensive but

available. The parent or caregiver needs to make himself or herself available as the resource person in guiding the young child as needed in answering questions. 4) Significance and Belonging: As a teacher of young children, I realize firsthand how important it is for our little ones to feel important and special as they are! In a family, assign tasks or chores that little hands can do. Guide your older children in the family to teach and spend time with their siblings. Good relationships with caring adults can be a foundation for learning and development in the early childhood years. This foundation is so essential in learning and good adjustment. Pinyerd has taught young children in the early childhood classroom for 34 years, as well as outreaching to

the elderly in intergenerational settings. She has taught and outreached in the schools in Opelika and Baldwin County. She holds a master’s degree in early childhood education as well as a bachelor’s degree in family and child development both from Auburn University. Her husband is the late Carl Pinyerd, and she has one son, Gus Pinyerd, who has taught her so much about learning. Classroom Observer is here to serve the community in sharing the wonderful teaching programs in our local public schools, private schools and homeschools. The column is provided to enrich the education of our children, youth and families. Classroom Observer welcomes educational news, school news, pictures and events by e-mailing her at donnapinyerd@ charter.net.

Got a Pell Grant? Good. Now learn about its ‘quirky’ namesake By Greg Markley For the Opelika Observer

I

n Claiborne Pell’s first campaign for the U.S. Senate, his advisors worried that this super-wealthy man with many idiosyncrasies may not win because he lacked the ‘common touch’ Rhode Islanders like. Boy, were they mistaken! Pell won that 1960 election with relative ease. It didn’t hurt that he spoke French, Italian and Portuguese, three large ethnic constituencies in the state. Rhode Islanders began to love and admire his originality as much as his integrity. Pell was full of quirks, such as wearing threadbare suits, using public transit and buying cheap used automobiles despite being rich. He wore his father Herbert’s belt as a memento, although he had to wrap it twice around his waist to make it fit. Most importantly, he became a giant in the Senate as chief sponsor of the Basic Education Opportunity Grants (BEOG). Since 1965, this has allowed students with low-incomes to achieve their dream of a college degree. “Before there was a Pell Grant, there was an individual,” said David Evans, key staffer of the U.S. Senate’s Education subcommittee. “One of the things concerning me today is that people may think that ‘Pell’ is an acronym for something else and that it is not the name of an individual.” I saw a need for Pell’s achievement in having the BEOG grants named for him. He was given a rare Senate honor: Having a prominent bill named exclusively for him. I

highlight Pell’s “quirkiness” because I was born in Rhode Island and know them well. Also, I was in one of the first cohorts in 1978 to get a BEOG Grant— just two years before they were called ‘Pell Grants.’ My grants, for four years, made attending college doable for me. In the Senate, Pell is best remembered for his tireless work in establishing Basic Education Opportunity Grants, later called Pell Grants. This legislation might be expected to be relatively easy to do, in the 1960s. What is wrong with helping distressed low-income students pay for college? Isn’t that part of a great society? But the bane of segregation was a wrench even in Congressional education debates. Members of the House attached a “rider,” or non-germane amendment to an appropriations bill. This applies when a non-germane aspect changes the law that runs a program funded by the bill. This

rider, amid one of the most contentious Civil Rights eras, was the higher education bill (1972) to bar federal funding of forced busing to achieve desegregation. Thus, it took challenging deal-making of the House-Senate conference committee and a compromise on busing language to secure enforcement of court orders until 1974, which freed Pell’s legislation to advance to enactment. In the conference committee, most historical accounts peg Pell as the pivotal person ending the gridlock on this legislation. Thus, these education grants came into being, under the Higher Education Act of 1965. It took until 1978, however, for Pell’s name to be formally placed on the grants as an honor. One of Pell’s quirks was fascination with the idea that there was life on other planets, and he even went so far as hiring an investigator of paranormal activity. “Pell was not averse to psychic possibilities,”

wrote his biographer G. Wayne Miller. “There might be government use for such powers, he believed — and even if not, inquiry into unconventional possibilities of the human mind appealed to his intellectual curiosity.” What was Pell’s motivation in pushing government money to assist students? He often remarked that he sought to help students meet the high cost of a college education because the G.I. Bill meant so much to him personally. Yet with Pell’s wealth, he could have actually purchased some educational institutions they attended, and even paid their tuition bills! But he likely meant he saw how the G.I. Bill helped his fellow Coast Guardsmen after World War II. A legend in Rhode Island about Pell is that when he was running for reelection in 1972,

he was campaigning in Providence when it started pouring. He sent an aide to get him a pair of rubbers to protect his shoes. When the aide returned, Pell asked in formal speech, “To whom am I indebted for these fine rubbers?” “I got them from Thom McAn,” the aide replied, referring to the shoe store chain. Pell replied, “Well, do tell Mr. McAn that I am much obliged to him!” “He was the right kind of aristocrat,” former President Clinton said at Pell’s funeral in 2009. “He was a champion

by choice, not circumstance. That life is his last true Pell Grant.” Now, you know the rest of the story about Pell Grants. In 1978, as a college junior, I complained about the application paperwork. Today there is more, but the end result is worth it. Just ask me. Greg Markley has lived in Lee County for 18 of the past 23 years. An award-winning journalist, he has master’s degrees in education and history. He has taught as an adjunct in Georgia and Alabama.

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Call 1-619-332-4014 or email cancerAL@breakinginjurynews.com FREE SCREENING for breathing problems

Character Word of the Month

Dedication • n. a state of being totally committed to something.

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B4 Sept. 25, 2019

Scholarship created for students enrolled in Auburn University’s Hospitality Management Program Special to the Opelika Observer The Vintage Hospitality Blount-Rivera Annual Scholarship was established for students enrolled in Auburn University’s Hospitality Management Program. In addition to assisting with the economic burden of tuition, the grant provides internships for three hospitality majors pursuing a de-

Annie, from B1 give her actual parents substantial financial compensation. What ensues is pure chaos and mystery as to the identity and whereabouts of her parents. Dates for the six shows are Sept. 27 to 29 and Oct. 3, 5 and 6, with all performances being held at Opelika Center for Performing Arts. The Friday and Saturday shows (Sept. 27 and 28, Oct. 3 and 5) all begin at 7 p.m while the Sunday shows (Sept. 29 and Oct. 6) start at 3 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 334-7459715 or send email to OHTS@opelikaschools.org. The venue is located inside of Opelika High School, which is located at 1700 Lafayette Parkway.

gree to gain valuable professional experience and make important industry contacts in the industry. The scholarship was created to engage and encourage students by creating a bridge between Auburn and Montgomery’s hospitality industries. "Providing this scholarship is our opportunity to invest in the future of hospitality," said

Executive Chef Eric Rivera. "We also want to honor students who are working hard to ensure that forthcoming hospitality success is rooted right here in the South." Recognized with many awards and national press, Vintage Hospitality Group’s team, led by Proprietor Jud Blount and Rivera, has more than 50 years of combined experience in the

restaurant and hospitality industry. While Vintage Hospitality Group’s flagship restaurant Vintage Year is a fine dining establishment, Vintage Café is a coffee shop, daytime eatery and retail store. Headquartered in Montgomery, Vintage Hospitality Group is dedicated to providing guests with the finest culinary selections, premium coffees, specialty teas,

outstanding wines and spirits along with unparalleled customer service. Auburn University’s Hospitality Management program provides a strong educational foundation and excellent career preparation for students interested in the premium service segment of the hospitality industry. The program’s mission is defined by its

focus on instructional research and outreach initiatives. It develops exceptional leaders and educators for the hotel, restaurant, culinary, and event management fields to serve the state of Alabama and global hospitality communities. For more information about Vintage Hospitality Group, visit www.vintagehospitalitygroup.com.

Opelika High School’s ninth-grade team defeats Eufaula 14-6

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

NOW OPEN

Indoor shooting range is open to the public

2195 FIRST AVENUE • OPELIKA

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B5 Sept. 25, 2019

The Oaks defeats Covington Christian 72-48, improves to 3-2 on the season Special to the Opelika Observer The Oaks School varsity football team defeated Covington Christian of Conyers, Georgia 72-48 on Friday night to improve to 3-2 overall. Quarterback Jaxxon Scott led the way with 328 rushing yards on 18 carries and five touchdowns, Josiah Frick added 86 yards on 13 carries and a TD and Lane Starling ran three times for 27 yards and

Beulah, from B1 The second half opened with the same offensive gusto as the first, as both teams posted scoring drives in the first four minutes of the third quarter. In the mid-fourth quarter, the Bobcats found themselves down 36-20, but mounted a furious rally, scoring 14 points in fewer than three minutes. However, on a 3rd-and-5 play for Southside-Selma with two minutes remaining, a Beulah defensive lineman jumped offsides to give the Panthers a first down and the ability to run out the rest of the clock. With the loss, the Bobcats fall to 3-2 overall, and 1-2 in region play.

Beauregard, from B1 day to be better,” Carter said. Offensively Friday night, the Hornet running game struggled against the Trojans, managing only 16 total yards on 21 carries. However, the passing game fared much better. Quarterback Hunter Gassaway threw for 183 total yards on 22 attempts, including a 59-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Tyler Gordon on the second play of the game. Anchored by defensive end K.J. Maloy, defensive lineman Eston Harris and defensive back Lardarius Webb Jr., the aggressive Hornet defense played very well in the first half, limiting the Trojans to just 80 yards of total offense. As has been the case however, they wore down a bit in the second half and were simply overmatched by an efficient and seasoned Trojan offense.

another score. Ryan Decker also had a nice 46-yard run. In the air, Scott passed three times to Starling for 113 yards and a touchdown. Decker added 59 yards and a score. Daniel Adams had two grabs for 77 big yards. For the night, Scott threw for 255 yards, going 10-of17 passing with only one interception. Defensively, the Oaks were led by middle linebacker Luke Christian, who had nine tackles and caused two fumbles. Offensively, the Bobcats finished with 379 yards of total offense. Abney finished 13-of-23 passing for 203 yards and two TDs. Running back Chris Person led the way rushing with 106 yards on 17 carries and two TDs and Sondrekius Cooper contributed 68 yards on eight carries and another score. On defense, sophomore linebacker Stanley Washington was the team's leading tackler with six tackles, two fumble recoveries and a pass break-up. Owen Kelley notched six tackles and JaQuavion Johnson finished with four. Beulah is entering a bye week. On Oct. 4, the Bobcats host Bullock County in a region game. The Hornets are currently 1-3 on the season and will B.T. Washington this Friday. Friday night’s game featured more of the same as the previous four had. The improvement in all areas from week-to-week is evident and the team is becoming more confident in their abilities as the season progresses. However, the Hornets simply have to get better at eliminating game altering penalties and mistakes. “We have got to clean up our center to quarterback exchanges - we snapped the ball over his head a couple of times putting our defense in bad spots and costing us points,” Carter said. When asked about the temperament of his locker room, Carter added: “the guys are fine, they understand what they’re up against and they accept the challenge.” The Hornets travel to Montgomery Catholic High School on Sept. 27 for a 7 p.m. kickoff. The school is located at 5350 Vaughn Road in Montgomery.

The Frick brothers Josiah and Silas had six tackles each with Josiah adding a fumble recovery and an onside kick recovery. Scott added five tackles and an interception. The Oaks will play on the road against Rock Springs in Milner, Georgia next Friday. Middle School The Oaks Middle School fell 54-0 to the Griffin Christian School Crusaders last Thursday, moving to 1-3 on the season. The Crusaders domi-

nated their smaller Oaks opponents from the opening kickoff, which was returned for a touchdown. Noah Childree led the Oaks with 41 yards on seven carries. Quarterback J.D. Dallas was only able to get off two passes during the night, connecting once with Keaton Murphy for 13 yards. Defensively, Childree and Carter Scott both had five tackles each. They will face Ezekiel Academy in Montgomery next Thursday.

Sports, from B1 Holloway. Central led 42-14 at halftime and scored 21 points in the second half, the last TD coming with 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter. Opelika added two scores, as star running back Eric Watts sprinted 69yards for a TD and Jarrell Stinson sprinted 79 yards on a kickoff return for the game’s final score. Rowton hit all three extra points. Central won its fourth straight and scored more points, 63, over Opelika in 40-plus years. The Red Devils will be the BEST team Opelika will play this season. The non-conference loss dropped the Bulldogs to 4-1 overall but maintained their perfect 2-0 mark in region play. Opelika has the week off before playing their final four games of the regular season. Region foes Benjamin Russell (2-3) and Calera (1-3) travel to Bulldog Stadium. The Bulldogs travel to Millbrook to play Stanhope Elmore in the final region game before returning home for Vigor on Oct. 26. The Bulldogs schedule is set up with the tougher games in the first half of the season. Opelika should win the next four games and host a first-round playoff game. VOLLEYBALL The OHS Volleyball team is 5-6 through 11 matches. The girls beat Handley, Troup County twice, Sylacauga and Beauregard. Coach Robin Roberts’ Lady Bulldogs host Smiths Station on Sept. 25 at 4:30 p.m. in the OHS Mainstreet Gym. CROSS COUNTRY

Opelika’s cross country team will host the Opelika Invitational Cross Country Meet on Sept. 28 at the Sportsplex. Fifteen schools will race in the meet, starting at 8:30 a.m. The boys won the Huntington Invitational behind four top-10 finishers including Chas Baker’s first-place finish. The girls finished in the top five behind Breckin Gould’s first-place finish. Opelika’s cross country team will run in the Jesse Owens Classic Oct. 5, Smiths Station on Oct. 12 and the Tiger Classic at Kiesel Park in Auburn. The sectional meet will be held either Oct. 31 or Nov. 1. The state meet will take place Nov. 11 at Oakville. FRESHMAN FOOTBALL TEAM BEATS LAGRANGE ON THE ROAD MONDAY Opelika High School’s freshman team team traveled to LaGrange to battle the Grangers on their home soil. The young Bulldogs kicked off to LaGrange to start the game and the Grangers were quick to move the ball down the field, but the Bulldog defense decided that they would bow up, stuffing the Grangers’ drive by forcing a turnover on downs deep inside Opelika territory. The Bulldogs would take advantage of the Grangers turnover when quarterback Bryce Speakman airmailed a beautiful pass to Da’Vion Johnson, who was streaking all alone down the Opelika sideline. The pass would turn out to be an 84-yard touchdown pass. The ensuing point-after try was no good. As the second quarter began, the Bulldog defense stuffed LaGrange’s next possession and and proceeded to drive for a second score. Running back Kaden Cooper

carried the Bulldogs down the field, eventually scoring. George Meyers kicked the PAT to give Opelika a 13-0 lead that they would carry to halftime break. The Bulldogs received the ball to open the second half, a drive that would stall out and end with a punt. The Grangers felt good about the stop and gained a little momentum. Opelika’s defense gave up a six-play drive that resulted in a Grangers TD. The Bulldogs jumped offside on the PAT attempt so they decided to go for the two-point conversion, which was unsuccessful. On the ensuing Grangers kickoff, Jarrious “Lil J” Goodman fielded the ball at the Bulldogs’ 15-yard line, busted through the beautiful wedge in front of him and dashed 85 yards for a score. The PAT was good and Opelika’s lead was extended to 14 points. The Grangers didn’t have any quit in them as they proceeded to march 73 yards in two plays for the score on the very next drive. The PAT was good, cutting Opelika’s lead to seven. The Bulldogs would take the next drive 73 yards. The drive stalled at the Grangers’ 11-yard line, and Coach Tommy Traylor sent George Meyers in to attempt his first-ever field goal as a high school kicker from 28 yards. The kick was good, giving Opelika a 10-point lead that they would not relinquish. Opelika’s freshman team will travel to Central of Phenix City next Monday to take on the Freshman Red Devils. Kickoff is set for 6:30 E.S.T., 5:30 p.m. central. D. Mark Mitchell is sports director for iHeart Media, Alabama Dixie Boys State Director and vice president of the A-O Sports Council.

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“This project was supported by Subgrant #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.”

B6 Sept. 25, 2019

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Hundreds attend Smiths Station High School’s annual homecoming parade last Friday morning

Photos by Morgan Bryce/Opelika Observer

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B7 Sept. 25, 2019

OLLI to host Alabama State Council on the Arts’s executive director on Oct. 2 Special to the Opelika Observer OLLI will host the executive director of the Alabama State Council on the Arts (ASCA) Elliot A. Knight Ph.D. during the “Brown Bag Lunch and Lecture” on Oct. 2 at 12:15 p.m. Knight will present a talk on Alabama artists during the program. He is the editor of and a contributor to Alabama Creates:

200 Years of Arts and Artists, which will be available for purchase at the event. The book and Knight’s talk will address the integral part artists have played of the story of Alabama, reflecting a wideranging sense of place through images of the land and its people. Quilts, pottery, visionary paintings, sculpture, photography, folk art and abstract art have all contributed to diverse

visions of Alabama’s culture and environment. Prior to becoming executive director of ASCA in January 2019, Knight held the positions of Visual Arts Program Manager and Deputy Director at ASCA. He holds three degrees from the University of Alabama. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Auburn University (OLLI at Auburn) hosts its Alabama Bi-

centennial Brown Bag Lunch and Lecture Series from 11:45 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts & Humanities, also known as Pebble Hill, which is located at 101 S. Debardeleben St. in Auburn. Lunch begins at 11:45 and attendees shoud bring their own. Coffee, tea and water will be provided. The program begins at 12:15 p.m.

The series is made possible by a grant from the Alabama Bicentennial Commission and is cosponsored by the Caroline Marshall Draughon Center for the Arts and Humanities. The program is open to the public at no charge. OLLI at Auburn is a program of the Office of the Vice President for University Outreach at Auburn University. OLLI administrative offices

and select classes are located at the historic Sunny Slope property at 1031 S. College St. For more information regarding this event or to learn about becoming a volunteer faculty member, volunteer service assistant or sponsor, please contact Shawnee McKee, OLLI Administrative Support at 334-8443146, email at olli@ auburn.edu, or by visiting www.olliatauburn.org.

B8 Sept. 25, 2019

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Opelika drops first contest of the season to Central-Phenix City Friday

Photos by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer

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B10 Sept. 25, 2019

pelika Observer O

Auburn quiets Kyle Field Saturday, defeats Texas A&M 28-20 By Jeff Shearer AuburnTigers.com

Photos by Todd Van Emst/Auburn University Athletics

Auburn's perfect record in Kyle Field remains intact after the 8th-ranked Tigers went on the road Saturday and knocked off No. 17 Texas A&M, 28-20, in the team's SEC opener. With the win, Auburn is now 4-0 all-time in College Station. "I'm proud of our team," said Auburn head coach Gus Malzahn. "They showed a lot of guts. They showed a lot of heart. They played Auburn football. I felt like we won both lines of scrimmage, and I really felt like that was the key to the game." The Tigers struck early and often in Saturday's contest. On their opening drive, sophomore wide receiver Anthony Schwartz took a reverse and went 57 yards to the house to make it 7-0. It was Auburn's longest rush of the season and the longest rush in Schwartz's

career. It was also the longest rush by any Auburn in the series against Texas A&M. Two drives later, Auburn found the end zone again. This time, it was backup quarterback Joey Gatewood who connected with John Samuel Shenker on a six-yard touchdown pass, his first career scoring pass. The Tigers took a 14-3 lead into the locker room at halftime. In the second half, it was the Auburn defense that served as the catalyst. After allowing just 12 yards rushing to Texas A&M in the first half, the Tigers caused a turnover on the first play of the second half when safety Daniel Thomas forced a fumble and recovered it himself. The turnover led to another Auburn score as starting quarterback Bo Nix marched the offense down the field and found Seth Williams for a 9-yard touchdown reception to

make it 21-3. As a team, the Tigers outgained Texas A&M on the ground, 193-56. The Aggies didn't score their first touchdown until early in the fourth quarter, but Auburn responded with a 12-play, 69-yard drive that took over six minutes and was capped off by an 8-yard touchdown run from JaTarvious Whitlow. The sophomore running back led the Tigers with 67 yards on 18 carries. Senior Derrick Brown was dominant for the Auburn defense with four tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, two pass break-ups and a forced fumble. Auburn, who is now 49-32-5 all-time in SEC openers, moves to 4-0 on the season and will return home to host Mississippi State next Saturday. The game is set to kick off from Jordan-Hare Stadium at 6 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.

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pelika O Observer

B11 Sept. 25, 2019

SUSCC’s Public Relations Department Auburn native Corrine Jacobs earns degree from honored at recent Pyramid Awards Georgia State University

Special to the Opelika Observer The Southern Union State Community College public relations department brought home several awards from the recent Alabama Community College System Public Relations Association (ACCSPRA) Pyramid Awards. SU also received: - a first place Pyramid Award for its “SU Quick Facts” publication - an Award of Achievement for its athletic brochure, “It’s More Than Just a Game,” as well as for the college’s view book - an Award of Merit was given in the promotional item category for the college’s technical division fans. The Pyramid Awards

Special to the Opelika Observer

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Members of the SU public relations department, Abra Camp and Shondae Brown, received honors at the recent ACCSPRA Pyramid Award Dinner. competition recognizes the best of advertising, marketing and public relations activities throughout Alabama’s two-year college system. Judging is conducted by an independent panel of media professionals. Judges

consider planning, originality, creativity and effectiveness. A first-place Pyramid Award, a second-place Award of Achievement and a third-place Award of Merit is given in each of the judged categories.

Auburn native Corrine Jacobs earned a master’s of science degree from Georgia State University during the 2019 summer semester. Georgia State University conferred more than 2,000 degrees to students at the associate's, bachelor's, master's, specialist, professional and doctoral levels during the 2019 summer semester. About Georgia State University Georgia State University, an enterprising urban public research university, is a national leader in graduating students

from widely diverse backgrounds. The student body of nearly 52,000 demonstrates that students from all backgrounds can

achieve at high rates with unsurpassed connections to the city's business, government, nonprofit and cultural organizations.

Jacobs

pelika O Observer

B12 Sept. 25, 2019

LEGALS NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT ESTATE OF MARTHA H. SHARPE COURT OF PROBATE Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 4th day of September, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. Wiiness my hand, and dated this the 4th day of September, 2019. LISA R. WORTHINGTON Legal Run 09/11/19, 09/18/19 & 09/25/19

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA DOMESTIC RELATIONS DIVISION IN RE: THE MARRIAGE OF AMBER LESTER, Plaintiff, vs. JOHN LESTER, Defendant. CASE NO.: DR-201039.07 To: John Lester IN THE FAMILY COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA; FAMILY DIVISION DR-2010-39.07 IN RE: AMBER MANDERSON a/k/a AMBER LESTER NOTICE OF PETITION FILED AND SERVICE BY PUBLICATION Notice to: John Lester JOHN LESTER must answer the Petition for Rule Nisi in the Family Court of Lee County, Alabama, on May 10, 2019, by the Honorable Zachary D. Alsobrook for the Petitioner Amber Manderson within fourteen (14) days from the last date of Publication of this notice or a final judgment may be rendered in Case Number DR-2010-39.07 in the Family Court of Lee County, Alabama. Answer must be filed at: Lee County Justice Center, 2311 Gateway Drive, Opelika, Alabama 36801. ATTORNEY: Honorable Zachary D. Alsobrook 114 North 9th Street Opelika, AL 36801 (334)737-3718 Legal Run 09/18/19, 09/25/19, 10/02/19 & 10/09/19

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING OPELIKA CITY COUNCIL October 16, 2019 7:00 P.M. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN in accordance with §23-4-2, Code of Alabama, 1975, that the City Council of the City of Opelika will conduct a Public Hearing during the regularly scheduled City Council meeting on Tuesday, October 15, 2019, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Opelika City Council Chambers of the Municipal Building, 204 S. 7th Street, Opelika, Lee County, Alabama, to receive the benefit of public input concerning a proposal to vacate a portion of the northerly right-of-way of Waverly Parkway. All persons interested in the proposed vacation are invited to appear at the public hearing and express their views. Written statements or objections may be submitted to the City Clerk prior to the time of the hearing. The portion of the rightof-way of Waverly Parkway proposed to be vacated is more particularly described as follows:

A parcel of land lying in Section 9, Township 19 North, Range 26 East, Lee County, Alabama, and being more particularly described as follows: Commencing at the intersection of the East and the Northerly rightof-way of Waverly Parkway following a curve concave to the North having a radius of 7655.26 (chord bears South 83°39’22” West 86.88 feet); thence Southwesterly along said curve an arc distance of 86.88 feet to a found ½ inch rebar with cap (WALKER) and the POINT OF BEGINNING of parcel herein described; thence continuing along said right-of-way the following courses: South 83°18’35” West 119.46 feet to the beginning of a curve concave to the Southeast having a radius of 1536.40 feet (chord bears South 73°45’09” West 430.96 feet); thence Southwesterly along said curve an arc distance of 432.39’ to a point; thence leaving said right-ofway North 24°18’35” West 185.64 feet to a point located in the centerline of Pepperell Branch; thence leaving said centerline following a curve concave to the North having a radius of 791.35 feet (chord bears South 86°09’10” East 284.56 feet); thence Easterly along said curve an arc distance of 286.12 feet to a point; thence North 83°54’22” East 321.43 feet to a found ½ inch rebar with cap (WALKER); thence South 06°04’17” East 50.00 feet to the POINT OF BEGINNING. Containing 1.061 acres, more or less. Being further described according to and as shown by that certain survey or drawing prepared by Seth R. Walker, Registered Surveyor, attached hereto and marked Exhibit “A”. A copy of the Petition to Vacate and the proposed resolution approving the vacation will be available upon request at the office of the City Clerk, 2nd Floor of City Hall, 204 South 7th Street, Opelika, Alabama. Please contact Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at 334-7052083 at least two (2) working days prior to the meeting if you require special accommodations due to a disability. DATED this the 18th day of September, 2019. /s/ R. G. Shuman ROBERT G. SHUMAN, CITY CLERK Legal Run 09/18/19, 09/25/19, 10/02/19 & 10/09/19

PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA TO: KHALIL CRAWFORD AND ANY UNKNOWN FATHERS OF K.G.M. Address Unknown Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Jacob and Lauren Allen on August 19, 2019 for the Adoption of K.G.M. born on November 24, 2016 being a minor child and being born to Clela McNaughton. A hearing has been set for the 19 th day of November, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. o’clock central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika. Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption, you must file a written response within thirty (30) days

of the date of the last publication herein, with the Clerk of said Probate Court, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition. Done this 30th day August, 2019. /s/Bill English Probate Judge Legal Notice run 09/18/19, 09/25/19, 10/02/19 & 10/09/19

PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA TO: CLELA MCNAUGHTON Address Unknown Please take notice that a Petition for Adoption was filed in the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama by Jacob and Lauren Allen on August 19, 2019 for the Adoption of K.G.M. born on November 24, 2016 being a minor child and being born to Clela McNaughton. A hearing has been set for the 19 th day of November, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. o’c lock central time in the Probate Court, Lee County Courthouse, 215 South 9th Street, Opelika. Alabama. Should you intend to contest this adoption, you must file a written response within thirty (30) days of the date of the last publication herein, with the Clerk of said Probate Court, or appear on the date of the hearing as set above to contest said Petition. Done this 30th day August, 2019. /s/Bill English Probate Judge Legal Notice run 09/18/19, 09/25/19, 10/02/19 & 10/09/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The estate of LARRY MICHAEL LANGLEY, Deceased , Case No. 2019-B-119 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters Testamentary of said deceased having been granted to Stacy Langley, Personal Representative, on the 21st day of Aug., 2019, by the Honorable Bill English, Probate Judge 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. /s/ Brandy C. Easlick Brandy C. Easlick Attorney for the Estate 4307 20 th Avenue Valley, Alabama 36854 Legal Notice run 09/18/19, 09/25/19 & 10/02/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF LOIS W. STEWART, DECEASED IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters Testamentary on the estate of said decedent having been granted to the undersigned on the 11th day of September, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. JOHN MICHAEL STEWART Personal Representative Robert H. Pettey Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504

Legal Notice run 09/18/19, 09/25/19 & 10/02/19

IN THE MATTER OF THE ESTATE OF MICHAEL WAYNE HOLMES, DECEASED. IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 13th day of September, 2019, by the Hon. Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. JAMES BRUCE HOLMES, Administrator N. Riley Murphy Samford & Denson, LLP P.O. Box 2345 Opelika, AL 36803-2345 (334) 745-3504 Legal Notice run 09/18/19, 09/25/19 & 10/02/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN THE MATTER OF: THE ESTATE OF WILLIAM S. BEARD, deceased. Case No.: 2018-C-117 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION of said deceased having been granted to John Beard on the 16th day of September, 2019 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 barred. JOHN BEARD Legal Notice run 09/18/19, 09/25/19 & 10/02/19

City of Opelika ZONING BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT October 8, 2019 9:00 A.M. PUBLIC WORKS FACILITY, 700 FOX TRAIL A. VARIANCE 1. Thomas R. & Dorothy S. Keown, 2928 Stillwood Way, PUD zoning district, Requesting a 15 foot side yard setback variance from the 20-foot minimum side yard on street setback requirement in the Wyndham PUD zoning district. NOTE: 1. The City of Opelika complies with the Americans with Disabilities Acts. 2. The City of Opelika meeting facilities are accessible. 3. If you need special assistance please call Kevin Rice, the City’s ADA Coordinator, at (334) 705-2083. Legal Run 09/25/19

Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1412 Opelika Road. Auburn AL, 36830 on 10/14/2019 at 2:00 p.m. King Hutchinson Jr Unit# B21 5020 US HW 29S Auburn,AL,36830

Boxes, totes, small appliances Carol Anita Brown Unit# K132 445 Cross Creek Rd Auburn,AL,36832 Many boxes and plastic totes, small furniture Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction. Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 09/25/19 & 10/02/19 . Extra Space Storage will hold a public auction to sell personal property described below belonging to those individuals listed below at the location indicated: Extra Space Storage 1242 North Dean Road. Auburn AL, 36830 on Monday, 10/14/2019 at 1:30 p.m. Mary Nolen Unit# 368 P.O. Box 1206 Auburn, AL, 36831 Dresser, desk, boxes, household items Purchases must be made with cash only and paid at the above referenced facility in order to complete the transaction.  Extra Space Storage may refuse any bid and may rescind any purchase up until the winning bidder takes possession of the personal property. Legal Run 09/25/19 & 10/02/19

NOTICE TO CREDITORS ESTATE OF HENRY LEE WALTERS, JR. DECEASED PROBATE COURT LEE COUNTY CASE NO. 2019-B-146 NOTICE TO CREDITORS Take Notice that LETTERS TESTAMENTARY of the Esate of HENRY LEE WALTERS, JR. deceased having been granted to LaSonta Reeves, on the 18th day of September, 2019 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of the Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama. Notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said estate are hereby required to present the same within time allowed by law or the same will be barred. LaSonta Reeves Legal Run 09/25/19, 10/02/19 & 10/09/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT FOR LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Richard Eugene Morris, Sr., Deceased Case No. 2018-A-103

NOTICE TO CREDITORS Letters of Administration of said deceased having been granted to the undersigned on the 6th day of September, 2019, by the Hon. 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. LINDA MORRIS JACOBS OF COUNSEL: Jeffrey G. Tickal, Esq. Gullage & Tickal, LLP 511 Geneva Street Opelika, AL 36801 334-737-3733 Legal Run 09/25/19, 10/02/19 & 10/09/19

CASE NO. 2019-B-202 NOTICE TO CREDITORS STATE OF ALABAMA, LEE COUNTY PROBATE COURT ESTATE OF GENE H. TORBERT, DECEASED Letters Testamentary upon the Last Will and Testament of sadi decedent, having been granted to the undresigned on the 10th day of September, 2019, by the Judge of Probate Court of Lee County, Alabama, notice is hereby given that all persons having claims against said Estate are required to file an itemized and verified statement of such claim in the office of the said Judge of Probate within six months from the above date, or said claim will be barred and payment prohibited. CLEMENT CLAY TORBERT III, EEXECUTOR Legal Run 09/25/19 & 10/02/19

IN THE PROBATE COURT OF LEE COUNTY, ALABAMA IN RE: The Estate of Johnny Clark Parker Deceased, Case Number: 2019-B-116 NOTICE TO CREDITORS TAKE NOTICE that Letters of Administration have been granted to Janet Parker as Administrator of the Estate of Johnny Clark Parker deceased, on the 18th day of September, 2019 by the Honorable Bill English, Judge of Probate. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that all persons having claims against the said Estate are hereby required to present the same within the time allowed by law or the same will be barred. By: Janet Parker Personal Representative of the Estate of Johnny Clark Parker Legal Run 09/25/19, 10/02/19 & 10/09/19

Help protect your patients against vaccinepreventable diseases. Send out recall/reminder cards Assess the vaccination status of school-age patients utilizing ImmPRINT’s Vaccine Forecaster or Not-Up-To-Date Report Provide a strong recommendation for vaccinations

VACCINATE Schedule the follow-up appointment Adolescent students not up-to-date on required and ACIP recommended vaccine may be offered those during a school-based vaccine clinic or by a pharmacist

For more information on current vaccine recommendations and scheduling, please scan the QR code for the Back to School flyer or visit www.alabamapublichealth.gov/immunization.

pelika O Observer

B13 Sept. 25, 2019

‘Ride to Remember’ for Deputy James Anderson held Sunday

Photos and report contributed by Robert Noles/Opelika Observer September 24, 2009, was the “End of Watch” for Deputy James Anderson. Almost 10 years to the day, more than 100 law enforcement officers from Lee County Sheriff’s Office, Auburn Police Department, Opelika Police Department, State of Alabama, Smiths Station Fire Department, Beauregard Fire Department, friends and family members participated in the annual Ride to Remember Deputy James Anderson on Sunday afternoon. Starting at Smiths Station Junior High School, the Alabama Patriot Guard Riders, law enforcement units, fire engines, motorcycles and private vehicles made the ride to Anderson’s grave in Opelika’s Garden Hill Cemetery. Prayers were given, stories told and Taps played as Anderson’s life and service was remembered. During the memorial, Adalberto Rosa, a trainee under Anderson, spoke of Deputy Anderson and the man of character that he was. The remembrance/memorial ended with Deputy Anderson’s grandchildren placing wreaths on his grave.

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pelika Observer O

B14 Sept. 25, 2019

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

This week’s Scramblers Answers: 1.Secure 2. Twist 3. Source 4. Scold - Solution:Closet

Even Exchange Answers 1. Resort, Report 2. Wordy, Worry 3. Bagger, Bigger 4. Dingo, Diego 5. Cheer, Cheek

6. Hurry, Harry 7. Galley, Valley 8. Crane, Crate 9. Point, Paint 10. Invert, Insert

Opelika, L ee County & A labama Politics Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2019

Inside the Statehouse Opelika City Council denies The Political Graveyard is full of Congressmen rezoning application during who have tried to run for the Senate last Tuesday’s meeting

T

he field is probably formulated for our 2020 Senate race. A Republican will be heavily favored to capture the seat currently held by our Democratic Sen. Doug Jones. Alabama is one of, if not the most, Republican state in the nation. It is quite an anomaly that a liberal Democrat has sat in that seat for more than a year. Recently, I got a very nice letter from a lady who reads my column regularly. She kindly told me that she has read my column religiously for more than a decade and that she trusts my analysis of Alabama politics. She, however, said, “Mr. Flowers, I notice how you are always sounding the opinion that Doug Jones will most surely be defeated in 2020. You also take that position regarding all Democrats on your television interviews. You may well be right in predicting that, since the state is so blindly in love with Trump. However, it strikes me that you could on occasion lend your voice to positives about Doug Jones and others and perhaps give more balanced information. No need to stoke the fires of it’s all over before it is, might even cause some voters to think about the alternative to Roy Moores and Gary Palmers of the world.” My response to her was as follows, “Thanks for your nice note and thanks for reading the column. I have strived over the years to be objective, nonpartisan, nonjudgmental, nor to express my personal opinion of candidates or issues. I simply attempt

By Steve Flowers to analyze and formulate analysis and explain to my readers, listeners and viewers what is happening and why it happened to my fellow Alabamians. I personally like Doug Jones, and although he is more liberal than most Alabamians, he is a good man. However, from an objective viewpoint, as an Alabama political columnist and commentator, Alabama is a very red, Republican state. The results of last year’s gubernatorial race confirmed that for me. Walt Maddox was the perfect moderate candidate. He got 40% of the vote in the general election. That appears to be the maximum threshold for a Democrat in a statewide race in the Heart of Dixie. Jones will be hard pressed to hit that 40 in a presidential year.” Having shared that dialogue and my opinion with you brings us to this question. Which Republican will take Jones’ place next year? I first posed this question in April. It was before the horses were lined up and we speculated that there may be some of our Republican congressmen that might take the plunge. Congressman, Robert Aderholt, opted out early. With more than 20 years of seniority in the House and in line to be Chair-

man of the House Appropriations Committee, he has wisely chosen to stay where he is and stay the course in Congress. My suggestion was that Congressman Mo Brooks would be a strong candidate. He has a true conservative pedigree and is loved by the Washington right-wing groups. He is also from the vote rich Huntsville-Tennessee Valley area. Brooks quickly informed me that he did not want to risk his safe House seat to gamble on the Senate race and lose his seat. When he ran in 2017, it was a special election, and he had a free shot and didn’t risk his Congressional seat. This same reasoning has given pause to a good many congressmen during the years who would love to be a United States senator. I told Brooks I did not blame him for his reluctance to gamble. I shared this story with him. When I was a young boy, I cut my teeth politically campaigning and working for my congressman, Bill Dickinson. He was a great Congressman and served the old second district for 28 years. He was a stalwart advocate and savior for the military bases in Montgomery and the Wiregrass. One day, when we were riding down the road together, I remember when I was driving him to Opp to speak to the rotary club, I asked him why he didn’t run for the Senate. He shared an old adage he had heard in the congressional cloakroom. He said, “Steverino, the See Flowers, page B16

Located in Historic Downtown Opelika

334-745-4618

By Michelle Key Publisher

Citing several concerns regarding a proposed development near Tiger Town, the Opelika City Council voted to approve a resolution to deny a rezoning application for the rezoning of 32.45 acres on Gateway Drive, also known as Capps Landing Entertainment District Planned Unit Development, during last week’s city council meeting. The concerns cited were: - the proposed use of a fueling station at the development site is inconsistent with the city’s zoning ordinance - the site of the development is not an appropriate

Photo special to the Opelika Observer site for a truck fueling station - the proposed freestanding sign is not in compliance with the city’s sign regulations and zoning ordinances. - The development will cause excessive negative impacts to existing adjacent properties and - the proposed development will generate exces-

sive large truck traffic, causing an increase in traffic congestion on Gateway Drive and the interstate ramps. Opelika Police Department Officer Jonathan Fordham was recogonized as the city’s Officer of the Quarter. He was also recognized by the Concerned Citizens Organized for See Council, page B16

Attorney General Steve Marshall asks Alabamians to join in fight to prevent suicide Special to the Opelika Observer Attorney General Steve Marshall is calling on Alabamians to join the fight to save lives during National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month in September. As an ambassador for the Jason Foundation Inc., Marshall warns that young people are particularly vulnerable to suicide. “Suicide is a frightening topic we don’t want to think about, and a devastating experience that is hard to speak of, but those are the only ways to break the power of this silent epidemic,” Marshall said. “As

much as we all want to avoid the thought that we could lose a loved one to suicide, the best way to prevent this heartbreak is to talk about it. It can be even more difficult to imagine the suicide of children and young people. We need to have the difficult discussions, ask the hard questions, accept if the answers are painful and prepare ourselves to offer meaningful help.” The Jason Foundation was formed after the suicide of Jason Flatt in 1997, a young man described by his father as an average 16-year-old who appeared to love life.

The Jason Foundation shares alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2017 that suicide was the thirdleading cause of death in Alabama for middle and high school children as well as college-aged youth, and it was the second leading cause of death for children aged 10 to 14. The Jason Foundation projected from the CDC’s data that within the last year, 1-of-3 young people in Alabama experienced depression, 1-of-6 seriously considered suicide, one of seven made a See Marshall, page B16

pelika O Observer

B16 Sept. 25, 2019

Rogers selected as House Conferee for 2019 NDAA; announces grant for Southwest Lee County; meets with constituents in Washington, D.C. office Special to the Opelika Observer Congressman Mike Rogers made the following statement last week after being selected as a conferee for the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). “I am proud to be named to the National Defense Authorization Act conference committee. I look forward to working with my colleagues to continue the 50-plus year streak of passing a defense authorization bill in support of our men and women in uniform. We have to be smart about our investments to win the battle today and the war tomorrow,” Rogers said. “Mike is a leader on

national security, and I am glad to have him serving as a conferee on this important piece of legislation,” said House Armed Services Ranking Member Mac Thornberry (TX-13). “Mike is an obvious choice for the NDAA Conference Committee, given he has spent his entire tenure in Congress, almost 20 years now, devoting himself to securing and protecting America’s national security in various capacities. From rural first responders to our men and women in uniform serving on the frontlines, he understands the importance of and has worked tirelessly to ensure readiness and safety. Mike has proven to always have the security of our nation as his

top priority, and I firmly believe he will do the same throughout the NDAA discussions,” said House Republican Leader Kevin McCarthy (CA-23). Rogers serves as a ranking member of the Committee on Homeland Security and a senior member of the House Armed Services Committee. $500,000 Fire Grant for Southwest Lee Co. Fire Protection Authority Rogers congratulated the Southwest Lee County Fire Protection Authority last week for receiving a $508,571.42 grant from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, funding Rogers said would help the fire department

fund a regional request. “Lee County’s first responders are our first line of defense,” Rogers said. “I congratulate the Southwest Lee County Fire Protection Authority for receiving this grant and hope it will ultimately help increase the safety for all local citizens.” Rogers said the grant should be awarded under the 2018 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program, an essential federal program which supports first responders across Alabama and the nation. According to the Homeland Security Department, which administers the grant, the purpose of the program is to award funding directly to fire departments, nonaffiliated EMS

Sen. Tom Whatley elected chairman of the Alabama State Parks Committee Special to the Opelika Observer Sen. Tom Whatley (R-Auburn) has been elected chairman of the Alabama Legislature’s Joint Committee on State Parks. The committee is composed of six state senators and six state representatives, and was created by the State Legislature in 2000 “to study, review, and concur in the longrange capital plan for restoration of existing state park facilities and the acquisition of new state park facilities.” “As an avid outdoorsman, I have a strong appreciation for Alabama’s land and waterways. It’s a deep honor to lead this team

Flowers, from B15 political graveyard is full of congressmen who have tried to run for the senate.” 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.

of legislators, as we examine ways to improve Alabama’s state parks, so that future generations of Alabamians can love the outdoors and appreciate our state’s natural beauty,” Whatley said. Alabama has 21 state parks which encompass more than 45,000 acres. The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is the state agency charged with running the parks, with oversight from the Joint Committee on State Parks. The agency estimates that between 80 and 90% of the parks’ annual funding comes via fees, not taxes. “I believe it’s important that the Joint State

Marshall, from B15 plan to attempt suicide, and one of 14 actually attempted suicide. According to the Jason Foundation, 4-of-5 teens who attempt suicide give some of these warning signs: suicide threats, depression, anger and increased irritability, lack

Parks Committee takes a very active role in evaluating and supporting our state’s parks.” Sen. Billy Beasley (DClayton) commended Whatley’s leadership and ability to work well with committee members. “I have two state parks in my district, Blue Springs State Park in Barbour County and Lakepoint Resort State Park in Eufaula, and I know how important they are to the people of Alabama. Christopher Blankenship, the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources, is doing a very good job and I know that Senator Tom Whatley as Chair of the Joint State Parks Committee

will work well with him and the rest of the committee. Senator Whatley has indicated to me that he wants the committee to be extremely active and I look forward to working with him to ensure our parks are maintained properly so they can continue to be a resource to our residents,” Beasley said. The state parks committee is composed of the following legislators: Sen. Tom Whatley (Chairman) Sen. Billy Beasley Sen. Andrew Jones Sen. Clay Scofield Sen. Chris Elliott Sen. Steve Livingston Rep. Lynn Greer Rep. Wes Kitches Rep. Danny Crawford Rep. Steve McMillan.

of interest, sudden changes in appetite, sudden changes in appearance, dwindling academic performance, preoccupation with death and suicide, previous suicide attempts, and final arrangements such as saying goodbye or giving away possessions. Help is available through the National Suicide Prevention Hotline

at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), which connects to a network of local crisis centers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Jason Foundation offers materials and programs for teachers, parents and students to identify and assist young people who are at risk. More information may be found at www. jasonfoundation. com.

Photo special to the Opelika Observer Opelika resident Ben Simms met with Congressman Mike Rogers last week in his Washington office. Simms is with WestRock and was in D.C. with the Forest Resources Association. organizations and state fire training academies. These awards aim to enhance first responders’ ability to protect the health and safety of the public, as well as that of first-responder

personnel, with respect to fire-related hazards. “I am pleased to see the federal government is continuing to make these types of investments in the Third District,” Rogers added.

Council, from B15

• approved the purchase of furniture • approved a contract for the purchase of gasoline and diesel fuel • approved a resolution to fund emergency repairs for truck #834 • approved a resolution for OPS to enter into an advertising contract with iHeart Media Radio • approved a tax abatement resolution for the Kwangsung America Corp. • approved an annual contract with the Lee County Rabies Officer • approved the annual appropriation contract with the Lee County Humane Society • approved a resolution to carry over current year city council discretionary balances to the upcoming year. • approved an Intergovernmental Project Funding Agreement with Lee County to fund the cost of round-a-bouts at the intersection of Gateway Drive, Lee Road 54 and Society Hill Road • approved a lease agreement with East Central Alabama Highway Safety Office after a second reading of the ordinance • approved amendments to the Personnel Policies and Procedures Manual after a second reading • voted to suspend the rules and voted to approved the refunding trust agreement / Series 2010-B Warrants following the first reading • Fuller announced the reappointment of Dr. Bill Whatley to the Housing Authority, whose term will end Oct. 18, 2024.

Police Support (CCOPS) organization during the meeting. Other officers recognized by CCOPS during the meeting were Zachary Jackson, ALEA, Gregory Miller, APD and Ashley Ogletree, LCSO. In other business, the council: • approved a request from Opelika Main Street for a street closure for the Christmas in a Railroad Town event scheduled for Dec. 13 • approved a request from Taste of Asia Inc. (KTV) for a beer and wine on premise license and a request for a restaurant retail liquor and beer on-premise license • held public hearings and later voted to approve weed abatement assessments and liens for the following properties: - 308 Brannon Ave. - 509 1st Ave. - 1109 Magnolia St. - 1301 Fitzpatrick Ave. - 1917 Pepperell Parkway - 2300 Dorsey St. • held a public hearing and subsequently introduced an ordinance for first reading to amend zoning ordinance and map for property located at 1600 Toomer St. to R-3 to I-1 • awarded bids for singlephase pole mounted transformers, single-phase pad mounted transformers and a 15KV primary underground distribution cable • approved a change order request for Emergency Lighting by Haynes

This week’s puzzle answers: